Inflatable devices configured for supporting explosives particularly in vertical boreholes of widely varying diameter. The inflatable devices of the invention can be used in the pre-splitting and blast removal of earth formations by suspending explosives in both pre-splitting and production boreholes. Plugging of such boreholes is accomplished through the use of the present inflatable devices which are formed of flexible polymeric material and which stretch to seal boreholes and to exert forces against borehole walls sufficient to support heavy columns of explosives and/or stemming at desirable borehole locations. The present inflatable devices are restrained into a pre-splitting configuration and inflated to a configuration capable of supporting explosives and/or stemming within a borehole.

I. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the shattering of earth formations and earth formation removal by the detonation of explosives within boreholes formed in the earth formations. The invention specifically relates to inflatable devices used to support explosives and/or stemming within a borehole and which are configured to be restrained into a first configuration easily insertable into a borehole and subsequently inflatable to expand into a configuration capable of supporting explosives and/or stemming within the borehole.
II. Description of the Prior Art
A practice known as pre-splitting has previously been practiced in mining and earth removal operations. Pre-splitting is used to shatter earth formations in a controllable manner so that subsequent earth removal operations become more efficient. In typical pre-splitting operations, a number of spaced boreholes are drilled in an earth formation which is to be shattered. Explosives are disposed within the boreholes and detonated to shatter the formation. The pre-splitting operation facilitates the removal of overburden by means of subsequent "production" blasting to expose seams of material which is to be mined Earth removal methods used for other purposes also have employed pre-splitting techniques. In both pre-splitting and production blasting, it is desirable to be able to "plug" boreholes with devices capable of supporting heavy columns of explosives and/or stemming materials. Methods and apparatus capable of such use are disclosed in copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 166,542 of Mar. 10, 1988 and Ser. No. 276,651 of Nov. 28, 1988, both entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Field Blasting of Earth Formations using Inflatable Devices for Suspending Explosives in Boreholes", the disclosures of both applications being incorporated hereinto by reference. These patent applications describe inflatable devices and methods for their use. The inflatable devices thus disclosed are of substantial utility in the art since they are of simple and inexpensive construction yet are capable of supporting explosives and/or stemming in boreholes of even large diameter.
The art is improved by the provision of the methods and apparatus herein disclosed which provide inexpensive plugging devices which can be rapidly and conveniently used in field blasting operations. The relatively inexpensive nature of the present devices allow the practice of a variety of pre-splitting and blasting methods at a minimum of expense. The present devices and methods thus constitute a significant and substantial advance in the art.

Inflatable devices for suspending explosives in boreholes


A water flow control device comprising a water flow control system controlled to operate by a timer system. The timer system comprises a timer fastened in a control wheel mounted on a mounting table for time setting. The water flow control system comprises a control tube fastened in a trough with both ends respectively connected with water inlet and outlet pipes. A spirng is sleeved on the control tube to constantly force the control tube to press on a stop cap which releasably block up the water passage of the water inlet pipe. A driving plate is pivoted to the trough and controlled by the mounting table through the timer to carry the control tube backward permitting the stop cap to open the water passage so that water is allowed to pass through the control tube into the water outlet pipe.

The present invention relates to water flow control device, and more particularly to a water flow control device which comprises a water flow control system controlled by a timer system to let flow of water pass or stop flow of water at predetermined times.
In regular water supply system or irrigation project, water pipe-line is used to guide water from sources of irrigation water to irrigation districts. For controlling the flow of water, a water flow control device shall be attached. Conventionally a water flow control device is generally controlled through manual operation, which can not automatically stop the supply of water at predetermined times.


A RF antenna comprises a quartz resonator having electrodes disposed thereon with a magnetostrictive film disposed on the quartz resonator either on, partially under or adjacent at least one of the electrodes. A RF antenna having a magnetostrictive film may be made by patterning selected portions of a top surface of the quartz wafer for deposition of electrode metal and deposition of the magnetostrictive film and depositing the electrode metal and the magnetostrictive film; temporarily bonding the quartz wafer to a handle wafer; thinning the quartz wafer to a desired thickness; etching the quartz wafer to define the outlines of at least one quartz resonator bearing the electrode metal and the magnetostrictive film; patterning selected portions of a bottom surface the at least one quartz resonator for deposition of electrode metal and at least one bond pad and depositing the electrode metal and the at least one bond pad; bonding the at least one quartz resonator to a substrate wafer; and releasing the at least one quartz resonator from the handle wafer.

Traditional wire-based transmit and receive antennas have very low efficiency for wavelengths much larger than their physical size due to the large reactance they present to coupling electronics and their very low radiation resistance. These limitations significantly reduce their efficiency (power radiated versus input power for a transmit antenna) to <<1% at frequencies<1 GHz (λ>0.3 m) for handheld communication systems. Thus, there is a great need to improve the efficiency of VLF to UHF antennas for compact commercial and military systems.
Recently, a new type of antenna has been investigated in which the RF signal is converted to an acoustic signal with a much smaller wavelength than the original signal due to a much slower acoustic velocity in materials compared to the speed of light. This allows small high efficiency antennas to be constructed since the detected energy is converted to a highly confined acoustic mode which is small compared to the original RF wavelength. The conversion of an electromagnetic wave to an acoustic signal is accomplished, as disclosed herein, thru a combination of a magnetostrictive material added to a piezoelectric element, thus converting the magnetic field energy to strain energy and then strain into a voltage in the piezoelectric element. At the piezoelectric element's mechanical resonance, this voltage is increased by the mechanical Q of the resonance. Thus, high Q piezoelectric elements are desirable for high sensitivity and high transmit power.
Previous work in this area has used lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or AlN piezoelectric elements both on and off their mechanical resonances. See, for example:    1. J. Zhai, et. al., "Detection of Pico-Tesla Magnetic Fields using Magnetic-Electric Sensors at Room Temperature," Applied Physics Letters 88, (2006).    2. T. J. Klemmer, et. al., "Ultrahigh Frequency Permeability of Sputtered Fe—Co—B Thin Films," J. of Applied Physics, 87, (2000).    3. C-Y Lian, et. al., "Modeling of Magnetoelastic Nanostructures with a Fully Coupled Mechanical-Micromagnetic Model," Nanotechnology 25 (2014).    4. T. Nan, et. al., "Acoustically Actuated Ultra-Compact NEMS Magnetoelectric Antennas," Nature Communications, 8:296 (2017).    5. H. J. Kim, et. al., "Piezoelectric/Magnetostructure MEMS Resonant Sensor Array for in-Plane Multi-Axis Magnetic Field Detection," IEEE MEMS 2017.    6. High Magnetostrictive Coefficients of FeGaB Sputtered Films for Magnetostrictive Studies, G. Carman, private communication, (2017).
However, PZT and AlN material have relatively low Q (≤1000) and have large frequency drifts over temperature (≥3000 ppm). In this document, we describe a method to utilize quartz resonators with higher Q (≥10,000) and much higher frequency stability (−10 ppm) to generate the electrical potential. The disclosed combined magnetostrictive/quartz resonator can be integrated directly on a RF signal processing chip using MEMS techniques to form a highly compact transceiver with high efficiency. Finally, arrays of low motional resistance resonators can be fabricated at wafer-level and 1) connected in series for increasing the signal strength for receivers or for 2) frequency hopping to increase the bandwidth of transmitters.
Three universities, which are believed to be actively researching in this area, are UCLA, Northeastern University, and Virginia Tech. Each have published in this area. See, for example, Zhi Yao, et al., "Bulk Acoustic Wave Mediated Multiferroic Antennas: Architecture and Performance Bound," IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 63, August 2015, pp. 3335-3344; Tianxiang Nan, et al., "Acoustically Actuated Ultra-Compact NEMS Magnetoelectric Antennas," Nature Communications, 8:296 (DOI: 10.1038/541467-017-00343-8); Junyi Zhai, et al., "Detection of Pico-Tesla magnetic Fields using Magneto-electric Sensors at Room Temperature," Applied Physics Letters, vol. 88 (2006) (DOI: 10.1063/1.2172706). The UCLA modeling work has involved using YIG like magnetostrictive films with ZnO piezoelectric resonators. The Northeastern Univ. group have used AlN resonators with FeGaB magnetostrictive films. The Virginia Tech work involved Terfenol-D plates bonded with adhesives to PZT piezoelectric plates. All of these previous studies have involved piezoelectric resonators with low Q and high temperature sensitivities.
Quartz MEMS resonators manufactured by HRL Laboratories of Malibu, Calif. (HRL) have demonstrated Qs from 200,000 to 10,000 in these frequency ranges and have temperature stability which are typical of AT-cut quartz resonators (several ppm over temperature). In addition, many HRL manufactured quartz resonators have inherent resistance of <100 ohms which allows arrays of resonators to be connected for higher signal/noise. Novel quartz resonator designs are also described which can decouple the magnetostrictive films from the piezoelectric resonator for maintaining high Q even with the application of thick (˜1 micron) magnetostrictive films. See, for example:    1. R. L. Kubena, F. P. Stratton, D. T. Chang, R. J. Joyce, and T. Y. Hsu, "Next Generation Quartz Oscillators and Filters for VHF-UHF Systems," 2006 IEEE International Microwave Symposium, San Francisco, Ca., Jun. 11-16, 2006.    2. R. L. Kubena, D. J. Kirby, Yook-Kong Yong, D. T. Chang, F. P. Stratton, H. D. Nguyen, R. J. Joyce, R. Perahia, H. P. Moyer, and R. G. Nagele "UHF Quartz MEMS Oscillators for Dynamics-Based System Enhancements,", 2013 IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium, Prague, Czech Republic, Jul. 22-26, 2013.    3. R. L. Kubena, F. P. Stratton, H. D. Nguyen, D. J. Kirby, D. T. Chang, R. J. Joyce, Y. K. Yong, J. F. Garstecki, M. D. Cross, and S. E. Seman, "A Fully Integrated Quartz MEMS VHF TCXO," 2017 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium, Besancon, Fr., pp. 68-71, July 2017.
As noted above, higher Q resonators with higher temperature stability can be expected using quartz instead of PZT or AlN resonators. This is due to the low mechanical losses in single crystal quartz, the ability to use energy trapping techniques in their design to limit acoustical losses to the substrates and sidewalls, and to the ability to use temperature compensated cuts of quartz for high thermal stability. In addition, most quartz resonators have low (<1 kΩ) motional resistance. These features enhance the voltages produced across their electrodes for a given strain and produce high frequency stability for the antenna. If a local quartz oscillator is used for generating or demodulating the RF signal, the temperature coefficient of the antenna can be accurately matched to the local oscillator without the need for additional frequency adjusting electronics. In addition, the integrated magnetostrictive/quartz resonator can be bonded directly to an active electronic chip and vacuum sealed at wafer level to produce a low profile package with low parasitics compared to conventional ceramic packaging approaches used by commercial quartz manufacturers.
Based on our expected Q and previously published data (see J. Zhai, et al., "Detection of pico-Tesla magnetic fields using magneto-electric sensors at room temperature," Applied Physics Letters, 88, 062510 (2006)) we expect to be able to achieve magnetic field sensitivities <10−14 T/Hz in the VHF band with a roughly 1 mm2 size antenna that is less than 100 μm thick. This is nearly two orders of magnitude better than currently obtained sensitivities (see M. Li, et al., "Ultra-Sensitive MEMS Magnetoelectric Sensor for Picotesla DC Magnetic Field Detection," MEMS 2017) of 4×10−13/√Hz and with orders of magnitude better temperature stability. Finally, our quartz shear and extensional mode resonators can be designed with low fundamental mode R1 (≤100 ohms depending on the frequency). Thus, combining these resonators in series in an array is possible while keeping the total resistance less than typical high input impedance operational amplifiers.
Embodiments of the disclosed resonators can serve as an antenna for the reception and/or transmission of RF energy without the need for additional, traditional antenna elements. The disclosed resonators have a very high Q and therefor tend to operate at more or less fixed frequencies. When used in a frequency hopping application or in an application which required multiple frequencies be available for use, then multiple ones of the disclosed resonators (each tuned to a different frequency) can be used together in a single receiver and/or transmitter.
But, none of the previous magnetostrictive sensors have been reported to have both magnetic and electric field comparable sensitivities, and none have been configured in mounts that can determine the propagation direction and polarization of the RF wave from only a few sensors.
As is described herein, these new antenna elements respond to the electric and magnetic fields in an RF wave with a unique frequency signature. The electric field can produce the highest voltage across the plates at the antiresonance (high impedance frequency) of the resonator when connected to a high impedance load while the magnetic field can produce the highest voltage across the plates at the series resonance (low impedance of the resonator) when driving a low impedance amplifier. The difference in the frequency response can be filtered with high Q quartz fitters to provide a user with the ability to determine the magnetic and electric fields strengths in particular directions. Embodiments with two resonators mounted in perpendicular sense directions provide the ability to determine the direction and polarization properties of an incident RF field.

Quartz MEMS piezoelectric resonator for chipscale RF antennae


A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.

Learning how to arc weld traditionally takes many hours of instruction, training, and practice. There are many different types of arc welding and arc welding processes that can be learned. Typically, welding is learned by a student using a real welding system and performing welding operations on real metal pieces. Such real-world training can tie up scarce welding resources and use up limited welding materials. Recently, however, the idea of training using welding simulations has become more popular. Some welding simulations are implemented via personal computers and/or on-line via the Internet. However, current known welding simulations tend to be limited in their training focus. For example, some welding simulations focus on training only for "muscle memory", which simply trains a welding student how to hold and position a welding tool. Other welding simulations focus on showing visual and audio effects of the welding process, but only in a limited and often unrealistic manner which does not provide the student with the desired feedback that is highly representative of real world welding. It is this actual feedback that directs the student to make necessary adjustments to make a good weld. Welding is learned by watching the arc and/or puddle, not by muscle memory.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such approaches with embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Importing and analyzing external data using a virtual reality welding system


A TE gas laser contains a gas contour with the following elements arranged in succession: a discharge gap formed by two elongated electrodes; a diffuser; a heat exchanger; a cross-flow fan; and an additional converging channel, the inlet opening of which is situated on the discharge side of the fan, while the outlet opening is oriented towards the fan impeller on the intake side of the fan. The proposed technical solution makes it possible to produce a compact TE gas laser with a high pulse repetition rate.

There is known a gas laser, described in a Russian federation patent RU2334325. An additional gas channel is arranged in this laser for increasing a laser pulse repetition rate. However such channel does not allow for accelerating a flow of gas in a discharge zone of laser, and therefore to increase the repetition rate of laser pulses.
Another gas laser with a high repetition rate of pulses is described in a patent RU2132104. This laser has a small gap between main discharge electrodes relative to a diameter of a fan. This laser has also an additional channel. An entrance aperture of the additional channel is located in an outlet zone of the fan. A part of a gas flow is passed through this channel that promotes increasing in the pulse repetition rate. However such solution has a low efficiency.


An orthodontic auxiliary applicance for intruding and torquing upper anterior teeth, which includes the use of an auxiliary archwire gingival to the main archwire and slidably retained by buccal tubes, together with a unique connecting auxiliary extending between the main archwire and the auxiliary archwire or between the brackets on the anterior teeth and the auxiliary archwire, which connecting auxiliary includes an anchoring portion, an intermediate coiled portion, and a hook.

Heretofore, there have been known many appliances for applying torquing forces to teeth as it is common during orthodontic treatment to require torquing forces on teeth and particularly the upper anteriors. Such torquing appliances usually are mounted on the brackets and arranged to either torque the crown or root of a tooth.
An example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,207, where an auxiliary archwire is anchored to lock pins of a bracket for applying the torquing forces to the teeth.
Another example of a torquing appliance is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,256,602, which in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, shows a torquing spring member anchored in the vertical slot of a bracket and then connected to an auxiliary archwire. This appliance serves to retract and/or torque canines and first bicuspids. Its function is not to produce an intrusion force.
However, none of the torquing auxiliaries heretofore known including those disclosed in the above patents are capable of additionally producing an intrusion force for intruding teeth.


A canister purge valve increases flow through the valve for an increased power level. The canister purge valve includes a housing that defines a volume and has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the volume. A coil is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet. A stator is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet, the stator having a first surface. An armature is disposed in the coil, the armature having a second surface proximate the first surface of the stator and defining a gap therebetween. The armature is movable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the volume in response to an energization of the coil. A biasing member is disposed between the stator and the armature, the biasing member urging the armature to a closed position prohibiting fluid flow through the volume. An elastomeric contact member is disposed in the gap, the member maintaining continuous contact with the first and second surfaces during an entire movement of the armature between the open and closed positions.

The invention relates to a canister purge valve, and more particularly to a canister purge valve providing an increase in a flow rate through the valve for an increase in power level to a coil and/or an increase in duty cycle.
It is known to use an armature in a canister purge valve to permit and prohibit flow through the housing of a canister purge valve. A known canister purge valve has a spring disposed between a stator and the armature. The spring biases the armature towards a seat to prohibit flow through the valve housing. Energization of an electromagnetic coil magnetically attracts the armature in a direction that is toward the stator and away from the seat (i.e., in a direction that opposes the bias of the spring), thereby permitting flow through the housing of the valve.
In the known valve, an air gap exists between the stator and the armature. It is believed that the interaction among the air gap, spring, and coil that actuates the armature and the stator can cause a fluid flow rate through the valve to drop for an increase in duty cycle and/or increase in power to the coil, and can cause a fluid flow rate through the valve to increase non-linearly for an increase in duty cycle and/or increase in power to the coil. Thus, it is believed to be desirable to provide a valve that increases a flow rate through the valve for an increase in power level to a coil.
The invention provides a canister purge valve that increases flow through the valve for an increase in power level. The canister purge valve includes a housing that defines a volume and has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the volume. A coil is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet. A stator is disposed in the volume proximate the outlet, the stator having a first surface. An armature is disposed in the coil, the armature having a second surface proximate the first surface of the stator and defining a gap therebetween. The armature is movable to an open position permitting fluid flow through the volume in response to an energization of the coil. A biasing member is disposed between the stator and the armature, the biasing member urging the armature to a closed position prohibiting fluid flow through the volume. An elastomeric contact member is disposed in the gap, the member maintaining continuous contact with the first and second surfaces during an entire movement of the armature between the open and closed positions.
The invention also provides a method of maintaining an increase in flow rate for an increase in duty cycle in a system having a housing defining a volume, the system having a coil, a stator, and an armature disposed in the volume. The method can be achieved by energizing the coil to attract the armature towards the stator, and maintaining continuous contacting between the armature and the stator with a compressible member during energization and deenergization of the coil.
The invention also provides a method of maintaining an increase in flow rate through a valve defining a void, the valve including a coil, a stator, and an armature disposed in the void. The method can be achieved by energizing the coil to attract the armature towards the stator and permit flow through the valve, and disposing a compressible member between the armature and the stator, the member deforming during movement of the armature and providing an increase in a flow rate through the valve.

Valve providing increase in flow for increase in power level


Reel brakes for inclusion in a cartridge-to-cassette adaptor which can be released by either a manual winder structure or a tape transport carried release pin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to reel brakes for use in a two-piece videocassette. One piece is a removable cartridge and the second piece is a complimentary videocassette adaptor. Together the two piece assembly emulates an industry standard videocassette.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It has become common to use magnetic recording media supplied in a cassette format for consumer videotape applications. The traditional cassette format includes both a supply reel and a take-up reel. The tape is wound on to the supply reel. One end of this tape is permanently attached to this supply reel and the other end of the tape is permanently attached to the take-up reel. In the cassette, the supply reel and the take-up reel share the same housing, and, in use the videotape machine transports the tape between the two reels. This packaging strategy is inefficient for tape storage due to the inclusion of an empty reel in the package. In applications such as video cameras, the adoption of the cassette format has reduced the amount of tape available for use, and has required the development of specialized cassette-to-cassette adaptors.
For example, cassette-to-cassette adaptors which convert one cassette format to another cassette format are widely known and used as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,970 to H. Ogata. This patent teaches an adaptor or carrier which converts a miniature format videotape cassette to the standard VHS cassette format. This type of apparatus is used to provide VHS playback capabilities for consumer videotape cameras.
It has been proposed to supply magnetic recording media in a more compact and space efficient cartridge format for a variety of applications. In the cartridge format, the housing contains a single supply reel for storing tape. The "free" end of the tape must be threaded or other wise attached to a remote take-up reel.
Tape cartridges of various types have been in common use for storing magnetic media as evidenced by U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,101 to Smith, which teaches a single reel supply cartridge for storing magnetic tape. This type of cartridge is used in the computer industry.
Cartridge-to-cassette adaptors which convert a cartridge format product to a cassette format application are also known as evidenced by U.K. Patent Application No. 2,217,684 A to Davis for example. This reference teaches a videotape application of a single supply reel cartridge product.
Another example of a cartridge-to-cassette adaptors for videotape products is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,436 to Novak. Novak teaches, inter alia, a carrier or adaptor which is used to adapt a videotape cartridge to an industry standard videocassette format. With respect to the cartridge-to-cassette adaptor context, Novak provides a reel brake which prevents reel rotation in the "unwind" direction when the cartridge is out of the adaptor.
With respect to the videotape cassette product context, the "betamax" and "VHS" format cassettes among others provide brake structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,840 to Sugawara, teaches a pair of reel lock levers for preventing the reel from rotating at least in the tape unwinding direction.
Reel brakes are common in other cassette formats as well, as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,048 to Sieben, which teaches levers which may be actuated from outside the cassette.
With respect to the cartridge format context, U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,077 to Platter, et al. teaches radially disposed teeth arrays which immobilize the reel when the teeth mesh with a housing.

Reel braking mechanism for two piece videocassette system

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


The present invention is aimed to make displays with wide viewing angle possessing higher brightness in transmission mode and to develop more simple method for making such displays. This target is achieved by making in display with multiple pixels deflecting elements (5, 6) of dielectric material and depositing them over the electric conductive coating at least on one of the substrates (1, 2) the space between which is occupied by liquid crystal. Dielectric deflecting elements (5, 6) may be displaced along the perimeter of the pix as well as across its area. After applying electric voltage to th electrodes (3) at the opposite substrates (1, 2) at the interface LC-dielectric deflecting dement distortions of the electric field arise with the component of electric field parallel to substrates.

Invention is related to the field of electronics and can be used for making information displays, in particular, liquid crystal (LC) indicators, screens, panels etc.
The drawback of the majority of crystal displays is a strong dependence of their transmission on the angle of light incidence [S. T. Wu, C. S. Wu, SID Digest 27, 763 (1996-1] and, as a result, decrease of contrast and even inversion of transmission levels at some observation angles. For improving these characteristics of displays in many cases a set of retardation plates is used [N. Yamag H. Watanabe, K. Yokoyana, xe2x80x98Japan Display 89xe2x80x99, 316 (1989)-2], which increases the cost of the device and does not resolve the problem of color inversion.
The most promising from this point of view are multi-domain LC displays, in which a single pixel contains areas with various orientations of the liquid crystal in the plane of substrates [M. Schadt, Proc. SID""97, 24.1 (1997-3].
There is an information display [K-H. Kim, S.-B. Park, J.-U. Shim, J.-H. Souk, J.Chen, SID 98 DIGEST, 1085 (1998)-4], which consists of two plane and parallel substrates with electrodes deposited at least on one of them, the said substrates are overlaid with the electrodes facing each other. The space between the substrates is filled with a homeotropically aligned liquid crystal mixture possessing positive anisotropy. From the outside the substrates are surrounded by two crossed polaroids. In the off state this display does not transmit the light. After electric voltage of the opposite polarity is applied to the neighboring electrodes at one of the substrates, a parabolic electric field is created between the said electrodes, which reorients the liquid crystal parallel to it. In this way it is possible to orient LC molecules between the electrodes in two different directions (the so-called two-domain structure) and as the rest, the viewing angle of such display is improved considerably. To maximize the brightness polaroids are oriented at 45xc2x0 to the electrodes. Nevertheless, low bless is the drawback of this display, as well as of other displays based on director re-switching in the plane of the substrates [M. Ohta et al, Asia Display""95, 707 (1995)-5]. Another drawback is that it is impossible to have more than two domains in a pixel.
There is display [S.-C. A.Lien, R. A.John, Patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,264-6], [S.-C. A. Lien, R. A. John, et al, SID 98 DIGEST, 1123 (1998)-7] in which two principles are used to have domain structure: fringe field, which arises at the edge of the electrode after applying electric field, and ridge field at the opposite slopes of the protrusions formed lithographically at the opposite substrates with color filters. Protrusions act as element which incline LC director from the normal to the substrate. The space been the substrates is filled with homeotropically aligned liquid crystal possessing negative dielectric anisotropy. Liquid crystal molecules are aligned perpendicularly to the substrates surface and in the off state this display does not transmit the light (crossed polaroids) and only on the slopes of protrusions the molecules deviate from the normal to the angle which equals the angle between the slope of the protrusion and the substrate. At the slopes the molecules are per-tilted in different directions, but pre-tilt is not high and therefore it does not perturb optical parameters of display in the off state. Within the pixel protrusions are oriented so that the pre-tilt direction coincides with the direction of the fringe field which arises at the long edge of the pixel (the pixel has elongated rectangular shape). In such display co-action of the fringe electric field and protrusions result in reorienting LC molecules within the pixel in different directions relative to the long axes of the protrusions. The drawback of such device is that although it is possible to have four domains within a pixel (this number of domains is optimal for equalizing optical characteristics in different directions), but in a real display these domains have different area and it is difficult to equalize optical characteristics completely. Besides this, the fringe field which arises around the pixel after applying electric voltage is distorted by connecting buses and this results in non-uniform switching of various domains within a pixel.
The closest to the proposed devices and method is technical reference [A. Takeda et al, SID 98 DIGEST, 1077 (1998)-8]. This display consists of two substrates with the pattern of electrodes deposited on them, on the said electrodes protrusions are deposited photolithographically with the slopes in different directions. These protrusions like similar elements in [7] tilt the LC director from the normal of the substrate. The space between the substrates if filled with homeotropically aligned liquid crystal possessing negative dielectric anisotropy. In the off state the LC molecules are orthogonal to the substrates except those in the areas where the protrusions are displaced. At the slopes of the protrusions the molecules are pre-tilted to the angle, which equals the angle between the slope and the substrate This pre-tilt is not high and does not perturb optical characteristics of the display in the off state and in crossed polaroids display does not transit the light. When the voltage is applied to the electrodes at the opposite substrates this pre-tilt is sufficient to initiate molecular reorientation in different directions within the pixel area. This leads to appearing domains and makes viewing angle more uniform The drawback of this display is low brightness (30% of conventional single-domain display) because of two factors: protrusions occupy more than 30% of the display area and to realize four domains very specific pattern of the protrusions is required, which leads to additional losses of light. Besides this to make this display two additional photolithographies are required
Present invention is aimed to make displays with wide viewing angle possessing higher brightness in transmission mode and to develop more simple method for making such displays.
This target is achieved by making in display with multiple pixels deflecting elements of dielectric material and depositing them over the electric conductive coating at least on one of the substrates the space between which is occupied by liquid crystal. Dielectric elements can have profile as from the liquid crystal side, so from the side of the substrate. They can be deposited on both, as well as only on one substrate. Dielectric deflecting elements may be displaced along the perimeter of the pixel as well as across its area. After applying electric voltage to the electrodes at the opposite substrates at the interface LC-dielectric deflecting element distortions of the electric field appear with the component of electric field parallel to the substrates. Direction of this in-plane component is determined by the configuration of the dielectric deflecting elements. The value of this component is sufficient to reorient liquid crystal in different directions and hence to generate different domains within the pixel area and to make optical properties of display independent of the viewing angle. Unlike in the known display [8], dielectric elements take not more than 5-10% of the pixel area and proposed display has higher brightness. At the same time configuration of the dielectric elements is capable of obtaining two-as well as four domain displays for any real pixel shape.

Liquid-crystal display and the method of its fabrication


In an impact absorbing type steering column apparatus for a vehicle in which two columns are fitted to each other in such a manner that an upper column, while being moved to the front part of the vehicle with respect to a lower column, absorbs the impact energy at a secondary collision of the vehicle, a bush is fixedly fitted to at least one of the outer peripheral side of the upper column and the inner peripheral side of the lower column in the fitting portion between the two columns.

When an vehicle collides with other vehicle or a structure, etc., the driver might suffer a secondary collision with a steering wheel by its inertia. The vehicles manufactured over the recent years broadly employ an impact absorbing type steering column apparatus, together with a safety belt and an air bag, for the purpose of preventing the driver from being injured in that case. There are now various types of impact absorbing mechanisms to be employed in an impact absorbing type steering column apparatus. However, ones of a double tube scheme which get collapsed simultaneously with a steering shaft when the driver suffers a secondary collision so as to absorb the impact energy thereof on that occasion are generally employed.
In an impact absorbing type steering column apparatus of this scheme, at a secondary collision of the vehicle, when an upper column on the vehicle-rear-side moves to the front side of the vehicle with respect to a lower column which is fixed to the body of the vehicle, the upper column moves to the front side of the vehicle while resisting a frictional force (sliding resistance) which is caused by a sliding contact with the lower column.
However, when this upper column moves (slides) to the front side of the vehicle, the tip end edge thereof might be twisted with respect to a sliding surface of the lower column, so that the upper column can not always slide smoothly.
For these reasons, it is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-142877 that a cylindrical spacer formed of synthetic resin is press-fitted into between the lower column and the upper column, whereby the tip end edge of the upper column smoothly slides on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical space. With this arrangement, "the twist" of the lower column can be prevented.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-302048, disclosed is a thin film-like friction reducing material which is formed of polymer material and coats one of the sliding surfaces of the two columns in the thickness of 10 to 100 μm, whereby the frictional resistance between the sliding surfaces of the two columns are reduced, so as to prevent "the twist" of the upper column.
However, when the cylindrical space is formed of synthetic resin and the hardness of one of the columns which serves as the outer column is low, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-142877, both the columns might be deformed and difficult to slide or scoring or the like might be caused by deformation.
Also, even when one of the sliding surfaces of the outer and inner columns is coated with a thin film-like friction reducing material formed of polymer material, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-302048, if the hardness of the outer column or the inner column is low, the column might not be smoothly collapsed.
Note that when an end of the spacer might be provided with a flange, this flange might be caught and might not be collapsed smoothly at a secondary collision. The same might happen even if the spacer had been divided.

Impact absorbing steering column device for vehicle


The invention relates to a fixation device for externally adjusting bone fragments. A pair of members anchored to the bone fragments are connected to each other to allow a longitudinal displacement of the fixing unit. According to the invention the connection of the members is defined by a hinge configuration which allows guiding and aligning both members when the fixing unit is released for stimulating the healing process. A bracket is mounted on a parallelogram hinge to generate a pressure or, respectively, a tension force to move the bone fragments apart or draw them together. According to the invention the hinge configuration comprises telescopic members centered by spring means.

The present invention relates generally to orthopaedic devices and more particularly to a device for externally fixing a pair of bones.
A known fixation unit (German application 37 37 617.9) comprises a column-shaped guiding member slidably disposed in a sleeve. A screw mounted in the sleeve engages a longitudinal groove in the guiding member to prevent rotating and to adjust the length of the fixation unit. Each member of the unit is connected through a ball joint to a clamping means which is secured to each bone fragment by a number of threaded bolts. The fixation unit allows one to adjust both bone fragments with respect to each other and to fixedly maintain the fragments in their position, while directing all forces, to which the fragments are subjected, to the fixation unit thereby relieving the fracture.
As healing occurs, a connective tissue initially grows in the fracture gap between the bone fragments until the gap is finally filled out by bone substance. It is beneficial to the healing process to release the fixation unit after some time and compress the fracture by applying a load. It has been shown that the growing of bone substance in the fracture gap may be delayed leaving the fracture flexible when the fracture is not loaded.
The approach of the bone fragments after releasing the fixation device to narrow the fracture gap can be measured by a travel measuring system of known type which is attached to both telescopic members. It should be understood that the travel distance to be measured is rather small lying in the range of at most several millimeters. The compression measured provides valuable information with respect to the healing process.
A substantial drawback of previous fixation devices is jamming. Therefore it has been proposed to improve the friction characteristics between the telescopic members by a layer of extremely hard material (German 37 22 595). While it was possible to substantially improve the sliding characteristics, there remain other disadvantages to the guidance of the members when the fixing unit is released. In particular the telescopic members can rotate with respect to each other by applying even light forces. Additionally, bending forces may occur preventing a reliable measure of the compression of the bone fragments.

Fixation device for the external adjusting of bone fragments


Various embodiments concern an introducer sheath assembly comprising a tubular sheath member having a deflectable distal end portion and a sheath member lumen, and a handle assembly including a steering mechanism for deflecting the distal end portion of the sheath member. The distal end portion of the sheath member can deflect in different directions along a plane by selective tension in one of two pull wires. The selective tension can be caused by selective proximal or distal axial translation of a shuttle assembly relative to the tubular sheath member. The selective proximal or distal axial translation can be controlled by selective clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of a control knob.

Introducer sheaths are important instruments for use in medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In particular, introducer sheaths can be used by a clinician to access target areas of the patient's anatomy, e.g., the patient's cardiovascular system, and also allow for diagnostic and/or therapeutic payloads (such as ablation catheters) to be inserted into these target areas. Certain types of known introducer sheaths are so-called "deflectable" or "steerable" introducer sheaths, which include mechanisms for altering the shape of the sheath to facilitate navigation of the patient anatomy.

Steerable sheath handle pulley mechanism


A system for providing a movement assistance to an electric cycle is provided. The system includes circuitry communicatively coupled to an electronically-actuated driving mechanism and a sensor system of the electric cycle. The circuitry receives sensor information associated with the electric cycle through the sensor system and determines an inclination of the electric cycle with respect to an inclination-reference based on the received sensor information. The circuitry further determines occupancy information associated with a seat of the electric cycle based on the received sensor information. Based on the determined inclination and the determined occupancy information, the circuitry controls the electronically-actuated driving mechanism to drive at least one wheel of the electric cycle.

Electric cycles, also referred to as e-bikes, are a popular means for short distance travel and for micro-mobility applications. Many users, especially ones who may not have a parking space near their apartments or a garage for their apartments, typically prefer to lift up and carry their e-bikes upstairs. However, lugging e-bikes up to two stories or even more may be tiring for an average user and may create unnecessary risks and hassles.
Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.

Providing movement assistance to electric cycle on inclined structures


A valve drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, having a camshaft (1) which includes a carrier shaft (2) and a cam part (3), which is arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner and displaceable between two axial positions and which has at least one cam group of directly adjoining cams (5, 6) having different cam elevations and an axial gate (8) having two cam tracks (9, 10) that extend axially along the circumference in opposing directions, and further having an actuating element (11) that can be coupled to the axial gate for displacing the cam part in the direction of both cam tracks. The cam tracks are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the axial gate (8).

A valve drive of this type that is used for the variable actuation of gas-exchange valves by means of displaceable cams and in which a single actuation element is sufficient for each cam part in order to displace the cam part in the direction of the two curved paths of the axial connecting link is known from DE 101 48 177 A1, which is considered class-forming. In that publication, two cam parts are disclosed with alternatively shaped axial connecting links, wherein the first axial connecting link has a central guide web for forming inner guide walls for the actuation element in the shape of a cylinder pin engaging in the axial connecting link and the second axial connecting link consists of merely outer guide walls.
The latter construction has the advantage that the production effort for the axial connecting link is significantly less due to the elimination of the guide web. In this configuration, however, there is considerable risk with respect to the functional reliability of the valve drive because the displacement process of the cam part is carried out completely, i.e., free from incorrect switching, only when the inertia of the cam part is sufficient to move it into its other end position, to a certain extent in free flight, after passing through the crossing region of the curved paths also without forced action of the cylinder pin. A prerequisite for sufficient inertia of the cam part is obviously a minimum rotational speed of the camshaft that is directly dependent on the friction between the cam part and the carrier shaft. A displacement of the cam part rotating below this minimum rotational speed could have the result that the cam part remains "halfway" and a cam follower acting on the gas-exchange valve is acted upon by several cams of the cam group in an uncontrolled manner and simultaneously under high mechanical loads. In addition, in this case there is no longer a possibility to later displace the cam part using the cylinder pin into one of the end positions, because then the axial allocation between the cylinder pin and the outer guide walls is no longer given.
This functional risk is indeed significantly lower in the first configuration of the axial connecting link with central guide web whose inner guide walls act as the cylinder pin for further accelerating forced guidance at lower rotational speeds of the cam part. Nevertheless, there is also the risk here that the cylinder pin does not merge into the specified curved path after passing through the crossing range, but instead collides with the end of the guide web likewise under a high mechanical load.

Valve drive of an internal combustion engine


Active and adaptive systems and methods to prevent loss of control incidents by providing tactile feedback to a vehicle operator are disclosed. According to the present invention, an operator gives a control input to an inceptor. An inceptor sensor measures an inceptor input value of the control input. The inceptor input is used as an input to a Steady-State Inceptor Input/Effector Output Model that models the vehicle control system design. A desired effector output from the inceptor input is generated from the model. The desired effector output is compared to an actual effector output to get a distortion metric. A feedback force is generated as a function of the distortion metric. The feedback force is used as an input to a feedback force generator which generates a loss of control inhibitor system (LOCIS) force back to the inceptor. The LOCIS force is felt by the operator through the inceptor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to man-machine compatibility with respect to closed-loop control of vehicles. Specifically, the present invention relates to tactile feedback systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved and intuitive tactile feedback to the vehicle operator on the status of the vehicle's controls that counters the current trend of utilizing control-by-wire and or power controls that greatly reduce the operator's "feel" for the limitations imposed on the control system by failures, configuration idiosyncrasies, seldom encountered and unanticipated operating conditions, and design limitations that can result in catastrophic loss of vehicle control.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many vehicle control systems use hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical power to augment the operator's control forces to reduce the operator's workload for maneuvering the vehicle. But the more work done by the power system, the less tactile information is being transmitted back through the inceptor to the operator on the status of the control system. For example, the operator will not detect the increase in control forces on a system in need of lubrication as readily because the power system is providing much of the additional force required. For large vehicles, such as commercial aircraft, there is further masking of information by the system compliance, the stretching of cables, the bending of the mounting brackets and push rods, and the over-travel springs on the actuator servo valves.
The latest advance in vehicle control technology to be widely implemented is the control-by-wire, which replaces the force transmitting mechanical linkage between the inceptor and the effector with a wire transmitting the inceptor generated electric signal commanding the effectors to action. A multitude of benefits are attributed to the adoption of control-by-wire technology, but the compromise was the acceptance that tactile feel for the status of the flight control system were either not needed, or could be provided through alternate sensory channels. One of the unanticipated consequences of replacing the mechanical linkage with wire, was the resulting incidences of operators, when unexpectedly encountering a life threatening situation, responding by moving their inceptors at such a rate that the effectors could not keep up, markedly increasing the phase delay between the inceptor input and the associated effector output. Phase delay is a key factor in the experiencing of loss of control associated with the aircraft-pilot or operator-vehicle coupling phenomena.
Loss of control from aircraft-pilot coupling is the result of the pilot trying aggressively to help the aircraft either recover from an upset, or to acquire a new flight path because of an impending threat on the original course. Under such circumstances, the pilot will choose to act like an additional stability augmentation system in order to more responsively acquire the desired flight path, and quickly dampen any overshoots resulting from the recovery maneuver. The consequences of the phase delay are that while the pilot's inceptor inputs are trying to enhance the stability, the resulting effector output may be doing just the opposite because of the phase delay.
The invention fills the void created by the adoption of control-by-wire technology in tactile feedback through the inceptor to the vehicle operator on the status of the critical functions of the vehicle control system.
"Loss of Control" was the single largest fatal accident category for the worldwide commercial jet fleet from 1994 through 2003, and has consistently been either the first or second largest fatal accident category since the beginning of accident data collection. Specific factors that cause loss of control are many and varied, but a common indicator for several recent aircraft accidents has been the lack of awareness by the pilot of anomalous behavior of the flight control system, caused by a control surface not following the pilot's commands to the level of accuracy needed to maintain control of the aircraft.
With the degree of technical sophistication involved in assuring that today's aircraft are easily controllable, with redundancy providing fail-safe operations even after one or two failures of key components, there continues to be room for improvement. Recent advances in flight control designs, such as fly-by-wire, have eliminated the pilot's tactile feel for a jammed or frozen control surface, or for hitting the control surface deflection stop. Generally, there is little or no restraining force on the cockpit inceptors to alert the pilot for exceeding the control surface rate limits. Such tactile feedback, which was an implicit pilot cue in early aircraft, is substantially eroded with the introduction of the fully powered hydro-mechanical control systems, and completely eliminated with the introduction of fly-by-wire control systems.
Other vehicle types are adapting control systems that utilize control-by-wire technology. The control-by-wire (CBW) control systems, when used as part of the vehicle's primary maneuver controls, are subject to the same challenges that have been experienced in air vehicles. For example, the loss of tactile feedback to the operator on deteriorating conditions of the control system and the anticipated vehicle response, which can lead to loss of control unless appropriately compensated for by the operator.
An approach to addressing the problems noted above is to provide the vehicle operator with tactile feedback on deteriorating conditions with the vehicle controls. Specifically, one way this can be accomplished is by providing increasing resistance to the inceptor proportional to the severity of the deterioration, the vehicle operator will initially be alerted by the increased resistance felt during control application, with the resistance ultimately increasing to thereby maintain safe control of the vehicle.
There have been attempts to address the problems noted above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,419, issued to Jolly et al., refers to a magnetically controllable system. In Jolly '419, a haptic interface system using force feedback and a magnetically-controllable device that provides resistance forces opposing joystick movement is disclosed. The system includes a computer system that runs a program similar to a computer game that can use a joystick which is similar to that which is used in an aircraft. The joystick is in contact with a pilot or an operator and the haptic interface device which is in contact with the controller provides resistance to the operator's motion. The computer system provides a variable output signal corresponding to a feedback force and the magnetically controllable device varies the feedback force based on the output signal. The feedback force is varied by changing the density of the magnetically controlled fluid in response to the output signal. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,465, issued to Jolly et al., discloses a magnetically controllable device adapted for use in a feedback computer system to provide force feedback sensations to the system's operator. The system in Jolly '465 includes a computer system that runs a program which controls a haptic interface device, similar to a joystick in an aircraft.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,859, issued to Carlson et al., discloses a feedback system using a magnetically controllable haptic interface system wherein a magnetically controllable fluid is employed in the device. Carlson '859 is directed to providing computer game operators with "feel sensations" so they can get a realistic simulation of the computerized game. According to Carlson, a variable resistance force in proportion to the strength of an applied magnetic field is provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,594, issued to Repperger, discloses a flight control system with tactile feedback. In Repperger '594 there is a roll system which has visual feedback and includes a feedback system which provides feel derived from signal sources. Repperger '594 uses an algorithm which is characterized mathematically. The control system in Repperger '594 is a passive control system, wherein feedback forces are based on the pilot input to the flight control system.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,070, issued to Hladky et al., discloses a method and system apparatus for simulating a control system, such as an aircraft control system. According to Hladky '070 a moveable control is simulated in which force and movement parameters of the control can be varied in accordance with simulated operation of the system. Feedback feel is accomplished through the use of levers having an adjustable fulcrum. The control system in Hladky '070 is a programmed passive system, wherein forces are simulated based on the programmed set of simulated conditions.
There remains a need for a tactile feedback system that can alert the operator, through tactile feedback generated by increasing the friction force on the inceptor as a function of the severity of potential loss of control conditions. Furthermore, there remains a need for a tactile feedback system that can produce a restraining force to counter operator vehicle coupling loss of control conditions. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an improved tactile feedback system that can alert the operator, through tactile feedback generated by increasing the friction force on the inceptor as a function of the severity of potential loss of control conditions. It would also be advantageous to provide an improved tactile feedback system that can produce a retaining force to counter operator vehicle coupling loss of control conditions.

Method and apparatus for loss of control inhibitor systems

United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration


The present invention discloses bone grasping tongs for seizing bones or bone fragments. The tongs comprise two mutually pivotable tongs levers fitted with clamping tips at the ends of the tongs levers for seizing the bone. The tongs further comprise a locking element to detachably lock the relative position of the tongs levers and a connecting member to connect with an additional component within an external fixation device. The locking element is located at a distance from the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis of the connecting member is situated in the plane of pivoting of the tongs lever. The present invention also discloses an external fixation device for externally fixating bone fractures. The device comprises at least one bone grasping tongs, one elongated support, and at least one clamp which detachably connects the connecting member of a bone grasping tongs and an elongated support in a mutually rotatable manner.

The present invention relates to tongs for seizing bones or bone fragments and to a device for external fixation of bone.
In addition to conventional external fixation means, which fixate the bones with screws or nails, other devices use bone clamps to fixate bones or bone fragments. The advantages of clamping fixation systems that use bone clamps include: (1) the lower risk of infection otherwise caused by germ invasion along the nails or screws and into the bone; and (2) less interference with blood flow through the bone, such blood flow being substantially hampered when introducing nails or screws.
A device for the fixation of bones or bone fragments is known from published French patent application No. FR 1,169,404 of MONTEZIN. This known device comprises two or more forceps-like instruments to fasten the bone fragments. At the rear end of one of the forceps levers, a rod with teeth is attached such that an additional set of teeth at the rear end of the other forceps lever is engageable and fastenable with the rod to clamp a bone fragment between the tips of the forceps-like instrument. Additionally, a clamp is connected to one of the forceps levers for coupling the instrument with a longitudinal rod by means of a threaded rod and a second clamp. At the longitudinal rod two or several forceps-like instruments are attachable in the same manner. Disadvantages of this design include the decreased stability of the device due to the displaceability and the complicated configuration of the clamps and threaded rod.
A bone clamping forceps for clamping a bone or bone fragment is also known from published Swiss patent application No. CH 607,915 of Sythes AG Chur. This known bone clamping forceps comprises two forceps levers that are fastenable relative to each other by means of a threaded rod. This threaded rod is pivotably connected to one of the forceps levers and is accepted within a bore hole through the other forceps lever. The forceps levers are fastened by means of a nut which is screwable onto the threaded rod. However, this bone clamping forceps lacks any means to connect with another bone clamping forceps. Therefore, additional connection means would have to be attached when required.
European patent application No. 0,457,017 of Synthes AG Chur discloses a clamp fixation system whereby the bone is seized by the tips of bone tongs instead of being gripped by a screw or a nail. This feature offers the advantage that no drilling through the bone is needed, thereby eliminating heat-induced necroses. Furthermore, blood circulation is only minimally impaired. Several such bone tongs can be externally joined together in a way similar to the case of screws and nails. However, the same mechanism used to lock the tongs and to connect several bone tongs together as an external bone fixation device are both configured in the articulation of the bone tongs. This makes the articulation bulky and complex.
Thus, a need exists for improved bone tongs.
The present invention is directed to simple and manually operable repositioning tongs (or bone grasping tongs) for non-invasive temporary fixation of bone fractures. In addition, two or more of these repositioning tongs can be connected within an external fixation device to fixate bone fractures. In other words, the present invention is directed to both tongs for seizing bone or bone fragments and a device for externally fixating bone fractures.
The repositioning tongs of the present invention comprise two tongs levers joined by a connector or coupler so as to be mutually pivotable about an axis of rotation. The two tongs levers have clamping tips at their ends which serve to seize the bone. Furthermore, a locking means or locking element detachably compresses the tongs levers against each other and locks the tongs levers. Also, a connecting member, such as a connecting bolt, allows the tongs to be connected to another element of an external fixation device. The locking means is located at a first distance from the axis of rotation, whereas the connecting bolt is located at a second distance from the axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of the connecting bolt is in the plane of pivoting of the tongs levers.
The second distance, which is between the axis of rotation and the connecting bolt, and the first distance, which is between the axis of rotation and the locking means, may be of the same magnitude. Preferably, however, the second distance is smaller than the first distance to preclude large levers between the clamping tips, which seize the bone, and the connecting bolt. Otherwise, large torques might arise in the connecting bolt. On the other hand, the first distance is preferably large so that excessively high stresses in the locking means caused by the clamping force of the repositioning tongs is precluded.
The connecting means pivotably joining the two tongs levers is preferably in the form of a screw threaded into one of the tongs levers and rotatably supported in the other tongs lever. The connecting bolt is cross-sectionally circular-cylindrical.
The locking means is preferably in the form of a tightening screw, which is firmly joined to one of the tongs levers, and a nut which is to be threaded on the screw. By means of an elongated slot, the tightening screw can be displaced in and along the other tongs lever so the levers can be opened and closed. Moreover, the nut may be conically shaped at its end, resting against the tongs lever.
In another embodiment, the locking means may be a clamp moveable into different positions and a serrated rod mounted on the inside of the second tongs lever. The clamp detachably engages the serrations. The serrations are such that, when the tongs levers are forced together, the clamp automatically enters the serrations on the rod. In order to release the locked tongs, the clamp is loosened by hand, namely by switching the clamp into a position at which the serrations at the shaped rod are disengaged.
In another aspect of the present invention, the external fixation device for externally fixating bone fractures comprises at least one repositioning tongs, at least one elongated support, and at least one clamp detachably connecting in mutually rotatable manner the connecting bolt of a repositioning tongs and an elongated support. The clamp consists of two clamp elements mutually rotating about an axis of rotation, each clamp element comprising a continuous cylindrical borehole. These boreholes may be of a circular-cylindrical cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the connecting bolt and of the elongated support. The axis of rotation about which the two clamps are mutually rotatable is perpendicular to the plane subtended by the two longitudinal axes of the boreholes. By means of a tightening screw, which is concentric with the axis of rotation and which passes through the boreholes in the clamps, the two slotted clamps can each be compressed and can be simultaneously forced against each other. As a result, the connecting bolt of the repositioning tongs is clamped in one clamp and the elongated support is inserted in the borehole of the other clamp. The connecting bolt and the elongated support are thus locked in these clamps. Simultaneously, the mutually rotatable clamps can be affixed in a selected relative position. To better lock the two clamps against rotation, the two abutting end faces of the clamp elements are fitted with mutually engaging serrations.
With the reposition tongs of the present invention, the force exerted by the tongs levers and the position of the repositioning tongs within the external fixation device can be adjusted independently from each other because the connecting bolt is away from the axis of rotation of the repositioning tongs and because the connecting bolt is independent of the locking means. Due to the separation of the connecting means, the locking means, and the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation assumes a simple and compact configuration.

Repositioning instrument to fixate bone-fractures


Disclosed is a washing machine capable of preventing noise caused by an assembly failure of a supply hose. The washing machine comprises: a main body including a front frame; a tub provided inside the main body; a diaphragm provided between the tub and the front frame; a nozzle provided at the inner surface of the diaphragm so as to spray water toward the inside of the tub; a nozzle guide provided at the outer surface of the diaphragm, and including a through-hole into which one end of the nozzle is inserted; a supply hose connected to one end of the nozzle protruding through the through-hole; and a fixing member for fixing the supply hose to one end of the nozzle, wherein the nozzle guide includes ribs for preventing a portion of the fixing member from coming in contact with the front frame of the main body.

In general, washing machines are electric devices removing contaminants from laundry by chemical decomposition and mechanical impacts. The washing machines may be classified largely into a pulsator-type washing machine and a drum-type washing machine based on how to give the impacts to the laundry.
In the pulsator-type washing machine, a laundry tank, in which the laundry is accommodated, and a water storage tank are installed in a vertical direction, and the washing is performed using impacts and frictions caused by the water flow when the pulsator installed on the bottom of the laundry tank is rotated.
In the drum-type washing machine, a drum, in which the laundry is accommodated, and a tub are installed in a horizontal direction, and the washing is performed by dropping the laundry to give impacts to the laundry when the drum is rotated.
When compared to the pulsator-type washing machine in which the rotatable laundry tank is installed in the vertical direction, the drum-type washing machine is widely used because it is capable of reducing a height, maximizing a washing capacity, and reducing tanglement of the laundry after washed.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum-type washing machine according to the related art.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drum-type washing machine 100 includes a tub 110 installed inside a main body 101 for storing washing water, and a drum 120 rotatably installed inside the tub 110 for accommodating the laundry.
The tub 110 is fixed inside the main body 101, and the drum 120 is installed inside the tub 110 in such a manner as to be rotatable by a drive motor 130.
A diaphragm 140 is installed between a front frame 103 of the main body 101 and one end of the tub 110 to prevent the washing water from being leaked. In addition, the diaphragm 140 prevents vibrations of the tub 110, which are caused when the drum 120 is rotated, from being transmitted to the front frame 103 of the main body 101. Therefore, the diaphragm 140 may be formed of a rubber material.
The diaphragm 140 may be provided with a nozzle 150 for supplying the washing water into the tub 110. A supply hose 160 for supplying the washing water is connected to one end of the nozzle 150. The supply hose 160 is fixed to one end of the nozzle 150 by a one-touch hose clamp 170. At this time, the nozzle 150 is installed adjacent to the front frame 103 of the main body 101 for efficiently supplying the washing water.
In the process of assembling the drum-type washing machine 100, when an operator inserts one end of the nozzle 150 into the supply hose 160, and fixes the supply hose 160 to the nozzle 150 using the one-touch hose clamp 170, a push portion 171 of the one-touch hose clamp 170 may be located adjacent to the front frame 103 of the main body 101 as illustrated in FIG. 2. When the push portion 171 of the one-touch hose clamp 170 is adjacent to or in contact with the front frame 103, the push portion 171 of the one-touch hose clamp 170 may collide with the front frame 103 due to the vibrations transferred to the diaphragm 140 during dewatering by the drum-type washing machine 100, thereby causing noise.
When the noise is caused due to the assembly failure of the hose clamp during washing, the drum-type washing machine sold to a consumer may be returned because of the noise problem.
Therefore, there has been a demand for the development cf. the drum-type washing machine that is capable of structurally preventing the noise caused due to the contact between the hose clamp and the front frame during washing.

Washing machine and diaphragm assembly of washing machine


An on/off switching circuit includes an on/off switch switchable between an on state and an off state, an light emitting diode (LED) driver to power one or more LEDs to illuminate an area of interest, a switch control unit to transition the on/off switch between the on and off states, the switch control unit including a light sensing circuit comprising at least one LED of the LEDs as a light sensor, and a bi-directional gate circuit. When the on/off switch is in the off state the bi-directional gate is in a first conducting state in which the bi-directional gate circuit connects the light sensor to the light sensing circuit, and when the on/off switch is in the on state the bi-directional gate is in a second conducting state in which the bi-directional gate connects the LED driver to the one or more LEDs including the light sensor.

In-vivo imaging and measuring systems are known in the medical field, for example in what is commonly known as 'capsule endoscopy'. For example, some autonomous capsule like in-vivo devices, which traverse the gastrointestinal (GI) system, may include an imaging sensor, or imager, for imaging (e.g., capturing images or taking pictures of) the interior of the GI system. An in-vivo device may include sensors of other types (e.g., pH sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, motion sensor, etc.), and/or various types of tools (e.g., micro electro-mechanical system, or "MEMS"), for example to perform surgical operations in vivo and/or to administer medication in the GI system, for example from a container contained in an in-vivo device.
Swallowable in-vivo devices may not accommodate a manually-operated on/off switch because such devices typically are air-tight and sealed and, in any case, they cannot be operated manually once swallowed. Nevertheless, quality control standards may require that each device be tested prior to use, which may require that the device be activated and deactivated, possibly several times, for testing purposes prior to use, and an in-vivo device must be switched "off" while not in use (in order not to preserve its battery's energy), and switched "on" just before it is swallowed.
Reed switches are commonly used, in some cases in conjunction with other devices or circuitry to activate and deactivate in-vivo devices prior to use. Being designed to be magnetically activated, reed switches are inherently sensitive to electromagnetic ("EM") fields, and may either be in "closed" state or in "open" state when exposed to an EM field. Some reed switches may be sensitive to mechanical shock that may have an unwanted effect on the devices they activate/deactivate, for example, during transfer and handling of the devices. Reed switches may unintentionally be activated by EM interference, for example by EM fields that may be used to maneuver the devices, or by random EM interference. In other cases, for example when the in-vivo device is not used for a long time, the electrical contacts of a reed switch may sometimes get stuck mechanically and, in such cases, it would not function reliably, or at all.
Alternatively, an on/off power switch may be controlled by using radio frequency ("RF") signals. Using RF signals to control the on/off state of a power switch may also have drawbacks. For example, such a switch may be prone to false activations/deactivations by RF interferences prior to use and during use (e.g., after it is swallowed). Another drawback of conventional switch control mechanisms is that they occupy space in the in-vivo devices, which impedes miniaturization of such devices. Another drawback of conventional switch control mechanisms is that they waste electrical power of the battery contained in the in-vivo devices.
While switching an in-vivo device, or other devices (e.g., implantable devices, miniature device, etc.) on and off is beneficial, there are some drawbacks associated with conventional on/off switching schemes, as specified above. It would, therefore, be beneficial to have an on/off switching scheme for such devices, which overcomes the drawbacks described above.

Methods and systems for using a light emitting diode to switch a device on and off


Techniques for escalating a real time agent's request that has an address conflict with a best effort agent's request. A best effort request can be allocated in a memory controller cache but can progress slowly in the memory system due to its low priority. Therefore, when a real time request has an address conflict with an older best effort request, the best effort request can be escalated if it is still pending when the real time request is received at the memory controller cache. Escalating the best effort request can include setting the push attribute of the best effort request or sending another request with a push attribute to bypass or push the best effort request.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to data flow in an integrated circuit, and in particular to methods and mechanisms for handling address conflicts between memory requests in a system cache located in a memory controller.
2. Description of the Related Art
Modern day mobile electronic devices often include multiple components or agents sharing access to one or more memory devices. A memory controller may be coupled to the memory device(s), and the multiple components and/or agents may access the memory device(s) via the memory controller. The memory controller may include a system cache for storing data to reduce the number of memory requests that have to access off-chip memory.
The various agents within an electronic device may make large numbers of requests to memory, and from time to time, two or more outstanding requests will target the same address, resulting in an address conflict between the requests. In some cases, a best effort agent, such as a scaler, may produce data for a real time agent such as a display. For example, a given best effort read request may be allocated in the system cache but may progress slowly in the memory system due to its low priority. If a real-time read request is received at the system cache, and the real-time read request has an address conflict with the given best effort read request, the slow progress of the best effort read request can cause an underflow issue.

Scheme to escalate requests with address conflicts


An aircraft comprising a main engine to provide a supply of bleed air, an APU housing within an APU compartment and having an APU bleed valve, an APU bleed air duct connecting main engine with the APU, and a bleed air heating system for the APU compartment comprising an auxiliary pipeline connecting the APU bleed air duct with the APU compartment, a temperature sensor, an auxiliary pipeline valve to control the discharge of bleed air into the APU compartment, and a temperature controller configured to establish a heating operation mode, when the sensed temperature falls below a minimum temperature threshold value, and a standby operation mode, when the sensed temperature surpasses a maximum temperature threshold value. The temperature controller operates the main engine and the valves to establish these operation modes.

The present invention refers to a bleed air heating system for an auxiliary power unit (APU) compartment of an aircraft, in order to de-ice the fuel trapped in the APU before starting and after being disconnected for a long time under freezing conditions.
The auxiliary power unit (APU) is a gas turbine engine that traditionally supplies electric and pneumatic power to the aircraft systems as an auxiliary or secondary source of power. The APU allows the aircraft to be autonomous of external electric and pneumatic power sources on ground and in-flight.
This electric and pneumatic power can be provided to the aircraft separately or in combination. The pneumatic power provides compressed air for the cabin and power for main engine starting.
FIG. 1 shows a conventional APU bleed supply architecture. As shown, the architecture comprises an APU (3) held in the APU compartment (2) provided in the tail cone of the aircraft (1), an APU bleed valve (4) configured to open and close the bleed air passage from the APU (3), and an APU bleed air duct (5) for conveying the APU bleed air towards the main engines (6).
Some bleed supply architectures further comprise an isolation valve (11) to protect the APU (3) when no compressed air is being supplied.
Under certain conditions, the aircraft's fuel system may provide fuel with a high concentration of liquid water. Once the APU is stopped, this mixture of fuel and water gets trapped inside all the fuel system cavities, conducts, valves, pumps, actuators, sensors, etc.
It frequently occurs that the APU gets exposed to water subfreezing temperatures during long periods of time, such as when aircraft is parked overnight or during cruise flight, where APU shuts off once the main engines get started.
In these cases, lumps of liquid water get solidified and cause internal fuel system blockages that impede the start and the normal running process of the APU.
It would therefore be desirable to provide technical means to an aircraft for defrosting the fuel trapped in the APU, to thus improve the starting and operation phases of the APU irrespective of the freezing conditions.

Aircraft with a bleed air heating system for APU compartment


In a crystal pulling process using an integral type double crucible, a cylindrical separation wall is mounted in and is coaxial with a crucible, for receiving semiconductor material melt to divide the crucible into inner and outer chambers. A coupling tube fixed at the side wall of the separation wall and having a pipe-like passage with a small hole is provided to make a pass between the inner and outer chambers. While material melt in the outer chamber is being supplied to the inner chamber via the coupling tube, crystal is pulled from the melt received in the inner chamber and having an impurity composition different from that of the melt in the outer chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for pulling semiconductor crystals such as silicon crystals and, more particularly, to an apparatus having a double structure crucible which is divided into inner and outer chambers, and a method for controlling the resistivity and other crystal characteristics by means of the crystal pulling apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, the Czochralski technique (CZ technique) is a known method used to grow a rod-like semiconductor single crystal from melt in a crucible, and as is well known in the art, the impurity concentration distribution C in the longitudinal direction of the single crystal grown by use of this method can be expressed as follows: EQU C=kCo(1-G).sup.k-1
where k is the segregation coefficient of the dopant, Co is the initial impurity concentration of the melt, and G is the solidification ratio. When the value of k is low, the impurity concentration distribution in the longitudinal direction of the grown single crystal varies significantly, as a result of which, the yield of single crystal having the desired impurity concentration range (or resistivity range when the impurity is an electrically active material; i.e. the conductive impurity) may be significantly reduced.
With the aim of solving this problem, a floating type double crucible method, in which the surface level of the melt in an inner crucible is kept constant, has been proposed for use in growing single crystal of germanium or silicon, and is disclosed in the following document:
Solid-State Electronics Program Press 1963. Vol 6, pp. 163-167. Printed in Great Britain
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS CONCERNING THE DOUBLE-CRUCIBLE METHOD TO GROW UNIFORMLY DOPED GERMANIUM CRYSTALS OF HIGH PRECISION
H.F.MATARE
Bendix Research Laboratories Division, Southfield, Mich.
(Received 10 September 1962; in revised form 8 November 1962)
The double-crucible method will now be explained in detail, with reference to FIG. 14. As is shown in FIG. 14, inner crucible 2 is arranged as a floating crucible inside outer crucible 1, with small hole 3 being formed in the bottom of inner crucible 2. When, for example, crystal 6 is pulled from melt 4 in inner crucible 2, the balance between the buoyancy of inner crucible 2 and the force of gravity is utilized to maintain the surface level h of the melt in the inner crucible. Further, the outer crucible is raised relative to the fixed inner crucible, so as to supply melt 5 from the outer crucible to the inner crucible in such a way that the surface level h of the melt in the inner crucible is kept constant. Assuming that the impurity concentration of melt 5 in the outer crucible is Co, and that the impurity concentration of melt 4 in the inner crucible is Co/k (k being the segregation coefficient), then in the pulling process, in which surface level h of the melt is kept constant, the concentration of impurity taken into pulling crystal 6 becomes Co, thus ensuring that the melt (pure silicon or germanium) and the impurity used for growing the crystal are always supplied in equal amounts from melt 5 in the outer crucible to melt 4 in the inner crucible. As a result, the impurity concentration of melt 4 in the inner crucible is kept at Co/k, and thus the impurity concentration of pulling crystal 6 is kept at constant value Co.
However, in the pulling process, some of the melt is consumed and the surface level thereof is lowered. After the bottom outer portion of inner crucible 2 comes into contact with the bottom inner portion of outer crucible 1, the impurity concentration cannot be kept constant, and thus the impurity concentration of crystal 6 will vary (i.e. increase) as the solidification ratio increases. More precisely, the impurity concentration can be kept constant only within the following range of the solidification ratio G: EQU 0.ltoreq.G.ltoreq.1-(h/H) (1)
where H is the initial surface level of the melt in the outer crucible, and h is the surface level of the melt in the inner crucible, to be kept constant during the pulling process. Therefore, in the case where the floating type double-crucible method is effected by using an impurity acting as a donor or acceptor to grow a crystal having a constant resistivity in the longitudinal direction, the resistivity can be kept constant only when the solidification ratio is less than 0.6 to 0.7, the resistivity varying significantly after the solidification ratio becomes higher than this value.
Another single crystal growing method is the floating zone technique (FZ technique), and according to this technique, it is possible to grow a rod-like single crystal having a constant impurity concentration in the longitudinal direction. However, it is generally the case that the distribution of the dopant impurity in the radial cross section of a single crystal obtained by way of the FZ technique is non-uniform in comparison with a single crystal obtained by way of the CZ technique. For example, in the case of a Si single crystal wafer of 5".phi., the growing direction (111) of which is represented by Miller indices, the in-plane distribution .DELTA..rho. of resistivity .rho. attained by resistivity measurement using four probes is 6 to 15% when the CZ technique is used, but reaches as high as 20 to 50% when the FZ technique is used. In this case, .DELTA..rho.=(.rho.max.times..rho.min)/.rho.min, the in-plane resistance variation .DELTA..rho.SR caused by the spreading resistance measurement being 10 to 20% in the CZ crystal, but reaching as high as 30 to 50% in the FZ crystal.
When the CZ technique is used to grow a silicon single crystal, oxygen having 1.times.10.sup.18 atoms/cc is introduced from the quartz crucible containing the melt into the crystal, while when the FZ technique is used, introduction of oxygen is suppressed to a minimum, since the melt is not in direct contact with the crucible. Since the introduction of oxygen into the silicon crystal tends to harden the wafer, therefore a wafer obtained by use of the FZ technique,--i.e. one containing less oxygen, and therefore more soft--tends to become warped during the heat treatment, and slippage occurs more easily than in the case where a wafer is obtained by way of the CZ technique.
In order to solve the problems associated with the CZ technique, the floating type double-crucible method, and the FZ technique; the inventors of the present invention have proposed a crystal pulling apparatus having a novel integral type double crucible structure (cf. Japanese Patent Application No. 61-221896 which corresponds to U.S. Patent Application, Ser. No. 091,947 filed on Sept. 1, 1987. The copending related Japanese Patent Applications are Japanese Patent Application Nos. 61-238034, 62-200839, and 62-229632). The present invention improves the invention of the above-quoted patent applications.

Crystal pulling apparatus and crystal pulling method using the same


A surgical holding arm has a plurality of holding arm members which are coupled to one another and a tensioning device for tensioning the holding arm members against one another. The tensioning device is designed in such a manner that the holding arm can be brought from an operative position, in which the holding arm members are tensioned against one another so as to be immovable, into an adjusting position, in which the holding arm members can be moved relative to one another. The holding arm can be brought, in addition, into a cleaning position, in which adjacent holding arm members can be moved away from one another further than in the adjusting position.

Surgical holding arms and holding devices of the type described at the outset are normally used during surgical procedures for the purpose of holding, in particular, instruments, tools or equipment of a medical and surgical type so that a person assisting a surgeon or the operating surgeon do not have to hold the respective devices themselves. As a result of the design of the holding arm in the manner described, this can be brought into a desired shape in a simple manner in the adjusting position and fixed in the predetermined shape by transferring the tensioning device from the adjusting position into the operative position. The holding arm which is essentially flexible in the adjusting position is, consequently, adequately rigid in the operative position for holding the instruments, tools or equipment securely and permanently in the position required for a surgical or medical procedure.
Surgical holding arms of the type described at the outset can, in particular, become soiled during the course of a surgical procedure. They will, therefore, be cleaned and sterilized prior to any further use.
Therefore, it would be desirable have a surgical holding arm as well as a surgical holding device of the type described at the outset which can be cleaned more easily and better.

Surgical holding arm and surgical holding device

Abstract: Furthermore, a surgical holding device is described.


The present invention provides an improved casting alloy for use in costume jewelry and jewelry samples. In accordance with the present invention, a gold colored metal alloy is disclosed which is tarnish resistant and consists of the following ingredients such as, 75 to 85% copper, 5 to 15% nickel, 0 to 12% indium, and 0 to 12% zinc. It is also desirable to add approximately 0.01% iron and/or 0.05% silicon to act as a grain refiner and fluidity enhancer respectively. The alloy in accordance with the subject invention is a rich gold color which approximates a fourteen carat alloy. In addition, tarnish resistance and workability is greatly increased.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention provides an improved casting alloy for use in costume jewelry and jewelry samples.
2. Prior Art
Gold is generally alloyed with other metals for such use and requires a relatively low melting point. The alloys must be moldable and castable with a low surface tension to permit conformance to intricate molds. Such alloys should provide a material which does not easily corrode or tarnish, especially when used in jewelry.
It is basic that gold is one of the most valuable metals, and the look of gold is a highly desired characteristic of any metal alloy.
In accordance with this invention, an alloy is provided which contains no gold, and yet which provides an alloy material that polishes, works and looks like gold. Also, the alloy of this invention can be tarnish and corrosion resistant in the manner of gold in an ammonia or chlorine solution.
The alloy of this invention may resemble 14 carat gold in color and be highly corrosion resistant equal or superior to lower gold alloys, even though the alloy of this invention has zero percent gold in the preferred embodiment.
In attempts of the prior art to develop a metal alloy possessing the true color of gold, while maintaining its capabilities of being readily workable and polished, various non-precious metals and gold have been tried. For example, the present applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,350,527 is directed to a gold colored alloy, having zero to ten percent gold content with seven to twenty percent copper, fifteen to twenty percent indium, and five to fifteen percent palladium. The alloy of '527 teaches zero to ten percent gold. However, '527 requires the use of silver, and does not disclose the unexpected marked increase in gold color caused by the combination of a high percentage of copper in the presence of nickel.


An apparatus includes a light guide. A first light input section receives light in a first direction into said light guide. First direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said first direction in said light guide. A second light input section receives light in a second direction into said light guide. Said second direction is different than said first direction. Second direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said second direction in said light guide.

Light guides are used in electronic devices to conduct light from one or more light sources to desired locations. As examples, there are known backlighted liquid crystal displays and illuminated keypads. Prior art solutions for uniformly illuminating a backlighted liquid crystal display are known for example from US 2005/0052732 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,233 B1; and US 2005/0213348 A1. Keypad illumination solutions are known for example from US 2005/0202787 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,927 B1; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,118 B1. A publication WO 03/047222 A1 discloses a combined solution for backlighting a display and illuminating a keypad with common components for generating and distributing light.
In some cases it is desirable to make the visual appearance of a user interface change depending on some affecting factor. For example, if the keys of a keypad have graphical markings on them to help the user visualize, which characters and/or functions are associated with each key, and such associations may vary depending on e.g. an operating mode of an electronic device that contains said keypad, it would increase the convenience of using the device if the correct key markings would appear in the correct orientation in each case.

Changing graphics in an apparatus including user interface illumination