A gas mask has a facepiece defining an interior chamber and an opening spanning a front portion of facepiece. An optical panel visor is mounted in the opening in the front portion of the facepiece. A hinge joins opposite sides of the visor along a vertical line for relative rotational movement of the opposite sides of the optical panel and the facepiece with respect to each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to respirators. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a respirator that is foldable along a vertical axis for storage. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a respirator that has an optical visor that spans a face piece and is foldable about a vertical axis.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 2,737,659, issued Mar. 13, 1956 to Glidden, discloses an optical gas mask with a pair of separate framed lenses that are separated by a longitudinally extending strip of flexible material from the mask for flexing of the mask along a longitudinal line between lenses to adjust the mask to different faces. The rims and flexible material cut down on the field of view for the mask.
A gas mask according to the invention comprises a facepiece defining an interior chamber for filtered air and including at least one inhalation opening for passage of filtered air from the atmosphere to the interior chamber and a filtration canister removably mounted to the facepiece and in fluid communication with the at least one inhalation opening for passage of purified atmospheric air to the facepiece interior chamber and an opening spanning a front portion of facepiece. A visor comprising an optical panel is mounted in the opening in the front portion of the facepiece for user visibility through the facepiece. A hinge joins opposite sides of the visor along a vertical line for relative rotational movement of the opposite sides of the optical panel and the facepiece with respect to each other.
In one embodiment, the hinge is integrally formed with the visor. In another embodiment, the hinge is a mechanical hinge. In yet another embodiment, the hinge is formed by welding.


A problem of the present invention is to provide a flow rate measurement device which is capable of simplifying calculation, reducing the amount of memory necessary for calculation, absorbing variations resulting from manual operation or ignition state when the appliances are used alone or in combination, and improving appliance identification precision of appliances having similar characteristics with a configuration which extracts characteristics of appliances. The flow rate measurement device identifies the appliances with high precision by extracting characteristics of gas appliances from code sequences into which a differential conversion unit converts, at regular time intervals, differentials by a first calculation unit which calculates differentials at regular time intervals in the flow rates measured by a flow rate measurement unit and by a second calculation unit which calculates differentials at time intervals different from the first calculation unit.

As a gas meter of the related art which specifies a used appliance in a fluid piping system having a gas meter, a gas meter described in Patent Literature 1 is known. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 13.
As shown in FIG. 13, a gas meter 1 is disposed in a flow channel 6 connected to a household gas supply line. The gas meter 1 has flow rate measurement unit 3 for measuring a gas flow rate at a regular time interval, calculation unit 4 for calculating a differential in the flow rates output from the flow rate measurement unit 3, and comparison/determination unit 7 for comparing in magnitude the differential calculated by the calculation unit 4 with a change determination value registered in storage unit 5 and determining a change in the state of usage of the gas appliance. The calculation unit 4, the comparison/determination unit 7, and a gas shutoff valve 2 are controlled by a control circuit 116.
In the gas meter 1, the change in the differential of the instantaneous flow rate output from the flow rate measurement unit 3 is sequentially calculated, and the change in the state of usage of the gas appliance is determined on the basis of the amount of change. Registered data and the measured change (differential) in the gas flow rate are compared, thereby enabling identification of used gas appliances 13, 14, and 15.
As a method of identifying the used appliance of the fluid in the related art, a method described in Patent Literature 2 is known. The configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 14.
As shown in FIG. 14, a first calculation unit 108 calculates the differentials of the gas flow rate measured by flow rate measurement unit 104 at regular intervals, and a differential conversion unit 112 classifies the differentials at regular time intervals into predetermined classifications using a flow rate classification table 110a stored in flow rate classification table holding unit 110, and converts the differentials to predetermined codes representing the classifications. An appliance identification unit 116 compares a code sequence generated by code sequence generation unit 114 using the codes converted by the differential conversion unit 112 with appliance-specific characteristic code sequences specific to the appliances stored in an appliance-specific code sequence information holding unit 118, and identifies the appliances.
In the above configuration, a code value obtained by encoding (converting) the differential of the flow rate is used, and at the time of appliance identification, calculation is simplified, thereby reducing the amount of memory or the like necessary for calculation and achieving improvement in calculation speed and appliance identification precision.

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


A medical device includes a shaft including a lumen configured to direct a flow of fluid through the shaft and an electrode. A proximal end of the electrode and a distal end of the shaft form a coupling configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the electrode with the distal end of the shaft. When the proximal end of the electrode is coupled to the distal end of the shaft, fluid delivered through the lumen is emitted from the electrode.

Medical devices, such as endoscopes or other suitable insertion devices, are employed for a variety of types of diagnostic and surgical procedures, such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, gynoscopy, thoracoscopy, cystoscopy, etc. Many of these procedures involve delivering energy to tissue of an organ or a gland to treat tumors, infections, and the like. Examples of such procedures include Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), Endoscopic Sub-mucosal Resection (ESR), Endoscopic Sub-mucosal Dissection (ESD), polypectomy, mucosectomy, etc. In particular, such procedures may be carried out by inserting an insertion device into a subject's body through a surgical incision, or via a natural anatomical orifice (e.g., mouth, vagina, or rectum), and performing the procedure or operation at a target site with an auxiliary device inserted through the insertion device.
At times, during a medical procedure, a user may use an injection needle and an energy delivery device for purposes of raising, separating, flushing, cutting, dissecting, ablating, marking, coagulating, cauterizing, or otherwise treating tissue. The injection and energy delivery may be performed separately. For example, in order to deliver energy to the tissue, the user may be required to remove the injection needle from the insertion device and deliver the energy delivery device through the insertion device to the tissue being targeted, and vice versa. During the procedure, the user may alternate using the injection needle and the energy delivery device, and exchange of devices may increase the duration and risks of the medical procedure. Additionally, instances may arise where the type of injection needle needed may change. Also, in some instances, the type of energy delivery device needed may change. This may further increase the duration of the medical procedure and/or limit the types of procedures that may be performed.
The devices and methods of the current disclosure may rectify some of the deficiencies described above or address other aspects of the prior art.


The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a novel family of ATP regulated calcium transmembrane channel polypeptides designated herein as “LTRPC7” (Long Transient Receptor Potential Channel). Channels comprising these polypeptides close in response to concentrations of cytoplasmic ATP in the millimolar range, are subject to inhibition by high intracellular levels of calcium and/or magnesium, and do not respond to depletion or reduction in intracellular calcium stores. The invention further relates to the methods of utilizing LTRPC7 for binding, and the methods for modulating LTRPC7 activity and for measuring LTRPC2 permeability. The invention further relates to the methods of modulating expression of LTRPC7.

Ion channels are transmembrane multi-subunit proteins embedded in the cellular plasma membranes of living cells which permit the passage of specific ions from the extracelluar side of the plasma membrane to the intracellular region of the cell. Specific ion transport is facilitated by a central aqueous pore which is capable of opening and closing due to changes in pore conformation. When the ion gate is open, ions flow freely through the channel. When the ion gate is closed, ions are prevented from permeating the channel. Ion channels are found in a multitude of multicellular eukaryotic species and in a myriad of different cell types. Ion channels may be either voltage-gated or ligand-gated. Channel gating is the process by which a particular channel is either open or closed. An ion channel may be capable of occupying a range of different "open" or "closed" states. The gating process may therefore require a particular sequence of transition states or inclusion of alternative transition states before a channel attains a particular level of gating. The gating process is modulated by a substance or agent, which in some way alters or affects the manner in which the channel opens or closes. A channel may be gated by a ligand such as a neurotransmitter, an internal primary or secondary messenger, or other bioactive agent. The ligand either attaches to one or more binding sites on the channel protein or attaches to a receptor that is associated with the channel. If the channel is voltage-gated, changes in the membrane potential trigger channel gating by conformational changes of charged elements within the channel protein. Whether a channel is ligand-gated or voltage-gated, a change in one part of the channel produces an effect in a different part of the channel which results in the opening or closing of a permeant pathway.

Methods of screening for LTRPC7 modulators


Provided is an immunoconjugate useful in inhibiting tumor growth, and a composition and/or protein mixture comprising the immunoconjugate. Also provided are methods for the production of the immunoconjugate, as well as pharmaceutical uses of the immunoconjugate in inhibiting tumor growth, including but not limited to treatment of cancers.

Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα), also known as SHPS-1, BIT, or CD172a, is an immunoglobulin superfamily protein that binds to the protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2 through its cytoplasmic region for potential negative signaling. SIRPα is particularly abundant in the myeloid-lineage hematopoietic cells such as macrophages and dendritic cell (Reinhold et al., 1997. Costimulation of T cell activation by integrin-associated protein (CD47) is an adhesion-dependent, CD28-independent signaling pathway. J Exp Med 185:1-11). CD47-SIRPα interaction functions as a "don't eat me" signal to ensure that autologous cells are not inappropriately phagocytosed.
However, systematic expression of SIRPα may result in undesired side effects. Further, when expressed alone, SIRPα may have a relatively short in vivo half-life and may not be able to reach the site of action efficiently. Hence, there is a need for novel and effective regulators of the CD47-SIRPα signaling.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Immunoconjugates comprising signal regulatory protein alpha


Position adjustments of a chamfering cutter and a deburring cutter in a chamfering device with respect to a workpiece can be easily carried out. The chamfering device has a chamfering cutter, a deburring cutter which has a diameter different from that of the chamfering cutter; a cutter swing block, a cutter longitudinal feed block, and a base block, which rotatably support the chamfering cutter and the deburring cutter and are capable of subjecting the chamfering cutter and the deburring cuter to position adjustment with respect to the workpiece. The longitudinal feed block can perform single-axis feeding with respect to the workpiece. The chamfering cutter and the deburring cutter are disposed so that the cutting change amount of the chamfering cutter and that of the deburring cutter will be approximately equal to each other throughout the diameter range of the workpiece to be processed.

After a gear is cut in a workpiece by a hobbing machine or the like, the tooth profile ridge of a gear end face is chamfered (gear chamfering), if necessary. This chamfering function is performed using a chamfering cutter and a deburring cutter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, the chamfering cutter is pressed against a location of the workpiece where the gear is formed, to cause plastic deformation. Burrs, which occur at the edge of the workpiece by this plastic deformation, are cut and removed by the deburring cutter having a disk-shaped blade.
As the chamfering device having the above-mentioned chamfering function, there are a device having respective cutters (a chamfering cutter and a deburring cutter) provided on feed blocks (i.e., a device with a plurality of axial feed mechanisms), and a device having a chamfering cutter and a deburring cutter provided on a single feed block for compactness (i.e., a device with a single axial feed mechanism).
There have been the needs of the marketplace to provide the above-mentioned chamfering function in a space within the hobbing machine where no instruments are installed.

Chamfering device and gear processing machine provided therewith


Firefighter's trousers which can be donned by a firefighter wearing boots or the like. The trousers have a pair of leg portions. Each of the leg portions has sections which are separated before the trousers are donned. Then after the trousers are donned the sections are attached together around the boots and legs of the firefighter.

In the past, firefighters have used step-in firefighting boots. These step-in boots have been stored with the firefighter's trousers which were pushed down around the boots. When a firefighter received an alarm, the firefighter removed shoes which were worn at the fire station. Then, in stocking covered feet, the firefighter stepped into the trousers and into step-in type boots. Then the trousers were pulled up to the waist and fastened around the waist.
This was a very efficient and quick way to don firefighter's boots and trousers. However, step-in boots offer little ankle support. They have to be flexible and roomy in the ankle area to permit easy step-in action. Fire departments were soon observing an unacceptable frequency of ankle injuries which occurred during firefighting. As a result, non-step-in lace-up type ankle support firefighter boots were introduced.
Firefighters began to wear the ankle support lace-up type of boots in the fire station so that they would be ready to respond when a fire alarm occurred.
Firefighters concurrently also were required to respond in firefighting coats and trousers, as a result of new firefighting regulations. Previously, some firefighters used coats alone with conventional trousers. Fire departments wearing the ankle support boots found they could not get their booted foot effectively into the trousers legs of firefighting trousers.
A firefighter wearing lace-up boots would take too much time to don the boots after an alarm, due to the fact that the ankle support lace-up boots required unlacing and removal before donning trousers and then required donning and lacing the boots. Fire departments are judged on the rate of response to an alarm. So rate of response is a very critical consideration. Therefore, a choice had to be made between non-ankle support slip-on boots (which permit too many injuries) or an excessive response time (removal of ankle support boots and putting on the trousers and then replacing the boots).
As a solution to the problem, wide trouser legs were considered. However, it was not practical to merely widen the leg portion of firefighter trousers in order to permit freedom of access of a booted foot. A wide trouser leg would interfere with natural walking and crawling movements of a firefighter. Such wide trouser legs would therefore increase the stress occurring in a firefighter during firefighting activity. It is known that stress is the major cause of death and injury of firefighters and attempts must be made to reduce stress in a firefighter.
Additionally, any solution to the problem must provide a fail-safe mechanism in the garments. A fail-safe mechanism is one which provides adequate protection of a firefighter even though the firefighter may not have the opportunity or time available to completely finish donning the firefighter's garments prior to firefighting.
Therefore, the problem solved in this invention is the creation of trousers which allow easy donning even by a firefighter who wears boots, and yet the trousers are not unnecessarily bulky, heavy or restrictive of movement.
Therefore, three problems are solved in this invention. Firefighter's trousers are provided which can be donned while the firefighter is wearing boots. There is ease of access into the trousers, while also the trousers are free from bulkiness. Furthermore, trousers of this invention are a portion of a system in which adequate protection of the firefighter is maintained and preserved even though the firefighter does not have the time or opportunity to operate all of the fastener or closure elements in the garments prior to firefighting.
It is an object of this invention to provide trousers for a firefighter which can be easily and readily donned while the firefighter is wearing boots. Thus, the firefighter does not need to remove boots which are being worn in the fire station. Thus, a firefighter can easily and quickly don the trousers and be prepared for firefighting.
Other objects and advantages of the firefighter's garment of this invention reside in the construction of parts, the combination thereof, the method of production and the mode of use, as will become more apparent from the following description.

Firefighter's trousers capable of receiving a booted foot


A thermoplastic polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer and a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent comprises a compound conforming to the structure of Formula (I) or Formula (II)

Several nucleating agents for thermoplastic polymers are known in the art. These nucleating agents generally function by forming nuclei or providing sites for the formation and/or growth of crystals in the thermoplastic polymer as it solidifies from a molten state. The nuclei or sites provided by the nucleating agent allow the crystals to form within the cooling polymer at a higher temperature and/or at a more rapid rate than the crystals will form in the virgin, non-nucleated thermoplastic polymer. These effects can then permit processing of a nucleated thermoplastic polymer composition at cycle times that are shorter than the virgin, non-nucleated thermoplastic polymer.
While polymer nucleating agents may function in a similar manner, not all nucleating agents are created equal. For example, a particular nucleating agent may be very effective at increasing the peak polymer recrystallization temperature of a thermoplastic polymer, but the rapid rate of crystallization induced by such a nucleating agent may cause excessive and/or uneven (anisotropic) shrinkage of a molded part produced from a thermoplastic polymer composition containing the nucleating agent.
Given the complicated interrelationship of these properties and the fact that many nucleating agents exhibit less-than-optimal behavior for at least one of these properties, a need remains for nucleating agents that are capable of producing thermoplastic polymer compositions exhibiting a more desirable combination of high peak polymer crystallization temperature, low, isotropic shrinkage, and high stiffness. Applicants believe that the nucleating agents and thermoplastic polymer compositions disclosed in the present application meet such a need.


Although many materials have been used for osseous wound repair, no agent rrently available provides the surgeon with a predictable level of bone regeneration. Because they do not elicit elicit immunologic responses, and because of the disadvantages of obtaining donor bone, ceramic compositions such as phosphate-bonded alumina and similar ceramics have been investigated as possible bone substitutes capable of promoting bone growth. Since ceramic tricalcium phosphate is biodegradable it has been the subject of considerable research. Despite the research effort, the use of tricalcium phosphate ceramic materials in the regeneration of bone is still subject to improvement. A distinctive form of ceramic beta tricalcium phosphate, modified to augment bone regeneration is provided herein. It is readily implantable in a bone cavity to promote formation throughout the cavity of new bone to replace that lost through trauma, disease, respective surgery, and birth defects.

This invention relates to the restoration or regeneration of bone lost through trauma, disease, resective surgery, and birth defects. In a more specific aspect the invention is concerned with materials capable of promoting bone growth.
Although many materials have been used for osseous wound repair, no agent currently available provides the surgeon with a predictable level of bone regeneration. Autogenous grafts and allogeneic implants are substances commonly used by surgeons to treat bone defects, and these are the result of considerable research to find an ideal material for restoration of bone. Thus, it has been known for years that bone matrix elicits a type of morphogenetic response. Because of this regeneration inducing capacity, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has been used for repair of congenital and injury produced bone defects. However, in pediatric skeletal deficiencies, and in adults with loss of extensive amounts of bone, the individual cannot provide sufficient donor bone. In addition immunological limitations are a consideration in the use of DBM. Accordingly, other osteogenic approaches have been pursued. Such approaches include Marshall Urist's bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and my antigen extracted, autolysed, xenogeneic (AAX) bone, which is the subject of copending application Ser. No. 447,345, filed Dec. 7, 1989.
Because they do not elicit immunologic responses, and because of the disadvantages of obtaining donor bone, ceramic compositions such as phosphate-bonded alumina and similar ceramics have been investigated as possible bone substitutes. Ceramic implants have high compressive strength; they do not degrade; they allow actual attachment of fibrous connective tissue and muscle; and they have specific gravities, coefficients of friction, strength, and surface qualities which are very similar to bone. It has been found that when ceramics are implanted, connective tissue proliferates in the pores, and trabeculae of bone are deposited on and throughout the porous structure. In addition they do not elicit an immunologic response
Whereas biodegradable and nonbiodegradable ceramic materials have been shown to offer promise as bone substitutes, biodegradable ceramics are preferred so that no surgical procedure is required to remove the ceramic. Since ceramic tricalcium phosphate is biodegradable it has been the subject of considerable research, as can be learned by referring to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,781,183, 4,772,468, 4,610,692, 4,599,085 and 4,202,055, as well as The Journal of Orthopedic Research, Vol 3, page 301, 1985, and Proceedinqs of the 27th Annual Conference on Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 1974, Volume 16, published by The Alliance for Engineering in Medicine and Biology.
It has been found that despite the research effort the use of tricalcium phosphate ceramic materials in the regeneration of bone is still subject to improvement. The invention herein provides a distinctive form of ceramic beta tricalcium phosphate, modified to augment bone regeneration, the improvement having been reported in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Vol 23, pages 17-19 (1989).

Unique bone regeneration tricalcium phosphate

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


A reversible brush cleaning device having alternate, reversible orientations is disclosed. The device includes first and second brush treatment textures defined in first and second surface regions, respectively. The reversible orientations alternately present the first and second surface regions on the exterior and interior of the flexible body, respectively. The textures are differently configured, in order to provide for alternate brush treatments when each is individually presented on the exterior, in each of the reversible orientations.

Users of cosmetic brushes are advised to clean their brushes frequently, both to enhance subsequent applications of makeup and extend the useful lives of the brushes. Frequent and proper cleaning avoids the accumulation of old makeup, skin oils and bacteria. These accumulations can undesirably affect the color of later applied makeup due to oxidation or binding with skin oils, and they may lead to skin problems or eye infections.
Cosmetic brushes frequently are cleaned by hand, applying a mixture of water and mild soap or shampoo to the bristles as the bristles are worked against the palm of the hand to expose as much bristle surface area as possible to the liquid mixture. This is followed by rinsing, typically working the bristles with the fingers while holding the bristles under running water. Typically, several repetitions of the washing and rinsing steps are necessary before clear water at the rinsing stage indicates sufficient cleaning.
Efforts to improve upon the results afforded by hand washing have led to products with textured surfaces intended to enhance wiping action along the bristles as a cosmetic brush is washed. Although these products may enhance brush cleaning through improved wiping action against the bristles, they must be held or gripped by hand, or maintained by hand against a flat surface, while the user manipulates the brush relative to the textured surface of the grid. These products feature a single grid with a single texture. There is no tailoring of the texture to suit larger brushes as opposed to smaller brushes, or to individually address the disparate needs of the washing stage and the rinsing stages. These products, whether considered alone or in combination with hand washing and rinsing, fail to address the need to remove excess moisture following cleaning.

Reversible device for cleaning cosmetic brushes


A cooking device for evenly cooking the food without having to turn the food over in the cooking vessel. The cooking device includes a bottom heating member which includes a housing having a top side with one or two heating elements securely disposed in the top side; and also includes a top heating member which includes a housing having a top side and a bottom side and having one or two heating elements securely disposed in the bottom side; and further includes a plurality of support members for supporting the top heating member above the bottom heating member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an easy frying device and more particularly pertains to a new cooking device for evenly cooking the food without having to turn the food over in the cooking vessel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of easy frying device is known in the prior art. More specifically, easy frying device heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,958; U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,976; U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,094; U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,469; U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,590; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,152.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new cooking device. The inventive device includes a bottom heating member which includes a housing having a top side with one or two heating elements securely disposed in the top side; and also includes a top heating member which includes a housing having a top side and a bottom side and having one or two heating elements securely disposed in the bottom side; and further includes a plurality of support members for supporting the top heating member above the bottom heating member.
In these respects, the cooking device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of evenly cooking the food without having to turn the food over in the cooking vessel.


An apparatus and method for making wood patches wherein an elongate piece of wood patch stock is inserted longitudinally into an end of the apparatus. The wood patch stock is incrementally moved toward cutting blades by a clamp mounted on a carriage. A channel guides the elongate into a cutter clamp, which immobilizes the elongate patch stock for cutting by the cutter blades. The cutter blades pass transversely across the clamped elongate patch stock to cut a wood patch. The cut wood patch is blown into an exit chute, and the process is repeated.

Wood patches are known for repairing defects, such as pitch pockets, in wooden components for doors and the like. To ensure a tight patch fit, the defect is commonly removed by routing to yield a slot in the wood panel somewhat smaller than the dimensions of the wood patch. Elongate patches with triangular cross-sections having a radius of curvature on one surface have been found to grip particularly well into correspondingly shaped slots. The wood patch is basted with adhesive, and pressed into the defect slot with the grain of the wood patch oriented with the grain of the wood panel. Thereafter, the patch area is sanded to yield a patch that closely blends with the surrounding wood of the door component.
In today's lumber industry, the increasing scarcity of high-quality old growth timber has resulted in an increased need for wood patch utilization. This arises because wood defects, such as pitch pockets, occur with greater frequency in the lumber available today. This increase in defects occurs even in lumber for use in high-quality wood products, particularly those which are stained rather than covered by painting.
Accordingly, it is important to produce wooden patches efficiently and cheaply. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,767 to Murphy discloses an apparatus for manufacturing wood patches. The Murphy apparatus uses a rectangular piece of wood stock secured by a clamp, from which wood patches are cut by a combination of two cutters. The lower surfaces of the patch are cut by a double router bit that follows a sinusoidal cam surface extending longitudinally along the piece of wood stock. The double router bit has a vertical and an angled cutting edge that produce a pointed protrusion on the wood stock along the sinusoidal path. The patch cutting is completed by a blade which cuts the stock longitudinally to sever the protrusions at the bottom of the sinusoids. The resulting patches are somewhat "boat shaped" with curved or radiused ends and a triangular cross-section. With this approach, there is a significant amount of waste of wood patch stock material.
The length of the patches produced by the Murphy apparatus is varied by substituting cams with different periodic geometry. To produce wood patches of precise dimensions, the periodic geometry on the cams must be precisely machined. Since the Murphy cam surfaces are of a substantial length, having as many as 10 or more repetitions of the periodic geometry, the machining of the cam may be expensive.
Another wood patch cutting device uses a manually-operated generally half-moon shaped cutter. The half-moon cutter is moved vertically downwardly in a stamping action through a piece of wood patch stock resting on a cutting block of ultra high molecular weight plastic. The blades shear the wood to yield a wood patch. Such blades tend to become dulled after a few dozen cycles, causing the grain of the wood patch to be crushed.
A need exists for an improved method and apparatus for forming wood patches which overcomes these and other disadvantages of the prior art.

Oregon Industrial Machine & Manufacturing, Inc.


A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, including a neck portion (4), a diffuser (6) at a first end (8) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip (10) which extends from the diffuser (6), and connector means (12) which is at a second end (14) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly; the neck portion (4) including an electrical conductor (16) and a longitudinally extending passageway (18); electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor (16) to the contact tip (10) being effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas (22, 24) on the contact tip (10); and the welding torch (2) including a gas chamber (30) which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas (22, 24) and radially between the contact tip (10) and the diffuser (6).

This invention relates to a welding torch for use in gas metal arc welding.
Welding torches for use in gas metal arc welding are well known. The gas metal arc welding is often referred to as MIG (metal inert gas) welding. The welding process uses an electrical arc between a consumable electrode wire and a weld being formed. The weld being formed is protected from atmospheric contamination by a blanket of shielding gas which is an inert gas, or a combination of an inert gas plus other gases.
The known welding torches comprise a neck portion, a diffuser at a first end of the neck portion, a contact tip which extends from the diffuser, and connector means which is at a second end of the neck portion and which is for connecting the neck portion to a power cable assembly. The neck portion comprises an electrical conductor and a longitudinally extending passageway. The power cable assembly is such that it supplies electricity and gas to the welding torch. The welding torch causes the gas from the power cable assembly to flow along the passageway and out of the welding torch through at least one aperture in the diffuser. The gas is usually supplied without the application of pressure.
The neck portion of the welding torch is often referred to as a swan neck or a goose neck. The consumable electrode wire passes continuously through the diffuser and is consumed during the welding. The contact tip transfers the electric current from the electrical conductor in the neck portion to the continuously moving consumable electrode wire.
The consumable electrode wire is consumed at a relatively high speed. Electrical current transfer efficiency from the electrical conductor in the neck portion to the diffuser and the contact tip is of paramount importance. Heat generated in the current transfer and in the proximity of the arc directly affects the efficiency of the contact tip. The contact tip is made of copper or a copper alloy because of the need to use a material which has good electrical conductivity. However, the copper or the copper alloy is prone to expand and self-anneal. The contact tip material thus becomes soft, which in turn gives a decreased wear resistance, and also impinges on free movement between a bore in the contact tip and the consumable electrode wire which passes through this bore.
It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems by providing a welding torch which has improved contact tip electrical current transfer, and which utilizes the gas used for shielding the weld also as a cooling agent for cooling a substantial part of the contact tip surface area.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a welding torch for use in gas metal arc welding, which welding torch comprises a neck portion, a diffuser at a first end of the neck portion, a contact tip which extends from the diffuser, and connector means which is at a second end of the neck portion and which is for connecting the neck portion to a power cable assembly: the neck portion being such that it comprises an electrical conductor and a longitudinally extending passageway; the power cable assembly being such that it supplies electricity and gas to the welding torch, the gas being for protecting welds from atmospheric contamination as the welds are made using the welding torch; the welding torch being such that it causes the gas from the power cable assembly to flow along the longitudinally extending passageway and out of the welding torch through at least one aperture in the diffuser; the welding torch being such that the electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor to the contact tip is effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas on the contact tip, the first contact area being an end face of the contact tip adjacent the diffuser, and the second contact area being a threaded portion of the contact tip which secures the contact tip in the diffuser; and the welding torch being such that it includes a gas chamber which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas and radially between the contact tip and the diffuser whereby the gas in the gas chamber flows over a part of the contact tip between the two contact areas and cools this part of the contact tip before flowing out of the welding torch through the said at least one aperture in the diffuser.
The welding torch of the present invention is thus able to provide good metal to metal contact at the two contact areas. The welding torch is also able to use the gas in an extra capacity for the cooling of the part of the contact tip. The efficiency of operation of the welding torch of the present invention is thus increased over the above mentioned known welding torches.
Preferably, the welding torch is one in which the end face of the contact tip abuts against a transverse face of an internal part of the diffuser. The conductor then abuts against an opposite side of this internal part of the diffuser. Alternative arrangements may be employed so that, for example, the end face of the contact tip may be arranged to abut directly against an end face of the conductor.
As mentioned above, the MIG welding utilizes a consumable electrode wire. This consumable electrode wire is commonly referred to as the welding wire and it is continuously fed through a guide tube known as a wire liner. The wire liner is situated within a central core tube of the power cable assembly. The gas passes along the length of the welding torch, from where it is directed over a weld being formed. Such known welding torches are basically air cooled and they normally use only the surrounding ambient air temperature to dissipate heat that builds up within the welding torch. The welding torches are thus given working duty cycles. Currently, the normal European duty cycle is 60% of a 5-minute cycle, that is 3 minutes of welding followed by two minutes of rest.
Accordingly to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical conductor comprises an inner tube and an outer tube which is positioned over the inner tube, and the longitudinally extending passageway is positioned between the inner and outer tubes. With such an arrangement improved cooling may be achieved as compared with known welding torches. More specifically, the welding torch of the present invention will usually be air cooled, but it may be water cooled if desired. The gas is able to perform a cooling function, in addition to its function of shielding the weld being formed from atmospheric contamination. The cooling effect of the gas makes the welding torch more efficient than it would otherwise be. For example, in the case of an air cooled welding torch, the torch of the present invention is able to operate at a duty cycle of 80% as compared to the above mentioned normal duty cycle of 60%. The invention is based on the observation that the gas flow through normal welding torches is a simple and straight direct flow line, which has very little cooling effect since the gas used is only used for one purpose, which is to avoid atmospheric contamination of the weld being formed. By redirecting the gas flow, the gas can have an important second purpose, namely providing a cooling function to the welding torch.
Preferably, the welding torch is one in which the inner tube has a fluted outer profile, in which the outer tube is positioned over the fluted outer profile of the inner tube, and in which the longitudinally extending passageway is formed by spaces between the flutes. Other arrangements may be employed if desired so that, for example, the inner tube could be plain whilst the outer tube had inwardly directed flutes. Alternatively, the flutes could be screw threads.
The welding torch may have an axial central passageway which is blocked so that the gas cannot pass along the axial central passageway and is caused to be redirected along a heat cooling path through the welding torch. This is preferably effected by the welding torch being one which has metal to metal contact between the contact tip and the diffuser and between the diffuser and the electrical conductor, the metal to metal contact being such as to block axial central passageway and to redirect the flow of gas from the power cable assembly through the welding torch such that the redirected gas flows along the passageway between the inner and outer tubes of the neck portion and out of the welding torch through the aperture in the diffuser.
The welding torch may be one in which the neck portion comprises a first chamber which communicates with an upstream end of the electrical conductor and which receives the gas before it passes between the inner and outer tubes of the electrical conductor, in which the diffuser comprises a second chamber which communicates with a downstream end of the electrical conductor and which receives the gas from the inner and outer tubes of the electrical conductor, and in which the diffuser comprises a third chamber which causes the gas from the second chamber to flow over the contact tip before the gas leaves the welding torch.

Welding torch for use in gas metal arc welding


The present invention provides a small-diameter pipe clamping structure comprising a bandlike clamp of specific form.. According to one embodiment of the invention, the clamp is provided on the upper surface thereof with a longitudinally extending raised wall (or walls) at the center and fitting holes at both ends thereof, respectively, such that when the clamp is fitted about the pipe in a looplike fashion and pressed from outside against the outer periphery of the pipe by using a press, the raised wall is brought into tight engagement with the outer periphery of the pipe to thereby secure the clamp to the pipe.. The invention is advantageous in that the clamp does not become displaced, separated from the pipe or missing and the pipe is prevented from being bruised even when it is subjected to vibrations during use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement in a clamping structure for a metallic pipe or synthetic resin tube (hereinafter referred to as the "pipe") having a comparatively small diameter of less than about 30 m/m and frequently used as an oil or air supply path for automobiles or other various kinds of machines and equipment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, the above pipe clamping structure has comprised of a bandlike clamp 11 having at one end (FIG. 9) or both ends (FIG. 10) thereof a fitting hole 13 or holes 13 and 13' through which it is fixed to a basic body and a looplike clamp wall 12 at the other end (where only the fitting hole 13 is formed at the opposite end) and or at the intermediate portion thereof allowing both ends thereof to lie adjacent to each other (where the two holes 13 and 13' are fromed at the both ends) such that after the clamp wall 12 of the bandlike clamp has been fitted about a pipe P', the clamp is pressed from outside so that the inner peripheral surface of the clamp wall 12 is brought into tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe P'.
However, in the case of the above pipe clamping structure, the clamp fitted on the pipe P' has tended to become loosened due to the backlash taking place at the time of pressing the clamp from outside with respect to the pipe and the contact between the flat peripheral surfaces of the calmping wall of the clamp and the pipe so that when the pipe having such clamp fitted thereon is transferred, the clamp has become displaced axially or circumferentially, disconnected from the pipe or missing thereby hindering very much the mounting of the pipe in an automobile body and the like at a flow pattern assembling line. Further, due to the unstabilized fixing structure liable to become easily loosened, there has arisen a maintenance problem that the outer periphery of the pipe P' becomes bruised due to vibrations during the long time use of the pipe.


A liquid metal switch uses a conductive liquid droplet of a material containing gallium as a substitute for mercury. A secondary fluid surrounding the material containing gallium prevents the formation of oxide on a surface of the conductive liquid droplet.

Many switching technologies rely on solid, mechanical contacts that are alternatively actuated from one position to another to make and break electrical contact. Unfortunately, mechanical switches that rely on solid-solid contact are prone to wear and are subject to a condition known as "fretting." Fretting refers to erosion that occurs at the points of contact on surfaces. Fretting of the contacts is likely to occur under load and in the presence of repeated relative surface motion. Fretting typically manifests as pits or grooves on the contact surfaces and results in the formation of debris that may lead to shorting of the switch or relay.
To reduce mechanical damage imparted to switch and relay contacts, switches and relays may be fabricated using liquid metals to wet the movable mechanical structures to prevent solid to solid contact. A liquid metal switch that employs electrowetting to actuate the switch is disclosed in, commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. No. 7,132,614, entitled "Liquid Metal Switch Employing Electrowetting For Actuation And Architectures For implementing Same," which is incorporated herein by reference. Another liquid metal switch that employs gas pressure to actuate the switch is disclosed in, commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,090, entitled "Liquid Metal Switch Employing A Single Volume Of Liquid Metal," which is also incorporated herein by reference. The liquid metal switches described in the above-mentioned applications use mercury (Hg) as the liquid metal. However, the use of mercury is being limited in some areas due to environmental and health related initiatives.

Liquid metal switch employing a switching material containing gallium


An electrode binder of a lithium ion secondary battery comprising an aqueous dispersion of: (a) a polyvinylidene binder; (b) a (meth)acrylic polymer dispersant; (c) a crosslinking agent comprising an aminoplast and/or a polycarbodiimide; and (d) an organic diluent. The (meth)acrylic polymer dispersant is prepared from a mixture of monomers comprising one or more carboxylic acid group-containing (meth)acrylic monomers and one or more hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylic monomers, and carboxylic acid groups on the (meth)acrylic polymer dispersant are at least partially neutralized with a base. The binder can be used in the assembly of electrodes of lithium ion secondary batteries.

There is a trend in the electronics industry to produce smaller devices, powered by smaller and lighter batteries. Batteries with a negative electrode—such as a carbonaceous material, and a positive electrode—such as lithium metal oxides can provide relatively high power and low weight.
Polyvinylidene fluoride, because of its excellent electrochemical resistance, has been found to be a useful binder for forming electrodes to be used in electrical storage devices. Typically, the polyvinylidene is dissolved in an organic solvent and the electrode material, that is, the electrically active lithium compound and a carbonaceous material, is combined with the PVDF solution to form a slurry that is applied to a metal foil or mesh to form the electrode.
The role of the organic solvent is to dissolve PVDF in order to provide good adhesion between the electrode material particles and the metal foil or mesh upon evaporation of the organic solvent. Currently, the organic solvent of choice is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). PVDF binders dissolved in NMP provide superior adhesion and an interconnectivity of all the active ingredients in the electrode composition. The bound ingredients are able to tolerate large volume expansion and contraction during charge and discharge cycles without losing interconnectivity within the electrodes. Interconnectivity of the active ingredients in an electrode is extremely important in battery performance, especially during charging and discharging cycles, as electrons must move across the electrode, and lithium ion mobility requires interconnectivity within the electrode between particles.
Unfortunately, NMP is a toxic material and presents health and environmental issues. It would be desirable to replace NMP as a solvent for PVDF binders. However, NMP is somewhat unique in its ability to dissolve PVDF that is not nearly as soluble in other organic solvents.
Further, the organic-solvent-based slurry presents safety, health and environmental dangers. Many organic solvents are toxic and flammable, volatile in nature, and involve special manufacturing controls to mitigate risk and reduce environmental pollution. It would be desirable to have an aqueous system for dispersing the PVDF and other electrode-forming components.
To effectively employ aqueous PVDF compositions in electrode-forming processes, it is important to develop binder systems that are compatible with current manufacturing practices and provide desired properties of the intermediate and final products. Some common criteria include: a) stability of the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, having sufficient shelf-life, b) stability of the slurry after admixing the electroconductive powders, c) appropriate viscosity of the slurry to facilitate good application properties, and d) sufficient interconnectivity within the electrode.
In addition, after the electrodes are assembled in an electrical storage device, the device should be free of moisture and free of hydrophilic groups that may attract moisture.
Surprisingly, a stable, aqueous slurries have now been found for producing high quality electrodes for batteries and other electrical storage devices having interconnectivity. The slurry contains one or more fluoropolymers, preferably PVDF, powder electrode materials such as electrically active lithium metal compounds and carbonaceous material dispersed in aqueous medium with a (meth)acrylic polymer dispersant. The electrodes are is useful in an electrical storage device such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

Aqueous binder composition for lithium ion electrical storage devices


A heat sink includes a heat conducting base, a heat conducting shaft thermally connected to and rotating with respect to the base, and a plurality of fins. The shaft includes a heat absorbing section thermally connected to the base and a heat dissipating section connected with the heat absorbing section. The fins are disposed on the heat dissipating section of the shaft.

1. Technical Field
The disclosure relates to heat dissipation devices for use with electronic device and, particularly, to an active heat sink with rotating heat-dissipating fins.
2. Description of Related Art
As integrated circuits and other heat-generating electronic devices are made smaller and designed to operate at increasingly higher processing speeds, they generate increasing amounts of unwanted heat during operation. Excessive heat generated during operation can harm heat-generating electronic device performance and reliability and can cause system failure. A thermal management such as heat sink has accordingly become an increasingly important element in the design of heat-generating electronic products.
Heat sinks are typically used to dissipate heat from the surface of heat-generating electronic components to a cooler environment, usually ambient air. A heat sink typically includes a thermally conductive base plate that interfaces directly with a heat-generating electronic device to be cooled and a set of fins extending from the base plate. The fins increase the surface area that is in direct contact with the air to thereby increase heat transfer efficiency.
Active heat sinks are heat sinks equipped with air driving devices (such as fans and blowers) for forcing airflow across surfaces of the fins and passages between the fins. The airflow further increases heat transfer from the fins to the surrounding air. However, the air driving device causes the active heat sinks to be bulky and makes the active heat sink having a complex structure.
What is needed, therefore, is an active heat sink which can overcome the described limitations.

Active heat sink for use with electronic device

Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd.


A gas control device in a halogen gas laser device which comprises: a filter for receiving a small quantity of deteriorated gas from the upstream portion of the laser gas circulating path to convert it into a low-boiling-point gas; and a gas detector for measuring the density of the low-boiling-point gas thus formed, to estimate the halogen gas density, and outputting, when the density is lower than a predetermined value, an instruction signal to supply halogen gas.

One example of a halogen gas laser device of this type is proposed in Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 6384183 (the term "OPI" as used herein means an "unexamined published application").
An excimer laser device uses ArF, KrF, XeCl or XeF as its laser active medium. In the excimer laser device, pulse discharge is caused between the anode and the cathode in a mixture of inert gas such as Ar, Kr or Xe and halogen gas such as F.sub.2 :, NF.sub.3 :, Cl.sub.2 or HCl or halogen compound gas, to generate a laser beam. The service life of the excimer laser device is adversely affected by factors such as deterioration of the laser gas, deterioration of the laser reflection mirrors, deterioration of the switching element, deterioration of the main capacitor, and deterioration of the preliminary ionization, etc. Against each of these factors, efforts have been developing to lengthen the service life of the excimer laser device. Since the above-described inert gases are expensive in general and, therefore, the excimer laser device is so designed as to operate in a sealed-off tube.
However, since the halogen gases are high in chemical reactivity, a remarkable chemical reaction occurs at the electrodes thereby deteriorating the gas.
FIG. 1 is a rough view showing the above-described excimer laser device having a gas reproducing system. The halogen gas used in a laser oscillation section 1 is circulated, in a sealing mode, through a laser gas circulating path 2, a dust filter 3, a circulating pump 4, an ultraviolet-ray applying section 6, and a low-temperature trap 5.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view, with parts cut away, showing the ultraviolet-ray applying section 6 in the gas circulating path. As shown in FIG. 2, a gas pipe 6b and an ultraviolet-ray generating lamp 6c are arranged in parallel with each other in an elliptic-cylinder type reflecting mirror 6a, and the electric power from a power source 6d is supplied to the ultraviolet-ray generating lamp 6c.
The halogen gas used by the laser oscillation section 1 is a mixture of hydrogen chloride (HCl), xenon (Xe) and helium (He). The wavelength of the output laser beam is 308 nanometers. These gases react and change at the electrode section. A part of the hydrogen chloride gas is decomposed into hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) and chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2), as a result of which the hydrogen chloride gas density is lowered and, accordingly, the intensity of the laser output is lowered.
The deteriorated gas containing the hydrogen gas and chlorine gas which flows along the laser gas circulating path 2 is sent to the dust filter 3, where solid materials are removed therefrom. The gas thus treated is delivered to the ultraviolet-ray applying section 6 by the circulating pump 4. When being exposed to the ultraviolet-rays at the ultraviolet-ray applying section 6, the hydrogen (H.sub.2) and chlorine (Cl.sub.2) react as follows: ##STR1##
Thus, hydrogen chloride gas HCl is reproduced. The gas HCl thus reproduced is sent to the low-temperature trap 5, where high boiling point impurities are removed from it. The gas thus treated is returned to the laser oscillation section 1.
The proposed gas control device for a halogen gas laser is constructed as described above. Therefore, in the case of the excimer laser device using a hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) as its halogen gas, the hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) and chlorine gas (Cl.sub.2) formed by decomposition are used to reproduce a hydrogen chloride gas (HCl), whereby the service life of the operating gas can be somewhat lengthened. On the other hand, in the case of the excimer laser device using a fluorine gas (F.sub.2) still suffers from the following difficulty: In the excimer laser device, fluoride is formed through electric discharge between the electrodes, and therefore it is difficult to reproduce a fluorine gas in order to increase the service life of the laser gas.

Method for controlling gas in halogen gas laser and device therefor


A method of testing the reflectivity of RF absorber materials utilizes an elongated chamber lined with RF absorber material and having a source antenna at one end, with the other end terminating in either a "short circuit", or a piece of RF absorber material which is to be tested. A probe antenna is moved along the axis of the chamber and the standing wave created by the source antenna and the reflection from the other end is recorded, first with the short circuit condition, and then with the test sample in place, and the results are compared to yield a figure for the reflectivity of the test sample.

The invention is in the field of anechoic chambers in general, and particularly relates to testing the efficacity of the radio frequency absorber material that is used to line anechoic chambers.
In the past, there are two methods which have been used to test the RF absorbing material. The most common method is the Naval Research Lab Technique, the NRL Arch Test System, which consists of the use of two relatively high gain antennas (16 dBi minimum standard gain horns) mounted above a metal reference plate. A measurement is made, and then a sample out of absorber material to be measured is then put over the reference plate. In order to measure a -40/50 dB return loss, the sample size must be at least 6 wave lengths on a side. For this reason, when testing with wavelengths below one GHz, this technique becomes difficult to implement.
Below the one GHz a waveguide method has been used with limited success. This technique involves placing the absorbers on a sliding mechanism which moves in and out of the mouth of a large waveguide. Waveguides operating as low as 120 MHz have been constructed.
However, due to the very nature of the construction restraints inherent in the building of the waveguide test fixture, there are many uncertainties built into the system. A major source of error is due to the required transition from a flared rectangular horn section to the square, straight-sided section of the waveguide. If the transition between the flared section and the straight section is not very precisely controlled, large errors are introduced into the measurements. Because the absorber reflectivity can be of the same order of magnitude (45-55 dB) as transition reflections, measurement errors up to five dB are common.
In an attempt to overcome this problem, sliding load techniques have been employed in which the absorber is mounted on a mechanically movable wall which moves through the waveguide. However, in order to measure low operating frequencies the wall must be on the order of 4 feet high and 10 feed wide, so large that difficulties are encountered in moving the wall smoothly through the waveguide. Additionally, operating frequencies are limited to standard guide bandwidths.


A vaporized fuel processing device attached to a fuel tank, includes a casing for forming an outer shell of the vaporized fuel processing device, a diaphragm valve unit opened at the time of increasing the pressure in the fuel tank, and a vent passage communicating with atmospheric air. In the vaporized fuel processing device, the diaphragm valve unit is disposed in a space formed in the casing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vaporized fuel processing device provided on a path through which a fuel tank and a canister communicate with each other, and a vehicle with the vaporized fuel processing device. Particularly, it relates to a vaporized fuel processing device and a vehicle with the same in which a diaphragm valve unit opened at the time of increasing the pressure in a fuel tank is provided in a space inside a casing and in which a vent passage is provided to communicate with the space to improve the degree of freedom in selecting an installation position of the vent passage.
2. Description of the Related Art
An automobile or the like is provided with a fuel tank for reserving fuel to be supplied to a combustion chamber of an engine. The fuel tank has a vent system provided to allow air to come in and go out according to increase/decrease in fuel amount in the tank. The vent system is a system through which the inside of the fuel tank and a canister communicate with each other. In the case where the fuel tank is overcharged, the canister is disabled from being used because the canister is wetted with over flow fuel delivered to the canister. Therefore, a vaporized fuel processing device is provided on the top of the fuel tank so that the vent system can be interrupted to prevent air and fuel from being delivered to the canister when the tank is filled up.
Such a vaporized fuel processing device according to the related art is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A vaporized fuel processing device 1 is provided on the top of a fuel tank 2. A vent passage 14 is provided for connecting the vaporized fuel processing device 1 to a canister 5 for adsorbing fuel vapor. When the pressure of fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank 2 reaches a predetermined value at the time of refueling, a diaphragm valve 9 of a diaphragm valve unit 8 is opened because of a pressure difference. As a result, the fuel vapor flows into the canister 5 through the vent passage 14, so that the fuel vapor is adsorbed into an adsorbing agent in the canister 5 so as to be temporarily adsorptively reserved in the canister 5. When the internal combustion engine then revolves, the fuel vapor adsorbed into the canister 5, as well as atmospheric air taken in through an air intake pipe 6 attached to the canister 5, is sucked in on the basis of the negative pressure of a suction pipe not shown, and delivered from a vapor outlet pipe 7 to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine through the suction pipe.
The operation of the vaporized fuel processing device 1 according to the related art at the time of refueling will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When refueling starts in the condition that a filler cap 4 is opened, atmospheric air is fed to a back pressure chamber 11 of the diaphragm valve unit 8 through a pipe 13 opening into a feed pipe 3. The pressure in the fuel tank 2 increases as a result of refueling. The diaphragm valve 9 of the diaphragm valve unit 8 is opened upward from a second valve seat 16 on the basis of a pressure difference due to increase in the pressure in the fuel tank 2. Fuel vapor flows into the canister 5 through the vent passage 14 and is reserved in the canister 5. For this reason, the fuel vapor is prevented from being released from the feed pipe 3 to the atmospheric air.
A valve body 17 is formed on a top surface of a float 12 of the vaporized fuel processing device 1. When the float 12 moves up, the valve body 17 eventually abuts on a first valve seat 15 disposed above the float 12. Specifically, as refueling continues through the feed pipe 3, the liquid level of fuel in the fuel tank 2 rises. When the liquid level of fuel reaches the float 12, the fuel pushes the float 12 up. When the liquid level of fuel reaches a predetermined position, the valve body 17 on the top surface of the float 12 abuts on the first valve seat 15. Because the vent passage 14 is blocked when the valve body 17 abuts on the first valve seat 15, the pressure in the fuel tank 2 increases further to cause the refueling to stop automatically. On this occasion, the liquid level of fuel reaches a full-tank position (e.g., see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 37007/1999).
The vaporized fuel processing device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, however, has the following problems. That is, in the vaporized fuel processing device according to the related art, the vent passage 14 is provided so as to communicate with an opening 18 which is provided with the second valve seat 16 and below the diaphragm valve 9 disposed horizontally. For this reason, the vent passage 14 must be inevitably extended horizontally, so that the vaporized fuel processing device lacks the degree of freedom in the layout for installation, for example, because the vaporized fuel processing device has to protrude from the top of the fuel tank.
Furthermore, since the surface area of the vaporized fuel processing device revealed from the top of the fuel tank is large, the shape of the vaporized fuel processing device is too poor to reduce the amount of hydrocarbon (hereinafter referred to as HC) transmitted from the fuel tank.
In addition, since the vent passage 14 must be inevitably extended horizontally, in the case where part of fuel in the fuel tank 2 leaks from the opening 18 into the vent passage 14 because of tilting etc. of a vehicle, the leakage fuel causes a harmful influence on the canister 5, thereby resulting in deterioration of the canister 5 due to the leakage fuel flowing up to the canister 5.

Vaporized fuel processing device and vehicle with the same


A motive air seat cushion comprises: an envelope with an air inlet opening and air discharge openings around the edges. An air distribution box having a plurality of holes around the edges is located inside the envelope and connected to the air inlet opening. A flexible hollow supporting padding is embedded inside the envelope to provide void spaces and also support for the envelope. As air from a motive air source flows into the air distribution box and then diffuses evenly through the envelope, the cushion is cooled or warmed, thus giving a cooling or warming sensation to a person sitting on the cushion.

This invention relates to the seat cushions, and more particularly to a motive air seat cushion that provides a cooling/warming sensation for a person to sit on.
The present invention is an improvement on the invention covered by U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,992 to Kaung M. Yu.
As illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,992 an air cooled/heated seat cushion comprised an envelope embedded with support padding, a partitioning wall having holes located inside one edge of the envelope to form a distribution channel, an air inlet opening to the channel, and an air discharge opening at the other edges of the envelope. The envelope and the distribution channel are formed as an integrated structure. Conventional seat cushions preceding that of U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,992 had very little success in providing cooling or warming sensation to an occupant due to the fact that inside the cushions either the air is almost stagnant without motive air applied, or the padding obstructs the air to pass through the envelope. The present invention departs from previous concepts by providing a seat cushion which contains an air distribution box embedded inside the cushion. An air tube is connected between the box and an air source. The motive air from the air source flows through the box and diffuses through the cushion, thus cooling or warming the person sitting on it.
The present invention utilizes to the fullest advantage of an independent air distribution box inside the envelope, and results in a seat cushion with an evenly cooling/warming sensation to a person sitting on it.
An another important advantage of the present invention is that there are no potential leakages beyond the distribution holes around the box. As illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,992, the air channel connected to the envelope may develop leakages around the joints and results in uneven air distribution through the envelope.
Accordingly, an important object of the present invention is that the air distribution box being a separate unit which is placed inside the envelope but is not connected to the envelope. Another object of the present invention is to produce a seat cushion which is simple in construction and suitable for mass production at a low cost. Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing descriptions thereof.


A siloxane powder composition which can impart improved lubricity character to a thermoplastic resin is disclosed, said composition being prepared by mixing. (A) 100 parts by weight of a liquid polydiorganosiloxane and PA1 (B) 40 to 200 parts by weight of a silica powder that has a specific surface of at least 50 m.sub.2 /g using sufficient shear to prepare a powder in which the surface of component (B) is coated with component (A), and then mixing this powder with PA1 (C) 10 to 50 parts by weight of a polyorganosiloxane resin which is a solid at room temperature, said resin consisting essentially of (R.sub.3 SiO.sub.1/2) siloxane units and (SiO.sub.2) siloxane units in the molar ratio of 1:4 to 1:1,. where R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals and phenyl radical.

silicones, particularly the liquid polydimethylsiloxanes generally known as silicone oils, are fluid over a wide range of degrees of polymerization and have excellent interfacial properties due to their different affinities for organic resins. As a result, they have become widely used as additives for improving the moldability, slip or lubricity, release properties, and mechanical properties of thermoplastic resins (refer to Japanese Patent Publication Number Sho 57-170950).
However, these liquid polydimethylsiloxanes are by nature fluid in addition on to being difficult to compatibilize with thermoplastic resins, and as s consequence have poor processing and handling properties and are difficult to mix to homogeneity into solid thermoplastic resins. Thus, as discussed below, a number of problems occur when liquid polydimethylsiloxanes are mixed into thermoplastic resins. The following procedure is typically used in order to blend liquid polydimethylsiloxane into thermoplastic resin: the polydimethylsiloxane is first mixed with a small portion of the thermoplastic resin chips, and the resulting mixture and the remaining major portion of the thermoplastic resin chips are then fed to an extruder mixer, where they are melt-mixed. However, the liquid polydimethylsiloxane sticks to the walls of the mixer during preparation of the preliminary mixture, and this prevents its quantitative addition.
Another procedure in use employs melt-mixing by directly introducing the liquid polydimethylsiloxane and unmodified thermoplastic resin chips into an extruder mixer. However, this procedure essentially cannot produce thermoplastic resin in which the liquid polydimethylsiloxane is homogeneously dispersed. Moreover, this procedure requires the use of a special mixer and novel feed devices, such as pumps.
In order to overcome these problems, Japanese Patent Application Laid Open Number Sho 59-215335 proposes a method in which, for example, silica powder and liquid polydimethylsiloxane are mixed to give a moist or wetted powder, and this wetted powder is then melt-mixed into the thermoplastic resin. However, in the case of the silica powder/liquid polydimethylsiloxane mixture prepared in accordance with this method, the liquid polydimethylsiloxane is held in the form of a thin coating layer on the silica powder, and aggregates of autonomous particles are not present. In other words, the structure in which the liquid polydimethylsiloxane is held in a metastable state in the spaces between primary particles in the silica powder, is an unstable structure when duplicated at higher orders. Due to this, the liquid polydimethylsiloxane readily separates from the silica powder during the course of storage for a number of hours. In particular, such a mixture evidences tack or stickiness due to the liquid polydimethylsiloxane present at its surface. As a consequence, this powder will stick to the walls of the machinery, either when initially mixed with thermoplastic resin chips or when introduced into a device such as a direct extruder mixer, and the like. This again causes the problem of a loss of quantitativeness, inter alia, and this method is thus not entirely satisfactory.

Powder for the modification of thermoplastic resins


Adaptors for spray cans are provided. Such adaptors may include a body which may be positioned on the neck of a can and an actuator for operating the dispenser nozzle of the spray can, and a plurality of nozzle-holders, each of which can be joined to a nozzle for dispensing to a mechanical instrument.

Precision instruments and in particular those used for medical applications need continuous and careful maintenance. For example, dental instruments, turbines and contra-angles and other types of precision instruments require lubrication of all moving parts at least daily and in any case, always before sterilisation. Such instruments are generally provided with a special aperture for the insertion of a nozzle of a spray can to introduce an appropriate lubricant.
Bearing in mind that the lubrication aperture of such instruments differs in size depending on the type and brand of the instrument, various adaptors for dispenser nozzles of lubricant sprays must be provided so as to permit sealed insertion in such lubrication aperture.
It is common practice to use just one can of liquid spray to which the relative adaptor is attached each time or to use a number of cans, each of which is coupled to a different adaptor. Both approaches have significant disadvantages.
First, given that adaptors are a relatively small size it is not infrequent for them to be accidentally mislaid.
They are also subject to wear since they are generally made from non durable material. For the same reason, repeated daily manoeuvres of attachment/detachment to/from the same spray can, may cause them to break.
In addition, the use of multiple spray cans results in increased costs associated with the purchase of several cans, one for each adaptor.
The present invention overcomes these and other drawbacks.


[Problem] The object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that enables a user to reliably perform bet-related processes such as betting.

A gaming machine in which a symbol array is scrolled and displayed on a display, and a plurality of symbols are rearranged in a symbol display area, on which a plurality of paylines are set, has been known for example in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0239540. In a gaming machine described therein, a player operates a control panel, on which a plurality of buttons are arranged, to decide on bet information for one game.
When a game is played on the above-mentioned gaming machine, as a result of the player inserting cash into a bill identification device provided on the gaming machine, credit data, for playing the game according to the amount of cash inserted, is acquired and the bet information for playing the game one time are determined by using the credit data.
In such a gaming machine, receiving of bets or awarding of prizes is performed based on credit data converted from a predetermined currency unit (e.g., a currency unit such as "pesos"), and when a monetary amount corresponding to the credit amount is displayed, the monetary amount is displayed in the predetermined currency unit.
In this way, in addition to the player preparing cash in a specified currency unit that can be handled by the gaming machine and playing the game by inserting the cash, the amount in the specified currency unit is displayed as the credit amount necessary for the game to progress in the gaming machine. However, it is difficult for the player to understand the displayed monetary amount if the monetary amount is in a currency unit that is different (e.g., "pesos") from a currency unit the player is accustomed to using (e.g., "dollars" for an American).

Information processing apparatus executable in a user selectable medium of exchange

Abstract: [Solution] The information processing apparatus implements: a process of displaying specified currency information corresponding to a bet by an input device to a display device when paper stock read by a reading device has specified currency information, a process of converting the specified currency information corresponding to the bet by the input device to other currency information when the paper stock read by the reading device has other currency information, and a process of displaying the converted other currency information on the display device.


The present invention is related to a sensor. In particular, the present invention is related to a MEMS strain gauge die and its fabrication process. The MEMS strain gauge die comprises a handle, a device layer and a cap all connected together. A silicon oxide layer is formed between the handle and the device layer. Another silicon oxide layer is formed between the device layer and the cap. Recesses are respectively formed on the handle and the cap and face each other. The handle recess and the cap recess are connected to form a cavity. The device layer, which spans the cavity, further comprises a bridge on which a plurality of piezoresistive sensing elements are formed. The present strain gauge die is more immune to temperature effects. It is especially suitable for operating in a high temperature environment and is capable of delivering accurate and reliable strain measurements at low cost.

It is well known that the electrical resistance of a conductor varies with its dimensions. For example, if a conductor is stretched along the direction of the electrical current flow, the current path is increased while the cross-sectional area through which the current flows is reduced by the Poisson's ratio. As a result, the electrical resistance increases. This phenomenon has been widely adopted in strain gauges. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,457,616, a foil type strain gauge is described in which a thin zigzag strip of conducting material, such as, metal, is embedded in a thermoplastic foil. The foil is rigidly bonded onto a strained surface. The varying strains are coupled to the conducting material and can be inferred from the changes in the measured electrical resistance of the conducting material.
The gauge factor of a strain gauge is commonly referred to as the ratio of the relative change in electrical resistance to the relative change in length, the latter of which is defined as the mechanical strain. There exists a class of materials in which the electrical resistivity changes with strain. This is known as the piezoresistive effect. In strongly piezoresistive materials the effect can produce a gauge factor that is much larger than that attributable to geometrical changes. Foil strain gauges of either metal or alloy type are not particularly piezoresistive. Their gauge factors are rather small, which therefore results in low sensitivity that affects accuracy. Furthermore, metals and alloys typically have rather low yield strengths and are prone to fatigue. Thus they may suffer from hysteresis errors after repeated strain cycling.
Another common type of strain gauge is of the semiconductor type, for example, those which employ single crystalline silicon as the conducting material. Silicon is a superb mechanical material with high ultimate strength and is perfectly elastic up to the fracture point. Moreover, single crystalline silicon is strongly piezoresistive, resulting in a gauge factor that is typically tens of times higher than those in metal or alloy strain gauges. Despite these advantages, silicon strain gauges do have the drawbacks for being temperature sensitive, nonlinear and fragile. Moreover, single crystalline silicon is an anisotropic material in which the piezoresistive effect is directional. As a result, the electrical resistance of a silicon conductor is not only sensitive to the strain in the longitudinal direction along which the electrical current flows; but also to the transverse and shear components of strains as well. This will generate significant crosstalk and measurement errors in silicon strain gauges if not corrected.
The majority of sensors in use today are of the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) type. MEMS based sensors are typically realized with silicon micromachining that originated from integrated circuit fabrication and still shares many of its processing technologies. In addition, there are a few unique processes specifically tailored toward the fabrication of 3-dimensional microstructures. These include double-side photolithography, Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE), and wafer bonding to name a few. With demonstrated advantages that include low cost, small size, high accuracy, high reliability, and high stability, MEMS sensors have become the dominant type of sensors in use for automotive, medical, industrial and consumer electronics applications. An example of an MEMS strain gauge with multiple piezoresistive sensing elements is described in A. A. S. Mohammed, W. A. Moussa, and E. Lou, "Development and Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Piezoresistive MEMS Strain Sensor," IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 11, no. 10, pp. 2220-2232, 2011. Of particular interest are the surface trenches that are etched in the vicinity of the sensing elements to reduce (but not completely eliminate) crosstalk and to create stress concentration regions where sensor sensitivity is enhanced. However, due to the limitation of PN-junction isolation, this strain gauge is not capable of operating in environments above 150° C.
Accordingly, in the field of strain gauges, a need presently exists for an improved MEMS strain gauge which is capable of operating in high temperature environments and can measure uniaxial and biaxial strains without being affected by crosstalk.

MEMS strain gauge sensor and manufacturing method

CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS


The invention relates to a method for controlling a refrigeration system by establishing a defrost period during an initial defrost period. One or more compressors of the refrigeration system are monitored to establish if the one or more compressors are running, and a parameter representative of the one or more compressors running is monitored. The monitoring establishes at least one parameter limit value representative of whether a defrost period or a non-defrost period is to be initiated. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a refrigeration system subsequent to an electrical power interruption. The invention also relates to control units for applying one or both of the methods according to the invention, and to a refrigeration system having one or more control units controlling the refrigeration system according to one or both of the methods.

Defrost of refrigeration systems is controlled regularly during normal mode of operation. However, during first start-up of the refrigeration system and during re-start of the refrigeration system, defrost as controlled during normal mode of operation may lead to false cooling operation or lack of cooling operation of items or locations to be cooled by the refrigeration system. Therefore, during first start-up and during re-start after loss of electrical power, special modes of operation must be used for obtaining cooling and for obtaining correct cooling. Often, special modes of operation are controlled manually, or special modes of operation have to be monitored carefully by a person for ensuring subsequent cooling at all and for ensuring subsequent correct cooling.

Method for controlling defrost operation of a refrigeration system


A robotic domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: domain reflectometry instrumentation; a robotic arm; and a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch, the probe assembly being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the robotic arm.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to automated domain reflectometry testing of electrical components.
2. Background Art
Note that the following discussion refers to publications that due to recent publication/filing dates are not to be considered as prior art vis-a-vis the present invention. Discussion of such publications herein is given for more complete background and is not to be construed as an admission that such publications are prior art for patentability determination purposes.
The complexity of electronic components, particularly printed circuit boards, is steadily increasing, as is the demand for electronic components. These components need to be tested for faults, and high frequency signal techniques such as domain reflectometry provides an excellent technique for much of such testing. Because of the high volume of needed testing, automated robotic systems are preferred in order to attain a high throughput for any testing system.
Unfortunately, existing domain reflectometry robotic testing systems suffer from noise introduced by certain sources of imprecision in the systems themselves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,909, to Lucas et al., discloses a robotic testing system having two probes 122, 123 mounted on a single robotic arm wherein probe 123 is adjustable so that the distance between the two probes is adjustable. Such a mechanical system is prone to imprecision over time, because of vibration, temperature fluctuations, and like sources of distortion. Similarly, European Patent Application EP 0 953 844 A2 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,978, to Swart) discloses a two-probe system but having a single probe on each of two robotic arms. Again, maintaining a precise desired distance between the two probes is difficult, again resulting is unwanted distortion of the testing results. Because of such imprecisions in existing systems, the shortest traces that can be tested accurately are those that are 1.5 inches or longer.
The present invention greatly reduces noise by using a single robotic arm that employs twin probes (signal and ground) having a non-adjustable fixed distance (pitch) between them. Because testing often requires a number of different pitches, the robotic arm of the invention is able to select any of a plurality of fixed-pitch probes stored in a probe tip changer assembly. Because this prevents inaccuracies induced by changes in pitch over time plaguing prior art mechanical systems, the present invention is able to successfully test traces as short as 0.5 inches (and at least as long as 150 feet). The shapes of the probe tips and the preferred rectangular shape of the probe tip assembly contribute to accuracy by precisely mimicking the electrical characteristics of coaxial structures. A quick electrical disconnect device permits rapid engagement and disengagement of the probe assemblies from the robotic arm, contributing to rapid throughput. The present invention has a number of other advantages over the prior art as discussed below.
The following references also disclose robotic testing systems having varying advantages and disadvantages: U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,636, to Miller et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,021, to IIani; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,965, to Mellitz; U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,526, to Slocum et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,412, to Norton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,450, to Itoh; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,964, to Kerschner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,064, to Kerschner et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,147, to Karasikov et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,863, to Braginsky; U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,856, to Keller et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,348, to Abe; U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,910, to Chiba; U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,464, to McConnell; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,820, to Antonie et al.
The present invention is of a automated domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: domain reflectometry instrumentation; a robotic arm; and a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch, the probe assembly being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the robotic arm. In an embodiment, the system additionally comprises a second robotic arm and a second passive, high frequency probe assembly having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch and being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on the electrical component to be tested by the second robotic arm, whereby differential domain reflectometry tests may be performed on the electrical component. In another embodiment, differential domain reflectometry tests can be performed with the probe assembly comprising a second signal probe and a second ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch. In the preferred embodiment, the system employs a probe assembly changing station accessible by the robotic arm, the probe assembly changing station comprising holders for a plurality of probe assemblies, together with a robotic control system that directs the robotic arm to acquire from the probe assembly changing station a probe assembly having a correct pitch for testing of test points of the electrical component having a same pitch. A calibration/verification station accessible by the robotic arm is preferably employed that comprises a calibrated airline. The system can test traces having a length of between approximately 0.5 inches and 150 feet such that a standard deviation of domain reflectometry test result impedances is 0.03 ohms or less. The probe assembly mimics electrical characteristics of a coaxial structure. The system can test components comprising dimensions of between approximately 5.25 inchesxc3x970.5 inches and 36 inchesxc3x9728.5 inches. The robotic control system comprises software for automatically planning testing of the electrical component by importation of computer aided design data for the electrical component. The system records impedance and propagation delay and calculates a dielectric constant for each test point of the electrical component.
The invention is also of a probe assembly changing station for a robotic domain reflectometry test system (and method), which changing station is accessible by a robotic arm of the system, the probe assembly changing station comprising holders for a plurality of passive, high frequency probe assemblies affixable to an end of the robotic arm and from which the robotic arm can without human intervention affix any of the plurality of probe assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, each of the probe assemblies comprises a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch.
The invention is additionally of a robotic domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: differential domain reflectometry instrumentation; at least one robotic arm; and two passive, high frequency probe assemblies each comprising a signal probe, each the probe assembly being electrically connected to the differential domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the at least one robotic arm. In one embodiment, the at least one robotic arm comprises a single robotic arm holding both the probe assemblies. In another embodiment, the at least one robotic arm comprises two robotic arms each holding one of the probe assemblies. In one embodiment, at least one of the probe assemblies additionally comprises a ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch with respect to the signal probe on the at least one of the probe assemblies. In another embodiment, both of the probe assemblies additionally comprise a ground probe having a fixed, non-adjustable pitch.
The invention is further of a robotic domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: domain reflectometry instrumentation; a robotic arm; a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe, the probe assembly being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the robotic arm; and components recording impedance and propagation delay for each test of the test points and calculating and recording a dielectric constant for each test of the test points.
The invention is also of a robotic domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: domain reflectometry instrumentation; a robotic arm; and a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe, the probe assembly being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the robotic arm; and wherein the system can test traces having a length of between approximately 0.5 inches and 150 feet such that a standard deviation of domain reflectometry test result impedances is 0.03 ohms or less.
The invention is additionally of a robotic domain reflectometry test system (and corresponding method) comprising: domain reflectometry instrumentation; a robotic arm; a passive, high frequency probe assembly comprising a signal probe and a ground probe, the probe assembly being electrically connected to the domain reflectometry instrumentation, and being moved, electrically connected to, and retracted from test points on an electrical component to be tested by the robotic arm; and a calibration/verification station accessible by the robotic arm and comprising a calibrated airline. In the preferred embodiment, the calibrated airline is a 28 ohm or 50 ohm NIST calibrated airline.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a robotic domain reflectometry system with high accuracy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that can move from test point to test point rapidly.
A primary advantage of the present invention is that it can provide accurate and repeatable domain reflectometry tests of traces of length between 0.5 inches and 150 feet (or more).
Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Automated domain reflectometry testing system