A waveguide is disclosed that shifts the phase of the signal passing through it. In one embodiment, the waveguide has an impedance structure on its walls that resonates at a frequency lower than the frequency of the signal passing through the waveguide. This causes the structure to present a capacitive impedance to the signal, increasing its propagation constant and shifting its phase. Another embodiment of the new waveguide has impedance structures on its wall that are voltage controlled to change the frequency at which the impedance structures resonate. The range of frequencies at which the structure can resonate is below the frequency of the signal passing through the waveguide. This allows the waveguide cause a adjust the shift in the phase of its signal. An amplifier array can be included in the waveguides to amplify the signal. A module can be constructed of the new waveguides and placed in the path of a millimeter beam. A portion of the beam passes through the waveguides and the beam can be shifted or steered depending on the phase shift through each waveguide.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to phase shifting and steering of high frequency electromagnetic signals.
2.Description of the Related Art
Electromagnetic signals are commonly guided from a radiating element to a destination via a coaxial cable, metal waveguide, or microstrip transmission line. As the frequency of the signal increases, these devices must have smaller cross-sections to transmit the signals. For example, a metal waveguide that is 58.420 cm wide and 29.210 high at its inside dimensions, transmits signals in the range of 0.32 to 0.49 GHz. A metal waveguide that is 0.711 cm wide and 0.356 cm high at its inside dimensions, transmits signals in the range of 26.40 to 40.00 GHz. [Dorf, The Electrical Engineering Handbook, Second Edition, Section 37.2, Page 946 (1997)]. As the signal frequencies continue to increase, a point is reached where use of these devices becomes impractical. They become too small and expensive, require precision machining to produce, and their insertion loss can become too great.
Frequencies exceeding approximately 100 GHz (referred to as millimeter waves) can be transmitted as a free-space beam. The signal from a radiating element is directed to a lens that focuses the signal into a millimeter wave beam having a diameter up to several centimeters. This form of transmission is referred to as "quasi-optic" when the lens diameter divided by the signal wavelength is in the range of approximately 1-10. In the optic regime, the lens diameter divided by the frequency wavelength is normally much greater than 10. [IEEE Press, Paul F. Goldsmith, Quasi-optic Systems, Chapter 1, Gaussian Beam Propagation and Applications (1999)]
One method of amplifying these high frequency beams is to combine the power output of many small amplifiers in a quasi-optic amplifier array. The amplifiers of the array are oriented in space such that the array can amplify a Gaussian beam of energy rather than amplifying a signal guided by a transmission line. However, commercial use of these "open" systems is not practical because they are fragile and can be contaminated by the surrounding environment. Also, there is no simple, durable and reliable mechanism for beam phase shifting or steering.
Conventional rectangular waveguides cannot be used. In addition to their size and insertion loss disadvantages they do not provide an optimal signal to drive an amplifier array. Because the sidewalls of a metal waveguide are conductive, they present a short circuit to the beam's E field and it cannot exist near the conductive sidewall. The power densities of the beam's E and H fields drop off closer to the sidewalls, with the power density of the beam varying from a maximum at the middle of the waveguide to zero at the sidewalls.
For an amplifier array to operate efficiently, each individual amplifier in the array must be driven by the same power level. When amplifying the type of signal provided by a conventional metal waveguide, the amplifiers at the center of the array will be overdriven before the edge amplifiers can be adequately driven. In addition, individual amplifiers in the array will see different source and load impedances depending upon their locations in the array. The array's edge amplifiers become ineffective, significantly reducing the array's potential output power.
A high impedance surface will appear as an open circuit and the E field will accordingly not experience the drop-off associated with a conductive surface. A photonic surface structure has been developed which exhibits a high impedance to a resonant frequency and a small bandwidth around that frequency [D. Sievenpiper,High Impedance Electromagnetic Surfaces, (1999) PhD Thesis, University of California, Los Angeles]. The surface structure comprises patches of conductive material mounted in a sheet of dielectric material, with conductive vias through the dielectric material from the patches to a continuous conductive layer on the opposite side of the dielectric material. This surface presents a high impedance to the resonant frequency and the gaps between the patches prevent surface current flow in any direction.
A second impedance structure has been developed that is particularly applicable to the sidewalls and/or top and bottom walls of metal rectangular waveguides. [M. Kim et al., A Rectangular TEM Waveguide with Photonic Crystal Walls for Excitation of Quasi-Optic Amplifiers, (1999) IEEE MTT-S, Archived on CDROM]. Either two or four of the waveguide's walls can have this structure, depending upon the polarizations of the signal being transmitted. The structure comprises parallel conductive strips on a substrate of dielectric material. It also includes conductive vias through the sheet to a conductive layer on the substrate's surface opposite the strips. At the resonant frequency, this structure presents as series of high impedance resonant L-C circuits.
When used on a rectangular waveguide's sidewalls, the structure provides a high impedance boundary condition for the resonant frequency's E field component for a vertically polarized signal, the E field being transverse to the conductive strips. The high impedance prevents the E field from dropping off near the waveguide's sidewalls, maintaining an E field of uniform density across the waveguide's cross-section. Current can flow down the waveguide's conductive top and bottom walls to support the signal's H field with uniform density. Accordingly, the signal maintains near uniform power density across the waveguide aperture.
When the high impedance structure is used on all four of the waveguide's walls, the waveguide can transmit independent cross-polarized signals with near-uniform power density. The structure on the waveguide's sidewalls presents a high impedance to the E field of the vertically polarized signal, while the structure on the waveguide's top and bottom walls presents a high impedance to the horizontally polarized signal. The structure also allows conduction through the strips to support the signal's H field component of both polarizations. Thus, a cross-polarized signal of uniform density can be transmitted.
Waveguides employing these high impedance structures are also able to transmit signals close to the resonant frequency that would otherwise be cut-off because of the waveguide's dimensions if all of the waveguide's walls were conductive. At the resonant frequency, the waveguide essentially has no cut-off frequency and can support uniform density signals when its width is reduced well below the width for which the frequency being transmitted would be cut-off in a metal waveguide.

Phase shifting waveguide with alterable impedance walls


Provided is an image display apparatus, including: a display unit configured to allow a real space to be transparently viewed and configured to display a three-dimensional image; and a display control unit configured to display a plurality of the three-dimensional images on the display unit in a manner that the plurality of the three-dimensional images are arranged in a plurality of lines that are different from each other in position in a depth direction on a near side with respect to the real space.

The present disclosure relates to an image display apparatus and an image display method, and more specifically, to an image display apparatus and an image display method that provide higher operability.
In recent years, development of transmissive HMDs (Head Mounted Displays) has been started. For example, there has been proposed an idea of a transmissive HMD that expresses a sense of depth by adjusting binocular parallax and a convergence angle (refer, for example, to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2012-42654). More specifically, there has been proposed an idea of displaying, by using such a system, display objects such as menu icons under a state in which those display objects are superimposed on a scene in a real space.

Image display apparatus and image display method


A circuit tracer for determinating the location of a conductor, such as a wire, which is either an open or closed circuit, and which may lie underground. The tracer includes a transmitter which is connected to the conductor, a hand-held probe, and a receiver which is connected to the probe. The probe has three different sensors: an electric field sensor, primarily for locating the terminus of an open-ended conductor or for distinguishing such a wire in a bundled cable of wires; a differential electric field sensor, for determining the direction to and location of an open-ended conductor located above ground; and an inductive sensor for determining the direction to and location of a current-carrying conductor, including an open-ended conductor lying below ground. A switch selectively provides the output from one of the sensors to the receiver unit, which determines the magnitude of any signal based upon the direction the probe is pointing. By swinging the probe back and forth, and observing the received signal, the direction to and location of the conductor may be determined.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to electronic detection devices, and more particularly to an apparatus for tracing and locating an open-ended conductor or a conductor forming a closed circuit, a portion of which may lie above ground and a portion of which may lie below the ground.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The art is replete with techniques and devices for determining the direction to and location of a cable, such as an insulated, current-carrying conductor. Most of these techniques involve the use of one or more inductive sensors, such as a coil or a coil with a high-permeability core, which picks up the electromagnetic signal created by an alternating current in the conductor. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,119,908; 4,134,061; 4,220,913; 4,295,095; 4,387,340; 4,427,942; 4,438,389; 4,390,836; 4,520,317; 4,542,344; 4,639,674; 4,665,369; 4,672,321; 4,767,237; 4,843,324; and 5,093,622. The general direction to the conductor is indicated when a peak or null signal is detected by the inductor, depending upon its orientation; a tangential orientation gives a peak signal and a normal orientation gives a null signal. A similar technique is used in many devices sold by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M--assignee of the present invention), such as the SCOTCHTRAK TK 3B/6B circuit tracers. Other measurement techniques may also be used under certain circumstances. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,334, two electrodes are used to steer a device which buries an undersea cable. The electrodes are located on either side of the cable, and capacitively couple a signal to the cable, which is then detected and is used to provide left/right guidance. The sensing of an alternating current may further be enhanced by certain signal processing methods, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,365.
While the tracing of current-carrying conductors is thus easily accomplished, this is not the case for conductors which have a break, i.e., are open-ended. In such a conductor, since there is no closed electrical path, very little current can be established in the conductor (at least when the conductor has negligible capacitive coupling to the surrounding medium), and so typical current-sensing inductors are relatively useless in the attempted location of such a conductor. It has also not been feasible to use the guidance technique of the '334 patent since that technique presumes that the approximate location of the cable is known, the receiving coupler is placed about the cable, and the cable is located between or very near the source electrodes. When the cable is not so located in the immediate vicinity of the electrodes, the signal coupled to the cable from the electrodes is too weak to be successfully processed to provide a left/right signal.
One device which has partially overcome these problems is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,454. That device uses both inductive sensors and a capacitive sensor; the capacitive sensor is not differential, although it is somewhat directional since it uses an electric field sensing "guarded" electrode. A guarded electrode is simply one in which the sensing element is shielded in certain directions by another metallic plate, which is excited by a potential similar to the electrode potential to eliminate "fringing" flux. The metallic plate acts as a driven shield since a feedback arrangement is used to supply the amplified output signal from the sensing element to the metallic plate. This device, however, suffers from the further requirement that the signal from the capacitive sensor must be added to the signals from the inductive sensors in order to provide reliable conductor location. This limitation is primarily due to the inability of the single capacitive sensor to accurately determine the precise direction associated with the maximum received signal, and thus the signals from the inductive sensors are needed to provide further orientation. Otherwise, reliance on the capacitive sensor signal alone would easily lead to an erroneous determination of the conductor location. Furthermore, the combination of the two signals often creates output results which are confusing. It would, therefore, be desirable and advantageous to devise an instrument which overcomes the foregoing limitations, by providing means for detecting an open-ended conductor which combines the benefits of a directional sensor with a differential sensor. The instrument should further have a magnetic sensor to enable it to trace the conductor when for various reasons the electric field sensors are shielded from the conductor.


A pressure compensated drip irrigation hose (20) includes a hose having a wall (21) with an inner surface (21a). A continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is connected to the inner surface (21a). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) and inner surface (21a) form a plurality of emitters. The emitters have an inlet section (40), a pressure reducing section (60) which is downstream from the inlet section (40). A pressure responsive section (70) is downstream from the pressure reducing section (60) and the outlet section (80) is downstream from the pressure responsive section (70). The continuous elastomeric strip member (30) is constructed from a material softer than the wall (21).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a pressure compensating irrigation hose, and more particularly to a pressure compensating hose having an elongate elastomeric member, which, with the hose, forms an irrigation hose having a plurality of pressure compensated emitters.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Agricultural irrigation systems in use today are predominantly flood and sprinkler systems. These systems have numerous shortcomings, including inefficient use of water and fertilizers, high labor and energy costs, pollution of surface and ground waters, and poor uniformity of water application on steep or uneven terrain.
Drip irrigation systems are being developed and adopted to address the above-noted problems. There are two major types of drip irrigation systems currently in use. The first involves use of discrete emitters installed either internally (In-Line) or externally (On-Line) to the hose. These emitters have passageways through which the water must pass, thereby regulating the water flow rate through the emitter. Such emitters may be pressure-compensating or non-pressure-compensating.
Another type of drip irrigation system employs a hose having a continuous emitter such as the Aqua-TraXX(copyright) hose of The Toro Company. Such hose includes the use of a continuous non-elastic strip which, in conjunction with the hose, forms a plurality of emitters. Perforations are then formed in the outside surface of the hose into the outlet of the emitter. However, such hose is not pressure compensating, and is therefore not suitable for use on steep or non-uniform terrain.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,984,739 and 5,333,793 are examples of a hose having a continuous emitter and also include a pressure compensating system. The present invention provides for a pressure compensating drip emitter irrigation hose which utilizes a continuous elastomeric strip member having a hardness which is less than that of the hose.
In one embodiment, the invention is a pressure compensating drip irrigation hose for distributing water. The hose has an inner wall having an inner surface which defines a main water passageway. A continuous elastomeric strip member is operatively connected to the inner surface. The continuous elastomeric strip member and the inner surface define a plurality of emitter units. The continuous elastomeric strip member has a bottom wall operatively connected to first and second spaced elongated side members. The bottom wall, side members and inner surface define an emitter water passageway. Each emitter unit comprises an inlet, wherein water from a main water passageway enters the emitter unit through the inlet. A pressure reducing section is downstream from the inlet, wherein water flowing through the emitter is slowed and water pressure is reduced. A pressure responsive section is downstream from the pressure reducing section, wherein with increased pressure in the main water passage, the bottom wall deflects towards the inner surface, thereby decreasing the size of the emitter water passageway. An outlet is formed in the hose wall, the outlet is in fluid communication with the emitter water passageway and downstream from the pressure responsive section.
In another embodiment, the invention is a pressure compensating drip irrigation hose for distributing water. The hose has a wall having an inner surface, the inner surface defining a main water passageway. A continuous elastomeric strip member has a hardness less than that of the hose, the continuous elastomeric strip member is operatively connected to the inner surface and defines an emitter water passageway. Each emitter unit comprises a water inlet, wherein water from the main water passageway enters the emitter through the inlet. A pressure reducing section is provided, wherein water flowing through the emitter is slowed and water pressure is reduced. In a pressure responsive section, the emitter also includes a pressure responsive section, wherein with increased pressure in the main water passageway, the bottom wall deflects towards the inner surface, thereby decreasing the size of the emitter water passageway. An outlet is formed on the hose wall, the outlet is in fluid communication with the emitter water passageway and a plurality of first preformed members are formed in the outlet section, whereby the pressure responsive section is more sensitive to pressure than the outlet section. In addition, a plurality of second preformed members are formed in the pressure reducing section, whereby the pressure reducing section is less responsive to pressure than the pressure responsive section.

Pressure compensating drip irrigation hose


An electrostatic display device having a plurality of particles moving back and forth in a chamber illuminated by light. The chamber has oppositely charged top and bottom plates whereby the particles are alternately electrostatically attracted to and repelled from the plates while illuminated by the light, thus creating a constantly moving decorative light display.

1. Field of the Invention
The device of this invention resides in the area of decorative light displays and more particularly relates to an electrostatic device having dynamic movement of illuminated particles for amusement of the viewer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Light displays are well known in the prior art such as blinking lights and more recently, laser light displays. Also known in the prior art is the utilization of blacklights which emit ultraviolet rays to illuminate brightly colored fluorescent objects.


A piezoelectric vibration member that includes a substrate having a main surface on or in which a piezoelectric vibration member is mounted, a lid having a recess that is open so as to face the main surface and which includes a flange portion that projects outward from an opening edge of the recess, and a bonding layer that bonds the substrate and the lid together so as to hermetically seal the piezoelectric vibrator in a space between the recess and the main surface. The surface roughness of a side surface of the flange portion is greater than the surface roughness of the surface of the recess, and the bonding layer extends from the main surface of the substrate to the side surface of the flange portion.

Piezoelectric vibrators have been widely used as oscillators and band-pass filters. For example, as an aspect of a piezoelectric vibrator of the related art, Patent Document 1 describes a surface-mount crystal unit having a structure for hermetically sealing a crystal unit such that the crystal unit will not be exposed to the outside air. The surface-mount crystal unit described in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate onto which a crystal unit is mounted and a lid that hermetically seals the crystal unit with an adhesive interposed therebetween (see in Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-197615

Piezoelectric vibration member and method of manufacturing the same


A fuel distributor for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines having at least one fuel injection valve and at least one valve carrier which has a receiving bore for the fuel injection valve. The fuel injection valve includes an end flange surrounding the receiving bore on which flange the fuel injection valve is axially supported by means of a collar. The end flange of the valve carrier and the collar of the fuel injection valve are embodied as mutually corresponding parts of a bayonet mount, in order to provide positional fixation of the fuel injection valve independently of a plug hood to be mounted onto a protruding end of the fuel injection valve. The plug hood includes blocking tangs on an end face that form-fittingly engage recesses in the bayonet mount that serve the purpose of locking and unlocking the fuel injection valve.

The invention relates to a fuel distributor for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines of the type defined hereinafter.
In a known fuel distributor of this type (German Patent Document 37 30 571 A1), the electromagnetically actuated fuel injection valves, axially inserted into receiving bores, are fixed to the valve carrier by means of a contact strip, which fits in the form of a hood over the part of the fuel injection valve protruding from the receiving bore and its detent protrusions engage corresponding detent recesses in the valve carrier. By means of this contact strip, which simultaneously provides electrical contact of the fuel injection valves, the fuel injection valves are positionally fixed in both the axial and radial directions.
However, tolerance problems between electrical plug prongs in the fuel injection valve and electrical prong outlets in the contact strip may cause a certain amount of twisting of the fuel injection valves during assembly; as a result, the fuel injection valves may not maintain their assigned alignment in the receiving bore, so that the geometry of the fuel stream produced is undesirably altered.

Fuel distributor for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines


Methods and apparatus for a syringe adapter. In one embodiment, an adapter/cap assembly is threadably engaged to a syringe for enteral feeding applications. The adapter cannot be removed from the syringe to prevent the syringe from being used for IV applications.

As is known in the art, a variety of syringes are used for medical applications. For example, an enteral syringe can be filled with nutritional material that can be ingested by a patient via a feeding tube. Another type of syringe having a threaded end to engage with a complementary end is used to provide solution intravenously. It is further known that an IV (intravenous) syringe can be filled with a substance, such as breast milk for an infant, and then misused as an IV syringe. This can lead to disastrous results including death due to substances being injected directly into a patient's vein.

Methods and apparatus for syringe adapter


A logic design system is provided for designing programmable logic device integrated circuits with minimized simultaneous switching noise. The logic design system identifies input-output drivers that are associated with simultaneous switching noise groups by examining a netlist for a circuit design for a programmable logic device. Simultaneous switching noise is minimized by making adjustments to programmable operating parameters for the input-output drivers. The logic design system may make adjustments such as adjustments to programmable drive strengths, programmable slew rates, and programmable on-chip termination resistances. During place and route operations, the logic design system makes placement decisions that help to minimize simultaneous switching noise.

This invention relates to programmable logic device integrated circuits, and more particularly, to computer aided design (CAD) tools for designing logic circuits in programmable logic devices.
Programmable logic devices are a type of integrated circuit that can be programmed by a user to implement a desired custom logic function. In a typical scenario, a logic designer uses computer-aided design (CAD) tools to design a custom logic circuit. These tools use information on the hardware capabilities of a given programmable logic device to help the designer implement the custom logic circuit using the resources available on that given programmable logic device. When the design process is complete, the CAD tools generate configuration data files. The configuration data is loaded into programmable logic devices to configure them to perform the desired custom logic function.
Conventional logic design tools provide logic designers with information on how well a given implementation of a custom logic design is expected to perform. Experienced designers can make adjustments to the design to improve performance. For example, if a designer is informed that a particular implementation of a custom circuit is consuming a large amount of power, the designer may use the logic design tools to make changes to the design that reduce power consumption.
At high switching speeds, designers must take into account noise effects that would otherwise be negligible. An important noise effect to consider is so-called simultaneous switching noise. Simultaneous switching noise (SSN) affects circuits when a number of input or output drivers switch simultaneously. When a significant number of drivers switch simultaneously, the value of the ground voltage can rise and the value of the positive power supply voltage can drop. These SSN effects, which are referred to as ground bounce and Vcc sag, may be significant enough that the digital data passing through the drivers is corrupted.
It would therefore be desirable to provide logic design tools that help logic designers avoid the deleterious effects of simultaneous switching noise when designing custom circuits for programmable logic devices.

Programmable logic device design tool with simultaneous switching noise awareness


Disclosed are a metal wrap through solar cell including a metal wrap through (MWT) structure as a back contact silicon solar cell and a fabrication method thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solar cell and a fabrication method thereof, and in particular, to a metal wrap through solar cell including a metal wrap through (MWT) structure as a back contact silicon solar cell and a fabrication method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a solar cell capable of increasing the efficiency of a solar cell by leaving only a metal finger line on a front surface of the solar cell and installing a metal electrode on a rear surface of a semiconductor substrate by penetrating through the semiconductor substrate, instead of a solar cell wherein a bus bar electrode is formed on a front surface of a solar cell according to the related art, and a fabrication method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, new forms of renewable energy are of much interest due to problems, such as rising oil prices, global warming, exhaustion of fossil energy, nuclear waste disposal, position selection involved in construction of a new power plant and the like. Among others, research and development into solar cells, which is a pollution-free energy source, has actively progressed.
A solar cell, which is an apparatus converting light energy into electric energy using a photovoltaic effect, may be typed as a silicon solar cell, a thin film solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell, an organic polymer solar sell, and the like according to their constituent materials. The solar cell is independently used as a main power supply for an electronic clock, a radio, an unmanned lighthouse, an artificial satellite, a rocket, and the like and as an auxiliary power supply by being connected to a commercial alternating power supply. Recently, there is much growing interest into solar cells due to an increased need of alternate energy.
A solar cell to generate electricity using sunlight has generally been manufactured using silicon. Currently commercialized bulk silicon solar cells have not entered into widespread use due to high manufacturing costs and installation costs. In order to solve such problems related to the cost, research into a slim type solar cell using silicon has actively progressed and various attempts to manufacture a high efficiency solar cell module have been made.

Solar cell and fabrication method thereof


A watch dog timer system which has an abnormality checking function of a high degree of reliability. In the watch dog timer system, abnormality of a computer system is detected as a variation of a value allocated in accordance with an execution condition of a program. To this end, a register receives execution state data defined in accordance with an execution condition of the program from a processor or CPU of the computer system and stores the execution state data before a counter of the watch dog timer system overflows. A comparator compares the execution condition data stored in the register and state sequence data indicative of a state sequence of the program stored in a ROM in advance with each other and generates a reset signal for resetting the computer system when the comparison reveals incoincidence.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a watch dog timer system which is usually employed as a fault supervisory function for software/hardware in an industrial computer or a fault-tolerant computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
A watch dog timer function is used to detect a stop of a computer arising from a bug of a program or from any other cause particularly where the computer is of the type which must not stop such as an industrial computer or a controller for controlling a machine or a product.
The watch dog timer function is usually useful and is sometimes incorporated in an LSI of a one-chip CPU in recent years. This is because it is a definition of normal operation of a computer that "a computer clears a watch dog timer in a fixed time=a program is operating normally". However, if execution of a program enters a permanent loop which includes clearing of a watch dog timer because of a bug, then because this does not satisfy the definition, the bug cannot be detected.
Further, it is sometimes the case that, when an abnormal value is used as a value to be calculated because of some hardware fault, a system operates in a different manner since the value can possibly be assumed by the system. Thus, it is demanded to detect such abnormal operations of a computer as described above with a high degree of accuracy.
A countermeasure which satisfies the demand is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4-241642 wherein it is defined that a system is operating normally when "check points are cleared" using a pass state indication register and "a watch dog timer is cleared" to detect abnormal operation of the system.
According to the system described above,
1. an "execution condition of a program" is not defined precisely, PA0 2. an order in time in which check points are to be passed is not detected, and PA0 3. production of a program is complicated because a plurality of commands including a pass state indication register setting command and a watch dog timer clearing command are used.
Therefore, the system of the document mentioned above is disadvantageous in that it cannot detect a permanent loop which includes the pass state indication register setting command by which check points are set and the watch dog timer clearing command. The system is disadvantageous also in that, upon production of a program, it is not easy for a programmer to use the system in that it is not clear what time difference should be provided to the pass state indication register setting command for check points from the watch dog timer clearing command and that the program must be produced using a conditional branch and so forth so that a program route for execution of the pass state indication register setting command and another program route which includes the watch dog timer clearing command may coincide with each other.
Also, since a check is performed at each check point, the system is disadvantageous in that it does not allow, comparison between a plurality of computers as in designing of a fault-tolerant computer system (because setting of values of check points and confirmation of the same are isolated from each other).


A multifunctional food processor includes: a container, in which a chamber is formed; and a power device, including a shell, where a sliding component mounting cavity is formed in the shell, a sliding component is mounted in the sliding component mounting cavity in a sliding manner, an elastic device is arranged between the sliding component and the shell, a pressing structure and the sliding component are connected to drive the sliding component to slide up and down, a spiral rod mounting cavity is formed in the sliding component, a mounting hole is formed in one end of the sliding component and is interconnected with the spiral rod mounting cavity, the mounting hole and a spiral rod are mated, and any of a dewatering device, a cutting device and a stirring device can be in transmission connection with the spiral rod.

The existing food processor has a single function, and one food processor only can complete one processing step of food such that the whole processing procedure of the food can be completed by multiple different food processors. The multiple food processors occupy a large space, and the existing food processor must be driven by electric power and cannot work without the electric power, so its usage is limited. Therefore, a problem to be solved urgently is to provide a multifunctional food processor which has various functions and is not driven by the electric power.


Device and method for diffusing a protective flux. In order to protect one area of a service station, a more or less parallel air flow is created in the direction of the area. Above a threshold F, the air flow has a gradually increasing speed V22 and, below the threshold, the air flow speed V21 is more or less uniform along the length of a flow section in a plane P which is transverse to the direction of flow D. One possible configuration for an air flow diffusion device, which allows a confinement barrier to be created, consists of a diffusing wall comprising a main wall and a lateral wall. The main planar wall is adapted to diffuse a main laminar flow in the sterile area to be protected. The lateral wall is adapted to diffuse a lateral flow divergent from the main flow. A skirt is disposed to create an obstacle to the lateral flow and to accelerate the flow by of deflection.

The present invention relates to a method for diffusing a stream, for example of treated air, in order to protect a zone with regard to a risk of contamination, in particular airborne, present in a surrounding environment.
It also relates to a diffuser associated with the method, that is, a device for diffusing a hygienic stream in a zone to be protected, for example a zone of an operating station. The operating station may, for example, be a workstation or a storage station. The stream of air prevents the contaminants contained in the surrounding environment from entering the zone to be protected, and in particular protects sensitive products in such zone.
In the description, the word "air" is used to denote any more or less gaseous fluid suitable for the purpose of the invention, for example a gas or a specific gaseous mixture, or an aerosol charged with one or more substances in suspension. This air may be extracted from the atmosphere and possibly treated to make it hygienic vis-a-vis the product to be protected.
The invention may be used in the food processing industry or in the pharmaceuticals industry, and also in catering, the cosmetics industry, electronics or a hospital environment.

Method and device for diffusing a protective flux with regard to a surrounding environment


Acoustic sensor device with noise suppression, in particular for sensors arranged on a noise-generating aggregate, using a double sensor (M1, M2) located between a noise source (S) and an object emitting the sound to be picked up, one of the sensors (M1) being directed towards the noise source (S) and supplying to a control circuit (R) a noise signal which controls an anti-noise source (A) in such a way that it generates an anti-phase sound p.sub.A for compensating the noise p.sub.S, the other sensor (M2) being directed toward the object to be measured and supplying a measuring signal in which the noise fraction is highly weakened and the useful sound fraction is barely weakened, so that the acquisition range of the sensor (M2) is extended as a result of this reduction of sound fractions as a function of the direction of arrival.

The invention relates to acoustic sensor devices with noise suppression to pick up the useful sound emitted by an object, and more particularly to sensor devices arranged on a noise-generating aggregate. Due to the noise level produced by the carrier aggregate for the sensor device at the sensing location, the acquisition range, i.e. the range for acoustic detecting and locating, of the sensor or the sensors of the device for measurement of the object sound is limited.
Passive noise suppression measures naturally have the disadvantage that not only the undesired noise is weakened, but also the useful sound from an object which is to be picked up is weakened. The active anti-noise systems described in the literature, for noise reduction, weaken or even compensate the entire sound field around the point under consideration, irrespective of its origin, by superposing upon it an anti-phase sound field. These anti-noise systems likewise reduce in an unfavourable manner both noise and useful sound because the sound from the object and the undesired noise are treated equally as far as suppression is concerned. Even if enough information is available either on the noise source or on the object emitting the useful sound to distinguish between useful signals and noise signals, for example by means of frequency-selective measures such as using adaptive digital filters, it cannot be avoided that the useful signal is weakened to a certain extent by the anti-phase sound, even though the noise can be weakened more selectively in this way.
To generate compensating oscillations or anti-phase signals, control circuits have previously been used to which the signal received by a sensor was supplied and which adjusted an anti-noise source on the basis of this signal. An example of this can be found in the German Patent No. DE 30 25 391 C2. In the device described in this patent a setting signal is supplied to the control circuit electro-acoustically, which setting signal represents the useful signal that varies over time and upon which the airborne noise signal coming from outside is superposed. The resulting oscillation, which is received by a microphone, is weighted by means of a linear filter and continuously compared with the setting signal. When a suitable frequency is chosen for the feedback path and for transmission of the useful signal, the interfering oscillation is successfully reduced and the useful signal is maintained in the resulting signal to a more or less satisfactory extent. However, this circuit does not work when both, the noise signal and the useful signal arrive through the air.
Another prior art device, German Published Patent Application No. DE 31 33 107 A1, does not solve the above problems, either. In the personal sound protection device proposed in this patent document, two microphones of different directional characteristics are directed toward one side. Because of the different directional characteristics, the noise and useful signal fractions differ in the electric signals supplied by the microphones if undesired noise and useful sound arrive from different directions. The two signals are supplied to a differential amplifier whose output signal is supplied to an output amplifier and represents the picked-up and selected useful signal, which is fed into an ear muff. Efficient suppression of undesired noise with maintenance of the maximum possible fraction of useful sound is possible only by means of different manual setting of the two microphone amplifiers.
The proposed control of the differential signal after low-pass filtering makes an efficient contribution only at specific interfering frequencies. This is effected by using a control circuit to return the voltage generated at the low-pass filter to the amplifier of the microphone which picks up mainly noise fractions, and by readjusting amplification until the low-pass voltage has decreased below a predetermined value. Apart from the fact that this measure is suited exclusively for low-frequency noise fractions and exclusively for higher-frequency useful sound fractions, it cannot be avoided that the sound fractions that are inevitably contained in the two signals are lost during subtraction. Even if the microphone amplifiers are set manually, this cannot be completely avoided. Such manual setting is suited only for personal sound protection by means of ear muffs, and not for a sensor device for detecting and locating useful sound.


A memory such as a FeRAM implements accelerated fatigue operations that simultaneously change the storage state of large numbers of memory cells and can be rapidly repeated. In one embodiment, the FeRAM includes multiple segments with plate lines in each segment being isolated from plate lines in other segments. A first fatigue operation uses standard read/write decoding for word lines but simultaneously activates all segments. A second fatigue operation activates all segments and all plate lines and exercises one row of memory cells in each plate line group. A third fatigue operation is similar to the second but cycles through rows in the plate line groups so that a number of repetitions of the third fatigue operation equally fatigue every FeRAM cell.

Integrated circuit manufacturers often test integrated circuits and attempt to identify chips having latent defects that may lead to unacceptably short useful lifetimes. One example of an integrated circuit requiring such testing is a ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM). A FeRAM generally includes an array of memory cells where each memory cell contains at least one ferroelectric capacitor. Each ferroelectric capacitor contains a ferroelectric material sandwiched between conductive plates. To store a data bit in a FeRAM cell, a write operation applies write voltages to the plates of the ferroelectric capacitor in the FeRAM cell to polarize the ferroelectric material in a direction associated with the data bit being written. A persistent polarization remains in the ferroelectric material after the write voltages are removed and thus provides non-volatile storage of the stored data bit.
A conventional read operation for a FeRAM determines the data bit stored in a FeRAM cell by connecting one plate of a ferroelectric capacitor to a bit line and raising the other plate to a read voltage. If the persistent polarization in the ferroelectric capacitor is in a direction corresponding to the read voltage, the read voltage causes a relatively small current through the ferroelectric capacitor, resulting in a small charge and voltage change on the bit line. If the persistent polarization initially opposes the read voltage, the read voltage flips the direction of the persistent polarization, discharging the plates and resulting in a relatively large charge and voltage increase on the bit line. A sense amplifier can determine the stored value from the resulting bit line current or voltage.
Repeated reading and writing of a FeRAM cell, which changes the polarization state of the ferroelectric capacitor, can fatigue the ferroelectric material and change the properties of the FeRAM cell. The resulting fatigue may eventually lead to a failure. One way to predict when a particular FeRAM cell may fail is to measure the properties on the FeRAM cell before and after performing a series of read and write operations on the FeRAM cell. A measured change in the properties of the FeRAM cell can then be extrapolated to the desired minimum life of the FeRAM cell to project whether the FeRAM cell will still be operable. If the extrapolation indicates that the FeRAM cell will fail before reaching the desired minimum life, the FeRAM cell may have a latent defect and may be replaced with redundant FeRAM cells in a memory device.
The minimum number of read or write cycles before a failure of a FeRAM cell must be large (e.g., on the order of 1015 cycles or more) to provide a memory device with a commercially viable life. The large number of cycles before failure can make fatigue testing very time consuming. Extrapolation to 1015 read/write cycles, for example, might reasonably require a test to actually perform 1012 read/write cycles on a FeRAM cell. However, performing 1012 read and write operations on every memory cell in a reasonable size FeRAM (e.g., in a 4-megabit FeRAM) would literally require days, making such testing impractical for production testing of FeRAM and at least bothersome when testing a FeRAM design. Extrapolation can be based on a smaller number of read and write cycles per FeRAM cell to reduce the testing time, but reduction of the number of cycles reduces the accuracy of the test.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,018 describes a FeRAM having a test mode of operation that can speed up fatigue testing. This FeRAM uses a specific FeRAM architecture capable of pulsing two plate segments simultaneously in the test mode and a single plate segment in a normal mode. The test mode thus simultaneously accesses a larger number of FeRAM cells than can read or write operations in the normal mode.
In view of the need for accurate testing in order to provide reliable FeRAM, improved architectures and processes that permit fatigue testing within commercially expedient times are sought.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a FeRAM has an architecture implementing a set of test modes that accelerate fatigue testing. One test mode uses decoding for standard read/write operations in each section of the FeRAM but simultaneously exercises all sections. Another test mode simultaneously exercises one row per plate-line group for all plate-line groups and all segments. The same row can be repeatedly exercised to heavily fatigue (e.g., 1014 cycles) a portion of the FeRAM, or the rows of the plate line groups can be sequentially exercised to fatigue test a larger number of FeRAM cells.
One specific embodiment of the invention is an integrated memory such as a FeRAM. The memory includes: multiple segments, where each segment contains bit lines and memory cells connected to the bit lines. An address decoding circuit for the memory has a first mode for read and write operations, and in the first mode, the address decoding circuit selects one of the segments and makes the memory cells in the selected segment accessible. The address decoding circuit has a second mode for accelerated fatigue operations, and in the second mode, the address decoding circuit selects all of the segments so that memory cells in all of the segments are simultaneously accessible for a change in state. In the first mode, the address decoding circuit generally makes only the bit lines in the selected segment accessible, but in the second mode, the address decoding circuit activates drive circuits for all of the bit lines.
For a FeRAM, each memory cell generally includes a select transistor and a ferrorelectric storage capacitor, and each of the segments includes plate lines that are connected to respective subsets of the memory cells. The select transistor in a memory cell connects one plate of the storage capacitor to a corresponding bit line, and each plate line connects to the other plate of each storage capacitor in the memory cells corresponding to the plate line. In the second mode, the address decoding circuit either activates only one of the plate lines in each segment or alternatively activates all of the plate lines. Activating all of the plate lines allows simultaneously changing the states of more FeRAM cells, but generally requires more bit line current to flip the polarization state of multiple FeRAM cells coupled to each bit line.
Another embodiment of the invention is a FeRAM including one or more memory sections, a first address decoding circuit, and a second address decoding circuit. Each memory section includes memory cells, bit lines, and word lines. The memory cells are arranged in rows and columns with each row of memory cells being connected to a corresponding one of the word lines and each column of memory cells being connected to a corresponding one of the bit lines. Each memory section is further divided into segments with each segment including the bit lines and the memory cells in a set of the columns. Each segment further includes plate lines and drive circuits with the drive circuits being respectively connected to the plate lines in the segment. The first address decoding circuit generates segment select signals, and the second address decoding circuit generates plate line select signals. Each plate line drive circuit drives the connected plate line in response to activation of both the segment select signal corresponding to the segment containing the drive circuit and the corresponding plate line select signal.
Test modes of the first and second decoding circuits implement accelerated fatigue operations. In particular, the first address decoding circuit can have a normal mode in which the first address decoding circuit activates only one of the segment select signals and a test mode in which the first address decoding circuit simultaneously activates all of the segment select signals. Similarly, the second address decoding circuit can have a normal mode in which the second address decoding circuit activates only one of the plate line select signals and a test mode in which the second address decoding circuit simultaneously activates all of the plate line select signals. For normal read and write operations, the first and second address decoding circuits to operate in their respective normal modes. For one accelerated fatigue operation, the first address decoding circuits operates in its test mode and the second address decoding circuit operates in its normal mode, and another accelerated fatigue operation operates the first and second address decoding circuits in their respective test modes.
When the memory contains multiple sections, a third address decoding circuit can generate a plurality of section select signals. The third address decoding circuit has a normal mode in which the third address decoding circuit activates only one of the section select signals and a test mode in which the third address decoding circuit simultaneously activates all section select signals.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is an accelerated fatigue operation that includes: (a) activating one or more word lines to select FeRAM cells in a FeRAM array; (b) activating one or more plate lines that correspond to the activated word lines; and (c) simultaneously activating all bit lines in the FeRAM array, wherein activated levels of the plate lines and the bit lines flip polarizations states in the selected FeRAM cells. Steps (b) and (c) are generally repeated a large number of times (e.g., 1012-1014 times) to fatigue the selected FeRAM cells. The activated levels of the plate lines and the bit lines generally change for each repetition as required to flip the state of a FeRAM cell. The FeRAM cells selected in step (a) can be maintained for all repetitions of steps (b) and (c), or repetitions of step (a) can cycle the selected word line addresses through a range identifying the FeRAM cells being fatigued.
When step (a) simultaneously activates multiple word lines, the word lines are generally selected to correspond to different plate lines in the FeRAM array to avoid the requirement of large plate line drive circuits. Step (b) generally causes the plate line drive circuits to simultaneously drive all plate lines that correspond to the activated word lines, and step (b) may cause simultaneous driving all of the plate lines in the FeRAM array to simultaneously cycle a larger number of FeRAM cells.


An apparatus and method for regulating arrangement of pilot subcarriers to improve a channel estimation throughput in a wireless communication system using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme are provided. The apparatus includes a pilot pattern manager for providing control such that pilots are non-uniformly generated according to a distance of a preamble in order to provide a constant link throughput of the frame when the downlink frame is generated.

Wireless communication systems have recently developed to radio data packet communication systems that can provide multimedia services with a high speed and high quality beyond the early voice-oriented services. To transmit data with a high speed by using a limited frequency resource, the wireless communication system uses Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC) that regulates a modulation rate and a coding rate according to a channel state. In this case, a channel of the wireless communication system changes frequently due to several factors, such as, white noise, received signal power change caused by fading, shadowing, Doppler effect depending on movement of a mobile terminal and frequent speed change, interference caused by other users or multi-path signals, etc.
As described above, the channel of the wireless communication system changes according to a state of a radio resource. That is, a signal transmitted by a transmitter of the wireless communication system is distorted according to changes in the channel. To compensate for the distortion of the signal, a receiver of the wireless communication system performs channel estimation. For example, when the wireless communication system uses Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) and Quadrature PSK (QPSK), the receiver compensates for the channel by predicting only a phase of a received signal. The BPSK and the QPSK are low-order modulation schemes included in the AMC. When the wireless communication system uses a high-order modulation scheme such as 8-ary Phase Shift Keying (8PSK) and 16-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16QAM), a plurality of symbols are located in each quadrant and a plurality of symbols each having a different amplitude component can be located at the same phase. Therefore, the receiver needs to estimate not only a phase component but also an amplitude component.
The transmitter transmits a pilot signal in order to estimate the channel. The pilot signal is known to the receiver in advance. That is, the receiver estimates the channel by using the pilot signal transmitted by the transmitter, and thereafter demodulates a data signal by using a value of the estimated channel. To improve accuracy of the channel estimation in the receiver, the transmitter has to transmit more amounts of pilot signals more frequently.
Since the pilot signal and the data signal use limited resources (e.g., frequency and time resources) in the transmitter, a throughput for the data signal decreases when the pilot signal is transmitted more frequently.
Accordingly, by considering a Doppler frequency, delay spread, etc., the transmitter transmits the pilot signal with a specific interval in a frequency and time resource as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 illustrates a pilot pattern of a conventional Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system.
Referring to FIG. 1, the OFDM system transmits a pilot signal with a specific interval in a frequency resource and a time resource.
By using the pilot signal transmitted with the specific interval, a receiver calculates a channel value of a data signal region, that is, a region where the pilot signal is not transmitted. For example, in the estimation of the channel value of the data signal region, the receiver may perform linear interpolation or the like on the channel value estimated using the pilot signal.
When a signal is transmitted and received using the same pilot pattern in the OFDM system, a preamble with a high pilot density has a best channel estimation throughput. Channel estimation information is used in channel estimation for subsequent OFDM symbols. In this case, there is a problem in that the greater the temporal distance from the preamble, the poorer the channel estimation throughput.
The aforementioned problem can be addressed by regulating a number of times of transmitting the pilot pattern by using feedback information of a mobile terminal. However, there is still an unsolved problem in that the channel estimation throughput deteriorates as a result of uniform density of pilot signals included in a frame. That is, when subcarriers are located at edge portions in a two-dimensional downlink frame, a relatively small number of pilots can be used in channel estimation, and thus there is a problem in that a link throughput decreases.
As described above, in the conventional method, the same modulation scheme and coding rate are used at all locations within a frame according to channel quality information in a frame unit. When channel estimation is performed on a rear portion of the frame, spectrum usage efficiency may deteriorate. This is because a link throughput is relatively good in a front portion, but a higher modulation scheme and coding rate are not used in the front portion of the frame. On the contrary, when channel estimation is performed on the front portion of the frame or on edge portions of the frame wherein the rear portion has a poor link throughput, errors may frequency occur in the rear portion of the frame.

Apparatus and method for channel estimation in wireless communication system


An apparatus for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine on the basis of a plurality of cylinder identification signals and a reference position signal includes a control means for making it possible to continue the engine operation control even when one of the above signals suffers from abnormality. The control means includes a first decision means for making decision as to whether or not the individual cylinder identification signals are normal, and a first back-up means for controlling the engine on the basis of other cylinder identification signal(s) when one of said cylinder identification signals is decided to be not normal. The control means may include in addition to the first decision means and the first back-up means a second decision means for making decision as to whether the reference signal is normal or not, and a second back-up means responsive to an output of the second first decision means indicating that the reference position signal is not normal, to thereby control operation of the engine on the basis of the cylinder identification signals.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine (hereinafter also referred to simply as the engine) by controlling fuel injections, ignition timings and the like for the individual cylinders of the engine On the basis of a reference position signal and/or cylinder identification signals. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an engine control apparatus which is equipped with a back-up capability or function which allows the engine operation control to be performed even when failure or fault or abnormality in more general term should occur in the cylinder identification signals or the reference position signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, in the internal combustion engine for an automobile or motor vehicle, it is required to control optimally the fuel injection and the ignition timing in accordance with the operation state of the engine or motor vehicle. In conjunction with such control, a microcomputer is employed for identifying discriminatively the reference angular position of a crank shaft of the engine on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis to determine through calculation the ignition timings for the individual cylinders, respectively.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an engine control apparatus known heretofore which is configured so as to perform a group-wise ignition timing control for two cylinder sets each including two cylinders in an engine having four cylinders.
Referring to the figure, there are provided as signal input means a reference position signal generating means 1 for generating a reference position signal T corresponding to a reference crank angle position on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis in synchronism with rotation of an engine (not shown) and a cylinder identification signal generating means for generating a cylinder identification signal C for identifying individual cylinders in synchronism with rotation of the engine. Each of the reference position signal generating means 1 and the cylinder identification signal generating means 2 is constituted by a rotatable slit disk mounted on a crank shaft or a cam shaft interlocked thereto and photo-detectors disposed in opposition to the rotatable slit disk, as described hereinafter in more detail.
The reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C are inputted to a control means 3 which can be implemented by using a microcomputer and which is adapted to detect the reference positions of the individual cylinders on the basis of the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C and calculate the ignition timing or the like control parameters in accordance with the operation state of the engine to thereby output a control signal (ignition coil turn-on/off signal) for controlling the ignition timing.
An ignition coil 41 is provided in association with a set of cylinders labeled #1 and #4, while an ignition coil 42 is provided in association with another set of cylinders labeled #3 and #2. Electrical energization and deenergization of these ignition coils 41 and 42 are controlled by the control signal generated by the control means 3.
The control means 3 includes input interface units 31 and 32 for shaping (or conditioning) and fetching the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C, respectively, a timing control unit 33 for calculating the ignition timings for the individual cylinders on the basis of the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C in accordance with the operation state of the engine, and output interface unit 34 and 35 for outputting control signals corresponding to the ignition timings to the ignition coils 41 and 42, respectively.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing typical structures of the reference position signal generating means 1 and the cylinder identification signal generating means 2. Referring to the figure, a slit disk 11 which may also referred to as the signal disk is mounted on a cam shaft 10 which is rotated in synchronism with the rotation of the engine. A plurality of slits 12 and 13; 14 are formed coaxially in the signal disk 11 in the direction in which the disk 11 is rotated, wherein the radially outer slits 12 (four arcuate slits corresponding to four cylinders, respectively, and having a same length) are adapted to partake in generation of the reference position signal T for the individual cylinders, while the radially inner slits 13 and 14 of different lengths (two slits corresponding to the two cylinder sets, respectively) are adapted to generate the cylinder identification signal C for identifying the cylinder sets.
A pair of light emitter elements 15 and 17 are disposed in opposition to a pair of light receiving elements 16 and 18, respectively, wherein a peripheral portion of the disk 11 having the slits 12, 13; 14 formed therein is interposed between the light emitter elements 15; 17 and the light receiving elements 16; 18. Thus, the light emitting element 15 and the light receiving element 16 cooperate to constitute a photo-detector disposed in opposition to the trace of the slits 12 for generation of the reference position signal T, while the light emitting element 17 and the light receiving element 18 constitute a photo-detector disposed in opposition to the path of the slits 13 and 14 for generation of the cylinder identification signal C.
FIG. 14 is a timing chart which illustrates the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C together with a coil current having a waveform I1 for the ignition coil 41 provided in association with one set of cylinders and a coil current having a waveform I2 for the ignition coil 42 associated with the other cylinder set. As can be seen in this figure, the reference position signal T includes pulses each having a leading edge rising up at a crank angle of B65.degree. (indicating a crank angle 65.degree. before the top dead center or TDC) of each cylinder and a trailing edge falling at a crank angle of B5.degree., wherein the position corresponding to the crank angle of B65.degree. is referred to as the reference position with the position corresponding to the crank angle of B5.degree. being termed the initial reference position. In terms of the crank angle, the total period of the reference position signal T for the four cylinders amounts to 720.degree., wherein one pulse period for each of the cylinders corresponds to 180.degree.. Further, the pulse width or duration extending from the reference position B65.degree. to the initial reference position B5.degree. corresponds to 60.degree. in terms of the crank angle, and a pulse quiescent duration intervening the initial reference position B5.degree. for a given one cylinder and the reference position B65.degree. for the cylinder succeeding to that given one cylinder corresponds to the crank angle of 120.degree..
On the other hand, the cylinder set identification signal C contains pulses of different waveforms which differ in phase from the pulses contained in the reference signal position signal T so that the signal C have a different signal level at the reference position B65.degree. and the initial reference position B5.degree. for the individual cylinder sets. By way of example, by imparting such waveforms to the pulses of the cylinder identification signal C that one pulse corresponding to one cylinder set assumes a signal level "1" at both the crank angle positions B65.degree. and B5.degree., while the succeeding pulse corresponding to the other cylinder set assumes levels "1" and "0" at the positions B65.degree. and B5.degree., respectively, it is possible to identify discriminatively the particular cylinder sets from each other. Generation of the pulses of the waveforms mentioned above can be realized by appropriately designing the slits 12 and 13; 14.
Next, description will turn to operation of the known engine control apparatus shown in FIG. 12 by reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
When the engine rotates, the reference position signal generating means 1 constituted by the combination of the photo-elements 15 and 16 and the slits 12 and the cylinder identification signal generating means 2 constituted by the combination of the photo-elements 17 and 18 and the slits 13 and 14 generate the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C which have waveforms such as illustrated in FIG. 14, respectively. These signals T and C are supplied to the timing control unit 33 incorporated in the control means 3 through the input interface units 31 and 32, respectively.
On the basis of the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C, the control unit 33 detects the reference positions for the individual cylinders to thereby calculate the control quantity for controlling the ignition timing in dependence on the engine operation state, as a result of which the control signals for controlling the ignition timings are outputted from the control means 33 through the output interface 34 and 35 to be applied to the switching elements provided in association with the ignition coils 41 and 42, respectively. In that case, when the ignition timing is to advance, the timing control is performed with reference to the reference position B65.degree., while when the ignition timing is to lag, the timing control is then performed with reference to the second reference position B5.degree..
The conventional engine control apparatus described above suffers from a serious problem that when either one of the reference position signal T or the cylinder identification signal C becomes abnormal or unavailable due to occurrence of a fault or failure in either one of the two signal channels composed of the photo-detectors 15; 16 and 17; 18 and the slits 12 and 13; 14, respectively, it becomes impossible to perform the cylinder identification or the detection of the reference position, leading to functional disability or malfunction of the timing control unit 33. To say in another way, because the conventional engine control apparatus generates the engine operation control signal on the basis of the reference position signal T and the cylinder identification signal C, there may arise such unwanted situation that the engine control is rendered impossible when abnormality occurs in either one of the reference position signal (T) channel or the cylinder identification signal (C) channel. In this conjunction, it is safe to say that the possibility of simultaneous occurrence of abnormality in both the signal channels can be neglected in practical applications.

Control apparatus for internal combustion engine


An electrode arrangement is described that is configured to be coupled to a high voltage source for a dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment of an irregularly three-dimensionally shaped surface of an electrically conducting body. The three-dimensionally shaped surface is used as a counter electrode. A first planar electrode is coupled to the high voltage source via a first lead, fitted to the object to be treated and brought in contact with a dielectric. A second electrode is contacted with the surface to be treated as reference electrode. The second electrode is provided in an edge portion that is circumferential to the first planar electrode and configured to be coupled to a reference voltage source via a second lead. An isolating cover layer covers the electrode and a third electrode covers the isolating cover layer as a ground electrode.

Cold plasmas have considerable potential for skin conditioning, disinfection of skin and wound healing. However, available plasma sources lack the possibility to treat larger areas, to control plasma properties and/or the possibility to adapt the shape of the plasma to the shape of the object to be treated (e.g. a foot). This invention focuses on: a cold plasma device, which can treat a larger area.                Cold plasmas allow efficient, contact-free and painless disinfection, even in microscopic openings, without damaging healthy tissue.        The bacterial response to plasma application is almost instantaneous (few seconds).        The plasma is directly in contact with the skin which may result in fast disinfection of the skin.        When operated in air a high production of NO radicals may be expected. The production of NO might have a positive effect on the microcirculation of blood in the skin, which is very important in the case of diabetic foot.        A considerable, transient electric field will be present in/near the skin (several kV/cm). Such electrical fields result in faster proliferation of skin cells. Also a positive effect on blood circulation might occur due to electroporation of skin.        Provides a microbial defense system for plasma application (and hence resistance build-up).        Plasmas can stimulate human cells without damage. Clinical trials confirm the efficacy and tolerability of plasma in treating infected chronic wounds.        Plasmas could contribute to a better skin condition and a higher ability for wound healing due to an improved microcirculation.        Plasma device according to this invention support preventing serious foot complications at an early stage, and contributes to skin improvement, wound prevention and healing.        Nowadays, the only preventive actions that people with diabetes mellitus can take at home, is daily inspection and daily cleaning of the feet. However, this is often not practical for high-risk patients due to poor eyesight, obesity and stiff joints. World-wide there are no homecare devices available.        The invention provides an easy to use, fool-proof homecare device that solves this problem.        Because of the costs involved it is crucial that patients treat their feet every day. However, patients with diabetic foot complications are relatively old and tend to forget.
The flexible plasma device is a platform technology with a number of interesting applications and market possibilities to improve skin conditions, prevent ulcerations and accelerate healing of the diabetic foot.
The plasma can easily be delivered to the skin of a patient, e.g. in the form of a plasma pad. The skin will be temporary exposed to the plasma to disinfect the skin and to improve cell proliferation and microcirculation of the blood. Typically, one-minute plasma treatment will reduce the bacterial load on the foot with up to a factor of one million, without negatively affecting the skin. Such a treatment should be continued on a once/twice per day basis until the threat of infection has been overcome.
This technology offers perspectives for medical treatments and prevention measures. In dermatology, new opportunities are being opened for wound healing, tissue regeneration, therapy of skin infections, and probably many more applications. Also, plasmas may effectively kill skin-cancer cells. A few examples:                Skin diseases: Most dermatological problems are associated with bacterial or fungal infections. Plasmas may help to reduce complications due to bacteria and fungi, and may even treat the diseases themselves.        Chronic wounds and inflammations: Plasmas may very well assist in controlling the consequences of chronic inflammation associated with these diseases by eliminating bacterial and fungal infections, which results in a drastic improvement of the quality of life.        Hospital hygiene: The growth of resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA) poses a big problem in hospitals. Plasma devices can sterilize or disinfect both medical tools and hands (e.g. of surgeons).        Antifungal treatment: It has been shown that plasmas can be employed efficiently to combat fungal diseases.
From U.S. Pat. No. 9,005,188 and EP2670477 flexible electrodes are known with a structured surface of a plurality of spaced apart projections from the surface to form air-guiding areas where the plasma is generated. A problem associated with these devices is the high voltage oscillations, that is caused by irregular discharges of the plasma. This poses problems for electromagnetic compatibility. The switching flyback transformer and the combination with plasma on an open pad can produce a lot of interference. The plasma pad itself is the biggest source of radiation because high voltage is applied to an open mesh that will act as a radio antenna emitting electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the large non differential wires, acting as a loop antenna, cause a radiating surface. Some publications mention a shielding cover as method to prevent high electromagnetic radiation when using a volume dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). However, none of these solutions are satisfying for a device that is to be used in home and medical care environments.

Non-therma plasma device with electromagnetic compatibility control


A rack assembly having a plurality of tubular members adapted to be mounted on a pickup truck box. The sides of the rack assembly taper upwardly and outwardly to increase accessibility to items contained in the truck box. A plurality of tubular joiners located within adjacent end sections of the tubular members releasably couple the members in end-to-end relationship. The outer surface of each joiner has a circumferential annular groove intersecting at least one longitudinal groove adapted to cooperate with an inwardly extended tab provided on one of the end sections to lock the tubular members together.

Prior racks have been adapted for installation on the cargo box of a pickup truck for utility purposes. These pickup truck racks have upright members secured to the side wall of the truck box that support longitudinal members and cross members extending between the tops of the upright members. Examples of these pickup truck racks are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,947,566, issued Aug. 2, 1960, to P. Tower, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,405,170, issued Sept. 20, 1983, to R. Raya.
A majority of prior pickup truck racks have been difficult to install, cumbersome to remove, and expensive to construct. Further, these racks have interfered with the use of and accessibility to the box area of the truck. Oftentimes, driver viewing through the rear window of the truck is obstructed by the racks.


A zoom lens system comprising a plurality of movable lens units which individually move along an optical axis at the time of zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, wherein at least two of the movable lens units are focusing lens units which move along the optical axis at the time of focusing from an infinity in-focus condition to a close-object in-focus condition in at least one zooming position, and among the focusing lens units, a lens unit having the absolute value, which is not the greatest absolute value, of a wobbling value at a wide-angle limit is a wobbling lens unit which senses a moving direction of the focusing lens units at the time of focusing by wobbling itself in a direction along the optical axis; an interchangeable lens apparatus; and a camera system are provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, an interchangeable lens apparatus, and a camera system. In particular, the present invention relates to: a compact and lightweight zoom lens system having a relatively high zooming ratio, in which aberration fluctuation in association with focusing is reduced, aberrations particularly in a close-object in-focus condition are sufficiently compensated to provide excellent optical performance over the overall focusing condition, and continuous high-speed autofocusing performance extremely being suitable for image taking of videos is provided; and an interchangeable lens apparatus and a camera system each employing this zoom lens system.
2. Description of the Background Art
In recent years, interchangeable-lens type digital camera systems (also referred to simply as "camera systems", hereinafter) have been spreading rapidly. Such interchangeable-lens type digital camera systems can realize: taking of a high-sensitive and high-quality image; high-speed focusing and high-speed image processing after image taking; and easy replacement of an interchangeable lens apparatus in accordance with a desired scene. Furthermore, an interchangeable lens apparatus having a zoom lens system that forms an optical image with variable magnification is popular because it allows free change of focal length without the necessity of lens replacement.
A compact zoom lens system having a high zooming ratio and excellent optical performance from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit has been desired as a zoom lens system to be used in an interchangeable lens apparatus. Various kinds of zoom lens systems having multiple-unit configurations, such as four-unit configuration and five-unit configuration, have been proposed. In such zoom lens systems, focusing is usually performed such that some lens units in the lens system are moved in a direction along the optical axis. However, when focusing from an infinity in-focus condition to a close-object in-focus condition is performed by a single lens unit, the amount of movement at focusing of this lens unit depends on paraxial power configuration in the entire lens system. Therefore, it is difficult to favorably compensate the amount of aberration fluctuation from a wide angle limit to a telephoto limit.
In order to reduce aberration fluctuation at the time of focusing, various zoom lens systems are proposed, in which a plurality of lens units in the lens system are individually moved in the direction along the optical axis.
Japanese Patent No. 4402368 discloses a zoom lens having four-unit configuration of positive, negative, negative, and positive. In this zoom lens, at the time of zooming, a first lens unit and a fourth lens unit move from the image side to the object side, and thereby the intervals between the respective lens units are changed. At the time of focusing, a second lens unit moves to the image side at a wide-angle limit and moves to the object side at a telephoto limit, and a third lens unit moves to the object side regardless of the zooming condition. The amounts of movement at the time of focusing of the second and third lens units are set forth.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-169051 discloses a zoom lens having three-or-more-unit configuration, in which a negative lens unit is located closest to the object side. In this zoom lens, the intervals between the respective lens units are changed at the time of zooming. A first focusing unit and a second focusing unit which includes a positive lens and a negative lens individually move at the timing of focusing. Abbe numbers of the positive lens and the negative lens are set forth.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 11-072705 discloses a zoom lens having a six-unit configuration of positive, negative, positive, positive, negative, and positive. In this zoom lens, at the time of zooming, at least one magnification-variable lens unit among the second to sixth lens units moves along the optical axis. At least one of the third to sixth lens units is moved along the optical axis to compensate variation in the image point position due to the zooming. At least two focusing lens units among the first to sixth lens units are moved along the optical axis to perform focusing.
In each of the zoom lenses disclosed in the above-described patent literatures, the aberration fluctuation at the time of focusing is reduced to some extent. However, since compensation of aberrations, particularly in a close-object in-focus condition, is insufficient, the zoom lenses do not have excellent optical performance over the entire object distance from an infinite object distance to a close object distance.
In recent years, among the camera systems, particularly a video camera system for image taking of videos is strongly desired, and a zoom lens system which is able to continuous high-speed autofocus is needed. However, the zoom lenses disclosed in the above-described patent literatures do not have continuous high-speed autofocusing performance being applicable for such the video camera system.

Zoom lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system


A steering wheel unit includes a steering wheel defining an x-y plane. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel carcass (1), on which at least two mounting surface areas (2), at least two guide pegs (3), and at least two interlocking openings (4) having rims and guiding surface areas (9) are provided. The steering wheel unit further comprises an air bag module (6) with an inflator mount (5) being fitted to the steering wheel in a z direction perpendicular to the x-y plane. The air bag module (6) is secured immovable relative to the x-y plane and relative to the z direction. The inflator mount (5) has recesses (7) and interlocking tabs (8) made of an elastic material with latching protuberances (10). The mounting surface areas (2) extend parallel to the x-y plane.

For securing an air bag module in a steering wheel numerous proposals have already been made. When the steering wheels are secured in final assembly by means of a nut screwed to the threaded end of the steering column the air bag module cannot be installed until after the steering wheel has been fitted since it takes up the central portion above the steering wheel hub which needs to remain free for screwing on the nut.
When so-called integrated air bags are to be provided in which the steering wheel is furnished together with the finish-assembled air bag for fitting to the steering column, then some other means of steering wheel fastening is required, for which likewise proposals have already been made, all of which, however, are more awkward to handle than the usual steering wheel fastening by a central nut successfully practiced a million-times over.
In this version--as mentioned--the air bag module cannot be fitted until the steering wheel has been mounted on the steering column and secured thereto.
Then, for securing the air bag module in the steering wheel screw, connectors need to be provided, the access points of which are not provided on the exposed surface of the steering wheel to avoid spoiling optical appeal. Having to insert screws and making the screw connections from the rear of the steering wheel is always a nuisance and time-consuming due to the restricted space availability. Since means of shaving final assembly time in current automotive production are always being sought, screw connectors, especially when needing to be made from the rear of the steering wheel are thus viewed as being a distinct drawback.
This is why attempts have also been made to secure air bag modules to the steering wheel by means of snap-in or clip connectors. However, experience has shown that conventional connectors of this kind fail to be suitable since they are incapable of accommodating the shock forces encountered in air bag activation or because these connectors unlatch when dynamically stressed. Connectors of this type are usually subjected in the locked position to a certain pretension to lock the snap-in or clip connection so that it cannot unlatch under normal conditions. On explosive inflation of an air bag, connectors of this kind are, however, first loaded in the sense of eliminating this pretension, resulting in the latching protuberances no longer being able to reliable clasp when the loading immediately follows in the pretensioning direction.

Steering wheel including an air bag module


Cooling device for the drive for the adjustment of the needle (5) of a needle valve nozzle (3) in hot runner systems for injection molding machines, wherein the drive is mounted on the hot runner manifold (1) of the injection molding machine and wherein the drive housing (10), in which the drive is accommodated, is connected, on the side facing the hot runner manifold (1), with a heat sink (20) of the cooling device, which heat sink is formed as a separate part. According to the invention, the heat sink (20) of the cooling device is mounted on the side of the drive housing facing the hot runner manifold (1) without bearing the weight of the drive housing (10). The heat sink (20) is provided with through-holes, through which the supports (12), which are directly or indirectly connected to the hot runner manifold (1), can extend freely, to which supports the drive housing (10) is attached (FIG. 1).

A hot runner system for an injection molding machine includes a hot runner manifold with a sprue bushing for the melt, nozzles connected to the hot runner manifold for insertion into the injection molding tool and, in the case of needle valve nozzles, drives for the adjustment of the valve needles in their longitudinal direction.
The drive for the adjustment of the needle is mounted on the hot runner manifold. The drive may be, for example, an hydraulic, a pneumatic, an electric or a magnetic drive. It is important that the drive and/or its housing be protected against the heat emanating from the hot runner manifold.
For this purpose, an arrangement in which a cooling device is installed in the lower part of the drive housing facing the manifold is already known from the prior art. This arrangement has the disadvantage that when the drive is changed the connections for the coolant flowing through the cooling device must also be disconnected. This not only requires additional time, but also causes the leakage of a limited amount of coolant.

Cooling device for the drive for adjusting the needle of a needle valve nozzle in hot runner systems for injection molding machines


The present disclosure relates to a system for producing high pressure steam from low quality feedwater for a designated process. The system includes a first closed loop in fluid communication with a boiler and a heat exchanger assembly. A first fluid flows through the first closed loop, and is of acceptable quality for use in a boiler. Heat from the boiler is transferred to a second loop through the heat exchanger assembly. The second loop includes the low quality feedwater, which is converted to high pressure steam. The high pressure steam produced from the low quality water can be used in the designated process. This reduces corrosion/downtime in the boiler that might otherwise occur if the low quality water was directly heated by the boiler.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing high pressure steam using a poor or low quality feedwater source. This can be accomplished without continuously treating large quantities of water.
During combustion, the chemical energy in a fuel is converted to thermal heat inside the furnace of a boiler. The thermal heat is captured through heat-absorbing surfaces in the boiler to produce steam. The fuels used in the furnace include a wide range of solid, liquid, and gaseous substances, including coal, natural gas, and diesel oil.
Steam generation from a boiler system involves thermal and physical processes of heat transfer, fluid flow, evaporation, and condensation of a feedwater fluid mixture that includes water and steam. As the temperatures and pressures of the feedwater and the produced steam change, dissolved materials in the water can precipitate and/or deposit in the waterside of the boiler. These include materials such as oxides, hydroxides, hydrates, carbonates, and other organic/chemical impurities. These deposits can result in the formation of scale on the insides of tube surfaces, or can facilitate corrosion of structural materials within the boiler system. These deposits and/or corrosion combined with the high heat fluxes found in the furnace section of a boiler may lead to tube failures. While scale/deposits can be removed using various maintenance and clean-up processes, this leads to downtime.
Typical systems for supplying high-pressure high-temperature steam to various processes generally involve the direct heating of the feedwater in the boiler. High purity feedwater is typically required to avoid scale/deposits within the tubes of the boiler, other devices associated with the system, and the piping in fluid communication therewith. Low quality feedwater can be treated/cleaned to obtain high purity feedwater. While this is acceptable in a closed loop where the treated high purity feedwater is recycled through the boiler, the treatment/clean-up of the feedwater becomes prohibitively expensive in an open loop cycle because the feedwater treatment system would need to continuously produce high purity water at a rate that is equal to the steam flow requirement of the process. Otherwise, the heat flux in the boiler tubes caused by using low quality feedwater would result in deposits/accumulation of impurities.
However, not all commercial processes that require high-pressure steam also require the steam be at as high a level of purity as the feedwater for a boiler system. It would be desirable to provide systems and methods that can produce high-pressure steam without the concurrent need to continuously produce or use high quality feedwater, and without increasing boiler downtime or maintenance.

System for producing high pressure steam from low quality water


A liquid intake tracking device for removable insertion into a beverage container in order to track an amount of liquid consumed, the rate of liquid consumption over time, and to provide alerts to the user. The device connects wirelessly to an application executing on an external electronic device which provides user with liquid consumption data and reports concerning the user's interaction with the beverage container. Methods for tracking liquid intake are also disclosed.

Staying hydrated is important for health reasons, and it has become common for people to want to track their water and liquid consumption. The intake of specific volumes of water throughout the day is important for many purposes, such as weight loss or weight maintenance, medical treatments, preventing dehydration, or to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The USDA and the medical community recommend that users consume at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water during a single day. Studies show that lack of sufficient liquid consumption by individuals could have adverse health effects.
One difficulty that people encounter with consuming enough water or liquids throughout the day is tracking how much they have consumed and how much they need to consume.
Some individuals attempt to track their intake of liquids themselves, either by counting the number of glasses they consume or entering consumption manually into a phone application. This can lead to incorrect calculations as many individuals do not accurately track their consumption. Other individuals may use bottles currently on the market which claim to track the amount of liquid consumed from that bottle alone. But at present there exists no product which can be inserted directly into any bottle or glass of the user's choosing and continually track the total consumption and the rate of consumption for that user, as well as provide alerts to users to consume enough throughout the day. What is needed in the art is improvements in devices that track consumption and that can be used in a variety of containers.

Universal device for monitoring and reporting fluid consumption and method using same

Mappleborough Green, Studley, Warwickshire