A filter assembly and a method of operating the same to detect water leaks are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter housing for receiving a filter cartridge and at least partially defining a drain trough positioned below the filter cartridge for collecting leaked water. A light source is positioned proximate the drain trough for directing light through the drain trough and a light sensor is positioned proximate the drain trough for sensing the light directed through the drain trough. A controller uses the light sensor to monitor the light generated by the light source and determines that a leak exists when an intensity of sensed light is reduced by the leaked water.

Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food articles for storage. In addition, refrigerator appliances commonly include dispensing assemblies for providing water and/or ice to the user, and water filter assemblies are frequently used to filter such water before use. For example, certain water filter assemblies include a manifold and a filter cartridge. The manifold directs unfiltered water into the filter cartridge and filtered water out of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium, such as an activated carbon block, a pleated polymer sheet, a spun cord material, or a melt blown material. The filter medium is positioned within the filter cartridge and filters water passing therethrough.
Over time, the filter medium will lose effectiveness. For example, pores of the filter medium can become clogged or the filter medium can become saturated with contaminants. To insure that the filtering medium has not exceeded its filtering capacity, the filtering medium is preferably replaced or serviced at regular intervals regardless of its current performance. To permit replacement or servicing of the filter medium or the filter cartridge, the filter cartridge is generally removably mounted to the manifold.
Water leaks can form or develop at an interface or connection between the filter cartridge and the manifold, such as where the filter cartridge mounts to the manifold. As an example, such leaks can develop if the water filter assembly is installed incorrectly or is exposed to relatively high water pressures or freezing conditions. Such leaks can negatively affect operation of the water filter assembly and/or the refrigerator appliance and can cause damage if not prevented. Such leaks can also be difficult to detect. In particular, water filter assemblies are often positioned in relatively remote locations within refrigerator appliances such that visually monitoring the water filter assemblies for leaks can be difficult or infrequent. Similar problems can make detecting liquid water and water leaks difficult in other circumstances and locations as well.
Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with an improved filter assembly would be useful. More specifically, a filter assembly that can be used to detect water leaks would be particularly beneficial.

Leak detection assembly for use with a filter assembly for a refrigerator appliance


Described in this patent application are devices for energy storage and methods of making and using such devices. In various embodiments, blocking layers are provided between dielectric material and the electrodes of an energy storage device. The block layers are characterized by higher dielectric constant than the dielectric material. There are other embodiments as well.

Described in this patent application are devices for energy storage and methods of making and using such devices.
In general, a capacitive energy storage device comprises two electrodes with a dielectric material disposed between the electrodes. FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a capacitive energy storage device. As shown in FIG. 1, dielectric material 103 is positioned between the electrodes 101 and 102. Upon application of a voltage across the electrodes the dielectric material becomes polarized and charges are stored on the electrode plates.
Unfortunately, conventional energy storage devices are inadequate, as explained below. It is desirable to have new and improved energy storage devices.


A method for simulating an operation of a digital circuit (01) is described. The method utilizes cycle simulation, wherein in a cycle based simulation model (34) of the digital circuit (01) components (02, 03, 04, 05) of the digital circuit (01) are clocked synchronously every cycle (19) of a functional clock (Clk). According to the invention, real digital circuit (01), i.e. chip or combinatorial logic (01), timing information is included in the cycle simulation by inserting delay latches (15, 16, 17) into the cycle based simulation model (34) of the digital circuit (01), wherein a non-functional clock (Sim clock) is used to clock the delay latches (15, 16, 17), so that each delay latch (15, 16, 17) delays the propagation of a signal (I, J, K) by a cycle (20) of the non-functional clock (Sim clock).

Logic simulation is the use of a computer program to simulate an operation of a digital circuit i.e. a chip or a combinatorial logic. Thereby two simulation types are applied: Event simulation and cycle simulation.
Event simulation allows the design to contain timing information—the delay needed for a signal to travel from one place to another. During simulation, signal changes are tracked in form of events. A change at a certain time triggers an event after a certain delay. Events are sorted by the time when they will occur, and when all events for a particular time have been handled, the simulated time is advanced to the time of the next scheduled event. How fast an event simulation runs depends on the number of events to be processed, i.e. on the amount of activity in the model.
In cycle simulation it is not possible to specify delays. In cycle simulation a cycle-accurate model is used and every gate is evaluated in every cycle. Cycle simulation therefore runs at a constant speed, regardless of activity in the model.
While event simulation can provide some feedback regarding signal timing, it is not a replacement for static timing analysis. On the other hand, functional verification of logic circuitry using cycle simulation does not include any timing information like signal and gate delays. For this, a separate process is in place using timing assertions. However, often cases occur where timing assertions were wrong and the chip hardware fails due to marginal timing. Disadvantageously timing fails cannot be detected in chip cycle simulation as it does not use any notion of time. To recreate timing fails, event simulators are used, which use either standard delays for gates and wires or use real chip timing information. A drawback of this is that two verification environments need to be set up and maintained, which causes significant overhead. In addition, event simulation on large designs is very slow and sometimes impossible due to memory limitation or runtime constraints.

Simulating an operation of a digital circuit

International Business Machines Corporation


An organic electroluminescent display (OELD) device at least includes a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly has a first substrate and an organic electroluminescent unit formed on the first substrate. The second assembly, assembled with the first assembly, includes a second substrate, a color filter layer and a patterned light-shielding layer. The color filter layer is disposed on the second substrate and has plural colored regions with different colors. The patterned light-shielding layer is disposed on the color filter layer and between the colored regions. A part of the patterned light-shielding layer contacts the first assembly to maintain a cell gap between the first assembly and the second assembly.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The disclosure relates in general to a display device and method of fabricating the same, and more particularly to an organic electroluminescent display (OELD) device and a method for fabricating the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In comparison to the conventional cathode-ray tube display device, the flat panel display device (such as the liquid crystal display device (LCD), the plasma display device (PDP) and the organic electroluminescent display (OELD) device), being lighter, slimmer and compacter, has gradually become the mainstream product. Particularly, the OELD device further has the advantages of flexibility, portability, full color, high brightness, lower power consumption, wider view-angle and faster response rate.
Currently, the monochromic OLED technique is near matured. Considering the next generation flat display and the applications using the same, the full color OLED technique is an inevitable trend. Currently, there are three full color OLED techniques available. According to the first technique, the RGB sub-pixels required for full color are implemented by three independent elements. According to the second technique, the light of blue light OLED is converted into RGB lights by a color change medium (CCM). According to the third technique, the light of white light OLED is converted into RGB lights by a plurality of color filters. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. The third technique implements a full color OLED by using a white light element plus color filters. Since the color filter technique is already matured in the LCD industry, it is not difficult to find RGB color filters applicable to the white light OLED and further transfer the technique to the OLED industry. Furthermore, the fabricating procedures for the white light OLED plus color filters are relatively simple, and the fabricating cost for full color OLED can thus be further reduced.
FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a generally known OELD device. The OELD device is formed mainly by an organic light emitting diode (OLED) assembly 10 and a color filter (CF) assembly 20. The OLED assembly 10 and the CF assembly 20 are assembled to each other, and the cell gap between the two assemblies is controlled by plural spacers 30. The OLED assembly 10 includes a first substrate 101 with thin-film transistor units. The organic electroluminescent unit 103, interposed between two electrodes such as a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode (the electrodes are not illustrated in the diagram), is formed on the first substrate 101 with thin-film transistor units. The generally known method for fabricating the CF assembly 20 includes the following steps. A glass substrate 201 is pre-treated, such as treated by a cleaning process. A photolithography process is applied on the pre-treated glass substrate 201 to form a patterned light-shielding layer 203, such as a black matrix (BM). A color filter layer 205 is formed by sequentially forming a red color filter layer CF-R, a green color filter layer CF-G and a blue color filter layer CF-B. Then, an overcoat (OC) layer 207 is formed to cover the color filter layer 205. Since the thicknesses of the red, the green and the blue color filter layers are not the same, planarization of the overcoat layer 207 on the red, the green and the blue color filter layers could be achieved. A plurality of spacers 30 may be formed on the overcoat layer 207. After the OLED assembly 10 and the CF assembly 20 are assembled with each other, the spacers 30 maintain a cell gap between the two assemblies. However, the disposition of the overcoat layer 207 and the spacers 30 increases the overall thickness of the display device, so that color shift may occur at a smaller angle. In addition, when the spacers are disposed beside one of the red, the green and the blue color filter layers, the width of the black matrix for the particular color is increased, and the aperture ratio for the particular color is reduced.

Organic electroluminescent display and method for fabricating the same


An image transmitting apparatus including a database configured to store first moving image data for multiple speed reproduction separately generated from second moving image data for normal speed reproduction, the first moving image data being constructed using I-frames selected from a plurality of group of pictures (GOPs) included in the second moving image data; a data transceiver configured to receive a signal requesting a bit stream for reproducing a moving image at an arbitrary multiple speed, and to transmit the bit stream for reproducing a moving image at an arbitrary multiple speed according to the signal; and a controller configured to control transmission of the bit stream for reproducing a moving image at the arbitrary multiple speed based on the first moving image data stored in the database.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to method and apparatus for transmitting and reproducing a moving image by using a streaming service, and particularly, to an image transmitting apparatus and an image transmitting method for reproducing a moving image at a multiple speed, an image display apparatus for reproducing a moving image at a multiple speed, and a storage medium having moving image data recorded thereon, the data being able to be reproduced at a multiple speed.
2. Background of the Invention
A streaming service indicates a service having video (i.e., moving picture, moving image, etc.) data downloaded from a server into an image display apparatus via a network and simultaneously reproduced to output the moving picture.
Moving image data transmitted via a network has a specific file format specification. For a streaming service via an Internet protocol (IP) network, moving image data is generated and transmitted according to a moving picture expert group (MPEG) standardization established by the MPEG, which is a moving picture research group under the International Organization for standardization (ISO/IEC).
Examples of image display apparatuses, each of which receives such moving image data from a server through a streaming service on a network and reproduces the same, include stationary terminals, such as desktop computers, IP TVs and the like, and mobile terminals, such as mobile communication terminals, navigation apparatuses, telematics terminals, portable multimedia players (PMPs), laptop computers and the like.
Reproducing a moving image by using a streaming service, has required many methods of reproducing a moving image at a speed different than a normal speed.

Image display apparatus, image transmitting apparatus, image transmitting method and recording medium


The present invention provides a method for ultrasonic measurement of mainly the depth of a flaw possibly existent in a solid mass and opening to the surface of the solid mass. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted into the solid mass by scanning an ultrasonic probe back and forth on the surface of the solid mass with respect to a flaw in the solid mass, a threshold of a predetermined level is set for a curve defined by levels of echoes of the ultrasonic waves reflected from the flaw according to the position of probe, the area under the curve and above the threshold is integrated for the range of movement of the probe, and the depth of the surface opening flaw is measured using as an evaluation index the value of the integrated area of the area. The method according to the present invention is applicable to nondestructive, easy, accurate and realtime measurement of the depth of weld cracking in a welded portion, fatigue cracks in a stress-concentrated portion of members of a machine, etc.

For an ultrasonic measurement of the depth of a flaw opened on the surface of a solid mass, such as weld cracking in a welded portion, a fatigue crack in a member portion in which stresses concentrate, etc., various methods have recently been studied because of the necessity for the measured information, and the results from the studies have been reported. For example, (1) the measurement of the fatigue-crack depth by the end peak echo method is reported in the "Nondestructive Inspection" Vol. 31, No. 9, September, 1982, pp. 690-691, (2) a method for inspection for cracks using scattered ultrasonic waves is disclosed in the "Nondestructive Inspection" Vol. 29, No. 2, February, 1980, pp. 136-137, (3) the measurement of the height of incomplete penetration in a welded portion of steel plates is disclosed in the "Non-destructive Inspection" Vol. 34, No. 2, February, 1985, pp. 112-113, and (4) the accuracy of measurement of the notch depth based on time lapse of ultrasonic wave is described in the "Nondestructive Inspection" Vol. 29, No. 2, February, 1980, pp. 130-131.
In the measurement disclosed in the report (1), a spot-focusing type longitudinal wave angle probe is used to measure the relation between the beam path and various kinds of depth of slits formed axially in the inner wall of the bend of a pipe from the outer circumference of the pipe by the end peak echo method, thereby determining the crack depth from a calibration curve prepared based on the measured beam path. In the method for crack measurement using scattered ultrasonic waves in the above report (2), a probe is used which has arrayed therein an ultrasound transmitting transducer and a receiving transducer arrayed symmetrically with respect to a partition sheet. When ultrasonic waves are radiated from the transmitting transducer toward an object immersed in water, and a difference in time .DELTA.t of the reception of scattered waves by the receiving transducer between when the object has a flaw when the object has no flaw is measured. Utilizing the correlation between the time difference .DELTA.t and the flaw depth d, the flaw depth d is determined. In the method described in the above report (3), a two-transducer vertical-type probe is used and placed on the one-side butt joint of a plate finished smooth and having a thickness t (9 to 12 mm in the report). The depth of penetration d in the welded portion is directly read from the time base of the ultrasonic flaw detector and compared with the plate thickness, thereby measuring the height of incomplete penetration h= (t-d). In the method disclosed in the above report (4), an ultrasonic flaw detector permitting measurement of the time of ultrasound propagation with a high accuracy is used to determine the notch depth based on the propagation time measured by any of the end peak echo method, short-pulsed shear wave method or surface wave method. Among the methods disclosed in these reports, the method in the report (1) needs to detect the position of the peak echo from the end of the fatigue crack. The method in the report (2) necessitates the detection of the rise time of the waveform of the received scattered wave. Also, the method in the report (3) requires the detection of echoes from an incomplete penetration and positions of the echoes on the time base, which are displayed on the ultrasonic flaw detector. More particularly, the method in the report (2) is a method in which the measurement is done using a water bath in which the object is immersed and the probe must be placed just above the surface opening flaw in the object. Thus, this method can be applied to a limited range of objects. The method in the report (3) is done with the transducer placed directly on the object and is applicable to a limited range of objects as described with the method in the report (2). In the method disclosed in the report (4), the end peak echo method and short-pulsed shear wave method necessitate the detection of the positions of the peak echoes as in the method in the report (1), and the surface wave method needs the detection of the displayed positions of echoes on the CRT screen because the depth of the notch is to be determined from the propagation time of the surface wave. Thus, in all the methods disclosed in the reports (1) thru (4), it is necessary to detect the echoes from the surface opening flaw and the positions of appearance of echoes, and the accuracy of the measurement depends upon the accuracy of this detection.
Among the above-mentioned methods, the end peak echo method is generally regarded as the most popular one. A method of measuring the depth of a surface opening flaw using this method is described in the "Ultrasonic flaw-detecting test B" - Japan Nondestructive Inspection Association (1978), pp. 117 to 118. The method of measuring under consideration will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In these Figures, the reference numeral 10 indicates an object under measurement in which a planar flaw 10a is intentionally formed which has a depth d and opens on the surface of the object. The reference numeral 10b indicates a searching surface of the object 10, 10c indicates the end of the flaw 10a and 10d indicates the bottom (opposite to the searching surface 10) of the object 10. The reference numeral 20 indicates an ordinary angle probe or spot-focusing angle probe (which will be referred to as "angle probe" hereinafter). The angle probe 20 is placed in contact with the searching surface 10b, and transmits ultrasonic waves while being scanned back and forth in the direction of arrow A or B so as to pick up the echoes from the end 10c of the flaw. The reference numerals 20a and 20b indicate the selected positions of the angle probe 20 when scanned back and forth in relation to the flaw. Assume here that the angle probe 20 is scanned in the direction of arrow B from the position 20a. The echo level from the flaw 10a is displayed as continuously changed so as to gradually be lower as the angle probe 20 is moved away from the position 20a, thereby resulting in an echo envelope 50. In this case, when the beam center 30 from the angle probe 20 is incident upon the end 10c of the flaw, some peak echo 60 is displayed in a position on the CRT screen corresponding to the beam path x and the position is indicated on the echo envelope 50. The end peak echo method is such that the depth d of flaw is determined geometrically as d=x.multidot.cos .theta. from the beam path x of the peak echo 60 from the end 10c of the flaw and the refraction angle .theta. of the ultrasonic beam from the angle probe 20. In the report (1), it is described that under the conditions that the angle .theta. formed between the incident direction of the ultrasonic wave and the plane of the flaw 10a is more than 10 deg., an ordinary angle probe of 45 deg. in refraction angle, a spot-focusing angle probe which can limit the acoustic waves or a split-type probe should preferably be used for more definite discrimination of the peak echo 60. It is further described in the report that if the depth d of the flaw is relatively large, the depth d can be estimated with an accuracy on the order of +/-2 mm. However, the report also reads that in case any other flaw exists at the end 10c of the flaw, the accuracy of measurement is lower.
FIG. 13 shows another example of measurement by the above-mentioned end peak echo method. In this example, the angle probe 20 is placed on the surface 11a of the object in which the flaw 11a is not existent. In an echo envelope obtained in this case, the echo from the surface opening of the flaw 11a (corner echo) shows the highest peak. However, in case the depth h of the flaw 11a is small, for example, 2 mm or so, the echo from the end 11c of the flaw 11a is at so low a level as to be displayed inside the echo envelope 51 as shown in FIG. 13, and it cannot be detected in such a case. Hence, the measurement by the end peak echo method known as the most popular method for detection of surface opening flaw is disadvantageous in various aspects of the measurement as will be described below. That is, (i) When the depth d of the surface opening flaw is small, the echo from the end of the flaw is so close to the echo from any other portion of the flaw that its level and position cannot be easily distinguished from whose of the latter echo, and also the echo itself is included within an echo envelope having the corner echo as the highest value so that it cannot be detected, and at the same time since the angle probe cannot be moved over a short distance, the error of measurement is apt to be large. (ii) If the width of the flaw end is small, the level of the echo from the flaw end is small and less than the echo level at the noise level so that the echo itself cannot be detected in many cases. (iii) Since the scattering of ultrasonic waves varies depending upon the shape and size of the flaw end, the measured values are not uniform and so the accuracy of measurement is low. (iv) Even if the ultrasonic waves are transmitted after being refracted through a nominal refraction angle of the probe toward the end of a flaw, no peak echo can be obtained in some cases, and when the beam center is not coincident with the end of the flaw, the peak echo is displayed in some cases. In such case, the basis for geometrical determination of the flaw depth is lost, directly causing the reduction of the accuracy of measurement.
As one of the conventional methods for measurement of the depth of a surface opening flaw, an invention by the Applicant is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Sho 60-68379. The method disclosed in the Application a vertical type probe is placed on the surface of a solid mass possibly having an opening flaw therein and also just above the flaw and the propagation time of the scattered waves derived from the ultrasonic waves incident upon the end of the opening flaw through the reflection at the flaw end is measured to determine the depth of the flaw. Also in the method in said application, it is necessary, as in the afore-mentioned reports, to detect the echo from the surface opening flaw and the position thereof. As in the reports (2) and (3), the method is limited in various respects of measurement since it is necessary to place the probe just above the surface opening flaw for measurement of the depth of the flaw.
As has been described in the foregoing, in all the conventional methods of measuring the depth of a surface opening flaw, the echo from the end of the surface opening flaw and its position are taken as indices of measurement, so that the accuracy of measurement depends upon that of detection. Thus, it is necessary to improve the above-mentioned accuracy of detection. With surface opening flaws as well as ordinary internal flaws, however, the detection of an echo from a flaw and its position is seriously influenced by the properties of the material of the object under measurement, any difference in physical phenomenon of the ultrasonic wave due to the nonuniformity of the flaw, difference in skill from one operator to another, etc. even if a transducer is used, and the flaw detector and flaw detecting parameters such as flaw detecting sensitivity, etc. are maintained as predetermined for every measurement. So, even when objects of the same kind very similar to one another in shape, dimensions, material, etc. are measured, it is difficult to measure them always with the same accuracy. So, it is rather difficult to measure objects of different kinds with the same high accuracy. Therefore, the level of an echo from the end of a surface opening flaw existent in the object and its position cannot be so uniformly detected as in the detection of a surface opening flaw artificially formed in the standard test piece or an object even if the flaw depth is the same, and the accuracy of detection is correspondingly low.

Ultrasonic method for measurement of depth of surface opening flaw in solid mass

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.


Described herein is a soil remediation material capable of absorbing and removing chromium from soil and being recycled so as to enable efficient remediation, repeated recycle, and reduction in remediation cost.

At present, the problem of heavy-metal contaminating soil in China is very prominent, especially, a large amount of chromium (Cr) contaminated sites seriously harm human health. Chromium generally has two valence states in the environment, namely, trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium is more toxic and mobile than trivalent chromium in the environment. For remediation of chromium, hexavalent chromium, which is high toxic, is generally converted into trivalent chromium, which results in reduction in mobility and toxicity. However, the remedied chromium in soil achieved by this method is easily reoxidized back to hexavalent chromium under certain conditions, so there is uncertainty in remediation of chromium in actual environment. In fact, chromium exists in the environment in an inorganic form and its total amount cannot be reduced by final mineralization. Now, methods that can effectively reduce the total amount of heavy metal contaminating sites mainly include leaching technology, soil mixing method, and phytoremediation technology.
The soil leaching technology mainly uses surfactants and water or other materials to leach contaminated soil and desorb chromium adsorbed on the surface of soil particles. However, there exist problems such as heavy workload in the process of remediation, poor desorption effect and subsequent leacheate treatment.
The soil mixing method can only reduce the concentration of heavy metal in the site to some extent, but cannot reduce its total amount. At the same time, this method will increase the total amount of contaminated soil.
Phytoremediation technology is a currently recommended technical method. It is mainly used for agricultural land, and has problems such as long remediation period, difficult screening of plants, and subsequent plant disposal.
Therefore, how to effectively achieve the removal of chromium from soil will become one of key tasks for contaminated soil remediation.
At present, the main purpose of heavy metal remediation is to reduce the total amount and to avoid secondary contamination. The selection and development of remediation materials is an important part for remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. Proper remediation materials can effectively remove heavy metal contamination, and can be also effectively recovery and recycled. In fact, the remediation material in the soil can be recycled once it is used. Especially for heavy metal adsorption materials, they are not suitable for application in soil media.

Remediation material for heavy-metal chromium contaminated soil, preparation method and application thereof

CHINESE RESEARCH ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES


Provided are an adapter, a terminal device and an adapter system. The adapter includes: a universal serial bus type-C (USB-C) plug cooperatively connected to a USB-C interface of the terminal device, a USB socket cooperatively connected to a charging plug, and a headset socket cooperatively connected to a headset plug, where a first communication pin of the USB-C plug is connected to a first communication pin of the USB socket, a second communication pin of the USB-C plug is connected to a second communication pin of the USB socket, a first sound channel pin and a second sound channel pin of the USB-C plug are connected to a right sound channel signal pin and a left sound channel signal pin of the headset socket in one-to-one correspondence.

With the development of communication technology, the traditional 3.5 millimeter (mm) headset interface used in mobile terminal devices (e.g., smart phones) is gradually replaced by a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C interface (i.e., USB-C or Type-C). A charging interface, an audio and video interface and other external interfaces can be realized by one USB-C, but it cannot realize that a smart phone is charged while a headset is used for playing the audio and video.
In an analog headset adapter protocol, a solution is provided in the appendix A of the USB-C protocol. FIG. 1 is a structure diagram of a passive adapter provided in the related art. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit of the passive adapter shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, pins A6, A7, B6 and B7 of a USB-C interface of a terminal device are only used for transmitting a left and a right sound channel signal, and a power line VBUS connected by pins A4, A9, B4 and B9 is used for transmitting a power signal. With such a charging mode, an external charging power supply provides the passive adapter with a current of about 500 milliampere (mA) at most, and charging power is generally five watts (w). Thus, a charging speed is slow, charging time is long, and a user experience effect is poor.

Adapter, terminal device and adapter system


A phase-lock loop circuit including a voltage-controlled oscillator for generating a clock signal. The voltage-controlled oscillator includes a plurality of multiplexers coupled in series. The signal generated by the last multiplexer in the series is used as a clock signal. Each of the multiplexers in the series has a select input. Either a first signal or a second signal propagates through the series of multiplexers, depending on a select signal applied to the select inputs of the multiplexers. The second signal is the first signal with a predetermined delay. A 3-input multiplexer is connected to the first and last multiplexers in the series to the form a ring oscillator. The first or second signals output by the last multiplexer in the series is sent to an input of the 3-input multiplexer, and a test signal is sent to a third input of the 3-input multiplexer. The 3-input multiplexer also receives the select signal and a test mode signal. If the test mode signal is asserted, the 3-input multiplexer propagates the test signal to the first multiplexer in the series. If the test mode is not asserted, the 3-input multiplexer propagates either the first or the second signals based on the select signal. The phase-lock loop circuit also includes a phase frequency detection circuit for generating a phase difference signal indicative of the phase difference between the clock signal and a reference signal, a filter for generating a control signal to the voltage-controlled oscillator in response to the phase difference signal, and a feedback divider for receiving the clock signal and for feeding back a divided clock signal to the phase frequency detection circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to voltage-controlled oscillators and more specifically to the voltage-controlled oscillators typically found in phase-locked loop circuits.
2. Art Background
The functional blocks of a typical frequency multiplying phase-locked loop ("PLL") are shown in FIG. 1. Phase frequency detector 10 is a circuit that compares the frequency of reference input 11 with that of feedback input 12. The feedback frequency is the frequency of voltage controlled oscillator 13 divided by the feedback divide-by-n 14. Filter 15 converts digital phase information from phase frequency detector 10 to the analog control 16 necessary for the oscillator 13.
The frequency range of the oscillator 13 must be large enough to ensure that filter 15 can force the correct frequency from within the range of its control output 16. If the oscillator 13 were to run at too high a frequency, it may be possible that the control 16 would be unable to force it to the proper frequency. In that case the logic will run at an incorrect frequency and produce unexpected effects. It is also possible that the oscillator 13 could run faster than the feedback logic could follow. If that were to happen, feedback 12 to phase frequency detector 10 would appear slower than expected and would cause an incorrect adjustment, and the oscillator 13 would be forced to even higher frequencies.
FIG. 2 is a representation of a typical voltage-controlled oscillator 20 that can be used for clock generation in PLL circuits shown in FIG. 1. It is constructed of consecutive stages of gates and multiplexers. This oscillator 20 offers the convenience that it is made from logic gates identical to those used in the other logic in the chip and will react in the same way to environmental changes and to process variations. Voltage-controlled oscillator 20 ("VCO") consists of a ring oscillator that can have its effective length changed in response to a control input. As control input 21 (Vcon) is skewed from its logic "LOW" to its logic "HIGH," the oscillator 20 changes smoothly from its lowest frequency to its highest frequency. This change in frequency is achieved by the analog nature of the multiplexers 22-27 used, and their ability to "ADD" the effective delays at the two inputs as Vcon 21 is swept between the LOW and HIGH logic levels. It behaves nicely as its control limits are reached, since each limit only selects either a minimum-gate-delay or maximum-gate-delay defined frequency. Different frequency limits can be achieved by changing the number of multiplexer ("MUX")/delay stages, and/or the number of delay stages per stage .
The schematic diagrams of typical PLL elements shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are illustrated in FIGS. 3(c) and 3(d) respectively. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(c) illustrate a typical CML ("Current-Mode Logic") differential pair with Vcs as its voltage current source. FIGS. 3(b) and 3(d) illustrate a typical CML MUX using two differential pairs with a common Vcs. Complimentary input signals are applied to the bases of the differential pair 31 and 32. Complimentary select signals are applied to the common-emitter pair 33 with Vcs as its voltage current source. These circuits are typical of those used in CML circuitry as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The prior circuit has its disadvantages. Since the oscillator 20 as shown in FIG. 2 is made from almost any number of successive stages of identical gates and has a cumulative delay that is much longer than the delay through a single element, it is possible that it could oscillate in more than one mode. In normal operation, a single cycle of "one to zero to one" transitions will circulate. If the gates are disturbed, or if they assume certain initial conditions as the oscillator is powered on, it is possible to get multiple cycles circulating within the ring (more than one inversion within the ring). This will cause the oscillator to appear to be running at some multiple, possibly not symmetrical, frequency with no way to recover. If this happens, the product in which this oscillator resides will appear to have failed. For short rings with 2-4 stages, it is unlikely that any alias would be possible, since the total period of oscillation is only slightly longer than the individual stage delays, and the analog adder (i.e. the MUX) would degenerate to a single mode. However, for longer rings, the MUX would find multiple transitions indistinguishable from the normal operation of the ring and would sustain them.
Furthermore, the circuit illustrated in FIG. 1 has other drawbacks. Because circuit 10 is used to create frequencies within an integrated circuit from an external reference frequency, this makes the test of the product more difficult because of the nature of the PLL circuits.
In a typical circuit containing a PLL, test modes are added to facilitate factory testing. One way to add these functions is to add a MUX that will allow the user to insert an external clock in place of the internal VCO clock so that automated test Equipment (ATE) can more efficiently test the product function. A typical connection is shown in FIG. 4. Note that test mode 41 selects the inputs to MUX 43, which receives inputs from external clock 42 and VCO output 44.
Although the traditional technique shown in FIG. 4 allows efficient test of the product's function, it leaves the PLL and all of its components untested. As a result, further testing is required to verify both function and parametric values for the PLL.
As will be described in the following, the present invention provides an apparatus for initializing the VCO of a PLL circuit to ensure that it runs at the intended frequency. Also, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for adding increased testability to circuits containing the PLL.

Potentiometric oscillator with reset and test input


The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing acetylene from a gasoeus mixture comprising hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, butane, butenes, butadiene, and other C4 or higher hydrocarbons. The method of the invention utilizes a front-end acetylene removal unit (“ARU”) located after a charge gas compressor in which acetylene is selectively reduced. The method of the invention achieves selective reduction of acetylene by using a proprietary Chevron Phillips E series palladium based catalyst. The method of the invention also utilizes a novel startup procedure, a novel emergency shutdown procedure, a novel maximum cool down procedure, and a novel carbon monoxide monitoring procedure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for removing acetylene from a cracked gas mixture; and in particular, to an apparatus and methods for removal of acetylene from a cracked gas mixture using a palladium containing catalyst.
2. Background Art
Cracking is a chemical process in which high temperature is applied to break apart and convert heavier hydrocarbons in lighter hydrocarbons. Various hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon mixtures are cracked to prepare a number of lower alkenes which may be used in a multitude of chemical manufacturing processes. In particular, cracking processes are used in the production of ethylene, an important precursor to many types of plastics. After cracking, a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds that must be subsequently purified is the result. The removal of acetylene from ethylene producing processes is of particular concern because of the difficulty in removing this compound.
Currently, a number of processes exist for the removal of acetylene from ethylene producing processes. Such processes include, front-end de-propanizer acetylene removal units ("ARU"), front-end de-ethanizer ARU, and tail-end ARU. Front-end de-propanizer ARU typically employ a Pd catalyst acetylene hydrogenation system located on the front-end (of distillation train) de-propanizer overhead stream. This ARU hydrogenates all of the acetylene and most of the methyl acetylene/propadiene ("MAPD") on a propane and lighter stream. In processes utilizing Front-End De-Ethanizer ARU, a Pd catalyst acetylene hydrogenation system located on the front-end (of distillation train) de-ethanizer overhead stream is typically used. This ARU hydrogenates all of the acetylene, but not MAPD on an ethane and lighter stream. If a plant of this type is maximizing propylene recovery, a separate MAPD hydrogenation reactor system and possibly a green oil removal system on the C3 product stream may be required.
The tail-end acetylene removal system usually employs a Pd catalyst acetylene hydrogenation system located on the de-ethanizer overhead stream, where the de-ethanizer is located after the de-methanizer in the distillation train. This ARU hydrogenates all of the acetylene, but no MAPD, on a stream primarily composed of ethane and ethylene. Moreover, tail-end ARU systems normally require a green oil removal system on the C2 product stream. Furthermore, if a plant of this type is maximizing propylene recovery, a separate MAPD hydrogenation reactor system and possibly a green oil removal system on the C3 product stream may be required.
Each of the acetylene removal processes described above requires the utilization of expensive processing equipment. Moreover, each of the prior art acetylene removal processes utilize a catalyst for the selective reduction of acetylene. Experience has taught that such catalysts are prone to runaway reactions that may potentially cause a dangerous temperature rise or excursion. Start up of the acetylene removal units, especially with fresh catalyst is the time when these reactors are most susceptible to runaway reactions.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the prior art for an improved methods and apparatus of removing acetylene from a cracked gas mixture with reduced capital equipment costs. Specifically, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for starting up such acetylene removal units and in the case of a thermal runaway for shutting down acetylene removal units.


The disclosed invention includes a system and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines. A computer-implemented method for monitoring and controlling a process comprises storing process attribute information of objects in a plurality of databases, receiving at least one process measurement from a measurement device, similarity searching the at least one process measurement against the process attribute information stored in the databases, assigning a similarity score to the process measurement, comparing the similarity score to a match tolerance level, computing a process action for at least one process machine, via an algorithm having a process variable, replacing the process variable in the algorithm with the process measurement where the similarity score is equal to or greater than the match tolerance level, replacing the process variable in the algorithm with a set point where the similarity score is lower than the match tolerance level, and communicating the process action to a process machine.

The invention relates to a system and method for monitoring, controlling, and diagnosing process machines. Particularly, the invention relates to a system of data mining and comparison, using a similarity search engine to identify the degree of similarity between process-related objects and a process control machine.
The process and factory automation industry is well-known for its control of processes that are common among such facilities as plants, refineries, power generation, water and waste management, food and beverage production, etc. Control of these processes may comprise a multiplicity of process control loops that control process pressures, flows, temperatures, levels, alkalinity and acidity, composition, packaging, positions, and the like. A control system may comprise a single-loop system, multi-loop system, Digital Control System (DCS), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, or even a simple data acquisition system used for strictly monitoring a process.
Accurate control of a process is predicated on obtaining accurate information from a sensor or transmitter. These devices may fail or drift, resulting in false or inaccurate readings being posted to the controller. In these cases, the controller is unable to issue control actions to the control device to achieve the desired set point. Thus, there is a need for a control system that can determine whether false or inaccurate readings are being given, can monitor a process machine""s performance and health, and can diagnose problems with process machines.
The current invention provides a method of data mining for monitoring and controlling a process via a process controller, comprising the steps of collecting and storing process attribute information in a plurality of databases, receiving at least one process measurement from a measurement device, similarity searching the at least one process measurement against the process attribute information stored in the databases, assigning a similarity score to the process measurement, and comparing the similarity score to a match tolerance level. The invention further includes computing a process action for at least one process machine, via an algorithm having a process variable, which comprises replacing the process variable in the algorithm with the process measurement where the similarity score is equal to or greater than the match tolerance level, and replacing the process variable in the algorithm with a set point where the similarity score is lower than the match tolerance level. The process action is then communicated to a process machine.
The process attribute information may comprise the process impact of at least one process machine, process machine performance ranges, process machine conditions, process set points, past process measurements, and any combination of these. The at least one database may reside on a process controller, or may communicate with a process controller, via a network. The network may consist of local area networks, wide area networks, global communication networks, intranet, and Ethernet. The measurement device from which the process measurement is received may comprise a process sensor. The process measurement may be received from the measurement device, via an input/output device.
The step of similarity searching may be performed via a similarity search engine, which may reside on a process controller or communicate with the process controller via a network. This network may be chosen from a group consisting of local area networks, wide area networks, global communication networks, intranet, and Ethernet. The similarity search score may be assigned via a process controller. The process action may be computed via a process controller, and the process action is communicated via a process controller. The current invention is also directed to a software program embodied on a computer-readable medium incorporating the invented method.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for monitoring and controlling a process comprises collecting and storing process attribute information in a plurality of databases, receiving at least one process measurement from a measurement device onto a process controller via an input/output device, similarity searching the at least one process measurement against the process attribute information stored in the databases via a similarity search engine, assigning a similarity score to the process measurement via the process controller, comparing the similarity score to a match tolerance level, the process controller computing a process action for at least one process machine via an algorithm having a process variable comprising replacing the process variable in the algorithm with the process measurement where the similarity score is equal to or greater than the match tolerance level, replacing the process variable in the algorithm with a set point where the similarity score is lower than the match tolerance level, and the process controller communicating the process action to a process machine via an input/output device.
In another embodiment of the current invention, a system for monitoring and controlling a process comprises a plurality of databases for storing process attribute information, a means for receiving a process measurement from a measurement device, a similarity search engine for similarity searching the measurement against the process attribute information stored in the databases, a means for assigning a similarity search score to the measurement, a means for comparing the similarity search score to a match tolerance level, a process controller for computing a process action, and a means for communicating the process action to a process machine.
In another embodiment of the current invention, a method for identifying an unidentified object having at least one process attribute comprises collecting information about at least one process attribute of the unidentified object, converting the collected attribute information into a language independent format, arranging the collected information in language independent format in a predetermined sequence, comparing the language independent collected attribute information with information related to a plurality of known objects, wherein the known objects may include a different number and type of attributes than the unidentified object, assigning a value to each of the known objects that indicate the degree of similarity each known object has to the unidentified object, providing a list of known objects most closely matching the unknown object based on the assigned similarity values, and replacing the attribute of the unidentified object with the known object of highest similarity.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of data mining objects having attributes for one or more process control loops comprises collecting information about at least one process attribute from a process variable database, converting the collected attribute information into a language independent format, arranging the language independent collected information in a predetermined sequence, comparing the language independent collected attribute information with information related to a plurality of known objects, wherein the known objects may include different numbers and types of attributes than the collected process attribute information, assigning a similarity value to each of the known objects for indicating the degree of similarity each object has to the collected process variable attribute, and providing a list of the known objects that most closely match the object having the collected attribute based on the similarity value.
The similarity searching method used in accordance with the present invention may comprise any suitable similarity searching method or technique. The method may comprise the similarity search method in U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,442 by Wheeler, which is incorporated by reference herein.

System and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines


Amyloid-targeting imaging agents such as radiolabeled amyloid targeting molecules and amyloid targeting molecule-chelator conjugates for imaging, e.g., amyloid plaques in vivo, and/or for the treatment of amyloidosis disorders. The invention provides amyloid-targeting imaging agents that are useful for imaging sites of amyloid disease. Imaging agents of the invention are capable of binding specifically to amyloid plaques, as an aid in diagnosis and/or early treatment of amyloidosis disorders.

Amyloidosis refers to a pathological condition characterized by the presence of amyloid fibers. Amyloid is a generic term referring to a group of diverse but specific extracellular protein deposits which are seen in a number of different diseases. Though diverse in their occurrence, all amyloid deposits have common morphologic properties, stain with specific dyes such as Congo Red, and have a characteristic red-green birefringent appearance in polarized light after staining. They also share common ultrastructural features and common x-ray diffraction and infrared spectra.
Some amyloidotic diseases can be idiopathic but most of these diseases appear as a complication of a previously existing disorder. For example, primary amyloidosis can appear without any other pathology or can follow plasma cell dyscrasia or multiple myeloma. Secondary amyloidosis is usually seen associated with chronic infection such as tuberculosis, or chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis. A familial form of secondary amyloidosis is also seen in the Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). This familial type of amyloidosis, like the other types of familial amyloidosis, is genetically inherited and is found in specific group populations. Isolated forms of amyloidosis are those that tend to involve a single organ system. Different amyloids are also characterized by the type of protein present in the deposit. For example, neurodegenerative diseases such as scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and the like are characterized by the appearance and accumulation of a protease-resistant form of a prion protein (referred to as AScr or PrP-27) in the central nervous system. Similarly, Alzheimer's disease, another neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by congophilic cerebral angiopathy, neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. In this case, the plaque and blood vessel amyloid is formed by the deposition of fibrillar Aβ amyloid protein. Other systemic diseases such as adult-onset diabetes, complications of long-term hemodialysis and sequelae of long-standing inflammation or plasma cell dyscrasias are characterized by the accumulation of amyloids systemically. Yet another amyloid-associated disease is cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In each of these cases, a different amyloidogenic protein is involved in amyloid deposition.
Each amyloidogenic protein can organize into β-sheets and form insoluble fibrils which get deposited extracellularly. Each amyloidogenic protein, although completely different in nature, has the same property of forming fibrils and binding to other elements such as proteoglycan (glycosaminoglycan, or "GAG"), amyloid P, and complement component. Moreover, each amyloidogenic protein has amino acid sequences which, although different, will show similarities such as regions (referred to as the GAG binding site) with the ability to bind to GAGs, as well as other regions which promote β-sheet formation.
In specific cases, once amyloidotic fibrils are deposited, they become toxic to the surrounding cells. Aβ fibrils organized as senile plaques have been shown to be associated with dead neuronal cells and microgliosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. When tested in vitro, fibrillar Aβ peptide has been shown to be capable of triggering an activation process of the microglia (brain macrophages) in vitro which would explain the presence of microgliosis and brain inflammation found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
In another type of amyloidosis seen in patients with Type II diabetes, the amyloidogenic protein IAPP has been shown to induce β-islet cell toxicity in vitro. Hence, appearance of IAPP fibrils in the pancreas of Type II diabetic patients could contribute to the loss of the β islet cells (Langerhans), and organ dysfunction.
Diagnostic medical imaging has become a critical element of modern health care. Ultrasound, radionuclide, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques facilitate the diagnosis of disease. Each of these techniques expose a body to an energy source, e.g., sound, x-rays, radiation (either from an internal source, e.g., a radioactive pharmaceutical, or an external source), radio waves, etc., and monitor the characteristics of that energy as it interacts with the body. Diagnostic pharmaceuticals, frequently called contrast agents, may be simultaneously administered to a patient to augment the usefulness of the imaging technique itself by altering the energy or the way that energy interacts with tissues. Diagnostic medical imaging frequently uses targeted contrast agents that, in binding or localizing at sites selectively within the body, help to resolve an image of diagnostic interest. Targeted diagnostic imaging contrast agents generally consist of a targeting moiety labeled with a traceable moiety. Such traceable moieties include fluorescent tags; radio-opaque dyes (e.g., iodinated aromatics), radioactive elements such as 3H, 18F, 125I, 129I; or diagnostically useful chelated radioactive or paramagnetic metals such as Gd(III), Mn(II), Tc-99m, Re-186, Re-188, In-111, or Ga-67. The targeting moiety carries the label to the site of diagnostic interest where it is detected, e.g., by MRI, US, CT, or radionuclide imaging (including SPECT).

Amyloid targeting imaging agents and uses thereof


An article delivery station alignment apparatus is provided for use with a carousel-type rotary infeed device for articles arranged in stacks of a predetermined length, which infeed device is made of a plurality of carrier pockets each for receiving a stack of articles and movable about a closed chain relative to an article delivery station, located at one end of the chain and defining a vertical axis, wherein articles are to be discharged from the carrier pockets, the carrier pockets and the stacks of articles therein being aligned with respective axes parallel to the vertical axis. The alignment apparatus includes a pair of sprockets, one to either side of the vertical axis of the delivery station and engaging the chain for defining a relatively short, straight segment of chain traversing the article delivery station, and a rigid chain guide located between the sprockets for holding the chain in a relatively straight and rigid condition as it traverses the article delivery station. The invention also provides a stabilizing apparatus including a projecting stabilizer pin on each of the carrier pockets defining a pin axis, a gripping arrangement located at the article delivery station, a pair of complementary rocker members spaced to either side of the pin axis and being mounted for pivotal motion toward and away from the pin axis, and a drive for driving the rocker members between a first position spaced apart from and to either side of the stabilizer pin of a carrier pocket located in the article delivery station and a second position grippingly engaging the stabilizer pin.

This invention relates to the improvements in an article conveying apparatus and more particularly to novel alignment apparatus for use with a carousel-type rotary infeed device for articles such as carton blanks.
One particularly novel and useful carousel-type infeed device or unit for carton blanks is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,462, which is commonly owned herewith. In this U.S. patent, the rotary or carousel-type infeed device is specifically adapted to handle carton blanks which are presented stacked in facewise condition, and in stacks of predetermined and generally uniform height or axial length. These infeed devices are similar in many respects to those which have been found commercially attractive for handling supplies of can ends for attachment to can bodies as described and claimed for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,722,741 and 4,000,709.
However, with the adaptation of these infeed units for use with carton blanks, certain additional problems were encountered. For example, processing machinery often will not function properly if the edges of the carton blanks have become bent or frayed during transfer from the infeed apparatus to a receiving conveyor or other supply means for a processing machine. Solutions to the foregoing and many of the other problems encountered with carton handling apparatus of this type are described and claimed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,462. However, there remains room for further improvement.
Generally speaking, the carousel-type infeed device is arranged to provide a number of carrier pockets which can be moved about an "endless" or closed track relative to an article delivery station. Preferably, the track is of a generally elongate, oval configuration and the article delivery station is located at one longitudinal end thereof. Generally speaking, the article delivery station is arranged such that only one of the carrier pockets is in alignment with the article delivery station at a given time. In some applications, a second, similar so-called transfer pocket is brought into alignment with the carrier pocket at the article delivery station and a transfer mechanism is used to transfer the entire stack of articles from the carrier pocket to this transfer pocket. In effecting this transfer, it is important that the two pockets be closely aligned to avoid damage to or mishandling of the carton blanks during the transfer. As a related matter, it is important that the carrier pocket of the carousel infeed device be prevented from pivotal or rocking motion relative to the receiving transfer pocket while in the delivery station and during the article transfer operation.
While the present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the above-described problem of aligning the carrier pocket at an article delivery station with a transfer pocket, it should be recognized that the invention may find utility in any application wherein it is desired to maintain a given alignment and prevent rocking or pivotal motion of a carrier pocket of a carousel infeed device or other similar structure.


A sulfur dioxide gas sensor having a high selectivity of SO.sub.2 gas, and an operability at a high temperature which comprises: a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity; a detecting electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing glass and either gold or a gold alloy; and a basic electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing Pt.

The present invention relates to an SO.sub.2 gas sensor for measuring the sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) gas concentration in the exhaust gas of a combustion engine, or the like, or in the air. Particularly, the present invention relates to a SO.sub.2 gas sensor which can reduce the influence of coexistent oxygen (O.sup.2) on a value obtained by a SO.sub.2 gas measurement and which can operate even at such a high temperatures as 600.degree. C. 900.degree. C.
In boilers for thermal power generation or incineration facilities, there are emission standards on toxic gases that occur in the exhaust gas, such as NO.sub.x and SO.sub.2, which exist for environment protection. Each facility is required to monitor the concentration of these toxic gases in order to prove that the standards are being followed. In thermoelectric power plants or incineration facilities, there is used a measuring apparatus of a nondispersive infrared ray absorption type (NDIR type) to monitor these air-pollutive gases. Since the measuring apparatus is not directly inserted into the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is sampled by an absorption pump and analyzed in a place separate from the passage for the exhaust gas.
However, in the NDIR type of measuring apparatus, a sampling apparatus is exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it requires rather frequent maintenance checks, which because of various restrictions are difficult to carry out without stopping the operation of the boiler or the incineration facilities.
Further, the apparatus itself must have gas-pretreatment portions for removing dust and water contained in an exhaust gas, which in combination with the use of an absorption pump, inevitably enlarges the apparatus and raises its price.
Furthermore, because a measurement of the concentration of toxic gases such as SO.sub.2 in an exhaust gas requires the absorption step by the use of an absorption pump, even when such a concentration in an exhaust gas reaches nearly a critical level by, for example, an unexpected extraordinariness of combustion facilities; it is difficult to avoid delay in a response time, and a certain time lag is necessary to cope with the extraordinariness, or the like, which increases the risk of an unexpected accident.
Additionally, since the sensor used in the apparatus sustains interference of CO.sub.2, hydrocarbons inevitably discharged into an exhaust gas, or the like, a precise measurement cannot be expected.
The other methods for measurement shown in JIS B7981 are (1) an electrolytic conductivity method, (2) an ultraviolet ray absorption method, and (3) controlled potential electrolysis. However, these methods have problems regarding sampling due to the aforementioned nondispersive infrared ray absorption, and each of these methods is influenced by peculiar interferential gases.


Pneumatic tires are disclosed, which each comprise a pair of beads, a toroidal carcass composed of at least one carcass ply which extends between the beads and is composed of cords arranged substantially in a radial direction of the tire, a belt layer superimposed radially outside a crown portion of the carcass, a tread arranged radially outside of the belt layer to cover the belt layer, and an auxiliary layer which is arranged between the tread and the belt layer to cover the whole belt layer and is composed of an organic fiber cord arranged substantially in parallel with the tire circumferential direction. The tread is constituted by a tread central portion containing a tire equatorial plane, a pair of tread side edge portions covering the side edges of the belt layer, and a pair of tread intermediate portions between the tread central portion and the tread side edge portions. The auxiliary layer comprises a plurality of plies at at least widthwise opposite side edge portions, and is constituted by a continuous cord member comprising at least one rubberized cord which is spirally wound in the tire circumferential direction. The opposite ends of the cord member of the auxiliary layer are located radially inside the tread intermediate portion or portions of the tread.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement for high speed durability of pneumatic tires, for instance, high performance low profile pneumatic tires adapted to run at high speeds.
(2) Related Art Statement
In general, high performance low profile pneumatic tires of this type have a so-called aspect ratio [(a tire section height "H").div.(a tire section width "S")] in a range of 0.35 to 0.6, and each have a belt reinforcing structure in which an auxiliary layer is provided between a belt layer and a tread to cover the belt layer especially for improving high speed durability. As conventional belt reinforcing structures, there are belt reinforcing structures as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In tires having such belt reinforcing structures, the other construction is the same as that of ordinary pneumatic radial tires.
The belt reinforcing structure 1 shown in FIG. 6 uses, as a belt 2, rubberized cords such as steel cords or organic fiber cords having a high modulus of elasticity. Auxiliary layers 5-1 and 5-2 so called cap layers or strip layers are provided between the belt 2 and a tread, not shown, to cover the belt 2. Each of the auxiliary layers 5-1 and 5-2 is formed by spirally and intimately winding a single rubberized organic thermally shrinkable fiber cord 7 (for instance, a nylon cord) substantially in parallel to a tire circumferential direction, and is arranged in such an area as to cover at least tire widthwise edge portions 2a of the belt layer 2. The auxiliary layers 5-1 and 5-2 shown in FIG. 6 are cap layers covering the entire belt layer 2 between the opposite edge portions 2a. Alternatively, strip layers (not shown) covering near the edge portions 2a only may be used solely or in combination with a cap layer as mentioned above. As shown in FIG. 6, the cords are conventionally spirally wound in a double layer construction such that the cord has a starting end 7a in the vicinity of one edge portion 2a of the belt layer 2 and a terminal end 7b near the other edge portion 2a of the belt layer 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, there is a tire in which cords 7 are arranged such that a starting end 7a of the cord 7 is positioned at one of the edge portions or a central portion 2b of a belt 2, and a terminal end 7b is positioned at the central portion 2b or the other edge portion 2a of the belt 2.
However, when a low profile high performance tire having the starting end 7a or the terminal end 7b of the cord 7 arranged near the central portion 2b of the belt 2 runs at high speeds, the tread central portion undergoes such a large repeated deformation strain in that it is swelled outwards in a tire radial direction due to a centrifugal force and is deformed inwards in the radial direction under a high ground contact pressure at a ground contacting area. Ultimately, a rubber surrounding the starting end 7a or the terminal end 7b is fatigued and peeled, thereby conspicuously deteriorating high speed durability.
Further, when a tire having the starting end 7a or the terminal end 7b of the cord located near the edge portion 2a of the belt 2 rounds a curve at high speeds, the starting end 7a or the terminal end 7b undergoes a large repeated deformation strain, so that the surrounding rubber is fatigued to ultimately cause peeling thereof.

Pneumatic tires including spirally wound auxiliary layer outside belt


A method and apparatus for metering and pumping a single fluid of any viscosity includes a gear pump for pumping the fluid, the pump having a discharge connected by a hose to a dispenser. A check valve is used to maintain the pressure in the hose when the pump is in its at-rest position. The gear pump need only be operated as necessary to maintain pressure in the hose. Precise metering of the fluid pumped is accomplished by controlling the operation of the gear pump.

Commercial and other buildings are regularly insulated and waterproofed by applying multicomponent coatings by spraying. As an example, roofs of commercial buildings are waterproofed by applying a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam is produced by pumping and spraying desired proportions of polymeric isocyanate and resin components.
In these systems, two or more components having different viscosities must be accurately metered throughout the spraying process. In spraying polyurethane foam, a one to one ratio is normally required. In other multicomponent organic resin sprays, such as for fire retardants and other insulations, a different ratio may be required. Further, these materials, because they must be mixed immediately prior to application to avoid premature reaction, must be very accurately metered and sprayed at precise pressures and temperatures to achieve appropriate atomization of both components and their mixture. If the components are not properly proportioned, the coating may not properly react and may not attain the intended properties.
Heretofore, substantial equipment has been required to accomplish the spraying of these multicomponent coatings and portable units have not existed. In most prior art systems, piston pumps are used for pumping each of the components. These systems are designed for large spray jobs, such as where an entire building roof is to be insulated. While the same systems are also used for small repair jobs, the bulk and size of the equipment makes this undertaking extremely costly.
In the prior systems which use piston pumps, it has been difficult to maintain a proper ratio of one component to the other at all pumping rates and conditions. Further, maintaining equal pressure on both components is difficult. Moreover, these problems are exasperated where small jobs are attempted.
For metering and applying dual component materials, only one system is known which uses gear pumps. This system, disclosed in a patent to the inventor of the present invention, U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,512, uses identical dual gear pumps driven by hydraulic motors connected in series. While this system operates satisfactorily for its intended purpose, it does not achieve the object of the present invention to provide a system which may be designed to easily and accurately proportion two or more different components being pumped.
Apparatus for pumping a single fluid are also in great demand in many industries. Specifically, all applications of a single fluid, whether for purposes of pumping such fluid from one location to another or for applying such fluid to a surface, require a pump capable of accurately and precisely metering material. For example, the application of sealants or the loading of oil or other chemicals into machines or various processes requires a pump system for moving and metering such material. Currently, such materials are normally pumped by use of a piston pump. While such pumps have been acceptable, they have not provided the metering accuracy or control which is desired.

Method and apparatus for applying single of multicomponent materials

Specified Equipment Systems Company, Inc.


A method of forming an amorphous carbon layer on a substrate in a substrate processing chamber, includes introducing a hydrocarbon source into the processing chamber, introducing argon, alone or in combination with helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and combinations thereof, into the processing chamber, wherein the argon has a volumetric flow rate to hydrocarbon source volumetric flow rate ratio of about 10:1 to about 20:1, generating a plasma in the processing chamber at a substantially lower pressure of about 2 Torr to 10 Torr, and forming a conformal amorphous carbon layer on the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the fabrication of integrated circuits and particularly to the deposition of an amorphous carbon layer with high film density and high etch selectivity.
2. Description of the Related Art
Integrated circuits have evolved into complex devices that can include millions of transistors, capacitors and resistors on a single chip. The evolution of chip design continually requires faster circuitry and greater circuit density. The demand for faster circuits with greater circuit densities imposes corresponding demands on the materials used to fabricate such integrated circuits. In particular, as the dimensions of integrated circuit components are reduced to sub-micron dimensions, it has been necessary to use not only low resistivity conductive materials such as copper to improve the electrical performance of devices, but also low dielectric constant insulating materials, often referred to as low-k materials. Low-k materials generally have a dielectric constant of less than 4.0.
Producing devices having low-k materials with little or no surface defects or feature deformation is problematic. Low-k dielectric materials are often porous and susceptible to being scratched or damaged during subsequent process steps, thus increasing the likelihood of defects being formed on the substrate surface. Low-k materials are often brittle and may deform under conventional polishing processes, such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). One solution to limiting or reducing surface defects and deformation of low-k materials is the deposition of a hardmask (e.g., TiN hardmask) over the exposed low-k materials prior to patterning and etching. The hardmask prevents damage and deformation of the delicate low-k materials. In addition, a hardmask layer may act as an etch mask in conjunction with conventional lithographic techniques to prevent the removal of a low-k material during etch.
Typically, the hardmask is an intermediate oxide layer, e.g., silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. However, some device structures already include silicon dioxide and/or silicon nitride layers, for example, damascene structures. Such device structures, therefore, cannot be patterned using a silicon dioxide or silicon nitride hardmask as an etch mask, since there will be little or no etch selectivity between the hardmask and the material thereunder, i.e., removal of the hardmask will result in unacceptable damage to underlying layers. To act as an etch mask for oxide layers, such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, a material must have good etch selectivity relative to those oxide layers.
Amorphous hydrogenated carbon, also referred to as amorphous carbon and denoted a-C:H, has been proved to be an effective material serving as a hardmask for oxide, nitride, poly-Si, or metal (e.g., Al) materials. Amorphous hydrogenated carbon is essentially a carbon material with no long-range crystalline order which may contain a substantial hydrogen content, for example on the order of about 10 to 45 atomic %. a-C:H is used as hardmask material in semiconductor applications because of its chemical inertness, optical transparency, and good mechanical properties. While a-C:H films can be deposited via various techniques, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is widely used due to cost efficiency and film property tunability.
To ensure that the desired amorphous carbon film adequately protects underlying material layer during dry etching, it is important that amorphous carbon film possesses a relatively high etch selectivity, or removal rate ratio, with respect to material layer thereunder. Generally, an etch selectivity during the dry etch process of at least about 3:1 or more, such as 10:1, is desirable between amorphous carbon film and material layer, i.e., material layer is etched ten times faster than amorphous carbon film. In this way, the hardmask film formed by amorphous carbon protects regions of underlying material layer that are not to be etched or damaged while apertures are formed therein via a dry etch process.
The etch selectivity has been known can be increased with a higher film density. For amorphous carbon hardmask, however, there is typically a trade-off between high film density and hardmask ashability. It is therefore a need for an amorphous carbon hardmask which has higher film density (and therefore etch selectivity) while maintaining a decent ashability for hardmasks.

Ultra high selectivity ashable hard mask film


Methods and structure for estimating computational resource complexity for a Bayesian belief network (xe2x80x9cBBNxe2x80x9d) model for problem diagnosis and resolution. Bayesian belief networks may be bounded with respect to application to resolution of particular problem. Such bounded BBNs are found to consume memory resources in accordance with a mathematical model of polynomial complexity or less. Applying this model to estimate the computational memory resources required for computation of the BBN model permits effective management of distributing BBN computations over a plurality of servers. Such distribution of BBN computations enables improved responsiveness to servicing multiple clients requesting BBN applications to multiple problem resolutions. The present invention provides the requisite estimates of BBN computational resource consumption complexity to enable such improved management in a client/server problem diagnostic environment

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the probabilistic diagnostics and procedures and more specifically relates to techniques and systems for estimating resource needs of Bayesian belief networks as applied to diagnostic systems.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In general, diagnostic techniques applied to a variety of problem domains evaluate particular evidence or constraints and determine an appropriate next step in the process based on probabilities associated with the particular evidence or constraints. Humans conduct such diagnosis on a regular basis in solving a variety of problems. Computing systems are often applied to resolving similar problems utilizing similar probabilistic techniques based on gathered evidence and constraints.
Troubleshooting and diagnostic xe2x80x9cwizardsxe2x80x9d are exemplary of common automated diagnostic systems. Such wizards in computing systems usually accept input from a user indicating the nature of a problem to be resolved. Through a number of question and answer interactions with the user, the wizard narrows the possible solutions to the problem. In other words, the wizard diagnoses the problem by applying probabilistic analysis given a set of constraints supplied by the user. Troubleshooting and diagnostic wizards are frequently used to provide automated troubleshooting assistance for end-users of computing systems to enable end-users to rapidly diagnose unresolved problems without resorting to interaction with customer support representatives associated with the computing systems.
A variety of mathematical models have been applied to improve the diagnostic capability of such computing systems used for such problem diagnosis. One popular such model is often referred to as a Bayesian belief networks (xe2x80x9cBBNxe2x80x9d). Bayesian belief networks iteratively apply Bayes rule to infer a probable event or next step in the problem diagnosis based on evidence or constraints and associated probabilities. A Bayesian belief network is therefore often represented mathematically as a collection of nodes representing particular events or states associated with gathered evidence and arcs connecting the nodes representing probabilistic dependence between the various events represented by the nodes. By extending the representation of a Bayesian belief network with information such as cost of steps, explanations for steps and the like, BBNs can be usefully applied to troubleshooting of user problems.
Use of such BBN techniques and automated (computerized) problem diagnostic systems gives rise to a number of complexities due to the computational complexity of the BBN probability determinations. Use of a BBN technique requires substantial computational resources including CPU processing cycles and memory for computing possible states and associated probabilities. Lack of predictable available computing resources is problematic in performing BBN techniques. The computational resources consumed in applying BBN techniques has been heretofore viewed as highly unpredictable. No accurate model has been proposed to estimate the resources required for utilizing the BBN network for a particular problem resolution given a set of constraints. For this reason, known BBN diagnostic tools are limited, as a practical matter, to operation on a dedicated computational server. In other words, a single BBN diagnostic tool operating to resolve a single problem on behalf of a single user/client is permitted to consume all available resources on a single dedicated computational server.
This complexity and associated need for dedicated computing resources has diminished the utility of BBN diagnostic tool systems because they are not easily managed in a client/server computational architecture where a single BBN diagnostic server may provide services for a plurality of requesting clients. When a single computational server must be dedicated to one BBN network computation, the BBN diagnostic tool is not easily scaled in a client/server model to permit a larger number of clients to be serviced.
It is evident from the above discussion that a need exists to better characterize the computational resources required of a BBN diagnostic system to permit improved management of computational resources for BBN diagnostic tools in a client/server application architecture.
The present invention solves the above and other problems, thereby advancing the state of the useful arts, by providing a polynomial model of the computational resources required for a BBN diagnostic tool to resolve a particular constrained problem. Using such an improved characterization of BBN computational complexity, management techniques (outside the scope of the present invention) may appropriately manage the distribution of BBN diagnostic computations over one or more computational servers operating on behalf of a plurality of requesting client""s. In other words the improved estimation of BBN computational resources in accordance with the present invention enables effective management of computational resources to permit better scaling of BBN server resources to service multiple clients.
Empirical data suggests that BBN diagnostic computations are both memory and CPU intensive. While CPU utilization is a well-known manageable problem, storage utilization must be carefully managed to avoid fatal errors in operation of a BBN computational models. Further empirical data shows that BBN storage requirements may be accurately estimated in accordance with polynomial computational complexity. This simply computed estimate of required resources allows well-known management techniques to more accurately distribute the load of BBN services over one or more servers to purposes of serving multiple clients.
A further advantage of the present invention is that by permitting management of multiple BBN services operable on one or more server nodes, multiple BBN models may be run in parallel on behalf of a single client request. Such parallel multiple model operation allows model matching processing. Model matching as used herein refers to the process of finding a model that best handles the problem of the user. This can be done, for example, by running a number of competing models in parallel until it becomes apparent which model is the most suitable. Running multiple models for such model matching is another benefit of managing the operation of multiple BBN model executions distributed over a network of servers.
The above, and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions and attached drawings.

Methods and structure for characterization of bayesian belief networks

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


According to a first configuration, a hand tool is configured to include a shaft, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the shaft, and a tubular tip disposed on a hinge at a distal end of the shaft. The tubular tip pivots about the hinge, providing a way to steer a resource to a specific location in a medical site. In accordance with a second configuration, a hand tool includes a flexible section of tube, a flexible sheathing, and a link. The flexible sheathing encases the flexible section of tube. At least a portion of the link resides between an outer surface of the flexible section of tube and an inner surface of the flexible sheathing. One end of the link is affixed to a distal tip of the flexible section of tube. Pulling on the link causes the flexible section of tube to arc.

The prior art appears to include different types of hand tools to carry out surgical procedures. For example, one type of hand tool may be used to make an incision in human tissue, another type of hand tool may be used to drill into a bone, another type of hand tool may be used to cut away cartilage, another type of hand tool may be used suture tissue back together, etc.
Surgical procedures, such as bone repair, may require guiding a wire through a hole drilled in a bone. Subsequent to drilling a hole in a bone, it may be difficult to steer a wire through the hole because an incision made in tissue may naturally close or there may not be easy access to the drilled hole through the incision because the drilled hole is behind an obstruction such as another bone.


A bearing assembly is for a washing machine, the washing machine including a tub and a drum rotatable about a central axis. The bearing assembly comprises two bearings spaced axially apart along the central axis, a spacer disposed generally between the two bearings, and a polymeric housing. The housing includes a box-type frame molded to the bearings and to the spacer and configured to provide stiffness to the bearing assembly.

The present invention relates to bearing assemblies, and more particularly to bearing assemblies for washing machine drums.
Bearing assemblies for rotatably supporting washing machine drums are known. In certain applications, the bearing assembly can be "co-molded" with, i.e., molded onto or together with, the washing machine tub so as to become an integral part of the tub itself, which facilitates the washing machine assembly operations. Such a bearing assembly typically includes two roller bearings arranged along an axis of rotation of a washing machine drum, a spacer interposed between the two bearings, and a cylindrical housing sleeve. The sleeve is often made of a plastic material and is co-molded around the two bearings and the spacer.
With bearing assemblies of the type described above, the spacer is typically formed of a metallic material, which sometimes causes technical problems due to the environment in which the bearing assembly operates. Specifically, although the spacer is housed within an environment protected from direct contact with the washing machine liquids, water vapour and condensate are typically formed on the sleeve during most washing cycles, which gives rise to the possible formation of ferrous oxides (i.e., rust) on the inner surface of the spacer.

Bearing assembly for washing machine tubs


A parking lock device for a motor vehicle transmission which comprises a transmission housing, a locking pawl mounted by a bolt to swivel on the housing and loaded by a restoring spring, a guide plate supported on the housing, and a locking element by which, in the engaged condition, the locking pawl can be locked by being supported against the guide plate. The locking pawl is arranged on the bolt with some play and, on a narrow side thereof facing toward the guide plate, has a pawl hook with a first detent element, while the guide plate has, in a swiveling area of the pawl hook, an opening with a second detent element which interlocks with the first detent element when the parking lock is disengaged.

It is known to equip motor vehicle transmissions such as automatic or dual-clutch transmissions with a parking lock, in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. The structure of such a parking lock is described, for example, in DE 199 33 618 A1 by the present applicant: a locking pawl is mounted on the transmission housing by means of a bolt, the so-termed parking lock bolt, and loaded by a restoring spring, for example a lever spring, in the circumferential or swiveling direction. The locking pawl comprise a pawl tooth which engages in a tooth gap on a parking lock gear arranged on the transmission output and blocks it, i.e. so that the parking lock is engaged. The known parking lock device also comprises a guide plate supported on the housing and serving as the abutment for a locking cone, which locks the locking pawl in its engaged condition. The locking cone is actuated by a connecting rod. When the locking cone is retracted the locking pawl is released and swiveled back by the restoring spring, so that the pawl tooth disengages from the parking lock gear—and the parking lock is then in its disengaged condition.
From DE 102 45 951 A1 a parking lock device has become known, which has at its free end a so-termed pawl hook which is guided in a guide slot of the guide plate.
A problem that occurs in the disengaged condition of the parking lock, for example when driving on roads in poor condition or with marked vibrations of the transmission, is that the locking pawl can become loose on the guide plate—against the force of the restoring spring—and tooth-crown contact can take place between the pawl tooth and the parking lock teeth. This can result in damage to the parking lock system.
To solve this problem various approaches have already been tried, for example as in DE 10 2006 022 963 A1, where a hydraulically actuated locking device is provided to hold the locking pawl steady in its disengaged condition.
From EP 0 895 908 A1 a parking lock device with a locking pawl is known, which in its disengaged condition is locked by an electromagnetically actuated locking bolt. Both of these previously known solutions have the disadvantage that additional components are required for the locking device, and this increases the structural complexity, the weight and the cost of the transmission.
In the older application by the present applicant with file number DE 10 2008 054 467.1 a parking lock device with a locking pawl is disclosed, which in its disengaged condition is secured with positive interlock by a moveable securing element by means of a spring element.


A component carrier is described for fastening a component on a mounting wall having a through-opening, including a receptacle device for the component, an installation device for establishing a fixation of the component carrier on the mounting wall, and a retaining device for the pre-fixation of the component carrier in the through-opening. The retaining device includes a pin structure and a rib structure extending along the pin structure, the pin structure and rib structure forming a fixation area, using which the retaining device is fixable in the through-opening. Furthermore, the retaining device includes a securing structure situated on the free end of the pin structure opposite to the rib structure, which prevents the retaining device from being pulled out of the through-opening.

Vehicle sensors, such as acceleration sensors of an airbag system used for crash recognition, are typically installed in vehicles in the form of a mounting module. This is a special component carrier in which the actual sensor is housed. The component carrier is in turn installed on a mounting surface of the vehicle via fasteners. A screw connection is frequently used as the fastener. In order to allow one-handed installation of the mounting module, the component carrier is typically pre-installed on the mounting wall. Through the pre-fixation, which is typically performed by clipping the sensor into a through-opening of the mounting wall, the installation position of the sensor is secured. This is typically performed with the aid of special pre-installation clips, which are inserted inside the through-opening and anchored via catch elements. The manufacture of such clips, which is typically performed with the aid of the injection molding process, has proven to be relatively complex, inter alia, because of the filigree catch elements.


To provide a vehicle air-conditioning unit that increases a volume of airflow delivered from a side vent opening in a foot mode, to effectively prevent fogging of windowpanes on right and left end sides. An air passage has: a first passage that guides hot air to a center vent opening, a side vent opening, and a defrost opening; and a second passage that is branched from the first passage and guides the hot air to a foot opening. A first door is arranged at a branched position of the air passage to the second passage, and a second door is arranged between the center vent opening and the defrost opening. In a foot mode, the first door closes the first passage and opens a first supply passage, the first supply passage communicates between the first and second passages, the second door closes the center vent opening and forms a second supply passage on an upstream side of the side vent opening, and the second supply passage communicates between an extending direction of the first supply passage and the side vent opening.

A vehicle air-conditioning system disclosed in PTL 1 is configured that it is arranged in the front in a vehicle traveling direction, that an air blower, an evaporator, a heater core are housed in an air passage formed in an air-conditioning case, that an air mix door is provided to adjust a mixture ratio of the air that passes through the heater core and the air that bypasses the heater core, and that a defrost opening, a center vent opening, a side vent blowout opening, and a foot blowout opening are provided on a downstream side of this air mix door.
Then, in a foot mode, hot air flows out of a foot opening, the hot air is blown out of the defrost opening through a defrost port, and the hot air is blown out of a side vent opening through a side vent blowout port. Accordingly, fogging of windowpanes in the front and on right and left end sides in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle is prevented.
In addition, a vehicle air-conditioning system disclosed as another example in PTL 1 is configured by having: a def/vent mode door for switching between the center vent opening and the defrost opening; and a vent mode door for opening and closing the center vent opening.