A lubrication boosting additive comprising a mixture of an organic titanium compound soluble in a solvent, an organic solvent for the organic titanium compound, and a phthalic ester. The additive is used in combination with lubricating oils to improve load bearing capacity and wear resistance. When added to lubricating oil, the additive is used in an amount of from 0.1 to 10 g, calculated as the organic titanium compound, per liter of the lubricating oil.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to additives for improving lubricating characteristics of lubricating oils and more particularly, to lubrication boosting additives which, when added to lubricating oils for use in power engines, can improve load bearing properties of the oils and can prevent wear of the power engines while mitigating the lowering of an energy efficiency owing to the friction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is well known in the art, lubrication boosting additives have been widely used in order to improve lubricating characteristics of lubricating oils. Typical examples of the commercially sold additives include suspensions of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and molybdenum sulfide in the form of fine powder. Polytetrafluoroethylene is a resin which has good lubricating characteristics and a high chemical resistance, but is inconveniently insoluble in almost all the types of solvents, thus making it impossible to use the PTFE resin as a solution. This is why the PTFE resin is used as a fine powder suspended in a medium. However, the use of the suspension presents a serious problem with respect to its compatibility with or dispersability in lubricating oil. For instance, the fine powder may settle in the suspension prior to use or after mixing with lubricating oil. Alternatively, the fine powder may deposit in power engines or may clog filters used in association with the engines.
Moreover, the fine powder of PTFE or molybdenum disulfide rarely contributes to the improvement of the load bearing properties when added to lubricating oils.
We have already proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,614 a oil boosting additive which comprises a fluororesin and a phthalic ester dissolved in an organic solvent. This is very effective for use as an additive to lubricating oils which are employed in power engines. In this additive, the fluororesin is used in large amounts and is relatively expensive.

Lubrication boosting additives comprising organic titanium compounds and lubricating oil compositions comprising the same


Techniques for optimizing desktop sharing for wireless clients during web collaboration are presented. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises determining that a presenter of a collaborative online meeting is using a desktop sharing session, determining that one or more attendees participating in the collaborative online meeting are using devices with limited display capabilities, determining a particular window displayed on the desktop of the presenter of the desktop sharing session, and causing transmission of only data from the particular window displayed on the desktop of the presenter to the one or more devices.

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Online conferences held over networks such as the Internet and using World Wide Web sites are becoming more popular. Recent advances in the web conference technology allow the attendees to participate in the same live meeting from offices all over the world.
Other advantage of web conferences is that the attendees may join the conference via a variety of computers. Attendees may join the web conference from computers physically connected to a network, as well as from various wireless devices, which communicate with the presenter's computer over a wireless network or internetworks.
However, as much as the hardware heterogeneity is advantageous in web conferencing, the fact that the devices have different display capabilities poses a myriad of problems. These problems may be experienced as much by the presenters as by the attendees. For example, if a presenter conducts a presentation from a computer equipped with a large, high-resolution screen, the conference attendees who joined the conference via devices having very limited display capabilities may be unable to appreciate the images transmitted by the presenter. For example, if a presenter transmits an image, a PowerPoint presentation page, or a Word page, etc., that is rich in content, the conference attendees who joined the conference via devices with limited display capabilities may simply be unable to see those images or pages with a sufficient clarity. Subsequently, the details that the presenter wished to convey to the attendees may be lost, and the effectiveness of the presentation itself may be diminished.
The presenter could manually simplify or tailor a presentation comprising images, pages of a PowerPoint presentation, etc., to be clearly seen on small-resolution screens, but this approach is inefficient and may result in reduced effectiveness because details have to be eliminated.

Optimizing desktop sharing for wireless clients during networked collaboration


The invention relates to a method for determining a favourable moment for triggering the firing of a weapon on a moving target. According to said method, firing commands and expected impact points (P1-P3) of a projectile and the target (2) are calculated with the aid of an algorithm, without actually triggering a firing burst. The target (2) is selected, the algorithm is activated and hypothetical data is determined. The process is aided by a graphical display (4) of the data. In the preferred embodiments, additional information is taken into account and/or is visualised for a user (5).

When attacking targets, firing commands, that is to say the launch angle and the instance of shot firing are chosen in order to achieve as high a hit probability as possible. The accuracy of weapon aiming, the munitions scatter and the atmospheric influences make this task harder. In order to counteract these disturbances, measures are taken, such as calibration during the aiming procedure or measurement of the air pressure and air temperature and wind. Furthermore, another factor is the variability of the muzzle velocity, which influences the time of flight of the projectile to the target. In practice, the muzzle velocity of the projectile is therefore often measured, and is taken into account in the fire control. For example, CH 691 143 A5 discloses an apparatus for measuring the projectile velocity at the muzzle of a weapon barrel. This comprises two sensors which are arranged at a distance from one another on a supporting tube, respond to a change in a magnetic flux, and are connected to evaluation electronics.
Additional error sources are, in particular, the unknown target movements between the time of firing the projectile and its arrival at the target. Particularly if the projectile has to fly over relatively long distances, it may be difficult to predetermine the predicted position of the target at the hit point. In order to reduce these errors, models of the target movement are formulated and are operated using target measurement data in order to identify the kinematics of the target. This data is then used, in general extrapolated, in the fire control in order to predict the target position after the expected time of flight.
However, with the exception of the radial velocity, the measurements are pure determined positions. The target velocity and, possibly, target acceleration are derived from these in the filter, and are used for the extrapolation. The accuracy of the extrapolated data is particularly dependent on the quality of the acceleration estimate. Furthermore, as soon as the target maneuvers and the accelerations become large for this reason, it is possible for the fire control to refuse the firing recommendation. The known residues of the filter, that is to say the difference between the estimate and the measurement, are therefore not very suitable for this purpose, because they include only the position error with respect to the target. In the event of a target maneuver, a certain amount of time always passes before the filter transforms the generated residues to acceleration. This is referred to as stabilization of the filter.
The total time delay between the target maneuver and the time of arrival of the projectile, whose fire elements take account of this maneuver, at the target is composed of:time delay=stabilization of the filter+time of flight of the projectile+other dead times.
In this case, other dead times means the time required for the measurement, for the data processing and for data transmission.
The fire control is improved by test projectiles or trial firings, and this can be referred to as a "closed loop". In order to statistically improve the measurement results of the test projectiles, a limited number of them are fired successively. A firing burst whose first shots are measured at the target must in this case last longer than the projectile time of flight if its last shots are to profit from the corresponding corrections. Measurement systems such as these are complicated, and furthermore expensive, depending on the purpose.

Method for optimising the firing trigger of a weapon or artillery


A method for treating recurrent minor aphthous ulcers is provided in which a sufferer is treated with a combination therapy of Vitamin B6 and B12 compounds. The treatment is done orally and the treatment minimizes the duration and pain of the sore, as well as increasing the period of time between recurrences.

Recurrent minor aphthous ulcers (of which canker sores are one type) are painful ulcers that develop inside the mouth. Canker sores are distinguished from other mouth ulcers by way of taking a history from a patient and by way of visual inspection. Typically there is no medical testing (i.e., biopsy or culturing) that is used to identify canker sores.
The hallmark characteristics of canker sores are their appearance, location, and the fact that they are recurrent. Canker sores form on the inside of the lips and cheeks, the floor of the mouth, the tongue, the soft palate, the tonsillar areas, and other areas in the mouth. The tissues surrounding a canker sore lesion will appear healthy and the patient will have no distinguishing systemic features (such as a fever or malaise).
A canker sore's earliest stage will be characterized by the formation of a reddish area on the skin in one of the locations described above. The area may be slightly elevated and it will often produce a tingling sensation. This initial lesion will subsequently degenerate into an ulcer that is round or oval in shape. The ulcer will usually be no more than a ¼ inch in diameter. The center of the ulcer will be covered with a loosely attached white or grayish membrane. The edges of the ulcer will be regular (not jagged) and surrounded by a reddish halo.
Canker sores usually are painful. It is common that the presence of a canker sore will interfere with eating and drinking or will cause a person to want to limit their oral movements. Canker sores normally last from ten days to two weeks. Usually this healing is uneventful with no residual scarring.
Once a person has initially experienced an outbreak of canker sores, the probability of recurrence is high, although the rate of recurrence is quite variable. A rate of one or two outbreaks per year would be considered typical (encompassing 50% of those who get canker sores). 30% of people who suffer from outbreaks of these lesions deal with their presence on a monthly basis. The number of outbreaks of canker sores a person experiences can vary greatly. Most persons will have only a few episodes a year while, at the other extreme, others will have nearly continuous outbreaks and will never be free of mouth ulcers for an extended period of time. A person's first canker sores typically appear between the ages of 10 and 20 years and then decrease in frequency and severity as the person ages. It's been estimated that roughly 20% of the general population experiences canker sores.
The precise mechanism by which canker sores form has not been definitively determined but it is likely that their development is related to a reaction of an individual's own immune system. Several triggers for canker sores have been identified.
Treatments for canker sores have included over the counter and prescription products. Such products include those which create a protective barrier film, those that numb the canker sore, etc. However, these products do not speed up the healing; they simply cover over and protect them. Antibacterial products may be used to prevent secondary infections from forming in the lesions. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help to minimize the extent to which a canker sore's ulceration will progress. Unfortunately, none of these treatments have proven particularly effective to speed healing, relieve pain, and reduce the frequency of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers, including canker sores.
Vitamin B12 is a cobalt-containing B complex vitamin that has various effects on biological processes in vivo. The majority of people do not need to take vitamin B12 supplements, however, vitamin B12 compounds have been available for many years as an injectable treatment for pernicious anemia, with daily doses typically in the range of 1000 micrograms. Vitamin B12 supplements are also known in the microgram range.
Vitamin B6 plays a role in a variety of biochemical reactions in the human body including the metabolism of amino acids and glycogen, the synthesis of nucleic acids, hemoglobin, sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, and the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Vitamin B6 is the primary vitamin for processing amino acids used in production of proteins and is also needed to make a variety of hormones including serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Typical doses of pyridoxine used for nutritional supplementation range from 2 to 20 milligrams/day.
Though Vitamin B6 in combination with folic acid and vitamin B12 have been known to control homocysteine levels which have been linked to heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease, no person has demonstrated that high doses of a vitamin B6 compound in combination with a vitamin B12 compound would achieve an enhanced therapeutic effect for the treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulcers.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a novel method of treating minor aphthous ulcers which is safe and substantially effective at limiting their duration, lessening the pain and discomfort they cause, and reducing their recurrence. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

Method for treating minor aphthous ulcers


An apparatus is set forth including a planar base mounting a receptacle container orthogonally mounted to a top surface of the base, including sloped interior walls positioned aligned with and rearwardly of spaced left and right legs, wherein a rearwardly directed support wall is positioned and fixedly mounted between the legs for support of a glue gun member thereon. A support boss is positioned forwardly and adjacent the wall at a lowermost end thereof and mounted to the base between the legs for positioning of a clip leg of the glue gun thereon to stabilize the glue gun in a rest position upon the apparatus. A ceramic tile member to accommodate glue dripped thereon is positioned forwardly of the boss. A glue stick magazine is provided adjacent the ceramic plate. Optionally, glue gun tip cleaners are provided formed with conically ribbed interior surfaces provided with replaceable inserts to enhance their cleaning and maintenance.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to glue gun accessory devices, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved glue gun holder apparatus wherein the same selectively mounts a glue gun during periods of non-use.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically in the use of a gluing procedure utilizing contemporary glue gun construction, the glue gun continues to direct the heated glue forwardly of the tip for an extended period of time subsequent to its use. Such glue, at its elevated temperature, provides unpleasant, if not dangerous, consequences to an individual and surrounding environment. The instant apparatus attempts to overcome deficiencies of the prior art by providing a support which enables the glue thusly directed forwardly of the tip subsequent to use to be directed and deposited upon an easily maintained ceramic plate. Examples of the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 4,333,623 to May sets forth a holder mounted between bifurcated legs of a support bracket to position the glue gun. The device fails to provide the easily cleansed ceramic surface utilized by the instant invention, as well as the associated socket connected with the arcuate wall to properly maintain the gun and prevent inadvertent dropping or mispositioning of the gun during securement to the instant invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,148 to Oliver sets forth a hair dryer holder wherein a wall-mounted bracket includes a cylindrical socket with a securement tab to secure the gun configured hair dryer when not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,838 to Gullota sets forth a musical instrument support stand wherein a support bracket includes an angulated rod with a plurality of upwardly extending pairs of legs for support of a musical instrument thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,799 to Foss, et al., sets forth a glue gun organizer including a metal base to enable glue to drip thereon, with an upwardly extending storage member for support of glue sticks, wherein the organization, as in other prior art, fails to provide a multi-point support for the glue gun as set forth by the instant invention to prevent inadvertent spillage and removal thereon, as well as not providing the tip cleaning member as utilized by the instant invention to enhance maintenance of the glue gun.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,972 to Sussman sets forth a support rack, wherein a plurality of hair drying accessories are directed through openings formed within an upper planar support for reception within recesses formed within a lower planar support.
As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved glue gun holder apparatus as set forth by the instant invention wherein the same addresses both the problems of ease of use and effectiveness in the orientation and positioning of a glue gun during periods of non-use and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


The present invention relates to a method for electrically connecting wafers, which physically bonds two wafers through an oxide-to-oxide bonding method and then electrically connects the two wafers through a butting contact structure. The wafers are physically bonded to each other through a relatively simple method, and then electrically connected to through TSVs or butting contact holes. Therefore, since the fabrication process may be simplified, a process error may be reduced, and the product yield may be improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for electrically connecting two wafers, and more particularly, to a method for electrically connecting wafers using a butting contact structure, which physically bonds two wafers according to an oxide-to-oxide bonding method and then electrically connects the two wafers using a butting contact structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, the process for reducing the physical size of an integrated circuit by reducing the sizes of devices on a wafer has reached the limit. In order to overcome such a limit, a method of vertically stacking two or more wafers has been proposed.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional semiconductor device fabricated through a metal-to-metal bonding method.
For convenience of description, suppose that the semiconductor device of FIG. 1 is a part of an image sensor. The semiconductor device includes an upper wafer 110 and a lower wafer 120. The upper wafer 110 includes a photodiode PD to generate charges corresponding to the amount of light incident from the top and a floating diffusion FD to temporarily store the charges. The lower wafer 120 includes elements constituting the image sensor excluding the photodiode PD.
Referring to FIG. 1, two wafers each having different elements implemented therein are bonded to each other. In FIG. 1, A, B, D, and D represents regions in which a metal as a conductive material or polycrystalline silicon is formed. The regions A and C formed in the upper wafer 110 must be electrically connected to the regions B and D formed in the lower wafer 120, respectively.
When a semiconductor fabrication process is completed, the top surface of a wafer is covered by an insulating material. Thus, when the top surfaces of two wafers are physically bonded to each other, the two wafers are electrically insulated from each other. For this reason, in order to electrically connect two wafers, conductive materials must be formed on the bonded portions of the two wafers. The conductive materials must be physically bonded to each other.
Referring to FIG. 1, a conductive material such as copper (Cu) may be formed on the surfaces of the regions A and C formed in the upper wafer 110 and the surfaces of the regions B and D formed in the lower wafer 120.
According to the above-described conventional metal-to-metal bonding method, the two wafers 110 and 120 are electrically connected to each other through the conductive layers formed on the surfaces of the regions A to D of the upper and lower wafers 110 and 120. Thus, the thickness of the wafers is inevitably increased. With the increase in thickness of the wafers, the lengths of wirings for electrical connection between elements formed in the two wafers 110 and 120 are increased. Thus, a power loss caused by resistance of the wirings cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, while each of the wafers is fabricated, the process of forming the conductive layer for electrical conduction must be separately performed during the bonding process. Thus, the time required for performing the process inevitably increases.

Method for electrically connecting wafers using butting contact structure and semiconductor device fabricated through the same


Flame retardant aqueous dispersions or suspensions comprising tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine (TTBT) or tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPE) or a mixture thereof and one or more nonionic or anionic surface active agent(s) and/or wetting agent(s) used in textile are described. The flame retardants exhibit high compatibility with textile materials and are stable in aqueous solutions.

Flame retardation of textiles using aromatic bromine-containing formulations adhered to the substrates by means of binders, has been long established (for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,032 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,606). The main drawbacks of existing formulations include high bromine content demand, high dry add-on demand, streak marks on dark fabrics, excessive dripping during combustion of thermoplastic fibers and dispersion instability. Most of these drawbacks are inherent to the aromatic bromine compounds used.
Using existing aromatic bromine containing formulations, the percentage resin component may be as high as 60-70 wt % of the total add-on in order to obtain satisfactory flame retardation (see Toxicological Risks of Selected Flame-Retardant Chemicals (2000), by Donald E. Gardner (Chair) Subcommittee on Flame-Retardant Chemicals, Committee on Toxicology, Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology, National Research Council page 507). This high add-on is due in part to the large amount of binder needed to fix the flame retardant (FR) agents to the textile. The binder may be as high as 50 wt % of the total FR formulation (see Toxicological Risks of Selected Flame-Retardant Chemicals (2000) page 507). Due to its substantial presence, the binder contributes to flammability and dripping, which requires more bromine content, thus creating an inefficient cycle. In order to obtain flame retarded textiles with better performance and less detriment to textile properties, an efficient FR agent conducive to incorporation in low binder content formulations with good dispersion properties is required.
Tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine (FR-245) is a flame retardant with a combination of aromatic bromine and cyanurate that provides high FR efficiency and good thermal stability. In its non-micronized form it is useful in many applications, especially but not exclusively, in the field of fire retardants for plastic compositions. FR-245 is insoluble in water but has a specific gravity of about 2.4, significantly lower than bromine rich FR agents commonly used in such applications such as Decabromodiphenyl Oxide (Deca), which has a specific gravity of 3. FR-245 is also easily micronized. Therefore, FR-245 lends itself to the preparation and use of more stable aqueous dispersions. FR-245 also has a higher initial decomposition temperature than Decabromodiphenyl oxide.
Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (FR-720) is a flame retardant with a combination of aromatic and aliphatic bromine that provides high FR efficiency and good thermal stability. FR-720 is useful in many applications, especially but not exclusively, in the field of fire retardants for plastic compositions. FR-720 is insoluble in water but has a specific gravity of about 2.3, significantly lower than bromine rich FR agents commonly used in such applications such as Decabromodiphenyl Oxide (Deca). FR-720 has an advantage in that a homogenous film can be achieved during the application due to its low melting range (113-117° C.) which enables melt penetration of the material being processed.
It has now been surprisingly found, and this is an object of the present invention, that two specific aromatic flame-retardants, never tested before in textile, possess unexpected stability and compatibility properties, which render them highly efficient for the purpose of flame-retarding textile materials.
It is thus a purpose of this invention to provide stable dispersions or suspensions of A) tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine or B) tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether), or of mixtures thereof, which alleviate the drawbacks of existing formulations for treating textile materials.
It is another purpose of this invention to provide such dispersions or suspensions that are aqueous dispersions or suspensions and which do not require non-aqueous solvents.
It is a further purpose of this invention to provide a process for preparing such aqueous dispersions or suspensions.
It is yet another purpose of the invention to provide dispersions of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine or tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) or of a blend of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine and tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) for particular uses in the textile industry by coating and/or padding and/or foaming and/or spraying application.
It is still a further purpose of the invention to provide dispersions of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine or tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) or a blend of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine and tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) together with additional compounds, such as synergists for increasing the fire-retarding efficiency of compositions obtained from these flame retardants.
It is still another purpose of the invention to provide dispersions of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine or tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) or a blend of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine and tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) with significantly reduced amounts of binder content.
It is also a purpose of the invention to produce a smooth, translucent coating of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine or tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) or a blend of tris(tribromophenoxy)-s-triazine and tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) on textile materials, when applied in aqueous solution.
Other purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Aqueous dispersion of flame retardant for textiles and process for producing same


A cervical and head support pillow having an outer pillow covering with a top half and a bottom half. Inserted in the top half is a contoured foam core which provides cervical and head support to a user when the user is in a supine or a side-lying position. Two cervical rolls of different convexities are in the foam core and provide varying cervical support. The pillow also has foam inserts for insertion in the bottom half of the outer pillow covering. The inserts adjust the height of the pillow and also offer the user the feeling of less or more support for the head. One of the inserts has a v-shaped depression. The user aligns the "v" in the depression with the desired cervical roll for maximum comfort. After the user inserts the desired insert pieces, the top half of the outer covering is folded over the bottom half of the covering and the pillow is closed by means of a zipper.

Millions of people today suffer from back ailments due to injury, genetics or age. It is estimated that over 10 million people in the United States suffered debilitating back pain in 1988.
Back-pain sufferers can choose from a wide variety of products designed to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with back pain. One category of such products relates to pillows for easing neck and back strain while a person is sleeping or resting on his back (the so-called supine position) or on his side. These pillow products come in various configurations and use a wide variety of padding and contouring materials, such as foam, polyester filaments, goose down, and the like, in order to provide relief to the user.
Many of these pillow products, which can be referred to as cervical and head support pillows, are designed to offer support of the cervical or neck area of the user, and also provide a comfortable area on which the user may rest his head.
There remains a need for a cervical and head support pillow which 1) offers varying amounts of cervical support for a user regardless of whether the user is in the supine position or whether the user is side-lying on the pillow; 2) maintains horizontal alignment of the spine and head when the user is side-lying; 3) maintains cervical concavity when the user is in the supine position; 4) allows for variation of the height of the pillow, depending upon individual anatomy and the comfort preference of the user; and 5) provides varying amounts of head support in both the side-lying and supine positions, depending upon the comfort requirements of the user.


A sealing device is provided for a working chamber system with a robot hand (216) that extends into the working chamber (100) through an aperture (120) by means of which a seal may be established and removed by remote control. The sealing device includes: (a) a flexible sealing element (20) by means of which an inner pass-through ring element (40) is connected with the edge of the aperture (120); (b) at least two coupling elements that are attached to the pass-through ring element (40) and (c) at least one locking element that is connected with the robot hand (216) and that may be positioned by means of positioning elements for coupling of the robot hand (216) with the pass-through ring element (40) by means of the coupling elements.

The invention relates to a working chamber system consisting of
A working chamber wall with at least one aperture,
A robot hand extending through the aperture into the working chamber, and
A sealing device by means of which a seal of the aperture may be established and removed by remote control with respect to the extending robot hand.
German Patent Applications Nos. 100 62 133.3 and 100 07 831.1 disclose generic working chamber systems in which a robot hand or other manipulator arm extends into a working chamber through a pass-through tube installed in an aperture. An inflatable bellows surrounds the robot hand and seals it with respect to the pass-through tube. Subsequently, the bellows again relaxes by release of the pressurizing gas so that the robot hand may be withdrawn from the pass-through tube and thus from the working chamber along with potential gripped work material.
Such working chamber systems have proven themselves. A particular advantage is the fact that a secure seal may be established and removed in the pass-through tube automatically, i.e., without installation activities or other manual contact. Thus, the robot hand may be moved during operation while maintaining the seal within the pass-through.
Individual workpieces may be inserted into the working chamber and the seal may be established automatically, e.g., by means of a procedure progression program, immediately before the work process begins within the chamber. Contact by operating personnel is not required. After the end of the work procedure within the chamber, the seal at the pass-through tube may again be removed by remote control, so that the robot hand is free to move, and may be removed from the chamber with the work material.
The working chambers enable movement of the robot hand lying in the sealed pass-through tube with several degrees of freedom.
It has been shown, however, that inflation of the sealing bellows and the subsequent release of air or pressurizing gas requires too much time in certain work processes.
A principal object of the present invention is to further develop a working chamber system of the type described above to the point that the establishment and subsequent removal of a sealed connection between the robot hand and the working chamber may be effected as quickly possible.
This object, as well as further objects which will become apparent from the discussion that follows, are achieved, in accordance with the invention, by providing a sealing device which includes:
(a) a flexible sealing element through which an inner pass-through ring element is connected with the edge of the aperture;
(b) at least two coupling elements attached to at least one of the pass-through ring element and the robot hand; and
(c) at least one locking element connected to at least one of the robot hand and the pass-through element, which locking element may be brought into engagement with the coupling elements by means of positioning elements for the purpose of coupling the robot hand with the pass-through ring element.
In one embodiment, the two coupling elements are attached to the pass-through ring element and the locking element is connected to the robot hand. In a second embodiment, the two coupling elements are attached to the robot hand and the locking element is connected to the pass-through ring element.
End axes of industrial robots, and other manipulators into which a tool holder or processing tool may be attached, are defined herein as a xe2x80x9crobot handxe2x80x9d.
The robot hand may be introduced without hindrance into the working chamber by means of the working chamber system based on the invention, and may be extracted again after completion of work. Thus, the work piece may be transported through the pass-through ring element as long as the circumference of the work piece is smaller than the inner diameter of the pass-through ring element. For this, the robot and its robot hand and any work-material gripper mounted on it moves in a traverse direction through the pass-through ring element into the working chamber. By means of positioning elements, preferably linear motors or pneumatic cylinders that are positioned either on the working chamber or the robot, the locking elements mounted on them are brought close to the coupling elements, and then in contact with the coupling elements, by means of which a fixed connection is established between the pass-through ring element in the working chamber and the robot hand. This coupling is released again by return traverse of the positioning elements. This effect is achieved regardless of whether the coupling elements are mounted on the pass-through ring element and the positioning elements and locking elements are mounted on the robot hand or vice versa.
It is further advantageous if at least one bracket, to hold the pass-through ring element in an initial position, is mounted on the working chamber wall. By means of this, the pass-through ring element is held in a defined initial position so that the robot may assume this position exactly by means of a path control, and may establish the coupling connection with the pass-through ring element.
Locking of the robot hand with the pass-through ring element may be achieved using tie bolts into which fork-shaped locking elements engage.
It may also be formed as a bayonet mount so that the coupling is enabled by rotation of that robot element carrying the locking elements. For this, the coupling elements are preferably formed as studs that include a cylinder area and a front head area that are connected via a radial slot. The positioning elements are formed by at least two locking recesses provided in a coupling receiver flange, each of which surrounds a stud pass-through recess and a locking stud recess connected to it.
Also, coupling using magnetic coupling elements is possible. The coupling elements in this case are electromagnets, and the coupling receiver flange includes ferro-magnetic magnetic coupling areas.
It is also advantageous for the robot hand to include a work piece holder with a screw-clamp-type, U-shaped bail that is provided on its one end with a displaceable clamping element, and on its other end with a supporting element. Such a gripper is preferably mounted on the robot so that the tensioning axis extending between the clamp and the support element extends approximately in the direction of the last robot axis. Thus, the robot hand, the gripper, and the work piece being clamped within it are all so positioned that their narrowest dimensions allow insertion into the interior of the working chamber through the limited width of the pass-through ring element.
A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides:
That the coupling elements (by pushing) are formed of at least one collar edge element that is secured at least in sections about the circumference of the pass-through ring element and that includes a collar edge oriented toward the central point of the pass-through ring element; and
That each of the locking elements may be brought into contact with at least one collar edge element by means of positioning elements under the collar edge.
A fixed, friction connection is established between the pass-through ring element and the coupling receiver flange on the robot hand by the locking elements thus provided. This locking is possible at any angle of the coupling receiver flange with respect to the working chamber wall. Thus, it is no longer necessary to bring a 6-axis articulated-arm robot into a certain angled position by means of its fourth axis that is usually a rotation axis for the purposes of locking and sealing. Thus, the fifth axis, an articulated axis, may be inserted into the working chamber in any orientation. It is no longer necessary to provide exact return of the robot hand to a pre-determined locking position during the work process.
In this embodiment example, the locking elements may be formed as sliding locking elements that include an oblique guide that may be inserted at least partially under the chamfered collar edge. The sliding locking elements are mounted, for example, on pneumatic cylinders, and may be inserted under the collar edge element directly by them.
Preferably, in this embodiment example, the coupling elements are each formed as a swiveling locking element with an arc edge that possesses an oblique guide and that may be at least partially swiveled under the oblique guide of the collar edge. By swiveling the swivel locking elements, the return path along the arc edge used during locking is longer than for a chamfered sliding locking element. Therefore, a fixed locking may be achieved using less force, so that the positioning elements may be made smaller. A lever arm is preferably created by means of an eccentric contact point, so that the locking force may be increased further.
Also, the invention includes a seal integrity monitoring device for a working chamber system of the type described above.
With the use of an abrasive blasting medium within the working chamber, the seal element by means of which the robot hand is connected with the working chamber wall is exposed to strong wear, so that cracks may form in the seal element.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a seal integrity monitoring device by means of which a crack in the seal element may be detected early, and leakage of abrasive material from the working chamber may be prevented.
This object is achieved by a seal integrity monitoring device for a working chamber system of the type described above according to a first embodiment example that comprises a two-part seal element that includes a flexible inner liner and a flexible outer shell that are connected at the edges by the formation of an interior container, whereby the interior container includes at least one exit aperture positioned in the lower area of the seal element with at least one particle sensor. If the seal element becomes severely worn, the inner liner rips, while the outer shell prevents release of the abrasive material out of the working chamber that has leaked out of the crack. The blasting medium that has passed through the crack into the inner container moves by gravitational force into the exit aperture at the bottom, and thus out of the inner container. A particle sensor at the exit aperture may sense blasting medium present there, thus automatically registering damage to the seal element. Also, an additional warning function exists for an operator who is not placed into danger by leaking blast material, since the outer shell traps blasting particles until the inner liner is repaired.
A magnetic sensor is advantageously selected as the particle sensor if an iron-based blasting medium is used.
If volatile blasting media, particularly carbon-dioxide pellets, are used, a decrease in local temperature in the area of the exit aperture may be identified using thermal sensors.
An optical sensor similar to a photoelectric beam is suitable for all other blasting media such as sand.
According to a second embodiment example, the aforementioned object is achieved by means of a seal integrity monitoring device comprising a two-part seal element that surrounds a flexible inner liner and a flexible outer shell which are connected at the edges by formation of an air-tight inner container, and a pressure sensor to measure the gas pressure within the inner container. By monitoring the container inner pressure, a crack in the seal element may be identified.
For a full understanding of the present invention, reference should now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.


A computer program product, a computer-implemented method, and a computer system include a processor(s) that obtains side channel emanations from a device. The processor(s) analyzes the side channel emanations to identify distinct emanation patterns and timing characteristics, wherein the timing characteristics are associated with transitions between the distinct emanation patterns. The processor(s) generates a non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA) by correlating the distinct emanation patterns with states of the device, where the NFA captures states and state transitions of the device. The processor(s) identifies an anomaly in the device, based on deviation in emanations from the device.

Attackers currently employ sophisticated methods and exploits in order to gain access to various types of systems, ranging from traditional IT assets (e.g., routers, firewall, desktops, and servers) to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The IoT is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals and/or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network. Attackers have succeeded in bypassing installed security measures. And while typical IT assets have sufficient computation and storage resources to house various cyber-security solutions (e.g., intrusion detection and prevention systems) that can detect and, in some cases, prevent malicious code, many IoT devices have severe limitations in memory, storage, and computing power to accommodate such solutions.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Anomaly detection based on side-channel emanations


To provide a differential operational amplifier circuit that attains a wide-band and high-DC-gain characteristic and operates with a low power supply voltage. A signal path having three amplifier circuits passing an Nch transistor pair, cascode connected Nch transistor pairs, and a Pch transistor pair functions as a gain path having a high-gain and narrow-band characteristic. In addition, a signal path having two amplifier circuits passing an Nch transistor pair and another Nch transistor pair functions as a feedforward path having a low-gain and wide-band characteristic. Signals amplified through each path are synthesized at an output terminal, whereby a high-gain and wide-band operational amplifier is attained. Further, a constant current source transistor pair supplies a constant current to four drain load resistors of a first differential amplifying pair to drive a circuit with a constant current, thereby reducing a power supply voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a differential operational amplifier circuit, and more particularly to a high-gain and wide-band operational amplifier circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
As an example of differential operational amplifier circuits, an operational amplifier circuit composed of an input circuit including a differential transistor pair and an output circuit including a cascode circuit is described in "Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing, vol. 18, pp. 21-31 (1999)" and "IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 30, No. 3, March 1995, pp. 166-172". FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the example of the operational amplifier circuit described in the above document. The operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2 is composed of a wide-band differential input circuit including Nch transistors M1 to M4 and a differential output circuit including a cascode circuit of Nch transistors M5 to M8.
Gate electrodes of the Nch transistors M3 and M4 are connected with a common-mode feedback circuit (not shown) for setting a common-mode output voltage of the operational amplifier circuit. A simulation result of the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2 shows that a DC gain is 62 dB and a unity gain frequency is 450 MHz (no description about a load capacitance) provided that a semiconductor process with the minimum pitch of 0.5 μm is used, and a power supply voltage is 3 V.
The lowest operation voltage of an input circuit part of the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2 is determined based on the sum of a gate-source voltage VGS (for example, 0.6 V) of the Nch transistors M3 (or M4) and M5 (or M6) and a bias voltage necessary for the common-mode feedback circuit to drive a gate of the transistor M3 (or M4) (for example, saturation voltage of transistor, 0.25 V). This voltage is about 1.45 V (0.6 V×2+0.25 V) without consideration of variations. In contrast, the lowest operation voltage of an output circuit part is determined based on the sum of a saturation voltage (0.25 V) of each of the transistors M5, M7, M9, and M11 (or M6, M8, M10, and M12) and an output signal amplitude (for example, 0.5 V0-p). This voltage is about 1.5 V (0.25 V×4+0.5V) without consideration of variations.
In summary, the lowest operation voltage of the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2 is about 1.5 V as the lowest operation voltage of the output circuit part. A requisite nominal value of the lowest operation voltage is about 1.8 V in consideration of temperature characteristics or variations. Incidentally, as the transistors M3 and M4, non-doped Nch transistors that can set the gate-source voltage VGS to about 0.1 V can be used. In this case, the lowest operation voltage of the input circuit part can be lowered. However, a gate-source capacitance of the non-doped Nch transistor is very large and thus functions as a load of the input circuit part, leading to considerable deterioration of band characteristics of the operational amplifier circuit.
In the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2, a secondary pole is shifted to a low frequency side for obtaining a high DC gain in the input circuit part. If the secondary pole is shifted to the lower frequency side, there arises a problem that an operation of the operational amplifier circuit becomes unstable. Accordingly, in the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2, the DC gain needs to be increased only by the output circuit part for obtaining a high DC gain. As a result, the operational amplifier circuit of FIG. 2 has a drawback that the DC gain cannot be increased. If a gain boosting circuit is additionally provided, the output circuit part can improve the DC gain. However, this results in an increase in element area and power consumption.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-151305 discloses a full differential operational amplifier circuit of a parallel path structure having a path of one amplifier stage and a path of two amplifier stages and synthesizing signals of the two paths at an output terminal. This full differential operational amplifier circuit enables high-gain and wide-band characteristics as well as operates at low power supply voltage.
The full differential operational amplifier circuit disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-151305 enables a high gain by adding gains of the two signal amplifying paths. In this full differential operational amplifier circuit, one signal path is a two-stage amplifying path where an output of a first differential amplifier pair composed of Nch transistors is supplied to a gate electrode of a source-grounded Nch transistor after passing through a source to a drain of a gate-grounded Pch transistor, and a drain electrode of the Nch transistor is used as an output terminal. Further, the other signal path is a one-stage amplifying path where an output of a second differential amplifier pair composed of Nch transistors is connected with the output terminal after passing through a source to a drain of the gate-grounded Pch transistor. That is, a load of the Pch transistor and the gate-grounded Pch transistor exist in both of the two signal paths.
In general, a Pch transistor is inferior to an Nch transistor in frequency characteristics. Hence, the insertion of the Pch transistor to the signal amplifying path is undesirable in terms of wide-band characteristics.
To overcome such a problem, the applicants of the present invention discloses, in Japanese Patent No. 2004-015648 (hereinafter, referred to as "prior application"), an operational amplifier circuit of a parallel path structure including first and second differential transistor pairs where a resistor having one terminal applied with an intermediate potential through a source follower composed of a non-doped Nch transistor is set as a drain load with the first differential transistor pair set as an input circuit for a signal path of a gain path designed to have narrow-band and high-gain characteristics for increasing a DC gain and the second differential transistor pair set as an input circuit for a signal path of a feedforward path designed to have wide-band and low-gain characteristics for feedforward of the gain path to synthesize signals amplified via the paths at an output terminal.
According to the prior application, the lowest operation voltage can be set to 1.2 V without consideration of variations, and a nominal value of the lowest operation voltage can be set to about 1.5 V in consideration of variations. Further, if the gain path of the narrow-band and high-gain characteristics is parallel-connected with the forward path of the wide-band and low-gain characteristics, the characteristics of both the paths complement each other to thereby realize an operational amplifier circuit of high-gain and wide-band characteristics with a low power supply voltage.
According to the prior application, as operation voltages for the first differential amplifier circuit and the second differential amplifier circuit, intermediate potentials applied through the source follower circuit composed of the non-doped Nch transistor are used. Thus, a problem about reduction in power supply voltage down to about 1.5 V and a problem about reduction in frequency band for amplified differential signal components are solved. However, a channel width of the non-doped Nch transistor for generating a bias voltage needs to increase for operating the transistor at a power supply voltage lower than 1.5 V. Thus, there arises a problem that an area of the non-doped Nch transistor in a semiconductor chip increases, which hinders size reduction of the semiconductor chip.


A chain saw cutting device and method for flush and square cutting walls and other flat concrete surfaces is disclosed. The chain saw cutting device is typically used in conjunction with a track-mounted circular saw cutting assembly, each being removably mounted either on a trolley which rides on, or directly to a track structure, which track structure is attached to the surface to be cut. The chain saw cutting device has an elongated bar and cutting chain which when mounted are positioned in the same cutting line made by the circular saw assembly. The carriage structure of the chain saw cutting device includes a reversible cutting drive and extends on only one side of a cutting plane containing the chain bar and cutting chain. Hence, the chain saw cutting device permits square cutting along the cutting line as well as flush cutting with respect to a perpendicular side wall, ceiling or floor. Removable chain guard extensions are attachable to protect the user during operation except in the flush and square cutting mode as necessary.

It is often desirable to cut openings in walls, especially those made of concrete, reinforced and otherwise, stone, and other hard materials. One method of cutting such openings utilizes a circular saw assembly which is guided along a track, the track being attached to the surface being cut. A circular blade of diamond-impregnated or other hardened material is turned at a high rate of speed to cut a kerf or cutting line along a desired surface. A variety of methods are used to move the saw assembly along the track.
Methods and apparatus for cutting openings in concrete walls and other similar surfaces are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,763,845 and 3,722,497. These two patents illustrate circular saw assemblies which are mounted on a guide track attached to the surface being cut, and moved along the guide track by means of a gear-driving device. The guide track is laid along a plane parallel to a desired cutting plane. The blade of the circular saw assembly, extending laterally outward and parallel to the track, is then utilized to cut a channel or kerf along a desired cutting plane to a point which is perpendicular to another proposed kerf. Since most openings are rectangular or square in nature, this cutting procedure is accomplished four times prior to removal of the block defined by the four kerfs. The '845 patent also illustrates a particularly useful track structure and trolley for mounting the circular saw assembly to the track.
The problem with utilizing a circular cutting saw to cut the four kerfs, is that, due to the nature of the circular saw blade, a square cut cannot be produced. The circular saw, having a round cutting blade, produces a cut having ends which are not square to the surface of the wall, i.e., do not extend uniformly through the thickness of the wall in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface. In order to remove the slab of concrete from the wall, it is currently necessary to overcut corners on the front surface of the wall so that the arc of the circular blade intersects with the arc of the adjoining cut at the rear portion of the wall. Such overcuts produce stress concentration points, which can lead to cracking of the wall in that area. The overcuts must also be filled for aesthetic purposes, thus requiring additional manpower and materials.
One procedure for producing openings in concrete without overcuts is to use a core drill at the corners to remove material remaining in the kerf. Core drilling is time consuming, however, and openings made in this way still require patching at the corners.
Thus, it is desirable to provide an easier, quicker and more effective procedure and apparatus for producing openings in concrete walls without overcuts or core-drilled corners.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can be used with trackmounted circular saw assemblies to provide essentially square corner cuts.
It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of cutting a kerf along a wall at a point flush with a ceiling, floor or second wall.


A magnetic recording correction circuit for a video tape recorder comprises a first multiplier supplied with a first signal to output a signal having a frequency which is twice as high as that of the first signal; a second multiplier supplied with a second signal and a first multiplier output signal outputted from the first multiplier to output a correction signal having a component of a sum frequency of the second signal and the first multiplier output signal and a component of a difference frequency therebetween; an adding circuit for adding the first and second signals and the correction signal; and a phase shifter provided on the output side of the second multiplier to exert a phase characteristic on the correction signal with respect to the first and second signals.

This invention relates to a magnetic recording correction circuit for a video tape recorder, and more particularly, to a correction circuit capable of reducing an interference wave due to the third-degree inter-modulation (cross modulation) distortion accompanying recording/playback of an information signal.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show the frequency allocation by the prior art. With reference to these diagrams on occasion, the prior art will now be described.
In the Video Home System (VHS) standard which is one system of a home Video Tape Recorder (VTR), a frequency modulated (FM) luminance signal and a low-frequency band chrominance signal are frequency-multiplexed. The signal thus multiplexed is recorded on the surface layer portion of a magnetic tape by means of a first magnetic head. The above-mentioned FM luminance signal is provided by frequency-modulating a carrier with a luminance signal, and the above-mentioned low frequency band chrominance signal is provided by converting a chrominance signal to signal components in a low frequency band. In the above-described VHS standard, a first frequency-modulated (FM) audio signal and a second frequency-modulated (FM) audio signal are frequency-multiplexed. The signal thus multiplexed is recorded at the deep layer portion of the magnetic tape by means of a second magnetic head. The above-mentioned first and second FM audio signals are provided by frequency-modulating carriers with audio signals of two channels, respectively. Further, there is employed a configuration such that the second magnetic head is precedent to the first magnetic head, and is adapted to scan the same track as that of the first magnetic head with these magnetic heads having azimuth angles different from each other.
Usually, each of the video signal (FM luminance signal and low-frequency band chrominance signal) and the multiplexed FM audio signal is recorded and reproduced by a pair of magnetic heads having mutually opposite azimuth angles alternately track by track. But it is not a substantial matter for the present invention, and only one head for each is illustrated or explained in this specification.
FIG. 1A shows the frequency allocation of a signal recorded by the first magnetic head wherein reference numeral 1 represents an occupied frequency band of the low frequency band chrominance signal, reference numeral 2 represents an occupied frequency band of a FM luminance signal, and reference numeral 1a represents a carrier frequency (0.629 MHz) of the low frequency band chrominance signal. Further, FIG. 1B shows the frequency allocation of audio signals recorded by the second magnetic head wherein reference numeral 3 represents an occupied frequency band of a first FM audio signal, reference numeral 4 represents an occupied frequency band of a second audio signal, fa represents a carrier frequency (1.3 MHz) of the first FM audio signal, and fb represents a carrier frequency (1.7 MHz) of the second FM audio signal.
Meanwhile, it is known in the magnetic recording/reproduction that when two signals having carrier frequencies different from each other are simultaneously recorded and reproduced, a third-degree inter-modulation distortion would take place by the non-linearlity occuring in the process of the magnetic recording/reproduction. On the basis of such a characteristic, between the first FM audio signal (1.3 MHz) and the second FM audio signal (1.7 MHz), there take place six third-degree inter-modulation distortions of "3.9 (=1.3.times.3) MHz", "0.9 (=1.3.times.2-1.7) MHz", "4.3 (=1.3.times.2+1.7) MHz", "2.1 (=1.7.times.2-1.3) MHz", "4.7 (=1.7.times.2+1.3) MHz", and "5.1 (=1.7.times.3) MHz". Such third-degree inter-modulation distortions are reproduced by the first magnetic head, but most thereof do not cause interference owing to the azimuth angle loss.
However, the lowest frequency component "0.9 (=1.3.times.2-1.7) MHz" is of problem because its azimuth angle loss is small. Namely, as shown in FIG. 1A, since the occupied frequency band 1 of the low frequency band chrominance signal exists from "0.1 MHz" to "1.1 MHz", the frequency component of "0.9 MHz" becomes an interference wave with respect to the low frequency band chrominance signal. As a result, there is the problem that in the case where such a signal is demodulated, an oblique stripe pattern appears on the entirety of a picture.
With a view of avoiding such a problem, in the prior art, an approach was employed to shift recording currents of the first and second FM audio signals recorded by the second magnetic head from an optimum value to thereby lower the recording level of the frequency component of "0.9 MHz" which is the above-mentioned third-degree inter-modulation distortion to hold down the level of an interference wave reproduced by the first magnetic head to a lower level, thus to cope with this problem.
In accordance with the above-described prior art, since the recording current of the second magnetic head is shifted from the optimum value, the regenerative level of the FM audio signal is lowered. For this reason, there was the problem that S/N of the reproduced audio signal is lowered.
Further, even if the recording current of the second magnetic head is shifted from the optimum value, because the recording efficiency depends upon the depth of the gap of the magnetic head, the recording efficiency is increased by abrasion or wear of the second magnetic head. As a result, reduction in the recording level of the lowest frequency of the third-degree inter-modulation distortion by reduction of the recording current of the second magnetic head is canceled. Thus, there results the state equivalent to the state where that level is not reduced. For this reason, there also was the problem that an oblique stripe pattern might appear on a picture.

Magnetic recording correction circuit for reducing interference waves by third-degree inter-modulation distortions


A media library assembly (10) includes a host controller (12), a first data transfer assembly (18A) and a second data transfer assembly (18B), which can be remotely positioned from the first data transfer assembly (18A). The host controller (12) sends a first command signal to the first data transfer assembly (18A) to request a transfer of a first block of data relative to a target storage media (22). The first data transfer assembly (18A) receives the first command signal, determines the location of the target storage media (22), and initiates a second command signal to the second data transfer assembly (18B) to request the transfer of the first block of data relative to the target storage media (22). The second data transfer assembly (18B) transfers the first block of data relative to the target storage media (22) in response to the second command signal. The first data transfer assembly (18A) then returns a status to the host controller (12) regarding the transfer of the first block of data. The first block of data can be transmitted between the first data transfer assembly (18A) and the second data transfer assembly (18B) via an Ethernet connection, a Fibre Channel connection, or via the Internet, over wired or wireless connections. The second command signal occurs transparently to the host controller (12).

Storage media suitable for storing vast amounts of information content include streaming tape cartridges. Streaming tape drives are used to transfer multiple blocks of user data to and from the tape cartridges in a single streaming operation, rather than as a series of start-stop operations. Streaming tape is particularly well suited for backup operations as well as for providing archival and retrieval operations for vast quantities of information.
For even greater storage capacity, one or more tape drives and multiple tape cartridges can be positioned within a tape library. To manage such a vast amount of information, a central cartridge inventory can be maintained by a library controller within the library, so that logical requests for a particular drive and cartridge may be translated by the library controller into physical device locations and electromechanical operations, for example. A robotic arm can be elevated and rotated to a particular cartridge storage slot in order to move the cartridge from the slot and into a loading tray of the selected tape drive. The drive can then load the cartridge and thread the tape for recording/playback operations, following initial setup and calibration routines conventional with tape drives. The drive may be one of several drives within the library accessible by the robotic arm.
In addition, two or more libraries can, in effect, be linked using either a shared transport assembly or a progressive transport assembly. The shared transport assembly is a single transport mechanism that extends between multiple libraries to allow a cartridge to be passed from one library through to another library. The progressive transport assembly involves multiple robotic mechanisms, with a first robotic mechanism passing a cartridge from a first library to a second library, and a second robotic mechanism then passes the cartridge to a third library, etc., until the cartridge reaches its final destination.
One drawback of these types of libraries is the time delay incurred between receiving the tape cartridge request and having the cartridge ready for user data operations at the selected tape drive. Another drawback of this prior approach is that a single robotic arm mechanism services hundreds, if not thousands, of tape cartridge slot locations, and any failure of any of the robotic arm mechanisms essentially can interrupt or completely cease operation of the entire system. Further, this prior approach can limit scalability to the extent of selectively filling up the available tape cartridge slots with similar tape cartridges, or alternatively, with the cumbersome addition of similar tape libraries.
Each added library can also require relatively complex and costly reconfiguring of the entire library system. In addition to intricate mechanical and electrical coupling of the new libraries to existing libraries, physical space limitations may also be a concern. Further, physically linking libraries can impose certain proximity requirements on the actual positioning of the libraries relative to one another. Moreover, this type of linked library system can significantly increase the time-to-data, thereby reducing productivity and efficiency. Additionally, as new types of libraries continue to be developed and manufactured, linkage between older libraries and these modernized libraries can present serious compatibility and/or logistical challenges.

Media library assembly having first data transfer assembly that receives first command signal and transmits second command signal to second data transfer assembly to decrease time-to-data


A connector has a housing (20) with cavities (25) for receiving terminal fittings (10). A resiliently deformable lock (30) extends along a wall (25A) of each cavity (25) and is configured for locking the terminal fitting in the cavity (25). An elongated projection (31) is formed at a widthwise center position of the upper surface of each lock (30) and an escaping groove (34) is formed in the wall (25A) of each cavity (25) for receiving the elongated projection (31) when the lock (30) deforms. The elongated projection (31) reinforces the lock (30) and provides a large engaging area with the terminal fitting (10). Additionally, the escaping groove (34) provides a necessary a deformation permitting space (35) for the thicker lock (30) without increasing the height of the housing (20).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a connector in which terminal fittings are locked in cavities by resin locks.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,958 and FIG. 10 herein show connectors with resiliently deformable locks. With reference to FIG. 10, the connector has a housing 1 and terminal fittings 2 are inserted into cavities 3 formed in the housing 1. Each cavity 3 has a resiliently deformable lock 4 cantilevered along an insertion direction of the terminal fitting 2. The lock 4 is pushed and deformed as the terminal fitting 2 is inserted into the cavity 3. However, the lock 4 returns resiliently to its original shape and fits into a locking hole 5 of the terminal fitting 2 to lock the terminal fitting 2 that has been inserted to a proper position.
The lock 4 arguably could be thicker to reinforce the locking force on the terminal fitting 2. However, this requires a larger deformation permitting space 6 to permit deformation of the thicker lock 4. A larger deformation permitting space 6 conflicts with a design need for reducing the height of the connector.
The invention was developed in view of the above, and an object thereof is to reinforce a lock without hindering miniaturization of a connector.
The invention relates to a connector with a housing that has cavities for receiving terminal fittings. A resiliently deformable lock is cantilevered along a wall of each cavity for locking the terminal fitting in the respective cavity. A projection is formed on a surface of the lock facing the wall of the cavity along which the lock extends and a recess is formed in the wall that faces the lock for receiving the projection when the lock deforms.
The projection reinforces the locking force of the lock, but also reduces the amount of resilient deformation of the lock. However, the recess in the wall of the cavity that faces the lock enables the projection to escape. Thus, a necessary dimension of the deformation permitting space between the lock and the wall of the cavity is less and the connector can be smaller.
The cavity preferably has no side walls at the opposite widthwise sides of the lock. Thus, at least one side of the lock projects from side surfaces of the terminal fitting, and the projecting ends of the lock can be pushed by a disengaging jig for deforming and disengaging the lock. The locking force is reinforced by the wider lock, and the construction of a portion to disengage the lock is simplified.
The projection preferably is at a substantially widthwise center position and is symmetrical on the lock. Thus, the lock can be deformed straight in a well-balanced manner and, as a result, the terminal fitting can be inserted smoothly.
The projection may be in an area of the lock excluding at least one widthwise side thereof, and only the one side of the lock contacts an opening edge of the recess when the lock is deformed. Thus, the lock undergoes a twisting resilient deformation. Accordingly, a degree of the resilient deformation of the entire lock is smaller while ensuring a sufficient lifted extent of the lock to a specified position necessary for permitting passage of the terminal fitting. As a result, the deformation permitting space can be made smaller and the height of the connector housing can be reduced further.
A front cap preferably is mounted to the front of the housing. The front cap preferably has a shake preventing wall to hold the terminal fitting tightly in cooperation with a wall of the cavity substantially opposite from the wall where the lock is provided. Thus, the terminal fitting is prevented from shaking.
The front cap may have a retainer to project into a deformation permitting space for the lock. The front cap is mounted after the terminal fitting is inserted into the cavity and locked by the lock. The retainer then projects into the deformation permitting space to prevent the deformation of the lock and hence locks the terminal fitting doubly.
The cavities may be provided at two or more stages, and the recess is formed in the wall to communicate with an adjacent cavity.
The projection preferably is formed so as not to project into the adjacent cavity also when the lock is deformed.
The lock preferably is substantially as wide as the cavity.
The projection preferably has a substantially trapezoidal cross section.
The projection preferably is substantially in parallel to the wall of the cavity when the lock is in an unbiased condition.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings. Even though embodiments are described separately, single features may be combined to additional embodiments.


The present invention relates to a running gear frame for a rail vehicle, in particular, a rail vehicle having a nominal speed above 160 km/h, comprising a running gear frame unit (107) defining a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a height axis and comprising two longitudinal beams (108) and at least one transverse beam (110).

The present invention relates to a running gear frame for a rail vehicle, in particular, a rail vehicle having a nominal speed above 160 km/h, comprising a running gear frame unit defining a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a height axis and comprising two longitudinal beams and at least one transverse beam. Each of the longitudinal beams extends along the longitudinal axis of the running gear frame unit, while the at least one transverse beam extends along the transverse axis of the running gear frame unit. This transverse beam is substantially rigidly connected to at least one of the longitudinal beams in the area of a joint location. This longitudinal beam, at least in the region of the joint location, has a longitudinal web section extending in a web plane perpendicular to the transverse axis, a web joint part of the transverse beam being connected to the longitudinal web section. The transverse beam, at least in the region of the joint location, is an open structure element such that, in a sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis and located at the joint location, the transverse beam has an open, non-ring-shaped profile cross section. The open profile cross section has a first free end and a second free end, wherein a transverse beam inner contour is defined by a connecting line between the first free end and the second free end and an inner circumference of the profile cross section between the first free end and the second free end. The invention further relates to a corresponding running gear comprising such a running gear frame and a rail vehicle comprising such a running gear as well as to a method of manufacturing a corresponding running gear frame.
Such running gear frames are known in the art, for example, from EP 2 669 138 A1 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). Such open profile transverse beams, compared to conventional closed, generally box-shaped designs (as they are known, for example, from EP 0 685 377 B1), have the advantage that they provide a reduced torsional rigidity of the running gear frame about the transverse axis of the running gear frame. Such a reduced torsional rigidity is beneficial in terms of the running stability and the safety against derailment of the rail vehicle, since the running gear frame itself is able to provide some torsional deformation under uneven wheel loading conditions (e.g. due to track irregularities) and, hence, tends to equalize the wheel to rail contact forces on all four wheels.
As discussed in EP 2 669 138 A1, the properties of the running gear frame as regards its torsional rigidity about the transverse axis can be tuned using parameters such as the shape, the location and/or the dimensions of the respective transverse beam. These parameters, however, may not be freely adapted to a desired torsional rigidity, since they apparently also have an impact on other properties of the running gear frame (e.g. the bending rigidity about the longitudinal axis) which might be adversely affected. Thus, adapting such a running gear frame to a desired torsional rigidity about the transverse axis is a highly complex design task and typically cannot be simply achieved for existing designs.


The present invention is direct to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation of an interproximal dental surface. And in particular, the invention is directed to a device and method for diagnosing enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface that is not visible or probe-able by instrumentation in human permanent and deciduous teeth. More specifically, the device has a substrate of generally rectangular shape and of a sufficient thickness such that it may be inserted into the interproximal space of teeth. On the substrate is disposed an impressionable material for contacting the interproximal surface and forming an impression thereof. The impressionable material has visco-elastic properties such that an impression of enamel cavitation on the interproximal surface remains on the impressionable material following removal of the substrate from the interproximal surface.

The present invention relates generally to the field of dentistry, and more specifically, to a device and method for diagnosis of enamel cavitation in interproximal carious enamel lesions of teeth.
Enamel carious lesions generally involve decalcification of enamel. Early onset lesions contain macroscopically intact enamel without cavitation on the tooth surface and have the potential for remineralization. Advanced enamel lesions contain a broken, that is, a "cavitated" enamel surface that cannot be repaired by remineralization. Treatment of an advanced lesion thus requires tooth preparation and filling by a trained professional.
The integrity of the outer surface of the tooth is essential for the possibility of remineralization. If the outer surface is intact, it protects the etched inner crystals of hydroxyapatite from being coated by salivary proteins and bacterial plaque. A smooth outer surface also allows the tooth to be cleaned with dental floss to remove plaque. In contrast, a cavitated or carious enamel surface is a surface that is pitted and the top enamel coat is missing. A cavitated surface cannot be readily re-calcified (remineralized) and cannot be readily cleaned of plaque with dental floss.
If the potential cavitated lesion is on a readily-accessible tooth surface, direct visualization or direct physical detection with a dental probe is the preferred techniques to identify whether the lesion contains an intact enamel surface. This technique will not work for interproximal lesions, i.e., lesions occurring on surfaces of a tooth that are between teeth. One technique to diagnose and/or treat an enamel cavitation of an interproximal tooth surface has been to place spacers between the teeth in question prior to diagnosis. These spacers separate the teeth in question and allow a dentist to physically probe the interproximal surface with dental instruments. One drawback to implanting spacers is that some patients may refuse to wear them. Another drawback is that after treatment the teeth must move back together, and this takes time. Additional drawbacks to implanting spacers include the time required for the spacing to develop, which can take hours to days, the limited access gained due to the relatively small amount of resulting tooth movement, discomfort associated with spacer placement, and impaction of food into the resulting spaces after removal of the spacers and before the teeth move back into their original positions.
Another technique to detect an interproximal cavitated surface is through X-rays. Although dental X-rays are useful for detecting the presence of interproximal dental lesions, because the lesions themselves cannot be seen clinically, it is difficult to assess the true condition of the enamel surface to accurately prescribe treatment. Therefore, even with X-rays, it is still difficult to assess the condition of the enamel surface.
What is needed therefore is a rapid, noninvasive, painless and inexpensive but accurate means for detecting and diagnosing cavitation of interproximal surfaces between suspect teeth.

Interproximal cavitation detection device and method

Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education


A spa cover lifter for use with a spa cover. According to various embodiments, the spa cover comprises a first section and a second section pivotably connected to the first section at a hinge interface. The spa cover lifter comprises a drive system, a first cable connected to the drive system, and a post assembly. The post assembly is extendable from a retracted position to an extended position. Also, the first cable is routed by the post assembly. In various embodiments, the spa cover lifter is configured to connect to the spa cover.

The application is related, generally and in various embodiments, to a spa cover lifter. Many people today enjoy the recreational benefits of soaking in the hot water of a hot-tub or spa. Spas are popular at gyms and other recreational facilities, and many people even maintain spas at their private homes. Most spas are shielded by bulky covers when not in use. Especially with outdoor spas, the covers are often necessary to retain heat energy in the spa. The covers may also prevent debris, such as leaves, grass clippings, etc., from falling into the spa.
Due to their insulating properties, spa covers are often bulky and can sometimes be quite heavy. Removing and replacing a spa cover can be a nuisance to larger individuals, but may be extremely difficult for those of slighter builds. Systems exist for automatically opening and replacing spa covers, however, these systems are not designed for opening common types of spa covers.


A user can access data from an ERP system, through a handheld mobile device, using claims-based authentication information. An authentication service authenticates the user, using an appropriate authenticator, given the claims-based authentication information. New users can register, and once registered, they can receive business data from ERP mobile data accessing system and push service.

Mobile devices are currently in wide use. In fact, handheld mobile devices are gaining wide use, very quickly. Such handheld mobile devices include cellular telephones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, handheld multimedia players with network connectivity, etc.
These types of devices are increasingly being used by workers who work away from the office. One recent survey shows that over half (approximately 65%) of workers in the United States work away from the office to some degree. This number is expected to rise to over 80% in the very near future. Similarly, some trends show that of those people that work away from the office, a decreasing percent of them are performing work on desktop computers, and an increasing percent of them are performing work on a handheld mobile device.
In performing work away from the office, many users need to access business data on a business data system maintained by their work organization. Such business data systems are sometimes referred to as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. In general ERP systems integrate internal and external management information across an entire organization. Various types of information include finance and accounting information, manufacturing information, sales and service information, customer relationship management information, and other business information. ERP systems automate business activity related to this type of information using an integrated software application. ERP systems often attempt to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the organization, and to manage the connections to interested parties that reside outside the organization. ERP systems, while they can run on a wide variety of different hardware and different network configurations, often include a data store that serves as a repository for the business information. The system generally operates in real-time (or near real-time).
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Accessing enterprise resource planning data from a handheld mobile device


Defibrillation of a heart ensues using a charging capacitor connected via a controllable switch arrangement to electrodes arranged in the region of the heart, the switch arrangement being operated to discharge across the heart tissue. In order to limit the initial current to a value not significantly exceeding the minimum value necessary to effect defibrillation, the controllable switch arrangement includes two contacts between which a contact maker, for example a mercury drop, is disposed, which is deformable under the influence of an electro-mechanical transducer. The transducer is arranged such that the contact maker connects the two contacts to one another given a prescribed excursion of the electro-mechanical transducer and, given a change of the excursion departing from the prescribed excursion, varies the electrical resistance between the contacts. The drive of the controllable switch arrangement ensues with turn-on pulses having a pulse height that is variable for setting the desired electrical resistance between the contacts.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a defibrillator of the type having a charging capacitor that is connectable to a charging circuit by switches at both sides of the capacitor for charging and, for defibrillation of a heart, is connectable via a controllable switch means to at least two electrodes arranged in the region of the heart.
2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Subject Matter
A defibrillator of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,883 for implantation in the body of a patient. This known defibrillator contains a charging capacitance composed of two capacitors that are connected to a charging circuit so as to be charged to a prescribed voltage. The two capacitors are also connected to two electrodes placed at the heart of the patient via a switch arrangement composed of four switches arranged in a bridge circuit. For defibrillation of the heart, the charging capacitance is first charged to a prescribed voltage and is subsequently connected via the switch means to the electrodes at the heart, so that the charging capacitance discharges across the heart tissue with a discharge current. By controlling the four switches of the switch means to open and close in pairs, the discharge current through the heart tissue is divided into a plurality of sub-currents that follow one another with alternating direction of the current.
The current through the heart tissue that produces the defibrillation is dependent on the charging voltage of the charging capacitance and on the electrical resistance of the heart tissue between the electrodes. The current has its highest value at the beginning of the discharge of the charging capacitance and then exponentially decays. In order to obtain an effective defibrillation of the heart, the current through the heart tissue must exceed a specific minimum value over a defined duration. For this reason, the charging voltage for the charging capacitance is selected such that the current is adequately high at the beginning of the charging event so that it drops below the minimum value only after the end of the defined duration. That part of the current exceeding the minimum value does not result in a more effective defibrillation (since effective defibrillation already occurs as soon as the minimum value is reached) and may lead to damage to the heart tissue due to the high initial value.
European Patent Application No. 92107996.8 discloses a defibrillator of the type initially cited, wherein a means for limiting the current for a prescribed maximum value is provided.
German OS 30 20 479 discloses a relay wherein by a defined quantity of a conductive fluid such as, for example, mercury is arranged between two contacts and is under the influence of an electro-mechanical transducer in the form of a piezoelectric drive element that can be deflected by electrical drive from a quiescent position into a working position. In the working position of the piezoelectric drive element, the liquid is deformed opposite the effect of its surface tension such that it produces a connection between the contacts.

Defibrillator with controllable discharge switch


An electrostatic actuator having a simple structure including a reduced number of systems that supply driving voltages and a method for driving the electrostatic actuator. Stator electrodes 23 including a plurality of electrical systems (A-phase electrodes, B-phase electrodes, and C-phase electrodes) are repeatedly disposed in a predetermined order in the moving direction. A pitch (cycle length) 3P1 of the stator electrodes 23 that forms the electrical systems of the same type in the moving direction is equal to a pitch c of the mover electrodes 33 in the moving direction, and the mover includes at least two types of mover electrodes 33a1 and 33b1 having different lengths.

Some existing electrostatic actuators have a structure in which electrodes of a stator and electrodes of a mover (a movable element) are arranged at an even pitch (refer to, for example, Patent Document 1).
In contrast, some existing electrostatic actuators have a structure in which electrodes of at least one of a stator and a mover is arranged at an uneven pitch (refer to, for example, Patent Document 2).
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Registration Application Publication No. 07-16599
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 08-186988

Electrostatic actuator and method for driving electrostatic actuator


A CPU cooler based on a flow field of impinging jet array includes a cooling base having an array of recesses on a top surface. The cooling base is disposed on a CPU. An orifice plate of a size substantially similar to the cooling base has an array of orifices with each orifice corresponding to a recess of the array of recesses. The orifice plate is spaced above the cooling base by a separation distance. A fan is secured to the CPU, with the cooling base and orifice plate being secured between the fan and the CPU. The fan when activated provides a coolant flow that produces vortical flow structures with enhanced turbulence on each recess by impinging air jets onto the recesses through the orifices corresponding to the recesses, thereby dissipating heat generated fly the running CPU.

The present invention relates to a central processing unit (CPU) cooler and more particularly to such a CPU cooler with improved characteristics.
It is readily understood that a running CPU of a computer generates a large amount of beat flux. Conventionally, a cooler is used to control the rising temperature resulting from the running CPU to an acceptable degree so as to maintain a normal operation of the CPU and thus of the computer. A conventional CPU cooler comprises a fan, a cooling base rested disposed on the CPU, and a metal plate above the cooling base on which a plurality of parallel fins with good heat convection and/or conduction capability is attached so as to effectively dissipate heat generated by the running CPU.
It is also understood that the operating speed of a CPU has become faster and faster as technology evolves. This in turn causes high heat flux generation from a running CPU. Hence, improved dissipation of the heat generated from a running CPU is still a task under continuous pursuit. Thus, it is desirable to provide an improved CPU cooler in order to achieve such task, which is not achieved by the prior art.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow field based cooler for a CPU. The cooler comprises a cooling base having an ray of recesses on its top surface. The cooling base is secured on the CPU and above which an orifice plate of a size substantially similar to the cooling base and having an array of orifices each corresponding to a recess of the array of recesses is attached. A tab at each side of the cooling base is used to clamp the orifice plate and the cooling base with a predetermined separation distance. An electrical fan above the cooling base and the orifice plate is secured on the CPU. A shroud for the electrical fan encloses the cooling base, orifice plate and CPU. When the fan is operative to provide the required coolant mass flow, impinging jets are generated through the orifice plate and directed toward the recesses within which the turbulence and vorticity of wall-jet flow are enhanced, thereby dissipating the heat flux generated by the running CPU.
In one aspect of the present invention, the orifices are perpendicular to a bottom face of the orifice plate.
In another aspect of the present invention, the orifices are oblique to a bottom face of the orifice plate.
The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.