A battery module includes a pair of end plates; a plurality of battery cells aligned with each other between the pair of the end plates, wherein each of the battery cells has a top surface, a bottom surface located substantially opposite to the top surface, and side surfaces extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; a top plate having a top base portion extending across the top surface of the battery cells and a top flange portion covering at least a portion of the side surfaces of the battery cells; and a bottom plate having a bottom base portion extending across the bottom surface of the battery cells and a bottom flange portion covering at least a portion of the side surfaces of the battery cells.

1. Field
An aspect of the present invention relates to a battery module.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, battery cells are used as energy sources for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicle and the like. The battery cells vary based on shape and size depending on the types of external devices to which the battery cells are applied.
A small-sized mobile device such as a cellular phone can be operated with the output and capacity of a single battery cell for a certain period of time. However, in a case where an external device such as an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle requires long-term and high-power driving, a large-capacity battery module is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells so as to increase the output and capacity of the battery cells. The battery module may increase the output voltage or output current of the battery cells depending on the number of the battery cells built therein. In addition, a battery pack may be configured by electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules.


A spread is provided which is butter-like in its consistency (and of course therefore margarine-like) but which is low in fat and is either low in or substantially free of cholesterol, so that the spread can be used for spreading on bread and the like. In addition, the spread is suitable for frying. The spread comprises a combination of low fat and natural starches in particular combination and proportions.

According to FDA regulations, butter and margarine must contain at least 80% fat. The fat in butter is derived from milk and thus has a high content of saturated fats and contains significant amounts of cholesterol. A 100 gram portion of butter contains 250 mg of cholesterol, 81 g of fat and 716 calories (Composition of Foods, Agriculture Handbook No. 8, USDA, 1975).
Margarine is usually produced from an emulsion of oils and fats derived from vegetables. In accordance with the regulations set forth in the standard of identity section of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 CFR 116,110, margarine should contain the same fat content as butter. However, most margarines are cholesterol-free because the fat is derived from vegetables.
Health organizations and medical experts have been recommending that consumers reduce their fat intake as well as their cholesterol intake. The Surgeon General of the USA, in a 1988 report, recommended that consumers should reduce their fat, especially saturated fats, and cholesterol intake. The Surgeon General also recommended the maintenance of desirable weight through caloric control. Butter and margarine are both significant sources of fat and calories. Butter is also a significant source of cholesterol.
Attempts were made to reduce the fat content of margarine-like spreads. These diet margarines typically contain 40% fat or more. The most successful products in the market have about 60% fat. Some of the commercial products include a 48% vegetable oil spread with 40% less fat and calories than margarine. Also available is 60% fat spread and several brands of 40% fat spreads. It is interesting to note that the low fat spreads prominently state "not recommended for baking or frying".
In general it is known, to those familiar with the art, that these lower fat, reduced calorie spreads do not meet consumer expectations in that they are not stable, and in that the fat and caloric reductions are not sufficient. In addition, since butter and margarine are used not only as spreads, but also for frying, these low fat products exhibit an unacceptable level of spattering when used on frying pans. Indeed, as set forth above, most low calorie spreads clearly state that the product is not suitable for cooking or frying.
The patent literature describes many approaches to overcoming these problems and/or to producing better products. Bakal, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,229 describes an approach to overcoming the artificial flavor problem associated with margarine and low-calorie spreads.
Hawley in U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,121 describes a process for making a reduced fat spread which contains about 28% fat and 4% soy protein isolate. Voorburg, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,037, describes a low fat spread using gelatin and other proteinaceous substances as the gelling agent and a process for making an emulsion containing 40% fat. Thus, this product has approximately 370 calories per 100 grams. U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,243 describes a high the use of gelatin as a thickening agent for preparing a low fat spread. Bosco, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,795, describes a low-fat spread containing between 10-30% fat and emulsion stabilizer and an emulsifier systems. The stabilizers are of the gum type such as microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose.
Lenchin, et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,166 describes the use of converted starches as fat or oil replacers. The patent describes the use of these materials, which are derived from tapioca, corn or potato starch, in margarine-like spreads. The patent states "In the 53% fat margarine the fry, blandness and color was not as good, in the 30% fat margarine the fry was not equivalent but the product was considered acceptable." It is thus clear that the use of these materials was not regarded as successfully meeting consumer needs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,919 describes a composition for a spread containing between 44 and 55% fat and a low level of low D.E. maltodextrin.
U.S. Pat. No. Re 30,086 describes the use of palm oil in spreads. U.S. Pat. No. 4,238,520 describes a low fat spread using cellulose ether as a thickening agent. U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,850 describes a shelf stable mix for making spreadable butter substitutes consisting of an emulsifier, hard fat and oil.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,408 describes a composition of low fat spreads having a fat content of 15-35% by weight utilizing a low D.E. non-gelling starch hydrolyzate with a D.E. of about 4 but not more than 25%. The amount of this low D.E. starch hydrolyzate is about 25% by weight in a 20% fat spread. Although the spread of this patent is described as having the mouthfeel and taste of higher fat spreads, it cannot be used for frying in the same manner as higher fat spreads due to the use of the non-gelled starch hydrolysate. Still further, the use of the non-gelled starch hydrolysate limits the shelf-life of the product because it is not possible to fill containers with the product while the product is hot since gelling would occur.
Other patents of interest are U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,131 which uses starch which remains in the spread as "granules in the crystalline state". Cain, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,915 teaches the use of a gel-forming composition having a high viscosity of at least 20 mPa (preferably much higher) at 5.degree. C. and at a shear rate of 17090 sec.sup.-1. This is achieved through the use of gelling gums such as carrageenan, hydrolyzed potato starch, gelatin and combinations thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,193 of Cain, et al. teaches the use of gel-forming compositions comprising two gelling agent such as gelatin, carrageenan, etc. on the one hand and a gelling starch and denatured soy protein.
All of the above patents teach that the use of starch alone at non-gelling concentrations will not yield acceptable, stable, water-in-oil emulsion-type spreads.


A method of making a steaming apparatus for an article of footwear includes providing a set of sheets and applying a series of welds and cuts to the sheets. The resulting steaming apparatus can have a steaming chamber adjoined to a plurality of wing portions. The apparatus also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear within the steaming chamber such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort.

Steam can be used to soften articles of apparel. Articles of footwear often include an upper and a sole structure. The upper comprises many different components, including various layers, sections, or segments of material. These components may be made from stock textile materials such as fabrics and leather goods that may be customized for a user.

Method of making a customization kit for articles of footwear


A heating apparatus includes first and second coil members, first and second temperature detectors and an output controller. The detectors detect temperature of the coil members. The output controller supplies the first coil member with a first specified output until the first temperature detector detects that the first coil member heats the object. The second coil member is not supplied with a second specified output during this time. When the object reaches a specified temperature, the first specified output stops being supplied to the first coil member and the second specified output is supplied to the second coil member. The temperature of an area heated by the second coil member reaches a specified temperature. A comparison is made between temperatures detected by the first and second temperature detectors. The coil members are alternately supplied with first and second specified outputs to heat the object""s area indicating a lower temperature.

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus using induction heating. Specifically, the present invention concerns a fixing apparatus which is used for an electrophotographic copying apparatus, printer, etc. using toner as a visualizing material and fixing a toner image.
A fixing apparatus installed in a copying apparatus using electrophotographic processes heats and melts the developer, i.e., toner formed on a fixing member to fix the toner on the fixing member. There are widely known methods of heating toner available for the fixing apparatus such as using radiant heat from a filament lamp, using a flash lamp as a heat source, etc.
The fixing apparatus using a filament lamp uses light and infrared rays from the filament lamp to heat a roller around the lamp by radiation. The thermal conversion efficiency is 60% to 70% in consideration of the loss of heat converted from light, the efficiency of transmitting heat to the roller by heating air in the roller, etc. It is known that a long warm-up time is required.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication Nos. 9-258586, 8-76620, and the like propose a fixing apparatus using an induction heating apparatus as the heat source.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 9-258586 discloses a fixing apparatus which applies an electric current to an induction coil formed around a core along a rotating shaft of a metal roller and generates an induction current in the roller to generate heat from the roller.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-76620 discloses the fixing apparatus which comprises an induction film including a magnetic field generation means and a pressure roller adhered to the induction film. This fixing apparatus transports a recording medium between the induction film and the pressure roller and heats the induction film to fix toner on the recording medium.
The fixing apparatus used for copying apparatuses is subject to a specific problem of unevenly generating temperature on the metal roller or the film due to an ununiformed size of paper to be fixed (paper passage width). It is requested to shorten the time to warm up the fixing apparatus.
In order to prevent uneven temperature for the paper passage width, there are provided a plurality of induction coils in accordance with the paper passage width along an axial direction of a fixing roller to control electric power supplied to each coil. This example is disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-206813. The fixing apparatus disclosed in this publication uses a plurality of detection points to detect heating of the fixing roller and controls the electric power supplied to the respective coils based on the temperature detected at each detection point.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2001-185338 discloses an example of providing a plurality of induction coils for an image forming apparatus using an induction heating apparatus in order to eliminate uneven heating. When a plurality of coils is powered, the example changes the high-frequency power supplied to any coil to the parallel connection. When a plurality of coils is powered simultaneously according to the example in this publication, each coil is connected to a common (same) high-frequency power supply, providing the same phase to electric current supplied to respective coils. It is possible to independently set the power supplied to each coil.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2-270293 discloses an induction heating apparatus having two induction coils. There is provided a zero-voltage detection circuit to detect a zero point of the alternating-current (input) power supply. The publication discloses changeover of electric current supplied to a targeted coil by passing the zero point (0 volt) of the alternating-current (input) power supply. During the changeover of electric current supplied to a targeted coil, an impulse sound (interference sound) occurs between the coil and the roller. To prevent this sound, there is disclosed provision of a specified time interval at the changeover time.
According to the method of driving coils disclosed in the above-mentioned Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-206813, the power supplied to a plurality of coils changes simultaneously. Because of this, a frequency difference occurs between high-frequency currents supplied to respective coils, causing an interference sound (buzzing). Further, there must be independently provided an apparatus to detect the magnitude of power supplied to each coil. In addition, the warm-up time is prolonged when every possible effort is made to uniform the axial temperature of the metal roller.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2001-185338 discloses the common high-frequency power supply apparatus to which respective coils are connected in order to prevent an inverter""s interference. However, there are not disclosed actual control timings, control methods, etc. in detail. Nothing is disclosed about a method of shortening the warm-up time.
The method of driving coils disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2-270293 uses the soft start feature to prevent occurrence of an excess rush current or to prevent application of a power larger than the controlled one. Soft start is a method of driving coils for preventing an excess rush current from occurring. When a coil is powered, the method feeds back the power by gradually applying an output smaller than the specified output value until this specified value is reached.
When the soft start is performed each time each coil is powered, the heating efficiency degrades and the warm-up time increases. There also arises a problem of increasing the amount of the varying power supplied to each coil. The power supplied to each coil is switched by passing the zero point of the alternating-current power (input) voltage and providing a specified time interval. This causes a flicker etc. caused by the power fluctuation when the coils are changed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus using an induction heating fixing apparatus capable of shortening the warm-up time.
The present invention provides a heating apparatus comprising:
a first coil member and a second coil member, wherein each coil member heats an object;
a first temperature detection mechanism and a second temperature detection mechanism, wherein the first temperature detection mechanism detects a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the first coil member with a first specified output and the second temperature detection mechanism detects a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the second coil member with a second specified output; and
an output control mechanism which can respectively supply the first and second coil members with the first and second specified outputs,
wherein the output control mechanism continuously supplies the first coil member with the first specified output until the first temperature detection mechanism detects that the first coil member heats the object and consequently the temperature of an area heated by the first coil member reaches a specified temperature, and the second coil member is not supplied with the second specified output while the first coil member is supplied with the first specified output.
Further, the present invention provides a heating apparatus comprising:
a first coil member and a second coil member, wherein each coil member heats an object;
a first temperature detection mechanism and a second temperature detection mechanism, wherein the first temperature detection mechanism detects a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the first coil member with a first specified output and the second temperature detection mechanism detects a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the second coil member with a second specified output; and
an output control mechanism which can respectively supply the first and second coil members with the first and second specified outputs,
wherein the output control mechanism can select either a first control method of simultaneously driving the first and second coil members or a second control method of not driving the other coil member when the first coil member or the second coil member is driven.
Moreover, the present invention provides a heating apparatus comprising:
a first coil member and a second coil member, wherein each coil member heats an object;
a first temperature detection mechanism configured to detect a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the first coil member with a first specified output and a second temperature detection mechanism configured to detect a temperature as a result of heating the object by supplying the second coil member with a second specified output; and
an output control mechanism which can respectively supply the first and second coil members with the first and second specified outputs,
wherein when the first and second coil members are supplied with the first and second specified outputs, from a state of all coil members turned off, at least either coil member is supplied with either of the first and second specified outputs and wherein, until the heating intensity generated from the coil member supplied with the output reaches a specified magnitude, the output control mechanism gradually increases the first and second specified outputs at a given interval.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

Image forming apparatus with an induction heating fixing unit for shortening warm up time


Provided herein are pyrimido-pyrrolo-quinoxalinedione (PPQ) compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, that inhibit cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mediated ion transport and that are useful for treating diseases and disorders associated with aberrantly increased CFTR chloride channel activity. The compounds, and compositions comprising the compounds, described herein are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and sequelae of diseases, disorders, and conditions that are associated with aberrantly increased CFTR activity, for example, polycystic kidney disease. The compounds may be used for inhibiting expansion or preventing formation of cysts in persons who have polycystic kidney disease.

1. Field
Therapeutics are needed for treating diseases and disorders related to aberrant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR)-mediated ion transport, such as polycystic kidney disease, increased intestinal fluid secretion, and secretory diarrhea. Small molecule compounds are described herein that are potent inhibitors of CFTR activity and that may be used for treating such diseases and disorders.
2. Description of the Related Art
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated chloride (Cl−) channel expressed in epithelial cells in mammalian airways, intestine, pancreas, and testis (see, e.g., Sheppard et al., Physiol. Rev. 79:S23-45 (1999); Gadsby et al., Nature 40:477-83 (2006)). Hormones, such as a β-adrenergic agonist, or a toxin, such as cholera toxin, lead to an increase in cAMP, activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and phosphorylation of the CFTR Cl− channel, which causes the channel to open. An increase in cell Ca2+ can also activate different apical membrane channels. Phosphorylation by protein kinase C can either open or shut Cl− channels in the apical membrane. CFTR is predominantly located in epithelia where it provides a pathway for the movement of Cl− ions across the apical membrane and a key point at which to regulate the rate of transepithelial salt and water transport.
CFTR chloride channel function is associated with a wide spectrum of disease, including cystic fibrosis (CF) and with some forms of male infertility, polycystic kidney disease, and secretory diarrhea. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary lethal disease caused by mutations in CFTR (see, e.g., Quinton, Physiol. Rev. 79:S3-S22 (1999); Boucher, Eur. Respir. J. 23:146-58 (2004)). Observations in human patients with CF and mouse models of CF indicate the functional importance of CFTR in intestinal and pancreatic fluid transport, as well as in male fertility (Grubb et al., Physiol. Rev. 79:S193-S214 (1999); Wong, P. Y., Mol. Hum. Reprod. 4:107-110 (1997)). CFTR is also expressed in enterocytes in the intestine and in cyst epithelium in polycystic kidney disease (see, e.g., O'Sullivan et al., Am. J. Kidney Dis. 32:976-983 (1998); Sullivan et al., Physiol. Rev. 78:1165-91 (1998); Strong et al., J. Clin. Invest. 93:347-54 (1994); Mall et al., Gastroenterology 126:32-41 (2004); Hanaoka et al., Am. J. Physiol. 270:C389-C399 (1996); Kunzelmann et al., Physiol. Rev. 82:245-289 (2002); Davidow et al., Kidney Int. 50:208-18 (1996); Li et al., Kidney Int. 66:1926-38 (2004); Al-Awqati, J. Clin. Invest. 110:1599-1601 (2002); Thiagarajah et al., Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 3:594-99 (2003)).
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by massive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts of renal tubular origin that compromise normal renal parenchyma and cause renal failure (Arnaout, Annu Rev Med 52: 93-123, 2001; Gabow N Engl J Med 329: 332-342, 1993; Harris et al., Mol Genet Metab 81: 75-85, 2004; Wilson N Engl J Med 350: 151-164, 2004; Sweeney et al., Cell Tissue Res 326: 671-685, 2006; Chapman J Am Soc Nephrol 18: 1399-1407, 2007). Human autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in one of two genes, PKD1 and PKD2, encoding the interacting proteins polycystin-1 and polycystin-2, respectively (Wilson, supra; Qian et al., Cell 87: 979-987, 1996; Wu et al., Cell 93: 177-188, 1998; Watnick et al., Torres et al., Nat Med 10: 363-364, 2004 Nat Genet 25: 143-144, 2000). Cyst growth in PKD involves fluid secretion into the cyst lumen coupled with epithelial cell hyperplasia.
Several CFTR inhibitors have been discovered, although many exhibit weak potency and lack CFTR specificity. The oral hypoglycemic agent glibenclamide inhibits CFTR Cl− conductance from the intracellular side by an open channel blocking mechanism (Sheppard et al., J. Physiol., 503:333-346 (1997); Zhou et al., J. Gen. Physiol. 120:647-62 (2002)) at high micromolar concentrations where it affects other Cl− and cation channels (Edwards & Weston, 1993; Rabe et al., Br. J. Pharmacol. 110:1280-81 (1995); Schultz et al., Physiol. Rev. 79:S109-S144 (1999)). Other non-selective anion transport inhibitors, including diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC), 5-nitro-2(3-phenylpropyl-amino)benzoate (NPPB), and flufenamic acid, also inhibit CFTR by occluding the pore at an intracellular site (Dawson et al., Physiol. Rev., 79:S47-S75 (1999); McCarty, J. Exp. Biol., 203:1947-62 (2000)).
High-affinity CFTR inhibitors also have clinical application in the therapy of secretory diarrheas. Cell culture and animal models indicated that intestinal chloride secretion in enterotoxin-mediated secretory diarrheas occurs mainly through CFTR (see, e.g., Clarke et al., Science 257:1125-28 (1992); Gabriel et al., Science 266:107-109 (1994); Kunzelmann and Mall, Physiol. Rev. 82:245-89 (2002); Field, M. J. Clin. Invest. 111:931-43 (2003); and Thiagarajah et al., Gastroenterology 126:511-519 (2003)).
Diarrheal disease in children is a global health concern: Approximately four billion cases among children occur annually, resulting in at least two million deaths. Travelers' diarrhea affects approximately 6 million people per year. Antibiotics are routinely used to treat diarrhea; however, the antibiotics are ineffective for treating many pathogens, and the use of these drugs contributes to development of antibiotic resistance in other pathogens. Oral replacement of fluid loss is also routinely used to treat diarrhea, but is primarily palliative. Therapy directed at reducing intestinal fluid secretion (anti-secretory therapy') has the potential to overcome limitations of existing therapies.
A need exists for CFTR inhibitors, particularly those that are safe, non-absorbable, highly potent, inexpensive, and chemically stable.

Pyrimido-pyrrolo-quinoxalinedione inhibitors of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein and uses therefor

The Regents of the University of California


An automatic transmission includes first and second multi-step or speed transmissions mounted in parallel with each other with respect to a transmission shaft. The multi-step or speed transmissions are operationally coupled by a counter gear for transmitting engine torque from the first multi-step or speed transmission to the second multi-transmission. An extension unit having friction clutch elements is detachably coupled to the first multi-step or speed transmission for changing a transmission path of the engine torque through it. The number of shiftable gear ratios of the automatic transmission, therefore, can be increased.

A multi-step transmission typically has a planetary gearset which changes a path in which engine torque is transmitted by various combinations of friction coupling elements so as to place the automatic transmission in, for instance, four forward gears and a reverse gear. Such an automatic transmission is well known from, for instance, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 62-100,357.
In an automatic transmission which has an increased number of shiftable gear ratios, for example five forward gear ratios, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of friction coupling elements in the automatic transmission differently from the manner in which the elements of a four forward gear ratio automatic transmission are arranged. From a manufacturing aspect, friction coupling elements of automatic transmissions should be compatible with automatic transmissions having different numbers of shiftable gear ratios. However, although automatic transmissions having different numbers of gear ratios have some friction coupling elements which are commonly useable, these common friction elements are not always identical in arrangement.

Automatic transmission with an add-on extension to increase the number of gear ratios


Methods and systems for obtaining ultrasound and sensing other patient characteristics are provided from summary. One or more sensors are provided in a same transducer probe as an array of elements. For example, sensors are formed on a same semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon substrate, as microelectromechanical devices or a capacitive membrane ultrasonic transducer (CMUT). As another example, a sensor is provided separate from or attached to transducer materials. Possible sensors include temperature, pressure, microphone, chemical and/or other sensors.

The present invention relates to ultrasonic transducers, and in particular to ultrasonic transducer probes with additional functionality.
Ultrasound transducers convert between electrical and acoustic energies for imaging a patient or region of interest. Transducer elements are typically piezoelectric materials. A one or two-dimensional array of elements of piezoelectric ceramic or composite materials convert between acoustic and electrical energies. More recently, capacitive membrane ultrasonic transducers have been made. Using CMOS or other similar techniques, a flexible membrane structure is micro-machined on silicon or other semiconductor. By placing an electrode on each side of a gap defining the membrane, the transducer converts between electrical and acoustical energies.
An array of transducer elements are housed within a probe housing. For example, a housing is adapted to be held by a user and placed adjacent to the skin on an external surface of the patient. Other examples include catheter, endoscope, transesophageal and vaginal probe housings.
Other devices have been placed within a probe housing in addition to the transducer elements. For example, a transesophageal probe includes a separate tube with a thermister positioned inside the tube. As another example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,511,427 and 6,338,716 disclose position and orientation sensors within a housing. Using magnetic coils, the orientation and movement of a transducer housing is determined. As yet another example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,795,374 and 6,461,299 disclose using a membrane of a CMUT transducer to also sense pressure, such as for altering a bias voltage applied to the membrane.

Transducer arrays with an integrated sensor and methods of use


A mounting system includes a male portion and a female portion, each for attaching to one of two different objects (e.g. devices, accessories, walls). In one embodiment, each of the portions are produced entirely by one-piece injection molding. The male portion is substantially planar and has concave indentation or detent areas. The female section has a planar back side and inwardly facing walls on each side forming a channel. One or both sides has an extension member that is spring biased such that as the male portion is slid into the female portion, the extension member moves into the concave indentation or detent areas to hold the male member in the channel until sufficient force is exerted in an opposite direction to overcome the spring bias and slide the male section out of the channel of the female section.

Devices such as cellphones, tablet computers, and music players are usually quite thin as users prefer a device that will fit in their hand, pocket, purse, etc. These users do not prefer to add any type of thick attachment mechanisms to their cellphones, other than maybe a protective case or screen protector.
Unfortunately, there are times when a user wants to attach one or more objects to their cellphone or cellphone case. For example, many people have holding devices attached to the back of their cellphone or cellphone case to make it easier to hold their cellphone during calls and to tilt their cellphone while watching a video, etc. Many people have metal discs affixed to the back of their cellphone or cellphone case to removably hold their cellphone to a magnetic holder, for example, when driving. For most applications such as these, the object (cellphone holder, metal disc, etc.) is affixed to the back of the cellphone or cellphone case, usually by an adhesive pad. This seems to work well for many users, but is very limiting.
Another issue that is surfacing with such devices is wireless charging. To date, many devices are equipped to wirelessly charge by placing the device face up on a charging surface. Electronics beneath the charging surface emit electromagnetic energy that is received by the device and converted into proper voltages and currents to charge batteries of the device. As one might imagine, it would be difficult to use the device as it lays face up on the charging station, especially for making phone calls. In the past, many devices that include wireless charging also include a power connector for wired charging, but several newer devices support only wireless charging, eliminating the charging connector which is a weak point in the reliability of the device as well as a location for intrusion of liquids. This makes it indeed difficult for a user of such a device to make a phone call if the battery power is low as, in the past, they would have connected a power cable to the device, but the new technology does not permit such a connection.
If the user wishes to temporarily attach an accessory to their device, some use an adhesive to adhere such accessories to cellphone or cellphone case. Unfortunately, the adhesive makes it difficult to separate the accessories from the device (e.g. cellphone or cellphone case), possibly damaging the cellphone or cellphone case during an attempt to remove the accessory or, at the least, leaving behind an adhesive residue that is difficult to remove. This renders it almost impossible to use an adhesive connection mechanism when the user wishes to remove and replace the device or another device, especially if such replacement occurs repetitively.
Another issue with having such accessories semi-permanently adhered to the back of a cellphone or cellphone case is interference with wireless charging. For example, an accessory that is a metal disc attenuates the wireless charging signal to a point where little or no charging occurs. Further, thicker connecting devices separate the accessories at a distance from the back of the cellphone or cellphone case, too far away for charging.
What is needed is a mounting system that will provide a temporary mounting connection between a device and an accessory.


An electrical resistivity tomography prospecting system based on random distribution of electrodes is provided. The system comprises a central console and a plurality of data collection units. The central console and the data collection units are connected via wireless communication. The data collection units comprises a collection station and two electrodes connected via a cable. The electrodes may be randomly arranged based on the grounding condition. The GPS equipped on the electrode may provide the location information of the measurement point. The collection station is controlled by the central console, and may perform in two work modes: current supply measurement or electrical potential measurement. The data collection is parallel. Sequentially selecting one collection unit for current supplying, while the rest of collection units work for potential measurement.

The electrical resistivity tomography is an array prospecting method developed on the basis of ordinary electrical prospecting methods. In the traditional electrical resistivity tomography method, all electrodes are connected in series via cables and then attached to the instrument. Current electrodes (C1, C2) and potential electrodes (P1, P2), which meets the requirements of the device (e.g. Wenner, dipole-dipole, etc.) configuration, are selected by an internal program-controlled switch for automatic measurement. The apparent resistivity ρs corresponding to a certain device configuration can be obtained by calculation. The instrument may obtain the apparent resistivity of a series of measurement points at different positions and depths by sequentially changing the device configuration (i.e. changing the position of the current and potential measurement points) through the program-controlled switch. At last, the post data processing (i.e. inversion) is performed to obtain the underground resistivity imaging of the survey area. The advantage of the electrical resistivity tomography is that all the electrodes only need to be arranged once, and the four needed electrodes will be selected by the programmed instrument during the measurement to achieve automatic measurement, which not only saves labour but also improves data collection efficiency.
However, the current electrical resistivity tomography have the following disadvantages.
1. Only regular grids are permitted for electrode arrangement design. In urban or complex environmental conditions, it is difficult to find regular areas suitable for the electrode arrangement. This severely limits the application of electrical resistivity tomography in the field survey.
2. Need for a long cable to connect all the electrodes in series, and the measurement is sequentially performed by the order of electrodes along the cable. Cumbersome cable not only increases labor efforts, but also makes it difficult to carry out on-site cable arrangement in the presence of obstacles (e.g. rivers, large buildings, transportation trunks, etc.).
3. The current electrical resistivity tomography for three-dimensional survey uses regular grids to arrange the points/lines. In such methods, measurement can only be proceeded in two orthogonal directions along the line. It's only a quasi-three-dimensional measurement. Moreover, only four electrodes of two electrode pairs (current/potential) selected from all electrodes in the current electrical resistivity tomography are used for each measurement, which is a main reason for low collection efficiency.

Prospecting method and instrument system of the three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography based on random distribution of electrodes


It has been shown by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy that when additional hardener is added to below saturation gel-grafted polymer particles, the gel layer shrinks due to hardening, as there is no free gel left in solution. In films, such case-hardened gelatin-grafted soft polymer particles can act as highly elastic stress absorbing fillers. This is because the dry case-hardened shell is expected to form a thin hard shell around the soft polymer particles. It is shown that gelatin-grafted soft polymer particles and case-hardened gelatin-grafted soft polymer particles, incorporated in the emulsion layers of pressure sensitive photographic products, produce coatings with highly reduced pressure sensitivity without any developability or delamination concerns. In this invention the case-hardened gelatin-grafted polymer particles are preferred over the simple gelatin-grafted material.

The following publications may be considered related technology to this invention:
R-1: T. H. James, "The Theory of the Photographic Processes," 4th Edition, MacMillan (1977).
R-2: R. Doubendiek et al, "Multicolor Photographic Element With a Tabular Grain Emulsion Layer Overlaying a Minus Blue Recording Emulsion Layer," U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,964 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Sept. 15, 1987.
R-3: Anonymous, "Photographic Silver Halide Emulsions, Preparations, Addenda, Processing and Systems," Research Disclosure, 308, p. 933-1015 (1989).
R-4: D. J. Beavers, "Photographic Diffusion Transfer Process," U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,628 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Apr. 27, 1971.
R-5: Ishigaki et al, "Silver Halide Photographic Light Sensitive Material," U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,727 issued to Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., on Apr. 18, 1989.
R-6: Y. Watanable et al, "Process for the Production of Light-Sensitive Silver Halide Photographic Material," U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,881 issued to Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. on Jun. 20, 1989.
R-7: A. Tanaka et al, "Color Photographic Materials Containing High-Boiling Organic Solvent," U. S. Defensive Publication No. T969,005 issued on Apr. 4, 1978.
R-8: H. Ota et al, "Silver Halide Photographic Light-Sensitive Material," U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,179 issued to Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. on Feb. 12, 1985.
R-9: P. Bagchi et al, "Photographic Element Having Polymer Particles Covalently Bonded to Gelatin," U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,219 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Aug. 8, 1989.
R-10: P. Bagchi et al, "Photographic Element Having Polymer Particles Covalently Bonded to Gelatin," European Patent Application No. 0 307 856, priority date Sept. 18, 1987, corresponding to R-9.
R-11: P. Bagchi, "Gelatin-Grafted Polymer Particles," U.S. application Ser. No. 307,393 allowed December, 1989.
R-12: P. Bagchi, "Gelatin-Grafted Polymer Particles," European Patent Application No. 0 037 855, priority date Sept. 18, 1987 corresponding to R-11.
R-13: P. Bagchi, "Theory of Stabilization of Colloidal Particles by Nonionic Polymers," J. Colloid and Interface Science, 47, 86 (1974).
R-14: P. Bagchi, "Nonionic Denting and Mixing Potentials Between Two Flat Plates," J. Colloid and Interface Science, 47, 100 (1974).
R-15: D. S. Gibbs et al, "Structured Particle-Latexes," U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,442 issued to the Dow Chemical Company on Apr. 12, 1977.
R-16: G. A. Campbell, "Crosslinkable Polymers Having Vinylsulfone Groups or Styrylsulfonyl Groups and Their Use as Hardeners for Gelatin," U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,407 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Jul. 17, 1979.
R-17: M. Oganer et al, "Element for Electrophonics," U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,870 issued to Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., on Oct. 22, 1985.
R-18: H. L. Cohen et al, "Polymeric Mordants and Elements Containing Same," U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,694 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Dec. 7, 1971.
R-19: L. M. Minsk et al, "Polymeric Hardeners Containing Aziridinyl Units on the Side Chain," U.S. Pat. No. 3,671,256 issued to Eastman Kodak Company on Jun. 20, 1972.
R-20: H. Jung et al, "Process for the Chain-Lengthening of Gelatin by Partial Hardening," U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,847 issued to Agfa-Gevaert on Dec. 20, 1983.
R-21: J. Herzog, "Diphenyl-harnstoffchlorid als Reagens Fur Phenole," Chem. Ber. 40, 1831 (1907).
R-22: W. Himmelman, "Hardening With a Heterocyclic Carbamoyl Ammonium Compound of a Photographic Material Containing a Silver Halide Layer," U.S. Pat. No. 3,880,665 issued to Agfa-Gevaert on Apr. 29, 1975, and German Application No. 2,225,230 dated May 24, 1972.
R-23: W. Himmelman, "Hardening With a Heterocyclic Carbamoyl Ammonium Compound of a Photographic Material Containing a Silver Halide Layer," U.S. Pat. No. 3,880,665 issued to Agfa-Gevaert on Apr. 29, 1975, and German Application No. 2,317,677 dated Apr. 7, 1973. R-24: W. Himmelman et al, "Process for Hardening Silver Halide Containing Photographic Layer With Sulpho or Sulphoalkyl-Substituted Carbomoyl Peridinium Compounds," U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,952 issued to Agfa-Gevaert on Dec. 20, 1977, and German Application No. 2,439,551 dated Aug. 17, 1974.
R-25: P. J. Stang et al, "Dication Ether Salts R.sup.+ --O--R.sup.+ --2CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.-, from the Reaction of Trifluoro-methane Sulfonic Anhydride With Activated Ketones," J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103, 4837 (1981).
R-26: D. S. Morehouse et al, "Expandable Thermoplastic Polymer Particles Containing Volatile Fluid Foaming Agent and Method of Foaming the Same," U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,972 issued to the Dow Chemical Company on Oct. 26, 1971.
R-27: W. R. Sorenson et al, "Preparative Methods of Polymer Chemistry,"2nd Edition, Wiley (1968), N.Y.
R-28: M. P. Stevens, "Polymer Chemistry --An Introduction," Addison Wesley (1975), London.
R-29: H. G. Curme et al, "The Adsorption of Gelatin to a Silver Bromide Sol," J. Phys. Chem. 68, 3009 (1964).
Pressure applied to photographic emulsion coatings can produce both reversible and irreversible effects on the sensitometry of the photographic product. Sufficient pressure can cause irreversible distortion of the emulsion grains or cause the formation of physical defects that alter the sensitivity for latent image formation. It has been generally recognized (R-1) that effect of pressure on the sensitivity of photographic products increases with the magnitude of the applied pressure.
Various types of pressure effects on silver halide photographic systems have been known for long periods of time. In general, pressure sensitivity can be described as an effect which causes the photographic sensitometry of film products to change after the application of some kind of a mechanical stress to a coated photographic film.
The cited prior art (R-1) describe various mechanisms in association with the various types of pressure sensitivities observed with photographic products. However, one observation in all of the described cases, is clear that the change in sensitometry is caused by the transmission of physical stress to the silver halide crystals.
In photographic systems, pressure sensitivity, as described, in this general term produces considerable quality defects of products that manifest as increased or decreased density marks on them after development. Such stress may be received from transport mechanism in cameras or other exposing devices or possibly during processing operations. In general, the pressure sensitivity problem increases with the physical size of the emulsion crystals. Its manifestation is most severe in the high aspect ratio highly deformable "Tabular Grain Emulsions," extensively described in prior art (R-1, R-2, and R-3). There is, therefore, a need to produce photographic coatings that are less sensitive to mechanical stress in order to improve the quality of many of the current photographic products.
Dry gelatin is hard and can thus easily transmit applied stress to the silver halide crystals in a coated photographic system. Prior arts (R-4 and R-5) describe the inclusion of low glass transition temperature, Tg, soft polymer latexes into coated photographic films. (R-4) discloses inclusion of such polymers into the emulsion containing layers, and (R-5) describes incorporation of such polymers into overcoat layers. Inclusion of polymers as described in (R-4 and R-5) does tend to reduce pressure sensitivity of photographic film products. Present day photographic products have higher and higher photographic speeds and consequently are larger and larger in dimension and exhibit more severe pressure sensitivity problems. In order to reduce the pressure sensitivities of present day silver halide photographic products, the amounts of soft latex load necessary as described in prior art (R-4 and R-5) are so large that such films with high polymer latex loads suffer from severe developability problems due to the coalescence of the soft polymer particles in the dry coated layers, where a large portion of the gelatin has been replaced by soft polymer latexes. Similarly, prior art (R-6, R-7, and R-8) describe the use of organic solvent dispersions in photographic layer to reduce the pressure sensitivities of film products. However, in order to reduce the pressure sensitivity of present day high speed and high pressure sensitivity photographic products, the solvent loads of the films have to be so high that such films show signs of delamination in the layers containing the solvent dispersion when pressure is applied for testing. Therefore, it would be desirable to reduce pressure sensitivity of photographic products without inhibiting developability or diminishing the integrity of film product.

Use of gelatin-grafted and case-hardened gelatin-grafted polymer particles for relief from pressure sensitivity of photographic products


A pinch roller which includes a cylindrical elastic body formed of a polymer blend including acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer rubber (NBR), and at least one of a highly saturated copolymer rubber containing nitrile group obtained by hydrogenating a butadiene part of said acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber, and a resin sleeve press-fitted in the elastic body. The elongation of the elastic body is set to be at least 5% and not more than 15%. A pinch roller apparatus includes this pinch roller.

The present invention relates to a pinch roller apparatus for feeding a magnetic tape sandwiched between a capstan that is forced to rotate and to a pinch roller apparatus in a video tape recorder (VTR) or the like, and to a pinch roller used in such a pinch roller apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pinch roller of a structure having a resin bearing press-fitted inside a cylindrical elastic body, and a pinch roller apparatus using such a pinch roller.
A pinch roller is generally fabricated by attaching rubber through baking or the like on the outer circumferential plane of a metal sleeve that has a bearing inside. Also known is a pinch roller of reduced cost having a structure which has a resin sleeve of bearing capability press-fitted through rubber that is molded in a cylindrical configuration. The cost can be reduced since fewer components are used, and attaching rubber to the sleeve is not required.
FIG. 6 shows an example of a conventional pinch roller apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 62-113435. Referring to FIG. 6, the pinch roller apparatus includes an elastic body (rubber portion) 1, a resin sleeve (resin bearing) 2, a roller shaft 5, an arm 6, and thrust bearings 8 and 8a.
Resin sleeve 2 is press-fitted at the inner diameter side of elastic body 1. A clearance is provided between resin sleeve 2 and thrust bearings 8 and 8a in the direction of the thrust by thrust bearings 8 and 8a. Elastic body 1 and resin sleeve 2 are supported by roller shaft 5. Roller shaft 2 is secured to arm 6.
A pinch roller of a structure in which resin sleeve 2 is press-fitted inside a cylindrical elastic body has the disadvantage that, when elastic body 1 is to be ground after resin sleeve 2 has been press-fitted during the fabrication stage of the pinch roller, sliding will occur between elastic body 1 and resin sleeve 2 since resin sleeve 2 that functions as a plain bearing has a high sliding property. Thus, there is the problem that grinding cannot be easily carried out.
Therefore, it was conventionally necessary to fit the elastic body 1 to a grind-oriented shaft, wherein the outer circumferential plane was ground and then fit to a resin sleeve 2 after the grind-oriented shaft is removed. This extra processing step complicates the fabrication process. Furthermore, the roundness is not improved, resulting in the problem that deflection in rotation becomes more serious.
In a pinch roller apparatus, force is exerted on the outer circumference of elastic body 1 from the capstan shaft. If the holding force of elastic body 1 relative to resin sleeve 2 is small, sliding will occur between elastic body 1 and resin sleeve 2 which results in displacement of the elastic body 1 with respect to resin sleeve 2.
In order to solve the problem of sliding, the holding force of the elastic body 1 relative to resin sleeve 2 should be increased. In other words, the elastic body 1 should be fixed to resin sleeve 2 in a slightly elongated state.
However, if the elongation of elastic body 1 is increased too much, the elastic body 1 will become more susceptible to oxidation. This will facilitate the generation of cracks at the outer circumference of elastic body 1. The presence of such a crack is critical for a pinch roller.
The aforementioned fabrication teaches only the press-fitting of resin sleeve 2 in the inner diameter side of elastic body 1, and provides no disclosure or suggestion of a method of suppressing degradation of elastic body 1 while improving the holding force thereof.
It can be said that the pinch roller apparatus of the aforementioned publication cannot have degradation of elastic body 1 suppressed while preventing slipping between elastic body 1 and resin sleeve 2.
In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to suppress degradation of an elastic body while preventing slipping between the elastic body and a resin sleeve in a pinch roller having the resin sleeve press-fitted in the elastic body.
The pinch roller of the present invention includes a cylindrical elastic body formed of a polymer blend including acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber and at least one of a highly saturated copolymer rubber containing nitrile group obtained by hydrogenating a butadiene part of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber, and a resin bearing press-fitted in the elastic body. The elastic body has an elongation of at least 5% and not more than 15%.
The pinch roller apparatus of the present invention includes a cylindrical elastic body formed of a polymer blend including an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber and at least one of a highly saturated copolymer rubber containing a nitrile group obtained by hydrogenating a butadiene part of the acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber, and a resin bearing press-fitted in the elastic body, a roller shaft inserted through the resin bearing, and an arm holding the roller shaft. The elongation of the elastic body is at least 5% and not more than 15%.
In the present invention, the elongation of an elastic body is defined as the percentage of the elongated value of the inner diameter of the elastic body before and after the resin bearing (resin sleeve) is press-fitted into the inner diameter of the elastic body.
By setting the elongation of the elastic body in the pinch roller to the range of at least 5% and not more than 15%, the holding force of the elastic body relative to the resin bearing can be ensured. The sliding between the elastic body and the resin bearing can be suppressed as shown in the following Table 1 to Table 3. By virtue of the above specified range, displacement of the elastic body caused by the slide between the elastic body and the resin bearing can be suppressed even in the case where the outer circumferential plane of the elastic body is ground with the elastic body mounted around the resin bearing. If the elongation of the elastic body is lower than 5%, there is a possibility of sliding occurring between the elastic body and the resin bearing when the outer circumferential plane of the elastic body is ground with the elastic body mounted around the resin bearing or during operation of the pinch roller apparatus, as shown in Table 4. As shown in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 5, the oxidation resistance of the elastic body can be ensured by setting the elongation of the elastic body to at least 5% and not more than 15%. If the elongation of the elastic body is larger than 15%, the elastic body is susceptible to degradation caused by oxidation. There is also the possibility of a crack being generated at the outer circumference of the elastic body.
The elastic body is formed of a polymer blend including acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber and at least one of highly saturated copolymer rubber containing a nitrile group obtained by hydrogenating the butadiene part of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber.
By virtue of the elastic body including at least one of a highly saturated copolymer rubber containing nitrile group and ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber, oxidation of the elastic body can be suppressed to improve the weather-resistant property, even if the elastic body is fixed to the resin bearing in an elongated state. Since the elastic body additionally includes acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, oil resistance can be ensured while improving the weather-resistant property. Especially, the elastic body is preferably formed of a polymer blend including acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber and an ethylene-xcex1-olefin type copolymer rubber.
The thickness of the elastic body is preferably at least 0.6 mm. Accordingly, the desired holding force of the elastic body can be ensured. Displacement caused by the sliding between the elastic body and the resin bearing can be suppressed effectively. If the thickness of the elastic body is smaller than 0.6 mm, there is a possibility of displacement caused by sliding between the elastic body and the resin bearing. The upper limit of the thickness of the elastic body is preferably, but not limited to 5 mm and below.
The pinch roller of the present invention is for use with a video tape recorder. The length of the elastic body in the axial direction is preferably at least 5 mm and not more than 20 mm. The present invention is applicable to a pinch roller for a video tape recorder having such a length in the axial direction.


A screw compressor of the present invention comprises: a housing having a compression chamber; male and female rotors provided in the compression chamber; a driving shaft for rotating the male and female rotors; and a seal cover across which the driving shaft is provided, and further includes: an oil chamber provided at the seal cover, and returning, to the compression chamber, oil having leaked into the driving shaft; and a breather for injecting external air into the oil chamber. Therefore, the breather is provided at the upper part of the oil chamber and an oil recovery line is provided at the lower part thereof so as to cause a pressure difference between the upper and lower parts of the oil chamber, such that the flow of the oil having leaked into the driving shaft is smoothly recovered in the oil recovery line.

In general, a screw compressor is a device that produces compressed air by sucking, compressing, and discharging a working fluid (hereinafter referred to as "air") by a change in a sealing space caused between a pair of male and female rotors and a housing when the male and female rotors engage and rotate in opposite directions.
The operation of the screw compressor will now be described in detail. During rotation of a drive shaft connected to an electric motor, as the male and female rotors in the housing rotate, the inside of the housing is brought into a vacuum state to suck air in the atmosphere through a suction port, and as the volume of a compression chamber composed of the male and female rotors and the housing changes, the sucked air is turned into high-temperature and high-pressure compressed air, which is discharged through a discharge port.
The male and female rotors rotate at a high speed in the housing to obtain high-pressure air. At this time, the air becomes a high-temperature and high-pressure fluid according to the volume change, and since the high-temperature distribution is continuously maintained, it is necessary to secure an effective cooling system to prevent deterioration of durability of components such as rotors, etc.
The oil injection-type screw compressor, to which the cooling system is applied, compresses air at an atmospheric pressure of 0 bar and at a temperature of 20° C. to about 7 to 13 bar. At this time, the discharge temperature rises to about 300° C., which causes damage to the components including bearings, and thus the temperature of the compressed air is maintained within 80° C. by injecting oil corresponding to 1% of the amount of air sucked into the compression chamber in the housing during the compression.
However, among the components of the oil-injection type screw compressor, the component connected to the atmosphere is the drive shaft, and the compression chamber injects the oil for lubrication, sealing and cooling, and thus the high-pressure oil leaks into the atmosphere through the drive shaft, which is problematic.
In order to solve this problem, complex and expensive mechanical seals have been used in the past, and in recent years, most screw compressor manufacturers are intended to prevent leakage using lip seals, but in reality, the problem of leakage in the oil injection-type screw compressors occurs constantly, resulting in customer claims.
Conventional techniques for preventing oil leakage will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, a single lip seal 11 is applied to the outer circumferential surface of a drive shaft 10, which lowers the unit cost and simplifies the structure, but it is vulnerable to external dust, and in the event of leakage, oil leaks into the atmosphere immediately, leading to reliability problems.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, in order to supplement the single lip seal of FIG. 1, a double lip seal 12 is used as a primary seal provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 10 to prevent oil leakage, which improves the durability, and a single lip seal 11 is used as a secondary seal provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 10 to protect the primary seal from external dust.
However, according to the above method, in the event of oil leakage in the double lip seal, the oil can easily leak from the single lip seal, and thus the oil leakage cannot be prevented by the method.
As shown in FIG. 3, two single lip seals 11 and 12 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft 10, and for the case of leakage from the primary single lip seal 11, a recovery line 13 is provided to recover the leaking oil into the housing, thereby preventing the oil from leaking into the atmosphere
According to the above method, during operation, the suction side of the housing is brought into sub-atmospheric pressure to recover the leaking oil into the housing through the recovery line 13, and during deactivation of the compressor, high-pressure oil is filled in the housing, and thus a check ball 14 is used to prevent the oil from flowing backward.
However, according to the above method, during load operation of the compressor, the vacuum pressure on the suction side of the housing is low, which does not facilitate the recovery, and during deactivation of the compressor, the internal pressure of the housing is released and becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, which may cause the oil filled in the housing to flow backward to cause damage to the secondary single lip seal 12, and thus the oil leaks into the atmosphere.
Moreover, although the force of sucking the fluid in the space between the two single lip seals also acts during operation, when the space between the seals reaches a certain vacuum pressure, the oil recovery cannot be achieved.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop a more combined and improved type of sealing device for an oil injection-type screw compressor to recover the leaking oil in advance, thereby preventing the oil from leaking to the outside.

Sealing device for oil injection-type screw compressor


Systems and methods to manage memory are provided. A particular method may include storing data in a primary memory that is in communication with a processor and storing in a mirrored data in a mirrored memory. The mirrored data may be compressed, and the mirrored memory may be in communication with the processor. A failure condition associated with the data of the primary memory may be detected. In response to the detected failure condition, the mirrored data in the mirrored memory may be accessed.

Memory mirroring is the practice of creating and maintaining a copy of original data in system memory. Within a mirrored environment, significant portions of the physical memory may be designated as mirrored memory. The allocation of physical memory to mirrored memory may represent a significant manufacturing cost and may limit overall memory storage. Although memory mirroring offers increased system reliability, the reduction in memory capacity may result in reduced system performance.

Memory mirroring with memory compression

International Business Machines Corporation


A simulated auto theft alarm in which a LED mounted in a vehicle instrument panel is coupled to a simple circuit that causes the LED to flash at a rate comparable to those of conventional auto alarm systems whenever the ignition is OFF and to remain OFF whenever the ignition is ON.

This invention relates to vehicle alarms or antitheft systems and particularly to a thief-thwarting alarm "on" indicator to be installed in the cab of a vehicle without an actual alarm system.
Modern auto vehicles and the accessories purchased and installed in them are often extremely expensive and are the subjects of easy theft when the vehicles are parked in remote or public parking areas. To protect against such thefts, many owners are installing in their vehicles alarm systems that, when armed, will generate a signal or sound a loud audible alarm whenever a sensor unit is triggered. These alarm systems are generally armed by a radio controlled switch remotely operable several hundred feet from the vehicle and its armed condition is usually indicated by a small light that may be mounted on the vehicle instrument panel or in each front door panel where its flashing can easily be seen by the vehicle owner, or by anyone else looking into the vehicle.
Potential car thieves looking for cars or their valuable contents are well acquainted with alarm systems and also check for flashing lights in the vehicle for an indication of the presence of an alarm system. A flashing light will turn them away.
The invention to be described is for an alarm system simulator which comprises an oscillator driven lamp coupled to the vehicle battery and to the ignition switch. The lamp, a low current LED mounted in the vehicle instrument panel, is OFF whenever the vehicle ignition switch is ON, and flashes whenever the ignition if OFF, thus discouraging potential car thieves.


A coupler apparatus for installing a pipe and a protective cover into a borehole includes a first coupler half and a second coupler half. Both halves include a leading edge and at least one slot disposed in an outer surface configured to allow a fluid to pass by the coupler apparatus as the coupler apparatus is pulled through the borehole. A fastening means joins the first coupler half to the second coupler half about the pipe and the protective cover. The coupler apparatus formed by the first coupler half joined to the second coupler is configured to capture the protective cover at a location on the pipe for the installation of the pipe with the protective cover into the borehole. A method is also described.

Directional drilling (also referred to in the art as "horizontal drilling" or "horizontal directional drilling") was invented in the 1920s and the technology was originally used in oil fields to increase oil production. In the 1990s, directional drilling technology was adapted for utility installations. Directional bores have been installed for pipelines carrying oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, water, sewage, and other products. Also, directionally drilled holes have been used to install conduits which carry electric and fiber optic cables. Such continuous pipes, conduits, casings and the like are referred to hereinafter generally as "pipe".
Besides crossing under highways, railroads, airport runways, shore approaches, traffic islands, and areas congested with buildings; directionally drilled installations have been made under rivers and waterways, pipeline corridors, and protected wetlands. Directional borings have the least environmental impact of any alternate construction method. Directional drilling technology also allows placement of pipe under obstacles, provides maximum protection for the installation, and minimizes maintenance costs. During installation, normal business operations are usually not interrupted. Directional borings also have a predictable and short construction schedule.
Typically, after a directional boring pass is complete, a permanent pipe (e.g. a gas pipe, conduit, or casing of some sort) is pulled or pushed through the boring also known as a borehole. In the prior art, the pipe, which may be formed of, for example, metal or plastic, is not necessarily provided with exterior chafe protection prior to being inserted into the boring and thus, the pipe and any pipe coatings are vulnerable to damage from contact with protruding rocks and the like.
Many utility distribution piping and cable systems are buried underground throughout the world. Older piping systems were often formed of cast iron or bare steel pipe. Newer systems may include coated steel or polyethylene. Older systems may also tend to be in urban or congested areas under asphalt or concrete paving that would render the replacing or rehabilitating such pipes expensive and disruptive to surface activities. Sliplining or host pipe insertion has also been used as a method for rehabilitation of existing pipelines to repair leaks or restore structural stability. Sliplining is completed by installing a smaller, "carrier pipe" into a larger "host pipe." The carrier pipe may be continuous along an entire run of pipeline or consist of multiple segments of pipe that are joined or fused end to end. Common material used to slipline an existing pipe include medium and high density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass reinforced pipe and poly vinyl chloride (PVC). A host pipe may include debris, slag, burrs or sharp internal edges between pipe segments, as well as internal projections or coupons at service connection fittings that may damage or score the external surface of the carrier pipe as it is inserted within the host pipe.
As described in CA Patent No. 2517980C, hoses have been used as protective sleeves for borehole pipe installation. However, such relatively flexible materials, such as fire hoses, polyester materials, and other relatively loose weave materials, are water absorbent and can be difficult to install once water logged. Also, post-installation ingress of water and other ground contaminants such as petrochemicals cause pipe corrosion and/or degradation and in some cases ultimately pipe failure. Such pre-formed hoses can be difficult and time consuming to pull over pipes being prepared into pipe-hose assemblies for installation into the borehole. Post-installation, such hoses can be subject to undesirable permanent bonding between the pipe, the hose, and the surrounding soil matrix.
A coupler may be used to hold a protective sleeve on a pipe during insertion of the pipe-protective sleeve assembly. A coupler may also be used to hold an electrical tracer wire which can be installed into the borehole along with the pipe-protective sleeve assembly. Unfortunately, some physical damage to the protective sleeve and/or the tracer wire is common.
There is a need for a coupler method and apparatus to substantially eliminate damage to the protective sleeve and tracer wire at or near a coupler during insertion into a borehole and to protect carrier pipe during host pipe insertion or sliplining.

Coupler method and apparatus for installing pipe with a protective cover into borehole


A low-noise and high-sensitivity inertial sensor is provided.

JP-A-2013-076610 (PTL 1) discloses a technique relevant to an acceleration sensor including a C/V conversion circuit having an increase or decrease in capacitance with respect to acceleration by applying sinusoidal signals having opposite phases to a pair of capacitive elements.
JP-A-2014-102172 (PTL 2) discloses a technique relevant to an acceleration sensor including a C/V conversion circuit using a fully-differential operational amplifier (fully-differential operational amplifier). Specifically, an output signal from a pair of capacitive elements to which voltage signals having opposite phases are applied is input to the inverting input of the fully-differential operational amplifier, and an output signal from a pair of fixed capacitive elements having the same capacitance as that of the pair of capacitive elements mentioned above is input to the non-inverting input of the fully-differential operational amplifier.

Abstract: On the assumption that a movable portion VU1 and a movable portion VU2 are formed in the same SOI layer, the movable portion VU1 and the movable portion VU2 are mechanically connected to each other by a mechanical coupling portion MCU even while these movable portions are electrically isolated from each other. Thereby, according to a sensor element SE in the invention, it is possible to further suppress a shift between the capacitance of a MEMS capacitor 1 and the capacitance of a MEMS capacitor 2.


Substrates for use with an aerosol delivery device to vaporize and deliver an aerosol to a user include a base material, an aerosol former and an aerosol agent. In a method for forming the substrates, a mixture of substrate materials is extruded and then spheronized to produce pellet substrates that are generally spherical, substantially spherical or rounded, or in the form of relatively short rods having rounded ends. In another method for forming the substrates, a base material is coated with a first coating and optionally the base material having the first coating thereon is subsequently coated with a second coating so as to produce pellet substrates having a relatively smooth, dry exterior surface. In this manner, the substrates are formable relative to one another and can be easily and readily loaded into and removed from the aerosol delivery device.

The adverse health risks associated with smoking cigarettes have been recognized for decades. It is estimated that at least seventy percent (70%) of smokers today desire to reduce the amount of cigarettes they smoke, or want to quit altogether. Despite the known risks, only about six percent (6%) of smokers report that they were able to quit smoking entirely. The low rate of success is believed to be due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine present in conventional cigarettes. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches for the delivery of nicotine without the harmful by products of tobacco combustion have been available for years. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches, however, have proven to be largely unsuccessful as smoking cessation articles due to their failure to satisfy the smoker's hand-to-mouth and inhalation urges. In the past, nicotine delivery devices in the form of combustion-free electronic cigarettes, referred to as "smokeless cigarettes" and "e-cigarettes," as well as atomizers, cartomizers and vaporizers (including vape pens) have been developed and introduced to the public.
Popular brands of electronic cigarettes include BLU ECIGS® offered by Lorillard Technologies, Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., USA, VUSE® offered by Reynolds Innovations, Inc. of Winston-Salem, N.C., USA, MARK 1O™ offered by Phillip Morris, Inc. of Richmond, Va., USA, and NJOY® offered by NJOY, Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., USA. Popular brands of vaporizers include FIREFLY® offered by Firefly Company of San Francisco, Calif., USA, Matrix offered by Mig Vapor of Pompano Beach, Fla., USA, PAX® offered by PAX Labs, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., USA, V2Pro™ offered by VMR Products, LLC of Miami, Fla., USA, HAZE® V3 offered by Haze Industries, Inc. of Atlanta Ga., USA, and IOLITE WISPR® offered by Oglesby & Butler Ltd. of Carlow, Ireland.
Each of the aforementioned commercially available electronic cigarettes and vaporizers replicates the hand-to-mouth and inhalation experiences of a traditional tobacco cigarette desired by smokers. Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers also satisfy a smoker's craving for the addictive nicotine without exposing the smoker to the carcinogenic by-products produced by the combustion of tobacco and without exposing by-standers to harmful second-hand smoke. As a result, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are credited with providing a healthier nicotine delivery option to smokers and a healthier environment to by-standers subjected to second-hand smoke by significantly reducing, and potentially eliminating, the harmful effects of the carcinogens present in the smoke that would otherwise be produced and dispersed by lighting and smoking a traditional tobacco cigarette.
Traditional tobacco cigarettes are made of a combustible material that is ignited with a flame to cause the tobacco to burn. Burning tobacco releases smoke containing nicotine that is inhaled by the smoker to deliver the nicotine to the lungs. Electronic cigarettes, on the other hand, heat a liquid, referred to as "e-liquid" or "liquid nicotine," containing nicotine and in some instances flavoring, to convert the liquid into an aerosol. The aerosol, commonly referred to as nicotine vapor or simply vape, is inhaled by the smoker to deliver the nicotine to the lungs. Most of the current electronic cigarettes include a battery energy source, an atomizer and a re-fillable or expendable cartridge that contains the liquid nicotine. Due to the frequency required to re-fill or replace the cartridge, an advanced type of electronic cigarette has been developed that combines the atomizer and the cartridge into a single "cartomizer" electrically connected to the battery. Cartomizers allow for a greater period of time between re-fills or replacements. The vaporization process is initiated by the smoker inhaling, or alternatively, by the smoker depressing a manual switch, to activate the atomizer or cartomizer. The atomizer heats the e-liquid to convert an aerosol former, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and the liquid nicotine into nicotine vapor (vape) in the form of an aerosol. The vape is inhaled through a mouthpiece to deliver nicotine to the lungs of the smoker. The smoker then exhales the residual nicotine vapor as cigarette smoke absent the harmful by-products of tobacco combustion. Vaporizers operate similarly to e-cigarettes with the exception that most vaporizers utilize dry herb material as the substrate that is heated to form the aerosol that is vaporized and delivered to the user.
Despite the reduced health risks, there remain certain disadvantages with the electronic cigarettes currently available. For example, the e-liquid contained within the cartridge or cartomizer typically contains a solution of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin (VG), and/or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) mixed with concentrated flavoring and a highly variable concentration of nicotine. However, the liquid nicotine solutions of some electronic cigarettes have been found to still contain cancer-causing agents, referred to as tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), as well as tobacco-specific impurities, such as anabasine, myosmine, and ß-nicotine. In fact, a recent study by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected diethylene glycol, a poisonous and hygroscopic liquid commonly used in anti-freeze solutions, in the e-liquid of an electronic cigarette, and measurable levels of nicotine in e-liquid cartridges that claimed to be nicotine-free. These findings are particularly disturbing since the cartridges and cartomizers of electronic cigarettes are inherently susceptible to leakage and/or breakage owing to their small size and relative fragility. As a result, the danger exists that a cartridge or cartomizer could leak or break and can cause a user to ingest or have skin contact with a harmful amount of the liquid solution containing nicotine. It is also possible for a leaking e-liquid to damage the electronics and/or corrode the battery of an electronic nicotine delivery device. Furthermore, the glycerin or propylene glycol aerosol forming agent in the e-liquid is a flammable liquid, and therefore, could ignite and cause a fire if the e-liquid leaks and comes into contact with an ignition source.
Likewise, there are certain disadvantages with the vaporizers that are currently available. As previously mentioned, vaporizers typically utilize a dry herb material as the substrate that is heated to form the aerosol that is vaporized and delivered to the user. The dry herb material is placed into a combination heating and aerosolizing chamber, commonly referred to as the oven. For the best result, it is essential that the dry herb material is finely ground and contains very little moisture, preferably less than about fifteen percent (15%). Accordingly, additional equipment, such as a dryer and a fine herb grinder are necessary for an optimal vaping experience. Furthermore, the vaporizers that operate on the principle of conduction heating produce better vapor when the ground dry herb material is more tightly packed in the oven. Conversely, the vaporizers that operate on the principle of convection heating produce better vapor when the dry herb material is more loosely packed in the oven. Regardless, the processes of drying, grinding and packing the dry herb material into the oven of the vaporizer, as well as subsequently removing the dry herb material residue and cleaning the oven, can be time consuming and messy, thereby making it difficult for users to have a consistently optimal vaping experience.
Therapeutic agents, and in particular therapeutic drugs, are commonly delivered to a patient, via a pill, capsule, tablet or the like that is ingested orally and absorbed into the bloodstream. A therapeutic drug may also be introduced directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous solution. Therapeutic drugs that are ingested orally and absorbed require a longer period of time before the effects of the drug are realized by the patient. Furthermore, therapeutic drugs delivered to a patient via a pill, capsule, tablet or the like suffer from a loss of effectiveness due to hepatic metabolism. Intravenous drug delivery is more effective than oral ingestion, but is generally inconvenient for a patient that is not resident in a health care facility. In addition, administration of a therapeutic drug by intravenous means can be dangerous and/or painful. Delivery of a therapeutic drug in the form of an aerosol by inhalation overcomes the disadvantages of both delivery methods, but has yet to gain widespread acceptance and use. Aerosol delivery devices for vaporizing and delivering a therapeutic drug in the form of an aerosol include atomizers, vaporizers and inhalers (including nebulizers). Inhalation formulations for use with aerosol delivery devices of therapeutic drugs are generally provided as solutions, suspensions and powders containing the therapeutic drug.
One possible reason for the limited role of inhalation drug delivery despite its increased efficacy, as well as convenient, safe and painless administration, is the lack of a suitable aerosol delivery device that is relatively easy to use for portable, reliable and repeatable vaporization and delivery of a wide variety of therapeutic drugs in an aerosol form. Existing devices for vaporizing and delivering a therapeutic drug in the form of an aerosol are suitable for use with only a limited class of therapeutic drugs, such as drugs for the treatment of asthma. In addition, none of the existing inhalation formulations for use with an aerosol delivery device to vaporize and deliver a therapeutic drug in the form of an aerosol are suitable to provide convenient, safe, reliable and effective dosage control.
Accordingly, an improved substrate is needed for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol, for example, an aerosol containing nicotine and/or flavoring to a smoker, or an aerosol containing a therapeutic drug to a patient. Furthermore, a substrate for vaporizing and delivering a wide variety of recreational and therapeutic substances in the form of an aerosol is needed that is more convenient, safe, reliable and easy to use. In particular, a substrate for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol is desired that overcomes the problems, deficiencies and disadvantages of the aerosol delivery devices and substrates that are currently available. Specifically, a substrate for vaporizing and delivering a wide variety of substances in the form of an aerosol is needed that eliminates the risk of damaging the electronics or power source of an aerosol delivery device, or igniting and causing a fire. Further, such a substrate should not require the use of additional equipment, time or effort to prepare the substrate and to clean the aerosol delivery device, so as to provide a consistently enjoyable vape or inhalation experience. A substrate for vaporizing and delivering a therapeutic drug in the form of an aerosol is also needed that provides convenient, safe, reliable and effective dosage control.
As used herein, the term "aerosol" is intended to include vapors, gases, fine particles, and the like, both visible and invisible, generated by a heat source acting upon a substrate for forming an aerosol in a manner consistent with the present invention. As so defined, the term "aerosol" specifically includes pharmacologically or physiologically active agents and any desired additives, such as an aerosol forming agent (also referred to herein as an "aerosol former"), flavoring, etc. irrespective of whether a visible aerosol is produced. As used herein, the term "in heat conducting relation" is intended to mean a physical arrangement of two or more components whereby heat is transferred by conduction or convection from a heat generating source (e.g. a heating element) to a thermally conductive component (e.g. a heat conductor or directly to a substrate) substantially throughout the heat generating period of the heat source. A heat conducting relation can be achieved by locating the components in direct physical contact or in close proximity to one another, or alternatively, by fluid (e.g. air) convection with one another during operation of the heat source.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Substrates for vaporizing and delivering an aerosol


A pedestal, a system and/or a method secures and/or displays an article. The pedestal secures an article to a fixture while allowing manipulation, testing and/or maneuvering of the article with respect to the pedestal and/or a surface. A drum, cable and a spring may be used to deter theft and/or removal of the article. The article may be on display and/or may be used, manipulated, tested and/or transported by consumers in an environment, such as, for example, a retail store. The pedestal may allow for extension of the cable by pulling the article away from the pedestal and/or the drum. The pedestal, the system and/or the method may allow for extension of the cable using a spring.

The present invention generally relates to a fixed display pedestal, a system and/or a method for securing and/or displaying an article. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fixed display pedestal, a system and/or a method that may be used to allow manipulation, testing and/or maneuvering of an article with respect to a fixed surface and/or the pedestal. A drum in conjunction with a spring may be used to deter a theft and/or a removal of an article, such as, for example, a bottle of perfume, cologne, or the like. The drum may be part of the fixed pedestal that may be attached to the article. The article may be on display and/or may be used, manipulated, tested and/or transported by consumers in an environment, such as, for example, a retail store. The fixed display pedestal, the system and/or the method may allow for extension of the cable by pulling the article away from the pedestal and/or the drum. The pedestal, the system and/or the method may allow for retraction of the cable using a spring. The pedestal, the system and/or the method may prevent tangling of the cable and/or may allow for repetitive extension and/or retraction of the cable. Further, a shelf may have two or more pedestals for displaying two or more articles.
It is generally known that retailers of articles provide samples of the articles that allow consumers to interact with the samples. The samples may be located on or near a display for the articles wherein pricing information and/or product availability may be displayed. Moreover, security tethers may be provided at the display to mechanically anchor the samples to the display. The samples are, secured to prevent removal, theft and/or damage. The presence of the samples may be essential to marketing and/or sales of the article. Therefore, retailers must maintain an availability of the samples and/or control of a location of the samples to allow consumers to have exposure to the articles.
Known security systems are provided and/or are used by retailers to secure a sample to its display. The known security systems mechanically and/or electrically connect the samples to the display with a cable. The cable may be, for example, a straight cable that may have mechanical tethers and/or wires therein.
Cable security systems are provided with spring actuated spools to retract the cable after release of the sample. However, known cable security systems are designed for electronic devices, such as digital cameras or mobile phones. As such, the cable often requires a bulky adapter to be fixed onto the device. Furthermore, the cables which secure the device often prevent a customer and/or a user from manipulating and/or examining the device. The device is often fixed to a surface of the fixture. Accordingly, the customer and/or the user may not be able to pick up and/or to move the device to examine the device, and its various characteristics of the device, such as, for example, the weight, the texture, the feel, the configuration of the device and/or the like. Known security systems that position the cable on the display are often aesthetically displeasing and/or are prone to kinking, to twisting and/or to tangling during repetitive use.
Many of the security systems that are available are designed with particular products in mind. For example, a security display for a mobile phone may be accompanied with an adapter that may only fit certain mobile phones. Furthermore, known cable security systems fail to accommodate non-electronic and/or uniquely shaped items. Many luxury retail stores display expensive items, but do not allow customers to handle the items for security purposes. Thus, many items are displayed behind security glass or not displayed at all. A potential buyer may base his or her purchasing decision on whether the item may handled and/or tested.
Likewise, many retail stores display "testers" of luxury items such as perfume, cologne and/or cosmetics. Known security systems often fail to prevent and/or deter a consumer from removing and/or stealing a tester item. The lack of available security systems may especially hinder the sale of expensive perfumes and colognes because potential buyer may not be able to test and/or sample the fragrance prior to buying.
A need, therefore, exists for a fixed display pedestal, a system and/or a method for securing and/or displaying an article. Further, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may prevent snagging, twisting, kinking and/or tangling of the cable. Furthermore, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may allow for repetitive extension and/or retraction of the cable. Moreover, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may be mountable to a surface for use. And, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may provide a minimalistic aesthetic quality to a display for securing an article. Additionally, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may have interchangeable components to allow for customization of a security solution. Further, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may allow the articles to be installed, replaced and/or exchanged. Still further, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may accommodate various shapes and/or sizes of articles. Moreover, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method that may prevent friction wear from the cable on portions of the pedestal. Furthermore, a need exists for a pedestal, a system and/or a method for displaying multiple items on a shelf.

Fixed display pedestal, system and/or method for securing an article


The present invention provides a state diagramming environment in a computing device that enables the conversion of a state diagram into a hardware description language. To achieve this conversion, the present invention generates an intermediate representation of the state diagram. The intermediate representation is checked against a set of predefined restrictions for compliance. The state diagramming environment converts the intermediate representation of the state diagram into a hardware description language, such as VHDL or Verilog.

State diagramming environments provide design tools for modeling and simulating event-driven systems and subsystems. State diagrams enable the graphical representation of hierarchical and parallel states and the event driven transitions between them. The state diagrams include both logic and internal data. State diagrams can be used to visually detect a current state during the operation of the system being modeled. An example of a state diagramming environment is Stateflow® from The Math Works, Inc. of Natick, Mass.
A state diagram may be used to represent finite state machines. In hardware design, a circuit with memory constitutes a finite state machine. Finite state machines may be used in the design of sequential circuits, which in general, are circuits that use combinational logic and a memory component. The output and next state of a sequential circuit may be a function of the present state of and/or the input to the sequential circuit. Sequential circuits fall into two categories, asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous sequential circuits refer to circuits that do not use a clock to synchronize state transitions. Synchronous sequential circuits refer to sequential circuits that use a clock to synchronize state transitions.
Many hardware designers use a hardware description language, such as VHDL or Verilog, to design sequential circuits. Hardware description languages provide a formal description of a circuit. Unlike high level programming languages, such as C or C++, hardware description languages use syntax and semantics for expressing time and concurrent statements, which are primary attributes of hardware.
For example, an expression of time using a statement in VHDL may be:Clock<=not Clock after 1 ms;This statement creates a periodic signal that has a period of 2 milliseconds. That is, the value of "not Clock" is assigned to "Clock" after every millisecond. So if Clock is initially 0, after 1 millisecond, not Clock is assigned to Clock, where not Clock is 1. Therefore, Clock is now 1, and after another millisecond, not Clock is again assigned to Clock making Clock 0.
An example of concurrent statements using VHDL are:A<=B+C; D<=E+F; The value of A may change any time values B and C change. Likewise the value of D may change any time values E and F change. Further, the order in which the concurrent statements are listed does not affect when they are evaluated. In this manner, hardware description languages are unlike a sequential program that uses a programming language such as C or C++.
A benefit of hardware description languages is that a hardware design using a hardware description language can simulate their design in software before implementing the design in hardware. This ability allows hardware designers to verify their design before implementing the design, and thereby, saves time by reducing the number of iterations needed to implement the design and also provides a cost reduction.
Despite the benefit of hardware description languages, using a hardware description language for hardware design is often complicated and time consuming as compared to using a state diagram. There is a need for the ability to convert a state diagram into a hardware description language suitable for synthesizing and implementing a hardware design. It is also desired that given the ability to convert from a state diagram to a hardware description language that a simulation of the state diagram yield the same result as a simulation of the hardware description language that represents the state diagram.

Hardware description language code generation from a state diagram