A power supply control method is adapted to a current-to-voltage conversion circuit which has a transformer for converting and outputting an input power. The power supply control method stops a power supply to the transformer when an output side of the current-to-voltage conversion circuit is in a no-load state, and starts a power supply to the transformer when an external voltage is applied to the output side of the current-to-voltage conversion circuit.

This application claims the benefit of a Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-348789 filed Nov. 29, 2002, in the Japanese Patent Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to power supply control methods, current-to-voltage conversion circuits and electronic apparatuses, and more particularly to a power supply control method for making a standby power zero, a current-to-voltage conversion circuit for use by such a power supply control method, and an electronic apparatus which uses such a current-to-voltage conversion circuit.
A current-to-voltage conversion circuit (hereinafter simply referred to as current-voltage conversion circuit) or, a power supply circuit, which is used in an AC adapter or the like, converts a commercial AC power supply voltage into a DC power supply voltage which is required by an electronic apparatus. The current-voltage conversion circuit consumes power even when the electronic apparatus is in a standby state or a stopped state, and such a consumed power is often referred to as a standby power. The standby power is generated even if the power consumption of the electronic apparatus is zero, because of an excitation power consumed by a magnetic circuit, such as a transformer, which is assembled within the current-voltage conversion circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
In portable electronic apparatuses such as lap-top personal computers, a battery is provided as a power supply for the electronic apparatus. Generally, for reasons such as the operating cost of the electronic apparatus and an instantaneously dischargeable current capacity, a secondary battery such as a Li+ (lithium ion) battery is provided. In addition, a charging circuit is provided in most electronic apparatuses, so that the secondary battery of the electronic apparatus may be easily charged by connecting an AC adapter or the like to the electronic apparatus.
In the case of the portable electronic apparatus, the secondary battery is normally used as the power supply of the electronic apparatus. But when operating the portable electronic apparatus on a desk, for example, the electronic apparatus may be operated by using an external power supply via the AC adapter. When the electronic apparatus is operated by the external power supply via the AC adapter, the AC adapter operates to output a rated voltage, even when the electronic apparatus is in the standby state or the stopped state.
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a conventional AC adapter which converts a commercial AC power supply voltage into a DC power supply voltage which is required by an electronic apparatus. The AC adapter shown in FIG. 1 includes a rectifying circuit 1 for rectifying the commercial AC power supply voltage, a voltage conversion circuit 2 for converting an input voltage into an output voltage, a rectifying circuit 3 for rectifying a secondary side output of a transformer T1 within the voltage conversion circuit 2, an output control circuit 4 for controlling the secondary side output, and a coupler circuit 5 for transferring a control state of the secondary side output to a primary side of the transformer T1 within the voltage conversion circuit 2.
The rectifying circuit 1 includes rectifying diodes D1 through D4 for subjecting an AC input to a full-wave rectification, and a smoothing capacitor C1 for smoothing a rectified input thereto. The voltage conversion circuit 2 includes the transformer T1 for voltage conversion, a switching circuit FET1 for turning ON/FF a current which flows through the transformer T1, and a drive control circuit 21 for controlling an ON/OFF state of the switching circuit FET1. The rectifying circuit 3 includes a rectifying diode D5 for rectifying a voltage which has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit 2, and a smoothing capacitor C2 for smoothing a rectified input thereto.
The output control circuit 4 includes a sense resistor R0 for detecting an output current, and a control circuit 41 for controlling the output current and the output voltage. The coupler circuit 5 transfers the output of the output control circuit 4 to the primary side of the transformer T1. For example, the coupler circuit 5 is formed by a photo-coupler which electrically insulates the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer T1.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the control circuit 41 and the drive control circuit 21 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the drive control circuit 21 includes a triangular wave oscillator 22, a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) comparator 23, and a drive circuit 24. The control circuit 41 includes a voltage amplifier AMP11, error amplifiers ERA11 and ERA12, transistors Tr11 and Tr12, and a current source 42.
In FIG. 2, a reference voltage e11 determines the output current value, and a reference voltage e12 determines the output voltage value. The voltage amplifier AMP11 of the control circuit 41 measures a voltage drop caused by a current flowing through the sense resistor R0, and outputs a voltage proportional to the current value flowing through the sense resistor R0. The error amplifier ERA11 compares the output voltage of the voltage amplifier AMP11 and the reference voltage e1. If the current flowing through the sense resistor R0 is large, a small voltage is output from the error amplifier ERA11. A large voltage is output from the error amplifier ERA11 if the current flowing through the sense resistor R0 is small. Similarly, the error amplifier ERA12 compares an output voltage of the AC adapter and the reference voltage e2.
The transistors Tr11 and Tr12 form a circuit for outputting a smaller one of output voltages of the error amplifiers ERA11 and ERA12. The smaller one of the output voltages of the error amplifiers ERA11 and ERA12 is supplied to the PWM comparator 23 of the drive control circuit 21, via the coupler circuit 5 which electrically insulates the primary side and the secondary side of the transformer T1.
The PWM comparator 23 within the drive control circuit 21 has a non-inverting input terminal and an inverting input terminal, and is a kind of a voltage pulse width converter which controls an ON-time of an output pulse depending on the input voltage thereto. The PWM comparator 23 outputs a signal which becomes ON during a time in which the triangular wave input to the inverting input terminal from the triangular wave oscillator 22 is smaller than the output voltage of the control circuit 41 which is input to the non-inverting input terminal via the coupler circuit 6. The output signal of the PWM comparator 23 is output to the drive control circuit 21 via the drive circuit 24.
In FIG. 1, when the switching circuit FET1 is ON, the input current from the rectifying circuit 1 flows to the primary side coil of the transformer T1, and the output current flows to the secondary side coil of the transformer T1 when the switching circuit FET1 is turned OFF. An energy stored in the primary side coil of the transformer T1 and an energy discharged from the secondary side coil of the transformer T1 are the same, and thus, an output voltage Vout may be obtained from the following formula (1), where Vin denotes the input voltage, Ton and Toff respectively denote the ON-time and the OFF-time of the switching circuit FET1, and it is assumed for the sake of convenience that a number of turns of the primary side coil of the transformer T1 and a number of turns of the secondary side coil of the transformer T1 are the same.Vin×Ton=Vout×Toff  (1)
Accordingly, if the formula (1) is rearranged for the output voltage Vout, the following formula (2) is obtained, and a change in the input voltage Vin can be controlled by a ratio of the ON-time Ton and the OFF-time Toff of the switching circuit FET1.Vout=(Ton/Toff)×Vin  (2)
The AC adapter operates to always output the rated voltage when the AC power supply voltage is input thereto. Hence, the AC adapter operates to always output the rated voltage as long as the AC adapter is connected to the commercial AC power supply, regardless of whether or not the AC adapter is connected to the electronic apparatus. For this reason, even if the electronic apparatus which is connected to the AC adapter is in a power supply OFF state and consumes no power, and the AC adapter is in a no-load state, the AC adapter still operates to output the rated voltage.
Therefore, even in the no-load state of the AC adapter, the control circuits 21 and 41 within the AC adapter operate to output the rated voltage, and the AC adapter itself consumes the standby power. In order to prevent the AC adapter from consuming the standby power, it is necessary to completely stop the operation of the AC adapter, but in order to be able to start the operation of the electronic apparatus, which is connected to the AC adapter, at any time, the AC adapter must always be in the standby state.
Various methods have been proposed to reduce the standby power of the AC adapter when the electronic apparatus is in the standby state or the stopped state.
According to a first conventional method, the operating speed or frequency of the AC adapter is decreased or, the operating frequency of the AC adapter is decreased while at the same time intermittently operating the AC adapter, so as to reduce the power consumption of the AC adapter itself while maintaining the desired output voltage. More particularly, the operating frequency of the AC adapter is decreased by decreasing an oscillation frequency of the triangular wave oscillator shown in FIG. 2. This first conventional method is proposed in a Japanese Laid-Open Application No. 2000-217161, for example.
According to a second conventional method, the power consumption of the primary side circuit of the AC adapter is reduced. In other words, since the primary side of the AC adapter operates by the commercial AC power supply voltage, the power consumption is reduce by decreasing the AC voltage. When the AC adapter starts to operate, the operation is started using the primary side input voltage. However, after the operation of the AC adapter starts, the power consumption of the AC adapter is reduced by utilizing a third voltage which is created in the AC adapter and is lower than the primary side input voltage.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining the second conventional method. In FIG. 3, those parts which are the same as those corresponding parts in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 3, a switching circuit FET2, a diode D6, and a third winding L3 of the transformer T1 are provided in a voltage conversion circuit 2-1. The switching circuit FET2 is provided to turn ON/OFF the supply of the commercial AC power supply voltage with respect to the AC adapter. This switching circuit FET2 is turned ON/OFF by a primary side drive control circuit 21. The third winding L3 of the transformer T1 is provided to generate the third voltage by the transformer T1. The diode D6 is provided to rectify the third voltage generated by the third winding L3.
When the commercial AC power supply voltage is supplied to the AC adapter, the commercial AC power supply voltage is applied to the AC adapter via the switching circuit FET2, and the AC adapter starts to operate. When the AC adapter operates and the rated voltage is output on the secondary side of the transformer T1, a voltage is also output at the third winding L3 of the transformer T1. The primary side drive control circuit 21 turns OFF the switching circuit FET2 after the operation of the AC adapter starts, so as to switch the voltage supplied to the primary side drive control circuit to the third voltage which is generated by the third winding L3 which is added to the transformer T1. This third voltage is sufficiently lower than the commercial AC power supply voltage. Hence, the power consumption of the AC adapter is reduce by decreasing the voltage which is supplied to the primary side drive control circuit 21.
According to a third conventional method, two systems of AC-DC current-voltage conversion circuits are provided, and the AC-DC current-voltage conversion circuits which are to operate are switched depending on whether the electronic apparatus is in the operating stage or the standby state. This third conventional method is proposed in a Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-145355, for example.
According to the first through third conventional methods, a part within the current-voltage conversion circuit is always operating, even when the electronic apparatus which is connected to the current-voltage conversion circuit, such as the AC adapter, is in the standby state or the stopped state. For this reason, there was a problem in that it is impossible to reduce the power consumption of the current-voltage conversion circuit to zero, that is, to reduce the standby power to zero.

Power supply control method, current-to-voltage conversion circuit and electronic apparatus


Database elements are inserted into a database object by processing each of a plurality of operations in a sequential order within a first processing round to insert the database elements into the database objects, where processing for at least one operation in the order becomes suspended due to a resource request, and where at least one successive operation is initiated in response to suspension of one or more prior operations to enable prefetching of information for processing the operations. Each suspended operation is re-processed with the prefetched information in one or more additional processing rounds until processing of the operations is completed.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to insertion of data into a database, such as SQL (structured query language) insertions in relational database management systems including multiple indexes.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Data storage and maintenance operations within a database are particularly important for a variety of applications in which the need for relatively easy and quick access to large amounts of information is required. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a commonly used database computer language used for managing data in database systems such as relational database management systems (RDMS). Database systems such as RDMS utilize a database model in which data is stored in one or more tables with one or more indexes to access data in the table(s). Depending upon the amount of data in the database, multiple indexes can be useful to provide rapid random look ups and also efficient access and ordering of records. The indexes of a database are typically formatted as an index tree with nodes, including an initial root node, intermediate nodes and terminal nodes (also referred to as leaf pages).
Data records can be added to the table(s) of the database by performing an SQL INSERT function. When an SQL INSERT statement is executed to insert a data record into a database table, corresponding insert operations need to be performed on all the indexes defined on the same table. Typically, such insert operations are performed in a sequential manner. Thus, each insert operation of a record into an index has to be finished before the insert operation into the next index can be initiated. In scenarios in which the number of indexes defined on a table is large and the index pages needed for performing insert operations are not within a buffer pool, the processor performing the operations must wait for index page input/output (I/O) operations to finish for all indexes before the record insertion step can be completed. Therefore, the SQL INSERT operation for inserting a record into the database can encounter high response time due to the sequential wait times associated with processing each index page I/O operation.
One method for avoiding high wait times associated with the index page I/O operations involves performing parallel insertions on the indexes, which utilizes a separate processing task per index. While this method can effectively reduce the I/O wait times for accessing index pages, there is the potentially undesirable consequence of utilizing a large or excessive amount of central processing unit (CPU) capacity due to the multiple processing tasks being performed in parallel for the insertions and coordinating their completion.

Parallelizing I/O processing of index insertions during insertion of data into a database

International Business Machines Corporation


According to one embodiment, a MEMS element comprises a first electrode that is fixed on a substrate and has plate shape, a second electrode that is disposed above the first electrode while facing the first electrode, the second electrode being movable in a vertical direction and having plate shape, and a first film that includes a first cavity in which the second electrode is accommodated on the substrate. The second electrode is connected to an anchor portion connected to the substrate via a spring portion. An upper surface of the second electrode is connected to the first film.

There has been proposed a Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) element including a mechanically movable unit. For example, the MEMS element can be applied to devices, such as a pressure sensor, a variable capacitor, and a micropump.
For example, in the case that the MEMS element is used as the pressure sensor, the MEMS element includes a fixed electrode and a movable thin-film dome (movable electrode). The pressure sensor measures a pressure at that time by detecting the capacitance (electrostatic capacitance) between the movable thin-film dome and the fixed electrode according to the pressure outside of the dome.
At this point, a large movement is generated in a central portion of the thin-film dome while a small movement is generated in an end portion. Therefore, the end portion of the thin-film dome does not contribute to the capacitance change between the thin-film dome and the fixed electrode too much compared with the central portion. In other words, only the central portion of the thin-film dome contributes to the capacitance change. As a result, the capacitance change between the thin-film dome and the fixed electrode is small for the external pressure, and the pressure sensor has poor sensitivity.
In the MEMS element, there is a demand to enhance the sensitivity as the pressure sensor to improve reliability.


Apparatus is disclosed for molding a load-bearing element of reinforced thermoplastic material provided from a material charge including a thermoplastic matrix material of a non-permeable plastic membrane and a reinforcement material, the apparatus including a molding tool having first and second molding surfaces which are juxtaposed in a closed molding position producing at least one internal cavity having dimensions corresponding to the load-bearing element, a heater for heating the matrix material to a temperature above its softening temperature, a pressurizer for providing a pressure or vacuum force to urge the matrix material against at least one of the molding surfaces with the reinforcement material therebetween in order to urge the reinforcement material against one of the first and second molding surfaces to mold and consolidate the material charge. Methods for molding these load-bearing elements and novel load-bearing elements themselves are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for the molding of a load-bearing element made of reinforced thermoplastic, and to one such load-bearing element.
The present invention relates to the technical fields of thermoforming of so-called sandwich elements, and the blow-molding of hollow bodies made of reinforced thermoplastic. The present invention uses thermoplastic layers in a material charge as a plastic membrane which, upon internal pressurization or external vacuum generation, is non-permeable. With the aid of pneumatics and/or hydraulics, the plastic membrane provides a molding force, in the direction towards the internal surfaces of a molding tool, on reinforcement material which lies between the plastic membrane and the internal walls of the molding tool. By heating the thermoplastic matrix material, either before or during molding, to a temperature exceeding the softening temperature, a material charge can be molded and consolidated inside the molding tool in order to provide a load-bearing element made of reinforced thermoplastic.
Load-bearing elements according to the present invention are advantageously used for load-bearing components in vehicles, but they can also be used for other applications where low weight and high rigidity are required.
At present, it is normal for load-bearing components, such as for motor vehicles, to be made from fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. In this connection, use is often made of so-called GMT technology, which involves a material charge with reinforcement material and thermoplastic matrix material being molded by compression molding during heating (thermoforming) in a two-part molding tool.
According to the prior art such a molding tool comprises a number of tool components which can be maneuvered so that the molding tool can be opened and closed. The tool components of the molding tool are additionally arranged so as to be able to apply an external compression force on the material charge which is located inside a cavity inside the molding tool. Moreover, the tool components are provided with guide pins or the like for achieving a good fit between the tool components during compression.
During compression molding, according to the prior art, the thermoplastic matrix material is preheated, with the aid of separate heating means, to the softening temperature or melt temperature of the thermoplastic matrix material.
In the prior art, the material charge sometimes has the form of a so-called preform, which is produced in a separate stage. The preform can be produced, for example, by coating a preforming screen, having a shape which is approximately similar to the final component, with cut roving or other glass fiber material and a suitable binder for holding the reinforcement in place. A precondition of GMT technology is that a thermoplastic matrix material is also present.
The previously known GMT technology requires the use of molding tools which, for example with the aid of hydraulic means, exert a pressure from outside onto the material layers which are to be molded. GMT technology uses a fairly large amount of energy and is less well suited for the manufacture of objects having the lowest possible weight.
Another previously known technique for the molding of components which comprise thermoplastics is blow-molding. In this connection, the raw material is plasticized in an extruder and is formed into a tubular blank which is engaged over a blow nozzle and enclosed in a mold consisting of two concave halves, after which the raw material is blown up and pressed against the cooled walls of the mold cavity and set. This technique has previously been used for the production of light thermoplastic hollow bodies without reinforcement, which hollow bodies therefore have a relatively low degree of wall rigidity.
Thus, a first object of the present invention is to make available an arrangement for molding a load-bearing element of reinforced thermoplastic in an energy-saving manner.
In accordance with the present invention, this and other objects have now been realized by the invention of apparatus for molding a load-bearing element comprising reinforced thermoplastic material provided from a material charge comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material comprising a non-permeable plastic membrane having a predetermined softening temperature and a reinforcement material, the apparatus comprising a molding tool including a first molding surface and a second molding surface whereby when the first and second molding surfaces are juxtaposed in a closed molding position at least one internal cavity having dimensions corresponding to the load-bearing element is formed therebetween, means for urging the first and second molding surfaces into the closed molding position, heating means for heating the matrix material to a temperature above the predetermined softening temperature, and matrix material molding means for providing a pressure or vacuum force for urging the matrix material against at least one of the first and second molding surfaces with the reinforcement material therebetween to thereby urge the reinforcement material against the at least one of the first and second molding surfaces to mold and consolidate the material charge. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix material molding means provides the force by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.
In accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the matrix material molding means provides the force in the form of a pneumatic vacuum.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the first and second molding surfaces are juxtaposed to provide a molding force onto selected areas of the material charge when in the closed molding position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes cooling means disposed within the molding tool. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes heating means disposed within the molding tool.
In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the first and second molding surfaces includes compressing means for compressing predetermined regions of the material charge so as to provide a plurality of internal cavities between the predetermined regions and to provide compressed regions of the material charge including the non-permeable plastic membrane.
In accordance with the present invention, a method has also been devised for molding a load-bearing element comprising providing a molding tool including a first molding surface and a second molding surface forming a closed molding position when the first and second molding surfaces are juxtaposed against each other, introducing a material charge between the first and second molding surfaces comprising at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material comprising a non-permeable plastic membrane having a predetermined softening temperature and a reinforcement material, with the reinforcement material disposed between the thermoplastic matrix material and at least one of the first and second molding surfaces, molding the material charge between the first and second molding surfaces with areas of the thermoplastic matrix material clamped within the molding tool to provide a seal, heating the material charge to an elevated temperature exceeding the predetermined softening temperature, providing pressure or vacuum force for urging the matrix material against the at least one of the first and second molding surfaces with the reinforcement material therebetween to mold and consolidate the material charge, and cooling the load-bearing element to a temperature below the predetermined softening temperature.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material and the reinforcement material are separate layers, whereby during providing of the pressure or vacuum force the at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material can move with respect to the reinforcement material and thereby press the reinforcement material against the at least one of the first and second molding surfaces to facilitate the molding and consolidation of the material charge.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the heating of the material charge to the temperature greater than the predetermined softening temperature comprises heating the material charge to a temperature of between 180xc2x0 C. and 250xc2x0 C.
In accordance with one embodiment of the method of the present invention, cooling of the load-bearing element to the temperature below the predetermined softening temperature comprises cooling the load-bearing element to a temperature of less than 180xc2x0 C.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, providing of the force comprises providing a pneumatic vacuum thereto.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, molding of the material charge includes exerting a molding force from at least one of the first and second molding surfaces against the material charge therewith.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, cooling of the load-bearing element includes cooling through the walls of the molding tool.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, heating of the material charge comprises heating through the walls of the molding tool.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, introducing of the material charge includes at least partially covering the surface of the matrix material with the reinforcement material comprising at least one sheet of a porous fibrous material between the matrix material and the at least one of the first and second molding surfaces.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the molding tool has a predetermined cross-sectional area, and introducing of the material charge includes providing at least one layer of a film or foil of the matrix material having a surface area greater than the predetermined cross-sectional area of the molding tool, the matrix material comprising polypropylene, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate and polyamide.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes incorporating at least one additional load-bearing element in the material charge.
In accordance with another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes compressing predetermined regions of the material charge so as to provide a plurality of internal cavities between the predetermined regions and compressed regions of the material charge at the predetermined regions including the non-permeable membrane.
In accordance with the present invention, a load-bearing element has also been provided comprising reinforced plastic including a thermoplastic matrix and reinforcement material simultaneously consolidated during a molding process wherein a plurality of layers of the reinforced plastic surround at least one cavity formed during the molding process by the application of a pressure or vacuum force on the thermoplastic matrix material in a heated state, the thermoplastic matrix material comprising a non-permeable plastic membrane which presses the reinforcement material against the surfaces of the molding tool during the molding process.
In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing element comprises a first layer of the reinforced plastic and a second layer of the reinforced plastic, the first and second layers of the reinforced plastic being in contact with each other at at least one predetermined contact area and being separated from each other outside the at least one predetermined contact area, thereby forming solid consolidated layers of the reinforced plastic at the at least one predetermined contact area.
In accordance with one embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the plurality of layers of the reinforced plastic surround a plurality of cavities separated by compressed regions of the reinforced plastic.
In accordance with one embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the reinforcement material comprises reinforcement fibers, and the majority of the reinforcement fibers are oriented in the primary direction of expected stresses to be applied to the load-bearing element.
In accordance with another embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the reinforcement material comprises continuous fibers.
In accordance with another embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the reinforcement material comprises glass fibers.
In accordance with another embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the matrix material comprises a polymer such as polypropylene, polyester, polybutylene terephthalate and polyamide.
In accordance with another embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the load-bearing element includes additional load-bearing elements of the reinforced thermoplastic material incorporated therein.
In accordance with another embodiment of the load-bearing element of the present invention, the load-bearing element is incorporated in a component for a motor vehicle.
The objects of the present invention are achieved by means of the fact that the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a two-part molding tool whose internal walls, when the molding tool is in a closed position, form one or more internal cavities with dimensions corresponding to the external dimensions of a load-bearing element which is to be molded; by the fact that the apparatus further comprises means for fixing the molding tool in a closed position, and a material charge which comprises at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material and reinforcement material; by the fact that the apparatus in this case comprises heating members arranged to heat the matrix material to a temperature which exceeds its softening temperature; by the fact that the apparatus is designed such that areas of the matrix material are clamped securely in the molding tool to provide a seal; and by the fact that the apparatus comprises a means which generates a molding force and which is arranged to act on the matrix material by pressurization and/or vacuum generation, the matrix material serving as a non-permeable, plastic membrane which is arranged to press the reinforcement material against the internal walls of the molding tool and thereby effect molding and consolidation of the material charge.
Another object of the present invention is to make available a method for energy-saving molding of a load-bearing element of reinforced thermoplastic using the apparatus according to the present invention.
This object is achieved by means of the fact that the method comprises opening a two-part molding tool, introducing a material charge with reinforcement material and at least one layer of thermoplastic matrix material, fixing the molding tool in a closed position surrounding the material charge, molding the material charge along the internal surfaces of the molding tool with the material charge at a temperature which exceeds the softening temperature of the matrix material, and opening the molding tool and, after cooling to a temperature below the softening temperature of the matrix material, removing a finished load-bearing element made of reinforced thermoplastic from the molding tool in an open position, by the fact that areas of the matrix material are clamped securely in the molding tool to provide a seal; and by the fact that a means for generating a molding force acts on the matrix material by pressurization and/or vacuum generation, the matrix material serving as a non-permeable, plastic membrane which presses the reinforcement material against the internal surfaces of the closed molding tool and thereby effects molding and consolidation of the material charge.
Another object of the present invention is to make available a load-bearing element of reinforced thermoplastic with high rigidity and low weight.
This object is achieved by means of the fact that the load-bearing element according to the present invention comprises reinforcement material and thermoplastic matrix material, the load-bearing element having been formed by molding and simultaneous consolidation of the reinforcement material and the matrix material; by the fact that layers of reinforced thermoplastic of the load-bearing element surround at least one cavity which has been formed during molding by applying an internal pressure and/or an external vacuum on the matrix material in a heated state, the matrix material having served during molding as a plastic membrane which is non-permeable upon pressurization or vacuum generation; and by the fact that the membrane during molding has pressed the outerlying reinforcement material against the internal surfaces of a surrounding molding tool.
According to the present invention, the matrix material and the reinforcement material are made available in the form of separate layers which, during molding, can move relatively freely in relation to one another, while the molding force is essentially generated with the aid of the means for generating a molding force. All in all, this means that relatively little energy is consumed in the molding operation.
Rigidity and load-bearing capacity can be optimized by means of the fact that the arrangement and method according to the present invention make it possible, for example, to arrange separate pieces of reinforcement material of the material charge in such a way that the reinforcement fibers run essentially in the direction in which the expected loads will have their direction of stressing in the load-bearing element.
Moreover, the weight of the load-bearing element can be optimized, while taking into consideration the rigidity and load-bearing capacity, by virtue of the cavities which, according to the present invention, can be created at suitable sites within the material structure.

Load-bearing member of reinforced thermoplastic


A zoom lens comprising, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power. The second and third lens units are configured to move in an optical axis direction for a magnification variation, and the first lens unit is configured to move in the optical axis direction to reduce an image-plane fluctuation associated with the magnification variation. Expressions −0.83≦f1/f2≦−0.40 and −4.6≦f1/fw≦−2.5 T are satisfied where f1 is a focal length of the first lens unit, f2 is a focal length of the second lens unit, and fw is a focal length of the entire zoom lens at a wide angle end.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens used for an image pickup apparatus, such as a video camera and a digital still camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image pickup apparatus, such as a video camera, a surveillance camera, a digital still camera, a broadcast camera, which uses an image pickup element, such as a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor, requires a zoom lens having a small configuration, a wide angle of view, a high zoom ratio, and a high optical performance for a high pixel density of the image pickup element. In particular, a zoom lens having a small F-number is demanded for night photography of a dark object, etc.
In order to satisfy these demands, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-204699 ("JP") discloses a two-unit zoom lens that includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a second lens unit having a positive refractive power. This two-unit zoom lens varies a magnification by moving the second lens unit in an optical axis direction, and corrects an image-plane fluctuation associated with magnification variations by moving the first lens unit. In addition, this two-unit zoom lens is a vari-focal type zoom lens having a super-wide angle of view exceeding 100°.
JPs 2001-208969 and 2005-099091 disclose a three-unit zoom lens in which a third lens unit is added to the above two-unit zoom lens.
However, the negative/positive type of two-unit zoom lens disclosed in JP 2009-204699 has a difficulty in sufficiently reducing a variety of aberrations, such as a lateral chromatic aberration for the image pickup element having the high pixel density. In addition, the three-unit zoom lens disclosed in JP 2001-208969 has a difficulty in miniaturization due to the increased number of lenses because the third lens unit is added as a fixed unit to the negative/positive type of two-unit zoom lens.
Moreover, the three-unit zoom lens disclosed in JP 2005-099091 is a negative/positive/positive type, and all lens units are configured to be movable. However, its diagonal angle of view is about 80° at the wide angle end or an insufficient wide angle of view. In addition, its F-number is about 2.8 or large (dark).


An example operation may include one or more of receiving, by a document server, a hash of data generated by an author registered with a blockchain, sending, by the document server, the hash of the data to a timestamp authority (TSA) to be time stamped, receiving, by the document server, a timestamp reflecting when the hash of the data was received by the TSA and forwarding the timestamp to the author, receiving a combination of the hash of the data and the timestamp (time/hash) signed by the author and forwarding the time/hash to the blockchain, receiving, by the document server, the time/hash signed by the TSA, and forwarding the time/hash signed by the TSA to the blockchain.

In today's world, blockchains are used for wide variety of applications. A blockchain is a Cryptographic Distributed Ledger (CDL). A distributed ledger is ledger that is replicated in whole or in part to multiple computers. The CDL can have at least some of these properties: irreversibility (once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be reversed), accessibility (any party can access the CDL in whole or in part), chronological and time-stamped (all parties know when a transaction was added to the ledger), consensus based (a transaction is added only if it is approved, typically unanimously, by parties on the network), verifiability (all transactions can be cryptographically verified).
A distributed ledger is a continuously growing list of records that typically apply cryptographic techniques such as storing cryptographic hashes relating to other blocks. A blockchain is one common instance of a distributed ledger and may be used as a public ledger to store information. Although, primarily used for financial transactions, a blockchain can store various information related to goods and services (i.e., products, packages, status, etc.). A decentralized scheme provides authority and trust to a decentralized network and enables its nodes to continuously and sequentially record their transactions on a public "block", creating a unique "chain" referred to as a blockchain. Cryptography, via hash codes, is used to secure an authentication of a transaction source and removes a central intermediary. A blockchain is a distributed database that maintains a continuously-growing list of records in the blockchain blocks, which are secured from tampering and revision due to their immutable properties. Each block contains a timestamp and a link to a previous block. A blockchain can be used to hold, track, transfer and verify information. Since a blockchain is a distributed system, before adding a transaction to the blockchain ledger, all peers need to reach a consensus status.
Conventionally, timestamps of documents in the blockchain ledgers are established based on the timestamp indicating when the document was registered into the blockchain ledger. However, because a distributed ledger functions by having multiple parties attempt to ledger the data entry, the time lag between the time the data entry is requested to be logged and the time the data entry is indeed logged is mathematically undefined. In practice, a document may receive a timestamp hours after the original request to ledger the entry associated with this document is made. Furthermore, conventional implementations do not validate the document author and the integrity of the timestamp generated by a Time Server.
Accordingly, what is needed is an efficient and robust method for establishing precise time consensuses in blockchains.


A method for generating an image includes obtaining a first image and a second image of an object of interest, generating a joint histogram using the first and second images, transforming the information in the histogram from histogram space to image space using a look-up table, and generating a color image using the information output from the look-up table. A system and non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

The subject matter described herein relates generally to imaging systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for performing image segmentation and visualization of multivariate medical images.
Imaging systems are widely used to generate images of various anatomical features or objects of interest. For example, in an oncology examination, a patient may go through a series of examinations, using for example, a computed tomography (CT) system, a positron emission tomography (PET) system, an ultrasound system, an x-ray system, a magnetic resonance (MR) system, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, and/or other imaging systems. The series of examinations is performed to continuously monitor the patient's response to treatment. The images acquired during the examination may be displayed or saved to enable a physician to perform a diagnosis of the patient. Thus, the patient may be scanned with one or more imaging systems selected to provide the most relevant images needed by the physician to perform the medical diagnosis.
In operation, the images may be sequentially processed to solve a clinical problem, such as for example, patient screening, diagnosing, monitoring, etc. For example, the MR system may be configured to acquire T1-weighted images and T2-weighted images to enable the physician to assess pathologic tissues such as inflammations and tumors. Moreover, CT images may be utilized to enable the physician to visualize the anatomy, i.e. vessels, bones, etc. Additionally, dual-energy CT (DECT) images may be utilized to visualize different materials, such as for example, iodine, water, or calcium.
However, typical segmentation algorithms are configured to be utilized with images acquired from a single imaging system. For example, a CT algorithm may be utilized to segment CT images. Moreover, a different algorithm may be utilized to segment PET images. As a result, the information provided to physician to determine a diagnosis of the patient is typically presented as separate images acquired by different imaging system. Thus, the physician is not presented with joint information which may provide additional information that is relevant to the diagnosis.

Systems and methods for performing segmentation and visualization of multivariate medical images


Fluoroelastomeric compositions comprising:

The present invention relates to fluoroelastomeric compositions consisiting essentially of a VDF-based fluoroelastomer and a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer, having improved mechanical properties, combined with high chemical and thermal resistance, good sealing properties (improved compression set) and usable for sealing manufactured articles, pipes, in particular for food industry applications.
Specifically, the present invention relates to fluoroelastomeric compositions comprising a VDF-based fluoroelastomeric matrix which incorporates semi-crystalline fluoropolymer particles, characterized by improved mechanical and elastomeric (sealing) properties and improved surface aspect, roughnesses free. Said combination of properties makes available fluoroelastomers usable in the food field wherein the fluoroelastomer manufactured articles must show a low release of polluting agents.
It is known to increase the fluoroelastomer mechanical properties, reinforcing fillers can be added to the fluoroelastomeric matrix. In this way improved mechanical properties are obtained, but the release of polluting agents is too high, when the fluoroelastomer is to be used in the preparation of manufactured articles for the food industry.
Preferably in food industry one does not wish to use carbon black as reinforcing agent to avoid the polluting agent release, and manufactured articles without fillers are preferred to make easier the control of the equipment cleaning.
By trying to replace the carbon black filler with a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder, there are many difficulties in its incorporation, without the possibility to prepare a homogeneous compound between the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer and the fluoroelastomer, in particular when the semicrytalline fluoropolymer amount is high. Generally, to obtain a satisfactory homogeneization of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer in the fluoroelastomer, it is necessary to use complicated technologies, using open mixers with complicated incorporation cycles, for example by heating the rolls and using several steps. Even operating with these extremely complicated technologies, the incorporation of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer in the fluoroelastomer is not uniform and the manufactured article shows poor mechanical properties (in particular the stress/elongation ratio) and poor reproducibility of the results, whereby there is poor reliability of the preparation process and a high number of pieces to be discarded. Besides, the final manufactured article is not homogeneous due to the poor disperdibility of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer.
From the European patent application EP 1,031,606 it is known to incorporate under the latex form a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer containing iodine and/or bromine atoms, in a fluoroelastomer to improve the mechanical properties with respect to a fluoroelastomer filled with PTFE powder. The particles of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer latex have sizes comprised between 10 and 100 nm. In said patent application it is stated that the use of a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer latex containing iodine and/or bromine allows to improve the mechanical properties with respect to the case of absence of iodine and/or bromine. In the Examples the introduction of iodine atoms by using iodinated transfer agents is reported. However, for the applications in food industry the mechanical properties are not suitable. In said patent application it is stated that iodine and/or bromine deriving from comonomers in the preparation of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer can be used. The comonomer amounts are such that the comonomer content in the final compound results lower than 2 moles per 100 moles of the other monomeric units of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. No Examples are reported with these iodinated and/or brominated comonomers in the polymer chain. Tests carried out by the Applicant have shown that even operating in above way no fluoroelastomeric compositions suitable for food industry applications are obtained since endowed with poor mechanical and sealing properties (see the comparative Examples).
The need was felt to have available fluoroelastomeric compositions having the following combination of properties:
improved mechanical properties; in particular improved stress/elongation at break ratio;
high chemical and thermal resistance;
excellent surface aspect, roughnesses free;
working easiness in equipments conventionally used in the fluoroelastomer field, without using complicated technologies for incorporation of fluoropolymer.
improved sealing properties (improved compression set).
The Applicant has unexpectedly and surprisingly found that it is possible to obtain the combination of the above properties by using the specific compositions defined hereunder.
An object of the present invention are therefore fluoroelastomeric compositions comprising:
A) a fluoroelastomeric matrix based on vinylidene fluoride (VDF);
B) a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer, in an amount from 1 to 40% by weight based on the total of A)+B), preferably from 5 to 35% by weight, comprising a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer core coated by a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer shell containing bromine and/or iodine in the polymer chain, the amount of brominated and/or iodinated comonomer being from  greater than 2% to 10% by moles per 100 moles of the other basic monomeric units of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) core+shell;
the fluoroelastomer A) incorporates the fluoropolymer B), the fluoropolymer B) being formed by tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) homopolymers, or by TFE copolymers with one or more monomers containing at least one unsaturation of ethylene type, in an amount from 0.01% to 10% by moles, preferably from 0.05% to 7% by moles; the core and the shell of the fluoropolymer B) can be of a different composition between each other, the average sizes of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) particles being from 10 to 100 nm, preferably from 10 to 60 nm.
By semi-crystalline fluoropolymer a fluoropolymer is meant which shows, besides the glass transition temperature Tg, at least one melting temperature.
The fluoroelastomeric compositions of the invention are obtainable by mixing the latex of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) with the latex of the fluoroelastomer A) and subsequent coagulation.
Alternatively to the latex mixing, the fluoroelastomeric compositions of the invention can be obtained in the same reactor, using two subsequent steps: in the first step the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) having the above nanometric sizes is polymerized, while in the second step the fluoroelastomer A) is polymerized. By operating in this way the fluoroelastomer A) covers the latex particles of semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) allowing to obtain a very good disperdibility of the latter in the fluoroelastomer.
The semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) particles having the above nanometric sizes are obtainable for example by polymerization in aqueous microemulsion of perfluoropolyoxyalkylenes as described for example in European patent application 969,027 in the name of the Applicant, herein incorporated by reference. Polymerization techniques in microemulsion wherein the oil phase is formed by polymerizable unsaturated monomers can also be used, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,346 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,648.
The Applicant has found that to obtain the results of the invention it is essential that the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) has the mentioned nanometric sizes, while the size of the fluoroelastomer A) particles to be mixed with the fluoropolymer is not critical.
The semi-crystalline fluoropolymers of the present invention comprise a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer core shelled by a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer containing in the polymer chain bromine and/or iodine atoms. The introduction of said bromine and/or iodine atoms can be carried out by addition in the polymerization mixture of the (co)monomers forming the fluoropolymer B), of brominated and/or iodinated comonomers, such as bromo-olefins having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,565 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,045, U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,019, or bromo and/or iodo fluoroalkylvinylethers, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,165, U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,662 and EP 199,138, in such amounts whereby the content of brominated and/or iodinated comonomers in the final polymer B) is generally from  greater than 2 to 10% by moles per 100 moles of the other basic monomeric units as above said, preferably from 2.5 to 6%.
Optionally, in combination with said comonomers, it is possible to introduce bromine and/or iodine end atoms by addition to the reaction mixture of brominated and/or iodinated polymer chain transfer agents, such as for example described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,770 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,622, U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,553.
It has been unexpectedly found by the Applicant, see the comparative Examples, that the combination of properties of the invention compositions is obtainable only if the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) is present in the indicated amounts. In fact if amounts higher than 40% by weight with respect to the composition A)+B) are used, the hardness and the compression set of the obtained composition are not suitable for the food industry. Furthermore, the fluoropolymer B) is prepared by using on the fluoropolymer shell a brominated and/or iodinated comonomer in an amount higher than 2% by moles with respect to the other basic monomeric units as above said. Tests carried out by the Applicant have shown that by operating under the conditions reported in the Examples of European patent application 1,031,606, wherein the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer does not contain bromine and/or iodine in the polymer chain, the combination of the above properties is not obtained (see the Examples).
The preparation of the fluoroelastomers A) of the composition of the present invention can be carried out by copolymerization of the monomers in aqueous emulsion, according to known methods of the prior art, in the presence of radical initiators, for example alkaline or ammonium persulphates, perphosphates, perborates or percarbonates, optionally in combination with ferrous, cuprous or silver salts, or of other easily oxidizable metals. In the reaction medium also surfactants of various types are usually present, among which fluorinated surfactants are particularly preferred.
The polymerization reaction is generally carried out at temperatures in the range 25xc2x0-150xc2x0 C., under a pressure up to 10 MPa.
The preparation of the fluoroelastomeric matrix is preferably carried out in microemulsion of (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylenes, according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,717 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,006.
When the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer B) present in the fluoroelastomeric compositions of the invention is based on modified PTFE, i.e. it contains at least one comonomer, for its preparation comonomers having an ethylene unsaturation both of hydrogenated and fluorinated type can be used. Among the hydrogenated ones, ethylene, propylene, acrylic monomers, for example methylmethacrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, butylacrylate, hydroxyethylhexylacrylate, styrene monomers can be mentioned.
Among fluorinated comonomers, it can be mentioned:
C3-C8 perfluoroolefins, such as hexafluoropropene (HFP), hexafluoroisobutene;
C2-C8 hydrogenated fluoroolefins, such as vinyl fluoride (VF), vinylidene fluoride (VDF), trifluoroethylene, perfluoroalkylethylene CH2xe2x95x90CHxe2x80x94Rf, wherein Rf is a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl;
C2-C8 chloro-fluorolefins, such as chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE);
(per)fluoroalkylvinylethers (PAVE) CF2xe2x95x90CFORf, wherein Rf is a C1-C6 (per)fluoroalkyl, for example CF3, C2F5, C3F7;
(per)fluoro-oxyalkylvinylethers CF2xe2x95x90CFOX, wherein X is: a C1-C12 alkyl, or a C1-C12 oxyalkyl, or a C1-C12 (per)fluoro-oxyalkyl having one or more ether groups, for example perfluoro-2-propoxy-propyl; fluorodioxoles, preferably perfluorodioxoles;
fluorovinylethers (MOVE) of general formula CFXAIxe2x95x90CXAIOCF2ORAI (A-I) wherein RAI is a C2-C6 linear, branched, or C5-C6 cyclic (per)fluoroalkyl group, or a C2-C6 linear, branched (per)fluorooxyalkyl group containing from one to three oxygen atoms; when RAI is a fluoroalkyl or a fluorooxyalkyl group as above defined it can contain from 1 to 2 atoms, equal or different, selected from the following: H, Cl, Br, I; XAIxe2x95x90F, H; the compounds of general formula CFXAIxe2x95x90CXAIOCF2OCF2CF2YAI (A-II) wherein YAIxe2x95x90F, OCF3; XAI as above are preferred; in particular (MOVE I) CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2OCF2CF3 (A-III) and (MOVE II) CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2OCF2CF2OCF3 (A-IV) are preferrred.
PAVES, in particular perfluoromethyl-, ethyl-, propylvinylether, MOVEs, in particular MOVE I and MOVE II, and fluorodioxoles, preferably perfluorodioxoles, are preferred comonomers.
The fluoroelastomers A) used in the present invention are VDF-based copolymers, wherein VDF is copolymerized with at least a comonomer selected from the following:
C2-C8 perfluoroolefins, such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropene (HFP);
C2-C8 chloro- and/or bromo- and/or iodo-fluoroolefins, such as chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and bromotrifluoroethylene;
(per)fluoroalkylvinylethers (PAVE) CF2xe2x95x90CFORf, wherein Rf is a C1-C6 (per)fluoroalkyl, for example trifluoromethyl, bromodifluoromethyl, pentafluoropropyl;
perfluoro-oxyalkylvinylethers CF2xe2x95x90CFOX, wherein X is a C1-C12 perfluorooxyalkyl, having one or more ether groups, for example perfluoro-2-propoxy-propyl;
fluorovinylethers (MOVE) of general formula CFXAIxe2x95x90CXAIOCF2ORAI (A-I) wherein RAI is a C2-C6 linear, branched or C5-C6 cyclic (per)fluoroalkyl group, or a C2-C6 linear, branched (per)fluorooxyalkyl group containing from one to three oxygen atoms; when RAI is a fluoroalkyl or a fluorooxyalkyl group as above it can contain from 1 to 2 atoms, equal or different, selected from the following: H, Cl, Br, I; XAIxe2x95x90F, H; the compounds of general formula: CFXAIxe2x95x90CXAIOCF2OCF2CF2YAI (A-II) wherein YAIxe2x95x90F, OCF3; XAI as above are preferred; in particular (MOVE I) CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2OCF2CF3 (A-III) and (MOVE II) CF2xe2x95x90CFOCF2OCF2CF2OCF3 (A-IV) are preferred;
C2-C8 non fluorinated olefins (Ol), for example ethylene and propylene.
Preferred compositions, in % by moles, of the monomers which form the basic structure of the fluoro-elastomer, are the following, being 100% the sum of the molar percentages of the monomers:
(a) vinylidene fluoride (VDF) 45-85%, hexafluoropropene (HFP) 15-45%, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 0-30%; C2-C8 non fluorinated olefins (Ol) 0-30%;
(b) vinylidene fluoride (VDF) 45-85%, perfluoroalkylvinylether (PAVE) and/or fluorovinylethers (MOVE) 15-55%, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 0-30%;
(c) vinilydene fluoride (VDF) 15-40%, C2-C8 non fluorinated olefins (Ol) 5-30%, hexafluoropropene (HFP) and/or perfluoroalkylvinylether (PAVE) 15-30%, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 10-30%;
(d) vinylidene fluoride (VDF) 5-30%, perfluoroalkylvinylether (PAVE) and/or fluorovinylethers (MOVE) 15-55%, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 33-75%;
(e) vinylidene fluoride (VDF) 5-30%, tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) 45-65%, C2-C8 non fluorinated olefins (Ol) 20-55%.
Optionally the fluoroelastomeric matrix comprises also monomeric units deriving from a bis-olefin having general formula:
wherein:
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, equal to or different from each other, are H or C1-C5 alkyls;
Z is a C1-C18 linear or branched alkylene or cycloalkylene radical, optionally containing oxygen atoms, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene radical, as described in EP 661,304 in the name of the Applicant.
The amount of units in the polymer chain deriving from said bis-olefins is generally in the range 0.01-1.0% by moles, preferably 0.03-0.5% by moles, still more preferably 0.05-0.2% by moles per 100 moles based on the total of the other above mentioned monomeric units which form the basic structure of the fluoroelastomer.
The compositions of the present invention can be cured by peroxidic or ionic route or by the combination of the two techniques. For crosslinking by peroxidic or mixed route, the fluoroelastomers A) contain in the polymer chain and/or in terminal position of the macromolecules iodine and/or bromine atoms. The introduction in the fluoroelastomeric matrix of said iodine and/or bromine atoms can be obtained by addition of brominated and/or iodinated xe2x80x9ccure-sitexe2x80x9d comonomers, such as bromo and/or iodo olefins having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,565 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,045, or of iodo and/or bromo fluoroalkylvinylethers, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,165, U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,662 and EP 199,138, in such amounts that the cure-site comonomer content in the final compound is generally in the range 0.05-4 moles per 100 moles of the other basic monomeric units.
Other usable iodinated compounds are the triiodinated ones derived from triazines as described in European patent application EP 860,436 and in European patent application 979,832.
In alternative or also in combination with the xe2x80x9ccure-sitexe2x80x9d comonomers, it is possible to introduce in the fluoroelastomer A) iodine and/or bromine end atoms by addition to the reaction mixture of iodinated and/or brominated polymer chain transfer agents, such as for example the compounds of formula Rf(I)x(Br)y, wherein Rf is a (per)fluoroalkyl or a (per)fluorochloroalkyl having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, while x and y are integers comprised between 0 and 2, with 1xe2x89xa6x+yxe2x89xa62 (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,770 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,622). It is also possible to use as polymer chain transfer agents iodides and/or bromides of alkaline or alkaline-earth metals, according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,553.
In combination with the polymer chain transfer agents containing iodine and/or bromine, other polymer chain transfer agents known in the prior art, such as ethyl acetate, diethylmalonate, etc., can be used.
Curing by peroxidic route is carried out, according to known techniques, by addition of a suitable peroxide capable to generate radicals by thermal decomposition. Among the most commonly used we remember: dialkyl peroxides, such as for example di-terbutyl-peroxide and 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(terbutylperoxy)hexane; dicumyl peroxide; dibenzoyl peroxide; diterbutyl perbenzoate; di[1,3-dimethyl-3-(terbutylperoxy)butyl]carbonate. Other peroxidic systems are described, for example, in European patent applications EP 136,596 and EP 410,351.
To the curing blend other compounds are then added, such as:
(a) curing coagents, in amounts generally in the range 0.5-10%, preferably 1-7% by weight with respect to the polymer; among them there are usually used: triallyl-cyanurate; triallyl-isocyanurate (TAIC); tris(diallylamine)-s-triazine; triallylphosphite; N,N-diallyl-acrylamide; N,N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x2-tetraallyl-malonamide; trivinyl-isocyanurate; 2,4,6-trivinyl-methyltrisiloxane, etc.; TAIC is particularly preferred;
other preferred crosslinking agents are the bis-olefins described in EP 769,520.
Other crosslinking agents which can be used are triazines described in European patent application EP 860,436 and in European patent application WO97/05122;
(b) optionally a metal compound, in amounts in the range 1-15%, preferably 2-10%, by weight with respect to the polymer, selected from oxides or hydrooxides of divalent metals, such as for example Mg, Zn, Ca, optionally combined with a weak acid salt, such as for example stearates, benzoates, carbonates, oxalates or phosphites of Na, K, Ca;
(c) other conventional additives, such as thickening fillers, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers and the like.
Curing by ionic route is carried out by addition of curing and accelerating agents well known in the prior art. The accelerating agent amounts are in the range 0.05-5 phr, the curing agent in the range 0.5-15 phr, preferably 1-6 phr.
As curing agents, aromatic or aliphatic polyhydroxylated compounds or their derivatives can be used, as described for example in EP 335,705 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,427. Among them we remember in particular: bisphenols, wherein the two aromatic rings are linked each other by an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic bivalent radical, or by one oxygen atom, or also by a carbonyl group. In particular bisphenol AF is preferred.
As accelerating agents it can be used for example: quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salts (see for example EP 335,705 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,876,654); amino-phosphonium salts (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,463); phosphoranes (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,787). Quaternary phosphonium salts and aminophosphonium salts are preferred.
Instead of using the accelerating agent and the curing agent separately, it can also be used from 1 to 5 phr (preferred from 2 to 4.5) of an adduct between an accelerating and a curing agent in molar ratio from 1:2 to 1:5, preferably from 1:3 to 1:5, the accelerating agent being one of the onium-organic compounds having a positive charge, as above defined, the curing agent being selected from the above compounds, in particular di- or polyhydroxy compounds; the adduct being obtained by melting the reaction compound between the accelerating agent and the curing agent in the mentioned molar ratios, or by melting the mixture of the adduct 1:1 added with the curing agent in the indicated amounts. Optionally also an excess of the accelerating agent with respect to that contained in the adduct can be present, generally in amounts from 0.05 to 0.5 phr.
For the preparation of the adduct, particularly preferred as cations are: 1,1-diphenyl-1-benzyl-N-diethyl-phosphoranamine and tetrabutyl phosphonium; among the anions bisphenol compounds are particularly preferred wherein the two aromatic rings are linked by a bivalent radical selected from the perfluoroalkyl groups having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms, and the OH are in para position.
The adduct preparation is described in European patent application in the name of the Applicant EP 684,277 herein incorporated by reference.
The curable blend furthermore contains:
i) one or more acceptors of inorganic acids selected from those known in ionic curing of vinylidene fluoride copolymers, in amounts 1-40 parts for 100 parts of fluoroelastomeric copolymer;
ii) one or more basic compounds selected from those known in the ionic curing of vinylidene fluoride copolymers in amounts from 0.5 to 10 parts per 100 parts of fluoroelastomeric copolymer.
The basic compounds ii) are commonly selected from the group formed by Ca(OH)2, metal salts of weak acids, such as for example carbonates, benzoates, oxalates and phosphites of Ca, Na and K and mixtures of the aforesaid hydroxides with the aforesaid metal salts; among the compounds of the type i), MgO can be mentioned.
The indicated amounts of the components of the compounds are referred to 100 phr of copolymer or terpolymer of the invention. To the curing blend other conventional additives, such as thickeners, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers and the like can then be added.
As preferred curing according to the present invention, the peroxidic one is used.
The present invention will be better illustrated by the following Examples, which have a merely indicative and not limitative purpose of the scope of the invention itself.

Abstract: B) a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer, in an amount from 1 to 40% by weight based on the total of A)+B), comprising a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer core coated by a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer shell containing bromine and/or iodine in the polymer chain;

Abstract: the fluoroelastomer A) incorporates the fluoropolymer B), the fluoropolymer B) being formed by tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) homopolymers, or by TFE copolymers with one or more monomers containing at least one unsaturation of ethylene type, the average sizes of the semi-crystalline fluoropolymer particles being from 10 to 100 nm, preferably from 10 to 60 nm.


A valve replacement device is disclosed. An example valve replacement device includes a body configured to thread onto a valve, and an insertion tube movable through the body. A seal is provided between the insertion tube and the body. The seal enables the insertion tube to be moved through the body while at least partially retaining a fluid within a portion of the body. A balloon is provided on the insertion tube. The balloon is configured to be inflated and deflated through the insertion tube. The balloon is inflated to retain a fluid within the tank while the existing valve is removed from the tank and replaced. The balloon is deflated and removed after replacement of the existing valve.

Large tanks (e.g., oil, water, or other fluid) often have a valve to release fluid from the tank when desired. These valves may fail (e.g., begin to leak) and need to be replaced. Before replacing the valve, the entire tank has to be drained to avoid spilling or otherwise losing fluid during removal and replacement of the valve. This can be time consuming and expensive, for example, if a tanker truck has to be brought in to temporarily store the fluid drained from the tank.


A tag includes an RFID circuit storing bits. One or more of the bits are modified in response to physically altering a portion of a medium that the RFID circuit is affixed thereto. Also, the RFID circuit is activated in response to physically altering a portion of the medium.

RFID tags are being used or are currently proposed as being used for tracking everything from live animals to pallets of products. RFID tags are programmed to contain digital information either during the manufacturing of the read only memory portion of the RFID circuit, or in the field using electromagnetic radio frequency signals to store information in the nonvolatile memory portion of the RFID tag. It may be beneficial to enter information in the tag, such as entering information about the item being tracked. However, one of the difficulties involved in the utilization of RFID tags is that if a user wants to enter information into the RFID tag, the user typically has to use a specialized device that communicates with the RFID tag through a radio frequency. To avoid requiring the user to use a specialized device to enter information in the tag, the user may provide the information to the tag manufacturer for entering into the tag. However, this requires the user to disclose the information to the manufacturer, and also requires the user to determine the information to be entered into in the tag well in advance.

Tag including RFID circuit storing data modifiable using a physically alterable medium

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method of and system for analyzing the mass flow rate of a fluid flowing in a conduit wherein ultrasonic energy is transmitted along multiple v paths in multiple parallel quadrature planes through the fluid, the transit time of the ultrasonic energy through the fluid with and against the flow direction of the fluid is measured, and the flow velocity of the fluid in each quadrature plane is calculated based on the transit time in each quadrature plane. The density of the fluid in each quadrature plane is then determined and quadrature integration of the product of the fluid density and fluid velocity in each quadrature plane is performed to calculate the total mass flow rate of the fluid more accurately by eliminating errors associated with assuming that the density of the fluid in the conduit is uniform.

This invention relates to a high-accuracy quadrature multipath mass flow meter system and method for measuring mass flow rate.
Quadrature multipath mass flow meter systems are used to fairly accurately determine the total mass flow rate of a fluid flowing in a conduit using quadrature integration of the product of the average fluid density xcfx81avg and the measured fluid velocity in each quadrature plane. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,564,912; 5,515,733; 6,047,602; and 4,300,401 incorporated herein by this reference.
In the prior art, the fluid velocities V1, V2, and V3 (assuming 3 parallel quadrature planes) are calculated using ultrasonic transducers which detect the transit times of ultrasonic pulses transmitted bidirectionally through the fluid in each of the three quadrature planes. The fluid velocities in each quadrature plane are then computed as a function of the transit times of the ultrasonic energy both with and against the direction of the flow. The transit times themselves are principally a function of the paths and the speed of sound in the fluid which, in turn, is a function of the density of the fluid. Factors which influence sound speed, other than density, are dealt with below. Once the fluid velocities are calculated, quadrature integration is used to calculate the volumetric flow rate Q. if density were uniform, one could calculate the fluid""s mass flow rate based on the products xcfx81avgV1, xcfx81avgV2, and xcfx81avgV3. In this case, the average density of the fluid xcfx81avg is measured, calculated, or assumed based on the fluid composition and conditions if it is known.
In many situations, however, the assumption that the density of the fluid in the conduit is uniform is erroneous. Temperature variations, elbows in the conduit (which act like centrifuges), and other factors can result in non-uniform density distributions in the conduit.
To illustrate the error associated with assuming that the density of the fluid in the conduit is uniform when in fact the density is different in each quadrature plane, suppose (using consistent units) that V1=3, V2=7, and V3=9 and the density is assumed to be uniform and of numerical value xcfx81avg=5.3. The average velocity is 6.33 and so the product of the averages is 33.5. But, if in reality the density is non-uniform such that the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane is different, for example, xcfx811=2, xcfx812=6, xcfx813=8, then the average density is still 5.3, but the average of the products is now (xcfx811V1+xcfx812V2+xcfx813V3)/3=40, not 33.5. Thus, using an average density and assuming the density is uniform when it is not generally results in an erroneous total mass flow rate calculation. This error occurs despite using quadrature integration or other methods which are generally perceived to yield accurate volumetric flow rate Q, and generally further assumed to yield an accurate mass flowrate when Q is multiplied by an average value for density, with density typically computed based on point measurement of temperature in the fluid and pressure measured near the wall of the conduit.
Such an error can be extremely important in many industries including the use of mass flow rate systems to determine the price to be paid for expensive commodities such as oil or even water.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a more accurate quadrature multipath mass flow meter system and method.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system and method which is accurate to within 0.5-1% in general industrial process control situations, and 0.25 to 0.5% in custody transfer applications.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system and method which reduces the error associated with the prior art wherein the density of the fluid (liquid or gas, or some multiphase mixtures) was assumed to be uniform.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system and method which can be used in cases where the density of the fluid varies within a conduit.
The invention results from the realization that a more accurate quadrature multipath mass flow meter system and method especially useful in connection with fluid flows having non-uniform density distributions is effected by not by taking the product of the average fluid density and the volumetric flowrate Q determined by quadrature integration of the fluid velocities in each quadrature plane, but, instead, by quadrature integration of the product of the fluid densities and the fluid velocities in each quadrature plane, to calculate the total mass flow rate of the fluid. The new method is more accurate because it a) eliminates errors associated with assuming that the density of the fluid in the conduit is uniform, or b) eliminates the errors associate with multiplying an accurate Q by an average density of an acknowledged or known density gradient and taking that xe2x80x9cproduct of the averagesxe2x80x9d to be the mass flowrate.
This invention features a method of analyzing and determining the mass flow rate of a fluid flowing in a conduit, the method comprising transmitting ultrasonic energy along multiple xe2x80x9cv pathsxe2x80x9d in multiple parallel quadrature planes through the fluid, measuring the transit time of the ultrasonic energy through the fluid with and against the flow direction of the fluid, calculating the flow velocity of the fluid in each quadrature plane based on the transit time in each quadrature plane, determining the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane, and performing quadrature integration of the product of the fluid density and fluid velocity in each quadrature plane to calculate the total mass flow rate of the fluid more accurately by eliminating errors associated with assuming that the density of the fluid in the conduit is uniform.
In one embodiment, the density is determined in each quadrature plane by calculating the speed of sound in each quadrature plane from the transit time of the ultrasonic energy through the fluid in each quadrature plane and referencing a library including speed of sound and density data for different fluids.
In other embodiments, the density of the fluid is determined by measuring the density of the fluid. In one example, the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane is measured by transmitting ultrasonic energy as a torsional wave in a waveguide sensor located in each of the quadrature planes, measuring the transit time of the ultrasonic energy in the fluid, and calculating the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane based on the transit time in each quadrature plane. In another example, the density of the fluid in a first quadrature plane is measured by transmitting ultrasonic energy in the first quadrature plane, measuring the transit time of the ultrasonic energy in the fluid in the quadrature plane, calculating the density of the fluid in the first quadrature plane based on the transit time of the ultrasonic energy in the first quadrature plane, and deriving, using Rao""s rule, for example, the density of the fluid in the other quadrature planes from the measured density of the fluid in the first quadrature plane.
Typically, for the fluid velocity measurements, the ultrasonic energy is transmitted across each quadrature plane and then reflected back across each quadrature plane, and the parallel quadrature planes extend horizontally.
Further included may be the steps of measuring the temperature and pressure of the fluid and calculating the mass flow rate using the temperature and pressure measurements.
In still another example, the speed of sound is calculated based on the transit time of the ultrasonic energy through the fluid and the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane is determined using the calculated speed of sound in each quadrature plane.
A higher accuracy quadrature mass flow meter in accordance with this invention features a first set of ultrasonic transducers aligned to transmit ultrasonic energy along multiple paths in multiple parallel quadrature planes through a fluid flowing in a conduit, a second set of ultrasonic transducers aligned in the quadrature planes to receive the ultrasonic energy transmitted by the first set, means for determining the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane, and an electronic subsystem responsive to the ultrasonic transducers and the means for determining density, the electronic subsystem configured to calculate the flow velocity of the fluid in each quadrature plane based on the transit time of the transmitted ultrasonic energy in each quadrature plane, the electronics subsystem including a processor programmed to perform quadrature integration of the product of the fluid density and fluid velocity in each quadrature plane and to calculate the total mass flow rate of the fluid.
In one embodiment, the means includes a memory including speed of sound and density data for different liquids and the processor is configured to calculate the speed of sound in each quadrature plane from the transit time of the transmitted ultrasonic energy through the fluid in each quadrature plane, and to compare the calculated speed of sound in each quadrature plane with the data in the memory to determine the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane.
In another embodiment, the means includes a third plurality of ultrasonic transducers located downstream from the second plurality of transducers and also aligned with the quadrature planes and configured to transmit ultrasonic energy in the fluid. In this embodiment, the processor is programmed to calculate the density of the fluid in each quadrature plane based on the transit time of the ultrasonic energy in the fluid transmitted by the third plurality of transducers. Typically, the third plurality of transducers are each configured to launch a torsional wave in an acoustic waveguide in the fluid, and the third plurality of transducers each include a waveguide extending through the conduit.
In another embodiment, the density measuring means includes a single ultrasonic transducer located downstream from the second plurality of transducers aligned with a first quadrature plane and configured to transmit ultrasonic energy in a waveguide sensor in the fluid in said first quadrature plane. The processor is then programmed to calculate the density of the fluid in the first quadrature plane based on the transit time of the ultrasonic energy in the sensor portion of the waveguide immersed in the fluid transmitted by the single ultrasonic transducer and to derive the density of the fluid in the other quadrature planes based on the calculated density of the fluid in the first quadrature plane using, for example, Rao""s rule.
In one example, the conduit is a spoolpiece including all of the transducers disposed therein and coupled or installed between two conduit sections. Typically, the parallel quadrature planes extend horizontally, the first and second set of ultrasonic transducers are located on the same side of the conduit, and a set of reflectors are disposed on the opposite side of the conduit between the first and second set of ultrasonic transducers for redirecting ultrasonic energy from one set of transducers to the other. Also, the quadrature planes are typically perpendicular to a transverse axis of the conduit. In one specific example, each ultrasonic transducer is installed in a fitting located in an insert attached to the conduit, and the insert forms a truncated cone whose vertex is coincident with intersection of the longitudinal axis of the insert and the interior wall of the conduit.
Further included may be temperature and pressure sensors for detecting temperatures and pressure of the fluid in the conduit. Also, it may be preferable that the first and second sets of transducers are aligned such that all of the ultrasonic energy interactions with the fluid occur in a volume defined by planes at the end of a cube inscribed in the conduit.

Method of and system for determining the mass flow rate of a fluid flowing in a conduit


In at least one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for adaptive edge enhancement of a video signal includes a transient improvement module. The transient improvement module is configured to generate a first adjusted pixel value based on a window of pixel values for pixels surrounding a pixel-of-interest initially having an input pixel value. The apparatus includes an adaptive peaking module configured to generate a second adjusted pixel value based on the first adjusted pixel value and the input pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module comprises a high-pass filter configured to generate a pixel adjustment based on the first adjusted pixel value. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the adaptive peaking module further comprises a gain path configured to apply at least one adaptive gain value to the pixel adjustment to generate an adaptive adjustment value.

1. Field of the Invention
This application is related to video processing systems and more particularly to edge enhancement of video signals.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, image processing systems and video processing systems perform edge enhancement techniques to improve the apparent sharpness of an image or frame of a video signal (i.e., video frame, video image), hereinafter referred to as an "image." Typical edge enhancement filters (e.g., transient improvement filters) are designed to improve the edge transition of luma of the image or video frame. For example, a edge enhancement filter identifies sharp edge boundaries in the frame, e.g., an edge between a subject and a background of a contrasting color, and increases the contrast in the area immediately around the edge. However, the edge enhancement filter may overshoot or undershoot, creating visually unnatural or noisy adjusted edges.


A mechanism is disclosed for managing a distributed computing system in which a plurality of services are provided by a plurality of members. Initially, one of the members of the system is elected as the global master for the system. Thereafter, the global master selects a service master (where a service master comprises a member of the system) for each of the services provided by the system, such that each service has an associated service master. Each service master may be selected based upon an associated set of service master selection criteria. Once selected, each service master manages requests for the service with which the service master is associated. In this manner, services and the requests for the services are effectively managed.

Distributed computing systems are used in a wide variety of implementations to provide computing services on a large scale. Distributed systems offer a number of advantages, including scalability (additional members may be added to the system to provide additional capability), high availability (if one member breaks down, another member can be called upon to provide the services of the broken member), and flexibility (a number of different members may be called upon to provide a service). One drawback of distributed systems, however, is that they are complex and can be difficult to manage. This is especially true if the distributed system has a large number of members, and each member can provide multiple services, such that there is service overlap among the members.
To facilitate system management, a master election mechanism has been developed, whereby one of the members is elected as the "master" of the distributed system. Once elected, the master is given certain management responsibilities and privileges. Thereafter, the master is charged with the task of managing the processing of service requests in the entire system. While this arrangement does allow the system to be managed, it imposes a heavy burden on the master. If the system becomes large enough or complex enough, the master can become a significant bottleneck. As a result, this arrangement does not scale well. Since scalability is one of the advantages of having a distributed system, this approach undermines some of the benefits of having a distributed system in the first place. Given the shortcomings of the current approach, an improved mechanism is needed to manage a distributed system more effectively and efficiently.

Distributed computing system selecting a service master for each service by an elected global master for managing requests for that service


A conveyor for transporting products includes a mounting frame for one or more product feed lanes, each lane being defined by a respective conveyor belt which extends along a respective path, and by element for centering the products on the conveyor belt and including respective first and second lateral guides which are spaced from each other transversely to the direction of extension of the conveyor belt in order to define a track having a respective width. A unit for adjusting the distance between the guides are provided which includes a first transversal support and movement member for the corresponding lateral guide of the lane, and a second transversal support and movement member for the other lateral guide of the lane. Also provided is a respective transversal member for supporting the first and second support and movement members and a defining unit for fastening to the conveyor frame.

Known in the prior art are conveyors for transporting products which comprise a mounting frame for one or more product feed lanes. Each lane is defined by a respective conveyor belt, preferably of the type with articulated links, which extends along a respective path, and by means for centering the products on the conveyor belt and comprising respective first and second lateral guides which are spaced from each other transversely to the direction of extension of the conveyor belt in order to define a track having a respective width.
In prior art conveyors, means are provided for adjusting the transversal spacing of the first and second lateral guides and which extend above the product conveyor surface, encumbering the space above the conveyor and creating a hindrance for personnel having to work on the products being conveyed. Alternatively, the adjustment means may also be located underneath the conveyor surface but in this case, too, the conveyor becomes cumbersome in height, creating difficulties especially if there two or more different conveyor surfaces on different levels, one above the other.
Moreover, operators in the field feel the need for a conveyor having means for adjusting the lateral guides which are quick and easy to set up, even on conveyors or conveying structures which have already been installed.
Another need felt by operators in the trade is that for a conveyor having guide adjustment means which can be operated in different ways, either manual or power-driven, according to specific installation requirements.
Yet another need felt by operators in the trade is that for a conveyor having guide adjustment means which can be operated quickly and easily, allowing savings in terms of labour required for the adjustment operations.
A further need felt by operators in the field is that for a conveyor having guide adjustment means which allow track size to be varied in a wide range, even if the conveyor includes curved stretches with a large curvature radius.
A further need felt by operators in the trade is that for a conveyor having guide adjustment means and/or guides which can be adapted to products having widely varying transversal dimensions or diameter and, in particular, where the dimensions of one are twice that of another.
A yet further need felt by operators in the trade is that for a conveyor having adjustment means which are inexpensive to make and/or which are quick and easy to set up.