Breaker nanoparticles may be added to gelled aqueous fluids where the gelled aqueous fluid may include an aqueous base fluid, e.g. a drilling fluid, gelled with at least one viscoelastic surfactant (VES) in an amount to increase the viscosity of the aqueous base fluid. The addition of the breaker nanoparticles may reduce the viscosity, or break the gel, of the gelled aqueous fluid by the direct or indirect action of the breaker nanoparticles. The breaker nanoparticles may be or include, but are not limited to inorganic semiconductor particles, organic semiconductor particles, and combinations thereof. The inorganic semiconductor particles may be or include, but are not limited to cupric oxide, cuprous oxide, silicon, silicon carbide, germanium, and gallium arsenide, indium antimonide, gallium nitride, and combinations thereof; wherein the organic semiconductors selected from the group consisting of pentacene, anthracene, rubrene, poly(3-hexylthiophene), poly(p-phenylene vinylene), polypyrrole, polyaniline, and combinations.

Hydraulic fracturing is a method of using pump rate and hydraulic pressure to fracture or crack a subterranean formation in a process for improving the recovery of hydrocarbons from the formation. Once the crack or cracks are made, high permeability proppant relative to the formation permeability, is pumped into the fracture to prop open the crack. When the applied pump rates and pressures are reduced or removed from the formation, the crack or fracture cannot close or heal completely because the high permeability proppant keeps the crack open. The propped crack or fracture provides a high permeability path connecting the producing wellbore to a larger formation area to enhance the production of hydrocarbons. The development of suitable fracturing fluids is a complex art because the fluids must simultaneously meet a number of conditions. For example, they must be stable at high temperatures and/or high pump rates and shear rates that can cause the fluids to degrade and prematurely settle out the proppant before the fracturing operation is complete. Various fluids have been developed, but most commercially used fracturing fluids are aqueous based liquids that have either been gelled or foamed. When the fluids are gelled, typically a polymeric gelling agent, such as a solvatable polysaccharide, e.g. guar and derivatized guar polysaccharides, is used. The thickened or gelled fluid helps keep the proppants within the fluid. Gelling can be accomplished or improved by the use of crosslinking agents or cross-linkers that promote crosslinking of the polymers together, thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid. One of the more common crosslinked polymeric fluids is borate crosslinked guar.
The recovery of fracturing fluids may be accomplished by reducing the viscosity of the fluid to a low value so that it may flow naturally from the formation under the influence of formation fluids. Crosslinked gels generally require viscosity breakers to be injected to reduce the viscosity or "break" the gel. Enzymes, oxidizers, and acids are known polymer viscosity breakers.
While polymers have been used in the past as gelling agents in fracturing fluids to carry or suspend solid particles as noted, such polymers require separate breaker compositions to be injected to reduce the viscosity. Further, such polymers tend to leave a coating on the proppant and a filter cake of dehydrated polymer on the fracture face even after the gelled fluid is broken. The coating and/or the filter cake may interfere with the functioning of the proppant. Studies have also shown that "fish-eyes" and/or "micro-gels" present in some polymer gelled carrier fluids will plug pore throats, leading to impaired leakoff and causing formation damage.
Aqueous drilling and treating fluids may be gelled or have their viscosity increased by the use of non-polymeric viscoelastic surfactants (VES). These VES materials are advantageous over the use of polymer gelling agents in that they do not leave a filter cake on the formation face, do not coat the proppant or create micro-gels or "fish-eyes", and have reduced potential for damaging the formation relative to polymers.
Some progress has been made toward developing internal breaker systems for the non-polymeric VES-based gelled fluids, that is, breaker systems that use products that are incorporated and solubilized within the VES-gelled fluid that are activated by downhole conditions that will allow a controlled rate of gel viscosity reduction over a rather short period of time of 1 to 24 hours or so similar to gel break times common for conventional crosslinked polymeric fluid systems (U.S. Pat. No. 7,696,134). The liquid breaker system for VES-gelled fluids, like fish oil, usually has short shelf time and is limited to use at harsh environments like deserts in middle east region.
It would be desirable if a viscosity breaking system could be devised that has a long shelf life and can be used at harsh environments to break the viscosity of fracturing and other well completion fluids gelled with and composed of viscoelastic surfactants.

Breaking viscoelastic surfactant gelled fluids using breaker nanoparticles


An adjustable deflector apparatus having a deflector plate for transitioning crop residue from the rotor of an axially arranged threshing system of a combine to a crop residue distribution system is disposed with the deflector plate pivotally mounted at approximately the height of the axis of the rotor at its downstream end to be movable into and out of the flow of the crop residue such that at least a portion of such flow will strike or impinge the deflector plate and be deflected thereby downwardly and transversely toward the crop residue distribution system. An adjusting mechanism is operable for moving the deflector plate in relation to an internal side of the combine for adjusting a desired parameter or parameters of the deflected flow and for moving the deflector plate to a retracted position when reverse operation of the rotor is desired.

Axially arranged rotary threshing or separating systems have long been in use in agricultural combines for threshing crops to separate grain from crop residue, also referred to as material other than grain (MOG). Such axially arranged systems typically include at least one cylindrical rotor rotated within a concave or cage, the rotor and surrounding concave being oriented so as to extend forwardly to rearwardly within the combine.
In operation, crop material is fed or directed into a circumferential passage between the rotor and the concave, hereinafter referred to as a rotor residue passage, and is carried rearwardly along a generally helical path in such passage by the rotation of the rotor as grain is threshed from the crop material. The flow of crop residue or MOG remaining between the rotor and concave after threshing is typically discharged or expelled by the rotating rotor at a rear or downstream end of the rotor and the rotor residue passage in a generally downward, or a downward and sidewardly, direction in what is a continuation of the helical path of movement of the crop residue within the rotor residue passage between the rotor and concave.
The flow is typically discharged into a discharge opening at the downstream end of the rotor and into a further passage, hereinafter referred to as a discharge passage, that extends downwardly and somewhat rearwardly into a crop residue distribution system located below and rearwardly of the rear end of the threshing system, and which typically includes a rotary beater or other apparatus which propels the crop residue rearwardly within a rear end of the combine for either discharge from the combine through a rear opening onto a field, or into a chopper and/or spreader mounted on the rear end operable for spreading the residue over a swath of a field.
Due to the nature of operation of the rotor, the design of the rotor and concave, and the helical movement of the crop residue within the rotor residue passage, the flow of crop residue from the rotor residue passage into the discharge opening is often greater on the downward sweep side of the rotor than on the upward sweep side, as a consequence of which an uneven flow of crop residue occurs across the width of the discharge opening, which uneven flow has typically, in the past, proceeded through the discharge passage to the crop residue distribution system.
When the crop residue is to be spread in a swath over a field, it is desirable in many instances for the crop residue to be distributed evenly or uniformly over the swath. This is desirable for reasons including that uneven crop residue distribution on a field can lead to temperature and moisture gradients detrimental to even growth of future crops on the field. It can also make it difficult for crops to utilize nutrients, and can impact the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals. Large discontinuities of crop residue can lead to plugging and other functional problems with tillage and/or planting equipment.
One factor which has been found to influence the ability of a chopper and/or spreader to distribute crop residue evenly or uniformly over a field is the transverse or side to side evenness of crop residue inflow into the chopper and/or spreader. That is, it has been found that the amount of crop residue infeed to one side of the chopper should be about equal to the amount of crop residue infeed to the other side in order to achieve even distribution over a field. In turn, the side to side infeed to the chopper/spreader has been found to be a function of the side to side distribution of crop residue infeed into the beater or other impeller of the crop residue distribution system from the threshing system.
Numerous devices and structures have been developed to improve flow of crop residue from axially arranged threshing systems into crop residue distribution systems, including constructions such as are disclosed in Payne et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,474 entitled Metering Edge for Axially Arranged Rotary Separator and Pfeiffer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,605 entitled Discharge Geometry for Axially Arranged Rotary Separator.
Although the above referenced constructions may perform well, it has been found that a variety of variables and conditions can influence the ability to redirect and transversely distribute crop residue flow in the discharge passage between a threshing system and a crop residue distribution system. For example, residue from different crops, such as wheat and corn, will typically flow differently, and different rotor rotation speeds will typically be used for different crops. For instance, small grains such as wheat and other grasses will typically be threshed at a relatively high rotor speed, for instance, 600 to 1000 revolutions per minute (rpm), and produce residue containing a large volume of small stalks of straw, whereas corn will typically be threshed at a relatively slow rotor speed, for instance, less than 400 rpm, and produce crop residue containing a mixture of bulky stalk segments, cob fragments and large leaves. For a given crop, differences in plant maturity and weather conditions can affect size, moisture content, and other characteristics of crop residue so as to have varying flow and distribution characteristics.
Due at least in part to the above described variables and conditions, it has been observed that the transition of crop residue flow from the threshing system to the residue distribution system can vary. In particular, the side to side distribution of the flow into the rotating beater can vary, that is, flow to one side of the beater can be heavier than to the other side, such that the beater will propel more crop residue into one side of a chopper and/or spreader, resulting, in turn, in uneven crop residue distribution over a swath of a field.
In an attempt to address the foregoing problems, an apparatus was thus developed for transitioning crop residue from an axially arranged threshing system of a combine to a distribution system that overcomes one or more of the problems and disadvantages set forth above. Such apparatus, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/204,230, includes an adjustable deflector construction that includes a movable portion, hereinafter referred to as a deflector plate, that can be adjustably positioned to be in the path of the flow of the crop residue when that residue is expelled from the threshing system and an adjusting mechanism operable for moving the deflector plate within the path of the flow of the crop residue for changing a transverse location at which the flow deflected by the deflector plate will flow into the crop residue distribution system. For the most part, prior to the present invention, deflector constructions have been positioned with the deflector plate hingedly or pivotally mounted at the downstream end of the rotor adjacent a lower quadrant of the rotor residue passage, and adjustment thereof has been performed either manually or under control of a control system.
It has now been discovered and recognized that improved performance and reliability can be achieved through the employment of additional features and methods, including by locating the deflector at a higher position at the downstream end of the rotor, with the hinge or pivoting axis for the deflector plate being at approximately the height of the axis of the rotor at its downstream end, and by also providing a control that will effect automatic retraction of the deflector to a nominal, safe, typically approximately vertical position, when a rotor reversing function is engaged, such as when the rotor has become plugged and actuation of a rotor reversing function or deplugging function is effected to clear the plug. By positioning the deflector plate in the discharge passage at the downstream end of the threshing rotor at such higher position at approximately the height of the axis of the threshing rotor at that downstream end, crop residue can be intercepted at an earlier and generally higher point of discharge and redirected as determined to be desirable to better distribute the crop residue, and especially to better direct a portion of the residue stream from the heavier flow side towards the lighter flow side of the spreader.
The noted, controlled retraction of the deflector plate prevents damage to the deflector apparatus by the crop residue and the rotor that might otherwise be occasioned by the change in the rotor's direction of rotation. In the absence of such controlled retraction, a rotor reversal can result in the forced deposit of crop residue between the backside of the extended deflector plate and the bulkhead to which it is mounted and the attendant risks of damage to both the deflector plate itself and to the adjustment means therefor as additional crop residue continues to be directed to such location. Even if the rotor reversal is only for a short duration, when the rotor operation is returned to its original condition, the buildup of crop residue between the backside of the deflector plate and the bulkhead to which it is mounted may be such that it does not properly clear, which can result in the deflector plate remaining in a jammed condition or in subsequent less effective operation and positioning of the deflector plate.
Additionally, it has been found that the inclusion of a projecting directional vane on the surface of the deflector plate and a tapered leading edge can both individually further assist in distributing the crop residue more evenly, and that it is also advantageous to be able to return the deflector plate to a desired, operating condition after the rotor reversing function has been completed or disengaged, such as the operating position prior to rotor reversal.
Consequently, there has now been developed an improved apparatus, and method of use thereof, for transitioning crop residue from an axially arranged threshing system of a combine to a distribution system that includes one or more of the features discussed hereinabove and which overcomes one or more of the problems and disadvantages set forth hereinabove.

Adjustable axial rotor discharge deflector


A method of blocking partial cells at the periphery of diesel filters is disclosed. The method comprises plugging the partial cells with a suitable plugging material. In one embodiment, a line of plugging material is applied to either or both of the end faces of the diesel filter along an outermost row of partial cells to block same. In another embodiment, the outermost wall the diesel filter is first beveled to form a beveled edge and uniquely off-set the partial cells. Then the beveled edge has applied thereto a plugging material, such as a line or bead. A honeycomb structure having reduced number of unplugged partial cells at the periphery is also disclosed.

Diesel engines provide lower emissions and increased fuel economy compared to gasoline engines; however, if untreated diesel exhaust emissions are generally undesirable. Diesel particulate filters have been employed to control/treat particulate emissions from diesel-powered equipment such as trucks, buses, diesel electric locomotives and generators. Diesel particulate filters control diesel particulate emissions by physically trapping soot particles in their structure.
A typical diesel particulate filter body may be fabricated using, for example, a honeycomb structure having a matrix of intersecting thin, porous walls that extend across and between its two opposing open end faces and form a large number of adjoining hollow passages, or cells, which also extend between and are open at the end faces. To form a filter, one end of each of the cells is closed, preferably a first subset of cells being closed at one end face, and the remaining cells at the remaining end face. A contaminated fluid is brought under pressure to one face (the "inlet face") and enters the filter body via the cells that are open at the inlet face (the "inlet cells"). Because the inlet cells are sealed at the remaining end face (the "outlet face") of the body, the contaminated fluid is forced through the thin, porous walls into adjoining cells that are sealed at the inlet face and open at the opposing outlet face of the filter body (the "outlet cells"). The solid particulate contaminant in the fluid (such as soot), which is too large to pass through the porous openings in the walls, is left behind and a cleansed fluid exits the outlet face of the filter body through the outlet cells.
Such diesel filters are typically formed by an extrude-to-shape process, with many possible peripheral shapes or contours, for example, round, oval, and the like. However, when such shapes are employed, a problem arises in that it is nearly always the case that an integral number of complete cells do not fit into the cross-sectional area of the diesel filter. Thus, partial cells occur at the outer periphery of the diesel filter. These partial cells are located at the outermost periphery of the filter and, generally, the cell dimensions of these partial cells are smaller than the design value. Moreover, such cells generally are grouped in a line at various locations around the filter's periphery. Generally, automated plugging equipment used to plug alternating cells in diesel filters have difficulty in finding and plugging these peripheral partial cells, so that unplugged partial cells at the periphery may exist. Because these partial cells are unplugged, in operation unfiltered exhaust gas containing both particulate matter and NOx emissions may flow through them freely. Accordingly, a method of plugging these partial cells at the periphery of diesel filters is desired. Likewise, honeycomb filters, such as diesel filters, with a reduced number of unplugged partial cells around their periphery are much sought after.

Honeycomb filters with reduced number of unplugged partial peripheral cells and methods of manufacturing same


The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring one or more optical properties, such as absorbance and refractive index, of a test medium such as a gas, a liquid, or solid material. The method comprises providing a passive optical waveguide loop comprising the test medium, launching in the optical loop an intensity-modulated light at a reference phase, detecting a phase of said light along the optical waveguide loop, and comparing the detected phase of said light along the loop with the reference phase, wherein the comparison provides information about one or more optical properties of the test medium.

Measurement of low optical losses of an absorbing medium, such as a gas or a molecular beam, may be performed by measuring the ring-down time, or decay time, of a light pulse as the pulse makes multiple passes through the medium. Such measurements may be carried out in a ring-down cavity consisting of two or more mirrors, between which the light pulse is reflected, and in which the absorbing medium under test is disposed. The cavity can also be used to characterize the mirrors when no absorbing medium is present. See, for example, Romanini et al., 1993; Scherer et al., 1997; Berden et al., 2000; Lehmann, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,040, issued Jun. 18, 1996.
Cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is well established as a gas phase measurement method. Recently CRDS was shown to be applicable to absorption measurements on liquid samples, in which a high finesse cavity was either filled entirely with a liquid sample (Hallock et al., 2002) or the liquid was contained in a cuvette (Xu et al., 2002).
Ring-down spectroscopy using optical fibers rather than a cavity was attempted by von Lerber et al. (2002), who deposited highly reflective coatings onto both end facets of a 10 m optical fiber. Stewart et al., (2001) inserted a gas phase absorption cell into a fiber-loop, leading to very high transmission losses. These losses necessitated the use of a fiber amplifier, and the sensitivity of measurements using such an active loop depended strongly on the amplifier's temporal stability.
We have previously demonstrated a fiber-loop ring-down technique for characterizing low-loss processes in optical systems and for spectroscopy of minute liquid samples (Loock et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,548, issued Jan. 11, 2005), based on measuring the ring-down time of a light pulse injected into the loop. Although extremely sensitive, limitations of that technique include slow data acquisition rate and high cost of optical components such as fast pulsed lasers.


A case having a ventilation system for ventilating a heat generation source disposed in the case, includes: a first sub-case and a second sub-case which is joined to the first sub-case; a first gap provided in a surface of a joining section between the first sub-case and the second sub-case; and at least one ventilation section to discharge air in the case to the outside provided in the first gap.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a case ventilation system and a print apparatus provided with the case ventilation system, and more particularly to a case ventilation system having a ventilation section to discharge air in the case to the outside, and a print apparatus provided within the case ventilation system.
2. Description of Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-62251 discloses a tape print apparatus which prints characters or symbols on a tape pulled out from a tape cassette incorporating a long tape wound around a reel and cuts that tape to produce a label. This tape print apparatus accommodates components that generate heat, such as a thermal head for printing on the tape, a motor for driving a tape feeding roller for carrying the tape and the like, in its case. Therefore, the inside of the case is filled with heat from the thermal head or motor due to the driving of the tape print apparatus so that the temperature in the case rises. Thus, some tape print apparatus have a ventilation section in a side face of the case or the like in order to discharge air in the case to the outside. Further, in a laser printer, a fan may be provided on the side face of its case to execute forced ventilation of air from the case.

Electronic apparatus case having ventilation system


A power supply circuit includes first and second power supply circuits. The first power supply circuit has a first voltage generation circuit and the second power supply circuit has a second voltage generation circuit and an operational amplifier. When a load is in a low power consumption mode, only the first power supply circuit operates to output a first voltage to the load. When the load is in a normal operation mode, the second power supply circuit also operates to output a desired power supply voltage based on a reference voltage generated by the second voltage generation circuit. In this case, the operational amplifier controls not only the second power supply circuit but also the first power supply circuit. Thus, a desired power supply voltage is output to the load regardless of whether the first voltage is greater than the desired power supply voltage.

An electronic control unit (ECU) used in a vehicle is powered by a voltage supplied from a power supply circuit. When a switch such as an ignition switch, a key switch, or a main power switch of the vehicle is in an ON position, the ECU operates in a normal operation mode. Therefore, the power supply circuit needs to output an enough current (e.g., hundreds of milliamperes) to allow the ECU to operate in the normal operation mode. In contrast, when the ignition switch is in an OFF position, the ECU operates in a low power consumption mode. Therefore, the output current from the power supply circuit is very small.
The power supply circuit includes a high accuracy power supply circuit used in the normal operation mode and a low accuracy power supply circuit used in the low power consumption mode. Although the high accuracy power supply circuit requires a large current, the high accuracy power supply circuit generates an accurately regulated voltage by using, for example, a bandgap reference circuit. In contrast, although the low accuracy power supply circuit requires a small current, the low accuracy power supply circuit generates a poorly regulated voltage by using, for example, a zener diode. Thus, a current (i.e., dark current) consumed when the ignition switch is in the OFF position is reduced.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,589 corresponding to JP-A-2001-268787 discloses a power supply circuit having a main DC-DC converter and a sub DC-DC converter. When the ignition switch is in the OFF position, the main DC-DC converter is turned off and only the sub DC-DC converter operates to supply a dark current to a low voltage load. When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the main DC-DC converter is turned on and supplies a required power and the sub DC-DC converter supplies the dark current.
FIG. 7 shows a circuit diagram of a conventional power supply integrated circuit (IC) 1. The conventional power supply IC 1 includes a low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 and a high-accuracy power supply circuit 3.
The low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 is powered by a battery voltage VBAT and includes a voltage generation circuit 5 and an emitter follower circuit 6. The voltage generation circuit 5 has a constant current circuit 4, a diode D1, and a zener diode D2, which are connected in series. The emitter follower circuit 6 has transistors Q1, Q2.
The high-accuracy power supply circuit 3 is powered by a battery voltage VB supplied through an ignition switch and includes a bandgap reference circuit 7 and a voltage output circuit 8. The voltage output circuit 8 has an operational amplifier 9, a feedback circuit 10, and a transistor Q3.
In the conventional power supply IC 1, when the ignition switch is in the OFF position, only the low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 operates. Therefore, a voltage Vo output from the conventional power supply IC 1 is given by the following equation:Vo=Vz−VF
In the equation, Vz represents a zener voltage of the zener diode D2 and VF represents a forward voltage of a PN junction.
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, each of the low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 and the high-accuracy power supply circuit 3 operates. The high-accuracy power supply circuit 3 performs a feedback control that maintains the output voltage Vo at a constant level, for example, 5 volts (V). Therefore, when the zener voltage Vz minus the forward voltage VF is less than 5 V (i.e., Vz−VF<5 V), the high-accuracy power supply circuit 3 mainly works to maintain the output voltage Vo at 5 V. In contrast, when the zener voltage Vz minus the forward voltage VF is greater than 5 V (i.e., Vz−VF>5 V) and a current output from a terminal 1a of the conventional power supply IC 1 is small, the low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 mainly works. Consequently, the output voltage Vo is the zener voltage Vz minus the forward voltage VF (i.e., Vo=Vz−VF>5 V). Because the low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 has a low capability to output the current, the output voltage Vo decreases with an increase in the output current due to an increase in a load. Therefore, the output voltage Vo decreases to 5 V and is maintained at 5 V by the high-accuracy power supply circuit 3.
As described above, when the zener voltage Vz minus the forward voltage VF is greater than 5 V, the conventional power supply IC 1 falls into an unstable condition where the output voltage Vo varies with the output current.
Therefore, the conventional power supply IC 1 is configured such that the zener voltage Vz minus the forward voltage VF is lower than 5 V, i.e., the output voltage of the low-accuracy power supply circuit 2 is lower than that of the high-accuracy power supply circuit 3. Further, when manufacturing and temperature variations in the zener voltage Vz are considered, the output voltage Vo that is output when the ignition switch is in the OFF position needs to be set lower than 5 V.


A system and method for providing access to data objects based on proximity. The system and method allow sharing of data objects by identifying one or more client devices proximate to the sharing device. The user of the sharing device may then select one or more of the identified devices with which to share the data object. Aspects of the invention include the ability to enable a “sharing mode” on the client devices to opt-in and allow communication with other similarly configured devices in the area. Access to the data object may be managed via an access control list present on a remote server, with the remote server hosting the data object.

Inexpensive access to remote storage and broadband networking has shifted data storage paradigms from a focus on portable media (e.g. diskettes, compact discs, portable hard-drives, etc.) to a network-based model. So-called "cloud" storage allows a user access to their data from any terminal or device that is connected to the Internet. By storing data remotely, enterprise level service may be provided along with consumer level ease of use. Storing data in this manner also eliminates the risk of losing or damaging storage media containing important data.
However, remote storage of data also has limitations. Sharing of data objects is often difficult, as the data objects are typically associated with a particular user. In order to share a remotely stored data object, the object owner must convert the data object to a traditional form of media (i.e. portable media) and physically give the data to the target users, individually disseminate the information by sending the data to the target users electronically, such as via e-mail, or manually edit the permissions for the data object stored remotely to allow the target users to access the file. If the object owner wishes to share the data object with many different users, but not the entire public, such a process is time consuming and error-prone.

System and method for providing access to data objects based on proximity


A full-bridge inverter based on a unipolar switching scheme includes a first branch and a second branch in parallel between a first DC node and a second node, the first branch including a first higher switch and a first lower switch in series, and the second branch including a second higher switch and a second lower switch in series. A filter circuit includes a first inductor and a second inductor. One pin of the first inductor is coupled with a first branch conductor, and the first branch conductor is coupled between the first higher switch and the first lower switch, and an opposite pin of the first inductor is electrically coupled with a first output node. One pin of the second inductor is coupled with a second branch conductor, the second branch conductor is coupled between the second higher switch and the second lower switch, and an opposite pin of the second inductor is coupled with a second output node of the full-bridge inverter. A first filtering unit switch, a first filter diode, a second filter diode and a second filtering unit switch in series are coupled between the first branch conductor and the second branch conductor, cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are coupled together. A cathode of a third filter diode is coupled with the first output node, and a cathode of a fourth filter diode is coupled with the second output node. The anodes of the third diode and the fourth diode are coupled together. A third inductor is coupled between the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode and the anodes of the third diode and the fourth diode.

A full-bridge (FB) inverter with unipolar switching scheme (USS) is a popular combination in grid connected inverter applications, an example of which is a photovoltaic (PV) inverter because of high power efficiency and a simple circuitry and control. In order to reduce the size of the output inductor, the switching frequency should to be increased. However, a high switching frequency will incur high switching loss and thus the overall power efficiency will be offset. Hence, there is a need for improvement.

Full-bridge inverter with unipolar switching scheme and its method of operation


A fuel injection is carried out as n split injections. Each of injection quantities is defined by dividing an injection quantity into n fuel injections. A FCCB correction and an ISC correction are carried out while n split injection cycles are performed. A value obtained by adding up an FCCB correction for each injection cycle and an ISC correction for each injection cycle is updated and stored as a learned injection quantity. The learned injection quantity is calculated as an injection quantity correction for each cylinder to be added to a command injection quantity for each injection cycle.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-56492 filed on Mar. 1, 2002 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fuel injection quantity controller for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pilot injection quantity controller for an internal combustion engine, capable of driving a fuel injector a plurality of times while the engine is in a compression stroke to inject a small quantity of fuel at least once for pilot injection before main injection.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional common rail type fuel injection system injects a high-pressure fuel stored in a common rail under pressure into the cylinders of a multi-cylinder diesel engine. This common rail type fuel injection system performs pilot injection several times prior to main injection that makes the engine produce torque to reduce combustion noise and engine vibrations by stabilizing combustion from the start of main injection and to improve the quality of the exhaust gas.
Usually, the variation of an actual injection quantity in an injection command pulse time (TQ pulse width) for which the fuel injector injects fuel is corrected by individually adjusting the fuel injectors of the cylinders. Since the pilot injection quantity is as small as 5 mm3/st, the pilot injection cannot achieve its purpose satisfactorily due to the variation of the actual injection quantity in the injection command pulse time, and the failure of pilot injection or injection of an excessive quantity of the fuel due to the deterioration of the ability of the fuel injector resulting from the secular change of injection quantity. The actual injection quantity injected by the fuel injector in the injection command pulse time tends to vary in a wide range when the injection pressure is high. Thus, it is very difficult to guarantee the performance of the fuel injector when the injection quantity is as small as on the order of 1 mm3/st.
An inter-cylinder engine speed variation injection quantity correcting technique (FCCB) has been proposed to solve the foregoing problems. Application of this correcting technique is limited only to the correction of fuel injection pressure during idling, and this correcting technique cannot achieve correct correction of fuel injection pressure while the vehicle is running and when fuel injection pressure is high.
A method of proportionally distributing an injection quantity correction to two injection cycles, i.e., a pilot injection cycle and a main injection cycle is proposed in JP-A 2-23252. Application of this method, similarly to that of the foregoing known technique, is limited to the correction of fuel injection pressure during idling, and this method is unable to achieve accurate correction. Since this method distributes an injection quantity correction to the pilot injection cycle and the main injection cycle in proportion to the ratio of a pilot injection quantity to a total injection quantity and the ratio of a main injection quantity to the total injection, quantity, respectively, the method determines an estimated fuel injection quantity correction and is unable to quantitatively determine the divergence of an injection quantity relative to an injection command pulse time for the injector.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an injection quantity controller for an internal combustion engine, capable of quantitatively determining an actual injection quantity to be injected in an injection command pulse time by an injector.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an injection quantity controller for an internal combustion engine calculates a learning control mode injection quantity according to the operating condition of the engine when learning executing conditions dependent on a predetermined operating condition of the engine or operating conditions for the engine are valid, substantially uniformly divides the learning control mode injection quantity by n, achieves inter-cylinder engine speed variation correction for individually correcting injection quantities for cylinders to smooth engine speed variation in each cylinder by measuring engine speed variation in each cylinder while n split injection cycles are performed, and comparing the engine speed variations in all the cylinders with a mean value, and achieves mean engine speed correction by measuring the mean engine speed while the n injection cycles are performed, and uniformly correcting the injection quantities for all the cylinders so that the mean engine speed is maintained at the desired engine speed for mean engine speed correction.
Furthermore, the injection quantity controller calculates, for each cylinder, a first injection quantity correction corresponding to the deviation of a measured engine speed variation in each cylinder from a mean engine speed variation of engine speed variations in all the cylinders, calculates a uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders necessary to maintain the mean engine speed at the desired engine speed, and adds up a value obtained by dividing the first injection quantity correction for each cylinder by n and a value obtained by dividing the uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders by n. Thus, the difference between an actual injection quantity and an injection quantity to be injected by the injector in the command injection pulse time, and the deterioration of the performance of each injector due to the secular change of injection quantity can be quantitatively determined for each cylinder. The relation between an ideal command injection pulse time and an injection quantity can be determined by adding up and storing the difference and the learned value learned by the preceding learning cycle as a learned fuel injection quantity for each cylinder.
The present invention may be implemented in the following manner.
The first and the second correction calculating means calculate the first injection quantity correction for each cylinder and the uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders for a plurality of different fuel injection pressure levels, and the learned value storage means updates and stores learned values for the plurality of different fuel injection pressure levels. Thus, the difference between an injection quantity to be injected in the injection command pulse time by the injector and an actual injection quantity can be quantitatively determined in a state where the engine is in operation even at a high fuel injection pressure and at a very small injection quantity, which is difficult to guarantee even by the single injector.
The learned values stored by the learned value storage means for fuel injection pressure levels other than the plurality of different fuel injection pressure levels are determined by interpolation. Thus, the learned values stored by the learned value storage means for the entire working range of fuel injection pressure in an actual vehicle including fuel injection pressures in the learning control mode can be used as corrections to be reflected in calculating the fuel injection quantity for each cylinder. Consequently, an ideal correlation between command injection pulse time and fuel injection quantity can be maintained.
The learned value indicates a deviation of an actual injection quantity from an injection quantity to be injected in the command injection pulse time for each fuel injection pressure and each cylinder of the engine.
It is known that a temporary learned value including a change, caused by load on the engine, of an engine demand injection quantity is abnormally greater than other temporary learned values. Therefore, the injection quantity controller is provided with the temporary learned value storage means capable of dividing the learned control mode injection quantity into substantially equal n injection quantities, of calculating a learned value of, for example, injection quantity by adding up the first injection quantity correction for each cylinder or a value obtained by dividing the first correction by n, and the uniform second injection quantity correction or a value obtained by dividing the second correction by n while the inter-cylinder engine speed variation correction and the mean engine speed correction are being carried out, and of repeating the learning control operation a plurality of times to update and store the learned values calculated by repeating the learning control operation a plurality of times. The minimum value for each fuel injection pressure and each cylinder among the plurality of updated and stored learned values is used as the final learned value to determine whether or not the temporary learned value is normal. Since excessive correction of fuel injection quantity resulting from false learning (false correction) or excessive learning (excessive correction) can be prevented, the increase of combustion noise and vibrations of the engine, and the deterioration of emissions can be avoided. Thus, the minimum temporary learned value among the temporary learned values obtained by the plurality of learning control operations, i.e., a proper temporary learned value, can be reflected as the final learned value (correction) in the fuel injection quantity.
The calculation of learned value for every one of learned values of the plurality of different fuel injection pressure levels and for selecting the minimum value among the plurality of temporary learned valves as the final learned value to improve the learning accuracy (correcting accuracy) corresponding to the deterioration of the performance of the injector due to the deviation of the actual injection quantity from the injection quantity to be injected in the command injection pulse time increases combustion noise due to high-pressure injection. Therefore, it is desirable to calculate the learned value or the temporary learned value at a predetermined learned value calculating frequency or a predetermined correcting frequency. However, when the learned value is calculated at the predetermined learned value calculating frequency or the predetermined correcting frequency, a state in which an injection quantity of fuel different from a proper injection quantity is injected is continued until the next learned value or temporary learned value is calculated and hence the performance of the engine is deteriorated if an unexpected sudden change of injection quantity occurs or when the calculation of a learned value or a temporary learned value is executed without detecting a state in which a load, such as an electrical load, is applied to the engine.
The accuracy of decision of false learning can be improved by providing a command to perform the inter-cylinder engine speed variation correction and the mean engine speed correction again from the beginning when the uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders or the second correction is smaller than a predetermined value under a condition other than the learning executing conditions, and to perform a learning control operation that updates and stores the calculated learned value, a fuel injection quantity corresponding to the desired fuel injection quantity can be determined for a period preceding the calculation of the next learned value or temporary learned value by executing learning again after false learning, and the deterioration of the performance of the engine can be prevented. When a state where a load, such as an electrical load, is applied to the engine can be detected during relearning control, time necessary for calculating the final learned value can be greatly curtailed by using a temporary learned value calculated by a single learning control cycle as the final learned value, as compared with the learning control that uses the minimum value among the plurality of temporary learned values calculated by a plurality of learning control cycles as the final learned value.
A command is provided not to store a learned value obtained by the present learning control cycle and to start the learning control cycle from the beginning or to inhibit or suspend the learning control operation when the difference between a learned value obtained by the preceding learning control cycle and that obtained by the present learning control cycle is outside a predetermined range or when an integrated learned value is greater than a predetermined value. Thus, false learning or excessive learning can be prevented.
A command is provided to inhibit or suspend the learning control operation upon the increase of the uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders or the second correction from the start of the learning control operation by a value greater than a predetermined value. Thus, false learning or excessive learning can be prevented.
It is possible that false correction or excessive correction occurs when a learned value is used due to the effect of fuel injection quantity, fuel injection pressure and engine speed when a learned value is reflected in a region other than that for learning control mode. Excessive correction of fuel injection quantity caused by false correction or excessive correction can be prevented by using a value obtained by tempering the learned value or the temporary learned value with a correction coefficient serving as a measure of the characteristics of a fuel injection system as a learned correction. Thus, the increase of combustion noise and vibrations of the engine and the deterioration of emissions can be prevented, and a proper learned correction can be reflected as a correction in fuel injection quantity.
When an idling injection quantity (learning control mode injection quantity) corresponding to a predetermined operating condition of the engine or to idling fuel consumption includes an increment of engine demand injection quantity due to loading of the engine, false learning occurs and a learned value including the increment of engine demand injection quantity in addition to an amount of scatter of injection quantities and a secular change of injection quantity is calculated. A difference between the injection quantity and the idling fuel consumption can be distinguished and the effect of the change of the engine demand injection quantity can be removed from the amount of scatter of injection quantities and the secular change of injection quantity, when the learned value or the false learned value of the idling injection quantity (learning control mode injection quantity) corresponding to the idling fuel consumption is determined by subtracting a change in the set engine demand injection quantity corresponding to the variation of load on the engine from the sum of the first injection quantity correction or the first correction, and the second injection quantity correction or the second correction or adding the same to the sum of the first injection quantity correction or the first correction, and the second injection quantity correction. Thus, excessive correction of fuel injection quantity resulting from false learning (false correction) or excessive learning (excessive correction) can be prevented. Consequently, the increase of combustion noise and vibrations of the engine, and the deterioration of emissions can be prevented, and a proper learned injection quantity can be reflected as a correction in the fuel injection quantity.
When a learning control operation is performed to divide the learning control mode injection quantity substantially uniformly for n injection cycles, to calculate, for example, a learned injection quantity by adding up a value obtained by dividing the first injection quantity correction or the first correction for each cylinder by n and a value obtained by dividing the uniform second injection quantity correction for all the cylinders or the second correction by n while inter-cylinder engine speed variation correction and mean engine speed correction are being performed, and to update and store the calculated learned injection quantity, the learning control operation continues indefinitely and the deterioration of the performance (function) of the injector due to the variation of the injection quantity and the secular change of injection quantity cannot be corrected if the learning executing conditions are invalidated by operations, such as depression of the accelerator pedal and closing of the switch of the air conditioner, and learning control operation is suspended frequently.
Time necessary for completing a learning control operation can be curtailed by starting the succeeding learning control operation after the learning conditions have become valid from a learning state where the preceding learning control operation was suspended due to the invalidity of the learning executing conditions. Thus, the learning control operation can be surely completed even if the learning control operation is suspended frequently. Even when a learning control operation for calculating an injection quantity, as a temporary learned value, by adding up a value obtained by dividing the first correction or the first correction for each cylinder by n and a value obtained by dividing the uniform second correction or the second correction for all the cylinders by n, and updating and storing the calculated injection quantity is executed a plurality of times, the calculation of the next temporary learned value can be started without calculating the first temporary learned value by starting the succeeding learning control operation after the learning conditions have become valid from a learning state where the preceding learning control operation was suspended.
The learning executing conditions are valid under a condition where an idling fuel consumption state and false learning is detected or where the frequency of an ignition switch opening operation, the distance traveled by a vehicle, the operating time of the engine or the secular reduction of injection quantity resulting from the deterioration of the performance and function of the injector due to the secular change of injection quantity meets predetermined conditions and is invalid under conditions other than the foregoing condition. Use of input information about the change of load on the engine, such as power for driving engine accessories and electrical loads, the setting of the select lever in the neutral range or the parking range, or a condition where the clutch pedal is depressed by the driver in combination will enable the further effective detection of a state where the engine is operating at an idling fuel consumption.
If an injector has, for example, an injection quantity changing characteristic such that the injection quantity does not change at a fixed time rate, the secular change of injection quantity cannot be corrected by a learned correction if the frequency of calculation of learned value or the frequency of correction is excessively low, and the engine performs abnormal operation, such as generation of large noise due to high injection pressure, when a learned value is calculated if the frequency of calculation of learned value or the frequency of correction is excessively high. The frequency of calculation of learned value or the frequency of correction can be properly determined according to the frequency of an ignition switch opening operation, the distance traveled by a vehicle or the secular reduction of injection quantity by changing the frequency of calculation of learned value or the frequency of correction according to the frequency of an ignition switch opening operation, the distance traveled by a vehicle or the secular reduction of injection quantity.
Reflecting the learned value stored by the learned value storage means is reflected in the calculation of injection quantities, set according to the operating condition of the engine and the fuel injection quantity, respectively for pilot injection, main injection, after injection and post injection. Thus, a proper fuel injection quantity (command injection quantity) can be determined by using a learned value as a correction corresponding to the deterioration of the performance of the injector due to the large amount of scatter of actual injection quantities with respect to the command injection pulse time for the injector even in a state where the engine is in operation at a high injection pressure and at a very small injection quantity in the range of, for example, 1 to 5 mm3/st, which is very difficult to guarantee even by a single injector.

Fuel injection control system for engine


In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus that has a plurality of buffers to store data resulting from operations of a processor pipeline, a pointer storage to store pointers, where each of the pointers is to point to one of the buffers, and one or more resources coupled to the buffers to receive the data stored in the buffers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to processing data, and more particularly to processing data in a processor pipeline.
Instructions executed in a pipelined manner within a processor such as a microprocessor can have different latencies, as different instructions may require different cycles to complete. As an example, multiply-accumulate or divide operations may be pipelined into multiple execution paths of an execute stage for purposes of power and timing convergence. These instructions consume different amounts of cycles to execute, and thus have varying latencies.
In processor pipelines that support instructions of varying latencies, resource hazards may occur. A resource hazard occurs when multiple instructions or data thereof seek to use the same resource within a single cycle. Most architectures handle resource hazards by disallowing their occurrence by labeling the hazards as illegal. Such restrictions place a burden on software, including a compiler or assembler, and/or a programmer developing code. Additional overhead may be consumed and performance affected by requiring modifications to assembly code to overcome such resource hazards.
A stall is another event that can impact processor performance. Stalls occur when a pipeline stage signals to other stages to stop executing for one or more cycles so that the stage requesting the stall can "catch up". Such stalls negatively impact performance.
A need thus exists to more efficiently handle instructions of varying latencies and to reduce resource hazards and stalls, particularly in light of non-uniform pipeline latencies.

High performance architecture for a writeback stage


An improved face seal may comprise a seal housing having an annular extrusion, and a primary seal coupled to the seal housing. The primary seal comprises a sealing face and a base opposite the sealing face, wherein the primary seal has an annular structure coaxial with the annular extrusion with the base proximate a first end of the seal housing. The sealing face comprises a disrupted surface.

Carbon face seals may typically be arranged about gas turbine engine shafts and tend to protect gas turbine engine hardware from hot gases in the turbine engine gas path. A portion of newly installed carbon face seals tend to exhibit premature sealing face wear during start up attributable to increased friction loading at the sealing face during the startup condition. In this regard, the carbon face seal may tend to have decreased sealing performance and may tend to result in damage to the gas turbine engine or gas turbine engine hardware surrounding the seal.

Systems and methods for improving start up wear performance of carbon seals


A humidifier includes a reservoir for containing water, a wick wettable by water contained in the reservoir and a humidifier bottle for supplying water to the reservoir. The bottle is pivotally situated in the humidifier and a translating member is responsive to the angular movement of the humidifier bottle. The translating member includes a visual indicator thereon to indicate the amount of water contained in the bottle. A biasing member cooperates with the translating member to situate the humidifier bottle in a first angular position in response to the bottle being empty, such that the bottle is displaced from the first angular position within the receptacle when the bottle contains water. The amount of angular displacement of the bottle is a function of the amount of water in the bottle. A light source may be provided to illuminate the display window in response to movement of the translating member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to humidifiers, and, more particularly, to a capacity indicator for indicating the amount of fluid contained in a humidifier bottle.
2. Description of Related Art
Humidifiers are commonly used in homes to add moisture to the air, particularly during the winter months, when the air typically has low moisture content. The added moisture content in the air during these dry, cold weather months provides for a more comfortable environment within the home. As a result, humidifiers have become a popular, inexpensive means for achieving optimal air moisture content within the home environment.
One difficulty commonly encountered with humidifiers, however, is the inability to determine the water level of a humidifier bottle with relative ease. Some humidifiers have an elongated clear plastic strip (i.e., a window) on their side such that one can view the bottle compartment of the humidifier. Typically, an individual will rely on direct visual sighting of the bottle""s water level through this clear plastic strip to determine the amount of water contained therein. Since many humidifiers are compact in size and are placed on the floor, such viewing of the water level typically requires one to bend down to view the plastic strip of the humidifier. Viewing the water level within close proximity to the humidifier is generally needed since water is colorless, and it is often difficult to ascertain such water level at a distance. Thus, the action of bending down to the humidifier can be inconvenient.
Previous methods may also require that the user open the unit, lift up the bottle, and estimate how much water remains in the bottle. If the unit has more than one bottle, this procedure would have to be repeated for the other bottle.
Furthermore, users of humidifiers want an easy way to identify how full the humidifier is and not just when the bottle is empty. As well users desire a way of visualizing the amount of water in each of the bottles, without having to physically interface with the unit at all. Use of an illuminated capacity indicator could provide indication of the amount of water in the bottle of a humidifier from a substantial distance or even within a dark room.
The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
In one aspect of the present invention, a humidifier includes a reservoir for containing water, a wick wettable by water contained in the reservoir and a humidifier bottle for supplying water to the reservoir. The bottle is pivotally situated in the humidifier and a translating member is responsive to the angular movement of the humidifier bottle. The translating member includes a visual indicator thereon to indicate the amount of water contained in the bottle. A biasing member cooperates with the translating member to situate the humidifier bottle in a first angular position in response to the bottle being empty, such that the bottle is displaced from the first angular position within the receptacle when the bottle contains water. The translating member may, for example, be situated to move laterally and/or rotationally in response to the pivotal movement of the bottle. The amount of angular displacement of the bottle is a function of the amount of water in the bottle.
The humidifier may include a display opening or window in the humidifier""s cabinet such that the visual indicator of the translating member is visible therethrough. In certain exemplary embodiments, a light source is provided to illuminate portions of the display window in response to the movement of the translating member.

Device and method for indicating the amount of water contained in a humidifier water bottle


The present invention discloses a mobile device, where the mobile device includes an image sensing unit, a touch screen, and a processor. The image sensing unit is configured to receive at least an image of a scene comprising at least an object. The touch screen is configured to display at least an image of a scene and received at least one user input. The processor is configured to identify the object in response to a first user input corresponding to the object is received, determine characteristics of the object, track the object in the scene according to the characteristics of the object, and capture a number of images of the scene according to a motion state of the object. The motion state is determined according to variance of the characteristics of the object in consecutive images received by the image sensing unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an auto burst image capture method, a method for tracking an object in a scene and a mobile device, and particularly to an auto burst image capture method that can generate a series of images always focus on an object to satisfy a requirement of a user when the user utilizes auto burst in the mobile device to shoot a series of burst images corresponding to the object automatically.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, auto burst in an image capture device can provide the ability to shoot a series of images corresponding to a scene automatically. The image capture device may be a smart phone, tablet, digital camera and/or other portable devices. For example, a series of images corresponding to the scene maybe taken by a camera application installed on a smart phone when a user presses a shutter icon displayed on a touch screen of the smart phone. The scene may comprise one or more objects that the user wishes to record. By taking burst images, the user can capture variation of the object (e.g. motion of the object) within a period of time to increase life fun.
However, the series of images corresponding to the object may not satisfy a requirement of the user because the series of images are out of focus with respect to the object when the user utilizes auto burst in the camera to shoot the series of images corresponding to the object automatically. Thus, the user maybe unhappy to utilize auto burst in the camera.

Auto burst image capture method applied to a mobile device, method for tracking an object applied to a mobile device, and related mobile device


An arrangement for a control valve for controlling pressure and flow rate of a fluid, the fluid flowing via an inlet into the control valve being brought to rotate about a main flow axis before the fluid, at least with reduced pressure or speed energy, flows via an outlet opening from the control valve and where at least one inlet port communicating with the inlet being provided tangentially in relation to an inlet portion of the speed reduction chamber located in the control valve, and where the speed reduction chamber, provided substantially concentric with the main flow axis, is divergent over at least the first portion of the main flow direction.

In the production of petroleum, the well fluid often contains considerable quantities of water. In a last production phase from a well it is not uncommon for water to represent up to 90% of the well flow.
Water and petroleum are separated in several steps after the well fluid has flowed out from the well. Before this separation can take place and also between the various steps it is necessary, however, to control the flow rate and the fluid pressure.
This type of control is typically performed by means of a control valve positioned in the flow path in front of the process step in question.
A theoretical description of a separation process between non-mixable fluids is usually based on Stoke's law:
      V    t    =                    g        ·                  D          2                ·                  (                                    ρ              1                        -                          ρ              2                                )                            18        ·        μ                        [              m        s            ]
For oil/water separation Vt is the rate of ascent of an oil droplet in water, g is gravity, D is droplet diameter, ρ1 is specific gravity of the continuous phase (water), ρ2 is specific gravity of the dispersed phase (oil) and μ is the viscosity of the continuous phase.
Stoke's law shows that the theoretical efficiency of a separation process increases by the square of the droplet size in the dispersed phase. It is thus of considerable significance that the control valve to the least possible degree reduces the droplet size of the phases in the fluid flowing therethrough.
Prior art control valves inflicts relatively large shear forces on the fluid. The reason for this is, among other things, that the energy loss rate is large, i.e. the fluid energy, e.g. in the form of speed and pressure energy, is lost too quickly. Fluids flowing through prior art choke valves show a substantial reduction of the droplet size(s) in the dispersed fluid phase(s).


A shaft seal for an exhaust fan. The seal limits leakage from within an exhaust fan housing around an exhaust fan drive shaft that extends between a rotational power source exterior to the exhaust fan housing and a position within the exhaust fan housing. The seal comprises a plenum generally positioned about the exhaust fan drive shaft at the point where the shaft extends into the fan housing; an auxiliary blower comprising a housing, an internal blade driven by an auxiliary blower drive shaft, and an auxiliary blower drive to rotate the drive shaft where the auxiliary blower drive is operatively associated with the rotational power source such that operation of the rotational power sources causes a rotation of the exhaust fan drive shaft and the auxiliary blower drive shaft; and a duct fluidly connecting the auxiliary blower housing to the plenum.

Sealing around a rotating shaft is a common place in industry and in numerous mechanical applications. Often a rotating shaft is required to pass into a housing or "area" containing a fluid, where there is a desire to avoid the passage or leakage of the fluid from about the shaft and into the environment outside the housing. One such example is an exhaust fan where the fan blade is rotated by a shaft that is driven by an externally mounted motor. In such instances a shaft seal will typically be mounted about the shaft at its point of entry into the fan housing in order to help limit the passage of gas from within the housing to the exterior environment.
In some instances the integrity of a shaft seal is important from a health and safety perspective. For example, in certain industrial applications exhaust fans are used to exhaust toxic, corrosive, noxious, flammable or corrosive gases. Where the fan motor or other drive mechanism is located outside the fan housing, a shaft seal will be required to help prevent gas from leaking from around the rotating shaft and into the ambient environment. Although in most cases the seals between the shaft and the housing are constructed to be "tight", they nevertheless often only limit leakage and never completely stop leakage entirely. In other cases, where very high integrity seals are utilized, the components of the seal can wear and degrade over time, which can allow a once highly efficient seal to leak. In instances where highly toxic or otherwise dangerous gases are being exhausted, leakage of even small volumes of gas can be problematic.


Clasp for a watch bracelet including a cover (2) connected on a first side to a first bracelet strand (6) and to a second bracelet strand (10) on a second side, with the insertion of a folding system (4) between the second bracelet strand (10) and the cover (2) of the clasp (1), wherein said folding system (4) includes first and second links (12, 14), the first link (12) is hinged by a first end to the second bracelet strand (10) and by a second end to the second link (14), the second link (14) is hinged in turn to the cover (2) of the clasp (1), the folding system (4) is moveable between a first position in which the first and second links (12, 14) are superposed on each other inside the cover (2) of the clasp (1), and a second position in which the first and second links (12, 14) are unfolded, said clasp (1) being characterized in that, in the first position of the folding system (4), the first link (12) is held folded down on the second link (14), the first link (12) therefore including first and second elastic locking points (22, 24) for fixing the link in the cover (2) of the clasp (1).

Diving suits are relatively thick to protect divers from the coldness of the water. Thus, when a diver puts on his diving suit, he needs to be able to increase the length of his diving watch bracelet so as to be able to put it around his wrist, over his diving suit.
For this purpose, it is known for diving watch bracelets to be fitted with a device known as a "diver's extension" for increasing the length of the bracelets of such diving watches. This extension conventionally includes a first adjusting link fitted with first and second parallel hinge pins extending transversely to the bracelet. The first adjusting link is connected to a link of one of the bracelet strands by the first hinge pin. The first adjusting link is associated with a second adjusting link by the second hinge pin. The second adjusting link is connected in turn to the cover of a clasp by a third hinge pin. Depending upon the respective position of the first and second adjusting links, the length of the bracelet varies between a first short adjustment size wherein the first and second links are superposed on each other in the clasp cover, and a second long adjustment size in which the first and second adjusting links are unfolded.
The diver's extension device includes a means of locking the first and second adjusting links in the short bracelet length adjustment position. In a known embodiment, this locking means is provided on the first adjusting link and includes firstly a tongue and secondly a pair of ball catches. More specifically, the tongue is provided in the extension of the first adjusting link, where the first adjusting link is hinged on the second adjusting link, whereas the ball catches are provided on the sides of the first adjusting link, in proximity to the area where the first adjusting link is connected to the end link of the bracelet strand to which the diver's extension device is hinged. The tongue is arranged to engage in a housing disposed in the clasp cover. To allow this movement of engagement, the second adjusting link must be folded down inside the clasp cover, while the first adjusting link must be presented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the clasp cover before being folded down onto the second adjusting link. If the first adjusting link is presented perpendicular to the plane of the clasp cover, the tongue is opposite the housing arranged inside the cover, and is then gradually engaged in the housing as the first adjusting link is folded onto the second adjusting link. The second adjusting link takes the form of a stretcher like frame between the arms of which the first adjusting link is housed. When the first adjusting link is almost folded down onto the second adjusting link, the ball catches provided on the flanks of the first adjusting link move back slightly, ensuring that the first adjusting link is held by friction on the second adjusting link.
The locking means described above has three drawbacks. First of all, the first adjusting link has to be presented in a well defined position, in this case substantially perpendicular to the plane of the clasp cover, so that the tongue can engage properly in the corresponding housing. If this condition is not satisfied, the diver's extension is not properly closed and the bracelet may open inadvertently, which means that the watch may be lost. Next, the order in which the two locking means, namely the tongue and the two ball catches, are operated cannot be changed. The tongue must first of all be engaged in its housing, and then it is only the ball catches which can lock the first adjusting link onto the second adjusting link. The reverse is not possible. The user must therefore learn how to use this diver's extension system and his full attention is required when handling the extension. Finally, the ball catches are systems which get dirty easily and which are not very reliable.


A method of applying a nondestructive mechanical force on one or more cells in aqueous environment by inducing heat generated acoustic pressure pulses. The method comprises providing an energy transmission pattern to induce the applying of a desired nondestructive mechanical force on a at least one cell by forming a plurality of heat generated acoustic pressure pulses in an aqueous environment and instructing the radiation of a target area in proximity to the at least one cell in the aqueous environment with light energy according to the energy transmission pattern.

Ultrasound creates a variety of non-thermal effects on biological tissues ranging from necrotic damage to delicate reversible effects like permeability enhancement and excitable tissue stimulation. The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to cell manipulation and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices and methods of manipulating cells by generating pressure wave(s in proximity thereto. In a recent study by Krasovitski et al. (2011) a novel mechanism of ultrasound induced intra membrane cavitation is suggested as the reason for ultrasound induced bioeffects in cells, tissue and organ. This mechanism denoted also as Sonophore or Bilayer Sonophore (BLS) suggests that US preferably induces bubble formation in the intra-membrane space between the two lipid leaflets.
The presence of a gas microbubble near the BLS acts as a pressure amplitude amplifier under ultrasound. It is evident today that the ability to introduce microbubbles in the human body is becoming crucial. When subjected to ultrasound, synthetic microbubbles can be used for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Microbubbles can be generated in the body by high intensity ultrasound or introduced intravenously as encapsulated bubbles also known as ultrasound contrast agents (UCA). In-vivo generated microbubbles may improve and widen numerous diagnostic and therapeutic applications in which UCA are currently used. Some of these applications are reviewed by E. Kimmel, Cavitation bioeffects, Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering 34 (2006) 105-62, which is incorporated herein by reference. One may also consider ultrasonically induced drug delivery which is based on releasing medication from broken UCAs at a specified location as described in E. Stride, N. Saffari. On the destruction of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents. Ultrasound Med. Biol. 29 (2003) 563-73, which is incorporated herein by reference to and increasing permeability of blood vessel walls for facilitated transport, which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, microbubbles are essential in ultrasonically induced targeted hyperthermia, and diagnostic imaging of specific cells, as well as for increasing membrane permeability of cells for, for instance, gene transfection, see for example R. G. Holt, R. A. Roy. Measurements of bubble-enhanced heating from focused, MHz-frequency ultrasound in a tissue-mimicking material. Ultrasound Med. Biol. 27 (2001) 1399-412, H. Ashush, L. A. Rozenszajn, M. Blass, M. Barda-Saad, D. Azimov, J. Radnay, D. Zipori, U. Rosenschein. Apoptosis induction of human myeloid leukemic cells by ultrasound exposure. Cancer Res. 60 (2000) 1014-20, and R. J. Price, S. Kaul. Contrast ultrasound targeted drug and gene delivery: an update on a new therapeutic modality. J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. Ther. 7 (2002) 171-80, which are incorporated herein by reference.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) sources provide enough power density to initiate bubble generation and growth in-vivo. An HIFU focal pressure of 4.5 MPa produces detectable bubbles in-vivo, see C. H. Farny, T. Wu, G. Holt, T. W. Murray, R. A. Roy. Nucleating cavitation from laser-illuminated nano-particles. Acoust. Res. Let. Online 6 (2005), which is incorporated herein by reference and referred to herein as Farny (2005). For example, S. D. Sokka, R. King, K. Hynynen. MRI-guided gas bubble enhanced ultrasound heating in vivo rabbit thigh. Phys. Med. Biol. 48 (2003) 223-241, which is incorporated herein by reference, suggests the use of very high intensity ultrasound (about 7 kW/cm2 at the focal point) of brief duration (0.5 s) to generate nucleation sites. These are then evolved into microbubbles by application of much lower intensity (about 0.2 kW/cm2) insonification.
An alternative method for generating nucleation sites by exposing light-absorbing gold nanoparticles to laser was suggested by Farny (2005). Gold spherical nanoparticles as well as carbon nano tubes can serve as light-absorbing elements in-vivo because they are biocompatible, conductive and have certain geometrical characteristics that allow them to effectively transform light energy into heat (see Jain et al., see P. K. Jain, I. H. El-Sayed, M. A. El-Sayed. Au nanoparticles target cancer. Nano Today 2 (2007) 18-29, which is incorporated herein by reference. Farny (2005) demonstrated that nanobubbles of about 150 nm in diameter can be obtained by exposing gold nanoparticles embedded in gel to a 532 nm (peak absorption of near-spherical nanoparticles) laser pulse phase-synchronized with an ultrasound burst of 10 cycles, lasting about 10 μs at a frequency of 1.1 MHz. The acoustic pressure amplitude used was 0.9 MPa—namely 20 W/cm2 in a propagating wave. Farny (2005) identified the threshold at which a nanobubble, once generated by a laser pulse heating an individual nanoparticle, evolves into a microbubble. The threshold occurs at acoustic pressures near 1 MPa, for laser energy densities of about 5 mJ/cm2.
V. P. Zharov, K. E. Mercer, E. N. Galitovskaya, M. S. Smeltzer. Photothermalnanotherapeutics and nano diagnostics for selective killing of bacteria targeted with gold nanoparticles. Biophys. J. BioFast, Oct. 20, 2005, doi:10.1529/biophysj.105.061895, which is incorporated herein by reference, demonstrated that exposing bacteria-attached clusters of gold nanoparticles to 532 nm laser pulse-generated nuclei that evolve into microbubbles at laser energy densities above 100 mJ/cm2. Regarding the use of microbubbles for tissue heating, it has been indicated that microbubble oscillations can enhance local ultrasound energy deposition by two orders of magnitude, see S. Fujishiro, M. Mitsumori, Y. Nishimura, Y. Okuno, Y. Nagata, M. Hiraoka, T. Sano, T. Marume, and N. Takayama. Increased heating efficiency of hyperthermia using an ultrasound contrast agent: A phantom study. Int. J. Hyperthermia 14 (1998) 495-502, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Methods and devices for manipulation of target cells using a combined application of acoustical and optical radiations

Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited


Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and methods for multi-link operations that include retransmission of data using different wireless links. The following discussion describes one such exemplary electronic system or computer system that can be used as a platform for implementing embodiments of the present invention. The multi-link device can be a multi-link wireless access point or a multi-link wireless station, for example. The multi-link device can operate multiple transceivers simultaneously to perform multi-link operations including retransmission using different wireless links. For example, the multi-link device can transmit an encrypted MPDU using a first wireless link, and retransmit the MPDU using a second wireless link by setting a MAC header of the MPDU according to a MAC address of the second wireless link, to advantageously enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of the wireless network.

Modern electronic devices typically send and receive data with other electronic devices wirelessly using Wi-Fi based technology that includes a wireless access point (AP) servicing one or more wireless stations (STAs) in a basic service set (BSS). However, it may be advantageous in some circumstances for a wireless STA to connect to a different wireless link, for example, that is subject to less interference than the wireless link that the wireless STA is currently connected to, or that is currently being used by a peer wireless device after an unscheduled channel switch.
Unfortunately, exiting approaches to data retransmission in a wireless network can typically only operate using a single wireless link. For example, when a data transmission (e.g., an MPDU) is encoded for transmission on a first link and not delivered successfully (possibly after a number of attempts), existing approaches to data retransmission are unable to send a subsequent retransmission over a different link because the MPDU has already been encoded for the wireless link that was originally used for transmission. Specifically, the encrypted MPDU includes a MAC header that is set using a MAC address for the first wireless link.

Apparatus and methods of packet retransmission between multi-link devices


An integrated circuit including a die of the integrated circuit, the die including an insulating layer, light emitting diodes, a semiconductor layer, and a control module. The insulating layer includes a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite to the first side. The light emitting diodes are arranged on the first side of the insulating layer. The semiconductor layer is arranged adjacent to the second side of the insulating layer. The light emitting diodes are connected to the semiconductor layer using connections from the first side of the insulating layer to the second side of the insulating layer. The control module is arranged on the semiconductor layer. The control module is configured to output pulse width modulated pulses to the light emitting diodes via the connections.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
A PN junction of a light emitting diode (LED) emits light when the PN junction is forward-biased. Generally, LEDs are energy-efficient, reliable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly. Accordingly, LED-based displays (luminaires) are used in a variety of residential and commercial applications. For example, the displays are used in microwave ovens, advertising signs, industrial control panels, street lights, and so on.
Luminosity of LEDs is typically a function of a forward current through the PN junction when the PN junction is forward-biased. Additionally, the luminosity is a function of a temperature of the PN junction (junction temperature). A forward voltage applied across the PN junction determines the forward current through the PN junction. The forward voltage is also a function of the junction temperature.
An LED controller controls current through the LEDs based on changes in the junction temperature. By controlling the current, the LED controller maintains the luminosity of the LEDs at a predetermined level. Different types of switch mode power supply (SMPS) are used to supply power to the LEDs. For example, the SMPS may include a buck SMPS, a boost SMPS, a flyback SMPS, etc.

Integrated circuit architecture for light emitting diode-based displays


Engagement of a clutch is at least partially controlled based upon the difference in rotational speed between the drive side of the clutch and the driven side of the clutch. As the rotational speed difference varies, the approach rate of the drive side and the driven side also varies for at least part of the total distance defined between the drive side and the driven side when the clutch is disengaged.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a device and method that control the engagement speed of a clutch. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a device and method as they are employed on a straddle-type vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vehicles can have any of a number of different transmission types. Three types of shiftable transmissions are a manual transmission, a semi-automatic transmission in which clutch manipulation by a rider is not required for shifting and an automatic transmission. These types of transmissions generally comprise a clutch.
As is known, a clutch generally is used to interrupt the flow of power from an engine output to a transmission input. As such, the clutch typically comprises a drive member on the engine side and a driven member on the output side. When the driven member and the drive member are brought together, the clutch is considered engaged. When the driven member and the drive member are separated, the clutch is considered disengaged. The clutch typically is engaged and disengaged with an engagement device that uses a clutch actuator to bring the drive member and the driven member into engagement.
Some clutch engagement devices feature two or three different speeds at which the clutch is engaged in order to improve the feel of the engagement action while shortening the time for engagement to occur. For example, if the clutch is moving from a disengaged state to a semi-engaged state, engagement may occur rapidly by forcing the drive side and the driven side of the clutch together at a high speed. Once the clutch has become semi-engaged, the clutch engagement proceeds at a low speed from semi-engagement to engagement until a clutch rotating speed difference becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value. The low speed movement from the semi-engaged state to the engaged state reduces an impact between the drive side and the driven side, which reduction results in a more comfortable operation for the rider.
To shorten the time required to achieve engagement, some clutches, once semi-engaged, continue to bring the drive-side and the driven-side together at a high speed once a clutch rotating speed difference becomes less than or equal to the predetermined value. Such configurations can be found, for instance, in JP-A-2001-146930 and JP-A-2001-173685.
While such constructions bring the drive member and the driven member together at different speeds during the range of movement, these speeds do not vary based upon the difference in rotational speeds of the drive member and the driven member (i.e., a clutch rotating speed difference). For instance, while the clutch rotating speed difference gradually varies over time during engagement of the clutch, two or three preset clutch engagement speeds are maintained until a clutch rotating speed difference becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value without adjusting the clutch engagement speed according to the difference in the rotational speeds of the two members.
Therefore, conventional clutch connection devices do not respond in different ways to different operational demands. The drive member and the driven member are brought together at the same two or three speeds regardless of the operating conditions. For example, quick braking and/or quick throttle operation of a vehicle by a rider while engaging the clutch is treated the same as an ordinary clutch engagement.

Straddle-type vehicle having clutch engagement control device and method of using clutch engagement control device


During a period before focusing is instructed, contrast detection is used to detect positions at which focus evaluation values reach a peak in regard to detection regions obtained by dividing a region containing a region in which phase-difference detection pixels of an imaging element are disposed; when focusing is instructed, focus evaluation value peak positions of each of the detection regions are acquired; if an optical system is in a focused state, the number of detection regions whose deviation in focus evaluation value peak position is within a threshold value is counted; if the number of applicable detection regions is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, focus position detection and focus control are performed by phase-difference detection, and if the number of detection regions is less than the predetermined value, focus position detection and focus control are performed by contrast detection.

1. Technical Field
The present invention pertains to an imaging device and a method for controlling imaging device, and computer-readable storage medium, and particularly relates to imaging device including an imaging element in which phase-difference detection pixels are disposed in a partial region within a light-receiving surface, an imaging device control method that is applicable to the imaging device, and a computer-readable storage medium storing an imaging device control program for execution by a computer disposed in the imaging device.
2. Related Art
Conventionally, phase-difference detection and contrast detection have been known as focus position detection methods in autofocus mechanisms of imaging devices. Phase-difference detection detects the amount of misalignment and the direction of a focal point position with respect to a focus position by using a dedicated sensor to detect misalignment between two images obtained by pupil division from light that has passed through an imaging lens; with phase-difference detection, the focus position can be detected in a relatively short amount of time because it is not necessary to move the focal point position of the imaging lens when detecting the focus position. On the other hand, contrast detection conducts a search for a focal point position (focus position) at which focus evaluation values relating to contrast in an image captured by an imaging element become a maximum while moving the focal point position of the imaging lens; with contrast detection, a dedicated sensor is unnecessary and focusing precision is relatively high.
Because phase-difference detection and contrast detection have different characteristics in this way, technologies that are disposed with the function of using both methods to detect the focus position and which select the method to be used for focusing have been proposed. For example, JP-A No. 2010-139942 discloses a technology where, in an imaging device including phase-difference pixels and normal pixels, the value of an evaluation function for evaluating whether or not distance measurement using phase-difference AF (autofocus) is possible is compared to a threshold value to thereby determine the reliability of phase-difference AF; when the determined reliability is high, a focus lens is driven in the direction of the focus position detected using phase-difference AF, and when the reliability of phase-difference AF is low, the focus is driven in the direction of the focus position detected using contrast AF and the focus lens is driven to the focus position resulting from contrast AF, whose precision is high in the vicinity of the focus position.
Phase-difference detection has the drawback that, compared to contrast detection, the conditions of subjects whose focus position is detectable are limited; more specifically, phase-difference detection has the problem that in a case where the distribution range, on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element, of a subject that is the focus target is large with respect to the size of the detection region for detecting phase difference (a case where the size of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element is large or where the size of the subject on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element is small but plural subjects existing at proximate distances exist in proximate positions on the light-receiving surface), the precision of focus position detection can be ensured, but in a case where the distribution range, on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element, of the subject that is the focus target is small, the precision of focus position detection drops.
With respect to this, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2010-139942 mentioned above, the value of the evaluation function for evaluating whether or not distance measurement using phase-difference AF is possible is compared to the threshold value to thereby determine the reliability of phase-difference AF. For this reason, in the technology described in JP-A No. 2010-139942, there is the potential for focus position detection to be performed using phase-difference detection also in a case where a subject not suited for focus position detection using phase-difference detection is to be captured, and in this case the precision of focus control drops as a result of being unable to detect the focus position or an erroneously detected focus position being used. Further, there also arises the problem that, in a case where focus position detection is switched to contrast detection when the focus position was unable to be detected using phase-difference detection, the amount of time from when focusing is instructed to until focusing is completed becomes longer.

Imaging device, method for controlling imaging device, and computer-readable storage medium