A circuit arrangement for controlling audio signal transmissions for a communications system that includes a microphone and a video camera. The arrangement comprises a video processor configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect movement of an object in the video signal, and provide a motion-indicating signal indicating movement relative to the object. An audio processor is coupled to the video processor and is configured and arranged to modify the audio signal to be transmitted responsive to the motion-indicating signal. In another embodiment, a video signal processor is configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect mouth movement of a person and provide a mouth-movement signal indicative of movement of the person""s mouth. An echo-cancellation circuit is coupled to the video signal processor and configured and arranged to filter from an audio signal provided by the microphone sound energy output by the speaker responsive to the mouth-movement signal.

The present invention generally relates to audio signal processing, and more particularly to a video-assisted audio signal processing system and method.
Videocommunicating arrangements generally include a camera for generating video signals, a microphone, sometimes integrated with the camera, a speaker for reproducing sound from a received audio signal, a video display for displaying a scene from a remote location, one or more processors for encoding and decoding video and audio, and a communication interface. In some instances the arrangement includes a speaker and microphone that are separate and not part of an integrated unit.
One problem that arises in videocommunicating applications, and with speakerphones as well, is the feedback of an audio signal from the speaker into the microphone. With this feedback of an audio signal, a participant hears an echo of his/her voice. Various methods are used to eliminate the echo in such arrangements. One approach to dealing with echo is operating in a half-duplex mode. In half-duplex mode, the arrangement is either transmitting or receiving an audio signal at any given time, but not both transmitting and receiving. Thus, only one person at a time is able to speak and be heard at both ends of the conversation. This may be undesirable because comments and/or utterances by a party may be lost, thereby causing confusion and wasting time.
Another approach for addressing the echo problem is an echo-cancellation circuit coupled to the microphone and speaker. With echo-cancellation, a received audio signal is modeled and thereafter subtracted from the audio generated by the microphone to cancel the echo. However, a problem with echo-cancellation is determining the proper time at which to model the received audio signal.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system that addresses the problems described above as well as other problems associated with videocommunicating.
The present invention is directed to a system and method for processing an audio signal in response to detected movement of an object in a video signal.
In one embodiment, a circuit arrangement is provided for controlling audio signal transmissions for a communications system that includes a microphone and a video camera. The arrangement comprises a video processor configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect movement of an object in the video signal, and provide a motion-indicating signal indicating movement relative to the object. An audio processor is coupled to the video processor and is configured and arranged to modify the audio signal to be transmitted responsive to the motion-indicating signal.
An echo-cancellation arrangement is provided in another embodiment. The echo-cancellation arrangement is for a video communication system that includes a microphone, a speaker, and a video camera for use by a video conference participant at a first location and comprises a video signal processor configured and arranged to receive a video signal from the video camera, detect mouth movement of the participant and provide a mouth-movement signal indicative of movement of the participant""s mouth. An echo-cancellation circuit is coupled to the video signal processor and configured and arranged to filter from an audio signal provided by the microphone sound energy output by the speaker responsive to the mouth-movement signal.
A video communication arrangement with video-assisted echo-cancellation is provided in another embodiment. The arrangement is for use by a video conference participant at a first location and comprises a microphone, a speaker, and a video camera arranged to provide a video signal. A video signal processor is coupled to the video camera and is configured and arranged to detect mouth movement of the participant in the video signal and provide a mouth-movement signal indicative of the participant speaking. An echo-cancellation circuit is coupled to the microphone, speaker, and video signal processor and is configured and arranged to filter, responsive to the mouth-movement signal, from an audio signal provided by the microphone sound energy output by the speaker. A video display device is coupled to the processor. A multiplexer is coupled to a channel interface, the echo-cancellation circuit, and the video signal processor, and is configured and arranged to provide audio and video signals as output to the channel interface; and a demultiplexer is coupled to the channel interface, the echo-cancellation circuit, the video display device, and the speaker, and is configured and arranged to provide audio and video signals.
A method is provided for audio signal and video signal processing in accordance with another embodiment. The method comprises receiving a video signal from a video camera. An audio signal from a microphone is received, and movement of an object in the video signal is detected. A motion-indicating signal is provided to an audio signal processor when movement of the object is detected, and the audio signal is modified in response to the motion-indicating signal.
In another embodiment, a method is provided for audio signal and video signal processing. The method comprises receiving a video signal from a video camera. An audio signal is received from a microphone, and movement of a person""s mouth in the video signal is detected. When movement is detected, a motion-indicating signal is provided to an echo-cancellation circuit, and filter coefficients are modified in response to the motion-indicating signal.
An apparatus for audio signal and video signal processing is provided in another embodiment. The apparatus comprises: means for receiving a video signal from a video camera; means for receiving an audio signal from a microphone; means for detecting movement of a person""s mouth in the video signal; means for providing a motion-indicating signal to an echo-cancellation circuit when movement is detected; and means for modifying filter coefficients in response to the motion-indicating signal.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

Video-assisted audio signal processing system and method


An apparatus (400) used for indexing and affixing components to a substrate includes a vacuum conveyor and a controller (816) for controlling operation of the apparatus (400). The conveyor includes pallets (102), first and second tracks (414, 416), first and second motors (502, 503), a vacuum source, a plenum (110), and first and second elevators (404, 405). The pallets carry the substrate, while the first and second tracks guide the pallets. The first motor is used for driving a pallet in a first direction on the first track, while the second motor is used for driving a pallet in a direction opposite to the first direction on the second track. The plenum is coupled to the vacuum source and at least one pallet for applying adhering forces to the substrate. The first and second elevators are used for transferring a pallet between the first and second tracks.

Manufacturing electronic circuits on rigid PCB's (printed circuit boards) constructed of, for example, epoxy glass laminate is well known. For consumer products such as pagers, watches and hand-held calculators, rigid PCB's have provided an effective method for the manufacture of such products.
However, as miniaturization continues to be a driving force in the technology market, new methods are under investigation to determine how to reduce the thickness of PCB's and more importantly how to manufacture new PCB technologies reliably and at low cost. As a byproduct of these investigations, engineers have turned their interest to the use of flexible substrates for carrying a multiplicity of circuits that traditionally were carried by rigid PCB's. Such substrates are constructed of, for example, polyimide material and are readily available at a low cost.
Although flexible PCB substrates have the attractive feature of being inexpensive, their lack of rigidity has made manufacturability a complex challenge. Presently, the manufacture of dense circuits, which include fine-pitch surface mount devices, is expensive and not easily repeatable in a reliable fashion over large volumes of flexible PCB substrates.
Accordingly, an apparatus would be desirable that would overcome the foregoing disadvantages described in the prior art.

Apparatus for indexing and affixing components to a substrate


A luminaire assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end, one of the first end and the second end having a threaded connection, a glass lens and a collar assembly connected to said lens, the collar assembly threadably connected to the housing. A luminaire lens mounting assembly, further may include a first lens connected to a housing, a belt connected to the housing, at least one arm extending from the belt, and, a second lens surrounding at least one of the housing and the first lens, the at least one arm extending through the second lens.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a luminaire and more particularly an assembly for connection of a lens to a luminaire housing for various lighting environments.
2. Description of the Related Art
Luminaires are designed to produce a predetermined light pattern on an area to be illuminated. Typical luminaires include ballast housing for positioning of the electrical hardware for driving the luminaire and an optical assembly mounted to the ballast housing. The optical assembly may include a refractor or reflector, generally referred to hereinafter as a lens, disposed about a light source.
Prior art lenses may have a threaded neck which is threadably connected to the ballast housing providing the connection between the ballast housing and a lens. However, forming a thread feature on a lens typically weakens the glass lens such that the weight of the lens may be supported by a weakened area which ultimately may result in the lens breaking. Further, it is also desirable to have a clean connection between the ballast housing and lens, which does not draw the eye of a bi-standard within the area being illuminated.
According to some embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize a second outer reflector extending about the inner lens connected to the housing. However, it is also preferable to utilize the same housing design for either the single lens or double lens design, which simplifies manufacturing.
Given the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a lens mounting assembly is desired which allows for clean connection of an inner lens to a housing, as well as connection of an outer lens about the inner lens and housing.


There is provided a phase shift full bridge (PSFB) type power supply device controlling a switching on time of lagging leg switches according to a load state. The power supply device includes a power supply unit supplying preset DC power by switching input power using a full bridge by a phase shift method; and a control unit controlling a switching time of a switch of the full bridge according to a load state in which the DC power is received from the power supply unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power supply device having improved power conversion efficiency in light load condition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, various types of electronic devices, such as computers, display devices, various control devices, and the like that meet various requirements have been used domestically, commercially and industrially.
These electronic devices have essentially adopted a power supply device supplying required driving power so as to perform various operations while meeting various requirements.
Meanwhile, in order to meet the requirements of high power specifications, in the foregoing power supply device, a full bridge converter capable of reducing a switching loss by implementing zero voltage switching using a phase shift control has been prevalently used.
The foregoing full bridge converter may include two leading leg switches and two lagging leg switches, similarly to the invention disclosed in the following related art document.
However, in case of the leading leg switch, the zero voltage switching can be made in the overall load region, but in case of the lagging leg switch, as the load is decreased, the zero voltage switching may not be smoothly performed, and thus, the power conversion efficiency may be drastically degraded in a light load region.

Power supply device having improved power conversion efficiency in light load conditions

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


There is provided an image forming apparatus that is capable of preventing input errors and eliminating the necessity of complicated input operations in making settings for a sheet mixing operation in which color image output sheets and black-and-white image output sheets are mixed into one group. A stacker tray stores sheets with color images formed thereon by a color MFP and is equipped with a storage device, into and from which information relating to the sheets can be written and read. A black-and-white MFP operates in response to attachment of the stacker tray to an inserter attached to the black-and-white MFP, to execute an image formation job by providing control such that the sheets with color images formed thereon stored in the stacker tray and sheets with black-and-white images formed thereon by the black-and-white MFP are mixed according to the information stored in the storage device of the stacker tray.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a sheet containing device, a sheet inserting device, a book-binding system, and a sheet processing apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a sheet containing device, a sheet inserting device, a book-binding system, and a sheet processing apparatus, which can be suitably used for the purpose of laborsaving or the like in an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to a network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, when printing out a plurality of types of originals consisting of color originals and black-and-white originals in a system in which a color image forming apparatus (color copying apparatus) capable of forming color and black-and-white images and a black-and-white image forming apparatus (black-and-white copying apparatus) capable of forming only black-and-white images are connected to a network, the user uses the color image forming apparatus (color copying apparatus) to print out all of the plurality of types of originals to obtain a printed matter composed of color pages and black-and-white pages.
On the other hand, since the color copying apparatus requires higher cost and time for image formation as compared with the black-and-white copying apparatus, the black-and-white copying apparatus has been required to be used to print out black-and-white originals among a plurality of types of originals consisting of color originals and black-and-white originals. Accordingly, it may be considered that, when printing out a plurality of types of originals consisting of color originals and black-and-white originals, the black-and-white copying apparatus is used to print out the black-and-white originals and the color copying apparatus is used to print out the color originals.
In this case, to collect recording sheets printed out by the black-and-white copying apparatus and recording sheets printed out by the color copying apparatus into one unit like the original plurality of types of originals consisting of the color originals and the black-and-white originals, the user needs to insert (interleave) the recording sheets outputted by one copying apparatus between the recording sheets outputted by the other copying apparatus and then manually arrange the recording sheets in page order.
As described above, when printouts from a plurality of images are desired to be arranged into one document, a part of the printouts cannot be processed on a computer. Thus, the user must manually work on the printed-out images spread out on a desk, which is very inefficient. From this standpoint, laborsaving is desired (the first prior art).
For the purpose of laborsaving, a method has been proposed in which one tray (hereinafter referred to as "the stacker tray") is commonly used as a stacker tray (containing means) used for temporarily containing color image output sheets outputted by a color MFP (multifunction peripheral equipment) and as an insert tray (reefed means) used for inserting color image output sheets between black-and-white image output sheets in a black-and-white MFP to collect the color image output sheets and the black-and-white image output sheets into one unit in which these output sheets are mixed together. In this method, color image output sheets outputted by the color MFP, whose output speed is lower than that of the black-and-white MFP, are stacked and stored in the stacker tray, and the stacker tray is attached to an inserting device (inserter) of the black-and-white MFP to refeed the color image output sheets, so that the color image output sheets and the black-and-white image output sheets can be mixed (the second prior art)
On the other hand, the "on-demand printing" field has drawn more attention in the field of digital copying and printing. The on-demand printing can satisfy the need for high-mix small-lot printing, and allows modifications of contents. Thus, the on-demand printing is suitable for producing documents such as manuals, brochures for personals, and so forth. Further, the one-demand printing considerably reduces the man-hour and time by greatly reducing the print inventory and enabling in-line operation from the input of data to completion of book-binding, and considerably reduces the delivery time and cost by making it easier to transfer data due to connection with terminals of clients via a digital network.
In recent years, image recording apparatuses such as digital copying machines based on the above described on-demand printing technique have been widely used, and the image qualities thereof have been improved to the level of printed matters. Further, due to the recent rapid spread of personal computers (PC) for offices and personals, a plurality of client apparatuses such as PCs can be connected to a plurality of image recording apparatuses such as digital copying machines equipped with print servers via in-house office local area networks (LAN) or digital networks to construct a network system so that necessary image information can be freely recorded on sheets at any given time.
As a post-processing apparatus for use in combination with the above-mentioned networked image recording system to produce only a small amount of booklets such as catalogs, manuals, circulars at offices, or the like, a collating and binding apparatus is known which carries out a so-called collating process in which printouts obtained by distributed processing by a plurality of image recording apparatuses are arranged in page order, and performs book-binding as the need arises.
Further, information of booklets such as catalogs and product manuals recently circulating in the market and image information of booklets such as circulars for offices have been increasingly provided in color, and an increased number of such booklets have been composed of black-and-white images and color images. As is known, printing all the pages of the booklets using the color copying machine requires higher cost and longer time as compared with the black-and-white copying machine. For this reason, in recent years, a method has been generally employed in which original image data of a catalog or the like is separated into black-and-white pages and color pages, the black-and-white pages are printed by the black-and-white copying machine and the color pages are printed by the color copying machine, and then the pages printed by both copying machines are mixed into one unit by the above-mentioned post-processing apparatus (the collating and binding apparatus) or the like to produce a booklet.
The post-processing apparatus such as the collating and binding apparatus used in combination with the networked image recording system, however, requires bins in number corresponding to the number of pages of a booklet to be produced in order to discharge recording sheets, and therefore, there is the problem that the post-processing apparatus is large-sized.
To address this problem, a booklet producing method and a post-processing apparatus as described below have been proposed. For example, a server apparatus analyzes a print job of six pages consisting of three black-and-white pages and three color pages (refer to FIG. 57), and outputs such a print request that the color pages be printed by a color copying machine and the black-and-white pages by a black-and-white copying machine.
Each of the copying machines having received the print request discharges recording sheets such that m copies of recording sheets can be stacked in units of copy (refer to FIGS. 61A and 61B). The discharged recording sheets are transferred to trays of the post-processing apparatus on a tray-by-tray basis. On the other hand, the post-processing apparatus feeds the color pages and the black-and-white pages in page order from the respective trays in order to collate the recording sheets. The post-processing apparatus then binds the recording sheets as the need arises to complete a booklet (refer to FIG. 60).
The above described technique has been already known as a distributed processing type booklet producing system as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 10-186953, for example. This distributed processing type booklet producing system is comprised of a server that distributes one job inputted from a client apparatus to a plurality of recording apparatuses for distributed processing, the plurality of recording apparatuses that record images on sheets based on the job according to an instruction from the server, and a post-processing apparatus that produces a booklet from the recording sheets outputted from the recording apparatuses. Further, the post-processing apparatus is comprised of a plurality of sheet feeding sections which are provided for the respective recording apparatus and in which the recording sheets outputted from the respective recording apparatuses are contained, and a control section that controls the operation of the plurality of sheet feeding sections according to information supplied from the server (the third prior art).
However, the above described first prior art has problems as described below.
To make it less complicated to combine printouts of a plurality of images into one document as mentioned above, a mixing control method has been proposed in which color image output sheets printed in advance are stacked in an inserter attached to a black-and-white image forming apparatus and the color image output sheets are refed. In this mixing control method, the color image output sheets outputted from a color image forming apparatus whose output speed is usually lower than that of the black-and-white image forming apparatus are once stored in an insert tray, and various information used for mixing the color image output sheets and the black-and-white image output sheets such as the job numbers of the print job, the sheet size, the number of copies to be printed, the stacked state of sheets in the inserter, and materials (the type of sheets; e.g. plain sheets and heavy sheets) is set using an operating section or the like, and according to the setting, information on color originals is downloaded from a server connected to a network or is read from a storage means of the image forming apparatus to form color images on sheets, so that the color image output sheets and the black-and-white image output sheets can be mixed.
However, when copying by the above conventional mixing control method, the user is still heavily burdened because copying errors can occur due to input errors made by the user or it is troublesome to make complicated settings. Particularly in the case where a plurality of black-and-white image forming apparatuses and a plurality of color image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a network, a long downtime is caused by improper mixing of color image output sheets and black-and-white image output sheets resulting from inserter attachment errors.
Further, the above described second prior art has problems as described below. In the case where an image forming apparatus mixes color images and black-and-white images, the user is still heavily burdened because copying errors can occur due to input errors made by the user or it is troublesomeness to make complicated settings as is the case with the first prior art. Particularly in the case where a plurality of black-and-white image forming apparatuses and a plurality of color image forming apparatuses are connected to each other via a network, a large amount of miscopies and a long downtime can be caused by inserter attachment errors.
Further, in recent years, as there has been an increasing demand for small-lot and diversified color/black-and-white mixing jobs, it is inefficient to process the jobs using only one high-capacity stacker tray since a large number of large-sized stacker trays are required. Thus, it has been preferred that a plurality of smaller-sized stacker trays are allowed to be attached to a stacker (inserter) so that the stacker trays can be selectively used according to requirements from the user to improve the productivity of small-lot jobs.
In this case, managing and using the plurality of stacker trays selectively according to requirements from the user necessitates outputting sheets with images formed thereon to inserter of desired image forming apparatuses and to desired stacker trays without fail. This will increase the troublesomeness for the user, and raise the frequency of miscopy due to setting errors and attachment errors as compared with the case where only one stacker tray is used, and thus, the user is heavily burdened. Further, an increased number of complicated settings may be required since operations must be performed to reserve a stacker tray that is executing no job (i.e. a stacker tray which is not being used) so as to use the plurality of stacker trays appropriately according to requirements from the user. Further, it goes without saying that, in the case where a plurality of users share the image forming apparatus and the inserter, the troublesomeness and the downtime are increased due to setting errors and attachment errors.
Further, the above described third prior art has problems as described below.
Since the post-processing apparatus is comprised of the plurality of sheet feeding sections in which recording sheets outputted from the respective recording apparatuses are set, it is difficult for the user to recognize which bundle of sheets has not been set in the post-processing apparatus. Further, when producing a plurality of types of booklets, if bundles of sheets for a plurality of booklets are set in the trays of the post-processing apparatus, the user easily makes input errors since it is difficult for the user to determine which bundles of sheets belong to which booklets. It is also difficult for the user to determine whether all of bundles of sheets have been set or not. Further, there is the possibility that processing cannot be properly performed due to errors made by the user. Further, even if a certain recording apparatus has finished outputting, the user cannot recognize this and the outputted sheets are left as it is without being set in the post-processing apparatus by the user, and the processing speed may be lowered due to a delay in job progress in an off-line section even if the processing speed can be raised by distributed processing control.
Further, it is impossible to clearly recognize the contents of sheet feeding sections set in the post-processing apparatus. Further, the operability is not satisfactory since when the user sets the sheet feeding sections, on which recording sheets outputted from the recording apparatuses are stored, in the post-processing apparatus, he or sheet must carefully set the sheet feeding sections at respective positions suitable for the contents of the sheet feeding sections. Further, only a simple flow of work can be executed due to the possibility that sheets are lost due to operation errors made by the user.

Image forming apparatus, sheet containing device, sheet inserting device, book-binding system, and sheet processing apparatus


A telecommunications device capable of performing a plurality of functions in addition to telecommunications functions is disclosed. The telecommunications device comprises a memory, a processor, and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The instructions are configured such that the device performs a function specified by the instructions to be performed when a pulsed analog electrical signal is received via a contact point on an integrated plug that is inserted into a socket on the device and that has three electrically independent microphone contacts, wherein the signal is generated responsive to an action taken on a hardware component on the device, and wherein the specification of the function to be performed occurs after the manufacturing process for the device is complete.

Mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, and similar portable electronic devices that have telecommunications capabilities may be equipped with a push-to-talk feature that allows a user of the device to simultaneously speak to one or more users of similarly equipped devices by pushing a single button on the device. That is, when a first user in a push-to-talk group presses a push-to-talk button on a device and speaks into the device, the voice of the first user may be heard on the devices of the other users in the group. The other users cannot transmit from their devices in a push-to-talk manner as long as the first user keeps the push-to-talk button on the first user's device depressed. When the first user releases the push-to-talk button, a second user in the group may then press the push-to-talk button on the second user's device and communicate with the other members of the group in a similar manner. In this way, communication can occur between the members of a group without the need for setting up a conference call among the members. Such half-duplex communication can also prevent the members of the group from attempting to speak simultaneously and can prevent background noise that may be occurring in the vicinity of one of the group members from being overheard by the other members, as may be the case in a conference call.
Some devices may also be equipped with an active noise cancelation feature and/or an active noise reduction feature. As used herein, active noise cancelation may refer to the attenuation of background noise in sounds received by a device, and active noise reduction may refer to the attenuation of background noise in sounds transmitted by a device. In some cases, active noise cancelation and/or active noise reduction may be achieved through the use of a plurality of microphones on a headset that is coupled to a telecommunications device. At least one of the microphones may be configured such that the voice of the user of the device is the primary component of the sound received by the microphone. The other microphones on the headset may be configured such that background noise in the user's vicinity is the primary component of the sound received by the microphones. An electrical signal generated by the background noise-focused microphones may be analyzed and an electrical signal that is the inverse of the background noise signal may then be generated. For active noise cancelation, the inverse signal may be added to the background noise signal and an incoming sound-based signal, such as the other party in a telephone call or a music recording. In this way, the device user may experience an attenuation of ambient background noise and may hear the incoming sounds more clearly. For active noise reduction, the inverse signal may be added to the background noise signal and the signal generated by the voice-focused microphone when the device user is on a telephone call. In this way, the other party in the telephone call may experience an attenuation of the background noise in the device user's vicinity and may hear the device user's voice more clearly.
Any component with a capability for telecommunication may be referred to herein as a handset, a device, a telecommunications device, or a mobile device, but it should be understood that such a component is not necessarily transportable. Also, it should be understood that the devices described herein do not necessarily have push-to-talk capabilities, active noise cancelation capabilities, or active noise reduction capabilities.


A device which provides support for the wrists, forearms and hands of both a manicurist and the person receiving the manicure while a manicure is being performed. The invention is designed to be able to be custom fitted to any work area regardless of the size including those work areas which have a ventilation system built into them.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of this invention is devices used by persons manicuring nails. More specifically, the field of the invention is devices for the support of the hands, wrists and forearms of the person being manicured and of the manicurist.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR Section 1.97-1.99
The inventor has searched the current market place and had a patent search performed for the invention in question. The inventor was not able to locate any device that could act as support for the working hands, wrists and forearms of a manicurist, let alone perform all of the functions that the present invention is capable of. Most of the prior art located provided means for support of the hands or forearms of the person receiving the manicure but none of them provide means of support for the working hands, wrists and forearms of the manicurist to prevent strain commonly experienced by a manicurist in her forearms, wrists and hands. Prior art teaches the desirability of providing for comfortable support of the hands or forearms of the person receiving the manicure, to keep their hands relaxed, but none of the prior art even suggests any reason for or means to support the hands, wrists and forearms of the manicurist.
While no product was located on the market that could act as a support for the working hands, wrists and forearms of a manicurist and at the same time provide support for the hands and forearms of the person receiving the manicure, a patent search did disclose the material prior art set forth hereinbelow. All of the material prior art, of which Applicant is aware, is set forth hereinbelow and copies of the patents and other prior art described hereinbelow are submitted herewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,500,649, Manicuring Table, issued Jul. 8, 1924, inventor Leo B. Simonson, shows a manicure table and in relevant part a round cushion which is for the support of the hand of the person being manicured. However, Simonson's Manicure Table does not teach a means of support for the manicurist's hands nor does it provide a support for the hand of the person being manicured which can be used on any table.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,844,698, Manicuring Set, issued Feb. 9, 1932, inventor Louis Snyder, shows a manicure table designed for use with a barber's chair and in relevant part a rectangular pad or rest for the hand being manicured. Again, Snyder's Manicuring Set does not teach a means of support for the manicurist's hands nor a support for the hand of the person being manicured which can be used on any table.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,314, Manicuring Table, issued Feb. 14, 1939, inventor Paul Percy, shows a manicuring table which provides both a support for the hand being manicured as well as an arm rest for the arm of the hand being manicured. However, Percy's Manicuring Table does not teach a means of support for the manicurist's hands nor a support for the hand of the person being manicured which can be used on any table.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,056,968, Manicuring Aid, issued Oct. 9, 1962, inventor Evelyn D. Fitzpatrick, shows a support for the hand being manicured which could be used on any table. However, Fitzpatrick's Manicuring Aid is not capable of supporting the working hands of the manicurist.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,002, Manicure Table, issued May 11, 1982, inventors Theodore A. Cowen and Gary B. Jackovin, shows a manicure table which has a padded inclined plane to support the forearm of the person receiving the manicure. The Cowen and Jockovin patent teach the desirability and need to have the hands of the person receiving the manicure relaxed. However, it does not teach of the desirability of or provide for a comfortable support for the manicurist's forearms, wrists and hands.
The enclosed copies of a dina meri.RTM. sales brochure depict the following relevant products: the 341VS Portable Nail Air Filter System and three vented manicuring tables (the 371-DLX, the 390-DLX and the 351-DLX) which all provide a padded armrest for the hand being manicured. However, none of dina meri.RTM. products provide a means of support for the manicurist's hands. Applicant has no relationship or association with dina meri.RTM.. The dina meri.RTM. sales brochure may prove useful in understanding certain species of the invention that is the subject of this application as will be explained hereinbelow in more detail be cause some species have been designed to be used in conjunction with some of the depicted dina meri.RTM. products.
None of the above referenced prior art teaches of the desirability of providing a comfortable support for the hands, wrists and forearms of the manicurist to avoid strain nor do any of them provide any such support. The present invention provides both comfortable support for the hands, wrists and forearms of the person receiving the manicure as well as comfortable support of the hands, wrists and forearm of the manicurist. At the same time the present invention raises the height at which the manicurist will work and is capable of being easily resized to fit on any given flat surface. None of the above referenced prior art suggests the combination of the separate features of support for the hands, wrists and forearms of the person receiving the manicure with support of the hands, wrists and forearm of the manicurist.


A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided, which includes: coating a negative organic photoresist on a substrate; performing divisional light exposure with a plurality of shots including first and second shots adjacent to each other; and developing the photoresist to form a light blocking member having a plurality of openings, wherein the first and the second shots have a boundary crossing the openings.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display and a manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display.
(b) Description of Related Art
A display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and each pixel includes a transparent pixel electrode for displaying images. The pixel electrodes are driven by signals from signal lines including gate lines and data lines that intersect each other to define pixel areas and are connected to the pixel electrodes through switching elements such as thin film transistors (TFTs). The switching elements controls data signals from the data lines in response to scanning signals from the gate lines.
The LCD includes a TFT array panel including the signal lines, the pixel electrodes, and the TFTs and a common electrode panel including a common electrode facing the pixel electrodes and a black matrix having openings facing the pixel areas.
When a display area on a backplane for LCDs is too large to use an exposure mask, the entire exposure is accomplished by repeating a divisional exposure called step-and-repeat process. One divisional exposure unit or area is called a shot. Since transition, rotation, distortion, and etc. are generated during light exposure, the shots are not aligned accurately. Accordingly, parasitic capacitances generated between wires and pixel electrodes differ depending on the shots, and this causes the bright difference between the shots, which is recognized at the pixels located at a boundary between the shots. Therefore, the stitch defect is generated on the screen of the LCD due to brightness discontinuity between the shots.
In particular, a black matrix made of organic material, including black pigments, and having negative photosensitivity, which is also formed by divisional exposure, may cause stitch defects such as spots on an image. It is because the negative photosensitive organic material has different morphology depending on the number of the exposure to light. In detail, the boundaries of the shots overlap each other in consideration of alignment margin, and thus the portions of the negative photosensitive material on the boundaries of adjacent shots are twice exposed to light, while other portions within the shots are only once exposed to light. Therefore, the twice-exposed portions of the light blocking member have different morphology from other portions and this morphological difference cause different optical property, thereby yielding spots.

Liquid crystal display and manufacturing method thereof


An electromagnetic gasket includes a first conductive shell having a pair of first side walls and a pair of first end walls extending from a first bottom wall defining a first opening, the pair of first side walls each having at least one first outward bias positioned thereon, the pair of first end walls each having a first tab extending therefrom, and the first bottom wall having an array of first openings and a pair of apertures; and a second conductive shell having a pair of second side walls and a pair of second end walls extending from a second bottom wall defining a second opening, the pair of second side walls and pair of second end walls each having at least one second outward bias positioned thereon, and the second bottom wall having an array of second openings. The First outward bias is configured to electrically connect to an inner surface defining an empty slot of an electrical enclosure. The second outward bias electrically connects the second conductive shell to first conductive shell when the second conductive shell is disposed within the first opening defined by the first conductive shell.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) sealing apparatus and related method; and more particularly to an EMC sealing apparatus and method for an empty slot of an electrical enclosure used in computing system environments.
2. Description of Background
It is an industry goal to continuously increase the number of electronic components inside an electronic device. This goal is driven by several key and important reasons. The first and more obvious one is for the convenience of compactness. Compactness allows for selective fabrication of smaller and lighter devices that are more attractive to the consumer. Some of the reasons for such appeal stem from a desire for easier transportation, shipping, installation and storage of such devices. In other instances, when compactness per se is not a driving factor, providing the same number of devices in only a fraction of available footprint allows the remaining space to be filled with more components which will increase system performance and speed. In addition, compactness also allows many of the circuits to operate at higher frequencies and at higher speeds due to shorter electrical distances in these devices. Unfortunately, despite many of the advantages associated with this industry goal, there are several important challenges that have to be overcome by the designers of these systems.
One area where the challenges and advantages provided by such compact densities is increased is in the computer industry. The reliance of many businesses on computers and computer networks in recent years, demands an ever increasing need to provide fast and accurate systems in the smallest and lightest allowable footprint. In a computing environment, whether comprising of a simple personal computer, or a complex system comprising of a number of computers in processing communication with one another, a plurality of printed circuit boards and cards are provided that house many electronic components and even devices.
A particularly challenging area for the designers of these systems is the issue of resolving electromagnetic interference (EMI). As the number of components are increased, electromagnetic leakage concerns continue to grow. This is because every electronic device, emits some form of electromagnetic radiation. If unresolved, EMI can affect system performance, data integrity and speed. Obviously, in larger system environments, the increased number of components that are stored in close proximity to one another, greatly increases the EMI concerns. This is because while such effects can be tolerated when few devices and components exist, the increasing number of components and devices can seriously impact system integrity and performance. This problem is further exacerbated by the improvement in semiconductor devices which allow them to operate at higher speeds, generally causing emission in higher frequency bands where interference is more likely to occur.
Prior art attempts have been made to minimize the interference problem. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requires that emissions from a given device be reduced by shielding or other similar means. Such shieldings are designed not only to reduce emissions from the device itself, but also to reduce sensitivity of the device to external fields such as fields from other devices. One type of such EMI shieldings are EMI gaskets.
In recent designs, it is necessary to use a metallic type of electromagnetic gasket filler to contain EMC emissions in an electrical enclosure in which a device having a printed circuit board or card assembly engaged therewith is absent from a slot of the enclosure, thereby leaving an open and empty slot. However, a common problem with such gaskets are that they do not fully contain EMC emissions when the slot is not populated by an active card assembly. The conventional style EMC gasket filler is configured as a single layer screen allowing escape of EMC energy therethrough. Since the conventional style EMC gasket filler does not fully contain EMC emissions, it doesn't provide suitable EMI protection and may even pose a threat for a potential short.
While the conventional EMC gasket filler solves many of the prior art problems, it is desirable to introduce a mechanism that can contain more, if not all, EMC emissions when a slot of an electrical enclosure used in computing system environments is not populated by an active card assembly. Accordingly, a need exists for a method and apparatus for providing enhanced EMC shielding for an empty slot of an electrical enclosure used in computing system environments. Such an enhanced EMC gasket filler should be mechanically stable to ensure a continuous grounding and designed to facilitate removal and installation thereof. In addition, it is desired that the manufacturing costs for the enhanced EMC gasket filler for shielding an empty slot of an electrical enclosure used in computing system environments be reduced.

International Business Machines Corporation


A track formed on a housing of an electronic device provides a space for a sliding element to slide. The housing includes a first stopper and a second stopper formed on a first side of the track for preventing the sliding element from deviating from the track.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device with a sliding element.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When assembling a sliding element on a housing of an electronic device, an operator places the sliding element in a corresponding position on the housing and utilizes an adhesive tape to fix the sliding element so as to prevent the sliding element from coming loose. Then, other components are assembled sequentially, such as placing a circuit board inside the electronic device. After assembly is complete, the operator has to remove the tape. If some adhesive residue is left on a surface of the sliding element, the operator has to use chemicals to remove it.
It is very inconvenient to assemble the sliding element on the electronic device, and takes a significant amount of time. Therefore, it becomes important to simplify assembly so as to reduce time and cost.

Electronic device with a sliding element


A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto. Removal of the inoculation device (20) by the handling mechanism (60) is permitted while preserving the sterile integrity of the inoculation device (20). A method for removing the sterile inoculation device (20) from the sterile storage container (84) while maintaining the inoculation end (26) of the inoculation device (20) in a sterile condition also is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to inoculation devices and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods used to store and preserve the sterility of inoculation devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and related industries experience unprecedented growth, their laboratory research and development proportionately expands. Thus, research precision has become increasingly important, often distinguishing their efforts. Through research evolution, research apparatus and techniques, once thought to represent the industry standard, are continually being replaced by better, more efficient and accurate apparatus and techniques.
Inoculation devices or tools are generally not considered precision research instruments. Manufacturers have not found it profitable, for example, to expend research funds to improve the precision of inoculation devices. Accordingly, significant strides to increase quantitative precision and sterile packaging of inoculation devices is greatly lacking.
Traditional laboratory inoculation techniques have remained rather crude, quantitatively inaccurate and potentially unsterile. Typically, after a desired microorganism has been successfully incubated in a nutrient broth substance, it is necessary to further colonized the micro-organism so that the particular strain can be identified, researched or experimented on. This procedure requires extracting a predetermined quantity of the inoculant from the broth and implanting or inoculating a nutrient medium, or blood agar, so that the microorganism can be grown under more controlled conditions. Using an inoculation device having an inoculating end, which is usually either needle-shaped or includes a loop end, an approximate quantity of the cultured broth is withdrawn therefrom by immersing the inoculating end in the broth. Subsequently, the inoculant is spread and implanted in the nutrient rich medium (agar) by contacting the inoculating end with the nutrient agar. Growth is stimulated by incubating the agar, for example, at approximately 37.degree. C. which simulates body conditions. This incubation period, depending on the rate of growth of the micro-organism which in some cases doubles every 20 minutes, is typically 24 hours. Subsequently, the colonized microorganism may be identified, studied or be the subject of experimentation.
Inoculation tools, in general, have not changed radically since the introduction of the inoculation loop. Earlier inoculation ends where comprised of metallic wires or needles. Often platinum or silver were used because of their higher conductive resistance. Metallic inoculation devices usually require sterilization before each use so that the inoculant is not contaminated by the growth or existence of other contaminating organisms or bacteria attached to the inoculating ends. By placing the inoculating end in an open flame, such as a bunsen burner, until the loop becomes red hot, the loop can be sterilized. The research technician must then wait for the loop to air cool so that contact with the inoculant will not kill the microorganisms therein.
Despite its crude application, metallic inoculating ends are still in use today. One problem associated with these devices is that this technique is generally time consuming. Often, several different types of microorganism colonies are being cultured consecutively. Valuable time is expended because the inoculating end must be sterilized after contact with each different inoculant or nutrient agar. Thus, the technician must complete the entire sterilization cycle after each use. Furthermore, since the metallic ends are held over an open flame, the length of the inoculating device must be fairly long to prevent conductive burning. Moreover, insulated handles are often required as a precaution and for ease of handling. Storage, however, becomes problematic when the devices are too long. Finally, materials such as platinum and silver, which are used because of their high conductive resistance, are much too costly. This cost factor is particularly important if one tries to overcome the time delay problems by using multiple metallic inoculation loops.
More recently, plastic inoculating devices have begun to replace metallic inoculating devices. While such plastic inoculation devices have decreased manufacturing costs, sterilization has become a problem. Heat sterilization over an open flame, of course, is inappropriate because the inoculating ends would either melt or substantially deform. Therefore, the inoculation devices must be sterilized by irradiation with radio-isotopes or an electron beam, or by auto-claving before packaging. Typically, a multitude of inoculating loops and needles are sterilized and then packaged in the same container. This method present many problems. Once the package is opened, the remaining inoculation devices become contaminated with time or if they are touched. Either the package must be used completely or you run the risk of inoculating future mediums with contaminated inoculants. Moreover, if the technician is not careful upon removal, the inoculating ends may become contaminated. Contact of the inoculating end against the sides of the bag is often sufficient to affect the sterility of the inoculating end.
This sterilization problem may be partially overcome by individually packaging the plastic inoculation devices and then sterilizing them. While this technique has been satisfactory for most uses, again, however, the loops often become contaminated upon removal from the bag. Moreover, removal from each individual package becomes tedious and time consuming, requiring repeated openings of individual containers. Storage also becomes problematic when these devices are amassed in bulk.
Another problem associated with plastic inoculation devices is that they tend to be extremely inaccurate. Tests have shown that the dispensing volumes of these current plastic inoculation devices may vary by as much as 60%. Part of this problem may be attributed to the techniques employed to calibrate the dispensing volume of the inoculation loop. Typically, the calibration of a dispensing volume of an inoculation loop is performed using the "Evan's Blue Dye" method. This method of calibration, although widely accepted, itself appears highly inaccurate. Thus, it is difficult to control the dispensing volume accuracy of the inoculation loop when the method employed to calibrate the dispensing volume is itself imprecise. As quantitative accuracy and research precision become increasingly desirable, this method of calibration is becoming obsolete and unacceptable. Thus, precision inoculations can be greatly compromised by these instruments.

Calibrated inoculation assembly and method of preserving sterility


Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a non-intended object of power reception by a power transmitter. Power transmission for communication is performed, when the load change is sensed that has a value greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. It is determined whether a subscription request, for subscribing to a network is received within a predetermined time period. The power transmission for communication is stopped when the subscription request is not received within the predetermined time period. Power is transmitted to a power receiver that has transmitted the subscription request, when the subscription request is received within the predetermined time period. It is determined whether a leakage power value exceeds an allowable range, when the power state report is received from the power receiver. The transmission of the power to the power receiver is stopped, when the leakage power value exceeds the allowable range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a wireless charging technology, and more particularly, to a power transmitter and a method for detecting a non-intended object of power reception in a technology for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power, which employs a resonance scheme.
2. Description of the Related Art
A system for wirelessly transmitting power includes a power transmitter and a power receiver. Power is transmitted between a primary coil of the power transmitter and a secondary coil of the power receiver.
There are two types of communication schemes that may be used in the system for wirelessly transmitting power, which has the structure as described above.
The communication schemes include an in-band scheme for performing communication through coils delivering power, and an out-band scheme for performing communication through a communication side separate from the coils delivering the power.
A system for wirelessly transmitting power, which employs an in-band scheme, operates as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a power receiver transmits data by using load modulation, and a power transmitter transmits data by using frequency modulation. In this in-band scheme, power is wirelessly transmitted and communication is performed simultaneously.
In order to sense invalid materials, after authenticating an Identifier (ID), the power transmitter transmits a signal at a particular frequency, and observes a width of a pulse wave. An observed value is compared with a reference value, and material validity is determined based on a result of the comparison.
Before the transmission of power, the power transmitter measures a width of the pulse wave, and acquires a reference value. When power is transmitted, the acquired reference value is used as a reference to determine whether invalid materials have entered.
As described above, when the power transmitter fails to receive an ID authentication frame from the materials sensed when authenticating an ID, it performs a control operation so as to stop the transmission of power to the sensed materials. However, it is difficult to determine that failing to receive the ID authentication frame by the power transmitter is regarded as sensing the invalid receiver or the invalid materials. Also, the measured value is used as the reference value. Accordingly, when the power receiver and the invalid materials are simultaneously placed on a charging deck, it is difficult to detect a non-intended object of power reception.
Moreover, a method for controlling power transmission, which is appropriate in an environment for wirelessly transmitting power to a single object, is described. However, no consideration is given to a method for sensing a non-intended object of power reception in an environment for wirelessly transmitting power to multiple objects.
In the case of an abnormal condition, for example, when invalid materials such as an invalid power receiver and invalid metallic materials are located within a charging area, in the environment for wirelessly transmitting power as described above, there may occur unintended events, such as, for example, failure and overheating, which are caused by power loss/overload.

Power transmitter and method for controlling power transmission


Pressure reduction and conditioning valve for simultaneously reducing the pressure and temperature of steam. The invention comprises a valve body divided into first and second chambers, the first chamber having an inlet port for the introduction of superheated steam under high pressure into said conditioning valve and the second chamber having an outlet port for expelling desuperheated and depressurized steam out of said conditioning valve; an annular seat affixed to the interior of said valve between said first and second chambers; a hollow cylindrical cage slidably coupled with said seat, said cage permitting the flow of steam between said first and second chambers when said cage is in a first position and permitting a controlled leakage of steam when said cage is in a second position; and water stem means coupled to said cage for adjusting said cage between said first and second positions, said stem means having an outlet for injecting desuperheating water into said second chamber to be mixed with said steam.

The present invention is directed to improved pressure reducing and conditioning valves. Pressure reduction and conditioning valves have been developed to simultaneously reduce steam pressure and heat. Typically, pressure reducing and conditioning valves are utilized for precise temperature and pressure control in turbine by-pass, drying rolls, air preheater coils, unit tie lines, process reactors, fan drives, compressor drives, plant heating, fuel oil heating, evaporator supply, and atomizing steam.
Pressure reduction valves reduce the pressure of incoming steam. Steam conditioning valves operate by mixing superheated steam under high pressure with desuperheated steam or atomized water. A problem encountered with prior art pressure reducing and conditioning valves is that they are complex and difficult to control. A particular problem encountered with prior art conditioning valves was that conditioning occurs in proximity to the valve member. Such conditioning valves require complex structures to provide desuperheating steam or water directly into the valve member, and often failed to achieve uniform distribution of the atomized water or desuperheated steam. Prior art conditioning valves also accumulated condensate downstream of the valve members, and experienced water leakages. There has further been a need for conditioning and pressure reducing valves having trim diameters of approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches. With the reduced trim diameter, the plug, stem and water outlet tube can be manufactured from a single piece, thereby facilitating manufacture and reducing cost.
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide pressure reducing and conditioning valves having trims with small enough diameters to permit the valve stem and plug to be fabricated from a single piece.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide pressure reducing and conditioning valve incorporating controlled steam leakage to heat the downstream side of the valve and to aid in the removal of condensate.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide pressure reducing and conditioning valves with improved water leakage control.
The present invention is directed to pressure reducing and conditioning valves having angled valve housings specifically designed to minimize thermal stresses and fatigue as well as to improve flow characteristics. Several embodiments of the invention incorporate an integral water proportioning system which supplies desuperheating water and which is designed to provide a fixed water to steam flow ratio proportional to the plug position and which is a function of the valve stroke. The invention further incorporates a system of labyrinths rather than piston rings. The labyrinth contains 6-10 grooves to reduce steam leakage between the trim and the bonnet for a balanced plug version. In addition, because of the reduced trim size, both plug and stem are manufactured out of a single piece.
The present invention, in its steam conditioning embodiments, incorporates a novel injection nozzle which uniformly distributes and atomizes the water within the high turbulence valve outlet area. The nozzle incorporates a swirling and accelerating chamber which helps to create a fine and consistent spray pattern. This feature assures complete atomization, and thereby optimizes evaporation and temperature control.

Pressure reducing and conditioning valves


A food grinding machine comprises a static outer jacket provided with conventional elements for coupling to a loading inlet of the grinding machine. Annular recesses are formed in the internal thickness of the jacket, have preset volumes and are mutually separated. A food pusher and cutter element is mounted inside the jacket so that it rotates coaxially, and a screening element with differentiated passage regions is interpose between the pusher and the jacket. Each region can be crossed at the annular recesses.

Conventional grinding machines used in the alimentary field are essentially constituted by a screw feeder, which is inserted in a specifically provided cylindrical seat arranged downstream of an inlet, is turned by a specifically provided motor and conveys the food towards a plurality of blades which rotate coaxially thereto, are fitted on the same driving shaft as the screw feeder, are grouped in a pack and are alternated with perforated screening diaphragms.
The diaphragms are arranged in a gradually decreasing sequence as regards both the density of the holes that affect each diaphragm and the diameter of the holes, so as to gradually provide, as the food advances outwards, a progressively finer reduction of the particle size of the mass.
However, especially in the processing of very dense food or of food having a fleshy pulp, the resistance that occurs when the mass passes between the diaphragms generates a very intense pressure, which is transmitted and distributed to said diaphragms, to the rotating blades and to the screw feeder.
Accordingly, this entails, especially in the industrial use of grinding machines, the use of motors with a high power rating, even as high as 70 HP, in order to overcome the resistance opposed by the mass being processed.
As a further consequence, there is provided a gradual deterioration not only of the sharpness of the blades but also of their structure, which by wearing very quickly require their replacement on the average every 4-5 working hours in addition to releasing microscopic fragments into the food.
Another problem of the known art in this field is the fact that in the diaphragms, the perforations that allow passage through them are distributed on each diaphragm with a decreasing density with respect to their surfaces, and this worsens the problem of the pressure applied by the food mass.


A foldable weightlifting bench includes a pair of supporting members each have a post and a transverse bar connected to a lower end of the post. A first connecting rod and a second connected rod are respectively connected between the two posts and the two transverse bars. A base member is pivotally connected to the first connecting rod and located between the two posts, the base member having a stand pivotally connected thereto. A retractable device pivotally connected between the second connecting rod and the base member. A link pivotally connected between the stand and the retractable device. The base member is pivoted about the first connecting rod and the retractable device is then extended to support the base member positioned at an upright position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a foldable weightlifting bench which is designed to be folded to a compact size for convenient storage and transportation.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
A conventional weightlifting bench is relatively large and, therefore, occupies a substantial amount of space. It is not convenient for transportation and storage. If the weightlifting bench is used in home, rather than a commercial location such as a health or fitness club, it is desirable to store the bench when not in use.
The present invention intends to provide a foldable weightlifting bench which can be folded so as to mitigate and/or obviate the above-mentioned problem.

7F, No. 291 Ta Tun 4th. Street, P.O. Box 19-78


Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The technology of the disclosure relates to fabricating gradient-index (GRIN) lenses. The GRIN lenses may be employed in fiber optic connectors for facilitating high communication bandwidth optical connections.
2. Technical Background
The increasing trend towards high performance computing (HPC) is driving the need for increased bandwidth of data communications between electrical data processing units. For example, communication rates between electrical data processing units may require data transfer rates of Gigabits per second (Gps) or even tens (10s) of Gps. In this regard, optical fibers are increasingly being used in lieu of copper wires as a communication medium between these electrical data processing units for high data rate communications. One or more optical fibers are packaged in a cable to provide a fiber optic cable for communicatively connecting electrical data processing units. Optical fiber is capable of transmitting an extremely large amount of bandwidth compared to a copper conductor with less loss and noise. An optical fiber is also lighter and smaller compared to a copper conductor having the same bandwidth capacity.
In this regard, fiber optic connectors are provided to facilitate optical connections with optical fibers for the transfer of light. For example, optical fibers can be optically connected to another optical device, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), laser diode, or opto-electronic device for light transfer. As another example, optical fibers can be optically connected to other optical fibers through mated fiber optic connectors. In any of these cases, it is important that the end face of an optically connected optical fiber be precisely aligned with the optical device or other optical fiber to avoid or reduce coupling loss. For example, the optical fiber is disposed through a ferrule that precisely locates the optical fiber with relation to the fiber optic connector housing.
It is common to provide flat end-faced multi-fiber ferrules to more easily facilitate multiple optical fiber connections between the fiber optic connector supporting the ferrule and other fiber optic connectors or other optical devices. In this regard, it is important that fiber optic connectors be designed to allow the end faces of the optical fibers disposed in the ferrule to be placed into contact or closely spaced with an optical device or other optical fiber for light transfer. If an air gap is disposed between the optical fiber and the optical device or other optical fiber, the end of the optical fiber is cleaved (e.g., laser-cleaved) and polished into a curved form to allow it to act as a lens. Spherical aberrations can occur when the end face of the optical fiber is cleaved and polished into a curved form, thereby introducing optical losses.
Gradient-index (GRIN) lenses offer an alternative to providing polished curvatures onto ends of optical fibers to form optical lenses. GRIN lenses focus light through a precisely controlled radial variation of the lens material's index of refraction from the optical axis to the edge of the lens. The internal structure of this index gradient can dramatically reduce the need for tightly controlled surface curvatures. This allows GRIN lenses to be provided with planar or substantially planar end surfaces or end faces to collimate light emitted from the optical fibers or to focus an incident beam into optical fibers.
A GRIN lens can be fabricated by cutting a portion of a GRIN rod to a desired length. For example, a mechanical cleaving process may be employed to cut a GRIN rod to the desired length as an initial step to fabricating a GRIN lens. As another example, a laser may be employed to cut a GRIN rod to the desired length to fabricate a GRIN lens. The process of cutting a GRIN rod to form a GRIN lens also creates end faces in the GRIN lens. The end faces of GRIN lenses can also be polished to be planar or substantially planar to a mating face. Mechanical polishing may be employed to polish the end faces of GRIN lenses. Mechanical polishing may be desired over laser polishing. Laser polishing may require exposing the GRIN lenses to laser energy for sufficient periods of time that may damage or crack the GRIN lenses. However, mechanical polishing processes can be labor-intensive. Mechanical polishing equipment can also be expensive and not have the desired manufacturing throughput. At various stages of polishing, the ferrules and respective optical fibers may also have to be inspected. Also, human involvement in mechanical polishing can lead to optical surface variations in mechanical polishing processes.


In a method for kneading a silane coupling agent-blended rubber composition prepared by blending a natural rubber and/or a diene group synthetic rubber with silica and a silane coupling agent, a coupling reaction of the silica with the silane coupling agent is carried out in a temperature range of 130 to 140.degree. C.

(i) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for kneading a rubber composition obtained by blending a rubber component with silica and a silane coupling agent.
(ii) Description of the Prior Art
Carbon black has so far been used as a reinforcing filler for rubber. This is because carbon black has a high reinforcing strength and abrasion resistance as compared with other fillers. In recent years, under social requirements for energy saving and resource saving, a reduction in heat generation of a compounded rubber has been required at the same time particularly for saving fuel consumption of automobiles.
Silica is known as a heat generation-reducing filler for a compounded rubber. Particles of silica tend to coagulate due to a hydrogen bond of a silanol group which is a surface functional group of silica, and therefore a kneading time has had to be extended in order to improve a dispersion of silica particles into rubber. In particular, since the surface of silica is hydrophilic due to characteristics of a silanol group thereof while rubber is lipophilic, there has been the defect that because of mutual repulsion, it is difficult to mix and disperse them and therefore sufficiently good dispersion cannot be secured.
Further, the surface of silica particles is acid, and therefore silica has the defect that since silica adsorbs a base substance used as a vulcanization accelerator when a rubber composition is vulcanized, the vulcanization does not go on sufficiently, which results in the poor elastic modulus.
In order to overcome these defects, a silica-blended rubber composition is blended with a silane coupling agent. Usually, a reaction mechanism of silane coupling agents is considered as follows.
In general, it is estimated that a silane coupling agent used in the rubber industry decreases, as shown in FIG. 2, silanol groups present on the surface of silica particles by dehydrate-condensation reaction (coupling reaction of silica with the silane coupling agent) of the silanol groups on the surface of silica with silanol groups produced by hydrolysis of alkoxyl groups contained in the silane coupling agent to thereby improve the dispersion of silica into the rubber and that the silane coupling agent is chemically combined with rubber molecules by a reaction (gelation) of another functional group of the silane coupling agent with the rubber molecules to form a reinforcing structure.
The preceding coupling reaction of silica with the silane coupling agent is hard to take place at low temperatures, and the reaction is considered to go on at temperatures of 140.degree. C. or higher in a rubber kneading process. In addition, there is the problem that when the coupling reaction described above proceeds insufficiently, egg-blisters are produced. Further, since the coupling reaction is an exothermic reaction, temperatures of 170.degree. C. or higher are reached in a short time.
On the other hand, high temperatures of 170.degree. C. or higher brings about a three-dimensional bridging reaction of rubber and increases rapidly the viscosity.
Accordingly, the existing state is that a sufficiently long reaction time of silica with a silane coupling agent cannot be taken in an actual rubber kneading step and that in order to carry out sufficiently the coupling reaction of silica with the silane coupling agent, a step of kneading--cooling--kneading--is repeated many times, usually 5 times or more. Accordingly, problems are present in terms of the workability and the productivity. Another existing state is that the dispersion of silica has not yet reached a sufficiently high level and in particular, the industrially good dispersion of silica has not been obtained.
Disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-196850 is a rubber composition obtained by a mechanical treatment including at least one heat treatment of a copolymer having specific physical properties comprising conjugated diene and aromatic vinyl and silica having specific physical properties at temperatures falling in a range of 130 to 180.degree. C., preferably 145.degree. C. or higher.
In this rubber composition described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-196850, the copolymer having specific physical properties and silica having specific physical properties are combined and subjected to a heat treatment at temperatures falling in the preceding range of 130 to 180.degree. C., preferably 145.degree. C. or higher in order to obtain a rubber composition having an excellent abrasion resistance. It is described only in the test F of the paragraph No. 53 to use a silane coupling agent, and little description on the silane coupling agent can be found. In addition, it is not disclosed at all to enhance a dispersibility of silica into rubber by controlling reaction temperatures in a coupling reaction of conventional silica with a silane coupling agent.

Method for kneading silane coupling agent-blended rubber composition


A filter assembly has a filter support means which axially receives a coreless filter element which is constructed of recyclable materials.

Fluid filtration systems are typically used in such fluid circulating systems as hydraulic, lubrication, and water systems. The filtration systems primarily comprise a reservoir for the fluid, a pump device to pump the fluid out from the reservoir under pressure and at least one filter assembly. The fluid is continually filtered through a suitable filtration medium to remove unwanted residues or impurities. For example, liquid filtration systems used for filtering the lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine generally have a filter assembly which contains a replaceable filter element comprising a suitable filtration medium. The oil enters the filter assembly through an inlet, passes through the filtration medium and exits through an outlet back into the engine/reservoir.
One problem is that the currently available replaceable filter element is typically made of metal components which create waste disposal problems after use. Filter elements containing metal components are generally regarded by the Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous material and must be disposed of according to stringent EPA regulations. This disposal problem causes industry great expense and contributes to further waste in toxic landfills. Further, the metal filter elements are expensive to manufacture and are costly to ship, due to their weight.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a filter assembly which mitigates or eliminates the above problems encountered with conventional fluid filter systems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter assembly having a disposable filter element which can easily be disposed of or recycled in an environmentally safe manner.

Filter assembly including a disposable coreless filter element


A handle for a surgical tool including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a gripping handle affixed to the proximal end of the shaft. A bushing is attached to the distal end of the shaft, the bushing including a plurality of flexible members circumferentially spaced apart. The handle further includes a sleeve circumscribing the shaft and the bushing. The sleeve is moveable between a first position substantially covering an entirety of the bushing and a second position spaced from a most distal end of the bushing.

The present disclosure relates generally to a handle for a surgical tool. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a handle for releasably receiving a surgical tool such as an osteotome and the like.
An osteotome or similar surgical tool is a chisel-like instrument used to cut or divide bone. Conventional handles for surgical tools, such as osteotomes and the like, do not always provide secure gripping of the surgical tool. As such, the tool is not rigidly connected to the handle or has too much play relative to the handle. Consequently, the surgical tool may not operate as precisely and effectively as required.


A camera 200 comprises an image pickup element 107 which has imaging pixels performing a photoelectric conversion of an object image formed by a light beam emitted from an image pickup optical system and focus detection pixels performing a photoelectric conversion of two images formed by two divided light beams, a focus detector which obtains first and second pairs of image signals having optical base lengths different from each other from the focus detection pixels, a selector which selects one of the first and second pairs of image signals based on at least one correlation amount of the first and second pairs of image signals, and a calculator which calculates a defocus amount based on the selected pair of image signals.

As one of focus detection methods of an imaging lens, Patent Literature 1 discloses an apparatus of performing focus detection by a pupil division method using a two-dimensional sensor where a micro lens is formed in each pixel of the sensor. In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a photoelectric converter of each pixel which constitutes the sensor is divided into a plurality of photoelectric converters. The divided photoelectric converters are configured so as to receive light in regions having pupils of an imaging lens different from each other via a micro lens.
Patent Literature 2 discloses an image pickup device which performs a pupil division by displacing a sensitivity center of a light receiving unit with respect to an optical axis of an on-chip micro lens in a light receiving element (pixel) of a part of an image pickup element. These pixels are arranged between imaging pixel groups at a predetermined interval as focus detection pixels so that phase difference focus detection is performed. Since the region where the focus detection pixel is arranged corresponds to a defect of the imaging pixel, image information is created by performing an interpolation of the information using peripheral imaging pixel information.
Patent Literature 3 discloses a focus detection device which performs a pupil division of two divisions of a light receiving unit of pixels of a part of an image pickup element. The focus detection device performs phase difference focus detection by independently processing outputs of the light receiving unit for which two divisions have been performed and also adds the outputs of the two-divided light receiving unit to use it as an imaging signal.
Patent Literature 4 discloses a method of performing focus detection by performing a correlation calculation of an image generated from light beams transmitted through different pupil regions of an imaging lens.


A three roll fuser system for a xerographic machine includes a reversibly drivable central pressure roll, a first fuser roll located adjacent the central pressure roll forming a first fuser nip with the central roll, and a second fuser roll located adjacent the central pressure roll on a substantially opposite side of the central pressure roll as the first fuser roll forming a second fuser nip with the central roll. Copy sheets having an unfused image on a side thereof are transported from an inlet through one of the first and second nips to fuse the image on the copy sheet and then transported to an outlet. The three roll fuser system is capable of selectively fusing either side of a copy sheet without requiring extra sheet inverting devices. In a preferred embodiment, the fuser rolls have differing physical properties and can be operated under different operating conditions such as fuser temperature and speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a xerographic fuser architecture which provides two separate fuser rolls about a central common pressure roll, each fuser roll being designed for a different application, i.e., color fusing or black and white fusing requirements.
2. Description of Related Art
Most known fuser roll architectures utilize a single fuser roll in conjunction with a pressure roll. If used for a single application, such as black and white printing, the fuser roll design can accommodate the needs of the particular printing that is to be done. For example, typically customer preference for color xerographic prints is a high gloss finish. This usually requires the use of a smooth, conformable fuser roll operating at a high temperature and having a long-dwell nip. However, customer preference for black and white xerographic copies is a matte finish, which requires a different fuser design and operating parameters. In a color copier which can provide either color or black and white xerographic prints, it has been customary to compromise the needs of these different operating parameters and design criteria into a design which can adequately provide moderate capabilities of either type print.
There are known fusing systems which provide multiple fusers such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,928,148; 5,019,869; 4,791,447; and 5,053,828.
There is a need for a multiple fuser system which can accommodate fusing of a developed image on either side of a copy substrate without complicated inversion apparatus. There also is a need for a multiple fuser roll system which can accommodate images having varying fusing characteristics with minimal power requirements.

Three-roll fuser with center pressure roll for black and color application


A method for transmitting electric power and signals between a wall and a leaf pivotally mounted on the wall includes transmitting the electric power so as to be galvanically isolated, and transmitting the signals optically or optoelectronically.

Such a method and such a device have previously been described in DE 39 15 812 A1. DE 39, 15 812 A1 describes concentrically disposed coils or a cylindrically formed capacitor for power transmission. A signal transmission may likewise occur by means of the coils or the capacitor or via radio.
The disadvantage here is that during the transmission of signals by means of this same assembly, which is also used for the power transmission, a mutual influence on the transmission cannot be excluded. An optimized power transmission also regularly requires a different design adaptation of the coils and the capacitor as an optimized signal transmission so that the use of this very same assembly of transmitters can only ever be a less than optimal compromise.
If the signal is transmitted via radio, the device for power transmission may in principle indeed be optimally designed for this purpose. Radio transmission is, however, frequently susceptible to external interference and can be influenced with appropriate means by way of external transmitters, which is particularly disadvantageous with regard to security-related signals.

Method and device for transmitting electric power and signals between a stationary wall and a leaf pivotably mounted on said wall


A stud-type junction block assembly having a mounting member and a body constructed from a highly conductive material. A non-conductive or insulating sheath may be provided over a portion of the body. The body defines a bore configured to receive and retain at least one post constructed from a high-strength material. The bore may include threads for receiving an external threaded surface of the post for securing the post with the bore. In addition, a locking agent or adhesive may be provided to secure the post within the bore. An electrical connector having a ring is coupled to the body over the post to provide an electric path of conduction. A nut or other connector is provided on the post for securing the ring of the electrical connector to the body. A non-conductive cap may be provided over the nut.

The present invention is directed to feed-through and stand-alone type junction blocks that are commonly found in automotive or other applications to connect electrical systems to a power supply or to ground.
Junction blocks are commonly used in construction, military, and other heavy-duty vehicles having multiple electrical systems. Such junction blocks typically include a unitary post and body construction wherein a pair of posts are integrally formed with the body from a single piece of material. Constructions of this type typically result in a great deal of waste as the entire amount of material from the outside of the body to the post must be removed in order to produce the resulting junction block.
Further, such constructions require that the posts and body be formed of the same material. Such a construction is disadvantageous because the body and the posts serve different functions in the junction block assembly. In particular, the conductive material that is desired for use with the body is not optimal for use in the posts. For instance, the body of the junction blocks is preferably constructed from a highly conductive material such as brass. However, highly conductive materials such as brass are not necessarily well suited to function as a strong connection means, e.g. a threaded connection. As such, junction blocks of the prior art made from brass typically require relatively long threaded posts and mating nuts, due to the brittleness of brass, which provides a greater surface area contact of nuts on the posts.
Thus, a junction block assembly that reduces waste and provides a high conductive assembly while maintaining a relatively robust construction is desired.