This invention relates generally to fabrics, films, sheets and other supporting media that contain and transport fire retarding materials. These transport media deliver fire retarding and smoke suppressing constituents to the surface of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite substrates during a manufacturing process. Upon exposure to open flame or radiant heat, the resultant manufactured product has much lower surface flammability and smoke development characteristics than would otherwise be achieved by the substrate material alone. By economizing the fire retardant constituents at the surface only, cost is reduced while also avoiding deleterious adulteration of the substrate material. When fire is prevented from penetrating the surface, combustion of the entire part is delayed or prevented. By embedding fire retardant within the surface using the native resin, no peeling or chipping occurs (as with paint), and the finish will be essentially as hard and durable as an untreated part.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
This invention relates generally to raw material fire retardant constituents transported to a secondary manufacturing process in media, and more particularly to fire retarding surfacing media, including but not limited to fabrics, films and sheets, intended for consumption in the creation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.
2. Description of Related Art
Note that the following discussion refers to a number of publications by authors and year of publication, and that due to recent publication dates certain publications are not to be considered as prior art vis-a-vis the present invention. Discussion of such publications herein is given for more complete background and is not to be construed as an admission that such publications are prior art for patentability determination purposes.
Typically, thermoset and thermoplastic resins are petroleum by-products that have generally undesirable burning characteristics, i.e., high flammability at relatively low temperatures, very toxic and acrid smoke, and rapid destructive flame spread. It is well known that the flammability of thermoset and thermoplastic resins can be reduced by incorporating flame retardant agents. However, when additives are used to fill these resins, a multitude of problems arise.
Synthetic polymer resins are frequently used in the manufacture of reinforced plastics, fiberglass laminates, and molded plastics. Composite polymer materials are widely used in such industrial applications as structural components, siding and roof panels, roof decking, cable trays and mechanical parts such as threaded rod and strut due to their corrosion resistance. Both thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are also widely used by automobile, rail transportation and aircraft manufacturers because of their light weight and high strength.
The burning behavior of such materials, particularly those that are to be used in an enclosed environment, are of primary concern to the present invention. Many reinforced plastics can be designed to have a degree of fire resistance. Many fire retardant additives are available. Unfortunately, a large number of the prior art fire retardant compounds give off extremely toxic fumes, such as nitrous oxides, cyanide compounds, and a variety of toxic brominated compounds, such as hydrobromic acid (HBr), which causes pulmonary edema at relatively low concentrations.
Less toxic additives, such as aluminum trihydroxide (ATH), are inefficient and require loading levels that are so high that the desirable physical properties and characteristics of the finished product are dramatically diminished.
Those conventional polymeric additives have numerous problems associated with their use in a variety of ways. For example, during fabrication of a product, a thermoset polymer resin must have a sufficiently low viscosity to soak or "wet-out" the glass reinforcements prior to curing. This wet-out is necessary to achieve a high cross-link density within the finished product. However, when a fire retardant powder additive such as ATH is mixed into the resin in the necessary quantities for acceptable fire retardancy, e.g., perhaps as much as 60 parts in 100 parts of total mix, the resin viscosity increases dramatically as the styrenated resin wets-out the additive. As a result higher viscosity resin no longer has the ability to fully saturate the glass reinforcements.
To overcome this higher viscosity processing problem, virgin styrene is typically added to the mixed composition to lower the viscosity back to the required working viscosity range. Consequently, the resin contains a disproportionate, higher quantity of styrene. When the part has been processed and cured, the part contains a disproportionate quantity of cross-linked styrene and polystyrene. The heavily filled part has undesirable physical characteristics such as reduced tensile, flexural and shear strength. The only way to make up for the reduced physical strength characteristics is to produce a thicker, heavier, more expensive part.
Although the excessively high ATH fire retardant loading does reduce the likelihood of the part to combust, when exposed to an open flame or high radiant heat, the ATH inefficiently reduces combustion by liberating bound water. As the decomposition of the ATH complex continues, the additional styrene constituent makes a major contribution as a combustible fuel source, and provides the composite surface with a greater affinity towards flammability.
In addition, virgin and cured styrene is an egregious smoke generating compound, which significantly adds to overall smoke production of the part. Therefore, with ATH, there are processing problems which yield weaker parts, and which have the characteristic of generating larger quantities of toxic smoke.
To reduce the fire retardant loading in a thermoset resin, an alternative to ATH is a combination of decabromodiphenyl ether (DBPE) with antimony trioxide (ATO), e.g., less than 20 parts per 100 parts of total mix. However, an additional quantity of styrene is still necessary to reduce the buildup in viscosity.
When compared with ATH during a fire insult scenario, the brominated fire retardant package is more efficient at reducing flammability of the substrate than ATH. However, the brominated constituent package produces large quantities of dense, acrid smoke which is extremely toxic.
Bromine works as a fire retardant in a pyrolysing composite part by competing with oxygen in the ionization phase of the combustion reaction by generating large quantities of brominated acidic vapor, soot and acrid, thick particulate smoke. The formation of these compounds further reduces the availability of oxygen at the laminate surface, and the negative contributions due to the required styrene diluent are still present.
Although effective as a flame retardant, the smoke generated by brominated compounds renders the environment biologically toxic. A significant byproduct of the decomposition of decabromophenyl ether is hydrobromic acid (HBr). This acid is notorious for causing pulmonary edema when inhaled, having similar effects as mustard gas used in the First World War. In addition, many other brominated byproduct compounds are produced, which have significant toxicity, with the possible production of suspect carcinogens.
In the case of thermoplastics, the same issues arise with fire retardant additives. These plastics have the ability to be formed into various shapes and profiles with heat and pressure, without the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). As an added benefit, thermoplastics may then be re-formed under heat and pressure to an entirely new shape and profile. This behavior makes them attractive for intermediary fabrication and re-cycling. Although fire retardant compounds are available that are easily processed into these polymers, the trade-off is they are almost exclusively brominated. These compounds are additionally attractive as they are the most economical. Nonetheless, upon combustion, they are the cause of the production of large volumes of smoke, rich with aggressive biological toxins.
The selection of a suitable smoke suppressant for curable and non-curable resins is not predictable. The selection is particularly difficult when flame retardants are employed, exacerbated by the complex interaction between the resin and the flame retardant agent. Although efficient in suppressing the rate of combustion of finished products that incorporate the resin, most flame retardants tend to affect adversely one or more key properties of the resin. For example, many flame retardant additives are ineffective at producing low density and low toxicity formulations.
It is well known that the flame retardant and smoke suppressive properties of additives in resin formulations vary greatly with the nature of the substrate. This is particularly true for intumescent compositions. The rapid formation of a protective char is highly dependent upon such factors as the combustion temperature, and the viscosity of the melt formed by the burning substrate.
Other considerations can also come into play, even where the properties of the retardant and suppressive properties of the composition are optimal. These considerations include the effect of the additive on the physical properties, color and molding characteristics of the base resin.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,293,327 describes the production of bicyclic phosphites, phosphonates, thiophosphates, and selenophosphates. These compositions are said to be stabilizers for vinyl halide resins. They are said to be useful as heat stabilizers for vinyl chloride resin, and as antioxidants for fats and oils.
Intumescent, fire-retardant coating compositions containing carbonifics, film-forming binders and phosphorous materials are well known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,562,197; 3,513,114; 4,009,137; 4,166,743 and 4,247,435 disclose such compositions containing ammonium polyphosphates as the phosphorous containing material.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,190 discloses an intumescent paint comprising a resinous binder, a blowing agent, a phosphorous containing material, a source of chlorine a solvent, an anti-settling agent, a pigment and a surfactant.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,291 describes the use of an amide polyphosphate condensate as a fire-retardant additive in an intumescent coating composition. U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,193 discloses the similar use of a crystalline form of melamine pyrophosphate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,166,743 describes an intumescent flame-retardant coating composition consisting substantially of a film-forming agent, an ammonium polyphosphate, one or more substances which are carbonizable under the action of heat, a dispersant, and optionally a filler. The coating composition additionally contains an ammonium polyphosphate activator weighing 0.5 to 50% of the weight of ammonium polyphosphate. The activator is constituted by at least one salt which contains water of crystallization which is liberated upon the composition being heated. As a coating, this material is unsuitable for fabrics.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,625 describes a flame-retardant polyurethane product that is produced by mixing and reacting a salt-forming compound with an acidic salt-forming compound containing phosphorus in a polyol and/or a polyisocyanate, and then reacting the polyol and polyisocyanate. That fire retardant mixture when exposed to excessive heat proceeds through two primary reaction phases. First, an early formation of a char layer is intended to slow the oxidative penetration into the foam core substrate, and second, a glassy layer of non-combustible vitrified material is intended to slow the penetration of radiant heat. However, borates and silicates typically melt together, at relatively low temperatures, to form brittle, fragile matrices. The fragile matrices there add no structural integrity to the char layer profile.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,625 describes a flame resistant composition having an organic polymeric substance in intimate contact with a bicyclic phosphorous compound, and a gas producing compound. The patent is silent on the use of bicyclic compounds to attain smoke suppressed flame retardant thermoset compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,568 describes a solvent-based heat-resistant and fire-retardant coating containing carbonifics, film-forming binders, and phosphorous materials. Also described is an application where the coating is sprayed on steel and aluminum plates using a gravity flow gun. Not described are any smoke retardant properties, nor the use of the coating with resins or polymer plastics.
The development of additives for use with resins remains a highly empirical art. The predictability of the behavior of the final composition is rare to non-existent. The prior art has largely concentrated on developing highly specific additive combinations for particular resins and end-uses.
This is a particular problem when the fire retardant additive powder needs to be combined into composite structures and component products such as glass rovings, yarns, cloths, mat, and knitted fabrics. Typically, this is done by mixing the powder with high strength thermoset or thermoplastic resins. However, none of the prior art compounds are truly suitable for adding to curable resins.
The following U.S. patents describe flame retardants to be used with fabrics. However, those patents describe the fabric in a manner and style that is in contrast with the capabilities, functionality and specificity of the desired compounds and products. Exterior electrical cable wraps, door seals, a membrane to reinforce sprayable mastics or coatings or a mesh fabric with undefined intumescent materials are clearly in contradiction with the technical merits and uniqueness of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,645 describes a flexible laminated fabric comprising a glass fiber web or glass fiber fabric coated with a four component intumescent composition. That composition is described as being suitable as a hot gas seal for fire doors, as fire protection curtains, and as fire protection windings surrounding individual cables or cable runs. The flexible fabric is intended for external use only to cover or seal a variety of components. The patent does not describe the ability of the intumescent constituent mix to reduce smoke when exposed to open flame. Neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol phosphates have the propensity to generate smoke upon thermal decomposition. This is undesirable. That patent is extremely vague on the mechanism and smoke characteristics of the preferred polyol partial phosphates. The inorganic frame-forming candidate compounds are simple inorganic compounds which do not contribute significantly to structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,728 describes a laminated building component composed of a rigid resilient composite panel which is covered by a membrane. That membrane is selected from a group of non-combustible materials such as glass, quartz, carbon or stainless steel. The membrane is bonded to the panel with an adhesive and coated with a thin film fire protective intumescent coating. That membrane serves as a lath to hold and reinforce a spray, brushed or rolled intumescent coating. The patent is silent on the composition of the fire protective intumescent coating, and the coating's ability to reduce surface flammability or reduce smoke generated by the under-laminate structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,812 describes a low density epoxy-based intumescent fire resistive mastic coating with means for reinforcing the mastic with a carbon fiber mesh. That reinforced coating is strictly a surfacing treatment. Epoxies have a propensity to generate significant quantities of acrid smoke which can render an environment toxic. Additionally, the coating requires "at least one spumific" comprised of an isocyanurate. Isocyanurates are organic compounds containing nitrogen which can form hydrogen cyanide (HCN) as a thermal decomposition product contributing significantly to the toxic gas environment. That is also undesirable.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,437 describes a method for making high-temperature glass fiber by treating E-glass fiber with selected acids and then treating the fiber with organo-metallic material. Additionally, the patent describes the use of the fiber in thermal protective structures. The open weave mesh fabric is comprised of at least one layer of thermoplastic resin which had been pre-coated with subliming and/or intumescent material. The fabric may be pre-formed into a self supporting structure or embedded into a pre-existing structural automotive container.
Not described are specifics as to the constituents or processing ranges of the subliming or intumescent materials. No mention is made of a chemical mechanism which can reduce the flammability or smoke generation of the thermoplastic layer or underlying substrate.
In a combustion scenario, burning polypropylene thermoplastic produces particulate smoke, mostly carbon dioxide (CO2), some carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H20) Conversely, polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic, which does have an inherent fire retarding characteristic, combusts to form large quantities of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and acrid, chlorinated organic compounds. Hydrochloric acid vapor is extremely toxic for human tissue. A common result of exposure to hydrochloric acid rich smoke is impaired vision, respiratory pain and narcosis, resulting in confusion and possible loss of consciousness. All of these effects are undesirable. The patent is silent on the ability of the thermal protective layer to address the biologically toxic byproduct species created during combustion of the thermoplastic glass layer or the underlying thermoplastic substrate.
The physiological effects of exposure to heat in fires and/or the resultant toxic smoke can result in varying degrees of incapacitation, permanent injury or death. Visual obscuration and painful irritation of the eyes can impair or reduce the efficiency of egress due to psychological and/or physiological effects. Breathing difficulties, lung inflammation, narcosis and respiratory tract injury, are physiological hazards potentially present in fire scenarios. Narcotic gases, e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and reduced oxygen, can affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems, causing confusion, a period of intoxication, followed by a collapse and loss of consciousness, followed ultimately by death from asphyxiation. Any prior art compounds that include materials that produce these effects are undesirable.
More particularly, even though they are effective fire retardants, for the reasons stated above, it is ideally desirable to provide a non-toxic finished product that does not include any of the following classes of compounds: Brominated compounds, including decabromodiphenyl ether (DBPE, Deca-BDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (Octa-BDE), pentabromophenyl ether (Penta-BDE), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), decadbromobiphenyl ether (DeBBE) as well as other polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), tetrabromo phthalic anhydride and all related aliphatic and aromatic brominated compounds.
Some polymeric manufacturing resins, e.g., polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and adhesives are available which have tetrabromobisphenol-A and/or derivatives of such brominated monomer flame retardant compounds incorporated into the backbone of the resin chain during the manufacturing process. These resins "carry" their bromine and do not require additives other than antimony trioxide (ATO).
The heavy metallic bromine synergist antimony trihydroxide (ATO) greatly assists bromine in fire suppression but is nonetheless a heavy metallic.
Therefore, it is desired to provide a disparate assembly, containing a disproportionately large quantity of fire retardant, that is capable of intimately combining with a rigid composite surface during a secondary manufacturing process. When the assembly is positioned to envelop a pre-processed schedule of raw fibrous reinforcement and polymeric resin, and the secondary manufactured product has reached completion, the resultant assembly has lower surface flammability than would otherwise be achieved by the substrate material alone.
Bromine compounds can be concentrated in a surface boundary layer of a composite that will provide a significant reduction in surface flammability characteristics. However, resultant combustion species will be abundant with biologically toxic compounds.
A more attractive embodiment would be a non-toxic fire retarded surface, such as the toxicity contribution that would be provided by aluminum trihydrate (ATH), however with the efficiency of brominated compounds.
Although any fire retardant constituent or composition is a candidate for inclusion into the transport media of the present invention, the preferred embodiment of the article of manufacture would not contain compounds that yield products with undesirable physical and flame retardant characteristics that are inconsistent with current building and life safety regulatory standards, and are physiologically toxic.

Fire and smoke suppressing surface for substrates


The invention discloses a user terminal (115) for a wireless communications system (100) which is arranged to establish and carry out a communications session with a gateway node (120) in the system (100) according to a first protocol over at least one bearer (110, 140). The user terminal (115) is arranged to provide a predefined issued message to the gateway node (120) during the establishment of a session with an indicator that the user terminal (115) is arranged to handle traffic to and from the gateway node (120) using a predefined version of a defined filter (130).

In wireless communications systems such as, for example, the 2G/3G GPRS system, i.e. the General Packet Radio System, and the Evolved Packet System, EPS, the systems are arranged for communication between a gateway node and one or more user terminals. In GPRS systems, the gateway node is known as the GGSN, the Gateway GPRS Support Node, and in EPS systems, the gateway node is known as the PDN-GW, the Packet Data Network Gateway.
The communication between the gateway node and the user terminal takes place over a so called a Packet Data Network connection, a PDN connection, over one or more so called bearer, an IP-CAN bearer, IP-Connectivity Access Network bearer, and the gateway node uses a function known as the BBF, the Bearer Binding Function, to identify which bearer that a specific downlink packet should be transmitted via. The BBF in turn uses a filter known as the TFT, Traffic Flow Template, in order to "bind" packets" to the proper bearer.
The term "bearer" here refers to a logical IP transmission path between a user terminal and the network with a specific Quality of Service, QoS properties such as, for example, capacity, delay, packet loss error rate etc.
For GPRS systems, the IP-CAN bearer is a PDP-context (Packet Data Protocol), and for EPS systems it is an EPS bearer.
The TFT is used by the so called Bearer Binding Function, BBF, in a gateway node in the system to bind downlink IP-packets to the existing bearers of a PDN connection, and might also be used to perform uplink bearer verification, i.e. to make sure that a user terminal doesn't send data packets using the wrong bearer.
In GPRS applications, the BBF is located in the GGSN, the Gateway GPRS Support Node, and in EPS applications, the BBF is located in a gateway GW node, a GW node, such as, for example, the PDN-GW, Packet Data Network GW, or the Serving GW for 3GPP accesses, or in the Access GW for non-3GPP based access.
It can be noted that the term Bearer Binding Function is normally only used in 3GPP specifications related to PCC, Policy and Charging Control. However, the term is used here in order to reference the entity or function that encompasses the functionality involved in setting up and managing bearers in the applicable architecture i.e. the GGSN for GPRS, the PDN-GW for GTP-based EPC, the Serving GW for 3GPP access via a PMIP-based EPC or the Access GW for non-3GPP access via PMIP-based EPC.

Devices for variable traffic flow templates


A method and system for managing ad campaign data. According to one embodiment, an application receives a request to store data associated with an ad campaign, and responsive to the request, stores one or more output files and context information associated with the data, the context information assembled according to a pre-defined data format defining a role of the data within the ad campaign.

One of the major problems in online advertising is that it takes a long time for a campaign to go live. Two of the main factors driving this problem are: involvement of many people and stakeholders, and complex creatives. A creative refers to the content of an advertisement which is displayed on a web site.
The first main factor is illustrated in FIG. 1. A typical campaign process is as follows: an advertiser (advertiser 115) comes up with a campaign, campaign goals, and campaign budget to promote a product or service. The advertiser works with an agency (agency 105) to arrive at a media plan which includes media buys (i.e., ad buys) across a series of publishers (e.g., publisher 100). The agency then negotiates these buys with the various publishers and sends orders to them once negotiations are completed.
During this process the agency sends campaign goals, target market information and creative specifications to a creative agency/designer (designer 110) to come up with a creative strategy and story boards (step 120). Once created (step 125), the designer sends the creative strategy and story boards back to the agency to assess whether the creative strategy matches the campaign goals (step 130). If not, the agency sends feedback to the designer (step 135), who revises the strategy and story boards (step 140) and sends them back for further review. If so, the agency forwards the creative strategy and story boards to the advertiser to assess whether the strategy matches the goals and company image (step 145). If not, the advertiser returns the strategy and boards to the agency with comments (step 150), at which point the agency forwards the feedback to the designer (step 135) for revised strategy and story boards (step 140). If so, the advertiser approves the creative strategy and story boards (step 155).
Upon the advertiser's approval, the agency gives approval for the design of the creatives to the designer (step 160), who then generates the creatives (step 165). The designer sends the generated creatives to the agency, who sends them on to one or more publishers (step 170). The publisher checks to make sure the creatives are within the proper specifications (step 175), and if they are, the publisher books and delivers the creatives on its ad serving system (step 180). If not, the publisher sends the creatives with feedback to the agency (step 185), who forwards the feedback to the designer (step 190). The designer redesigns the creatives (step 195) and forwards them back to the agency, who sends them back to the publisher (step 170).
As illustrated by this process, multiple parties are involved and several pieces of information are exchanged between them. This creates room for error and a complex network of communication among involved groups.
The second main factor driving the increasing length of time for a campaign to go live is the creative complexity. Some creatives are relatively simple and composed of one asset file, such as a graphic file; however, advertisers have recently been using more and more interactive ads called "rich media" ads. Rich media ads differ depending on the technology they use, but are similar in that they are all composed of several asset files. The most common rich media ads are Flash creatives, which are composed of HTML files which display the creative, main SWF files which contains most of the creatives, other child SWF files that contain different parts of the creative, image files which serve as back up content or are called by the different SWF files, and other auxiliary files like audio, video, XML, or text files. A rich media creative can be composed of 2-20 or more different files, which need to be placed and referenced correctly on an ad serving system. Sometimes the creative code needs information which the designer does not have but the agency has—in other cases the publisher has the required information.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method for managing the data associated with advertising campaigns in a simple and efficient manner.

System and method for managing advertising campaign data


A power indicating setter system monitors the power level of a fuze setter coil of a fuze setter system for a gun operable to fire inductively-fuzed shells. The fuze setter system transmits a carrier signal that induces magnetic field power in the fuze setter coil. The strength of the magnetic field power correlates to reliability of the fuze setter system to transmit fuzing data to the shells. The fuze setter coil induces a signal in an adjacent induction element. Circuitry, coupled to the induction element, operates to compare the signal to a calibrated signal produced by the circuitry. The circuitry, by a power indicator, functions to indicate to an operator when the value of the signal is greater than the calibrated value. The power indicator indicates during operation of the gun, thereby informing the operator of the reliability of the fuze setter system to transmit fuzing data to the shells.

Not applicable.
The invention claimed and disclosed herein may be manufactured and used by, or on behalf of, the Government of the United States of America for government purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates generally to a system for monitoring inductive fuze setter systems for large-caliber guns, and more particularly to an apparatus and process for continuously monitoring and indicating the power level of a fuze setter system of large-caliber guns configured to fire inductively-fuzed shells.
Inductive fuze setter systems are known and have been used for setting fuzes in shell munitions for large caliber guns. For instance, a typical inductive fuze setter system is installed in the gun mount of the 5-inch 54 caliber Mark (Mk) 45 gun used aboard United States Navy vessels. The fuze setter system is used to pass fuzing data to and from inductively set fuzes of shells fired by the gun.
Hereinafter in this application, such large-caliber guns are collectively referred to as xe2x80x9cgunxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cguns,xe2x80x9d as grammar and form requires. Technically, the term xe2x80x9cgunxe2x80x9d is understood, within the scope of this application, to mean barrel and rifle weapons of the military type described previously, but may also encompass mortar-type devices, and any other type of gun that fires inductively-fuzed rockets, missiles or equivalent weaponry.
The term xe2x80x9cshell,xe2x80x9d means any kind of ammunition or munitions which is capable of carrying inductive fuze components and circuitry and is capable of receiving fuzing data inductively transmitted by a fuze setter system to the fuze of the shell.
The term xe2x80x9cfuzexe2x80x9d comprises any fuze known in the art that includes circuitry and components (e.g., a fuze coil) and other elements necessary to make the fuze operable to receive and send fuzing data inductively to the fuze setter system of the gun.
A typical fuze setter system, in a gun such as the Mk 45 system described previously, includes a fuze setter coil. Generally, the fuze setter system, including the fuze setter coil, is disposed within the gun mount so that the fuze setter coil is further disposed in close proximity to the shells as the shells are prepared for loading into the breech of the gun for firing.
The fuze setter coil may be connected as part of an R-L-C resonant circuit, and is operable to receive an excitation (carrier) signal from the fuze setter system. The carrier signal induces a magnetic field around the fuze setter coil, and the magnetic field is used to establish a data link with the fuze of the shell. The magnetic field induced in the fuze setter coil also functions to inductively power the circuitry and other components of the fuze of the shell. By the data link, fuzing data (forward data) may be transferred from the fuze setter system to the fuze of the shell, typically by the fuze setter system modulating the carrier signal. The fuze setter system may also receive data (reverse data) from the fuze of the shell, typically by the fuze effectuating phase-shift in the R-L-C circuit.
Therefore, in a typical inductive fuze setter system, the fuze setter system sends a carrier signal that induces a magnetic field in a fuze setter coil. The magnetic field establishes a data link with the fuze of the shell, and by the data link fuzing forward data and reverse data are communicated between the fuze setter system and the fuze of the shell. The fuze setter coil provides fuze-setting data to the fuze circuitry and also provides power for the fuze circuitry of the shell to function properly.
The strength of the magnetic field induced in a fuze setter coil by the fuze setter system, often referred to as coil xe2x80x9cpower,xe2x80x9d is typically measured (in milliwatts) during assembly of the fuze setter system by using a standard receiving coil connected to a standard receiving circuit. Standard receiving circuits are known in the art and are used to measure and calibrate fuze setter system circuitry during assembly and testing of the system. In this field of technology, for example, a standard receiving coil takes the place of the fuze coil and standard circuitry takes the place of the fuze circuitry.
Therefore, during assembly of the fuze setter system the standard receiving coil and receiving circuits may be used to test a fuze setter system""s ability to induce sufficient magnetic field strength in a fuze setter coil, and thereby test the ability of the fuze setter coil to establish an adequate data link with the fuze circuitry of a shell.
Effective fuze setting is accomplished when the reverse data received by the fuze setter system from the fuze circuitry of the shell (by phase modulation) has the same content as the forward data sent by the fuze setter system to the fuze circuitry of the shell (by pulse-width modulation). If the reverse data contains different data than the forward data sent to the fuze circuitry of the shell, there is a probability that the fuze is not properly set, and consequently that the shell will not function properly when it is fired from the gun.
In past systems there are typically two types of problems associated with the operation of fuze setter systems to effectively send and receive data from the fuze circuit of inductively-fuzed shells. First, the data may be corrupted in some manner, whether forward data sent by the fuze data or reverse data received from the fuze of the shell.
Second, the data may be uncorrupted, but the power level induced by the fuze setter coil in the fuze circuitry of the shell is insufficient for the fuze circuit to function properly and thereby set the fuze of the shell. The strength of the magnetic field induced in the fuze setter coil by the carrier signal directly correlates to the ability of the fuze circuitry of the shell to accurately set the fuze of the shell. Therefore, monitoring the strength of the magnetic field induced in the fuze setter coil by the carrier signal is an effective way to determine if the data link is adequate for accurate forward and reverse data transmission.
A disadvantage of past fuze setter-systems is that they cannot, during operational use of the gun system, monitor the strength of the magnetic field induced in the fuze setter coil (setter coil power) by the carrier signal of the fuze setter system. In past systems, fuze setter coil power is measured only during electrical acceptance testing of the gun system or during installation of the fuze setter system, including the fuze setter coil.
In past fuze setter systems, the operability of the fuzing data link is typically verified by performing an End Around Test (EAT), which is initiated from an external control panel. However, the strength of the magnetic field induced by the fuze setter system in the setter coil, a critical parameter for reliable fuze setting, cannot be determined without a special test set. For example, measurement of fuze setter coil power has typically required special test equipment. The special test equipment has been provided separately from the gun mount and fuze setter system and is often bulky and difficult to transport and use.
Typically, either a manual test set or a computer-based test set has been used to test fuze setter coil power in past fuze setter systems. The manual test set of past fuze setter systems includes a suitcase tester, standard receiver (coil and circuitry), two digital multimeters, and interconnecting cables. The computer-based test set of past fuze setter systems includes a laptop digital microcomputer, standard receiver, interface box, and interconnecting cables.
A disadvantage of both test sets, however, is that they are bulky and require setup time and specialized skills/training to operate. Furthermore, to perform this measurement on a fuze setter system installed in an operational gun, a field service representative has to travel on-site with one of the two types of test sets identified previously. When either of the two test sets disclosed previously is used to test fuze setter coil power, the gun cannot be fired or otherwise operated during testing.
Therefore, past fuze setter systems do not have a built-in apparatus or process for monitoring and indicating fuze setter coil power of the fuze setter system. Typically in past systems the fuze setter coil power is checked during electrical acceptance testing of the gun mount or during installation of the fuze setter system.
Another disadvantage of past systems is that the fuze setter coil power may only be checked by use of external manual or computer test sets, both requiring considerable expense and expertise to use. Use of such test sets to test fuze setter coil power also requires the shells to be removed from the transfer station of the gun mount, and thus requires the gun be inoperable during the testing process.
Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,479,264, 4,985,922, 4,495,851 and 5,933, 263. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,264, issued to Lockett et al on Oct. 23, 1984, discloses a transducer apparatus for optical data transmission, wherein an optical signal is used to measure the physical parameters of a control system. Lockett does not, however, disclose a display used to indicate to an operator if sufficient power is generated during optical signal transmission to accurately measure the control system.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,851, issued to Koerner et al on Jan. 29, 1985, discloses an apparatus that uses a microwave ""signal for setting and/or monitoring the operation of a shell fuze or detonator. Koerner does not, however, disclose a local, remote or hand-held display to indicate to an operator if sufficient microwave power is generated to properly set the fuze or detonator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,922, issued to Kolbert on Jan 15, 1991, discloses an inductive coupling for bidirectional signal transmission through the skin of an aircraft. Kinstler does not, however, disclose a local, remote or hand-held display to indicate to an operator if the signal transmission is sufficient to accurately operate the pick-up unit located on the interior skin surface of the aircraft.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,263, issued to Kinstler on Aug. 3, 1999, discloses a self-powered datalink activation system that includes power accumulation and power distribution apparatuses. Kinstler does not, however, disclose a local, remote or hand-held display to indicate to an operator if sufficient power is accumulated and/or distributed to accurately operate the host weapon""s electronics assembly.
In contrast, the present invention overcomes these problems by using a power indicator to indicate to an operator, during operation of the gun system, when the power level of the fuze setter system is adequate to ensure that the fuze setter system is reliably transmitting fuzing data to and from the fuze of the shell. The present invention discloses an apparatus and process that enables an untrained operator to conveniently and quickly monitor the power level of the fuze setter system, and thereby ensure that the fuze setter system is reliably transmitting fuzing data to and from the fuze of the shell. The present invention uses a local or remote power indicator to continuously indicate the power level of the fuze setter system.
By the present invention, the power level of the fuze setter system is conveniently and inexpensively indicated, without needing time-consuming manual or computerized tests by field service representatives. The present invention may be effectively used while the gun is in operation, without necessitating removal of shells from the gun mount. The power indicator of the present invention may also be configured to indicate to an operator when the fuze setter system is transmitting forward data to the fuze of the shell.
The power indicator of the present invention is coupled to monitor circuitry, and said circuitry is configured to monitor the power level induced in an induction element disposed proximate to the fuze of a shell within the gun mount. The fuze setter system induces power in the induction element, and thereby provides power to the monitor circuitry and the power indicator. Therefore, this invention does not require a separate power source to indicate to an operator the power level of the fuze setter system. Rather, this invention conveniently uses the existing fuze setter system of the gun to inductively power the monitor circuitry and the power indicator.
For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an apparatus and process for monitoring inductive fuze setter systems for large-caliber guns, and more particularly for an apparatus and process for inexpensively, conveniently and continuously monitoring and indicating to an operator the power level of the fuze setter system of a gun operable to fire inductively-fuzed shells.
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and process that satisfies the need to enable an operator to continuously monitor the adequacy of the power level of a fuze setter system during operation of a gun system firing inductively-fuzed shells. The present invention is further directed to an apparatus and process wherein said monitoring may be accomplished during operation of the gun: without requiring removal of the shells from the gun mount, and without necessitating separate manual or computer-based tests of the fuze setter system carrier signal power level by field service representatives.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to continuously indicate to an operator the power level of the fuze setter system during operation of a gun.
An object of the present invention is to provide a power indicator that indicates the power level of the fuze setter system, wherein the power indicator does not have to be adjusted or calibrated by an operator during use.
Another object of the present invention is to indicate to an operator the power level of the fuze setter system while the shells are in the gun mount.
Still another object of the present invention is to indicate the power level of the fuze setter system, wherein indication is accomplished without separate manual or computer-based tests and without using specialized equipment to indicate the power level of the fuze setter system.
A further object of the present invention is to indicate to an operator when forward data is being transferred by the fuze setter system to the fuze of the shell.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide remote or hand-held indication of the power level of the fuze setter system.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by an apparatus comprising a housing, wherein an induction element is disposed on the housing. The induction element operates to sense a magnetic field in response to a carrier signal sent to a fuze setter coil. Circuitry is disposed in the housing, and the circuitry is coupled to the induction element. The circuitry operates to monitor the magnetic field strength generated in the induction element-by the carrier signal. A power indicator is disposed on the housing, and the power indicator is operated by the circuitry to indicate when the magnetic field strength induced in the induction element is greater than a calibrated value of the circuitry.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention the circuitry also includes a field strength comparator for comparing the magnetic field value induced in the induction element to the calibrated value produced by the circuitry. The field strength comparator includes at least one resistor operable for setting the calibrated value produced by the circuitry. In still another aspect of the invention the field strength comparator includes a variable resistor operable for varying the calibrated value produced by the circuitry.
One other aspect of the present invention is that the power indicator operable by the field strength comparator to indicate when the magnetic field value induced in the induction element is greater than the calibrated value produced by the circuitry.
In another aspect of the present invention, the power indicator includes an indicator light. The indicator light is operable to indicate when the carrier signal is being forward modulated during forward data transmission.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the power indicator is located remotely from the housing.
An aspect of the present invention includes the induction element and the fuze setter coil disposed adjacently upon the housing.
Also disclosed herein is a power indicating setter system process that comprises inducing a magnetic field in an induction element; coupling the induction element to circuitry; configuring the circuitry to compare the value of the induced magnetic field to a calibrated value; and indicating by the circuitry when the value of the induced magnetic field is greater than the calibrated value.
In another aspect of the present invention, the act of inducing includes inducing the magnetic field in response to a carrier signal sent to a fuze setter coil.
In accordance with one other aspect of the present invention, the act of configuring further includes calibrating the calibrated value to a standard value.
In accord with yet another aspect of the present invention, the act of indicating includes indicating when the carrier signal is being forward modulated.
In still another aspect of the present invention the act of inducing also includes disposing the induction element and the fuze setter coil adjacently upon housing. The act of indicating may be accomplished remotely from the housing.
The power indicating setter system disclosed herein also comprises means for inducing a magnetic field in an induction element; means for coupling the induction element to circuitry; means for configuring the circuitry to compare the value of the magnetic field to a calibrated value; and means for indicating by the circuitry when the value of the magnetic field is greater than the calibrated value.
In another aspect of the present invention, the means for inducing includes inducing the magnetic field in response to a carrier signal sent to a fuze setter coil. The means for configuring includes means for calibrating the calibrated value to a standard value.
In still another aspect of the present invention the indicating means comprises means for indicating when the carrier signal is being forward modulated, and the means for inducing further comprises means for disposing the induction element and the fuze setter coil adjacently upon a housing.
The apparatus and process of the present invention, using circuitry powered by an induction element to operate a power indicator, thereby enables an operator to continuously monitor the adequacy of the fuze setter system carrier signal power level during operation of a gun firing inductively-fuzed shells. As described by the present invention, monitoring may be accomplished during operation of the gun: without requiring removal of the shells from the gun mount, and without necessitating separate manual or computer-based tests of the fuze setter system carrier signal power level by field service representatives.

Power indicating setter system for inductively-fuzed munitions

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


This invention relates a braking slide structure of the drawer interlock wherein the braking slide is composed of detachable bracket board and the insert sleeve. The bracket board is designed with a guide channel formed by side walls and with the guide stud to limit the bracket board sliding off the bracket. This drawer interlock is mounted on the drawer slides and rails, entailing additional installation of a pair of braking slides. The drawer interlock is an integral element fixed on the drawer for simplified assembly and operation. The braking rod is easy to be inserted into the insert sleeve linking to the top of the bracket board. The bracket board exposes to the outside of the slide hole on the bracket which is easy for the braking rod to slip into the insert sleeve and reach to the top of the bracket board with no space restraint.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a new creation of a drawer interlock, in particular the braking slide structure of the drawer interlock.
2. Description of the Related Art
For most upright multiple draws cabinets, when one of the draws is opened, the upper draw and the lower draw will slide open too. As shown in FIG. 1, there installs a drawer interlock 1′, the drawer interlock 1′ consisting of a bracket 11′, a cam 12′ and two braking slides 13′ as shown in FIG. 2 & FIG. 3, in which the cam 12′ is locked in the cam hole 111′ of the bracket 11′ by pivot axle 121′. The stud 122′ at one end of the cam 12′ will move along the curved groove 22′ on the poker 21′ of the drawer slide 2′ to make a 90° turn. Two braking slides 13′ are inserted into the slide slot 112′ of the bracket 11′ from both ends and the leg 131′ of the braking slides will touch the cam 12′. When the stud 122′ on the cam 12′ is driven by the drawer rail 3′, two braking slides 13′ are forced to extend outward and the upper braking rod 4′ will stop the displacement of the upper drawer and the lower braking rod 4′ will limit the sliding of the lower drawer in cabinet. When the drawer is closed, the rail 3′ will drive the stud 122′ of the 12′, and the braking slides 13′ and the braking rods 4′ will return to original closing position. This drawer interlock will always keep the upper and lower drawers in closed position.
From the view point of design, the drawer interlock 1′ is mounted on the drawer slide 2′ and the rail 3′ to form an integral element, but not for two braking slides 13′ which are easily to fall off the bracket 11′, particularly the lower braking slide 13′. Furthermore, it requires installing the braking slides 13′ respectively, a complicated time consuming assembly and a place for improvement.

Braking slide structure for drawer interlock


A fluid dispenser comprising a pump (10) having no air intake and mounted in sealed manner on a deformable tank (20), and an outer envelope (30) that surrounds the deformable tank (20) and that retains a shape suitable for being held in the hand throughout the time that the dispenser is in use, the outer envelope (30) defining an inner volume that communicates with the atmosphere via at least one air passage (34, 35, 36), the deformable tank being a flexible tube (20) that extends between a first end (20a) that is closed by pinching to form a bottom (33, 33b) and a second end (20b) that is secured to the pump (10), characterized in that the outer envelope is a flexible tube extending between a first end (30a) close to the bottom (33, 33b) of the tank, and a second end (30b) in mechanical connection with the second end of the deformable tank (20), the first end (30a) of the outer envelope being closed by pinching.

The present invention relates to a dispenser for fluids, and to a method of manufacturing it.
To dispense small predetermined quantities ("doses") of fluid, in particular semisolid substances such as pastes or creams, it is known to make use of manually-actuated pumps of the kind to be found in sprays, and more particularly precompression pumps. European patent EP-0-251 863 filed in 1987 by Valois teaches associating such a pump with a deformable tank of the substance, e.g. a tube made of plastics material. If the pump is mounted in sealed manner on the tank, it is possible to empty practically all of the contents from the tank. Whenever a dose is expelled by actuating the pump, the tube is flattened correspondingly under the combined effects of atmospheric pressure on the outside of the deformable tank and the suction created by the pump inside the deformable tank.
That type of dispenser has other advantages. In particular, the substance in the tank can be conserved without coming into contact with air, thereby avoiding any risk of it being oxidized or contaminated. In addition, the dispenser works regardless of its position relative to the vertical.
However, when the tank is partially empty, the tube takes up a flattened form that is difficult to hold in the hand. Actuating the pump by pressing a finger on the dispenser head becomes awkward.
Provision could be made to dispose a more rigid envelope around the deformable tank so that the dispenser keeps a constant outside shape, as in double-envelope dispensers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,020 filed in 1980 by Stone. Unfortunately, such dispensers are relatively difficult to manufacture.
Dispensers are also known that have a double-walled tank with a flexible inner wall and a rigid outer wall, which tanks are made by blow coextrusion of the two walls, and welding by simultaneously pinching the ends of the two walls, the welding of the rigid outer wall being porus or permeable so as to enable air to penetrate between the two walls. Such a dispenser must be made using a method that is very difficult to master since the two walls must avoid welding together during blowing, and the weld at the end of the outer wall must leak while the weld at the end of the inner wall must be sealed. In addition, the materials that can be used for the inner and outer walls are very limited. Finally, the coextrusion method generally requires air to be blown between the two walls after they have been formed in order to separate them: this increases the cost of implementing the method.

Two compartment fluid dispenser with pump, and method of manufacturing same

Societe Technique de Pulverisation -S.T.E.P.-


A door having a sealing structure for sealing space between the door and frame of a furnace, which may be used for various types of furnace such as coke ovens. The sealing structure comprises pressing means and sealing means. A slip plate is provided between the door surface and a spring leaf constituting the sealing means. The slip plate, the spring leaf and the pressing means are adapted to slide integrally to cause a knife edge attached to a free side of the spring leaf to abut against the furnace frame.

This invention relates to doors having sealing structures for sealing space between the doors and frames of various furnaces such as coke ovens.
A conventional furnace door having such a sealing structure is illustrated in FIG. 11 of the accompanying drawings.
Referring to FIG. 11, sealing means 11 of the type comprising a spring leaf 12 and a knife edge 13 uses the elasticity of the spring leaf 12 to make the sharp side of the knife edge 13 abut against a furnace frame 2. This has the advantage that the sharp side of the knife edge 13 is capable of following the furnace frame 2 despite unevenness of the frame 2 and a deformation by heat of the door 3. The disadvantage of this conventional arrangement is that, since the spring leaf 12 is directly supported by and between the furnace door 3 and pressing means 22, the spring leaf 12 is made to slide relative to the door 3 when the pressing means 22 is pressed by a pressing bolt 46 to cause the knife edge 13 to move toward the furnace frame 2. Particularly, the spring leaf 12 is formed of relatively thin material for a good amount of deformation, and is liable to go out of shape or get damaged due to the unevenness of the furnace door 3 as it slides in direct contact with the furnace door 3, which will result in gas leaks by space between the furnace door 3 and the spring leaf 12.

Furnace door having sealing structure for sealing between furnace door and furnace frame


A portion of data is received from each sensor of a plurality of sensors. An emergency level corresponding to each metric of a plurality of metrics is calculated, where the calculated emergency level is determined based on the portion of data received from the sensors. A total emergency level corresponding to the current situation is calculated, where the calculation of the total emergency level is based on the emergency level calculated for each metric. It is determined whether the total emergency level is above a critical threshold, where the critical threshold is selected by the user. If it is determined that the total emergency level is above the critical threshold, an alert is sent to a party such as one or more local authorities.

The present invention relates generally to the field of wearable devices and more particularly to the use of wearable devices for safety and security purposes.
Wearable devices are used to track actions of users and to provide users with convenient access to information. Wearable devices are often used to track physiological data such as the body temperature or heart rate of the user, as well as information such as the current location of the user. Wearable devices are often configured to passively collect information as the user goes about their day without any direct interaction between the wearable device and the user.
Each year there are thousands of child abduction cases reported worldwide. In many of these cases children are unable to protect themselves and cannot be easily located after an abduction occurs.

Wearable device for automatic detection of emergency situations

International Business Machines Corporation


A shielded cable includes an inner conductor, a first insulator, a first outer conductor, a second insulator, and a second outer conductor, which are coaxially disposed in this order from an inner side, and has an outer circumference coated by an insulation sheath.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a shielded cable having flexibility which is applicable to portable electronic devices such as portable AV equipment and mobile telephones.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of consumer electronic products, there is AV equipment typified by portable sound reproduction equipment, and so on, and there is also a case where the sound of the equipment itself is heard through earphones (including headphones) using a coaxial cable.
In recent years, a portable television receiver has been also developed, and there is also a case where the sound thereof is heard through earphones the earphones. A cable for earphones is formed by a shielded cable and also used in the transmission of a high-frequency signal of a receiving antenna or the like.
In this manner, the technology of using an earphones cable as an antenna has been proposed.
This kind of cable is used in order to transmit an audio signal (low frequency band), and, for example, in a case where it is used for an application to antennas of VHF and UHF, there is a case where it is not suitable due to a large loss in a high-frequency signal.
Also, in the case of an ordinary coaxial cable called 3C-2V or 5C-2V for a high-frequency signal, although by optimizing high-frequency design, a high-frequency transmission characteristic could become excellent, there was a problem in that it is thick, heavy, and low in flexibility or tensile properties and durability performance at a movable portion is very poor.
Therefore, the applicant proposed a shielded cable which can be used in a movable portion like an earphone cable and transmit a direct-current signal (refers to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-164830).
Since as a principal conductor of the shielded cable, an ordinary annealed copper wire can be used, and also, as a reinforcing filament body, a general-purpose filament body can be used, the cable can be manufactured at a low price.
Also, by using a filament body of a material, which is low in rigidity, but high in tensile strength properties, for a reinforcing filament body of the shielded cable, it becomes possible to prevent occurrence of the breaking of wire by increasing tensile strength without lowering a bending property and flexibility, and also, secure a given electric characteristic.
Also, as an example of an antenna using a coaxial cable, a so-called sleeve antenna is proposed (for example, refers to FIG. 1 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-249817 and FIG. 1 of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-8333).
In the case of the sleeve antenna, the antenna has a structure in which a signal is transmitted by a coaxial cable and an antenna element is disposed at the leading end of the coaxial cable.
Particularly noteworthy is a folded structure of a ground GND, which is called a sleeve.
The sleeve antenna blocks an electric current, which is carried by an outer covering of the cable, by increasing impedance in terms of high-frequency by the folded structure of the sleeve.


Keys of an electronic keyboard shaped in a novel way, in order to permit the comfortable operation of the keys, especially by a business machine operator with long fingernails. Because of those changes in the key shape and character placement, the opportunity to set the plane of use of a keyboard anterior-posteriorly into an unlimited number of positions from a strong posterior tilt to a moderate anterior tilt, is thus afforded, giving increased comfort to keyboard operators, regardless of the length of their fingernails.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the keys of an electronic keyboard, shaped in a novel way to permit comfortable operation by a typist or other business machine operator with long fingernails, as well as offering increased comfort of operation to all keyboard operators because the novel keys will permit a wide range of placement of the anterior-posterior plane that a keyboard is positioned in, varying from vertical with the keys facing away from the operator, through horizontal with the keys facing upward, to vertical with the keys facing toward the operator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore the form and positioning of an electronic keyboard was largely patterned after its predecessor, the mechanical typewriter. The contact surface of the keys of an electronic keyboard have been shaped in a broad and flat fashion, much as in the old mechanical typewriter. This form, while necessary to allow operation of the keys of a mechanical typewriter, owing to requirements for a broad distribution of force across the fingertips, is not necessary for the operation of the keys of an electronic keyboard, as simple electrical contact is all that is necessary and not the moving of a mechanical device. No design has been put forth that has taken advantage of the potential of electronically operated business machines to permit, by lateral constiction of the key width, operators with long nails to have improved precision and freedom of movement when operating the keys. Also, the unchanging placement of the characters on a keyboard on top of the keys has restricted the freedom to substantially tip the keyboard anterior-posteriorly into varied, more comfortable planes for operators of business machine keyboards.
While the level of keys has been raised by keyboard covers, the form of the surface of the keyboard has remained essentially the same. The present invention endeavors to provide space enough between the keys to allow stylishly long nails to protrude downward below the finger-contacting surfaces of the tops of the keys.
Also, although in one embodiment of the present invention, the surface is covered with a protective sheet, as recited by Parker in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,980, that is incidental to the prime purposes of the invention, which are to provide access and positioning for comfortable manipulation of the keys by the fingers of a business machine operator with long fingernails, as well as to have keys that allow much freedom of rotation anterior-posteriorly of the plane that the keyboard is placed in.


A multi-function portable patient monitor arrangement having minimal power requirements particularly useful in association with patient transport apparatus to monitor patient functions such as, monitor means to monitor rate of patient heartbeat, body temperature monitor means to detect patient body temperature and patient environment oxygen monitor means to monitor inspired oxygen concentrations in the patient environment, including a direct current voltage at positive source voltage V1 supplied to first voltage reduction means where a positive voltage V2 is supplied at an output from the first voltage reduction means to patient heartbeat monitor means, patient body temperature monitor means, to patient environment oxygen monitor means and to second voltage regulator means where the second voltage regulation means provides output at negative voltage V3 relative to V2 to provide power to the patient body temperature sensor means environmental oxygen monitor means and the heartbeat monitor means.

The present invention provides a useful apparatus and means to monitor certain vital signs of a patient under medical care where the device is particularly useful in a transport device, for example, an ambulance transporting the patient (perhaps an infant) to or between hospitals, or in transport devices, for example, in the case of infants, transporting the infant from location to location within a hospital where it is useful to maintain continuous regard to the patient heartbeat rate, body temperature and oxygen concentration inspired by the patient in the transport device or respirator.
In the care of infants requiring assistance, monitors are available in hospitals and nurseries which simultaneously provide many of the monitoring capabilities of devices in accordance with the present invention.
Other devices are available to separately monitor the functions observed by devices in accordance with the present invention but no device is known which accomplishes the combination of the individual monitoring functions with a single, extremely smooth power source.
Prior art devices, where each device monitors a single function, have generally been powered by rechargeable batteries or from AC current, as are known in the art. Because of the power available, and because only a single function is monitored, such prior art devices have not been adapted to minimize power consumption and because of the significant electrical energy required for operation, such prior art devices have not been adaptable for operation with dry cell or other nonrechargeable batteries so that operation is limited to a period of time equal to the effective discharge life of the battery, or recharge facilities must be available.
Moreover, in some instances, several of the single function monitoring devices have been provided in, for example, ambulances, but in ambulances, as in other transport devices, space is at a premium so provision of multiple devices with equal duplication of power supplies unnecessarily consumes space which could be better utilized to store other necessary equipment.
Insofar as known, no portable device is presently available with the combined capability of monitoring heartbeat, body temperature and environmental, and/or inspired oxygen of a patient utilizing a single power source and designed to operate with minimum power requirements so that readily available dry cell batteries can be utilized to furnish the necessary power for a long period of time.


Arrangements described herein related to performing a dynamic search. A search term can be received and a format of the search term can be identified. Based on the identified format of the search term, a field of a plurality of records can be selected to search, the field having a format matching the identified format of the search term. The field can be searched to identify at least a first of the plurality of records that at least partially matches the search term. At least a portion of at least the first of the plurality of records that at least partially matches the search term can be presented to a user.

The embodiments disclosed within this specification relate to searching of electronically stored records.
The use of computers to store any variety of information is commonplace. For example, computers frequently are used to store electronic mail (e-mail) and contact information for people with whom e-mails are exchanged. In this regard, e-mail clients typically are used to generate and send outgoing emails, and to receive and view incoming e-mails. E-mail clients may be resident on a local processing system, such as a computer, smart phone, or the like, or resident on a server accessed by a processing system. Moreover, e-mail clients may be implemented as modules within applications that, in addition to processing and/or storing e-mails, perform other functions.

Performing a dynamic search of electronically stored records based on a search term format

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A multi-player game for sculpting a designated object by players of the game and judging said designated object by a judge, wherein the players earn points for each sculpted object chosen by the judge as most representing the designated object. The game broadly comprises a judge's board, a plurality of player's boards, sculpting dough, a plurality of object cards, a smasher, an eye mask, a timer, a plurality of points indicators, and a game box for storing the above-listed items. A method of performing the game broadly comprises the steps of (a) selecting a judge from the plurality of players for a round of play of the game; (b) selecting an object to be sculpted; (c) preventing the selected judge from visually seeing the sculpting of the objects; (d) sculpting the selected object; (e) presenting the sculpted objects to the judge; and (f) selecting a winning sculpted object.

Multi-player games commonly involve use of playing cards, trivia, or word games. Such multi-player games can be fun and entertaining for a limited subset of players. However, use of the games for a variety of players playing at the same time, including players of all ages and backgrounds, is not always possible. For example, trivia games are not conducive for players with ages ranging from a small child to an adult, as the child usually does not have the same knowledge as the adult. Such is the same for games involving a standard deck of playing cards or word games, as usually such games are too advanced for children.
Additionally, common multi-player games are not always conducive to a variety of players from different backgrounds playing the game. For example, in a trivia game, some players may not be knowledgeable regarding the same fields or genres of trivia than other players, even if all the players are adults.
Further, many multi-player games have difficult rules that are time intensive to understand and explain to new players. For example, card games are often complicated and involve numerous rules that must be learned and explained, often throughout the game.
Finally, none of the above-discussed multi-player games engage more than the players' mental abilities. In particular, the above-discussed games do not allow for artistic expression and use of the players' hands.
Accordingly, there is a need for a game and a method of playing same that allows for players of many ages to play the game together. Additionally, there is a need for a game that allows players of various backgrounds to play the game together. Furthermore, there is a need for a game with rules and objectives that are readily and easily explained and understood and that engages the players' artistic abilities and allows for artistic expression.
Embodiments of the present invention solve the above-described problems and insufficiencies and provide a distinct advance in the art of games and methods of playing games. In more detail, embodiments of the present invention provide a game and a method of playing same that allows players to sculpt a designated object from a moldable dough or clay. A selected judge for each round of play of the game then chooses the sculpted object that best represents the designated object. The winning sculpted object is chosen based on the preferences of the judge, and such preferences may include factors or criteria that are both subjective and objective.
The game of embodiments of the present invention broadly comprises a judge's board, a plurality of player's boards, sculpting dough, a plurality of object cards, a smasher, an eye mask, a timer, a plurality of points indicators, and a game box for storing the above-listed items.
The method of playing the game of embodiments of the present invention broadly comprises the steps of: (a) setting a playing limit for each game, wherein the playing limit is either an amount of time the game is to be played or a number of rounds of play for each game; (b) selecting a judge for a round of play; (c) selecting an object to be sculpted, wherein said selection is performed by the judge for the round of play; (d) preventing the judge from visually viewing the sculpting of the objects by covering the selected judge's eyes with the eye mask; (e) beginning a sculpting session for the round of play by starting the timer to time the sculpting session; (f) sculpting the selected object, wherein the sculpting is performed by all players of the game except for the selected judge for the round of play; (g) at the completion of the sculpting session, presenting the sculpted objects to the judge on the judge's board; (h) selecting a winning sculpted object, wherein the selection is performed by the judge based on a plurality of objective and subjective factors; (i) smashing or otherwise deforming the sculpted objects except for the winning sculpted object, wherein the smashing is performed by the judge using the smasher; and (j) awarding the player who sculpted the winning sculpted object one of the points indicators.
The game and method of playing same of embodiments of the present invention thus provide a game that can be played by the plurality of players, regardless of the players' ages, education, knowledge, or background. The game encourages acceptance, skills, and contributions of players of all ages. Further, the game develops the ability in the players to see objects as others (i.e., the judge) may see them. Moreover, the game enhances communications skills and illustrates to the players how other players and persons perceive objects from diverse perspectives.
The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

Game for sculpting objects and method of playing same


A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a film cartridge operable at high speed.

A 35 mm photographic roll film is used in a state in which the film is housed in a film cartridge. This film cartridge is basically made up by a cylindrically-shaped ribbon plate, a spool housed within the ribbon plate, and caps for closing the upper and lower ends of the ribbon plate. On the inner surface of an end of a film pull-out opening of the ribbon plate, there is bonded a velvet ribbon for light shielding.
The method for manufacturing a film cartridge for housing a photographic roll film is now explained. Referring to FIG. 5, for forming the aforementioned ribbon plate for the film cartridge, a metal sheet is cut to a longitudinal size and a transverse size corresponding to the longitudinal size and the transverse size of a developed ribbon plate, forming the so cut metal sheet so that the cross-sectional shape along the long axis of the formed product is in a boat-like shape. To left and right ends of a so formed metal sheet 101 are stuck velvet ribbons 102a, 102b to produce a so-called boat-shaped ribbon plate.
The boat-shaped ribbon plate then is rounded in a cylindrical shape and a cap 103a is clinched to one side end of the rounded ribbon plate to from a so-called "film cartridge opened on its one side end or a one-capped cartridge" (see FIG. 5).
Finally, an assembly comprised of a film of a predetermined length 105 is wound on a spool 104 is inserted from an opening side of the one-capped cartridge, and a cap 103b is clinched to the open side end of the one-capped cartridge to form a so-called [wound film cartridge] which is a film cartridge having a photographic roll film wound thereon (see FIG. 5).
Referring to the drawings, a conventional method and apparatus for manufacturing a film cartridge are now explained.
Referring to FIG. 6, this conventional apparatus 100 includes an index unit 170 rotatable about an rotation axis perpendicular to a substantially horizontal surface and which holds plural assembly chucks 171 at equi-angular intervals about the rotation axis. At preset positions of eight stations, arranged on the circumference of the index unit 170, there are arranged a ribbon plate supplying unit 110, a one-capped cartridge producing unit 120, a inspecting unit 130, a unacceptable product discharging unit 140, an acceptable product discharging unit 150 and a remnant discharging unit 160.
First, the boat-shaped ribbon plate is inserted (supplied) from the ribbon plate supplying unit 110 into an assembly chuck 171 which may be halted in its proximity and which is capable of accepting the ribbon plate (see FIG. 6). As the index unit 170 is run in rotation, the inserted boat-shaped ribbon plate is transported to the one-capped cartridge producing unit 120. In this one-capped cartridge producing unit 120, the boat-shaped ribbon plate is rounded to a cylindrical shape, and a cap, supplied to one end of the rounded ribbon plate, is inserted and subsequently clinched to the ribbon plate to form a one-capped cartridge. As the index unit 170 is run in rotation, the so formed one-capped cartridge is transported to the inspecting unit 130. In this inspecting unit 130, the state of engagement between the cap and the ribbon plate in the one-capped cartridge is monitored to detect whether or not the one-capped cartridge is acceptable. As the index unit 170 is further run in rotation, the one-capped cartridge, detected as described above, is transported to the unacceptable product discharging unit 140. If the one-capped cartridge has been found to be unacceptable in the inspecting unit 130, the unacceptable one-capped cartridge is discharged by the unacceptable product discharging unit 140. If conversely the one-capped cartridge has been found to be acceptable, the one-capped cartridge is not discharged (see FIG. 6). If, as the index unit 170 is further run in rotation, the one-capped cartridge, found as being acceptable, is transported to the acceptable product discharging unit 150, the one-capped cartridge, verified to be acceptable in the inspecting unit 130, is discharged in the acceptable product discharging unit 150 (see FIG. 6). If the index unit 170 further run in rotation, and any product that remained without being discharged by the unacceptable product discharging unit 140 or by the acceptable product discharging unit 150 has been transported to the remnant discharging unit 160, such remnant, present in the assembly chuck in the remnant discharging unit 160, is discharged (see FIG. 6). The index unit 170 is further run in rotation and a boat-shaped ribbon plate is again introduced into the now void assembly chucks 171 to repeat the above-described processing. The operations in the respective process step units are carried out simultaneously such that one one-capped cartridge is completed for each pitch of rotation of the index unit.
The ribbon plate supplying unit is explained in detail. The ribbon plate supplying unit may be sub-divided into a ribbon plate transfer process for transferring a ribbon plate to a stocker (stock unit) from a tray loaded with plural ribbon plates, and a ribbon plate supplying process for supplying the ribbon plates accumulated in the stocker to the index unit.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a ribbon plate transfer process 201 of the ribbon plate supplying unit includes a tray changer 210, a transfer unit 220 and a stocker 230.
The ribbon plate transfer process 201 delivers a tray 204, on which are loaded plural boat-shaped ribbon plates, aligned in an upstanding position thereon, by the tray changer 210 (see FIG. 7). That is, after lifting the second tray from the bottom of a stack of trays, loaded on a tray pull down unit 211, the lowermost tray 204 is moved on a conveyor to a transfer unit 212 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The transfer mechanism 220, including a suction magnet, not shown, enclosed therein, and also including gripper 221, for gripping the boat-shaped ribbon plate 203 with claws, not shown, descends onto the tray 204 on the transfer unit 212 to grip together a pre-set number of the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203 placed on the tray 204 in the upstanding position. The transfer mechanism 220 is then uplifted, as it grips the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203, and then is moved horizontally to a position above the stocker 230 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The bottom surface of the gripper 221 holding the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203 is then tilted, by movement of a rotation mechanism 222, from a horizontal position to the same angle as that of an inclined base 231 of the stocker 230. The boat-shaped ribbon plates 203 are then lowered, in the tilted state, onto the inclined base 231. The gripping of the transfer mechanism 220 is then released. This transfers the set of the boat-shaped ribbon plate 203 in the upstanding and aligned state to the stocker 230 (see FIG. 7). Meanwhile, the tray 204, now emptied, are sent by a conveyor to a tray pile up unit 213. The trays, already existing, are uplifted and the empty tray 204 is inserted in the lowermost tier (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the ribbon plate supply process 202 of the ribbon plate supply unit includes a stocker 230, a suction mechanism 240, a magnet 250 and an assembly chuck 171.
In the ribbon plate supply process 202 of the ribbon plate supply unit, the set of the boat-shaped ribbon plate 203, transferred onto the stocker 230, are slid together by a slide mechanism (stacker weight) towards a lower side, as the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203 are aligned in the upstanding orientation on the inclined base 231, until the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203 are retained by claws, not shown, arranged in a outlet 232 (see FIG. 9). At this time, the boat-shaped ribbon plates 203, accumulated in the aligned state on the stocker 230, are progressively transferred from the upstanding aligned orientation to the horizontal orientation as they move from the inclined base 231 to the outlet 232 (see FIG. 9). The boat-shaped ribbon plate 203, lying in the outlet 232 of the stocker 230, are sucked by a suction mechanism 240, which have been lifted by an uplifting mechanism 242, and are thereby pulled downwards (see FIG. 9). The boat-shaped ribbon plate 203, thus separated from the succeeding boat-shaped ribbon plates 203, is pushed towards right in the drawing, by a claw 261 provided on an swinging member 260, and is thereby taken out, as the boat-shaped ribbon plate 203 remains in the sucked state (see FIG. 9). A baffle board, not shown, is provided at the outlet 232, to prevent two plates from being taken out simultaneously to enable only one plate to be taken out reliably each time. The boat-shaped ribbon plate 203, thus taken out, is transported in the sucked state to a position below the magnet 250 and is lifted by an uplifting mechanism 242. The sucked state is then released to permit the boat-shaped ribbon plate 203 to be retained by the magnet 250 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The boat-shaped ribbon plate 203, thus retained by the magnet 250, is slid in the next operating cycle by a claw 262 formed on the swinging member 260, so as to be transported to the assembly chucks 171 of the index unit (see FIG. 10).
The film cartridge assembling device also rounds the ribbon plate, formed to a boat shape, to a cylindrical shape, introduces a cap to one side end of the rounded ribbon plate, and clinches the cap to the ribbon plate, to assemble the one-capped cartridge. The film cartridge assembling device includes an assembly chuck for detachably holding the ribbon plate for transporting the ribbon plate to the respective process as the ribbon plate is kept to a predetermined shape.
In a certain conventional assembly chuck, shown in FIG. 18, a ribbon plate 550, bent substantially to a cylindrical shape, is clamped with a support metal 660 from the bottom side of a cylindrical mandrel 630, while a straight portion 551 of the ribbon plate is retained by an adjustment guide 670 adapted for adjusting a film take-out gap between the straight portion 551 of the ribbon plate and a haze portion (folded portion) 552, having a port width 553.
Incidentally, with respect to a method for rounding the boat-shaped ribbon plate to a cylindrical shape, a variety of methods and apparatuses are made up, for example, there is a ribbon plate forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 24 (refer to JP Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-A-4-102844).
Referring to FIG. 24(A), in this ribbon plate forming apparatus 800, a boat-shaped ribbon plate 750 is placed astride on a die 801 having half-round-opposed recesses which can be moved from side to side, a support metal 803 cushioned by a spring 802 is arranged in the middle of the die 801, and a mandrel 804 which can move to the support metal 803 is arranged on top of the boat-shaped ribbon plate 750.
Referring to FIG. 24(B) next, when the mandrel 804 moves to the support metal 803 and enters between the recesses of the die 801, the ribbon plate 750 becomes like U-shape.
Referring to FIG. 24(C) further, when the mandrel 804 enters between the recesses of the die 801 completely, the ribbon plate 750 is rounded to a cylindrical shape by moving the mandrel 804 to the support metal 803 and winding up the ribbon plate 750 around the outer surface of the mandrel 804.

Methods for manufacturing film cartridge and for feeding plate material

Abstract: A film cartridge comprised of a rounded ribbon plate and a cap clinched to the end of the rounded ribbon plate is produced using an apparatus including plural assembly chucks, an index unit for holding the assembly chucks at equi-angular intervals about a rotation axis and a driving unit for intermittently rotating the index unit. The method includes a step of introducing a rounded ribbon plate into an assembly chuck, a step of introducing a cap to a side end of the cylindrically rounded ribbon plate, in conjunction with the ribbon plate introducing step, when the assembly chuck holding the rounded ribbon plate is halted at a different halt position, and a step of clinching the cap to the ribbon plate, in conjunction with the ribbon plate introducing step, when the assembly chuck holding the ribbon plate having the cap inserted therein is halted at a further different halt position.


‘Alpigala’ is a whole tree mutation of ‘Gala’, the fruit of which is notable for its early coloring, very dark overcolor, and strongly defined stripes.

'Alpigala' is a new and distinct variety of apple tree (Malus domestica). 'Alpigala' is a natural whole tree mutation of 'Gala' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,637) discovered by the inventor in an established 'Gala' orchard at Manosque, France in 2010. Propagative material of the newly discovered tree was asexually reproduced by budding at Doué la Fontaine, France in 2010 and subsequently fruited through successive generations at Doué la Fontaine, France. 'Alpigala' has been observed to remain true to type over successive asexually propagated generations.

International Fruit Obtentions (IFO) GIE