A processor is configured to determine, if a beginning or an end of a target storage area into which write data is to be written is included in a first storage area in a first storage unit, whether the beginning or the end of the target storage area coincides with a beginning or an end of the first storage area. The processor is configured to extract, if it is determined that the beginning or the end of the target storage area does not coincide with the beginning or the end of the first storage area, data identical to data stored in a sub-storage area in the first storage area from a second storage unit. The sub-storage area is not overlapped with the target storage area. The processor is configured to generate data to be written into the first storage unit by using the extracted data and the write data.

A read-modify-write (RMW) technique has hitherto been adopted to write data on a disk from and on which data is read out and written in units of sectors. In the RMW, the write data to be written on the disk is processed for the writing in units of sectors and then is written on the disk. The read-modify-write is a technique to read out data from a disk in sectors of an integer number such that the sectors include storage areas into which the write data is to be written, rewrite the data in the storage areas within the read out sectors to the write data, and write the rewritten sectors back into the disk.
Related techniques include, for example, a technique in which, upon reception of data requiring an RMW operation, the start of the RMW operation is delayed for within the time which a disk takes to rotate once and which is substantially the same as the time required for controlling the RMW operation. Upon reception of the remaining data to be sequentially written, the previously received data and the currently received remaining data are written together to one sector without the RMW operation. The related techniques also include a technique in which a multi-planar array of partition distribution data is created, as a collection of all possible maximum and minimum sub-cache sizing, from least recently used (LRU) lists of referenced objects and traces of objects, and a dynamic programming heuristic is applied to the multi-planar array.
Related techniques are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2010-267345 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 06-161898.
However, with the techniques described above, in writing of write data into a disk in units of sectors, the data used for processing the write data is read out from the disk to disadvantageously increase the time for a writing process of the write data.

Storage apparatus and writing control method


Creating for a resource a representation including properties of the resource. Determining and analyzing defined naming rules for a configuration database, each naming rule including a naming rule identification, a priority and at least one attribute having an attribute name. For each naming rule applicable to the resource, extracting at least one attribute value for each attribute name from the resource representation. For each naming rule applicable to the resource, creating a complex identity object containing a naming rule identification and a list of attribute names and attribute values. For each created complex identity object, set an authority flag if a given provider is able to obtain a complete set of values for the attributes. Processing through each complex identity object according to priority of the corresponding naming rule. Generating an alias for each result of a Cartesian product of each attribute value of the list of attribute names.

One or more aspects of the present invention relate, in general, to the field of configuration databases, and in particular to creating and handling identification for a resource in a configuration database.
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,290,949 B2 by Baker et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, one of the primary goals for a configuration management database (CMDB) is to provide support for configuration items or resources as defined by the IT infrastructure library (ITIL). Along with representing and storing relationships between resources, another important purpose of the configuration management database is to provide a correlation mechanism between resources. For example, two management products may discover a single computer system, and yet call them different names. In order to provide a correlation mechanism, a notion of an object naming rule is used, defined as a set of object attributes which are uniquely identifying a given instance. With the quickly increasing complexity of IT environments, it may be seen that it is not possible to maintain one single model of the IT infrastructure, see Tivoli Common Data Model, for example, consisting from detailed definitions of object types with all the attributes and relations describing properties of the objects on which definitions of naming rules might be based. Every new flavor of the object might require a slightly different set of identifying attributes which requires new attributes to be added to the data model to build a base for a new naming rule, which very often requires model tables to be extended with new columns.

Creating and handling identification for a resource in a configuration database

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A microwave oscillator includes a metal housing which defines a cavity in which microwave radiation is produced by an internally mounted Gunn diode or the like. A tuning member projects into the microwave cavity through a hole formed in a wall of the oscillator housing. Depending on the length of its projection into the cavity, the tuning member controls the frequency of the microwave energy produced by the oscillator. The tuning member is supported on the cavity housing by a mounting member made from a material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. Particularly preferred materials include polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Preferably, a microwave filter or choke is provided to reduce the leakage of microwave energy from the cavity through the hole in the oscillator housing. Such a choke comprises a pair of capacitors separated by an inductor. These elements are defined by (a) a portion of the oscillator housing, (b) the tuning screw (which is given a special cross-sectional contour), and (c) a sleeve of dielectric material, such as Teflon, which surrounds the tuning member.

The present invention relates to improvements in temperature-compensated microwave oscillators of the type used, for example, in Doppler-based motion-detection systems.
It is well known that the frequency of oscillation of a microwave oscillator is temperature-dependent. Left uncompensated for ambient temperature changes, the output frequency of a conventional X-band Gunn oscillator can vary by as much as 800 kHz.per degree-Centrigrade. This variation is primarily the result of metal expansion of the oscillator's metal housing which defines the resonant cavity. As the ambient temperature increases, the cavity expands in size, causing a corresponding decrease in the cavity's resonant frequency.
Due to FCC requirements governing acceptable frequency bandpasses within which certain types of microwave oscillators can operate, it is common for manufacturers of such oscillators to incorporate some means for compensating for ambient temperature changes so that the output frequency remains substantially stable with temperature. A common technique is one which exploits a differential metal expansion between the oscillator's metal housing and a so-called "tuning rod" which extends into the cavity as a stub. In general, the further the tuning rod extends into the cavity, the lower the frequency of oscillation. The rod is mounted at one end of a tube extending outwardly from the oscillator housing. Thus, as the temperature increases, the cavity becomes larger and the resonant frequency drops. But at the same time, the tube grows in length, thereby withdrawing the tuning rod from the cavity and causing the resonant frequency to increase. In theory, by properly selecting the materials of the housing and the tuning rod, the frequency drop caused by the growth of the cavity will be offset by the frequency increase caused by the partial extraction of the tuning rod from the cavity, and the oscillator frequency will remain constant with temperature. While it is never possible to entirely eliminate frequency drift, it is possible to reduce the frequency drift to less than 50 kHz per degree Centigrade.
In the differential expansion scheme described above, it is common to select a tuning rod material which exhibits very little expansion with temperature. Otherwise, the length of the tube in which the tuning rod is mounted need be relatively long in order to achieve the desired movement (as a result of temperature change) of the free end of the rod in the cavity. A preferred material is alumina. The use of such materials can add significantly to the product cost and, desirably, should be avoided.

Microwave oscillator with temperature compensation


A gravimetric blender has a frame, at least one material storage hopper at the top of the frame including a hopper cover, a weigh bin located within the frame, below the hopper, for receipt of material from the hopper to be weighed and being adapted for downward discharge of the material in the bin after the material received from the hopper has been weighed, at least one load cell connecting the weigh bin to the frame for sensing the weight of contents of the weigh bin, a mixer within the frame below the hopper, for mixing material weighed in the weigh bin after that material falls downwardly from the weigh bin to the mixer, and a guide adapted for vertical movement of the hopper cover therealong between positions which the cover contacts and thereby closes the hopper and at which the cover is spaced vertically but maintained in a horizontal plane above the hopper so that the hopper is open at the top.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to machines for processing plastic resin material prior to molding or extrusion, and specifically relates to gravimetric blenders. Gravimetric blenders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,007,236; 6,188,936; 6,402,363; 6,467,943 and D424,587, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Description of the Prior Art
Many if not most gravimetric blenders operate with vacuum powered or other loaders that downwardly feed plastic resin material into one or more of the hoppers of the gravimetric blender, where the loaders typically are positioned on the top of the associated hoppers of the gravimetric blender. Vacuum loaders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,089,794 and 7,066,689, the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Older gravimetric blenders and many newer larger gravimetric blenders do not have removable hoppers; some small modern gravimetric blenders have removable hoppers. But even if removable, the hoppers cannot be removed if a vacuum loader is on top of the hopper, since the vacuum loader weighs a substantial amount, especially when filled with granular resin material.
Maguire Products, Inc. offers small capacity gravimetric blenders having removable hoppers. These small blenders with their necessarily smaller hoppers that are removable from the blender facilitate easy cleanout of the hopper by allowing removal of the hopper from the blender. A small gravimetric blender with a removable hopper is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,943.
If a gravimetric blender hopper has one or more loaders mounted on the hopper lid and the hopper is removable from the blender, presence of the loader(s) on the hopper lid limits, and in some cases may even eliminate, a worker's ability to remove the hopper from the gravimetric blender. A loader typically has a resin material feed line connected to it and is heavy. Vacuum loaders may weigh from 30 to 50 pounds each, making it awkward and sometimes dangerous for a worker to remove a loader from its position on the gravimetric blender hopper lid.
Moreover, the blender hopper top and hence the loader(s) are typically positioned high above the work floor, well beyond a worker's reach without using a ladder or a movable platform. This typical positioning of equipment in a plastic resin processing, molding or extrusion facility, cries for an easy way to move the loader(s) away from the hopper(s), in order to allow removal of the hopper(s) from the blender for cleaning and maintenance, without first having to remove the loader(s) from the hopper(s), by lifting the loader(s) off the hopper lid.
A previous approach to this problem has been to place a loader on a mount pivotally supported by a post, so that the loader can be swiveled out of the way by pivoting the mount around the post. Sometimes the post and mount are built with a cam or other apparatus so that a slight lift of the mount occurs on initial pivoting, to allow clearance for the loader when rotating sideways on the mount, out of the way of the hopper lid. The support post must be very substantial. The support post must additionally be fixed to a very substantial part of the gravimetric blender frame or fixed to the injection molding press or extruder to which the gravimetric blender is mounted, or even fixed to the facility floor, in order to support the loader.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Gravimetric blender with power hopper cover


A method for selective formation of a deposited film comprises forming selectively a deposited film of a desired pattern on a deposition surface comprising a plurality of different kinds of materials formed corresponding to said pattern and providing different nucleus forming densities to the deposited film forming material.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for selective formation of a deposited film, particularly to a selective formation method which forms a deposited film of a desired pattern self-adjustedly.
The method for selective formation of a deposited film according to the present invention may be applicable for, for example, preparation of thin films to be used for semiconductor integrated circuit devices, optical integrated circuit devices, magnetic circuit devices, etc.
2. Related Background Art
As a method for desirably forming a desired deposited film on a desired portion of a desired substrate, there has been heretofore known the deposited film formation method utilizing the photolithographic technique.
FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example of the steps showing the method for forming a thin film type deposited film according to photolithography of the prior art.
First, a substrate 101 comprising a material species with a uniform composition as shown in FIG. 1A is washed, and subsequently a thin film 102 is deposited on the whole surface of the substrate 101 according to various thin film deposition methods (vacuum deposition method, sputtering method, plasma discharge method, MBE method, CVD method, etc.) [FIG. 1B].
Subsequently, a photoresist 103 is applied on the thin film 102, [FIG. 1C], the photoresist 3 is exposed to light by use of a photomask of a desired pattern and the photoresist 103 is partially removed by developing [FIG. 1D].
The thin film 102 is subjected to etching with the residual photoresist 103 as the mask to form a thin film 102 of a desired pattern [FIG. 1E].
By repeating such photolithographic steps, thin films of desired patterns are laminated to constitute an integrated circuit. In this case, alignment between the thin films of the respective layers is a very important factor for the characteristics of an element. Particularly, in the case of VLSI where precision of submicron is demanded, the precision of the shape of the thin film of each layer is also extremely important along with alignment.
However, in the thin film forming method of the prior art as described above, it is difficult to effect necessary alignment of the photomask with good precision, and also the precision of the shape is insufficient, because thin films of desired patterns are formed by etching.
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate another example of the steps showing the method for forming a thin film by use of lift-off of the prior art.
First, a substrate 201 is coated with a photoresist 204, [FIG. 2A], and a photoresist 204 of a desired pattern is removed by photolithography [FIG. 2B].
Subsequently, a thin film 205 is deposited according to the thin film depositing method [FIG. 2C], and the residual photoresist 204 is removed by dissolution. The thin film on the residual photoresist 204 is thereby removed at the same time to form a thin film 205 of a desired pattern [FIG. 2D]. The above steps are repeated to constitute an integrated circuit.
However, such a deposited film formation method performs formation of a deposited film on a photoresist and therefore it is required to perform formation of a deposited film at a temperature not higher than the resistant temperature of the photoresist, whereby the deposition method is greatly restricted. Also, in removing the photoresist, the shape of the residual deposited film is affected thereby to give insufficient precision of shape. Further, there is also a problem such that the possibility of contamination at the side wall portion or inner portion of the deposited film with carbon, etc. which is a component of the photo-resist is high,
On the other hand, as the selective deposition method, it has been known to cover partially a single crystalline substrate with an amorphous thin film and effecting epitaxial growth of the same material as the substrate material selectively only on the exposed portion of the single crystalline substrate. For example, there are the selective epitaxial growth (SEG) method in which silicon is selectively grown with partial coverage of a single crystalline silicon substrate with silicon oxide (B. D. Joyce & J. A. Baldrey, Nature, vol. 195, 485, 1962), the method in which epitaxial growth of GaAs is selectively effected with coverage of a GaAs substrate with an amorphous thin film such as of SiO.sub.2, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, etc. (P. Rai-Choudhury & D. K. Schroder, J. Electrochem. soc. 118, 107, 1971), etc.
However, according to these selective deposition methods, since the same kind of single crystalline semiconductor is selectively grown on the exposed surface of the single crystalline substrate, the deposition surface for the ground is limited to the single crystalline semiconductor, and they are not applicable for insulating substrates.

Method for selective formation of a deposited film


A set fastening, ejecting, and stacking system for stacking sets of printed sheets with staples or other set fasteners that are being ejected by a set ejector with a horizontal movement component to slide the stapled set out over the stack. An automatic dynamic ramp system is provided by a foldable member which is folded in a vertical direction by the horizontal movement of the set ejector to temporarily lift up the stapled area of the set out of contact with the stack while that set is being ejected to prevent snagging.

Disclosed in the embodiment herein is an improved but very simple and low cost system for the stacking ejection of sets of sheets onto a stack of sheets, with reduced tendencies for stubbing or snagging in doing so, by automatic lifting up of the stapled or other problem-portion of the set being ejected above the stack during the ejection of that set onto the stack. As further disclosed in this embodiment, this can desirably be done without requiring a separate drive system by utilizing and converting the existing set ejection system motion to provide a dual mode, dual direction, set ejection system.
By way of background, although the disclosed embodiment is shown in the compact set stacking output system of a xe2x80x9cdisk stackerxe2x80x9d, it is applicable to various other sheet stacking systems. It is especially of interest for overcoming the xe2x80x9cstubbingxe2x80x9d problems of stapled sets being substantially horizontally ejected to be stacked on top of other stapled sets. It is a recognized problem that the staples or other projections can interfere with (cause xe2x80x9cstubbingxe2x80x9d) as that set is being pushed out over the previously stacked set.
This xe2x80x9cstubbingxe2x80x9d problem is of particular concern in compact combined set compiling and stacking systems, in which the sets are stacked on a stack elevator which maintains the top of the stack at about the same level as the bottom of the set being compiled and stapled. That is, roughly level with, rather than much lower than, the compiler surface. That is done so as to partially support the overhanging (projecting) portion of the set being stapled. That allows the set compiling area to be smaller than the sheet dimensions in the process direction. Such known compact combined compiling and stacking systems desirably partially combine the horizontal space that would be required by a separate compiler and separate stacker.
Current methods to combat this problem include the use of a separate solenoid actuated and spring loaded xe2x80x9cset separatorxe2x80x9d arm mechanism inserted out over part of the previously ejected and stacked set, then retracted for the next set, e.g., Minolta Co., Ltd., U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,583 B1, issued Jun. 12, 2001. That system has a relatively high cost, several moving parts, space requirements, is exposed to damage, and requires additional software to control it. Furthermore, as multiple stapled sets accumulate on top of one another in the output stack the overlying staples thereof tend to cause those staple areas to stick up or rise higher that the rest of the stack.
Other efforts to solve this stubbing problem in finisher compiled, stapled and stacked sets systems have included designs for different stacking tray angles, and/or stacking tray corner cut-outs (stack unsupported areas), especially for finished sets which are only corner-stapled, as compared to plural edge stapled. While none of those designs are excluded from, or incompatible with, use with the present system, the disclosed system is believed to be far more effective for reducing the stubbing problem.
Disclosed in the embodiment herein is a simple and low cost dual mode system and mechanism, capable of utilizing the existing horizontal movement of a set ejection system, so as not to require any additional drive system, yet automatically lifting up the stubbing problem portion of the compiled set vertically relative to the prior stacked sets during the otherwise horizontal or downstream ejecting movement of the (stapled or unstapled) set. This simple yet effective system can then also automatically retract downwardly with the rearward retraction of the set ejector so as not to interfere with further compiling or stapling operations, such as the rotation and sheet stripping of a disk stacker compiling operation.
Yet, as also shown in the specific illustrated example, a relatively sophisticated stubbing prevention function can be accomplished using a simple foldable and un-foldable (hinged) plastic or metal member which forms an automatically raised and lowered ramp or guide for the sheet or set of sheets being ejected out onto the stack of sheets on the stacking surface.
That is, the disclosed embodiment shows that a dynamic ramp system to greatly reduce snubbing tendencies can be accomplished with a very simple, even one piece, device that utilizes the existing motion of the set ejecting mechanism of the finisher to perform its functions and timing. Reduced cost and improved reliability over prior systems are significant advantages.
Some examples of Xerox Corporation patents on disk stackers (noted above), and also providing some examples of compact (shared) set compiling, ejection and stacking systems (as described above), with or without set stapling, include Xerox Corp. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,409,201; 5,409,202; 5,685,532; 5,642,876; 5,803,705; 5,692,740; 5,803,705, or 5,842,695. A different (non-disk) type of compact compiler-stapler-stacker is shown, for example, in Xerox Corp. U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,910.
A specific disclosed feature of the specific embodiment disclosed herein is to provide in a set fastening, ejecting, and stacking system for stacking in a stack of multiple printed sheets, at least some of which are sets of plural said printed sheets having one or more set fasteners in a fastening area of said printed sheets, wherein a said set of plural printed sheets with an area of one or more set is fasteners is ejected by a set ejector with a horizontal movement component to slide out over said stack of multiple printed sheets, the improvement comprising an automatic dynamic ramp system for temporarily lifting up with a vertical movement component said fastening area of said set with said set fasteners out of contact with said stack of multiple printed sheets while said set is being ejected by said set ejector with said horizontal movement component to slide out over said stack of multiple printed sheets to prevent snagging of said set fasteners with said stack of multiple printed sheets.
Further specific features disclosed in the embodiment herein, individually or in combination, include those wherein said automatic dynamic ramp system for temporarily lifting up said area of said set with said set fasteners is driven by engagement with said set ejector; and/or wherein said automatic dynamic ramp system for temporarily lifting up said area of said set with said set fasteners comprises a foldable member that is at least partially folded up vertically by said horizontal movement component of said set ejector; and/or wherein said automatic dynamic ramp system for temporarily lifting up said area of said set with said set fasteners comprises a hinged plate member that is at least partially folded up vertically about said hinge by engagement with said set ejector.
Unless otherwise defined in a claim, the terms xe2x80x9creproduction apparatusxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cprinterxe2x80x9d as used herein broadly encompasses various printers, copiers or multifunction machines or systems, xerographic or otherwise. Likewise, the term xe2x80x9csheet,xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cprint mediaxe2x80x9d herein refers to a usually flimsy physical sheet of paper, plastic, or other suitable physical substrate for printed images, whether precut or initially web fed. A xe2x80x9ccopy sheetxe2x80x9d may be abbreviated as a xe2x80x9ccopyxe2x80x9d or called a xe2x80x9chardcopy.xe2x80x9d A xe2x80x9cprint jobxe2x80x9d is normally a set of related sheets, usually, but not necessarily one or more collated copy sets copied from a set of original document sheets or electronic document page images, from a particular user, or otherwise related. A xe2x80x9csetxe2x80x9d as used herein refers to whatever plurality or multiplicity of sheets have been selected to be compiled and are being ejected together for stacking. The terms xe2x80x9cfinisherxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cfinishingxe2x80x9d may broadly relate to various post-printing operations on printed sheets, which can include any of, or a combination of, set compiling, stapling, gluing, binding, hole punching, applying covers or inserts, trimming, output stacking, etc.
As to specific components of the subject apparatus or methods, or alternatives therefor, it will be appreciated that, as is normally the case, some such components are known per se in other apparatus or applications which may be additionally or alternatively used herein, including those from art cited herein. All references cited in this specification, and their references, are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for teachings of additional or alternative details, features, and/or technical background. What is well known to those skilled in the art need not be described herein. For example, set compiling per se.

Sheet set stacking system with reduced stubbing


A low-emissivity (low-E) coating includes first and second infrared (IR) reflecting layers of or including a material such as silver. The coating includes a bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, and a center dielectric portion including a layer of or including zinc stannate. The coating is configured to realize a combination of desirable visible transmission, consistent and low emissivity values, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, desirable U-value, desirable LSG value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values to be achieved. In certain example embodiments, an absorber layer sandwiched between a pair of dielectric layers may be provided in. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.

Coated articles are known in the art for use in window applications such as insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, monolithic windows, and/or the like. In certain example instances, designers of coated articles often strive for a combination of desirable visible transmission, desirable color, low emissivity (or emittance), low sheet resistance (Rs), desirable LSG values, and/or desirable U-values in the context of IG window units. Desirable visible transmission and desired coloration may permit coated articles to be used in applications where these characteristics are desired such as in IG or vehicle window applications, whereas low emissivity and low sheet resistance permit such coated articles to block significant amounts of IR radiation so as to reduce for example undesirable heating of vehicle or building interiors.
Low-E coatings are typically deposited on a glass substrate by sputtering. Emissivity and/or sheet resistance values of a coating or coated article are driven in large part by the IR reflecting layer(s) which is/are typically made of silver or the like. However, it has been difficult to achieve low tolerance variation with respect to emissivity values of such coatings. In other words, a problem in the art has been difficulty in achieving a desired low emissivity value and/or sheet resistance value within a given small tolerance variation. The tolerance variation has been larger than desired.
In view of the above, it will be appreciated that there exists a need in the art for a coated article including a low-E coating that is designed so that a desired low emissivity value can be achieved within a given small tolerance range (e.g., a tolerance of plus/minus 1%). It would also be desirable to provide such a coating that also achieves one or more of: high visible transmission, low emissivity, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, a low U-value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values.
Conventionally, it has been difficult to achieve desirable LSG values and low ΔE* values (e.g., glass side reflective) in coatings having two silver based IR reflecting layers. In example embodiments of this invention, it has surprisingly been found that desirable LSG values and low ΔE* values (e.g., glass side reflective) in coatings having two silver based IR reflecting layers are achievable, in combination with other desirable optical characteristics, when the following are combined: (a) the second IR reflecting layer comprising silver is thicker than the first IR reflecting layer comprising silver, more preferably when second IR reflecting layer is at least 10 angstroms (Å) thicker (more preferably at least 20 angstroms thicker, even more preferably at least 30 angstroms thicker, and most preferably at least 40 angstroms thicker) than the first IR reflecting layer comprising silver; (b) provision of the bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, (c) center dielectric portion including a layer(s) of or including zinc stannate; (d) a zirconium silicon oxynitride based layer in the bottom dielectric portion of the layer stack is thicker (preferably at least 10 angstroms thicker, more preferably at least 20 angstroms thicker, and most preferably at least 30 angstroms thicker) than is a zinc stannate based layer in the bottom dielectric portion of the layer stack; (e) at least one zinc stannate based layer in the center dielectric portion of the layer stack is thicker (preferably at least 20 angstroms thicker, more preferably at least 40 angstroms thicker, and most preferably at least 60 angstroms thicker) than is a zirconium silicon oxynitride based layer in the bottom dielectric portion of the layer stack; and optionally (f) the absorber 14 in the center stack sandwiched between a pair of silicon nitride inclusive layers 13, 13′.
In certain example embodiments of this invention, it has been found that the combination of at least the bottom dielectric portion including a layer of or including silicon zirconium oxynitride, and center dielectric portion (between IR reflecting layers) including a layer of or including zinc stannate, allows for a combination of desirable visible transmission, consistent and low emissivity values, thermal stability upon optional heat treatment such as thermal tempering, desirable U-value, desirable LSG value, and desirable coloration and/or reflectivity values to be achieved. In certain example embodiments, an absorber layer sandwiched between a pair of dielectric layers may be provided in order to tailor visible transmission such as when lower visible transmission coatings are desired. A layer of or including zirconium silicon oxynitride in the lower dielectric portion of the coating, between the glass substrate and the lowermost IR reflecting layer (e.g., of silver or the like) improves the quality of the IR reflecting layer thereby permitting the coated article to realized low emissivity values with low tolerance variations. Providing zirconium silicon oxynitride under a layer of or including zinc stannate and under a layer of or including zinc oxide, in the lower dielectric portion of the coating, has surprisingly been found to improve the quality of the silver and thus lower emissivity values and lower emissivity tolerance values in a desirable manner. Even though the zirconium silicon oxynitride is not directly contacting the IR reflecting layer, it still improves the quality of the overlying IR reflecting layer thereby permitting thermal properties of the coating to be improved and manufactured in a more consistent manner. The IR reflecting layer has been found to grow better and have a smoother base which can more easily be repeated on a consistent basis. It has also been found that the provision of a layer of or including titanium oxide (e.g., TiO2) over the zirconium silicon oxynitride results in an increase in visible transmission of the coated article and improved optical properties if desired, as well as an increase in line speed.
In an example embodiment of this invention, there is provided a coated article including a coating supported by a glass substrate, the coating comprising moving away from the glass substrate: a dielectric layer comprising zirconium silicon oxynitride; a first layer comprising zinc stannate; a first layer comprising zinc oxide located over and directly contacting the layer comprising zinc stannate; a first infrared (IR) reflecting layer comprising silver located on the substrate over and directly contacting the first layer comprising zinc oxide; and a contact layer comprising metal oxide located over and directly contacting the first IR reflecting layer comprising silver; a second layer comprising zinc stannate on the glass substrate over at least the first IR reflecting layer and the contact layer; a second layer comprising zinc oxide located over at least the second layer comprising zinc stannate; a second IR reflecting layer comprising silver located over at least the first IR reflecting layer, the first and second layers comprising zinc stannate, and the first and second layers comprising zinc oxide; another dielectric layer over at least the second IR reflecting layer comprising silver; wherein the coating contains two silver based IR reflecting layers; wherein the second IR reflecting layer comprising silver is at least 10 angstroms (Å) thicker than the first IR reflecting layer comprising silver; wherein the dielectric layer comprising zirconium silicon oxynitride is at least 10 angstroms (Å) thicker than the first layer comprising zinc stannate; and wherein the second layer comprising zinc stannate is at least 20 angstroms (Å) thicker than the dielectric layer comprising zirconium silicon oxynitride.

Coated article with IR reflecting layer(s) and silicon zirconium oxynitride layer(s) and method of making same


A blade holder assembly for a skate including a blade holder having an elongated groove defined in a bottom surface, and a recess extending upwardly therefrom in alignment with a pedestal, for engagement with a blade. The pedestal has an internal cavity defined therein separate and spaced from the elongated groove and the recess. A locking arm is engaged to the pedestal and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking arm has an engagement end protruding into the recess through an opening defined in a wall of the pedestal. A greater portion of the engagement end protrudes into the recess in the locked position than in the unlocked position. At least a major part of the locking arm, including the engagement end, remains outside of the internal cavity of the pedestal in the locked and unlocked positions. A blade assembly is also discussed.

Since skate boots are generally more durable than skate blades, it is known to provide skates with steel blades detachably received within a holder of the skate, such that the blades can be replaced when worn out or damaged. However, existing attachment mechanisms for the blades can be difficult to actuate, be difficult to access by a user, and/or require the use of tools to remove and replace the blade.


An accumulator for use with a vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The accumulator comprises a housing having first and second sections, an outlet tube, and an outlet tube shield. Inlet and outlet openings are formed in the housing through which refrigerant enters and exits the interior chamber defined by the housing. The outlet tube extends to the outlet opening and is preferably integral with the second section. The outlet tube shield is integral with the first section and extends into the interior chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet tube to prevent the direct passage of liquid refrigerant into the outlet tube. A desiccant container is preferably provided in the housing to dry the refrigerant as it circulates through the accumulator.

A vehicle air conditioning system conventionally includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an accumulator arranged as a refrigerant circuit. The compressor compresses the refrigerant for delivery to the condenser, where the state of the refrigerant changes from gaseous to liquid. The liquid refrigerant then passes to the evaporator, where an air blower circulates air over the evaporator to the vehicle passenger compartment. The resulting heat transfer from the ambient air to the evaporator causes the refrigerant to mostly change state from a liquid back to a gas.
Liquid and gaseous refrigerant then pass from the evaporator to the accumulator. The accumulator separates the liquid refrigerant from the gaseous refrigerant, allowing only gaseous refrigerant to return to the compressor. The residual liquid refrigerant eventually turns to a gaseous state and is then returned to the compressor. The accumulator also provides for recovery of lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant, and for returning a metered amount of the oil to the inlet side of the compressor.
The accumulator normally is an upright cylindrical housing with an inlet opening formed therein and an outlet tube having its mouth in the upper interior region of the accumulator. Refrigerant from the evaporator is introduced into the accumulator through the inlet opening, which may be in the top or in the side of the accumulator housing. The liquid refrigerant settles to the bottom of the accumulator. Gaseous refrigerant rises to the top of the accumulator, where suction created by the compressor draws the gaseous refrigerant through the outlet tube.
To prevent any liquid refrigerant from passing directly from the inlet opening into the mouth of the outlet tube and being drawn back into the compressor, some structure is typically provided to act as an outlet tube shield. The shield is conventionally either a domed or frustoconical shape.
An example of the domed construction appears in U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,035 to Amin et al., assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Amin et al. discloses an accumulator including a domed baffle plate adjacent the accumulator inlet opening. Liquid portions of the refrigerant are disbursed onto the domed baffle plate and down the sides of the accumulator, allowing the gaseous components of the refrigerant to accumulate in the upper regions of the accumulator adjacent the mouth of the outlet tube. The baffle is spot-welded to the inner wall of the accumulator.
Examples of the frustoconical type shield include U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,934 to Widdowson et al. Widdowson et al. discloses an integrally molded baffle that is supported in the interior of the accumulator on the open upper end of the outlet tube, rather than spot welded to the housing of the accumulator. U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,548 to Livesay discloses an accumulator having a baffle of truncated conical shape. The baffle is subassembled with the outlet tube, and then secured as a unit in the accumulator casing at a single joint with an upper casing portion prior to joining with a lower casing portion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,971 to Masserang similarly discloses a baffle which is fit onto the upper end of the outlet tube before those components are put into the accumulator.
A problem with the use of domed or frustoconical outlet shields is that they must be separately formed, and then secured within the interior of the accumulator housing. As described, the shield may be secured by spot-welding or some other means, but the requirement of separate parts to complete the accumulator assembly remains. Consequently, complexity of the accumulator and the time necessary to assemble it are relatively great.

Accumulator for vehicle air conditioning system


A screen is arranged substantially in parallel with a yz-plane. A first mirror is placed with its reflection plane substantially perpendicular to the yz-plane and also inclined approximately 45xc2x0 to an xy-plane. At least an electro-optical device, color combining means, and projection lens are arranged along the xy-plane so that an image-light ray emitted from a color-combining optical system enters the first mirror with its optical-axis parallel to the xy plane and inclined xcex1xc2x0 with respect to a y-axis. A second mirror is placed substantially perpendicularly to an XZ-plane and also with an inclination of smaller by xcex1/2xc2x0 than 45xc2x0 approximately with respect to the yz-plane, so that the image-light ray reflected from the first mirror is reflected by the second mirror again so as to enter the screen with the optical axis being incident on the substantial center of the screen and substantially perpendicular to the screen. Thereby, the positional adjustment of an optical system constituting a projector is facilitated and also the apparatus is miniaturized.

The present invention relates to a projector for projecting color images (projection display apparatus).
As a display having a large viewing surface, projectors for magnifying and projecting images on a screen are widely used. As the projectors known are a front type projector for projecting light rays on a reflection type screen and a rear-type projector for projecting light rays on a transmission type screen. As the rear-type projector, the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-307332 has been exemplified.
In the rear-type projector, a light ray irradiated from a projecting device for projecting images is reflected by a plurality of mirrors so as to be projected on a screen. Of the plurality of mirrors, the reflecting mirror for reflecting the light ray to the screen is generally arranged to have an inclination of less than 45xc2x0 with respect to the screen, and by reducing the depth from the screen to this mirror, the rear-type projector is miniaturized.
As described above, when arranging the mirror for reflecting a light ray toward the screen, it is necessary to place the projecting device to slant relative to a plane perpendicular to the screen in order to compensate the rotation of an image to be projected on the screen. Accordingly, there is a difficulty in the positional adjustment of an optical system constituting a projector when slanting the projecting device to be placed corresponding to the inclination of the mirror.
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem in a conventional technique, and it is an object thereof to provide a technique capable of facilitating the positional adjustment of an optical system constituting a projector and also of miniaturizing the apparatus.
In order to solve at least part of the problem mentioned above, a projector according to the present invention comprises three electro-optical devices for forming images of three color components, a color-combining optical system for forming a color image by combining the images of three color components, a projection lens for projecting a color image formed by the color-combining optical system, a screen onto which the color image is projected, and first and second mirrors disposed on an optical path ranging from a plane of light incidence of the projection lens to a plane of light incidence of the screen for sequentially reflecting image light representing the color image emitted from the color-combining optical system. Furthermore, when three axes orthogonal to each other are referred to as an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, the screen is placed substantially in parallel with a yz-plane, and the color-combining optical system, having two kinds of dichroic surfaces arranged substantially in an X-shape, is placed so that a line of intersection between the two kinds of dichroic surfaces is to be substantially parallel to the z-axis. Also, each of the electro-optical devices, having a substantially rectangular image-forming region, is placed so as to face a corresponding plane of incidence out of three planes of incidence parallel to the line of intersection of the color-combining optical system so that the direction of the longer side of the image-forming region agrees with the direction of the line of intersection. Moreover, a reflection surface of the first mirror is arranged substantially perpendicularly to the yz-plane and also with an inclination of approximate 45xc2x0 relative to an xy-plane, and at least the electro-optical devices, the color combining optical system, and the projection lens are arranged along the xy-plane so that an image light emitted from the color-combining optical system enters the first mirror with its optical-axis parallel to the xy-plane and inclined xcex1xc2x0 with respect to the y-axis. Also, the second mirror is placed substantially perpendicularly to an xz-plane with an inclination of smaller by xcex1/2xc2x0 than 45xc2x0 approximately with respect to the yz-plane so that an image light reflected from the first mirror is reflected by the second mirror again so as to enter the screen with the optical axis being incident on the substantial center of the screen and substantially perpendicular to the screen.
In the projector according to the present invention, the second mirror for reflecting image light from the first mirror to be incident on the screen can be arranged substantially perpendicularly to the xz-plane with an inclination of smaller by xcex1/2xc2x0 than 45xc2x0 approximately with respect to the yz-plane, so that the depth from the screen to the second mirror can be reduced. Thereby, the apparatus can be miniaturized. At least the electro-optical device, color combining system, and projection lens are arranged along a plane substantially perpendicular to the screen (horizontal plane, for example), so that the arrangement or positional adjustment involved in the arrangement of these optical components can be facilitated. Therefore, in the projector according to the present invention, the arrangement of the optical system constituting the projector can be facilitated, and the apparatus can be miniaturized as well.
In the projector described above, the first mirror may be preferably integrally arranged with the projection lens.
By such a structure, the arrangement space for the first mirror can be reduced, so that the apparatus can be miniaturized. In addition the meaning of xe2x80x9cbeing integrally arrangedxe2x80x9d includes not only being integrally arranged combined with the vicinity of the incidence plane or the emission plane of the projection lens but also being arranged within the projection lens.
Wherein the first mirror may be preferably formed of a total reflection prism.
By such a structure, the reflectance of the first mirror can be increased and bright projection images can be readily achieved.


A double ball joint device comprises a housing, a first joint element having a first ball mounted in the housing, and a first shaft attached to a portion of the first ball protruding through an opening in the housing, and a second joint element having a second ball, which is mounted similar to the first ball and is provided with a corresponding second shaft. A locking washer is arranged between the first and second balls and has a first seat for receiving the first ball, and an opposite second seat for receiving the second ball. An operation member is operable between a released state, where the joint elements are pivotable, and a locked state, where it urges the locking washer to clamp lock the joint elements in a current position. When moving the operation member to the locked state it urges the washer to an off-centre position.

Lockable ball joints are useful in many different applications, such as camera supports, wheelchairs, tool holders, etc. One typical example of a lockable double ball joint is recognized as Manfrotto 155 double ball joint head, which is primarily used for a camera support. It comprises two plate shaped halves having recesses constituting ball seats. In order to lock the joint a screw is used to tighten the halves together. This joint is open at the sides thereby being vulnerable to dirt.
The present invention is in particular directed to appliance holders such as computer holders, and one application area of particular interest is vehicles. Today a driver of a vehicle often needs to bring a computer along in the vehicle, as a tool of labour of for private use. In order for the computer to be easily accessible it is convenient to have it mounted on a computer holder in the vehicle. Further, it is convenient that the computer holder is settable in different positions such that the computer can be moved into an operation position when the driver wants to use it and into a resting position when the driver is to start driving the vehicle. For that purpose computer holders comprising a lockable ball joint have been developed. However the computer holders existing on the market all suffer from being too week. The ball joint does not lock well enough to withstand the forces arising when a vehicle is driven on a bumpy ground.


The present invention involves an intraoral illumination device and method for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient""s mouth during a medical procedure. The illumination device includes a bite block adapted to be engaged by a patient""s teeth for resting the patient""s jaw during the medical procedure and fixing the bite block within the patient""s mouth. An arcuate light dispersion piece is connected to the bite block so that, in use, the light dispersion piece is orientated in a rear, central part of the oral cavity of the patient""s mouth so that dispersed light can be transmitted outward from the rear, central part of the oral cavity. A tongue and cheek retractor is adapted to retract and protect the patient""s tongue and adjacent cheek tissue during the medical procedure. Multiple fluid evacuation channels are carried by the device and are adapted to communicate with the interior cavity of the patient""s mouth for removing fluids from the oral cavity during the medical procedure.

The invention relates, in general, to dental appliances, and, in particular, to dental appliances for illuminating the mouth of a dental patient for examination and/or operative purposes.
Illuminating the interior of a dental patient""s mouth during dental examination and/or operation is difficult because the patient""s mouth must be illuminated through a narrow opening, i.e. , the patient""s mouth, and the dentist must work in close proximity to the mouth, often blocking the light source. Proper illumination is essential for dental examination and/or operation.
The oral cavity is typically illuminated by a focused light source mounted approximately two to three feet above a dental chair that the patient rests on. The light source is configured to direct light onto and into the patient""s mouth. The amount of light entering the oral cavity using this type of lighting is somewhat limited due to the fact that the light source is remote from the patient""s mouth. Additionally, the dentist or oral surgeon must often position oneself or his or her instruments between the light source and the patient""s mouth to properly view the patient""s mouth, blocking light from entering the mouth. The blocking of light casts an effective shadow in the patient""s mouth or in areas of the patient""s mouth such as certain teeth.
In order to inhibit this blocking or shadowing, fiber optic lighting has been incorporated into handheld dental instruments. Typically, one or two fiber optic strands extend longitudinally along the instrument and include a light outlet end configured to direct light towards the end of the instrument. However, this type of lighting has a number of drawbacks. Light is only directed on a limited area in the mouth and does not provide illumination for the entire oral cavity. Additionally, the presence of this type of lighting, typically as an add-on feature on the instrument interferes with the comfortable and proper use of the instrument. The fiber optic bundles also degrade over time because the fiber optics and instrument go through autoclaving numerous times. Components of the instrument, e.g., turbines, may be easily changed once degraded, but the fiber optic bundles can not.
Other devices have been designed specifically for illuminating a patient""s teeth, but these devices suffer from any or all of the following drawbacks: inadequate illumination of the patient""s teeth, and interference with other dental instruments used during the examination and/or operation.
The present invention is directed to an intraoral illumination device for illuminating the interior cavity of a patient""s mouth. The illumination device includes a bite block, or piece, adapted to be engaged by a patient""s teeth. A curved main body portion is to generally wrap around a rear part of the interior cavity of the patient""s mouth with the bite piece at one end. A light dispersion piece extends along the curved main body portion to also generally wrap around the rear part of the interior cavity of the patient""s mouth.
In a first separate aspect of the present invention, the main body portion and the dispersion piece are of similar composition to control dispersion of light in a similar manner.
In a second separate aspect of the present invention, the first separate aspect further includes a cheek retractor portion at the opposite side of the curved main body portion from the bite piece. The entire device may extend around the back of a patient""s mouth with the bite piece between the patient""s teeth and the cheek retractor lying against the cheek on the opposite side of the mouth. The device may be flexible and disposable.
In a third separate aspect of the present invention, the main body portion and the dispersion piece are of similar composition to control dispersion of light in a similar manner and at least one evacuation channel extends through the main body portion to be in fluid communication with the patient""s mouth. The device may further include a vacuum source and a light source coupled with a light carrier/fluid evacuation tube connector that is in turn coupled with the light dispersion piece and the evacuation channel.
In a fourth separate aspect of the present invention, an intraoral device includes a body having a first wall made of translucent material and a second wall with the first and second walls having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surfaces of the first and second walls defining an interior cavity with evacuation holes extending from the outer surface to the interior cavity. A connector portion extends from the body to connect with a vacuum source. The connector portion also communicates with the evacuation holes.
In a fifth separate aspect of the present invention, combinations of any of the foregoing aspects are contemplated.
Other, more particular features and advantages of the inventions are set forth in the following detailed description and drawings.

Intraoral device and method of using the same


An ester compound having the formula ##STR1## where R represents a normal alkyl group having one to eight carbon atoms. A method of synthesizing the compounds is presented. The compounds have relatively low melting points, and are particularly useful in combination with other liquid crystal compounds.

In the construction and operation of liquid crystal displays, the displays can be based on operation in the field-effect mode, the dynamic scattering mode, and the guest-host mode. Such liquid crystal displays are used in electronic desk calculators, wrist watches, and digital instruments. The liquid crystal composition must be stable over substantial periods of time, and the liquid crystal temperature range must include the temperature at which the devices are to be used. In general, liquid crystal compounds of high stability have relatively high melting points, so that it is necessary to combine a plurality of liquid crystal compounds in order to achieve a composition having a liquid crystal temperature range which includes room temperature. The present invention discloses new compounds useful in such liquid crystal composition.


This invention is a procedure and system for the correction of optical abnormalities in a hum, a eye. It involves the use of laser radiation to desiccate or ablate tissue in the stromal layer of the cornea. The procedure involved the initial step of forming at least one access site allowing access to the corneal volume behind Bowman's layer. The laser probe is then introduced into the access site and, depending upon the visual abnormality to be corrected, the probe is activated to adjust the volume of the corneal stromal layers. The shape of the volume desiccated or ablated is dependent upon the aberration to be corrected. In certain circumstances, radial or circumferential cuts in Bowman's layer may allow the curvature of the cornea to change following the corneal volume adjustment.

Anomalies in the overall shape of the eye can cause visual disorders. Hyperopia ("farsightedness") occurs when the front-to-back distance in the eyeball is too short. In such a case, parallel rays originating greater than 20 feet from the eye focus behind the retina. In contrast, when the front-to-back distance the eyeball is too long, myopia ("nearsightedness") occurs and the focus of parallel rays entering the eye occurs in front of the retina. Astigmatism is a condition which occurs when the parallel rays of light do not focus to a single point within the eye, but rather have a variable focus due to the fact that the cornea refracts light in a different meridian at different distances. Some degree of astigmatism is normal, but where it is pronounced, the astigmatism must be corrected.
Hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism are usually corrected by glasses or contact lenses.
Another method for correcting those disorders is through the implantation of polymeric rings (intrastromal corneal rings or "ICR's") in the eye's corneal stroma to change the curvature of the cornea. Previous work involving the implantation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) rings, allograft corneal tissue, and hydrogels is well documented. See, for instance, the use of PMMA intrastromal rings in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,235 to Reynolds; 4,671,276 to Reynolds; 4,766,895 to Reynolds; and 4,961,744 to Kilmer. One of the ring devices described is a split ring that is inserted into a channel previously dissected in the stromal layer of the cornea. A minimally invasive incision is used both for producing the channel and for inserting the implant.
Both surgical and nonsurgical methods for reshaping the surface of the cornea have been developed. Radial keratotomy, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,815,463 and 4,688,570, alters corneal curvature using radial incisions that extend through 80% to 95% of the cornea. Nonsurgical reshaping of the cornea is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,326,529 to Doss et al. and 4,381,007 to Doss. These patents describe the non-invasive introduction of RF probes onto the cornea. The RF generating source is placed on the anterior surface of the cornea and saline solution is used to cool the corneal surface as the radio frequency current enters the eye. The RF apparently heats various stroma within the cornea and thereby reshapes the corneal surface.
Laser treatment of the corneal surface has been well described. Lasers have been used both to reshape the surface of the cornea and to remove tissue from the surface of the cornea. U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,951 to Spears et al. is directed to laser treatment of the cornea for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The corneal stroma is heated with laser energy. A permanent change to the shape of the cornea results without incising, coagulating, scarring or ablating the stroma. A Co:MgF.sub.2 solid-state laser is pumped by a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser to produce a continuous average output of from 0.5 to 2.0 watts at a wavelength of from 1.55 to 2.25 microns. The controlled laser energy is delivered to the cornea by an optical fiber that connects to a probe assembly that is held in fixed relation to the cornea. The inventors note a variety of lasers that will provide wavelengths in the range of about 1.38 microns to about 2.70 microns and with the desired absorption coefficient in water (between 5 cm.sup.-1 to 114 cm.sup.-1). These lasers can be constructed using Holmium.sup.+3 ions, Thulium.sup.+3 ions or Erbium.sup.+3 ions or mixtures thereof in either a YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet), YSGG (yttrium-silicon-gadnolinium-garnet) or YLF (yttrium-lanthanum-fluoride) crystalline media.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,211 to Parel et al. involves the use of a laser energy source for marking a cornea in transplanting surgery or keratoplasty, in incising or excising tissue for radial or curved keratotomy or in thermokeratoplasty. A laser source that generates pulsed laser beams is used for ablation of anterior portions of the cornea. These lasers are noted to include those that emit infrared pulses having wavelengths of 2000 to 3000 nm such as Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) lasers and Erbium-YAG lasers. Lasers that emit ultraviolet pulses having wavelengths of less than 200 nm such as Argon Fluoride lasers are also useful. Where desirable to heat corneal tissue without ablation, the laser sources selected are those that emit in the 1300 to 3300 nm wavelength range, such as C.W. HF or Holmium or Nd:YAG lasers. The patent further describes the projection of the laser beams onto the cornea for incisions or excisions for keratotomy, for transplanting surgery and for curing refractive errors by thermokeratoplasty.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,344 to Yoder, Jr. et al. further describes the use of laser radiation to ablate corneal, tissue. The cooperative use of an indexable mask, zoom-lens system and laser-beam attenuator is said to produce the desired optical-curvature corrections or reproduce the original corneal curvature for the acceptance of a corneal transplant, the removal of scar tissue or other anterior surface damage to the cornea. The laser selected emits at a tissue-ablating wavelength which may be in the infrared 2900 nm region but is preferably in the ultraviolet 190 nm region such as the radiation emitted from an argon fluoride laser. Other sources are noted to include various gas lasers that operate at tissue ablating ultraviolet wavelengths and crystal lasers where frequency modifying techniques have been applied.
The above noted patents describe the use of laser radiation for ablation of anterior surface corneal tissue. None of these patents suggest the use of laser energy applied beneath the anterior surface of the cornea to desiccate or ablate stromal tissue.
The ablation of tissue in various other regions of the body has been previously studied. U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,513 to Sagie et al. describes the general use of three types of lasers. Carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) laser radiation is intensely absorbed by water and thus acts as a surgical knife and vaporizer, its penetration depth in tissue being 0.03 mm. Argon lasers are minimally absorbed by water but intensely absorbed by hemoglobin and penetrate 1 to 2 mm in most tissue. These lasers are especially useful in coagulating bleeding points in small superficial vessels. Neodymium-Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers are poorly absorbed by both water and hemoglobin. These lasers are able to penetrate large volumes of tissue, blood clots and coagulate large bleeding vessels. A Holmium laser with a 2100 nm wavelength has good cutting capabilities and its coagulating properties are similar to those of the Nd:YAG laser, penetrating to about 0.4 mm for most tissue. The Holmium laser was noted to be useful for the following applications: (1) in the gastrointestinal tract for bleeding ulcers, excision of lesions, recanalization of obstruction and arresting of massive bleeding; (2) in general surgery for cutting without bleeding; (3) in urology for treatment of the bladder; (4) for creation of vascular anastomoses; (5) for aneurysms, patent ducts, varicose veins and hemangiomas to generate thrombosis; (6) for dissolution of gall bladder stones by insertion of a fiber optic into the bile duct; (7) for destruction of tumors in the bronchial tree; (8) in gynecology for fallopian tube shrinkage and removal of polyps, benign tumors and septum and for ablation of the endometrium for menorrhagia; (9) in cardiac surgery for treatment of obstructed valves; and (10) in neurosurgery for removal of solid as well as vascular tumors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,354 describes the use of a mid-infrared laser endoscope for performing arthroscopy. Holmium:YAG and Holmium:YLF lasers with wavelengths in the 1800 to 2200 nm range are used for producing laser ablations in a fluid field. The radiation is said to be easily transmitted through a conventional quartz optical fiber.
The above-described references note the benefits of using lasers for a number of surgical applications including ophthalmologic surgeries. The references that describe laser surgery of the eye are limited to applications of laser radiation to the anterior surface of the cornea rather than desiccation or ablation of tissue in the stromal area of the cornea.

Laser surgical procedure and device for treatment of the cornea


A device for automatically analyzing samples by a colorimetric procedure may be particularly used for blood analysis. A reaction ring bearing at its periphery an array of transparent reaction cups is stationary. An optical fiber is mounted on a rotating disk, concentric with the reaction ring and downwardly oriented with respect to the top of a cup, the optical fiber having one end at a central location where it receives light from a stationary light source and its other end opposite a bottom of a reaction cup in alignment with a measuring photomultiplier.

In the biochemical field, to ensure the continuous metering of blood contents, it is known to use a sample analyzer which comprises three main members. First, there is a rotating plate which bears the blood samples and has at its periphery a plurality of cells intended to receive the blood tubes, said tubes being identified and marked according to the number and kind of analyses that are to be undergone. Beside said first plate, which bears the samples another rotating plate is located which is Finally, a third plate which also rotates is provided at its periphery with transparent cups intended to receive a dosed mixture of blood and reagent. These three plates are advantageously located to define a triangle therebetween so that one or more rotating arms, which each bear a sampling tube, can take a blood sample from a specific cell on the first plate, and then a reagent sample from a flask of the second plate, whereupon said samples are consecutively placed into one of said cups on the rotating plate after the latter has been pivoted up to be located opposite the conveying arm, a washing unit for the sampling tubes being obviously provided between each sampling procedure. When the filling of the cup with said mixture has been completed, the reaction between both components may be carried out and after a certain period of time the mixture can be subjected to a colorimetric analysis This third plate is then moved, by means of a stepwise motor, to locate the cup to be metered opposite a tungsten-halogen lamp which, by means of filters and lenses, projects a suitable light beam onto the cup. The beam horizontally crosses the sample and strikes a metering photosensor which is stationarily mounted at the center area of the reaction plate. The plate is also called a "disposable" plate because after completion of the cup filling and the analysis, the plate is merely taken off the device and replaced by a new plate, the cups of which are ready to undergo a new filling procedure.
This requirement of wholly replacing the disposable plate is a great drawback since the device is non-operable during a substantial period of time which can extend beyond fifteen minutes. This non-operable state is due, on the one hand, to the proper period of time required for replacing the plate, to the zero-point correction thereof and to the restoration of connections, and is also due, on the other hand, to the fact that, after the first cups have been filled again, the first measurement can only be carried out upon completion of the reactions, which are not instantaneously effected. Further, when all the cups are filled, all the reactions must be completed to complete the last analysis. This disadvantage is particularly marked when an urgent analysis is required during the non-operable period of time since it is not then possible to carry the analysis out immediately, before another one, as the device cannot be operated. Further, the plurality of rotating plates requires the use of a number of driving and locating systems and a sampling arm having a long extension to feed the three plates, or several arms each intended for conveying between two adjacent plates. This results in an analyzing device which is bulky and cumbersome.
It has been proposed to replace the reaction plate by a drawer like device, each drawer consisting of a number of cups, the drawers located beside each other or one on top of each other and able to slide with respect to each other by means of translation motion along rectangular position data. ,Thus a set of cups in a drawer could be replaced without interrupting the reactions in operations carried out in the other drawers However, such a system, although attractive, could not readily be applied as the mechanisms which ensure the motions of the various movable members are complicated. Further, these drawer plates are not well adapted to the thermostatic conditions required in the vessels for receiving the mixture

Device for automatically analyzing samples by means of colorimetric procedure especially applied to blood analysis


A printed circuit board is disclosed. A top layer power supply pattern and a top layer ground pattern are formed. The top layer power supply pattern and the top layer ground pattern are connected to a power supply layer and a ground layer through a plurality of viaholes, respectively. A plurality of capacitors or a plurality of capacitor resistor series circuits are disposed at predetermined intervals between the top layer power supply pattern and the top layer ground pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a laminated printed circuit board that has at least two layers and that are used for electronic devices such as information processing devices and communicating devices, in particular, to a laminated printed circuit board having a function for suppressing an undesired electromagnetic wave from radiating.
2. Description of the Related Art
In advanced information society, undesired electromagnetic waves radiated from electronic devices such as information processing devices and communicating devices disturb broadcasting and radio communication systems and cause devices to malfunction. To suppress undesired electromagnetic waves from radiating and prevent them from entering such devices, shields and filters are used.
As a method for suppressing an undesired electromagnetic wave radiated from an electronic device, an electromagnetic wave radiated from a printed circuit board as a radiation source is enclosed with a shield. Alternatively, a printed circuit board is suppressed from radiating an electromagnetic wave.
For example, in a printed circuit board disclosed as Japanese Utility Model Registration Laid-Open Publication No. 05-13095, as shown in FIG. 20, a ground layer of a printed circuit board 101 is electrically connected to a cage 107 through a leaf spring 102 and a metal guide rail 103 so that the voltage of the ground layer is the same as the voltage of the cage 107. In this structure, the ground layer 104 functions as a metal plate so as to prevent electromagnetic noise from leaking out.
In an IC card disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-192105, as shown in FIG. 21, a printed circuit board 113 and a metal panel 114 oppositely disposed with a frame 112 is electrically connected with a ground terminal 115 secured to the metal panel 114. Thus, the metal panel 114 effectively functions as a shield against external electrostatic induction and electromagnetic induction. Consequently, an IC chip 113 can be prevented from malfunctioning and breaking against interference of an undesired electromagnetic wave and radiation of static electricity.
In a liquid crystal displaying device 120 disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 06-82803, as shown in FIG. 22, a metal plate 122 is electrically connected to a ground line of a printed circuit board 121. Thus, a ground line voltage is stably supplied. In addition, a liquid crystal displaying screen 124 and a metal frame 123 function as shields for suppressing an undesired electromagnetic wave from radiating.
As a main cause of which a printed circuit board radiates an undesired electromagnetic wave, a voltage between a ground for supplying a reference voltage and a power supply layer for supplying a power supply voltage to an IC and so forth fluctuates. In particular, when a system composed of a power supply layer and a ground layer resonates, an electromagnetic wave in very high level is radiated. To suppress a radiation due to the fluctuation of a power supply voltage, several structures of printed circuit boards have been proposed.
In a printed circuit board disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 06-224562, as shown in FIG. 23, a part 131 of a power supply plane layer 133 is separated. The separated power supply plane layer 131 is disposed on a substrate 134 that is disposed adjacent to a ground plane layer 132. The power supply plane layer 131 separated from the power supply plane layer 133 is connected with a connecting means 135. Thus, the electrostatic capacity between the separated power supply plane layer 131 and the ground plane layer 132 increases.
In a laminated printed circuit board disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 07-111387, as shown in FIG. 24, a power supply layer 141 and a ground layer 142 are laminated. A slit 143 is diagonally formed on a conductor of at least one of the power supply layer 141 and the ground layer 142.
In a printed circuit board 150 disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 09-205290, as shown in FIG. 25, a power supply layer 151 and a ground layer 152 are disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the printed circuit board 150. At a peripheral portion of the first surface, fine conductor patterns 154 and 155 are alternately formed. At a peripheral portion of the second surface, fine conductor patterns 153 and 156 are alternately formed. The conductor patterns 154 are connected to the ground layer 152. The conductor patterns 155 are connected to the power supply layer 151. The conductor patterns 153 opposite to the conductor patterns 154 are connected to the power supply layer 151. The conductor patterns 156 opposite to the conductor patterns 155 are connected to the ground layer 152.
In a printed circuit board disclosed as Japanese Patent Laid-Open publication No. 09-283974, as shown in FIG. 26, a power supply layer 162 and a first ground layer 163 are oppositely disposed with a dielectric layer 166 and thereby a capacitor C1 is formed. A power supply layer 162 and a second ground layer 164 are oppositely disposed with a dielectric layer 167 and thereby a capacitor C2 is formed. In addition, the first ground layer 163 and the second ground layer 165 are connected through a resistor layer 166.
However, in the cage structure of the printed circuit board shown in FIG. 20, the printed board 101 and the cage 107 function as shields. Thus, when a substrate or a nonconductive cage made of plastic is used, it does not function as a shield. In this case, the cage structure cannot suppress an electromagnetic wave from radiating. In the IC card 111 shown in FIG. 21 and the liquid crystal displaying device shown in FIG. 22, since the printed circuit board requires a metal panel, the mounting density decreases and the fabrication cost increases.
In the printed circuit boards shown in FIGS. 23, 24, 25, and 26, they that are radiation sources suppress undesired electromagnetic waves from radiating. In these printed circuit boards, the voltage fluctuation between the ground for supplying a reference voltage and the power supply layer for supplying a power supply voltage is suppressed. However, in the printed circuit board 130 shown in FIG. 23, even if the power supply plane layer and part of the ground plane layer are adjacently disposed, the increase of the resultant electrostatic capacitance is very small. Thus, the fluctuation of the power supply voltage cannot be sufficiently suppressed. In the printed circuit board 140 shown in FIG. 24, since the slit 143 formed on the power supply layer 141 or/and the ground layer 142 function as slot antennas, the radiation of the electromagnetic waves further increases.
In the printed circuit board 150 shown in FIG. 25, since the polarity of the voltage generated between the conductor patterns 154 and 153 is reverse from the polarity of the voltage generated between the conductor patterns 155 and 156 adjacent to the conductor patterns 154 and 153, the voltages at the end portions of the printed circuit board are offset so as to suppress an electromagnetic wave from radiating. However, since the voltage fluctuation between the power supply layer 151 and the ground layer 152 still takes place, undesired electromagnetic waves radiated from the power supply layer 151 and the ground layer 152 cannot be suppressed. In the laminated printed circuit board 161 shown in FIG. 26, although the radiation of undesired electromagnetic waves and the malfunction of device due to the voltage fluctuation between the power supply and the ground are suppressed, another ground layer 164 and a second dielectric layer 167 should be additionally disposed along with the ground layer 163. Thus, the structure becomes complicated and the cost increases.
In the above-descried related art references, the structures of the printed circuit boards should be largely modified. Thus, to apply the technologies of the above-described related art references to printed circuit boards that are provided as products, they should be redesigned from the beginning.
The present invention is made from the above-described point of view. An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated printed circuit board that suppresses the voltage between a power supply and a ground from fluctuating and effectively suppresses an undesired electromagnetic wave from radiating without need to largely modify a circuit layout of a conventional printed circuit board.

Printed circuit board with capacitors connected between ground layer and power layer patterns


Eyeglasses with legs bendable in multiple angles, comprise a main glasses leg, a secondary glasses leg, an elastic body, a slider, and a connecting member. The secondary glasses leg may be hinged on the tail of the main glasses leg in such a manner that the opening angle may be locked, so that the user can conveniently and optionally open or change the bending angle of the tail of the glasses legs, so as to achieve optimal adaption for various occasions.

Generally, the tail of the glasses legs of eyeglasses bends at small angles, and the eyeglasses will not fall off when worn in normal circumstances. However, eyeglasses will fall off when wearers do heavy exercises or sweat significantly, so it is common for some people to tie a string or band which extends at the back of the head or to purchase mated glasses legs having a larger bending angle, which is expensive and inconvenient. Hence, eyeglasses having glasses legs bendable in multiple angles are desirable for many circumstances. They can meet the owner's requirements for relaxation and activity in daily life. They can be bendable at the tail of the glasses legs so as to engage tightly to the flap of the ears and prevent slipping off during exercises, and the user can open or engage them freely as desired.

Glasses with legs bendable in multiple angles


The present invention relates to a safety switching device for connecting and safely disconnecting an electrical load, in particular an electrically driven machine. The safety switching device includes first and second electromechanical switching elements whose operating contacts are arranged in series with one another between a first input terminal and an output terminal of the switching device. Furthermore, the switching device has a second input terminal for receiving a switching signal. The switching signal acts on the switch position of the operating contacts of the two switching elements. According to a preferred embodiment, the first switching element has a lower nominal switching capacity than the second switching element.

The present invention relates to a safety switching device for connection and safe disconnection of an electrical load, in particular an electrically driven machine, having a first and a second electromechanical switching element, whose operating contacts are arranged in series with one another between a first input terminal and an output terminal of the switching device, and having a second input terminal for a switching signal, which acts on the switch position of the operating contacts of the two switching elements.
Safety switching devices of this generic type are primarily used in the industrial field, in order safely disconnect (switch off, shut down) electrically driven machines, such as a press brake or a milling tool. They are particularly used in conjunction with a mechanically operable emergency off button, in order to disconnect the machine quickly and safely in an emergency situation. To this end, the power supply to the machine to be disconnected is routed via the operating contacts of the two electromechanical switching elements which have been mentioned. The power supply to the machine is interrupted as soon as even only one of the two switching elements opens its operating contacts.
One known problem with the switching elements that are used is that the opening and closing of a operating contact when voltage is applied to it can result in sparks being formed. Depending on the magnitude of the current which is being carried via the contact, the spark formation is pronounced to a lesser or greater extent. With very heavy currents, an arc is formed between the operating contacts and, as a result of its high temperature, it can lead to the operating contacts being welded to one another. This can lead to the operating contacts remaining firmly stuck to one another, so that it is no longer possible to open the switching element. As the strength of the current to be switched increases, measures are therefore required for arc quenching. The complexity of such measures increases as the strength of the current that is to be switched increases, so that switching elements for heavy and very heavy currents are correspondingly expensive.
In safety switching devices of the type mentioned initially, at least two switching elements are used in series, in order to ensure safe disconnection of the power supply even if the operating contacts of one switching element remain stuck to one another as a result of having been welded. In the case of the safety switching device disclosed in DE 197 36 183 C1, by way of example, two safety relays in series are used as switching elements.
Until now, two switching elements have always been used in this case which have the same nominal switching capacity with respect to the same load class. The nominal switching capacity here indicates the maximum current that a switching element can switch at a specific voltage and with a specific power factor cos "PHgr", without being damaged. The load class defines the characteristics of the load to be switched, e.g. whether it is a purely resistive load (load class AC 1) or a somewhat inductive load (load class AC 3). Spark formation is particularly severely pronounced in the latter case.
The use of two switching elements with the same nominal switching capacity has the disadvantage that both switching elements are subject to the same relative loads with regard to their respective capacities. This means that both switching elements are subject to the same relative wear, and this also conceals the risk of the possibility of both switching elements failing at the same time, for example by the operating contacts welding in both switching elements in the same switching process.
Furthermore, use of two switching elements with the same nominal switching capacity results in the costs always rising by a factor of 2 when switching elements with a relatively high nominal switching capacity are required for switching relatively heavy currents.
It is an object of the present invention to specify an alternative safety switching device which offers particularly high safety with regard to the possible welding of operating contacts when carrying heavy currents, and which is cost-effective at the same time.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved in that, with the safety switching device mentioned initially, the first switching element has a lower nominal switching capacity than the second switching element.
The new safety switching device differs from the previously known safety switching devices in that the two switching elements which are arranged in series with one another have different nominal switching capacities. This applies at least with reference to the same load class. This feature has the advantage that the switching elements used are subjected to relative loads of different severity with respect to their nominal switching capacities. This means that the wear on the two switching elements is different. Furthermore, this reduces the probability of both switching elements being subject to fail at the same time. This results in a particularly high safety margin against unobserved and dangerous welding of the operating contacts.
Furthermore, the measure has the advantage that the costs of a switching device for relatively heavy currents no longer rise more than proportionately. In consequence, it is possible to design a safety switching device of the type mentioned initially such that it is capable of switching heavy and very heavy currents already on its own.
The stated object is thus completely achieved.
In one refinement of the invention, the safety switching device has a timer unit which processes (delays) the switching signal such that, while connecting the load, it acts earlier on the operating contacts of the first switching element, and, while disconnecting the load, it acts later on the operating contacts of the first switching element than on the operating contacts of the second switching element.
This feature has the advantage that the first switching element is not switched on load during normal operation. In consequence, no sparks or arcs can be formed between its operating contacts, so that the wear on the first switching element is reduced considerably, and welding is also precluded. The first switching element thus has a long life despite its relatively low nominal switching capacity while, at the same time, the safety switching device can be designed overall for switching heavy currents. If the second switching element, which is always switched on load, were to fail as a result of the operating contacts being welded, it is sufficient that the previously xe2x80x9cprotectedxe2x80x9d first switching element can carry out one successful switching process on load, in which its operating contacts are opened.
In this refinement of the invention, as well, the two switching elements thus have different xe2x80x9clife expectanciesxe2x80x9d, with the xe2x80x9cdaily loadxe2x80x9d in this case being applied to the stronger, second switching element. However, simultaneous failure of the two switching elements is in consequence once again virtually precluded. Furthermore, this refinement has the advantage that the first switching element may even be designed to have a lower nominal switching capacity than in comparable switching devices, in some circumstances. This is because the first switching element essentially needs to be able to carry out only one successful switching process on load. If its operating contacts are damaged in this switching process, this is irrelevant, since the safety switching device must be replaced in any case, owing to the defect in the second switching element. The first, very low-cost switching element thus acts as a type of fuse in this case, which can be damaged when it operates. The safety switching device in this refinement is, however, actually highly cost-effective for switching heavy and very heavy currents, since it requires only one switching element having the necessary very high nominal switching capacity.
In a further refinement of the invention, at least the first and the second switching element are surrounded by a common, tightly closed enclosure, from which the first input terminal and the output terminal are passed out.
The tightly closed enclosure is a compact enclosure which surrounds the two switching elements such that the user has no access to them. This avoids damage in the safety-relevant operating circuit of the safety switching device. The reliability and safety of the switching device with regard to faults in the installation and with regard to manipulation are thus considerably improved. The advantage of said feature becomes particularly clear in comparison to the previously practiced solutions, in which contactors, which had to be installed individually, were used in addition to the known safety switching devices in order to switch very heavy currents. In contrast to this, the said feature provides a single, compact component, which is simple to install.
In a further refinement of the invention, the first and the second switching element are arranged on a common component mount.
This feature again has the advantage that the safety and reliability of the switching device are improved, since faulty wiring is actually prevented at the production stage. Furthermore, this feature also improves the compactness and capability to use the safety switching device in modular form.
In a further refinement of the invention, the first and the second switching element each have at least one auxiliary contact, which is positive-guided by the respective operating contact in a mechanical way.
Positive-guided means that the switch position of the auxiliary contacts is necessarily or inevitably coupled to the switch position of the operating contacts, so that the switch position of the auxiliary contacts always makes it possible to reliably determine the switch position of the operating contacts without having to access the operating circuit of the switching elements. By means of such a positive-guidance it is possible to obtain a reliable statement on the switch position of the operating contacts of the two switching elements. Due to the feature mentioned, safety of the switching device is further improved, since a safe disconnection of the power supply can easily be checked, just from the position of the auxiliary contacts.
In a further refinement of the invention, the first switching element is a relay.
As is usual in the conventional specialist technology, the term xe2x80x9crelayxe2x80x9d relates here to an electromechanical switching element that is capable of switching low to medium current levels. In particular, such a relay has only a single pair of contacts as operating contact. The measure provides the advantage that such relays are available at low cost as standard components, so that their use reduces the costs of the safety switching device overall. This applies in particular in combination with the already described refinement, in which the first switching element is used in the manner of a fuse.
In a further refinement of the invention, the second switching element is a contactor.
According to German Industry Standard DIN 57 660, Part 103, a contactor is, to be precise, a switching element with only one rest position, which is not operated by hand, and which can connect, convey and disconnect currents under normal circuit conditions including operation overloads. In practice, the primary difference between contactors and simple relays is that the current path in the main circuit passes via at least two mutually isolated pairs of operating contacts, so that a contactor intrinsically has redundancy with respect to the operating contacts. In contrast, a simple relay has only one pair of contacts in the main circuit. In addition, contactors have integrated measures for quenching sparks and arcs.
The measure has the advantage that, by virtue of its nature, a contactor is very robust even when switching operations occur frequently. Particularly when used in combination with the refinement of the invention mentioned initially, the life of the safety switching device is considerably increased accordingly. Furthermore, the measure has the advantage that the main circuit of the safety switching device is closed only when it is active, since a contactor naturally trips back to its open rest position when no switching signal is present. In consequence, the safety of the switching device is further improved when using a contactor.
In a further refinement of the invention, the safety switching device is configured as a contact enhancing unit for connection to a preceding switching device.
As an alternative to this feature, it is possible to design the safety switching device as an intrinsically fully functional unit. In contrast, said feature provides the advantage that the safety switching device is required, as a modular connection appliance, only where there is actually a need to switch heavy and very heavy currents. Furthermore, numerous switching devices which have been developed on a customer-specific basis for low and medium currents can be upgraded easily and cost-effectively in this way for switching heavy and very heavy currents. This refinement of the inventive safety switching device can thus be manufactured in considerably greater quantities, thus once again allowing the costs to be reduced overall.
It goes without saying that the features mentioned above as well as those which are still to be explained in the following text can be used not only in the respectively stated combination but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Safety switching device for connection and safe disconnection of an electrical load, in particular an electrically driven machine