The present invention discloses a solution for object level security on a surface based computing device that includes software objects and behavior tokens. The behavior tokens can control an extent that users are able to manipulate the software objects using the surface based computing device. Different levels of control can be established on an object-by-object basis for different users. The extent users are able to manipulate the software objects can also depends upon set of users proximate to the surface based computing device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of surface based computing and, more particularly, to using object based security for controlling object specific actions on a surface based computing device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Surface based computing devices are a type of computing device in which a display is laid flat to simulate a table top. Surface based computing devices employ the use of a multi-touch sensitive display to interact with the user. Service based computers can include a separation of hierarchy objects, such as digitally encoded photographs, from the file directory that contains them, such as the directory in the surface based computing device. This separation creates a heretofore unresolved challenge of disallowing others sitting at a surface based computing device from manipulating objects should the owner not want such objects to be manipulated. For example, a user who is not an object owner could inadvertently (or intentionally) delete an important object from the surface based computing device to the chagrin of the object owner.
A surface based computing device is illustrated in FIG. 1 (Prior Art), which shows display surface 105, computing device 110, display projector 115, and infrared projectors 120. Processing unit 110 can contain one or more central processing units able to perform computing actions for the surface based device 100. The processing unit 110 can include many of the same components found in everyday desktop computers, such a CPU, a motherboard, RAM, a graphics card, a WIFI transceiver, a BLUETOOTH transceiver, and the like.
The display surface 105 can be a horizontal surface that can incorporate multi-touch sensors. The touch-sensitive display can recognize objects by their shapes or by scanning tags (e.g., RFID tags) embedded in objects resting on the surface of display surface 105. The multi-touch display surface 105 can be capable of processing multiple inputs from multiple users.
Infrared projectors 120 can project infrared light onto display surface 105 to be used for multiple touch sensing by processing unit 110. A "machine vision" of the surface based computing device 100 can operate in a near-infrared spectrum, such as by using an 850 nanometer-Wavelength LED light source aimed at the display surface 105. When objects touch the tabletop, the light reflects back and is picked up by multiple infrared cameras with an acceptable net resolution.
The display projector 115 can used rear-projection technologies, such as Digital light Processing (DLP) technologies, to project visible images to the display surface 105. A resolution of the visible screen can be different from the machine vision or invisible screen. For example, the visible screen can have a resolution of 1024×768, while the invisible resolution from the projectors 120 can be 1280×960, which can allow for better recognition at the edges of the display.
Because of the nature of a surface based computing device's display, multiple users can interact with a computing session at once. Users can gather around the surface based computing device's display and interact through its multi-touch interface. In some cases, a user can be interacting with sensitive material in which should be locked from use by other users, yet with cannot be secured due to the previously mentioned separation of a directory structure from a hierarchy of objects.
To elaborate using a sample scenario, Bill and John can be sales representatives meeting some clients in a hotel lobby that has an accessible surface based computing device. Bill and John can sit down and authenticate at the Surface (e.g., device 110) as presenters and owners of shared session software objects. Their customers can thereafter joint them and authenticate themselves as recipients or consumers of Bill and John's shared software objects, which are incorporated within a sales presentation.
Bill can convey images from his digital camera to the surface based computing device, which contain images of his company's factory. Bill can want to show the images upon the Surface, which are taken a reasonable distance of important machinery, but may not want customers to be able to zoom so that machine model numbers are revealed. Additional image details can exist, which should only be viewable at a lower resolution than available and/or that are not to be zoomed to a low level. Bill may want himself and his colleague, John, to be able to view, change permissions on the images as this information may be selectively important during a specific presentation but should not be exposed without due consideration of the risks involved. Further, Bill and John may wish the customers to be able to manipulate the images to some limited extent. Further, it may be desirable to impose restrictions for images on an image-by-image basis, so that some images can be freely manipulated and not others.
Additionally, the information conveyed during the Surface assisted meeting can be intended for Bill, John, and the customers only. They many not want other potential users or bystanders to have any access to the session software objects. Bill and John can desire to effect special information protecting behavior when unauthorized users approach the Surface, such as freezing or hiding software objects, changing content, and/or removing software objects from the Surface so that the objects only reside on the camera. The level of control desired by Bill and John for software objects is not existent in the current art of surface based computing. A solution is needed to control behavior of software objects on a per-object basis when using a surface based computing device, especially in the case when a non-authorized user approaches the Surface.

Using object based security for controlling object specific actions on a surface based computing device

International Business Machines Corporation


This invention relates to a method for fabricating a thin film transistor used for LCD which can improve performance and productivity of an element by forming it with atmospheric pressure CVD method including processes for forming a gate electrode having sloped sides on an insulation substrate, forming a gate insulation film a semiconductor layer and a channel protection layer successively with atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition method on all over the insulation substrate, patterning the channel protection layer such that the channel protection layer is to have a narrower pattern width than the pattern width of the gate electrode remaining the channel protection layer only on the semiconductor layer over the gate electrode, forming an impurity injected semiconductor layer for making resistive contact by injecting impurities into the semiconductor layer using the channel protection layer as a mask, and forming source and drain electrodes over the channel protection layer, the impurity injected semiconductor layer and the gate insulation film so that upper surface of the channel protection layer between them can be exposed.

Thin film transistors are elements widely used for switching elements of liquid crystal displays, wherein a thin film transistor switches a liquid crystal display by controlling current flowing between the source/drain according to the voltage applied to the gate electrode.
A thin film transistor mostly uses polycrystal silicon film or amorphous silicon film for the semiconductor layer, and for resistive contact i.e., ohmic contact between the semiconductor layer and the source/drain electrodes, a semiconductor layer having impurity ions injected therein is provided between the semiconductor layer and the source/drain regions.
FIGS. 1(a) to 1(f) show conventional processes for fabricating a staggered, hydrogen embrittled amorphous thin film transistor.
A first metal film is deposited on a cleaned glass substrate 1, which is subjected to a patterning with photoetching process to form source/drain electrodes 2 and 3 as shown in FIG. 1(a).
For ohmic contact, a semiconductor layer 6 serving as an active layer is formed over the source/drain electrodes 2 and 3 by forming a high density n+ type amorphous silicon film doped with phosphor (n+a-Si) 4 on the exposed surfaces of the patterned source/drain electrodes 2 and 3 as shown in FIG. 1(b), depositing a hydrogen embrittled amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film 5 on all over the using a PECVD (plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) equipment as shown in FIG. 1(c), and patterning the hydrogen embrittled amorphous silicon film (FIG. 1(d)).
Then, finally a conventional staggered thin film transistor can be formed by forming a gate insulation film 7 on all over the surface (FIG. 1(e)), forming a second metal film on the gate insulation film 7, and carrying out patterning of the second metal film with a photoetching process to form a gate electrode 8 on the gate insulation film 7 over the active layer 6(FIG. 1(f)).
However, in the foregoing conventional method for fabricating a thin film transistor, the active layer 6 has been formed by depositing a hydrogen embrittled amorphous silicon using a PECVD equipment at a temperature lower than that of the gate insulation film 7, i.e., the forming temperature of the gate insulation film 7 is higher than that of the active layer 6.
Therefore, in the process for forming the gate insulation film at a higher temperature, there has been a limit of temperature due to escape of hydrogens from the active layer 6. Accordingly, there has been a problem of deterioration of the element characteristics due to the difficulty in forming a gate insulation film of good quality and the deterioration of the interface between the gate insulation film and the active layer.
FIGS. 2(a) to 2(f) show conventional processed for forming a hydrogen embrittled amorphous silicon thin film transistor having single gate insulation film.
As shown in FIG. 2(a), first a gate electrode 12 is formed by forming a first metal film for a gate using a sputter equipment on a cleaned glass substrate 11 and carrying out patterning of the first metal film with a photoetching process.
Then, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a gate insulation film 13 is formed on all over the glass substrate having the gate electrode 12 formed thereon with PECVD method or RPCVD (Remote Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.
That is, with plasma discharge under the atmosphere of SiH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, and H.sub.2 gasses at an appropriately controlled flow ratio, a silicon nitride (SiNx) film can be formed.
As shown in FIG. 2(c), a hydrogen embrittled amorphous semiconductor layer (a-Si:H) 14 is formed using SiH.sub.4 and H.sub.2 gas with PECVD method the same with the method for forming the gate insulation film 13 on the gate insulation film 13, and on which semiconductor layer 14 an impurity injected amorphous semiconductor layer 15 is formed.
As shown in FIG. 2(d), the impurity injected amorphous semiconductor layer 15 and the hydrogen embrittled amorphous semiconductor layer 14 formed by plasma in PECVD or RPCVD method are subjected to a patterning to form their width greater or the same with the width of the gate electrode 12.
As shown in FIG. 2(e), source and drain electrodes 16 and 17 are formed by depositing a second metal film on all over the substrate using a sputter equipment, which is subjected to a patterning to a prefixed pattern with a photoetching process.
In this instant, the second metal film is patterned such that parts 18 of the gate electrode 12 are positioned directly over the source and drain electrodes 16 and 17. As shown in FIG. 2(f), the exposed, impurity injected amorphous semiconductor layer 15 between the source and the drain electrodes 16 and 17 is removed selectively with dry etching method to form a channel of a thin film transistor.
With the foregoing process, the hydrogen embrittled amorphous semiconductor layer 14 can be exposed between the source/drain electrodes 16 and 17 over the gate electrode 12.
FIG. 3 is a section of a conventional thin film transistor having a channel protection layer.
The conventional thin film transistor having a channel protection layer includes, as shown in FIG. 3, a single gate insulation film 23 formed on all over a glass substrate 21 so as to cover a gate electrode 22, a semiconductor layer 24 having a wider pattern width than the gate electrode 22 formed on the gate insulation film 23, a channel protection layer 25 having a narrower pattern width than the gate electrode 22 formed on the semiconductor layer 24 directly over the gate electrode 22, an impurity injected semiconductor layer 26 for making ohmic contact formed on the semiconductor layer 24 so as to cover the channel protection layer 25 except central part of the upper side of the channel protection layer 25, and a source electrode 27 and a drain electrode 28 formed so as to expose the semiconductor layer 24 between them.
The processes for fabricating the foregoing conventional thin film transistor is to be explained hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e).
First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the gate electrode 22 is formed by depositing a metal layer of, such as Cr, Mo, Al and Ta with sputtering method on the cleaned glass substrate 21 and carrying out a photoetching process.
Then, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the gate insulation film 23, the semiconductor layer 24 and the channel protection layer 25 are deposited successively with PECVD method.
Herein, for the gate insulation layer 23, an SiNx:H film formed using SiH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, N.sub.2 and H.sub.2 gases is used mostly, for the semiconductor layer 24, an a-Si:H film formed using SiH4 and H2 gases is used mostly, and for the channel protection layer 25, an SiNx:H film deposited using SiH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, N.sub.2 and H.sub.2 gases is used mostly.
As shown in FIG. 4(c), patterning is carried out so that the pattern width of the channel protection layer 25 is narrower than the pattern width of the gate electrode 22.
After carrying out the patterning of the channel protection layer 25, an impurity injected semiconductor layer 26 for making ohmic contact, a resistive contact, between the semiconductor layer 24 and source/drain electrodes to be formed in following process, is formed on all over the substrate with PECVD method using SiH.sub.4 and PH.sub.3 gases.
As shown in FIG. 4(d), by carrying out patterning of the impurity injected semiconductor layer 26 and the semiconductor layer 24 such that the pattern widths of theirs are to be greater than that of the gate electrode 22, and, as shown in FIG. 4(e), by carrying out a metal layer deposition on all over the substrate and photoetching of it, a source electrode 27 and a drain electrode 28 can be formed.
Finally, a conventional thin film transistor can be completed by exposing the semiconductor layer 24 through etching of the impurity injected semiconductor layer 26 formed on the channel protection layer 25 between the source electrode 27 and the drain electrode 28 with dry etching process.
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a PECVD equipment for forming a conventional gate insulation film or a conventional amorphous semiconductor layer film.
Referring to FIG. 5, an amorphous semiconductor deposition equipment includes a reaction furnace 41, an upper electrode 42 mounted on upper side of the reaction furnace 41, a lower electrode 43 mounted at lower side of the reaction furnace 41 opposite to the upper electrode 42 for putting wafers 44 thereon for processing, a high frequency generation power source 45 for applying high frequency voltage to the upper electrode 42, a pumping equipment 46 for maintaining the reaction furnace 41 at vacuum or discharge gas therefrom, and a gas injection part for injecting reaction gases and dilution gases into the reaction furnace 41.
The gas injection part includes a silane gas pipe 49-1 having an MFC (Mass Flow Controller) 47-1 and a shut off valve 48-1 for injecting silane (SiH.sub.4) gas into the reaction furnace 41, a hydrogen gas pipe 49-2 having a MFC 47-2 and a shut off valve 48-2 for injecting hydrogen (H.sub.2) gas into the reaction furnace 41, and a nitrogen gas pipe 49-3 having an MFC 47-3 and a shut off valve 48-3 for injecting nitrogen (N.sub.2) gas into the reaction furnace 41.
The method for forming an amorphous semiconductor film using the foregoing equipment is, at first, to put a wafer (or a sample substrate) 44 on the lower electrode 43 in the reaction furnace 41, produce high vacuum in the reaction furnace 41 by operating the pumping equipment 46, and maintain the pressure in the reaction furnace constant by injecting silane (SiH.sub.4) gas and nitrogen (or hydrogen) gas in an appropriate flow ratio into the reaction furnace 41.
In this instant, when the temperature at the lower electrode 43 becomes constant, high frequency voltage is applied to the upper electrode 42.
The plasma formed between the two, upper and lower, electrodes 42 and 43 by the high frequency voltage applied to the upper electrode 42 makes the silane (SiH.sub.4) gas to decompose depositing ions on the wafer 44 under non-thermal equilibrium to form an amorphous semiconductor film thereon.
To obtain a hydrogen embrittled amorphous silicon film from above process, hydrogen, instead of nitrogen, should be injected into the reaction furnace 41 together with silane (SiH.sub.4) gas.
However, with the conventional method for fabricating a thin film transistor using the foregoing PECVD method or RPCVD method, it has been hard to obtain a good quality amorphous semiconductor or a gate insulation film because the semiconductor layer and the gate insulation film should be fabricated under a high vacuum in a range of 10.sup.-2 Torr which causes generation of plasma in the process of forming a thin film that damages the lower surface of the thin film due to the high energy electrons and ions generated by the plasma, and causes to generate unnecessary decomposed particles.
Due to this, there is a limit in improving the characteristics of a thin film transistor.
Also the method has a problem of low productivity due to use of a high vacuum equipment that requires a long time in loading wafers and establishing a vacuum.
Further, in case a multilayer film is desired to be deposited continuously using this high vacuum thin film deposition method, this method has not only low processing speed but also difficulty in improving productivity and reducing the production cost due to a long deposition period of time required for the separate operation of the vacuum equipment.

Method for fabricating a thin film transistor using APCVD


A detergent composition is disclosed, which comprises the components (A) and (B):. (A) a secondary amide type N-acylamino acid salt represented by formula (1): EQU R.sup.1 CONH(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOM.sup.1 (1). wherein. R.sup.1 CO represents a straight chain acyl group having 10 to 16 carbon atoms; PA0 n is an integer of 1 or 2; and PA0 M.sup.1 represents a sodium or potassium atom or an alkanolammonium group when n is 1, or a potassium atom or an alkanolammonium group when n is 2; and. (B) a germicide selected from the group consisting of triclosan, trichlorocarbanilide, isopropylmethylphenol and chlorhexidine hydrochloride. This detergent composition shows a high detergency, gives a good feel upon use, causes little irritation to skin and causes little damage to hair. Further, it exerts a good germicidal effect which can last for a prolonged period of time. It is particularly suitable for cleansing the skin.

Conventional germicidal detergents have employed medical detergent compositions containing various surfactants together with germicides. When a germicide is added to a detergent, however, the germicide is washed away from the skin or the hair together with the detergent so that it does not fully remain on the skin or the hair. As a result, such a germicide is hardly effective on bacteria adhering to the skin or the hair after cleansing. In order to cope with this problem, the content of the germicide may be increased so as to elevate its germicidal effect. However, it is feared that this measure might induce skin irritation or allergic reactions. Although the germicidal effect is tentatively elevated thereby, it still does not last for a sufficiently long period of time.
Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a detergent Composition which causes little irritation to skin, causes little damage to hair and exerts an excellent germicidal effect lasting for a prolonged period of time.
Under these circumstances, the present inventors have conducted extensive investigations. As a result, they have successfully found that a detergent composition, which has a high detergency, causes little irritation to skin, causes little damage to hair, gives a good feel upon use and exerts an excellent germicidal effect lasting for a prolonged period of time, can be obtained by using a germicide together with an N-acylamino acid salt of a specific structure, thus completing the present invention.

Containing N-acylamino acid salt and germicide


A fiber optic system implementing an amplification system is disclosed that provides distributed optical amplification through remote pump technology. The fiber optic system is comprised of a transmitting system, an amplification system, and a receiving system. The amplification system is comprised of a signal processing system and a laser system. The transmitting system transmits an optical signal that includes a C-band and L-band to the signal processing system. Concurrently, the laser system receives a single laser signal and transfers the single laser signal to the signal processing system. The signal processing system receives the single laser signal and the optical signal that includes the C-band and L-band, and combines the optical signal and the single laser signal to amplify the C-band and L-band of the optical signal.

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1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of fiber optic systems, and in particular, to an amplification system that amplifies a C-band and L-band of an optical signal using a laser signal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fiber optic systems transfer data over optical fibers. Designers of fiber optic systems try to increase the capacity of the system to accommodate more data traffic and the Internet. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) increases the capacities of the fiber optic system. WDM passes multiple data channels over one or more wavelengths of light simultaneously over a single fiber. To further increase the fiber optic system capacities, high-speed data transfers are used. The high-speed data transfers require high-power optical signals.
Currently, amplifiers supply the optical signals with sufficient power for the high-speed data transfers. The amplifiers include boost amplifiers, line amplifiers, and pre-amplifiers. A problem with the current fiber optic systems is that as the amplifiers increase the power of the optical signals, impairments affecting the optical signals increase due to non-linearities in the fiber. The impairments cause errors in the fiber optic system and increase a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and an overall Bit Error Rate (BER) of the system.
One solution to the above problem is a distributed optical amplification system that uses remote pump technology. A remotely pumping laser coupled to a conventional transmission fiber can amplify certain wavelengths of optical signals traveling over the fiber. The pump laser replaces some conventional amplifiers in the system and decreases the required output power level of the remaining amplifiers. The laser signal at a wavelength of 1480 nm amplifies signals traveling in a range of wavelengths of approximately 1565 nm-1600 nm. The range of wavelengths of 1565 nm-1600 nm is referred to as the L-band. The laser signal amplifies the L-band due to a Raman effect. The Raman effect causes an increase in a gain of a wavelength of light traveling over a transmission fiber when a light wave, such as the laser signal, of a lower wavelength is concurrently transmitted over the fiber. The Raman effect is well known in the art. Unfortunately, the pump laser only amplifies the L-band and does not amplify signals in the other wavelengths.
A second laser signal at a wavelength of 1400 nm amplifies signals traveling in a range of wavelengths of approximately 1525 nm-1560 nm. The range of wavelengths of 1525 nm-1560 nm is referred to as the C-band. The laser signal amplifies the C-band due to the Raman effect. Unfortunately, the amplification system requires two high-powered pump lasers to amplify the C-band and L-band. The high-powered lasers increase the overall cost of the fiber optic system.
An amplification system that amplifies a C-band and L-band in an optical signal using a single laser signal solves the above problems. The amplification system is comprised of a signal processing system and a laser system. The laser system receives the laser signal and transfers the laser signal to the signal processing system. The signal processing system receives the optical signal that includes the C-band and L-band and the laser signal, and combines the optical signal and the laser signal to amplify the C-band and L-band of the optical signal. The amplification system transfers the optical signal that includes an amplified C-band and L-band. Advantageously, the amplification system amplifies the C-band and L-band with the single laser signal instead of two laser signals.
In one embodiment of the amplification system, the signal processing system is comprised of a splitter coupled to a coupler by a first fiber and a second fiber. The first fiber is an Erbium-doped fiber. The second fiber is a conventional transmission fiber. The laser system is comprised of a pump laser coupled to the coupler. The splitter splits an optical signal that includes the C-band and L-band and transfers the optical signal over the first fiber and the second fiber. The pump laser generates a single laser signal and transfers the laser signal through the coupler and over the first fiber and the second fiber in an opposite direction of the optical signal. In the first fiber, the optical signal and the laser signal combine to amplify the C-band of the optical signal based on the Erbium properties of the first fiber. In the second fiber, the optical signal and the laser signal combine to amplify the L-band of the optical signal based on a Raman effect. The amplification system in this embodiment is an advance because it amplifies both the C-band and L-band of the optical signal using the laser signal. The amplification system reduces the need for conventional amplifiers and reduces the output power needs of remaining amplifiers.
In another embodiment of the amplification system, the signal processing system is comprised of a section of Erbium and Phosphorus doped fiber and a section of conventional transmission fiber. The laser system is comprised of a pump laser coupled to the signal processing system. The pump laser transmits a single laser signal over the Erbium and Phosphorus doped fiber and the transmission fiber in an opposite direction of an optical signal that includes the L-band. In the section of Erbium and Phosphorus doped fiber, the optical signal and the laser signal combine to amplify the L-band of the optical signal based on the properties of the section of Erbium and Phosphorus doped fiber. In the transmission fiber, the optical signal and the laser signal combine to amplify the L-band of the optical signal based on the Raman effect. The amplification system in this embodiment produces a flatter gain shape for the L-band and eliminates the need for a gain equalization filter.

Amplification of a C-band and L-band of a optical signal using a common laser signal


The invention relates to a casting core composition including refractory mullite grains and 1.0-2.2 wt % of a phenolic resin for binding the mullite grains. The mullite grains are substantially spherical in shape and have a special grain size distribution. That is, the mullite grains contain first to eighth fractions. These fractions respectively have first to eighth diameters which are respectively within ranges of larger than 420 .mu.m, 297-420 .mu.m 210-297 .mu.m, 149-210 .mu.m, 105-149 .mu.m, 74-105 .mu.m, 53-74 .mu.m, and smaller than 53 .mu.m.

The present invention relates to a casting core composition, and more particularly to a casting core composition which is to be molded by a so-called shell mold process.
A casting core is used for forming internal cavities in a cast product. In fact, a casting core is inserted between two halves of a mold (cope and drag). Then, a molten metal is poured into the mold. After solidification of the metal, the mold is disassembled and then the cast product is removed. After that, the casting core is broken away and removed from the cast product. With this, the cast product will have internal cavities having certain specific shapes.
Nowadays, many casting cores for automobile cast products are produced by the shell mold process. In this process, the casting core is molded out of a mixture of silica sand grains and a thermosetting resin as a binder for binding the silica sand grains. Silica sand contains SiO.sub.2 as a main component thereof. However, if the casting core of this type (silica sand grains bound with a thermosetting resin) is used for casting, for example, an aluminum-alloy automobile cylinder block under a high casting pressure (at least 800 kgf/cm.sub.2), it is necessary to provide the casting core with a certain sufficient strength to withstand the high casting pressure. Silica sand grains themselves have variable polygonal shapes. Thus, a casting core prepared from silica sand grains tend to have spaces between silica sand grains, upon molding of the casting core. With this, the casting core may be broken under the high casting pressure. To prevent this, it is considered to increase the amount of the thermosetting resin to, for example, a range of from 3.5 wt % to 4.2% based on the total weight of the silica sand grains and the thermosetting resin. However, with this, percentage of contraction of the casting core's longitudinally center portion in the direction of the thickness thereof becomes large (for example, 15-17%) after casting, and the amount of a so-called deformation of the casting core's center portion also becomes large (for example, 1.2-1.5 mm) after casting (see the aftermentioned Comparative Example 1). With this, the cast product becomes inferior in dimensional precision. The definition of the amount of this deformation will be explained in detail in the following DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS of this application, with reference to FIG. 6.


The present disclosure relates to a shared item management system and method, a shared item and a shared server. The shared item includes a collecting module configured to collect a user feature, a sending module configured to send the collected user feature, a receiving module configured to receive response information from outside, and a response module configured to cause the shared item to perform a predetermined response based on the response information.

In recent years, with the gradual implementation of the concept of sharing economy, various shared items have been developed, such as shared bikes, shared cars, shared chargers, shared umbrellas, and the like. Users can borrow and return shared items through applications (APP) installed in mobile terminals, which provide great conveniences to users and saves social resources.

Shared item management system and method, shared item and shared server


A device and method for securing a reserve winding of thread on a tube supported on winding apparatus having a main thread guide and a thread delivery source wherein a reserve winding is formed from thread extending to a thread-holding device and thereafterwards severed with the free end of the reserve thread deflected toward the longitudinal center of the tube and covered with thread subsequently laid by the main thread guide.

The present invention relates to a method of securing a reverse winding on a tube and a device for carrying out this method.
It is already known to grasp the thread extending to a thread-holding device and pull it out to the empty bobbin tube while introducing it into the gripping line of the winding device (DT-OS No. 2.332.327). In the course of this, the thread is gripped between the end of the tube and a member rotating with the tube and a thread reserve is formed from the length of thread between nip point and delivery point. When the finished bobbin is removed from the bobbin holder, there is a risk that the end of the thread reserve, which is not secured to the end of the bobbin, may unwind and tear off. There is also a risk of unwinding and tearing during transport, so that, in some circumstances, no thread reserve is available during the processing for connection to the beginning of a thread of a fresh bobbin.
It is also known to guide the thread between a pneumatic thread-holding device and the tube in the region of the reserve winding which is provided, while the reserve winding is composed of the thread produced by the thread-holding device (DT-OS No. 2.431.145). For this purpose, however, the thread must wrap around the tube, which complicates the changing of the bobbin. Apart from this, the end of the thread of the reserve winding is unsecured, so that the disadvantages outlined above also occur here.
It is also known to provide a thread-catching element at the end of the tube, extending axially beyond the end of the tube (FR-PS No. 2.098.134). This is not in a position to secure the end of the thread, however. It is further known to provide an incision or a notch at the end of the tube (DT-OSen Nos. 2.204,674, 2.330.961 and 2.347.644). The incision or the notch is enlarged with time so that, in the long run, no reliable holding of the end of the thread can be ensured by this means.

Method for securing a reserve winding on a tube


Disclosed are a backlight unit, an assembly structure of which is modified to minimize the thickness of a bezel and to prevent optical defects, such as light leakage, and a liquid crystal display device using the backlight unit. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel, at least one light source fixing unit on which plural light sources are mounted and which is fixed to the inner side surface of a bottom cover, a diffusion plate receiving light from the plural light sources through a light entry plane and changing the progress direction of light into a forward direction, a sheet guide formed on the front surface of the bottom cover in a shape in which the inside of the sheet guide is opened, and plural optical sheets disposed on the sheet guide and separated from the diffusion plate to perpendicularly emit light from the diffusion plate.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to a backlight unit, an assembly structure of which is modified to minimize the thickness of a bezel forming the external appearance of a liquid crystal display device and to prevent optical defects, such as light leakage, and a liquid crystal display device using the backlight unit.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Recently, as flat panel display devices used in personal computers, portable terminals and monitors of various information equipment, liquid crystal display devices, plasma display devices, field emission display devices and light emitting display devices are on the rise.
In such a flat panel display device, a display panel displaying an image is seated on a separate guide bracket or panel guide, and is assembled with the inside of a front cover or a back cover forming the external appearance of the flat panel display device. Particularly, in the case of a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal panel itself cannot emit light, and thus a backlight unit is further provided on the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel and is assembled with a panel guide and a back cover.
In order to meet consumer' various demands for stylish design and the light-weight and thin-thickness trends, development of a liquid crystal display device which employs an edge type backlight unit including light sources formed of light emitting diodes to supply light on the side surface of the backlight unit and has the minimum thickness of a bezel is required.
In a conventional liquid crystal display device in which a front cover or a top case is formed in a designated size other than a thin bezel, a sufficient distance between a plurality of light sources and a diffusion plate to convert and diffuse an optical path from the respective light sources is obtained. Thus, optical defects due to diffusion sheets may be prevented even if the diffusion sheets are disposed directly on the diffusion plate. Particularly, when the sufficient distance between the plural light sources and the light diffusion plate is obtained, light leakage or formation of light beams generated by the rib shape of a prism sheet from among the diffusion sheets disposed directly on the diffusion plate may be prevented.
However, if the thin bezel is formed, a distance between the plural light sources and the diffusion plate is inevitably narrowed, and thus it may be impossible to prevent optical defects generated by the shape of diffusion sheets when the diffusion sheets are disposed directly on the diffusion plate. Particularly, when the sufficient distance between the respective light sources and the diffusion plate is not obtained due to the thin bezel, optical defects such as light beams or light leakage due to the rib shape of the prism sheet from among the diffusion sheets occur, thereby causing a defect in image display and greatly lowering product reliability. If the bezel surrounding the edge of the front surface or the frame of a liquid crystal panel has a thin thickness, a distance between plural light sources and a diffusion plate is inevitably narrowed. Thereby, when optical sheets are disposed directly on the diffusion plate, optical defects cannot be prevented by the shape of the diffusion sheets. Particularly, when the distance between respective light sources and the diffusion plate is not sufficiently secured by reducing the thickness of the bezel, optical defects due to the rib shape of the prism sheet from among the diffusion sheets occur and thus cause image display defects.

Backlight unit comprising a sheet guide having an opening surrounding edges of a bottom cover, light sources, and a light source fixing unit and liquid crystal display device using the same


A shaft portion of a joint outer ring where projections extending in an axial direction are provided is press-fitted into a hole portion of a hub wheel to thereby form recesses by the projections in an inner diameter surface of a shaft fitting hole of the hub wheel, by which a recess-projection fitting structure is constructed. An entire area of fitting sites of the projections and the recesses are brought into close contact. Moreover, a bolt member is fastened in a bolt hole provided in the shaft portion of the joint outer ring after the construction of the recess-projection fitting structure, which restricts separation between the hub wheel and the joint outer ring. As the bolt member, if an outer diameter of a seating surface thereof is d1 and a shaft diameter is d2, a bolt member satisfying a relational expression of 2.3≦(d1/d2)2≦4.9 is used.

A wheel bearing device has been evolved from a structure referred to as a first generation in which a double-row rolling bearing are used in combination to a second generation in which a vehicle body mounting flange is integrally provided in an outer member, and has been further developed to a third generation in which one of two inner raceway surfaces of the double-row rolling bearing is formed in an outer circumference of a hub wheel having the wheel mounting flange, and further, to a fourth generation in which one of the two inner raceway surfaces of the double-row rolling bearing is formed in the outer circumference of the hub wheel, and the other is formed in an outer circumference of an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint.
For example, in Patent Literature 1, one example of the wheel bearing device referred to as the third generation is described. As shown in FIG. 15, this wheel bearing device includes a hub wheel 152 having a flange 151 extending in an outer diameter direction, a constant velocity universal joint 154 in which an outer joint member 153 thereof is fixed to this hub wheel 152, and an outer member 155 disposed on an outer circumferential side of the hub wheel 152.
The constant velocity universal joint 154 includes the outer joint member 153, an inner joint member 158 disposed inside a mouse portion 157 of this outer joint member 153, a ball 159 disposed between this inner joint member 158 and the outer joint member 153, and a holder 160 that holds the ball 159. Moreover, female splines 161 are formed in an inner circumferential surface of a central hole of the inner joint member 158, and male splines formed at an end portion of a shaft not shown are inserted into this central hole. The female splines 161 of the inner joint member 158 and the male splines of the shaft are fitted, by which the inner joint member 158 and the shaft are coupled so as to be able to transmit a torque.
The hub wheel 152 has a cylindrical portion 163 and the flange 151, and in an outer end surface 164 (an end surface on an outboard side) of the flange 151, there is projected a short-cylindrical pilot portion 165 to attach a wheel and a brake rotor, which are not shown. The pilot portion 165 is made up of a large-diameter portion 165a and a small-diameter portion 165b, the brake rotor is externally fitted on the large-diameter portion 165a, and the wheel is externally fitted on the small-diameter portion 165b.
A fitting portion 166 is provided in an outer circumferential surface of an end portion on an inboard side of the cylindrical portion 163, and an inner ring 167 of a rolling bearing is fitted on this fitting portion 166. A first inner raceway surface 168 is provided in the vicinity of the flange 151 in an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 163, and a second inner raceway surface 169 is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring 167. Moreover, a bolt attachment hole 162 is provided in the flange 151 of the hub wheel 152, and a hub bolt to fix the wheel and the brake rotor to the flange 151 is fitted into the bolt attachment hole 162.
The outer member 155 of the rolling bearing has double-row outer raceway surfaces 170, 171 in an inner circumference thereof, and a flange (a vehicle body mounting flange) 182 in an outer circumference thereof. The first outer raceway surface 170 and the second outer raceway surface 171 of the outer member 155 are opposed to the first inner raceway surface 168 of the hub wheel 152, and the second inner raceway surface 169 of the inner ring 167, respectively, and rolling elements 172 are interposed between these raceway surfaces.
A shaft portion 173 of the outer joint member 153 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 163 of the hub wheel 152. At a shaft end portion of the shaft portion 173, a screw portion 174 is formed, and male splines 175 are formed in an outer diameter portion on the inboard side from this screw portion 174. Moreover, female splines 176 are formed in an inner diameter surface of the cylindrical portion 163 of the hub wheel 152, and press-fitting the shaft portion 173 into the cylindrical 163 of the hub wheel 152 allows the male splines 175 on the side of the shaft portion 173 and the female splines 176 on the side of the hub wheel 152 to be fitted.
A nut member 177 is screwed and attached onto the screw portion 174 of the shaft portion 173, thereby fixing the hub wheel 152 and the outer joint member 153. At this time, a seating surface 178 of the nut member 177 and an outer end surface 179 of the cylindrical portion 163 abut, and an end surface 180 on the outboard side of the mouse portion 157 and an end surface 181 of the inner ring 167 of the rolling bearing abut. This allows the hub wheel 152 to be sandwiched between the nut member 177 and the mouse portion 157 with the inner ring 167 interposed.


An aspect of the invention can be regarded as a disk drive that includes a disk drive base and a magnetic disk. The disk drive further includes a rotary actuator coupled to the disk drive base. The rotary actuator has an MR read element disposed adjacent the magnetic disk. The MR read element has a bias voltage. The disk drive further includes a rotatable spindle motor hub for rotating the magnetic disk positioned on the spindle motor hub. The spindle motor hub is in electrical communication with the magnetic disk. The spindle motor hub is mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from the disk drive base. The disk drive further includes a circuit for applying a voltage equivalent to the bias voltage to the spindle motor hub such that a voltage potential between the MR read element and the magnetic disk is mitigated.

Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to disk drives, and in particular to a disk drive including spindle motor hub having an equivalent MR read element bias voltage to mitigate a voltage potential between a disk and the MR read element.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The typical hard disk drive includes a head disk assembly (HDA) and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) attached to a disk drive base of the HDA. The head disk assembly includes the disk drive base, a cover, at least one magnetic disk, a spindle motor for rotating the disk, and a head stack assembly (HSA).
The spindle motor includes a spindle motor hub that is rotatably attached to the disk drive base. The spindle motor hub has an outer hub flange that supports a lowermost one of the disks. Additional disks may be stacked and separated with annular disk spacers that are disposed about the spindle motor hub. The spindle motor typically includes a spindle motor base that is attached to the disk drive base. A shaft is coupled to the spindle motor base and the spindle motor hub surrounds the shaft. The spindle motor hub may be rotatably coupled to the shaft and therefore the spindle motor base typically via a pair of bearing sets. A stator is positioned about the shaft and is attached to the spindle motor base. A magnet element is attached to the hub flange. The stator includes windings that selectively conduct current to create a magnetic field that interacts with the various poles of the magnet element. Such interaction results in forces applied to the spindle motor hub that tend to rotate the spindle motor hub and the attached disks.
The head stack assembly has an actuator assembly having at least one head or slider, typically several, for reading and writing data to and from the disk. The printed circuit board assembly includes a servo control system in the form of a disk controller for generating servo control signals. The head stack assembly is controllably positioned in response to the generated servo control signals from the disk controller. In so doing, the attached sliders are moved relative to tracks disposed upon the disk.
The head stack assembly includes the actuator assembly and a flex circuit cable assembly that are attached to the actuator assembly. A conventional xe2x80x9crotaryxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cswing-typexe2x80x9d actuator assembly typically comprises an actuator body, a pivot bearing cartridge, a coil portion that extends from one side of the actuator body to interact with one or more permanent magnets to form a voice coil motor, and one or more actuator arms which that extend from an opposite side of the actuator body. The actuator body includes a bore and the pivot bearing cartridge engaged within the bore for allowing the actuator body to rotate between limited positions. At least one head gimbal assembly (xe2x80x9cHGAxe2x80x9d) is distally attached to each of the actuator arms.
A head gimbal assembly includes the slider that is attached to a suspension with a gimbal. Typically the slider is of an air bearing slider design. In a contemporary design for the slider, the slider includes embedded within it a magneto-resistive (xe2x80x9cMRxe2x80x9d) read element and an inductive write element. The term MR read element additionally refers to giant magneto-resistive (xe2x80x9cGMRxe2x80x9d), enormous magneto-resistive (xe2x80x9cEMRxe2x80x9d), and similar functioning devices. The HGA is configured such-that the slider, and therefore the MR read element, xe2x80x9cfliesxe2x80x9d above a given track of a given magnetic disk.
The MR read element effectively may take the form of a resistor having a hard magnetic bias associated with it. The resistor changes in resistance to electrical current as a function of magnetic flux intercepted by it. In this regard, the tracks disposed upon each magnetic disk represent magnetically polarized regions. The resistance of the resistor is increased when it is disposed immediately adjacent magnetically polarized regions. As portions of the magnetic disk rotate past the MR read element, the polarity of the magnetic field in which the MR read element is exposed changes. In response, the MR read element tends to repel or attract in relation to the magnetic disk due to the hard magnetic bias. This places an internal stress on the MR read element that changes its resistance. During a reading operation, current is applied through the MR read element. The resulting changes in the resistance of the MR read element affect the current flowing through it. Thus, information on the magnetic disk is decoded by monitoring the current that flows through the MR read element.
It is desirable to apply a bias voltage (a voltage other than zero) to the MR read element. This increases the signal to noise ratio for mitigating the effect of ground noise, and tends to stabilize the associated electronic circuit. However, the magnetic disk is connected to electrical ground and this results in a voltage potential between the MR read element and the magnetic disk. Due to the close proximity of the slider, and therefore the embedded MR read element, to the magnetic disk (e.g., 0.4 micro-inches), the slider is susceptible to certain electronic overstress (xe2x80x9cEOSxe2x80x9d) events. For example, the dielectric strength of air may be overcome resulting in an electrical arc from the MR read element to the magnetic disk or the slider may come into contact with the magnetic disk. This results in a current from the MR read element to the magnetic disk that has an electro de-plating effect upon the MR read element, thereby changing the electrical properties of the MR read element. Proper performance of the MR read element is predicated upon the MR read element having specified electrical properties. As such EOS events change the electrical properties of the MR read element, this has a negative impact upon the performance of the MR read element. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved MR read element arrangement in comparison to the prior art.
An aspect of the invention can be regarded as a disk drive that includes a disk drive base and a magnetic disk. The disk drive further includes a rotary actuator coupled to the disk drive base. The rotary actuator has an MR read element disposed adjacent the magnetic disk. The MR to read element has a bias voltage. The disk drive further includes a rotatable spindle motor hub for rotating the magnetic disk positioned on the spindle motor hub. The spindle motor hub is in electrical communication with the magnetic disk. The spindle motor hub is mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from the disk drive base. The disk drive further includes a circuit for applying a voltage equivalent to the bias voltage to the spindle motor hub such that a voltage potential between the MR read element and the magnetic disk is mitigated.
The disk drive may further include a shaft rotatably coupled to the spindle motor hub and a cover attached to the disk drive base, the cover being mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from the shaft. A screw may be provided and the cover includes a screw hole. The screw is axially engaged with the shaft through the screw hole-and the screw is electrically insulated from the cover. According to an embodiment of the present invention an electrically insulative grommet may be provided which is engaged within the screw hole. The grommet is sized and configured to receive the screw for electrically insulating the cover from the screw. In an alternative embodiment, the screw may be formed of an electrically insulative material, such as a plastic or ceramic material. The disk drive may further include an electrically insulative spacer disposed between the cover and the shaft and sized and configured to receive the screw for preventing electrical contact between the cover and the shaft.
The disk drive may further include a spindle motor base. The spindle motor hub is rotatably coupled to the spindle motor base. The spindle motor base is mechanically coupled to and electrically insulated from the disk drive base. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the disk drive further includes an electrically insulative gasket disposed between the spindle motor base and disk drive base for electrically insulating the spindle motor base from the disk drive base. In an alternative embodiment, the spindle motor base is formed of an electrically no insulative material, such as an injection molded plastic material.
The disk drive may further include a pre-amplifier in electrical communication with the MR read element for applying a bias voltage to the MR read element. The circuit for applying a voltage equivalent to the bias voltage is in electrical communication with the pre-amplifier. The circuit for applying a voltage equivalent to the bias voltage may include an amplifier filter network for generating a voltage equivalent to the bias voltage.

Spindle motor hub having equivalent MR read element bias voltage to mitigate potential between disk and MR read element


A lubricating device incorporated in an escalator step of an escalator or in a moving walkway plate of a moving walkway, has lubrication points formed by lubricating siding pads or brushes which are arranged at the escalator step or the moving walkway plate and which project slightly beyond the side edges of the escalator step or the moving walkway plate. The pads or brushes have a bore through which the lubricant is transferred to base plates forming lateral boundaries for the steps or plates.

The present invention relates to a lubricating device for an escalator or a moving walkway, wherein a step belt of the escalator or a plate belt of the moving walkway is guided between lateral borders and wherein at least one lubricant container is provided at at least one escalator step of the step belt or moving walkway plate of the plate belt and is connected with lubrication points for the step or plate.
Lubricating devices of the identified general type have the purpose of preventing the increase of friction and the development of noise between the escalator/moving walkway base plates and the step or plate belt as a result of environmental contaminating deposits, which are virtually unavoidable, and which may include dust, abrasives from subway brakes, etc., which collect at base plates of the escalator or moving walkway, as well as deposits from material deterioration.
Japanese patent specification JP 5319767 discloses a lubricating device for escalators by means of which guide rails for the step belt of an escalator can be lubricated For this purpose there is provided a solenoid valve which is supplied with power by a battery and which is arranged at an outlet opening of an oil container fastened to an escalator step. A pipe, by way of which the guide rail for the rear wheel of the escalator step is lubricated, is connected to the valve. A flexible hose, through which the lubricant of the guide rail for the front wheel of the escalator step is fed, branches from the pipe. A timer is provided for control of the valve. Fault-free lubrication at the sides of the escalator is not guaranteed.
Japanese patent specification JP 08225285 discloses another lubricating device for an escalator, in which lubricating agent holders are provided at the side edges of the rear side of the tread and riser of an escalator step. Bristles, which form brushes and which contact the side walls of the escalator, protrude out of the lubricating agent holders. A lubricating agent container fastened to the rear side of the tread is connected with the lubricating agent holders or brushes by way of pipes and wicks inserted therein. A relatively large amount of lubricating agent is consumed by the long brush formed by means of the bristles; a wide lubricating track, which is only partly covered by the step belt, is formed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lubricating device of the general kind set forth in which sliding pads or brushes are utilized to lubricate base plates. Wear of the sliding pads is reduced and damage to the base plates is prevented. The construction of the lubricating device is very simple and therefore economical. The lubricant track formed by the sliding pads or brushes is covered and relatively narrow and therefore lubricant-conserving.
The foregoing and other objects are met by a lubricating device in which lubricant points are formed by a lubricant dispenser means in the form of lubricating sliding pads which are arranged at the escalator step or moving walkway plate and which project slightly beyond the side edges of the step or plate. The pads have a bore through which the lubricant is transferred to base plates forming the lateral borders for the steps or plates.
The lubricant dispenser means may alternatively be formed by brushes which are arranged at the escalator step or moving walkway plate and which project slightly beyond the side edges of the step or plate and have a bore through which the lubricant is transferred into the bristles of the brush and therefrom to the base plates.
As those skilled in the art will recognize that the object, effect and execution of the present invention are essentially identical in application to both escalators and moving walkways, for the sake of simplicity only its application to escalators will be described hereinafter.

Lubricating device for an escalator or a moving walkway with moving lubrication points


A washing method and a washing apparatus capable of obtaining a washing or cleaning effect by mechanical energy obtained by cavitation phenomena or nonlinear oscillation of micro air bubbles generated during the resonance of a multi-phase medium using low frequency waves. The resonance phenomenon becomes accelerated and uniform by virtue of the injection of air bubbles in the tub or the provision of a sonic or ultrasonic oscillation unit, thereby enabling a superior washing performance to be obtained. Since the present invention eliminates use of any pulsator, it is possible to considerably reduce the phenomenon that clothes get twisted or tangled. As a result, few damage of clothes is generated. Moreover, the electric power consumption in washing or cleaning is greatly reduced.

The present invention relates to a washing method and a washing apparatus utilizing low frequency oscillation wherein a washing is carried out by use of multi-phase medium consisting of water, detergent and air and being subjected to a resonance phenomenon at a specific frequency.
Generally, a washing machine includes a pulsator rotatable mounted at the lower portion of a washing tub and a motor mounted on a base of the machine and adapted to rotate the pulsator. As the pulsator rotates by repeated normal and reverse rotations of the motor at a speed reduced by a speed reducing mechanism, a washing water in the washing tub produces a heart water flow or a rotated water flow. Clothes contained in the washing tub are moved by the water flow. During the movement of clothes, friction generates to carry out a washing. Such a washing machine is of the washing type utilizing the intensity or movement of water flows. In this type, an washing effect is obtained by a combination of a mechanical energy of the shear force of fluid, the bending movement and frictional action of clothes with a chemical effect of a detergent.
However, such a conventional washing machine has the following problems:
First, clothes contained in the washing tub get easily twisted or tangled due to repeated agitating operations, namely, repeated normal and reverse rotations of the pulsator. As a result, a severe damage of clothes may occur. PA1 Second, the solubility of the detergent achieved by the water flow is low. As a result, the consumption of the detergent is excessive, thereby resulting in contamination of rivers. PA1 Third, clothes may be stained with the detergent not solved after the washing operation. The stained detergent may injure the user's skin. PA1 Finally, a larger quantity of washing water and a more lengthened washing time are required for removal of the detergent not solved.

Washing method utilizing low frequency oscillation


A computer application streaming system includes an optimization unit coupled to a streaming device to determine streaming optimal playable settings for a remote user device corresponding to a selected computer application and a sending unit coupled to the optimization unit to manage streaming of the streaming optimal playable settings over a network connected to the remote user device. A receiving unit is coupled to the network to recover the streaming optimal playable settings for application to the remote user device when employing the selected computer application. An optional feedback unit is coupled to the remote user device to provide remote information over the network for modifying the streaming optimal playable settings, and an optional update unit is coupled to the streaming device to manage modification of the streaming optimal playable settings as directed by the remote information. A method of streaming a computer application is also provided.

Video gaming, played on a local gaming device (such as a personal computer), is a rapidly growing commercial field that is receiving a great deal of attention due to its universal interest and appeal. Since video game applications tend to be action oriented and often require almost photographic quality display images, gaming computer systems tend to be high performance units. These high performance units generally employ the three operational elements of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and at least one high-quality image monitor. Optimizing game playability adjustments for a single user gaming environment employing these three operational elements may be supported by standardized selections or user selectable options that facilitate local gaming optimization. However, what is needed in the art is an improved way to optimize playability adjustments for the use of remote user devices that are dependent on local user devices.

Optimal settings for application streaming


A handle lock for use on safe doors and the like is provided including a lock shell, a lock plug, a shaft and a handle. The lock shell is formed with a smooth cylindrical outer surface and a central throughbore adopted to receive the lock plug. To provide for selective rotation of the lock plug within the lock shell, the lock plug includes tumbler means which engage with longitudinal lock grooves formed in the lock shell. A shaft connects the lock plug to a crank which translates the rotary motion of the lock plug into the operation of the door latches. The handle is provided with a mounting throughbore formed with an internal annular ledge. The annular ledge has multiple connecting splines which interlock with complemental connecting splines on an annular flange on the lock plug when the lock plug is inserted into the mounting throughbore. The sides of the complemental positioning splines are tapered so that they will slide out of engagement if a significant force is applied to the handle while the tumbler means are engaged with the locking grooves. The handle is also provided with positioning splines formed on the rear face of the mounting throughbore. These positioning splines engage with complemental positioning splines formed on the face of the lock shell when the handle is turned into either the open or closed position.

1. Field of the invention
This invention relates generally to the field of combinating tumbler locks, and more particularly to tumbler locks used on safe doors and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are many combinating tumbler handle locks in the prior art which can be used on a safe door or the like. However, many of these have drawbacks which make them undesirable.
A common problem with combinating tumbler locks is that they are vulnerable to being forced open by individuals not possessing a key. When the handle lock is used in conjunction with a combination lock on a safe door, this could create undesirable security problems. For example, in an office environment it is often inconvenient for employees to dial the combination each time they wish to open the safe. Therefore, frequently, the safe's combination lock is unlocked at the beginning of the day and for the remainder of the day the safe is opened and closed using only the key-actuated handle lock. While this arrangement may be convenient, it places the contents of the safe in a vulnerable position. With typical combinating tumbler handle locks, the handle is rigidly connected to the lock plug and if a significant force is exerted on the handle when the tumblers are engaged with the lock shell the tumblers may shear within the lock shell. Once the tumblers have sheared, the lock plug might rotate freely within the lock shell and the safe can be opened without the use of the key. Worse yet, application of such a force may result in a jamming or breaking of the handle, resulting in lockout.
Another common problem with combinating tumbler handle locks is that the handle rotates loosely after the key has been inserted in the lock. This loose rotation can result in difficulty in locating the open and closed positions of the handle lock. In addition, the loose rotation may make it difficult to keep the handle accurately aligned in the open and closed positions after the key has been inserted. Thus, this loose rotation makes these locks inconvenient to use.


A power converter circuit provides low conversion losses, low generated noise and output power controllability. The circuit includes a controller, at least two transistors and an output network that provides impedance matching and operating point stabilization functions. The output network also enables zero voltage switching of the transistors, thus reducing radiated noise and minimizing (and possibly eliminating almost completely) switching losses. The controller circuitry includes an oscillator which is capable of self synchronizing to the resonant frequency of the components of the output network. Power modulation (e.g., for dimming of a lamp) is accomplished simply by desynchronizing and increasing the oscillator frequency. Thus, the control architecture allows the use of external parts of lower precision and cost while providing dimming capability in a single stage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a power converter circuit and, in particular embodiments, a power conversion circuit topology that can provide low conversion losses, low generated noise and output power controllability.
2. Related Art
Power converter circuits according to embodiments of the present invention are described below. As discussed below, one preferred application of use of a power converter circuit is for starting and controlling one or more cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). Such lamps require a high starting voltage (in the order of 700-1000 volts) for a short period of time to ionize the gas contained within the lamp tubes and fire or ignite the lamp. After the gas in a CCFL is ionized and, thus, the lamp is fired, less voltage is needed to keep the lamp on.
CCFL tubes typically contain a gas, such as Argon, Xenon, or the like, along with a small amount of Mercury. After an initial ignition stage and the formation of plasma, current flows through the tube which results in the generation of ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light in turn strikes a phosphoric material coated in the inner wall of the tube, resulting in visible light.
Typical lamp parameters are as follows:
______________________________________ Starting Operating Operating Maximum Voltage voltage Current Current (Vrms) V (Vrms) I (mArms) (mArms) ______________________________________ 750 340 5 20 ______________________________________
Therefore, devices intended to ignite or start up such a tube must be able to generate the starting voltage and be able to supply the operating current at the nominal voltage. A simplification of the process may be obtained by assuming equivalent operating point impedances. Based on this assumption, the approximate impedance of the tube at the operating point is: ##EQU1##
For example, using the above-noted values for typical lamp parameters, the impedance of the tube above is: ##EQU2##
The terminal electrical characteristics of the tubes are highly nonlinear. As discussed above, the tubes require a relatively high voltage to start conducting current. Therefore, until start up, their impedance is very high and the current conduction is negligible. Once ignited however, they exhibit a negative resistance which can make them unstable under some conditions resulting in oscillation. In this regard, a high impedance drive is desirable for a stable operation.
Prior methods of powering CCFLs typically included a ROYER oscillator with an appropriate high voltage transformer. In some cases, when dimming is a requirement, a preregulating buck regulator stage is also included. However, buck regulator waveforms are generated by hard switching, which can result in switching losses and switching noise. In other prior systems, dimming functions are provided by gating the ROYER oscillator on and off to modulate the amount of light emanating from the CCFLs.
FIG. 1 shows a basic ROYER oscillator 10, connected for powering CCFLs 12 and 14. The oscillator 10 has a DC power input 16 coupled to the center terminal of the primary coil of a transformer 18. A primary capacitor 24 is coupled in parallel with the primary coil of transformer 18. One end of the primary coil is coupled to the collector of a first bipolar transistors 20. The other end of the primary coil is coupled to the collector of a second bipolar transistor 22. The emitters of both transistors 20 and 22 are coupled to ground. The collector of transistor 20 is further coupled to the base of transistor 22 through a resistor 26 and the collector of transistor 22 is further coupled to the base of transistor 20 through a resistor 28. In FIG. 1, the pair of parallel coupled CCFLs 12 and 14 are coupled across the secondary coil of transformer 18. Capacitors 30 and 32 represent ballasting capacitors of the CCFLs 12 and 14, respectively. The circuit provides an alternating current power signal to the lamps 12 and 14.
The power conversion function of the circuit shown in FIG. 1 can be relatively inefficient. For example, if a preceding stage (such as a buck regulator preceding the convertor) is used to control the current (e.g., for providing a dimming function), the efficiency losses of each stage becomes a factor in the overall efficiency of the system. Thus, if the current control stage has an 80% efficiency and the FIG. 1 circuit has an 80% efficiency, the overall efficiency of a both stages combined will be 80% of 80%, or 64%. In addition, the use of bipolar transistors as shown in FIG. 1 can adversely effect the efficiency.
FIG. 2a shows a block representation of a typical ROYER oscillator 10' which is gated on and off for providing dimming functions. The oscillator 10' receives a DC input signal across terminals 34 and 36 and a dimming control signal at input 38. A pulse-width modulated control signal, such as the square wave signal 40 shown in FIG. 2b, is provided as a dimming control signal to input 38. In response, the oscillator 10' provides a pulse-width modulated current signal, such as the current signal 42 shown in FIG. 2c, to a CCFL 38. Although the circuit of FIG. 2a provides a single stage conversion, it typically provides other problems that make it undesirable, such as reduced lamp life and low frequency audible noise.
FIGS. 3 and 4 show other implementations of CCFL drivers with dimming capabilities. However, these drivers employ a double stage conversion. In addition, these circuits employ four power switches, which increases the cost and complexity of the circuits.
Prior power conversion systems have typically displayed several disadvantages. For example, as discussed above, double stage power conversion (with typical efficiencies in the 80% range for each stage) can be relatively inefficient. Additional disadvantages of various prior systems include the use of a hybrid of hard switching, resonant mode double stage power conversion devices, unclamped voltages for the power switches (uncoordinated shutdown of power FETs may cause them to destruct due to the discharge of the buck inductor current), the use of four power switches, the use of a front end buck regulator which operates at a different frequency than the ROYER invertor circuit and which may cause frequency beat, restricted dimming range for stable operation, higher standby currents and limited input voltage and power.
Thus, there is a need in the industry for a power conversion circuit topology that can provide low conversion losses, low generated noise and output power controllability. While the prior art systems described above and embodiments of the invention described below relate to power conversion and control circuits for CCFLs, it will be understood that further embodiments of the invention may be employed for any suitable power conversion need.

Current synchronous zero voltage switching resonant topology


Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to deployable structures which include a structural mechanism which is movable for deployment of the structure. The deployable structures of the present invention may be used as structures in a wide range of applications ranging from small structures to large ones. They are particularly, but not exclusively, applicable as frames for tent-like structures.
2. Description of the Related Art
Portable enclosures, such as tents, have been used as blinds and shelters for centuries. The structure and appearance of such enclosures vary greatly.
More recently, easily portable, lightweight, durable and affordable enclosures have become a desirable accessory for many outdoor recreational activities, including camping and hunting. The widespread availability of modern lightweight structures and fabrics has resulted in the proliferation of literally hundreds of new designs for portable enclosures. Among the many popular current styles for tents and hunting blinds are the so-called "collapsible" structures which utilize a spring-like framework which can be easily collapsed and folded for transportation and storage. Such popular designs are typified in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,261 to Gillis, 6,941,704 to Chen et al., 7,004,183 to Gillis and 7,137,399 to Ransom et al.
These types of enclosures are inexpensive, lightweight, and convenient to use. However, one drawback in structures of this type is the lack of sufficient head room via an open, central columnar space devoid of any structural members. Known designs invariably employ overhead structural members to support the top covering material against sagging or deformation in the roof or top portion of the enclosure. It is desirable, therefore, to improve the structural integrity of existing collapsible structures by inclusion of lightweight and resilient deployable structures that can be easily stowed, transported and deployed, with a minimum of difficulty, and that are easily adapted to cause the roof or upper portion of an outer covering to conform to a particular profile without the use of structural members disposed in a central space of the structure.

Deployable structures and methods for assembling same


A bracket for a machine frame, such as a core molding machine frame, having horizontal and vertical members includes first and second legs adapted for attachment to the machine frame members. The first and second legs are formed from a plate material and extend perpendicular to each other. The bracket is welded around its periphery to the machine frame. A free end of at least one of the first and second legs has a tapered portion, and one or more openings may be provided in the bracket. An outer periphery of the tapered portion and an inner periphery of the openings are welded to the machine frame for further extending the total weld length and reducing stress concentration in the weld joints.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a bracket mounting arrangement for machine frames and, in particular, to a bracket mounting arrangement for interconnecting the horizontal and vertical frame members of core molding machine frames.
2. Description of the Related Art
Core molding machine frames typically include lower and upper horizontal support frame assemblies connected together by a plurality of vertical posts. Lower and upper platens are supported on the lower and upper support frames, respectively, and are adapted for vertical movement toward and away from each other through hydraulics or other conventional means. Lower and upper core molds are attached to the lower and upper platens, respectively, and are positioned on the platens so that the molds are in mutual alignment for a molding operation. The vertical posts are typically secured to the lower and upper frames through mounting bolts that are either parallel or perpendicular to the vertical posts. As the core molds are pressed toward each other and come into mutual contact during the molding process, opposing forces from the hydraulics put the core molds in compression. Equal but opposite tensile forces are transmitted to the vertical posts, and consequently, the mounting bolts are subjected to shear or tensile forces. The shear or tensile forces tend to deform the bolts along their longitudinal axis, and depending on the orientation at which the bolts are mounted, they can either bend or their threads can become worn or stripped. The bolts may also suffer from work hardening due to repeat cycling of the core molding operation. In any event, movement between the cross members and vertical posts eventually occurs and consequently affects the quality of the molded components. Eventual failure of the connection between the vertical posts and cross members can lead to disastrous results, high repair costs, and machine down time.

Bracket mounting arrangement for machine frames


A dental foil compressing apparatus is constructed of two parts which engage to form a closed cavity. A viscous material is placed into the cavity so that engagement of the two parts causes a hydrostatic compressive force within the cavity to compress a foil against a dental model supported within the cavity. The dental model is placed near the parting line of the engagement of the two parts so as to be easily loaded and unloaded.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to compression tools, and more particularly to an improved dental compression apparatus for generating compression in the dental porcelain laminate foil technique.
2. Description of Related Art
Invention and use of dental foil compression devices is known in the medical arts such as the porcelain laminate foil technique. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a well known, prior art tool for achieving compression of foils against dental models known as dies. Generally, the problem is how to compress a thin metallic foil against a plaster model of a tooth or other dental structure so that the foil is able to be impressed with the surface contour and roughness of the dental structure. In a later step in the process, the foil will be used as a base for building up a thin porcelain cap or other structure to be fitted over a tooth of a patient. Therefore, the foil must be energetically impressed on the model so as to capture its surface contour with fidelity. The apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is used to achieve such a result. A base portion 50 is a cylindrical fixture having a cavity machined within it. Inside the cavity is placed a dental model holder 30 with the model 60 within it. This is placed over a washer 40 at the bottom of the cavity. A viscous material such as a clay 20 is pressed into the cavity over the dental model 60. A pin 240 extending from the model 60 is used to position the model 60 at the center of the fixture, the pin being positioned within a hole 90 in the washer 40. Further viscous material 20 is pressed into a small cavity in a ram rod 10. The ram rod 10 is then forced into the base portion 50 driving the viscous material 20 into compression and thereby driving the foil against the tooth of the model 60. One major problem with this approach is that the ram rod 10, because it enters the base portion, often damages the model 60. Another problem with this prior art approach is that when the ram rod 10 is removed from the base portion 50, it is not possible to easily remove the model 60. In order to facilitate its removal, a push rod 70 is usually provided. This rod 70 fits within a small diameter hole 80 in the base portion 50 and is able to push against the washer 40, dental model holder 30, model 60 and viscous material 20 to try to dislodge this entire group of items together. However, the washer 40 often tends to bind within the base portion 50 so that it is difficult to remove the model 60. Even when the group is dislodged from the base portion 50, it is not easy to remove the model, in that when the washer 40 has been separated from the dental model holder 30, the model is not easily grasped since it is embedded in the viscous material and is held tightly inside the holder 30. The sharp pin 240 (see FIG. 3) makes this approach to removal of the model even more difficult and problematic. There is a need for a more suitable fixture for accomplishing the same result as the prior art device of FIG. 4 but which is less complex, less expensive to fabricate, and which is easier to load and unload.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.


In a computer system 10 that includes multiple nodes 100 capable of storing data, and a management computer 410 that manages the nodes 100, a first volume of a first node and a second volume of a second node 100 constitute an HA (High Availability) pair for managing identical data in a duplicated manner. the CPU 120 of the second node is configured to, When the first node becomes offline, write data that is to be written into the second volume of the second node thereafter is written into the second volume and into a third volume of a third node that is different from the first node and the second node.

The present invention relates to a computer system and the like for managing data.
An SDS (Software Defined Storage) has been known that causes multiple computers (nodes) to cooperate with each other using software providing a storage function to thereby constitute a storage system.
As techniques pertaining to the SDS, methods have been known that copy data between different nodes to achieve redundancy of the data between nodes in a data writing process, thus protecting the data (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,806,161, 8,271,447 and 6,907,543).

Computer system, data management method, and data management program