Apparatus and method for adjusting an actuator mechanical response characteristic in a data handling system, such as a disc drive. An actuator rotates about a pivot system to move a read/write head adjacent a recording surface, the pivot system comprising a stationary shaft and a bearing asesmbly comprising a stationary inner race coupled to the shaft and a rotatable outer race coupled to the actuator. A fastener is provided to engage the shaft and apply an initial amount of axially directed force on the inner race. A broad spectrum excitation is applied to the actuator and a mechanical response characteristic of the actuator is measured. The fastener is repetitively adjusted to increase the amount of axially directed force until the measured mechanical response characteristic of the actuator reaches a desired level.

This invention relates generally to the field of data handling systems, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus and method for adjusting bearing preload in an actuator pivot system to produce a population of nominally identical data handling systems, such as disc drives, having actuators with substantially uniform mechanical frequency response characteristics.
Disc drives are data handling systems used to perform primary data storage operations in modem computer systems and networks. A typical disc drive comprises a head-disc assembly (HDA) which houses mechanical portions of the drive, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) mounted to an outer surface of the HDA which supports electronic circuitry used to control the HDA.
Typically, an HDA comprises a number of magnetic discs affixed to, and rotated by, a spindle motor at a constant high speed. An actuator supports an array of read/write heads adjacent the disc surfaces. The surface of each disc is a data recording surface divided into a series of generally concentric recording tracks radially spaced across a band having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The data tracks extend around the surfaces of the discs and data are stored to the tracks by the heads in the form of magnetic flux transitions. Typically, each data track is divided into a number of data sectors that store fixed sized data blocks.
An actuator motor, such as a voice coil motor (VCM), rotates the actuator, and hence the heads, across the disc surfaces. The control circuitry on the PCBA includes a read/write channel which interfaces with the heads to transfer data between the tracks and a host computer, and a servo control system which drives the VCM to provide head positional control, based on servo data stored in servo fields interspersed among the data sectors and written during disc drive manufacturing.
Continued demand for disc drives with ever increasing levels of data storage capacity and data throughput have led disc drive manufacturers to seek ways to increase the storage capacity of each disc surface and improve drive operating efficiencies. At the same time, disc drive manufacturers are under continual pressure to reduce the cost per megabyte associated with the manufacture and marketing of their product offerings.
One area for opportunity is the actuator used within the disc drive. The industry has substantially settled on a design featuring a flat coil rotary actuator with a body portion rotatable about a bearing assembly and actuator arms which project from the body portion toward the discs. This portion of the actuator is sometimes referred to as an xe2x80x9cE-blockxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cactuator core.xe2x80x9d The E-block rotates using a pivot system typically comprising a cartridge bearing assembly having an inner shaft, an outer cylindrical sleeve and a pair of axially displaced bearing assemblies fixed therebetween. Generally, the outer surface of the outer sleeve is attached in the central bore in the E-block. Tolerance rings are also sometimes used to aid the assembly of these components.
While operable, there are nevertheless limitations associated with this approach. The bore wall of the E-block, which necessarily requires a uniform diameter to accommodate the cartridge bearing assembly, can be subject to elastic deformation (buckling) under high force access operations such as during seeks when the E-block is rapidly accelerated and decelerated to move a head from one track to another. Such buckling is most pronounced along a plane that intersects the actuator coil and operates to move the coil sway mode to a lower frequency, negatively affecting servo performance.
Another limitation is that, for a given bore size, the cartridge bearing assembly artificially limits the maximum bearing size by the wall thicknesses of the inner and outer sleeves. With decreasing size, these wall thicknesses have become a significant portion of the overal size of the pivot system. Moreover, the use of the bearing cartridge assembly increases material costs of the drives and introduces part tolerance variations that can affect the frequency response of the system.
It is desirable when producing a large population of disc drives to provide the drives with substantially identical mechanical characteristics. Unfortunately, these and other factors have been found to contribute to large variations in the locations of the natural frequencies of the actuators. Hence, different drives can have substantially different mechanical response characteristics which can adversely affect servo performance during operation.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, cost-effective approach to assembling and configuring actuator pivot systems to provide a population of data handling systems with substantially identical mechanical response characteristics, and it is to such improvements that the present invention is directed.
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for providing an actuator of a data handling system, such as a disc drive, with desired mechanical response characteristics.
In accordance with preferred embodiments, a disc drive is provided with a rotary actuator which supports a read/write head adjacent a recording surface of a rotatable disc. The actuator rotates about a pivot system comprising a stationary shaft and a bearing assembly comprising a stationary inner race coupled to the shaft and a rotatable outer race coupled to the actuator.
A fastener, such as a threaded screw, is provided to engage the shaft and apply a selected amount of axially directed force on the inner race to provide the actuator with the desired mechanical response characteristics. The fastener preferably extends through a top cover of the disc drive and presses a contact area of the top cover onto the inner race.
In a related aspect, the pivot system further comprises a second bearing assembly axially displaced from the first bearing assembly, the second bearing assembly comprising a stationary inner race coupled to the shaft and a rotatable outer race coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a central bore through which the shaft extends, and a circumferentially extending step radially extends within the bore in a direction toward the shaft and abuttingly engages the respective outer races of the first and second bearing assemblies. The step reduces buckling of the actuator during high energy access operations.
In another related aspect, a compressive member circumferentially extends about the shaft and applies an axially directed force against the respective inner races of the first and second bearing assemblies to counteract the force applied by the fastener and increase the resolution of the fastener.
The desired mechanical resonance characteristics are preferably selected by steps of applying a broad spectrum excitation to the actuator, such as by the application of swept sine currents to an actuator motor; measuring mechanical response characteristics of the actuator in response to the broad spectrum excitation; and repetitively adjusting the fastener to increase the amount of axially directed force until the measured mechanical response characteristics of the actuator reach a desired level. Preferably, these steps are carried out during the writing of servo position data during disc drive manufacturing using a servo track writer (STW) station, and serve to produce a population of nominally identical disc drives with closely controlled and matched response characteristics.
These and various other features and advantages which characterize the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.

Controlling mechanical response characteristics of a disc drive actuator by adjusting a fastener engaging the actuator shaft to vary axial force on the bearing assembly


A work machine includes a machine body, an engine, a rotary electrical device, and a battery. The engine is provided on the machine body to move the machine body. The rotary electrical device is provided on the machine body to move the machine body and to generate electric power. The battery is to be charged by the rotary electrical device and to discharge electric power to the rotary electrical device to move the machine body. The battery being is provided adjacent to the engine.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a work machine.
Discussion of the Background
There has conventionally been known a work machine like a compact track loader disclosed in JP 2010-59734 A. The work machine according to JP 2010-59734 A includes a machine body, an engine provided to the machine body, a hydraulic pump configured to be driven by motive power of the engine, and a work implement provided to the machine body and configured to be actuated by hydraulic oil of the hydraulic pump. Recently developed is a hybrid work machine as disclosed in JP 2015-206193 A, including a motor as well as an engine as power sources configured to actuate a hydraulic pump.
A hybrid work machine at least includes a motor, an inverter configured to control electric power of the motor, and a battery configured to store electric power. A work machine, unlike a motor vehicle, is configured to perfomi a task. The motor, the inverter, the battery, and the like thus need to be disposed in view of various perspectives, causing a demand for development of new work machines.


A developer container that contains a two-component developer including a carrier and toner includes a developer containing portion configured to include a plurality of surfaces and to accommodate the two-component developer and a cap configured to communicate to a suction pump so that the two-component developer is sucked by the suction pump and is conveyed to a developing unit. The developer containing portion is configured to include an internal space having at least 12% of an air space measured after the two-component developer is packed in the developer containing portion and left still for at least 24 hours.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming method and apparatus for effectively supplying developer, and more particularly relates to a developer container containing two-component developer, an image forming apparatus including the developer container to supply the two-component developer to a developing unit, and methods of packing the two-component developer and of determining a condition of the two-component developer packed in the developer container.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A two-component developer includes toner and carriers and is generally contained in a developer container. As an image forming operation is repeated, a coated layer on a surface of the carrier in the developer container may be damaged by abrasion due to aging and/or by adhesion of a toner resin and additives thereto. Such a carrier cannot effectively charge toner and may gradually deteriorate, which can cause fogging on the background of an image and toner scattering to an image when the condition of the carrier falls below an acceptable level. Therefore, a technical representative visits a user on a regular basis to replace the developer accommodated in a background image forming apparatus. Accordingly, a unit price of a copy has increased to compensate for the large amount of maintenance costs.
A background image forming apparatus has employed a process that can regularly perform automatic replenishment and discharging of carriers as well as toner. The above-described process is one type of a process known as "trickle development." The above-described process stores and supplies carrier and toner separately, which requires space for respective storing units and respective replenishing mechanisms for both toner and carrier and may increase the cost and size of the entire image forming apparatus.
A different background image forming apparatus includes spiral containers with respective opening parts for replenishment for discharging stored developers and have a projection streak part that is provided so as to project inward from at least a container internal wall and be spiral toward the opening part for replenishment. In such a device a developer receiving device is replenished with a developer carried by the projection streak part as the spiral containers rotate, and the developer contains a 1 pt. wt. carrier and a 1 to 30 pts. wt. toner, the true specific gravity of the carrier being 2.5 to 4.5.
Accordingly, a developer replenishing developing unit serving as a replenishing mechanism may not provide toner scattering even in use for a long period of time and can maintain a stable amount of toner charge in the developing unit and provide high image density uniformity and gradation, and thereby high quality image without fogging thereon can be obtained.
Further, a different background image forming apparatus includes a developer supplying kit that serves as a replenishing mechanism and is detachably attached to the background image forming apparatus. The developer supplying kit includes a developer storing part for storing the developer in the inside thereof, a discharging opening mounted on the developer storing part for discharging the developer, and an agitating member arranged rotatably in the inside of the developer storing part. The agitating member includes a shaft part for rotatably holding the agitating member on the developer supplying kit, and an agitating blade formed on a flexible member and attached to the shaft part. The agitating blade slides and scratches the inner wall face of the developer supplying kit. In the developer supplying kit for agitating and conveying the developer, the developer includes a mixture of toner and substantially spherical spacer particles. An average particle diameter (D50) of the spacer particles is larger than a weighted average particle diameter (D4) of the toner.
With the above-described structure, the occurrence of coarse particles caused by image inferiority when the developer is transported to a developing unit may be suppressed.
The above-described two background image forming apparatuses have employed a method in which a developer or a carrier is added to toner accommodated in a bottle cartridge for replenishment so as to supply the toner while rotating the bottle cartridge.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a bottle cartridge 33 employed in the above-described background image forming apparatuses in which the above-described method is used.
In FIG. 1, the bottle cartridge 33 includes a cylindrical bottle 42 having a containing portion therein and a cap 34. The containing portion of the cylindrical bottle 42 includes a spiral protrusion or spiral groove on an internal surface thereof and contains toner therein to be supplied to a developing unit 39.
When the bottle cartridge 33 is connected to a replenishing mechanism (not shown), a bottom surface of the cylindrical bottle 42, which is an end portion opposite to the cap 34, and a bottle drive motor 38 are engaged with each other. At the same time, the cap 34 is fixedly attached to the replenishing mechanism. When a lever 37 mounted on the cap 34 is pulled down, an opening (not shown) of the cylindrical bottle 42 is opened. Further, when the bottom surface of the cylindrical bottle 42 and a drive shaft (not shown) of the bottle drive motor 38 are engaged, a shutter pin 41a mounted on a shutter 41 is guided in an upward direction along a slope of a protruding portion 40 of the developing unit 39. Thereby, the shutter 41 opens to open an outlet 36.
Generally, when a mixture of toner and carrier is supplied from a rotary bottle such as the cylindrical bottle 42 having a spiral groove on an internal surface thereof, the toner has been conveyed to an outlet of the cylindrical bottle 42 while being agitated in the cylindrical bottle 42.
However, when the above-described bottle cartridge 23 includes a resin material or other material having rigidity, toner and carrier contained in the bottle cartridge 23 may be separated so as to supply the carrier before or after the toner. Since in such a case developer cannot have a stable amount of toner, the toner density in the developing unit cannot be controlled stably and, as a result, defective images may be reproduced.
Specifically, the carrier having a greater specific gravity may subdue or sink to a lower portion of the internal surface of the cylindrical bottle 42 while being agitated. Since the carrier is held in contact with or located close to the internal surface, the drive force of the cylindrical bottle 42 can be transmitted to the carrier easier than to the toner gathering in a center portion of the cylindrical bottle 42, and thereby the carrier is conveyed to the outlet of the cylindrical bottle 42 along the spiral groove and selectively supplied before the toner. As a result, the toner density control in the developing unit 39 becomes unstable, thereby causing production of defective images.
Further, as the bottle is rotated, the toner separated from the carrier may be coagulated in the bottle, which can also result in defective images having white spots.
Since the above-described background image forming apparatuses use toner and carrier, an increase of costs cannot be avoided.
Further, since a large amount of carriers is replenished and used, the cost for consumables including toner and carrier may increase and the used carrier may further contaminate the environment.
On the other hand, when a suction type toner supplying unit is employed, toner is filled to a container including a flexible material such as a vinyl and is sucked by a pump to be supplied to a developing unit. Such a suction type toner supplying unit cannot stably supply the toner to the developing unit when the toner is fully packed in the container. In other words, the container is required to include an air space to smoothly supply the toner therefrom. However, when the dimension of that air space becomes greater, the amount of toner packed may be smaller or the dimension of the image forming apparatus may be greater.

Image forming method and apparatus for effectively supplying developer


The self-diagnostic system for refrigerator appliance controlled by the following routine steps in a control program: a reset routine for designating input and output ports and clearing all memories upon powering up, and thereafter storing initial value into a desired memory; a timer interrupt routine for being periodically carried out every time set by the reset routine and storing an elapsed time in a selected memory; an initial display subroutine for turning on all lamps, then turning off a shut-off display lamp in a predetermined time set by the timer interrupt routine, automatically turning on a normal state display lamp and an alarm lamp, and driving a compressor in order to actuate a refrigerator; a main routine for determining whether time cycle set by said timer interrupt routine has been set and executing a plurality of routines detecting malfunction of the appliances and alerting the user to the occurrence of the malfunction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to a self-diagnostic system for such refrigerator appliances which is capable of detecting malfunctions of the appliances and alerting the user to the occurrence of malfunctions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, the hitherto used diagnostically sensing and display systems for refrigerators have diagnosed the operation of operating refrigerators and alerted the user to a malfunction of the refrigerator by means of a simple display means, buzzers or other voice means upon the detection of a malfunction. However, the conventional diagnostic sensing and display systems have not had any functions for displaying the location where the malfunction occurs. Furthermore, when several malfunctions occur at the same time, they can not display and alert the user to the occurrence of all of the malfunctions at the same time. Therefore, the conventional diagnostic sensing and display systems for refrigerators must determine causes of the malfunctions of the refrigerators one by one before repairing them, which results in some difficulties and wasted time in the repairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,852 which is entitled "Refrigerator Defrost Control with Control of Time Interval Between Defrost Cycles" issued to Robert B. Brooks, Nov. 3, 1981 is a representative example of the prior art using a diagnostic sensing and display system for the refrigerator appliance. This patent discloses an automatic defrost refrigerator which is capable of controlling the time interval between defrost cycles. The control of the time interval between successive defrost cycles is carried out by delaying the normal cycling of defrost by inactivating the defrost timer until a minimum predetermined accumulated door open time is reached, starting the defrost operation of the defrost system regardless of the delaying effect of the door open measurement when the interior refrigerator temperature sensor senses an over-temperature condition indicating an abnormal build-up of frost on the evaporator coils, and providing a maximum compressor run time interval between defrost cycles when no door opening occurs, as during vacation periods.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,179 which is entitled "Defrost Diagnostic Arrangement for Self-Defrosting Refrigerator Appliance", issued to Norman H. Chiu et al, Oct. 7, 1986. This patent discloses a refrigerator with an apparatus for detecting a failure in an automatic defrost system which generates an "on" signal when current is sensed in the defrost heater circuit, determines the "off" time, that is the time between successive "on" signals, compares this time to a predetermined reference time longer than the normal "off" time, and signifies to the user that the defrost system is not operating properly.
The above-mentioned self-diagnostic systems for the automatic defrost refrigerators can provide good results for sensing the malfunction of the defrost system of the refrigerator and alerting the user to the occurrence of the malfunction. However, these self-diagnostic systems operate only to sense and display the malfunctions of the defrost system. As a result, they can not sense or display any malfunctions of the other functional elements of the refrigerator, which malfunctions are apt to occur.

Self-diagnostic system for a refrigerator


A switching amplifier is described which includes an input stage having a first node associated therewith and a power stage having a second node associated therewith. An actual loop delay is defined with reference to the first and second nodes. Delay detection circuitry compares the actual loop delay to a reference loop delay. A dynamic delay line controlled by the delay detection circuitry controls the actual loop delay to correspond to the reference loop delay.

The present invention relates to the power efficiency of switching amplifiers. More specifically, techniques are provided herein for improving the power efficiency of a switching amplifier by dynamically controlling its switching frequency.
In the switching amplifier 100 shown in FIG. 1, the input signal is modulated into one-bit digital data which is then used to control power stage MOSFETs M1 and M2 for power amplification. The amplified input signal is then recovered by a low pass filter comprising inductor L and capacitor CAP. Break-before-make circuitry 102 ensures that M1 and M2 are never turned on simultaneously and, as a result, there is no DC power consumption in the power stage. Thus, the power loss in amplifier 100 is largely attributable to switching loss due to the charging and discharging of the parasitic capacitance at the power stage, i.e., Cp. This switching loss can be expressed as:
PL=Cpxc3x97Vcc2xc3x97fs
where Cp is the total parasitic capacitance, Vcc is the power supply voltage, and fs is the switching frequency.
To reduce the switching losses and thus increase the efficiency of amplifier 100, any of these three quantities may be reduced, at least theoretically. However, in practice, because the power supply voltage determines the output power, it cannot be changed for a particular output power requirement. In addition, because Cp is a parasitic value it is virtually uncontrollable. Therefore, as a practical matter, the most feasible way to reduce switching loss in a switching amplifier is by reducing its switching frequency. FIG. 2 is a graph which illustrates the relationship between switching frequency and power efficiency for a switching amplifier. As shown in the figure, by reducing the switching frequency fs from sf2 to sf1, a gain in power efficiency from PE2 to PE1 is realized.
However, as shown in FIG. 3, when the switching frequency of a switching amplifier is below ft, decreases in switching frequency are accompanied by corresponding decreases in the amplifier""s output dynamic range. Thus, to avoid a loss of dynamic range, the amplifier""s switching frequency should be kept at or above ft.
It is therefore desirable to provide techniques by which the switching frequency of a switching amplifier may be controlled such that power efficiency is improved without unacceptable losses in dynamic range.
According to the present invention, techniques are provided by which the switching frequency of a switching amplifier is controlled to get a desired power efficiency. A dynamic delay line is inserted in the feedback loop of the switching amplifier and is controlled to maintain the loop delay of the amplifier equal to a reference delay. The delay line is controlled by delay detection circuitry which monitors the loop delay, compares it to the reference delay, and controls the delay line in 10 ns increments to bring the actual loop delay in line with the reference delay.
Thus, the present invention provides a method for controlling a switching frequency associated with a switching amplifier in which an actual loop delay associated with the switching amplifier is dynamically controlled to correspond to a reference loop delay.
According to another embodiment, a method for controlling a switching frequency associated with a switching amplifier is provided. An actual loop delay associated with the switching amplifier is monitored. The actual loop delay is compared with a reference loop delay. A delay line in the switching amplifier is dynamically controlled such that the actual loop delay corresponds to the reference loop delay.
According to yet another embodiment, a switching amplifier is provided which includes an input stage having a first node associated therewith and a power stage having a second node associated therewith. An actual loop delay is defined with reference to the first and second nodes. Delay detection circuitry compares the actual loop delay to a reference loop delay. A dynamic delay line controlled by the delay detection circuitry controls the actual loop delay to correspond to the reference loop delay.
According to a still further embodiment, a switching amplifier is provided. An input stage generates a switching signal and has a first node associated therewith. Break-before-make circuitry generates two drive signals from the switching signal. A power stage includes two switches which are alternately driven by the two drive signals and which has a second node associated therewith. An actual loop delay is defined with reference to the first and second nodes. A continuous-time feedback path is provided from the power stage to the input stage. Delay detection circuitry compares the actual loop delay to a reference loop delay. A dynamic delay line controlled by the delay detection circuitry controls the actual loop delay to correspond to the reference loop delay.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings.

Dynamic switching frequency control for a digital switching amplifier


Disclosed are processes of preparing an electrode for a fuel cell which comprises impregnating catalyst particles with a solution of ion exchange resin to form, after drying, a thin layer of the ion exchange resin on the surface thereof, impregnating non-catalyst particles separately prepared with a solution of ion exchange resin to form, after drying, a thicker layer of the ion exchange resin on the surface thereof than that on the catalyst particle surface, mixing the two kinds of particles coated with the ion exchange resin film with a hydrophobic binder, forming a sheet-like catalyst layer by means of hot pressing or cold pressing and thermally bonding this sheet-like catalyst layer and an ion exchange membrane under pressure. The last thermal bonding step may be simultaneously carried out with the previous catalyst layer forming step.

The present invention relates to an electrode employed in a solid polymer electrolyte type PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell and a direct type methanol fuel cell.
The PEM fuel cell is expected to be a compact and high output-density fuel cell. Followings are several methods for preparing this electrode of the PEM fuel cell.
(1) A method consisting of forming an electrode sheet by mixing electrocatalyst particles prepared in advance and polytetrafluoroethylene, and thermally bonding this sheet onto an ion exchange resin membrane under pressure (prior publications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,134,697, 3,297,484 and 3,432,355).
(2) A method of precipitating catalyst particles near the surface of an ion exchange resin membrane by means of chemical reduction (prior publications: Japanese patent publication gazettes Nos. 55-38934 and 58-47471).
The utilization ratio of the catalyst of the above methods are low, and a platinum catalyst amount of up to 20 mg/cm.sup.2 is required so that an inexpensive electrode for a fuel cell cannot be realized.
Followings are indispensable factors of effective catalyst working.
(i) Catalyst possesses sufficient electric contact with a membrane.
(ii) The catalyst exists in the ion exchange membrane as finely as possible, in other words it exists in high dispersion and the electric contact among the particles is maintained.
(iii) The membrane covering the surface of the catalyst possesses a sufficient thickness for keeping considerable ionic conductivity while it should not be too thick to prevent diffusion of a reaction gas to the catalyst.
However, the above conventional method (1) does not satisfy (i), and the method (2) does not satisfy (ii).
Recently, as improvement of the method (i), a certain degree of elevation of catalyst utilization has been intended by secondarily applying catalyst on a molded electrode sheet surface by means of sputtering (prior publication: E. A. Ticionelle et. al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 135 (1988) 2209).
Since, however, the catalyst exists in a considerable thin layer in this method, the catalyst gets deeply into the ion exchange membrane resulting in the insufficient supply of the reaction gas and in the remarkable lowering of the characteristics. The incorporation of the sputtering process lowers the preparation efficiency and lacks the mass productivity.
The required factors in the above (iii) are contradictory with each other, and the improvement of properties by optimizing conditions may have limitations.

Process of preparing electrode for fuel cell


A method and apparatus for encoding a plurality of successive m-bit binary data words to produce a plurality of successive of n-bit binary code words, where n and m are positive integers and n is greater than m, for supply to a magnetic recording channel. Each m-bit binary data word is partitioned into a plurality of blocks of bits, and at least one said blocks of bits in each m-bit binary data word is encoded in accordance with a finite-state coding scheme to produce a plurality of successive n-bit binary code words. At least one stage of violation correction which transforms the plurality of successive n-bit binary code words. Violation correction includes detecting the occurrence of any of a plurality of prohibited bit patterns at one or more predetermined locations within each n-bit binary coded word, and replacing any prohibited bit pattern so detected by a corresponding substitute bit pattern. The finite-state coding scheme, the prohibited bit patterns, and corresponding substitute bit patterns are predetermined such that in a serial bit-steam comprising the successive n-bit binary code words, the maximum number of consecutive bits of a first value is limited to a first predetermined number j, where b greater or equal to 2, and the maximum number of consecutive bits of the a second value is limited to a second predetermined number k.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to data encoding systems, and more particularly to systems implementing codes of the type known as maximum transition run (MTR) codes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Channel codes are mappings of data bits into symbols (i.e. channel bits) which are recorded on to a medium in a storage device, such as a computer hard disk drive. Channel codes are commonly used to prevent certain characteristics in the bit-stream of symbols that make recovery of the data bits more difficult. The code rate for such a code is usually specified as m/n, which indicates the ratio of the number of data bits xe2x80x9cmxe2x80x9d to channel bits xe2x80x9cnxe2x80x9d. MTR codes are a particular type of channel code utilized to eliminate certain error prone binary patterns from the allowable set of channel bits recorded on a magnetic recording medium, such as a magnetic disk or tape. With MTR codes, the number of consecutive transitions that can occur in the magnetization pattern on the recording medium is limited to a particular number denoted by xe2x80x9cjxe2x80x9d. When used in conjunction with the NRZI (Non-Return-to-Zero-Inversion) recording format, a MTR code limits the maximum number of consecutive xe2x80x9c1""sxe2x80x9d in the channel bit-sequence. This j constraint produces the desirable consequence of reducing errors in data recovery. More particularly, the bit-error .rate performance is improved by providing a distance gain (i.e. an increase in the minimum Euclidean distance between recording patterns), or by eliminating the most likely error events, thus reducing the likelihood of .errors in the sequence detectors on the data recovery side. For example, when used in conjunction with higher-order partial response shaping and maximum likelihood sequence detection, such as in an E2PR4 partial response channel, MTR codes with j=2 can deliver a distance gain of 2.2 dB. MTR codes with j=2 also allow data to be written to a disk at very high rates. The design of high code-rate MTR codes is therefore of great interest, and particularly so for the higher-order partial response channels used in hard disks for example.
In addition to the j constraint, MTR codes typically limit the maximum number of consecutive xe2x80x9c0""sxe2x80x9d to a particular number denoted as xe2x80x9ckxe2x80x9d to aid timing recovery and gain control, and such a code is usually specified as an MTR(j, k) code. MTR(j, k) codes with j=2 are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,859,601. A rate 6/7 MTR(2, 8) code is proposed in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 33, No. 5, September 1997, xe2x80x9cDesign of a Rate 6/7 Maximum Transition Run Codexe2x80x9d, Brickner and Moon. It can be shown that this code is quasi-catastrophic and requires very long path memories in the sequence detector. Quasi-catastrophic codes include coded bit-sequences containing a succession of the bit series 1100, which are undesirable because these bit-sequences do not accumulate Euclidean distance in the sequence detector and the coded bit-sequence is therefore more likely to be identified incorrectly. Quasi-catastrophic error events are avoided in a rate 16/17 MTR code with j=3 which is discussed in a paper by Takushi et al, Hitachi Ltd, published at the GLOBECOM""98 conference in November 1998 under the title xe2x80x9cTurbo-EEPRML: An EEPR4 Channel with an Error-Correcting Post-Processor Designed for 16/17 Rate Quasi-MTR codexe2x80x9d. A rate 16/19 MTR(2, 7) code is also mentioned in IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 32, No. 5, September 1996, xe2x80x9cMaximum Transition Run Codes for Data Storage Systemsxe2x80x9d, Brickner and Moon, though the question of implementing such a code without resorting to a costly lookup table has not been addressed.
The methods of the present invention provide for MTR codes to be implemented by partitioning the input data words into blocks of bits and then applying coding and a violation correction stage in such a manner as to satisfy the j, k constraints. This partitioned-block implementation provides the advantages of MTR codes while dramatically simplifying the implementation of the encoder and allows even high code-rate codes to be implemented in a highly efficient manner. Encoding methods embodying the invention can be implemented with relatively few logic gates without requiring extensive lookup tables, resulting in efficient, low cost encoder/decoder systems.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for encoding to a magnetic recording channel a plurality of successive m-bit binary data words to produce a plurality of successive n-bit binary code words, where n and m are preselected positive integers such that n is greater than m. Each m-bit binary data words is identically partitioned into a plurality of blocks of bits. At least one of the blocks of bits of each m-bit binary data word is encoded in accordance with a finite-state coding scheme to produce a plurality of successive n-bit binary code words which are then transformed by at least one stage of violation correction. Violation correction includes detecting the occurrence of any of a plurality of prohibited bit patterns at one or more predetermined locations within each of the plurality of successive n-bit binary code words and replacing any prohibited bit pattern so detected by a corresponding substitute bit pattern. The finite-state coding scheme, prohibited bit patterns, and substitute bit patterns are predetermined, whereby, the maximum number of consecutive bits of a first value, in said plurality of successive n-bit binary code words, is limited to a first predetermined number j, where j is a positive integer which is greater or equal to 2, and the maximum number of consecutive bits of a second value is limited to a second predetermined number k, where k is a positive integer.
As indicated above, after partitioning the input data word into a number of blocks, at least one of these blocks is encoded in accordance with a finite-state coding scheme. As will be apparent from the examples detailed below, the finite-state codes employed here may be block codes, a block code being a special case of a finite-state code in that a block code is a one-state code. Where more than one block is encoded here, different finite-state codes may be employed for different blocks.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize prohibited and substitute bit patterns which are defined such that quasi-catastrophic error propagation is avoided. This is achieved by imposing a further constraint whereby, a serial bit-stream, comprised of a plurality of successive n-bit binary code words, is such that the maximum number of bits in any consecutive bit-string with a four-bit period, in which two consecutive bits of a first value is followed by two consecutive bits of a second value, is limited to a third predetermined number q. Thus, the maximum length of coded bit-sequences that do not accumulate distance in sequence detection is limited to q, allowing path memory lengths in the sequence detector to be limited accordingly.
As will be appreciated, in embodiments conforming to the NRZI recording format where xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d represents a magnetic transition and xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d no transition, said bits of one value will be bits of value xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d, whereby j and k represent the maximum length of series of consecutive 1""s and 0""s respectively.
Preferred embodiments, which advantageously utilize the methods of the present invention, provide for efficient implementation of very high code rate MTR codes, and examples for a rate 16/19 and a rate 16/17 code are detailed below. Those skilled in the art will be able to design other examples based on the techniques described herein.
It is to be appreciated that, where features are described herein with reference to a method embodying the invention, corresponding features may be provided in accordance with apparatus embodying the invention, and vice versa.
All objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.

Method and system for encoding data for high performance error control

International Business Machines Corporation


Disclosed are a preparation method for a kinase inhibitor and a use thereof. The kinase inhibitor is a compound represented by formula (I) wherein the groups are defined as described in the description. The compound of formula (I) has a kinase inhibitory activity and therefore can be used for the preparation of medicines for treating kinase activity-related diseases.

Cell cycle abnormality is a hallmark of cancer. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) is a class of serine/threonine kinases that play a central role in the cell cycle, leading the activation, progression and end of the cell cycle. The CDK family includes CDK1-13.
CDK4/6 is over-active in many cancers, leading to cell proliferation out of control. Studies find that the overexpression of CyclinD1 and CDK4 may be involved in the occurrence of esophageal cancer, and the increased expression of both is related to the degree of differentiation of esophageal cancer. CDK4 is generally expressed in both benign and malignant pancreatic endocrine tumors. The expression of CDK4 in lung cancer tissues is also significantly higher than that in normal lung tissues. The degree of high positive expression is positively correlated with histopathological classification of lung cancer, lymphatic metastasis and clinical stage malignancy, which is a potential poor prognostic factor. CDK6 is also overexpressed in a variety of tumor cells, for example, CDK6 is detected to be overexpressed in male hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines. And the exogenous overexpression of CDK6 leads to accelerated growth of tumor cell, while the growth rate of tumor cells interfered with CDK6 is significantly slower.
CDK4 and CDK6 have 71% homology to the amino acid composition, and this result suggests their functional similarity. Recent studies also reveal that CDK4/6-CyclinD can phosphorylate the transcription factor FOXM1, improving its stability and activity in melanoma. Thus, inhibition of CDK4/6 can achieve cell proliferation inhibition from downstream of the signaling pathway. The combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy can achieve a double inhibitory effect, and the preclinical study also confirms that the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy has a significant synergistic effect.
CDK family inhibitors have received widespread attention as a potential target for tumor therapy over the past 20 years. However, the first generation of CDK inhibitors lacks selectivity and is a pan-inhibitor, such as flavopiridol which can inhibit CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, CDK7 and CDK9. Although flavopiridol can induce cell cycle arrest, and show the role of cytotoxicity, clinical efficacy is unsatisfactory. The second generation of CDK inhibitors is designed to improve selectivity, in particular, selective inhibitors targeting CDK4/6 alone which show better clinical efficacy and less toxic side effects receive significant attention. Pfizer's CDK4/6 dual inhibitor Palbociclib (trade name Ibrance) became the first listed CDK4/6 dual inhibitor, and FDA has approved it as a first-line drug for the treatment of ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
Novartis's LEE011 is a CDK4/CDK6 dual inhibitor, which is most sensitive to malignant rhabdoid tumor and neuroblastoma. LEE011 is mainly combined with aromatase inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors, and can play a better anti-tumor activity in clinical trials. LEE011 combined with letrozole is used for the treatment of metastatic HR positive/HER2 negative breast cancer in clinical stage III. LEE011 combined with BYL719 and letrozole is used for the treatment of metastatic HR positive breast cancer in clinical stage Ib/II.
In addition, Lilly's LY-2835219 is also in clinical stage III study. If these clinical trials can achieve the desired results, CDK4/CDK6 dual inhibitor will bring a large number of patients with advanced breast cancer more survival benefits.
As mentioned above, the development of CDK4/CDK6 selective dual inhibitor has become a frontier and focus area for anti-tumor drug research. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new CDK kinase inhibitors.

CHANGZHOU LONGTHERA PHARMACEUTICALS INC.


The present invention is directed to a multi-band cable antenna. A multi-band cable antenna according to the present invention comprises: a dielectric substrate, as a nonconductive dielectric having a predetermined dielectric constant, with a plurality of conductive microstrips formed on the top and bottom sides of the substrate, for inducing a resonance in the multi-band; signal transfer means including the first and second conductors for signal transfer, which are electrically separated from each other by a layer of insulator, the first conductor for signal transfer configured to be short-circuited with one of microstrips formed on the top side of the dielectric substrate; a conductive solder ball for physically coupling one of the conductors for signal transfer with the microstrips formed on the top side of the dielectric substrate; and an upper and lower short-circuited conductor for short-circuited the second conductor for signal transfer on the signal transfer means with one of the micristrips formed on the bottom side of the dielectric substrate, wherein the upper and lower short-circuited conductor and the microstrips formed on the bottom side circuit-shorted with the second conductor of signal transfer are electrically grounded.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna, and more particularly to an antenna used for mobile communication services.
2. Description of the Related Art
With remarkable development of informalization, modern society has been developing day by day. Mobile communication systems are main means for transmitting a mass of information correctly and quickly. These mobile communication services require a variety of terminal components. Particularly, many core components like antennas for terminal device depend on imported products. Therefore, there is a keen need for development of domestic-manufactured antenna for mobile communication terminal device.
Terminal devices used for the mobile communication services are connected to duplexers to separate input and output signals each other. Typically, a compact antenna mounted on the uppermost of a terminal device is used as a final stage in a state of signal output, and is used as a start stage in a state of signal input. In this way, the antennas for mobile communication services perform a function to receive radio waves from the outside (for example, base stations, relays, or antennas attached to wireless communication devices) or transfer electric signals generated in communication devices to the outside. One of these antennas is a monopole type with a length of a quarter wavelength.
According to user's demand for good design, convenience of carrying, service commerciality in a multi-band, light weight of antennas for mobile communication, markets for portable terminal devices for mobile communication have a preference for internal antennas of the multi-band including an 800 MHz band over external antennas. In addition, according to a need for miniaturization of antennas, sizes of the antennas get smaller using a variety of structures and materials.
While Microstrip Antennas have an advantage of light weight, low profile, easiness in making into linear form or planar array, and easiness of integration into a high frequency circuit, they, have a disadvantage of narrow band characteristics, difficulty of precise polarization, and limitation of power capacity.

Information and Communications University Educational Foundation


Disclosed is a clip for spacing concentric ducts or tubes one from the other. The clip includes an elongated strip of sheet metal bent medially of its length to define a first apex and a pair of segments symmetrical on opposite sides of a plane. Each segment includes a first segment portion extending away from the apex and plane, a second segment portion extending toward the plane and defining with the first segment portion a second apex, and a semicircular flange at its end. The clip is disposed between the concentric inner and outer tubes forming the duct assembly at spaced axial positions therealong. The apices and flanges engage the outer tube and the segment portions engage the inner tube. The clip serves to minimize heat transfer between the tubes, and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of one tube relative to the other while maintaining concentricity and providing substantially unimpeded flow through the annular space between the tubes.

The present invention relates to a clip for spacing ducts one from the other and to a duct assembly including the spacer clip. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clip disposable between a pair of inner and outer tubes or ducts for spacing and maintaining substantial concentricity of the tubes one with respect to the other and to the tube assembly utilizing such spacer clips.
In the design of ducts utilized for flowing fluids, for example concentric ducts utilized in aircraft for flowing air at different temperatures, there are often stringent requirements. Such requirements include avoidance of heat transfer from one duct to the other or to its surrounding support and ancillary parts and accommodation for thermal expansion and/or twisting of the ducts or tubes relative to one another. Further, in concentric ducts or tubes of this type wherein fluid at one temperature flows through an inner tube and fluid at a higher or lower temperature flows through the annular space between the inner and outer tubes, the support structure for the inner tube must not substantially impede the flow of fluid through the annular space between the tubes. Thus, it is important, in addition to the foregoing requirements, that any clip designed to space the concentric tubes one from the other present a minimum frontal area to the fluid flowing in the annular space between the tubes. Still further, in the aircraft environment, it is desirable to minimize the weight of the spacers or clips used to space the ducts or tubes one from the other.
Many designs for flowing fluid at different temperatures through concentric or near concentric fluid passages have been proposed and constructed in the past. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,033,381, 3,782,452, 4,014,369, 2,962,053, 3,126,918, and 2,875,987 are representative of such proposals and constructions. However, each of these fails to meet one or more of the above-noted requirements, e.g., permits substantial heat transfer between the concentric ducts, cannot accommodate expansion or contraction of the ducts relative to one another, or impedes the flow of air through the space between the inner and outer tubes by reason of the support structures necessary to interconnect and space the tubes.


An oil-in-water type emulsified food is prepared by mixing an aqueous phase material containing at least egg and vinegar, then emulsifying the mixed aqueous phase material with an oily phase material comprising more than 20% by weight of a fat/oil having a melting point lower than 0xc2x0 C. The resulting oil-in-water type emulsified food has more stable physical properties, and has a percentage change in elastic modulus which is at most 10%. The relationship between the mixing time and temperature may also be determined based on the following:

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is a process for manufacturing an oil-in-water type emulsified food and also an oil-in-water type emulsified food prepared by this process. The oil-in-water type emulsified food is preferably a semisolid, such as mayonnaise. The physical properties of the emulsified food exhibit little change during manufacturing, when made by the process of the present invention.
2. Discussion of the Background
Semisolid oil-in-water type emulsified foods such as mayonnaise are commonly made by mixing an aqueous phase material consisting of egg, vinegar, salt, seasoning, etc., and an oily phase material consisting of an edible fat/oil, thereby forming an oil-in-water type emulsified food. The compounding ratio of the aqueous and oily phases has been studied (see, for example, xe2x80x9cInfluence of Compounding Ratio of Materials on Properties of Mayonnaisexe2x80x9d, Kaseigaku Zasshi, vol. 31, no. 9, 1980). In general, it is known that increasing the amount of vinegar, or increasing the mixing temperature of the ingredients, results in a softer product. Consequently, the usual temperature which is suitable for manufacturing mayonnaise is 15 to 20xc2x0 C. (see, for example, xe2x80x9cKnowledge of Mayonnaise and Dressingxe2x80x9d by Tadahira Imai, published by Saiwai Shobo, 1993; xe2x80x9cKnowledge of Fat/Oil Productsxe2x80x9d published by Saiwai Shobo, 1977; etc.).
When the ingredients of the aqueous phase material are mixed, and then immediately thereafter the aqueous phase material is mixed and emulsified with the oily phase material, the viscosity of the resulting emulsified food increases significantly. This phenomenon is called xe2x80x9csetup.xe2x80x9d However, when this emulsified food is used (for example, poured into containers, incorporated into other foods, etc.), the viscosity decreases. In other words, the viscosity properties of the emulsified food made by this process are unstable.
Alternatively, if the ingredients forming the aqueous phase are mixed at a high temperature or for a long time, phase inversion of the emulsified product is likely to occur, and it is also possible that the emulsified product may become less stable. Therefore, in order to make an oil-in-water type emulsified food with a constant viscosity, it is usually necessary to manufacture the food at constant temperature, i.e., within a 15 to 20xc2x0 C. temperature range.
Japanese Patent Kokai Publication JP-A-04-316462 proposes a different process for manufacturing an emulsified food, in order to provide improved cold resistance. In this process, the aqueous phase is heated to a temperature range of 45 to 50xc2x0 C. and then mixed with an oily phase at around 50xc2x0 C. However, these higher temperature conditions are employed to melt oily phases which have a melting point of 0xc2x0 C. or higher. In addition, JP-A-04-316462 does not describe the mixing time nor does it describe or evaluate the effects of the mixing time on the stability of the physical properties of the emulsified product.
Alternatively, there are many proposed processes for stabilizing the physical properties of emulsified foods by adding a specific protein (see, for example, Japanese Patent Kokai Publications JP-A-61-141861, JP-A-56-151479 and JP-A-06-319477, etc.), an acid (see, for example Japanese Patent Kokai Publication JP-A-55-108260, etc.) or a thickener (see, for example, Japanese Patent Kokai Publication JP-A-05-146269, etc.) to either the aqueous phase or the oily phase. However, none of these processes provide an excellent emulsified product by mixing egg and vinegar (acetum; acetic solution); instead, they involve adding an emulsifier other than egg.
Consequently, there is a need for an oil-in-water type emulsified food product in which the aqueous phase contains egg and vinegar, and the physical properties of the emulsified product are stable. There is also a need for a method of evaluating such stabilized physical properties.
An object of the present invention is to manufacture an oil-in-water type emulsified food in which xe2x80x9csetupxe2x80x9d and phase inversion do not occur to any significant extent during the manufacturing process, and the physical properties of the product are stable during use.
A stable oil-in-water type emulsified food, preferably a semisolid emulsified food having an aqueous phase material containing at least egg and vinegar, can be made by emulsification of the above-described aqueous phase material with an oily phase material, when the oily phase material contains more than 20% by weight of a fat/oil having a melting point lower than 0xc2x0 C., and the composition of the aqueous phase, mixing temperature, and mixing time of the egg with the vinegar are controlled.
The stable oil-in-water type emulsified food of the present invention may be any oil-in-water type emulsified food product, such as mayonnaise, sauces (i.e, hollandaise), salad dressings, etc. The emulsified food may be essentially a fluid, preferably a semisolid emulsified food.
The term xe2x80x9cfat/oilxe2x80x9d means fat(s) or oil(s), fat(s) and oil(s), etc. The term xe2x80x9cfat/oilxe2x80x9d may include mixtures of fats, mixtures of oils, and mixtures of fats and oils. A fat is any glycerol ester of a fatty acid, and an oil is a water-immiscible liquid of animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin.
It has been found that the stability of the physical properties of the emulsified product can be improved by mixing the aqueous phase materials and oily phase materials for a short time within a relatively high temperature range, or by mixing the aqueous and oily phase materials for a long time within a relatively low temperature range. A useful index for the stability of the physical properties of the emulsified product is the percent change in elastic modulus during storage, Gxe2x80x2. The change in elastic modulus is determined by comparing the elastic modulus of the emulsified product measured during storage, and measured while using the product (e.g., when the emulsified product is poured into a container, shaken, or used in another process). An emulsified product has stable physical properties when the change in the elastic modulus is small.
A preferred process for manufacturing an oil-in-water type emulsified food involves emulsifying an aqueous phase material and an oily phase material having the compositions described above into an oil-in-water type emulsion. The egg and vinegar components of the aqueous phase are mixed under the following conditions:
a. When the mixing temperature, T, is 30 to 55xc2x0 C., preferably 35 to 50xc2x0 C., more preferably 40 to 50xc2x0 C., the mixing time t (minutes) may be calculated using the formula t=106xc3x97eaT. The coefficient xe2x80x9caxe2x80x9d has a value of xe2x88x920.2 to xe2x88x920.3, preferably xe2x88x920.22 to xe2x88x920.27, more preferably xe2x88x920.23 to xe2x88x920.261. When the mixing temperature is 50xc2x0 C. (i.e., T=50xc2x0 C.) for example, the mixing time is 2 to 10 minutes when a is within a range of xe2x88x920.23 to xe2x88x920.26.
b. When the mixing temperature is 0 to 15xc2x0 C. preferably 0 to 10xc2x0 C., more preferably 0 to 5xc2x0 C., the mixing time should be from 1 day to 1 week, preferably 1 to 5 days, more preferably 1 to 3 days.
When the mixing temperature is higher than 55xc2x0 C., there is a higher probability that egg proteins may be denatured. When the mixing temperature is lower than 0xc2x0 C., it is possible that the aqueous phase may solidify. Neither situation is preferred.
Improvements in the physical properties of the emulsified product may preferably be expressed by the change in elastic modulus (Gxe2x80x2) of the emulsified product. The change in elastic modulus is determined by first allowing the emulsified product to stand immediately after it is manufactured, then measuring the elastic modulus. The elastic modulus is then measured after applying a load to the emulsified product which is greater than or equal to the yield stress. The change in elastic modulus can then be determined by comparing the two elastic modulus measurements. The physical properties of the emulsified product may be considered to be xe2x80x9cimprovedxe2x80x9d when the change in elastic modulus is 10% or less, or more preferably, 5% or less.
In the process of the present invention, at least 20% by weight of the oil phase, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 60%, most preferably at least 80%, based on the total weight of the oily phase, should be a fat/oil having a melting point lower than 0xc2x0 C. Edible oils which are liquid at ambient temperature and which may be used as a fat/oil according to the present invention, are for example soybean oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil and the like. Thus, an ordinary fat/oil which is available in large quantities and at a low cost may be used in the process of the present invention.
The oil phase may contain a fat/oil having a melting point of 0xc2x0 C. or higher, such as palm oil, provided that it is present in an amount of 20% by weight or less, preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, based on the total amount of the oily phase. Semisolid, emulsified oil-in-water type food such as mayonnaise have improved physical properties when prepared by the process of the present invention.
The product manufactured by the process of the present invention is preferably a semisolid oil-in-water type emulsified food in which an aqueous phase material and an oily phase material are emulsified in an oil-in-water type.
The materials and components which are commonly used in the aqueous phase material, may be, in general, egg yolk, whole egg, egg white and other emulsifying aids; salt, syrup, sugar, vinegar and other seasonings; peppers and other spices; and water and the like. These materials may be combined and compounded in many different ways depending upon the desired use and application.
The materials and components which may be used in the oily phase material, may include various kinds of animal and vegetable fat/oils and various kinds of oil-soluble and oil-dispersible materials. It is essential that the oily phase material contain at least 20% by weight of a fat/oil having a melting point of lower than 0xc2x0 C. The oily phase of the oil-in-water type emulsified food of the present invention should be present in an amount of 65 to 85%, preferably 65 to 80%, more preferably 65 to 75% by weight, based on the total amount of the oily phase and the aqueous phase, in order to provide a stable emulsified product.
Conventional processes for manufacturing an oil-in-water type emulsified food (see, for example, xe2x80x9cKnowledge of Mayonnaise and Dressingxe2x80x9d by Tadahira Imai, published by Saiwai Shobo, 1993; etc.) may be used, except the conditions for mixing the aqueous phase materials (i.e., mixing temperature and mixing time of egg with vinegar) should instead be those of the present invention.
For example, the aqueous phase materials, except for water, are mixed with and dissolved in water, an oily phase material is added thereto and preliminary emulsification is carried out using a stirrer. Any suitable type of stirrer may be used, including those that impart either radial flow or axial flow (e.g., square pitch marine type impellers, fluidfoil impellers, etc.) to the mixture. Finishing emulsification is carried out using an emulsifier such as a colloid mill, homogenizer valve or xe2x80x9cliquid whistlexe2x80x9d device, thereby providing an oil-in-water type emulsified food.
In order to prepare the oil-in-water type emulsified food of the present invention, the aqueous material mixing temperature and the mixing time are precisely controlled, thereby providing an emulsified product which has stable physical properties. It is known that the emulsifying properties of egg increase, and the hydrophobicity increases, when the egg protein is denatured to some extent. But when the egg protein is excessively denatured, the emulsifying properties of the egg protein are lost. However, when the mixing temperature and the mixing time are controlled according to the present invention, it is believed that the egg proteins in the aqueous phase are optimally denatured, thereby suppressing changes in the emulsified state of the emulsified food after manufacturing, and contributing to the stabilization of the physical properties of the product.
As discussed above, the change in elastic modulus of the emulsified product may be used as an index of the stability of the physical properties of the emulsified product. When this index is small, the physical properties of the emulsified product are more stable. Accordingly, is easy to carry out preliminary experiments to measure the elastic modulus Gxe2x80x2, or to establish a calibration curve of Gxe2x80x2 at each mixing temperature when preparing an emulsified product.
Emulsified products made by the method of the present invention are stable and phase inversion rarely takes place during manufacturing. As a result, it is now possible to prepare an emulsified product having excellent stability.
The priority document of the present application, Japanese patent Application Serial No. 306645/1999, filed on Oct. 28, 1999, is incorporated herein by reference.

Process for manufacturing an oil-in-water type emulsified food

Abstract: a) when the mixing temperature, T, is 30 to 55xc2x0 C., the mixing time in minutes, t, is calculated by the formula t =106xc3x97eaT, and the coefficient a is from xe2x88x920.2 to xe2x88x920.3; and

Abstract: b) when the mixing temperature is 0 to 15xc2x0 C., the mixing time is from 1 day to 1 week.


A light-emitting unit outputs an optical signal corresponding to an input electric signal. A light-receiving unit is electrically insulated from the light-emitting unit and outputs an electric signal according to the received optical signal as an output signal. In the light-receiving unit, a first light-receiving device outputs an optical current according to the optical signal. A second light-receiving device is provided not to receive the optical signal. A current duplication circuit duplicates a current flowing through the second light-receiving device. A current-voltage conversion circuit converts a current, which is generated by subtracting the current duplicated by the current duplication circuit from a current flowing through the first light-receiving device, into a voltage signal. A comparator output a result of a comparison between the voltage signal converted by the current-voltage conversion circuit and a threshold voltage as the output signal.

The present invention relates to an optical coupling circuit, a light-receiving apparatus of the optical coupling circuit and a signal processing device
An optical coupling circuit (also referred as a photocoupler) is known as a device capable of transmitting a signal while electrically insulating between an input side and an output side. The optical coupling circuit is used in various systems such as an AC servo or an inverter.
The optical coupling circuit inputs an input electric signal to a light-emitting device and converts the input electric signal into an optical signal. The optical signal is received by a light-receiving device that is electrically insulated with the light-emitting device, and converted into an electric signal. The converted electric signal is output to the output side as an output signal.
Thus, it is desirable that the optical coupling circuit can accurately convert the input electric signal into the output signal. However, in general, a capacitive coupling occurs between a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit in the optical coupling circuit. Therefore, a noise propagates to the light-receiving unit from the light-emitting unit due to the capacitive coupling. For example, when the noise is large and a signal caused by the noise surpasses a threshold that is a reference for generating the output signal in the light-receiving unit, the case where the output signal is faultily output occurs. Thus, it is required that an effect of the noise is suppressed in the optical coupling circuit. For example, characteristics referred to as Common Mode Rejection (CMR) is required as an index indicating an extent of malfunction prevention with respect to the noise signal propagating between the light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit in the optical coupling circuit.
An optical signal receiving circuit, which generates a voltage signal corresponding to the noise by adding a dummy photo diode and a transimpedance amplifier to eliminate the voltage signal corresponding to the noise from an output signal, is provided as an optical coupling circuit that has noise immunity (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-340072).
In this example, a first transimpedance amplifier converts a first current signal generated by a first photo diode to which an optical signal is input into a first voltage signal. A second transimpedance amplifier converts a second current signal generated by a second photo diode that is configured so that the optical signal is not input into a second voltage signal. The first voltage signal and second voltage signal are input to a comparator and a comparison result is output as the output signal.
In this optical signal receiving circuit, when a noise signal is detected, a voltage of one of the first voltage signal and second voltage signal is shifted to increase a voltage difference between thereof. Thus, the effect of the noise is canceled by the comparator. As a result, the effect of the noise can be eliminated from the output signal.

Opical coupling circuit including a light-receiving unit provided not to receive optical signal, and signal processing device


A server complex (102) in a content delivery network (200) includes a central server (110), a multicast server (210), and an edge server (105). The central server delivers, with the multicast server, a content offering (120) to the edge server beginning at a predetermined time by transmitting portions (103) of content in succession, with each portion of content accompanied by an index fact datagram (204). The edge server stores each index fact datagram in an index file (215). When playing back content, the edge server retrieves an index file portion (404). When the information in the index file portion is exhausted, the edge server obtains any additional index fact datagrams (407) corresponding to any additional portions (408) of the content offering from the index file stored at the edge server.

Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a content delivery system, and more particularly to a video-on-demand system.
Background Art
Video-on-demand is becoming increasingly popular. With video-on-demand, a consumer can choose not only the content they wish to see, but also the viewing time as well. When a person orders a video-on-demand session, the selected content is delivered from a server to a receiving unit at the person's location, which is frequently a set-top box.
One issue associated with video-on-demand systems involves resource allocation. Servers are distributed across a network and managing bandwidth between client devices and serving servers in response to client requests for content offerings can be difficult. This difficulty is compounded when the content offering is being recorded in real time when the client request is made.
It would be advantageous to have a more efficient video-on-demand system.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

System and method for optimizing real-time video-on-demand recording in a content delivery network


The present invention relates to an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform (1, 1′) for blow-moulding the bag-in-container. An inner layer (11) and an outer layer (12) are used, wherein the preform forms a two-layer container upon blow-moulding, and wherein the obtained inner layer of the container releases from the thus obtained outer layer upon introduction of a gas at a point of interface (14) between the two layers. At least one of the inner and outer layers includes at least one additive allowing both inner and outer layers to reach their respective blow-moulding temperatures substantially simultaneously.

Bag-in-containers, also referred to as bag-in-bottles or bag-in-boxes depending on the geometry of the outer vessel, all terms considered herein as being comprised within the meaning of the term bag-in-container, are a family of liquid dispensing packaging consisting of an outer container comprising an opening to the atmosphere—the mouth—and which contains a collapsible inner bag joined to said container and opening to the atmosphere at the region of said mouth. The system must comprise at least one vent fluidly connecting the atmosphere to the region between the inner bag and the outer container in order to control the pressure in said region to squeeze the inner bag and thus dispense the liquid contained therein.
Traditionally, bag-in-containers were—and still are—produced by independently producing an inner bag provided with a specific neck closure assembly and a structural container (usually in the form of a bottle). The bag is inserted into the fully formed bottle opening and fixed thereto by means of the neck closure assembly, which comprises one opening to the interior of the bag and vents fluidly connecting the space between bag and bottle to the atmosphere. Examples of such constructions can be found inter alia in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,484,011, 3,450,254, 4,330,066, and 4,892,230. These types of bag-in-containers have the advantage of being reusable, but they are very expensive and labour-intensive to produce.
More recent developments focused on the production of "integrally blow-moulded bag-in-containers" thus avoiding the labour intensive step of assembling the bag into the container, by blow-moulding a polymeric multilayer preform into a container comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, such that the adhesion between the inner and the outer layers of the thus produced container is sufficiently weak to readily delaminate upon introduction of a gas at the interface. The "inner layer" and "outer layer" may each consist of a single layer or a plurality of layers, but can in any case readily be identified, at least upon delamination. Said technology involves many challenges and many alternative solutions were proposed.
The multilayer preform may be extruded or injection moulded (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,201, JPA10128833, JPA11010719, JPA9208688, U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,121. When the former method is advantageous in terms of productivity, the latter is preferable when wall thickness accuracy is required, typically in containers for dispensing beverage.
The formation of the vents fluidly connecting the space or interface between bag and bottle to the atmosphere remains a critical step in integrally blow-moulded bag-in-containers and several solutions were proposed in e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,301,838, 5,407,629, JPA5213373, JPA8001761, EPA1356915, U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,121, JPA10180853.
One redundant problem with integrally blow-moulded bag-in-containers is the choice of materials for the inner and outer layers which must be selected according to strict criteria of compatibility in terms of processing on the one hand and, on the other hand, of incompatibility in terms of adhesion. These criteria are sometimes difficult to fulfill in combination as illustrated below. This problem does not arise in the field of blow-moulding co-layer plastic containers, wherein the adhesion between layers is maximized in order to avoid delamination, because best adhesion is obtained with similar materials, which generally have similar thermal properties. Consequently, finding materials being compatible in terms of both processing and adhesion as for the fabrication of co-layer containers is generally less problematic than finding materials being compatible in terms of processing and incompatible in terms of adhesion as for the fabrication of bag-in-containers.
Addressing processing compatibility, EPA1356915 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,121 proposed that the melting temperature of the outer layer should be higher than the one of the inner layer in order to allow production of integral preforms by injection moulding the outer layer first, followed by injecting thereover the inner layer. Examples of materials for the outer layer given by the authors include PET and EVOH, whilst polyethylene is given as an example for the inner layer. Though this materials selection could result advantageous for the injection moulding production of the preforms, it is far from optimal for the blow-moulding step since polyethylene and PET are characterized by quite different blow-moulding temperatures. Again, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,201 a method is described including co-extruding a two layer parison followed by blow-moulding said parison into a bag-in-container wherein the outer layer preferably comprises an olefin and the inner layer an amorphous polyimide.
Concerning the materials choice for a weak interfacial adhesion required for ensuring proper delamination of the inner layer from the outer layer upon use, mention is made in JPA2005047172 of "mutually non-adhesive synthetic resins." In the review of the background art in U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,416 the use of release layers interleafed between inner and outer layers, forming three- or five-layer structures is mentioned. An example of such construction is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,838 which discloses a complex five layer preform comprising three PET layers interleafed by two thin layers of a material selected from the group of EVOH, PP, PE, PA6. Here again, beside the complexity involved with the production of such preforms, substantial differences in blow-moulding temperatures characterize these different materials.
Alternatively and surprisingly it has been discovered that excellent delamination results between the inner and outer layers can be obtained also with preforms wherein both inner and outer layers consist of the same material. Similar results were obtained both with preform assemblies as well as with integral preforms. In the case of integral, over-moulded preforms, it is generally believed that better results are obtained with semi-crystalline polymers.
The same polymer is considered in contact on either side of the interface between the inner and outer layers in the following cases:                inner and outer layers consist of the same material (e.g., PETinner−PETouter, regardless of the specific grade of each PET); or        the inner and outer layers consist of a blend or copolymer having at least one polymer in common, provided said polymer in common is at the interface, whilst the differing polymer is substantially absent of said interface (e.g., (0.85 PET+0.15 PA6)inner(0.8 PET+0.2 PE)outer.The presence in a layer of low amounts of additives is not regarded as rendering the material different, so far as they do not alter the interface substantially.
Although in case the same material is used for the inner and outer layers, there is no difference in blow-moulding temperature between layers, the heating rate of the two layers can be substantially different due to the wide difference in thicknesses between the inner and outer layers. Moreover, the inner layer is sheltered by the thick, outer layer from the IR-radiation of the IR-oven usually used to bring the preform to blow-moulding temperature. It follows that even for materials having little or no difference in blow-moulding temperature, there can be a problem to heat up simultaneously both layers to their process temperatures.
In order to overcome the problem of different blow-moulding temperatures or heating rates of the materials forming the inner and outer layers of blow-moulded multilayer containers, the different preform components may be heated separately in different ovens to heat them at their respective blow-moulding temperature (cf. e.g., JPA57174221). This solution, however, is expensive in terms of equipment and space and does not apply to integral preforms, which inner and outer layers cannot be separated.
The use of energy absorbing additives in preforms for blow-moulding monolayer containers has been proposed for shortening the heating stage and thus saving energy in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,925,710, 6,503,586, 6,034,167, 4,250,078, 6,197,851, 4,476,272, 5,529,744, and the likes. The use of energy absorbing additives has also been proposed in the inner layer of blow-moulded co-layer containers (i.e., not meant to delaminate) to compensate for the greater strain undergone by the inner layer compared with the outer layer during blow-moulding operation. In co-layer containers it is very important that the inner layer is allowed to stretch sufficiently to contact and adhere to the outer layer over substantially the whole of their interface. The inner layer containing the energy absorbing additives is thus heated to a higher temperature than the outer layer and can be stretched further to adhere to the outer layer.
The above considerations do not apply in the field of bag-in-containers, since a good adhesion between the inner and outer layers is exactly what is to be avoided. Furthermore, preforms for the production of integrally blow-moulded bag-in-containers clearly differ from preforms for the production of blow-moulded co-layered containers, wherein the various layers of the container are not meant to delaminate, in the thickness of the layers. A bag-in-container is comprised of an outer structural envelope containing a flexible, collapsible bag. It follows that the outer layer of the container is substantially thicker than the inner bag. This same relationship can of course be found in the preforms as well, which are characterized by an outer layer being substantially thicker than the inner layer. This has a detrimental effect on the heating efficacy of IR-lamps on heating the inner layer, since the latter is separated from the IR-lamps by the thick wall of the outer layer.
It follows from the foregoing that there remains a need in the art for solutions for compensating the difference in blow-moulding temperatures and heating rates between the "mutually non-adhesive synthetic resins" (cf. JP2005047172) of the inner and outer layers of a preform for the production of integrally blow-moulded bag-in-containers.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container comprising an inner layer ad an outer layer comprising energy absorbing additives, preform for making it and process for producing it


There is disclosed armor having an outer metallic layer, an inner fiber composite layer, and a supporting framework between the inner and outer layers. The supporting framework can include projections from the outer layer arranged to mechanically interlock with the fibers of the fiber composite, and can be arranged to provide an open region between the inner and outer layers that can be filled with a functional filler material.

Armour is used to protect vehicles and their occupants from hostile fire. It is generally desirable for armour to be light, low-cost, and small in size. A number of known armour systems, such as that disclosed in International Patent Application, Publication Number WO2008/045128, make use of layered systems comprising a number of materials and incorporating differing functional components. There exists a general need, however, to improve the functionality of the components of the armour, and to increase the extent to which the different components interact with each other in order to respond appropriately to hostile fire, such as a shock wave and impulse resulting from a nearby explosion, or the impact of a ballistic projectile. There exists a further general need for light-weight armour that is able to efficiently carry both static and kinematic structural loads, so that additional structural components are not necessary.


A washing machine, a method and computer readable recording medium. The washing machine includes a washing spindle and a spin-drying spindle, a coupling that is movable to be engaged with a rotation preventing unit of the washing machine so that power of the driving motor is transferred to the washing spindle but not to the spin-drying spindle, and is movable to a position in which the coupling is not engaged with the rotation preventing unit so that power of the driving motor is transferred to both the washing spindle and the spin-drying spindle, and a control device configured to, in a washing mode of the washing machine, bring the coupling into contact with the rotation preventing unit, cause the coupling to rotate in first and second directions so that the coupling is engaged with the rotation preventing unit, and determine an engagement state by test-operating the driving motor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept generally relates to a washing machine, a method for controlling a washing machine, and a computer readable recording medium, and more particularly, to a washing machine which allows a clutch engagement to be performed normally in a washing mode without using a magnet and a location sensor as in a conventional fully-automatic washing machine which distinguishes a washing mode from a spin-drying mode using a clutch, for example, a method for controlling a washing machine, and a computer readable recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a washing machine tooth-engages a clutch coupling with a water tank or tooth-engages the clutch coupling with a rotor of a driving motor which rotates the pulsator thereby selectively transferring rotation power of the driving motor to a washing spindle or a spin-drying spindle so that the pulsator is rotated separately in a washing mode to perform a washing operation and the pulsator and a spin-drying tub are simultaneously rotated in a spin-drying mode to perform a spin-drying operation.
However, in some cases, the clutch coupling is not correctly tooth-engaged with the water tank or the rotor. When the pulsator or the spin-drying tub is rotated in this situation, tooth forms bump against each other causing a damage of the tooth forms and friction noise.
In order to resolve such problem, in the related art, a washing operation is performed by attaching a magnet to a clutch coupling and attaching a location sensor to a water tank to determine whether a clutch engagement is performed normally.
However, using a magnet and a location sensor as in the related art causes increase of costs.

Washing machine, method for controlling washing machine, and computer readable recording medium


A portable fluid therapy device comprising a flexible bladder member defining independently inflatable inner and outer chambers. Fluidly coupled to inlet and outlet valve ports of the inner chamber is a portable water pumping apparatus for selectively infusing hot or cold water into the inner chamber or circulating the water therethrough, The bladder member is adapted to be used in association with a brace member or cast and may be configured to accommodate a desired region of the body.

Therapeutic modalities are physical agents used to reduce pain and swelling and to help restore range of motion, strength, and function following an injury. Two of the fundamental modalities used to treat injury are heat and cold. Both cold and heat therapy have been found to be clinically effective in accelerating the healing of damaged tissue. Particularly, cold therapy acts to retard metabolism within the tissue cells, whereas heat therapy accelerates cellular metabolism. Often, physicians and therapists prescribe use of both modes of therapy alternately. In this regard, both heat and cold therapy are of particular value because of their effect on the pain and inflammation that occur as a response to injury.
Thermal therapy is the treatment of diseases by raising the temperature of the tissue. The mechanisms by which this is accomplished are threefold, i.e. conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is direct contact, such as occurs with the application of a hot pack. In convection, a medium such as hot air or water is applied around the injured part, as in a whirlpool. In radiation, a source of warmth, such as a heat lamp, is used to heat the body part. Heat produces analgesia by diminishing the afferent pain impulses, causes vascular dilation that improves the blood supply, and increases the metabolic rate by speeding up the rate of enzymatic reactions. Heat also increases collagen extensibility, which improves overall flexibility and enhances motion. Finally, heat causes a decrease in muscle tone and muscle spasm. As such, localized heat therapy is of particular benefit with orthopedic conditions such as lower back pain, strains, acute injuries, chronic pain, muscle spasm, tendinitis, and arthritis. Heat therapy is also prescribed for skin trauma (bruises, contusions, abscesses, boils, burns) and other medical problems like infection, phlebitis, I.V. infiltration, and neuritis.
Cryotherapy is the use of cold to treat injury or disease. The consensus among medical professionals is that cold is a standard treatment for both immediate care and for rehabilitation following most soft-tissue injuries. Cold works by its effects on metabolism, circulation, inflammation, and edema. Because cold slows enzymatic function and, hence, metabolic reactions, any metabolic reaction association with inflammation is inhibited and its effects are mitigated. Cold also causes vasoconstriction which, though not preventing hemorrhage, prevents the extension of hematoma.
The application of cold also increases collagen stiffness, thereby decreasing the extensibility of tendons and ligaments, and delays, but does not eliminate, inflammation. Edema is reduced, usually as a result of the use of cold together with compression and elevation. In addition to decreasing the temperature of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles and joints, the application of cold relieves pain by slowing or blocking nerve impulses, and also decreases muscle spasm. With the decrease in pain and muscle spasm, early mobilization and exercise can be undertaken more comfortably. Typically, cold is applied by the use of ice massage or ice baths, as well as through the use of gel refrigerator chemical packs (which produce an endothermic reaction) and refrigerant compression machines.
Advantageously, cold applications used during rehabilitation allow immediate mobilization and make it easier for the patient to begin therapeutic exercise. Localized cold therapy is often used in the operating room, the recovery room, the intensive care unit, in physical therapy and in individual patient rooms. It is used effectively to treat surgical incisions, as well as wound and inflammation caused by traumatic injury. With regard to surgical applications, cold therapy is often prescribed in relation to orthopedic, neurologic/orthopedic, abdominal, oral, ufological and obstetrical/gynecological surgery. In most cases, cold therapy is applied immediately following the surgical procedure, directly to the wound site. This acts to reduce swelling and pain, while also reducing or eliminating the need for pain-killing medications.
For the specialty of hand surgery, cold therapy is also applied to the upper extremity before and during the procedure in conjunction with a tourniquet. This is done to extend the surgical period beyond the normal time limit by decreasing the adverse effects of tourniquet ischemia. Other conditions indicating the application of cold therapy include acute injuries, bruises/contusions, chronic pain, muscle spasm, strains, arthritis, cellulitis, lower back pain, sprain and alopecia. Both cold and heat therapy are also used extensively outside the hospital in physician's offices and out-patient clinics.
Due to the numerous advantages attendant to the use of cold and heat therapy for therapeutic applications, various prior art medical devices have been developed to facilitate such application. However, many of these prior art devices lack portability and are adapted for use solely in environments such as a hospital, a physician's office, or an out-patient clinic. Additionally, many of these devices and systems are difficult to use and expensive, thus making their use impractical by an untrained individual in an environment such as the home. The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing an inexpensive, portable fluid therapy device for the application of heat or cold therapy to a desired region of the body which may be utilized in the home to facilitate desired therapeutic treatment.


A vehicular rotary electric machine has a stator and a rotor supported by a bracket; a field winding which is provided on the rotor and is for generating a magnetomotive force; a field circuit section which is for supplying a current to the field winding; and a brush holder having a brush, the field circuit section and the brush holder being separately mounted to the bracket. In the vehicular rotary electric machine, connecting means between the field circuit section and the brush holder is configured by an intermediate wiring member having a stress buffering mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a field winding type rotary electric machine mounted with a field circuit section which supplies a field current to a field winding of a rotor and, more particularly, relates to a vehicular rotary electric machine to be mounted in an automobile.
2. Description of the Related Art
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-5676, a hitherto known structure of a field winding type vehicular rotary electric machine is shown. In the field winding type vehicular rotary electric machine shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-5676, a magnetomotive force is produced by supplying a current to a field winding provided on a rotor and generation of electricity is performed; and a current adjusted by a field circuit section is supplied from a brush incorporated in a brush holder to the field winding through a slip ring provided in the rotor. There is described a configuration in which the field circuit section and the brush holder are separately mounted to a bracket and connecting terminals integrated with the field circuit section are connected to the brush holder.
The field circuit section is required to cool switching elements which are for controlling the current; and therefore, the field circuit section is mounted at a place being in contact with ambient air on the outside of the rotary electric machine. On the other hand, the brush is mounted in the vicinity of the center portion of the rotary electric machine in order to bring into contact with the rotor. For this reason, the field circuit section and the brush holder are mounted to the rotary electric machine as separate components.
In the meantime, in a vehicular rotary electric machine or the like particularly to be mounted in an automobile, vibration resistance of the rotary electric machine is required because vibration during running is large; and generally, in the vehicular rotary electric machine, consideration to vibration resistance is included.
On the other hand, durability of the vehicular rotary electric machine has been more strictly required, and vibration durability performance has been required more than ever before. More particularly, terminals for electrically connecting are provided in the field circuit section and the brush holder which are mounted to the vehicular rotary electric machine, and the field circuit section and the brush holder separately vibrate; and therefore, a load applied to a terminal connecting portion is increased.