A method and system may include a chip having graphics rendering hardware, a cache and a processor to execute an application with texture allocation logic to receive notification of a page miss from the graphics rendering hardware. The logic can map the page miss to a tile of a texture image, store the tile as an entry to the cache, and map the entry to a virtual address space of a virtual image corresponding to the texture image. The system may also include off-chip memory to store the texture image.

Graphics applications such as 3D (3-dimensional) computer games, flight simulators and other 3D imaging systems may often involve the real-time rendering of a wide variety of scenes that can have complex and rich textures. Accordingly, these applications may include rendering code to enable the display of textures at various resolutions (e.g., high resolution for zooming into a scene and low resolution for zooming out of a scene). In particular, conventional rendering code usually has access to pre-filtered versions of these textures, at various resolutions. Some of these resolutions may in reality not be required, in part or in whole, to render the current frame; accordingly, they can be a waste of memory. Moreover, conventional solutions may also limit the texture image compression algorithm to that directly supported by the rendering hardware that performs the decoding. As a result, such a solution may experience relatively low compression rates and wasted memory, which could lead to less texture detail.


An improved fan panel promotes complete air circulation within in an egg incubator. Hinges secure the improved fan panel to support channels. Latches secure the opposite panel side to another support channel. The channels are secured to and in spaced relationship with the incubator roof section to define upper air passages. The panel, when secured, is spaced from the channels to define lower air passages which, together with the upper air passages, promote the circulation of virtually all the air from the incubation chamber into the environmental control and ventilation system. The improved fan panel disposition substantially prevents air from stagnating without reentering the environmental control and ventilation system.

In order to control the temperature of eggs to achieve uniform hatching within an incubator, the environment within the incubator is regulated during egg incubation through the use of sensors which monitor temperature and humidity. Heating and cooling elements, as well as humidifiers, are provided to substantially control the internal incubator atmosphere. When the temperature exceeds a given range, the cooling element is activated to lower the ambient temperature. When the temperature falls below the desired range, the heating element is activated to raise the ambient temperature. Other environmental characteristics, such as humidity levels, are controlled in like manner.
If a hatch is to be optimized, it is important to have uniform and closely controlled egg temperatures throughout the incubator so that, at least ideally, the eggs hatch simultaneously. Accordingly, the heating and cooling elements, humidifiers and ventilation apparatus, components of an environmental control and circulation system, are usually centrally mounted within an incubator to optimize distribution of the system output. The circulation apparatus, i.e. fans and blowers, are intended to circulate the regulated air throughout the incubator to regulate egg temperature, thereby simulating or improving upon natural hatch conditions.
Unfortunately, maintaining uniform egg temperatures within an incubator by circulating regulated air has proven difficult. It has been discovered that in many instances, the air currents recirculate around some of the uppermost eggs without passing through the environmental control and circulation system, thereby creating temperature differentials between the uppermost and lowermost eggs on the order of one degree Fahrenheit (1.degree. F.). Such a temperature differential is well beyond desired limits, adversely affecting the hatch. If the time frame over which a hatch occurs is excessive, one result is that earlier hatched chicks dehydrate. To minimize the chick dehydration problem, often the hatch must be interrupted before all hatching occurs, thereby reducing hatch efficiencies.


A method for investigating structural integrity utilizes a carrier member having a flexible surface and a plurality of electromechanical transducer elements attached to the carrier member, the transducer elements being spaced from each other along at least two spatial dimensions. The method includes conforming the flexible surface to a solid structural member, so that a substantial portion of the flexible member is in effective wave-transmitting engagement with the structural member, thereafter transmitting pressure waves from at least one of the transducer elements into the structural member, receiving pressure waves reflected from an internal structural defect in the structural member in response to the pressure waves transmitted from the one of the transducer elements, and analyzing the received pressure waves so as to detect the structural defect.

This invention relates to a method and also to an associated apparatus for examining structural members for purposes of detecting hidden defects.
Architectural and vehicular structural members such as bridge girders, columns, floor and roof support beams, airplane wings, and other architectural and vehicular stress-bearing members can suffer failure arising from invisible defects. Not infrequently, stress fractures and fatigue cracks originate internally to a support member and are not detectible even by the most sensitive and rigorous of existing testing techniques. Such defects may result in dangerous, even fatal, accidents irrespective of the diligent care taken by maintenance personnel.
It is not uncommon for aging structures to be destroyed or discarded for fear of structural failure even though the structures may still have many years of useful life, unbeknownst to the owners. This premature retirement of buildings, bridges, planes, train cars, etc., is generally a waste of public and private assets and thus contributes to rising costs and depleting resources.
Even where architectural and vehicular assets are maintained, structural investigations are time consuming and expensive. The necessary expense is particularly evident where the investigated structures must be disassembled and transported to testing facilities. Detecting hidden defects without disassembly of the structures is even more difficult when the structures cannot be disassembled, for example, in the cases of buildings and bridges.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for investigating integrity of structural member


In a method for ascertaining a triggering event for an airbag in a vehicle, an imminent collision is ascertained with the aid of a surroundings sensor, an error signal being generated if no signal is established in a collision sensor within a defined time window.

Conventional airbags in the vehicle are often integrated into the steering wheel of the vehicle and are triggered if a rapid deceleration in the vehicle is established by sensors. In order for the airbag to be triggered, the vehicle deceleration must exceed a defined threshold value which is typical for a collision of the vehicle with an object. The sensor is an acceleration sensor, whose sensor signals are evaluated in a control unit in which actuating signals are optionally generated for the triggering of the airbag. The propagation and processing times for the sensor signals and actuating signals are to be taken into consideration during the triggering of the airbag.

Method for ascertaining a triggering event for an airbag


Transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system are provided for non-invasively and transdermally obtaining biological samples from a subject and determining levels of analytes of the obtained biological samples. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may cause disruption to the skin cells to create capillary-like channels from which biological samples may flow to the transdermal sampling and analysis device. The transdermal sampling and analysis device, method and system may collect the biological samples in a reservoir where the biological sample may chemically react with a biologically reactive element. A sensor may convert the produced electrons (ions) into measured electrical signals. The converted signals may be measured and the levels of an analyte may be determined based on the measured signals.

Effective diagnoses and treatment of diseases depend on accurate monitoring of the current physiological state of a subject. Monitoring the concentration of molecules in the body is an example of a method for determining the physiological state. For example, diabetics must actively monitor their body's glucose levels to treat and prevent potentially life threatening conditions such as hypo- or hyperglycemia.
Monitoring the internal physiological state of a subject requires a two step process. First, biological samples must be obtained from the body of the subject. Second, the sample must be analyzed using any of a variety of methods and systems. Some common methods and systems that may be used to analyze samples obtained from a subject include using assays, sensors and/or biosensors.
Biosensors combine a biological component with a physiochemical detector component to allow for the detection of analytes in biological samples. An analyte is a substance or chemical constituent that is determined in an analytical procedure. For example, glucose is the analyte in the process used in the blood glucose biosensors. Biosensors can be used for detecting or determining characteristics of any kind of analyte that can be analyzed by biological means.
A typical biosensor may include three main parts: i) Biologically reactive elements such as biological materials (e.g., tissues, microorganisms, organelles, cell receptors, enzyme, antibodies, and take acid, etc.), a biologically derived material or biomimic. The sensitive biological elements may be created by biological engineering; ii) a transducer or detector elements which work in a physiochemical way (e.g., optical, piezoelectric, electrochemical, etc.), that may transform the signal resulting from the interaction of the analyte with the biological elements into another signal that can be more easily measured and quantified; and iii) associated electronics or signal processors that are primarily responsible for the display of the results in a user-friendly way.
A common commercial biosensor is the blood glucose biosensor. A blood glucose biosensor may measure current produced by the enzymatic oxidation of glucose in an electrochemical cell. The current generated may be proportional to the concentration of glucose, given that it is the limiting reactant. For this reaction, the enzyme glucose oxidase converts glucose to gluconolactone, releasing electrons in the process. These electrons are transferred to the anode of the electrochemical cell by an electron mediator such as ferricyanide, thus generating a measurable current proportional to the glucose concentration. The generated current is run through an ammeter, then returned through the cathode of the electrochemical cell Biological samples may be obtained using different methods, such as by swabs or transdermally.
Swabbing is a non-invasive method for collecting biological samples from surfaces of the epithelium. This method is used to collect cells or organisms that may be used in testing for genetic traits, monitoring for cancer and detecting the presence of bacteria.
Conventional methods for obtaining biological samples are typically painful and invasive. For example, to determine blood glucose levels, diabetics must draw blood by puncturing or lacerating their skin to draw blood using a sharp instrument. This procedure may be uncomfortable, painful, and especially irritating when it has to be performed multiple times a day in the case of diabetics. In addition to pain and discomfort, there are other undesirable side effects associated with these invasive tissue extraction techniques. For example, diabetics who also suffer from hemophilia face the danger of severe hemorrhage every time they have to test their blood glucose levels using invasive procedures. In another example, these invasive procedures expose immuno-compromised diabetics to increased chances of local or systemic infections.
The currently available biosensors are also designed in a manner to require a relatively large sample to accurately determine analyte concentration. For example, the currently available blood glucose biosensors require at least 300 nl of blood in order to analyze the blood glucose levels. To obtain these larger biological samples, painful and invasive procedures must be employed, which are not desirable.
Therefore, additional research may be required to provide a non-invasive, pain-free procedure which requires a small sample to perform accurate analysis. Transdermal collection of biological samples which permit the non-invasive obtaining of samples from below the epithelial surface are desired. To obtain samples transdermally, the epithelium may be breached without lacerating or puncturing of the skin.


A choke for use with alternating current has a ventilated housing with a perforate inner wall and an imperforate outer wall to which the choke is connected vibration-elastically. The space between the inner wall and the jacket is filled with a sound-absorbing material.

This invention relates to the damping of vibrations in an electric choke having a winding for use with alternating currents.
Various measures are used for attenuating the sound vibrations which are produced in the operation of electric chokes. One of these measures for reducing the sound level is to vacuum-impregnate the choke assembly or the stack of laminations in a vacuum. According to another method, sheets for covering the choke are sprayed with noise-deadening compound. Finally, chokes used in vehicles have been mounted on the floor of the carriage by means of rubber-to-metal mounts.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an air or iron core choke in which a distinct reduction of the solid-borne, as well as the air-borne, sound generated by the choke over the known designs, is achieved.


An apparatus for gripping various types of earring posts having a friction clutch incorporated with a finger-operated clutch-catch capable of providing a positive stop to a specially designed indented shoulder post as well as providing a semi-positive stop to conventional threaded and indented shoulder posts. The friction clutch acts as a backup securing device if the primary clutch-catch fails.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to post type pierced earring fasteners and more particularly to positive stop fasteners having a backup fastening means while also having fastening capability to earrings fitted with the following type posts: (1) conventional indented shoulder posts; (2) conventional threaded posts; and (3) a post with an indented shoulder of such design as to be positively held in the fastener.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The securing of post type earrings to the wearer's ears has become more important because more people are buying expensive earrings. Many earrings are also being lost annually, therefore costing consumers and insurance companies millions of dollars.
Most of the lost earrings were equipped with an indented shoulder post and a friction clutch. Several million pairs of expensive earrings with this type post are either already in the hands of consumers or in various stages of manufacturing or marketing. These earrings need additional security provided for them.
Attempts to make better friction clutches for use on indented shoulder posts has entailed making the clutch curls of slightly different shape or making the entire clutch heavier. The indention of the posts has also been made deeper, but none of these methods has satisfactorily prevented loss of earrings.
Complete changes in the type clutch used on conventional indented posts have been tried with little success in preventing loss. One such clutch constitutes a cylinder of rubber with a hole smaller in diameter than the post drilled through the axis. The cylinder of rubber is also encased in metal around the circumference leaving the hole exposed on at least one end. The rubber's gripping ability is reduced greatly when body oil residues from the ear hole make the posts slippery. Another type clutch is merely a modified tie tac clutch which tends to scrape the posts.
Other attempts to add security have involved changing the entire posts. The threaded post is one example of a completely different post. A threaded nut holds this post in the ear. It takes considerably more time to attach these nuts than other type fasteners. Also, the threads irritate the ear hole and provide a hiding place for bacteria. The threads eventually wear, causing the nuts to loosen and fall off the posts. Several push-on and thread-off nuts have been designed for use on the threaded posts. These nuts are easier to fasten, but their removal is slow and they damage the post threads sooner than conventional threaded nuts.
Still another attempt at adding security is the new "La Poussette" tm catch and post system. The catch offers a positive stop, but must be used with its specially designed post. It incorporates only one post gripping means. The post is worn almost completely extended on the back side of the ear, bringing some risk of injury. Also, the removal mechanism fits tightly against the ear making removal difficult, especially by older or arthritic fingers.
Designing a fastener that offers an absolute positive stop when used on conventional indented shoulder posts has been shown in prior art to be a difficult, if not impossible, task to accomplish. A positive stop mechanism appears to require a specially designed post to accommodate the fastener. Since most present post type pierced earrings have either conventional indented shoulder posts or conventional threaded posts, it becomes apparent that a fastener is needed that will offer additional security to these posts as well as offer a positive stop when used with a specially designed post.
Marketing such a fastener would be simple because the earring owner would simply purchase the catches and slip them on the earring posts. The conventional posts could always be changed to the specially designed posts later, if the owner felt the additional security was needed.

Apparatus and method for securely fastening various pierced earring posts


This communication device that can, for each timeslot, switch the communication partner for performing wireless communication, is characterized by being provided with: a plurality of antennas including at least one directional antenna; at least one communication circuit that transmits/receives a signal with the communication partner using the antennas; and a control unit that allocates the communication circuit and the antennas used in wireless communication on a timeslot-by-timeslot basis.

A wireless communication system compliant with wireless communication standard ISA 100.11a (wireless communication standard for industrial automation) developed by the International Society of Automation (ISA) and a wireless communication system compliant with WirelessHART (Registered Trademark) are known as industrial wireless communication systems. Each of these wireless communication systems uses slot hopping to achieve highly reliable wireless communication.
In slot hopping, the frequency channels and time slots in wireless communications between communication nodes are defined individually, thereby preventing interference and achieving highly reliable wireless communication. In a wireless communication system using slot hopping, the communication nodes share a hopping table that stipulates the frequency channels and time slots between the individual communication nodes, and the time slots and frequency hopping in wireless communication between the communication nodes are thereby managed collectively. Such a wireless communication system has been disclosed in detail in the US patents and Japanese patents listed below, and in the ISA100.11a standard, etc.

Communication device, communication system, and communication method


A process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation includes providing at least one PEM fuel cell module having an inlet valve for hydrogen H2 and an inlet valve for oxygen O2. In order to switch off the PEM fuel cell module, the oxygen O2 inlet valve is closed in a first step, and the hydrogen H2 inlet valve is closed in a second step when a predetermined oxygen O2 partial pressure at a cathode part of the PEM fuel cell module is reached. Reliable operation of the PEM fuel cell installation is guaranteed by this measure.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation.
It is known that, during the electrolysis of water, water molecules are decomposed by electric current into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). In a fuel cell, that process takes place in reverse. Electric current is produced with high efficiency through an electrochemical combination of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) to form water. If pure hydrogen (H2) is used as combustion gas, it takes place without the emission of pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2). Even with a technical combustion gas, for example natural gas or coal gas, and with air (which may additionally be enriched with oxygen (O2)) instead of pure oxygen (O2), a fuel cell produces considerably less pollutants and less carbon dioxide (CO2) than other forms of energy production which operate by using fossil energy sources. The technical implementation of the fuel cell principle has given rise to a wide variety of solutions, and more precisely with different electrolytes and with operating temperatures of between 80xc2x0 C. and 1000xc2x0 C.
The fuel cells are classified as low, medium and high temperature fuel cells according to their operating temperature, and they in turn differ for a variety of technical embodiments.
Besides the aforementioned fundamental advantages, a fuel cell with a plastic solid electrolyte (polymer electrolyte membrane or PEM) offers further positive properties such as low operating temperature ( less than 80xc2x0 C.), favorable response to overloading, little voltage degradation and long life span, favorable response to loading cycles and temperature cycles, and the absence of a corrosive liquid electrolyte. It is furthermore suitable for operation with ambient air instead of oxygen (O2). Together, those properties make an air-operated PEM fuel cell a virtually idea producer of energy, for example for electrically powering a motor vehicle without producing exhaust gases.
A PEM fuel cell block (the fuel cell block is also referred to as a xe2x80x9cstackxe2x80x9d in the specialist literature) is generally composed of a large number of PEM fuel cells which have a planar structure and are stacked together. Since the PEM fuel cell block is not operable on its own, the PEM fuel cell block, an operating part and associated module electronics are generally combined to form a PEM fuel cell module. The devices for supplying working media, for example hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) or air, for discharging the water which is produced, for dissipating heat losses, for wetting the working media and for separating gas impurities, are combined in the operating part.
If the anode and the cathode of the PEM fuel cell are supplied with their working media, then a cell voltage is created from the sum of the anode and cathode potentials, which has a specific characteristic depending on the load current. In order to ensure an orderly build-up of all of the cell voltages in the PEM fuel cell block when switching on, the supplying of the anodes and cathodes with their working media must be established through a defined switch-on phase, so as to make it possible to obtain a delay-free changeover from the switch-on phase to a phase for producing electrical energy, in other words, a load phase. When switching off, the supplying of the PEM fuel cell block with the working media is suspended, and the residual capacity in the gas spaces of the anodes and cathodes is taken down by loading, so long as the voltage of the PEM fuel cell block remains greater than 0 V.
In one process for switching off a PEM fuel cell module, which is known from the prior art, a hydrogen inlet valve is closed in a first step and an oxygen inlet valve is closed in a second step, according to the hydrogen partial pressure at an anode part. That process leads to an increase in the internal resistance of the PEM fuel cells and poisoning of the electrolyte membrane, which is equivalent to a power loss and causes premature failure of the PEM fuel cell module.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known processes of this general type and which avoids such premature fuel-cell aging as far as possible.
The basis of the invention is that, if the voltage of the PEM fuel cell block is 0 V, this only means that the sum of all of the cell voltages is 0 V. Very different cell voltage profiles may arise during switch-off and in the following off phase, depending on how the individual PEM fuel cells in the PEM fuel cell block are connected in terms of the flow of working media, and depending on what load is set in the switch-off phase.
These cell voltage profiles firstly indicate non-uniform supplying of the anodes and cathodes with working media during the switch-off phase. As a result of subsequent diffusion of the working media through the electrolyte membranes, only that working medium which is present in excess remains, since both the anode and the cathode work unselectively.
The gas fillings at the anodes and at the cathodes are of approximately the same size for structural reasons. If, for example, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) are used as working media, then twice as much oxygen (O2) as oxygen (O2) is consumed during the electrochemical reaction in the PEM fuel cells. If the supply of hydrogen and the supply of oxygen are then suspended simultaneously, or else the supply of hydrogen is suspended before the supply of oxygen, oxygen (O2) will be present in excess in the PEM fuel cell block.
That residual oxygen (O2) in the PEM fuel cell block sets processes in motion at the components of the PEM fuel cells which cause a reduction in the cell voltage and therefore also in the efficiency. Irreproducibly created oxide layers change the internal cell resistance and therefore the current density distribution. In that case, corrosive processes may also occur, which poison the electrolyte membrane and thereby shorten the life span of the PEM fuel cell block. Both the increase in the internal cell resistance and the corrosion on the components cause a reduction in the cell voltage.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation, which comprises providing at least one or each PEM fuel cell module with a device for adjusting a supply of hydrogen and a supply of oxygen; and suspending the supply of working media (hydrogen H2 and oxygen O2 in this case) by suspending the supply of oxygen in a first step and suspending the supply of hydrogen in a second step.
By virtue of this process, the fuel cell is preserved in a condition which guarantees reliable operation of the PEM fuel cell installation over relatively long periods of service. During suspension, potentials at the electrodes of the PEM fuel cells, which could cause corrosive processes at the components of the PEM fuel cells, are avoided. A voltage loss due to an increased internal resistance of the PEM fuel cell and a reduction in the life span of the PEM fuel cell module are thereby avoided. Sufficient stability of the cell voltages is furthermore achieved.
In accordance with another mode of the invention, in the second step, the supply of hydrogen is suspended when a predetermined oxygen partial pressure at a cathode part of the PEM fuel cell module is reached.
In accordance with a further mode of the invention, a predetermined value of about 0.5 bar for the oxygen O2 partial pressure has proved suitable.
In accordance with an added mode of the invention, the oxygen (O2) may be supplied in the form of compressed air. When operating with air, an air compressor may be used to take in air from the surroundings and feed it into the PEM fuel cell module. In the first step, it is then merely necessary to switch off this compressor.
In accordance with a concomitant mode of the invention, the oxygen partial pressure is measured indirectly through the static air pressure.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Process for operating a PEM fuel cell installation


An image recording apparatus records an image on a recording medium by scanning a spot light beam in accordance with image information. The apparatus has a storage device for storing the image information corresponding in amount to at least three sub-scan lines, and a light intensity controller for increasing and decreasing the intensity the light beam in accordance with the contents of the storage device relative to a standard intensity. A light beam of the standard intensity satisfies a relation of 1.8.ltoreq.d/p where d represents a light beam diameter (defined as the diameter at which the light beam intensity lowers to 1/e.sup.2 (e: base of the natural logarithms) of the intensity at the light beam center, and p represents an interval between respective scan lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, such as a laser printer, LED printer, or liquid crystal printer, for recording an image on a recording medium by digitally applying a light beam.
2. Related Background Art
It is well known that there are apparatuses of the type in which a light beam is modulated in accordance with image information supplied from a computer or the like, and the modulated light beam is focused and scanned on a recording medium to record the image information, by using optical elements such as a light deflector and lens.
For such apparatuses, there are known two methods, one being an image exposure (IE) method which visualizes the area which was exposed to the light beam, and the other being a background exposure (BGE) method which visualizes the area which was not exposed to the light beam.
The IE method is more suitable for printing fine lines and characters, than is the BGE method.
An output image having a high image quality is desired, so a high quality image recording apparatus is now gradually becoming available, which has a recording density of 600 dpi to 1000 dpi.
However, the higher the recording density of such a light beam image recording apparatus becomes, the smaller the area of one pixel becomes, making it more difficult to reproduce such a small pixel.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show the light quantity distribution of a light beam having a diameter of about 100 .mu.m scanned at recording densities of 300 dpi and 600 dpi, respectively. The light beam diameter is defined as the diameter of the portion of a beam outside of which the light intensity lowers to 1/.sup.2 of the intensity at the beam center. In scanning the light beam, only one pixel (one dot) is made ON while the other pixels are made OFF, and on the other hand only one pixel is made OFF while the other pixels are made ON.
The abscissa represents a position in the subscanning direction, and the ordinate represents light quantity. The solid line indicates the light quantity when only one dot is recorded, and a broken line indicates the light quantity when only one dot is not recorded.
FIG. 2A shows the case of the recording density of 300 dpi, and FIG. 2B shows the case of the recording density of 600 dpi.
As seen from FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the case of the recording density of 300 dpi shown in FIG. 2A, the solid line intersects the broken line. Therefore, both one dot ON and one dot OFF are possible, because a certain light amount can be set as the recording threshold level. However, in the case of the recording density of 600 dpi shown in FIG. 2B, the solid line does not intersect the broken line. Therefore, although either one dot ON or one dot OFF is possible by setting a proper recording threshold level, to have both one dot ON and one dot OFF at the same time is impossible. This is true for both the IE and the BGE methods.
The reproducing ability at a high recording density can be improved if the light beam diameter is made small (e.g., in the case of 600 dpi, about 50 .mu.m). However, in order to make the light beam diameter so small, the optical system required is bulky and complicated, resulting in high cost. This problem becomes more serious as the recording density is made higher.
If such one pixel cannot be reproduced, the quality of an image including small characters or a halftone image using a dither method is degraded considerably.

Beam recording apparatus with intensity control


A hybrid variable bleed valve includes a static bleed slot disposed in a transition duct defining a flow path for a core air flow, a variable bleed valve door disposed radially outwardly of the transition duct and the static bleed slot, a radially inward bleed cavity defined radially outwardly of the transition duct and radially inward of the variable bleed valve door for collection of a plurality of particulates and a pressure recovery return duct in fluid communication with the radially inward cavity and the transition duct. The hybrid variable bleed valve apparatus operable to open and close the variable bleed valve door to a booster bleed flow, flowing radially outwardly from the static bleed slot, for extraction of the particulates and provide a pressure recovery flow into the core air flow via the pressure recovery return duct. The hybrid variable bleed valve configured for use in a gas turbine engine.

The disclosure relates generally to turbine engine variable bleed valves and, more particularly, to such valves used to prevent surge and remove of foreign matter from the primary or core flow path proximate the compressor inlet.
Gas turbine engines can suffer from combustion instability problems when large quantities of unwanted particulates, such as ice, ice crystals, water droplets, sand and dust, enter the core particularly when the engine is being operated at low power and low thrust operating conditions which are established when the engine is operated at idle.
To ensure optimum compressor performance and efficiency and alleviate the ingestion of such particulates into the core, it is well known in the gas turbine engine field to provide variable bleed valves (VBVs). Known VBVs are typically configured as outwardly (or inwardly) configured doors that open to provide a bleed flowpath to bleed off compressed air between the booster and core engine compressor of gas turbine engines. In doing so, unwanted particulates are drawn out of the core flowpath and into the bleed flowpath, and more particularly a bleed exhaust duct. The air is often bled from what is referred to as a gooseneck flowpath between the booster and core engine compressor. Aircraft fan jet gas turbine engines, and marine and industrial derivatives of such engines, have employed various forms of curved flowpaths and VBV bleed doors that are retracted into the flowpath casing so as to form an entrance to a bleed duct that bleeds booster or low pressure compressor discharge airflow and draw particulates out of the flowpath in a manner such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,552 entitled "Combined Surge Bleed and Dust Removal System for a Fan-Jet Engine" by Monhardt et al.
In one known configuration, opening and closing of the bleed duct is conventionally provided by a circumferentially disposed plurality of pivotal doors that open outwardly so as to retract into the engine structure or casing and are operated by a single unison ring powered by one or more fuel powered actuators. An example of such a system using a retracting pivotal door is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,638,428 entitled "Bypass Valve Mechanism" by Shipley et al. and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The operation of the VBV is scheduled by the engine controller, either a mechanical or digital electronic type may be used.
Problems associated with conventional bleed valve ducts and valve doors often occur in the form of pressure loss and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) upset. In particular, in current outward (and inward) VBV door designs, pressure loss is inevitable, especially when opening the VBV at cruise in order to extract ice crystals and shed ice from the booster vanes and blades. The airflow in current design is normally bled into a large cavity via one or more valve doors, prior to being discharged into a duct to the fan bypass hence incurring pressure loss. In addition, larger particulates and larger amounts of particulates such as ice require larger doors, resulting in larger pressure losses and larger actuator mechanisms to operate the larger doors. To avoid pressure losses, it is highly desirable to remove ice, ice crystal, water droplets sand and dust from the gooseneck, or core flowpath without removing core airflow or minimizing the amount of core airflow that is removed. It is additionally desirable to re-design the VBV within structural cavity constraints (bulkhead, actuator mechanism, exhaust duct and piping) while maintaining operability, capability and particulate extraction efficiency, as compared to state-of-the-art inward/outward door VBV design.
Thus, it is highly desirable to provide a bleed air valve, and an engine incorporating the bleed air valve, that includes the ability to remove unwanted particulates, such as ice, ice crystals, water droplets, sand and dust, from a compressor airflow and efficiently bleed air between the booster and a core engine compressor without incurring detrimental pressure losses or exhaust gas temperature upset.

Gas turbine engine hybrid variable bleed valve


Embodiments herein include systems and methods for forming meat products into chunks. In an embodiment, a system for producing irregular shredded meat pieces from a meat log is included. The system can include a conveying mechanism, a first rotational shredding shaft positioned adjacent to the conveying mechanism, a first plurality of shredding fingers connected to the first rotational shredding shaft, a second rotational shredding shaft positioned adjacent to the conveying mechanism, and a second plurality of shredding fingers connected to the second rotational shredding shaft. The first and second rotation shredding shafts configured to rotate in directions opposite from one another. In some embodiments, the system can also include a cutting blade disposed downstream from the first and second rotational shredding shafts. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Meats are a cornerstone of diets around the world. Meats are included in many different types of dishes including soups, baked items, casseroles, sauces, and the like.
Meats must frequently be cut into discrete chunks or pieces as a part of food preparation processes. When this is performed by hand, the meat pieces are frequently somewhat irregular in terms of sizes and shapes. However, when this is done on a larger scale by a piece of industrial equipment, the meat pieces are generally highly uniform in terms of size and shape. Also, consumers typically associate highly uniform meat pieces with factory prepared food instead of home-made food.

Systems and methods for producing irregular meat chunks


The invention proposes a process for filling a unit container with a cosmetic product from a capsule containing a dose of said cosmetic product, where said capsule comprises a tube filled with said dose of cosmetic product, where said tube extends between a first end closed by a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder and a second end forming an initially closed outlet nozzle, and where said process comprises at least a preparatory step during which the outlet nozzle of the capsule is opened and at least one step of casting in which said cosmetic product is cast into the cosmetic product container.

Lip makeup or lip care products are most often packaged in vials or tubes such as those commonly called "lipstick tubes".
Cosmetic products are usually made industrially in relatively large production runs on packaging machines which operate at high speeds.
Considering the number of units to be packaged in a short time interval, the step of filling cosmetic products into their final container (vials or tubes) is optimized so as to be able to produce the largest possible number of units in a short time.
Additionally, the nature of these products leads to implementing a succession of heating and cooling steps during filling which requires the use of equipment suited to an industrial production scale.
Because of the number of units to be produced and technical constraints associated with the preparation and packaging of cosmetic products, only a limited choice of shades or textures preselected by the producer can be offered to the client for a single cosmetic product.
Additionally, cosmetic products have a limited lifetime after the industrial production thereof. Consequently, the points of sale of beauty products only maintain a relatively limited stock of these products which further limits the choice of shades or textures offered to consumers.
Finally for a single line of products, the container (e.g. tube, vial) is identical whatever the shade and/or texture, which prevents clients from being able to fully customize their cosmetic product by adapting the selected shade and/or texture to the container of their choice.
This is particularly true for lipstick, for which the client cannot adapt the shade and/or texture on the mechanism of their choice, or else for mascara for which the brush is sold with the packaged product.
If a producer wants to expand the selections for the clients thereof, the producer has no other choice than to multiply the mass production of products, which is economically risky and costly.
In the following description of the invention, the generic term "lipstick" or "lipstick composition" or "lipstick tube" is understood to mean a solid product suited for makeup and or lip care, without limitation of shade or texture, which can be stably, over time and at environmental temperature, shaped into a rod or stick shape.
"Solid product" is understood to mean a product which could be penetrated by a semirigid object without consequently losing the integrity thereof when it is shaped into a given shape such as a rod.

Process and device for filling a unit container from a capsule, and capsule usable for that purpose


The invention relates to sensors for detecting a time-varying current by employing a plurality of coils with separate windings, disposed on separate toroidal cores, that are placed in close proximity of each other so that each coil responds independently to the same current. The current produces a time-varying magnetic field which in turn induces a plurality of voltages across the coils that can be combined to provide a resultant signal. Some embodiments of the invention employ coils with opposite windings to obtain signals with opposite phases and combine these signals through differential detection means to obtain a combined signal. One aspect of the invention relates to production of a wide-band or a selectable band-width sensor by preparing at least one coil to be dissimilar with respect to the others. In addition, the invention provides provisions for easy calibration of the sensor.

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting a time-varying current. In particular, the invention detects a transient current produced by a variety of physical mechanisms, e.g., a pulse of current carried on an electrical conductor, with a better signal-to-noise ratio than the existing current sensors provide.
One important application of the apparatus of the invention relates to the detection of a sudden localized redistribution of charge at a defective point of an insulation which is under high electric stress, e.g., electric power cables, high voltage transformers. Such a redistribution of charge leads to an intermittent arcing that signals the presence of a fault. The term fault, as used herein, refers both to an incipient fault which may not cause an immediate failure but may eventually lead to a failure, and also to a complete failure of the system. It is well-known that partial discharge events are common precursors to many significant failure modes in a variety of high voltage devices.
The early detection of an incipient fault through monitoring partial discharge events can prevent the occurrence of a complete failure which may result in considerable inconvenience and financial loss. For example, the failure of high voltage devices of a utility company such as transformers and high voltage distribution cables, especially during a critical period, can lead to enormous inconvenience for the customers and financial loss for the company.
The energy associated with a partial discharge event is typically extremely small. This energy is particularly small when the defect that gives rise to the partial discharge is at its early stages of development. Given the desirability of detecting defects at such early stages, it is evident that having a sensor that detects a pulse of current with a high signal-to-noise ratio is extremely desirable.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,629 discloses a device for detecting a partial discharge in a transformer. In particular, this patent discloses an antenna, constructed of a single solid core with a conducting wire wrapped around it, that is placed inside the transformer to detect emission of an electromagnetic wave produced by the transformer as a result of the occurrence of a partial discharge. The center of the conducting wire wrapped around the single core is grounded to produce two coils. The time-varying magnetic field of the electromagnetic wave induces two voltages in the coils that provide the input signals for a differential amplifier. The output of the amplifier signals the occurrence of a partial discharge.
The antenna disclosed in the ""629 patent has a solid core that does not permit the passage of a cable therethrough. Thus, the apparatus can not be connected directly through a cable to the transformer to receive a current pulse that a partial discharge produces. Accordingly, it relies on a weaker mode of coupling, i.e., detection of the electromagnetic wave emanated from the transformer. This mode of coupling imposes the further limitation that the apparatus can not be employed outside the transformer because high voltage transformers are typically shielded by enclosures.
Some prior art techniques relate to finding the location of a partial discharge event so as to allow correction of the defect giving rise to the discharge. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,364 discloses an apparatus for detecting the location of an incipient fault in an insulated cable. In particular, the apparatus of the invention scans the surface of the cable by physically moving two separate axially spaced sensors, disposed adjacent to the surface, over the cable. A partial discharge event produces a current pulse through the cable which, in turn, produces electrical pulses at each of the two sensors. These two pulses are added to produce a resultant signal whose magnitude reaches a maximum if the partial discharge occurs at a point midway between the two sensors, thus indicating the location of the discharge.
The energy produced by a partial discharge event in a high voltage device is typically extremely small. Accordingly, it is imperative that the system designed for detecting such events provide a means of coupling to the device that has a minimal loss and also a detection means that provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, periodic monitoring of a device for partial discharges requires a system that can be easily connected to and disconnected from the device. Many prior art systems suffer from a number of limitations related to the above-mentioned desirable features that the present invention seeks to remedy. For example, the use of the apparatus of ""629 patent not only employs a weak mode of coupling to the transformer but also requires opening up a transformer to place the antenna within it. The apparatus of the ""364 patent is essentially a timing system for signaling the arrival of two pulses at the sensors, and does not provide new techniques for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected pulses.
It should be understood that the desirability of detecting transient currents with a high signal-to-noise ratio is not limited to monitoring of partial discharges. Another possible application, for example, relates to monitoring a beam of electrons or ions used in implantation systems.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to detect a transient current carried by a wire with an improved signal-to-noise ratio.
It is another object of the invention to detect a pulse of current or a beam of charged particles with an improved signal-to-noise ratio.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a current sensor that can be easily calibrated.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a current sensor with a broad-band and/or selectable frequency response.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for monitoring partial discharges in high voltage devices with an improved signal-to-noise ratio.
The invention is next described in connection with illustrated embodiments. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications to the embodiment can be made without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention.
The invention detects a time-varying current by employing a plurality of generally toroidal coils with separate windings that are placed in close proximity of each other such that they respond to a current signal, which passes through the central aperture of the toroids, at substantially the same time. In particular, the current induces a plurality of voltages across these coils where each induced voltage indicates the detection of the current. The invention also allows combining the induced voltages, i.e., summing and/or subtracting the voltages, to produce a resultant signal that signifies the existence of the time-varying current. A single coil of toroidal construction is sometimes referred to as a Rogowski coil.
It is well understood in physics that a changing magnetic flux within a coil induces a voltage across it. Furthermore, a current due to moving charged particles produces a surrounding magnetic field. Accordingly, a changing magnetic flux, associated with a current pulse, through the closely-spaced coils of the present invention induces a plurality of voltages across them. The spacings between the coils are selected such that each coil responds to substantially the same magnetic field. In addition, each coil is electrically insulated from the others so that each induced voltage represents an independent response to the same current. The induced voltages can be either utilized individually or can be combined in various ways, described more fully below, to produce a combined signal.
One aspect of the invention relates to selecting at least one coil to have either a winding of opposite polarity with respect to another coil or to have a winding of similar polarity but reverse output connections with respect to the other coil. Two such coils are herein referred to as having opposite polarities with respect to each other. The induced voltages across two coils having opposite polarities have opposite phases relative to each other. In addition, the close proximity of two such coils ensures that the character of noise on the induced voltage across one coil is substantially similar to that on the induced voltage across the other coil. Accordingly, subtraction of the induced voltages across two coils of opposite polarities results in addition of the two induced voltages and reduction of the noise, i.e., an improved signal to noise ratio.
The invention also allows selection of at least one coil of the plurality of closely-spaced coils as a calibration coil. The injection of a known driven current into such a calibration coil induces a current in an electrical conductor, disposed in the middle of the sensor, which in turn produces a time-varying magnetic flux in the other coils. The time-varying magnetic field induces a plurality of voltages across these coils. Because the value of the injected current in the calibration coil is known, the value of the response induced in the other coils by the injected current can be readily calculated. Thus, the measurement of the induced voltages due to the injected current provides calibration of the coils.
In another aspect of the invention, the closely-spaced coils are adapted for detection of a time-varying magnetic field that has different selected frequency regions including a wide frequency bandwidth. In particular, at least one coil is chosen to be different from the others, e.g., at least one coil is chosen to have a different number of windings and/or different core material. The response of such a coil is optimal at a particular frequency which is different from the frequencies at which the other coils exhibit their optimal responses. This results in a current sensor with a wider bandwidth and/or with simultaneous optimal responses in different frequency regions. For example, a broad-band sensor according to the invention can have one coil with a frequency response centered at 60 Hz, and another coil with a frequency response centered at 1 MHz. The invention preferably selects the coils such that the aggregate response of the coils span the frequency band-width of interest of the time-varying magnetic field. Some embodiments of the invention sum the induced voltages across the coils of such a wide-band magnetic sensor to obtain a resultant signal that signifies the presence of the time-varying current.
One important application of a wide-band current sensor relates to the detection of a transient current having a short temporal duration and being carried by an electrical conductor. This can be understood by noting that such a pulse of current has many frequency components in its frequency bandwidth. The coils can be designed such that each coil responds optimally to a selected number of these frequency components. Thus, the aggregate response of all of the coils to the transient current is more effective than the response of each individual coil.
It should be understood that production of a current sensor that incorporates all of the various features described above is within the scope of the present invention. In particular, a sensor having a plurality of coils such that at least two coils yield opposite polarities with respect to each other, or at least one coil is a calibration coil, or at least one coil has a frequency response that is different from the frequency response of the others incorporates all of the above-mentioned features.
The invention also contemplates disposing a plurality of coils on a number of cores such that each coil responds to a time-varying current at substantially the same time. According to one aspect of the invention, the coils are disposed on separate cores. The material of the cores is selected to have a high magnetic permeability, e.g., ferrite material, or air, so as to allow penetration of a magnetic field into the body of the cores. The penetration of the magnetic field into the cores results in a changing magnetic flux within the coils disposed on the cores which in turn induces a plurality of voltages across the coils. The structures of the cores can be selected, e.g., toroidal, or substantially toroidal, to provide sensors suitable for a variety of applications. The use of separate cores allows attaining separate independent signals from each of the plurality of coils in response to the same magnetic field.
It is typically desirable to select a magnetic core, on which a coil for detection of a time-varying current is disposed, to be as large as possible. The advantage of employing a large core can be understood by noting that as the size of the core increases, it intersects with larger number of magnetic field lines of a time-varying magnetic field, thus resulting in a larger magnetic flux within the core. The larger magnetic flux, in turn, results in a larger induced voltage across the coil disposed on the core, i.e., a better signal-to-noise ratio. Large magnetic cores are, however, costly and difficult to manufacture. The employment of multiple cores by the present invention achieves the advantages of utilizing a single large core, e.g., better signal-to-noise ratio, without its drawbacks, e.g., higher cost and difficulty of manufacture.
The toroidal and the quasi-toroidal structures are particularly suited for detecting a current pulse being carried on an electrical conductor. One important application of such a detection of a current pulse relates to signaling the occurrence of a fault in a high voltage device, e.g., a high voltage transformer or a high voltage electrical cable. For example, the occurrence of a partial discharge in such a high voltage device produces current pulses that can be detected by a magnetic sensor according to the present invention.
While a number of preferred embodiments of the invention employ a plurality of cores, the invention can also be practiced by employing a single core with a plurality of coils disposed thereon. A first coil is wound around the core, and subsequently successive coils are disposed on the first coil, each on top of the previous one. In addition, an electrically insulating material is disposed between any two adjacent coils to isolate them from each other so that each coil provides an independent response to a transient magnetic field. The structure of the single core on which the coils are disposed can be selected to be toroidal, and quasi-toroidal.
Similar to sensors according to the present invention that comprise a plurality of cores, a sensor with a single core and a multiplicity of coils, as explained above, can also incorporate the various aspects of the present invention. In particular, production of such a sensor having at least a pair of coils with opposite polarities, and/or having at least one calibration coil, and/or having at least one coil that is different from the others, is within the scope of the present invention.
Another aspect of the invention is to employ the multiple closely-spaced coils in conjunction with a network of capacitors, inductors, and resistors to produce a resonant electronic L-C-R circuit. The use of such a resonant circuit enhances currents at selected frequencies, and hence increases the induced voltages, thus rendering the detection of weak time-varying magnetic fields feasible. As was mentioned previously, one important application of the sensor of the invention is for detection of partial discharges in high voltage devices. Because such PD events are typically of short durations, e.g., less than a microsecond, the values of the inductance, the capacitance, and the resistance of a resonant L-C-R circuit employed in a sensor designed for detection of such events are typically selected to produce a resonant frequency in the range 30 kHz to 5 MHz.
Thus, the invention allows the differential detection of a transient magnetic field, and attains the aforementioned advantages including a better signal-to-noise ratio, a selectable bandwidth, easy calibration, and possible reduction in cost.

Closely-coupled multiple-winding magnetic induction-type sensor


An apparatus for controlling network switches which includes a central network controller node having a call task for booking and executing calls by setting up the switches that interconnect a first terminal and a second terminal and a switch master task for receiving commands to control all of the switches in the network, maintaining status information for all of said switches and distributing requests for particular connections. A switch controller task is coupled to the switch master task for converting input instructions to a generic switch into commands for hardware switches. In response to a client request, the central network controller communicates with the switch controller task to convert commands for the generic switch to commands for the hardware switch and to create a connection between the first terminal and the second terminal.

Various types of networks involving switches are in common use such as public and private telephone networks, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). LAN and WAN networks are digital and generally use asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) signals whereas telephone networks typically use analogue or synchronous digital signals (SONET). In ATM systems, the transmitted signals themselves carry the information that defines the destination of its payload. Similarly, in telephone systems, either analogue multitone signals define the number being called which is used to set up the connection or, for digital lines, coded frames of data are transmitted synchronously to define the desired connection. In other networks, such as token ring systems, data is passed around sequentially from one station to the next until the header information in that cell is recognized. In telephone networks, a host of central offices control communications with groups of subscribers either on analog lines or digital lines. Transmissions can take place between subscribers under the control of the same central office or between subscribers controlled by different central offices.
Broadband telecommunications networks involve networks containing hardware switches of various types and, for a given type, of various manufacturers. Such a network could contain frame, ATM and/or baseband analogue switches. For example, the switches in one city could be primarily analogue switches while those in another city could contain ATM switches or a mixture of ATM and analogue switches. In addition, the ATM switches could be made by various manufacturers as could the analogue switches. In general switches of one manufacturer are controlled differently by different protocols from those of other manufacturers and, in addition, could be configured differently. In order to set up a call the switch controller would have to know the protocol for each of the different switches involved. Moreover, if a given switch were changed to a switch of a different manufacturer, the protocol for that switch and its configuration, i.e. by a serial port or parallel ports, would have to be changed. Obviously, such a system is complex and inefficient.
In order for a call from one location to be connected to another location the system must be able to control each different make and type of switch in the path.
Obviously, there is a need for a simpler, switch independent method of setting up such a call.

Method and apparatus for controlling network switches

International Business Machines Corporation


A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is provided to improve power delivery and fuel efficiency by applying six engaging elements to five planetary gear sets to achieve ten forward speed stages and one reverse speed stage. The planetary gear train includes: an input shaft; an output shaft; first to fifth planetary gear sets each including three rotation elements; three clutches and three brakes as the six engaging elements; and first to ninth shafts. In particular, the third shaft fixedly connects seventh, tenth and thirteenth rotational elements, and the fourth shaft fixedly connects sixth and fifteenth rotational elements. In addition, the fifth shaft fixedly connects third and fourth rotational elements, the sixth shaft fixedly connects fifth and eighth rotational elements, and the seventh shaft fixedly connects ninth and eleventh rotational elements.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Research to provide more shift-stages of an automatic transmission has been conducted to enhance fuel consumption and better drivability.
In the field of the automatic transmission, a structure of the multistage transmission having the excellent linearity of the interstage ratio relates to a drivability such as an acceleration before and after the gear shift as well as a rhythm feeling of the engine speed.
However, as the number of shift stages is increased, the number of parts of the automatic transmission is increased, and as a result mountability, cost, weight, delivery efficiency, and the like are undermined.
As an effort to increase the fuel efficiency by multi-staging with reduced number of parts, an eight-speed automatic transmission has been introduced recently and a planetary gear train for an automatic transmission enabling more shift-stages has been developed.
However, in the case of the recent eight-speed automatic transmission, we have discovered that because a span of a gear shift ratio (a factor for providing the linearity of the ratios between gear shift stages) is maintained at a level of 6.5 to 7.5, a power performance and a fuel consumption with a downsized engine is below a desired level of efficiency.
Also, in the eight-speed automatic transmission, it is disadvantage to provide the linearity of the ratios between gear shift stages when the span of the gear shift ratio rises to a level of 9.0 or more because the operation efficiency of the engine and the drivability of the vehicle are deteriorated.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles


A bait rigging system, comprising a housing, a leader wire and a hook, whereby the bait rigging system has two methods of operation, one being inserting the hook into the throat of the bait and sliding the housing over the beak of the bait, and the other being sliding one end of the leader wire into the rear of the bait, exiting the leader wire at the bait's throat, pulling the wire forward until the hook which is attached to the other end of the leader wire fully engages the bait and then mounting the housing onto the open end of the leader wire and over the beak of the bait, and finishing the process in both methods by depressing a trigger into the housing to keep the bait in a locked and secure position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a bait rigging system, and more particularly, to a ballyhoo bait rigging system that reliably secures bait, thus allowing a fishing line to go virtually unattended while trolling.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fishermen have long been plagued with the frequent occurrence of losing bait while trolling or just fishing. The problem is more prevalent with ballyhoo or similar bait, because of the difficulty that exists in securing this kind of bait to the line. Ballyhoo is difficult to properly hook, therefore it is easily lost, even when correctly rigged. Ballyhoo-type bait therefore has a tendency to fall off the hook, slide up the line, or be intercepted by a fish without making a catch. Because trolling and fishing with ballyhoo bait is popular as a sport and livelihood, several conventional methods for rigging are available, however they remain ineffective.
One such method is the double-hook method. The double-hook convention employs a double hook with copper wire for wrapping around the nose of the ballyhoo. This attempts to secure the bait to the hooking mechanism. The double hook rigging convention, however, has several disadvantages. First, it necessitates two hooks and additional copper wire. This rigging technique also has a tendency to injure fishermen wherein the sharp end of the leader wire protrudes from the fish. Other disadvantages with the double hook convention are that it requires specific knowledge and experience, it is time consuming, and it requires bait preparation.
A second method employed is the single hook rig. This method also utilizes copper wire and proves to be unreliable, wherein most of the ballyhoo is left unsupported because the hook must be positioned so far forward in the bait that strike opportunities are lost when the bait is taken. In addition, prior knowledge of rigging is required, making the rigging procedure time consuming, especially for beginners. Once again, the leader wire is left dangerously exposed.
The chain rig presents a third option for rigging ballyhoo, but like the preceding methods, it proves to be inefficient and unreliable. Copper wire is again utilized to secure the nose of the bait, and requires specific knowledge and experience to properly wrap the bait to avoid slippage. The chain rig system also requires a special tool for rigging, that is the needle tool. Furthermore, this method lacks the strength necessary to insure large catches.
Although conventional riging techniques are available, they remain unreliable, time consuming, inconvenient, and ineffective. Therefore, there exists a need for a rigging system that is simple, convenient, reliable, and durable, to replace the antiquated conventions being employed today. The present invention offers such a device that eliminates the need for additional tools and wire, alleviates the risk of injury, and provides a stronger, more reliable system.


A display device having a display section and a support section, both formed from a sheet of stiff bendable and resilient material such as heavy weight paper and thin plastic. A base panel extends horizontally across the sheet with two slots of equal length extending vertically and generally symmetrically from the base panel for a small portion of the length of the sheet. A hinge formed by a crease is located horizontally between the two slots midway between the ends of the slots forming an upper panel and a lower panel between the slots and the hinge extends on both sides of the slots across the sheet. Another hinge is located at the top of the upper panel and still another hinge is located across the top of the base panel. The sheet bends at the crease on both sides of the slots forming a front display. The upper panel and lower panel bend so that the base panel is aligned with the lower panel. The lower edge of the base panel is placed directly beneath the upper edge of the upper panel. As a result, the upper panel and the lower panel are folded together forming a rear support for the display device with the base panel beneath the rear support.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to display devices and more particularly to a display device that is formed from a single sheet of material requiring two slots that can be folded into a secure display device and then can be unfolded into a single sheet with the two slots to be stored.
2. Prior Art and Objects of the Invention
Display devices of various forms are known. One style of display device is the well-known easel used by artists. Small paper display devices such as a piece of cardboard or stiff paper bent in an inverted V shape have been used to reserve tables in restaurants and to announce which guest sits where at a gathering. A single sheet with a folding tab has also been used. These devices have limited durability and can be used with limited success. A display device, such as might be used in a sales situation to display items such as jewelry, requires strength and durability. Such devices can be made by known methods but are comparatively expensive and do not easily dismantle for storage.
The Rondone Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,905, teaches a display device which can be placed in a stable position for display purposes and also be folded flat. However, the Rondone device requires a series of folds and staples to hold the folds in place. The present invention avoids all staples or glues or any other external means but rather creates a stable secure display device by the interlocking forces of a single folded sheet of material from which the display device is formed and which can then be unfolded and returned to a flat sheet for storage.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a display device which is made by folding a single sheet of material.
It is another object of this invention to provide a display device that can be unfolded and stored as a single flat sheet.
It is another object of this invention to provide a display device that is stable.
It is another object of this invention to provide a display device which is economical to produce.
It is another object of this invention to provide a display device that is readily stored.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art as the description thereof proceeds.


A mobile communication terminal having two keypads is provided. A mobile communication terminal comprises a first body having a left keypad installed at the left side of a front surface, and a second body having a display window installed at its left side and a right key installed at its right side, that is movably assembled with the front surface of the first body in the left or right direction. The mobile communication terminal may be used as a bar type communication terminal when the second body is not moved by sliding. If the left keypad of the first body is exposed by sliding down the second body, the two keypads are located at different sides of the display window, and thereby characters may be easily input with both hands. The two keypads arranged at different sides can each be or can both, be provided with a size large enough for individual character input.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal having two keypads, wherein a hidden keypad is covered and uncovered by a sliding method.
2. Description of the Related Art
The communication terminal is generally classified into a wired communication terminal and a wireless communication terminal. A typical wired communication terminal is a telephone mainly used in the office or home. The typical wireless communication terminal includes a PCS, cellular phone or PDA, as well as recently developed PDA phones with PDA functions or messenger phones. A wireless communication terminal generally provides a user with portability and mobility, and is therefore called a mobile communication terminal or portable terminal.
Conventional mobile communication terminals provide users with character information, image information, MP3, and games in addition to simple voice information, which may be identified through a display window of the mobile communication terminal by the users. The mobile communication terminal may be classified into a bar type, which does not have a cover, and flip, folder and sliding types, which have a cover.
The conventional mobile communication terminal includes a display window and a keypad installed under the display window, wherein the keypad is used for input of characters or numbers and a navigation pad is installed between the display window and the keypad for action of special functions.
The related art teaches the use of a keypad to input characters of, for example, a short message to be sent through the mobile communication terminal. Mobile communication terminals with a QWERTY keypad arranged in a keyboard form are commonly used to facilitate the input of characters.
An example of a mobile communication terminal with a conventional QWERTY keypad is illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile communication terminal 100 is a sliding type terminal having a cover 20, and has the structure where a QWERTY keypad 31 is installed on a front surface 12 of the body 10. A display window 33 is installed on a front surface 22 of the cover 20.
However, the QWERTY keypad 31 is installed on an exposed area of the front surface 12 of the body 10, for access when the cover slides upwards. The size of the QWERTY keypad 31 is small since the exposed area of the front surface 12 of the body 10 is small.
It is difficult to input characters through the QWERTY keypad 31 with a thumb and fingers. Therefore, the conventional mobile communication terminal has the drawbacks of low character input speed and frequent input errors.

Mobile communication terminal having two keypads


The micelle contains multiple units, each of which contains a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. A preferred unit is dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid. Borate-containing electrolytes include trifluoroborate, trimethylborate and hydrobis(pyridine)boron. Enzymes include peroxidases such as horseradish peroxidase or lignin peroxidase, and laccase. Monomers include unsubstituted and substituted anilines and unsubstituted and substituted phenols.

The invention relates to methods for polymerizing a monomer enzymatically in the presence of a template to form a polymer-template complex.
Recently, there has been an increased interest in the tailored development of certain classes of polymers, such as electrically conductive and optically active polymers (e.g. polythiophene, polypyrrole, and polyaniline) for application to wider ranges of use. Examples of such uses include light-weight energy storage devices, electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors. However, the potential applications of these polymers have been limited by some fundamental properties of the monomers employed to form these polymers and by limitations of known polymerization techniques.
Electrically conductive and optically active polymers are relatively insoluble in water. Therefore, these polymers are typically formed in an organic solvent. Attempts to increase the water solubility of these polymers have included derivatization of the monomer before polymerization or the resulting polymer formed. However, derivatization of monomers typically slows polymerization, while derivatization of polymers generally causes some degradation.
Moreover, the physical properties of polymeric materials generally can be manipulated only by mechanical means such as extrusion, or by polarization of relatively short polymers or oligomers in an electric field. Further, the existing synthetic methods of forming polymers generally do not provide means for manipulating their shape during polymerization.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome or minimize the above-referenced problems associated with polymer synthesis.
The invention relates to novel methods for enzymatic polymerization which include (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme, and (2) polymerizing the monomer aligning along the template to form a polymer-template complex. Not only does such a complex possess high molecular weight, high water solubility, and exceptional electrical and optical properties, its preparation is also simple, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive. Its excellent properties enable the complex to be used in many applications. For example, polyaniline-lignin sulfonate complexes can be used as an emulsifier in asphalt, or a dispersant for cement mixes, fertilizers, linoleum paste, dust suppressants, dyes and pigments. As another example, new polyaniline-micelle complexes, which form a spherical polymer shell, can be used for paints, coatings, and also for entrapping and transporting materials, e.g., pharmaceuticals, that are generally insoluble in aqueous media.
One aspect of this invention relates to novel methods for enzymatic polymerization. The methods include obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer (e.g., aniline or phenol), a micelle (e.g., a micelle template with positively charged or negatively charged groups on the surface), and an enzyme (e.g., a peroxidase such as horseradish peroxidase); and incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align around the micelle surface and polymerize to form a polymer-micelle complex. The method further includes combining an electron acceptor, such as hydrogen peroxide, with the reaction mixture to initiate the polymerization. The reaction mixture in the novel method has a pH of between about 4 and about 10 (e.g., between about 6 and about 8).
The micelles used in the novel methods include multiple units. Each unit has a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. The hydrophilic part includes an aromatic ring (e.g., benzene) bonded to an acidic substituent (e.g., sulfonate) with a pKa of the acidic substituent ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 (e.g., 0.5 to 2.5). Some examples of such a micelle unit are dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, octadecyl benzene sulfonic acid, and hexadecyl naphthyl sulfonic acid.
Another aspect of this invention relates to novel polymer-micelle complexes including a polymer bound to a micelle. The novel complexes have a molecular weight ranging from 70 kD to 10,000 kD (e.g., 100 kD to 7,000 kD) and can be electrically conducting and/or water soluble. The novel complexes can also be optically active. An example of the novel complex is polymer-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (e.g., polyaniline-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid or polyphenol-dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid).
A further aspect of this invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization. The method includes obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer (e.g., aniline or phenol), a template, and an enzyme (e.g., a peroxidase such as horseradish peroxidase); and incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The method further includes combining hydrogen peroxide with the reaction mixture to initiate the polymerization. The reaction mixture in the novel method has a pH that is greater than 4 (e.g., between about 4 and about 10 or between about 6 and about 8).
The template can be lignin sulfonate or a borate-containing polyelectrolyte; both of which contain charged groups (i.e., sulfonate or borate) that are responsible, at least in part, for aligning the charged monomers. Borate-containing polyelectrolytes can be a polymer (e.g., polyvinyl) containing positively or negatively charged groups. Examples of such charged groups include trifluoroborate [xe2x80x94BF3]xe2x88x92, trimethylborate [xe2x80x94B(CH3)3]xe2x88x92, and hydrobis(pyridine)boron [xe2x80x94BH(C5H5N)2]+.
A still further aspect of this invention relates to novel polymer-template complexes including a polymer bound to a template. The novel complexes have a molecular weight ranging from 70 kD to 10,000 kD (e.g., 100 kD to 7,000 kD). The complexes can be electrically conducting and/or water soluble and can act as a charge-transfer complex or an optically active complex. Examples of the novel complexes include polymer-lignin sulfonate (e.g., polyaniline-lignin sulfonate or polyphenol-lignin sulfonate) and polymer-borate-containing polyelec-trolyte (e.g., polyaniline-tetrafluoroborate-containing polyelectrolyte or polyphenol-tetramethylborate-containing polyelectrolyte).
A template binds to and aligns the monomers so as to maximize conjugation and minimize branching of the polymers formed according to the new methods. The template can be a polyelectrolyte. The template can also be a micelle, an oligomer, or a polymer. Examples of suitable templates include an azo polymer, a substituted polystyrene, a substituted vinyl polymer (e.g., polyvinyl phosphonate, polyvinyl phosphate, or polyvinyl benzoic acid), a sulfonated polymer (e.g., lignin sulfonate, sulfonated polystyrene, or polystyrene sulfonic acid), a polynucleotide (e.g., deoxyribonucleotide or ribonucleotide), a polypeptide, a protein, a biological receptor, a zeolite, a caged compound, an azopolymer, an vinyl polymers (e.g., polyvinyl benzoic acid, polyvinyl phosphate, or polyvinyl borate), polyphenol red, azo compounds, a dendrimer, a protein, or sulfonated micelles (e.g., micelle containing dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid ). The template can be positively charged, such as a polycation (e.g., poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride)) or negatively charged, such as a polyanion (e.g., sulfonated polystyrene). It is important that the charged groups of a template are indeed in their charged form under the required reaction conditions. For example, in the case of a polyanionic template (e.g., lignin sulfonate), the pKa value of the anionic functionalities (e.g., sulfonate) should be sufficiently low (e.g., from about 0.5 to about 3.5) to ensure that they are negatively charged under the reaction conditions (e.g., pH 4.0 to 10.0) so as to bind to and align the positively charged aniline monomers.
A conducting polymer refers to a polymer which exhibits conductivity ranging from about 10xe2x88x9210 to 106 S/cm.
The new template-assisted enzymatic polymerization reactions address problems associated with existing methods of preparing electrically conductive polymers such as the need for harsh chemicals, high costs, difficulty in producing polymeric products with high water solubility and electrical conductivity, and the inability to control shapes and sizes of such products. The polymer-template complexes prepared by this novel polymerization, in addition to being electrically conductive and completely soluble in aqueous media, are also of high molecular weights (e.g.,  greater than 70 kD).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict in terminology, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

Enzymatic polymerization of anilines or phenols around a template

Abstract: A method is provided for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. The polymer-template complex may be conductive, and possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

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


An object of the present invention is to provide an effective method for measuring by NMR in real time, an NMR-detecting cell for measurement of NMR, and an NMR-measuring apparatus, and

The present program on post-genome discovery focuses on the elucidation of the stereochemical conformation of an individual biomolecule, and will direct itself on more and more important studies on the interactions with the other biomolecules and the accompanying conformational changes. Those studies require efficient techniques, such as NMR measurement, to develop.
However, it is difficult for conventional NMR measurement technique that a thousand kinds of low molecular compounds for example are screened for substances interacting with a protein in interest. In such case, a procedure is presumed that the protein is mixed with ten kinds of low molecular compounds to prepare a measurement sample solution, which is then subjected to primary screening. However, the procedure needs preparing hundred sample solutions and making hundred turns of NMR measurement/analysis, and hence it takes a lot of time and a large amount of labor consumed to carry out this procedure repeatedly.
An automatic measurement sample changer can be applied to an NMR-measuring apparatus to improve the efficiency of the procedure, but it saves only a manual work for measurement sample exchange, and does not at all contribute to save the amount of the protein to use, the job for measurement sample preparation, and measurement time to consume.
The method for measuring solution NMR includes gel phase NMR analysis and liquid chromatography NMR analysis, but they have insufficient capacity to trace the conformational change of a protein, particularly the midterm process toward the folding of the protein.
The technique for measuring a measurement sample using an NMR method precedent to the present invention includes a technique wherein a filler is provided in the sample pathway inside an NMR probe to absorb the sample and then the absorbed sample is subject to NMR measurement (Patent document 1). However, the filler is provided in the sample pathway to concentrate the sample and prevent diffusion of the sample, and a screening method is not disclosed at all.
The technique for measuring a target polymeric substance using an NMR method precedent to the present invention includes a technique wherein the target polymeric substance is immobilized on a solid phase to make NMR measurement (Patent document 2). According to this technique, the target polymeric substance is immobilized on a solid phase under a liquid environment to make NMR measurement, or the immobilized substance is further supplied with a candidate compound to make NMR measurement about the result of their interaction. However, this system can not determine the process of their interaction by NMR, and can not conduct high throughput screening wherein many candidate compounds are consecutively supplied to measure. It is far from sufficient to effectively measure a sample.
[Patent document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139558
[Patent document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138545

NMR-detecting cell, NMR-measuring method, and NMR-measuring apparatus

Abstract: specifically, there has been found out a method for measuring NMR wherein a measurement sample is immobilized in a medium in an NMR-detecting cell that is an NMR detection part within an NMR-measuring magnet, and then measured by solution NMR in real time under the condition that the external environment around the immobilized measurement sample is consecutively changing.

Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


An inductive element having a gap and a fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The fabrication method is for fabricating an inductive element having a first core body, a second core body and a gap, and includes: coating an adhesive on a gap-facing side of the first core body and/or the second core body; providing a linear spacer and installing the linear spacer between the first core body and the second core body; and combining the side of the first core body where the adhesive is coated with the side of the second core body where the adhesive is coated, allowing the linear spacer to form the gap when the first core body is combined with the second core body. Thereby, the linear spacer establishes the size of the gap of the inductive element and improves the adhesion of the first core body to the second core body.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an inductive element having a gap and a fabrication method thereof, and more particularly, to an inductive element that uses a linear spacer to control the size of the gap and a fabrication method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
An inductive element is a passive element in an electronic circuit. An inductive element typically comprises a magnetic core and a coil. In electronic circuits, inductive element come in a variety of types depending on the desired attributes. One type of inductive element is an inductive element having a gap. Compared to an inductive element without a gap, an inductive element having a gap has a coil that is installed on a ferrite element to thereby provide lower inductance and greater current. The gap prevents the inductive element from entering the saturation state and becoming useless when current flows through the inductive element.
For a general inductive element having a gap, the larger the gap, the smaller the inductance of the inductive element becomes, and vice versa. Therefore, the inductive element may be manufactured to the desired inductance by controlling the size of the gap.
FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of an inductive element 1 having a low inductance and high current-carrying capability according to the prior art. The inductive element 1 comprises an upper core body 11, a tape 12, an adhesive 14, a lower core body 15 and a coil 16. In fabrication, the adhesive 14 is covered on the lower core body 15, tape 12, which can endure high temperatures, is stuck to the upper core body 11, and then the upper core body 11 that is affixed with the tape 12 covers the lower core body 15 covered with the adhesive 14. The upper core body 11 is spaced apart from the lower core body 15 by the tape 12 of a predetermined thickness to form a gap, and is adhered to the lower core body 15 by the adhesive 14. In order for the upper core body 11 to be at a uniform distance from the lower core body 15 (i.e., the size of the gap), the tape 12 is fabricated to have a large surface area, and is applied to the contact surface between the upper core body 11 and the lower core body 15.
Therefore, such an inductive element 1 uses the tape 12 to establish the size of the gap, and the thicker the tape 12, the lower the inductance of the inductive element 1 becomes.
However, the inductive element of the prior art has the following drawbacks.
(1) The tape has too large an area in contact with the core bodies. As shown in FIG. 1, the large area occupied by the tape 12, which is used in order for the gap to have a uniform size, covers a significant portion of the side of the upper core body 11 that contacts the adhesive 14, such that the adhesive 14 cannot maximally adhere the upper core body 11 to the lower core body 15, leaving the upper core body 11 easily detachable from the lower core body 15.
(2) Use of the tape has low accuracy. As formerly stated, the inductance of the inductive element is affected by the gap size, and the gap of the inductive element has to have a uniform size. However, the tape used in the prior art has too large a tolerance (that is, the difference in the thickness of the tape at various places), so the inductive element does not have a uniform inductance.
(3) The inductive element of the prior art incurs high costs. There is a limited number of types of high-temperature endurable tapes in the market, so most users order their own dedicated tapes, which costs a lot of money, and the inductive element that uses such tapes have a correspondingly higher cost.
In conclusion, finding a way to provide an inductive element that can more accurately, securely and cheaply form the gap, and do so in a way that can tolerate the high temperatures encountered in manufacture or application, is an important goal in the art.

Inductive element having a gap and a fabrication method thereof