In an apparatus for the removal floor coverings from a floor which apparatus comprises a support structure including a separating blade with a cutting edge arranged so as to be moved below the floor covering for separating the floor covering from the floor, a redirecting roller is rotatably supported on the support structure and the floor covering separated from the floor is moved past the redirecting roller and pressed into firm engagement therewith by a pressure roller mounted on the support structure adjacent the redirecting roller. Means or provided for driving the redirecting roller and the pressure roller thereby advancing the apparatus and moving the separating blade between the floor covering and the floor for separating the floor covering from the floor.

The invention relates to an apparatus for the removal of floor coverings such as PVC floor coverings or carpets, comprising a frame on which a separating blade is mounted and at least a first redirecting roller is rotatably supported for guiding the floor covering removed from the floor.
Such an apparatus is known for example from DE 2300668. The apparatus disclosed therein includes a plate which is so disposed as that it can be moved between the floor and the floor covering and which is oscillating back and forth. The plate includes a front edge in the form of a cutting edge. In order to eliminate the need to lift off, by hand, the floor covering strips, which have already been removed, this apparatus includes a roller with spikes extending radially from the roller. The spiked roller is disposed above the front edge of the back and forth oscillating plate and with its axis extending parallel thereto. With regard to the front edge of the plate, the spiked roller is so oriented that the outer surface area thereof which moves upwardly that is away from the support surface is disposed tangentially to a line extending vertically from the front edge of the plate. The floor covering is lifted off at such a pull angle that the front edge of the plate is always free to oscillate.
DE 298 10 100 U1 describes an apparatus for the removal of flexible floor coverings which includes a movable support structure supporting a floor covering removal apparatus including a rotating drum. Adjacent the floor, the apparatus includes a cutting structure by which a strip is severed from the floor covering. The strip is then wound onto the drum, which serves as a storage drum. With the winding of the strip onto the drum, the floor covering is removed from the floor. At the same time, the whole apparatus is advanced thereby.
With the known apparatus, the floor coverings can be removed with relatively little use of human force but the result is far from optimal. Particularly with the last mentioned apparatus pieces of the floor covering remain often attached to the floor since the floor covering is pulled off the floor and not separated therefrom by cutting blades. With the first mentioned apparatus, there is no optimum advancement drive for the apparatus. It has been found that a clean removal of the floor covering from the floor can only be achieved with appropriate advancement of the apparatus.
DE 115 791 A1 discloses further an apparatus for the removal of floor coverings which includes a support structure with a cutting blade and at least a first redirecting roller. The apparatus includes a pressure roller by which the floor covering redirected by a first redirecting roller is pressed into firm engagement with the first redirecting roller. The first redirecting roller is disposed with its circumference on the floor covering and is so arranged in the support structure that the support structure is advanced when the floor covering is firmly engaged with the first redirecting roller and the first redirecting roller is rotated. The cutting edge of the separating plate is spaced from the outer surface of the first redirecting roller by a distance, which corresponds to the thickness of the floor covering.
Although this apparatus fulfills the object of removing floor coverings, it has a disadvantage in that it does not remove the floor coverings well in critical areas such as in corner areas and stepped areas.
It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the removal of floor coverings which removes the floor coverings completely, also in critical areas, from the floor essentially without the need for operator assistance.
In an apparatus for the removal of floor coverings from a floor which apparatus comprises a support structure including a separating blade with a cutting edge arranged so as to be moved below the floor covering for separating the floor covering from the floor, a redirecting roller is rotatably supported on the support structure and the floor covering separated from the floor is moved past the redirecting roller and pressed into firm engagement therewith by a pressure roller mounted on the support structure adjacent the redirecting roller. Means are provided for driving the redirecting roller and the pressure roller thereby advancing the apparatus and moving the separating blade between the floor covering and the floor for separating the floor covering from the floor.
Since means are provided for firmly engaging the floor covering with the redirecting roller in a slip-free manner, a force is generated upon rotation of the redirecting roller by which the whole apparatus is properly advanced. The apparatus pulls itself forward on the floor covering as it removes the floor covering from the floor.
The cutting blade is so arranged that the cutting edge thereof is directed away from the redirecting roller and arranged in front of the redirecting roller. The cutting edge is disposed between the floor and the floor covering. In this way, the floor covering is safely and completely removed from the floor by the advancement of the apparatus. Since the cutting blade is further disposed in front of the redirecting roller, the cutting blade can be moved fully to a wall whereby the floor covering can be removed from the floor all the way to the wall. This eliminates the need for time consuming and expensive manual finishing work.
The floor covering removed from the floor is guided onto the redirecting roller with which it is engaged in a slip-free manner so that, upon rotation of the redirecting roller, the apparatus is steadily advanced and the cutting blade is continuously moved between the floor and the floor covering for detaching the floor covering from the floor. The apparatus according to the invention therefore does not require an external moving force for its advancement.
It has been found to be particularly advantageous if the apparatus includes a downholder, which is supported above the cutting edge of the cutting blade at a distance therefrom which equals about 1.5 times the thickness of the floor covering. With the downholder, the floor covering is guided onto the re-directing roller at an advantageous angle and is removed from the floor at an angle suitable for permitting efficient and effective removal by the cutting blade. Preferably, the downholder it a roller which is rotatably supported for guiding the floor covering. In this way, friction forces are reduced to a minimum.
For slip-free engagement of the floor covering with the redirecting roller preferably a pressure roller is used. In this way, the floor covering can be pressed into firm engagement with the redirecting roller in a simple manner.
Generally, it is not necessary to provide the redirecting roller with a special surface for example by providing it with spikes, knubs or similar structures. If it is found however that the surface is not sufficiently slip-free for firmly engaging the floor covering, a non-skid coating may be applied to the redirecting roller surface. In that case, it is advantageous if such a coating is also applied to the pressure roller surface.
It has been found to be particularly advantageous to provide a second redirecting roller by which the floor covering guided and onto which it is pressed. It is preferable that the axes of the two redirecting rollers extend about parallel to each other and are disposed in the corners of an isosceles triangle.
With the second redirecting roller, the force transfer from the apparatus to the floor covering is increased in an advantageous manner. The apparatus can therefore be operated with a large advancing force. Furthermore, the advancement force is effective in a uniform manner.
In another embodiment of the invention, the pressure roller is supported so as to be adjustable with respect to its distance from the redirecting rollers. In this way, the force applied to the redirecting roller can be adjusted depending on the given requirements. It is particularly advantageous if the pressure roller is spring-biased toward the redirecting roller.
The arrangement may further include a drive belt which extends between the pressure roller and the redirecting rollers and which further extends over an auxiliary roller which is disposed above the pressure and the redirecting rollers. In this arrangement, the distance of the auxiliary roller from the other rollers is preferably adjustable. The width of the drive belt corresponds essentially to the width of the rollers.
With the drive belt extending around the rollers, all the rollers are driven at the same time. Only one of the rollers has to be provided with a drive means such as an electric motor. The drive force is transmitted by the drive belt to all the other rollers.
Furthermore, the drive belt is advantageously employed for guiding the floor covering through the apparatus. In addition, the friction and, consequently, the force transmission to the floor covering can be increased with the drive belt. For the transmission of large forces the drive belt is provided with a surface which has a high friction coefficient. With the auxiliary roller whose distance from the other rollers is adjustable, the tension of the drive belt can be adjusted.
It has been found to be particularly advantageous to provide two floor covering cutting blades which are arranged in spaced relationship that is at a distance from each other which corresponds about to the width of the rollers. The two cutting blades are adapted to cut the floor covering into strips, which are removed from the floor.
In still another embodiment of the invention, at least three pressure rollers are provided. The diameter of these pressure rollers is somewhat less than half the diameter of the redirecting roller so that they can be arranged at relatively short distances, one after another, around the redirecting roller. Instead of one pressure point by which the floor covering is engaged with the redirecting roller in a slip-free manner, there are three pressure points. In this way, the floor covering is more firmly engaged with the redirecting roller.
With the last-mentioned embodiment it is particular advantageous if additionally guide rollers are provided at the opposite ends of the arrangement of pressure rollers and a drive belt extends around the guide rollers and the pressure rollers. With the guide rollers, the floor covering is guided but they are so arranged that no forces in radial direction of the redirecting roller are effective by the floor covering. As a result, all the forces are directed toward the engagement of the floor covering with the redirecting roller, whereby the friction free engagement of the floor covering with the redirecting roller is further improved. In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating blades consist of individual elements which are supported so as to be independently pivotable about a first axis.
Since the separating blades are not in the form of a single rigid element, which can be raised or lowered only as a whole, but in the form of individual elements which may have a relatively small width, also areas of the floor adjacent raised sections with relatively small sideward dimensions can be worked. When reaching such a raised section only the respective separating blade element is raised which extends over the raised area. The individual elements of the separating blade away from the raised area remain in their position and work the floor area adjacent the raised area. In this way, the need for additional finishing work can be eliminated or at least substantially reduced.
Although the separating blade may comprise individual elements which are supported individually so as to be pivotable about separate axes it has been found to be advantageous if the individual blade elements are all pivotable about a common axis. It is particularly advantageous if the first axis extends in the plane, or parallel to the plane, of the separating blade. This is the case for example when none of the individual blade elements is subjected to a deflection that is the individual elements are disposed all in a single plane and the first axis extends parallel to the cutting edge of the separating blade.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the individual blade elements are rotatable about a second axis, which extends at an angle of about 90xc2x0 with respect to the first axis. This results in an improved efficiency of the apparatus according to the invention. With the individual blade elements being rotatable about the second axis, uneven floor areas can be handled by the separation blades which are not parallel to the floor but are inclined thereto as this is the case for example in connection with trapezoidal raised areas. Since elevations and depressions of the floor are generally not in the form of steps but have xe2x80x94like a trapezoid xe2x80x94inclined areas, floor coverings can be removed with such an embodiment of the invention particularly effectively.
In another embodiment of the invention, the individual blade elements are engaged by a first compression spring element for pivoting about the first axis. With the compression spring element, the individual blade elements adapt very fast and effectively to the unevenness of the floor. This is also true for another embodiment of the invention wherein the individual blade elements are engaged by a second spring element for pivoting about the second axis. With the second spring element, the individual blade elements are rapidly returned to their original positions when they are not subjected to an outer force resulting from the floor.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a locking element is provided by which the individual blade elements can be locked in a predetermined position. The locking element prevents pivoting of the individual elements about the first axis. However, it may also prevent the rotation of the individual elements about the second axis or both the pivoting of the individual blade elements about the first axis and their rotation about the second axis. With the locking element, a single cutting blade may be made available as it is the state of the art. But the locking element may also be so designed that a certain desirable form of the cutting edge of the separating blade can be established.
Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention on the basis of the accompanying drawings.

Apparatus for the removal of floor coverings


The invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle which consists of a box-like casing and a number of flat plate-like game pieces that are freely movable relative to each other within a closed system defined by the casing. The game pieces are, distinguishable from each other by markings such as symbols or color.. The casing is a substantially closed, shape-rententive hollow body of the shape of a geometric solid bound by lateral faces. At least four such lateral faces are identical to each other in size and shape. The interior of the casing serves as a game space for the enclosed game pieces. The game pieces are of a shape that is substantially identical to that of the at least four lateral faces of the casing and are laid out in size so that they are permitted free movement within the game space. A retaining means for releasably holding any one of the game pieces to any one of the at least four lateral faces of the casing is provided for at least one of each of the at least four lateral faces of the casing and/or the game pieces. By performing a sequence of rearranging steps, the game pieces can be moved into many possible positions within the game space. The goal of the puzzle lies in rearranging the game pieces so that they show at least one pre-determined characteristic pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a three-dimensional puzzle comprising a box-like casing and a number of game pieces that are freely movable relative to each other within a closed system defined by the casing. The game pieces are, at least partially, marked and thus, are distinguishable from each other.
2. Description of the Related Art Three-dimensional logical toys comprising movable game elements or pieces that are marked, are provided with symbols, or are differently coloured, and as a result, are at least partially distinguishable from each other, have been known. In the known logical toys or puzzles, the game elements or pieces are movable, one by one or even groupwise, along courses of motion that are defined by a closed system of guide tracks. When playing with such logical toys or puzzles, an initial pre-determined characteristic pattern of the game pieces is first mixed up by moving the game pieces into various different positions along paths allowed by the system of guide tracks. After the initial characteristic pattern is mixed up, the player tries to bring the game pieces back into their initial characteristic pattern or into positions in which the game pieces show other, different pre-determined characteristic patterns through a sequence of steps. The efforts of the player are considered successful if the pre-determined characteristic pattern(s) of the game pieces are realized, or arrived at, by performing the shortest possible sequence of operational steps. In other words, satisfaction and success are achieved by finding, out of a large number of possible combinations, the simplest and thus, less time-consuming consuming sequence of steps or solution leading to certain pre-determined characteristic patterns of the puzzle.
The three-dimensional puzzle according to the present invention belongs to the wide range of spatial logical toys of the kind referred to above.


Method for treating atmospheric pollutants by contacting the atmosphere with a catalyst composition or adsorptive material coated on the surface of a substrate, preferably a motor vehicle radiator, in which the catalyst composition, preferably including a base metal, precious metal, or salts/oxides thereof, or adsorptive material, preferably including a zeolite, Group IIA alkaline earth metal oxide or carbon, is protected from degradation by harmful contaminants such as solid or aerosol particulates, water, SOx, NOx and water borne salts contained in the atmosphere by a coating of at least one porous protective material and a device useful therefor.

The present invention relates to a method for the low temperature cleaning of the atmosphere and more particularly to the rendering of the outer surface of a substrate, such as a radiator of a motor vehicle, capable of either catalytically converting atmospheric pollutants to less harmful materials or adsorbing such pollutants without adversely affecting the functioning of the substrate. The method is accomplished through the employment of a pollutant treatment coating on the surface of such substrate said coating being further provided with an overcoating of either a protective material alone or in combination with a water repellant material which improves durability and long term performance of the catalytic or adsorptive coating.
A review of literature relating to pollution control reveals that the general approach is to reactively clean waste streams entering the environment. If too much of one pollutant or another is detected or being discharged, the tendency has been to focus on the source of the pollutant. For the most part gaseous streams are treated to reduce the pollutants prior to entering the atmosphere.
It has been disclosed to treat atmospheric air directed into a confined space to remove undesirable components therein. However, there has been little effort to treat pollutants which are already in the environment; the environment has been left to its own self-cleansing systems.
References are known which disclose proactively cleaning the environment. U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,088 discloses an air filtering assembly for cleaning pollution from the ambient air by utilizing a vehicle as a mobile cleaning device. A variety of elements are disclosed to be used in combination with a vehicle to clean the ambient air as the vehicle is driven through the environment. In particular, there is disclosed ducting to control air stream velocity and direct the air to various filter means. The filter means can include filters and electronic precipitators. Catalyzed postfilters are disclosed to be useful to treat non-particulate or aerosol pollution such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and/or sulfur oxides, and the like.
Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,429. There is disclosed a mobile airborne air cleaning station. In particular this patent features a dirigible for collecting air. The dirigible has a plurality of different types of air cleaning devices contained therein. The air cleaning devices disclosed include wet scrubbers, filtration machines, and cyclonic spray scrubbers.
The difficulty with devices disclosed to proactively clean the atmospheric air is that they require new and additional equipment. Even the modified vehicle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,088 requires ducting and filters which can include catalytic filters.
DE 40 07 965 C2 to Klaus Hager discloses a catalyst comprising copper oxides for converting ozone and a mixture of copper oxides and manganese oxides for converting carbon monoxide. The catalyst can be applied as a coating to a self-heating radiator, oil coolers or charged-air coolers. The catalyst coating comprises heat resistant binders which are also gas permeable. It is indicated that the copper oxides and manganese oxides are widely used in gas mask filters and have the disadvantage of being poisoned by water vapor. However, the heating of the surfaces of the automobile during operation evaporates the water. In this way, continuous use of the catalyst is possible since no drying agent is necessary.
Responsive to the difficulties associated with devices which proactively treat the atmosphere, the Assignee herein in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/410,445 filed on Mar. 24, 1995, now abandoned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/589,182 filed Jan. 19, 1996, now abandoned, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/589,030 filed Jan. 19, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,542, each incorporated herein by reference, disclosed apparatus in related methods for treating the atmosphere by employing a moving vehicle. In preferred embodiments a portion of the surface of the engine or cabin cooling system (e.g. the radiator, air-conditioning condenser, etc.) is coated with a catalytic or adsorption composition. Additionally, the fan associated with the engine cooling system can operate to draw or force air into operative contact with the radiator. Pollutants contained within the air such as ozone, hydrocarbons and/or carbon monoxide are then catalytically converted to non-polluting compounds (e.g., oxygen, water and carbon dioxide).
The Assignee herein also has pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/412,525 filed on Mar. 29, 1995, now abandoned, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses devices and methods for proactively treating the atmosphere catalytically by employing a stationary object such as selected surfaces of an automobile at rest, a billboard, an air conditioning unit and the like coated with a catalytic composition.
In addition, International Publication No. WO 98/02235 of the Assignee herein discloses a process of catalytically activating the surface of a heat exchange device such as a motor vehicle radiator while retaining the heat exchange properties of the device. The method enables the catalytic treatment of the atmosphere by converting pollutants contained therein to less harmful materials while allowing the radiator to perform its function normally. A polymeric protective coating which is stable up to temperatures of about 100xc2x0 C. may be employed to retard degradation and inactivation of the catalyst.
The application of a catalyst or absorbent composition to the surface of a substrate such as a radiator of a motor vehicle presents problems such as the exposure of the composition to relatively high concentrations of contaminants which can deleteriously affect the functioning of the composition. Such contaminants include solid or vaporized particulates, corrosive compounds such as salts and oxides of nitrogen, sulfur and the like. Contact of the composition with such contaminants can result in masking, fouling and/or poisoning. In addition, water (and contaminants contained therein) can be a source of degradation and can also decrease the activity and useful life of catalyst and adsorbent compositions.
It would therefore be a significant advance in the art of reducing atmospheric pollution to employ catalytic and adsorptive composition coated devices for the treatment of the atmosphere to remove pollutants contained therein wherein the composition is protected against those contaminants commonly encountered in the atmosphere which can adversely affect performance of the composition. It would be a further advance in the art if the composition could be protected from contaminants at from ambient temperatures up to about several hundred degrees centigrade. It would be still a further advance in the art if the composition could be protected from water especially liquid water.
The present invention generally relates to a method and device for cleaning the atmosphere by removing pollutants therefrom. A surface which contacts the atmosphere such as a surface of a radiator of a motor vehicle is treated with a catalyst or absorbent composition so that the outer surface (i.e., air side) thereof is capable of either adsorbing pollutants or catalytically converting pollutants contained in the atmosphere into less harmful substances. The composition is coated at least in part (preferably completely) with a porous, protective coating as defined herein which effectively protects the composition from atmospheric contaminants at ambient temperatures up to several hundred degrees centigrade or higher. Preferably, the porous protective coating is itself overcoated with a hydrophobic material. The present invention also encompasses devices treated in the manner described herein.
The term xe2x80x9cadsorptionxe2x80x9d is defined as including: (a) the penetration of one substance into the inner structure of another (commonly referred to as xe2x80x9cabsorptionxe2x80x9d); and (b) adherence of the atoms, ions, or molecules of a gas or liquid to the surface of another substance (commonly referred to as xe2x80x9cadsorptionxe2x80x9d). See, for example, Hawley""s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Thirteenth Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997, pp. 2, 3, 24.
Similarly, related terms such as, for example, adsorbents, adsorbing, adsorptive, etc. shall be understood to include both related meanings. The term xe2x80x9catmospherexe2x80x9d means the mass of air surrounding the earth, and includes xe2x80x9cambient airxe2x80x9d which is the portion of the atmosphere that is drawn or forced towards the outer surface of the coated substrate. Ambient air includes air, which has been heated either incidentally or by a heating means. The term xe2x80x9csubstratexe2x80x9d is used in its customary broad sense and includes any surface which can be coated with a suitable catalyst or adsorbing composition and thereafter have the composition protected in the manner described herein. Such surfaces include those surfaces found in motor vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, vans, buses, trains, airplanes and the like and include but are not limited to radiators, condensers, charge air coolers, transmission coolers, inserted devices which may be separately heated, heat exchangers, fluid transporting conduits and the like. Surfaces normally described as stationary such as billboards, road signs, outdoor HVAC equipment are also included. For convenience only, a motor vehicle radiator will be discussed herein as typical of a suitable substrate.
In accordance with the present invention, the surface of the substrate (e.g., radiator) is provided with a substance which can either effectively catalyze the conversion of pollutants contained in the atmosphere to less harmful substances or adsorb such pollutants for later treatment as appropriate. The surface of the radiator is therefore capable of either catalytically converting pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and ozone into less harmful materials such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and water, or adsorbing pollutants such as NOx, SOx hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide as the case may be.
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of catalytically treating the atmosphere to convert pollutants to less harmful materials comprising treating an outer surface of a substrate, particularly an auto radiator to render said surface capable of catalytically converting said pollutants and then providing the catalyst with an overcoating of at least one material or mixtures of such materials which is porous and preferably also adsorbent (hereinafter, xe2x80x9cporous protective materialxe2x80x9d). The porous protective material is preferably sufficiently porous to enable the atmosphere including the contained pollutants to be treated to pass therethrough into operative contact with the catalyst composition to enable conversion thereof into less harmful materials. The porous protective material preferably should also be adsorbent in order to trap atmospheric catalyst degradating contaminants so that they are at least substantially prevented from reaching the catalyst composition. Still further, the catalyst and the porous protective material are preferably stable at ambient temperatures and up to about several hundred degrees centigrade.
In another aspect of the invention, the porous protective material may include or be overcoated with at least one substance which is capable of protecting the catalyst composition from contact with liquid water and/or water vapor (hereinafter, xe2x80x9chydrophobic protective materialxe2x80x9d).
In another aspect of the invention, the outer surface of the substrate (e.g. radiator) is made of or provided with a catalytically active substance such as a base metal catalyst (e.g. manganese dioxide), precious metal catalyst or combination thereof. As used herein the terms xe2x80x9cbase metal catalystxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cprecious metal catalystxe2x80x9d shall include the base metals and precious metals themselves as well as compounds containing the same e.g., salts and oxides and the like.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for cleaning the atmosphere comprising treating an outer surface of a substrate, particularly an auto radiator with an adsorptive material to render said surface capable of adsorbing pollutants present in the atmosphere such as NOx, SOx hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and then providing the adsorptive material with an overcoating of at least one porous protective material.
In another aspect of the invention, the outer substrate surface coated with either a catalyst composition or adsorbing composition, is coated with the porous protective material which is then overcoated with a hydrophobic protective material. The protective material, whether porous, hydrophobic or a combination of both still permits pollutants to pass into contact with either the catalyst composition so they may be converted to less harmful materials or into contact with the adsorbing composition so that they may be absorbed and thereby removed from the atmosphere.
The coatings contemplated for use herein do not substantially interfere with the normal desired operation of the substrate (e.g., auto radiator) whose surface has been coated.

Method and device for cleaning the atmosphere


The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC System comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of input control areas. A microprocessor is provided for control on the display screen. Buttons are pressed in order to program set-points of the thermostat so that seven days may be programmed simultaneously. The display includes a seven-day icon so that the user can program the thermostat set-points rapidly (e.g. setting time and temperature settings with minimal steps). The user may activate a first programming mode wherein the activating occurs by depressing a programming-mode button for a first pre-selected duration in order to select a first day for setting the conditioning mode. The user may activate a second programming mode wherein such activating occurs by depressing the programming-mode button for a second pre-selected duration that is longer than the first pre-selected duration in order to select programming for all seven days simultaneously.

Thermostats typically have multiple functions that require user input, such as setting time of day, day of week, programming temperature set points or programming user settings. Control panels typically include an assortment of buttons for operating the thermostat and adjusting the settings. Adjustment of the thermostat settings using the assortment of buttons can often times be confusing to the user, require detailed review of user manual and consume much time in order to properly operate the thermostat and adjust the settings to the user's liking.
In some cases a liquid crystal display (LCD) may be provided that includes touch sensitive areas populated on the display screen. The touch sensitive area may include numerals, word phrases or graphics (collectively, "icons") that appear on the display screen. By touching the appropriate icon, the user can make adjustments to the functioning of the thermostat and activate specific modes of operation or make setting adjustments. Some thermostats are known to have mechanical buttons or switches ("hard buttons"). Such hard buttons are commonly used in combination with touch sensitive areas ("soft buttons") on a LCD. Some thermostats have multiple hard buttons on different portions of the thermostat housing. Typically the user must program the thermostat by using the soft or hard buttons to adjust set-points (e.g. time and corresponding temperature) for each day of the week. The process of programming is typically repeated seven times so that the proper set-points are programmed for each weekday and weekend day. When programming includes setting hour, minute, temperature and fan settings; the total number steps and inputs required to complete the programming for seven days may exceed 100 steps. The present invention overcomes many of the above mentioned disadvantages of previously known thermostats and allows for more rapid programming of the thermostat.

Rapid programming of thermostat with multiple programming mode conditions


A composition is which, when added to an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having 40 to 60 weight percent of vinyl acetate units, renders a repulpable hot melt adhesive comprises a tackifier and an oxygen-containing polymer. The oxygen-containing polymer may be either (i) a high molecular weight carboxylic acid; (ii) a ethylenically unsaturated cyclic anhydride graft polyolefin or (iii) a primary linear polymeric alcohol of the formula EQU A-B. wherein A is represented by a unit of the formula ##STR1## and B is represented by a unit of the formula ##STR2## where R and R.sub.1 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; x is greater than or equal to 1 but less than 70; and y is between 0 about 45; provided the weight ratio of B/A+B is between 0 and 50 percent. The molecular weight of the alkyl unit of the oxygen-containing polymer is less than 2,000. Such adhesive compositions, which may further contain wax and/or an alkoxylated alcohol have particular applicability when used in combination with recyclable paper.

Solid waste management has long captured the public's attention. As landfills continue to close, new avenues must be opened for recycling municipal solid waste--paper and paperboard products, containers and other packaging.
Molten adhesive compositions, commonly referred to as hot melt adhesives, are normally used in the manufacture of paper products. Products which have been recycled from such paper products are often characterized by heavy spotting. Such spots are formed when the waste material is heated. As a result, the conversion of municipal solid waste materials containing hot melt adhesives to desirable recycled end-products has been relatively unsuccessful.
Hot melt adhesive particulates have been identified as the source of other problems encountered in mills; such as deposition on wire and press felts and doctor blades; breaks at the wet end or during rereeling; and product quality deterioration due to sheet holes. Productivity and monetary losses have therefore been high.
The recycling of wastepaper from materials containing hot melt adhesives proceeds generally by one of three methods. In two of the methods, the hot melt adhesive is separated from a water slurry of the recycled fibers using either cleaners or screens. When screens are employed, the pulp slurry is passed through a cylindrical screen plate fitted with small holes or fine vertical slots. The particles of hot melt adhesives are separated out and rejected. When cleaners are used, the pulp slurry is pumped into the cleaner to form a spiraling flow. The slurry is subjected to a centrifugal field. A central core is formed in which the particles of hot melt adhesives concentrate. A portion of the pulp slurry is extracted from this central core carrying the rejected hot melt adhesive particles.
In the third method, a thickened pulp slurry is heated to a temperature, generally ranging from 180.degree. F. to 250.degree. F. It is then subjected to an intensive shearing and/or kneading action. The hot melt particles are broken down to fine sizes, thereby minimizing'spotting. Considerable energy is expended, however, in the process.
In the design of modern recycling systems, interest has been centered on those properties of hot melt adhesives which are useful in the separation of the adhesive particulates from the pulp slurry. Much attention has been paid to the size of the hot melt adhesive particulate and its resistance to breakup when the wastepaper is wetted and broken up in a pulper. Pulpers have been specifically designed to minimize breakup of the hot melt particulate during the pumping action. The larger particulates are separated from the pulp slurry with screens. To separate hot melt adhesive particles that pass through the screens, the pulp slurry is pumped into a through-flow cleaner wherein the smaller hot melt adhesive particulates are removed.
Molten adhesives must be repulpable in order to maximize wastepaper quality. Hot melt adhesives typically comprise an elastomeric resin and a tackifying resin. Antioxidants, fillers and plasticizers may further be incorporated. The elastomeric resin serves to form the backbone and contributes to the cohesive strength and toughness of the composition. Tackifying resins promote specific adhesion and help the adhesive to wet the substrate. In addition, a wax is frequently added to fine tune such adhesive properties as tensile strength, high temperature performance, compatibility and flexibility. Waxes further serve to decrease melt viscosity, increase the crystallinity and control the open and set times of the elastomeric resin.
It has been previously reported that improved adhesive strength and high temperature properties can result when primary alcohols are used in place of hydrocarbon waxes. Such compositions unfortunately were not repulpable due to their poor dispersability factor.
It is most desired to develop a hot melt adhesive which is dispersible in aqueous systems and is compatible and recyclable. Compatibility is defined as the ability of the composition to impart adhesive properties to contiguous layers. Compatibility may be measured by various means such as viscosity stability, melt flow characteristics and cloud point. In particular, compatibility references the physical state wherein the elastomeric resin, tackifier and other additives are in a homogenous indistinct blend. In an incompatible adhesive, the elastomer, tackifier and additives are in discrete areas in the molten state.

Repulpable hot melt adhesive for packaging materials containing an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having 40-60 weight percent of vinyl acetate units, a tackifier and a high molecular weight oxygen-containing polymer


An improved wind tunnel six component balance having an outer shell assembly that receives a tubular inner rod and an axial member that is received within the interior of the tubular inner rod. The forward and aft ends of the outer shell assembly are connected to the inner rod. The loads imposed on the forward and aft ends of the outer shell assembly are transferred to the inner rod and into the tunnel support system. The central annular section of the outer shell assembly is connected to the axial adapters (four each and into the central disk of the axial member. The principal areas of the axial element are the central disk member, the flexures (two sets forward and two sets aft), the forward and aft gauged sections, and the forward and aft disk members. Normal force, side force, and rolling moment are carried by the outer forward webs of the outer shell assembly. The axial member will transfer the majority of the axial force then the forward and aft outer shell webs. The central disk member transfers the axial force induced by the axial adapters to the forward and aft flexures into the forward and aft gauged sections and finally to the forward and aft disk members which transfers the axial force to the tunnel support system. A plurality of strain gauges are mounted on the respective gauged sections of the axial member and also on the connecting webs of the outer shell assembly.

The invention relates generally to force measuring instruments used during non-destructive testing, and more particularly to the measuring of force and moments on wind tunnel models of aircraft.
There are six components of force and moment acting on a wind tunnel model which are of interest to the designer in evaluating the flying qualities of an aircraft. These six components are known by those skilled in the art as lift force, drag force, side force, pitching moment, yawing moment, and rolling moment. By determining the magnitude of these components acting on a scale model in a wind tunnel, certain design parameters can be obtained which will apply to the full scale aircraft.
Prior art strain gage balances have been successfully utilized to measure the forces on wind tunnel models. The moments and forces acting on the model are usually resolved into three components of force and three components of moments but providing different members within the balance that were sensitive only to one or two components. Each of the members carry strain gauges which were connected in combinations that formed Wheatstone bridge circuits. By appropriately connecting the strain gauges, the resulting Wheatstone bridge circuit unbalances could be resolved into readings of the three components of force and three components of moment. All access to the model is by way of the sting support, having the balance attached to the upstream end. The balance is small enough to fit through the aft end of the model into a cavity within the model. Thus it can be seen that all tubes, hoses, wires and such must compete within the balance for the small cross section of area available within the slim cavity of the models.
Wind tunnel and non-destructive testing of scale or full size models require the use of six component load measuring devices to measure all the applied loads on a wind tunnel model or test article within 0.3% of maximum load accuracy. These devices are called six-component balances. These tests have been completed using a conventional two shell structure for many years with the following limitations: 1) Limited load capacity, 2) High temperature sensitivity, 3) Compromise of some components, since each web measures at least three separate components, 4) limited minimum diameter, and 5) The need for more accuracy.
It is an object of the invention to provide a novel two shell flexured balance with a separate axial member that will overcome or significantly reduce most of the problems listed above. The separate axial member will increase the load capacity, by allowing the webs to be designed as flexures. This will decrease the web stresses and remove the strain gauges from the high stress areas. The temperature effects will be reduced due to the increased flexibility of the elements in the non-measuring directions. Each flexure element will measure a maximum of only two components instead of three. By reducing the compromises required, the diameter can be reduced since the webs will require fewer gauges and higher web stress will be allowed. The flexibility will reduce the inneractions and should increase the accuracy.

Flexure two shell with separate axial, six component balance

General Dynamics Corporation, Space Systems Division


A water closet (WC) attachment includes a shower device and a water safety device which is connected by a conduit to the shower device. A channel is provided for discharging leakage from the water safety device. The shower device, the water safety device and the channel can be arranged on a base plate.

The invention relates to a toilet attachment with a shower device and a water safety device, which is connected by a conduit to the showering device.
Water closets (WCs) with a shower device are also known as "shower-WCs". Commercially known shower-WCs have an integrated shower function for the anal and/or genital region of the user. For this purpose, a nozzle is arranged at the end of the shower device, through which the water discharges in the direction towards the area to be cleaned. The nozzle is generally extendible, either electromechanically or under water pressure. In the latter case, the water pressure is used for supplying the nozzle.
The shower device is controlled by means of a valve, by means of which the water supply is opened and closed. The actuation can be effected, for instance, manually, that is to say by turning the valve, whereby with electromechanical control a pulse is triggered, which effects opening or closing of the valve. The flow volume can additionally frequently be regulated.
Shower-WCs with an integral bidet are sophisticated WCs, which, depending on their configuration, have further functions, such as a drying function, a heating function of the WC seat and the like. Such shower-WCs have basically proved to be satisfactory. However, their complexity makes them very expensive. A move has therefore been made to offering shower devices as a retrofit component for conventional WCs as an alternative to shower-WCs with an integral shower device. It is here that the WC attachment in accordance with the invention finds application.
A WC attachment is disclosed in DE 20 2006 013 209 U1, which may be retrofitted as an additional module to a conventional WC. The WC attachment has a shower device and a water safety device, which are mounted on a base plate and are connected together by means of a hose-like conduit. The water safety device is a free outlet with an injector. A water jet is sprayed via a free space into a receptacle, which is of funnel-like construction. As a result of the free space, the water cannot run back to the injector. Contamination of the water is thereby impossible.
The leaking water runs directly from the water safety device into the WC bowl. The water safety device engages in a recess formed in the base plate, which is arranged above the WC bowl.
The known WC attachment permits economical retrofitting of conventional WCs. Merely a separate water connection is necessary for the bidet function.
It has, however, been found that the construction of the known WC attachment is not optimal. In particular, the engagement of the water safety device through the base plate fixes the position of the water safety device.
This is where the invention steps in.
It is the object of the invention to optimise the known WC attachment, particularly as regards its construction.

Toilet attachment comprising a showering device


In at least one illustrative embodiment, a building automation system may comprise a communication network compatible with at least one building automation system communication protocol, a control system coupled to the communication network, and a building automation server coupled to the communication network. The building automation server may be configured to receive at least one event message over the communication network from the control system in response to a corresponding condition occurring on the control system, access past event messages generated by the control system in response to past occurrences of the corresponding condition, and generate event alert data as a function of the received at least one event message and the retrieved past event messages, the event alert data identifying (i) a name of the corresponding condition, (ii) a real-time status of the control system, and (iii) a quantitative summary of the past occurrences of the corresponding condition.

A frequent challenge for managers of building automation systems is the management of lists of raw data provided from various control systems. Such data is most often presented in one or more tables, possibly with filtering methods presented as options to organize the raw data. As such, a building administrator may be tasked with skimming through upwards of tens or hundreds of thousands of event messages and/or alarms in an effort to identify which control systems require attention. The use of filters predominates as the typical method for sorting event messages and alarms. However, the use of generic filters has extremely poor usability. Although manual filters can be used to filter raw data, their use is cumbersome and often difficult to implement correctly.


Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing connectivity in a virtual network. One embodiment determines if information received from a device in a virtual land area network (VLAN) matches a configuration of a virtual connect domain (VCD) in order to label links as being either internal or external.

As data centers increase server density, server deployment and management continues to be a resource-intensive task. For example, a server administrator typically must log on to each server and individually configure each server for communicating on the network. The configuration of the servers and attached network devices (switches, bridges, and routers) must be carefully coordinated to ensure reliable and secure operation. This configuration is manually performed by a server administrator. Accordingly, administrating servers and network devices in data centers can be inefficient, time-consuming, costly, and potentially error-prone.
Attempts have been made to automate network and server management. Some systems use a layer of management software that controls both servers and network devices by interacting with their respective management interfaces. The difficulty of automatically managing a collection of servers and network devices from a variety of vendors is only partially mitigated by the availability of standard management protocols such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
End-node-based techniques exist for monitoring aspects of network health and topology of interest to end nodes. These techniques are mildly intrusive to the end nodes and require some knowledge of the network configuration on the part of the end node administrator to be used effectively.

Managing connectivity in a virtual network

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A temperature sensor includes a photon source, a fluorescent element and a photodetector. The fluorescent element includes a temperature-insensitive first fluorophore and a temperature-sensitive second fluorophore. The photodetector includes a first photosensor exhibiting a first spectral responsivity and a second photosensor exhibiting a second spectral responsivity. To measure a temperature of a surface, the fluorescent element may be placed adjacent to the surface and irradiated with a photon beam. First photons emitted from the first fluorophore and second photons emitted from the second fluorophore are collected. The first and second photons may be transmitted as a single dichromatic beam to the photodetector. The photosensors generate two different photodetector output signals, the ratio of which may be correlated to temperature.

A fluorescent material emits light of a certain wavelength in response to absorbing light of a different (and typically shorter) wavelength. Fluorescence thermometry may be utilized to measure the temperature of fluorescent materials, and indirectly measure a second material in contact with the fluorescent material, by taking advantage of the temperature-dependent fluorescent behavior of certain materials. Generally, some characteristic of fluorescence (intensity, decay time, wavelength) is correlated with temperature. As an optics-based technique, fluorescence thermometry lends itself to the use of optical waveguides, particularly elongated waveguides such as optical fibers, light pipes, and the like. Thus, active components utilized in fluorescence thermometry (excitation source, optical sensor, electronics) can be placed remotely from the surface to be measured. Accordingly, the temperature measurement can take place in an environment unsuitable for these active components, such as in the presence of high temperatures, harsh chemicals, or electromagnetic fields.
Several approaches have been developed for implementing fluorescence thermometry. The most successful approach to date entails correlating fluorescence decay time with temperature. This approach overcomes problems with accuracy and stability, but requires sophisticated and costly components, including a modulated light source and suitable electronics to extract fluorescence decay time. By measuring decay, where lower signal levels contribute to the measurement, noise can be a considerable factor. Also, because it is a decay process where many cycles must be averaged to determine a decay time, response time is typically limited to about 0.25 seconds or more.
An alternative approach to optical thermometry involves measuring the ratio of emission between two fluorescent materials, such that the ratio is correlated with temperature. These approaches are optically inefficient. One example is the use of separate fibers or a split fiber, together with separate optical sensors and optical filters. In such an approach each optical sensor receives less than half of the photons generated by the fluorescence process. Another example is the use of a grating to distinguish wavelengths, which is even more optically inefficient due to the spatial dispersion of light.
There is an ongoing need for fluorescence-based thermometric apparatus and methods that are more optically efficient, accurate, reliable, and able to respond quickly. There is also a need for fluorescence-based thermometric apparatus and methods that are operable in adverse environments.


Disclosed herein are a vehicle configured to prevent a collision and a control method thereof. The vehicle includes a chassis; a steering unit configured to change a direction of the chassis; a brake unit configured to adjust a braking force of the chassis; a detector configured to detect movement information of the chassis; and a controller configured to confirm a variation rate of movement of the chassis based on the detected movement information and configured to automatically control an operation of the steering unit and the brake unit when the confirmed variation rate is out of a reference range. When a collision occurs, the vehicle may automatically perform at least one of steering control, side braking control, or a damping control, and thus a secondary collision may be prevented, the incidence of additional injury may be reduced, the speed of the vehicle may be stably reduced or stopped, and the vehicle may be moved to a safe lane so that a stabilization time of the vehicle may be reduced.

1. Field
Forms of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle configured to prevent a collision and a control method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
A vehicle may be a driving apparatus in order to transfer people and cargo by driving a vehicle wheel, and may be moved on the road.
The vehicle may cause an accident due to a malfunction of the vehicle or an accident may occur due to another vehicle's mistake or a road condition.
Recently, various technologies have been developed to prevent accidents.
For example, a distance detection sensor is mounted to a vehicle to detect an obstacle adjacent to the vehicle and warn a driver of the obstacle. Using the technology, the accident may be prevented in advance.
For another example, in a state in which an electromagnet is mounted to a bumper of a vehicle, when another vehicle is within a certain distance, the vehicle determines it as a collision condition and supplies a power to the electromagnet so that the electromagnet generates a magnetic force. Accordingly, when the vehicle is in the collision situation, the vehicle may be stopped.
The technology is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-0040771.
However, since the vehicle generates a magnetic force without confirming whether an electromagnet is mounted to a first vehicle that is in a collision situation, there may be a problem that causes a greater accident due to the magnetic force when colliding with the first vehicle without the electromagnet.
For another example, as a distance between the vehicle and the first vehicle is closer, a repulsive magnetic force may be increased and thus a large amount of repulsive force may be generated in an opposite direction to a driving direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, due to the larger amount of variation, a strong impact may be applied to a driver and it may cause a secondary collision with a second vehicle.
When the vehicle collides with the first vehicle adjacent to the vehicle, it may take a certain time for a driver of the second vehicle to determine and recognize a condition in which the vehicle is in a quick brake state and the vehicle is stopped due to the collision, and thus it may allow the second vehicle to be involved in a chain collision.
In addition, when the driver of the vehicle cannot send a warning signal because of being incapable of turning on an emergency light due to an injury, the driver of the second vehicle may not recognize the dangerous situation and it may cause a greater accident.
As mentioned above, by an additional secondary collision generated by an external force after the collision of the vehicle, there are many victims.
At the moment of the collision, the driver may be unable to operate a steering system and a brake system of the vehicle for immediate avoidance or for entering a safety state, due to the impact. In addition, the vehicle may be moved in an unwanted direction with the acceleration and give the injury to pedestrians.

Vehicle and method for controlling the same


It is an object of the present invention to provide an image display apparatus which is light and thin and is manufactured with reduced cost and which assures a clear image with no luminance unevenness over the entire screen. The image display apparatus includes: a string like hot cathode for emitting electrons; a perforated cover electrode for leading out and accelerating the electrons emitted from the cathode; a control electrode disposed substantially parallel with the cathode and having an electron-pass aperture permitting an electron beam to pass therethrough, the control electrode being adapted to control the electron beam; a luminous element which emits light when irradiated with the electron beam and is disposed on a curved surface; and a focusing electrode disposed between the control electrode and the luminous element, the focusing electrode being divided into focusing electrodes. Where the luminous element, the focusing electrode and the control electrode comprise respective curved surfaces and the string like hot cathode and the perforated cover electrode are formed on a flat plane, a second grid is provided between the control electrode and the perforated cover electrode.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are, respectively, an exploded perspective view of a conventional flat-type image display apparatus as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications Nos. 226949/1991 and 184239/1988 and an enlarged, partially broken away view of a principal part of another example. In FIGS. 16 and 17, numeral 1 denotes string like hot cathodes each of which is connected to a support and emits electrons when energized, and numeral 3 denotes perforated cover electrodes each covering each string like hot cathode 1 and each elliptically shaped in section. Each cover electrode 3 has small apertures permitting electrons to pass therethrough and serves to lead electrons out of the corresponding string like hot cathode 1 when an appropriate potential is applied. An electron-emitting source 40 comprises the string like hot cathodes 1, perforated cover electrodes 3 and back electrodes 42 fixing the cover electrodes 3 arranged in parallel and each assuming a potential equal to that of the corresponding cover electrode 3. Numeral 8 denotes a front glass which is coated on the inner surface thereof with three types of luminous elements (not shown) in a dotted or striped manner and with an aluminum film (not shown) covering these luminous elements for electric conduction, the luminous elements being adapted to be excited by electrons emitted from the electron-emitting source 40 to emit light in respective colors, i.e., red, green and blue.
In such a configuration, an application of a voltage of about 5 to about 30 kV to the aluminum film of the front glass 8 causes electrons to accelerate and thereby the luminous elements (not shown) to be excited to emit light. Numeral 4 denotes a control electrode for permitting or shutting off the passage of electrons led out by each cover electrode 3 toward the front glass 8, the control electrode being interposed between the front glass 8 and the string like hot cathodes 1. Numeral 10 denotes a focusing electrode to be applied with a predetermined voltage for causing an electron beam having passed through an electron-pass aperture 4a of the control electrode 4 to pass through an electron-pass aperture 10a and to be focused upon the corresponding dot of the luminous element. As shown in FIG. 17, the control electrode 4 includes a surface-insulative substrate 5 having electron-pass apertures 4a corresponding to pixels formed on the front glass 8, for example, a surface-insulative substrate 5 formed by coating an etch-perforated metallic substrate with an insulating film, a first control electrode group 6A including metallic electrodes 6 which are patterned like stripes having electron-pass apertures and arranged on the lower side of the surface-insulative substrate 5, or on the electron-emitting source 40 side, corresponding to respective columns of pixels, and a second control electrode group 7A, similar to the former group, including metallic electrodes 7 which are patterned like stripes having electron-pass apertures and arranged on the upper side of the surface-insulative substrate 5 corresponding to respective rows of pixels. Each metallic electrode of the first and second control electrode groups 6A and 7A is formed of, for example, a nickel film. The first and second control electrode groups 6A and 7A are insulated from each other by a nickel-free portion existing within each electron-pass aperture though nickel penetrates thereinto from both sides. The first control electrode group 6A further includes isolation grooves 44, or nickel-free insulating grooves, which extend between adjacent electron-pass apertures 4a in the direction perpendicular to the string like hot cathode 1. Similarly, the second control electrode group 7A includes isolation grooves 45 extending in the direction perpendicular to the isolation grooves 44 of the first control electrode group 6A. These are disposed within a sealed enclosure in the form of flat panel, the inside of which is kept in a vacuum state. Each of the electrodes is usually disposed in a flattened manner by means of a fix-hold member (not shown) and electrically connected to the outside through a seal portion provided on a lateral surface of the sealed enclosure.
FIGS. 18, 19(a) and 19(b) also illustrate another conventional flat-type image display apparatus. FIG. 19(a) is a perspective view of the arrangement of control electrodes 4 shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 19(b) an enlarged view of a portion thereof. In FIGS. 18, 19(a) and 19(b) same numerals are used to denote corresponding parts of FIGS. 16 and 17, and the descriptions on such parts are omitted. This example has front glass 8 which has a curved shape and is so structured as to allow stress relaxation (to be described later) to be encouraged and the overall apparatus to be lightened. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b) this example has first control electrode group 6A and second control electrode group 7A which comprise stripe-like metallic electrodes 6 and stripe-like metallic electrodes 7, respectively, instead of the metallic film penetrating into electron-pass apertures of insulating substrate 5. These electrodes 6 and 7 are bonded to the insulating substrate 5 in such a manner that their electron-pass apertures are coincident with the corresponding electrode-pass apertures of the insulating substrate 5 thereby defining electron-pass apertures 4a of the control electrodes 4.
Description on the operation is as follows:
Thermoelectrons emitted from the string like hot cathode 1 are led out by a positive potential of about 5 to about 40 V applied to the perforated cover electrode 3, the positive potential being relative to the average potential of the string like hot cathode 1 assumed as a reference potential (hereinafter this average potential will be assumed to be 0 V). Further, by applying a positive potential of about 20 V to about 100 V relative to the potential of string like hot cathode 1 to one electrode of the first control electrode group 6A comprising metallic electrodes 6 arranged in the direction perpendicular to the string like hot cathode 1, the thermoelectons are drawn toward this electrode and reach the control electrode 4. This apparatus is designed such that the density of an electron beam on the surface of any metallic electrode of the first control electrode group 6A is made substantially uniform by adjusting the elliptical shape of the perforated cover electrode 3, the position of the first control electrode group 6A and the voltage to be applied to each metallic electrode 6.
It should be noted that although the operation of this control electrode 4 is not described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 184239/1988, it is similar to the operation of typical matrix-type displays as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 172642/1987, 126688/1989 and 226949/1991.
If only one metallic electrode 6 of the first control electrode group 6A assumes a positive potential (on-state) while the others assume 0 V or negative potential (off-state), the electrons emitted from the string like hot cathode 1 are attracted only by that control electrode 6 at a positive potential and enter each electrode-pass aperture 4a of this control electrode 6. However, not all the electrons entering the aperture pass therethrough toward the front glass 8. When the second control electrode group 7A is made to assume 0 V or negative potential, a negative potential region is produced by the second control electrode group 7A, so that the electrons stop within the electron-pass aperture 4a.
Consequently, electrons are allowed to pass through only the electron-pass aperture 4a lying at the intersection of the metallic electrode, being applied with a positive potential, of the first control electrode group 6A and the metallic electrode, being applied with a positive potential (for example 40 V to 100 V), of the second control electrode group 7A. The electrons having passed through the aperture 4a cause the luminous element positioned coincident with the aperture 4a to emit light. Therefore, a desired pixel display can be achieved by controlling the application of voltage to metallic electrodes 6 and 7 so that the intersection thereof is located corresponding to a desired position.
The luminance of each pixel is controlled by adjusting the on-state duration of each electrode of the second control electrode group 7A.
In this case, electron beam 2 (refer to FIG. 18) passing through the electron-pass aperture 4a is required to be focused within a phosphor dot corresponding to the aperture 4a. If the electron beam 2 passing dot of a luminous element through the electron-pass aperture 4a is incident on another too, color fringing will occur in the resulting image, or unclear contour of the image will result. For that reason, the focusing electrode 10 is provided for the purpose of controlling the path of the electron beam so that the electron beam is incident within a desired dot of a luminous element by applying an appropriate voltage to the focusing electrode.
Flat-type image display apparatus utilizing electron beam need to have electron-passing areas all kept in a vacuum and hence require a sealed vacuum enclosure. Where an image display apparatus is sold as a practical commercial article, for example, a television set for domestic use, it is desirable that the vacuum enclosure be made as light and thin (or small in the length in the direction perpendicular to the screen) as possible.
Where the above-mentioned conventional flat-type image display apparatus have a screen size as small as about 16 in., the glass thickness of the sealed enclosure does not need to be made so thick. However, where the screen size is as large as 20 in. or greater, the glass thickness needs to be made not smaller than about 20 mm to provide the enclosure with a sufficient strength against the vacuum. This results in a difficulty in reducing the weight of display apparatus of this type.
The most effective approach to lighten the vacuum enclosure is to shape the enclosure into a sphere ensuring the least stress concentration. However, this is against the demand mentioned above for a thinner enclosure. Assuming that the vacuum enclosure of a flat-type display apparatus is a box-like vacuum enclosure 11, as shown in section at FIG. 20(a), for accommodating an image display unit 11a, stress concentration caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the vaccum enclosure 11 will occur at and angular portions and central portions of the screen indicated by arrows. If a reinforcing member is added to the enclosure at the angular portions or like portions to withstand such stress, the weight of the enclosure increases significantly. Therefore, the vacuum enclosure 11 in the form of oval in section as shown in FIG. 20(b) is most easily realized with the aim of making the enclosure 11 light and thin.
Typically, the phosphor for use in a television set is coated directly on the inner surface of the front glass forming part of the vacuum enclosure. This is because the provision of another glass plate or the like intermediate the front glass and the luminous element would cause light to reduce and hence the luminance of the display screen to decrease, because the screen would provide an unclear image even though the space between the front glass and the glass plate coated with the luminous element is placed in a vacuum state because the manufacturing cost is low, and like reasons.
In consequence, it is appreciated that the front glass of the vacuum enclosure needs to be shaped curved as having a curvature as shown in FIG. 18 so as to have a lightened weight and a reduced thickness, and that the luminous element is desirably coated on the inner surface of the front glass.
In the structure shown in FIG. 18, however, since the control electrode 4 and focusing electrode 10 are flat though the front glass is curved, there is a difference in the distance from the control electrode 4 or focusing electrode 10 to the front glass coated with the luminous element between end portion and central portion of the screen.
As described above, the focusing electrode 10 is applied with a desired voltage to focus electron beam 2 within a desired dot of luminous element. However, as shown in the enlarged sectional view at FIG. 21, where there is only one focusing electrode 10 and the voltage capable of being applied is fixed, the beam diameter reaches the minimum (becomes just focused) at only one point P.sub.1. Accordingly, where the distance Daf between the focusing electrode 10 and the front glass 8 provided with the aluminum film serving as the anode on the inner side thereof is uneven, it is impossible to cause the electron beam 2 to assume a minimum beam diameter at overall surface of the front glass 8. Stated otherwise, the beam diameter of electron beam 2 on the front glass is not fixed at different locations on the screen of the front glass 8 and, hence, the electron beam 2 becomes "fuzzy" at point P.sub.2 as shown in FIG. 18.
Where the electron beam 2 becomes "fuzzy", for example, the beam diameter of electron beam 2a exceeds the size of a pixel as shown in FIG. 22, black matrix 12 is also irradiated with the electron beam 2a, so that the intensity of the beam to be applied onto luminous element 9 decreases and, hence, the luminous intensity of the corresponding pixel decreases. Therefore, when the overall screen is viewed, luminance unevenness occurs Alternatively, where the electron beam 2 is an electron beam 2b having a beam diameter such that the beam extends from the subject pixel to pixels adjacent thereto over the pitch therebetween, the pixels other than the one desired to emit light are also caused to emit light, so that phenomena are developed such as color fringing and blurred contour of the resulting image.
Accordingly, when point P.sub.2 at which the electron beam 2 becomes "fuzzy" appears in a portion of the screen, luminance unevenness, color fringing or the like occurs at point P.sub.2. This is a fatal defect to a commercial article having a display screen.
To overcome such problem, there is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 19947/1992 a structure wherein the wall of a sealed vaccum enclosure on light-emitting means side, the light-emitting means (phosphor-coated surface), an electron beam control electrode and an electron beam lead-out electrode are curved as having respective curvatures substantially equal to each other, while in addition a correction means is provided to render the quantity of electron beam incident on the electron beam lead-out electrode uniform in the horizontal direction; or a structure wherein the wall of the sealed vacuum enclosure on the light-emitting means side, a string like hot cathode, the electron beam lead-out electrode, electron beach control electrode and the light-emitting means are shaped into curved lines or curved surfaces as having respective curvatures substantially equal to each other. In this structure, however, the electron beam lead-out electrode cannot be applied to an electrode (perforated cover electrode) elliptically shaped in section and adapted to cover each string like hot cathode since the electron beam lead-out electrode is in the form of one plate and is a common electrode for all the string like hot cathodes, for avoiding the occurrence of substantial deformation thereof even though it is curved. In more detail, each perforated cover electrode needs to have a curvature small enough to form an elliptic section and further another curvature harmonizing with the curved surface of the front glass. In addition, the perforated cover electrode is located very near the string like hot cathode and hence is heated thereby to elevated temperatures, leading to severe thermal deformation. As a result, there arise problems that the luminance distribution on the display screen is possible to be extremely degraded, insulation failure between the perforated cover electrode and the cathode becomes likely, the life time of the cathode is shortened, and the like.


A platelet, that is fixed on a base plate, has particularly narrow three-dimensional sections and is chiefly intended to be used as a cover cap for driver air bag modules. The platelet exhibits at least one protrusion on its back side. The protrusion serves as an indicator for the power direction in which to solder the platelet to the base plate. The configuration of the platelet provides the advantage that even filigree platelets with enhanced three-dimensional effects can be soldered securely on the base plate, thus avoiding overheating of and damage to the platelet. The secure connection ensures that the platelet does not come off from the cover cap of an air bag in case of a crash and hit the occupant.

The invention relates to a platelet fixed on a base plate.
Platelets are used in various different forms for characterizing and decorating products, e.g. in automobiles. It is also particularly customary to provide the cover caps of driver airbags with a platelet.
An arrangement is known from DE 296 07 951 U1 wherein the platelet, which is referred to as an emblem, is fixed on a small plate. The emblem is either formed by enamelling the surface of the small plate, or the emblem is placed on a support which is stuck onto the small plate.
This arrangement is particularly suitable for fixing flat surface type emblems where a large contact surface is available. This arrangement is, however, not suitable for platelets which have three-dimensional narrow sections so that there is hardly any adhesive surfaces available.
The object of the invention is to fix a platelet having three dimensional narrow sections securely onto a backing support.
A platelet, fixed on a base plate, more particularly a platelet having three dimensional narrow sections (or webs), and more particularly for use on cover caps of driver airbag modules, is characterized, according to the invention, in that the platelet has on the reverse side at least one protrusion as a power direction indicator for a welded connection with the base plate. The protrusion preferably has a cross-section tapering acutely towards the base plate. The protrusion extends in a line corresponding to the platelet structure. The line of the protrusion can be both continuous and broken.
The design of the platelet has the advantage that even filigree platelets with an enhanced three dimensional effect can be securely connected by welding to a base plate by means of the protrusions without the platelet becoming overheated and thereby damaged. The secure connection ensures that the platelet does not tear away from the cover cap of an airbag in the event of a crash. The tearing platelet could endanger the occupant.
Achieving a satisfactory welded connection by means of a known welding process is possible with a smooth surface of the base plate. In order to prevent welded material from protruding visibly at the sides in the case of the platelet having narrow webs, it can be advantageous if a base plate groove is associated with each protrusion. The groove should have a horizontal base surface with side faces running perpendicular thereto and preferably with an at least approximately rectangular cross-section.
The base plate and platelet preferably consist of the same material, more preferably plastic.
On the back of the base plate there is preferably at least one fastening dome for fixing the base plate on a backing support. To equip the cover cap of an airbag module with a platelet, the base plate is connected to the cover cap of the airbag module by welding by means of the fastening dome.
The plastic platelet is surface coated and provided with a scratch-resistant protective lacquer to produce the desired surface.


A capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor capable of detecting applied acceleration with high sensitivity and with low error without needing an accurate oscillator. The sensor makes use of a PAM (pulse amplitude-modulation) circuit for performing pulse amplitude-modulation in proportion to the acceleration. The sensor is equipped with a capacitance-detecting portion having a movable electrode and a pair of fixed electrodes located on opposite sides of the movable electrode. The movable electrode is displaced in response to the acceleration. A comparator is formed by an operational amplifier, and a servomechanism is formed. The electrically obtained open gain of this operational amplifier is set sufficiently greater than the mechanically obtained gain of the capacitance-detecting portion. A measurement mode period and a force-balanced mode period are repeated alternately. During the measurement mode period, the movable electrode is not constrained by the servomechanism, and a voltage corresponding to the acceleration is applied to a sample-and-hold amplifier. During the force-balanced mode period, the movable electrode is constrained by the servomechanism according to the output from the sample-and-hold amplifier which corresponds to the acceleration, and the movable electrode is short-circuited to ground.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor and, more particularly, to a capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor capable of detecting acceleration with high sensitivity and high accuracy. This sensor is especially adapted for detection of acceleration, pressure, displacement, flow rate, and so on.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 3 shows the structure of one conventional capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor. This acceleration sensor, generally indicated by reference numeral 500, comprises a capacitance-detecting portion 1, a switched capacitor circuit 53, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) circuit 60, a NOT circuit 61, and a low-pass filter 58. The capacitance-detecting portion 1 has a movable electrode 11 which is capable of being displaced according to the applied acceleration, and a pair of fixed electrodes 12a and 12b mounted on opposite sides of the movable electrode 11. The switched capacitor circuit 53 converts variations in the interelectrode capacitances C1 and C2 in the capacitance-detecting portion 1 into an output voltage Vsc. The pulse-width modulation circuit 60 feeds a servo signal Vsw back to the fixed electrode 12a, the servo signal Vsw being pulse width-modulated according to the output voltage Vsc from the capacitor circuit 53. The NOT circuit 61 inverts the servo signal Vsw to form a servo signal notVsw and supplies this servo signal notVsw back to the fixed electrode 12b. The low-pass filter 58 extracts only low-frequency components of the servo signal Vsw and produces an output signal Vo.
The aforementioned capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor 500 operates in the manner described below. When the movable electrode 11 is located midway between the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b, the interelectrode capacitance C1 is equal to the interelectrode capacitance C2. The output voltage Vsc proportional to the capacitance difference (C1-C2) is zero. At this time, the duty factor of the servo signals Vsw and notVsw is 50%, as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 4. Therefore, the electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b when the servo signal Vsw assumes a level of +Vh is equal in magnitude but opposite in sense to the electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b when the servo signal Vsw takes a level of 0. Since the frequency (e.g., 10 kHz) of the servo signals Vsw and notVsw is sufficiently higher than the response frequency (e.g., 200 Hz) of the movable electrode 11, the electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b is accumulated and becomes zero. The movable electrode 11 is kept at rest at the midway location between the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b.
When an acceleration G is applied to the capacitance-detecting portion 1, inertia displaces the movable electrode 11. For example, the movable electrode 11 moves toward the fixed electrode 12a and away from the fixed electrode 12b. This increases the interelectrode capacitance C1 and reduces the interelectrode capacitance C2. Because of these capacitance variations, the output voltage Vsc proportional to the capacitance difference (C1-C2) assumes a value of +E. Correspondingly, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the duty factor of the servo signals Vsw and notVsw becomes greater than 50%. Therefore, the electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b when the servo signal Vsw is at a level of +Vh is different in magnitude from the electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b when the servo signal Vsw is at a level of 0. These two forces are opposite to each other in sense. The electrostatic force that the movable electrode 11 receives from the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b is accumulated and becomes nonzero. As a result, the movable electrode 11 is repelled by the fixed electrode 12a and attracted towards the fixed electrode 12b. That is, the movable electrode 11 undergoes a force directed oppositely to the direction of displacement. Hence, the movable electrode 11 is returned into the midway point between the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b. Apparently, the movable electrode 11 is hardly displaced. When the acceleration G is applied, the duty factor of the servo signal Vsw changes accordingly as described above. By converting this signal into a dc signal by the low-pass filter 58, the output signal Vo corresponding to the acceleration G is obtained. The conventional capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor described above is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 337468/1992.
Since the above-described conventional capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor 500 performs pulse-width modulation in proportion to the acceleration G, the pulse-width modulation circuit 60 needs an accurate oscillator to enhance the accuracy. This complicates the circuit configuration and increases the cost.
Furthermore, the servo signals Vsw and notVsw are invariably fed back to the fixed electrodes 12a and 12b to constrain the movable electrode 11 by means of the servo-mechanism. Consequently, it is difficult to detect capacitance variations with high sensitivity. That is, it is difficult to detect the acceleration G with high sensitivity.
Moreover, if the offset voltage of an operational amplifier incorporated in the switched capacitor circuit 53 drifts, the potential at the movable electrode 11 varies. The result is that the output voltage Vo contains an error.

Capacitance-type electrostatic servo acceleration sensor


An organic light emitting diode display includes at least one first data line, at least one second data line, a plurality of driving transistors, and a plurality of light emitters. Each driving transistor has a driving gate electrode connected to the at least one first data line and the at least one second data line, and the light emitters are respectively connected to the driving transistors. Emission regions of the light emitter do not overlap the at least one first data line, the at least one second data line, and the driving transistors. A shielding portion overlaps an end of the at least one first data line and an end of the at least one second data line.

1. Field
One or more embodiments herein relate to an organic light emitting diode display.
2. Description of the Related Art
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is a self-luminous device that does not require a separate light source (e.g., a backlight) to display images. Compared to other types of displays, an OLED display is lighter and thinner, and has high-quality characteristics such as low power consumption and high luminance and reaction speed.
Increasing resolution continues to be a focus of system designers. However, as the number of pixels increases in an OLED device, the number of wires may also increase. This increases the complexity of the display and the cost of fabrication.

Organic light emitting diode display with shielding portion