A control relay circuit and method for controlling a relay having a coil, for use, in particular, in operation of a light fixture circuit having an HID lamp. The relay control circuit has an input for receiving a control voltage signal and a voltage storage element connected across the input. The voltage storage element develops a voltage level as a function of time in response to the control voltage signal. A thyristor circuit, a switching element and the coil of the relay form a series circuit that is connected in parallel to voltage storage element A switch controller is connected in parallel to the voltage storage element and is also connected to the switching element. In response to the control voltage being received at said input, the switch controller activates the switching element to a conductive state at a first voltage level across the voltage storage element and the thyristor changes from a non-conductive state to a conductive state at a second voltage level across the voltage storage element, the first voltage level being less than the second voltage level. In response to the control voltage being removed from the input, the switch controller activates the switching element to a non-conductive state at a third voltage level across the voltage storage element thereby changing the thyristor from the conductive state to the non-conductive state thereof, the third voltage level being less than the second voltage level. The relay is energized at the second voltage level and is deenergized at the third voltage level.

The present invention relates in general to a relay control circuit for controlling a relay and, in particular, a relay control circuit for controlling a light fixture circuit.
In the prior art, HID lamps are operated between a high or full intensity light level and a dim or reduced light intensity level in response to a control signal. The change of intensity level of the light output of the HID lamp is effected by changing a capacitance value in the light fixture circuit. This is accomplished by connecting and disconnecting a first capacitor across a second capacitor by means of relay contacts. Although the prior art systems provided good operation for switching the HID lamp between high and low light output settings, it has been found that when the relay has normally-closed contacts, the useful life of the relay is limited. The drawback of such a controller circuit is in the deactivation of the relay. The prior art controller circuit that controls operation of the relay produces a gradually decreasing current flow through the coil of the relay. As a result, the speed with which the rocker of the relay opens is slower than if the current were suddenly switched to zero through the coil. This places less force on closing the normally-closed contacts than is desirable. This lower contact force causes the contacts to degrade more rapidly, eventually failing by welding together.
The present invention overcomes these drawbacks in the prior art controller.

Relay control circuit and method for controlling a relay


A semiconductor device having an ESD protection element with an improved ESD resistance is obtainable even if it is formed on the same substrate together with an internal circuit. An SiGe--P well region (3) mainly composed of SiGe having a smaller breakdown field than Si, is formed in the upper portion of a P type Si substrate (1). A drain region (4) and a source region (5) are selectively formed in the surface of the SiGe--P well region (3), and therefore, the boundary between the SiGe--P well region (3) and the drain and source regions (4), (5) defines a PN junction. This results in a MOS transistor for protection comprising the SiGe--P well region (3), the drain region (4), the source region (5), a gate oxide film (6), and a gate polysilicon layer (7).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the improvement of the semiconductor device having the electrostatic discharge (hereinafter referred to as "ESD") resistance of an ESD protection element that protect an internal circuit from the breakdown due to an ESD.
2. Description of the Background Art
An integrated circuit is usually provided with a protection circuit in order to protect an internal circuit from the breakdown due to ESDs, such as discharge of the charge from the exterior, and discharge of the charge charged to the integrated circuit. An ESD protection element that comprises an MOS transistor or a field transistor utilizing a local oxidation of silicon (hereinafter referred to as "LOCOS") oxide film is used as a protection circuit. Generally, one electrode of a transistor serving as an ESD protection element is connected an I/O terminal, and the other electrode is connected to a fixed potential setting terminal, e.g., a ground terminal.
FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing a connection example of an NMOS transistor for protection. As shown in FIG. 25, the drain of an NMOS transistor for protection Q1 is connected to an I/O terminal P1, and the source and gate are grounded. An internal circuit (not shown) for performing the actual operation is also connected to the I/O terminal P1.
When the normal voltage is applied to the I/O terminal P1, the NMOS transistor for protection Q1 is in OFF state, causing no influence on the internal circuit. On the other hand, when an ESD occurs and the surge voltage SV is applied to the I/O terminal P1, the PN junction between an N type drain region and a P type well region (substrate) results in breakdown to discharge the surge voltage from the I/O terminal P1 to a ground level (grounding terminal), thereby protecting the internal circuit.
A field transistor has the structure in which an LOCOS oxide film is provided in place of the gate section (i.e., the gate oxide film and gate electrode) of an MOS transistor. Therefore, such a field transistor does not maintain the original transistor structure, but it is called field transistor in the technical fields that deal with ESD. Hereinafter, the regions of a field transistor which correspond to the drain and source regions of an MOS transistor are also referred to as drain and source regions, respectively.
An N type field transistor for protection (whose drain and source regions are of the N type) having the above-mentioned structure may be connected in the same manner as in the NMOS transistor for protection Q1 shown in FIG. 25. However, no potential setting is required for a LOCOS oxide film.
Like the MOS transistor for protection, in the field transistor for protection, no current follows between the drain and source in the normal state, and when an ESD occurs, the PN junction between the N type drain region and the P type well region results in breakdown so that a surge voltage is discharged from an I/O terminal P1 to a ground level (grounding terminal), to protect an internal circuit.
That is, the breakdown of the PN junction of an ESD protection element in the occurrence of an ESD allows the surge voltage to be discharged through the ESD protection element, thereby protecting the internal circuit. In prior art, an ESD protection element has been formed together with an internal circuit on a single semiconductor substrate under the same conditions.
However, as the refinement of elements is advanced, the ESD resistance of an ESD protection element is lowered, and therefore, even if an ESD protection element is formed inside an integrated circuit, failing to protect the breakdown due to an ESD.

Semiconductor device having electrostatic discharge protection element and manufacturing method thereof


The present invention relates to a pressure sensor comprising a capacitor with a first capacitor pole element (1) and at least one additional capacitor pole element (3) arranged at a distance from one another. In accordance with the invention, at least one capacitor pole element (1, 3) has at least one textured region (31, 31xe2x80x2 and/or 32, 32xe2x80x2) on the surface of its conductive components facing toward the other capacitor pole element (3, 1), and the distance between the two capacitor pole elements (1,3) is different in the textured region (31,31xe2x80x2 and/or 32; 32xe2x80x2) than in an adjacent region (32, 32xe2x80x2 and/or 31, 31xe2x80x2) to the textured region (31; 31xe2x80x2 and/or 32, 32xe2x80x2). The difference between these two different distances can be changedxe2x80x94more particularly, reducedxe2x80x94by deformation of at least one capacitor pole element (1,3) when the capacitor is subjected to pressure.

The present invention relates generally to a pressure sensor and, more particularly, concerns a capacitive pressure sensor with a first capacitor pole element and at least one additional capacitor pole element, which are arranged at a distance from one another.
It is known to integrate pressure sensors in vehicle seats, for example, in order to detect whether the seat in question is occupied. This is relevant for the triggering of airbags, for instance.
Referring now to FIG. 1, it shows the base 11 of a seat. Placed on said base 11 is a pressure sensor 100 with electrical connecting lines 4 and 5. A seat cushion 9 is set on the base 11 and the pressure sensor 100.
During operation, a user generates a force F on the seat cushion 9 as a result of his body weight. The base 11 of the seat opposes this force so that the sensor 100 is squeezed and registers loading of the seat.
Known sensors have, as shown in FIG. 2, a first capacitor pole element 1 and a second capacitor pole element 3, which are composed of an electrically conductive material. The material used for this purpose may be a metal foil, for example.
The first capacitor pole element 1 and the second capacitor pole element 3 are separated from one another by an insulating device 2. The insulating device 2 consists of a compressible, electrically nonconductive material, and insulates the two capacitor pole elements 1, 3 from one another. The capacitor pole element 3 is connected to an electronic analysis unit (not shown) by the connecting line 5 of FIG. 1. The capacitor pole element 1 is connected to the connecting line 4 of FIG. 1 for this purpose.
When such a sensor is loaded by the weight of a person, this leads to compression of the insulating device 2 and thus causes the capacitor pole elements 1, 3 to approach one another. As a result, the capacitor comprising the capacitor pole elements 1, 3 changes its capacitance. When this change exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the electronic analysis unit recognizes this as a change from the unoccupied to the occupied state.
Removing the load from the seat causes the capacitor plates 1, 3 to move in the opposite direction, and brings about another change in capacitance which likewise can be detected. If the change is large enough, the seat is recognized as xe2x80x9cvacantxe2x80x9d again.
A disadvantage of the prior art is that the achievable functional reliability is inadequate. If the threshold value for the required change in capacitance is set too high, the weight of light individuals, such as children for instance, may under certain circumstances be insufficient for the seat to be recognized as occupied. If the required threshold value is set too low, material stresses in the seat, for instance resulting from changes in temperature and humidity, can cause a false xe2x80x9coccupiedxe2x80x9d signal.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved pressure sensor arrangement for vehicle seats.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are obtained by a pressure sensor comprising at least one capacitor pole element having at least one textured region on the surface of its conductive components facing toward the other capacitor pole element. The distance between the two capacitor pole elements is different in the textured region than in a region adjacent to the textured region. The difference between these two different distances can be changedxe2x80x94more particularly, reducedxe2x80x94by deformation of at least one capacitor pole element when the capacitor is subjected to pressure. This permits an increase in the capacitor""s capacitance as a result of concentration of conductive material of the capacitor pole element near the opposite capacitor pole element.
In another aspect of the invention, a pressure sensor with a first capacitor pole element, at least one additional capacitor pole element and at least one electrically nonconductive insulating device, of which at least part is arranged between the two capacitor pole elements is provided. Preferably, at least one capacitor pole element in at least one section of its surface facing the other capacitor pole element is spaced apart from the insulating device, and configured such that the section can be moved toward the insulating device through flexible deformation of the capacitor pole by subjecting the pressure sensor to pressure. This permits an increase in the capacitor""s capacitance as a result of concentration of conductive material of the capacitor pole element near the opposite capacitor pole element.
In another aspect of the invention, a pressure sensor with a first capacitor pole element, at least one additional capacitor pole element, and at least one electrically nonconductive insulating device, of which at least part is arranged between the two capacitor pole elements is provided. Preferably, at least one capacitor pole element on the surface of its electrically conductive components facing the other capacitor pole element has at least one textured region of a certain normal height. The normal height is capable of being reduced to a detection height through flexible deformation of the capacitor pole element when the pressure sensor is subjected to pressure.
In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the capacitor pole elements is compressible toward the insulating device.
In another embodiment of the invention, one capacitor pole element is compressible only in one surface region facing the insulating device. This makes it possible to ensure sensor functionality while simultaneously making it possible to implement the capacitor pole element such that it is as robust as possible.
In another embodiment of the invention, one capacitor pole element is at least partly rigid and/or at least partly flexible.
In a further embodiment of the invention, one of the capacitor pole elements has a metallized textile made of synthetic fibers. This allows for economical manufacture and adequate flexibility of the capacitor pole element.
In still another embodiment of the invention, one of the capacitor pole elements has electrically conductive fibers, which are embedded in an electrically nonconductive, elastically deformable material. This allows for economical manufacture and adequate flexibility of the capacitor pole element.
In another embodiment of the invention, at least two different, electrically nonconductive media are arranged between the capacitor pole elements. At least one of the media is a fluid which can be displaced from the region between the two capacitor pole elements when pressure is applied to the pressure sensor. This makes it possible to use other media besides air, such as carbon dioxide or oil, for example, in order to avoid corrosion problems.
In further embodiments of the invention, the insulating device is at least partly rigid and/or at least partly flexible and/or is essentially incompressible in the direction of the applied pressure.
In another embodiment of the invention, the insulating device is embodied as a foil or film. This allows for a very flat construction.
In still another embodiment of the invention, the normal height of the texturing between the insulating device and the capacitor pole element, at least in one section, is between one and ten millimeters and, more particularly, between ten microns and one millimeter.
In another embodiment of the invention, a device for detecting the presence of a person on a motor vehicle seat has a pressure sensor with one of the above features.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the base of the motor vehicle seat constitutes one of the capacitor pole elements.


A current detection device for a power semiconductor element includes an operational amplifier that fixes an emitter terminal of a sense IGBT to a voltage equal to or smaller than 1 volt of a reference voltage supply, and a current-voltage converter configured to flow in a resistor a current that is greater than and proportional to a current that flows into the operational amplifier from the sense IGBT. The current-voltage converter includes an NMOS transistor that operates with reference to an electric potential of a ground and a resistor provided at a high side of the NMOS transistor, in order to operate from the electric potential of the ground.

1. Field of the Invention
The embodiments discussed herein relate to a current detection device for a power semiconductor element, and particularly to a current detection device for a power semiconductor element including a main element in which a main current flows and a current sense element for detecting the current of this main element.
2. Background of the Related Art
An electric power converter device, such as an inverter device for driving an electric motor and an uninterruptible power supply device for a computer, switches a power semiconductor element to perform electric power conversion. The electric power converter device needs to protect the device against a short circuit trouble that occurs suddenly outside the device, in order to prevent destruction of the device. To include this function in the electric power converter device, the electric power converter device has a function for continuously detecting current that flows in a semiconductor element of the electric power converter device.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a power semiconductor element and a conventional first current detection circuit. This circuit diagram illustrates an example in which a power semiconductor element 100 of an electric power converter device is an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Note that the power semiconductor element 100 is not limited to the illustrated IGBT, but may be other insulated gate semiconductor elements, such as an insulated gate field-effect transistor.
The power semiconductor element 100 includes an IGBT 101 which is a main element in which a main current flows and a sense IGBT 102 which is a current sense element for detecting the current of this IGBT 101. This sense IGBT 102 has the same structure as the IGBT 101 and has a smaller size than the IGBT 101. The power semiconductor element 100 has a configuration in which the IGBT 101 and the sense IGBT 102 are connected to each other to have a common gate terminal 103 and a common collector terminal 104. The gate terminal 103 is connected to a drive circuit of this power semiconductor element 100, and the collector terminal 104 is connected to a power supply via a load, such as an electric motor. Also, in the power semiconductor element 100, an emitter terminal 105 of the IGBT 101 and an emitter terminal 106 of the sense IGBT 102 are configured independently. The emitter terminal 105 of the IGBT 101 is connected to a ground 107, and the emitter terminal 106 of the sense IGBT 102 is connected to one end of a resistor 108, and another end of the resistor 108 is connected to the ground 107.
In a control state in which the power semiconductor element 100 is turned on, the current that flows in the emitter terminal 105 of the IGBT 101 is greater than and proportional to the current that flows in the emitter terminal 106 of the sense IGBT 102. In this case, the current that flows in the emitter terminal 106 of the sense IGBT 102 flows in the resistor 108 as it is, and thus this resistor 108 generates a voltage drop that is proportional to the current that flows in the emitter terminal 105 of the IGBT 101. A circuit (not depicted) for measuring this voltage drop is connected to the resistor 108, and the circuit measures the voltage drop to indirectly detect the current that flows in the IGBT 101.
In current detection by the configuration of the above FIG. 2, there are two known problems in deciding the size of the resistor 108, i.e., a first problem relevant to current detection accuracy and a second problem relevant to erroneous operation due to disturbance noise.
The first problem relevant to current detection accuracy is that, as the resistance value of the resistor 108 increases, its voltage drop increases, and thus the voltage between the gate and the emitter of the IGBT 101 becomes significantly different from the voltage between the gate and the emitter of the sense IGBT 102. If the voltages between the gates and the emitters of the IGBT 101 and the sense IGBT 102 are different from each other, accuracy of the current rate between the current that flows in the IGBT 101 and the current that flows in the sense IGBT 102 deteriorates, and thus current detection accuracy deteriorates.
The second problem relevant to erroneous operation due to disturbance noise is that, as the resistance value of the resistor 108 decreases, its voltage drop decreases, and the above current detection accuracy improves, but a threshold value to determine overcurrent at the time of short circuit becomes small, and thus erroneous operation due to disturbance noise is likely to occur.
The above first and second problems and means for solving these problems are already proposed (for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-186899 (paragraphs [0017] to [0041] and FIG. 1)), and thus the current detection proposed here will be described.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a power semiconductor element and a conventional second current detection circuit. Note that, in FIG. 3, components that are same as or equivalent to what are described in FIG. 2 are denoted with the same reference signs.
In the power semiconductor element 100, a free-wheeling diode 109 is connected in inverse parallel to a collector terminal 104 and an emitter terminal 105 of an IGBT 101. The emitter terminal 105 of the IGBT 101 is connected to a ground 107 having a ground potential.
The power semiconductor element 100 is configured to be controlled by a drive control circuit 110. The drive control circuit 110 includes a drive circuit 120 connected to a gate terminal 103 of the power semiconductor element 100, an overcurrent determination circuit 130, and a current detection circuit 140 that detects current that flows in a sense IGBT 102.
The drive circuit 120 includes a driver 121 and direct current power supplies 122 and 123, and the driver 121 drives and controls the power semiconductor element 100 by using the direct current power supply 122 as a drive power supply. A negative electrode of the direct current power supply 122 is connected to a common connection part 111 of the drive control circuit 110 to provide a reference potential of the drive control circuit 110. With regard to the direct current power supply 123, a positive electrode is connected to the ground 107 of the ground potential, and a negative electrode is connected to the common connection part 111 of the reference potential of the drive control circuit 110.
The current detection circuit 140 includes a PNP transistor 141 and a resistor 108. With regard to the PNP transistor 141, an emitter terminal is connected to an emitter terminal 106 of the sense IGBT 102, and a collector terminal is connected to one end of the resistor 108, and a base terminal is connected to the ground 107 of the ground potential. Another end of the resistor 108 is connected to the common connection part 111 of the reference potential of the drive control circuit 110.
The overcurrent determination circuit 130 includes a comparator 131 and a direct current power supply 132. With regard to the comparator 131, one of input terminals is connected to a connection point between the collector terminal of the PNP transistor 141 and the resistor 108 in the current detection circuit 140, and the other of input terminals is connected to a positive electrode of the direct current power supply 132. A negative electrode of the direct current power supply 132 is connected to the common connection part 111 of the drive control circuit 110. Thereby, the comparator 131 compares an electric potential difference Vs of the resistor 108 relative to the common connection part 111 with the voltage of the direct current power supply 132, and determines that overcurrent has flowed in the IGBT 101 of the power semiconductor element 100 when the electric potential difference Vs exceeds the voltage of the direct current power supply 132.
According to the current detection circuit 140 of this drive control circuit 110, when the power semiconductor element 100 is turned on to flow current in the sense IGBT 102, the PNP transistor 141 of the current detection circuit 140 is also turned on. When the PNP transistor 141 is turned on, the voltage between the base and the emitter of the PNP transistor 141 becomes approximately equal to forward voltage drop of one piece of diode. Hence, the emitter terminal of the sense IGBT 102 is substantially fixed to the electric potential of the forward voltage drop of one piece of diode relative to the ground potential of the ground 107, and the voltages between the gates and the emitters of the IGBT 101 and the sense IGBT 102 are not substantially different from each other. Accuracy of the current rate between the current that flows in the IGBT 101 and the current that flows in the sense IGBT 102 does not change significantly, and thus the current detection accuracy does not deteriorate, so as to solve the above first problem.
Also, the above second problem is solved in the same way, because the reference potential of the resistor 108 is set to a lower electric potential than the ground potential of the ground 107 by using the direct current power supply 123, allowing a larger voltage drop of the resistor 108.
Here, the power supply for operating the current detection circuit 140 is −V2 to (V1−V2), where V1 is a voltage of the direct current power supply 122 illustrated in FIG. 3, and V2 is a voltage of the direct current power supply 123. Hence, the current detection circuit 140 needs to be operated from a negative voltage, which imposes a problem of complicated system design on the drive control circuit 110.

Current detection device for power semiconductor element


A method for recovering substance such as zincing or the like adhered to the surface of an object to be processed, by causing such materials to be evaporated in a vacuum. In this method, the object to the processed is placed in a furnace provided with heating means; the temperature within the furnace is elevated up to a predetermined level with the aid of an oxidizing gas atmosphere; the pressure in the furnace is reduced so that the quantity of the oxidizing gas is reduced to be below the explosion limit; and vaccum or a reducing gas atmosphere is fed into the furnace to reduce the oxidization of the object to be processed. Thereafter, the interior of the furnace is evacuated while being maintained under a predetermined evaporation temperature condition; and the substance evaporated from the object to be processed is passed to recovery means provided in communication with the furnace, so that the substance thus evaporated is condensed in the recovery means and recovered therefrom.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a cleaning method and apparatus for removing liquid substance such as water, oil or the like and/or solid substance such as zincing or the like which is adhered to the surface of an object. It also concerns a method and an apparatus for efficiently recovering substance such as plated material adhered to the surface of an object to be processed, by causing such materials to be evaporated in a vacuum.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Such procedures as pickling, shot-working, and in-air oxidation removal have heretofore been well known in the art as methods of removing zincing provided on the surfaces of an automobile body, for example.
Of such conventional methods, pickling is most commonly employed, but it is disadvantageous in that the cleaning liquid used therewith tends to cause environmental pollution and also in that the running cost is high and skilled workers are needed. Shot-working also has such disadvantages that the running cost is high and difficulties are experienced in processing shot-particles having zinc adhered thereto. Further, the in-air oxidation removal procedure is disadvantageous in that oxide tends to be formed on the object to be processed per se and the dezincing ability is poor. Thus, in the case where iron plate is melted for recycling, unmelted material such as iron oxide, zinc oxide or the like and/or zinc is caused to infiltrate into the wall of the furnace so that the life span of the furnace tends to be shortened.
Also well known in the art is a method of recovering zinc, nickel and/or lead adhered to the surface of an automobile body and/or oil adhered thereto, by increasing the temperature of the vacuum atmosphere in which such a body is placed. However, due to the fact that no convection-heating means is provided, such conventional method is disadvantageous in that the temperature increasing rate in the range of 0.degree. to 500.degree. C. is extremely low; thus, when it is attempted to effect dezincing of 6,000 tons of scrap per month, a large-sized equipment is inevitably required so that the cost merit is lost because of its high initial cost. To cope with such problems, it may be conceivable that oxidation-heating is effected during the low-temperature period while vacuum-heating is carried out during the evaporation period. With such a procedure, however, metal oxide is formed so that the vacuum-evaporation temperature should be elevated as a matter of course; thus, to completely remove the zincing, the temperature should be elevated for a long period of time. In this case, too, the cost merit is lost as in the above-mentioned cases.
As mentioned above, the prior-art method is disadvantageous in that the temperature rising rate of the conventional vacuum furnace is low; heating with inert gas such as nitrogen gas or the like is high in running cost; oxidation-heating requires that the evaporation temperature be elevated so that the evaporation rate turns out to be slow, which has adverse effect on the running cost or the like.

Method and apparatus for recovering substance adhered to object to be processed


The invention describes phospho-amino pincer-type ligands, metal complexes thereof, and catalytic methods comprising such metal complexes.

One of the most important challenges in the 21st century is energy. This involves the substantial transformation towards a clean energy system that meets our future needs without substantial damage to nature.1, 2 Hydrogen (H2) is expected to play a crucial role as a secondary fuel and energy carrier in such a system.3, 4 H2 has a high gravimetric energy density of 33.3 kW·h/kg and it can be converted into energy in an internal combustion engine or fuel cells with the production of water (H2O) as the only "byproduct".5 However, it is believed that the hydrogen economy will not occur until significant technological advances in H2 production, storage and delivery systems are made.6 Among these issues, H2 storage has represented a great challenge. Conventional H2 storage in high-pressure compressed gas cylinders or cryogenic liquid tanks is straight forward, but it suffers from high energy input and low volumetric energy capacity.7 Alternative approaches through physical adsorption of H2 in high-surface-area materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, zeolites, nanostructured carbon materials, etc., experience the limitation of temperature and pressure ranges.8-10 While chemical hydride systems have high gravimetric H2 capacities up to 20 wt %, the low reversibility prohibits their widespread applications.11-13 In this regard, formic acid (FA) becomes an attractive choice. Although FA contains only 4.35 wt % of H2, because of its high density of 1.22 g/cm3, its volumetric capacity reaches 53.0 g H2/L. This is equivalent to an energy density of 1.77 kW·h/L, suitable for automotive and mobile applications. A carbon neutral system for H2 storage can be created when efficient hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to FA/formates and selective dehydrogenation of FA are developed.14-17
The decomposition of FA to H2 and CO2 is thermodynamically favored, but the energy barrier is high and the selectivity is low (for the formation of H2O and CO) in the absence of a suitable catalyst. After the potential of utilizing CO2 as a H2 storage material was recognized,18, 19 a number of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems have been developed recently for the generation of H2 from FA.20-43 Reactions give significantly enhanced turnover frequencies (TOFs) and turnover numbers (TONs) by using FA/NEt3 azeotrope or FA/formate mixtures at the cost of decreasing the overall volumetric H2 capacity. Only a few molecular catalysts show good activities in the absence of base additives.25, 32, 43
Therefore, a need exists for the development of novel catalyst systems that overcome one or more of the current disadvantages noted above.

Metal-ligand cooperative catalysis through N-H arm deprotonation/pyridine dearomatiztion for efficient hydrogen generation from formic acid

KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


In at least some implementations, a system for a vehicle differential that has multiple gears may include a coil, a drive member movable in response to a magnetic field generated by application of electricity to the coil and a lock member driven by the drive member to selectively engage a gear of the differential. The drive member is movable between a first position and a second position, has an axis and includes a first body formed at least partially from a first material that is magnetically responsive and a second body formed at least partially from a second material. The first body and second body are coupled together and overlapped in two opposing axial directions to limit or prevent relative axial movement between the first body and the second body.

During normal operation of a motor vehicle, it is common that all four wheels might not be turning at an identical rate of speed. Different wheel turn rates are most commonly encountered when the vehicle is making a turn, but may also be caused by braking or non-uniform road surface conditions. In order to accommodate differing wheel turning rates while continuing to direct power to two wheels it is possible to provide a differential that allows for different wheel turn rates between the powered wheels. The differential allows the wheels to spin at different rates while delivering power to each wheel. While this solution may be satisfactory in some driving conditions, it is unsatisfactory under conditions where one of the powered wheels experiences a surface having a much lower coefficient of friction than a surface engaged by the other wheel(s). Such conditions may prevent the application of torque to a wheel with more traction, thereby resulting in undesired vehicle performance. A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the differential and prevent different wheel spin rates between two wheels in at least some circumstances.

Multiple material solenoid actuator plunger


A hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pressure generator for generating a predetermined hydraulic pressure irrespective of a braking operation of a brake operation member and for outputting the predetermined hydraulic pressure, an input member moved in response to the brake operation member, a first elastic member for transmitting a brake operation force applied to the input member and for applying a stroke corresponding to the brake operation force to the input member, a regulation valve connecting to the first elastic member and for regulating the outputted hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure generator in response to the brake operation force transmitted through the first elastic member and for outputting a regulated hydraulic pressure and a second elastic member connecting the regulation valve and for urging the regulation valve toward its initial position. A mounting load of the first elastic member is set larger than a mounting load of the second elastic member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle and a hydraulic brake device for a vehicle including the hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus. Particularly, this invention pertains to a hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle which regulates an outputted hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic pressure generator and which outputs a regulated hydraulic pressure in response to a braking operation force transmitted through a member functioning as a stroke simulator, and a hydraulic brake device for a vehicle including this hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
With respect to a hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle, various apparatus are known. Particularly, a hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle which includes a hydraulic pressure generator for generating a predetermined hydraulic pressure irrespective of operation of a brake operation member and for outputting the hydraulic pressure, a member applying a stroke to an input member in response to the brake operation force and functioning as a stroke simulator and a regulation valve for regulating the outputted hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure generator in response to the brake operation force transmitted through the member and for outputting a regulated hydraulic pressure is disclosed, for example, in Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 52(1977)-101376 (Japanese patent publication No. 61(1986)-37140 and Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 58(1983)-110357.
In the apparatus disclosed in the Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 52(1977)-101376, one hydraulic brake circuit is connected to a primary pressure chamber which is positioned at a primary side of a double piston through a branch conduit. An accumulator is disposed at an end surface of a reinforced piston facing to a master cylinder and a separation wall is disposed between the primary pressure chamber and the accumulator. Further, the apparatus disclosed in the Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 58(1983)-110357 pertains to a tandem master cylinder and an auxiliary piston mechanism has an operation face for enabling a detecting of a reaction force of the braking pressure.
In the above prior apparatuses, in case of that a spring for urging the regulation valve toward its initial position is set in such a manner that a load at which the stroke simulator begins to contract is smaller than a load at which the regulation valve begins to move, the regulation valve begins to move after the movement of the input member with a predetermined distance, and then the regulation valve opens and the hydraulic braking pressure is outputted. Therefore, so called idle stroke is increased and a brake feeling deteriorates.
Alternatively, in case of that the load at which the stroke simulator begins to contract is larger than a spring load at which the regulation valve opens, the regulation valve opens and the outputted hydraulic pressure is increased with a predetermined level, and then the input member begins to move. Therefore, a stroke is hardly given to the brake operation member until the outputted hydraulic pressure is increased with the predetermined level and a brake feeling in this time is also not desirable.

Hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus for a vehicle and a hydraulic brake device for a vehicle including a hydraulic braking pressure generating apparatus


Method of and apparatus for indexing a workpiece to a tool at a predetermined angle of orientation, using a bubble level to establish a horizontal reference plane. The bubble level may be pivotally fixed to a housing of a jig which may incorporate a magnet for adhering the housing to a magnetically responsive workpiece. The bubble level may be secured at a particular pivotal orientation such that when the workpiece is held against the cutting or abrading surface of a tool, the workpiece may be manually maintained at the predetermined angle of orientation such that a ground surface disposed at a predetermined angle on the workpiece may be formed while holding the workpiece manually. The jig may incorporate an adjustable leg to assist in tightening the bubble level at the particular pivotal orientation.

Craftsman who fabricate articles must from time to time grind beveled surfaces into workpieces. For example, crafters of knives may manually hold the tang of a knife against the moving surface of a grinding tool, such as a grinding belt. The tang of the knife may require being held at a particular angle, or at a reproducible angle so that the exact same bevel may be ground onto both sides of the final blade.
Experienced craftsmen who grind articles by hand can do a reasonably good job of setting the angle as desired. However, it takes many years to become sufficiently proficient as to be able to produce desired angles of bevels in this manner. Also, even an experienced craftsman may possibly lose control of the angle from time to time.
A particular situation when machine-like precision is desired is depicted in FIG. 6A. Grinding bevel surfaces 2, 4 into a blade blank 6 requires that both bevel surfaces 2, 4 be ground at the same angle A so as to result in a knife blade displaying bilateral symmetry. In FIG. 6A, the angle A is depicted as being that included angle spanning one of the bevel surfaces 2 or 4, and a plane 8 which bisects the blade bank 6 through the smallest dimension thereof. FIG. 6A illustrates the blade blank of a knife which may be produced by prior art methods.
FIG. 7 shows a prior art method of how the blade bank 6 may be ground by hand. The tang is held in the hand H of the operator against the belt 18 of a belt sanding or belt grinding machine 16. It will be appreciated that considerable skill, acuity, and experience are required of a human operator to keep the grinding angle constant, and further to keep the grinding angle equal to a predetermined desired angle. It is very difficult for a beginner to produce acceptable knives by hand grinding, and even for more experienced craftsmen to maintain a desired level of consistency in controlling angles of ground surfaces.
There exists a need in the prior art for an uncomplicated aid to assist in determining the exact angle of a workpiece which is to be held manually against the moving surface of a grinding tool.


Surgical device (1) is for use in minimally invasive surgery using an inflated body cavity (2) accessible to a surgeon through an access port defined by a sleeve (4) passing through an incision in a patient's abdominal wall (3). The device is held in position by a distal ring (5) and a proximal ring (6). The device (1) is sealed by cuff valve (8), self sealing valve (18), spring valve (28) or snap open/snap shut valve (38).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a surgical device for use in minimally invasive surgery of the type using patient pneumoperitoneum and an access port.
2. Description of Related Art
Minimally invasive surgery of this type is carried out having introduced gas into a patient's body cavity through an incision and sealed the incision with an access port. The access port enables laproscopic and hand or instrument assisted surgery to be performed.
A sleeve forming such a port is shown in WO-A-95/07056 entitled "Apparatus for use in surgery". The access port sleeve shown is used to create a controlled pressurized environment within the sleeve while allowing a surgeon's arm to pass through the sleeve. During surgery, gas is pumped into the patient's body cavity where the surgery is to be performed and the sleeve prevents gas escaping while allowing the surgeon to operate using minimally invasive surgery techniques. The application shows a sleeve having a flange at a distal end provided with adhesive for adhering the device to a patient's body or alternatively a mounting ring to surround the incision in a patient's body. While providing a suitable apparatus for performing such surgery the device described suffers from the principle disadvantage that in use, the sleeve protrudes upwardly from the patient and may interfere with the activities of the surgery team. Additionally, the sleeve must be sealed against the surgeon's upper forearm by clamping the device to the arm sufficiently tightly to avoid gas leak around the area of the seal. This presents the surgeon with a problem both in sealing the sleeve and in subsequent mobility.
A further problem associated with the use of sleeves of the kind described is that a phenomenon known as "tenting" may occur. "Tenting" means that when the sleeve is adhered to the patient's skin or to a surgical drape and gas is induced into the patient's abdominal cavity, there is a tendency for the sleeve to fill with gas and to pull away from the patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,133 discloses an endoscopic surgical apparatus for enabling a surgeon to access directly the surgical site during an endoscopic procedure. This apparatus includes an opening extending longitudinally through the apparatus and prior art is configured and dimensioned to receive a hand therethrough. A first plate engages against the outer surface of the abdominal wall. A second plate is spaced from the first plate and is movable between a first position and a second position wherein the second plate is in close cooperative alignment with the inner surface of the abdominal wall. An adjustment member is mounted to the second plate and actuates movement of the second plate between its first position and its second position. A first sealing member inhibits the flow of gas through said opening and is formed by a pair of overlapping seals. A flexible sleeve extends between the first and second plates and adjusts in length to accommodate various thicknesses of the abdominal wall. The sleeve also creates an access port for the passage of objects through the abdominal wall.


An optical assembly comprises a light beam source, a collimating lens, and a passive thermally-compensated structure. Concentric rings of dissimilar material are supported by a baseplate and arranged to support a flexure plate at a predetermined distance above the baseplate. The collimating lens is mounted on the flexure plate. A difference in the thermal coefficient of expansion of the rings is chosen so that the flexure plate moves to compensate for thermal shifts in system focal length, while maintaining radial and angular alignment of the lens relative to the laser diode source, so as to provide controlled axial movement of the collimating lens.

The present invention relates to means for effecting temperature-compensation of focal length in an optical assembly.
Certain optical assemblies such as those found in laser output scanners require a stable monochromatic collimated light beam provided by a laser diode and a collimating lens. For adequate optical performance, the beam source must maintain a predetermined beam quality over a wide ambient temperature range. In conventional apparatus, the beam source and lens are mounted in a mechanical structure that attempts to maintain the beam focal length while the apparatus undergoes temperature-induced structural changes. Hence, the thermal compensation is effected either passively or actively.
Passive compensation systems rely on the differences in coefficients of thermal expansions of the various elements in the optical system such that there is minimal net focus shift with temperature. The conventional approach is to employ concentric tube systems, which, if constructed from common materials, are too large or bulky. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,335 discloses a series of interlocking tubes each carrying a single optical element of an optically-pumped solid-state laser. Such an apparatus is too large to be suitable for many applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,137 discloses a mounting device for a lens used to refract a light beam, wherein the lens is supported by doughnut-shaped bimetal components which deflect according to the ambient temperature. This approach can be moderately effective for supporting lenses having diameters under approximately 1 cm. However, the motion of the bimetal components is not fully constrained, and the lens undergoes a tilted and/or tipped motion relative to the optical axis. The boundary conditions inherent in the disclosed design thus allow linear motion of the lens over but a very small range of motion. The disclosed approach is therefore unsuitable for effecting fine adjustment of lens position over a large range of motion. Moreover, the disclosed bimetal components suffer from a temperature gradient over their radial dimension; thus rendering the temperature compensation less accurate and less effective than desireable.
Prior art approaches that rely on active control (for example, wherein heating elements or thermoelectric coolers are used) have several inherent disadvantages. For example, a thermoelectric cooler is employed in the apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,753 to stabilize the output power and wavelength of a laser diode beam source; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,656,635 and 4,993,801 disclose a beam source wherein a thermoelectric cooler is employed to control the operating temperature of the entire head. These apparatus are expensive to construct and require an external power source.

Compact, passively athermalized optical assembly


The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to service an electronic device. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request to service an electronic device communicatively connected to a test station. The method also includes obtaining a device model and an image group of the electronic device and determining criteria to service the electronic device in accordance with a desired setup, where each image group is associated with one or more different device models. The method further includes transmitting a request to service the electronic device to a management system having an image of applications compatible with the image group of the electronic device. The method further includes receiving at least one of a virtual hard drive storing a copy of the image of the applications and an indication of a location of the virtual hard drive. The method further includes executing the applications to service the electronic device.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods to service an electronic device.
Quality control procedures for servicing an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, and PDA often include removing personal and proprietary content from the electronic device, re-configuring hardware, software, and/or firmware running on the electronic device, and/or installing new software and/or firmware on the electronic device. A procedure to service the electronic device may be based on the make and model of the electronic device, the physical condition of the electronic device, and one or more manufacturer, vendor, customer, and/or service technician specified criteria. Given that each of the foregoing requirements should be satisfied in order to successfully service the electronic device, manually servicing the electronic device may be error prone. Further, manually servicing multiple electronic devices would not only be error prone, but would also be proportionally more time consuming.
Some quality control procedures utilize a test station to automatically service the electronic device, thereby reducing technician error. However, different makes and device models of electronic devices may have conflicting setup procedures and may require different hardware components to configure the respective electronic devices. As such, it may be difficult for the test station to service multiple makes and device models of electronic devices in accordance with each respective electronic device's desired setup.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods to service an electronic device

FedEx Supply Chain Logistic & Electronics, Inc.


A headset for a bicycle includes an upper bearing assembly and a lower bearing assembly between which is disposed a head tube and a steerer tube is inserted through head tube and rotatably engaged between the two assemblies. The upper bearing assembly has a bearing with a plurality of rollers each roller is disposed in an inclined fashion by 10-20 degrees regarding to a vertical line of said assembly.

The present invention relates to a headset for a bicycle, and more particularly to a headset which has an upper bearing assembly and a lower bearing assembly each bearing having a plurality of rollers disposed in an inclined fashion therein and the inclined angle regarding to a vertical line of the rollers is 10-20 degrees for the upper bearing assembly and 45 degrees for the lower bearing assembly respectively.
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional headset of a bicycle generally includes an upper bearing assembly 50 and a lower bearing assembly 60 between which a head tube 70 is disposed. A steerer tube 80 is inserted from the lower bearing assembly 60 via the head tube 70 to the upper bearing assembly 50 and is threaded engaged to an adjusting nut 51 disposed on a top of the upper bearing assembly 50 such that the steerer tube 80 is rotatably engaged between the upper and lower bearing assemblies 50, 60. Each bearing assembly has a first race 501 or 601 and a second race 502 or 602 which respectively abut a first bowl 52 or 61 and a second bowl 53 or 62. A bearing 503 or 603 is securely engaged between the first and second races 501, 502 or 601, 602, generally, the bearings 503, 603 are disposed by the same inclined angle of 45 degrees regarding to a vertical line of respective assembly 50, 60. The upper and lower bearing assemblies 50, 60 require different installing standards, namely, the upper bearing assembly 50 requires less rotating feature than the lower bearing assembly 60 because the lower bearing assembly 60 is designed for providing a smoothly rotating feature for the steerer tube 80, however, the upper bearing assembly 50 is required to hold and maintain the head tube and the two assemblies 50, 60 in place rather than to provide a smoothly rotating feature. Therefore, because of the similarity in design of the two bearings 503, 603, when an assembler rotates the adjusting nut 51, a vertical component force will transfer to the lower bearing 603 and the larger the vertical component force is produced the less rotating feature of the lower bearing 603 performs, and the larger the angle of the bearing disposed regarding to the vertical line the larger the vertical component force will be produced, this is opposite to the principle of the features required of the bearings 503, 603 mentioned above. Should the lower bearing 603 rotate unsatisfactorily, the assembler must loosen both the upper and lower bearing assemblies 50, 60 and re-check them again.
The present invention intends to provide a headset where the upper bearing has a plurality of rollers disposed therein in an inclined fashion, the inclined angle is 10-20 degrees regarding to a vertical line and by which a less vertical component force will be produced when assembling the upper bearing assembly therefore mitigating and/or obviating the above-mentioned problems.

Mei Shan Village, Hou Li Hsiang, Taichung Hsien


Thermally stable bisimido polymers, devoid of diamine component and well adapted for the production of laminates, are prepared by copolymerizing (a) an N,N'-bismaleimide with (b) an acrylate comonomer, e.g., a novolak epoxy (meth)acrylate, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of (c) an imidazole compound, and, optionally, (d) a chlorinated or brominated epoxy resin, or admixture thereof with a non-chlorinated or non-brominated epoxy resin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to novel thermally stable bisimido polymers, and to processes for the preparation of such polymers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Polymers produced by reacting an N,N'-bisimide of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid such as, for example, a N,N'-bismaleimide, with a diprimary diamine are known to this art. Compare published French Application No. 1,555,564. The amounts of N,N'-bisimide and of diamine are selected such that the ratio: ##EQU1## is at least equal to 1; furthermore, it is generally preferred that it be less than 50. Thermally stable resins are thus obtained, which withstand very well severe thermal stresses.
In the aforementioned published French application, it is indicated generally that the preparation of these resins may be carried out in bulk, by heating the reactants which have been intimately mixed beforehand, or else in an inert polar diluent such as dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide, it being possible for this latter process to be employed, for example, when the application of the polymer requires a solution thereof to be used.
Finally, it is also noted that, for many uses, it is advantageous to conduct the reaction in two stages; in a first stage, a prepolymer is prepared by heating an intimate mixture of the two reactants to a temperature on the order of 100.degree. to 250.degree. C. The prepolymer obtained may be used in the form of a solution, suspension or powder, or else it can also be shaped merely by being cast hot. In a second stage, curing of the prepolymer is effected by heating same to temperatures on the order of 300.degree. C., optionally under pressure.
These polymers may be converted into films or into polycellular materials. They are of very particular interest for the manufacture either of articles which are molded optionally in combination with fibers or pulverulent fillers, or of laminates based on inorganic fibers (single fibers, fabric or nonwoven fibers) such as, for example, carbon, boron or glass fibers. However, the preparation and the use of these polymers require precautions to be taken so far as health and hygiene are concerned, when the diprimary diamine employed is of aromatic nature, because of the toxicity of certain of these compounds.
Thus, to overcome this disadvantage, need exists for novel polymers containing imide groups which do not require diamines for the preparation thereof.
Polymers containing imide groups which may be prepared without the use of diamines have already been described in European Patent Application EP-A-0,167,304. Such polyamides are produced, for example, from:
(i) a combination of a number of N,N'-bismaleimides; and
(ii) a (meth)acrylic ester consisting of the reaction product of (meth)acrylic acid with an epoxy resin, such as a glycidyl ether of poly(hydroxyphenyl)alkane or of a phenol/formaldehyde polycondensate of the novolak type.
It has now been determined that the disclosure of the above-mentioned patent application does not make it possible, beginning with a reactant generating imide groups consisting of a single N,N'-bismaleimide by itself, to produce homogeneous prepolymers, and polymers in the case of which the bismaleimide and the (meth)acrylic ester are subjected to a joint copolymerization reaction. It has also been ascertained that the prepolymers which can be prepared are ill-suited for the production of preimpregnated intermediate articles (used for the manufacture of laminates) when the solvent-impregnation technique is employed, because of the very low solubility of these prepolymers in the solvents which are generally employed.

Thermally stable bisimido copolymerizates


A photosensor element that is capable of achieving a good balance between high photoelectric conversion efficiency and low dark current is able to be obtained by using a composition for forming a hole collecting layer of a photosensor element, which contains an organic solvent and a charge-transporting material that is composed, for example, of an aniline derivative or thiophene derivative represented by one of formulae (AA)-(DD) and having a molecular weight of 200-2,000.

Photoelectron multipliers which utilize the photoelectric effect and photodiodes which utilize pn junctions have hitherto been used as photosensors. Such photosensors are employed in a broad range of applications that include not only light sensing, but also, as solid-state imaging devices, image sensors for civilian use and on-board applications in vehicles.
Lately, given current trends toward smaller sizes and lighter weights, and also the importance placed on low cost and decorative design, organic photosensors that use organic materials in the photoelectric conversion layers are being developed and have been attracting attention.
Organic photosensors are constructed of, for example, a photoelectric conversion layer, charge (hole, electron) collecting layers, electrodes (anode, cathode) and an optical filter.
Of these, the photoelectric conversion layer and the charge-collecting layers are generally formed by a vacuum deposition process. However, vacuum deposition has drawbacks in terms of, for example, its complexity as a mass production process, the high cost of the equipment, and the efficiency of material utilization.
In light of these drawbacks, water-dispersible polymeric organic conductive materials such as PEDOT/PSS are sometimes used as coating-type materials for forming hole-collecting layers. However, because these are aqueous dispersions, the complete removal of moisture and the control of moisture reabsorption are difficult, which tends to accelerate device deterioration.
Moreover, there remain a variety of challenges facing the use of aqueous dispersions of PEDOT/PSS in mass production. Namely, because such dispersions are prone to solids agglomeration, defects readily arise in applied films made thereof and the coating equipment has a tendency to clog or corrode, in addition to which the applied films leave something to be desired in terms of heat resistance.
Also, in photosensors, an external electrical field is generally applied on account of the need to maximize the light-receiving properties (see Patent Document 1).
Although applying an external electrical field is likely to improve the light-receiving sensitivity and the response speed, the injection of holes and electrons from the electrodes arises, resulting in an increase in the dark current.
Because this increase in dark current is a factor that lowers the detection sensitivity, in order to create devices having a high light-receiving sensitivity, suppression of the dark current while continuing to exhibit a high photoelectric conversion efficiency is important.

Composition for forming hole collecting layer of photosensor element, and photosensor element


A floating dock of the type comprising a bottom structure and two side walls is provided with a service tunnel extending longitudinally through the bottom structure, and housing the ballast pumps. The bottom plating is inclined upwardly from the longitudinal middle line of the dock, and the outlets from the ballast pumps are formed so as to direct the flow of expelled water outwardly along the inclined bottom plating.

A floating dock of conventional type comprises a supporting bottom structure having side walls along its longitudinal sides for providing i.a. the necessary stability, when the dock is lowered. The bottom structure includes a number of displacement tanks, which are filled with water, when the dock is to be sunk, and which must be emptied when the dock is to be raised.
The pumps for handling the ballast water are usually located in the lower parts of the side walls, while their driving motors are accommodated higher up in the side walls, in spaces which during most of the working time will remain above water level. The transfer of torque is obtained by means of long, vertical shafts, for which it is difficult to provide satisfactory journalling and lubrication. The outlets from the pumps are directed horizontally outwards from the dock's sides.
In order to accommodate the lowered dock a well is often excavated in the sea-bed outside the quay or pier, where the dock is moored, and it is evident, that there is a big risk of such well being filled with mud and debris.
The most heavily stressed portion of the dock is located along the centre line of the bottom structure, and it is desirable to locally strengthen this portion.


The invention pertains to a method for removing flat mail pieces from a pile by means of a removal device with controllable removal velocity which feeds the mail pieces to conveyor belts driven at the velocity v0. Set velocity value profiles are associated with the differences between set and actual gaps. Since the curve forms are selectable, the drive ratios can be taken into account. The association of the set velocity value curves of the drive unit with the actual gaps in order to achieve the set gap at the takeover point of the conveyor belts at velocity v0 takes place in previous measurements.

The invention pertains to a method and a device for removing flat mail pieces from a pile according to the preamble of the independent claims.
The removal of the frontmost mail pieces from a pile of mail pieces must be done while maintaining a certain minimum gap [between mail pieces]. It is not desirable to fall below this minimum gap in order to permit downstream system components to process the individual mail pieces. At the same time, the mean gap which is achieved should exceed the minimum gap by as little as possible in order to achieve a high mail piece throughput.
Devices for removing flat mail pieces from a pile are known from EP 0 167 091 A1 and DE 196 07 304 C1. These devices have a controlled removal element that removes the frontmost mail piece of a pile and pushes it forward into the capture range of a pair of driven conveyor rollers, with a measurement section located between the pile outlet and the conveyor rollers in the form of a light barrier row whose output signals are fed to a control circuit. In EP 0 167 091 A1, the driving of the removal element for the removal of a mail piece takes place such that the spacing between the mail piece to be removed and a mail piece that has already been removed is ascertained and the respective spacing measurement result is corrected by a specified value that is dependent on the acceleration travel of an object to be removed and wherein the removal is initiated whenever the size of the thus corrected spacing measurement result matches a set spacing value.
The use of the specified value here permits only a global consideration of the transfer behavior of the removal drive units and their effect on the acceleration process.
Differing behavior of the mail pieces in the removal process also results from the differing positions of the mail pieces in the pile from which the mail pieces are removed. This likewise results in differing gaps, whereby throughput losses are created.
According to DE 197 07 304, therefore, the mail piece to be removed is first accelerated to an intermediate velocity which is lower than a prescribed final velocity, for a more precise control of gaps. As soon as the actual spacing is equal to the set spacing, the mail piece is accelerated to the final velocity.
These known solutions require an elaborate measurement section in the form of a light barrier row, with which both the position of the removed mail piece (back edge, as long as it is still located inside the measurement section) and that of the next mail piece to be removed (front edge) are continually detected in order to ascertain the correct points in time for the acceleration of the mail piece to be removed. Transfer characteristics of the removal drive unit are taken into account only globally.
The invention specified in the independent claims is thus based on the problem of creating a method and a device for removal of flat mail pieces from a pile with a defined final velocity in which a measurement section of linked sensors for detecting the mail pieces is not necessary and the deviations of the established gaps between the mail pieces are kept small with little effort.
The invention is based on the concept of associating gap differences from the set gap value with certain profiles of set velocity values. Since these waveforms are selectable, the drive conditions can be taken into account with them. The association of the set velocity value curves of the drive unit with the actual gaps in order to achieve the set gap at the takeover point of the conveyor belts takes place in previous measurements. The nonlinearities of the transfer function are covered empirically on the basis of the measurements, not algebraically, by a tabular association of the set and actual profiles. Thus there is no necessity for algorithmic description and the corresponding computational treatment. Arbitrarily complicated nonlinearities thus become easily manageable with a reproducible behavior. The run-time computational conditions during real-time operation are thus alleviated by virtue of the fact that the above associations are detected offline and represented in the tables.
Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subordinate claims.

Method and device for removing flat packages from a pile

Abstract: The nonlinearities of the transfer function of the drive unit are detected by tabular assignment of the velocity profiles on the basis of measurements.


A device for assisting and relaxing a user's leg muscles in and after physical activities, such as jogging. The device includes an elastic strap which extends from under the sole of the user's foot upwardly around the heel thereof to the back of the knee. Securing straps are provided at the lower end of the elastic strap for encircling the waist of the user's foot to secure the lower end of the elastic strap thereto. Securing straps are provided at the upper end of the elastic strap for encircling the user's leg adjacent the knee for securing the upper end of the elastic strap thereto with the elastic strap being urged against the rear of the calf of the user's leg for relaxing and relieving fatigue and tension in the user's leg muscles. The elastic strap further provides a biasing of the user's foot for assisting the leg muscles providing inversion about the subtalar axis during activities, such as jogging.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices for assisting and relaxing muscles of a user's lower limbs.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A number of apparatuses and devices have been developed for facilitating physical activity, such as walking, running, and jumping, and for providing support of a user's lower limbs and, in particular, the joints thereof. One example of such an apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 440,684 of Nicholas Yagn. The apparatus shown therein includes a compressed gas holder which is connected in combination with a plurality of springs so as to minimize the exertion on the part of the wearer in activities such as walking, running and jumping.
Herbert J. Bradstreet shows an exercising device in U.S. Pat. No. 807,908, including elastic straps extending from the feet upwardly and over the user's shoulders, with elastic straps extending across the user's chest and back and connected to the straps extending up from the feet. The Bradsheet device is designed to exert strain or resistance in opposition to the movements of the various members of the user's body and, thus, serve as a means for developing the muscles in connection with ordinary activities, such as raising the user's hat to bow, raising his arm, stooping, writing, walking, etc.
John J. Cooper shows a leg and foot developer in U.S. Pat. No. 1,548,711 for restoring lost functions in muscles of the hips, legs and feet. The Cooper device subjects the muscles and tendons of the hips, legs and feet to a resistance in walking to bring about a control of defective muscles and to activate the muscles for producing improved blood circulation.
An elastic rubber back support is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,533,874 of James H. Nivens wherein a foot sling is connected at the opposite sides of the user's foot to leg bands extending upwardly therefrom to securing means secured about the calf of the user's leg.
Another form of leg booster for relieving body fatigue is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,517 of Couvaris J. Stevens. The device includes straps extending downwardly from a vest which is worn on the user's chest and back. The lower end of the straps extend downwardly from the hips of the user to the outer sides of the angles. Auxiliary elastic cross straps are secured to the vertical straps and adjustably encircle the legs of the wearer above and below the knees to stabilize the vertical main straps. As shown in FIG. 1 of the Stevens' patent, the vertical straps extend along the sides of the user and, as seen in FIG. 2, the lower knee securing straps are disposed above the calf of the leg so as to leave the calf effectively unsupported.
Irving Spiro, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,527, shows an orthopedic knee support including stiffening members and Velcro fastening means for adjustably securing the support above and below the knee.
Jack R. Baker shows, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,506,000, an ankle support having a body member extending about the achilles' tendon at the back of the user's foot and along the inside and outside of the foot. The device further includes stretchable straps passing under the arch of the foot and over the instep in opposite directions and then about the leg in opposite directions. The straps include means for holding them in the overlapping position.
Lawrence T. Stromgren shows, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,046, a flexible knee support somewhat similar to the Spiro knee support discussed above.
A one-piece elastic body suit is disclosed by Edgar N. Fox in U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,814 and includes a plurality of elastic band members disposed between inner and outer layers of the suit and includes a triangularly shaped strap member for receiving the foot of the user. When the suit is worn, the vertical band members are placed under tension by the downward pulling exerted by the feet on the triangular strap member for exerting pressure on different muscles of the body, including the leg, back and shoulder muscles of the body.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,064, Franklin W. Chandler, Jr. shows a protective athletic pants hose including a support for the knee joint. The device includes an attachment from the knee grip to the waist belt thereof for providing transferring of load from the knee area to the waist of the user. The device further includes an attachment from the lower band of the knee grip to a stocking end portion of the toe cap thereof to provide the coordinated functioning of the knee grip with the action of the foot.


A portable exercise device for use by a human which includes a helical spring and first and second spaced apart arms adapted for engagement by the human. The arms have proximal and distal portions, the spring biasing the arms toward a first position and permitting them to pivot thereabout to a second position when so urged by the human. The arm proximal portions are joined to the spring so that when the arms are in the first position the proximal portions extend from the spring in the same general direction and are generally parallel to each other and when the arms are in the second position the proximal portions are angled apart from the spring. The exercise device further includes padding mounted on the distal portions for cushioning the human during use of the device. When the device is used as an abduction exercise device, the arm distal portions curve toward each other and each have a generally looped configuration. The arm distal portions can be removed to permit conversion of the device from an abduction exercise device to an adduction exercise device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to exercise devices for humans and more particularly to portable exercise devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Portable exercising devices are available which are formed from rods with central helical portions and two arms extending therefrom (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,483,533 and 5,026,050). However, the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,483,533 and 5,026,050 are designed specifically as adduction exercise devices for exercising certain muscle groups, such as those of the inner thighs and arms, by bringing limbs together. Some adduction exercise devices can be used to exercise the outer muscles of a leg through outwardly extension of one leg, and in this manner be used as an abduction exercise device. However, these devices cannot exercise those muscles on both legs simultaneously. In addition, these devices can slip loose and be propelled from the user when used in this manner, possibly causing injury or damage.
Abduction exercise machines have been heretofore provided, but most of these machines are stationary and stand alone machines.
Exercise devices have been provided for placement between the muscles of the buttocks for exercising the muscles of the pelvic girdle. Exercises of this type are called Kegal exercises. These devices suffer from the disadvantage, however, of being close to the pivot point of the hip joint. As a result, the forces needed to exercise with these devices and the benefits derived therefrom are not significant.
As can be seen from the foregoing, there is a need for a new and improved exercise device which overcomes these disadvantages.


The conversion of synthesis gas to liquid molar fuels by means of a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition is enhanced by the addition of molybdenum, tungsten or a combination thereof as an additional component of said composition. The presence of the additive component increases the olefinic content of the hydrocarbon products produced. The catalyst composition can advantageously include a support component, such as a molecular sieve, co-catalyst/support component or a combination of such support components.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons. More particularly, it relates to the conversion of such synthesis gas to C.sub.5.sup.+ hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid motor fuels.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is well known in the art that synthesis gas, i.e., hydrogen and carbon monoxide, can be converted to hydrocarbons in the presence of a variety of transition metal catalysts. Thus, certain Group VIII metals, particularly iron, cobalt, ruthenium and nickel, are known to catalyze the conversion of CO and hydrogen, also referred to as syngas, to hydrocarbons. Such metals are commonly called Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. While the use of nickel preferentially produces methane upon conversion of syngas, the use of iron, cobalt and ruthenium tends to produce hydrocarbon mixtures consisting of hydrocarbons having a larger carbon number than methane, as determined by a number of analytical means including mass spectrographic analysis of individual components and the boiling point curve method. At higher reaction temperatures, all Fischer-Tropsch catalysts tend to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, and it is readily feasible to select processing conditions to produce methane as the principal product. At lower temperatures, and usually at higher pressures, however, iron, cobalt and ruthenium produce hydrocarbon mixtures consisting of larger hydrocarbons. These products usually contain very long straight-chain hydrocarbon molecules that tend to precipitate as wax. Such wax material, boiling well beyond the boiling range of motor fuels, typically constitutes a significant fraction of the product produced in such catalytic conversion operations. Fischer-Tropsch catalysts have not been advantageously employed in the production of liquid hydrocarbon motor fuels, therefore, instead commonly producing either principally gaseous hydrocarbons, on the one hand, or hydrocarbons containing an unacceptably large amount of wax on the other. In addition, the gasoline boiling hydrocarbon fraction that has been produced has an unacceptably low octane number.
In light of such circumstances, efforts have been made to improve the performance of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts for use in various desired syngas conversions. For example, the Breck et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,013,990, discloses the use of zeolitic molecular sieves containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst as improved catalyst compositions. Thus, Type A, X and Y molecular sieves loaded with iron or cobalt are shown to be suitable Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis catalysts, as for the production of methanol from syngas. Also with respect to the conversion of syngas, Fraenkel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,725, teach that zeolites A and Y loaded with cobalt, incorporated by ion exchange and reduced in-situ with cadmium, serve as useful catalysts of the Fischer-Tropsch type. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such catalyst materials tend to be relatively expensive and, in any event, do not produce hydrocarbon products advantageous for use as liquid motor fuels.
Efforts have also been made to improve Fischer-Tropsch catalyst performance by preparing intimate mixtures of Fischer-Tropsch metals, such as iron, with an acidic crystalline aluminosilicate, such as ZSM-5. The Chang et al. patents, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,262, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,096,163, disclose such catalyst compositions employed in the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbon mixture useful in the manufacture of heating fuels, gasoline, aromatic hydrocarbons and chemical intermediates. When it is desired to convert syngas specifically to hydrocarbons boiling in the jet fuel+diesel oil boiling range, however, such an approach is not suitable, experiencing an effective limitation at C.sub.10 carbon number as was the case using ZSM-5 in methanol conversion, as disclosed in the Owen et al. patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,426.
While iron is the currently preferred Fischer-Tropsch catalyst component for use in syngas conversion operations, cobalt had originally been preferred because of its various desirable properties. Thus, cobalt has a higher level of catalytic activity in syngas conversion operations as well as a better selectivity to total motor fuels than is obtained using iron. Cobalt has certain product quality disadvantages, however, that have tended to discourage its use for syngas conversion operations. Thus, the hydrocarbon products obtained using cobalt catalysts are generally more paraffinic and waxy than the corresponding products obtained using iron as the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. Such waxy products are much more difficult to upgrade, as by the use of a shape selective component in the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition in accordance with known practice, than would be a more olefinic hydrocarbon conversion product of syngas conversion operations.
It is desirable, therefore, that improvements be made in the art to enable cobalt to be more advantageously employed as a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for syngas conversion operations. The prior art developments relating to the use of cobalt catalysts for applications other than Fischer-Tropsch catalysts do not appear relevant to the problems associated with the Fischer-Tropsch conversion of syngas to liquid motor fuels. Thus, cobalt-molybdenum catalysts supported on alumina are the commonly employed commercial hydrotreating hydrode-sulfurization) catalysts. Such catalysts, generally containing 3-5% CoO and 15% MoO.sub.3 on Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, are not particularly relevant to Fischer-Tropsch catalysis. In another area of prior art activity, molybdenum and tungsten have been employed in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions.
At a 1982 Material Research Society meeting, A. Brenner reported the use of molybdenum and tungsten as Fischer-Tropsch metals. Thus, molybdenum salts were reduced at a high temperature (1000.degree. C.), and the reduced molybdenum was found to act as a very low activity Fischer-Tropsch metal. A somewhat more active catalyst can be formed by reducing molybdenum or tungsten carbonyl. Molybdic acid has also been tested as a promoter for iron Fischer-Tropsch catalysts as reported in the Fischer-Tropsch and Related Synthesis by H. Storch, N. Golumbic and R. Anderson, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. 1951, however, the molybdic acid did not improve the activity of the iron catalyst. Storch et al also reported the testing of tungsten oxide promoters for iron Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, said promoters resulting in a shift of the product distribution toward high wax yields.
It is generally known in the art that manganese is effective in increasing the olefin content of hydrocarbon products obtained upon syngas conversion using an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. Manganese is not effective, however, in producing more olefins when a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is employed. Despite the various activities carried out in the art as indicated above, there remains a desire in the art for improvements rendering cobalt a more satisfactory Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for syngas conversion than it is at the present time. What is thus desired in the art is the development of an additive and/or an operating technique that will have a similar effect with respect to cobalt as has manganese with respect to iron catalysts.
It is an object of the invention, therefore, to provide an improved Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition for use in the conversion of syngas to liquid motor fuels.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved cobalt-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition for said syngas conversion.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a cobalt Fischer-Tropsch syngas conversion catalyst and process capable of enhancing the olefinic content of the liquid hydrocarbon conversion products obtained.
With these and other objects in mind, the invention is hereinafter described in detail, the novel features thereof being particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Enhanced catalyst and process for converting synthesis gas to liquid motor fuels


A sheet-like gasket formed of a material having a layered internal structure, for suppressing or preventing leakage penetration, and to attain very high sealing properties together with contact-surface leakage reduction. The sheet-like gasket has two base members each including spaced apart high-density faces and having an outer end portion 1A1 and an inner end portion 1B1 of sheet-like base members 1A and 1B which are adjacent in an inner and outer relationship which are partially overlapped. The whole gasket including the overlap portion is formed by pressurization so as to have a substantially uniform thickness. As a result, double high-density layers and are formed in the overlap portion where the base members are bonded.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a sheet-like gasket which is useful for sealing a flange connection portion of a pipe joint, a passage connection portion of a fluid apparatus, or the like, and more particularly to a sheet-like gasket formed of a material having a layered internal structure such as expanded graphite or porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
2. Prior Art
Sheet-like gaskets of such types which are conventionally known include those having the following structures:
(A) A gasket which, as shown in FIG. 24, is produced by forming a material having a layered internal structure such as expanded graphite superior in heat resistance, airtightness and stress relaxation property, or porous PTFE superior in contamination preventing property for fluid, into a sheet-like shape by pressurization, and then stamping the sheet-like material into an annular shape, so as to form a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape. PA0 (B) A gasket such as a print gasket in which, as shown in FIG. 25, local protrusions 11 are formed on both front and back faces 10a and 10a, i.e., on tightening faces of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like, so that a high face pressure is locally applied to the contact surface. PA0 (C) A gasket in which, as shown in FIG. 26, inside and outside portions of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like are compressed from both front and back faces for forming recesses, so that a high-density layer 13 is formed between the recess portions 12 and 12 on the front and back faces. PA0 (D) A gasket in which, as shown in FIG. 27, an inner circumferential face portion of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like is compressed by using a mold, etc., so as to form a high-density layer 13. In FIG. 27, the high-density layer 13 is formed only on the inner circumferential face portion of the sheet-like base member 10. Alternatively, the high-density layer 13 may be formed only on an outer circumferential face portion, or on both inner and outer circumferential face portions. PA0 (E) A gasket in which, as shown in FIG. 28, on an outer or inner end portion of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like, a local sheet base member 14 made of the same material as that of the sheet-like base member 10 is overlapped, and then pressurized so that the thickness of the whole structure is uniform. In FIG. 28, the local sheet base member 14 is overlapped only on the outer end portion of the sheet-like base member 10. Alternatively, the local sheet base member 14 may be overlapped only on the inner end portion. PA0 (F) A gasket produced by, as shown in FIG. 29, coating both front and back faces of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like with coating members 15 and 15 made of PTFE or the like, or by, as shown in FIG. 30, coating the entire face of the sheet-like base member 10 with a coating member 15 made of PTFE or the like. PA0 (G) A gasket by, as shown in FIG. 31, covering and enclosing an inner end portion and an inner circumferential face portion of a sheet-like base member 10 having a predetermined shape made of expanded graphite, porous PTFE, or the like with a covering member 16 made of a metal, PTFE (which is not porous), or the like.
In general, in a sheet-like gasket in which a sheet-like base member 10 is formed of a material having a layered internal structure such as expanded graphite or porous PTFE, as is apparent from an enlarged cross-sectional structure shown in FIG. 32, both front and back face portions 10a and 10a of the sheet-like base member 10 are in a high-density and high-alignment (high alignment: a state in which alignment in one direction is attained, so that, for example for expanded graphite, flaky expanded graphite particles are tidily arranged in a stacked manner) state. Accordingly, as indicated by b in the figure, leakage from the inside to the front and back face portions 10a and 10a hardly occurs, but, as indicated by a in the figure, penetration leakage via the internal layer to the outside tends to easily occur.
With the aforementioned view points, the above-listed conventional sheet-like gaskets will be individually studied. In the structures of (A) and (B), leakage from the contact surface, i.e., contact-surface leakage can be suppressed or prevented by tightening at a high face pressure, but penetration leakage such as that indicated by a in FIG. 32 cannot be prevented from occurring. In the structures of (C) and (D), penetration leakage is reduced due to the presence of the high-density layer 13, but contact-surface leakage easily occurs. Furthermore, in the structure of (E), both contact-surface leakage and penetration leakage can be reduced because the passage for penetration leakage is narrow. The narrow passage, however, does not mean that the passage for penetration leakage is cut off. Thus, a small amount of penetration leakage cannot be prevented from occurring, so that high sealing properties cannot be attained in any way.
In the structure of (F), particularly in the structure wherein the entire face is coated, the density of the coating member portions on the front and back faces is increased as the degree of the tightening is advanced, so that contact-surface leakage can be surely prevented. However, the density of the coating member portions on the inner and outer circumferential faces is not increased, so that penetration leakage cannot be prevented from occurring. In the structure of (G), it is desired to use a metal or hard non-porous PTFE as the covering member 16 in order to prevent penetration leakage. However, in some cases, for example, in the case where the tightening face pressure cannot be made higher, in the case where a joint flange is soft, or in the case where the gasket is used at a high temperature, a hard material cannot be used depending on the circumstances in which leakage is to be prevented. In such cases, it is necessary to use a covering member 16 made of a soft material having heat resistance and corrosion resistance, so that penetration leakage inevitably occurs.

Sheet-like gasket with overlapped peripheral portions