Biogas is converted to a vehicle fuel equivalent to compressed natural gas high in methane in a simple, low cost process involving steps of refrigeration, non-regenerative activated carbon purification and carbon dioxide removal using low-pressure membrane technology.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is seeing increased use as a vehicle fuel in the United States and worldwide. CNG can also be utilized for heating and other uses where natural gas pipelines do not exist. Large quantities of biogas (landfill gas, digester gas, anaerobic wastewater treatment process gas and other biogases) are currently being flared to the atmosphere. Biogas is flared when it cannot be utilized economically for on-site power production or where other traditional markets for biogas do not exist. It would be good for both the environment and the economy to convert combustible gases now being flared to a useful form of energy.
The current invention converts biogas to a CNG equivalent. It differs from and is an improvement to the Borray U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,903 for conversion of landfill gas into a CNG equivalent in that the current invention employs a simpler, less costly process chain. The process of the current invention can be scaled down more practically and economically to much smaller sized processing plants, allowing smaller sources of biogas to be exploited.
Biogas, when converted into a natural gas equivalent, and then to a CNG equivalent or a liquefied natural gas (LNG) equivalent, is considered to be what is known as biomethane. Biomethane is a renewable fuel and can be used by producers and users of fossil vehicle fuels to meet renewable fuel utilization goals and/or greenhouse gas reduction goals. Biomethane CNG (B-CNG) commands a premium both environmentally and economically in the vehicle fuel market.
CNG vehicle fuel standards have been established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and others. Biogas does not comply with many of the line item specifications in these standards. The methane content of biogas is too low. The carbon dioxide, and sometimes the nitrogen content, of biogas is too high. The moisture content of biogas is too high. The sulfur content of biogas is too high. While compliant with the specifications governing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), certain biogases contain individual VOCs which must be removed (despite not being specifically listed in CNG vehicle fuel specification standards), such as siloxane compounds, as these compounds are known by those in the biogas industry to be harmful to reciprocating engines.
Converting biogas to a CNG equivalent requires: 1) limiting nitrogen at the source of the biogas; 2) dehydration; 3) removal of carbon dioxide; 3) removal of VOCs; 4) removal of sulfur compounds; and 5) compression.

Method for production of a compressed natural gas equivalent from landfill gas and other biogases

Stearns Conrad Schmidt Consulting Engineers, Inc.


An approach to refurbishing or remanufacturing an electronic device may involve exposing electrical components that are situated within an interior of the electronic device. The approach may also involve replacing one or more defective electronic components of the electronic device with one or more replacement components and applying a protective coating to at least a portion of the interior of the electronic device. The protective coating may cover the circuit board and the electronic components it carries. The protective coating may also cover at least some of the electrical connections of the electronic device. The protective coating may also be applied to the replacement component prior to reassembly. The resulting refurbished or remanufactured electronic device may thus be provided with moisture resistance to help protect the electronic device from damage caused by exposure to moisture.

Manufacturers may identify defective electronic devices before shipping them to resellers or end users. The defective electronic devices are sometimes remanufactured to eliminate the defect, then resold—typically at a discounted price.
Sellers and manufacturers of electronic devices receive damaged electronic devices back from consumers. A consumer may damage an electronic device during the warranty period in a manner protected by the warranty, or the electronic device may otherwise develop a fault during the warranty period. In other instances, the consumer trades in the electronic device or sells the electronic device in order to upgrade to a new electronic device. Oftentimes, the manufacturer, or a third-party, will repair the damage and/or upgrade the features and sell the repaired electronic device as a refurbished or remanufactured electronic device. Even after repair, however, the electronic device remains susceptible to damage from moisture.

System for refurbishing or remanufacturing an electronic device


In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a relay node (RN) operatively coupled with user equipment (UE), wherein the RN is configured to create one or more tunnels to enable transmission of data messages and control messages from the UE directly to a packet data network gateway (PGW). The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for tunneling user equipment (UE) traffic by creating one or more tunnels between a relay node (RN) and packet data network gateway (PGW) to prioritize control messages over data messages, wherein the one or more tunnels are created when the UE gets attached to the relay node (RN). Further, tunneling of the one or more control/non-access stratum (NAS) messages to the PGW can be performed over one of the higher priority tunnels such that when the NAS messages are received at the PGW or HGW, they can be forwarded to a mobility management entity (MME).

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In a typical wireless network, when distance between two devices such as mobile phones is more than transmission/reception range, intermediate nodes are required to provide communication services between the devices. Such intermediate nodes are generally referred to as relay nodes that are used to send information between two devices. Relevance of a relay node and relay architecture in today's radio access networks such as 4G long term evolution (LTE) and next generation radio access network (5G) has increased as network operators try to achieve enhanced coverage and capacity.
Different technologies such as multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and other advanced error correction techniques are being used by wireless networks to improve throughput under many conditions, however these technologies do not fully mitigate the problems experienced at a cell edge. As cell edge performance is becoming more critical, it is necessary to enhance performance of the cell edge at comparatively low cost. Cell edge performance depends on relay node performance.
A typical LTE network includes a plurality of base transceiver stations (BTS), also referred to as eNodeBs, a plurality of user equipments (UE) that connect to one or more eNodeBs for accessing voice or data service, a plurality of relay nodes (RN), also referred to as relays, and a plurality of repeaters. Network elements of system architecture evolution (SAE) include mobility management entity (MME), serving gateway (SGW), and packet data network Gateway (PDN-GW). In LTE network, eNodeB is generally responsible for complete radio resource management and allows a UE to access any network service. Multiple eNodeBs connect to evolved packet core (EPC) using MME for control plane signaling and also connect to SGW for user plane data transfer. SGW in a network is generally connected to a packet data network gateway (PDN-GW or PGW) for providing connectivity to external networks, including the public Internet. There are various types of eNodeBs available such as Macro/Wide-area, Micro/local-area, Pico/Small-area, Femto/home, which can respectively be called as Macro BTS, Micro BTS, PiCo BTS and Femto BTS.
In a network, repeaters or relay nodes are used generally to extend coverage of an existing BTS. They re-transmit uplink and downlink signals without decoding any of the content. First antenna of a repeater can be directed towards donor cell while second antenna can be directed towards target coverage area. As the target coverage area could be an indoor location, it may be required that one of the antenna to be an indoor antenna. Some functionalities of repeaters and relay nodes are same, however some of the functionalities are different. For example, a relay node can have its own cells and protocol stack, and also relies upon a radio frequency (RF) connection to a donor cell. The relay is similar to a normal BTS but without a fixed or wired transport connection, and can decode signals to make radio resource management decisions. PGW connects to a packet data network, which could be an external network (either public or private) or belong to the operator. The network architecture may also contain other network elements such as home subscriber server (HSS), equipment identity register (EIR), and policy and charging rules function (PCRF) etc. and different interfaces connecting all the network elements, according to 3GPP specifications.
There are different relay architectures, relay nodes, and methods thereof for relay management that are known in the prior art. FIG. 1 illustrates an existing relay architecture variant. One type of classification is the relay architecture where the relays are classified as architecture A and other type of classification is where the relays are classified as architecture B. Each of these architecture, as shown in FIG. 1, have different variants such as architecture A has three below known variants:
Alt 1: Full-L3 relay
Alt 2: Proxy S1/X2-Home eNodeB GW function at eNodeB
Alt 3: RN bearer terminates in DeNodeB.
Similarly architecture B has different variants, for example Alt 4: S1 UP terminated in donor eNodeB (DeNB). Further, relay nodes may also be classified depending on layers such as layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3 relay nodes.
In another classification, relay nodes can be classified as Type 1 and Type 2 relay nodes, wherein Type 1 LTE relay nodes control their cells with their own identity including the transmission of their own synchronization channels and reference symbols. Type 1 relays appear as if they are a Release 8 eNB to Release 8 UEs and ensures backward compatibility. The basic Type 1 LTE relay provides half duplex with in-band transmissions. Type 1 LTE can further be classified as Type 1.aLTE relay nodes (RNs) that are outband RNs that have same properties as the basic Type 1 relay nodes but can transmit and receive at the same time i.e. full duplex. Type 1.bLTE relay nodes are inbandRNs that have an ample or adequate isolation between antennas used for BS-RN and RN-UE (UE attached to RN), which isolation can be achieved by adjusting antenna spacing, directivity along with specialized digital signal processing techniques, which in turn impacts cost. Performance of these RNs and fem to cells can be similar.
Type 2 LTE relay nodes do not have their own cell identity and look just like main cell. Any UE in range cannot make distinction between a relay node from the main eNB within the cell. Control information can be transmitted from the eNB and user data from the LTE relay.
LTE Relay ClassCell IDDuplex FormatType 1YesInbandhalf duplexType 1.aYesOutband full duplexType 1.bYesInband full duplexType 2NoInband full duplex
One of the known problems with these relay nodes is that these relay nodes are not transparent to eNodeB and add extra cost. Another problem with existing relay nodes is that the eNodeB must support RN protocol stack for transfer of user plane data and perform signaling. Yet another problem with existing relay nodes is of modified air-interface, called as "Un" interface to user and control plane. The existing relay network poses some of the problems as highlighted in the 3GPP specification such as radio resource configuration between RN and eNB which adds extra cost, RN subframe configuration information element adds extra cost and also a new relay specific scheduler is required. The existing relay node of any architecture and type specified in 3GPP requires enhancements to eNodeB (eNB) and evolved packet core (EPC) elements.
There is therefore a need in the art for a system and method for building a new relay node that does not require any change to eNodeB, protocol stack, UE and EPC elements, and is different from what other standard development organizations (SDOs) are proposing and can work efficiently without impacting existing radio access network (RAN) or core network (CN) deployment. Further, another need is to eliminate support needed from incumbent vendors. Also, there is a need for a low cost relay node with simple architecture that provides mobility support, out of band configuration, full duplex capability, reusable cell ID, reusable spectrum configuration.
All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.

Relay architecture, relay node, and relay method thereof


A structure for mounting a switch to a front panel of an electric apparatus. Supporting members are arranged on the front panel to support an elastic member which can hold the switch under the elastic deformation of the elastic member. One support member is arranged one side of the opening in the front panel and another support member is arranged on the opposite side of the opening. The elastic member includes a pair of longitudinal webs adapted to engage with the lateral flap portions of the switch and at least one transverse web connecting the longitudinal webs together. The elastic member has tongues for engaging with the support member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structure for mounting an electric element, such as a switch, or the like, to an electric apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many electric/electronic apparatuses use many electric elements, such as switches, indicator lamps, resistors, timers and connectors, which are arranged in a casing or a cabinet of the apparatus. Some of the electric elements include manual operating parts or visible parts which are exposed to the outside of the front panel of the casing though openings in the casing. The front panel is intended to have a good feeling of the operation and a good appearance.
The switches, or the like, are usually secured to the inner surface of the front panel or wall of the casing, or the switches, or the like, are sometimes secured in the opening of the front panel of the casing, because such a mounting is advantageous in ensuring a good feeling of the operation and a good appearance of the apparatus.
Examples of conventional structures for mounting a switch to a casing are shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 in the attached drawings. In FIG. 9, a part of a switch 112 is inserted in an opening 114 of a wall or a front panel 110 of a casing of an electric apparatus and the switch 112 is secured to the front surface of the wall 110 by screws 116. In FIG. 10, the switch 112 is inserted in the opening 114 of the wall 110 and secured to the inner surface of the wall 110 by screws 116. These structures allow tile switch 112 to be reliably fixed, but involve an undesirable increase in labor or time for assembling the electric/electronic apparatus and for maintenance.
In FIG. 11, an example of a snap-fit type structure is shown in which the switch 112 has elastically deformable projections 123. The body of the switch 112 is inserted in the opening 114 of the wall 110 of the casing, as shown by the arrow, and the switch 112 is fixed to the wall 110 of the casing by a snap action of the elastically deformable projections 123 when the projections 123 pass through the opening 114. In this structure, the assembling work of the electric/electronic apparatus is facilitated, but the dismounting of the switch 112 from the wall 110 is somewhat difficult. In addition, the elastically deformable projections 123 may not exactly fit in the wall 110 due to the relationship of the projections 123 and the opening 114, so the switch 112 may be undesirably moved in the opening 114 of the wall 110 during use.
In FIG. 12, a further example is shown in which the switch 112 is arranged in the wall 110 and a manual operating part 133 of the switch 112 extends through the opening 114 of the wall 110. A boss 136 is arranged on the inner surface of the wall 110, and the switch 112 is secured to the wall 110 by an elastic strip 138 which is fastened to the boss 136 by a screw 137. Such a structure is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 5-90771.
In this prior art, the elastic strip 138 is of a cantilevered structure and the switch-holding mechanism may change with a lapse of time so that the switch 112 may not be firmly held. Also, this structure involves an undesirable increase in labor or time for assembling the electric/electronic apparatus and for maintenance.

Structure for mounting switch or the like to electric apparatus


This invention relates to a novel apparatus and method capable of aligning an optical fiber for injection with a high power laser beam. More particularly, this apparatus and method use a camera coupled to a monitor to align the fiber tip coincident with the laser beam focus, without damaging the fiber jacket or cladding.

The instant invention is directed in general to optical systems in which a laser beam is injected into the end of an optical fiber and, more specifically, to laser based material processing systems in which a high power laser beam is injected into the fiber input end for transmission to a remote end of the fiber where material processing is performed with the emitted beam.
Laser based material processing as known in the art and as used herein, refers to performance of processes such as cutting, welding, drilling and soldering, using a continuous wave or pulsed laser beam. The average power of such a laser beam may range from as little as approximately one watt to 1000s of watts, the specific power being selected on the basis of the particular process being performed. It is known in the art to transmit the laser beam from the laser to the vicinity of the workpiece by means of an optical fiber. Apparatus and methods for injecting a laser beam into an optical fiber for transmission there through are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,564,736; 4,676,586; and 4,681,396 respectively entitled "Industrial Hand Held Laser Tool and Laser System", "Apparatus and Method for Performing Laser Material Processing Through a Fiber Optic", and "High Power Laser Energy Delivery System", the disclosures of these patents being incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
As disclosed in the above incorporated patents, injection of the laser beam into the fiber end is accomplished by focusing the beam, by means of one or more lenses, onto the prepared input end of the fiber. Specific requirements for the convergence of the focused beam cone, the beam spot size as focused on the fiber end, and the fiber end preparation are described in these patents. Compliance with these requirements is necessary in order to successfully inject the laser beam into the optical fiber for transmission there through. Implicit in these requirements is the need for the alignment of the focused laser beam to the optical fiber to be precise, in order to allow all or most of the laser radiation to enter the fiber core.
Perfect alignment is achieved when the plane defining the fiber tip is placed in the focus of the injected laser beam, or near the focal plane if the user determines such a position to be advantageous, and the fiber's longitudinal axis is centered on the transverse dimensions of the injected beam. Misalignment of the beam and fiber end will result in either inefficient or no beam transmission through the fiber. Where the laser beam has sufficient power, misalignment will result in damage to the fiber cladding or to the jacket surrounding the fiber cladding. Upon the occurrence of each need to replace a damaged optical fiber, the time required to effect fiber alignment with the beam injecting apparatus represents manufacturing downtime and therefore manufacturing cost and inefficiency. Furthermore, additional costs may be necessary in order to repair or replace any damaged optical fibers. Therefore, fiber injection must be completed without the high power beam damaging the fiber cladding or jacket during or after the alignment stage.
Various methods are known in the art for aligning optical components, such as the alignment of a single core optical fiber with a focused laser beam. Several methods are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,984,885; 4,840,450; and 4,739,162, respectively entitled, "Method and Apparatus for High Power Optical Fiber Injection and Alignment", "Apparatus and Method for Optical Fiber End Positioning for Laser Injection", and "Laser Beam Injecting System."
Such optical alignment methods include the use of cameras, microscopes, low power aligning lasers, infrared viewing of a high power laser operated at low, non-damaging power levels or some combination of these methods. However, most of the methods currently used to align focused beams with optical fibers only work well for low power laser beams. When these methods are used with high power beams the current methods fail to recognize that the incident beam may irradiate the fiber jacket or the cladding, which surround the fiber core, severely damaging these areas and rendering the fiber unusable.
Most current alignment methods are based on a "trial and error" approach. During a "trial and error" approach, the position of the optical fiber tip is adjusted by very small increments, often micrometers, while the laser source is incident upon the fiber. The fiber is manipulated until the beam is transmitted through the fiber core. However, during this manipulation, the incident radiation illuminates the areas surrounding the fiber core including the cladding, which is often made of silicone or doped glass, and the fiber jacket, which is often made of nylon or other organic polymers. The illumination of these unprotected and vulnerable areas often initiates catastrophic failure of the optical fiber tip.
Other methods of laser to fiber alignment utilize a variable attenuator to reduce the laser power below the damage threshold during alignment. Once alignment is accomplished, the attenuation is reduced and the full power beam is launched through the optical fiber. However, the use of a variable attenuator creates additional problems. Attenuators often fail to maintain the identical beam position over the attenuation range required, causing the transmitted beams to wander as the laser power is increased. This makes the use of attenuators in alignment methods unreliable for obtaining an accurate and reliable laser to fiber alignment.
Furthermore, a laser to fiber alignment method should be only moderately difficult to set up and maintain, such that factory personnel with little or no optical training would be fully capable of properly aligning the laser beam with the optical fiber.
Therefore, it is apparent from the above that there exists a need in the art for an apparatus and method for high power laser-to-fiber alignment, which is non-destructive to the fiber cladding and jacket. By remaining non-destructive, this apparatus and method will achieve alignment while maintaining the integrity of the cladding and the fiber jacket. Furthermore, it is apparent from the above that there also exists a need in the art for an apparatus and method for high power laser-to-fiber alignment which does not allow beams to wander during the alignment process, making it possible to obtain an accurate and reliable alignment. It is a purpose of this invention, to fulfill these and other needs in the art in a manner more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

Apparatus and method for high power laser-to-fiber alignment


In an arrangement for combining at least two source signals to a multiplex signal, source signals from independently operating source modules are transmitted to a multiplex module in which they are combined into the multiplex signal in a predetermined manner. An orderly operation of the modules is ensured in that each source module includes at least a memory, a write counter and a read counter. The counters are arranged to operate independently of each other and to generate the addresses when the data are being written into and read from the memory. The arrangement includes a memory for storing the frame-structured source signals at the start of a new frame starting at a predetermined initial address of the memory and for marking the memory address of the end of the frame with a marking bit. The arrangement also includes read logic for reading the source signals from the memory of the source modules under control of a clock signal supplied by the multiplex module, and for transmitting the source signals to the multiplex module. Each source module is arranged to supply a reset signal after the marked address has been read during reading of a frame. The arrangement is adapted to set the read counters of all source modules to the predetermined initial address when the reset signal is eliminated.

The invention relates to a multiplexer including an arrangement for combining at least two source signals to a multiplex signal, in which the source signals from independently operating source modules are transmitted to a multiplex module in which they are combined to the multiplex signal in a predetermined manner. Such a multiplexer is known from EP 460835.
When a plurality of source signals is combined to a multiplex signal, the source signals should be synchronized in the phase position, converted to the target frequency and combined in a predetermined sequence. This problem occurs, for example in the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy. This object is sometimes even more difficult to realise in that the source modules supplying the source signals operate independently of each other and their output signals have to be combined to a multiplex signal in another module. In accordance with the prior art this object is generally solved by means of a method referred to as master-slave method in which one of the modules, generally the multiplex module, becomes the master of and controls the other modules.

Multiplexer for at least two independently operating signal sources


A method is provided for the stabilization and control of the two-phase flow of hot fluid containing water issuing from the top of an upwardly rising conduit or riser of a horizontal oil-production well. The fluid enters the bottom of the riser at a temperature higher than the saturation temperature of water at the conditions prevailing at the top of the riser. A first mass rate flow controller is coupled to a mass rate flow detector at the top of the well for controlling mass flow at a substantially constant rate over a short time interval. Signals indicative of the optimal flow rate for the process are input to a second controller. The second controller adjusts the mass flow rate setpoint of the first controller. The second controller has a time constant significantly longer than that of the first controller. Thus, the mass rate of hot fluid is controlled at a substantially constant mass rate over the short term, thereby stabilizing two-phase flow, and is adjusted over the longer term to control the flow of fluid at an optimal rate.

The use of the Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) technique using pairs of parallel steam injection and oil production wells has resulted in the production of very hot fluid rising at high flow rates through the upwardly extending riser portion of the production wellbore to the surface. Saturation conditions are encountered in the riser, resulting in behavior analogous to gas lifting (steam lift). Due to the large release of energy of flashing water, however, the flow in the riser is unstable. These instabilities are the same phenomenon that drive cyclic eruptions in geothermal geysers.
When flowing a conventional vertical well produced with a steam drive, the fluid rate is relatively low (typically 10 m.sup.3 /d.)Heat is given up through the wellbore to the surrounding formation, cooling the produced fluid and avoiding flashing.
Commercial implementation of the SAGD technology can produce fluid rates of 300 m.sup.3 /d and upwards to levels in excess of 1000 m.sup.3 /d. At these high rates, the fluid does not cool significantly en route to the surface.
SAGD uses a horizontal production well located in a viscous oil reservoir, producing heated oil which gravity drains from a steam chamber located around a steam injection well above and closely parallel and co-extensive to the production well. SAGD is in development at the AOSTRA Underground Test Facility (UTF) located in Northern Alberta, Canada. The SAGD is described in various publications by R. M. Butler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,485 issued to Butler, and Canadian patent 1,304,287 issued to applicant.
As the fluid flows up the riser portion of the well, the hydrostatic head on the fluid diminishes (there being less fluid above to compress the fluid below) and the pressure drops. When the pressure of the fluid reaches the saturation pressure of water, then contained water flashes to steam. At higher fluid temperatures, the fluid pressure may only reduce a small amount before the saturation pressure is reached and flashing occurs.
When water contained in the well flashes to steam then tremendous energy is released. At downhole pressures of 1700 kPa (absolute), the volume that the produced steam displaces is over 100 times the volume of water from which it was formed. The saturation temperature of steam at 1700 kPa is about 200.degree. C. Steam can increase its volume over 1600 times at atmospheric pressures and 100.degree. C. The large expanding volume of the generated steam results in a violent attempt to expel the fluid which is above the location of the flash.
With a constant pressure wellhead, the fluid is released in a surge. Further, the removal of the initial fluid releases the hydrostatic back-pressure on the remaining fluid resulting in a progressive "flash front" which propagates successively downwards in the riser, ejecting the remaining hot fluid. When the energy of the high velocity steam flow eventually diminishes, the riser refills. Once the riser refills, the flow of hot fluid resumes, re-initiating a cyclical periodic repeating of this geyser-like behavior.
The instability associated with periodic geyser behavior is destructive to achieving steady and efficient production.
In conventional oil-production applications, when a downhole pump is used, backpressure can be maintained at the wellhead, preventing the saturation pressure from ever being reached. However, in the SAGD situation the flow rates are so high that pumping is expensive and difficult. The largest downhole pumps are capable of pumping only about 750 m.sup.3 /d and temperatures are prohibitively high for the sealing components at 200.degree. to 300.degree. C. Therefore, the use of formation pressure or steam lifting is an attractive alternative to pumping if the flashing can be controlled.
Conventional attempts to control the steam-lifted flow with manual adjustments of a production choke at the wellhead results in the initiation of a strong positive feedback action-response cycle. This cycle results during both an attempted increase and a reduction in the flow.
As the choke flow is manually reduced, the bottom hole pressure increases, which in turn further reduces the flow rate from the reservoir. Dependent upon the characteristics of the reservoir, several outcomes are predictable:
if the reservoir pressure is below the hydrostatic head of the column of liquid in the riser, then the well will die; or PA1 if the reservoir pressure is greater than the hydrostatic head then the well exhibits cycling geyser behavior. PA1 a fluid production choke means located at the top of the conduit for adjusting the mass flow rate of the hot fluid issuing therefrom; PA1 a mass flow detection means downstream of the production choke means for repetitively producing signals indicative of the mass flow rate of hot fluid flowing therethrough; PA1 a first mass rate control means, associated with the mass flow detection means and the production choke means, for controlling the mass rate of fluid through the choke; PA1 measurement means for repetitively producing process signals related to optimal production of the fluid; and PA1 a second controlling means for receiving the process signals and being cascaded to the first controlling means for modifying the output of the first controlling means when process signals indicate that the mass rate requires adjustment to achieve optimal production of fluid; PA1 the hot fluid is produced at a substantially constant mass rate over a short time interval using the first mass rate controller and production choke means, whereby two-phase flow is stabilized; and PA1 the mass rate of flow of the hot fluid is adjusted in response to the process signals, over a time interval which is large relative to the short time interval of the first mass rate controller whereby the mass rate of fluid flow may be controlled at an optimal level.
If the flow rate from the well is manually increased, the bottom hole pressure decreases, causing a further increase in the flow. If the positive feedback cycle is not interrupted then the well can overdraw the reservoir and produce massive volumes of driving steam.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling the well to stabilize the flow of hot fluid up the riser, avoiding the cyclic instabilities described hereinabove.

Stabilization and control of hot two phase flow in a well

Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority


A photovoltaic device is presented. The photovoltaic device includes a layer stack; and an absorber layer is disposed on the layer stack. The absorber layer includes cadmium, tellurium, and selenium. A semiconductor layer is further disposed on the absorber layer, wherein a valence band offset between the semiconductor layer and the absorber layer is less than about 1.3 electron Volts, and a band gap of the semiconductor layer is in a range from about 1.2 electron Volts to about 3.5 electron Volts.

The invention generally relates to photovoltaic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to photovoltaic devices including selenium.
Thin film solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) devices typically include a plurality of semiconductor layers disposed on a transparent substrate, wherein one layer serves as a window layer and a second layer serves as an absorber layer. The window layer allows the penetration of solar radiation to the absorber layer, where the optical energy is converted to usable electrical energy. The window layer further functions to form a heterojunction (p-n junction) in combination with an absorber layer. Cadmium telluride/cadmium sulfide (CdTe/CdS) heterojunction-based photovoltaic cells are one such example of thin film solar cells, where CdS functions as the window layer.
However, thin film solar cells may have low conversion efficiencies. Thus, one of the main focuses in the field of photovoltaic devices is the improvement of conversion efficiency. Absorption of light by the window layer may be one of the phenomena limiting the conversion efficiency of a PV device. Further, a lattice mismatch between the window layer and absorber layer (e.g., CdS/CdTe) layer may lead to high defect density at the interface, which may further lead to shorter interface carrier lifetime. Thus, it is desirable to keep the window layer as thin as possible to help reduce optical losses by absorption. However, for most of the thin-film PV devices, if the window layer is too thin, a loss in performance can be observed due to low open circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Low open circuit voltage and FF may also be due to a non-optimized back contact. In addition, some improvements that lead to increased short circuit current may have an adverse effect on open circuit voltage as well.
Thus, there is a need for improved thin film photovoltaic devices configurations, particularly those that simultaneously improve both open circuit current and voltage.


The present invention discloses a system for cooling turbine rotor disk posts in a gas turbine engine with a preferred embodiment illustrating an application for a high pressure turbine stage 1 rotor disk. The disk includes a plurality of circumferentially alternating posts and slots disposed about the periphery of the disk with each slot receiving a dovetail of a radially extending blade. The cooling system comprises a plurality of seal bodies with each seal body including a relatively low volume thermal isolation chamber positioned over the top of a corresponding disk post; a plurality of axially extending blade cooling plenums supplied with cooling air with one of the plenums positioned radially inward of each of the blades; a plurality of shallow, radially extending slots formed in a relatively low stressed axially facing surface of each of the blade dovetails for diverting cooling air from the blade cooling plenums to the thermal isolation chambers. Cooling air flows from the blade cooling plenums through the slots into a radially extending plenum which supplies at least one hole in each seal body. The holes are in flow communication with the thermal isolation chambers and are oriented to cause the cooling air to impinge directly on the outer surface of each of the disk posts.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gas turbine engines, and more particularly to a system for cooling turbine rotor disk posts of gas turbine engines.
2. Related Art
Conventional high bypass ratio turbofan engines typically include a fan, booster, high pressure compressor, combustor, high pressure turbine and low pressure turbine in axial flow relationship. A portion of the air entering the engine passes through the fan, booster and high pressure compressor, being pressurized in succession by each component. The compressed air exiting the high pressure compressor, commonly referred to as the primary or core gas stream, then enters the combustor where the pressurized air is mixed with fuel and burned to provide a high energy gas stream. However, prior to entering the combustor a portion of the primary or core flow is diverted to provide a source of cooling air for various high temperature components, such as those found in the high pressure turbine. After exiting the combustor, the high energy gas stream then expands through the high pressure turbine where energy is extracted to operate the high pressure compressor which is fixedly connected to the high pressure turbine. The primary gas stream then enters the low pressure turbine where it is further expanded, with energy extracted to operate the fan and booster which are fixedly connected to the low pressure turbine. The remainder of the air flow which enters the engine, other than the primary gas stream continuing through the turbines and the cooling air flow, passes through the fan and exits the engine through a system comprising annular ducts and a discharge nozzle, thereby creating a large portion of the engine thrust.
The highest temperatures in the engine are found in the combustor and turbines. For instance, it is not uncommon for the temperature of the primary gas stream to exceed 2400.degree. F. at the entrance to the first stage blade of the high pressure turbine. The demand for larger and more efficient gas turbine engines creates a requirement for increased turbine operating temperatures, with the metallurgical limitations of critical components such as rotor blades and disks in opposition to this requirement. For example, nickel based alloys are commonly used in the manufacture of turbine rotor disks and with such alloys a typical maximum metal temperature may be approximately 1100.degree. F., which is considerably less than the maximum primary gas path temperature. Consequently, there is a continuing need for novel approaches to provide thermal protection for components such as turbine rotor disks.
A turbine rotor disk is an annular component which rotates about the longitudinal axis of the engine and which supports a plurality of blades that extend radially into the primary gas stream. The disk includes a plurality of circumferentially alternating dovetail slots and posts, with each post formed by adjacent slots, disposed about the periphery of the disk. Each disk dovetail slot is adapted to receive a corresponding dovetail portion, also referred to as a "fir tree" portion, of a blade, with the blades axially loaded into the disk. In addition to the dovetail portion, each blade includes a shank portion which extends radially outward, or away from the engine axis of rotation, from the dovetail portion, and a plate-like platform which radially separates the shank portion from an airfoil portion which extends radially outward from the platform. The outer surface of the blade platforms form a portion of the radially inner boundary of the primary gas stream flowpath, with the platform portions of adjacent stationary nozzle segments forming the remainder of the boundary. For instance, in a multi-stage turbine the stage 1 blades would be positioned between a row of stage 1 nozzles upstream of the blades, which provide the required direction of flow into the blades, and a row of stage 2 nozzles downstream of the blades. Due to the exposure of the blade airfoil to the hot gas stream and the metallurgical limitations of the blade material, it is known in the art to include interior cooling passages in the blade airfoil, with these passages typically supplied through an inner surface of the blade dovetail with the previously discussed compressor discharge air. This cooling air may discharge through a variety of film holes, tip cap holes and trailing edge holes in the blade airfoil, as known in the art.
A structure commonly known as a seal body is typically positioned over the top of each disk post in a cavity bounded by the top of the post, the shank portions of adjacent blades and the underside of the platforms of adjacent blades. The seal body includes a forward plate, which, together with windage baffles typically associated with the axially forward nozzles and the forward portion of the blade platform, or forward angel wing of the blade, forms a cavity on the forward side of the disk. Although this forward cavity is typically purged with the aforementioned compressor discharge cooling air, the cavity air temperature is substantially hotter than the cooling air entering the dovetail portion of the blades due to leakage of hot gases from the primary gas stream into the forward cavity. On an average basis the forward cavity temperature may be 100.degree.-150.degree. F. hotter than the blade cooling air, whereas it may be several hundred degrees higher locally due to rotor/stator non-concentricities or manufacturing tolerances causing increased ingestion of flowpath gases locally. Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the forward cover plates of the seal bodies discourage the forward cavity purge air, as well as any flowpath gases which are ingested into the forward cavity, from flowing axially between adjacent blade shanks over the tops of the disk posts. The disk post temperature is determined by a heat balance which includes: conduction cooling due to contact with the blade along the dovetail interface; forced convection cooling due to any leakage of blade cooling air which flows through spaces between the disk and blade dovetail serrations, rather than flowing through the blade passages; and convection heating due to hot air surrounding the top of the disk post, with the air being a mixture of the forward cavity air and leakage air from the primary gas stream which is ingested between the platforms of adjacent blades. This air mixture surrounding the top of the disk post is substantially hotter than the blade cooling air. Consequently, thermal isolation of the top of the disk post, from this hot air mixture, is an important part of the overall system for ensuring that the temperature of the disk post does not exceed allowable limits.
Various systems have been employed to provide the necessary isolation of the top of the disk post. One prior disk post isolation system includes shields located at the radially inward side of the blade platforms such that each shield spans the gap between platforms of adjacent blades to discourage ingestion of flowpath gases, and further includes cooling holes through the shank portions of the blades which communicate with the blade interior cooling air passages in order to purge the cavities between the shanks of adjacent blades over each disk post. This system has the disadvantage of placing holes in a highly stressed region of the blade with the stress concentrations associated with the holes creating the potential for cracking and premature failure of the blades. This design has a further disadvantage due to the requirement of purging the relatively large cavities formed between shanks of adjacent blades and bounded at an outer end by the blade platforms and at an inner end by the top of the disk post, which results in the use of a relatively high amount of compressor discharge cooling air and the associated engine performance penalty.
A second prior disk post isolation system, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of this application and subsequently discussed in detail, includes a plurality of seal bodies 31. The seal body 31 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of this application is substantially the same, with the exception of additional structural features which are present for purposes which are not related to the thermal isolation of disk posts, as the seal body disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,849, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and which is herein expressly incorporated by reference. Each seal body 31 has a small diffuser hole 142 extending through a forward cover plate 132 of seal body 31. The entrance of the diffuser hole 142 is in flow communication with the forward cavity 134 and the hole exit is in flow communication with a thermal isolation chamber 144 which is positioned over the top 33 of the disk post 20. Chamber 144 has a relatively small volume as compared to the volume of the cavity bounded by the shanks 26 and platforms 28 of adjacent blades 22 and the radially outer surface 33 of one of the disk posts 20. The diffuser hole 142 causes forward cavity air to slowly drift over the top or radially outer surface 33 of the disk post 20 in order to form an insulative layer of air over the disk post 20. With this system care has to be taken to ensure that the forward cavity air does not pass across the top 33 of the disk post 20 at too high a velocity. Unacceptably high velocities can cause the forced convection from the relatively hot forward cavity air passing across the top 33 of the disk post 20 to dominate the disk post heat balance which can actually result in the disk post temperature rising. Consequently, the system is sensitive to manufacturing tolerances regarding the geometry of diffuser hole 142. One way to obviate the disadvantage associated with the diffuser hole 142 is to lower the temperature of the forward cavity air. However, this would be costly in terms of reduced engine performance due to the relatively high amount of cooling air required to completely purge the forward cavity 134 to effect a reduction in temperature of the forward cavity air. A high amount of cooling air would be required due to the relatively large gaps between the blade angel wing 138 and the associated stator windage baffle structure 128 and stage 1 nozzle inner platform 122 which is required to prevent rubs during engine transient conditions, with the gaps creating a path for ingested gases into the forward cavity 134.
In view of the foregoing, prior to this invention a need existed for a cooling system in a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine to cool the top of rotor disk posts in a cost effective manner without compromising the structural integrity of the rotor blades and without undue sensitivity regarding the geometry of cooling holes employed.


Systems, methods, devices and apparatus are implemented for producing controllable charged particle beams. In one implementation, an apparatus provides a deflection force to a charged particle beam. A source produces an electromagnetic wave. A structure, that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic wave, includes a physical structure having a repeating pattern with a period L and a tilted angle α, relative to a direction of travel of the charged particle beam, the pattern affects the force of the electromagnetic wave upon the charged particle beam. A direction device introduces the electromagnetic wave to the structure to provide a phase-synchronous deflection force to the charged particle beam.

The generation and control of relativistic charged-particle beams operating at high frequencies is of import to a variety of different applications. A few example applications range from experimental physics, imaging, detection and even medical treatment. Many current sources of such relativistic charged-particle beams require a long path (e.g., hundreds or thousands of meters) over which to generate and control the relativistic charged-particle beams. This type of requirement, however, frustrates the use of relativistic charged-particle beams in many applications. One example of an application that would benefit from a smaller and controllable relativistic charged-particle beam source is in the field of security screening.
Prevention of radiological terrorism is of growing concern. The demand for nuclear detectors at border crossing and shipping locations is ever increasing. The sheer quantity of goods that enter the United States (over 7 million cargo containers enter U.S. ports each year), however, renders many current detection mechanisms inadequate or impractical. Moreover, the nuclear detectors that require significant training and expertise render the systems difficult to use by law enforcement officials. For example, active nuclear detector systems emit gamma rays to identify nuclear materials in containers. Many of these nuclear detectors are prohibitively expensive, difficult to operate and easily fooled by adequate shielding.
As a possible improvement for such nuclear detectors, as well as for many other applications, development efforts for ultra-low emittance and optically bunched electron sources as well as for dielectric-structure laser-driven particle accelerators are of great import.
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Laser-driven deflection arrangements and methods involving charged particle beams

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A hands-free dryer allows for drying of a target while permitting the hands of a user to not be controlling the operation of the hands-free dryer. The hands-free dryer includes a blower for providing air flow, an orientation system allowing the blower to be adjustably oriented at an angle. There is a semi-rigid flexible hose connected to the blower that retains its configuration without the user having to maintain the configuration. Also, there is a support system that provides support for the hands-free dryer while worn by the user.

The drying of targets such as persons and animals often coincides with grooming activities. Typically grooming and drying are done in alternating steps, where some drying is done, then some grooming, then more drying, etc. With animals, in addition to having the facility to dry/groom the animal, the animal must also be controlled. This can be done by hand or with restraints. With persons, a dryer can be held in one hand and a grooming tool in the other, to allow for simultaneous grooming and drying. Dryers used to dry persons or animals can be in the form of hand-held dryers, overhead driers, dryer gantries, etc.

Self-supporting drying system and method


Goggles for swimming or diving (1) comprising a frame (2) formed from a substantially flexible annular body made in a single piece with a surround (8) capable in use of being applied hermetically on the user""s face, and a lens (3) shaped according to a cylindrical surface with variable radius of curvature. The surround (8) has an annular shape that is substantially a horizontal figure-of-eight, which describes a single continuous perimeter surrounding the user""s eyes, and lens (3) is formed from a substantially flexible single sheet, the peripheral edge of which is embedded hermetically by simultaneous moulding in frame (2).

The present invention relates to goggles for swimming or diving.
An extensive range of types of goggles for swimming is widely available commercially, the successors of the Polynesian or Japanese goggles from the start of the twentieth century, and these are characterized by a construction consisting essentially of two eyepieces that are completely separate. Each eyepiece consists essentially of a flat or curved lens, and a soft ring in which the lens fits hermetically, and rests with its annular rear edge on the immediate periphery of the eye and in some way or other inside the orbital cavity. The eyepieces are joined together by a flexible central bridge, which can also be adjustable. These goggles are provided with an elastic headband of adjustable length.
An example of goggles of this type is described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,300.
Despite the fact that they are used very widely, swimming goggles of this type have two serious shortcomings, which cannot be eliminated as they are inherent in the design.
The first shortcoming consists of optical distortions due to refraction in water. This shortcoming arises from the fact that nothing is provided for the purpose of compelling the two lenses to take positions, if flat, on a single common plane and, if curved, following a single permanent surface of curvature that is predetermined by design. Once the goggles are being worn and the eyepieces are resting in the orbital cavities of the user, it is inevitable that the lenses will be positioned more or less at an angle, in the least unfortunate case with the respective normals lying in a single horizontal plane or, much more often, crooked on account of different angular positioning of the eyepieces in the orbits. In all cases there is doubling of vision into two images because the directions of virtual vision are different from the real directions, with the result that during use, the user is subject to a very troublesome sensation of nausea.
The second shortcoming consists of painful, non-hermetic orbital support of the two eyepieces. The fact that the two eyepieces rest on soft anatomical regions inside the orbital cavities makes the seal inefficient precisely because the respective rings do not have a solid contrast, unless the tension of the headband is exhausted. The effect is in any case painful, and certainly harmful to the health of the eye, in that it contributes to restriction of superficial blood circulation, and alteration of the values of ocular pressure. In the long term, from the medical standpoint this effect could become dangerous.
To avoid the two shortcomings described above, the applicant has proposed goggles of an entirely different type for swimming or diving, described in European patent application EP-A-0824029. These goggles contain a double (or theoretically also single) lens shaped according to a cylindrical surface with substantially rectilinear vertical generating lines with progressively variable radius of curvature, much greater corresponding to the front portion, and less corresponding to the lateral portions; a frame carrying the lens is shaped and arranged substantially according to the same cylindrical surface of the said lens; and a seal carried by the frame which can, during use, be applied with a tight seal on the user""s face, the arrangement being such that during use the lens is held very close to the surface of the user""s face.
In short, the characteristic features of the design of the goggles according to document EP-A-0824029 can be summarized as follows:
a lens that is substantially rigid (theoretically single but in practice formed from an assembly of two lenses held tightly together by a rigid supporting structure), with a curvature that has a quite precise geometry similar to a cylindroid with continuously variable radii and vertical generating lines, almost flat in the zone between the two optical axes and conversely with large radius of curvature in the two peripheral zones, with joints without an edge between the various zones of the lens, capable of providing an extremely panoramic visual field, free from discontinuities through the absence of dihedrals, without aberrations and refractive defects in the central zone, where the eye is perfectly capable of detecting optical imperfections, and in which the zones with strong refractive effect are relegated to the outermost right and left zones of the lens, where the eye is only capable of seeing indistinctly and so is not disturbed by refractive defects;
support on the face which, compared with an ordinary underwater mask, has a greatly reduced total area, and if compared with that of the traditional swimming goggles with binocular support is completely outside of the two orbital cavities, with the following advantages:
a) easy and secure sealing, since the support bears upon bony zones (forehead, cheekbones, nose) or on the compact facial muscles (cheeks);
b) no painful effect, and especially no adverse effect on the blood circulation and on ocular pressure even if considerable tension of the headband is required.
However, goggles of this type with rigid lens with predetermined cylindrical surface and very close to the surface of the user""s face, though completely solving the two aforementioned problems of the traditional binocular goggles, still have the following drawbacks.
Firstly, the advantages presented above are achieved by means of a relatively expensive construction, fully described and illustrated in the aforementioned European patent application EP-A-0824029, essentially comprising three components (pair of lenses+soft body that surrounds them and is supported on the face+plastics frame ensuring rigidity and hermeticity), assembled together by two lateral buckles for the headband. This construction requires expensive moulds, because jointed assembly of the various parts of the goggles requires the said moulds to have moving parts, and exceptional accuracy. Furthermore, sophisticated and controlled moulding techniques are required (abnormal shrinkage or fins can prevent connections within tolerance), and manual assembling is required, which cannot be automated and is therefore quite costly, because the soft body for surrounding the lens and for support on the user""s face cannot be manipulated by robots.
Secondly, although from the design standpoint the transparent element of the goggles really can be formed by a single lens, in practice the construction of the goggles makes this solution difficult to achieve except at high cost. In practical, commercial application of the goggles in question we are therefore essentially compelled to use a configuration with two lenses, each enveloped in its own annular rubber+plastics surround, though the result is inferior aesthetically to what would be desired on account of the presence, in the central zone between the two lenses, of a vertical bridge. Moreover, to guarantee the necessary rigidity of the assembly made up of the two lenses, the structure for connection and torsional-flexural stiffening between the two lenses is relatively heavy and, as already explained, expensive to manufacture.
The aim of the present invention is to make goggles of the type specified above which, while maintaining their advantages in terms of visual efficiency and user comfort, make it possible to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings.
According to the invention, this aim is achieved essentially owing to the following combination of characteristics:
the frame is formed by a substantially flexible annular body made in one piece with the aforementioned surround by injection moulding of an elastomeric and preferably thermoplastic material,
the surround has an annular shape that describes a single continuous perimeter, substantially a horizontal figure-of-eight which is not closed at the centre, encircling both of the user""s eyes when in use, and
the lens consists of a substantially flexible sheet whose peripheral edge is formed with a large number of through-holes, and which is embedded hermetically in the said frame by being moulded simultaneously with the latter.
In other words, the goggles according to the invention are constituted of a single piece formed from a flexible lens; curved according to a progressive geometry described mathematically in the previously mentioned European patent application EP-A-0824029; embedded by simultaneous moulding in an integral soft body, formed by injection of elastomeric or thermoplastic material using a suitable mould, shaped so as to rest on the face describing a single continuous perimeter, on the anatomical sequence of left forehead-temple-cheekbone-cheek/root of the nose/right cheek-cheekbone-temple-forehead of the user.
With this solution, the functional effects that are typical of the goggles according to document EP-A-0824029 are maintained, but the following additional advantages are provided:
economical manufacture, both with regard to the capital cost of moulds and with regard to the technology of simultaneous moulding of lens and frame,
elimination of any stages of manual assembly,
support on the nose that is neither troublesome nor harmful, and with absolute hermeticity,
complete panoramic vision, also without discontinuities in the central zone of the lens.
Moreover, the flexibility of the assembly consisting of lens and frame, which is gradual and is without sharp changes in viewing angle that might cause discontinuities in underwater vision, permits simple adaptation to faces of different widths.
The lens can conveniently be single, but it can also be formed from two parts that are separate but rigid in flexure and torsion between themselves.


A flexible sheet handling apparatus comprising an input section for receiving the flexible sheet, a reversion section for rotating the flexible sheet about an axis of motion and an output section for transferring the rotated flexible sheet to a sheet processing system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a printing or copying system that includes a duplexing function, and, more particularly, to a duplexing mechanism in a substrate processing system that includes a mechanism for flexible sheet reversion.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
In the typical copying/printing apparatus, a photoconductive insulating member is typically charged to a uniform potential and thereafter exposed to a light image of an original document to be reproduced. The exposure discharges the photoconductive insulating surface in exposed or background areas and creates an electrostatic latent image on the member, which corresponds to the image areas contained within the document. Subsequently, the eletrostatic latent image on the photoconductive insulating surface is made visible by developing the image with developing powder referred to in the art as toner. Most development systems employ a developer material, which comprises both charged carrier particles and charged toner particles, which triboelectrically adhere to the carrier particles. During development the toner particles are attracted from the carrier particles by the charge pattern of the image areas in the photoconductive insulating area to form a powder image on the photoconductor area. This image may subsequently be transferred to a support surface such as copy paper to which it may be permanently affixed by heating and/or by the application of pressure, i.e. fusing. Following transfer of the toner image to a support surface, the photoconductive insulating member is cleaned of any residual toner that may remain thereon in preparation for the next imaging cycle.
Duplex copying, i.e. copying image information to both sides of a single sheet of paper, is an important feature in copying machines. Duplex copying is desirable because (i) it reduces the amount of paper required in copying in comparison to simplex (single side) copying, (ii) produces attractive copy sets, and (iii) can simulate the appearance of a printed book. Generally, such copying is accomplished in either one of two methods. In a first method, first side copies are produced in a reproduction processor and stacked in a duplex tray. When a set of first side copies is complete, the copies are fed out of the duplex tray and returned to the reproduction processor with an odd number of inversions in the total duplex path to receive second side image information, and subsequently passed to an output. Alternatively, first side copies may each be returned directly to the reproduction processor to receive second side copies thereon, without stacking, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,963. This type of copying finds particular use with respect to copying two documents placed on a platen for sequential copying, sometimes referred to as two-up copying.
In conventional printing apparatus, sheet material or paper is handled by a series of rollers and counter rollers. A counter roller is required to generate forces normal to the tangential surface of a roller for handling the sheet. Counter rollers, unfortunately, lead to jams, paper tears, wrinkling, or other surface damage to the sheet. Aside from the undesired physical damage to the paper, it also requires service or maintenance and additional space are needed to allow access by service personnel to eliminate the jams.
Paper handling also typically requires a component of motion perpendicular to the direction of the roller motion. For example, in the case of paper registration, this cannot be accomplished with a standard set of rollers (a roller and counter roller). Traditional rollers form what is know in the field as a non-holonomic sheet transport system because only a few velocity directions are possible for the sheet at a given time. Instead, an additional set of rollers is required that release and grab the sheet. This adds to the cost, complexity, and the length of the paper path. Moreover, all this complexity is ultimately less reliable and at odds with the goal of reducing the space required to handle the paper.
Still another concern with paper handling in a printing apparatus is the ability to transition between different rates of speed in the paper path. As will be appreciated, in known printing apparatus, a sheet of paper undergoes numerous velocity accelerations and decelerations as it passes through the processing path. For example, a paper sheet proceeds from a stationary position at the supply, is increased in velocity to a first workstation, is decelerated at the first workstation, subsequently accelerated to a downstream or second workstation, decelerated at the second workstation, etc. Individual handling and increased processing are goals that require the paper sheets to be spaced apart as far as possible. Thus, fewer sheets can be handled in a specific time period.
On the other hand, increasing the spacing necessarily increases the velocity transitions of the paper. This, in turn, requires the rollers to continuously accelerate and decelerate to perform the velocity transitions or paper bending. The forces associated with the acceleration and deceleration place great stress on the roller and the associated motor systems. Additionally, the increased acceleration and deceleration require still further space in the assembly.
Still another concern is that when rollers in a conventional printing apparatus move paper, the paper is typically moved in primarily a forward direction, which is not always in the desired direction.
As xerographic and other copiers increase in speed, become more automatic, and do more duplicating, it is increasingly important to provide higher speed yet more economical, reliable and more automatic handling of the copy sheets being made by the copier. To be more economical it is important in a xerographic copier environment that has a duplicating function, to be able to move a paper sheet easily and not employ xe2x80x9cinversionxe2x80x9d where one roller turns a paper sheet over (i.e. exchange one face for the other) and reverses the paper sheet orientation, i.e. reverses the lead edge and trail edge orientation of the paper sheet.
With current roller technology it is difficult to revert the paper, i.e. exchange the top and bottom surfaces of the paper while maintaining the same leading edge. The primary difficulty is that with rollers, it is difficult to cause paper velocity vectors that are not parallel with the paper path. Although it is possible to construct a paper reversion system with rollers, the system would require rollers to accelerate and decelerate from process speed to zero and back for each sheet as well as posses solenoid release mechanisms. As a result of this, current duplexing machines typically invert the paper in an inverter. While this solution works, it introduces a number of added complexities and costs. First, in order to meet accuracy specifications, the paper must always be registered using the same edge. Inversion requires a duplicate set of sensors in order to accomplish trailing edge alignment. Second, because the sheets are delayed by one sheet distance in an inverter, system throughput considerations require that the paper path must be run at twice the process speed in order to maintain more than a sheet sized intercopy spacing to allow space for the returning inverted sheet. This change in velocity requires the acceleration and deceleration rollers. Third, inverters are expensive and subject to jams and wear. Hence, if paper can be reverted rather than inverted, the duplex paper-handling path can be greatly simplified.
The present invention is directed to, in a first aspect, a flexible sheet handling apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an input section for receiving the flexible sheet, a reversion section for rotating the flexible sheet about an axis of motion and an output section for transferring the rotated flexible sheet to a sheet processing system.
In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a flexible sheet handling apparatus for reverting sheet in a system having at least one one-sided processing station. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a reverter adapted to revert the sheet so that both sides of the sheet can be processed while a leading edge of the sheet is maintained, a holonomic actuation system adapted to transport the sheet through the apparatus, and a sheet return pathway for transporting the sheet to the one-sided processing station.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a reversion module for an object handling system. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a first channel adapted to receive the object having a first surface in a face up orientation, a curved channel section adapted to change an orientation of the object wherein the first surface is in a face down orientation and the second surface is in a face up orientation, and a second channel adapted to receive the object from the curved channel and output the object to the object handling system.
In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for reverting an object in an object handling system. In one embodiment, the method comprises inputting the object into a reversion module, reverting the object in the module wherein a first surface of the object in a face-up orientation is reverted into a face-down orientation while maintaining a first edge of the object as a leading edge if the object, and outputting the reverted object to the object handling system.

Flexible sheet reversion using an omni-directional transport system


A leg protector for trousers comprises a strip of rubber material forming a loop that projects downwardly below the bottom edge of the leg opening in the trouser leg. Stitching attaches the rubber protector in such a manner that a finished hem is formed. Also disclosed is a method of forming a leg protector for trousers while simultaneously forming the finished hem.

The present invention relates to wearing apparel, and more particularly to a protector or wear guard for the legs of trousers.
Many different types of devices are known in the prior art for use in protecting trouser legs from wearing and/or soiling. Most of such devices, however, cannot be used or even adapted to be used with trousers having "pipe" legs, also known as "wide" legs. These types of trousers present a style wherein the legs of such trousers are long enough and the bottoms wide enough to extend over a wearer's shoes so that the bottom edge or hem is purposely designed to actually drag on the ground when a user is walking. As a result, the hems and/or bottom edges of such trousers wear and become frayed very quickly. Also, due to the length of the legs, the bottom edges thereof become soiled very quickly. Further, in wet conditions, the lower portions of such trouser legs become quickly saturated with water, and water can actually wick upwardly because of the fabric used to make the trousers. Due to the above conditions, the pipe legs or wide legs of such trousers quickly become unsightly resulting in frequent cleaning and/or replacement.


A driver of a server converts an address of a memory included in the server into an offset address on the basis of an offset value corresponding to the server and stores a command including the offset address in a queue. A storage device acquires the command from the queue of the server and issues an access request to the offset address included in the acquired command. An intermediate device traps the access request issued from the storage device, specifies a server on the basis of the offset address included in the trapped access request, resets the offset address to an original address on the basis of an offset value corresponding to the specified server, and transfers the access request including the reset address to the specified server.

In a computer system in which a plurality of servers share a storage device, as a technique for allocating IO (Input/Output) between the servers and the storage device, a technique explained below is known. The computer system includes the servers, an IO hub, an IO card connected to the IO hub, and a switch to which the servers and the IO hub are connected. The servers are set to be capable of occupying and using the IO card. The IO hub allocates a virtual MMIO (Memory Mapped Input/Output) address peculiar to a server to a physical MMIO address corresponding to the IO card, retains allocation information indicating a relation among the allocated virtual MMIO address, the physical MMIO address, and a server identifier, and, when an access request to the IO card is transmitted from the server, refers to the allocation information, extracts the server identifier from the access request, and identifies the server at an access request source. Further, the IO hub converts a DMA (Direct Memory Access) address included in a DMA request from the IO card into an address corresponding to an identified server at a DMA request source, and transfers the DMA request transmitted from the IO card to a memory space of the server on the basis of the converted address (PTL 1 and PTL 2).

Computer system and data control method utilizing NVMe and storing commands including an offset address corresponding to a server in a queue


A computer-implemented system and method for enabling social interactive wireless communication between at least two mobile devices is presented. In particular, the system and method comprises affiliating and/or synchronizing a first mobile device and a second mobile device with an interactive social network. Further, the present invention comprises associating at least one first social interactive pairing criterion with the first mobile device, and associating at least one second social interactive pairing criterion with a second mobile device. Upon disposition of the first and second mobile devices in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one another, the present invention further comprises determining whether the first and second social interactive pairing criterion at least partially coincide with one another, and establishing a communication channel between the first and second mobile devices for communication therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a system and method for enabling social interactive wireless communication between at least two mobile devices, for instance, upon disposition of the wireless devices in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one another.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the sophistication of mobile technology continues to increase, more individuals are using mobile devices to accomplish everyday tasks, including, but certainly not limited to, e-mail, web browsing, text messaging, and/or task management. Of course, many of these mobile devices may also serve as wireless and/or cellular telephones. In addition, many mobile devices include locational software and/or mechanisms, such as global positioning systems ("GPS") to estimate and/or locate the particular device's location.
In addition, social networking via the World Wide Web, such as via social networking websites including MYSPACE®, FACEBOOK®, LINKEDIN®, and/or dating websites including EHARMONY® or MATCH.COM®, continues to evolve and affect many individuals and entities of today's society. While many individuals are associated with a variety of "contacts" and/or "friends" within these social networking and/or dating websites, it would be beneficial to be advised when the individual is in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one or more "friends" or "contacts" and be able to communicate therewith via their respective mobile devices. It would also be beneficial to locate certain prospective dating and/or social matches who are disposed in a physically proximate location. This would facilitate communication therebetween and perhaps establish a long-time relationship.
Accordingly, there is a current need in the art of mobile technology for a system and/or method of synchronizing or affiliating one or more mobile devices with an interactive  social network and enabling social interactive wireless communication therebetween, for example, upon disposition of the mobile devices in a physical and/or geographic proximity to one another.

System and method for enabling social interactive wireless communications


A broad band polarizing beam splitter includes a first prism, including an incident beam surface, and an interface surface. A second prism is also included with an interface surface. The second prism is positioned adjacent to the first prism with the interface surfaces of the first and second prisms being adjacent to each other. A coating is disposed between the two interface surfaces. The coating is made of a geometric or arithmetic progression of layer thicknesses of alternating high and low refractive indices. A ratio of high refractive index to low refractive index is 1.1 or greater.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to polarizing beam splitters, and more particularly, to broad band polarizing beam splitters.
2. Description of Related Art
Beam splitter cubes consist generally of matched pairs of identical right angled prisms, with their hypotenuses faces cemented together. Prior to cementing, a partial reflection film is deposited onto one of the hypotenuse faces. A beam splitter cube can be made conveniently by using a thin, low-index transparent film as a precision spacer. Low-loss reflectors, whose transmittance can be controlled by frustrating internal reflection, are of considerable practical interest.
Cube beam splitters have several advantages over plate beam splitters and are widely used for a variety of reasons. Cube beam splitters deform much less when subjected to mechanical stress than a plate beam splitter. Traditionally, when cube beam splitters are used in convergent or divergent portions of an optical beam, they contribute substantial amounts of unwanted aberration. This is avoided or minimized by only using cube beam splitters with collimated, or nearly collimated beams.
Polarizing beam splitters are known in the art. These beam splitters typically have two prisms that are cemented together, hypotenuse-face-to-hypotenuse-face, with a special multilayer dielectric film in between. Monochromatic unpolarized light which is normally incident upon the external faces of the resulting cube (internally incident at 45 degrees upon the multi-layer film) is separated into two polarized beams which emerge from the cube through adjacent faces and in directions which are accurately 90 degrees apart. The beam, which passes straight through the cube, emerges linearly polarized with the plane of the electric field vector parallel to the plane of incidence defined for the multilayer film (p-polarized). The beam which emerges from the cube at right angles to the incident beam, having been reflected by the multi-layer film, is linearly polarized with the electric field vector orthogonal to the plane of incidence defined for the multilayer film (s-polarized).
At every dielectric interface within the stack of the multilayer film, the radiation is incident at or near Brewster's angle, and the p-polarized component is therefore transmitted with almost no reflection. These polarizing cubes are suitable for most of the monochromatic applications to which other polarizers might be applied, such as isolator construction, or the construction of electro-optic or magneto-optic modulators. They can also be used in laser Q-switches, though the use of an optical cement and the multilayer film prohibits use at high power. However, polarizing cubes have limitations. Light must be incident on the beam splitter coating at an angle of 45 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees. The angular sensitivity of these beam splitters not only requires that the cube be positioned accurately, but that only collimated or nearly collimatedbeams of light be used.
MacNeille polarizers are based on the principle that it is always possible to find an angle of incidence so that the Brewster condition for an interface between two materials of differing refractive index is satisfied. When this is so, the reflectance for the p-plane of polarisation vanishes. The s-polarized light is partially reflected and transmitted. To increase the s-reflectance, retaining the p-transmittance at or very near unity, the two materials may then be made into a multilayer stack. The layer thicknesses should be quarter-wave optical thicknesses at the appropriate angle of incidence. The construction of MacNeille beam splitters uses two prisms with a multi-layer dielectric between two faces of opposing right angled prisms. The advantage of a MacNeille polarizing beam splitters over other polarizers, such as the pile-of-plates polarizer, is its wide spectral range coupled with a large physical aperture. However, MacNeille beam splitters suffer from limited angular field, particularly at the center of its range, simply because the Brewster condition is met exactly only at the design angle.
Edge filters have also served as polarizing beam splitters. They also suffer the disadvantage of not covering the entire visible spectrum. When edge filters are used in color projection systems, one edge filter is used for the red, another one for the green, and a third one for the blue.
It would be desirable to provide to polarizing beam splitter with broad angular acceptance and a broad band width. It would be further desirable to provide a polarizing beam splitter with good throughput and that is less sensitive to errors in, (i) layer thicknesses, (ii) film deposition, and (iii) the refractive index of the layers.


The invention relates to a method for protecting an I/O electronic circuit against overvoltages. The I/O circuit of the electronic circuit is provided with a current path (1) comprising a first diode (V1N), through which current path a current (ip) flows when the mains voltage is negative, and with a second current path (2) comprising a second diode (V1P) and a thyristor (T1), the thyristor (T1) being fired by a time-delay circuit charged by a positive voltage, and that the current flowing through the current paths (1,2) is used to trigger a protection device.

Overvoltages occur every now and then and they cause damage in sensitive I/O electronics. I/O voltages are of the order of 0 . . . 32 V. For example, if a mains voltage (230 V, 50 Hz) happens to be applied to an I/O pin, ordinary I/O electronics will be damaged beyond repair. This results in maintenance problems and increased costs. There are various components, such as varistors and overvoltge Zeners, for protection against lightning and instantaneous overvoltages. However, if a voltage of 230 V is supplied directly to an electronic circuit, such components will not withstand it. If an installer makes a mistake, 230 V may be connected to low-voltage circuits, and this will result in further damage to equipment and safety risks. The components cannot endure a voltage of 230 V and they have a very limited power capacity. The method of the invention prevents the application of an overvoltage to sensitive I/O electronics in the event of a malfunction. In this protection system, the voltage at an I/O pin will never exceed the allowed values. The invention provides the following advantages:
does not cause any change in the operating points of the I/O electronics or in any other delays or impedances of the I/O electronics PA1 simple I/O lines PA1 cheap when there are a large number of I/O lines PA1 allows high data transmission speeds PA1 filters radio-frequency interference PA1 requires no filters PA1 can be installed as an option in old elevators, enabling old circuits to be protected afterwards.

Overvoltage protection for input/output circuits


A powered bone cutting saw is used from within the intramedullary canal of a bone. A cutting blade is inserted through a bored intramedullary canal to a predetermined cutting depth. A motor is coupled to the cutting blade to rotate the cutting blade. The blade is extended to a cutting position and operated by a surgeon to cut the bone radially from the inside outwardly, transversely, to the intramedullary canal. Gearing selectable by the surgeon permits the blade to oscillate. The motor can also be coupled to a reamer tip for boring the intramedullary canal. The apparatus, including the reamer tip, can be cannulated to accept a guide wire.

During orthopedic surgery, it may be necessary to separate a bone into sections. For example, bone lengthening surgery requires that a bone be cut through to create a proximal and a distal section. Similarly, in bone shortening surgery, the bone is cut through in two places and a middle section of bone is removed. To avoid unnecessary laceration of skin and tissue surrounding the bone, various tools have been developed to cut the bone from within the intramedullary canal.
Existing intramedullary bone saws are hand operated by a surgeon. The surgeon turns a drive shaft by hand to rotate cutting blades against the bone. It can take about thirty minutes for the surgeon to cut through a human femur by hand. In addition to these time requirements placed on the surgical team and the patient, the act of manually cutting the bone can be physically tiring to the surgeon.


A system for providing a first signal to a flip circuit and receiving a second signal from the flip circuit over an electrical path adapted for use with a keypad having a keypad lighting circuit. The system includes a first circuit for providing the first signal to the flip circuit via a first electrical path, the first signal having alternating first and second states. A second circuit generates a second signal. A third circuit receives the second signal via the first electrical path. The second signal is received during the second state of the first signal. In a more specific embodiment, the first and second states are continuously alternating states. The first signal provides power to the flip circuit when the first signal is in the first state. The first circuit further includes a signal generator for adjusting a duty cycle of the first signal. The signal generator includes a voltage source, a switching circuit connected to the voltage source, and a control circuit connected to the switching circuit. The control circuit causes the switching circuit to output the first signal having first and second states at the duty cycle. The switching circuit includes a transistor having a control terminal connected to the control circuit. One terminal is connected to the voltage source and another terminal is connected to the electrical path. The second circuit includes a keypad. The flip circuit includes at least one light source to illuminate the keypad. The light source is powered by the first signal during the first state thereof. The second signal is generated by the keypad during the second state of the first signal. The keypad includes a plurality of resistive elements connected in a resistive ladder network. Each resistive element corresponds to a respective key of the keypad. A computer processes the second signal to ascertain which key is depressed.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to mobile communications devices and mobile computing devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for providing backlighting to a keypad in a cellular flip telephone or personal digital assistant.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mobile communications devices are used in a variety of demanding applications ranging from hand-held global positioning system (GPS) devices to cellular telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Such devices must often be lightweight, energy-efficient, durable, cost-effective, and user-friendly.
These features are particularly important in PDAs and cellular telephones. A PDA such as a Palm Pilot™ or other palm-top computer typically includes a processor running software such as Windows CE®, a keypad for user interface with the software, and a large liquid crystal display (LCD) screen mounted on a chassis or body. In many PDAs, the keypad is located on the inside surface of a lid often referred to as a 'flip'. The flip is connected to the PDA body via a hinge mechanism so that when the flip is folded shut, the screen and the keypad are protected.
Typically, the hinge mechanism includes a flex circuit comprising flexible wire for routing signals across the hinge. Unfortunately, flex circuits readily fatigue and are difficult to route. This decreases the durability of the PDAs in which they are employed.
Often keypad backlighting is provided while the PDA receives user-input from the keypad. Typically, this requires a first flexible wire for providing power to several light emitting diodes (LEDs) in response to a control signal from a processor. The control signal is generated in response to user-input from the keypad. The processor reads user-input from the keypad via a second flexible wire. A third flexible wire provides a ground connection from the keypad to the PDA body. The use of three wires is inefficient and increases the probability of flex circuit fatigue.
Many PDA users also carry cellular telephones. Currently, to accommodate such users, many companies are integrating cellular telephones into their PDAs. To integrate a cellular telephone within a PDA, the PDA is typically equipped with a microphone, a cellular modem, a touch pad display screen, and a communications software package. When activated, the software displays a dialer interface on the touch pad screen that mimics the keypad on a typical cellular telephone. Unfortunately, activation of the software often requires extensive user knowledge and familiarity with the PDA and accompanying communications software package. As a result, such integrated devices are often not user friendly.
Hence, a need exists in the art for a user-friendly mechanism for making telephone calls with a PDA having an integrated cellular telephone. There exists a further need for a durable, cost effective, and space-efficient system and method to connect a keypad to its corresponding PDA body that can provide keypad backlighting and keypad reading functions over a single connection simultaneously.

System and method for providing back-lighting to a keypad