The present invention generally comprises a golf putter having a putting surface with a negative loft angle of about -10.degree. to -2.degree.. The putter surface strikes the ball at approximately the center of gravity of the club and above the vertical centerline of the ball, imparting overspin and eliminating the tendency for the ball to skid, bump or become airborne. The negative loft angle is such that the putter face contacts the ball above the centerline with each stroke, imparting topspin on the ball 100% of the time, independent of variable putting conditions. An alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention combines the negative loft putting face with a convex putting surface as circumscribed by arc of radius at least 5 inches and at most 84 inches. This convex putting surface is designed to minimize the trajectory errors caused by planar face putters by producing a ball trajectory which in most cases reduces the misalignment created by a nonzero contact angle between the ball and the putter face. In other words, if the angle of contact with putter face of the present invention is misaligned by 1 degree from that which would produce a straight line trajectory to the hole, the ball will travel a path that is less than or equal to 1 degree to the right or left of the hole, thus producing a more accurate alignment with the hole.

Due to the increased popularity of the game of golf as a recreational and professional sport over the past several years, a need has arisen for a golf putting club that provides golfers of all skill levels with the opportunity to maximize putting performance. As a result, golf club manufacturers have begun introducing putters that are designed to minimize the adverse effects of errors in putting technique. One aspect of this effort has been to introduce a putter with modifications designed to create topspin on the golf ball as it is struck by the putter head. Because of the frictional forces created by the roll of the ball on the ground, the optimal putt is one in which the ball is provided with consistent overspin for accuracy and speed.
Most conventional putters have a flat face with a positive loft that contacts the golf ball at the tangent point below the center of the ball. The average golf ball is 1.66 inches in diameter, thus placing the centerline 0.83 inches from the ground, (not considering the height of the grass, etc.). Although the height of the putter face is usually larger than 0.83 inches, the ball must nevertheless always be contacted at the above-described tangent point which intersects the centerline of the ball, since the non-angled putter face or positive angled lies in a plane perpendicular to the ground or below the centerline of the ball. Because this contact point lies on and not above the centerline of the ball, overspin will not always be created when the club face strikes the ball, and as a result the ball will sometimes "skid", "bump", or sometimes even become airborne, depending on the length of the putt, length and direction of the grain of the grass.
Considering all the variables beyond the golfer's control which can affect the line and speed a putt, and considering the change in these variables which results from the differing conditions encountered at each different green on each different day, it is evident that a need exists for a putter which can minimize the adverse effects of some of these variables regardless of the conditions encountered. Providing a putter which imparts consistent overspin to the ball will accomplish this by eliminating the tendency for the ball to skid, bump or become airborne. The present invention solves this problem by providing a negatively angled loft on the face of the putter, as contrasted with the non-angled club face of most conventional putters the positively angled club face loft of most conventional golf irons. This negative loft allows the putter face to contact the ball above the centerline with each stroke, imparting topspin on the ball 100% of the time, independent of most variable putting conditions.
One putter that makes the claim of producing topspin is the "Masteroll" Putter found in the September 1995 issue of the Competitive Edge Golf Magazine (at page 10). This putter is round with a larger diameter than the ball, and does create overspin, but the effectiveness of the putter is dependent on some conditions being ideal. For example, if the length of grass varies, so does the quality of overspin produced by this putter, due to a variation in the point on the club face at which the club contacts the ball. Because the putter has a rounded vertical cross-section along the club face, this variation in the contact point will not eliminate the tendency of the ball to "climb" to overcome the friction opposing its roll. Although its overall performance is better than in many conventional designs, because of this putter's rounded club face a consistent repeatable overspin will not be provided to the putt, resulting in some degree of bumping and skidding in the putt.
Another putter that makes the claim of producing topspin is a putter that creates "rounder rolls", as again shown in the September 1995 issue of the Competitive Edge Golf Magazine (at page 19). This putter is claimed to always strike the ball above the ball's center of gravity. However, due to the fact that most conventional golf balls have a lighter half and a heavier half, this will not always be the case, depending on which half of the ball is oriented nearer to the ground when struck by the club face. (See September 1995 issue of Competitive Edge Golf Magazine, at page 22). Thus, ideal conditions must also exist (or an inertial mass-balanced golf ball must be used) for topspin to be consistently produced with this putter.
There are a number of negative loft putters disclosed in the prior art, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,344,149; 5,407,196; 4,664,385; 1,467,714; 4,795,158; D204,279; 5,348,301; 3,333,854 and 4,881,739. However, all of these putters have a planar face, which results in an exaggerated off-center trajectory for the ball, if the angle of contact of the putter face is adjusted to cause the ball to travel a non-straight line path to the hole to account for a sloping green. With a conventional planar putter face, the golf ball will travel a path which is approximately 1.71 (or 15/7) times more angularly skewed than the putter face angle of contact. In other words, if the angle of contact with conventional planar putter face is intentionally or accidentally misaligned by 1 degree from that which would produce a straight line trajectory to the hole, the ball will travel a path that is approximately 1.71 degrees to the right or left of the hole. The present invention minimizes this trajectory error by providing a putting face which is convex on an arc of radius 5 to 84 inches. This convexity will produce a ball trajectory which is at most equal to the putter face contact angle misalignment, and in most cases will in fact reduce this misalignment to be less than that created by the putter face. In other words, if the angle of contact with putter face of the present invention is misaligned by 1 degree from that which would produce a straight line trajectory to the hole, the ball will travel a path that is less than or equal to 1 degree to the right or left of the hole, thus producing a more accurate alignment with the hole.
A putter with an angled face is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,019. However, the radius of curvature for this club face lies in the same plane as the axis and centerline of the ball, and therefore will not provide the claimed topspin feature 100% of the time, since the ball must be struck on the upswing to produce the overspin effect. Additionally, the shape of the putter face disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,019 makes it difficult for the golfer to line himself up at right angles to the hole, since from the golfer's view, the putter face provides no visual indicator with which to gauge hole-to-ball alignment. Thus, unless the ball is struck at the exact geometric center of the putter face, a tangential trajectory similar to that described above will result, causing an unintended deviation in the path of travel of the ball to the hole.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a golf putting club having a negatively lofted putting surface for providing top spin to a golf ball.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf putting club having a convex putting surface for minimizing the amount of angular displacement of a golf ball that is struck on an angle to the central axis of the putter face.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf putting club which contacts the golf ball above the centerline to impart topspin on every putting stroke, independent of variable putting conditions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf putting club having a convex club face for producing a ball trajectory which is at most equal to the contact angle deviation created by misalignment of the putter face, and which will ideally reduce the amount of angular misalignment created by the putter face.


An integrated packaging system that comprises an integral mechanical support, a printed circuit board and the optical communications device. The mechanical support includes a first support element and a second support element. The first support element extends at a non-zero angle from the second support element. The printed circuit board includes a first portion and a second portion in contact with the first support element and the second support element, respectively. The optical communications device is mechanically coupled to the first support element of the mechanical support and is electrically connected to the first portion of the printed circuit board. The integrated packaging system preferably provides automatic alignment between the optical communications device and one or both of an optical element and an optical fiber. In this case, the first support element includes a device alignment feature. The device alignment feature and the optical communications device have a defined positional relationship with respect to one another. Alternatively, the system may additionally comprise a cover assembly including a cover comprising a device alignment feature. The cover is mechanically coupled to the first support element in a position at which the device alignment feature and the optical communications device have a predetermined positional relationship with respect to one another.

In typical optical fiber-based optical communication systems, an optical communications device transmits optical signals to, or receives optical signals from, one or more optical fibers. The optical fibers are mounted in a fiber optic connector that positions the ends of the optical fibers in close proximity to the optical communications device. When transmitting, the optical communications device converts electrical signals into optical signals and transmits the optical signals into the optical fibers. When receiving, the optical communications device receives the optical signals from the optical fibers and converts the optical signals into electrical signals.
To transmit an optical signal to or to receive an optical signal from an optical fiber, the optical communications device must be precisely positioned in three dimensions relative to the end of the optical fiber. If the element of the optical communications device that transmits or receives the optical signal is not precisely aligned with the core of the optical fiber, the quality of the optical communication can be significantly degraded. However, the core of the optical fiber has cross-sectional dimensions in the order of a few microns to a few hundred microns so that precisely aligning the core of the optical fiber with respect to the optical communications device can difficult.
Although packages for optical communications devices exist capable of aligning the optical communications device with optical fibers, such packages suffer from shortcomings: typically, conventional packages are complex and are difficult to use to align the optical fibers with the optical communications device with the precision needed for optimum optical signal transfer between the optical fibers and the optical communications device. For example, many conventional optical communications device packages do not automatically align the optical fibers with the optical communications device with the required precision. Therefore, additional steps are required to provide the required precision. For example, the conventional device packages may bring the optical fibers within close proximity of the optical communications device. Then, the optical fibers have to be slightly repositioned to provide the required precision. Such repositioning can be difficult and expensive to perform. In addition, many conventional optical device packages are complex, and include a large number of components. The complexity of conventional optical communications device packages and their difficulty of use significantly increases the cost of such packages.
Thus, an unaddressed need exists in the industry for a simple, low-cost packaging system for an optical communications device that provides an automatic alignment between the optical communications device and optical fibers mounted in an fiber optic connector.

Integrated packaging system for optical communications devices that provides automatic alignment with optical fibers


A vehicle door lock device includes a base member on which a pivot shaft is supported, a first lever rotatably supported on the pivot shaft, a second lever rotatably supported on the pivot shaft and operated in association with a door handle, an engaging member including an engaging pin for engaging the first lever and the second lever with each other in a predetermined engaging position and disengaging from each other in a predetermined release position, and an operating bringing the engaging pin to operate between the engaging position and the release position. The first lever, the second lever, the engaging member, and the operating member are arranged on one side of the base member. The base member includes a restricting projection portion on the one side for restricting a movement of the engaging pin as in the release position in a peripheral direction relative to the pivot shaft.

A known vehicle door lock device includes a mechanism for prohibiting a release of engagement between a vehicle door and a vehicle body by means of an operation of a door handle. Such the vehicle door lock device is disclosed in JP2003-328623A. The door lock device disclosed is equipped with a child lock mechanism (i.e. a child proof mechanism) for prohibiting a release of engagement between a vehicle door and a vehicle body by means of an operation of an inside handle.
Precisely, as sown in FIG. 14, the vehicle door lock device disclosed includes a housing 101, an inside lever 102 arranged on the housing 101 and operated in association with the inside handle of the vehicle door, an open lever 103 linked to a latch mechanism for engaging the vehicle door with the vehicle body, and a child lock lever (i.e. a child proof lever) 104 for performing an operation such that an unlocked state in which the latch mechanism is operated by means of an operation of the inside handle, and a child lock state (i.e. a child proof lock state) in which the latch mechanism is inoperative by means of the operation of the inside handle are switched therebetween. In this case, the inside lever 102 and the open lever 103 are provided on respective faces of the housing 101, i.e. faces on a vehicle interior side and a vehicle exterior side. In addition, the child lock lever 104 includes an input sub-lever 104A and an action sub-lever 104B connected to the input sub-lever 104A. The input sub-lever 104A that includes an operation shaft 104Aa operated by a passenger and the like is arranged so as to be slidable and rotatable relative to the housing 101. The action sub-lever 104B includes a link shaft 104Ba on one end side, extending towards the housing 101. The link shaft 104Ba is integrally inserted into an elongated bore 102a or 102b of the inside lever 102, an elongated bore 101a or 101b of the housing 101, and an elongated bore 103a of the open lever 103.
Then, as shown in FIG. 15A, the operation of the operation shaft 104Aa causes the link shaft 104Ba of the action sub-lever 104B to vertically move in the elongated bore 102a of the inside lever 102 and the elongated bore 103a of the open lever 103, thereby switching the unlocked state and the child lock state therebetween. In this case, the link shaft 104Ba also moves in the elongated bores 101a and 101b of the housing 101 that is disposed between the inside lever 102 and the open lever 103. FIG. 15B shows a state in which the operation shaft 104Aa is operated in a downward direction and thus the link shaft 104Ba of the action sub-lever 104B is in a substantially upper end position of the elongated bore 102a of the inside lever 102 and the elongated bore 103a of the open lever 103. That is, the link shaft 104Ba is in a child lock position (i.e. a child proof lock position).
According to the aforementioned vehicle door lock device, as shown in FIG. 15B, when the inside handle is operated and thus the inside lever 102 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in a sate in which the link shaft 104Ba of the action sub-lever 104B is in the child lock position, the open lever 103 may hit a lock link that is engageable with the open lever 103 in case of the door lock release, thereby generating a hitting noise. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 15B, a rightward movement of the link shaft 104Ba is not restricted by the elongated bore 102a of the inside lever 102 and thus the open lever 103 is rotatable in a counterclockwise direction in the elongated bore 101a of the housing 101. At this time, the elongated bore 101a of the housing 101 has a sufficient width relative to a diameter of the link shaft 104Ba. Therefore, the open lever 103 is rotatable within an angle corresponding to sufficiency of width of the elongated bore 101a relative to the link shaft 104Ba. The open lever 103 may be rotated because of vibration of the vehicle and the like, which leads to a hitting of the open lever 103 to the lock link.
Further, according to the aforementioned vehicle door lock device, the inside lever 102 and the open lever 103 are arranged on the respective faces of the housing 101, i.e. faces on the vehicle interior side and the vehicle exterior side. Then, the elongated bores 101a and 101b into which the link shaft 104Ba of the action sub-lever 104B is inserted are formed on the housing 101. Accordingly, sealing ability of the housing 101 for covering the vehicle door lock device may be reduced, which may prevent improvement of waterproof property of the vehicle door lock device.
Thus, a need exists for a vehicle door lock device that can achieve prevention of a hitting noise caused by a lever vibration and improvement of sealing ability.


A process of preparing a high bromide {100} tabular grain emulsion is disclosed wherein mean ECD of the tabular grains obtained at the conclusion of ripening is controlled by the use of chloride ion. Specifically, both the concentration of chloride ion introduced before grain nucleation and the proportion of chloride ion and bromide ion present during nucleation are shown to allow control of final mean grain ECD in the fully ripened emulsion.

The overwhelming majority of high bromide tabular grain emulsions are {111} tabular grain emulsions. Usually all of the tabular grains in such emulsions have major faces lying in {111} crystal planes.
Although there are known performance advantages for high bromide {100} tabular grain emulsions, their use has been limited, since, compared to processes for preparing high bromide {111} tabular grain emulsions, their preparation processes are more difficult to control. Specifically, high bromide {100} tabular grains emerge as a result of grain ripening. Attempts to limit mean tabular grain edge length have resorted to terminating grain ripening while a significant proportion of smaller and non-tabular grains remain in the precipitation vessel. This does not represent an efficient use of silver or desirably high yields of high bromide {100} tabular grains. When grain ripening is prematurely terminated, the final emulsions resemble emulsions that are blends of {100} tabular grains and relatively fine grains. Thus, obtaining aim mean grain ECD's while also ripening to completion, thereby eliminating fine grain components, has not been realized.
The following patents have sought to prepare high bromide {100} tabular grain emulsions, although minimum definitional requirements (set out above) have frequently gone unrealized:
Bogg U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,951; PA1 Mignot U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,156; PA1 C. Precipitation procedures, paragraph (2), which identifies preferred procedures for controlling vAg and pH during precipitation (note particularly Chang U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,170, here incorporated by reference), and paragraph (3); PA1 D. Grain modifying conditions and adjustments, particularly paragraphs (3)-(5), which pertain to dopants; and PA1 E. Blends, layers and performance categories. A selection of conventional ripening agents are disclosed in paragraph (2).

Process of preparing high bromide (100) tabular grain emulsions


The present disclosure provides Border Gateway Protocol route aggregation in a Clos fabric when one or more communication failures are detected. A method includes receiving a prefix component of a first aggregate route from a first next hop node, the prefix component being associated with a failed network element; announcing, to one or more neighboring nodes, the first aggregate route along with the prefix component and the first next hop node associated with the failed network element; identifying, by the one or more neighboring nodes, a second aggregate route, the second aggregate route being a shortest aggregate route that contains the first aggregate route; and generating, from the second aggregate route, one or more Chad routes to the prefix component of the first aggregate route, wherein the one or more Chad routes are associated with one or more next hop nodes that are different from the first next hop node.

Data center networks have become massively large in order to meet data processing demands. This enlargement raises various scaling challenges in terms of forwarding table size for each node in a network, control plane information flooding, network convergence, etc. Various proposals are underway for addressing the above challenges. For example, Intermediate System (ISIS) Spine Leaf (ISIS-SL) (Spine-Leaf), Routing in Fat Trees (RIFT), etc. are few of the proposals to address the challenges in data center routing.


Methods and systems are provided for a rappelling device comprising a body, a pocket, and a pivotable bollard.

Rappelling devices may be used to descend slopes, whether it be for recreational activities or in response to an emergency. For example, a user may descend from a burning building in response to a stairway being inaccessible. The user may anchor to one or more suitable devices located inside or outside of a building prior to descent. The user may exit the building and descend via an open window.
One example approach is shown by Herrli et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,680. Therein, a rappelling device is configured to auto-lock, pay-out, and descend based on an actuation of a lever and/or handle. A line wraps around an outer portion of a cam and passes through a body of the rappelling device in an S-configuration.
However, the inventors herein have recognized potential issues with such systems. As one example, a range in which a user may control friction applied to the line is limited. One or more of egressing through a window sill and/or moving laterally with the rappelling device may be difficult. For example, the rappelling device may hang-up (e.g., stop descent and/or payout of the line) as the user attempts to egress through the window and/or move laterally to avoid obstacles. This may result in an uncomfortable and inconsistent descent, which may lead to the user becoming stuck at the window and consume time before re-initiating descent, thereby exposing an anchor end of the system to increased loads and high temperatures. In another example, the line of Herrli enters the device on the un-constrained infeed side, passes through the handle once and is pinched by the cam during its second transect of the handle plane before turning around the cam feature and exiting towards the anchor. The arrangement of features presented by Herrli relies heavily on the cam pressing on the escape line to provide a large share of the overall friction, which may increase wear on the line and decrease its life expectancy. In yet another example, in the rappelling device taught by Herrli, the escape line passes through the handle several times, causing the escape line to interact with the handle, passing part of the dissipated energy into the handle in the form of heat. This may result in the handle overheating, thereby limiting how long the device may be used before the accumulated frictional heat inhibits operation of the rappelling device.
In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by a system comprising a body comprising a handle and a pocket, wherein a pivotable bollard is located in the pocket, the bollard comprising an outer surface wherein a defined path for a line wraps around more than half a circumference of the bollard, the defined path is coupled to a first end of a line-passing through-hole, a second end of the line-passing through-hole located adjacent to the defined path.
In another example, the issues described above may be addressed by a body comprising a handle and a pocket, wherein a pivotable bollard is located in the pocket, the bollard comprising a line-passing through-hole with a first opening coupled to a groove of the bollard, where the groove extends from the first opening, wraps around an entire circumference of the bollard, and passes adjacent to a second opening of the line-passing through-hole.
As an example, a body comprises a tether end and a handle end located opposite one another. The tether end comprises a tether configured to couple to a loop. For example, the tether may couple to a harness worn by a user. The pocket is proximal to the tether end. Thus, a line enters the body at a first surface and is inserted into the line-passing through-hole and wraps around the defined path arranged around at least a portion of an outer surface of the bollard. The line encounters a pinch pin prior to exiting the body at a second surface, opposite the first surface. Geometries of the bollard allow an amount of friction applied to the line from one or more of the bollard and the pinch pin to be adjusted based on an actuation of the handle.
In one example embodiment, a device in the present disclosure may create a pinching action at the point of infeed with a total angular deviation beyond the pinching point in excess of 360 degrees. Furthermore, the geometry at the exit of the device may provide a v-groove that further increases friction in a way that is variable with the location of the handle.
By providing a descent mechanism that achieves the majority of frictional resistance by angular deviation of the line around a bollard with a lesser amount of friction resulting from a pinching action on the line, the line may experience less wear, and have a longer life expectancy, than a line used with a rappelling device which exerts most of friction on a line via pressure from a cam feature, as taught by Herrli. Further, this enables the line to have a looser construction which in turn aids in packaging of the line.
Another benefit of the mechanism presented in this disclosure is the management of frictional heat dissipated in the descender. In the descender disclosed below, the majority of frictional heat enters the pivoting bollard, which is a separate part from the descender body, and therefore reduces the rate of frictional heat propagation from the bollard, through the body, to the handle. This reduces the rate of heat buildup in the handle compared to the teachings of Herrli, and allows longer descents without overheating the handle.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
FIGS. 1-7D are shown approximately to scale.

Descending apparatus and methods for use of same


A method of performing a direct memory access has the steps of selecting a peripheral device for performing a direct memory access through a direct memory access controller; providing a partial address by the peripheral device to the direct memory access controller; and forming the source or destination address by combining the partial address with selected bits from a source register within the direct memory access controller.

Today's DMA controllers or module are used to transfer data, independently from the central processing unit (CPU), between, for example, two memory locations. Conventional DMA modules, however, are usually implemented without complex addressing modes. It is not possible to have the source or destination supply and address the DMA without significantly complicating the DMA module.

Peripheral supplied addressing in a simple DMA module


An illuminating device for an enclosed receptacle, such as a purse or handbag. Because it is difficult to see the contents of a purse due to darkness, the invention includes a light-emitting membrane electrically connected to a power supply and a switch. Actuation of the switch turns the membrane on to illuminate the interior of the purse. The membrane also has a backbone, such as a pair of malleable wires, mounted to it, such as by double-sided tape. The wires, upon bending of the membrane and wires to conform to the interior shape of the purse, retain their deformed shape, and maintain the membrane at the deformed shape. The opposite side of the double-sided tape preferably adheres the membrane and backbone to the interior of the purse or other receptacle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a device for illuminating the interior of a portable receptacle, such as a purse, backpack, attache or other luggage.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known to illuminate the interiors of bags, such as purses. However, conventional illuminating devices normally have a single source of light, such as a light bulb, which means that the lighting is at best uneven, and can be blocked easily by a single object. A light source emanating from a single point creates shadows, and thereby defeats the purpose or hinders the effectiveness of a light intended to make it easier to see inside the bag.
An illuminating device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,063 to Granneman, et al., uses an illuminating panel, but the panel is typically rigid and is built into the bag or placed in a pocket in the side of the bag. This fails to sufficiently illuminate the interior of the bag, and requires additional structures in the bag.
The need exists for a receptacle illuminating device that is easily retrofitted to receptacles such as purses, and that illuminates more of the bag than conventional lights illuminate.


A method using a computer for creating and comprehensively analyzing in an integrated manner a test and course of study or job performance, assessing multiple transferrable skills within the context of course competencies at the individual test assessment level, comprising the steps of selecting a desired taxonomy system having a plurality of taxonomy items defining abilities relating to learning, performance or achievement pertaining to the course of study, storing in memory an assessment item, the proposed answers, and the correct answer, for each assessment item, storing in memory the appropriate taxonomy items in the taxonomy system that pertain to the abilities which the respective assessment item addresses, repeatedly storing in memory a new assessment item, the appropriate taxonomy items, and appropriate proposed and correct answer for each assessment item, to create an entire test of a common variety (multiple choice, essay, performance) and so as to allow retrieval of all answers and coded information for each assessment item, analyzing the test by generating a report showing the relationship between the preselected taxonomy items and each assessment item to which the taxonomy items are assigned.

The present invention relates to computer programs used by educators and employers to write tests, analyze and track results.
In particular, the invention is a method in the form of a computer program that facilitates the creation of tests having one or more assessment items, i.e. questions, used for analyzing training, a program of study, job, job performance, or performance criteria of one or more individuals that uses a comprehensive coding system and method for tracking learner successes and allows for integrated assessments using a taxonomy system with taxonomies and codes and/or reference items in relation to each test assessment item.
Several major trends have been and continue to emerge in the education and employment assessment fields. In particular, there has been an increasing emphasis on criterion referenced tests. Criterion referenced tests are those tests having questions, or assessment items, designed to demonstrate a specific ability. Criterion reference testing developed from a recognition that past performance is sometimes the best predictor of future performance. Criterion reference testing may supplement, augment or replace aptitude tests.
For example, a student in a photography class might be asked as one question on a test "What is the difference in light intensity as the light source is moved towards or away from the subject." The answer, pertaining to the inverse square law, would relate to the criteria, that "Student can apply the inverse square law using a single light source." In the employment domain, the criteria for a test item might be "Employee can set up a slicing machine to slice meat to a predetermined thickness." Each statement is a criterion that is an ability.
These types of tests are distinguished from achievement tests in that, contrary to achievement tests that compare individuals achievements in a certain subject area, they are a more absolute measurement of the individual's mastery of a course compentency, i.e., the criterion reference approach. The present invention codes competencies for specific criterion.
Criterion referenced testing becomes significant also as the Americans with Disabilities Act and other similar state, federal and regulatory bodies of law, are followed by employers to assure compliance. In particular, insofar as the ADA is concerned, applicants with certain pre-existing conditions must be fairly screened in the job interview process and in the advancement process. The need for a computer program that allows the individual employer to create assessment items in advance of the job interview, each of which assessment item is integrated with an objective criterion or ability required, such as a competency code and taxonomies, discussed later, allows the ability to more uniformly and fairly examine applicants. Each job, thus, has a certain number of criteria that needs to be met, and establishing these criteria, examining the same and integrating the responses and analyzing the same with competency codes and taxonomies, discussed later, significantly improve the probability of a fair, non-discriminatory treatment of applicants and employees. Job descriptions are prepared that identify essential job duties and that specify the required abilities to perform these tests.
Most jobs require certain skills as basic abilities, transferable skills, along with the specific vocational skills that are required of the effective worker.
While the invention is not limited to its use in education and employment, it is significant to note that the two fields increasingly become interrelated as the educational system moves towards testing based on criterion referencing. The prior art lacks an integrated assessment process. The coding system in the invention allows for an integrated assessment by analyzing several taxonomies within each test item and tracking learner successes with respect to each taxonomy to discover the strengths and/or weaknesses of the learner in that area and correlate them to task competencies and/or duty competencies. While computer programs are available to assist teachers to prepare tests, no program provides a method for creating comprehensive criterion referenced testing using a taxonomy system, competency codes, task importance, skill levels, and references to source information. None has offered any means to assess or analyze transferable skills that are taught, practiced, and acquired in a course of study, training program or job while assessing the referenced criterion at the assessment level.
It is important that educators and employers be able to create their own tests of this kind in the field according to their needs and objectives. Known existing programs for creating tests are very limited, non-comprehensive and primarily allow for preparing the individual assessment items and recording each in their own record in a database only with no comprehensive taxonomy system using multiple taxonomies, or ability to analyze the quality of the test within the context of such taxonomy system and using codes, nor any ability to meaningfully track a testee's responses within the comprehensive taxonomy and code system. The invention also performs this analysis according to each assessment item.
The taxonomy system in the invention is comprised of taxonomies that together make up the broad range of preferred behaviors that are intended to be assessed, such as working with data, working with people, working with things, reasoning, math, language, etc. Another taxonomy system may instead be cognition, psychomotor, affective, working with computers. In each of these the testee may show different behaviors. The invention then tracks and analyzes the results according to the taxonomies and other codes with each question or assessment item to provide an analysis or profile data within a true criterion referenced framework.
The inventive process also includes a reference for each assessment item indicating a reference source of material on which the question is based, i.e., the reference source for learning the subject material. In an employment setting it might reference a particular job analysis previously done. This also allows one then to determine whether what is being assessed has been taught. For example, if a specific item of reference material is not shown in a list of references, then that particular reference item may not be being taught, or covered in the course.
The process also allows for the test creator to input for each assessment item a task importance code for the particular competency being assessed, in order to provide a rating apart from the skill required to successfully complete the test item that rates the importance of the duty that the test item is qualifying.
Moreover, the process allows for a special instruction to be inputted, restored and retrieved with each test item. The special instruction remains with the test item whenever the test item is retrieved from the database, in essence coupled to the test item. The special instruction provides a list of tools or other materials that are to be used as auxiliary materials for that particular test item, by test item number. This allows the course/test matter to print as a cover to the test the auxiliary materials needed to take the test.
The process also allows for a task description statement step to be inputted with each assessment item that is essentially a shorter paraphrase of the overall task that the assessment item addresses. There may be several different assessment items dealing with the same task item. Thus the test creator is allowed to create a course of study for that particular task by retrieving all test assessment items for that task. Of course a manager can enter the test items and use the program to search the relevant codes to develop lessons from the details within the test items.
The process also provides for defining and inputting a skill level code for each assessment item.
Still further, the invention allows for inputting an occupational code for each individual assessment item so as to recall assessment items and all particular coupled information, by occupational cluster code or subgroups within the cluster code.
The invention also allows the merging or splitting of custom test files for a particular individualized instruction, i.e., test creator manually or individually selecting the required codes for the particular required individualized instruction. In particular, the computer program includes the steps of automatically creating individualized assessment and individualized instruction in areas in which a less adequate assessment is achieved.
The inventive process also allows for individual course/job competency files to be created and maintained on an ongoing basis to record competencies from many tests. Moreover, the assessment item is coded as either multiple choice, essay style (short or long answer) or analytical performance. These are categorized as either passive or active assessments. The individual competency files then are analyzed in the process to track the passive or active assessments for each competency, and their respective responses, to determine in the individual's competency file his or her performance. If an individual shows higher performance in passive (multiple choice) questions than in active (essay), then one can differentiate the individual's specific ability with respect to that competency.
The object of the invention then is to create a method using a computer for creating and comprehensively analyzing in an integrated manner a test and course of study or job performance, with the ability to plan a course of study that instructs and assesses multiple transferable skills within the context of course competencies at the individual test item assessment level.
Other objects and features of the invention and the manner in which the invention achieves its purpose will be appreciated from the foregoing and the following description and the accompanying drawings which exemplify the invention, it being understood that changes may be made in the specific method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the essentials of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

Method for comprehensive integrated assessment in a course of study or occupation


There is provided an LED driving circuit including: at least one ladder network circuit including: (n+1) number of first branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of first middle junction points between a first junction point and a second junction point, where n denotes an integer satisfying n≧2, (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of second middle junction points between the first junction point and the second junction point, the (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with the first branches; and n number of middle branches connecting the first and second middle junction points of an identical m sequence to each other, respectively, wherein each of the first and second, and middle branches comprises at least one LED device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) circuit, and more particularly, to an LED driving circuit directly applicable to an alternating current (AC) power without requiring a converter for converting the AC into a direct current (DC), and an LED array apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) is advantageous as a light source in terms of output, efficiency or reliability. Thus, the LED is actively researched and developed as a high-output and high efficiency light source to substitute a backlight of a lighting device or a display device.
In general, the LED is driven in a low driving current (DC). Therefore, to be driven at a normal voltage, i.e. alternating current (AC) of 220V, the LED requires an additional circuit, e.g., AC/DC converter for supplying a low DC output voltage. However, such an additional circuit complicates configuration of an LED module and furthermore potentially undermines efficiency and reliability when a supply power source is converted. Moreover, the additional part other than the light source increases costs and size of the product and also degrades electromagnetic interference (EMI) characteristics due to a periodic component when operating in the switching mode.
To overcome this problem, various types of LED driving circuits capable of being driven without an additional converter have been suggested. However, in a conventional AC-driven LED driving circuit, most LEDs are arranged to be driven in a specific half cycle of the AC voltage, thereby increasing the number of LEDs required for achieving desired light amount.
The necessary number of LEDs may be varied according to arrangement of the LEDs even though identical light amount is supplied. But the conventional arrangement of LEDs ensures very low efficiency. For example, in a conventional representative example where the LEDs are arranged in a reverse parallel or bridge configuration, the actual numbers of LEDs continuously emitted represent merely 50% and 60% of total numbers of LEDs, respectively. That is, a greater number of LEDs are inefficiently required to attain desired emission.
Therefore, the LEDS may be more efficiently arranged to assure identical light amount through a smaller number of LEDs. This arrangement with greater efficiency is of significant importance to assure cost efficiency of the AC-driven LED circuit.

Light emitting diode driving circuit and light emitting diode array device


A word line driving circuit for a semiconductor memory is provided that drives a corresponding word line of a first number of word lines coupled to a plurality of memory cells based on a memory address signal generated from a more significant controller. The memory cells have a matrix form of rows and columns and the first number of word lines are divided into a second number of word line groups. The word line driving circuit includes a second number of word line group driving circuits each respectively coupled to one of the second number of word line groups to drive one of the word lines in the word line group selected by a control signal. A word line selecting circuit determines which of the second word line groups contain the corresponding word line to be driven using the memory address signal and generates the control signal for the corresponding word line group driving circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device, and in particular to a word line driving circuit for a semiconductor memory device.
2. Background of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a word line driving circuit of a related art semiconductor memory shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,259 to Sato et al. includes a predecoder PDCR that inputs addresses ax0, .sub.ax0, ax1, .sub.ax1 from an X address buffer XADB (not shown) and outputs signals .phi.x0, .phi.x1, .phi.x2 and .phi.x3. NAND gate circuits NAG0-NAGk input the addresses ax2, .sub.ax2, . . . , axi, .sub.axi from the X address buffer XADB (not shown) and output the signals .sub.S0, . . . , .sub.Sk. Switch transistors Q13-Q16 have gate terminals that receive the signals .phi.x0, .phi.x1, .phi.x2 and .phi.x3 output from the predecoder PDCR. The word line driving circuit further includes transistors Q23-Q26 that input a signal .phi.ce generated from a timing controller TC (not shown) at their gate terminals and X address decoder blocks WD0, WD3, . . . , WDm-3, WDm for driving the word lines W0-Wm.
FIG. 2 shows the word line driving circuit of FIG. 1 and its peripheral circuits, which include the timing controller TC, the X address buffer XADB and the X decoder XDCR. A memory cell array and corresponding bit line sense amplifier arrays are also shown in FIG. 2.
To drive the word line connected to the memory cell, the NAND gate circuits receive and NAND-decode the addresses ax2, .sub.ax2, . . . , axi, .sub.axi generated from the X address buffer XADB and the signal ce of logic high level generated from the timing controller TC and output the signals .sub.S0, . . . , .sub.Sk of logic low levels. In this case; one of the transistors Q13, Q14, Q15, Q16 shown in FIG. 1 is turned on by the one logic high signal of the signals .phi.x0, .phi.x1, .phi.x2 and .phi.x3 output from the predecoder PDCR. Thus, a transistor Qd1 in an X address decoder block XDCR is turned on to drive the corresponding word line for a predetermined time.
However, the related art word line driving circuit has various disadvantages. When the related art word line driving circuit is applied to a memory cell block having a plurality of word lines, the required word lines have greater loading, which increases the word line driver size. As the word line driver size increases, the size of the address decoding block and the size of precharge transistor increase. Consequentially, as large amount of currents is consumed at each operation, which increases the power consumption and deteriorates the operating speed.
The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

Word line driving circuit for semiconductor memory device and method


A reflective liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal layer in a cell; a polarizer disposed in front of the liquid crystal layer; a reflector disposed behind the liquid crystal layer; and a quarter-wave plate disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the reflector, the liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal and a liquid crystalline polymer which are twisted in molecule alignment so as to have a twist angle X represented by X=(45xc2x0+90xc2x0 n)xc2x110xc2x0 (n=0 or a positive integer).

This application is related to Japanese application No. Hei 10(1998)-340902 filed on Dec. 1, 1998, whose priority is claimed under 35 USC xc2xa7119, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reflective liquid crystal display, and, in particular to a reverse mode polymer-dispersed liquid crystal display, wherein the display comprises a display medium made of a liquid crystal and a liquid crystalline polymer, molecules of the liquid crystalline polymer and liquid crystal aligned in the same orientation to form a network structure, and the display can transmit light when no voltage is applied thereto and can scatter light when a voltage is applied thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, as a result of social needs for energy saving, low power consumption is required of display devices, too. This trend is also applied to liquid crystal display devices which are inherently non-light emitting type and consume less power as compared with CRT or the like. Therefore, development works have been increasingly active with reflective color liquid crystal display devices in order to achieve much more reduced power consumption.
However, the reflective color liquid crystal display devices are currently inferior to transmissive liquid crystal display devices, CRTs and the like in brightness, display quality, color reproductivity and the like. Therefore, the reflective color liquid crystal display devices capable of higher quality image representation are needed.
As one possible solution to this need, polymer-dispersed type liquid crystal (hereinafter referred to as twisted reversemode PDLC) has been proposed which is prepared by blending an acrylic monomer or oligomer having a photopolymerizing liquid crystal skelton (hereinafter referred to as liquid crystalline monomer and liquid crystalline oligomer respectively) with a host liquid crystal; injecting the blend into a cell that has undergone alignment process; twisting the blend in a specific orientation and finally subjecting the blend to UV irradiation to polymerize the liquid crystalline monomer or oligomer.
When a voltage is applied to the twisted reverse mode PDLC, the host liquid crystal changes its alignment orientation along the resultant electric field. However, the alignment orientation of the liquid crystalline polymer that has been polymerized and immobilized remains unchanged. As a result, mismatching in reflectivity occurs on the interface between the liquid crystal molecule and liquid crystalline polymer, leading to a light scattering phenomenon that features strong anisotropy in a particular orientation (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 7(1995)-36022, and H. Kobayashi et al., Seiko Epson Corp., SID97, pp751-754).
Compared with conventional PDLCs that involve liquid crystal droplet structure, the above-mentioned twisted reverse mode PDLC has a greater proportion of liquid crystal component relative to liquid crystalline monomer or oligomer (usually, the approximate ratio of liquid crystalline monomer or oligomer to liquid crystal is 2:8 to 1:9), and, as a result, can be driven by a lower voltage. Capitalizing on this feature, a reflective color liquid crystal display device was proposed (see, T. Sonehara et al., Seiko Epson Corp., SID97, pp1023-1026).
A reflective color liquid crystal display device based on the above-mentioned twisted reverse mode PDLC mode is capable of bright image representation since it does not involve a polarizer. However, this device type is essentially incapable of black representation, and its image representation quality is greatly dependent on the surrounding lighting environments. More specifically, in a lighting environment where the main component of incident light is a light beam with strong directivity (for example, in the outdoors in a sunny day), the device provides relatively bright image representation of higher contrast; in contrast, its image representation quality significantly deteriorates in a lighting environment where light comes from all directions (for example, in the outdoors in a cloudy day, or in a room).
To remedy this drawback, a single-polarizer twisted reverse mode PDLC was proposed which contains an addition of one polarizer and one or more phase plates (see, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 7(1995)-218905). Basically, in this PDLC, when no voltage is applied to the device, liquid crystalline polymer molecules with liquid crystal skeltons and liquid crystal molecules are twisted in a common orientation, thereby the device remains transparent. In contrast, when a voltage exceeding a Freedericksz transition point is applied to the device, the liquid crystal molecules alone are oriented along the resultant electric field, causing mismatching in reflectivity between the liquid crystalline polymer molecules and the liquid crystal molecules, leading to light scattering.
The single polarizer and phase contrast films are arranged such that linearly polarized light incoming through the single polarizer is converted into circularly polarized light at a reflective plane owing to the phase plates as well as a birefringence effect of a composite layer formed of the twisted liquid crystal molecules and liquid crystalline polymer molecules (hereinafter referred to as twist PDLC layer). As a result of this arrangement, the linearly polarized light incoming through the polarizer is reflected as circularly polarized light from the reflection plane, and, when reaching the polarizer again, it is transformed into linearly polarized light with a plane of polarization that squarely intersects the transmission axis of the polarizer, and is absorbed, thereby the device becomes capable of black representation.
In contrast, when the liquid crystal molecules are oriented along the electric field owing to an applied voltage, linearly polarized light having passed the polarizer is scattered by the twist PDLC layer with the plane of polarization maintained before it is converted into circularly polarized light, and is further scattered by the reflective plane. Because the light is reflected by the reflective plane in a polarized state near linear polarization, it can again pass the polarizer, thereby device becomes capable of white representation. To attain satisfactory black and white representation using a reflective color liquid crystal display device of this configuration, it is necessary to design the twist PDLC layer in order to determine the retardation values (xcex94nxc2x7d=birefringence of liquid crystal xcex94nxc3x97layer thickness d) that allows the incoming linearly polarized light to be converted into circularly polarized light at the reflective plane with the device having a transparent state.
Incidentally, to realize brighter white representation, it is necessary to increase the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal and liquid crystalline polymer so as to enhance light scattering performance. To improve black representation, it is necessary to decrease xcex94nxc2x7d or increase the twist angle of twist PDLC layer. The previously mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 218905/1995 discloses that the ideal combination for this purpose (xcex94n, d, twist angle) is (0.088, 2.3 xcexcm, 63 degrees) or (0.25, 2.2 xcexcm, 200 degrees).
However, a liquid crystal material with xcex94n=0.88 cannot achieve sufficient light scattering characteristics and brighter white representation. Thus, the similar material seems not to be readily used in practical application. When a liquid crystal material whose xcex94n=0.25 is used to realize bright white representation, the twist angle must be 200 degrees. A greater twist angle will, as shown later in Table 1 and FIG. 7 lead to loss in brightness when viewed in front of the display. Thus, this arrangement will have difficulty in providing brighter white representation. As described above, it is currently difficult to determine an optimal combination of conditions that satisfies not only xcex94nxc2x7d for achieving satisfactory black representation but also a greater xcex94n for attaining brighter white representation.
The present invention is intended to solve these problems. Therefore, it is the object of the invention to provide a reflective liquid crystal display device that realizes both brighter white representation and satisfactory black representation, by adopting a configuration that is capable of black representation, based on the optical rotating power of the twist PDLC layer.
To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention realizes black representation by using the rotary polarization where the plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light arriving at the twist PDLC layer rotates, rather than by based on the phase shift effect that occurs when incident light passes the twist PDLC layer.
The present invention provides a reflective liquid crystal display device comprising: first and second substrates opposed to each other; a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates, the liquid crystal layer including a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal containing a liquid crystal and a liquid crystalline polymer; a transparent electrode interposed between the first substrate and liquid crystal layer; a quarter-wave plate interposed between the liquid crystal layer and second substrate; a reflective electrode interposed between the quarter-wave plate and second insulating substrate; and a polarizer disposed on the opposite side of the first substrate from the liquid crystal layer; wherein the liquid crystal and the liquid crystalline polymer are twisted in molecule alignment so as to have a twist angle X represented by X=(45xc2x0+90xc2x0 n)xc2x110xc2x0 (n=0 or a positive integer).

Reflection type liquid crystal display with layer comprising liquid crystal compound and liquid crystal polymer being twist-aligned


A method for producing a honeycomb structure is disclosed which includes forming two hexagonal cell metal plates each having uniformly-spaced hexagonal pegs, using a mould and a press, applying a fusing material or strong adhesive to outer surfaces of the hexagonal pegs, and overlapping the metal plates such that surfaces of the metal plates, from which the hexagonal pegs are protruded, face each other, and coupling the metal plates such that adjacent ones of the hexagonal pegs of the metal plates are engaged, thereby producing a honeycomb structure having continuously joined cells.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for producing a honeycomb structure. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a method of producing a honeycomb structure usable for lightweight construction materials, which involves shaping two metal plates, using a die and a press, in the form of hexagonal cell plates having uniformly-spaced protruded hexagonal pegs, overlapping the shaped hexagonal cell metal plates such that surfaces of the metal plates, from which the hexagonal pegs are protruded, face each other, and bonding the metal plates, thereby producing a honeycomb structure having firmly joined dense cells.
2. Description of the Background Art
In general, honeycomb structures are widely applied for lightweight materials used in structures such as buildings. As is well known, such honeycomb structures are structurally firm.
Such a honeycomb structure is a combination of numerous hexagonal cells in which the hexagonal cells are densely horizontally joined at thin cell boundaries defined by thin walls thereof. For this reason, it is very difficult to form a honeycomb structure, using a die in a single pressing process. Furthermore, it was more difficult to fabricate honeycomb structures, using various metal materials.


A movable member is movable with respect to a main body in conjunction with movement of an opening-closing member while changing a posture relative to the opening-closing member such that a gap between the movable member and the opening-closing member is gradually reduced when the opening-closing member moves from an open position toward a closed position. The movable member is configured such that when an article is inserted into the gap during the movement of the opening-closing member from the open position toward the closed position, a movement path is switched, by a reaction force received from the article inserted into the gap, from a first path along which the movable member moves while reducing the gap to a second path in which the gap is not reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an opening/closing mechanism of an image-forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
An example of an image-forming apparatus, such as a copier, a printer, or a facsimile machine, is provided with a display and operation panel unit including a display unit that indicates the operation method of the apparatus, such as toner replenishment and removal of jammed paper, to an operator, and an input unit allowing the operator to perform the operations. The operations of toner replenishment and removal of jammed paper are not always performed by a person skilled in those operations. Therefore, it is preferred that the operator could perform the operations while following the operation guidance shown on a display screen. In recent years display units which are larger in size than the conventional units have been used to improve the convenience for the user. Meanwhile, from the standpoint of reducing the product in size and improving the design thereof, a stronger demand has been created for configurations in which the display and operation panel is effectively accommodated without protruding from the product. In order to meet such a demand, a configuration has been suggested in which the operator can perform operations while viewing the image displayed on the display unit, and the display and operation unit is moved to a position in which the operations of toner replacement and removal of jammed paper are not hindered. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-30216 discloses an opening-closing mechanism configured such that a liquid crystal display unit is mounted integrally on a cover, which is an opening-closing member for opening the apparatus interior, and rotated in conjunction with the opening-closing operation of the cover, and the display direction thereof can be substantially maintained regardless of the cover posture. More specifically, when the apparatus interior is open, the cover is in a state of entirely opening the front surface and the operator is provided with a sufficient operation space, while the liquid crystal display unit assumes a posture different from that of the cover, maintains a state facing the front of the operator and displays indications to the operator.

Opening-closing mechanism and image-forming apparatus


A liquid cooling system, comprises: heat-receiving jacket 7, thermally connected with a heat-generation element, a pump attached onto a radiator 1a, and a tank portion 2 on the radiator 1a, wherein a coolant liquid is circulated between the heat-receiving jacket 7 and the radiator 1a by means of the pump 8, thereby obtaining the liquid cooling system for an electronic apparatus, being suitable for small-sizing and a thin-type, while maintaining high reliability thereof.

The present invention relates to a liquid cooling system for cooling a semiconductor element with using a liquid as a medium for heat radiation.
In recent years, accompanying with an increase of demand on a high speed and a large capacity for an electronic apparatus, heat-generation of the semiconductor element also increases.
As a cooling means for dealing with such the high heat-generation, being disclosed, for example, in the patent document 1 listed up in the following, there is described an electronic apparatus, comprising: a main body housing for receiving therein a printed circuit board, on which a heat-generation element is mounted; and a display device housing, which has a display panel therewith and is also attached to the main body housing through a hinge, etc., rotatably.
Onto the heat-generation element is attached a heat-receiving jacket, and a liquid coming to be hot due to absorption of the heat through this heat-receiving jacket is circulated to a heat radiation pipe provided in the display devices housing, thereby radiating the heat therefrom. The liquid circulates with an aid of a liquid driving mechanism provided on the way of piping route or passages connecting between the heat-receiving jacket and the heat radiation pipe. Between each of those parts is conducted piping with an aid of connection of flexible tubers.
This conventional art is higher, in the cooling capacity thereof, than that obtained with a compulsive cooling only by means of fans, and is also superior in silencing characteristics, therefore it is effective for cooling of the electronic apparatus.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laying Open No. 2002-163042 (2002).
In the liquid cooling system described in the patent document 1 mentioned above, a pump is connected by means of a flexible tube (being described to be a silicon tube in the patent document 1). This is because, the heat radiation in the liquid cooling system is conducted on the display device housing of a notebook-type personal computer (hereinafter, being called by "note PC"), therefore the flexible tube is necessary for distributing the conduits for use of heat radiation, from a side of the main body housing to the display device housing thereof.
Also, this is because, since it is preferable to operate the pump under the condition of being disposed horizontally, in particular, for circulating the liquid with high efficiency therein, then it can be easily held in the horizontal direction if connecting the pump through the flexible tubes.
In this manner, the flexible tubes provided between the heat-receiving member and the pump are necessary, in particular, for use in a portion, having a movable part therein, however it brings about a large-sizing of the liquid cooling system for the existence of the flexible tubes, therefore there is a possibility of causing a trouble when applying the liquid cooling system into every kind of the electronic apparatuses.


The engine generator set has an internal combustion engine and an alternator in a main compartment. Two separate cooling air streams independently cool the internal combustion engine and alternator. The independent air streams are then intermixed in the main compartment and used to cool the engine exhaust system and gases. Heat sensitive components are segregated from the heat generating components. Cooling air is drawn over the heat sensitive components maintaining them at nearly ambient temperature.

Engine generator sets are used in countless applications where a ready source of electrical power is either inconvenient or unavailable. These sets are often used at constructions sites or outdoors where adverse weather conditions are unpredictable or unavoidable. Engine generator sets are also often used as a backup electrical power source. In these types of conditions a loss of electrical power due to the failure of the engine generator set can result in a significant loss. Therefore, reliability of the components is extremely important.
A typical portable engine generator set consists primarily of a gas or diesel internal combustion engine that drives an alternator to generate electricity. Various electronic and mechanical controls necessary for operating the engine and regulating the electrical power generation are necessary components of a completely portable system.
A housing surrounding the engine generator set is often used to reduce the noise created by the operating system, protect users from coming into contact with heated parts, and protect the engine generator from adverse weather conditions. By enclosing the heat generating components, such as the internal combustion engine and alternator, with heat sensitive components, such as the starting battery and electrical controls, serious reliability issues arise.
In addition, using an air cooled engine for small enclosed standby engine generator sets is very cost effective compared to a liquid cooled engine. Using an air cooled engine, however, creates significant design issues related to purging the housing of the air rejected from an air cooled engine. Another significant design issue is to prevent the hot engine cooling air from recirculating back into the engine air intake and areas containing heat sensitive components.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a cooling system for air cooled engine generator sets that provides cooling air paths that cool the hot components without heating the heat sensitive components of the engine generator set. Such a system is desirable when it does not increase the size or cost of the housing and further muffles the sound from the engine generator set.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,566,142 to Dabel issued Feb. 23, 1971; U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,893 to Sten issued Jan. 6, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,901 to Nannini et al. issued Jan. 29, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,946 to Tanaka issued Sep. 2, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,835 to Fujikawa issued Mar. 3, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,405 to Clanceu et al. issued May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,546 to Ishii et al. issued Mar. 13, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,866 to Gill et al. issued Dec. 20, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,816 to Ball et al. issued May 14, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,589 to Latvis et al. issued Apr. 29, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,702 to Kouchi et al. issued Jul. 1, 1997 disclose countless different configurations and generators with enclosures and fans for drawing cooling air through the enclosure. The present invention provides solutions to these problems that are novel and advantageous over the prior art.


A mobile wireless communications device includes a wireless transceiver, and a reconfigurable antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver. The reconfigurable antenna has a dielectric substrate, with a plurality of electrical conductors on the dielectric substrate laterally adjacent the ground plane and arranged in a series of spaced apart antenna loops with each successive outer antenna loop surrounding an adjacent inner loop, each antenna loop having a pair of endpoints. A plurality of switches are associated with respective endpoints of the antenna loops. A processor is adapted to reconfigure the reconfigurable antenna and couple the wireless transceiver thereto via the plurality of switches.

Wireless communication technology, which has become a fundamental part of modern communications infrastructures, is evolving at an ever growing pace in order to meet the demanding performance characteristics of new mobile wireless communication devices. The continued increase in demand for various wireless services such as voice, data, and multimedia is also fueling the desire for higher data rates. Given that the wireless bandwidth can be expensive, technologies that improve spectrum efficiency in wireless systems are becoming desirable.
Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems can multiply data throughput, with increases also in range and reliability, without consuming extra bandwidth, thereby resulting in an improved spectral efficiency. To take full advantage of the benefits of MIMO systems, however, a design that is able to respond to the wireless channel is useful. The goal is to maximize the resources available in multiple antenna channels by using optimal schemes at all possible times.
In a typical adaptive MIMO system, some of the adjustable parameters are the modulation level, coding rate, and the transmission signaling schemes such. The performance of such an adaptive system can be superior compared to that of a non-adaptive one. However, when an inter-disciplinary analysis is performed on the interrelationships of transmission signaling schemes, antenna properties and propagation conditions, it becomes apparent that there is an additional room for further exploitation of gains of the MIMO systems. In current adaptive MIMO systems the antenna properties are fixed by the initial design and cannot be changed. It is therefore desirable to introduce an additional degree of freedom by to adaptive MIMO systems treating the antenna element properties as an additional component in the joint optimization of the adaptive system parameters. Therefore, the design of reconfigurable antennas for MIMO systems is desirable.
One use for reconfigurable antennas is in cognitive radio systems. Cognitive radio is a system in which either a network or a wireless node changes its transmission or reception parameters to communicate efficiently while avoiding interference with other users. This alteration of parameters is based on the active monitoring of several factors in the external and internal radio environment, such as radio frequency spectrum, user behavior and network state. Since the operating frequency of the a mobile wireless communications device changes frequently in cognitive radio based on detected empty spectrum, adaptive and reconfigurable antennas for these systems that are able to change their resonance frequency dynamically are desirable.

Mobile device having reconfigurable antenna and associated methods


A distribution of grain boundaries in a magnetic recording medium having a granular structure is reduced so that the magnetic recording medium with a high medium signal-to-noise ratio is provided. According to one embodiment, in an underlayer composed of grains each having a generally columnar structure and in a magnetic recording layer composed of magnetic crystal grains each having a generally columnar structure and grain boundaries, a grain size Dm of the magnetic recording layer and a grain size Du of each of the underlayer crystal grains are determined to satisfy a relationship represented by 0.8×Du≦Dm<Du and a standardized grain boundary distribution obtained by dividing the standardized deviation of the distribution of the grain boundaries by an average grain boundary width is adjusted to about 0.4 or less.

The present invention relates to a magnetic recording medium and, more particularly, to a magnetic recording medium having a magnetic recording layer composed of magnetic crystal grains each having a column structure and grain boundaries.
As a main-stream recording system used in a hard disk drive, a longitudinal magnetic recording system which performs recording by orienting magnetization in a longitudinal direction of a substrate is used at present. However, a perpendicular magnetic recording system which orients magnetization in a direction perpendicular to a substrate has been studied vigorously to achieve a higher recording density, i.e., implement a larger-capacity hard disk drive. A recording medium used for perpendicular magnetic recording has an easy axis of magnetization in a direction generally perpendicular to a substrate and is composed of a magnetic recording layer for holding a record, a soft magnetic underlayer for the efficient use of a magnetic field from a magnetic head, and the like. In the perpendicular recording system, magnetic stabilization is achieved since magnetization is in an anti-parallel direction in a boundary portion (magnetization transition domain) between recorded magnetization domains (recording bits) and the width of a so-called zigzag domain wall is reduced so that medium noise is reduced. The soft magnetic underlayer not only serves as a return path for the magnetic field from the magnetic head but also can generate an intense magnetic field in the magnetic recording layer portion due to a mirror image effect when used in combination with a single pole head. This allows the use of a recording magnetic film with a high coercivity, also achieves a reduction in the width of the zigzag domain wall, and contributes to a reduction in medium noise.
As a condition on an extremely fine structure of a medium for a reduction in medium noise, it is requested that the grain size of each of magnetic crystal grains is extremely small and an exchange interaction between the adjacent crystal grains is small. The reason is that, since a unit of magnetic transition is one crystal grain composing the magnetic recording layer or a plurality of the crystal grains coupled to each other, the width of the magnetization transition domain is greatly dependent on the magnitude of the unit of magnetic transition. To greatly reduce the crystal grain size of the recording layer used in a perpendicular magnetic recording medium and reduce medium noise, in particular, there has been proposed a technology as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-115106, which changes an underlayer immediately under the recording layer into an amorphous alloy of Ti or Zr. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-283428 discloses a technology which causes an element having a body-centered cubic lattice structure, such as Cr or V, to be solid-solved in Ru of the underlayer immediately underlying the recording layer and thereby greatly reduces the grain size. On the other hand, a magnetic recording medium having a so-called granular structure has been proposed in which the peripheral portions (crystal grain boundaries) around the magnetic crystal grains are surrounded by a non-magnetic layer for a reduction in the interaction between the crystal grains. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-358615 discloses a magnetic recording medium having a granular structure in which an average spaced distance between grains is adjusted to 1.0 nm or more. As a grain boundary layer to be used, an oxide, a nitride, a fluoride, a carbide, or the like is listed as examples. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-178413 discloses a magnetic recording medium having a granular structure which uses an oxide for a non-magnetic layer composing a grain boundary layer, defines the volume of an oxide contained in a magnetic recording layer, and thereby implements a high coercivity. In the case of using a CoCrPt-based alloy in a longitudinal recording system, a non-magnetic element such as Cr is locally precipitated at the grain boundary portions so that the inter-grain interaction is reduced relatively excellently. If a CoCrPt-based alloy is used in a perpendicular recording medium, however, local precipitation of Cr at the grain boundaries is less likely to occur so that it has been difficult to form a satisfactory grain boundary.

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


A liquid surfactant composition mobile at a temperature within the range of 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. comprising: (a) up to 70% by weight of a sodium or potassium salt of an alkyl benzene sulphonate or alkyl sulphate; (b) up to 80% by weight of an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant; (c) water in an amount not exceeding 20% by weight; and (d) 0.5 to 80% by weight of a fatty acid having 8 to 22 carbon atoms. The liquid may be sprayed onto a solid particulate material at a temperature within the range of 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. to provide a particulate detergent composition having bulk density of at least 500 g/l and good dispensing properties.

Since a few years there has been increasing interest within the detergents industry to produce more concentrated fabric washing detergent powders having a relatively high bulk density, for example of about 500 g/l and above.
There are two basic types of processes by which base powders for detergent powders can be prepared. The first type involves spray-drying an aqueous detergent slurry in a spray-drying tower, and in the second type of process, the various components are dry-mixed and optionally agglomerated with liquids, e.g. nonionics.
The dominant factor governing the bulk density of a detergent base powder is the bulk density of the starting materials in the case of a dry-mixing process, and, in the case of a spray-drying process, the chemical composition of the slurry, in particular the ratio between the organic and inorganic materials. For example, the bulk density of a dry-mixed powder may be increased by increasing its content of relatively dense sodium sulphate. However, the latter does not contribute to the detergency of the powder, so that its overall properties as a fabric washing powder will generally be adversely affected.
Therefore, a substantial increase in bulk density can only be achieved by additional processing steps and several processes have been described in the art. Particular attention has thereby been paid to the densification of spray-dried powders by post-tower treatment.
The Japanese patent application 61 069897 (Kao) discloses a process in which a spray-dried detergent powder containing a high level of anionic surfactant and a low level of builder (zeolite) is subjected successively to pulverizing and granulating treatments in a high-speed mixer/granulator, the granulation being carried out in the presence of an "agent for improving surface properties" and optionally a binder. It would appear that in the high-speed mixer/granulator, the spray-dried powder is initially broken down to a fine state of division; the surface-improving agent and optional binder are then added and the pulverized material granulated to form a final product of high bulk density. The surface-improving agent, which is a finely divided particulate solid such as fine sodium aluminosilicate, is apparently required in order to prevent the composition from being formed into large balls or cakes.
The British patent application 1,517,713 (Unilever) discloses a batch process in which spray-dried or granulated detergent powders containing sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium sulphate are densified and spheronized in a "marumerizer" (Trade Mark). This apparatus comprises a substantially horizontal, roughened, rotatable table positioned within, and at the base of, a substantially vertical, smooth-walled cylinder.
The British patent application 1,453,697 (Unilever) discloses the use of a "marumarizer" for granulating together detergent powder components in the presence of a liquid binder to form a granular detergent composition.
The European patent application 220,024 (Procter & Gamble) discloses a process in which a spray-dried detergent powder containing a high level (30-85% by weight) of anionic surfactant is mixed with an inorganic builder (sodium tripolyphosphate, or sodium alumino-silicate and sodium carbonate) and compacted under high pressure using a roll compactor ("chilsonator"); the compacted material, after removal of oversize material and fines, is then granulated using conventional apparatus, for example a fluidized bed, tumble mixer, or rotating drum or pan.
The European patent application 265,203 (Unilever) discloses a process in which a rather different approach is taken. According to this process, first a liquid surfactant composition is prepared which is mobile at a temperature within the range of 20.degree. to 80.degree. C. and which comprises a sodium or potassium salt of an alkylbenzene sulphonate or alkyl sulphate in an amount not exceeding 80% by weight; an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant in an amount not exceeding 80% by weight; and water in an amount not exceeding 10% by weight. This liquid surfactant composition is then sprayed onto a solid particulate absorbent material, for instance a porous spray-dried base powder having a low bulk density and containing no or little actives, to form a detergent base powder having an increased bulk density.
The above process gives good results in the preparation of phosphate containing detergent compositions. However, when the process was used to prepare a phosphate-free washing powder from a zeolite containing absorbent material, it was found that these denser powders have a tendency to dispense less well in European type automatic washing machines; a relatively high proportion of the powder dosed into the machine is left behind in the dispenser drawer, leading to powder wastage, clogging and poor washing results. This problem is especially marked at low wash temperatures and the use of a shuttle may be required in order to obtain satisfactory washing results.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved process of the above-mentioned kind for obtaining phosphate-free detergent compositions or components thereof, having a bulk density of at least 500 g/l, or indeed compositions which also comprise phosphate.
We have now found that an improvement with regard to the dispensing properties may be obtained in the above process if 0.5-80% by weight of a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 fatty acid is incorporated in the liquid surfactant composition which is sprayed onto the solid material.

Process for preparing a high bulk density detergent composition having improved dispensing properties

Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.


A vehicle seat, especially for single-track vehicles such as motorcycles, etc. The vehicle seat has a backrest that serves as a true backrest in its upright position and serves as an extra seat in a folded position. According to the invention, the tilt of the backrest can adjusted when it is in the upright position. This is accomplished by an adjusting shaft with an eccentric pin. The adjusting shaft also secures the backrest in its folded position.

This application claims the priority of German application 196 47 464.7, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a vehicle seat, especially for single-track vehicles, for example motorcycles.
A vehicle seat for a motorcycle is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,754. In this design, the seat, footrests, and possibly the handlebars of the motorcycle can be adjusted to the body size of the individual rider. The seat can be shifted lengthwise of the vehicle. In addition, it has a tiltable backrest that serves as an extra seat when folded down. The backrest can assume either an upright position in which it serves as a backrest, or the above mentioned folded-down position; no intermediate positions are expressly mentioned.
The previously known design allows adjustment within a broad range, but the individual adjustment mechanisms are designed in a relatively cumbersome fashion. With the large number of adjustment possibilities, moreover, there is the risk that the rider will not find his desired position or that it will take a long period of time to make the adjustments.
A goal of the invention is to design a vehicle seat that can be easily adjusted and will fit the different body sizes of riders, at least within acceptable limits, as well as being comfortable.
These and other goals have been achieved according to the present invention a vehicle seat for a single-track vehicle comprising: a seat; and a folding backrest operatively coupled to said seat via a rotary joint such that said backrest is pivotable from an upright position for use as a backrest into a lowered position for use as an extra seat, and such that said backrest is adjustable to a plurality of angles of inclination in said upright position.
These and other goals have also been achieved according to the present invention by providing a mounting structure for a vehicle seat of a single-track vehicle, comprising: a support part to be secured to the single-track vehicle; first and second bearings extending upwardly from rear support part, each of said bearings defining a respective mounting bore aligned on a first axis; a bearing section to be coupled to said vehicle seat, said bearing section being rotatably coupled to said first and second bearings via said respective mounting bores, said bearing section defining an adjusting bore extending therethrough essentially parallel to said first axis; an adjusting shaft extending through said adjusting bore, said adjusting shaft comprising a first portion engaged with said bearing section and rotatable about a second axis essentially parallel to said first axis, said adjusting shaft further comprising a pin extending axially from said adjusting bore and arranged eccentrically with respect to said second axis, said pin being selectively engageable with an elongate hole and a locking bore defined in said first bearing, said pin locking said bearing section in a lowered position when engaged with said locking bore, and said adjusting shaft being rotatable when said pin is engaged with said elongate hole to adjust an angle of inclination of said bearing section about said first axis of rotation.
It has been found that the rider tries to achieve a comfortable position on a vehicle by tilting his upper body more or less backward depending on his body size. This discovery is utilized by the invention in that, in contrast to the prior art, it makes only the backrest adjustable in terms of its tilt. Adjustability is not absolutely necessary for the other parts, namely the footrests and handlebars.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism has an adjusting shaft that is rotatably mounted in a portion of the backrest and engages a rear supporting part fastened to the body of the vehicle via an eccentric component. The rear supporting part simultaneously serves to pivotably mount the backrest.
When the adjusting shaft is turned, the eccentric component of the backrest forces the different inclinations to be assumed, while it is supported in a corresponding bore in the rear supporting part. In order to provide the operator with distinct adjustment positions, it is also advantageous to permit the tilt adjustment to be performed in fixed stages. This is accomplished by notched marks in which the adjusting shaft is secured by spring force.
In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the adjusting shaft makes it possible, in addition to adjusting the tilt, to fold down the backrest as well. It then secures the backrest in the folded position. In this manner, all of the possible adjusting functions of the backrest are combined for the most part into one component.
It has also been found that under certain circumstances, a backrest that has been optimally adjusted tiltwise can be perceived as uncomfortable, especially on a long trip. In one advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore, the backrest is made flexible by spring action within preset limits at each of its tilted positions. This is accomplished in simple fashion by a leaf spring that connects the actual cushion of the backrest with its bearing or adjusting section.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A chord detecting apparatus includes a computer which, by executing a program, detects chords as designated by player's operation on a keyboard or by key data inputted from an external source. The program includes two kinds of chord detection algorithms, the one for a single finger mode and the other for a fingered chord mode. The apparatus conducts the processing of chord detection under the single finger mode algorithm in preference to the fingered chord mode algorithm, namely the apparatus first tries to detect a chord by the single finger mode rule, and if a chord is detected, such a chord is used for succeeding processes, and if no chord is detected by the single finger rule, the apparatus next tries to detect a chord by the fingered chord mode rule. The apparatus will thus eliminate troublesome manipulation of the detection mode change over switch especially for beginner players to have the intended chords under the single finger rule detected correctly, as well as for advanced players to have the intended chords under the fingered chord rule detected correctly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a chord detecting apparatus and method capable of automatically detecting a chord based on the inputted note information, and more particularly to such a chord detecting apparatus and method in which the chord detecting modes are automatically selected according to the depressed key patterns. The invention is applicable in an electronic musical instrument, an automatic accompaniment apparatus connected to an electronic musical instrument, an automatic performance apparatus which automatically performs music based on performance data previously stored in the apparatus or externally supplied from an outside apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Electronic musical instruments, automatic accompaniment apparatuses and automatic performance apparatuses are conventionally equipped with a chord detecting apparatus which automatically detects chords based on note data inputted thereto representing names in a musical scale, and are capable of automatically generating chord tones, arpeggio tones, bass tones and various other automatic accompaniment tones. Keyboard electronic musical instruments typically employ two types of chord designating methods usually referred to as a fingered chord mode and a single finger mode, respectively. The fingered chord mode is to designate a chord by simultaneously depressing a plurality of keys corresponding to all or some of the chord constituent notes of an intended chord, and is suited for advanced players. The single finger mode is to designate a chord by simultaneously depressing a single key corresponding to the root note of an intended chord plus zero or one or more additional keys below the root note key to determine the type of the intended chord such as a major, minor and seventh chords, and is suited for beginner players.
Therefore, the conventional chord detecting apparatus is typically constructed such that the designated chord is detected from the combination of all or some of the chord constituent notes represented by the inputted note information (data) for the fingered chord mode detection on the one hand, and that the designated chord is detected from the combination of the root note and a few (including zero, in this instance) additional note(s) under a predetermined rule represented by the inputted note information (data) for the single finger mode detection on the other hand. There have been prevailing two types of methods for determining (or selecting) a mode for use from among those chord detecting modes. One is to determine the mode by a manual selector switch for selecting either of the fingered chord mode and the single finger mode. The other is to determine the mode automatically based on the depressed key pattern by primarily detecting the chord according to the fingered chord detecting rule and secondarily detecting, only in case the primary detection has failed, the chord according to the single finger chord detecting rule.
With the apparatus employing the above first method for determining the chord detecting mode, however, it is troublesome to manually change over the mode selector switch amidst playing music, and moreover there may be an unintended chance where a chord which is not intended by the player is detected if the player should fail to properly change over the mode selector switch. On the other hand, the apparatus employing the above second method for determining the chord detecting mode have another problem especially with the apparatus utilizing advanced chord detecting algorithm having rules for many complicated chord designations. Namely, if the player depresses the keys according to the single finger detection rule (according to his/her intention) but the depressed keys happen to be the same as one of the fingered chord determining patterns, the apparatus automatically detects the chord according to the fingered chord rule contrary to the player's intention.

Chord detecting apparatus and method, and machine readable medium containing program therefor