A jack motion-restricting device for an upright piano, which is capable of maintaining constant a jack motion-restricting position by a simple construction to thereby obtain an intended operation of the jack. The jack motion-restricting device restricts the motion of the jack operating in accordance with key depression by having the jack abut thereagainst. A base part of the device is provided at a location close to the jack. A base layer of the same is formed of a material having dimensional stability, and is affixed to the base part. A surface layer of the same is formed of a material having abrasion resistance and flexibility, and is affixed to the base layer, for having the jack abut thereagainst.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a jack motion-restricting device for an upright piano, such as a butt and a regulating button, which restricts the motion of a jack by having the jack abut thereagainst.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there have been proposed a butt and a regulating button for an upright piano e.g. in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. H05-323953. The butt is integrally formed with a hammer, as a part of a hammer assembly, and is formed by a synthetic resin molded article. The butt has a butt felt provided on a lower end of the front surface thereof. In general, the butt felt is formed of woolen felt, and has a block shape. The regulating button is fixedly disposed on the lower surface of a regulating rail. The regulating button is formed by a cylindrical synthetic resin molded article, and has leather affixed to the lower surface thereof.
In the key-released state, a jack is held in oblique contact with the front surface of the butt felt while supporting the hammer assembly including the butt by a hammer thrust-up part, whereby the stationary position of the jack in the key-released state is defined. The regulating button in the key-released state is positioned above a base part of the jack with a predetermined space from the base part.
When a key is depressed, the associated whippen is thrust up by the key, and the associated jack is moved upward together with the whippen to thrust up the associated hammer assembly. During this process, the base part of the jack comes into abutment with the leather of the associated regulating button, whereby the motion of the jack is restricted. As a consequence, the jack is pivotally moved about the whippen, with its base part sliding on the surface of the leather, and the hammer thrust-up part is disengaged forward from the associated butt (i.e. let off). Immediately after the let-off, the hammer of the hammer assembly strikes the associated string to generate a piano tone.
Then, when the key is released, the jack moves downward together with the whippen while being pivotally moved by the associated jack spring in a direction reverse to the direction in which the jack was moved by key depression. Then, the hammer thrust-up part comes into abutment with the butt felt of the butt having performed a return pivotal motion, whereby the pivotal motion of the jack is stopped. A shock caused by abutment of the jack against the butt felt is absorbed by the butt felt, whereby generation of noise is prevented.
However, in the above-described upright piano, the butt felt is liable to expand or shrink according to changes in humidity because it is formed of wool which is a natural fiber. The stationary position of the jack in the key-released state is defined by the butt felt as described above, and hence a change in the thickness of the butt felt causes a displacement of the stationary position of the jack from a predetermined proper position. This results in changes in key touch feeling and timing for let-off or the like, which can cause a problem in touch control.
Further, since the jack strongly abuts against the butt felt whenever the key is depressed, the butt felt progressively loses its resilience due to the repeated abutment of the jack thereagainst, and finally becomes incapable of restoring from the compressed and deformed state. In such a case, the stationary position of the jack shifts in the direction of depth of the butt, which also causes changes in key touch feeling and the like. Furthermore, after coming into abutment with the butt felt, the jack, which basically performs a pivotal motion, slides on the butt felt, and hence abrasion of the butt felt occurs. Due to this abrasion, the thickness of the butt felt changes, which can cause the same inconveniences as mentioned above.
To eliminate the inconveniences, it can be envisaged that the butt felt is formed of a harder material, such as the leather used for the regulating button. In this case, however, noise is liable to occur due to abutment of the jack against the butt felt, which can cause a problem in musical performance.
As to the regulating button, since the leather is affixed to the lower surface thereof, there is also a fear that noise may be generated when the key is depressed, particularly when the key is strongly hit, thereby causing the jack to strongly abut against the regulating button. To eliminate this inconvenience, it can be envisaged that the same kind of felt as used for the butt felt is used for the regulating button in place of the leather. However, in this case, as described above, the felt expands or shrinks according to changes in humidity, and abrasion of the regulating button occurs when the jack slides on the surface of the regulating button, whereby the thickness of the regulating button is changed. This causes a displacement of the jack abutment position on the regulating button from a predetermined proper position. As a result, let-off timing changes, which can cause a problem in touch control.

Jack motion-restricting device for upright piano


In a toothed-rack power-assisted steering, which is provided for motor vehicles in particular, a pinion (2) seated in a steering housing (1) is in engagement with a toothed rack (6). A servo motor (8) is disposed as a power assist, whose piston rod (10) is drivingly connected with the toothed rack (6). The two work chambers (12, 13) of the servo motor (8) are connected with a control device (18) via work lines (12, 13), which are connected with a cylinder (11) of the servo motor (8) and with the control device (18) via two connecting elements (24, 25). Each work line (14, 15) has a collar (32). Each line is held on the connecting element (24, 25) by a fastening clasp (34) which projects over the collar (32). The fastening clasp (34) has an essentially rectangular and flat base (35). An elongated slit (36), open toward one side, is located in the base (35), through which the fastening clasp (34) can be pushed from the side over the line (14, 15) and the connecting element (24, 25). In addition, the fastening clasp (34) has two extensions (38) edge-formed out of the base (35) which extend essentially parallel with the long sides of the elongated slit (36). The extensions (38) are embodied to be resilient in the direction perpendicular with the base (35) and well as the direction perpendicular with the long sides of the elongated slit (36).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a toothed-rack, power-assisted steering, in particular for motor vehicles. A pinion is rotatably seated in a steering housing of such power-assisted steering. A toothed rack is guided, axially displaceable, in the steering housing. A servo motor, whose piston rod is drivingly connected with the toothed rack, is used for the power assist. A control device for controlling the pressure medium to and from the servo motor can be adjusted as a function of a movement of the pinion. The two work chambers of the servo motor are connected with the control device via two work lines, which are connected to a cylinder of the servo motor and to the control device by means of connecting elements and which are maintained on the connecting elements by fastening elements, the same as the pressure line from a servo pump and a return line leading to a reservoir.
In accordance with the invention, the lines are fastened on the connecting elements of the servo motor by means of fastening clasps under prestress. The fastening clasps have at least one elastic clamping member which engages an undercut at the free end of the connecting element. In order to prevent easy loosening or too easy disassembly, the fastening clasp has at least one resilient extension which encloses the connecting element and in this way maintains the fastening clasp in a locked manner on the fastening element after assembly.

Toothed-rack power-assisted steering in particular for motor vehicles


The invention includes a fire pit having a domed firescreen fixed atop a firebox bowl fixed atop a support frame. One specific version of the invention includes a domed firescreen having an essentially triangular doming door panel that pivots at its apex while its bottom edge slides along a sliderail.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of fire pits and freestanding fireplaces. More particularly, this invention, in its most general form includes a fire pit comprising a domed firescreen atop a firebox bowl atop a support frame. One version of the invention includes a domed firescreen having an essentially triangular doming door panel that pivots at its apex while its bottom edge slides along a sliderail.
(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
Known in the art are various fireplaces or freestanding firepits; various small outdoor fireplaces or freestanding firepits have been proposed or are in actual use. For example, the following patents are arguably related to the patentability of the subject invention:
Sorensen U.S. Design Pat. No. 318,327 shows the ornamental features of a fireplace which is closed at the top and apparently has grating which can be slidably opened at its side. However, there is no indication how the grating is supported or carried, and whether the slidable grating is a rigid or a flexible, drape-like material.
Yager U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,400 describes a stove construction having a pair of separable flexible fireplace drawscreens.
Grady U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,834 pertains to a portable outdoor fireplace closed at the top having multiple rigid vertical side screen panels. One of the panels is removable and insertable.
Grady U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,298 relates to a portable outdoor fireplace closed at the top having one or two vertically supported hinged side screen panels.
Hannebaum U.S. Pat. No. 3,499,432 describes a heating unit having a chimney at the top with a plurality of enclosing glass side panels surrounding the firebox.
Miller U.S. Pat. No. 3,777,735 discloses a fireplace having an exhaust pipe at the top and circular side curtains hung from rails.
Wiggins U.S. Pat. No. 4,316,760 describes a fireplace open at the top with frustoconical sheet metal sides having an opening therein for a firescreen which is movable in a channel.
Bach et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,788 and Bach et al U.S. Design Pat. No. 420,115 relate to a collapsible outdoor fireplace having a hinged door.


In an air-conditioning system controller provided with a central control unit and a local control unit, the central control unit includes a heat source machine measurement system for measuring an input/output state of a heat source machine, a setting unit for setting air-conditioning condition data on air-conditioning object spaces, an outdoor air measurement system for measuring outdoor air condition data, a total air-conditioning load operating unit, an optimal operating state estimation unit, and a heat source machine control. The total air-conditioning load operating unit calculates a total air-conditioning load or a heat exchange rate of the heat source machine based on chilled water inlet and outlet temperatures and chilled water flow rate of the heat source machine.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air-conditioning system controller for controlling an air-conditioning system for cooling or heating a building such as a hospital.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for energy saving of various types of air-conditioning equipment constituting an air-conditioning system in a building or the like. To meet this demand, a large number of air-conditioning system controllers have been proposed that can reduce the power of the air-conditioning equipment.
Many of conventional air-conditioning system controllers are based on a method in which the operating state of the air-conditioning system is changed depending on the air-conditioning load. Some following control methods are proposed.
(1) A method in which a plurality of operation modes are set in advance, optimal operation modes of the air-conditioning equipment are selected in accordance with the air-conditioning load, and the air-conditioning system is operated in the selected operation modes (e.g., Patent Document 1).
(2) A method in which the rotational rate of a compressor attached to a heat source machine is controlled in accordance with the air-conditioning load (e.g., Patent Document 2).
(3) A method in which the number of operating refrigerators is changed depending on the air-conditioning load (e.g., Patent Document 3).
(4) A method in which respective target values of coil temperatures of air-conditioning coils and chilled water temperature of a heat source machine are obtained such that the total required power of air-conditioning equipment, such as the heat source machine, water pump, and blower fans, is minimal, and thereafter, the water pump, blower fans, etc., are controlled so that the coil temperatures and chilled water temperature reach the target coil temperature values and target chilled water temperature, respectively (e.g., Patent Document 4).
Patent Document 1: Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-271095,
Patent Document 2: Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2006-125797.
Patent Document 3: Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-233557
Patent Document 4: Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-069134.


An example embodiment includes a method for initializing a navigation system. The method includes receiving inertial measurement data from an inertial measurement unit over time and storing the inertial measurement data in a buffer with an indication of a time of validity for the inertial measurement data. The method also includes receiving navigation data from an aiding source, the navigation data having a time of validity, and initializing a navigation solution with the navigation data. The method also includes summing inertial measurement data from the buffer to produce an inertial motion estimate for a time increment after the time of validity of the navigation data, applying at least one of coning or sculling compensation to the inertial motion estimate to produce a compensated inertial motion estimate, and propagating the navigation solution forward based on the compensated inertial motion estimate.

Real-time inertial navigation systems should be initialized to provide an initial position, velocity, and attitude at start up prior to integration of inertial sensor data. An integrated navigation system can use non-inertial sources (also referred to herein as aiding sources) to provide this initial position, velocity, and attitude information. Example aiding sources can include a master navigation system, GPS receiver, barometric altimeter, magnetometers, and others.
Aiding source data is typically delayed in time (e.g., latent) by the time the navigation system can use the information. The aiding source data can be latent due to limitations in hardware and software such as digital update rates, available computational resources, interface message transmission and reception limitations, and other reasons. The latency of this data can introduce errors into a navigation solution if the latency is not accounted for when the data is used for initialization of the navigation system.
The errors introduced will depend on the dynamics of the body in which the inertial navigation system is associated. For example, for a vehicle traveling at 100 meters/second a 1 second delay in the aiding source data will introduce a 100 meter position error for the initialization of the inertial navigation system. Vehicle acceleration dynamics can introduce velocity error and vehicle angular rate dynamics can introduce attitude error. The greater the vehicle dynamics, the larger the errors for a given time delay.

Navigation system initialization with inertial data compensation


The said structure presents a constitution which, as well as providing a great resistance, supposes an effective reduction of the depth of floor slabs and technical layers built with current construction systems while allowing the incorporation of various technical elements and installations. For this reason the structure comprises two horizontal frameworks forming respective grillages (1, 2) which are linked to each other by means of pyramidal caps (3), whose bases are joined to the frames formed by the lower grillage (2) while its uppermost verices are linked to the intersections (5) of the upper frame (1), for which reason the said intersections are located over the centers (6) of the openings of the lower grillage (2), allowing the making of the structure by means of two procedures, one in which pyramidal (10) and tetrahedral (12) molds are employed, another in which the same pyramidal (10) molds are used, but in combination with others of two types, some triangular (23) type and others (21) constituted by two intersected triangular prisms with coinciding quadrangular faces forming a whole (22).

The present invention refers to a structure for concrete frameworks and to some means and procedures for making the said structure.
This structure presents a constitution that provides it with considerable capacity to resist and transmit load conditions and the possibility of incorporating diverse elements and installations, such as, amongst others, electrical and air conditioning ones, typical of buildings for offices, hotels, hospitals, etc., with the special feature of being able to link the elements indicated or enabling the installations to reach any point of the said structure by means of the passages formed in its constructive depth.
Advantageously, the constitution of the structure indicated assumes a reduction of the effective depth of the sum of the technical and structural layers typical of the frameworks made with known systems, such as those that consist of beams and small vaults or those formed of recoverable caissons, making possible the reduction of depth indicated so that, for example, some buildings that would have six floors with frameworks made according to conventional systems, would have one additional floor making them with the present structure.

Structure for concrete frameworks and means and procedures for its making


The reflective photomask may include a substrate, a reflective layer formed on the substrate, an absorption pattern formed on the reflective layer and over a first portion of the substrate. A compensatory portion may be formed over at least a second portion of the substrate. The second portion is adjacent to the first portion, and the compensatory portion is thinner than the absorption pattern.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a reflective photomask, a method of fabricating the same, and a reflective blank photomask.
2. Description of the Related Art
The development of highly integrated semiconductor devices may depend on uniformly and finely forming patterns having line widths of less than a sub-micrometer. This fine pattern forming may depend on the patterning ability of the photolithography process. The patterning ability of the photolithography process may be improved by various parameters (e.g., the wavelength of light, photolithography equipment, and the experience of the operator in performing the photolithography process).
A pattern resolution representing the ability of finely forming patterns may be expressed as the following equation: R=k(λ/NA), where R=resolution, k=process factor, λ=wavelength of light, and NA=lens numerical aperture of photolithography equipment.
The lower the resolution (R value) is, the better the fine pattern forming ability may be.
Referring to the above equation, the pattern resolution may be proportional to the process factor and the wavelength of light, and inversely proportional to the lens numerical aperture of the photolithography equipment. The process factor may be the extent or ability of improving the photolithography process by an operator performing the process, a process recipe, and/or etc. The wavelength of light, λ, may be used as an exposure source. For example, i-line light, having a wavelength of about 365 nm, KrF light having a wavelength of about 248 nm, and ArF light having a wavelength of about 193 nm have been used. NA may be the lens numerical aperture of the equipment for performing the photolithography process. As the aperture of the lens is increased to collect as much light having pattern information as possible, the resolution may be improved.
The process factor, k, and the lens numerical aperture, NA, have almost reached the limitation of a current wavelength band of light, and only slight improvements may be had. As such, research has been conducted in an effort to decrease the wavelength of light.
Recently, the photolithography technique using EUV (Extremely Ultra Violet) light has been studied and may be known to be commercially feasible. The EUV light may be referred to as a soft X-ray, and may be a microwave having a wavelength of only about 13.4 nm. Accordingly, it had been expected that EUV light may improve the fine pattern forming ability. However, because EUV light may be absorbed by most media, including air, the established transmission photomask may not be well suited for the photolithography process in fabricating a semiconductor device. However, a photolithography technique using a reflective photomask may be used instead.
Because the reflective photomask may reflect more than 90% of EUV light that may be irradiated, the energy efficiency may be good and the fine pattern forming ability may be excellent. Accordingly, a reflective photomask may be the next generation photomask technique. However, the photolithography process using the reflective photomask may be limited due to structural defects of the reflective photomask.
A reflective photomask will now be more fully described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a reflective photomask according to the related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, the reflective photomask according to the related art may include a reflective layer 20 on a substrate 10 and an absorption pattern 30 on the reflective layer 20. The reflective layer 20 may be formed on the substrate 10 and may reflect incident light. The absorption pattern 30 may keep pattern information to be transferred onto a wafer, and may absorb rather than reflect incident light.
In the reflective photomask, light may not enter vertically and be reflected at the surface of the photomask, but may enter diagonally at an angle (for example, about 1° to 6°) and be reflected. Therefore, the phenomenon (left side) of the incident light not arriving at the reflective layer 20 due to the absorption pattern 30 may occur, and the phenomenon (right side) of the reflected light at the reflective layer 20 not being reflected due to the sidewall of the absorption pattern 30 may occur. Even though an undesired reflection of light may occur at the sidewall of the absorption pattern 30 (not shown), light diffracted at the edge of the absorption pattern 30 may be transmitted onto the wafer.
Because light may be diffracted from the surface and the inside of the reflective layer 20 to transmit the pattern information, the remaining portion of the diffracted light may be essential. However, as illustrated on the right side of FIG. 1, if a portion of the diffracted light is not transmitted onto the wafer, due to the different thickness of the absorption pattern 30, the pattern on the photomask may not coincide with the pattern on the wafer. The pattern information and focus may be moved onto either the photomask or the wafer, and distorted pattern information may be transmitted.
These phenomena cause a shadow effect such that the pattern image information may not properly be transmitted onto the wafer. As a result, the pattern vertical to and the pattern parallel to an irradiating direction of light may have different line widths, and one problem may be that the focus of light irradiated onto the wafer may shake.
The aforementioned defects may be influenced by, for example, the material, slope, height, and pitch between the patterns of the absorption pattern 30 formed on the surface of the reflective photomask. In order to overcome the material problem of the absorption pattern 30, studies have been conducted to develop an absorber of various materials. In order to overcome the slope problem of the absorption pattern 30, much effort has been made to improve the fabrication process of the photomask.
However, the defects caused by the structural characteristics of the reflective photomask may not be remedied by an improvement in the process and in the materials. As long as the absorption pattern 30 has a different thickness, it may be difficult to reduce or prevent the loss of light, which may be diagonally incident at the edge and at the sidewall of the absorption pattern 30.

Reflective photomask, method of fabricating the same, and reflective blank photomask


An electronic apparatus including a control circuit that controls access to content and determines an operation mode of the electronic apparatus, and a monitoring circuit that monitors the access to the content, acquires content access information, and generates a table. The control circuit causes each of the content access information acquired by the monitoring circuit and the table generated by the monitoring circuit to be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of the electronic apparatus. The monitoring circuit can update the content access parameters as additional content access information is acquired, and when the control circuit determines that the electronic apparatus is in an active mode, the control circuit can refer to the table and select, when access parameters of the active mode match the updated content access parameters, a current content to be output from the electronic apparatus.

Electronics manufacturers, cable service providers, and multiple system operators (MSOs) strive to provide products that are convenient for customers to use. Convenient features can differentiate products on the market and drive demand for products of a certain manufacturer.
A popular electronic apparatus in many homes is the so-called "set-top-box," which houses electronic circuits that convert signals from an input line into signals usable by consumer devices for displaying data and audio/video media content such as television programming and movies.
The types of consumer devices being served by set-top-boxes will become more varied, including not only televisions, but computers, and portable devices such as electronic tablets and smart phones, and wearable electronics such as smart watches. The input signals can be provided by service providers including cable television providers, satellite television providers, internet service providers, and multiple system operators. The set-top-box can be connected to consumer devices by HDMI® or the like, and make use of features such as HDMI-CEC.
In addition to being provided in the self contained set-top-box configuration, the electronics can be integrated directly into the consumer device, such as being built into a television. For ease of discussion, the set-top-box configuration will be referred to hereafter, but the invention is not intended to be limited only to set-top-boxes, and can be utilized on any type of consumer electronic device that displays data and audio/video media content such as television programming and movies.
To determine convenient features for use of a set-top-box, it is necessary to analyze a user's interaction with and usage of the set-top-box.
In addition to basic cable television functions and/or Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) functions, the set-top-boxes disclosed herein may include computer network connectivity functions, including Local Area Network (LAN) interfaces, and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) interfaces which use wireless signals, such as Wi-Fi or in-home LTE (Long Term Evolution) technology, or the like.
For ease of installation and maximization of potential locations in the home, the set-top-boxes disclosed herein are not required to be connected to the home network via a wired connection, but rather may exclusively use a Wi-Fi connection.
The set-top-box can provide access to content broadcast on a broadcast channel, content provided through an over-the-top (OTT) service, content provided through a pay-per-view service, and content provided through a video-on-demand service.
The set-top-boxes disclosed herein may include applications that provide access to additional media content or media services. An example of such an application and/or media service includes Netflix®, or the like.
Service providers typically utilize an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for presenting channel information to users. An EPG is an on-screen guide to a broadcast schedule for television programs. A user can navigate and select content to watch by categories including but not limited to channel, time, and title, by use of a remote control, a keyboard, or other input devices (e.g., mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets).
An EPG typically includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for displaying program start/end times, channel identification, alternative program accessibility (e.g., from Pay-Per-View (PPV) and/or Video On-Demand (VOD) services) and other descriptive information. EPGs are typically sent within a transport stream of a television station or in a dedicated data channel.
The Program and System Information Protocol (PSIP) publishes information about television programs so that users can select what to watch by title and description. Included in the PSIP are tables that contain information such as program start time, title, and so on and so forth. For example, an event information table (EIT) includes titles and program guide data.
The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standard for Digital Television (DTV) uses such tables. A channel service database in a set-top-box can store EPG information.
It has been found by the inventors that a user frequently watches the same content at a particular time of day. For example, a user in a household may normally watch a particular sports channel from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on every Saturday morning, but watch a particular news channel from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening every day of the work week.
However, the set-top-box frequently is not set to display the channel that the user normally watches at the same time each day, because the set-top-box tunes to a default channel, or, for example, is simply left on the channel that was most recently watched, which may be different than a channel that is normally watched at a particular time of day.
For example, at 7:00 PM on Monday through Friday, the user tunes the set-top-box to a particular news channel, such as the user's favorite news channel. When a user intends to watch the favorite news channel at the normal viewing time of 7:00 PM, the user typically has to manually tune to the favorite news channel, which is inconvenient for the user.
Additionally, instead of tuning to a particular channel, a user may instead use a particular video service or video streaming application included with the set-top-box at the same time every day. For example, every day at 4:00 PM on Monday through Friday, children's programming that is provided through a VOD service of the set-top-box is watched. However, the user must manually open the VOD service to begin watching the content of the VOD service.
Because of these drawbacks of existing technologies, there is a need to automatically display content that is viewed at the same time each day, without requiring the user to manually tune to a particular channel, manually open an application, or manually use a service such as the VOD service of the set-top-box.

Electronic apparatus, method and program for selecting content based on time of day


A flotation mechanism for use on a crop harvesting machine having a header suspended from the frame thereof by flotation springs is disclosed wherein a hydraulic cylinder interconnects the frame and at least one of the springs to allow selective adjustment of the weight of the header supported from the frame. The extensible hydraulic cylinder is operable to vary the length of at least one of the flotation springs while the crop harvesting machine is in operation and movable over the ground.

This invention relates generally to self-propelled crop harvesting machines having a header suspended forwardly from the frame thereof to harvest crop material from the ground, and more particularly, to an adjustment mechanism associated with the header flotation springs to permit an on-the-go adjustment of the weight of the crop harvesting header resting on the ground.
Typically, self-propelled crop harvesting machines are provided with a wheeled frame supporting drive apparatus to power the movement of the machine over the ground and a crop harvesting header forwardly disposed to engage standing crop material to initiate the crop harvesting process. Such headers are movably connected to the frame and are provided with a flotation mechanism interposed between the frame and the header to support a portion of the weight of the header from the frame, the remainder of the header's weight usually resting on the ground.
Generally, such flotation mechanisms comprising a spring or a grouping of springs associated with laterally opposite sides of the header. By mounting the springs on a draw bolt apparatus, the operative length of the spring or spring assembly can be varied. As one skilled in the art will readily realize, the stretching of a spring results in the exertion of a force that is linearly proportional to the length of the spring. Such draw bolt mountings adjust the length of the spring and provide a setting for the amount of flotation force to be applied to the header. While the flotation setting can be varied while the machine is stationary, it would be preferable to provide a mechanism for adjusting or varying the flotation force while the crop harvesting machine is operatively moving over the ground.
Such a on-the-go adjustment of the flotation force will allow the operator of the crop harvesting machine to adjust the flotation force in response to the conditions he finds in the field as he is traversing across the ground. For example, should the operator encounter a soft spot in the field while he harvesting standing crop material, he could increase the flotation force to lighten the weight of the header resting on the ground and prevent the header from digging into the soft spot, which could cause damage to the header and possibly harm the crop being harvested. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the flotation setting for a crop harvesting header while the header is in operation.


The invention is directed to an apparatus and process for marinating foodstuffs in a short period of time. The apparatus includes a food holding container, a base and a shaft for transmitting ultrasonic mechanical vibrations from a source of ultrasonic vibrations in communication with a base, thereby tenderizing and imparting flavor to the foodstuffs. In addition to the ultrasonic vibrations, the apparatus can include a marinade injection system that injects marinade into the meat prior to being subjected to the ultrasonic vibrations.

It is common practice to marinate less expensive cuts of meat prior to cooking, particularly when barbecuing, to tenderize and improve the flavor thereof. While marinating is generally successful in enhancing the flavor of the meat, its ability to tenderize is somewhat limited, and it is a very time consuming process. Marinating meat for as long as twenty-four hours prior to cooking is a common way to get the desired tenderness and flavor for many individuals. As time does not always permit such thorough marinating, the quality of the cooked steak is often less than what it would have been with proper preparation.
While marinating is generally not necessary with the higher quality and more expensive cuts of meat, lesser cuts, such as flank and shoulder steaks, will generally suffer in quality if not thoroughly marinated prior to cooking. Accordingly, people will often refrain from purchasing the less expensive cuts of meat because they either do not have the time to marinate the meat properly, and/or because they feel such meat is not sufficiently tender. While marinating is a simple process, the time it takes is often a substantial problem.
It would therefore be highly desirable to provide a means for thoroughly marinating foodstuffs that greatly reduces the time required to achieve the desired result. The apparatus and process disclosed herein not only thoroughly marinates foodstuffs in a small fraction of the time by using ultrasonic vibrations and/or injection methods heretofore required for the process, but also tenderizes the foodstuffs to a greater extent than conventional marinating in less time.

Apparatus and process for marinating foodstuff


A fabric for use with a paper forming machine comprising a set of MD blended synthetic monofilaments having a first diameter and which are in a five shed Atlas weave pattern with the MD monofilaments passing over four and under one of the CD monofilaments to form a MD monofilament dominant first surface and a CM monofilament dominant second surface. The upper surface of the MD monofilaments are arranged on the first surface to extend along a common plan which is above a plane formed by the uppermost surfaces of the CM monofilaments by an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the diameter of the MD monofilaments. Also, a lower surface of the CM monofilaments is arranged on the second surface to extend along a common plane which is below a plane formed by the lower most surfaces of the MD monofilaments by an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the diameter of the MD monofilaments. The MD and CM monofilaments are comprised of a blend of between eighty percent and ninety-nine percent polyethylene-terephtalate and between one percent and twenty percent fluorocarbon polymers. Accordingly, a fabric having improved wear resistance increased pocket depth and improved paper product release qualities is provided.

There have been numerous attempts in the prior art to provide a papermaking fabric capable of producing softer more even paper products while at the same time providing extended fabric life. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,157,276 and 4,239,065 are directed to paper forming fabrics which present a paper support surface in which the high points of both the warp and weft filaments lie in a single horizontal plane, i.e. a monoplane support surface. The patent to Trokhan goes further by providing sub-surface crossovers in the warp direction which produce cavities on the paper support surface. These cavities are surrounded by monoplanar high points of selected warp filaments and the weft filaments.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,161,195 to Kahn is directed to a synthetic paper forming fabric having long weft knuckles on the running surface for better wear and variable height support surface nucleus. The patent is intended to remove transverse markings and to have extended fabric stability and wear resistance.
It has been found that there is difficulty in maintaining uniform paper fiber orientation along and across the paper product when using paper product support surfaces as described above.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a paper forming fabric having a paper product support surface with deep interconnected pockets extending transversely along and across the support surface width.
It is further object to produce a paper forming fabric having a paper product support surface which produces good uniform fiber orientation.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a paper machine fabric capable of producing paper having an increased softness.
It is still a further object of the invention to produce a paper forming fabric having improved wear resistance on the running side.
It is still a further object of the invention to produce a paper forming fabric of improved stability.
It is still a further object to provide a paper forming fabric having superior paper product release properties.

Papermaking fabric of blended monofilaments


A coupling assembly includes a hook, a base defining a base cavity, a link interconnecting the hook and the base, and a fastener movably coupled to the base. The fastener is movable relative to the base along an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the fastener extends through the base cavity. In the unlocked position, the fastener is outside the base cavity. The coupling assembly further includes a casing fixed to the base such that the base remains stationary relative to the casing. The fastener is partially disposed within the casing. The coupling assembly also includes a biasing member operatively coupled between the casing and the fastener such that the biasing member biases the fastener toward the locked position.

Pickup trucks include a pickup bed capable of holding cargo. Some pickup beds also include at least one tie-down assembly for holding objects. In particular, straps or ropes can be tied to the tie-down assembly to restrain objects in the pickup bed. In addition, a beam may be coupled to the pickup bed to organize and separate cargo in the pickup bed. The beam should be secured to the pickup bed via, for example, the tie-down assembly. It is thus useful to develop a coupling assembly capable of coupling the beam to the tie-down assembly of a pickup bed.


A filter body includes a serial arm and one or more parallel resonators in a state where they are connected in a ladder shape. The serial arm includes a plurality of serial resonators connected in series to each other. A difference of resonance frequencies among the plurality of serial resonators is smaller than a half of a difference between the resonance frequency and an antiresonance frequency of each serial resonator. The serial arm includes a first divided arm which extends from one side toward the other side in a predetermined direction on the piezoelectric substrate, and a second divided arm which is folded back from the other side of the first divided arm and extends toward the one side. The shield conductor includes a portion which is located between at least one of the serial resonators included in the first divided arm and at least one of the serial resonators included in the second divided arm.

There is known an acoustic wave filter configured by connecting a plurality of acoustic wave resonators in a ladder shape (for example Patent Literature 1 and 2).
Patent Literature 1 discloses a ladder-type acoustic wave filter in which a shield conductor is provided between an input terminal inputting a signal to the acoustic wave filter or an output terminal outputting a signal from the acoustic wave filter and a wiring transmitting the signal in the acoustic wave filter.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a duplexer having a transmission filter configured by a ladder-type acoustic wave filter and a receiving filter configured by a ladder-type acoustic wave filter. The transmission filter and the receiving filter are connected to one input and output terminal and are arranged in a schematically U-shape as a whole. Patent Literature 2 discloses also an aspect providing a shield conductor between the transmission filter and the receiving filter.

Acoustic wave filter, multiplexer, and communication apparatus


The present invention relates to a method for predicting a performance indicator for a service in a network. The method is performed by a network node of the network, and the method comprises obtaining measurement data of a metric affecting a service communicating via a radio access network, RAN, node, wherein the metric is independent of the service communicating via the RAN node, inputting the obtained measurement data into a prediction model for performance of the service communicating via the RAN node, wherein the prediction model has been trained with measurement data from the RAN node and measurement data from an end node, and predicting the performance indicator for performance of the service in the network. A network node, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Page Load Time (PLT) of a web site has become an important metric of "real" user experience that is widely used in the content provider industry (Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, Akamai, Compuware, etc.). PLTs would also be a relevant metric for a Mobile Broadband (MBB) operator to get better visibility of its subscribers' "real" user experience.
Today, MBB operators can only rely on active and client-based measurements that are costly (human testers) and only capture a snapshot of the situation (e.g. a two-hour drive test along a pre-defined route). Alternatives can be client-based or deep dive data that can become huge datasets.


The present invention provides an LED bulb using heat dissipating LED driver capable of reducing heat influence by disposing an electrolytic capacitor in an output part at a low temperature region through disposing a section receiving an external power close to a light generating module and disposing a section controlling a light emitting diode dose to a power source base.

In general, a fluorescent lamp or an incandescent lamp is widely used as a room lighting, but has demerits of short life time, low luminance and low energy efficiency. Therefore, an LED lighting apparatus employing light emitting diode (LED) with relatively longer life time, higher luminance and lower power consumption as a light source is increasing.
Especially, a bulb type LED lighting apparatus capable of replacing a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), which can be combined with a bulb socket without any additional device to be used, is actively developed.
Conventionally, the LED lighting apparatus for replacing the CFL is similar to an LED lighting apparatus for replacing incandescent lamp in design, so that the degree of design completion is not high. That is, the design that a circuit board on which LEDs are arranged is installed at a heat sink with a hemispherical shape, and a diffusion cover with a dome shape is attached, is dominating.
However, a large portion of the conventional heat sink includes an outer heat dissipating fins protruding outward to improve heat dissipation efficiency to deteriorate appearance.
On the other hand, the LED lighting apparatus includes an LED driver for driving light emitting diodes by converting alternating power provided externally into direct power that is proper to the light emitting diodes, and the shape and position of the LED driver determine the design of the product. Therefore, there exists a try changing the LED driver for improving outer design and heat dissipation efficiency.
In designing the LED driver, the LED driver requires an electrolytic capacitor. The electrolytic capacitor is sensitive to temperature, and the lifetime decreases when the temperature becomes higher. The light generating module generates most portions of heats, so that the temperature of the electrolytic capacitor becomes higher and the lifetime of the electrolytic capacitor decreases when the electrolytic capacitor is disposed near the light generating module.
Further, the parts generating heats are overlapped to further raise the temperature. That is, the light generating module generating a large portion of heats are adjacent to the electrolytic capacitor of the LED driver to raise temperature of the electrolytic capacitor, and raising temperature of the light generating module and the LED driver overlaps to further raise the temperature.


A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a positive third lens group and positive fourth lens group, in this order from the object.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens system, and in particular relates to a zoom lens system suitable for a lens system having a refractive optical system (reflection member) and/or an image-stabilizing lens system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a zoom lens system for a compact digital camera, a positive-lead type zoom lens system and a negative-lead type zoom lens systems have been known in the art.
A positive-lead type zoom lens system can secure a larger zoom ratio without difficulty; and since the most object-side lens group thereof having a positive refractive power converges the light bundle, the diameter of subsequently lens groups can be made smaller, i.e., miniaturization of the subsequent lens groups in the radial direction is attained. However, a positive-lead type zoom lens system requires a larger number of lens elements.
On the other hand, a negative-lead type zoom lens system can reduce the number of lens elements. However, since the most object-side lens group having a negative refractive power diverges the light bundle, a negative-lead type zoom lens system is disadvantageous for miniaturization of the subsequent lens groups in the radial direction.
Furthermore, a zoom lens system can be categorized into two types: a retractable type and a fixed-length type.
In a retractable type zoom lens system, lens groups for zooming including the first (most object-side) lens group are arranged to move in the optical-axis direction with respect to the image plane when zooming is being performed; and the lens groups for zooming are also generally arranged to move in the optical-axis direction toward the image plane for the purpose of miniaturization of the camera in the camera-thickness direction when the camera is being carried (i.e., in a non-photographic state). On the other hand, a retractable type zoom lens system have the following drawbacks: (i) a longer start-up time, and (ii) slight vulnerability against waterproofing, dust proofing and shock resistance. In regard to (i), a longer start-up time is necessary, since the lens groups are moved from the retracted (non-photographic state) state to a ready-to-photograph state. In regard to (ii), due to an arrangement in which the first (most object-side) lens group is movable, the functions of waterproofing, dust proofing and shock resistance are sacrificed to some extent.
A fixed-length type zoom lens system can advantageously exhibit the functions of waterproofing, dust proofing and shock resistance, since movable lens groups for zooming are not exposed. On the other hand, the optical path length of a fixed-length type zoom lens system inevitably becomes longer. Therefore in order to attain miniaturization of a fixed-length type zoom lens system (i.e., reduce the thickness of the camera), it is known in the art to provide a reflection member (optical path bending member) such as a prism or mirror which bends the optical path within the lens system. Furthermore, such a compact (slim-bodied) camera is more difficult to hold securely, so that camera shake (image blur) easily occurs.
As explained, there are advantages and disadvantages in each of a negative-lead type zoom lens system, a positive-lead type zoom lens system, a retractable zoom lens system and a fixed-length zoom lens system. Respective type(s) is employed in accordance with requirements of size, zoom ratio, and optical performance, etc.
Moreover, it should be known that various proposals have been countlessly made nowadays in order to attain both miniaturization (e.g., a slimmer camera body) and a higher optical performance in a well balanced manner.

Abstract: The negative first lens group includes a reflection member, and the first lens group remains stationary when zooming is being performed from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity.

Abstract: The zoom lens system satisfies the following conditions:1.0<f2 /(fw×ft)1/2<1.5   (1)1.2<|f1a|/fw<1.8 (f1a<0 )   (2)2.0<f1b/ft<4.0   (3)                wherein        f2: the focal length of the positive second lens group;        fw: the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity;        ft: the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity;        f1a: the combined focal length of an object-side lens element with respect to the reflection member; and        f1b: the combined focal length of image-side lens elements with respect to the reflection member.


A rifle scope vertical alignment apparatus includes first and second plates, each with a bottom surface shaped as an inverted V. A vertically oriented elongate slot is formed in one of the first and second plates and a receiving channel is formed in one of the first and second plates to slidably engage the other of the first and second plates. A level is positioned on one of the first and second plates such that it is visible from a rear surface of the apparatus. A threaded screw extends through the slot and into a threaded bore on the other of the first and second plates so that the plates can be held in a selected position relative to each other with the inverted V bottom surfaces aligned. The alignment method involves positioning the inverted bottom V of the first plate of the alignment apparatus atop the rifle barrel just in front of the objective end of the scope, placing the inverted V bottom surface of the second plate atop the scope barrel and then tightening the threaded screw. The rifle, scope and alignment apparatus are then leveled and a user sights through the scope at an external vertical reference line and rotatably adjusts the scope until the vertical reticle is precisely aligned with the external vertical reference line and then tightens the scope in position.

Vertical alignment of a rifle scope with the bore of a rifle it is mounted on is often somewhat of a hit or miss exercise. Rifle sighting scopes are typically mounted atop a rifle barrel via clamping rings which are tightened via screws provided on either side of each clamping ring. Preferably, the clamping rings are aligned on the rifle barrel such that, when the scope is attached, the crosshair formed by the intersection of the horizontal and vertical scope reticles is reasonably well aligned with the barrel bore. Thus, the scope, once adjusted for windage and elevation, is accurate in the center of the reticle. However, the scope is not necessarily aligned vertically with the rifle barrel bore.
A problem arises during long distance shooting where a shooter must adjust the angle of his shot to account for the drop of the bullet during its trajectory to the target. In order to compensate for this drop, the shooter will typically move the rifle upward, i.e. move the target image vertically downward along the vertical reticle within the scope. However, if the scope is aligned with the rifle bore only at the center or crosshair of the horizontal and vertical scope reticles, i.e. the scope is misaligned vertically, which is often the case, as the target image is moved away from the crosshair along the vertical reticle, a horizontal error will be introduced.
It is clear, then, that a need exists for a simple and reliable apparatus and method for vertically aligning a rifle scope with the bore of a rifle upon which the scope is mounted.

Rifle scope vertical alignment apparatus and method


The present invention relates to a shade suspension apparatus. The shade suspension apparatus has the effects of obviating the inconvenience of a worker of having to climb to a shade to perform a replacement work when replacing the shade, etc., and preventing a safety accident which may occur when the worker performs the replacement work on a pedestal.

In general, a shade refers to a curtain, a blind, or the like for shutting out sunlight, which is suspended on a hanger disposed on a window of a house, a building, or the like.
However, in a shade suspension apparatus of the related art, in the case of shade replacement, a worker must climb on a platform or the like to replace a shade, since the shade is suspended on a ceiling. This is not only inconvenient, but also is hazardous in that the worker may fall down from the platform while replacing the shade.


An information broadcast system having a broadband broadcast system selected from cable and satellite for broadcasting requested information from a selected information source, including the Internet, to one or more selected subscriber stations includes an independent backhaul channel for communicating information request signals from a subscriber station to one or more central processing stations. The system includes a data broadcast station for transmitting requested data from the selected data source and central station via the data broadcast station to the one or more selected subscriber stations. The high-data rate broadcast station forwards requested data from a data source to the data broadcast station. A backhaul satellite communication system, independent of the broadband broadcast system, has a backhaul satellite ground terminal for coupling information request signals from backhaul satellite communication system to high data broadcast station terminal. Each subscriber station has a broadband broadcast receiver for receiving requested information broadcast by the high data rate broadcast and a satellite antenna for transmitting backhaul request signals to the backhaul satellite.

Numerous information broadcast services, both satellite and terrestrial wired (e.g. cable) and wireless, are available today and future growth in this industry is anticipated. In many cases, these broadcast services offer/require a means for interactive information exchange with the subscriber. Such interaction is typically asymmetric in nature with subscriber stations receiving a much greater amount of information than they transmit. As such, the subscriber station must be equipped with a means of receiving large amounts of information from the broadcast channel and transmitting small amounts of information on the request or backhaul channel (FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the generalized architecture for systems incorporating the invention.) Note also that a means for transparently interconnecting the two independent systems (i.e., the Broadcast Channel and the Backhaul Channel) may be required. This will likely be necessary whether the two systems are owned/operated by a single entity or by different entities.
Currently, the leading ways of providing the backhaul channel is through use of a data modem operating through the public telephone system. In many cases, this approach is convenient and cost effective, requiring a simple wired or cellular connection to the telephone system. Subscribers that desire timely delivery of large amounts of information via satellite may do so from virtually any location in the world so long as a telephone circuit is available for placing requests. However, many applications exist which pass small amounts of request data and would benefit by a wireless solution with greater bandwidth efficiency.
The object of this invention is to provide bandwidth efficient wireless backhaul channel which is a flexible and efficient alternative to the telephone circuit. It is wireless, which precludes physical connection, covers large regions, and can be shared among a subscriber community so as to make better use of bandwidth with the potential for cost benefits for both the user and the broadcast provider. Furthermore, even though the backhaul channel device could be one-way (transmit only) or two-way (transceiver) the backhaul only needs to have a one-way link with the broadcast provider which is more bandwidth efficient for the provider. These features make this solution very attractive for a wide variety of users such as:
Satellite broadcast providers. PA1 Military field personnel. PA1 Emergency response teams. PA1 Travelers (RV's, aircraft) PA1 Boaters. PA1 Automated data collection/reporting sites. PA1 Cable TV subscribers. PA1 The backhaul channel can be independent of the wideband broadcast channel, with any coordination required between the backhaul and broadcast service provider handled in a manner which is transparent, or of little impact, to both. PA1 The subscriber can use this backhaul channel as an alternative to other conventional means; this provides a subscriber with flexibility to circumvent "busy periods" or "service outages" of a given conventional backhaul service provider, and further places the subscriber in the attractive position of selecting the most cost-effective approach. PA1 This approach explicitly exploits the asymmetric nature of information exchange (low rate on backhaul; high rate on broadcast) to: PA1 Control feedback in the form of small data packets may be sent over the broadcast channel to increase capacity on the backhaul channel (e.g., to provide backhaul transmit timing corrections). PA1 Messages, in the form of small data packets, may be sent over the broadcast channel to provide user verification, inform the users of request status, assist in antenna alignment, etc. PA1 The backhaul device can be implemented so that it connects to an existing telco interface connector on the broadcast receiver/modem and responds such that its installation is transparent to the user (or the receiver/modem) and no modification of the existing equipment is required. PA1 Provides connectivity over wide regions, with global connectivity via LEO, GEO, or MEO satellite constellations. PA1 Accommodates system growth. Additional satellite bandwidth may be purchased/leased as the subscriber grows. PA1 Enables flexibility in the overall infrastructure (e.g., gateway locations/design) of the system.
This invention relates to a unique means for providing a backhaul channel. This approach may be used for both satellite and terrestrial broadcast systems as a way of providing a backhaul with the following innovative, advantageous and unique features:
Efficiently use backhaul bandwidth--much more efficient than a telephone channel, which sits idle (but connected) during many broadcast request sessions. PA2 Permit simple, random-access protocols on the backhaul channel. PA2 Allow the use of a very compact, very low-power, device for the backhaul channel--no need for a more complex two-way telephone transceiver; this, for example, frees up the transmit counterpart of the two-way bandwidth of the typical two-way satcom telephone channel for other uses, such as one way paging services.
The remainder of the application addresses the use of satellite communications as the means for implementing the backhaul channel. Note that the use of a wireless terrestrial equivalent for a limited geographic region is also possible.

Wireless request channel for use with information broadcast system


Disclosed is an autonomic abnormality detection device having a plurality of agents, a server with a one or more processors, a data storage device and a corrective actions engine. The device is adapted to detect and diagnose abnormalities in system components. Particularly, the device uses agents to track performance/workload measurements of system components and dynamically compiles a history of those performance/workload measurements for each component. In order to detect abnormalities a processor compares current performance/workload measurements for a component to the compiled histories for that component and for other components. The processor can further be adapted to determine possible causes of a detected abnormality and to report the abnormality, including the possible causes, to a corrective actions engine.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to detection of abnormalities in systems, and, more particularly, to an autonomic system and method that detects and diagnoses system abnormalities by comparing current performance/workload measurements and a dynamically compiled history of performance/workload measurements.
2. Description of the Related Art
Abnormality detection is a core functionality required by many systems such as automated management frameworks. Often abnormality detection is based on violations of quality of service (QoS) goals that are defined by an administrator or service level agreement (SLA). However, these violations of QoS goals are generally not very useful for invoking corrective actions. For example, if a storage system is overloaded and in violation of its QoS goals, the storage system will not automatically move data from the overloaded storage device to a faster storage device. Additionally, while there are a number of systems that monitor system performance, these monitoring systems are rarely used for abnormality detection. For example, a number of management tools monitor run-time information but generally delete it after 4-7 days without analyzing or post-processing it for abnormality detection. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an autonomic abnormality detection device for a system that has a plurality of components. Specifically, it would be advantageous to provide an autonomic abnormality detection device that periodically determines current workload to performance characteristics for the different components of a system, detects abnormalities by comparing a current workload to performance characteristic to a dynamically compiled history of workload to performance characteristics, determines the possible causes of a detected abnormality and determines and implements corrective actions, as necessary.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for recording behavior history for abnormality detection

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided is an optical image measuring apparatus capable of easily changing a scanning interval of an object to be measured in a depth direction with high precision. The apparatus includes an interference optical system for superimposing signal light propagating through the object to be measured on reference light subjected to frequency shift to produce interference light, a reference mirror driving unit for driving a mirror to scan the object to be measured in the depth direction, shutters for sampling interference light beams, CCDs for storing charges for only a predetermined storage time and outputting electrical signals, a control unit for changing the storage time of the CCDs, a signal processing portion for calculating intensities and phases of interference light beams corresponding to each depth of the object to be measured which are successively detected by the CCDs during scanning based on the electrical signals successively outputted from the CCDs every changed storage time, and a setting operation unit for setting the storage time of the CCDs by an operator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical image measuring apparatus for applying a light beam to an object to be measured, particularly a light scattering medium and measuring a surface form or inner form of the object to be measured is measured based on a reflected light beam or a transmitted light beam to produce an image of a measured form. In particular, the present invention relates to an optical image measuring apparatus for measuring the surface form or inner form of the object to be measured by using an optical heterodyne detection method to produce the image of the measured form.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, attention has been given to an optical image measuring technique for producing an image of a surface or inner portion of an object to be measured using a laser light source or the like. This optical image measuring technique is not hazardous to human bodies in contrast to a conventional X-ray CT. Therefore, the development of applications in the medical field has been particularly expected.
An example of a typical method in the optical image measuring technique is a low coherent interference method (also called an optical coherence tomography or the like). This method uses the low coherence of a broad band light source having a broad spectral width, such as a super luminescent diode (SLD). According to the method, reflection light from an object to be measured or light transmitted therethrough can be detected at superior distance resolution on the order of μm (for example, see Naohiro Tanno, "Kogaku" (Japanese Journal of Optics), Volume 28, No. 3, 116 (1999)).
FIG. 4 shows a basic structure of a conventional optical image measuring apparatus based on a Michelson interferometer, as an example of an apparatus using the low coherent interference method. An optical image measuring apparatus 100 includes a broad band light source 101, a mirror 102, a beam splitter 103, and a photo detector 104. An object to be measured 105 is made of a scattering medium. A light beam from the broad band light source 101 is divided by the beam splitter 103 into two, that is, reference light R propagating to the mirror 102 and signal light S propagating to the object to be measured 105. The reference light R is light reflected by the beam splitter 103. The signal light S is light transmitted through the beam splitter 103.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a propagating direction of the signal light S is set as a z-axis direction and a plane orthogonal to the propagating direction of the signal light S is defined as an x-y plane. The mirror 102 is shiftable in a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow in FIG. 4 (z-scanning direction).
The reference light R is subjected to Doppler frequency shift through z-scanning when reflected by the mirror 102. On the other hand, the signal light S is reflected on a surface of the object to be measured 105 and inner layers thereof when the object to be measured 105 is irradiated with the signal light S. The object to be measured 105 is made of the scattering medium, so reflection light of the signal light S may be a diffusing wave having random phases including multiple scattering. The signal light propagating through the object to be measured 105 and the reference light that propagates through the mirror 102 to be subjected to the frequency shift are superimposed on each other by the beam splitter 103 to produce interference light.
In the image measurement using such a low coherent interference method, a difference in optical path length between the signal light S and the reference light R is within a coherence length (coherent distance) on the order of μm of the light source. In addition, only a component of the signal light S which has phase correlation to the reference light R interferes with the reference light R. That is, only a coherent signal light component of the signal light S selectively interferes with the reference light R. Based on such fundamentals, the position of the mirror 102 is shifted by the z-scanning to change the optical path length of the reference light R, so that a light reflection profile of the inner layers of the object to be measured 105 is measured. The object to be measured 105 is also scanned with the irradiated signal light S in an x-y plane direction. The interference light is detected by the photo detector 104 during such scanning in the z-direction and the x-y plane direction. An electrical signal (heterodyne signal) outputted as a detection result is analyzed to obtain a two-dimensional sectional image of the object to be measured 105 (see Naohiro Tanno, "Kogaku" (Japanese Journal of Optics), Volume 28, No. 3, 116 (1999)).
Assume that an intensity of the reference light R and an intensity of the signal light S which are superimposed by the beam splitter 103 are given by Ir and Is, respectively, and a frequency difference between the reference light R and the signal light S and a phase difference therebetween are given by fif and Δθ, respectively. In this case, a heterodyne signal as expressed by the following expression is outputted from the photo detector (for example, see Yoshizawa and Seta "Optical Heterodyne Technology (revised edition)", New Technology Communications (2003), p. 2).
Expression (1)i(t)∝Ir+Is+2√{square root over (IrIs)} cos(2πfift+Δθ)  (1)
The third term of the right side of the expression (1) indicates an alternating current electrical signal and the frequency fif thereof is equal to a frequency of beat caused from the interference between the reference light R and the signal light S. The frequency fif of an alternating current component of the heterodyne signal is called a beat frequency or the like. The first and second terms of the right side of the expression (1) indicate direct current components of the heterodyne signal and correspond to a signal intensity of background light of interference light.
However, when the two-dimensional sectional image is obtained by the conventional low coherent interference method, it is necessary to scan the object to be measured 105 with a light beam and to successively detect reflection light waves from respective regions of the object to be measured 105 in a depth direction (z-direction) and a sectional direction (x-y plane direction). Therefore, the measurement of the object to be measured 105 requires a long time. In addition, it is hard to shorten a measurement time in view of measurement fundamentals.
In views of such problems, an optical image measuring apparatus for shortening a measurement time has been proposed. FIG. 5 shows a fundamental structure of an example of such an apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, an optical image measuring apparatus 200 includes a broad band light source 201, a mirror 202, a beam splitter 203, a two-dimensional photo sensor array 204 serving as a photo detector, and lenses 206 and 207. A light beam emitted from the light source 201 is converted into a parallel light flux by the lenses 206 and 207 and a beam diameter thereof is widened thereby. Then, the parallel light flux is divided into two, that is, the reference light R and the signal light S by the beam splitter 203. The reference light R is subjected to Doppler frequency shift through z-scanning with the mirror 202. On the other hand, the signal light S is incident on the object to be measured 205 over a broad area of the x-y plane because the beam diameter is widened. Therefore, the signal light S becomes reflection light including information related to the surface and inner portion of the object to be measured 205 in the incident area. The reference light R and the signal light S are superimposed on each other by the beam splitter 203 and detected by elements (photo sensors) arranged in parallel on the two-dimensional photo sensor array 204. Thus, it is possible to obtain a two-dimensional sectional image of the object to be measured 205 in real time without light beam scanning.
An apparatus described in K. P. Chan, M. Yamada, and H. Inaba, "Electronics Letters", Vol. 30, 1753 (1994) has been known as such a non-scanning type optical image measuring apparatus. In the apparatus described in the same document, a plurality of heterodyne signals outputted from a two-dimensional photo sensor array are inputted to signal processing systems arranged in parallel to detect the amplitude and phase of each of the heterodyne signals.
However, when the spatial resolution of an image is improved, it is necessary to increase a number of elements of the array. In addition, it is necessary to prepare a signal processing system including a number of channels corresponding to the number of elements. Therefore, it is supposedly hard to actually use the apparatus in fields that require a high resolution image, such as a medical field and an industrial field.
Thus, the inventors of the present invention have proposed the following non-scanning type optical image measuring apparatus in JP 2001-330558 A (claims and specification paragraphs [0044] and [0072] to [0077]). The optical image measuring apparatus according to this proposal includes a light source for emitting a light beam, an interference optical system, and a signal processing portion. In the interference optical system, the light beam emitted from the light source is divided into two, that is, signal light propagating through an examined object arrangement position in which an object to be examined is arranged and reference light propagating on an optical path different from an optical path passing through the examined object arrangement position. The signal light propagating through the examined object arrangement position and the reference light propagating on the different optical path are superimposed on each other to produce interference light. The interference optical system includes a frequency shifter, light cutoff devices, and photo sensors. The frequency shifter shifts a frequency of the signal light and a frequency of the reference light relative to each other. In order to receive the interference light in the interference optical system, the interference light is divided into two parts. The light cutoff devices periodically cut off the two divided parts of the interference light to generate two interference light pulse trains with a phase difference of 90 degrees therebetween. The photo sensors respectively receive the two interference light pulse trains. The photo sensors each have a plurality of light receiving elements which are spatially arranged and separately obtain light receiving signals. The signal processing portion combines the plurality of light receiving signals obtained by the photo sensors to generate signals of the signal light which correspond to respective points of interest of a surface or inner layers of the object to be examined which is arranged in the examined object arrangement position on a propagating path of the signal light.
In the optical image measuring apparatus, the interference light in which the reference light and the signal light interfere with each other is divided into two parts. The two parts of the interference light are received by the two photo sensors (two-dimensional photo sensor arrays) and respectively sampled by the light cutoff devices (shutters) disposed in front of both sensor arrays. A phase difference of π/2 is set between sampling periods of the two divided parts of the interference light. Therefore, an intensity of the signal light and an intensity of the reference light which compose background light of the interference light and phase quadrature components (sine component and cosine component) of the interference light are detected. In addition, an intensity of the background light included in outputs from both the sensor arrays is subtracted from the outputs of both the sensor arrays to calculate two phase quadrature components of the interference light. An amplitude of the interference light is obtained based on the calculation result.
In addition, the inventors of the present invention have proposed the following optical image measuring apparatus in JP 3245135 B (claims and specification paragraphs [0072] to [0082]). The optical image measuring apparatus according to this proposal includes a light source for emitting a light beam and an interference optical system. In the interference optical system, the light beam emitted from the light source is divided into two, that is, signal light propagating through an examined object arrangement position in which an object to be examined is arranged and reference light propagating on an optical path different from an optical path passing through the examined object arrangement position. The signal light propagating through the examined object arrangement position and the reference light propagating on the different optical path are superimposed on each other to produce interference light in which the signal light and the reference light interfere with each other. The interference optical system includes a frequency shifter and an optical device. The frequency shifter shifts a frequency of the signal light and a frequency of the reference light relative to each other. The optical device is disposed on an optical path of at least one of the signal light and the reference light and periodically cuts off light. The cutoff frequency of the optical device is set to be equal to a frequency difference between the signal light and the reference light. According to the optical image measuring apparatus, the interference light can be sampled at the cutoff frequency equal to a beat frequency. Therefore, suitable optical heterodyne measurement is realized.
In the above-mentioned conventional optical image measuring apparatuses, the mirror (102 or 202) is shifted in the z-direction to scan the object to be measured in the depth direction, with the result that images at a plurality of depths are obtained. At this time, the mirror is shifted at predetermined speed. Therefore, the object to be measured is scanned in the depth direction at predetermined intervals. An image of the inner portion of the object is obtained at the depth set in, for example, 5 μm increments.
For example, when precise measurement is unnecessary, it is unnecessary to perform the scanning at small intervals. Therefore, scanning at larger intervals only needs to be performed. On the other hand, for example, when precise measurement is desired, it is necessary to perform scanning at smaller intervals.
To meet such needs, there is such a structure that a moving speed of the mirror is controlled to change a scanning interval. However, it is mechanistically hard to perform movement control of the mirror with high precision. Therefore, it is not easy to change a scanning interval of the object to be measured, that is, an interval for obtaining a sectional image of the object to be measured (image obtaining interval), with high precision.


A sanitary shield for a dedicated mammography x-ray machine compression paddle that includes a generally rectangular pan shaped, substantially transparent non x-ray attenuating thermoplastic plastic cover having a generally flat planar surface, and walls extending normally from the planar surface to a rim, an inwardly extending flange formed integrally in the walls and spaced slightly from the rim, the walls are dimensioned so as to extend around the sides of the compression paddle.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is concerned with dedicated mammography x-ray apparatus and particular the mammography buckys and compression paddles of such apparatus. In the utilization of such apparatus, the flesh of the patient being tested comes in direct contact with the surfaces of the bucky and compression paddle and thus there is the risk that the body fluids from cuts, abrasions, nipple discharges or other sources will contaminate the compression paddle and/or bucky with blood born pathogens in these fluids. Thus the use of such apparatus without sanitary protection can allow HIV virus, hepatitis and other diseases to be transmitted from patient to patient or to operators and other workers.
2. Prior Art
Up to the present time, no effective shielding protection has been utilized. Any protection, of course, should not cause any deleterious attenuation of the x-ray beams. While some x-ray cassette covers of plastic film have been used, there are no shields available for the specific use on mammography x-ray apparatus. At present there is no effective way of disinfecting the apparatus because of potential damage to the machine materials and/or electrical components. Cleansing chemicals often tend to pit the plastic components.

Sanitary shield for dedicated mammography apparatus


An improved electrical connector panel standoff fastener includes a panel-mounted stud with an affixed cap nut which is captive within the cable end connector shell. The stud includes a knurled head which is pressed into the chassis panel from the inside out. The stud includes a knurled head sized so that excessive bulging of the panel cutout does not occur upon pressing the stud into the panel. The desired standoff height is maintained by an end wall within the cap nut which acts as a screw stop. Also, the stud may be internally threaded to receive a screw from the opposite side of the panel to fasten the connector receptacle to the panel. The invention may further include a locking device such as a plug inserted into the threads of the stud.

Electrical equipment in the computer and electrical component industries utilizes loose hardware, comprising internally and externally-threaded standoffs (known as "female screw locks"), in addition to spacer washers, lock washers, and nuts to attach data receptacles to the equipment chassis; and further, the data plug to the receptacle. FIG. 1 shows a typical assembly of parts found at the rear of the chassis for connecting incoming and outgoing data cables. These data cables may be comprised solely of electrical contacts, fiber optic terminals, air connectors, or any combination of the foregoing.
These data plugs and receptacles typically have a modified, elongated "D" shape to ensure proper orientation in their mounting holes and also proper orientation with the mounting plugs. Such connectors have become known as "D" connectors, and due to the relatively small size, more typically known as "D subminiature", or "D-sub" connectors. Shell sizes, pin configuration, and mounting holes have been standardized throughout the world and all manufacturers meet these standards. In addition, many manufacturers have their own proprietary plug/receptacle configurations developed to meet customer's special applications.
In almost all cases, however, the matter of loose hardware was never addressed, nor was the present volume of consumption of such connectors anticipated. Thus, the industry continues to attach connectors to chassis and plugs with conventional loose hardware, in spite of the high labor costs associated with manually assembling this hardware.
Currently, in the connector industry the number of contact circuit pair in a D-sub connector may range from 9 to 50 contacts, with a typical connect/disconnect force of 12-ounces per contact pair, thus, for the maximum number of contact pairs, this connect/disconnect force is approximately 600-ounces or 37 pounds. Technology is moving toward increasing this density to 100 contact pairs, and as the need for higher electrical current density increases, the connect/disconnect forces will also increase. Therefore, there is a need in the art for electrical cable connector fasteners which can provide a higher connect/disconnect force than is currently available. Meeting this need is difficult because with the standardized D-sub connector configuration, there are space limitations which prohibit simply increasing the dimensions of the fasteners. In a D-shaped electrical connector panel, there is very limited space between the edge of the D-shaped cutout in the panel, and the center line of the fastening screw.
Due to the adoption of manufacturing standards mentioned above, such assembly screws either have 4-40 Unified, or M3 metric threads. These small diameter screws may be used for both pulling in, or jacking out, the plug from the receptacle and are suitable only for connectors having a limited number of contacts. As the need for high density (more numerous) and greater power (larger) connectors are needed, these small diameter screws are not strong enough to engage or disengage such higher density connectors.


A powdered lubricant applicator is provided which utilizes a venturi nozzle to draw powder from a fluidized hopper. The amount of powder delivered from the hopper is controlled by the air flow rate through the nozzle and by the length of time that the air flows through the nozzle. As air passes through the nozzle, powdered lubricant is drawn from the fluidized hopper and passed with the air along a delivery tube. As the fluidized powdered lubricant passes along the delivery tube, additional "atomizing" air is introduced into the delivery tube to assist powder delivery to the destination mechanism to be lubricated. In addition, fluidizing air is added to the delivery tube. The air used to assist the powder delivery (i.e., the atomizing air) and the air used to fluidize the powder (i.e., the fluidizing air) impact the powder delivery. Three pressure regulators are used to independently control the flow air, the atomizing air and the fluidizing air. The powdered lubricant applicator pneumatically delivers the powdered lubricant from the delivery tube to a gun which imparts a static charge to the particles within the powdered lubricant. The powdered lubricant continues to flow through the gun to a discharge line and is delivered to the destination, such as the walls of a powdered metal compaction press machine. The static charge imparted by the electrostatic gun facilitates attraction of the powdered particles to the surface of the die walls. The powdered lubricant applicator controls the pressure regulators and electrostatic gun to ensure that a desired amount of powdered lubricant is consistently delivered to the powdered metal compaction press machinery.

The present invention generally relates to the field of lubricant applicators and more specifically to a lubricant applicator which utilizes a venturi nozzle to draw powder from a fluidized hopper.
Since the beginning of powder metallurgy, lubricants have been added to metal powders to facilitate the removal of green powdered metal parts from the pressing dies. These lubricants must be subsequently removed from the parts during the sintering process. Numerous problems can result from using internal lubricants in powder metallurgy. These include coating of the sintering furnace interiors and incomplete lubricant removal. The former leads to a less effective sintering process and increased maintenance, while the latter leads to blistering and porosity. Other internal lubricant related problems include reduced green strength, reduced tensile strength of sintered parts, lower part density, reduced particle-to-particle compaction during pressing, and reduced particle-to-particle cementation during sintering.
Replacing internal lubricants with external lubricants will reduce and/or eliminate a number of the problems associated with internal lubricants in powder metallurgy. External lubricants applied to the surface of the pressing dies and transferred to the green powdered metal parts can be more readily removed from the parts than internal lubricants. Lower viscosity liquid lubricants capable of releasing the parts from the dies may penetrate the surface of the parts more than higher viscosity liquid lubricants making their removal from the parts more difficult than high viscosity liquids. A solid external lubricant applied to the die surface is not likely to penetrate the green powdered metal parts' surface at all and be more readily removed from the parts.
External solid lubricants capable of releasing the green powdered metal parts from pressing dies exist, as do applicators for applying the powdered lubricants. One such applicator proposed by the assignee of the present application is the applicator disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,921. The '921 patent discloses a particulate material delivery apparatus comprising a measuring device for separating a predetermined quantity of particulate material from a particulate material supply. A first valve is provided responsive to a single input signal to regulate a control fluid and a delivery fluid. An actuator shifts a measuring device between measuring and delivery positions in response to a pressure signal from the first valve. A control apparatus dispenses a pressurized delivery fluid for a variable, predetermined interval of time in response to a pressure signal from the first valve. A method for delivery of measured charges of particulate material is also provided. The method of the '921 patent comprises the steps of discharging one charge of the material to a first location, measuring a second charge of the material and delivering the first charge to a remote location while measuring the second charge. However, a need remains for an improved applicator.

Apparatus for dispensing lubricating powder


A method for producing multiple semiconductor devices. An electrically conductive layer is applied onto a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor wafer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor chips. The electrically conductive layer is structured to produce multiple semiconductor devices.

The present invention relates to a method of producing multiple semiconductor devices, a method of producing multiple semiconductor packages, a method of fabricating a panel, and a panel.
Semiconductor chips include electrical contact elements on one or more of their surfaces. When fabricating a semiconductor chip package, the semiconductor chip is housed in a chip package and the contact pads of the semiconductor chip are coupled to external contact elements of the chip package.
For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

Method of producing multiple semiconductor devices


A method and apparatus of providing active entertainment for persons waiting for service in which such persons are provided with an electronic pager assembly for notifying when service is available includes an electronically controllable pager assembly having a controllable screen display which is programmed with information likely to be desirable to a person holding the pager. A set of instructions enabling a person to access the information programmed in the pager assembly is printed on the assembly. The pager notification capability functions regardless of whether the information display is or is not active.

The present invention relates to a pager, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing text information through a display pager.
Presently, many popular restaurants, where patrons must wait for seating, use a paging system to notify patrons when a table is available. The pager system provides the patronized facility with the ability to recall patrons in an orderly, automated fashion. Though not limited to the restaurant industry, paging systems can be utilized by any business requiring its patrons to wait for extended periods for services. The pagers used in these pager systems are conventionally vibrating pagers which function solely to alert the pager holder that a table is available.


A razor that facilitates shaving effectiveness by effectively rendering the surface to be shaved taught. The razor comprises two or more surfaces wherein at least one of the surfaces is a cutting surface. The surfaces are inclined relative to each other, such that the skin and soft tissue in the area to be shaved is immobilized or pinched toward the cutting surface.

In its most fundamental form, shaving involves a barber's hand-held single bladed classical straight razor. Shaving, however, is a dynamic process. The blade is not simply moved across a flat surface, cutting hair bristles as it glides over that surface. Nearly all surfaces shaved on the human body include soft tissue, muscles and fat, which underly the skin to be shaved. The surfaces to be shaved, without exception, are not flat, but rather constitute a section of arcuate, moveable surfaces. Effective shaving, therefore, requires that the skin be immobilized so that a moving blade can shear hair off. This is accomplished by pinching, stretching, or pressing with the shaver's (or the barber's) other hand until the skin is rendered taut.
The existing designs of shavers are not very effective in immobilizing skin and tissue as required for effective shaving. The least effective in immobilizing skin is the classical straight razor. This classical razor uses a planar cutting surface which results in an area of contact, between the cutter and the tissue to be shaved, that is quite limited. Moreover, in such a configuration the cutter has no capability of restraining or immobilizing the skin and tissue. For this reason, the classical razor has been largely supplanted by the "safety" razor.
The "safety," or conventional, razor has built in skin immobilization by means of a passive sliding plate or support (sometimes incorporating rollers) situated parallel to the cutting surface at a distance of 0.5 to 1.0 mm from the cutting edge. All such designs are characterized by the parallel orientation of the cutter blade and support plate. In actual operation, this plate does produce some skin immobilization and stretching. However, the skin immobilization is inherently inefficient, requiring stretching with the shaver's other hand or some other method of rendering the skin to be shaved taut.
Similarly, the design of conventional electric razors is hampered by their inherently inefficient, or lack of, immobilization of the skin. The basic current design of electric razors typically includes one moving blade and a second parallel stationary surface comprising a screen mesh or slotted plate. In operation the hair is trapped between the stationary surface and the moving blade, and sheared off with little or no immobilization of the skin.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have a shaving device that is capable of improved immobilization of the skin, in comparison with conventional shaving devices, to facilitate shaving effectiveness such as closeness, and that is capable of improved contact with an arcuate surface to also facilitate shaving effectiveness and speed.