The described invention is directed to a system and related method for updating software in multiple remote communication devices where those communication devices are accessible only by relatively low bandwidth communication buses, which buses make the individual transfer of each software image prohibitive. The disclosed invention further envisions shrinking the size of the image to be transferred by Huffman encoding that image on the initiating end and decoding that Huffman encoded image on the receiving end using a frequency table for Huffman encoding that was previously established. In this way, the transferred image need not include the frequency table, thus making the overall transfer smaller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to flashing electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs). More particularly, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to broadcasting images to be flashed to multiple EEPROMs, where the broadcasting occurs to each system supporting the EEPROM flashing substantially simultaneously. Also, the preferred embodiments are directed to reducing the size of the image to be flashed in the broadcast stage of the image transfer by predefining a frequency table for Huffman encoding, and using that frequency table thereafter for encoding and decoding each image transferred. In this way, the Huffman frequency table need not be transferred with the image.
2. Background of the Invention
Every computer system has memory devices with varying degrees of volatility. For example, almost every computer system has random access memory (RAM) for use by the microprocessor in temporarily storing data and programs. However, the contents of the RAM are lost when the computer system is powered down. Computers likewise have some kind of read-only memory (ROM). This ROM generally contains system boot information and basic input/output system (BIOS) programs. The contents of a standard ROM are not lost with a cycle of the power of the computer. This ROM could comprise many different types of read-only memory including ROM that may only be written one time (programmable read-only memory (PROM)), and various PROMs such as ultraviolet erasable PROMs (UVPROMs) and electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs). A particular kind of PROM known as flash EEPROM has found particular acceptance. The "flash" portion of the description ostensibly coming from the fact that this particular kind of EEPROM may be erased and rewritten relatively quickly, as compared to a UVPROM, which must be removed from the computing device and placed under ultraviolet light just to be erased.
Flashing EEPROM in the context of computer systems may also take place quickly because of a relatively high bandwidth communication buses between computer system components. Thus, when an EEPROM needs to be flashed, e.g., to update the BIOS, the new software image is transferred from a storage medium of the computer, e.g., a floppy drive, to the EEPROM. The time it takes to transfer the new software image over the high bandwidth bus is relatively insignificant. However, problems arise when the communication pathway between the long-term storage medium and the EEPROM is of low bandwidth. The problems arise in the amount of time it takes to transfer the image across that low bandwidth pathway.
Further, there may be multiple flash EEPROMs that need to be updated coupled to the low bandwidth bus. The amount of time to transfer the image to be flashed thus increases considerably given that the prior art method of transferring these images are to transfer them one at a time.
Thus, what is needed in the art is a way to minimize the amount of time it takes to transfer software images to remote EEPROMs across a low bandwidth bus, especially where the new image is used to flash each downstream EEPROM, and also where the new images are related to the old images on the EEPROMs.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A system and method for thermoplastic composite welding comprising a cooling means and a heat source. The cooling means cools a heat-side laminate so as to create a thermal gradient in the heat-side laminate. The heat source heats the heat-side laminate after the cooling step is initiated but before the thermal gradient dissipates so that a first side of the heat-side laminate closer to the heat source does not deform as faying surfaces of the heat-side laminate and another laminate farther away from the heat source are welded together.

Thermoplastic composite laminates are often welded together at adjacent faying surfaces via a magnetic induction heat source positioned near a non-faying surface of one of the laminates. The heat source typically has an inverse heat intensity to distance profile, which results in undesired melting or deformation of the non-faying surface.
Heat sinks made of electrically insulative and thermally conductive materials can be positioned between the heat source and the laminates during welding to prevent melting near the heat source, but such materials are rare, expensive, and/or difficult to process. Furthermore, heat sinks increase the heat required and/or slow the welding procedure. Cold fluids have been used to draw heat from the laminates during welding, but this technique is often ineffective because vacuum bags, pressure feet, and other devices used to apply pressure during welding reduce the effective heat transfer coefficient of cold fluids below an acceptable value, thus resulting in a thermal gradient in the laminate near the heat source insufficient to prevent melting or deformation of the laminate's non-faying surface.
Thermoplastic composite laminate welding via magnetic induction heating is often inconsistent due to eddy current resistance variation in the laminates. The variation is caused by several factors including fiber direction and intra-ply fiber spacing, inter-ply spacing. This is problematic because inter-ply fiber electrical resistance varies due to laminate processing parameters and laminate geometry. In particular, more pressure can cause more laminate compaction, male radii thinning due to pressure intensification with radial compaction, and female radii thickening due to bridging effects. Furthermore, initial resin distribution in prepreg material may vary.
During welding, current loops may pass between two faying sides of the laminates, meaning the amount of pressure and fit-up quality can also influence eddy current resistance. The orientation of the induced magnetic field with respect to conductive filaments determines current path, which affects circuit resistance and hence heat flux quantity/distribution. As such, each weld is unique and underserved by generic laminate characterization.
US Pat. App. Pub. No. 20210197497 discloses pre-welding magnetic field strength sensing and adjusting a magnetic field strength parameter for welding according to reference data, but basing a weld on magnetic field strength only affords limited adjustability. Furthermore, adjustments on future welds may be made according to the same reference data even if the previous adjustment is determined to be suboptimal.
Another hindrance to thermoplastic composite welding in many cases is inaccessibility of the backing or substructure (opposing) laminate or the faying surfaces being welding together. Tooling, end effectors, bags, insulations, and other ancillary materials cannot be inserted before welding or removed after welding, which prohibits many laminate securement techniques. However, most thermoplastic composite welding requires an application of pressure to the joint during melting to prevent deconsolidation, and this is only easily accomplished when support tooling or solid structure exists to back up the weld while the two structures are melted together.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,449,749 discloses that electrically insulative reinforcement plies can be inserted between conductive plies to reduce eddy current development and hence heat generation in the heat-side laminate, thereby preventing deconsolidation farther from the faying surfaces. This allows the laminates to remain sufficiently rigid to support themselves during welding. Unfortunately, the insertion of electrically insulative plies changes composite ply spacing and laminate geometry, which negatively affects weld quality.

System and method for thermoplastic welding using an induced thermal gradient


A read-after-write system for optical recording systems includes a mirror used to direct read beams to a desired position on a recording medium relative to write beams impinging on the recording medium. The mirror may be adjustable to direct the read beams through a range of possible positions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to optical recording systems having read-after-write features.
2. Background Information
In many data recording systems a method and/or system for reading the data immediately after it is written is implemented so that the accuracy of the recorded data can be ascertained. In linear magnetic tape systems for example, the read/write head array is duplicated in close proximity to enable write verification with the tape moving in either direction. In optical disc systems the read-after-write function is usually implemented by a consecutive turn of the disc. The read-after-write (RAW) function is considered necessary for a viable recorder, and it is therefore desirable to implement a near simultaneous read after write for linear optical tape systems.
In systems using multiple optical beam writing, the data is typically written in a defined block size down the tape and across multiple write channels. Tape surface errors prevent perfect error free recording and an error correcting coding (ECC) scheme is implemented to remove the effects of such errors on the recorded data. With an immediate RAW it is possible for the system to evaluate to what extent the ECC is being utilized to correct the written errors back to an acceptable level. If the written data cannot be immediately retrieved with sufficient fidelity via the ECC circuits, the optical tape system is configured to re-write the unrecoverable data block. Block rewrites are implemented until either accurate data is recovered or until a pre-set number of rewrites have failed, at which point system failure is indicated. The degree to which the ECC is being utilized to correct the recovered data can also be monitored so that data can be retrieved and duplicated before insufficient ECC is available and the data to becomes unrecoverable.
For simultaneous multiple beam writing using, for example, an array of 4xc3x978 beams in an equally spaced rectangular matrix, it is desirable to read each data bit shortly after it is written. This requires a trailing matrix of 4xc3x978 optical beams at the reduced read light intensity, regardless of the direction in which the recording media is traveling. In systems using arrays of laser diodes, this requires a second array of laser diodes similar to the write array, with the write and read functions being alternated.
The present invention provides an optical apparatus including a mirror for an optical recording system. The mirror is coupled to an adjustable base which is moveably coupled to a fixed support. The adjustable base is adjustable to orient the mirror in at least a first position to reflect reading light beams of the optical recording system onto a recording medium.
The present invention also provides a method of performing a read-after-write operation in an optical recording system. The method includes adjusting a mirror to a first angled position or a second angled position, directing an unmodulated light beam from a light source to the mirror to reflect the light beam onto a lens, and using the lens to focus the unmodulated light beam on a recording medium to read a written track on the recording medium.
Additional features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following description.

Apparatuses and methods for reading after writing in optical recording systems


An interface which allows a surgeon to operate multiple surgical devices from a single input device. The input device may be a foot pedal that provides output signals to actuate a number of different surgical devices. The surgical devices may include a robotic arm, a laser, an electrocautery device, or an operating table. The interface has an input channel that is coupled to the input device and a plurality of output channels that are coupled to the surgical devices. The interface also has a select input channel which can receive input commands to switch the input channel to one of the output channels. The select channel may be coupled to a speech interface that allows the surgeon to select one of the surgical devices with a voice command. The surgeon can operate any device by providing an input command which switches the input channel to the desired output channel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to control systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an interface that allows multiple surgical devices to be controlled from an input device, such as a foot pedal.
2. Description of Related Art
Many surgical procedures are performed with multiple instruments. For example, some laparoscopic procedures are performed utilizing a robotic arm system produced by Computer Motion, Inc. of Goleta, Calif. to hold and move an endoscope. The surgeon may also use a laser to cut tissue and an electrocautery device to cauterize the tissue. Each instrument has a unique control panel or foot pedal to operate the device. The surgeon must therefore depress one foot pedal to move the robotic arm and endoscope, depress a different foot pedal to actuate the electrocautery device, and manipulate yet another input device to energize the laser. Operating multiple input devices may distract the surgeon, thereby reducing the efficiency and safety of performing the procedure. It would therefore be desirable to provide an interface that would allow the surgeon to select and control multiple surgical devices from a single input device. Additionally, it is also desirable to provide an interface that would allow the surgeon to mutually exclusively select and control multiple surgical devices from an input device.

Multi-functional surgical control system and switching interface


The present invention aims to provide a novel magnet, whose surface's insulating property can be increased, and a motor using the same. The present invention provides a magnet comprising a magnet element containing a rare earth element R, a transition metal element T and boron B, and a phosphate layer including manganese-containing phosphate, wherein the phosphate layer is provided on the surface of the magnet element, and the thickness of the phosphate layer is 0.5 μm or more.

Rare earth magnets are being studied as magnets for motor. In recent years, large magnets have been in demand for the motor of large transportations or generators. Since rare earth magnets have a high conductivity, eddy currents occur inside the magnet when used in a motor. When eddy currents occur inside the magnet, heat (loss) occurs due to the electrical resistance, causing problems such as a decrease in motor efficiency and demagnetization. However, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-286779 discloses that eddy currents decrease when a magnet is divided and an insulating layer is provided on the surface of each of the divided magnets, and the divided magnets are stacked and used. Resins and the like are used as materials for this insulating layer.


A light source apparatus comprising a lamp having a light emitting portion of generating light, a first concave mirror having a first opening provided on a light-using side on which the generated light is used and a second opening provided on an opposite side to the light-using side and having the light emitting portion of the lamp placed inside, and a second concave mirror having a predetermined size to reflect on the light emitting portion side of the lamp the light which comes or should come out of the second opening and placed at a predetermined position in relation to a position at which the second opening is provided, and wherein the size of the second opening is provided so that an amount of the used light becomes substantially maximum.

In recent years, a projection display apparatus using various light modulation elements has attracted attention as a projection video apparatus of providing large-screen display.
In the large-screen display provided by using the projection display apparatus, it is required to secure sufficient brightness of an image determined by luminance of a lamp, optical collection efficiency of a concave mirror, lighting efficiency of a lighting lens system, optical usable efficiency of the light modulation elements and so on.
Here, conventional light source apparatuses will be specifically described.
(1) To begin with, configuration and operation of a conventional light source apparatus (1) will be described with reference to FIG. 14 which is a schematic sectional view thereof (refer to the specification of Japanese Patent No. 3151734 for instance).
The disclosure of the specification of Japanese Patent No. 3151734 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The conventional light source apparatus (1) comprises a first concave mirror M11 formed using an ellipsoidal mirror (or a parabolic mirror) and a second concave mirror M12 formed using a spherical mirror.
The first concave mirror M11 and second concave mirror M12 are placed so that their apertures face each other and their focuses are approximately matching.
Of course, a light emitting portion of a lamp L10 is placed at positions of these focuses.
The conventional light source apparatus (1) has the second concave mirror M12 placed on a different side from a vertex V10 of the first concave mirror M11 with respect to the light emitting portion of the lamp L10.
On the conventional light source apparatus (1), the aperture of the second concave mirror M12 is perpendicular to an optical axis (shown in dashed line, same hereafter), and an outermost diameter perpendicular to the optical axis of the second concave mirror M12 is larger than the outermost diameter of the first concave mirror M11.
Luminous flux (shown in chain double-dashed line, same hereafter) emitted from the light emitting portion of the lamp L10 is focused by the first concave mirror M11.
However, the luminous flux which could not be directly focused just by the first concave mirror M11 is reflected once on the second concave mirror M12 of which reflecting surface is facing the reflecting surface side of the first concave mirror M11 and returned again to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L10 before focused by the first concave mirror M11.
For this reason, the conventional light source apparatus (1) can focus the luminous flux which could not be focused just by the first concave mirror M11 by using the second concave mirror M12 so as to improve the optical collection efficiency which is important for the sake of maximizing the luminance of the lamp L10.
(2) Next, the configuration and operation of a conventional light source apparatus (2) will be described with reference to FIG. 15 which is a schematic sectional view thereof (refer to the specification of Japanese Patent No. 2730782 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-162219 for instance).
The disclosure of the specification of Japanese Patent No. 2730782 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-162219 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
On the conventional light source apparatus (2), the luminous flux which could not be directly focused just by the first concave mirror M21 is reflected once on the second concave mirror M22 and returned again to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L20 before focused by the first concave mirror M21.
On the conventional light source apparatus (2), however, the aperture of the second concave mirror M22 is parallel to the optical axis, and the outermost diameter perpendicular to the optical axis of the second concave mirror M22 is smaller than the outermost diameter of the first concave mirror M21.
For this reason, the conventional light source apparatus (2) can have a smaller apparatus configuration than that of the above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (1).
(3) Next, the configuration and operation of a conventional light source apparatus (3) will be described with reference to FIG. 16 which is a schematic sectional view thereof (refer to the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,099, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-107596 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-367417 for instance).
The disclosure of the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,099, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-107596 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-367417 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
On the conventional light source apparatus (3), the luminous flux which could not be directly focused just by the first concave mirror M31 is reflected once on the second concave mirror M32 and returned again to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L30 before focused by the first concave mirror M31.
However, the conventional light source apparatus (3) has the second concave mirror M32 placed, with respect to the light emitting portion of the lamp L30, on the same side as a (virtual) vertex V30 of the first concave mirror M31 and farther from the light emitting portion of the lamp L30.
The conventional light source apparatus (3) has the lamp L30 placed so that a longitudinal direction of electrodes of the lamp L30 becomes orthogonal to an optical axis direction.
For this reason, the conventional light source apparatus (3) comprises a parallel light converting portion having a positive lens (convex lens) PL and a negative lens (concave lens) NL to use the luminous flux in the optical axis direction more effectively.
(1) In the above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (1), there are the cases where it has a negative effect of extending a spot diameter of an optical spot formed on a focusing point as regards the luminous flux emitted from the light emitting portion of the lamp L10 and reflected on a point of reflection in the vicinity of the vertex V10 of the first concave mirror M11.
Analysis by the Inventors
According to an analysis by the inventors, this is because the light emitting portion of the lamp L10 is not a point source but is a light source having a size, and regarding the luminous flux reflected on the point of reflection in the vicinity of the vertex V10 of the first concave mirror M11, an optical path distance from the light emitting portion of the lamp L10 to the point of reflection thereof becomes significantly shorter than the optical path distance from the point of reflection to the focusing point.
(2) For the same reason, there are also the cases where the above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (2) has the negative effect of extending the spot diameter of the optical spot formed on the focusing point as to the above-mentioned luminous flux.
(3) The above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (3) seldom has such a negative effect.
According to the analysis by the inventors, this is because the optical path distance from the light emitting portion of the lamp L30 to the point of reflection thereof does not become too short compared to the optical path distance from the point of reflection to the focusing point (as the second concave mirror M32 is placed, with respect to the light emitting portion of the lamp L30, on the same side as the vertex V30 of the first concave mirror M31 and farther from the light emitting portion of the lamp L30, an optical path going through the point of reflection of the second concave mirror M32 is generated as to the luminous flux which should originally be reflected on the point of reflection in the vicinity of the vertex V30 of the first concave mirror so as to extend the optical path distance from the light emitting portion of the lamp L30 to the point of reflection of the first concave mirror M31).
However, the inventors noted that there are the cases where the above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (3) cannot obtain a sufficient usable amount of light of the light passing through the aperture of the first concave mirror M31.
The inventors analyze the reason as follows.
To be more specific, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional light source apparatus (3), the luminous flux which should originally be reflected on the point of reflection rather far from the vertex V30 of the first concave mirror M31 near the light emitting portion of the lamp L30 is reflected once on the second concave mirror M32 and returned to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L30 again before focused by the first concave mirror M31.
When reflected once on the second concave mirror M32, efficiency of the luminous flux is reduced due to a reflectance of the reflecting surface thereof.
The efficiency of the luminous flux is also reduced due to light absorption and light scattering by a light-emitting material of the lamp L30 and a material comprising the lamp L30 when returned to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L30. In the case where the lamp L30 is a metal halide lamp or a mercury lamp, the efficiency of the luminous flux is reduced by as much as 60 percent or so when returned to the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the lamp L30, which is particularly conspicuous.
In short, the inventors noted that there are the cases where the efficiency of the luminous flux emitted from the light-emitting portion of the lamp L30 is reduced because the luminous flux which can be directly focused by the first concave mirror M31 is focused through reflection by the second concave mirror M32.

Light source apparatus, lighting apparatus and projection display apparatus


An image recording apparatus includes: an ink-jet head including an energy applier that causes ejection of ink; a medium supplier that supplies a recording medium; a first sensor provided on a supply path through which the recording medium is to be supplied to the ink-jet head by the medium supplier; and a controller. The controller controls the energy applier to perform first preparatory driving including flushing before the ink-jet head performs image recording. The controller controls the energy applier to perform second preparatory driving including the flushing or ink agitation driving after the first preparatory driving and detection of the recording medium by the first sensor. The controller controls the energy applier to perform the second preparatory driving in accordance with an elapsed time extending from an input of a recording command to the detection of the recording medium by the first sensor.

Technical Field
The following disclosure relates to an image recording apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
In ink-jet image recording apparatuses, the viscosity of ink in nozzles of an ink-jet head increases due to drying of the ink during a period in which the ink is not ejected from the nozzles. When printing is started in this state by ejecting the ink from the nozzles onto a recording medium, increase in viscosity of the ink may cause ejection failure in the nozzles, which may result in fading on a printed image. To solve this problem, a conventional image recording apparatus controls an ink-jet head to perform flushing for forcing ink from nozzles to discharge high-viscosity ink from the nozzles during a period in which a recording medium is supplied to the ink-jet head after a print instruction is input.
In such an image recording apparatus, however, a length of time required for supply of the recording medium may be unexpectedly increased due to a slip of a roller for supplying the recording medium to the ink-jet head, for example. In this case, the flushing is finished early although the recording medium has not been supplied. That is, a certain length of time passes from the end of the flushing to the start of printing on the recording medium, during which the viscosity of the ink in the nozzles increases.
To solve this problem, there is known an image recording apparatus configured to discharge ink in flushing after recognizing that a recording medium has been supplied successfully. Specifically, a sheet detector is provided near an end of a path through which a recording sheet (the recording medium) is supplied to the ink-jet head by a sheet-supply roller, and this sheet detector detects the recording sheet supplied along the path. After the detection of the recording sheet by the sheet detector and the recognition of the success of the sheet supply, the image recording apparatus controls the ink-jet head to perform the flushing to discharge the ink whose viscosity has been increased in nozzles.


The present invention provides a novel therapeutic drug for cerebral infarction, which contains a piperazine compound as an active ingredient. The compound of the present invention can be provided as a novel therapeutic drug for cerebral infarction having an effect of suppressing brain injury volume or improving neurological deficit, since it suppresses production of plural inflammatory cytokines and chemokines present in the brain such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 and the like.

The pathology of cerebral ischemia is divided into the hyperacute stage (about 3 hours from the onset) and the acute stage (about 2 weeks from the onset). The cerebral ischemic neuronal cell death is known to relate to excitatory amino acid toxicity and free radical. In the excitatory amino acid toxicity, a cellular disorder is developed in the hyperacute stage due to calcium influx associated with release of glutamic acid caused by energy disorders and binding of the acid to its receptor, and inflammation reaction occurs in the acute stage (non-patent document 1). As for free radical, its increase or hypoxic condition induces expression of an inflammatory gene (proinflammatroy gene) via production of a transcription factor such as transcription Nuclear factor κB (hereinafter NF-κB), Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 (hereinafter HIF-1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (hereinafter STAT3) and the like (non-patent document 2). Through these mechanisms, inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (hereinafter TNF-α), Inrerleukin-1β (hereinafter IL-1β), interleukin-6 (hereinafter IL-6) and the like are produced. These cytokines are considered to advance symptoms such as brain edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, and encourage neurological deficit.
At present, as a drug showing neuroprotection against ischemia, only Edaravon that traps free radical (hydroxy radical) can be mentioned, which is used for treating cerebral infarction (atherothrombotic brain infarction, lacunar infarction, cardioembolic stroke). On the other hand, although ion channel (Ca2+, Na+) inhibitors and glutamic acid receptor inhibitors suppress cerebral infarction in animal experiments, they fail to show effect in clinical trials. Therefore, a neuroprotective agent having novel action mechanisms such as suppression of neuroinflammation and the like, which protects cerebral neuronal cells and suppresses enlargement of ischemic region is expected.
As for the suppression of inflammatory cytokine that has been reported to act neurotoxically in cerebral ischemic pathology, for example, when topical cerebral ischemic disorder of rat is aggravated by the administration of TNF-α in animal experiments, the cerebral ischemic disorder can be alleviated by a intraventricular administration of a TNF-α antibody (non-patent document 3). Moreover, it has been reported that DPH-067517, a TNF-α converting enzyme inhibitor, suppresses TNF-α expression on the cerebral infarction side and reduces neurological deficit and cerebral infarct volume in rat cerebral infarction model (non-patent document 4). In addition, a report has documented that injection of recombinant IL-1β into rat cerebral ventricle increases the cerebral infarction (non-patent document 5), and moreover, a cerebral ischemic disorder alleviating action by the administration of an IL-1β receptor antagonist (recombinant IL-1ra) is shown (non-patent document 6). In the clinical trial (Phase II), moreover, a cerebral ischemic disorder alleviating effect by administration of recombinant IL-1ra has been reported (non-patent document 7). However, there has been no report heretofore on a low-molecular-weight compound having a direct action on the IL-1β molecule per se, and the above-mentioned DPH-067517 cannot suppress the IL-1β expression on the cerebral infarction side.
As mentioned above, while many reports relating to individual inflammatory cytokines and cerebral infarction have been made, the effect thereof is not sufficient.
As a compound that inhibits TNF-α, the present inventors have found piperazine compounds having the properties shown in patent documents 1 and 2. Patent document 1 describes that the compound is effective for various diseases associated with various abnormalities in TNF-α production, TNF-α mediated diseases or diseases treatable with interleukin 10 (IL-10) (transplantation, osteoporosis, myocardial infarction, chronic cardiac failure, cardiac failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury and the like), and patent document 2 describes that the compound is effective for nonviral hepatitis. Moreover, non-patent documents 8 and 9 report that the compound is effective for hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis models since the compound suppresses production of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 and promotes production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. However, the effectiveness of the compound for cerebral infarction and its treatment effect on cerebral infarction are not described or suggested.    patent document 1: WO99/19301    patent document 2: WO2005/103013    non-patent document 1: Dirnagl, U. et al., Trends. Neurosci., 22, 391-397 (1999)    non-patent document 2: Dirnagl, U. et al., Trends. Neurosci., 26, 248-254 (2003)    non-patent document 3: Barone, F. C. et al., Stroke, 28, 1223-1244 (1997)    non-patent document 4: Wang, X., et al., Molecular Pharmacology, 65, 890-896 (2004)    non-patent document 5: Yamazaki, Y. et al., Stroke, 26, 676-681 (1995)    non-patent document 6: Betz, A. L. et al., J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab., 15, 547-551 (1995)    non-patent document 7: Emsley, H. C. A. et al., J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych., 76, 1366-1372 (2005)    non-patent document 8: Fukuda, T. et al., J. Pharmacy Pharmacol., 57, 1-6 (2005)    non-patent document 9: Hisadome, M. et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol., 497, 351-359 (2004)

Therapeutic agent for cerebral infarction


An improved heat resisting structure for treating the exhaust gas of a gas engine is disclosed. The heat resisting structure has a honeycomb-form structure formed of corrugated and flat sheets which are alternately overlapped, rolled up, and joined via a brazing filler metal to make a roll-form structure. The brazing filler metal is made of iron(Fe)-base brazing filler metal, and the stainless steel corrugated sheet and flat sheet constituting the base metal are similar in composition. Accordingly, almost no difference exists in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the brazing filler metal and the base metal. As a result, cracks caused by thermal stress between them due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion is avoided even when used repeatedly.

A heat resisting structure wherein stainless steel corrugated sheets having alternating ridges and grooves formed by folding the sheet continuously and flat stainless steel sheets, etc. are joined together with nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal to form honeycomb-form structure is conventionally used. In such a conventional heat resisting structure, stainless steel corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. which are highly resistant to corrosion and heat are used as base metal and nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal which is also highly resistant to corrosion and heat is used to withstand a high environmental temperature. The heat resisting structure is formed into a roll-form by rolling up the corrugated sheet, flat sheet, etc. and joining together with nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal or formed into a laminated block by stacking the materials into many layers and joining together, and thus formed honeycomb-form structure is utilized as a catalyst holding body and for other various uses.
Now, in relation to the corrugated sheet, flat sheet, brazing filler metal, etc. of the heat resisting structure, the prior art will be examined in detail. First, as to the corrugated sheet, flat sheet, etc. constituting the base metal, those of austenitic stainless steel are used. Recently, those of ferritic stainless steel also are in use. As to the brazing filler metal, nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal is used generally by applying it to the entire surface. The brazing filler metal is provided over the entire surface between the corrugated sheet, flat sheet, etc. constituting the base metal by, for example, coating the entire surface, placing foil-like brazing filler metal between the sheets over the entire surface, or using a brazing sheet coated with brazing filler metal over the entire surfaces. Composition of brazing filler metal currently in use is, by weight, 0.1% C maximum, 7.0 to 8.0% silicon Si, 18.0% to 9.0% chromium Cr, 1.0 to 1.5% boron B, and the remainder is nickel Ni.
However, the following problems have been pointed out concerning the above-mentioned conventional heat resisting structure.
First, the heat resisting structure employing austenitic stainless steel corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. is excellent in oxidation resistance as well as high-temperature strength to withstand a high environmental temperature during the use. However, this heat resisting structure, when stress is applied during use at a high environmental temperature, sometimes form stress corrosion cracks in the corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. constituting the base metal, in some cases carbide is precipitated on grain boundaries of the austenitic portion of the base metal, where intergranular corrosion cracking occurs, and thus durability of the structure at a high environmental temperature is affected. In addition, there is a problem in cost due to the expensiveness of the material. To solve the problems in the heat resisting structure of austenitic stainless steel mentioned above, heat resisting structure wherein ferritic stainless steel corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. are used as the base metal has been developed.
Secondly, in the heat resisting structure employing stainless steel, particularly ferritic stainless steel corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc., the state of elements of the alloy, so-called phase, of the corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. which are the base metal is different from that of nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal. Therefore, when nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal diffuses into the base metal owing to brazing for joining, the phase tends to change in the vicinity of the boundary where the base metal is joined, causing phase transition. (For example, transition to gamma phase. Hereinafter, the same applies.) Therefore, use at a high environmental temperature is sometimes affected adversely. More specifically, when such conventional heat resisting structure is used at a high environmental temperature, chromium Cr contained in nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal is segregated in the vicinity of the boundary where the base metal of, for example, ferritic stainless steel is joined by brazing, making the chromium Cr concentration very high at the portion of the metal phase, and the portion of low chromium Cr concentration is prone to oxidation. Further, when the conventional heat resisting structure is used at a high environmental temperature, carbon C contained in the nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal is sometimes precipitated as carbide on the grain boundaries in the vicinity of the boundary where the base metal is joined by brazing. The precipitated material reduces the strength lower than the toughness. Therefore, stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion cracking, intergranular separation, etc tend to occur in the austenitized portion in a similar manner to that mentioned above. (For example, transition to gamma phase. Hereinafter, the same applies.)
Thirdly, because the phase of the stainless steel, for example, ferritic stainless steel corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. is different from the phase of nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal, there is a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the two. Consequently, repeated use of the heat resisting structure sometimes generates stress cracks between them. Particularly, since there is a great difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the austenitized portion and the base metal, cracks tend to occur there as mentioned above.
Fourthly, due to above-mentioned reasons, the problem that a conventional heat resisting structure is poor in oxidation resistance and durability when used at a high environmental temperature has been pointed out. Furthermore, in such a heat resisting structure, brazing filler metal which causes the above-mentioned problem is arranged in large quantities over the entire surface between the corrugated sheets and flat sheets constituting the base metal, therefore oxidation rate is large, oxidation resistance is poor, and durability is also poor.
Fifthly, when such conventional heat resisting structure is used, for example, for a catalytic converter to treat exhaust gas of an automobile engine as a catalyst holding body to which catalyst is made adhered, a problem has been pointed out in treatment efficiency of the catalyst. In detail, since brazing filler metal made of nickel(Ni)-base brazing filler metal is used in quantities over the entire surface as described previously, adhesion of alumina wash-coat to be applied as primer between the corrugated sheets, flat sheets, etc. constituting the base metal and the catalyst to the base metal is poor, and as a result, adhesion of the catalyst to the base metal is sometimes impaired. Even if the catalyst adheres normally, the catalyst dissolves into the brazing filler metal as a solid solution, thereby lowering the catalyst density at the surface of the base metal. As described above, when the conventional heat resisting structure is used as a catalyst holding body, the catalyst is difficult to adhere and tends to dissolve into the brazing filler metal as solid solution, therefore, treatment efficiency of the catalyst becomes low and exhaust gas treatment efficiency becomes poor.
Such problems have been pointed out concerning the conventional heat resisting structure.


A system and method for reinforcing a textile web of a fiber web or a fiber fleece by needling in a plurality of directly successive steps are provided, in which the web is needed from both sides with a high needle density in an alternating manner and in the state of the needles stitched into the web is transported through a movement of the needles which extends in the longitudinal direction of the web, where each needle in a stitching-in movement grasps merely a single fiber, having a gauge of 1 to 2 dtex, from the web. By the aid of the invention very thin fleeces can be produced without damaging same during their processing.

To achieve a sufficient strength in very thin fiber fleeces, as they are for instance used in the field of sanitation, a very tight compound of the fibers forming the fleece is required. So-called "needling" technology is one possible type of manufacturing technology used in producing fleeces from fiber webs and for reinforcing fleeces. Such technology generally requires that the fiber web or the fleece be needled with a very high density of stitches.
Thin fiber webs and fiber fleeces of the above-mentioned kind are very sensitive and fragile before being needled. When subjected to low mechanical load they easily lose their coherence and break. Their processing in needle looms is therefore very delicate, which is why relatively high limits were formerly set to a reduction of the surface weight of the needled products, which did not comply with the desires of the users.
Sensitivity of the processed material also resulted in the fact that the working speeds have been relatively low and the fleece web had to be processed using a very large number of needle stitches per surface unit of the product, which caused a corresponding low productivity.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method by which a gentle processing of fiber webs and fiber fleeces is possible, which improves the production and quality of very thin and light-weight needled products.

Method of reinforcing non-woven fabric web by needling


The oscillating signal generator utilizes a rising edge phase difference and a falling edge phase difference of the input signal and a feedback signal to generate a rising control signal and a falling control signal, and generates an output signal according to the rising control signal and the falling control signal; wherein the feedback signal corresponds to the output signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to an electronic circuit, and more particularly, to a signal generating apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A signal generator is capable of performing many functions. For example, the signal generator can perform a data/clock recovering process, modulating and demodulating frequency and phase, and generating a stable clock that can be synthesized into another frequency.
There are some tradeoffs that should be considered when designing a low jitter fast phase locking synthesizer. Specifically, when lowering the jitter and when increasing the tracking and locking of the phase it is well known that these two aspects of the signal generator are intrinsically in contradiction with each other. Furthermore, holding the operating duty-cycle of the clock signal at 50% is another critical issue in designing the synthesizer. In the prior art, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is operated at doubled oscillating frequency (i.e., double the required frequency of the system), and then the oscillating frequency is divided in half in order to obtain the required oscillating frequency and the required 50% operating duty-cycle. However, when the requirement of oscillating frequency of the system clock is getting higher, the VCO is hard to oscillate at the doubled oscillating frequency.

Method and apparatus for generating output signal


A packer and actuator therefor configured for use in relatively high hydrostatic pressure environments. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes an actuator for setting the packer. The actuator includes multiple pistons circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

The present invention relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a deep set packer with hydrostatic setting actuator.
In relatively deep wells, sufficient hydrostatic pressure exists for use in setting a packer. Typical hydrostatic set packers for use in deep wells have actuators which include annular piston areas formed between concentric tubular members. Unfortunately, the large hydrostatic pressures found in deep wells tend to deform these concentric tubular members, so that the actuators are unable to operate satisfactorily. For example, using conventional hydrostatic set packers it has not yet been possible to satisfactorily set the packers at pressures greater than 19,000 psi.
Therefore, it may be seen that it would be very beneficial to provide improved hydrostatic set packers for use in deep wells.

Deep set packer with hydrostatic setting actuator


An antenna system, including a receiver set, a transmitter set, and an antenna array, where the receiver set includes a plurality of receivers, and the transmitter set includes a plurality of transmitters; the antenna array includes a first antenna unit set and a second antenna unit set; the first antenna unit set includes at least one first target antenna unit, and the second antenna unit set includes at least one second target antenna unit; and any one of the at least one first target antenna unit is connected to any receiver in the receiver set, and any one of the at least one second target antenna unit is connected to any transmitter in the transmitter set.

With development of a wireless communications technology, to increase a system capacity, a multiple-input multiple-output (Multiple Input Multiple Output, MIMO) technology is proposed, and a multi-column antenna is required. The MIMO technology can transmit a plurality of spatial flows through space division multiplexing to increase a capacity of a communications system, and the MIMO technology can improve reliability of the communications system through diversity. With an increase of a quantity of antennas, the MIMO technology increases a significant capacity, but also brings huge challenges to a performance indicator PIM, a consumable, a size, a weight, costs, and a yield rate in antenna design.
In an existing solution, as shown in FIG. 1, to satisfy the requirement for the multi-column antenna, an antenna array 100 includes a plurality of antenna units 101, and the antenna unit 101 is connected to both a receiver 103 and a transmitter 104 by using a duplexer 102.
If the existing solution is used, when a quantity of antennas units increases, a consumable, a size, a weight, costs, and the like of the antenna unit 101 greatly increase, and a yield rate decreases. In addition, isolation between the receiver 103 and the transmitter 104 is not enough, and consequently intermodulation occurs, and a radio frequency indicator decreases or cannot even be used.


An air percussion hammer drill is disclosed for operation in an earthen formation. The air compression hammer mechanism comprises a piston that reciprocates while simultaneously rotating within its housing. A hammer drill bit slidably keyed to the bottom of the piston transfers the impact energy to the formation and rotates during operation independent of an attached drill string.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an air compression hammer drill tool. More particularly, this invention relates to a downhole air compression hammer that impacts while simultaneously rotates the bit, thereby assuring maximum penetration of the bit in an earthen formation independent of the rotation of the drill string.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In percussion drilling the rock cutting mechanism is of an impacting nature rather than shearing. Therefore, the drill bit rotational parameters, e.g. torque and rpm, are not relevant from a rock formation breaking point of view, except for the necessity that the cutting elements of the bit need to be "indexed" to fresh rock formations. In straight hole air drilling, and especially in mining, this need is achieved by rotating the drill string slowly. This is accomplished in conventional hammer bit operations by incorporating longitudinal splines which key the bit body to a cylindrical sleeve at the bottom of the hammer (commonly known as the sub driver). The drill string rotation is then transferred to the hammer bit itself. Experience has proven that the bit optimum rotational speed is approximately 20 rpm for an impact frequency of 1600 bpm (beats per minute). This rotational speed translates to an angular displacement of approximately 4 to 5 degrees per impact of the bit against the rock formation. Another way to express this rotation is the cutters positioned on the outer row of the hammer bit move at the rate of one half the cutter diameter per stroke of the hammer.
An example of a typical hammer bit connected to a rotatable drill string is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,483. The downhole hammer comprises a top sub and a drill bit separated by a tubular housing incorporating a piston chamber therebetween. A feed tube is mounted to the top sub and extends housing and over the feed tube. Fluid porting is provided in the feed tube and the piston to sequentially admit fluid in a first space between the piston and top sub to drive the piston towards the drill bit support and to a second space between the piston and the drill bit support to drive the piston towards the top sub.
Rotary motion is provided to the hammer assembly and drill bit by the attached drill string powered by a rotary table typically mounted on the rig platform.


Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of sulfolene as a reactor device is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the sulfolene production process. A system for the production of sulfolene from butadiene and sulfur dioxide, the system comprising a reactor and an external high shear mixer the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear mixer capable of providing a dispersion of sulfur dioxide gas bubbles within a liquid, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 μm.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to the production of butadiene sulfone from reaction of butadiene and sulfur dioxide, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for producing butadiene sulfone via liquid phase (4+1) cycloaddition between butadiene and sulfur dioxide. More specifically, the disclosure relates to the reduction of mass transfer limitations in apparatus and methods for converting sulfolene to butadiene sulfone.
2. Background of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to the production of butadiene sulfone, also known as sulfolene. Sulfolene is a cyclic monosulfone that is used as a chemical intermediate for many industrially significant products such as pure butadiene. Additionally, sulfolene can be readily hydrogenated to sulfolane, which is a valuable selective solvent for many organic substances, as well as a thermally stable inert reaction medium.
Conventionally, the method for preparing sulfolene includes mixing a significant molar excess of liquid butadiene, with liquid sulfur dioxide under non-aqueous conditions. During this method the reactants are mixed at pressures between 100 and 500 pounds per square inch and at a temperature of about 100° C. In certain cases, a substituted diene may be used. However, the reaction times for this conversion are considered excessively long, and can be as high as two days. Furthermore, sulfur dioxide and butadiene in this conventional processes form insoluble polymeric butadiene sulfones; generally those conditions which increase the reaction rate for the sulfolene reaction also increase the rate for the undesirable polymer reaction. Research and development has primarily focused on the development of systems to prevent the formation of the polysulfones.
For example, a process of applying polymer inhibitors to prevent formation of the polysulfone has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,443,270. Sodium hydroxide washing of the butadiene to eliminate peroxides, which favor the formation of polymer, has been disclosed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,420,834. Other conventional techniques have strived to improve results by controlling the temperature of the reaction, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,402,891 and 2,395,050. Other procedures describe the preparation of sulfolene in alcohols or other organic substances, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,077,479 and German Pat. No. 506,839.
Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for improved processes for the production of butadiene whereby effective conversion is obtained. For example, systems for sulfur dioxide and butadiene conversion to butadiene sulfone are desired; with reduced costs, improved characteristics such as, yield, temperature, pressure, reaction time, and/or reduced capital and/or operating costs.

High shear process for the production of butadiene sulfone


Disclosed is a portable fire extinguishing device, which comprises a casing (1) and a cartridge (2) provided inside the casing (1). The device is characterized in that: the casing (1) comprises a first half casing (4), a second half casing (5) fitted to the first half casing (4), a fastening ring (6) and a bottom cover (7); the first half casing (4) and the second half casing (5) are butted; the fastening ring (6) is provided on the top ends of the first half casing (4) and the second half casing (5) so as to fasten the both; and the bottom cover (7) is provided at the bottoms of the both. The first half casing, the second half casing, the fastening ring and the bottom cover are clamped and fixedly connected with each other to form a whole casing so that the whole wall thickness of the casing is uniform, thus improving injection moulding processes, reducing the difficulty in manufacturing a mould, saving plastic resources, and facilitating installation and disassembly.

At present, existing portable fire extinguishing devices are generally divided into pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing devices and handheld aerosol fire extinguishing devices, wherein a pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device mainly has the following disadvantages: firstly, the pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device causes serious pollution to the environment and serious damage to materials; secondly, the pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device, which needs to store high pressure gas, is large in volume and heavy in weight; thirdly, the pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device, which is a high pressure container, has potential safety hazards and is more dangerous in a high temperature environment of a fire; fourthly, the pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device, which needs to go through regular surveillance tests and inspections, is high in routine maintenance costs etc.
By contrast, a handheld aerosol fire extinguishing device has obvious advantages and overcomes the disadvantages existing in the pressure-storage dry powder fire extinguishing device. The handheld aerosol fire extinguishing device mainly comprises: a cartridge, a cartridge cover arranged on the cartridge, and a pyrotechnic composition, an ignition head, a coolant and a ceramic chip etc. arranged in the cartridge in turn and coated by a heat insulation material. Normally, after a pyrotechnic column is ignited by the ignition head, a great deal of aerosol smog will be generated by the cartridge through rapid stratified combustion, and after being cooled by a coolant layer, these high temperature aerosols will be ejected from the a spout of the cartridge cover of the cartridge to act on a fire source directly, thus extinguishing the fire.
However, the handheld aerosol fire extinguishing device also has some disadvantages. A coating defect, a pyrotechnic composition crack or a serious blockage of a gas channel may lead to a sudden rise of the pressure in the cartridge to deflagrate the pyrotechnic column. As a result, a high pressure gas will thrust the cartridge cover forwards and will be vented rapidly to cast the cartridge cover and other substances in the cartridge forwards at an extremely high speed, thus causing a very large recoil force. The powerful recoil force drives the cartridge to move backwards rapidly, which is easy to cause an injury to an operator. At the same time, after explosion venting, the cartridge cover of the fire extinguishing device etc. will also break away from the cartridge rapidly and fly outwards for a relatively long distance, which may also cause other accidents. In addition, the fire extinguishing device has a cylindrical casing, and a mould thereof is difficult to manufacture. Moreover, in order to enhance the structural strength of the casing, the wall thickness of the casing is not uniform at the top and the bottom, thus injection moulding processes are complicated. Further, when assembled, the cartridge needs to extend from one end of the cylindrical casing into the bottom of the casing and is fixed subsequently, which leads to complicated assembly processes on one hand, and the fixing effect of the cartridge is difficult to control on the other hand.

XI'AN J&R FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.


An ultrasound imaging system comprising an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound imaging device incompatible with the transducer and a transducer adapter including an adapter-transducer connector to connect to a transducer connector of the ultrasound transducer, a system connector to connect to an ultrasound connector of the ultrasound imaging device, and an interface to provide compatible electrical information signals to/from the ultrasound transducer from/to the ultrasound imaging device via the connectors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasound-imaging-device transducer adapter. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method to operate ultrasound transducers designed for one ultrasound imaging device with another different ultrasound imaging device.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are currently several manufacturers of medical ultrasound imaging systems. Because there has not been a need or effort at standardization, each distinct manufacturer has a unique configuration for the connector that facilitates the connection of an ultrasound transducer (probe) to the ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer converts electrical signals into sounds, which are propagated, for example, into a human body and reflected from internal body structures. The reflected sounds are converted back to electrical signals by the transducer and processed by an ultrasound imaging device to image the internal body structures.
A typical ultrasound transducer, such as a phased-array or other array transducer, has many transducer elements (e.g., 64 up to 288 elements) that perform electrical to acoustic and acoustic to electrical conversion. Wires (cable, electrical conductors) connect the transducer elements to a transducer connector. Typically, the wires terminate at pins in the transducer connector. The transducer elements via the transducer connecter transmit and receive electrical signals used for imaging by the ultrasound imaging device.
A typical ultrasound imaging device has an operator control and input interface (e.g., a keyboard), a display device to display information and images, a storage unit to store the information and the images, a communication interface to communicate to external devices and processors executing software that control the ultrasound imaging system components. The communication interface includes at least one system connector that matches and fits transducer connecters to connect transducers to the ultrasound imaging device.
Transducers are optimized for specific applications, thereby having various types/kinds of transducers. For example, one kind of transducer can be optimized for babies or pediatric cases, another one can be optimized for adults, and still another one can be optimized for cardiac or abdominal imaging. The transducers can physically differ, for example, by having different transducer elements and/or different transducer connectors. Typically, a manufacturer has a method of identifying a transducer so that the ultrasound imaging device determines the type of transducer connected to the device and configures appropriate parameters of the device to properly operate the connected transducer (e.g., execute software to operate the identified transducer). The transducer can include a memory unit in a transducer handle to store identification information. The memory unit can be, for example, random access memory (RAM) and/or erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM). The identification information identifies the type of transducer connected to the ultrasound imaging device. The identification information accommodates connecting different type transducers of a manufacturer with the same manufacturer""s ultrasound imaging device, allowing for interchangeability of the manufacturer""s probes. Therefore, a typical ultrasound imaging device by one manufacturer has more than one system connectors, for example, 3 or 4, to connect and operate more than one optimized transducers of the one manufacturer and the ultrasound imaging device reads transducer identification information from the transducer to configure the device.
However, a transducer from one manufacturer cannot operate with an ultrasound device from other manufacturers, unless the manufacturers cooperate by disclosing/sharing interface (transducer to ultrasound imaging device connection) information. Therefore, there has not been much effort to connect and operate incompatible transducers to/with an ultrasound imaging device. Further, typical transducer adapters have been limited to only providing a physical pass through of electrical signals to accommodate physically incompatible connectors. Because of mergers and acquisitions in the ultrasound industry between manufacturers of ultrasound imaging devices and/or manufacturers of transducers, companies that once competed with each other are now working together in the marketplace. In particular, some companies may have achieved technical superiority/excellence in design of ultrasound imaging devices, while others may have achieved technical superiority in transducer design. Therefore, there is a need to connect and use ultrasound transducers designed for one ultrasound imaging device with another different ultrasound imaging device.
The present invention can practically and efficiently connect and operate transducers to/with an incompatible ultrasound imaging device. For example, the apparatus of the present invention can connect a transducer from one manufacturer to an ultrasound imaging device of another manufacturer.
The present invention can be attained by an ultrasound transducer adapter that comprises an adapter-transducer connector to connect to a transducer connector of an ultrasound transducer storing identification information, a system connector to connect to an ultrasound imaging device incompatible with the ultrasound transducer, and an interface to read via the adapter-transducer connector the identification information from the ultrasound transducer, to convert the identification information to a compatible configuration information of the ultrasound imaging device and to transmit the compatible configuration information to the ultrasound imaging device via the system connector. The ultrasound imaging device is programmed to operate at least one transducer, each transducer having a registered identification code and the transmitted compatible configuration information is one of the registered identification codes. The ultrasound imaging device uses setting information to operate at least one ultrasound transducer and the transmitted compatible configuration information is the setting information.
Further, the present invention can be attained by an ultrasound transducer adapter that comprises an adapter-transducer connector to connect to a transducer connector of an ultrasound transducer, a system connector to connect to an ultrasound imaging device incompatible with the ultrasound transducer, and an interface to provide compatible electrical information signals to/from the ultrasound transducer from/to the ultrasound imaging device via the connectors of the adapter.
Further, the present invention can be attained by an ultrasound transducer adapter that comprises an adapter-transducer connector to connect to a transducer connector of an ultrasound transducer with transducer elements, a system connector to connect to an ultrasound imaging device with transmitters and receivers, which are incompatible with the transducer elements, to transmit and receive electrical signals to/from the ultrasound transducer, and an interface to provide compatible information signals between the ultrasound transducer and the ultrasound imaging device by mapping the transducer elements from the ultrasound transducer to pins of the system connector according to connection configuration of the ultrasound imaging device and by converting electrical signals of the transducer elements to electrical signals compatible with the transmitters and receivers and/or converting electrical signals from the transmitters and receivers to electrical signals compatible with the transducer elements. The interface converts the electrical signals by matching electrical specifications of the transducer elements to electrical specifications of the transmitters and receivers and vice versa. In particular, the interface converts the electrical signals by transforming/matching impedance of the electrical signals from the transducer elements to impedance of the electrical signals of the transmitters and receivers and/or by transforming/matching the impedance of the electrical signals from the transmitters and receivers to the impedance of the transducer elements.
Further, the present invention can be attained by an ultrasound imaging system and method with an ultrasound transducer adapter of the present invention.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.


Methods and systems provide a tool for searching and analyzing XPS files. In accordance with the described embodiments, a user can search and analyze XPS files without having a full understanding of an associated software development kit (SDK). Further, in at least some embodiments, the tool can load an XPS file, analyze XPS/OPC/ZIP metadata information, and store the metadata information into a set of predefined rules.

XML Paper Specification (XPS) defines a data format that is built on top of Open Packaging Convention (OPC) files, which in turn is built on top of a ZIP architecture. Each of the layers—the XPS layer, the OPC layer, and the ZIP layer, can have its own characteristics and tools.
A user may desire to search for a specific type of XPS or OPC file. Typically, there are two options for the user—extract and inspect the file manually or create their own tool to do so. Manual analysis involves opening an XPS file as a ZIP file and manually inspecting the contents. Generally, manual processes can generate a high error rate. Additionally, the analysis keeps repeating over and over again for every single file. However, a user who has thorough understanding of XPS or ZIP can perform the manual analysis himself.
Alternatively, a user can create an analysis tool using an XPS or OPC Software Development Kit (SDK) to do the searching or analysis. However, that complicates the process because the tool can be expensive to create in terms of man hours used to develop the tool. Further, the user typically has to have a full understanding of the XPS or OPC SDK in order to develop and use the tool. Additionally, the user may have to create a different tool for each of the user's own purposes. For example, assume that a user wants to find a discard control. In this case, the user might create a tool in order to find the discard control. Assume further that the very next day the user desires to find a particular font. The user will then have to create an entirely new tool to find such font. This can be very expensive and time consuming.


A friction switch coupling for torque transmission from a rotor which can be driven about an axis to an element to be driven, including a friction disk clutch with an electromagnet arrangement which includes a coil body and a ferromagnetically conductive coil carrier supporting and at least partly surrounding the coil body, which the carrier has a web segment lying radially outermost in relation to the coil body and oriented parallel to the axis, and an inner web segment, and between the inner and outer web segments of the coil carrier are provided permanent magnet means via which an axially movable friction segment of the friction switch coupling can be connected magnetically with the rotor, so that when the electromagnet arrangement is in electrically connected state, by weakening of the magnetic attraction effect of the permanent magnet means, the contact of the friction segment on the rotor can be eliminated.

To transmit torque between a rotor and an element to be driven by the rotor, switchable friction couplings are known with which parts to be coupled together, such as disk-like clutch components, can be optionally separated or connected together by friction or force fit.
Such friction switch couplings e.g. with a friction disk clutch can be formed as magnetic couplings which comprise an electromagnet arrangement with a coil body which can be electrically powered, e.g. a wire winding and coil carrier of magnetically conductive material.
These also include arrangements which in addition comprise permanent magnets, by the magnetic effect of which, when the electric magnets are not powered or not magnetically active, a movable coupling or armature element is attracted against the effect, e.g. a spring force, onto a counter segment and these are connected by force fit for torque transmission. When the electromagnet is powered, with the magnetic field then generated by the coil, the effect of the permanent magnets can be weakened or eliminated so that under the effect of the spring force, the friction coupling moves out of engagement, wherein the movable armature element leaves the force-fit position.
Such so-called fail-safe couplings are consequently held in a switched state due to the magnetic effect of permanent magnet means even when the electromagnet arrangement is not powered. The permanent magnet means are usually arranged in the manner of disks, for example, between two shells of the coil body. The magnetization direction of the permanent magnet means is axial in relation to the axis S about which the rotor rotates.
Because of their external dimensions, in particular in the direction radial to the rotor axis, the known friction switch couplings discussed have previously been unable to be used for all desired application possibilities, or can only be used when sufficient radial construction space is available.


A gas laser has a capillary which is supported inside a jacket tube by a resilient arrangement, which includes a spring washer having radially extending fingers extending from an annular portion having an axial aperture which is received on a cylindrical portion of a flange ring of the arrangement. The flange ring is soldered to the capillary tube with a glass solder in a manner which prevents the spring washer from coming in contact with the glass solder to change the properties of the spring washer.

The present invention is directed to a gas laser having a jacket tube with a capillary extending coaxially within the jacket tube and being supported within the jacket tube in a radial direction by at least one resilient means, including a spring washer having an axial proximate annular region and resilient fingers extending therefrom in a radial direction, said resilient fingers pressing against the jacket tube and the axially proximate annular region having an axially symmetrical aperture through which the capillary extends, and glass solder being used to secure the resilient means in position on the capillary.
A gas laser having a jacket with a capillary secured at one end in the jacket and extending coaxially therein supported by a spring washer which has an axial aperture receiving the capillary and radially extending fingers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,959, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference thereto and which claims priority from the European Patent Application which was published on Sep. 5, 1990 as European Published Application 0 384 933. The joining of the spring washer to the capillary via a glass solder enables a far-reaching, stress-free support of the capillary. However, in practice, spring properties of the spring washer can be negatively influenced by the presence of the glass solder.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,330, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference thereto, discloses a support of a capillary with a spring washer that has elastic fingers in the region of the capillary and also in the region of the jacket tube. As a result of the unavoidable manufacturing tolerances, this embodiment does not enable a stress-free bearing of the capillary.


A device for distributing light may comprise a plurality of liquid optical lenses comprising at least one liquid. Each liquid optical lens may have a configuration that is based on a pressure associated with the at least one liquid and the pressure may be selectively modulatable so as to selectively alter the configuration of each lens and alter a distribution pattern of transmitted light relative to incident light. A method for distributing light may comprise transmitting incident light through a plurality of liquid optical lenses comprising at least one liquid. The method may further comprise selectively modulating a pressure associated with the at least one liquid in the plurality of liquid optical lenses so as to alter a configuration of each lens and a distribution pattern of the transmitted light.

Liquid crystal display (LCD) panels are typically illuminated via backlight systems. Such backlight systems may comprise a light source and a diffuser for distributing light from the light source at a substantially constant luminance (e.g., brightness) over a range of viewing angles. Typically, backlight systems used to illuminate LCD panels distribute light in a fixed output pattern to the LCD panel. The output light pattern may differ for differing backlight system configurations. For example, the light distribution pattern may be optimized for on-axis viewing (e.g., viewing from a substantially normal direction to the LCD panel) by using a narrower angular distribution. Alternatively, for off-axis viewing (e.g., viewing from a direction at an angle, either vertical or horizontal, to the normal axis of the LCD panel) a wider angular distribution may be used.
Conventional backlight systems do not, however, permit selective variation (e.g., selective modulation) of the output light distribution pattern. In other words, conventional backlight systems are not tunable in the sense that the output light pattern may be altered as desired (e.g., selectively altered by a user). As such, when one type of viewing is desired, the LCD panel may be provided with a first filtering mechanism, such as an overlay screen. However, when a different light distribution pattern is desired, then a completely different filtering mechanism configuration is required.
In many applications, including, for example, aeronautical and combat settings, it may be desirable to control the illumination of a display element, such as, an LCD panel, and allow viewing of the display element over a range of viewing angles (both narrow and wide). By way of example, in some circumstances it may be desirable that an image from a LCD panel be viewed only by a single viewer or viewers (e.g., a pilot, military personnel, etc) sitting at a particular angle relative to the LCD panel, for example, substantially in alignment with the normal axis to the LCD panel. In other circumstances, it may be desirable that an image from a LCD panel be viewed by viewers that are positioned across a wide angle of view relative to the normal axis of the LCD panel. For the former situation, it may therefore be desirable to provide an output light pattern that is substantially focused in a relatively narrow angular range for on-axis viewing, while for the latter situation, it may be desirable to provide a wider angle distribution of the output light pattern.
In order to permit the light from an LCD panel or other light source to be substantially focused to a relatively narrow range of angles or to be distributed over a wider range of viewing angles, it may be desirable to permit an output light distribution pattern to be selectively modulated. For example, it may be desirable to permit a user of an LCD panel to selectively vary the distribution pattern of light transmitted from the LCD panel to vary from a relatively narrow angular range of distribution to a relatively wider angular range of distribution. For example, it may be desirable to permit the output light pattern of a backlight system to vary from a strong on-axis illumination distribution pattern to a substantially isotropic distribution pattern. It may also be desirable to permit variation of the output light pattern without having to remove and/or replace filtering mechanisms associated with an LCD panel or other display element or light source.
Further, it may be desirable to provide a light distribution device configured for selective variation of an output light distribution pattern for use with other applications in which it may be desirable to vary the light distribution pattern, including an angular light distribution pattern. It also may be desirable to provide a light distribution device configured for automated selective variation of an output light distribution pattern.

Devices and related methods for light distribution


To improve the reliability and lower the cost of electronic control circuits for direct current (DC) motors, the need for external mechanical sensors is eliminated through the use of low cost, highly reliable voltage comparator circuits. A motor driver integrated circuit provides for electronic storage of data, automatic execution of computer programs, and input/output transfer of various electronic signals used in the control of the DC motor. The voltage comparator circuits sense the operating state of the DC motor by comparing the motor current sense voltage, which is proportional to the torque of the motor, to threshold fixed reference voltages to determine whether the DC motor is running normally or is stalled. The motor driver IC stops or reverses the DC motor when it is stalled, thereby preventing damage and providing for fully automatic operation without external sensors.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electronic monitoring and control circuits. More particularly, this invention relates to electronic drive circuits used to monitor and control direct current (DC) motors.
2. Description of Related Art:
DC motors are used in many applications to move machines or position parts of machines with respect to each other. Many of the existing applications use electronic drive circuits to control the DC motor. A problem in any such circuit is determining when the machine or part being moved has reached the end of its travel, so that the electric current driving the DC motor can be eliminated or reversed to stop the motor or reverse its direction, thereby preventing damage to the DC motor or machine.
All such control circuits in the past have relied on mechanical sensors external to the control circuit to sense when the moving machine or part has reached the end of its travel, and to cut off or reverse the electrical current to the DC motor. For example, a switch would be mounted at the end of a rail along which the machine or part is moved. When the machine or part contacts the switch, the switch either creates an open circuit which eliminates the current and stops the motor, or the switch reverses the polarity of the current and reverses the motor direction. Optical sensors, wherein the moving part breaks a beam of light, have also been used to perform the function of the switch.
The use of external mechanical sensors, however, adds greater complexity and cost to DC-motor control systems. This complexity results in higher cost of production, reduced reliability, and therefore, higher maintenance costs over the life of the systems.


Drive apparatus (2) for a cycle (4), comprising an electric motor (6), a first pulley (8) driven by electric motor (6), a second pulley (10), an endless belt (12) which passes around two pulleys (8, 10) and is driven by first pulley (8), and a swinging link mounting (14). During use, endless belt (12) is in driving engagement with a tire (16) of a wheel (18). Mounting (14) enables the distance between centers of first and second pulleys (8, 10) and tire (16) to vary during use of drive apparatus (2), which enables drive apparatus (2) to exert on tire (16) a varying contact pressure which increases as transmitted torque increases. Mounting (14) comprises an attachment for attaching drive apparatus (2) to cycle (4), and a pivot (24). Drive apparatus (2) is characterised by electric motor (6), pulleys (8, 10) and endless belt (12) forming a transmission which is counter-balanced about pivot (24) such that in an equilibrium position, endless belt (12) is not in contact with tire (16) when drive apparatus (2) is not in use.

This invention relates to a drive apparatus for a cycle. This invention also relates to a cycle when provided with the drive apparatus.
In GB-A-2326856 we have described and claimed drive apparatus for a cycle. The drive apparatus described in GB-A-2326856 comprises an electric motor, a first pulley which is driven by the electric motor, a second pulley, an endless belt which passes around the two pulleys and which is driven by the first pulley, and mounting means for mounting the drive apparatus to the cycle. The drive apparatus is such that during use the endless belt is in driving engagement with a tire of a wheel of the cycle. The mounting means is a swinging link mounting means.
It is an aim of the present invention to improve upon the drive apparatus described in GB-A-2326856.
Accordingly, the present invention provides drive apparatus for a cycle, which drive apparatus comprises an electric motor, a first pulley which is driven by the electric motor, a second pulley, an endless belt which passes around the two pulleys and which is driven by the first pulley, and mounting means for mounting the drive apparatus to the cycle, the drive apparatus being such that during use the endless belt is in driving engagement with a tire of a wheel of the cycle, the mounting means being such that it is a swinging link mounting means which enables the distance between centers of the first and the second pulleys and the tire to vary during use of the drive apparatus and thereby to enable the drive apparatus to exert on the tire a varying contact pressure which increases as transmitted torque increases, the swinging link mounting means comprising attachment means for attaching the drive apparatus to the cycle and pivot means about which the electric motor, the first pulley, the second pulley and the endless belt pivot, and the drive apparatus being characterised in that the electric motor, the first pulley, the second pulley and the endless belt form transmission means which is counter-balanced about the pivot means such that in an equilibrium position the endless belt is not in contact with the tire when the drive apparatus is not in use.
The drive apparatus may be one in which the transmission means is counter-balanced such that in the equilibrium position the endless belt is not more than 10 mm from the tire. Any suitable and appropriate distance may be employed.
The transmission means may be counter-balanced about the pivot means by having equal masses acting on either side of the pivot means. This ensures that jolt-induced accelerations due to road conditions act to create equal forces on either side of the pivot means. There is therefore no moment created due to bumps and the transmission means is able to remain undisturbed with the endless belt remaining slightly away from the tire if there is no power being transmitted, or remaining in contact with the tire if power is being transmitted.
As used, the drive apparatus will include a battery for the electric motor. The weight of the battery is advantageously used as a counter-balance for the weight of the transmission means. Thus the battery may be regarded as a counter-balance for the transmission part of the drive apparatus formed by the electric motor, the first pulley, the second pulley and the endless belt.
Advantageously, the battery acts on an arm which forms a short moment arm. This allows the drive apparatus to be designed such as to be extremely compact. A compact design for the drive apparatus is especially desirable for aesthetic reasons, for mounting reasons, and for space-saving reasons.
The mounting means may comprise a first attachment arrangement for attaching to handlebars or a handlebar stem tube of the cycle, and a second attachment arrangement for attaching to another part of the cycle below the handlebars.
The first attachment arrangement may be at least one clamp.
The second attachment arrangement may be for attaching to a head tube of the cycle. Alternatively, the second attachment arrangement may be for attaching to front forks of the cycle, or a brake assembly of the cycle. Irrespective of where the second attachment arrangement is attached, it may be at least one clamp.
The drive apparatus is preferably situated above a front tire of the cycle such that a line passing through a center of rotation of the second pulley and the pivot means passes between the first mounting point and a seat of the cycle. The line is a line of force and the effect of this line of force is to create a moment that pushes the drive apparatus down against the tire. This moment is resisted by the second attachment arrangement.
Advantageously, the drive apparatus includes a belt reduction gearbox from the electric motor. The belt reduction gearbox operates quietly. If desired, a spur gear reduction gearbox may be employed but this will generally be noisier than the belt reduction gearbox.
The drive apparatus may include a housing for the electric motor, the first pulley and the-second pulley. In this case, the drive apparatus may include an electric power on/off switch positioned within the housing.
The drive apparatus may include link means between the on/off switch and handlebars of the cycle, the link means comprising a length of metal which has a first end for activating the on/off switch and which has a second end positioned below and adjacent handlebars of the cycle for being gripped and pulled by a cyclist. Pulling the second end up will cause the on/off switch to go to its on condition and thus the electric motor will start. Letting the second end go will cause the on/off switch to go to its off condition and thus the electric motor will stop.
The drive apparatus may include dampening means for dampening oscillations of the transmission means relative to the housing.
The dampening means may include an elastic band. Any suitable and appropriate type of dampening means may be employed.
The drive apparatus may include a recess for receiving a mains charger for charging the battery. The drive apparatus may be manufactured and sold with the mains charger.
The drive apparatus may be one in which the second pulley is nearer to the swinging link mounting means than the first pulley.
The housing may have an aperture for receiving a security device for stopping theft of the drive apparatus from the cycle.
The electric motor may be provided with an electric current and temperature limiting device for avoiding overloading of the electric motor such as would generate sufficient heat to damage the electric motor.


A process device providing total fluid flow control is provided. The device includes a closure mechanism disposed in a flow conduit. The closure mechanism, which is preferably an iris-type diaphragm, provides a variable internal diameter. The device includes a differential pressure sensor for sensing the differential pressure on opposite sides of the diaphragm. A controller receives an indication of differential pressure and generates a control signal to an actuator that actuates the closure mechanism. The closure mechanism, differential pressure sensor and controller create a closed-loop flow controller in a single process device.

The present invention is related to industrial process control and measurement devices. More particularly, the present invention is related to an integrated device that controls fluid flow therethrough.
Field devices, such as process variable transmitters, are used by a number of industries to remotely sense or control a process variable. Such variables are generally associated with fluids such as slurries, liquids, vapors, gasses, chemicals, pulp, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, food, and other fluid processing plants. Process variables may include pressure, temperature, flow, turbidity, density, concentration, chemical compensation, and other properties. Other examples of field devices include valves, actuators, heaters, and controllers.
In the past, an industrial process fluid flow control system generally required multiple components. For example, a first field device, such as a process variable fluid flow transmitter would have a fluid obstruction device, such as an orifice plate, disposed in the fluid flow. The flow transmitter would then measure differential pressure across the fluid flow device and calculate the mass flow of the fluid passing therethrough. The flow transmitter would then convey the fluid flow information to a process controller, which may be a computer located in a control room, or even another field device mounted in the field. The controller would then apply a control algorithm to both the flow measurement information received from the process fluid flow transmitter and a known flow set point provided to, or otherwise known by, the controller. The controller then generates a fluid flow output that is conveyed to yet another field device, generally a valve, to modify the fluid flow through the system based upon the applied control algorithm. Such a closed-loop fluid flow control system is known in the art.
Recently, iris-diaphragm control valves have been used in conjunction with flow measurement to provide systems that can regulate fluid flow. Iris-diaphragm control valves are similar in concept to the optical shutter of a camera. The iris is generally comprised of three or more fingers that extend into the flow area and obstruct fluid flow through the flow area. One such iris-diaphragm control valve is sold by the Emile Eggar and Ciesa Pump and Machine Manufacturers in Switzerland. While work has been done to provide closed-loop fluid flow control systems using iris-diaphragm control valves, there is significant need for improvements. For example, each different device in the flow control system introduces additional costs as well as additional process fluid seals that may fail. Further, each process device used in a flow control system will also require additional technician time for installation and/or maintenance.

Process fluid flow device with variable orifice