A variable evaporator control system and method in a gas dryer for maximizing the cooling which can be accomplished for a given length heat exchanger by adjusting the evaporator refrigerant approach temperature responsive to changes in the gas load on the system. Pressure and/or temperature sensors positioned at particular locations in the system provide feedback for controlling adjustments in the approach temperature depending on the gas load.

The invention relates generally to gas dryers, and more particularly to a variable evaporator control ("VEC") system and method for a refrigerated compressed gas dryer which provides for varying the refrigerant temperature responsive to changes in the compressed gas load on the refrigerant compressor.
Refrigerated compressed gas dryers are used to remove moisture and water vapor from compressed gas streams which are introduced through the gas compressor intake when the compressed gas is taken from the ambient with its accompanying relative humidity. Once the gas is compressed, its vapor holding capacity is reduced and the vapor condenses into a liquid as the gas is cooled. Prior art type refrigerated compressed gas dryers basically consist of a pre-cooler/re-heater heat exchanger, an evaporator heat exchanger, a liquid separator and a liquid drain valve. The warm compressed gas is passed through the pre-cooler/re-heater where it is cooled by the outgoing cooled gas stream. As the warm compressed gas stream is cooled moisture vapor begins to condense into a liquid. The compressed gas stream is then passed into the evaporator heat exchanger where it is further cooled to a lower temperature as the refrigerant evaporates at some temperature below the desired temperature of the compressed gas stream exiting the evaporator. More water vapor is condensed into a liquid state in the evaporator and the cooled gas stream is passed to the liquid separator where the condensed liquid is separated and removed from the system by the drain valve. The cooled and dried compressed gas stream is then returned through the pre-cooler/re-heater to pre-cool the warm incoming compressed gas stream prior to being returned to the compressed gas system piping. Compressed gas flow rates will vary as a function of time in nearly every compressed gas dryer application. The equipment can be expected to experience flows ranging from the maximum design flow rate down to a no-load, or zero, flow rate condition.
The refrigeration system of a typical refrigerated compressed gas dryer as described above basically consists of a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant condenser, an expansion/restrictive device, and the evaporator described above. The temperature of the cooled compressed gas, as it exits the evaporator, defines the thermal performance of compressed gas dryers. This is typically expressed at the design flow rate. Increased cooling of the warm compressed gas results in lower exiting evaporator compressed gas temperatures and higher levels of moisture removal. However, there is a practical limit to the amount of cooling that can be done in the evaporator of a refrigerated gas dryer. Cooling the warm compressed gas stream down to a temperature below the freezing point of water creates a situation where the condensate can freeze and block the free path of the compressed gas stream, thus, increasing the pressure drop across the dryer. In extreme circumstances, the flow can be blocked completely, starving the downstream process of compressed gas. This failure situation will most likely occur during compressed gas flow rates that are much less than the maximum design flow rate. When using evaporators constructed from smooth tubing, the freeze-up failure potential necessitates that the refrigerant temperature in the evaporator be above the freezing point of water, and held fixed and steady, as the load varies from no load to full load. All manufacturers of refrigerated compressed gas drying equipment must address how to control the evaporator refrigerant temperature in order to prevent condensate freeze-up under low or no load operating conditions, while providing the thermal performance advertised at a full load situation.
Presently, the most common method of controlling the evaporator refrigerant temperature in the compressed gas dryer is through the use of a hot gas by-pass valve, which is a pressure-regulating valve that is set to maintain a constant refrigerant pressure in the evaporator and refrigerant compressor suction line. The by-pass valve operates by metering high-pressure refrigerant discharge gas into the refrigerant compressor suction line whenever the suction pressure drops below the set point of the pressure regulating by-pass valve. By understanding the saturation temperature/pressure correlation of the refrigerant gas, the evaporator refrigerant temperature can be indirectly regulated by maintaining a constant refrigerant suction pressure. This temperature/pressure correlation refers to the unique physical saturation properties of each refrigerant; that is, as a refrigerant changes phase from a liquid to a vapor (i.e., boils or evaporates), it will do so at a constant temperature and pressure. If the pressure is controlled and maintained while this phase change occurs, the temperature is also maintained. Therefore, the more precisely the pressure is maintained, the more accurately the evaporator temperature: is held constant. A typical pressure setting for the by-pass valve would be a refrigerant saturation pressure that corresponds to a saturation temperature of approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing the equivalent temperature setting slightly above the freezing point of water allows for a small factor of safety in the event of any valve setting drift.
Another commonly used method to maintain a constant refrigerant suction pressure is to install an automatic pressure valve ("APV") in place of the expansion/restrictive device and the hot gas by-pass valve. The APV maintains proper refrigerant suction pressure by metering high-pressure liquid refrigerant into the inlet of the evaporator. The APV is typically inexpensive and inaccurate. Under no-load conditions, the liquid refrigerant may not be effectively converted into a gas in the evaporator, which can result in a liquid flood-back condition at the refrigerant compressor suction, with potential compressor damage. Also, as the load is applied to the dryer, the refrigerant suction pressure often increases, resulting in poor thermal performance. Some of the newer technologies used to maintain a constant refrigerant suction pressure include the use of variable speed refrigerant compressors which operate by altering the rotational speed, and therefore, the pumping capacity of the compressor. The refrigerant suction pressure can be increased or decreased by decreasing or increasing, respectively, the rotational speed of the compressor. Regardless of the manner of controlling the suction pressure, typical prior art control schemes function to maintain a constant suction pressure, and thus a constant evaporator refrigerant temperature, regardless of the load on the compressor. Consequently, prior art methods can suffer problems such as lower efficiency or freeze up conditions during compressor no-load conditions.
Many conventional compressed gas dryers utilize smooth tubes in the evaporator, which offer the advantage of a non-fouling surface that performs consistently throughout the life of the dryer. Other advantages are reduced pressure drop and relatively inexpensive manufacturing costs. A disadvantage of smooth tube technology is that a relatively large amount of heat exchange surface is necessary in order to achieve the desired thermal performance at the design full load condition. This can be particularly challenging when considering the no-load and partial load freeze up concerns discussed previously, as well as the need to operate the evaporator at 35 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a 4 degree Fahrenheit approach temperature. The efficient packaging of these dryers can be inherently more difficult. Extended surface heat exchanger tubes are often used in order to make the evaporator more compact. The externally finned surface of such designs offer a temperature gradient between the refrigerant and the compressed gas stream. This gradient can permit the refrigerant temperature to be less than the freezing point of water, without the danger of freeze-up. A reduced refrigerant temperature results in a larger temperature approach, and less required surface area. While the length required for this design is reduced as compared to the smooth tube designs, the cost of the tube, and the design, can generally be greater. The designer may also have to address the concerns of excessive pressure drop.
Small, compact heat exchangers, such as brazed plate, or bar and frame type heat exchangers, offer an extremely attractive packaging solution for a compressed gas dryer, but, again, can be much more costly than the smooth tube designs. As these designs do not incorporate extended surfaces and the above discussed temperature gradients, the refrigerant temperatures must remain above the freezing point of water in order to perform reliably under all operating conditions. A precise and constant evaporator refrigerant temperature control is imperative to these designs.
Due to the factors explained above, there has generally been no single optimum heat exchanger design for a compressed gas dryer. A problem has been that prior art designs are configured to maintain a constant suction pressure, and thus evaporator refrigerant temperature, regardless of the compressed gas load on the refrigerant compressor. Consequently, there has been a compromise between the desired features of thermal performance, pressure drop performance, reliable operation, size, cost and packaging. The shortcomings of prior art refrigerated compressed gas systems described above illustrates the need for a control system for a refrigerated compressed gas dryer which can vary the evaporator refrigerant temperature in response to changes in the load on the refrigerant compressor. Consequently, the cooling capability, per-unit length, of any given length heat exchanger can be maximized.

Variable evaporator control for a gas dryer


The present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers used in multiple layer glass panels having one or more glass layers, and specifically the present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers comprising a layer of poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene terephthalate) copolyester (PETG).

Polymer sheets that can be used as interlayers in light-transmitting, multiple layer laminates, such as safety glass or polymeric laminates, typically comprise poly(vinyl butyral). Safety glass generally refers to a transparent laminate comprising a poly(vinyl butyral) sheet disposed between two panes of glass. Safety glass often is used to provide a transparent or decorative barrier in architectural and automotive openings. Its main function is to absorb energy, such as that caused by a blow from an object, without allowing penetration through the opening.
Although poly(vinyl butyral) is well suited in general for use as a polymer sheet in safety glass interlayers, alternative materials are often useful as well. For example, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and polyurethane have both been used as interlayers in glazing laminates. Interlayer materials are chosen for, among other reasons, improved handling, reduced cost of production, and improved performance. Alternatives to poly(vinyl butyral) interlayers could be useful, for example, if those alternatives showed improved performance below 0° C. and/or above 35° C., where standard poly(vinyl butyral) has relatively poor impact performance. Furthermore, alternatives which could provide much higher penetration resistance and stiffness to the laminated glass will be desired as well in applications requiring high security, bullet-proofing, hurricane-proofing, glazing, and so on.
Accordingly, further improved materials for use as an interlayer or part of an interlayer in multiple layer glass panels are needed in the art.

Methods of making polymer interlayers comprising poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate-co-ethylene terephthalate) copolyester


A zoom lens system includes in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a negative refracting power, a second lens unit having a positive refracting power, a third lens unit having a negative refracting power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refracting power. At the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, distances between the lens units change by at least the first lens unit, the second lens unit, and the third lens unit being moved. The second lens unit includes in order from the object side, a first sub-unit having a positive refracting power, a second sub-unit having a negative refracting power, and a third sub-unit having a positive refracting power. A surface on the object side and a surface on an image side of each of the first sub-unit, the second sub-unit, and the third sub-unit are in contact with air, and (the zoom lens system) satisfies the following conditional expression (1).3.2<(β2t/β2w)/(β3t/β3w)<7  (1)

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens system and an image pickup apparatus using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, replacing a film camera, a digital camera in which, an object is photographed by using an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) has become mainstream. Furthermore, in the field of digital cameras, there are several categories of digital cameras in a wide range from a high-function type for professional use to a compact popular type.
A user of a digital camera of a type belonging to the popular compact type seeks to enjoy photography by capturing readily various scenes at any time and anywhere.
Therefore, a small-size product, or a digital camera of a slim type which can be accommodated easily in a pocket of clothes or a bag, and carried conveniently has been preferred. Consequently, further small-sizing of a photographic lens system as well has been sought.
Whereas, there is a tendency towards an increase in the number of pixels of an image pickup element. Therefore, a high optical performance which deals with a large number of pixels of the image pickup element has been sought. Furthermore, for securing a mass productivity, it is necessary to suppress a sensitivity of degrading of the optical performance corresponding to a manufacturing error in a processing of lenses and an assembling process.
Moreover, from a point of view of widening a photography area, a zoom lens of a class with a zooming ratio of five times or seven times is becoming common, and further increase in the zooming ratio has been expected. Meanwhile, widening of an angle of field has also been expected. Zoom lens systems of various types have been proposed in response to such demands.
As a zoom lens system having a comparatively wide angle of field and high zooming ratio, and which is compact, a zoom lens system of a type which includes in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a negative refracting power, a second lens unit having a positive refracting power, a third lens unit having a negative refracting power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refracting power has been known. For example, a zoom lens system of this type having a zooming ratio of about five times has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication Nos. 2006-208889 and 2008-180901. Moreover, a zoom lens system having a zooming ratio of about 2.8 to 3 has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication Nos. 2001-343587 and 2004-117828.

Zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus using the same


A method of preventing preeclampsia including administering to a patient during an early stage of pregnancy a prophylactically-effective amount of resibufogenin. The administration of resibufogenin is periodically repeated. The method serves to prevent hypertension, proteinuria, and intrauterine growth restriction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of preventing preeclampsia, and more specifically, to administering resibufogenin in early pregnancy in order to prevent preeclampsia by preventing the advent of hypertension, proteinuria, and the development of intrauterine growth restriction.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Preeclampsia remains an important problem in pregnancy. It is the second leading cause of fetal wastage and maternal and fetal morbidity in the United States and abroad Pridjian G, Puschett J B. Preeclampsia. Part 1: clinical and pathophysiologic considerations. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2002; 57 (9):590-8. Hazards associated with the development of the hypertension and proteinuria which characterize the disorder include progression to eclampsia and the all too frequent eventuation of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Not only does the latter condition compromise fetal survival Pridjian G, Puschett J B. Preeclampsia. Part 1: clinical and pathophysiologic considerations. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2002; 57 (9):590-8, but may affect those children who survive with medical problems in later life Libby G, Murphy D J, McEwan N F, et al. Pre-eclampsia and the later development of type 2 diabetes in mothers and their children: an intergenerational study from the Walker cohort. Diabetologia 2007; 50 (3):523-30. Thus, prevention of the syndrome would represent an important advance. Indeed, as is the case with many disorders, interfering in the pathogenetic process before lasting and irreversible anatomical and pathophysiological processes have gained a foothold, may represent the only truly successful therapy.
An important problem in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic stratagems in preeclampsia has been the relative dearth of animal models Conrad K D. Animal models of preeclampsia: do they exist? Fetal Med Rev 1 990; 2:7-88. This is especially true of those which address the early events in its pathogenesis. Evidence has accumulated which suggests that the pathophysiologic events which result in the clinical features of preeclampsia occur long before the latter become manifest Roberts J M, Pearson G, Cutler J, Lindheimer M. Summary of the NHLBI Working Group on research on hypertension during pregnancy. Hypertens 2003; 41:437-445. Most likely, these baleful events occur in the first trimester Pridjian G, Puschett J B. Preeclampsia. Part II: experimental and genetic considerations. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey 2002; 57:619-640.
Pregnancy represents nature's experiment in the phenomenon of volume expansion. Pregnancy results in an increase in body volume of from 40 to 50% over baseline values as gestation proceeds Scott D E. Anemia in pregnancy. Obstet Gyn Ann 1972; 1:219-44. We have postulated that a segment of the preeclamptic population represents a group of patients whose expansion is excessive and who have an impaired ability to excrete excess salt and water because of a defect in sodium handling by the kidneys Puschett, J B. The role of excessive volume expansion in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Medical Hypotheses 2006; 67:1125-1132.
There remains a very real and substantial need for a method of preventing preeclampsia.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A receiver is operable to detect and recover data from at least one set of received signal samples. The signal samples comprise a plurality of data bearing signal samples and a plurality of guard signal samples before or after the data bearing signal sample, the guard signal samples being formed by repeating a plurality of the data bearing signal samples. The receiver comprises a matched filter having a matched impulse response, a controller operable to adapt the impulse response of the matched filter to the signal samples of the guard signal samples, the matched filter being operable to produce an output signal which is representative of the convolution of the guard signal samples of the set with the received signal samples. A synchronization detector is operable to estimate the location of a sync position, from a distribution of energy of the matched filter output signal with respect to the received samples, the sync position providing the position of a window of the received signal samples from which the data may be recovered from the data bearing signal samples. The receiver can provide an improvement in the detection of the data bearing signal samples within the set of signal samples, by providing a more reliable estimate of the synchronization position. The receiver can be used for recovering data from signals modulated in accordance with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and finds application as a receiver for Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) signals.

Generally data is communicated using radio signals by modulating the data onto the radio signals in some way, and transmitting the radio signals to a receiver. At the receiver, the radio signals are detected and the data recovered from the received radio signals. Typically this is performed digitally, so that at the receiver, the detected radio signals are down converted to a base band representation and converted from analogue form to digital form. In the digital form the base band signals are processed to recover the data. However in order to recover the data, the receiver must be synchronised to the received digital signal samples to the effect that the relative temporal position of the recovered data symbols corresponds with the temporal position of the data when transmitted. This is particularly true for radio communications systems in which the data is transmitted as bursts or packets of data.
An example of a radio communications system in which data is communicated in bursts or blocks of data is the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) system. The DVB system utilises a modulation scheme known as Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (COFDM) which can be generally described as providing K narrow band carriers (where K is an integer) and modulating the data in parallel, each carrier communicating a Quadrature Amplitude Modulated (QAM) symbol. Since the data is communicated in parallel on the carriers, the same symbol may be communicated on each carrier for an extended period. Generally, this period is arranged to be greater than a coherence time of the radio channel so that by averaging over the extended period, the data symbol modulated onto each carrier may be recovered in spite of time and frequency selective fading effects which typically occur on radio channels.
To facilitate detection and recovery of the data at the receiver, the QAM data symbols are modulated onto each of the parallel carriers contemporaneously, so that in combination the modulated carriers form a COFDM symbol. The COFDM symbol therefore comprises a plurality of carriers each of which has been modulated contemporaneously with different QAM data symbols.
In the time domain, each COFDM symbol is separated by a guard period which is formed by repeating data bearing samples of the COFDM symbol. Therefore, at a receiver, to detect and recover the data, the receiver should be synchronised to each COFDM symbol and the data demodulated from the data bearing signal samples of the COFDM symbol. A previously proposed technique for acquiring synchronisation with the data bearing signal samples of a COFDM symbol is to cross correlate two samples which are temporally separated by the period over which the data bearing samples are modulated. A relative temporal position of the two samples is then shifted within the COFDM symbol, until a position is found at which the cross-correlation produces maximum energy.
Although the previously proposed synchronisation technique works adequately in the presence of additive white gaussian noise, in some situations such as where the signal is received in the presence of multi-path propagation, this technique produces a sub-optimum synchronisation point, which can cause the data bearing signal samples to be corrupted with energy from adjacent signal samples. This is known as inter-symbol interference (ISI).


The present invention provides a system and method for the prediction of macroslip on walkway surfaces. The slip prediction is based on a viscous shear model and incorporates anthropometric characteristics of an individual or substantially similar grouping of individuals as well as properties of the walkway surface. In the shear model, the prediction of slip is a function of walking speed, stride length and other anthropometric factors which affect gait, as well as the friction (shear) forces that develop at the shoe-floor interface. Mathematical relationships are developed relating the forward walking speeds to the stride lengths necessary for the onset of macroslip. Curves are then plotted which enable the prediction of macroslip for various footwear and walkway surface combinations under both wet and dry conditions.

Traumatic injuries and deaths resulting from slip and fall accidents are a significant public health problem in the United States. The economic loss due to lost employment time is an important factor in many industrial settings and the likelihood of injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents is an increasing concern in general, particularly as the population ages. Numerous measures have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce the number of slip and fall accidents including, but not limited to, the use of slip resistant materials on walkway surfaces and prescribed shoe outsole materials and patterns. Various factors known to influence the likelihood of a macroslip have been quantified/ranked by numerous investigators.
The classical notion of Coulomb friction has traditionally been applied to the analysis of slip and fall accidents in an oversimplified manner despite its known and acknowledged shortcomings. For hard, rigid material surfaces in contact, Coulomb demonstrated that the magnitude of the friction force, F, acting on the contact surfaces in opposition to relative motion between the surfaces is proportional to the magnitude of the normal force, N. However, the constant of proportionality, μ, differs with the state of motion. As is well-known by those of ordinary skill, μ can be viewed as the coefficient of friction or as a slip resistance measurement, a parameter that can be measured with, for example, a tribometer. For impending slip just at, or immediately prior to, relative motion between the surfaces, the magnitude of the friction force, F=μsN, and for contact surfaces in relative motion, the magnitude of the friction force, F=μkN, where μs is the coefficient of static friction and μk is the coefficient of kinetic (dynamic) friction. Typically, μs is higher than μk. In addition, μs and μk are dependent upon both materials in contact.
In Coulomb friction theory, the friction force is independent of both the contact area and the relative speed of the materials in contact once relative motion of the surfaces has commenced. For compliant (deformable) materials in contact, such as shoe outsole and flooring materials, these are simplifying assumptions which may not lead to an appropriate model in many circumstances. The onset of slip is a function of many factors, and the probability of a slip occurring cannot typically be based on a single quantity, or parameter, such as the coefficient of friction alone. For instance, several individuals can walk across the same surface, wearing substantially similar footwear, and some may slip while others negotiate the walkway with no trouble.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved system and method for determining macroslip.

Method and system for determining occurrence of slips leading to falls


A modular shoring assembly is described. Also described is a length-adjustable support for use with said modular shoring assembly which allows for the height of the shoring assembly to be quickly modified. Also described is a support frame and support panel system as well as a support beam.

Shoring structures are used in various situations where temporary support is required. For example, shoring structures are commonly used in building construction to provide support for building structures and to allow workers access to areas above ground level.
Many of the prior art shoring systems and assembly techniques for such systems are not well-suited for so-called "flying form" structures familiar to those skilled in the art. These flying form structures are typically used when pouring concrete floors. A wet concrete floor is poured and is supported by the shoring structure until the wet concrete cures. Once the wet concrete has cured, the shoring structure beneath the floor can be removed, "flown" above the newly cured first floor, and positioned for a second floor to be poured above the first. A shoring support whose height may be quickly decreased and quickly restored can be easily transferred from beneath a concrete floor to a position above that same floor.
In addition, many prior art shoring systems lack versatility, as they cannot be assembled and disassembled quickly and conveniently. Shoring systems typically comprise vertical supports, such as elongate posts, and horizontal supports, such as support braces, at a minimum. These vertical and horizontal supports must be attached together firmly and securely to provide adequate structural support.
Therefore a need exists for a shoring system that can be easily modified in height to allow for it to be conveniently used in a "flying form" structure. In addition, a need exists for a shoring system that is versatile, and in which vertical and horizontal supports can be easily connected and disconnected from one another.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof.

Modular shoring assembly with length adjustable support


An apparatus and method for conserving power on a mobile device through motion awareness. The method includes a motion model that receives location information from one or more receivers and an accelerometer. The motion model determines whether the mobile device is in motion based on the received information. If the mobile device is in motion, a scanning rate for the one or more receivers is determined based on a velocity vector, the velocity vector being determined from the received information; the determined scanning rate is sent to the one or more receivers to enable them to operate at the determined scanning rate; and the process is repeated. If the mobile device is not in motion, the scanning operations for the one or more receivers are halted while the mobile device is stationary; scanning operations for the one or more receivers are resumed when an indication that the mobile device is moving again is received from the accelerometer; and the process is repeated.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to the field of location aware computing. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are related to the conservation of power on a mobile device through motion awareness.
2. Description
Many mobile device capabilities require the device to know where it is located. Two such capabilities include always best-connected computing and location-aware computing. In the case of always best-connected computing, one common practice for keeping a device online as it roams is to scan the air for received RF (radio frequency) signals and then use the resultant information to determine which cell towers, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access points, or Bluetooth devices are nearby in order to make connection decisions. Location-aware computing may also use RF signal information or received Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite data to compute and track the device's current location. Both of these capabilities consume precious battery power.
Currently, motion models may be used with always best-connected computing and location-aware computing activities to combat the power drain problem on the mobile device. Motion models often throttle back the always best-connected and location-aware computing activities when the mobile device is determined to be moving slowly or not moving at all and then ramp them back up when the motion model believes that the mobile device is moving again. However, with no other inputs besides the information from the always best-connected and location-aware computing activities to determine when the mobile device is moving again, the motion model is little more than a feedback loop with a negative implication of reducing its accuracy whenever it reduces power consumption. Since scanning and GPS tracking are essentially polling activities, power savings are accomplished by lowering the measurement duty cycle, i.e., scanning less frequently. At lower power states, a lag between actual motion and detection of that motion during the next duty cycle is introduced, thereby artificially establishing a floor for power savings below which this imprecision becomes unacceptable.
Thus, what is needed is a method and apparatus for conserving power on a mobile device through motion awareness that eliminates scan-polling or GPS tracking when the mobile device is stationary. What is also needed is a method and apparatus for incorporating another input to the motion model that determines whether the mobile device is stationary or moving independent of the information from the always best-connected and location-aware computing activities.

Method and apparatus for conserving power on a mobile device through motion awareness


Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for adjusting current and/or torque commands used to control operation of an asynchronous machine based on rotor flux of the asynchronous machine.

Electric machines are utilized in a wide variety of applications. For example, hybrid/electric vehicles (HEVs) typically include an electric traction drive system that includes an alternating current (AC) electric machine which is driven by a power converter with a direct current (DC) power source, such as a storage battery. Machine windings of the AC electric machine can be coupled to inverter sub-modules of an inverter module. Each inverter sub-module includes a pair of switches that switch in a complementary manner to perform a rapid switching function to convert the DC power to AC power. This AC power drives the AC electric machine, which in turn drives a shaft of the HEV's drivetrain.
In many systems, the inverter modules are driven by switching vector signals that are generated based on voltage command signals. The voltage command signals are generated based on current command signals that are provided from a torque-to-current mapping module. In such systems, the torque-to-current mapping module receives a torque command signal (Te*), an angular rotation speed (ωr) of the machine, and a DC input voltage (VDC) as inputs, and maps these inputs to current commands that will ideally cause the machine to generate the commanded torque (Te*) at a given machine speed (ωr).
In controlling torque of an asynchronous machine (e.g., induction machine), it can be difficult to achieve high machine efficiency and a fast torque response. This is due, in part, to the inherent lagging characteristics of the rotor flux with respect to the stator current.
To improve machine efficiency, one conventional approach is to set current command slew rates to relatively lower values than would be used in comparison to current command slew rates that are used to control synchronous machines (e.g., permanent-magnet machines). However, setting slew rates to lower values can prevent a fast torque response, which is desirable in many induction machines. One way to do achieve a faster torque response is to maintain the rotor flux at a constant value above a certain level. However, this approach can reduce machine and/or inverter efficiency since it is necessary to maintain a certain level of current through the machine/inverter.
It would be desirable to provide improved methods, systems and apparatus for generating torque commands and/or current commands used to control an asynchronous machine such as an induction machine. It would also be desirable if such methods, systems and apparatus can provide a fast torque response while achieving acceptable levels of efficiency. Other desirable features and characteristics of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Methods, systems and apparatus for adjusting current and/or torque commands used to control operation of an asynchronous machine


A novel fluidized bed syngas (FBSG) injector/reactor apparatus and an efficient process for the partial oxidation and steam reforming of light hydrocarbon gases such as methane, to convert such gases to useful synthesis gas containing CO and H.sub.2 for recovery and/or subsequent hydrocarbon synthesis. Sources of a light hydrocarbon gas, such as methane, and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas are preheated and pressurized and injected through gas orifices of an injector at high velocity and comparable momentums into admixture with each other in the desired proportions, at a plurality of mixing chambers or recessed cups which are open to the fluidized bed reaction zone of a reaction chamber and are spaced over the face of the injector, to form a reactant gas premix having a pressure drop of at least 1% through the injector. The gaseous premix is injected in a time period which is less than its autoignition time, preferably less than 9 milliseconds, at a velocity between about 25 to 1000 feet/second, into a partial oxidation reaction zone comprising a fluid bed catalyst so that the gas mixture reacts in the catalyst bed, to reduce the amounts of CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and heat produced by the partial oxidation reaction to favor the desired stoichiometry. The formed syngas is cooled and recovered, such as use in further synthesis processing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements in processes and apparatus for producing synthesis gas, or syngas, from light hydrocarbons such as methane or natural gas by the partial oxidation thereof. Such syngas, comprising a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, is useful for the preparation of a variety of other valuable chemical compounds, such as by application of the Fischer-Tropsch process.
The combustion stoichiometry of methane gas at 1000.degree. F. is highly exothermic and produces CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O according to the following reaction: ##EQU1## The formed gases are not useful for the production of valuable chemical compounds, and the high temperatures generated present problems with respect to reactors and catalysts which would be required to produce valuable products from the formed gases.
It is known to produce useful gases, known as synthesis gases or syngases, by partial oxidation of methane and other light hydrocarbon gases, by steam or CO.sub.2 reforming of methane and other light hydrocarbon gases, or by some combination of these two chemistries. The partial oxidation reaction of methane is a less highly exothermic reaction which, depending upon the relative proportions of the methane and oxygen and the reaction conditions, can proceed according to the following stoichiometry: ##EQU2##
It is most desirable to enable the partial oxidation reaction to proceed according to the latter reaction in order to produce the most valuable syngas and minimize the amount of heat produced, thereby protecting the apparatus and the catalyst bed, and to reduce the formation of steam, thereby increasing the yield of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and enabling the steam-reforming reaction to convert any steam and hydrogen into useful syngas components.
Conventional syngas-generating processes include gas phase partial oxidation process (GPOX), the autothermal reforming process (ATR), the fluid bed syngas generation process (FBSG), the catalytic partial oxidation process (CPO) and various processes for steam reforming. Each of these processes has advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other.
The ATR process and the FBSG process involve a combination of gas phase partial oxidation and steam reforming chemistry.
In the ATR process, illustrated, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,649 and Canadian Application 2,153,304, the gases are intended to react before they reach the catalyst, i.e., the oxidation chemistry occurs in the gas phase, and only the steam reforming chemistry occurs in the catalytic bed. In fact, long residence times are required because diffusion flames are initiated with a large amount of over-oxidation, accompanied by a large heat release. Thus, time is required for the relatively slow, endothermic gas phase steam reforming reactions to cool the gas enough for introduction into the catalyst bed to prevent thermal damage to the catalyst.
In the FBSG process illustrated for example by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,877,550; 5,143,647 and 5,160,456, the hydrocarbon gas, such as methane,and oxygen or an oxygen-supplying gas are introduced separately into a catalyst fluid bed for mixing therewithin. While the gases may be introduced at a plurality of sites, to more evenly distribute the gases over the inlet of the fluid bed of the reactor, the fact that the gases mix within the fluid bed results in over-oxidation hot spots and catalyst sintering or agglomeration due to the oxygen concentration being higher and closer to full-combustion stoichiometry in areas closest to the oxygen injection sites. The gas phase partial oxidation and steam reforming chemistry employed in the FBSG and the Autothermal Reforming (ATR) processes have very similar material balance when using similar feed. However, ATR is limited in size by the scaleability of its injector design, and the more-scaleable FBSG is economically debited by the cost of fluid solids and dust cleanup and by the expense of replacing agglomerated and/or eroded catalyst. The dust comprises catalyst fines due to catalyst attrition in the bed, and these fines are expensive to clean out of the syngas. While the chemistry is correct, these two processes have significant drawbacks. Both require very large reactors. For FBSG there is a significant expense in fluid solids management. For Autothermal Reforming there is a large and problematic methane/oxygen feed nozzle.
Fluid bed processes are well known for the advantages they provide in heat and mass transfer characteristics. Such processes allow for substantially isothermal reactor conditions, and are usually effective in eliminating temperature runaways or hot spots. However, with O.sub.2 injection the complete elimination of hot spots is impossible, although the fluid bed does tend to minimize the heat intensity. Catalyst strength or attrition resistance is important for maintaining the integrity of the catalyst and minimizing the formation of fine particles that may be lost from the fluidized bed system, especially those particles not recoverable by use of cyclones and deposited in down stream equipment causing fouling or reverse reactions as temperature is decreased. Erosivity or the tendency to erode equipment must be contained since catalyst erosivity usually increases in catalysts with increased attrition resistance.
Additionally, the relatively high temperatures, e.g., above about 1650.degree. F., found in reforming reactions, where oxygen gas is present can cause agglomeration of the fluidized catalyst particles, leading to lower catalytic efficiency (e.g. lower conversion), larger particles that are more difficult to fluidize, greater wear on equipment due to greater momentum and impact forces, and clogging of lines. For example, a common catalytic material nickel, even when deposited in small amounts on a suitable carrier e.g., less than about 5 wt % nickel on a support, tends to soften at reaction temperatures (due to its reactivity with the support phase and formation of reactive/lower melting mono- and polymetalic oxide phases), which become sticky, and generally lead to particle agglomeration. Particle agglomeration, in fact, tends to increase as the amount of nickel present in the catalyst bed increases or as the Ni-containing phase is subjected to multiple oxidizing and reducing cycles as it is transported through the fluid bed.
Particle agglomeration is particularly increased by the high temperature, e.g., above about 2500.degree. F., that occur when oxygen is introduced separately into the fluid bed. Thus, maintaining the level of nickel on catalyst at rather low levels, and avoiding exposure of the catalyst to high temperatures, minimizes particle agglomeration. On the other hand, sufficient nickel is required for providing economical feed conversions to synthesis gas, i.e., within about 250.degree. F. approach to equilibrium, thereby minimizing the level of CH.sub.4 exiting the syngas generation zone. It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved FBSG process which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional FBSG processes by operating under conditions which avoid high runaway oxidation temperatures and catalyst particle agglomeration, erosion, and dust formation, and enable the use of more active catalysts due to the reduction in severity of temperature and reduction-oxidation cycling experienced by the catalyst.

Face-mixing fluid bed process and apparatus for producing synthesis gas


This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced very rapidly in comparison with known methodologies. Thus, there is disclosed a process for the preparation of oligosaccharides which comprises. a) forming a synthon of a saccharide and a monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, the synthon having a linkage between the oligosaccharide and the monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which linkage can be severed under conditions that do not damage glycosidic or other bonds in a desired end product; PA1 b) subjecting the synthon to repeated additions of a suitable glycosylating agent to form a desired oligosaccharide-polyethylene glycol linked product; PA1 c) isolating the linked product as a solid; PA1 d) purifying this solid; and PA1 e) releasing the oligosaccharide from the polyethylene glycol.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced rapidly and in good yield in comparison with known methodologies.
2. Description of Related Art
Oligosaccharides may be elaborated into glycopeptides and glycolipids which have important utility in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and related technologies. Oligosaccharides have been synthesized by solution methodologies for many years as reviewed, for example, in Paulsen, H. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (a) 1982, 21, 155; (b) 1990, 29, 823 and Schmidt, R. R. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 1986, 25, 212. These solution methodologies of oligosaccharide synthesis made dramatic advancements during the past few years described, for example, in (a) Fugedi, P.; Garegg, P. J.; Lonn, H.; Norberg, T. Glycoconjugate J. 1987, 4, 97; (b) Mootoo, D. R.; Date, V.; Fraser-Reid, B. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1988, 110, 2662; (c) Veeneman, G. H.; Van Leeuwen, S. H.; Zuurmond, H.; Van Boom, J. H. J. Carbohydr. Chem. 1990, 6, 783; (d) Kanie, O.; Kiso, M., Hasegawa, A. J. Carbohydr. Chem. 1988, 7, 501; (e) Reddy, G. V.; Mereyala, H. B. Tetrahedron Lett. 1991, 47, 6435; (f) Friesen, R. W.; Danishefsky, S. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1989, 111, 6656; (g) Friesen, R. W.; Danishefsky, S. J. Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 103. Still yields in the key glycosidic linkage formation steps are in the 80% range at best. In addition, certain "difficult linkages" are accessible in much lower yield, often below 50%. This reflects both the low reactivity and the instability of the reactants, in particular of the glycosylating agent. The activated glycosylating agent may decompose to several products, behaving chromatographically similar to the desired product. The excess glycosylating agent necessary to obtain an acceptable yield of coupled products often leads to reaction mixtures in which the desired compound is a relatively minor component. Thus a major obstruction to greater efficiency of glycosylation is the need for the chromatographic purification. In addition, each glycosidic linkage can form two stereoisomers (anomers) and this anomericity must be controlled. The control of anomeric specificity of glycosylation reactions performed in solutions was established in certain situations through the use of participating groups.
Methods employing enzymes for synthesis of oligosaccharides have been disclosed as well. The enzymes are either glycosyl transferases or glycosidases that normally function in the biosynthesis of oligosaccharides in living cells. The art of using enzymes for the in vitro synthesis of oligosaccharides has been described in many publications, for instance (a) Kaur, K. J; Alton, G., Hindsgaul, O., Carbohydrate. Res. 1991, 210, 145; (b) Wong, C. H., Ichikawa, Y., Krach, T., et al., J. Amer Chem. Soc. 1991, 113, 8137. Major obstacles in using the enzyme methodology are the difficulties in obtaining the pure enzymes in sufficient quantities and in purification of the final product.
Solid-state synthesis of oligosaccharides had been described in publications and reviews by (a) Frechet, J. M. J.; Schuerch, C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1971, 93, 492. (b) Frechet, J. M. J.; Schuerch, C. Carbohydr. Res. 1972, 22, 399; (c) Mathur, N. K.; Narang, C. K.; Williams, R. E. Polymers as Aids in Organic Chemistry; Academic Press: New York, 1980; Chapter 6; (d) Frechet J. M. J. in Polymer-Supported Reactions in Organic Synthesis (Hodge, P.; Sherrington, D. C.; Eds.); Wiley, Chichester 1980, p. 293 & p. 407; (e) Zehavi, U. Advances in Carbohydr. Chem. Biochem. 1988, 46, 179; (f) Frechet, J. M. J. Tetrahedron 1981, 37, 663. Among the problems encountered in using this methodology were: decreased glycosylation reaction rates compared to solution strategies, incomplete coupling, and lack of complete stereoselectivity. However, since two epimers (anomers) can be formed, stereochemical control is mandatory for successful synthesis of any oligosaccharide. This methodology has been considered as unsuitable for oligosaccharide synthesis because anomeric specificity could not be controlled in this reaction arrangement and the yields were low.
Polyethyleneglycol monomethylether (PEG) has been used as support for the synthesis of oligomers of peptides and nucleotides in polymer-assisted liquid synthesis as described for instance in (a) Bonora, G. M.; Scremin C. L.; Colonna, F. P.; Garbesi, A. Nucl. Acids Res. 1990, 18, 3155; (b) Kamaike, K; Hasegawa, Y.; Ishido, Y. Tetrahedron Lett. 1988, 29, 647; (c) Bayer, E.; Mutter, M. Nature 1972, 237, 512; (d) Bayer, E.; Mutter, M. The Peptides (Gross, E.; Meienhofer, J.; Eds.); Academic Press: New York 1980, 2, 286. In this reaction design the reactants are soluble in the reaction medium during the reaction itself. This methodology has not been utilized in oligosaccharide synthesis since it was considered a branch of solid-state design which has been shown to be unsuitable for the synthesis of oligosaccharides.

Polymer-supported solution synthesis of oligosaccharides

University of Toronto Innovations Foundation


An evaporator configured to transfer heat between air flowing through the evaporator and refrigerant within the evaporator, and transfer heat between the refrigerant within the evaporator and phase change material (PCM) within the evaporator. The evaporator includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first tube. The second plate is coupled to the first plate to form an assembly that defines a cavity to contain PCM. The assembly also defines a first opening that cooperates with corresponding first openings in other assemblies to define a first manifold to convey refrigerant. The first manifold is defined when the assembly is arranged with the other assemblies to form a stack. The first tube is in fluidic communication with the first manifold. The assembly cooperates with an adjacent assembly of the other assemblies when the stack is formed to define a first slot configured to receive the first tube.

Fuel efficiency in an automobile may be enhanced by shutting off the gasoline engine during brief periods of time when power from the engine is not required for propulsion, such as when the automobile is coasting or temporarily stopped at an intersection. However, the compressor of a traditional air conditioning system runs off the crankshaft of the gasoline engine, and therefore, the engine continues to operate during those inefficient periods to provide cooling comfort for the passengers of the automobile.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,156, issued to Haller et al. on Jan. 2, 2007 (hereinafter referred to as Haller '156), provides one solution to the problem of the air conditioning system not functioning when the engine is not running. The Haller '156 patent shows an evaporator having a refrigerant flowing there-through for transferring heat from a flow of air to the refrigerant in a first operating mode with the engine of the automobile running. The evaporator includes a manifold extending in a horizontal direction. At least one tube is in fluid communication with manifold and extends downward in a vertical direction away from the manifold.
The evaporator defines at least one cavity, or tank, for storing a phase change material (PCM) to transfer heat from the PCM to the refrigerant to cool and freeze the PCM in the first operating mode with the engine of the automobile running. The cavities of the Haller '156 patent are disposed adjacent to and engaging the plurality of tubes. In a second operating mode with the engine of the automobile dormant, heat is transferred directly from the flow of air to the PCM in the cavities to cool the flow of air and to melt or warm the PCM.
There remains a continuing need for improved evaporators having a PCM to increase the efficiency of air conditioning systems that continue to operate during brief periods of time when the engine of the automobile is shut off to increase the fuel efficiency of the automobile.


The present invention provides a method of controlling a thermal head which is capable of maintaining high image sharpness even in high-speed printing. In the method of controlling a thermal head according to the present invention, resistors constituting the thermal head is energized and non-energized, thereby realizing an image with a predetermined gradation. Further, one line period includes one energizing period in which energization is performed and one non-energizing period in which non-energization is performed, and the resistors are energized during the energizing period after the non-energizing period in the one line period.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a thermal head.
2. Description of the Background Art
A thermal head, hitherto provided in a printer and the like, includes a plurality of resistors. Based on data for printing, each resistor is selectively energized to execute printing on sheet surface.
Further, the thermal head has hitherto been controlled in a manner as described below for realizing an image with a predetermined gradation on one line. Namely, one line period is constituted by an energizing period in which resistors are energized and a non-energizing period in which the resistors are not energized. The non-energizing period is provided after the energizing period. More specifically, in the one line period, the resistors are energized during the energizing period after the start of the one line period, and the non-energizing period is provided after the energizing period.
For example, when printing an image with relatively low gradation (dark-colored image) is required, resistors are energized from the line-start, and after a lapse of the relatively long energizing period, the relatively short non-energizing period is elapsed (line-end). On the other hand, when printing an image with relatively high gradation (lightly colored image) is required, the resistors are energized from the line-start, and after a lapse of the relatively short energizing period, the relatively long non-energizing period is elapsed (line-end).
As thus described, by adopting the method of controlling a thermal head in which the energizing period is provided from the line-start and the non-energizing period is provided after the energizing period for each line, it is possible to represent an image with a predetermined gradation on each line.
As background art documents relating to the above-mentioned conventional method of controlling a thermal head, there are, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-138561, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-142376 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-305607.
With the conventional method of controlling a thermal head as described above, there has been a problem that when a moving speed of a thermal head (or moving speed of sheet) becomes high, the thermal head comes into a state where its thermal response does not follow the speed. Therefore, e.g., on a changing portion (border) from black to white (or white to black), the image sharpness is impaired.


A container for forming a solution for use in a hemodialysis device comprises a first portion comprising a powder, a second portion disposed separate from and in fluid communication with the first portion, and a filter disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The container is configured to receive a fluid flow into the first portion to at least partially dissolve the powder thereby forming a solution, such that the solution and at least a portion of the dissolved powder is passable through the filter into the second portion, and further such that any undissolved portion of the powder is not passable through the filter into the second portion. The filter may be configured such that the solution of the fluid and the at least the portion of the dissolved powder is filtered into the second portion of the container is homogenous.

In some known hemodialysis devices, bicarbonate solution is provided via a container, known as a Bibag®. The Bibag® contains an amount of bicarbonate powder in a single compartment, which is mixed with water from an external source. The solution is then further mixed with water and acids to form a dialysate solution for use in hemodialysis devices.
The amount of bicarbonate powder is typically equal to or more than what is required to saturate an amount of water and/or dialysate flowed into a bibag. As water enters the bibag, it dissolves the bicarbonate therein to produce a bicarbonate solution. In some implementations, this solution is fully saturated with bicarbonate (with possibly excess undissolved bicarbonate remaining in the bibag). When the saturated solution is at a known temperature, as is maintained by typical hemodialysis machines, the bicarbonate concentration of the solution is known. The hemodialysis device then may draw or otherwise rejoin the solution into the fluid stream at a known flow rate and concentration.
Existing systems require a large quantity of water for each treatment, for example, approximately 150 L, to ensure the desired concentration of dialysate, including bicarbonate in solution, to be achieved. A dialysis patient may require dialysis treatments multiple times per week, e.g., every other day, requiring 150 L of water for each treatment. In environments where external water sources are abundant, this amount of water may be accommodated. However, in environments where water is less accessible, for example, in mobile, rural, and/or developing areas, patients may not be able to receive the needed dialysis treatments due to lack of water. If a system is designed to use significantly less water to mix with bicarbonate powder in existing bibags, the powder may not dissolve in the fluid entirely, resulting in a non-homogenous solution, e.g., a powder/sludge-like build-up in the compartment. Thus, the bicarbonate solution is no longer at a constant, known, concentration, but a variable requiring additional controls of the hemodialysis device.
It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful.

Fluid container for a hemodialysis system


A standard plane sample which supplies an optical characteristic measuring device with reference data. The standard plane sample including a sample portion that is measured by the optical characteristic measuring device to supply measurement data, and a recording medium that stores identification data for identifying a kind of the sample portion as well as reference data corresponding to the optical characteristic of the sample portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a standard plane sample (also referred to as a standard plane sample for measuring device calibration, a specimen sample, or a reference plane sample) for supplying a measuring device with the reference data of the optical characteristic in an apparatus that measures the optical characteristic of a sample, and an optical characteristic measurement system in which such a standard plane sample and a measuring device are used as a set.
Specifically, the present invention relates to a standard color sample such as a standard white plate or color sample for supplying a calorimeter with reference data and a colorimetry system where such a standard color sample and a calorimeter are used as a set, or to a standard gloss sample such as a standard gloss sample or gloss specimen for supplying a glossmeter with reference data and a gloss measurement system in which such a standard gloss sample and a glossmeter are used as a set.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the importance of the color conditioning of products has come to be recognized in the fields of coating, molding, printing, fabric and the like. For this reason, measurement of the optical characteristic value such as measurement of the colors of products by use of a calorimeter is frequently performed in factories and the like.
In a case where a calorimeter is used, before measurement of the sample (object) to be measured is performed, calibration (user calibration) of the calorimeter is performed by use of a standard color sample, for example a standard white plate (hereinafter, referred to as white plate), annexed to the calorimeter.
Conventionally, the white plate is offered together with the calorimeter by the manufacturer. Normally, the white plate comes with calibration data or reference data obtained by actually measuring the reflectance (spectral reflectance) thereof. The calibration data is offered as printed matter such as paper, or as electric data stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk or a memory card.
In order to input the calibration data of the white plate into the calorimeter, the data may be transferred from the storage medium every measurement. However, since this is onerous, normally, a nonvolatile memory is mounted in the calorimeter and the data is inputted when the colorimeter is purchased or when recalibration (value re-assignment, manufacturer calibration) of the white plate is-performed. Although the calibration data stored in the nonvolatile memory is, basically, not lost even when the colorimeter is turned off, it is necessary to input the calibration data again, for example, when the backup battery is exhausted.
The calibration using the white plate is to actually measure the reflectance (spectral reflectance) of the white plate. The calorimeter compares the actually measured value (actual measurement data) with the already read and stored calibration data (reflectance data) to calculate the correction coefficient, and multiplies the measurement data of the sample obtained thereafter by this correction coefficient. By such a calibration processing, the degradation in measurement accuracy due to fluctuations in the characteristic of the light source incorporated in the calorimeter can be suppressed.
Moreover, as the standard plane sample, some colorimetry applications use an arbitrary color sample (color tile, etc.) as well as the white plate.
While one calorimeter and one white plate constitute a set, when a plurality of calorimeters are provided, there are cases where which calorimeter and white plate constitute a set is uncertain. If a calorimeter is combined with a wrong white plate, the white plate not corresponding to the stored calibration data is actually measured in the calorimeter, so that an accurate correction coefficient cannot be obtained and accurate measurement cannot be performed also in this case.
Moreover, since inputting the calibration data into the colorimeter is not a frequency performed operation, the user has to look for the storage medium storing the calibration data when the operation is necessary, and there may be cases where the user cannot find the storage medium.
To cope with this problem, a colorimeter has conventionally been proposed in which a reference plate (white plate) for calibration is provided in the calorimeter and a measuring head is provided so as to be movable between the measurement position and the calibration position. That is, according to this calorimeter, at the time of the calibration, the measuring head is situated in the position of the reference plate for calibration inside the body, and at the time of the measurement of the object, the measuring head is moved to the position of the sample outside the body. By this, the calibration of white, R, G and B is automatically executed. By incorporating the white plate for calibration in the body, the white plate and the colorimeter can be integrally managed, so that it never occurs that a calorimeter is combined with a wrong white plate even when a plurality of calorimeters are provided.
The same problem as that of the above-described colorimetry system arises in the gloss measurement system. In a case where a glossmeter is used, before measurement of the sample (object) to be measured is performed, calibration (user calibration) of the glossmeter is performed by use of a standard gloss sample annexed to the glossmeter, and also with this standard gloss sample, the same problem as that of the standard white plate in the case of the calorimeter arises, that is, the following problem arises: the problem in the management of the standard gloss sample and the reference data thereof caused because the standard gloss sample and the reference data thereof are separately offered or the miscombination of the glossmeter and the standard gloss sample when the user has a plurality of glossmeters.
However, in the conventional calorimeter, since the white plate is integrally attached inside the calorimeter, the maintenance of the white plate is cumbersome. That is, the white plate becomes dirty due to use or deteriorates with time and this changes the reflectance thereof. While the amount of change differs according to the condition of use or the condition of storage, it is recommended to perform calibration (manufacturer calibration) every one to two years. In the calibration, the white plate is sent to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer re-measures the reflectance of the white plate, confirms the calibration data and performs recalibration (value re-assignment). This task is onerous in the structure of the calorimeter of the patent document 1.
Further, users are not sufficiently aware of the calibration of the white plate, and in many cases, even when the time when the calibration of the white plate must be performed comes, the user does not notice it and misses the opportunity of the calibration. Moreover, even when the user notices it, there are cases where the user cannot seize an opportunity to send the white plate for calibration and misses the opportunity. Consequently, there is a possibility that a condition where no calibration is performed continues over a long period of time.

Standard plane sample and optical characteristic measurement system


A method and apparatus are provided in a computing environment for scheduling access to a resource. The method grants access to the resource by a non-real-time request when the non-real-time request can be completed before the latest possible start time at which a first real-time request must start service to timely complete all actual and anticipated real-time requests, otherwise granting the first real real-time request access to the resource.

In multimedia processing systems, large amounts of data are processed in real time and typically stored in a memory between processing stages. For example, one or more processors read data from this memory, perform one or more processing steps, and write a result back into memory. Input/output devices ultimately perform the functions of sending the final result out of the system, for example to a display device, and receiving initial data into the system.
Typically, the input and output functions require real-time data to be transferred at a specific rate. Any deviations from this rate can be noticeable as artifacts, such as audio clicks, video distortion, etc, or could cause connected subsystems to fail in other ways. In order to guarantee that data can be transferred in/out of the system at a fixed rate; the devices responsible for it must have certain guarantees for accessing the memory in terms of latency and bandwidth. Latency is the time between when a device requests access to memory for data read/write task and completing accessing the memory. The end of the latency period is the deadline by which the service request must be completed, and is sometimes referred to in the specifications as required-service-completion time. Duration is how long it takes to execute the request from start of service to completion. Bandwidth is the number of such accesses that can be performed per time unit.
The processing units have far less strict requirements, since they operate at a larger data granularity, such as entire video or audio frames, rather than individual pixels or samples. A short delay in memory access can be compensated for by a higher access rate later, thus still meeting any longer-term timing requirements.
Due to this nature, systems with both real-time and non-real-time access requirements typically operate by giving priority to the real-time devices and allowing the non-real-time devices access only when no real-time device has a request outstanding. Variants on this system may limit such priority to a maximum amount of time after which the non-real-time- devices are serviced to prevent what is called 'starvation' of these lower-priority devices. A disadvantage of this approach is that the non-real-time devices suffer from decreased performance because they have to wait for access to the memory while the real-time devices go first. This happens because the scheduling algorithm used to control access has no knowledge of the service deadline requirements of the real-time requests.
One well-known method for scheduling real-time requests is the Earliest Deadline First algorithm (EDF). According to EDF, of all real-time requests waiting processing, the request having the earliest completion deadline receives the highest priority. EDF becomes problematic when there are both real-time and non-real-time clients in the system. Pure EDF cannot handle this, and the simple "extension" of this algorithm to assign any leftover bandwidth to non-real-time clients has a negative impact on the performance of those non-real-time clients. This is because priority is always given to real-time clients, even if handling a non-real-time client first would not endanger the deadlines of all real-time clients. When a non-real-time client has to wait for access, it is typically unable to continue operation until that access has been completed, forcing it to idle or stall, thus reducing its performance.
The original EDF is a fairly simple algorithm that probably can be implemented efficiently in software. When an extended EDF algorithm using software is made to include allocation of time to non-real-time requests, a processor must execute the extended EDF algorithm for priority allocation. This causes a substantial overhead of the processor time and reduces the portion of processor time available for the actual processing of all requests.
Consequently, a new scheduling method is needed for controlling access to any type of shared resource by multiple devices, the new method giving priority to non-real-time devices as long as the service deadlines for the outstanding real-time requests are met. That is, the new scheduling method should give priority to a non-real-time request even if a real-time request is pending when the non-real-time request can be performed without compromising the latency required by that real-time device. A hardware device is also needed for implementing the scheduling method, thus removing the scheduling load from the processor unit of the computing device. This frees up the processor unit.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a new and improved method and device for extending existing scheduling algorithms to include requests by non-real-time devices and giving those devices priority if, and only if, all current and possible future real-time requests can still be executed on time.

Method and apparatus for scheduling real-time and non-real-time access to a shared resource


This invention relates to the use of water-based cleaning solutions and their use as environmentally safe replacements of chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents to remove metal-polymer composite paste residue from screening masks and ancillary equipment, such as, used for screening a conductive metal pattern on a ceramic green sheet in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic products.

In the manufacture of semiconductor packaging products, such as, substrates, conductive metal pattern on a substrate is defined by conductive paste deposition through a contact mask.
A method for screening conductive paste onto ceramic green sheet is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,068,994 and 4,362,486.
Screening masks used for the production of high circuit density devices have closely spaced fine dimension etched patterns. Paste screening through such masks leaves paste residue entrapped in the fine mask features. The entrapped residue requires that the mask be cleaned after one or more screening passes to maintain conductive pattern integrity in subsequent screening and provide defect-free product.
A method for in-line mask cleaning after each screening pass is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,536, in which the masks are sprayed with a solvent to remove paste and subsequently dried.
In the fabrication of multi-layer ceramic substrates of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,273, conductive pastes selected for screening are based on a variety of polymer binder-solvent vehicle systems, selection of which is dictated by the requirement for a particular circuit pattern and compatibility of the paste with greensheet materials.
Various commonly used paste types in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic substrates are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,273.
An automated in-line mask cleaning process using perchloroethylene as a cleaning solvent for Mo metal masks used in multi-layer-ceramic technology is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,383,040 and 4,362,486.
Halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as Perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, CFC-113, and CFC-112 traditionally have been used for cleaning/degreasing purposes in many industrial and consumer product applications. Perchloroethylene is a commonly used solvent in chemical, pharmaceutical and microelectronics industry, and is widely used in dryclean industry.
Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents, particularly perchloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane are also used in multi-layer ceramic manufacturing. These solvents are used in cleaning processes for masks and accompanying equipment which are used in screening metal-polymer conductive paste onto ceramic green sheet for delineation of wiring and via metallurgy pattern.
Preference for chlorinated solvents in industrial cleaning processes is due to the fact that these solvents are non-flammable (no flash point) and are highly effective cleaning solvents in degreasing and removal of organic and inorganic-organic composite residues. Perchloroethylene is an especially suitable solvent for high efficiency cleaning in manufacturing environment as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,040, since it is fast acting, fast drying due to relatively high vapor pressure, leaves no residue after drying, and can be recycled.
However, a major problem with halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as perchloroethylene and trichloroethane, is that these have been found to have harmful effects on human health and the environment, therefore their use in industrial processes has become highly restricted in recent years. Specifically, this category of solvents have been identified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP-solvents) which are on the OSHA list of Suspected Carcinogens (cancer causing agents), and these are among the SARA Title-III reportable (Superfund Amendment & Re-Authorization Act) compounds that are on the TRI (Toxic Release Inventory) chemicals list. In addition to these environmental and health hazards, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane is also an Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) and thus has already been phased out while 1,1,2-trichloroethylene has been targeted for phase out by the year 2002.
With the currently imposed strict environmental regulations on hazardous/toxic chemicals, use of perchloroethylene, trichloroethane, and related chemicals in industrial applications has become very costly since it requires regular permit renewal from the state, strict compliance with rules requiring monitoring, record keeping, and precise data reporting of toxic air emissions. Adding to the cost are maintenance of emission control devices, hazardous waste disposal, and the necessary controls to assure worker safety. There is also a problem of toxic/hazardous waste and the high cost of disposal due to the presence of residual chlorinated solvent.
In-line mask cleaning processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,383,040 and 4,362,486 use perchloroethylene for automatic cleaning, i.e., they are designed for real time operation to provide cycle time compatibility with high throughput screening. This requires use of the cleaning solvent in large volume to provide for effective cleaning within the cycle time required for other steps in the screening process. Use of perchloroethylene in large volumes in turn results in high level of toxic solvent emissions and generation of large volume of hazardous solid and liquid waste. The solid waste which mainly comprises metals and inorganic components with small amount of polymer binder-solvent in the paste, also contains residual chlorinated solvent and thus is disposed-off as hazardous waste at twice the cost of a waste having non-chlorinated solvent contamination and at ten times the cost of a non-hazardous waste having no organic solvent contamination. Another problem with the use of perchloroethylene in mask cleaning is that the washed-off paste residue settles as a hard cake at the bottom of the cleaning tank as the solvent partially evaporates, which makes it difficult to recover the precious metals from the solids.
Because of the environmental concerns and the health hazards associated in the use of chlorinated solvents for industrial cleaning processes in general, there is currently a major focus on identifying environmentally safe replacements. Various chemical suppliers and cleaning equipment manufacturers have made available several alternate organic solvents that are relatively safe and mostly exempt from environmental regulations, as well as water-based cleaning solutions and the necessary equipment for alternate organic solvent and water-based cleaning.
In manufacturing applications, aqueous cleaning is generally preferred over solvent cleaning because of the flammability, cost, and waste disposal issues associated with the use of organic solvents.
Therefore, this invention is concerned with mask cleaning and particularly replacement of chlorinated solvents with a more environmentally desirable method of cleaning masks, extrusion heads, and other accompanying equipment that is used in screening conductive paste onto greensheet in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic. Furthermore, the invention is especially concerned with cleaning of screening masks with water-based cleaning solutions based on a combination of surfactants, and alkaline detergent compositions based on alkali metal salts, alkali metal hydroxides, and combination thereof, as non-hazardous replacement of perchloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and related chlorinated solvents.
The inventors have discovered a group of aqueous cleaning compositions that can be used for cleaning paste from the screening masks. These aqueous cleaning compositions can be derived from: (a) combination of non-ionic and ionic surfactants in water; (b) alkaline detergent compositions based on alkali metal salts as silicate/metasilicate, carbonate, tribasic sodium phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and combinations thereof; (c) highly alkaline solutions based on alkali metal salts, alkali metal hydroxides, and mixture thereof with alkanolamines.
Unlike chlorinated solvents, the aqueous cleaning compositions according to this invention have no problem of toxic air emissions or health hazards, minimizes waste, and allows recovery of precious metals from the removed paste residue in the wash liquid and thus provides multiple benefits.

Process for removing residue from screening masks with alkaline solution

International Business Machines Corporation


An object of the present invention is to increase the adhesive strength of the polycarbonate bracket for correcting dentition.. The bracket for correcting dentition comprises a polycarbonate bracket, an adhesive layer being applied to the bottom surface of the bracket and subjected to an irradiation of a microwave and a plastically deformable photocuring resin layer being applied to the adhesive layer.

The present invention relates to a bracket for correcting dentition, which is made of polycarbonate, and further relates to a bracket for correcting dentition, of which adhesivity to a plastically deformable synthetic resin layer bonded to the bracket, is enhanced.
A bracket for correcting dentition is a device for correcting dentition by fitting and fixing it directly to a tooth in combination use of a wire.
Many of conventional brackets used for correcting dentition are those made of metals, but from a point that deformation occurs by a lengthy use and also from the viewpoint of their weight, synthetic resin brackets are replacing them. As the synthetic resins, polycarbonate is most suitable from a point that a high strength, staining resistance and high water resistance are required.
However, bonding of polycarbonate is difficult, and suitable non-toxic adhesives imparting a high adhesive strength are very few. Therefore necessary adhesive strength is furnished by physical methods, such as roughening of a bond surface of the bracket and fitting of a metal net to the bottom surface of the bracket (Japanese Patent Publication Kokai No. 2-265541).
Also the bracket is small (about 3 to about 4 mm square), so skill is required in fixing it and adjusting a position of it. In order to make it easy to set the position of the bracket and fix it, there was developed a method to bond a plastically deformable photocuring synthetic resin layer (also referred to as a base plate) to the bottom surface of the bracket through an adhesive layer interposed therebetween and fix the base plate to the tooth after or at the same time when the shape conforming to a direction and surface condition of the tooth is obtained (Japanese Patent Publication Kokai No. 5-269147).
Also in this bonding of the base plate and bracket, there still occurs the above-mentioned problem of the adhesion failure in polycarbonate.

Bracket for correcting dentition, method for producing the same, and method for improving adhesivity of polycarbonate


The disclosure provides plant vaccine compositions and methods for inducing immunity to Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) and related curtoviruses in a susceptible plant.

Curly top disease, is caused by Beet curly top virus (BCTV) and related viruses in the genus Curtovirus, family Geminiviridae. BCTV severely impacts vegetable, dry bean, and sugar beet production throughout large portions of the western United States from e.g., California and Oregon to Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Transmitted by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus, the virus infects a broad host range from many plant families causing disease in over 300 species in 44 plant families.
The virus is typically restricted to broad-leafed plants, as no monocotyledonous plants have been identified as hosts for this virus. The most commonly infected hosts include sugar beets (for which the disease was first named), tomatoes, peppers, beans, potatoes, spinach, cucurbits, cabbage, alfalfa, and many ornamentals. The virus also survives in many weeds, such as Russian thistle (tumbleweed) and mustard.
The wide host range of curtoviruses, the abundance of the beet leafhopper, and increasing acreage of uncultivated rangeland where weeds (e.g., tumble weed) are allowed to grow unchecked are making curly top management increasingly difficult.
For over a century management of curly top disease in the western United States has focused on the large-scale application of insecticides to beet leafhopper over-wintering grounds, as well as insecticide application to crops in efforts to reduce populations of the leafhopper vector. Unfortunately, since leafhopper transmission of curtoviruses requires only a brief feeding interval to introduce the virus into a healthy plant, treating e.g., sugarbeet plantings with insecticides does not effectively block virus all virus transmission. Furthermore, insecticide application has potential for unintended negative biological and environmental consequences.
Resistance to curly top has been identified in a select number of crops, but unfortunately, none of these eliminate the ability of the virus to infect, and some resistant crops exhibit non-desirable traits that are difficult to separate through plant breeding.
Therefore, what is needed in the art are effective means to control beet curly top virus. Fortunately, as will be clear from the following disclosure, the present invention provides for these and other needs.

Vaccine for control of beet curly top virus infection of plants

The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture


A color image forming apparatus causes a light emitting unit to emit light to a superimposed pattern in which a black developer (Bk) is superimposed on a color developer (Y, M, C) as a background color, detects diffuse reflected light by a light receiving unit, calculates positional deviation among the colors using the black developer (Bk) as a reference color based on a detection result, and adjusts an image forming condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an arrangement for correcting misregistration (color misregistration) among the respective colors in an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, color image forming apparatuses having independent image carriers are designed so that images of all the colors are superimposed without any deviation. However, since it is very difficult to completely eliminate variations in parts and those arising during assembly, adjusting of misregistration is necessary. One known example of such an adjustment method, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-023445, is to form a pattern for detecting misregistration, detect the position of the formed pattern, and correct a deviation amount.
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-023445, black is used as a reference color, and a pattern detection unit for detecting a pattern is configured so as to receive a specular-reflection component of light irradiated from a light emitting unit with a light receiving unit. Then, measurement color is sandwiched by the reference color, and an amount of positional deviation is calculated from a deviation amount in a result of comparison of center positions of the two reference color patterns sandwiching the measurement color and a center position of the measurement color pattern. From the calculation result, a misregistration amount among the respective colors can be corrected by adjusting image forming conditions, such as write timing of an image and an image clock.
An example of a technique for reducing a cost of a color image forming apparatus is to provide a polygonal mirror in a scanner unit to reflect light from a plurality of laser diodes for scanning. Further, a configuration which decreases a number of sensors for detecting a beam for generating a horizontal synchronizing signal is known. When the number of sensors for generating the horizontal synchronizing signal is decreased, it is known to use a pseudo-generated horizontal synchronizing signal (pseudo beam detection (BD) signal) for image formation of the colors which do not have a sensor. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-102276 discusses such a configuration.
In the configuration which decreases the number of sensors for beam detection for generating the horizontal synchronizing signal, how the sensors are arranged corresponding to the colors is important. In color image forming apparatuses which have a monochrome print mode (black-only printing) and a full color mode, images output in the monochrome print mode are often documents, so that quality of printed characters is important and demanded by users. An error amount of the pseudo BD signal is accumulated depending on the accuracy of calculation, sampling etc. at the time of its generation. Namely, the accumulation of error causes variation in a write position of a main scanning direction, and as a result, a problem of "jitter" is produced. Therefore, it is desirable to use a most accurately formed horizontal synchronizing signal (BD signal) for black printing synchronization. Further, it is desirable to use accurately formed black (Bk) as a reference color for registration correction.
Recently, in order to reduce costs even further, as a technique for utilizing a low-cost intermediate transfer member, a method has been discussed in which a light receiving unit receives diffuse reflected light which is independent of a surface state of the intermediate transfer member to perform registration correction.
However, when, for example as described above, black is used for the reference color to employ the sensor output for beam detection provided for black as the BD signal, and a pseudo BD signal is used for the other colors, the black pattern cannot be detected even if diffuse reflected light is employed. This is because black is a developer that shows only a small reflected component in the diffuse reflected light. If the black pattern cannot be read, the registration correction cannot be carried out.
On the other hand, recently, for color image forming apparatuses, there is a need for further miniaturization of apparatus or a need for more efficient registration correction to reduce toner consumption resulting from the registration correction.

Method for correcting registration errors by superimposing a black developer on a background of a color


A scuba diver weight carrying backpack having a packboard for carrying a multiple of rectangular based weights thereon with a cover over the weights and longitudinal parallel rods engaged with the cover from top to bottom and projecting through aligned rows of the weights, the weights being held on the rods by a quick release draw pins engaged with the cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a scuba diver weight carrying apparatus to counterbalance underwater buoyancy. More particularly, it relates to a backpack which encloses predetermined variable amounts of weights to compensate for the flotation factor of a specific diver, and the weights are spread therein in a relatively thin layer whereby air tanks can be mounted on the same backpack. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a rigid metal weight carrying packboard for deep diving scuba divers from which either all or a predetermined variable number of the weights can be released by the diver in an emergency, and, alternatively, all of the weights can be extracted from the backpack en masse even while it is mounted on the diver.
Specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid metal backpack and air tank board for scuba divers which carries variable numbers of identical individual weights in a body-conforming relatively thin layer whereby air tanks can be mounted on the backpack adjacent to the weights and close to the diver's body. The weights are secured to the board with a quick release mechanism to permit the diver to dump all or a predetermined variable number of the weights while underwater in an emergency, and all of the weights may be extracted from the backpack as a unit as the diver emerges from the water. The design of the backpack board makes it possible for deckhands or helpers to assist a diver as he emerges from the water by lifting the weights from his backpack when he is standing on a boat swim step or dive platform.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of dive weights in one form or another for the purpose of offsetting scuba diver buoyancy and thereby facilitating underwater diver mobility is known in the prior art. However, despite the numerous designs, structures, and forms of apparatus disclosed by and utilized in the prior art, which have been developed for the accomplishment of the specific objectives, needs, and requirements of scuba divers, the devices, machines, apparatus, and methods which have been heretofore devised and utilized to accomplish these goals consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious configurations, combinations, and arrangements of well known apparatus. This will become apparent from the following consideration of the closest known and relevant prior art.
Early scuba diver apparatus included recognition that compensation had to be provided to counterbalance buoyancy of the diver. Initially weights were strung on a belt which was secured around the diver's waist. These weight belt combinations increased in sophistication as the weights evolved in form and the belts transformed into quick release assemblies for emergency situations. The weights transitioned from lead blocks to body conforming configurations and further to bags of metal shot strung on a belt or secreted in pockets in a vest. Each of the evolutions preferably included a quick release mechanism to permit a diver to dump the weights in an emergency and ascend without the drag and negative buoyancy caused by the weights. This form of weight dump is very dangerous under the advanced diving extremes now routinely undertaken by present day experienced deep divers. The release of a weight belt causes an immediate uncontrolled ascent to the surface. This cannot be allowed to happen to a diver at depth who needs to undergo decompression during his ascent to avoid the bends. Therefore, release of a weight belt accidentally or in an emergency under these conditions can be life threatening and must be avoided. However, there are emergencies at depth that do require dumping weight to allow the diver to ascend but at a controlled rate. The present invention provides a solution to this problem.
A significant number scuba divers often have to carry their gear a distance to the water's edge or between multiple departure points, such as a vehicle or a storage area, to a destination, such as a boat or another vehicle. In these circumstances, the weights are a substantial portion of the load that the diver has to transport. The prior art has predominantly put the weight on the diver's waist which makes it hard to carry as the weight does not usually assume or provide a configuration which easily rides the diver's waist without bending over. If a weight belt is carried over the diver's shoulder while transporting it, the weight is unevenly distributed on the diver's body, which can cause severe muscle strain. Other forms of carrying the weights on a diver's back do not provide a quick release mechanism for an underwater weight dump.
Not until the present invention has the problem of weight carrying by scuba divers been significantly altered. The present invention moves the weight from the diver's waist to his back where loads are more easily carried while on land. More importantly, the present invention provides a selectable quick release for an emergency dump of a variable portion up to all of the weights in an emergency situation underwater. The backpack is made of metal and is rigid for mounting the air tanks thereto, and it can take enormous abuse. The design of the weight backpack of the present invention also makes it easier for a helper to lift the weights separately and assist the diver in donning the weights or removing them from the diver when he emerges from the water. The weights can be pulled from the backpack as a unit. Further, the diver can selectively drop a portion of the weights in an emergency and still control his ascent rate by having dropped less than all of the weights.
The scuba diver weight backpack contemplated according to the present invention departs substantially from the conventional concepts and designs taught and used by the prior art, and in doing so, provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of overcoming the problems as described above, but it accomplishes the result in a different and improved manner for facilitating dive weight carrying more easily and conveniently in an ergonomically balanced load with a selectable portion quick release capability for operational safety.