An improved servo control device and method for a VCR that minimizes jitter caused in a reproducing mode of the VCR (reproducing VCR) when it reproduces a video signal recorded by another VCR (recording VCR). A recording characteristic of the recording VCR (such as a duty interval of horizontal synchronous signals contained in the video signal) is used along with one or more reproducing characteristics (such as speed and phase) of the reproducing VCR to control a rotation speed of the reproducing VCR's drum motor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a servo control apparatus and method for a video cassette tape recorder (VCR), and in particular to an improved servo control apparatus and method for a VCR capable of minimizing jitters caused in a reproducing mode of the VCR by detecting a duty interval of a reproduced horizontal synchronous signal and controlling the rotation speed of a drum motor using the thusly detected duty interval.
2. Description of the Conventional Art
Generally, as well known to those skilled in the art, the servo control system of a VCR is classified into a drum servo for controlling a drum motor and a capstan servo for controlling a capstan motor. The capstan servo system is directed to transferring tape in a horizontal direction with a vector Vc, and the drum servo system is directed to controlling the rotation of the drum which rotates at a certain angle about a tape surface. FIG. 1 shows a conventional video tape track representing a tape run by the capstan servo system and the drum rotation which is controlled by the drum servo system.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional servo system of a VCR. The control loop drives the drum motor 1 by a driving force of a drum motor driving unit 15. A magnetic sensor 4 detects the number of rotations of the drum motor 1 with a rotary sensor 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, a certain detection signal which corresponds to the rotation of the drum motor 1 is output from the rotary sensor 2 and converted into a detection signal FG, having a wave form as shown in FIG. 3B, by a second pulse shaping unit 10. The detection signal FG is output to a speed driving signal generator 11.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the speed driving signal generator 11 resets a counter (not shown) at a leading edge of a detection signal FG, and outputs the counter value at the leading edge of the detection signal FG to obtain the wave form "c" shown in FIG. 3D. The speed driving signal of the speed driving signal generator 11 is inputted to a speed/phase control value adder 13 through a first filter 12. The output signal thereof is converted into an analog signal by a D/A converter 14, and is outputted to a drum motor driving unit 15. The drum motor driving unit 15 outputs a driving output corresponding to its input signal thereby driving the drum motor 1.
Meanwhile, regarding the phase control loop of the drum motor 1, a magnetic sensor 3, which is directed to detecting the phase of the drum motor 1, outputs a pulse with respect to the rotation of the drum motor 1 as shown in FIG. 3E. The output from the magnetic sensor 3 is converted into a rectangular wave form, a phase detection signal PG, by a first pulse shaping unit 5 as shown in FIG. 3F, and outputted to the phase driving signal generator 6. The phase driving signal generator 6 receives the output of the first pulse shaping unit 5 and a reference signal ref, as shown in FIG. 3G, which is output from a switch 9. The phase driving signal generator 6 performs a certain count operation as shown in FIG. 3H. That is, the phase driving signal generator 6 resets a counter (not shown) whenever the reference signal ref is inputted thereto, and outputs the count value as a phase driving signal "f", as shown in FIG. 3I, whenever the phase detection signal (See FIG. 3F) is input thereto. The reference signal ref of the phase driving signal generator 6 varies in accordance with a recording mode or a reproducing mode. In a recording mode, a vertical synchronous signal Vsync is inputted as a reference signal ref as shown in FIG. 3J, and in a reproducing mode, a signal "i", shown in FIG. 3L, outputted from the reference signal generator 8 is inputted as a reference signal.
The switch 9 is switched in accordance with a recording/reproducing mode signal REC/PB outputted from a system controller (not shown), and determines a reference signal which is applied to the phase driving signal generator 6. The reference signal generator 8 includes a free run counter having a cycle Vsync of a TV as shown in FIG. 3K, and outputs a reproducing reference pulse "i" when an overflow occurs by the counter.
The phase driving signal "f" outputted from the phase driving signal generator 6' is outputted to the speed/phase control value adder 13 through a second filter 7, added to the speed control value outputted from the first filter 12, and converted into an analog value by the D/A converter 14, The thusly converted analog voltage is amplified by the drum motor driving unit 15 for driving the drum motor 1.
Although the drum and capstan motors are accurately controlled using the above-described control loops, when a tape recorded by a certain VCR set is reproduced by another VCR set, jitters occur because of the following reasons: First, the surface of the drum differs on each VCR set. Second, there is a load difference for the load of the tape running mechanism. Third, the speed difference of the drum motor and the speed difference of the capstan motor differ from each other due to speed and phase differences between each VCR set.
The above-mentioned differences result in difference between the horizontal synchronous signals of the video signal on the tape at the time of recording by the video head H1 of the drum motor.
Therefore, apparatuses such as a time base corrector for resolving the above-mentioned problems are introduced in the industry. Such an apparatus is directed to minimizing jitters of the picture by using memory. However, since such an apparatus requires additional memory, fabrication cost is high.

Servo control apparatus and method for video cassette tape recorder


A power-generating apparatus includes a frame, an engine supported by the frame, an alternator coupled to the engine and operable to convert mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy, and a battery charger supported by the frame and electrically coupled to the alternator. The battery charger is operable to charge a battery pack with the electrical energy from the alternator.

The present invention relates to power-generating apparatus and, more particularly, to generators.
Generators are commonly used at work sites or other remote locations to provide power (e.g., electricity) where access to standard utility power is unavailable. Generators can also provide a source of back-up power in the event of a utility power failure. Some generators are sized and configured such that they may be moved from one place to another. Such portable generators typically include an internal combustion engine coupled to an alternator or a direct-current ("DC") generator. The alternator or the DC generator converts power from the engine into a usable form for a secondary device such as, for example, a power tool, a work light, a pump, a blower, or other electrical appliance. However, the secondary device is typically a separate component from the generator and is, therefore, susceptible to being lost, stolen, and/or damaged.

Power-generating apparatus, such as a generator


A method of angle estimation for use in a vehicle which is travelling on a surface. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first axis and being attached to at least two wheels. The method includes the steps of: providing a first height sensor for measuring h1, the height of the vehicle body with respect to the first wheel; providing a second height sensor for measuring h2, the height of the vehicle body with respect to the second wheel; providing a surface angle sensor for measuring θroad, the angle of the surface in relation to a horizontal plane; measuring the values of h1, h2 and θroad; using the values of h1 and h2 to calculate θrel, the angle of the vehicle body relative to the surface; and calculating an estimate of θglob, the angle between the first axis and the horizontal plane, from θroad and θrel.

When a vehicle such as a car turns around a bend, the turning force originates from an interaction between the vehicle tires and the road. Since this is very low in height with respect to the centre of gravity of the vehicle, the vehicle may roll around its longitudinal axis. To an extent, such a roll can be absorbed by the vehicle's suspension. However, if the vehicle rolls too far, then one or more of the vehicle's wheels will lose contact with the road.
In extreme situations, this roll, if not addressed by the driver, may lead to a rollover event. Even when the vehicle does not experience a rollover, the rolling motion may still reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Moreover, the sensation of one or more wheels losing contact with the road is disquieting for the driver and any passengers.
Therefore it is typically desirable to avoid situations in which the vehicle experiences significant forces inducing vehicle roll. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,558 describes a brake system for preventing a friction rollover of a vehicle. The system operates by actuating the brakes of the vehicle in response to a rollover signal indicating that rollover is likely to occur. Braking the vehicle reduces the rolling force, and so helps to prevent rollover. However, the system is dependent on the rollover signal, which is produced by a sensor. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,558 contemplates using an accelerometer as the sensor, or switches for signaling compression of either of the rebound bumpers. However both of these solutions have drawbacks.
Firstly, if electrical switches in the rebound bumpers are used, then the switches may also be compressed when braking is not required, for example due to an uneven driving surface. This is especially inconvenient in an off-road vehicle.
Secondly, if an accelerometer is used, then the measurements of the accelerometer are subject to contamination due to movements in the vehicle about other axes. In particular, if the vehicle undergoes a pitching motion at the same time as a yawing motion and a rolling motion, then a component of the pitch will be measured as a component of the roll. This will tend to result in false positives causing the vehicle to brake unnecessarily, or worse, false negatives which cause the vehicle to brake too late.
Since the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,558 is intended to prevent frictional rollover, which is caused when the vehicle is yawing (turning) sharply, this scenario is common.
However, if the pitching motion can be measured accurately, then this information can be used to make a correction to the measurements of the rolling motion. Measuring the pitching motion is not a trivial problem, since sensors which detect the pitching of the vehicle are subject to the same problems with transitory noise as sensors which detect the rolling of the vehicle.
Therefore a system or method for providing vehicle pitch estimation would be desirable.


A system and a method for indexing pedestrian traffic are disclosed. Traffic information is gathered from counter units (30, 31) placed at entrances in provider malls, retail stores, or other locations where pedestrians may be counted. The counters give daily reports to the traffic indexing system (40) of the amount of pedestrian traffic flowing through traffic monitoring points (30, 31). Traffic data are collected daily from providers and compiled into an index (40). These data may be integrated and indexed with other data such as sales data, labor data and promotion data. Providers (30, 31) and other users (45) may access the traffic index (40) along with other industry information to gauge their performance as compared to the performance of others in the industry or to make educated decisions on development and marketing issues.

The retail industry is a large and consistently important segment of the economy and, as a result, it is a highly competitive industry. Even in the face of increasingly popular electronic commerce options, retail spaces such as shopping malls remain a vital and growing segment of the retail industry. Mall developers, retailers, advertisers, industry analysts, and real estate consultants consistently make difficult business decisions on where to develop, what products to promote, what types of promotions to invest in, and other issues related to retail industry statistics, but many of these decisions have to be made with fairly limited information. If given access to a reliable source of information on retail industry traffic and pedestrian traffic in general, key decision makers in the industry could make much more efficient and effective decisions based on accurate information rather than conjecture. Information on pedestrian traffic is also valuable in a variety of non-retail planning scenarios.
The present invention is directed to fulfilling the need for accurate and consistently updated information on pedestrian traffic.


Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a MEMS device for a scanner system may be driven in a non-resonant mode of operation. The drive signal provided to the MEMS device may be tailored to prevent the MEMS device from exhibiting resonance characteristics and to cause the MEMS device to operate non-resonantly. In one or more embodiments, a filter may be used to tailor the frequency components of the drive signal, for example to sufficiently attenuate frequency components at or near the resonant frequency of the drive signal. A direct current signal may be provided to the MEMS device to provide an offset to scanned light beam for example to provide beam steering, and the sweep range and/or sweep frequency may be adjusted for example to steer the scanning field of view off axis from the user pointing axis.

In a scanner system having a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device, a mirror of the MEMS device is used to scan a beam of light within a field of view. Often, mechanical resonance of the mirror is relied upon as the operating mode because of a limited available actuation force amplitude. A resonance driven mirror typically cannot produce beam trajectories that deviate significantly from a sinusoid. Thus, a resonance driven mirror provides limited options for trajectories of the scanning beam.
Typically, a mirror of a MEMS device is driven with a sinusoidal signal to oscillate the scanning beam in a sinusoidal pattern. Such sinusoidal scanning generally involves correction for the variable speed of a scanned beam of light when the beam is used to create a display or to read barcode information. This speed correction generally involves some inherent computational burden. Resonant operation of a mirror of a MEMS device additionally limits the options for beam trajectories since resonant operation is generally only sinusoidal and symmetric about a rest position, and the scan frequencies are limited to a narrow range near the resonant frequency of the mirror where the mirror has significant response.
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, if considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding and/or analogous elements.

Non-resonant drive for adaptive trajectory of a scanner system having a MEMS device


A door latch for latching the vehicle door in the closed position includes a fork bolt pivotally mounted on the latch housing for movement between the latching position engaging a striker in an unlatching position to unlatch from the striker and permit opening of the door. A detent lever is pivotally mounted on the latch housing for movement between an engaging position engaging the fork bolt in its latching position and a disengaging position disengaged from the fork bolt to permit pivoting of the fork bolt to its unlatching position. A spring acts between the detent lever and the latch housing to urge the detent lever to the engaged position. A catch member is provided to retain the detent lever in the disengaged position and block pivoting movement of the detent member to the engaging position in response to absence of the spring. The catch member is preferably provided by a plastic housing carried by the door latch and having a catch member integrally molded therewith and having an integral sensing arm normally engaging with the detent spring to establish the catch member in its releasing position. The catch member is self-biased into sensing contact with the detent spring so that absence of the spring enables the catch member to move to the catching position in which a hook is provided on the catch member which engages with the detent lever.

It is well known in motor vehicles to provide a door latch for latching the vehicle door in the closed position. A door latch typically includes a housing on which a fork bolt is pivotally mounted to engage and disengage a striker mounted on the vehicle body. A detent lever is pivotally mounted on the housing for movement between an engaged position engaging the fork bolt and a disengaging position disengaged from the fork bolt. A spring bias acts between the housing and the detent lever to urge the detent lever to the engaged position engaging the fork bolt.


Disclosed are a light emitting assembly and a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a first light emitting element, a first light transmission portion and a driving portion, The first light emitting element emits a first light beam. The driving portion can drive the first light emitting element or the first light transmission portion, such that a position relationship between the first light emitting element and the first light transmission portion is switchable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first light beam passing through the first light transmission portion presents a first pattern; in the second state, the first light beam passing through the first light transmission portion presents a second pattern which is different from the first pattern.

A light emitting assembly is commonly used in a light emitting device, such as an illuminating apparatus or a projecting device. The light emitting assembly has a light emitting element, and light emitted from the light emitting element is used to illuminate or display a pattern. However, the luminous effect achieved by traditional light emitting assembly is too simple.

Light emitting assembly and light emitting device with multiple patterns

GUANGZHOU COLORFUL STAGE EQUIPMENT CO., LTD


A single-mode stabilized laser comprises a laser cavity having a round trip time .tau..sub.r and a linewidth enhancement parameter .alpha.; and a frequency routing device formed in the laser cavity comprising controllable frequency selective pathways such that selective gating of the frequency selective pathways causes selected lasing frequencies to be supported in the laser cavity separated by a frequency spacing .DELTA.F.sub.C, .DELTA.F.sub.C =1/.tau..sub.r. The frequency routing device has an optical grating having unequal length waveguides to form paths. The optical grating has arms, a time delay .tau..sub.f between the longest path and the shortest path, and a grating bandwidth .DELTA.F.sub.F, .DELTA.F.sub.F =1/.tau..sub.f, at least one of (1) .alpha. and (2) .tau..sub.r and .tau..sub.f having sufficient value to stabilize the laser in single-mode operation. A method of turning on a laser having a waveguide grating to a stable operating condition comprises the steps of applying an initial current to a first amplifier and maintaining a second amplifier off; allowing the laser to reach thermal equilibrium; applying an operating current to the second amplifier; and applying another operating current to the first amplifier to stably operate the laser.

The capacity and speed of communications systems may be increased by transmitting information in optical form over networks composed of optically transmissive nodes, fibers, waveguides, and the like. High capacity optical communications systems require that many optical signals be frequency or wavelength division multiplexed in the components of an optical network. This requires that there be a way of conveniently producing electromagnetic energy at many different frequencies. An ideal device for producing optical energy useful in an optical communications system is a laser.
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology in which multiple wavelengths share the same optical fiber in order to increase the capacity and configurability of networks. Transmitters having high wavelength stability are crucial to WDM networks. Recently, many WDM transmitters having good wavelength stability have been introduced which use uncontrolled-mode-selection lasers. These lasers have a narrow intracavity filter which sets the lasing wavelength. Under the filter are many cavity modes, one of which is selected for lasing by gain nonlinearities. These lasers are uncontrolled; i.e., no attempt is made to actively place a certain cavity mode under the filter. An uncontrolled mode-selection laser comprises a laser containing an intracavity filter under which the cavity mode alignment is uncontrolled. Because of this lack of control, laser mode hops occur if the cavity modes drift too far with respect to the filter and outside the finite region of stability under the filter. The laser mode hops result in transmission errors.
As the channel spacing of WDM networks decreases, short-cavity lasers, such as distributed feedback (DFB) lasers, typically are wavelength stabilized using external means. To avoid external stabilization, the laser cavity can be lengthened, which reduces the lasing frequency shift per amount of amplifier heating power change (for a given amplifier length) and gain change (regardless of amplifier length). To further improve the wavelength stability, the intracavity filter can be completely placed in passive material. Such a laser is an uncontrolled-mode-selection laser, in which the cavity mode-to-filter alignment control is forsaken. Examples include a multiple-stripe array grating in a cavity (MAGIC) laser, a waveguide grating multifrequency laser, and a fiber grating semiconductor laser. Despite the lack of control, uncontrolled-mode-selection lasers lase in a single longitudinal mode via gain nonlinearities.
Although the art of semiconductor lasers is well developed, there remain some problems inherent in this technology. One particular problem is the instability that accompanies a laser at start-up and during subsequent operation. Therefore, a need exists for a method and structure for a wavelength selectable laser having inherent wavelength and single-mode stability.

Wavelength selectable laser with inherent and single-mode stability


A reclining seat for use in a material handling vehicle includes a seat back that is pivotally coupled to a wall of the operator compartment and to a seat pad. The seat pad is moveable toward a center of the operator compartment to provide the capability to recline, and is typically maintained in the upright position by a spring.

The present invention relates to material handling vehicles, and more particularly to a reclining seat for an operator compartment in a material handling vehicle.
The operation of a forklift or other material handling vehicle requires the manipulation of an array of controls, levers, wheels, and switches for driving the vehicle forward and backward, steering the vehicle, and raising and lowering the forks, among other things. Furthermore, while a load is being lifted or lowered, it is desirable for the operator to be able to see the load as it is moved. Therefore, ergonomics play an important role in the design of such a material handling vehicle.
To assure efficiency of use of the material handling vehicle, however, it is important that the controls and seating be arranged so that the operator can easily reach and activate the controls with a minimal amount of movement, and easily view the load as it is raised and lowered. An ergonomic arrangement is important to maintain the comfort of the operator. Maintaining operator comfort can, among other things, maximize use of the vehicle by reducing the need for rest period or breaks by the operator to rest his or her hands, feet, or back. Accordingly, by enhancing the comfort of the operator compartment, the operator can be more productive and the overall efficiency of the vehicle can be improved.
In certain applications, a seat may enhance the comfort of the operator compartment. Typically, however, the seat provided for an operator in a lift truck is stationary. These types of seats, while functional, are not designed to allow the operator to view the load easily, and can cause the operator to stress his or her back and neck. There remains a need therefore, for enhancement to the operator compartment and seat for use in a material handling vehicle such as a forklift or reach truck design which maximizes operator comfort while minimizing potentially harmful muscle movements and allows the operator efficient vision to facilitate travel and to view the load.

Reclining seat for a material handling vehicle


A method includes recognizing an electrosurgical probe coupled to an electrosurgical generator, selecting a mode of the electrosurgical generator based upon the recognized probe, setting a therapy profile based upon the selected mode, and displaying the therapy profile. The generator can include user inputs for modifying the therapy profile. A computer implemented method for achieving a target temperature includes: a) receiving the target temperature; b) calculating a first set temperature; c) commanding a first output power level until a measured temperature is equal to or greater than the first set temperature; d) calculating an updated set temperature based upon the target temperature; e) commanding a second output power level until the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the updated set temperature; and repeating d and e until the updated set temperature is equal to the target temperature.

Lower back pain is a common ailment and affects many people at some point in their lives. Frequently, this pain is the result of cracks or fissures that develop in the wall of the intervertebral disc. These fissures are filled with small nerve endings and blood vessels, and often are a chronic source of pain. Additionally, the inner disc tissue (nucleus) frequently bulges (herniates) into these fissures in the outer region of the disc, likewise stimulating pain sensors within the disc.
Electrosurgical procedures provide minimally invasive treatment options for treating lower back pain by applying thermal energy (i.e., heat) to the affected area. Electrosurgical procedures have been developed for use in other pain management procedures, such as denervation procedures. An electrosurgical generator provides electrical energy, such as, for example, high frequency and radio frequency electrical energy. In particular, the electrical energy provided by the electrosurgical generator is used in pain management procedures to modify the structure of tissue.


An objective lens for a microscope has a casing, a telescopic tube assembly and a cap. The casing is tubular and has a through hole and a window. The telescopic tube assembly has an outer tube, an inner tube and an objective lens. The outer tube is mounted rotatably in the casing and has an inner thread and an annular knob aligned with the window. The inner tube mounted rotatably and moveably in the outer tube. The objective lens is mounted in the inner tube. The cap is mounted on the casing and has two guides mounted between the casing and the cap and slidably engaging the inner tube so the inner tube can move along the guides. The magnification and focal length of the microscope changes when the inner tube with the objective lens moves in the outer tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an objective lens device, and more particularly to an objective lens device for a microscope that has a telescopic tube assembly with an objective lens and adjusts the magnification and focal length by retracting or extending the telescopic tube assembly.
2. Description of Related Art
Microscopes are used generally for observation microbes, cells or specific material microstructure.
A conventional microscope has a base, an arm, a head, an eyepiece, a turret, multiple object lenses and a stage. The arm is mounted on the base and has a distal end. The head is mounted on the distal end of the arm. The eyepiece is mounted to the head. The turret is mounted rotatably to the head. The multiple objective lenses are mounted to the turret and have different powers. One of the objective lenses can be aligned with the eyepiece by rotating the turret to make the microscope has a specific magnification. The stage is mounted slidably to the arm, is aligned with a corresponding objective lens and has a retainer to hold a target such as glass slides with cells or specific material.
However, each objective lens has an unmodifiable focal length and a specific power that can not be adjusted to change the magnification of the microscope without replacing the objective lens. The microscope with the multiple objective lenses makes its cost high.
Moreover, moving the stage with the target up or down is necessary to precisely match the focal length of the objective lens, besides turning the turret for alignment of the objective lenses. The adjustments of the turret and the stage are inconvenient and inefficient.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides an objective lens device for a microscope to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.


A compressor is provided with a substantially tubular compressor casing, a substantially circular lid that is provided inside an inner periphery of the compressor casing so as to close off an end surface of the compressor casing, a space that is enclosed by the lid and an inner circumferential surface of the compressor casing so as to accommodate a blade, and seal member that is provided in a circumferential direction on the space side of an outer circumferential surface of the lid, wherein a slit part is provided on the lid, radially inside the outer circumferential surface, where the seal member is provided, so as to extend in the axial direction from the space side of the lid.

The compressor casing (hereinafter referred to as "casing") of a vertical split type compressor generally includes components such as rotors, blades, and so forth, in the interior thereof. In the casing, which accommodates the components therein, end lids, which are called head, are provided at both ends in the axial direction of the casing. The heads are provided so as to confine the components from both ends in the axial direction of the casing. O-rings for preventing leakage of compressed fluid are provided between the outer circumferential surfaces of the heads and the inner circumferential surface of the casing (see, for example, PTL 1).
As a seal structure using O-rings, PTL 1 discloses a structure in which the O-ring is provided by forming a recessed part on the outer circumferential surface of the head, providing a ring-shaped thin O-ring-retaining ring in this recessed part, and providing an O-ring groove on the outer circumference of the O-ring-retaining ring. In addition, an O-ring groove is also provided on the end surface of the O-ring-retaining ring (the surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the compressor), thereby providing a seal structure for sealing a gap formed with respect to the side surface of the recessed part that is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the head (the surface orthogonal to the axial direction of the compressor).

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION


An apparatus and methods for cooking meat are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a base having at least one liquid container connected to an upper surface of the base and a liquid collecting cavity formed in the upper surface of the base between outer walls of the liquid container and outer peripheries of the base. The apparatus also preferably includes at least one separate meat infusor positioned to contact the base and to overlie and substantially surround at least inner walls of the liquid container. The meat infusor preferably has an infusor body and a plurality of openings positioned in side peripheries of the infusor body so that when liquid positioned in the liquid container heats, steam from the liquid travels through the infusor body, through the openings therein, and toward meat positioned to overlie the infusor body.

The present invention relates to the field of cooking and, more particularly, to an apparatus and methods for cooking meat.
Over the years, various devices and systems have been developed for cooking meat such as in an oven, on a stove top, over a grill, or open flame of fire. These meats, for example, include beef, lamb, poultry, pork, seafood, and other types of meats. In order to cook these meats, the devices often use either heat from an oven, stove, or grill, or often have their own built-in heat source, e.g., which heats from a power source.
Also, for cooking poultry or fowl and some other types of meats, it has been recognized as being desirable to marinade and baste the meat for added flavor. Some poultry basting devices recognize that it is important to get steam from a liquid, i.e., either the meat liquid itself, water, or a marinade, into the inner portions of the meat. An example can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,904 by Arcabosso titled xe2x80x9cSelf-Operated Interior Baster For Food Objects.xe2x80x9d
More recently, it has become popular to use open cans of beer or lemonade to insert into an inner cavity of a chicken or other fowl when positioned on a grill so that the steam from the heated can of beer or lemonade acts as a marinade to baste or steam the inner cavity of the chicken when roasting. Also, similar cannister type devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,320 by Demaree titled xe2x80x9cDevice For Cooking Fowlxe2x80x9d and U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,131 by Holland titled xe2x80x9cRoasting Stand Adapted To Deliver Flavored Steam During The Cooking Process.xe2x80x9d Nevertheless, without the addition of a drip pan, these devices allow juices and marinade to readily drip or drain from the fowl into the grill or open flames and provide little or no heat control or shielding from the heat. This, in turn, can cause the chicken or other fowl to blacken or char quickly, hurt the taste, make the chicken less appetizing, and often not allow for thorough and controlled cooking of the meat.
Additionally, when the cannister type devices are positioned into an inner cavity of a fowl, the outer peripheries of the cannister abut against the inner surfaces of the fowl in the region where contact between the meat and cannister is made. This leaves little or no space for steam to cook the fowl. Instead, the metal contacts the surface and transfers heat to the surface. Further, openings are also often left at the upper or surrounding lower ends of the cavity so that steam readily escapes or leaves the cavity once it is applied. This can make the cooking process longer and can reduce the flavor because much of the steam, and any marinade flavor associated therewith, is not applied to the meat.
With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides a meat cooking apparatus and method which not only roasts the meat but enhances exposure of inner surfaces of a meat, such as fowl or poultry, when positioned thereon to the marinade or flavor of the steam, e.g., infusion, during cooking to thereby use a combination of cooking techniques. The present invention also advantageously provides a meat cooking apparatus and methods which allow a user to readily use different types of marinades or cooking liquids to enhance cooking of the meat with steam from the marinade being exposed to inner surfaces of the meat for enhanced steam absorption of the meat by pressure sealing regions in upper and lower portions of a cavity of the meat and by not blocking ready access of the flavored steam to the inner surfaces of the cavity of the meat. The present invention additionally provides a meat cooking apparatus and methods which have a plurality of cooking components but are still easy to assemble, easy to use, and easy to clean after use. The apparatus and methods also allow vegetables, garnishes, or other food products to be readily roasted or cooked in regions surrounding where the meat is cooked. The present invention further advantageously provides an apparatus and method for cooking meat which greatly inhibits or prevents charring or blackening of the skin of the meat during the cooking process and yet readily speeds up cooking time for cooking the meat. The present invention still further provides an apparatus and methods for more controlled cooking of meat such as poultry, especially in commercial cooking applications.
More particularly, a meat cooking apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a proximal-end cavity opening seal and steam passing member positioned to substantially close a proximal end opening of a main inner cavity of a fowl and allow steam to pass therethrough to the main inner cavity. The apparatus also preferably has a distal-end cavity opening seal member positioned to substantially close a distal end opening of the main inner cavity of the fowl and substantially prevent steam from readily escaping through the distal end opening.
The meat cooking apparatus of the present invention also preferably has a base having at least one liquid container connected to an upper surface of the base and a liquid collecting cavity formed in the upper surface of the base between outer walls of the liquid container and outer peripheries of the base. The apparatus still also preferably includes at least one separate meat infusor positioned to contact the base and to overlie and substantially surround at least inner walls of the liquid container. The meat infusor preferably provides the proximal-end cavity opening seal and steam passing member and preferably includes an infusor body which has a proximal end portion with a greater circumference than the distal end portion to enhance insertion of the meat infusor into the main inner cavity of the fowl to be cooked and enhance closing off of the inner cavity with the proximal end portion when the meat infusor is inserted into the main inner cavity. The meat infusor preferably has an infusor body and a plurality of openings positioned in side peripheries of the infusor body so that when liquid positioned in the liquid container heats, steam from the liquid readily travels through the infusor body, through the openings therein, and toward inner surfaces of meat positioned to overlie the infusor body.
In effect, this substantially or fully closing off of the main inner cavity advantageously allows the fowl or other meat to be cooked by at least two types of methods, namely roasting from the heat of the grill, oven, stove, or other heat source and steam infusing from the steam generated and infused into the inner cavity from the heated liquid container and through the infusor. The sealing or substantial sealing of the meat cavity, for example, can advantageously provide a steam-type pressure to enhance penetration or absorption of flavor from the marinade in the meat such as in the breast meat of poultry. These areas, otherwise, are often difficult to penetrate or flavor with other roasting devices.
The present invention also advantageously provides a method of cooking meat. This method preferably includes substantially sealing both lower and upper openings of an inner cavity of a fowl when positioned in a vertical position on a substantially horizontally extending cooking surface and supplying steam to the inner cavity through the lower end or proximal opening of the inner cavity to thereby increase the steam pressure within the inner cavity.
Another method of cooking meat, such as fowl, is provided which preferably includes simultaneously supplying roasting heat to outer surfaces of a fowl and supplying steam to the inner cavity when the inner cavity is substantially sealed. The method can also advantageously include providing a meat infusor to substantially seal a proximal end opening of the inner cavity of the fowl through which steam is supplied to the inner cavity and providing a meat plug member to substantially seal a distal end opening of the inner cavity of the fowl.
Yet another method of cooking meat, such as fowl, is provided which preferably includes positioning a meat infusor to substantially close off outer peripheries of a proximal end of a main inner cavity of the fowl and supplying steam through the meat infusor to the inner cavity of the fowl. The steam is preferably provided by the step of heating a liquid underlying the meat infusor with a heat source so that the liquid changes state to the steam. The method can also include supplying heat to outer surfaces of the fowl to thereby roast the fowl with the same heat source which heats the liquid that changes state to form the steam.


An LED package structure with standby bonding pads for increasing wire-bonding yield includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a conductive wire unit and a package unit. The substrate unit has a substrate body and a plurality of positive pads and negative pads. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips. The positive electrode of each LED chip corresponds to at least two of the positive pads, and the negative electrode of each. LED chip corresponds to at least two of the negative pads. Every two wires of the conductive wire unit are respectively electrically connected between the positive electrode of each LED chip and one of the at least two positive pads and between the negative electrode of each LED chip and one of the at least two negative pads. The package unit has a translucent package resin body on the substrate body to cover the LED chips.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an LED package structure and a method for manufacturing the same, in particular, to an LED package structure with standby bonding pads for increasing wire-bonding yield and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of Related Art
The invention of the lamp greatly changed the style of building construction and the living style of human beings, allowing people to work during the night. Without the invention of the lamp, we may stay in the living conditions of ancient civilizations.
Various lamps such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, power-saving bulbs and etc. have been intensively used for indoor illumination. These lamps commonly have the disadvantages of quick attenuation, high power consumption, high heat generation, short working life, high fragility, and being not recyclable. Further, the rapid flow of electrons (about 120 per second) through the electrodes of a regular fluorescent bulb causes an unstable current at the onset of lighting a fluorescent bulb, resulting in a flash of light that is harmful to the sight of the eyes. In order to eliminate this problem, a high frequency electronic ballast may be used. When a fluorescent or power-saving bulb is used with high frequency electronic ballast, it saves about 20% of the consumption of power and eliminates the problem of flashing. However, the high frequency electronic ballast is not detachable when installed in a fluorescent or power-saving bulb, the whole lamp assembly becomes useless if the bulb is damaged. Furthermore, because a fluorescent bulb contains a mercury coating, it may cause pollution to the environment when thrown away after damage.
Hence, LED lamp or LED tube is created in order to solve the above-mentioned questions of the prior lamp. Referring to FIG. 1, the LED package structure of the prior art includes a plurality of LED chips 20. The positive electrode (not shown) and the negative electrode (not shown) of each LED chip 20 respectively correspond to one positive pad P and one negative pad N. Hence, when one end of a wire W does not correctly connect with the positive pad P or the negative pad. N (it means that the wire W does not electrically connect with the positive pad P or the negative pad N (such as floating solder)), the manufacturer firstly needs to clean solder splash on the surface of the positive pad P or the negative pad N, and then making the same end of the wire W bond on the clean surface of the positive pad P or the negative pad N again. Therefore, the prior art increases wire-bonding time (decreases wire-bonding efficiency) and decreases wire-bonding yield.

Led package structure with standby bonding pads for increasing wire-bonding yield and method for manufacturing the same

Paragon Semiconductor Lighting Technology Co., Ltd.


The abnormality of an NH3 sensor is judged highly accurately. For this purpose, an abnormality judging system for an exhaust gas purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine comprises a selective catalytic reduction NOx catalyst which is provided at an exhaust gas passage of the internal combustion engine and which reduces NOx by using NH3 as a reducing agent, a supply device which supplies the reducing agent from an upstream side from the NOx catalyst, a NOx sensor which detects NOx and NH3 on a downstream side from the NOx catalyst, and an NH3 sensor which detects NH3 on a downstream side from the NOx catalyst, wherein it is judged that the NH3 sensor has any abnormality if an absolute value of a difference between an estimated NH3 concentration as a difference between a detection value of the NOx sensor and an estimated value of a NOx concentration and an NH3 concentration detected by the NH3 sensor is not less than a threshold value when NH3 flows out from the selective catalytic reduction NOx catalyst.

A technique is known, in which a selective catalytic reduction NOx catalyst (hereinafter referred to as "SCR catalyst" as well) is arranged at an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine. The SCR catalyst can adsorb NH3 and reduce NOx by using NH3.
In this context, a technique is known, in which a urea addition valve, an SCR catalyst, an ammonia oxidation catalyst, and a NOx sensor are provided successively in this order from the upstream side at an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine to judge whether or not any abnormality arises in each of the SCR catalyst, the ammonia oxidation catalyst, the urea addition valve, and the NOx sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Further, a technique is known, in which the deterioration judgment is carried out for an SCR catalyst by using an NH3 sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
In the meantime, it is demanded to further reduce the amount of emission (discharge amount) of NH3 to be emitted or discharged into the atmospheric air. In relation thereto, it is conceived that the supply amount of the reducing agent is controlled on the basis of the detection value of the NH3 sensor. However, any abnormality may possibly arise in the NH3 sensor. For this reason, it is also necessary to judge whether or not the NH3 sensor is abnormal. The abnormality judgment for the NH3 sensor has not been investigated so much until now, and hence there is room for investigation.

Abnormality judging system for exhaust gas purification apparatus of internal combustion engine


The image of a body which is located in a measuring zone is projected by a mirror into a camera having an optoelectric transducer, for instance a row of photodiodes. The stripe pattern is thrown onto the upper side of the body by a light beam which is inclined with respect to the projecting direction, said stripe pattern being imaged together with said body. The shape of the body in the vertical projection is detected by the camera and an associated electronic system, and the elevation of the body is deduced from the position of the stripe pattern thereon. Three dimensions, i.e. the actual size of the body, are thus determined. A sorting device can be controlled according to the detected size.

The present invention refers to a method for measuring a dimension of a body, the image of said body being projected onto a measuring sensor, and said dimension being detected by electrooptical means. Known measuring methods are limited to the detection of two dimensions at the most, i.e. the measuring sensor is capable of evaluating the two-dimensional image of a body at the most. In many cases, however, it is desirable to detect three dimensions of the body in order to evaluate its size in three dimensions, or its volume and weight, respectively. Such a detection of the actual size is e.g. desired in sorting processes, in particular for sorting fruit and field crops, especially potatoes. The hitherto usual sorting method, wherein potatoes are sized by dropping through square openings of graded sizes, cannot satisfy in so far as particularly slim potatoes are attributed to a given size although they may under given circumstances have the double volume of spherical potatoes in the same size class. However, the detection of three dimensions of bodies has been complicated and in certain cases impossible even under increased expenditure.

Method and device for measuring a dimension of a body, and use of said method


Non-volatile resistance change memories, systems, arrangements and associated methods are implemented in a variety of embodiments. According to one embodiment, a memory cell having two sections with outwardly-facing portions, the outwardly-facing portions electrically coupled to electrodes is implemented. The memory cell has an ionic barrier between the two sections. The two sections and the ionic barrier facilitate movement of ions from one of the two sections to the other of the two sections in response to a first voltage differential across the outwardly-facing portions. The two sections and the ionic barrier diminish movement of ions from the one of the two sections to the other of the two sections in response to another voltage differential across the outwardly-facing portions.

Non-volatile memories are memories where the information is conserved even if the memory is disconnected from a power source. In resistance change memories, the information (logic "1" and logic "0") is stored as a "high" or a "low" resistance state of the memory cell. What non-volatile random access memories (NVRAM) have in common is that the information is programmed or erased in the power-on state, while the memory cell stores the information over a period of at least 10 years in the power-off state. Non-volatile resistance change memories address some of the issues of the ultra high density non-volatile memory market.
One type of non-volatile memory is FLASH memory. Prominent examples for FLASH applications are non-volatile memories in computers, cell phones, memory sticks, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, smart cards, etc. Driven by the need to minimize production costs, the size of the memory cell has been continuously reduced. State of the art semiconductor devices are manufactured using the 65 nm technology (i.e., 65 nm denotes the size of the smallest feature of the manufactured structure). As a consequence of the continuous reduction of the memory cell size, the FLASH memory is expected to reach its physical scaling limit between the 45 nm and the 32 nm technology node.
A variety of resistance change memory concepts have been proposed to supersede FLASH. Resistance change memories can be categorized in phase change RAMs (PCRAM), resistive RAMs (RRAM) and electrochemical RAMs (ECRAM). Even though RRAM and ECRAM show some potential to become a successor of FLASH, the formation of a filament in the memory cell is essential for the memory operation. However, filamentary based memories do not scale well in relation to area or thickness. It remains therefore questionable, whether filamentary based memories can be commercialized. A disadvantage of PCRAM is the large current consumption of the memory during program/erase operations.
Some scalable non-volatile memories utilize a mixed electronic ionic conductor to store the information. Scalability of the memory cell is highly desired for memory applications. Mixed ionic electronic conductors are solids with a high mobility of ions or ion vacancies. The high mobility of ions/vacancies gives rise to ionic motion. At the same time, a sufficiently high concentration of electrons or defect electrons causes an electronic conduction. One of the properties of a mixed electronic ionic conductor is that a change in the ionic/vacancy concentration is correlated with a change in the concentration of electrons or electron holes. Thus, local changes in the electronic concentration affect the overall conductivity of the material. The mixed ionic electronic conductor will further be referred to as "solid state electrolyte". Since the memory mechanism is very similar for solid state electrolytes with ionic and ion vacancies conduction, the focus is on solid state electrolytes with vacancy conduction. Similar considerations can be applied to solid state electrolytes of predominantly ion conduction.
By applying an external electric field, vacancies are redistributed inside the solid state electrolyte. Thus, the memory effect is based on the local change of electronic charge carriers, which is a consequence of the redistribution of vacancies. A concentration change of electronic charge carriers causes an increase or decrease in the resistance of the memory cell.
To ensure fast program/erase times, solid state electrolytes with high ionic mobility have to be used. During the programming operation, a concentration gradient of ions builds up. After switching off the external field, the redistributed ions tend to move back to their initial (equilibrium) positions, thereby lowering the concentration gradient. A redistribution of ions, however, causes a loss of the stored information over time, which can lead to a loss of the data stored by the memory cell. As a consequence thereof, fast electrochemical memories are often unreliable.
The above issues as well as others have presented challenges to the manufacture and implementation of electrochemical memories for a variety of applications.

Electrochemical memory with internal boundary

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


A dispensing device has a cantilever comprising a plurality of thin films arranged relative to one another to define a microchannel in the cantilever and to define at least portions of a dispensing microtip proximate an end of the cantilever and communicated to the microchannel to receive material therefrom. The microchannel is communicated to a reservoir that supplies material to the microchannel. One or more reservoir-fed cantilevers may be formed on a semiconductor chip substrate. A sealing layer preferably is disposed on one of the first and second thin films and overlies outermost edges of the first and second thin films to seal the outermost edges against material leakage. Each cantilever includes an actuator, such as for example a piezoelectric actuator, to impart bending motion thereto. The microtip includes a pointed pyramidal or conical shaped microtip body and an annular shell spaced about the pointed microtip body to define a material-dispensing annulus thereabout. The working microtip may be used to dispense material onto a substrate, to probe a surface in scanning probe microscopy, to apply an electrical stimulus or record an electrical response on a surface in the presence of a local environment created around the tip by the material dispensed from the tip or to achieve other functions.

Dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) has been developed to dispense material by molecular transport from a cantilever tip mounted on the probe of an atomic force microscope (AFM) onto a substrate surface as described in Science 283, 661 (1999). DPN is disadvantageous in that repeated re-inking of the dispensing tip is required to replenish molecules when large surface areas are to be patterned or when complex patterns are required. DPN also suffers from low speed and throughput due to its serial nature and limited scan size.
Another technique for nanopatterning involves a micropipette disposed on the tip of an AFM probe as described in Appl/Phys. Lett. 65 (5), 648 (1994). The micropipette technique suffers from the disadvantage of irregular shape of the micropipette, low reproducibility, and low resolution. The micropipette is difficult to integrate in array format to carry out massive pattering operations on one or more substrates.
Still another technique referred to as millipede:parallel read/write is described in IEEE Trans. on Nanotech. 1 (1), 39 (2002) and involves a cantilevered AFM probe having a heated tip able to write on a thermoplastic substrate by embossing the tip into the thermoplastic material. The technique does not dispense any material, but is illustrative for a massively parallel writing method using AFM probe arrays.


A liquid crystal display device which has a liquid crystal display which uses liquid crystal with a memory effect. When a contact action with a screen of the liquid crystal display is made, information displayed thereon is written again thereon. Also, if no changes have been made on the information displayed for a whole day, the same information is automatically written on the liquid crystal display. The display device is attachable to and detachable from a household electrical appliance. The information is about at least one of a calendar, a recipe, a massage, stock, a picture and data reception from outside, etc.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device for displaying various kinds of information, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display device which has a liquid crystal display with a memory effect.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, displays which use liquid crystal are widely used. There are various kinds of liquid crystal displays, and as a type of display with a memory effect, a reflective type liquid crystal display which uses ferrodielectric liquid crystal or cholesteric liquid crystal is known. A well-known TN type liquid crystal display repeats writing at intervals of a very short time so as to keep displaying an image thereon, that is, executes a refresh drive. A liquid crystal display with a memory effect, on the other hand, an image written thereon is kept even after stoppage of application of a driving voltage, which is good in energy saving.
However, such a liquid crystal display with a memory effect has a problem that when someone touches the screen while the display keeps an image thereon, the image may be disordered and the disordered image may be kept thereon.
By way of analogy, since a refrigerator has a flat and plain surface, generally, memos and recipes are stuck thereon by magnets or an adhesive tape, or a white board is magnetically fitted onto the surface so that schedules or other information can be written thereon by a marker. In such ways, however, the volume of information to be displayed is limited, and in the case of using a white board, when the written information is erased, rubbish may be dispersed, and the writer may smudge a hand. Also, in these cases, what are written and displayed are only letters and schemes, and it is difficult to write accurate images.
Japanese Patent Laid Open Publication Nos. 9-19768 and 8-35759 disclosed that a liquid crystal display is provided on the surface of a refrigerator. The displays suggested by these documents are of a type which uses liquid crystal without a memory effect and consumes electric power to keep displaying an image thereon. Refrigerators consume great electric power compared with other household electrical appliances, and to reduce the consumption of electric power of refrigerators is a big task in view of energy saving. Providing a liquid crystal display without a memory effect to a refrigerator results in an increase in the consumption of electric power of the refrigerator, which is against the demand of the times. Even if such a liquid crystal display without a memory effect is used, by using a timer to shut off supply of electric power to the display after a specified time, energy saving can be achieved. In this case, however, the image on the display will be erased simultaneously with the shut-off of supply of electric power.


A cover assembly having a frame with a base, a plurality of support members that extend upwardly from the base, a plurality of horizontal braces that are connected to and extend between the support members, and a pair of generally vertical braces that extend between the forward most support member and a machine. A cover is fitted over the support members and is connected to the base using a plurality of fastening members.

This invention is directed to a cover assembly, and more particularly to a cover assembly for a directional drilling machine.
Directional drilling machines are well known in the art. Typically, use of a directional drilling machine is limited by outdoor weather conditions for at least two reasons. One reason is that it becomes difficult for an operator of a drilling machine to withstand cold weather conditions for an extended period of time. Second, in cold weather, water used to cool the tips of the drill rods is susceptible to freezing. Water is also used to lubricate the drill hole and to flush out the cuttings when back reaming. Freezing can also inhibit mud that is intentionally created under certain soil conditions from a combination of bentonite and water. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a device that addresses these deficiencies.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a cover assembly that permits operation of a directional drilling machine in cold weather.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cover assembly that prevents water used when operating a directional drilling machine from freezing.
These and other objectives will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based upon the following written description, drawings, and claims.

Cover assembly for a directional drilling machine


According to an aspect, a power supply system includes a plurality of power stages including a first power stage and a second power stage. The power supply system includes a voltage regulator connected to the first power stage and the second power stage. The voltage regulator is configured to detect an analog temperature signal from at least one of the first power stage and the second power stage via a communication line. The analog temperature signal is detected within a first voltage range. The voltage regulator is configured to transmit a digital bit stream to the first power stage and the second power stage via the communication line. The digital bit stream includes one or more programmable power stage parameters. The digital bit stream has digital levels within a second voltage range.

Power stages may provide several types of protection such as undervoltage protection, overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and overtemperature protection, etc. Also, a voltage regulator may monitor various aspects of the power stages such as the current delivered, the temperature of integrated circuits, the power input bus, etc. The parameters (including thresholds) for the circuit protections and/or monitoring aspects can be application specific and may vary from product to product. In some conventional approaches, these parameters (or some of these parameters) are stored (e.g., embedded) at the individual power stages at production, thereby causing any subsequent customizations including modification of these parameters to fit another type of application relatively difficult.

Transmitting power stage parameters from a voltage regulator to power stages

SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC


The present invention relates to a clutch control device, more particularly, to a clutch control device wherein a mechanical section may be miniaturized and operational errors can be reduced using a non-contact type displacement detection system which uses a linear distance sensor for a clutch clearance and the position of the mechanical section can be accurately controlled by using a plurality of solenoid valves.

A clutch means a device for connecting or disconnecting a pair of concentric rotary shafts in an easy and rapid way. The clutch is generally provided between shafts connected to an engine and a machine to operate or stop the machine, and also allows an engine to operate in a non-load state like a vehicle.
A clutch used in a commercial vehicle has a power transmission function for transmitting a rotating force of an engine to a transmission and a power blocking function for temporarily blocking a power flow between an engine and a transmission whenever required. The clutch also allows a machine to start operation softly without a vibration, protects the engine and the power transmission device against overloads, and reduces a rotation vibration of the engine together with a flywheel.
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a general clutch. As shown in FIG. 1 a clutch generally includes a clutch pedal 1 for receiving a manipulating force of a driver, a master cylinder 3 for transmitting the power of the clutch pedal 1, an air pump 5 connected to the master cylinder 3 to supply an air pressure, a booster cylinder 7 having a piston rod 7a operating with the air pressure supplied from the air pump 5, a release cylinder 9 for operating a clutch 11 with the air pressure provided from the booster cylinder 7, and a shift lever 13 hinged to connect the release cylinder 9 and the clutch 11. The push rod 9a of the release cylinder 9 has a restoring force by means of a spring 9b.
In the clutch configured as above, if a driver steps down the clutch pedal 1, the force operates the piston rod 3a of the master cylinder 3 so that the air pressure supplied from the air pump 5 flows via an air pressure guiding unit 51 to the booster cylinder 7. The introduced air pressure moves the piston rod 7a of the booster cylinder 7, which allows the push rod 9a of the release cylinder 9 to move. If the push rod 9a moves, the shift lever 13 allows a clutch disc of the clutch 11 to be separated from a driving plate of an engine, thereby blocking the power transmitted to wheels.
However, when a vehicle is in a congested or slow-down section or drives in a city, the clutch pedal should be numerously operated, which increases the fatigue of a driver and strains the knee and the waste.
If an automatic transmission is mounted to solve the above convenience, even though a driver may feel convenience and comfort, an initial purchasing price increases, and fuel consumption increases by about 20 to 30% in comparison to a manual transmission.
To solve this problem, many semi-auto clutches have been proposed. However, a semi-auto clutch is complicated, which gives problems in repair and maintenance, and it is very difficult to attach the semi-auto clutch to an existing vehicle. Therefore, there is demanded a clutch control device which may be simply attached to or detached from an existing vehicle and ensure convenient maintenance.
In particular, if a semi-auto clutch is used, its rotation is read using a potentiometer by controlling a clutch operation with a motor, and the rotation is converted into a straight displacement to calculate a clutch clearance and control transmission. Due to this reason, the machine size increases and the semi-auto may not be easily mounted to a vehicle.
In addition, when converting the rotation into a displacement, an error is caused due to a mechanical SLIP or the like, which may result in unnecessary transmission impacts


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and devices for repairing computer files that impair network communications. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: extracting information corresponding to settings for network communications from a local resource file, wherein the local resource file is embedded within an application executed by a computer for repairing the files impairing network communication on the computer; and replacing information within a registry of the computer with at least a portion of the extracted information, wherein the replaced information includes settings pertaining to facilitation of network communications on the computer. Other methods and devices are also provided.

Current versions of the Microsoft Windows® operating systems (starting with Windows 95®) utilize a centralized hierarchical database to store system settings, hardware configurations, and user preferences. This database is called the Windows Registry or more commonly known as the registry.
For example, the registry stores configuration information for hardware or software that is installed within the Windows® operating system, which allows the Window® operating system to retrieve the information at later dates, such as at start up. At start up, the Windows® operating system reads the configuration information in the registry to determine which drivers need to be loaded, which settings to be applied, and which resources need to be allocated.
In addition to operating system settings, the registry also stores user preferences and application settings. For example, when a user changes his or her desktop background, these details are stored in the registry. Application settings such as what directory to which a user prefers to download files may be stored in the registry as well. Thus, the registry contains information that the operating system continually references during operation of a computer.
Viruses, spyware, and other malware can cause corruption and damage to the registry. For example, one common problem involves the Windows® Socket, also know as Winsock. A Winsock is an application programming interface (API) which communicates with other machines via the TCP/IP protocol. Winsock settings maintained in the Windows® registry are often corrupted by the installation of other programs within the Windows® operating system. After Winsock settings in the registry are corrupted, applications that need the Winsock API to operate, such as web browsers, fail to function properly. Further, measures by users to reconfigure Winsock settings in the registry often lead to additional problems and malfunctions. Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.


The present disclosure relates to content addressable memories (CAM), and more particularly, to a searchable CAM structure having self-reference matchline precharge and local feedback control and method of use. The present disclosure includes a structure which includes: a sense line connected to a sensing device; a feedback line connected to the sense line at a tap point between a first end and a second end of the sense line; and a local precharge controller connected to the tap point by the feedback line to control precharging of the sense line according to a state of the feedback line.

Recently, technology scaling (e.g., to sub-100 nm dimensions) has resulted in relatively large random process variations that are incorporated into circuits and, particularly, has resulted in relatively large across chip variations in memory devices, e.g., sensing circuits. To compensate for these variations, sensing circuits typically operate with delays incorporated into the timing of the circuit, which degrades performance.
For example, in a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) each word is associated with a matchline that is precharged at the beginning of the cycle and discharged during the evaluation portion of the cycle if, and only if, the contents of the word mismatches the contents of the input search lines. Consequently the cycle time of the CAM, i.e., the fastest time (at a particular voltage and temperature) that this matching operation can be reliably repeated, is dependent on the precharge time, the evaluation (comparison) time and the time it takes to latch and propagate the results. To allow for statistical variations in manufacturing, each time portion of the overall operation must be carefully designed. Matchline precharge time is determined by generating a global precharge signal applied to a dummy matchline for a precharge time plus a fixed logic delay. Consequently, the precharge time for each matchline is globally fixed with no ability to adjust for precharge time variations from matchline to matchline. This precharge time also has no ability to sense and compensate for variable metal resistance and capacitance thereby forcing the designer to overdesign the various elements.

Matchline precharge architecture for self-reference matchline sensing


A method for controlling the filling of a filter press with slurry according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the sequentially executed steps of: gradually increasing the pressure of the slurry supplied to thee press until the slurry pressure reaches an upper pressure limit; recording a trigger point in time at which the slurry pressure reaches the upper pressure limit; and determining whether the slurry pressure subsequently falls below a lower pressure limit within a predetermined period of time commencing at the trigger point. If the slurry pressure does fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, then the above-listed sequence of steps is repeated until the slurry pressure fails to fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that the press is full and terminating the process.

Referring to the general type of filter press mentioned above, if the slurry is initially pumped into the filter press too quickly under too much pressure, this results in the phenomenon known as "blinding" wherein the particulate in the slurry is driven with excessive force into the filter cloth of the filter plates, which disadvantageously clogs the filter cloth. It is therefore desirable to feed the slurry more gradually into the filter press so that the particulate gradually accumulates on the filter cloth to create a particulate bed on the filter cloth. This gradually-accumulated particulate bed filters the remaining slurry upstream thereof.
The aforementioned gradually-accumulated particulate bed is conventionally produced by stepwise increasing the feed pump pressure over time until the slurry pressure eventually reaches a desired end pressure value. However, in order to ensure effective filtering, the magnitude and timing of the stepwise pressure increments are typically determined based on a laboratory analysis of the slurry and the characteristics of the press filter being used. The filter press is typically provided with control devices such as relays, switches and timers which are then configured to produce the desired pressure increments at the desired times.
Thus, the aforementioned stepwise pressure increment approach requires calculation of the magnitude and timing of the pressure increments for each different slurry to be filtered. Moreover, the aforementioned relays, switches and timers introduce undesirable mechanical complexity and require a relatively large amount of space. In addition, the stepwise pressure increment approach requires a preset filtration cycle time (based on the calculated timing parameters) which cannot be adaptively adjusted during the cycle. Further, this approach does not take into account, or adjust for, operational or environmental changes which occur from cycle to cycle.
Hence, although the conventional stepwise pressure increment approach is effective to avoid the "blinding" phenomenon, the benefits of this approach are nevertheless offset to some extent by the disadvantageous factors mentioned above.
One conventional system uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control the stepwise pressure increments. This system eliminates some of the difficulties associated with electromechanical control devices, but does not address the other disadvantages mentioned above. A special programming unit is required to program the predetermined cycle parameters into the PLC. Whenever new cycle parameters are required for a new slurry, the programming unit must be temporarily connected to the PLC to program the new cycle parameters into the PLC.
In some conventional systems, a pressure switch is provided in the air supply to the feed pump. Each time the feed pump executes a stepwise pressure increment, the air pressure drops temporarily and causes the pressure switch to activate a timer. However, using this approach, the range of acceptable pressure increments is limited by the sensitivity of the pressure switch. That is, the pressure switch will not trigger the timer unless the pressure increment is sufficient to cause an air pressure drop at least as large as the sensitivity of the pressure switch. Also, the pump pressure is subject to pressure head losses and the like, and consequently the pressure switch can be erroneously actuated.
One known system has attempted to avoid the aforementioned step-wise pressure increment method, and instead has utilized sensors and controls which attempt to regulate the air supply pressure to the pump in response to the slurry pressure leaving the pump so that the pump and slurry pressure are maintained in closer relationship to one another throughout the filter press cycle. This known arrangement, however, is believed to experience operational difficulties caused by the fact that the pump air pressure always attempts to respond to the slurry pressure. In this respect, the Assignee has discovered that in some cycles during filling of the filter press the slurry pressure will suddenly significantly drop prior to again resuming a gradual increase, possibly due to sudden dislodgement of clogs within the press. When these sudden slurry pressure drops occur, it has been observed that if the pump air pressure is allowed to drop due to its responding to the slurry pressure in an attempt to maintain a uniform pressure differential therebetween, then often times can cause a stall condition in the pump and hence seriously disrupt proper operation of the filter press. Further, in this known arrangement, the cycle terminates by activating a timer when a predetermined maximum slurry pressure is reached, which timer permits the press to continue to operate for a preset period of time, such as about two hours, before shutting down the system. This can, in some instances, cause premature shut down of the press prior to complete filling thereof, such as occurs when a premature pressure spike occurs so as to activate the maximum pressure sensor.
Considering the aforementioned approaches to slurry pressure control during the filtration cycle, none of them is capable of adjusting slurry pressure near the end of the cycle, that is, the slurry end pressure. However, Applicants have recognized that adjustment of slurry end pressure facilitates an increase in the filtration cycle efficiency so as to permit shut down of the press only when the press is full.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved filter press control apparatus, and a method of control, which overcomes many of the advantages associated with prior control methods and apparatus for filter presses.
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a slurry press control method and apparatus which can suitably adjust end pressure, and in fact respond to pressure changes after the maximum end pressure has been sensed, to permit continued operation of the filter press and resetting of the end pressure if certain operational conditions are met so as to ensure that the end pressure, when sensed, will permit shut down only when the press is substantially full.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a slurry pressure control method and apparatus, as aforesaid, which is able to sense and respond to, and hence adjust the preset end pressure, such as when the air line pressure decreases, so that the end pressure will still be sufficiently less than the line pressure to permit shut down of the press upon completion of the cycle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a slurry pressure control method and apparatus, as aforesaid, which avoids the "blinding" phenomena while also avoiding the disadvantages associated with the prior art approach of stepwise pressure increments.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a slurry pressure control method and apparatus which is capable of maintaining a substantially uniform pressure differential between the pump and slurry pressures throughout the filling cycle to optimize the filling of the press, with the control method and apparatus being such as to maintain the pump pressure constant when the slurry pressure decreases during the cycle so as to prevent control problems such as pump stall.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a slurry pressure control method and apparatus, as aforesaid, which enables the filter press cycle to automatically proceed substantially unattended between press start up and shut down so that a complete cycle can be carried out without requiring substantial or constant operator control and/or observation.
It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved slurry control method and apparatus, as aforesaid, wherein the press has a visual display and controller provided directly thereon which permits easy inputting of various cycle parameters such as initial start pump pressure, slurry cycle end pressure and the like, and which provides during the operating cycle a visual display of all critical and desirable operating conditions, with the visual display permitting the various conditions to be sequentially visually displayed on the control panel, with such display being automatically or manually scrolled to provide the operator with important information as to the current status of the cycle without requiring continuous monitoring or attendance by the operator.
A method for controlling the filling of a filter press with slurry according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the sequentially executed steps of: gradually increasing the pressure of the slurry supplied to thee press until the slurry pressure reaches an upper pressure limit; recording a trigger point in time at which the slurry pressure reaches the upper pressure limit; and determining whether the slurry pressure subsequently falls below a lower pressure limit within a predetermined period of time commencing at the trigger point. If the slurry pressure does fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, then the above-listed sequence of steps is repeated until the slurry pressure fails to fall below the lower pressure limit within the predetermined period of time, thereby indicating that the press is full and terminating the process.
The aforementioned method is preferably carried out by providing the press of the invention with a control panel thereon which contains suitable control means, such as a suitable microprocessor, capable of responding to a signal which is indicative of the slurry pressure leaving the pump so as to adjust the air pressure supplied to the pump to maintain a substantially constant differential therebetween, except for the air pump pressure being maintained substantially constant when the slurry pressure decreases, with the pump pressure remaining constant until the slurry pressure again builds up so as to permit resumption of the predetermined differential between the pressures. The controller also preferably includes a visual display panel directly on the press for permitting operator-setting of cycle parameters, and for also permitting display of actual cycle parameters and conditions throughout the rather lengthy press filling cycle so as to permit the operator to readily and promptly obtain necessary information without requiring constant attendance or supervision by the operator.
Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons familiar with systems of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

Filter press with adaptive automated control arrangement


An energization controller for an electric motor eliminates the possibility that a motor driver may be destroyed when the electric motor rotates in the opposite direction from its driving direction. The energization controller comprises energization circuits which are composed of an H type circuit together with an electric coil; a chopping control device for selectively performing a hard chopping mode of alternately repeating a switch-on operation of turning on both switching elements and a switch-off operation of turning off both the switching elements and a soft chopping mode of alternately repeating a switch-on operation of turning on both the switching elements and a singular-on operation of turning off one switching element and turning on the other switching element; a direction detection device for detecting a rotational direction of the motor; and a chopping mode control device for detecting whether or not the rotational direction coincides with a driving direction and for instructing the chopping control device to perform the hard chopping mode during when those directions do not coincide.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an energization controller for controlling the ON/OFF condition of an H-type switching circuit for feeding chopped electricity to an electric coil of an electric motor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A switching circuit for feeding electricity to a switched reluctance motor will be explained with reference to the drawings. The switched reluctance motor (hereinafter referred to as an SR motor) comprises a rotor configured so that pole sections protrude outwardly and a stator configured so that pole sections protrude inwardly. The rotor is an iron core comprised of laminated iron plates and the stator has a coil wound on each pole. The SR motor functions by operating each pole of the stator as an electromagnet and rotating the rotor by attracting each pole section of the rotor by the magnetic force of the stator. Accordingly, the rotor can be rotated in a desired direction by sequentially switching the power-ON state of the coil wound around each pole of the stator corresponding to the rotational position of each pole of the rotor. This type of SR motor is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open No. Hei. 01-298940.
Because the power ON/OFF state of each pole of the stator is switched when each pole of the rotor is located at a specific rotational position in the SR motor, a magnitude of magnetic attraction force applied to the rotor changes abruptly by switching the ON/OFF state. Therefore, relatively large mechanical vibrations occur in the rotor and the stator and noise is also generated by this vibration.
In the above mentioned prior art technology disclosed in Japanese Patent: Laid Open No. Hei. 01-298940, a rotational position signal having a moderate leading edge and trailing edge is generated and is utilized to moderate the rise of current in energizing the electric coil and fall of the current in de-energizing the electric coil. This enables the suppression of vibrations and noise. However, since the rotational position signal is used, the effect of suppressing the noise is reduced when the rise of current in energizing the electric coil and the fall of current in de-energizing the electric coil become substantially fast when rotating the motor at a low speed. The current flow becomes very small and the torque generated becomes small since the power ON time for each energization is shortened when the rise of current in energizing the electric coil and the fall of current in de-energizing the electric coil become substantially slow when rotating the motor at high speed. Furthermore, efficiency may drop and the required torque may not be produced unless the timing for switching the ON/OFF control of the energization is changed corresponding to the number of revolutions and the required torque.
According to prior art technologies disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Nos. Hei. 07-274569, Hei. 07-298669 and Hei. 08-172793, an H type switching circuit is used to control motor energizing current by a PWM to smooth the rise and fall of the energization and to control switching modes to improve torque.
For instance, as shown in FIG. 11a, the H type switching circuit comprises a first switching element 19a interposed between one end of an electric coil 1a and a first power line 18e, a second switching element 18b interposed between the other end of the electric coil 1a and a second power line 18f, a first diode D1 which is interposed between one end of the coil 1a and the second power line 18f and which permit current to be conducted from the latter to the former and a second diode D2 which is interposed between the other end of the coil 1a and the first power line 18e and which permit current to be conducted from the former to the latter.
A rotational driving current flows through the electric coil 1a as shown in FIG. 11a when the first and second switching elements 18a and 18b are both turned ON and a feedback current to the power source caused by an induced voltage of the electric coil 1a flows through the electric coil 1a as shown in FIG. 11b when they are both turned OFF. A pulsating current shown in FIG. 11c flows through the electric coil 1a by repeatedly turning the transistors ON and OFF as described above alternately by the PWM control. This switching mode will be referred to as "hard chopping" in the present specification. Energy generated by the electric coil 1a is supplied (regenerated) to the first power line 18e and the current is sharply reduced at time intervals during when the first and second switching elements 19a and 18b are both turned OFF as shown in FIG. 11b. Because pulsation of the current caused by the switching elements when they are switched ON/OF is large, pulsation of magnetic attraction force applied to the rotor of the electric motor is large, thus causing large vibration and noise.
A current whose pulsation is relatively small flows through the electric coil 1a as shown in FIG. 12c by alternately repeating operations of turning ON both first and second switching elements 18a and 18b as shown in FIG. 12a (similar to FIG. 11a) and of turning OFF only the first switching element 18a while keeping the second switching element 18b ON as shown in FIG. 12b. This switching mode will be referred to as "soft chopping" in the present specification. The current reduces moderately and hence the driving force of the motor and the attraction force in the radial direction are reduced moderately during the period in which the first switching element 18a is OFF and the second switching element 18b is ON as shown in FIG. 12b. Accordingly, noise and vibration are reduced when the motor is energized in the "soft chopping" mode.
The energization controller disclosed in the above mentioned Japanese Patent Laid Open Nos. Hei. 07-274569, 07-298669 and 08-172793 has realized the reduction of vibration and high torque by selecting the above mentioned "hard chopping" and "soft chopping" corresponding to the rotating condition of the SR motor.
However, because the energy generated by the electric coil 1a does not return to the first power line 18e during the time interval when the first switching element 18a is OFF and the second switching element 18b is ON as shown in FIG. 12b in the "soft chopping" mode, the rotor vibrates and jumps in the direction opposite from the driving direction due to a torque ripple and the like at the initial period of rotation right after starting to drive the electric motor. Thus, a reverse rotation occurs as shown in FIG. 13 and when this reverse rotation is large or is repeated in a short time, the current in the electric coil 1a may increase and the switching elements may be destroyed due to the induced voltage of the electric coil 1a caused by the reverse rotation of the rotor.
When an electric motor is mounted in a vehicle for driving the wheels, the rotor of the electric motor may well rotate temporarily in a reverse direction due to inverse torque applied to the wheels right after the drive of the electric motor is started to start the vehicle, in climbing a slope at low speed, in clearing a curb stone during driving the vehicle into/out of a garage or when forward/backward is quickly switched. Thus, it is desirable to reduce the possibility of destroying the switching elements.

Energization controller for an electric motor


A NOx sensor element includes: a first pump cell configured to adjust an oxygen concentration in a first measurement chamber; a diffusion resistance portion configured to adjust a diffusion rate of a measurement target gas introduced into the first measurement chamber; and a second pump cell in which a pump current corresponding to a NOx concentration in the measurement target gas after the adjustment of the oxygen concentration, flows. The first pump cell includes: a first solid electrolyte; an inner pump electrode containing a noble metal, and exposed to the first measurement chamber; and an outer pump electrode containing a noble metal, and disposed outside the first measurement chamber. The outer pump electrode contains not less than 22% by mass of a main component of the first solid electrolyte.

In association with tightening of regulations on exhaust gas discharged from internal combustion engines of automobiles and the like, the amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in such exhaust gas have been required to be reduced. Accordingly, development of NOx sensors capable of directly measuring the NOx concentration in exhaust gas has been in progress in recent years. A NOx sensor includes a NOx sensor element having a first pump cell and a second pump cell in which a pair of electrodes are formed on surfaces of a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity such as zirconia.
In the NOx sensor, the first pump cell pumps out or pumps in oxygen in a first measurement chamber that is in communication with a space for a NOx-containing measurement target gas. At this time, the oxygen concentration in the first measurement chamber is measured by an oxygen concentration detection cell, and the first pump cell is controlled such that the oxygen concentration in the first measurement chamber becomes a predetermined oxygen concentration. When constant voltage is applied to the second pump cell disposed in the first measurement chamber or a NOx measurement chamber different therefrom, NOx contained in the measurement target gas having been subjected to control (adjustment) of the oxygen concentration is decomposed into nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2). At this time, a second pump current that flows between the pair of electrodes of the second pump cell is measured, whereby the NOx concentration in the measurement target gas is detected.
In the NOx sensor having the above-described configuration, the electrodes are merely disposed on each solid electrolyte, and thus the electrodes of the NOx sensor element (detection element) are not sufficiently activated, and sufficient sensor characteristics are not obtained.
In view of this, the following technique has been proposed: in a rich atmosphere, a NOx sensor element is disposed and exposed to high temperature, and alternating voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes of a first pump cell, whereby aging treatment is performed (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2012-18189).