A motor vehicle comprises a pre-assembled front module (1) including a support structure (2); a propulsion unit (14); a steerable front wheel assembly (17); an intermediate support structure (20) for housing and supporting a windscreen; a planar load-bearing floor structure (30); a pre-assembled intermediate module (40) including a firewall (41), instrument panel (42), steering column (43, 44) and a control pedal assembly (45); a rear pre-assembled module (50) including a support frame (51), at least one pair of rear wheels (55); an annular rear structure (60); and two side structures (70).

The present invention relates motor vehicle having a modular structure and to a method for assembling such a vehicle.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved modular structure for a motor vehicle with an improved assembly method, which enable a vehicle to be assembled automatically, in particular by the procedure known as the "open sky" technique, using a small number of components, modules and pre-assembled functional sub-units, which have already been tested with regard to their specific functions by their respective manufacturers/suppliers.
This and other objects are achieved according to the invention by providing a motor vehicle with a modular structure the main characteristics of which are defined in the appended Claim 1, with an assembly method the main characteristics of which are claimed in Claim 15.
A modular-structure motor vehicle according to the invention includes a first or front, module, which in FIG. 1 and in the subsequent drawings is generally indicated 1.
In the embodiment illustrated, the front module 1 includes a support structure 2 which includes a pair of essentially horizontal, parallel longerons 3, connected at the front by a front cross member 4 and at the rear by a cross member 5.
Two essentially symmetrical members or struts 6 extend upwardly and rearwardly from the front end of the longerons 3. Respective end plates 7 are fixed, by welding for example, to the free ends of the said struts.
A respective shaped strut 8 extends between an intermediate portion of each strut 6 and the longeron 3 associated therewith.
For convenience, the portion of each member 8 adjacent the associated strut 6 forms a so-called dome 9 with an opening 10 (see the upper portion of FIG. 1) for securing the suspension of a corresponding wheel.
A respective seat 11 is also formed in each shaped strut 8 for securing an anti-vibration support device, of a type known per se, for the propulsion assembly of the motor vehicle.
The ends of a support cross member, indicated 12 in the drawings, rest on and are fixed to the longerons 3 at the rear and near the shaped struts 8.
A further shaped member 13 rests on and is fixed to the longerons 3, by welding for example, the purpose of which will be explained later.
The front module 1 also includes a propulsion unit, generally indicated 14, of a type known per se, ready assembled with the support structure 2 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2.
The propulsion unit is, in particular, mounted between the shaped struts 8, behind the front cross members 4.
In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings by way of example, the front module 1 also includes a front assembly 15 (see FIGS. 1 and 3 for example), fixed to the front cross member 4 and including, for example, the radiator 16 associated with the propulsion unit 14, together with accessory devices, and possibly other devices not shown in the drawings, such as the front optical units of the motor vehicle.
The front module 1 also includes a pair of steerable front wheels 17 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1), coupled to the propulsion assembly 14 in a manner known per se, and associated suspension devices 8, also of a known type, connected to the support structure 2 and in particular to the shaped struts 8 and to the longerons 3.
The front module 1 is shown in its assembled condition in FIG. 3.
With reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, a modular-structure motor vehicle according to the invention also includes an intermediate support structure generally indicated 20.
In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, this structure essentially comprises an annular frame 21 with two lower pillars 22. The frame 21 is intended to receive and support a glass windscreen (not shown) in a manner known per se.
As can be seen better in FIG. 5, the intermediate support structure 20 can be assembled with the front module 1 described above by resting the pillars 22 on the end plates 7 of the structure 2 of the front module 1 and fixing them thereto (by welding for example), and by securing the lower ends of the pillars 22 to the longerons 3.
With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 and to subsequent figures, the motor vehicle also includes an essentially planar load-bearing floor structure, generally indicated 30, and made of shaped metal.
In the embodiment shown by way of example, the floor 30 has a central longitudinal portion 31, which is arcuate in cross section, being upwardly convex with a flat wing or sheet 32 to either side of this portion.
The floor 30 is fitted to the assembly of FIG. 5 by being placed on and secured to the longerons 3 (by welding for example) and by fixing the front edge of this floor 30 to the shaped cross member 13 (see FIG. 1) of the front module 1.
FIG. 7 shows the floor 30 fitted to the assembly of FIG. 5.
In FIG. 8, and in subsequent figures, a second, or intermediate pre-assembled module is indicated 40.
Essentially, this module comprises a fire-wall 41 with various assemblies and devices fitted to it, such as an instrument panel 42, a steering column 43 with a steering wheel 44 and a control pedal assembly generally indicated 45.
In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the intermediate module 40 also includes accessory devices such as a pneumatic power-assisted braking system 46 and a heat-exchanger assembly 47 for climate control in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.
During assembly, the intermediate module 40 is fitted to the intermediate support structure 20, as shown in FIG. 9.
In particular, the firewall is fixed to the pillars 22 of the structure 20, after coupling the devices of the module 40 to corresponding devices of the propulsion unit 14 and the front-wheel assembly 17. In particular, the steering column 43 is connected to a steering box (not shown in the drawings) which, for convenience, can be pre-fitted on the support cross member 12 (FIG. 1) of the front module 1.
In FIG. 10, and in subsequent figures, a third pre-assembled module, or rear module is indicated 50.
In the embodiment illustrated, the rear module 50 comprises a support frame 51 which includes a shaped front crossbeam 52 for coupling with the rear edge of the floor platform 30.
Two essentially parallel longitudinal arms 53 extend rearwardly from the shaped crossbeam 52, with their rear ends connected by a cross member 54.
The rear module 50 also includes two rear wheels 55 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 10) with associated suspension devices 56.
The suspensions of the rear wheels 55 can be of a type which includes a torsion bar, partially shown in FIG. 10 and indicated 57.
An area 58 (see FIG. 10) is formed inside the frame 51, between the cross members 52 and 54 and the longitudinal side arms 53, where one or more of a collection of various devices can be arranged, such as a fuel tank 59, a housing for a spare wheel and the like.
As an alternative to, or in addition to the fuel tank 59, an electric battery unit can be housed in the aforesaid space 58, possibly one suitable to supply electric power for running the motor vehicle on electricity.
FIG. 11 shows the rear module 50 fitted to the assembly illustrated in FIG. 9.
An annular rear structure, indicated 60 in FIG. 12, is securely fixable to the cross member 54 of the module 50, as shown in FIG. 13.
The annular structure 60 can conveniently house a rear door, which can be opened by pivoting either about a horizontal or about a substantially vertical axis.
Alternatively, the annular rear structure 60 can be designed to receive a rear window glass, which may be openable or not, with a panel beneath it which can be fixed or can include an openable door.
The next stage in the assembly of the motor vehicle is the fitting of two side structures.
One of these side structures is indicated 70 in FIGS. 13 and 14.
In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the side structure 70 defines two apertures 71, 72 separated by an essentially vertical intermediate pillar 73 and provided for receiving corresponding doors (not illustrated).
The side structures 70 are fixed, by welding for example, to the plates 7 of the front module 1, to the intermediate support structure 20, to the floor platform 30 and to the annular rear structure 60.
In FIG. 14, a closure panel or roof, indicated 80, preferably already fitted with an insulating layer on its lower surface, can be supported on and fixed, for example, by welding to the upper edges of the intermediate structure 20, the annular rear structure 60 and the side structures 70.
The motor vehicle is then finished by fitting the internal upholstery and accessory devices usually provided in the passenger compartment, as well as the body panels and the like, all by methods used in the art.
In a variant of the invention, at least in the case of the front module 1, the body panels, as well as a front bumper, can conveniently be pre-assembled as part of this module.
Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining unchanged, embodiments and manufacturing details may vary widely from those described and illustrated here purely by way of non-limitative example, without departing thereby from the scope of the invention, as claimed in the appended Claims.

Motor vehicle having a modular structure and a method for assembling it


An automatic scanning parameter setting device and method. The automatic scanning parameter setting device is a scanner that automatically sets the scanning parameters of a plurality of scan images so that scanning can be conducted in batches. The automatic scanning parameter setting device includes an image input device, an analysis device and a control unit. The image input device is attached to the scanner for inputting a plurality of scan images. A portion of the scan images contains a set parameter format. The set parameter format contains a plurality of scanning parameter values. The analysis device performs an analysis of the scan images containing recorded scan parameter values. The control unit uses the analyzed scanning parameter values to conduct a scanning parameter setting operation on the scan images having recorded scanning parameter values as well as the ordered scan images after the scan images with recorded scan parameter values but without recorded scan parameter values.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic scanning parameter setting device and method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and related method of extracting scanning parameters from a scan image and setting the scanning parameters automatically.
2. Description of Related Art
Nowadays, most scanners have an automatic document feeder. If the images on a whole pile of papers employ identical scanning parameters, scanning can be conducted automatically and continuously by putting the whole pile of papers into the automatic document feeder.
However, if some of the scan images that a stack of papers contains need to use different scanning parameters, a user must standby the scanner and host system for inputting the non-conforming scanning parameters so that images are scanned using optimal parameters.
When a user performs a parameter adjustment, all current scanning operations must be stopped. All scanning must stop to await the completion of the parameter-setting operation because the scanner needs to use the newly set scanning parameters
Due to the need for changing scanning parameters, users have to stay besides the host system even when the scanner has an associated automatic document feeder capable of automatic document feeding.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Automatic scanning parameter setting device and method


A vehicle workstation for mounting laptop computers and other equipment inside a vehicle that is easily attached to and removed from the vehicle and prevents vehicle vibrations and jolts from being transmitted to the equipment.

Vehicle workstations are commonly used in delivery trucks to allow drivers to keep track of delivery routes, in police vehicles to allow officers access to electronic records and in other vehicles for like applications.
Conventional vehicle workstations include a base mounted to a vehicle dashboard or other internal vehicle fixture and one or more position-adjustable support members extending from the base to an equipment support plate on which display equipment is mounted. The workstation is usually mounted on the passenger side of a vehicle next to the driver.
A common problem with conventional workstations is that jolts and vibrations generated during vehicle operation are transmitted from the vehicle to the display equipment. The vibrations make it difficult for an operator to view the display. As the vehicle idles, the vehicle engine creates vibrations that are transmitted to internal vehicle fixtures and any equipment mounted to the fixtures. This effect is greatly amplified when a vehicle is suddenly stopped or maneuvered over rough roads as jolts are transmitted to the vehicle fixtures and any equipment mounted to the fixtures.
Additionally, the vibrations and jolts disrupt the position of the adjustable support members, requiring re-adjustment of the support members by the driver. The driver must reach from the driver-side of the vehicle to the passenger-side of the vehicle. Repeated re-adjustments can cause strain and injury to the driver.
Conventional vehicle workstations are mounted on vehicle fixtures by drilling fastener holes through the fixtures or otherwise permanently altering the vehicle interior. This is undesirable as the vehicle owner may prohibit permanent vehicle alterations and considerable time may be needed to install the workstation into a vehicle. These problems are amplified when drivers are called to switch between different work vehicles within a work schedule, requiring the driver to remove the workstation from one vehicle and re-install it in a new vehicle before work is resumed. It is also a problem if the driver is called to take on a passenger to sit in the passenger side of the vehicle as the workstation must be removed before the passenger can properly ride in the vehicle.


A mobile device including: a printer for printing onto a print medium; and a stylus having a printhead tip for allowing a user to use the mobile device as a writing or drawing device; the stylus and the printer sharing at least one common ink reservoir.

The Assignee has developed mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs) and other mobile telecommunication devices, with the ability to print hard copies of images or information stored or accessed by the device (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,055, filed on Nov. 9, 1999). Likewise, the Assignee has also designed digital cameras with the ability to print captured images with an inbuilt printer (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,901 filed on Jul. 10, 1998). As the prevalence of mobile telecommunications devices with digital cameras increases, the functionality of these devices is further enhanced by the ability to print hard copies.
As these devices are portable, they must be compact for user convenience. Accordingly, any printer incorporated into the device needs to maintain a small form factor. Also, the additional load on the battery should be as little as possible. Furthermore, the consumables (ink and paper etc) should be relatively inexpensive and simple to replenish. It is these factors that strongly influence the commercial success or otherwise of products of this type. With these basic design imperatives in mind, there are on-going efforts to improve and refine the functionality of these devices.
As described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,165, filed on Nov. 25, 2000 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/778,056, filed on Feb. 17, 2004, the assignee has designed an inkjet-based pen. It would be desirable to incorporate such a pen into a mobile device. However, where a printer is also provided, it is cumbersome to provide separate ink storage areas for both the printer and the pen.

Mobile device with a printer and a stylus having a printhead tip


The invention relates to a slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal, at least comprising an angled slide ring and/or counter ring, the radial leg of which forms a sliding region, and the axial leg of which forms a seating for a sealing element, which radially outside of the sliding region, is provided with a projection that at least partially overlaps the radial leg, forming a secondary seal, wherein at least in the region of the radial leg, the projection is provided with a profile, which is supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg, forming anti-contamination lips in the installed state of the slide ring seal, and in particular running gear seal, that profile being supported on the outer circumferential surface of the radial leg when viewed in the axial direction.

The invention relates to a slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal accordance with the category-defining part of the first patent claim.
In the case of running gear seals with rubber rings, penetrating contamination under high pressure (for example a turning maneuver on a bulldozer) exerts an axially acting force on the rubber rings. A force that opposes the requisite closing force can not only reduce the axial force creating the closing force, but even cancel it completely, so that contamination is able to penetrate through the sealing gap of the slide ring seal, for example into a downstream transmission. With increased friction, increased force can result in overheating and, consequently, in damage to the seal.
This problem has long been known, and transmission wear-out and transmission failures as a result of seal failure are unacceptable.
A first attempt at a solution is described in DE 199 55 860 A1. The slide ring seal disclosed here, which in particular is a running gear seal, comprises an angular slide ring and/or counter ring with a specific circumferential surface for receiving an annular sealing element with an approximately plate-shaped cross section, the sealing element containing a secondary seal in the region of the sealing shank. In this attempt at a solution, it has been shown that if contamination penetrates from outside, the secondary sealing lip will fold in, and thus the problem is the same as described above.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,315 relates to a slide ring seal, and in particular a running gear seal which, analogously to DE 199 55 860 A1, is likewise provided with a secondary seal. That seal is either located, in parts, on the outer circumferential surface of the glide ring or the counter ring respectively, or on the full surface thereof. Here again it is inevitable that the axial forces created as a result of the penetration of dirt cause the slide ring seal to open, entailing disadvantageous penetration by dirt.


The instant invention includes a spherical porous secondary silicon-based particle and methods for producing the same. The spherical porous secondary silicon-based particle is comprised of agglomerated primary silicon-based nanoparticles. The secondary particle comprises a carbon coating that reduces the effective exposed surface area of the primary particles to the electrolyte, thus improving first cycle efficiency. The secondary particle further comprises porous regions that enable the silicon nanoparticles to expand during lithiation. Advantages include ease of castability with micron-sized spherical particles, ease of mixing spherical particles, ease of flow for spherical particles in various processing steps, and ease with obtaining higher loading, which translates to higher areal capacity and overall energy density of the cell. A readily scalable process for producing the particles using low-cost materials and low-cost processing methods is disclosed.

One route to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries (LIB's) is the use of a silicon-based anode. Unlike conventional graphite anodes, which only have capacity of one lithium ion per six carbon atoms (372 mA-h/g), silicon-based anodes have a theoretical capacity for 4.4 lithium ions per silicon atom (4,200 mA-h/g). With this capacity, specific energy greater than 350 W-h/kg at the cell level becomes possible. Indeed, researchers have demonstrated thin-film silicon-based anodes with capacity greater than 3,000 mA-h/g over one thousand cycles at 12 C.
However, silicon-based anodes have yet to achieve widespread commercialization due to several significant differences from graphite-based anodes. First, silicon is semi-conducting, thus limiting the use of thick anodes without a conductive additive. To match the energy storage capacity of conventional LIB cathodes, a silicon anode must be greater than about 5 microns thick. A second hurdle for silicon anodes is the large volume expansion that occurs during lithiation of the silicon. The volume of silicon increases by approximately 300% during the process. In films thicker than 50 nanometers, this expansion can lead to cracking and delamination of the silicon. In anodes made from thick coatings of silicon particles, pulverization of the anode layer ultimately occurs. Further, with conventional silicon particle anodes, the volume expansion results in an unstable surface electrolyte interface (SEI) that consumes lithium and spalls with each charge/discharge cycle. However, research has demonstrated that sufficiently thin silicon coatings can withstand the problems associated with the volume expansion. Unfortunately, such thin coatings do not have substantial energy storage capacity.
Recent research has demonstrated novel silicon nanoparticle approaches that perform well in terms of capacity and stability. However, thick films of silicon nanoparticles have yet to be adopted commercially. Challenges with silicon nanoparticles include poor first cycle efficiency due to the high surface area of silicon. Additionally, obtaining high areal loadings of silicon during processing is difficult due to low nanoparticle tap density, and challenges with processing nanoparticle inks in conventional equipment. These challenges include high viscosity of nanoparticle inks at sufficient loading and cracking of coating layers during drying.
Several strategies have been studied by researchers in order to prevent the pulverization and decay of silicon anodes. Initial efforts to control the volume expansion of silicon were directed to decreasing the grain size of silicon materials. When bulk silicon is replaced by nanostructured silicon materials, the specific surface area is increased. The voids between the nanosilicon materials can help to mitigate the volume expansion during the charge/discharge processes. By using silicon nanowires, nanotubes or nanoparticles, the cyclability of silicon anode is significantly improved. Half-cells with over 250 cycles have been reported. However, most results in the literature are obtained from half-cell tests with small electrode mass loading. Similarly, researchers have demonstrated a 2-D thin-film silicon-based anode (50 nm thick) with capacity greater than 3,000 mA h/g over one thousand cycles at 12 C, but again, the mass loading of silicon is quite low at 50 nm. Approximately 1-5 microns of silicon is required to match the capacity per area of a commercial graphite anode. When silicon mass loading increases, it becomes more challenging to control the volume expansion by voids in the nano-size silicon materials.
Carbon coating or compositing of the silicon materials is another effective way to suppress the pulverization of silicon anode. Various carbon coating techniques have included chemical vapor deposition, pyrolysis of organic molecules coating the silicon, and graphene wrapping. The carbon-coated silicon materials have proved to have better cycling performance compared to the bare nanostructured silicon materials. Carbon coatings can form a rigid carbon shell on the surface of nanostructured silicon. However, when the volume expansion of the silicon is large, the carbon shell may break, and silicon electrode may still pulverize. Therefore, a core-shell structure design with large carbon shell and small silicon core was proposed. The void was preformed between the shell and core, which allowed large volume expansion without breaking the conductive rigid carbon shell. The cyclability of the silicon anode can be further enhanced, although it has yet to be achieved at high loadings.
Another method to address this silicon degradation issue is to use surface modification to enhance the stability of the silicon surface and limit the degree of SEI formation as a result of the electrolyte decomposition. Numerous researchers have evaluated this artificial SEI concept and it has been demonstrated at the R&D stage. For instance, one process formed a stable SEI by reducing 1-fluoro decane on the lithiated nano-Si surface to form a mix of lithium fluoride and lithium alkyl carbonate. While significant improvements of first cycle efficiency and cyclability were realized, the anodes tested consisted of graphite dominant anodes with low stabilized silicon loadings (5 weight percent) and the use of this technology in a silicon dominant high energy cell has yet to be reported.
Other researchers have evaluated reactive agents such as citric acid to form lithium citrate to generate a preformed SEI and demonstrated improved capacity retention over untreated silicon nanoparticles, but capacity retention was still low (˜60% at 50 cycles). One of the more promising concepts related to forming stable silicon and electrolyte interfaces involves the use of ALD (atomic layer deposition) on silicon to form a stable interface between the active anode and electrolyte. ALD is a thin film technique that can form conformal coatings over complex structures. Coatings that have shown promising results when evaluating cyclability include alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2). Although, ALD coatings have been demonstrated to improve the performance of silicon electrodes, they still do not address the issues of long-term cyclability with high capacity retention.
Numerous groups are developing silicon anode technologies. Most published results on this work are related to various strategies for growing silicon nano-fibers via CVD methods using silane-based precursors, as well as utilizing mixing/milling procedures to add the silicon to standard graphite. U.S. Pat. No. 8,945,774 describes a porous anode comprising structured electroactive material-containing particles that are Si, Sn, Ge, and Ga fibers, tubes, ribbons, and flakes structured to provide space between or within the particles for the expansion of the electroactive material during lithiation. U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,746 describes a Si/C composite that includes carbon (C) dispersed in porous silicon (Si) particles. Existing approaches either use nanosilicon produced from silane, which has higher cost than silica and is dangerous to process, meaning significant safety measures need to be put in place in order to process the material. Because most silane processes involve high vacuum systems, scalability to the tonnage level would be difficult. Approaches that utilize dense (non-porous) micron-based silicon materials require significant milling to obtain sub-micron particles, however separation of larger particles >1 micron are difficult without expensive investment (cyclone separation). Imparting porosity to dense micron sized silicon involves harsh acids, e.g., hydrofluoric acid (HF), and secondary catalysts, such as silver.
In general, the patented silicon anode technologies rely on either: (a) nanowires that are expensive to produce and mechanically fragile which can result in loss of performance due to fracturing and compaction issues during anode calendaring, (b) composites of silicon and carbon that have not yet demonstrated a capability to prevent capacity fade due to electrolyte reaction with silicon or issues associated with expansion, or (c) silicon wafer technology that is incompatible with current LIB manufacturing. One of the biggest issues with using nano-materials in batteries is significant first cycle efficiency loss, due to the high surface area of the active materials reacting with the lithium ions during the initial charge. These first cycle efficiency losses can be >50% for some nano-silicon materials.
The present invention, in numerous embodiments, answers many of these long-felt issues and needs.

Energy storage material and method of producing the same


A subsea well assembly has an antirotation device to prevent rotation of an inner wellhead housing within an outer wellhead housing. A number of slots are formed in the upper rim of the outer wellhead housing. The slots have open upper ends. A number of pins are mounted to the exterior of the inner wellhead housing. Guide surfaces extend upward from the slots to guide the pins as the inner wellhead housing is lowered into the outer wellhead housing. The pins locate in the slots to prevent rotation.

1. Field of the invention
This invention relates in general to subsea well drilling, and in particular to a means for preventing an inner wellhead housing secured to the lower end of a riser suspended from a drill ship from rotating within a conductor or outer wellhead housing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many subsea wells are drilled by first drilling a large diameter hole, then installing a string of conductor pipe, which has an outer wellhead housing secured to the upper end. Then, the operator drills the well to a greater depth and installs a first string of casing. An inner wellhead housing secures to the upper end of the string of casing and lands within the outer wellhead housing. The operator will then drill the well to a further depth. A string of riser will extend from the inner wellhead housing to the drilling vessel.
If a drill ship is being used as a drilling vessel, the drill ship will swing into the wind. This swinging movement can cause rotational forces on the riser. Normally, the rotation is resisted by frictional engagement of the landing shoulders of the inner wellhead housing and the outer wellhead housing. If the rotational force is high enough to cause the inner wellhead housing to begin to rotate within the outer wellhead housing, one of the casing joints below the inner wellhead housing could start to unscrew, causing a serious problem.

Antirotation device for subsea wellheads


The present invention concern a clutch with structural friction plates, especially of carbon-carbon, comprised of a drive flywheel, a first driving plate forming a first non-clutching interface with the flywheel, at least one driven plate connected to an output shaft, a driving plate interposed between each pair of driven plates, a second driving plate, a thrust plate forming a second non-clutching interface with the second driving plate, and a casing. A mechanism is operable to apply pressure to the thrust plate and is provided with bars fitted into radial recesses of the driving plates and is fixed to the flywheel. The mechanism includes a "progressive" device interposed in at least one of the non-clutching interfaces which urges the driving plate of the interface towards the adjacent driven plate and against an abutment.

Carbon-carbon friction clutches of this type, used mainly at present in competition vehicles, have many advantages over conventional clutches, in particular very high resistance to large stresses, low wear under high stress and reduced mass and inertia.
However, these clutches are subject to the problem of lack of progressiveness in compressing the plates, which leads to abrupt action, which is particularly badly suited to private vehicles.
Conventional metal plate clutches with non-structural organic linings comprise a cast iron flywheel, at least one driven plate and an operating thrust plate also of cast iron, the friction interfaces being cast iron/organic material. The driven plate is formed by a metal plate provided with a central lining carrier plate and two rings of organic linings. The central plate has axial deformations, for example corrugations, which, by virtue of their resilience, allow the progressive stroke necessary for compression and progressive engagement. A single plate clutch thus comprises such a driven plate with several annular parts attached by riveting or the like.
The object of the invention is to provide a structural plate clutch which, apart from the inherent value of these plates, especially carbon-carbon plates, namely being made in one piece, and their inherent properties which are considerably superior to those of conventional plates, has means referred to as progressive which are reliable and simple, while comprising a limited number of components.

Clutch with structural plates, especially of carbon-carbon


An electromechanical locking mechanism for door leaves whose holding force can be adjusted continuously and which at the same time offers the possibility, when the locking mechanism is energized, of also releasing the closed door from and returning it to the locked position.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an electromechanical locking mechanism for door leaves which are fitted with a closing means more specifically in the form of a door closing device. The closing shaft of the door closing device is connected to one end of a pivot arm and the other end of the pivot arm is displaceable in the longitudinal direction by way of a slider in a guide rail. The slider co-operates with a locking mechanism which fixes the door leaf in a predetermined open position. In the event of any dangerous situation, such as for example a fire, a detector generally releases the lock on the door leaf, so that the door leaf can move reliably into the closed position by virtue of the energy stored in the spring-loading device of the door closing device.
2. Background Information
An electric locking mechanism for door leaves is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,771,823. A guide roller, which is connected by way of an actuating arm to the door closing device attached to the door, is located within a guide rail. Above the guide tracks for the sliding rollers, a further guide track is provided in the guide rail, in which further guide track a retaining member, connected directly to the roller located below, can be displaced likewise in a longitudinal direction within the rail. In addition thereto, provided in the guide rail is a recess at which the locking mechanism is mounted on a fixed fixing point. The locking mechanism consists in particular of a solenoid and attached to the armature of said solenoid is a push rod which is designed in such a manner that it penetrates between the two fixed claws, which it pivots in the outwards direction. This can, however, only happen if the retaining device of the slider is moved with its projections into the final position of the door and simultaneously the solenoid is energized. Consequently, the door is held in this position until a sensor signal for example causes the locking action of the magnet to be cancelled and thus the slider is released again. Owing to the type of construction involved, this guide rail is structurally extremely tall, as two chambers are provided in which on the one hand the sliding roller and on the other hand the retaining device can move separately from each other yet above each other mutually connected in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, it is also necessary for this type of locking operation to provide a holding piece in addition to the sliding roller. The retaining force cannot be adjusted.
A locking mechanism for door leaves is likewise disclosed in a further U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,973. The disadvantages, which are described in the case of the aforementioned locking mechanism, have likewise not been eliminated, as guide rails are also used which are structurally extremely tall and are provided with different guide chambers. In addition thereto, a motor is used to lock the door leaf and attached to the axle of the said motor is a spindle which can displace a retaining mechanism in the longitudinal direction in such a manner that the retaining projections located on the slider are held by two retaining arms.

Electromechanical locking mechanism for door leaves having a door closing device


A red surface emitting laser element includes a first reflector, a second reflector including a p-type semiconductor multilayer film, an active layer between the first reflector and the second reflector, and a p-type semiconductor spacer layer between the active layer and the second reflector, the p-type semiconductor spacer layer having a thickness of 100 nm or more and 350 nm or less.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a red surface emitting laser element and an image forming device and an image display apparatus incorporating the red surface emitting laser element.
2. Description of the Related Art
A. Usefulness of Red Surface Emitting Laser Element
A surface emitting laser element (in particular, a surface emitting laser of a vertical cavity type is called a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) can output light in a direction perpendicular to the surface direction of the semiconductor substrate and can relatively easily be formed as a two dimensional array.
When the element is formed as a two dimensional array, parallel processing is realized by multiple beams emitted therefrom. Thus, application of this two dimensional array technology to various industrial usages is desired to achieve a higher density and a higher speed.
For example, the surface emitting laser array may be used as an exposure light source of an electrophotographic printer so that the printing rate can be increased by parallel processing of the printing step using multiple beams.
A surface emitting laser currently put into practice is an element that outputs a laser beam in the infrared region (wavelength λ=0.75 μm to 1 μm). If the oscillation wavelength is further shortened, the beam diameter can be further reduced and an image with a higher resolution can be obtained.
A red surface emitting laser element outputs light having a wavelength (about 0.6 μm to about 0.73 μm) shorter than that in the infrared region. Moreover, at this wavelength, the sensitivity of amorphous silicon applicable to a photosensitive drum of an electrophotographic printer is very high.
Thus, red surface emitting lasers are now desired to be put into practical for use in photosensitive drums composed of amorphous silicon to achieve higher speed, higher resolution image printing.
The effect brought about by the combination of an increase in resolution by shorter wavelength and multi-beam parallel processing is significantly large. This combination is expected to make contributions in various fields including electrophotographic printers and image display apparatuses such as laser displays.
B. Basic Structure of Red Surface Emitting Laser
In order to generate light having a wavelength in the red region, a semiconductor material, AlGaInP is typically used. The lattice of this material matches with the lattice of GaAs, which is the material constituting the deposition substrate, and the bandgap energy can be controlled by varying the compositional ratios of aluminum and gallium.
In order to generate laser oscillation, a threshold current or higher must be injected to the laser element. Current injection allows carriers, such as electrons or holes, to be injected to the active layer, and the carriers are eventually converted to light as they undergo radiative recombination.
C. Specific Examples Of Related Art
A red surface emitting laser is formed by interposing a resonator region including an AlGaInP active layer between multilayered reflectors composed of a different semiconductor material, AlGaAs, A GaAs substrate whose lattice matches with those of the active layer and the multilayered reflectors is used as the substrate.
In 1995, a group led by Crawford of Sandia National Laboratories disclosed the element structure of a 1-wavelength resonator structure (see M. H. Crawford et al., IEEE PHOTONICS TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Vol. 7, No. 7 (1995), 724, hereinafter referred to as "Crawford reference").
This one wave resonator structure has the most widely used cavity length in surface emitting lasers that output infrared emission. In red surface emitting lasers, the 1 wavelength cavity length is about 200 nm (in the case where the wavelength is 680 nm) in terms of layer thickness.
In particular, an active layer having a multiquantum well structure 40 nm to 50 nm in thickness is disposed in the central region of the 1-wavelength cavity length. A p-type AlGaInP layer and an n-type AlGaInP layer which each function as a spacer layer and have a thickness of 80 nm or less are disposed on both sides of the active layer.
In some cases, an undoped spacer layer is disposed between the active layer and the doped p-type (or n-type) spacer layer. In such cases, the thickness of the p-type (or n-type) AlGaInP spacer layer is about 50 nm.
In Crawford reference, the thickness of the p-type or n-type AlGaInP layer is about 50 nm.
Crawford reference also teaches that the maximum light output power at a 675 nm mode is 2.8 mW (20° C.) from the element with 15 μm φ oxide aperture.

Red surface emitting laser element, image forming device, and image display apparatus


An elevation angle detection device uses signals from first and second of oppositely pointing antennas to determine an elevation angle of an emitting source. The signal from the second antenna is inverted and phase-compared with the direct signal from the first antenna. The first and second antennas are physically displaced along their axes by about xe2x85x9c electrical wavelengths to establish a sensitive angular region of about xc2x17 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the phase of the signal from the first antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to the phase detector. This displaces the sensitive angular region upward. The phase of the signal from the second antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to a second phase detector. The signal from the first antenna is applied to the second phase detector without being phase delayed. This displaces the sensitive angular region downward. The sensitive angular regions produced by the first and second phase detectors overlap centered on a plane normal to the axes of the first and second antennas. The simultaneous presence of an emitter in the overlap is used to detect a crisis collision possibility.

The present invention relates to pilot warning systems and, more particularly, to a system for communicating an elevation of a target aircraft relative to the aircraft in which the system resides. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a pilot warning system in which a bearing of nearby aircraft is enabled or inhibited depending on whether or not the nearby aircraft are traveling at an altitude which may result in collision with the aircraft carrying the system.
In my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,506,590; 5,223,847 and 5,861,846, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference, I disclosed systems for determining relative bearing and elevation of a nearby aircraft using passive reception of beacon transponder emissions or distance measuring equipment from the nearby aircraft. Relative bearing is determined by time relationships of transponder signals received on a plurality of antennae on a surface of the aircraft. Relative altitude is determined using vertically separated antennae, generally one on an upper surface, and one on a belly surface. The relative altitude is found in a comparison of the times of arrival of a signal at the upper and lower antennae.
In a single-signal environment, characteristic of areas with low air traffic, signals from the vertically separated antennae may be satisfactory for determining elevation by measuring differences in time of arrival of the signal at the upper and lower antennas. However, I have discovered that, in busy air traffic terminal control areas, time-of-arrival elevation determination is complicated by substantial overlapping of transponder signals from the many aircraft which are interrogated substantially simultaneously.
In addition to the time-of-arrival interference for vertical measurement, I have discovered that, in busy terminal control areas, bearing indications occur so frequently that it is difficult, even with the directional clues provided by my prior disclosures, to pinpoint a possibly dangerous collision risk.
It is an object of the invention to provide a system for the detection of the relative elevation of a target aircraft from a subject aircraft relative to the deck plane of the subject aircraft.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a system which can determine the relative elevation of a target aircraft from a subject aircraft relative to an inertial horizontal plane.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a gating system for enabling display of a detected azimuth of a target that may be a collision risk only when a determination is made that the target is located relatively close to the altitude of the aircraft carrying the system, and inhibiting display of targets that are too high above, or too far below, to represent a danger.
Briefly stated, the present invention provides an elevation angle detection device which uses signals from first and second of oppositely pointing antennas to determine an elevation angle of an emitting source. The signal from the second antenna is inverted and phase-compared with the direct signal from the first antenna. The first and second antennas are physically displaced along their axes by about xe2x85x9c electrical wavelengths to establish a sensitive angular region of about xc2x17 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the phase of the signal from the first antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to the phase detector. This displaces the sensitive angular region upward. The phase of the signal from the second antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to a second phase detector. The signal from the first antenna is applied to the second phase detector without being phase delayed. This displaces the sensitive angular region downward. The sensitive angular regions produced by the first and second phase detectors overlap centered on a plane normal to the axes of the first and second antennas. The simultaneous presence of a second emitting source in the overlap is used to detect a crisis collision possibility.
Briefly stated, the present invention provides an elevation angle detection device which uses signals from first and second oppositely pointing antennas to determine an elevation angle of an emitting source. The signal from the second antenna is inverted and phase-compared with the direct signal from the first antenna. The first and second antennas are physically displaced along their axes by about xe2x85x9c electrical wavelengths to establish a sensitive angular region of about xc2x17 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the phase of the signal from the first antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to the phase detector. This displaces the sensitive angular region upward. The phase of the signal from the second antenna is phase delayed slightly before being applied to a second phase detector. The signal from the first antenna is applied to the second phase detector without being phase delayed. This displaces the sensitive angular region downward. The sensitive angular regions produced by the first and second phase detectors overlap centered on a plane normal to the axes of the first and second antennas. The simultaneous presence of an emitter in the overlap is used to detect a crisis collision possibility.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an antenna comprising: a first quarter-wave whip pointing in a first direction, a second quarter-wave whip pointing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, axes of the first and second quarter-wave whips being substantially collinear, a base of the first quarter-wave whip being spaced along the axis from a base of the second quarter-wave whip a distance effective to establish a desired relationship between phases of signals received on the first and second quarter-wave whips.
According to a feature of the invention, there is provided an elevation angle detection system comprising: a first antenna disposed in a first direction, a second antenna disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction, a phase inverter attached to the second antenna, the phase inverter producing a phase delay substantially equal to 180 electrical degrees at on operating frequency to produce a phase-delayed signal, a phase detector receiving a signal from the first antenna and the phase-delayed signal, and an output of the phase detector indicating the presence of an emitting source within a predetermined angle of a normal plane to the first and second directions.
According to a further feature of the invention, there is provided an alerting system comprising: a first antenna disposed in a first direction, a second antenna disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction, a phase inverter attached to the second antenna, the phase inverter producing a phase delay substantially equal to 180 electrical degrees at on operating frequency to produce a phase-delayed signal, a phase detector receiving a signal from the first antenna and the phase-delayed signal, an output of the phase detector indicating the presence of an emitting source within a predetermined angle of a normal plane to the first and second directions, a bearing angle detection device for detecting a bearing angle of the emitting source, and a suppression device effective for suppressing output of the bearing angle detection device when the emitting source is outside the predetermined angle, and for enabling the output of the bearing angle detection device when the emitting source is within the predetermined angle.
According to a further feature of the invention, there is provided an alerting system comprising: a first antenna disposed in a first direction, a second antenna disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction, a phase inverter attached to the second antenna, the phase inverter producing an inverted signal substantially inverted by about 180 electrical degrees at on operating frequency to produce a phase-inverted signal, a first phase detector receiving a signal from the first antenna, a first phase delay phase delaying the phase-inverted signal to produce a phase-delayed phase-inverted signal, the phase-delayed phase-inverted signal being applied to a second input of the first phase detector, a second phase detector receiving the phase-inverted signal at a first input, a second phase delay phase delaying the signal from the first antenna to produce a second phase-delayed signal, the second phase-delayed signal being applied to a second input of the second phase detector, a first AND gate responsive to a simultaneous output of the first and second phase detectors for producing a first output, a second AND gate responsive to a simultaneous output of the first phase detector and an absence of an output of the first AND gate for producing a second output, and a third AND gate responsive to a simultaneous output of the second phase detector and an absence of an output of the first AND gate for producing a third output.
The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

Relative elevation detection for aircraft pilot warning system


In a hierarchical network configuration, if transfer of data, such as requirements and responses therefrom and thereto, are executed in a relay manner between plural manager systems and managed systems on network routes, the requirements and the responses are duplicated in each manager system, thereby presenting a problem of increased amounts of data transfer on the network. It is possible to prevent the data transfer amounts from increasing not only on one route but also on plural routes by determining whether to update data on the basis of names of a manager system in upper layers, route information and so forth.

The present invention relates generally to a data transfer method, a data transfer apparatus, and data recording medium for use in hierarchical systems.
FIG. 1 shows a system in which a managed system returns static information (namely, unique information having little change in result) in response to a requirement by a manager system for information acquisition. To be more specific, an information acquisition requirement by a manager system (101) is sent to a managed system (106) through submanager systems (102 through 105) in a relay manner.
Likewise, a response result to the information acquisition requirement is also returned to the manager system through the submanager systems in a relay manner. At this time, an information acquisition requirement and its response result are not transferred over different routes.
Referring to FIG. 2, each of the submanager systems (202 through 205) is composed of a manager capability and a submanager capability and may issue an information acquisition requirement like the manager system, performing the same information acquisition requirement operation as with the case of the manager system. One example of a system having the above-mentioned characteristics is a system in a hierarchical configuration for acquiring property information on a submanager system from a manager system as shown in FIG. 3.

Data transfer method, apparatus, and recording medium for use in hierarchical system


A panel driving structure, a flip-chip flexible film for driving a panel, and a reinforcement method for flip-chip flexible film are provided. The panel driving structure includes a flip-chip flexible film, a panel, and a main circuit board; wherein one end of the flip-chip flexible film is connected to the panel, and the other end of the flip-chip flexible film is connected to the main circuit board through a connector; and wherein the flip chip flexible film is provided with a reinforcement structure for increasing a carrying capacity. The present invention can improve the production efficiency and yield, and reducing the cost at the same time. Combining the flip-chip flexible film with the FPC, a reinforcement thickness and a reinforcement area of the flip-chip flexible film can be adjusted during the manufacturing process, which is adapt to the requirement of a variety of products.

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) has many advantages such as a thin body, power saving, and no radiation, and has been widely applied in many products such as: LCD TVs, smart phones, digital cameras, tablet PCs, computer screens, or laptops Screens, etc., so that the LCD dominates the field of flat panel display.
With the development of modern display technology, a narrower frame of the panel and the diversification of the panel shape are becoming more and more common. Therefore, a flip-chip flexible film driving structure (that is, COF, Chip on flexible printed circuit) is applied. The flip-chip flexible film structure is similar to a flexible printed circuit (FPC) of a single-layer board, and is a layer of base film polyimide (PI) plus a layer of copper. The difference between the two is that the adhesive material at the junction location, and the two covering films (coverlay) for the insulation of both layers, the structure difference of the two is at least two layers of adhesive materials so the FPC's flexibility is far worse than the flip-chip flexible film.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a driving structure of a flip-chip flexible film of a conventional liquid crystal panel. Usually, one end of the flip-chip flexible film 1 is connected to the liquid crystal panel 2, and the other end is connected with the FPC 3. A control signal on the FPC 3 is transferred to the liquid crystal panel 2 through a circuit on the flip-chip flexible film; a driving chip 4 (Driving IC) is arranged on the flip-chip flexible film 1. The FPC 3 is provided with electronic components 5 such as resistors, capacitors, etc., and a connector 6. However, the flip-chip flexible film driving structure also has the disadvantage. The flip-chip flexible film 1 is connected with the FPC 3, and two processes of the flip chip flexible film 1 and the FPC 3 are required in the process, and two bonding processes are required. As a result, the risk of defective products will increase; two processes and two laminating processes will inevitably reduce the production efficiency. In addition, the fail rate and the cost will increase significantly.

Panel driving structure, flip-chip flexible film for driving a panel, and reinforcement method for flip-chip flexible film

WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


In order to enhance the quality of a communication signal derived from speech and noise, a filter divides the communication signal into a plurality of frequency band signals. A calculator generates a plurality of power band signals each having a power band value and corresponding to one of the frequency band signals. The power band values are based on estimating, over a time period, the power of one of the frequency band signals. The time period is different for different ones of the frequency band signals. The power band values are used to calculate weighting factors which are used to alter the frequency band signals that are combined to generate an improved communication signal.

This invention relates to communication system noise cancellation techniques, and more particularly relates to calculation of power signals used in such techniques.
The need for speech quality enhancement in single-channel speech communication systems has increased in importance especially due to the tremendous growth in cellular telephony. Cellular telephones are operated often in the presence of high levels of environmental background noise, such as in moving vehicles. Such high levels of noise cause significant degradation of the speech quality at the far end receiver. In such circumstances, speech enhancement techniques may be employed to improve the quality of the received speech so as to increase customer satisfaction and encourage longer talk times.
Most noise suppression systems utilize some variation of spectral subtraction. FIG. 1A shows an example of a typical prior noise suppression system that uses spectral subtraction. A spectral decomposition of the input noisy speech-containing signal is first performed using the Filter Bank. The Filter Bank may be a bank of bandpass filters (such as in reference [1], which is identified at the end of the description of the preferred embodiments). The Filter Bank decomposes the signal into separate frequency bands. For each band, power measurements are performed and continuously updated over time in the Noisy Signal Power & Noise Power Estimation block. These power measures are used to determine the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in each band. The Voice Activity Detector is used to distinguish periods of speech activity from periods of silence. The noise power in each band is updated primarily during silence while the noisy signal power is tracked at all times. For each frequency band, a gain (attenuation) factor is computed based on the SNR of the band and is used to attenuate the signal in the band. Thus, each frequency band of the noisy input speech signal is attenuated based on its SNR.
FIG. 1B illustrates another more sophisticated prior approach using an overall SNR level in addition to the individual SNR values to compute the gain factors for each band. (See also reference [2].) The overall SNR is estimated in the Overall SNR Estimation block. The gain factor computations for each band are performed in the Gain Computation block. The attenuation of the signals in different bands is accomplished by multiplying the signal in each band by the corresponding gain factor in the Gain Multiplication block. Low SNR bands are attenuated more than the high SNR bands. The amount of attenuation is also greater if the overall SNR is low. After the attenuation process, the signals in the different bands are recombined into a single, clean output signal. The resulting output signal will have an improved overall perceived quality.
The decomposition of the input noisy speech-containing signal can also be performed using Fourier transform techniques or wavelet transform techniques. FIG. 2 shows the use of discrete Fourier transform techniques (shown as the Windowing & FFT block). Here a block of input samples is transformed to the frequency domain. The magnitude of the complex frequency domain elements are attenuated based on the spectral subtraction principles described earlier. The phase of the complex frequency domain elements are left unchanged. The complex frequency domain elements are then transformed back to the time domain via an inverse discrete Fourier transform in the IFFT block, producing the output signal. Instead of Fourier transform techniques, wavelet transform techniques may be used for decomposing the input signal.
A Voice Activity Detector is part of many noise suppression systems. Generally, the power of the input signal is compared to a variable threshold level. Whenever the threshold is exceeded, speech is assumed to be present. Otherwise, the signal is assumed to contain only background noise. Such two-state voice activity detectors do not perform robustly under adverse conditions such as in cellular telephony environments. An example of a voice activity detector is described in reference [5].
Various implementations of noise suppression systems utilizing spectral subtraction differ mainly in the methods used for power estimation, gain factor determination, spectral decomposition of the input signal and voice activity detection. A broad overview of spectral subtraction techniques can be found in reference [3]. Several other approaches to speech enhancement, as well as spectral subtraction, are overviewed in reference [4].
Accurate noisy signal and noise power measures, which are performed for each frequency band, are critical to the performance of any adaptive noise cancellation system. In the past, inaccuracies in such power measures have limited the effectiveness of known noise cancellation systems. This invention addresses and provides one solution for such problems.

Communication system noise cancellation power signal calculation techniques


A position information transmitting member for transmitting position information to a staple receiving portion is provided in a tissue stapler having a staple receiving portion which comprises the anvil of the stapler. Thereby, an operator can easily locate the position of and grasp the staple receiving portion located within a tissue to swiftly execute stapling. The tissue stapler includes a stapling portion provided with an endoscope inserting tube path, a stapling portion provided with a staple injecting portion arranged on a distal end side of the inserting portion, and a staple receiving member (anvil) arranged separately from the inserting portion, to be grasped by a treatment tool introduced via the inserting portion in a state when it is opposed to the stapling portion via a tissue, to bend a distal end portion of a staple pressed out from the staple injecting portion of the stapling portion which has penetrated through the tissue.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tissue stapling method and a tissue stapler. A tissue stapler is used when, for example, the intraluminal organ of the esophagus, the stomach or the like is subjected to an anastomosis or a fixing treatment during surgery or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tissue staplers have been known in the related art. A tissue stapler is used in anastomosing end portions of the normal intraluminal organ after or before cutting off a morbid or diseased portion of the intraluminal organ of, for example, the large intestine, or the small intestine, or in anastomosing side portions of the stomach and the small intestines. Such a tissue stapler can considerably shorten an operation time period by stapling the tissue with a plurality of staples, arranged in a ring-like shape and simultaneously cutting off a substantially central portion of the tissue stapled along the ring-like shape.
Such a tissue stapler is provided with a stapling portion arranged with a plurality of staples at a distal end of an inserting portion that is inserted into the intraluminal organ, and a distal end portion of the stapling portion is attachably and detachably integrated with an anvil which provides a tissue fixing portion. The anvil is able to staple the tissue by pressing a foot portion of the staple into contact with the staple projected from a stapling portion. Further, a control section is provided on a proximal side of the inserting portion of the tissue stapler.
Recently, there has been proposed an inserting portion to be inserted into the intraluminal organ formed to provide flexibility in consideration of insertability into a deep portion of the intraluminal organ, or promoting insertability by arranging an observing optical system at a distal end thereof (refer to, for example, JP-A-2003-111763, U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,508).
Further, when the intraluminal organs are anastomosed by using the tissue stapler with the promoted insertability of the inserting portion, the inserting portion and the anvil are inserted into the intraluminal organ orally or via the anum. Further, the intraluminal organs are anastomosed at an aimed position in the coelom of the intraluminal organ by confirming a distal end position of the inserting portion and a position of the anvil used in combination with the inserting portion and controlling the movement of at least one of them.
Hence, in addition to anastomosis being assisted by a rigid scope and forceps, recently there has also been proposed a tissue stapler constituted to facilitate operability by opposedly arranging magnets at the anastomosing portion and the anvil to enable their positioning proximate to each other by a magnetic force (refer to, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,507).
However, although observing optical systems are disclosed in the tissue staplers of JP-A-2003-111763 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,508, the apparatus parts, per se are disposed in the intraluminal organ and therefore, in order to execute anastomosis while attracting the organs disposed at positions remote from each other in the coelom, there is need for assistance by a rigid scope and forceps which are transabdominally inserted (introduced). Further, even on the premise of the transabdominal approach, the position of the distal end of the tissue stapler and the position of the anvil disposed in the intraluminal organ need to be confirmed by the rigid scope and grasped to be guided by the grasping forceps and therefore, there is a drawback that handling is awkward.
Further, the tissue stapling system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,507 is not useful when the tissues to be anastomosed are not disposed proximate each other, necessitating assistance of a rigid scope and a grasping forceps which are transabdominally inserted. This constitutes a substantial drawback.
The invention has been made in view of the above-described observations and it is an object of the invention to provide a tissue stapler of improved handling operability.

Tissue stapler with positioning mechanism


An apparatus is provided for harvesting a carbon nanotube array from a substrate. The apparatus includes a peeler that peels the carbon nanotube array from the substrate and a support that receives the carbon nanotube array peeled from the substrate. In addition the apparatus includes a drawing device that simultaneously draws the carbon nanotube array from the substrate onto the support as the carbon nanotube array is peeled from the substrate. The peeler and drawing device are synchronized in operation so that as a given length of carbon nanotube array is peeled from the substrate, that same given length of carbon nanotube array is drawn onto the support.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,160,531 and 7,504,078 both to Jacques et al disclose methods and apparati for the continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes. Specifically, the aligned carbon nanotubes are produced in arrays comprising a "wheat field" of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) grown aligned normal to the underlying substrate. In the past the multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been harvested from the substrate for subsequent use in processing with hand-held razors positioned at various acute angles to the substrate. Unfortunately, normally, tight scrolling (inner rolling diameters of less than 2-3 mm) of the array occurs during such a procedure and only small pieces (less than 1 inch squared) are typically recoverable.
The present invention relates to new methods and apparati for harvesting carbon nanotube arrays in a "non-scrolled", flat, intact condition. The resulting harvested carbon nanotube arrays include vertically aligned MWCNTs forming free-standing films—free from the underlying substrate—with the vertically aligned, "wheat field" morphology intact. Advantageously, the recovery of relatively large, intact carbon nanotube arrays (on the order of between about 100 and about 500 inches squared) provides for a number of advantages including, but not limited to: maintaining the through-thickness axial alignment of the MWCNTs within the array in a free-standing sheet form, un-bound to the original growth substrate; such sheets provide for preferential transport properties, including thermal conductivity, along the nanotube axes, or through the sheet thickness; such free-standing sheets have both upper and lower MWCNT tips exposed; such sheets are compliant and can conform to surface roughness within an interface application; the original MWCNT growth substrates can be re-used in MWCNT synthesis; free-standing sheets can be die-cut into predetermined shapes; such size arrays can be used in applications requiring >100 square inches of continuous array sheets.

Apparatus and method for harvesting carbon nanotube arrays

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION


A hydraulic injection milling apparatus with classifying screen that includes a hydraulic fluid injected into an impactor during operation, wherein crushed material delivered to the impactor is reducible to specific-sized particles transmittable through an interchangeable classifying screen disposed underlying a delivery aperture in the impactor, said classifying screen including a plurality of fixed width, elongate apertures disposed in parallel upon a durable plate member, said crushed material thus reduced in the impactor and then classified through the classifying screen as fluid-borne sediment, deliverable for sorting and recovery, whereby coarse grain material is excluded by the classifying screen and yield from the impactor is increased by the hydraulic fluid washing sediment therefrom.

Various types of milling apparatuses are known in the prior art. However, what is needed is a hydraulic injection milling apparatus with classifying screen that includes a hydraulic fluid injected into an impactor during operation, wherein crushed material delivered to the impactor is reducible to specific-sized particles transmittable through an interchangeable classifying screen disposed underlying a delivery aperture in the impactor, said classifying screen including a plurality of fixed width, elongate apertures disposed in parallel upon a durable plate member, said crushed material thus reduced in the impactor and thence classified through the classifying screen as fluid-borne sediment, deliverable for sorting and recovery, whereby coarse grain material is excluded by the classifying screen and yield from the impactor is increased by the hydraulic fluid washing sediment therefrom.

Hydraulic injection milling apparatus with classifying screen


A gas flow unit includes a gas flow inlet, a gas flow outlet and a gas flow chamber configured to convey a gas flow from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the gas flow inlet is configured to convey the gas flow in a first direction into the gas flow chamber and wherein the gas flow outlet is configured to convey the gas flow in a second direction from the gas flow chamber, wherein the second direction is angular in relation to the first direction, and wherein the gas flow inlet is an inlet into the gas flow chamber and the gas flow outlet is an outlet from the gas flow chamber. In the first gas flow direction, the gas flow chamber extends beyond a projection of an outer periphery of the gas flow outlet and defines a prolongation configured for conveying a first part of the gas flow such that it enters the gas flow outlet from a different direction than a second part of the gas flow entering the gas flow outlet without passing through the prolongation.

The present invention relates to gas flow unit comprising a gas flow inlet, a gas flow outlet and a gas flow chamber configured to convey a gas flow from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the gas flow inlet is configured to convey the gas flow in a first direction into the gas flow chamber and wherein the gas flow outlet is configured to convey the gas flow in a second direction from the gas flow chamber, wherein the second direction is angular in relation to the first direction, and wherein the gas flow inlet is an inlet into the gas flow chamber and the gas flow outlet is an outlet from the gas flow chamber.
The present invention also relates to a gas treatment device comprising such a gas flow unit together with a gas treatment element provided downstream said gas flow unit.
Furthermore the invention relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a combustion chamber, from which exhaust gas is emitted, wherein said engine comprises a gas treatment device according to the invention for the treatment of either exhaust gas emitted from the combustion chamber or inlet air to said combustion chamber.
The background of the invention is related to design considerations with regard to exhaust gas recirculation coolers in internal combustion engines. However, it should be understood that the defined problem may be found also in other gas conducting systems and the solution thereto may thus also be applied in such systems.
Most gas/liquid coolers used in internal combustion engines need a significant distance upstream of their inlet on the gas side to distribute the gas flow uniformly over the cooler area. This is necessary to achieve high cooler effectiveness and ensure metal temperature below critical limits. One example of a cooler is the one used in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit to increase the amount of EGR in modern diesel engines. EGR is used to reduce the combustion temperature in the cylinders and thereby reduce the NOx formation, which progresses faster at high temperatures.
In modern vehicles the available space in the engine compartment is limited due to more and more components used to fulfill stringent emission regulations, such as variable geometry turbo, crank case ventilation etc. This sometimes makes it very difficult to permit enough distance upstream the inlet of the cooler.
In a typical case, the exhaust gas flowing in a gas channel from the combustion chamber to a gas cooler in the EGR circuit has to undergo a substantial change of direction, in the range of 90°, shortly before entering the cooler. In order to achieve an optimum cooler efficiency it is important that the gas flow is uniformly distributed over the cross sectional area of the channel from which it is introduced into the cooler. If the distance between the region in which the direction of the gas is changed and the entrance to the cooler is very short, there will be difficulties in obtaining such uniform distribution of the gas flow as mentioned above for the gas that enters the cooler if not specific design measures are taken in order to promote such uniform distribution.
A certain type of pipe bend sometimes referred to as a NACA (National Advisory Council for Aeronautics) design is sometimes used to improve the flow distribution when available space is limited and hence the radius of curvature becomes very small compared to the size of the pipe itself. However, as the space available in modern internal combustion engines is becoming more restricted than ever, also this design has been found to be somewhat too space-requiring. Accordingly, an even more slim design of a pipe bend that promotes uniform flow of gas shortly downstream a substantial change of direction of the gas flow direction in any kind of gas-conduction system, and in particular an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, is sought for.
It is desirable to present a gas flow unit design that enables a substantial change of direction of a gas flow and a uniform flow distribution of the gas across a cross section of an outlet through which the gas is emitted from said gas flow unit within a distance as short as possible downstream of the point of change of flow direction. The design shall be such that it is not space-requiring, and thereby suitable for use as a component in the design of an internal combustion engine for the vehicle industry, where the demands regarding space-saving are high.
In particular, the gas flow unit shall be of such design that it is suitable for use in connection to a gas treatment element such as a cooler or silencer device arranged at a very short distance downstream of the gas flow unit and requiring a uniform flow of gas over its cross section in order to enable an optimum performance thereof.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a gas flow unit is characterised in that, in the first gas flow direction, the gas flow chamber extends beyond a projection of an outer periphery of the gas flow outlet and defines a prolongation configured for conveying a first part of the gas flow such that it enters the gas flow outlet from a different direction than a second part of the gas flow entering the gas flow outlet without passing through said prolongation. Preferably, the distance that the prolongation extends beyond a centre line of the outlet corresponds to 0.7-2.0 times the diameter of the outlet (which preferably has a circular cross section), even more preferably 1.0-1.3 times the diameter of the outlet.
Preferably said prolongation forms a rounded end portion of the gas flow chamber. The rounded shape promotes a smooth redirection of the gas flow direction in said prolongation. Preferably there is provided a means for preventing the upcoming of swirl in the outlet. Swirl is a phenomenon that can be caused by an uneven flow of gas from the gas flow inlet into the chamber and that is detrimental to a uniform flow distribution in the gas flow outlet. Said means may be a dividing wall extending up from the bottom of the prolongation. Preferably said wall extends in a plane which coincides with a centre plane of the outlet. Preferably, said dividing wall divides said first part of the gas flow into two sub-parts on either side of the wall, which meet each other when they leave the wall and enter the gas flow outlet.
According to a preferred embodiment, said prolongation has a volume and geometry such that the amount of said first part of the gas flow is in the range of 10-50%, preferably 30-50% of the amount of said second part of the gas flow. Such an amount of the first part of the gas flow provides for a more uniform flow distribution over the cross section of the outlet.
According to one embodiment, said prolongation has the shape of a part of a sphere, and preferably the shape of a semi-sphere. In such an embodiment, it is preferred that there is provided a dividing wall in the bottom of the prolongation for the purpose of preventing swirl in the gas flow. Preferably, said dividing wall is positioned such that it extends in a plane parallel to the first gas flow direction and is positioned in the middle of the semi-sphere such that it divides the latter in two halves. Preferably the extension plane of the dividing wall is the same as a plane that divides the gas flow outlet in two equal halves.
According to another embodiment, said prolongation has the shape of two part spheres and there is provided a dividing wall between said part spheres. Also here, the dividing wall preferably extends in a plane parallel to the first gas flow direction, wherein said plane preferably coincides with a plane that divides the outlet in two equal halves. However, here, the dividing wall need not be a separate wall arranged at the bottom of the prolongation, but may be a wall that results from the geometry of the two adjacent part spheres, preferably semi-spheres, and the material that separates the latter from each other.
According to one embodiment, said gas flow chamber is delimited by parallel opposite lateral walls and a curved bottom wall, such that the prolongation has the shape of a part of a cylinder. In other words, the prolongation will have a nearly U-shaped cross section, as seen in the direction of the gas flow outlet. Also in this case it is preferred to arrange a dividing wall at the bottom of the prolongation, in order to prevent swirl, and preferably in accordance with the principles described above for the single half-sphere design.
According to yet another embodiment, the gas flow chamber is delimited by parallel opposite lateral walls, a curved bottom wall and an intermediate wall which is parallel with said lateral walls, such that the prolongation has the shape of two parallel parts of a cylinder, preferably two parallel half-cylinders. In other words, the prolongation will, according to this embodiment, have a nearly UU-shaped cross section as seen in the direction of the gas flow outlet. The intermediate wall, formed by adjacent walls that delimit the respective part of cylinder, thus forms a dividing wall, preferably in accordance with the principles already mentioned for the double-half-sphere embodiment.
Preferably, the gas flow inlet and the gas flow outlet are configured such that the second gas flow direction is angular within the range of 45°-135° in relation to the first gas flow direction, preferably in the range of 60°-120°, and more preferably in the range of 85°-95°. The smaller the angle, the less redirecting of the gas flow and hence the less problem with non-uniform flow in the gas flow outlet. Larger angles than the upper limit mentioned here will not be of interest from an overall design point of view and will also further complicate the flow conditions, and are therefore not taken into further consideration here.
Preferably, the gas flow inlet comprises at least one inlet channel which extends in said first gas flow direction in a region in which it enters the gas flow chamber, and the gas flow outlet comprises an outlet channel that extends in said second gas flow direction in a region in which it exits from the gas flow chamber. Accordingly, the at least one inlet channel has a centre line which is angular within the range of 45°-135° in relation to a centre line of the outlet channel, preferably in the range of 60°-120°, and more preferably in the range of 85°-95°. The prolongation of the chamber is in the direction of an extension of the centreline of the at least one inlet channel beyond the outlet (i.e. the outlet opening in the wall that defines said chamber). The inlet channel is to a high degree responsible for the characteristics of the gas flow into the chamber. According to one embodiment of the invention the ratio between the total inlet channel cross section area and the outlet channel cross sectional area is in the range of 0.3-3, resulting in either a somewhat diffusing flow in the outlet channel (low ratio value) or to an accelerating flow (high ratio). In typical applications for which the present design is suitable, the gas pressure and the cross sectional areas of the channels involved are such that the flow is generally incompressible, i.e. flow Mach value is below 0.30. Preferably, the flow rate in the inlet channel is in the range of 30-120 m/s.
Preferably, and as a consequence of the design heretofore described, the gas flow chamber is configured such that the second part of the gas flow enters the gas flow outlet in a portion of the gas flow outlet closer to the gas flow inlet than a portion of the gas flow outlet receiving the first part of the gas flow.
According to a preferred embodiment the gas flow chamber is substantially wider than a projection of an outer periphery of the gas flow outlet in a direction perpendicular to the first gas flow direction and according to one embodiment about two times wider. In other words, the gas flow chamber is substantially wider than a projection of an outer periphery of the gas flow outlet perpendicular to a direction of a centre line of the outlet (or more precisely the outlet channel). On the other hand, the depth of the chamber perpendicular to said width, as seen in direction of a centre line of the outlet (or more precisely the outlet channel), is substantially smaller than the width of the gas flow chamber, and according to one embodiment about half of said width. Preferably, the depth of the chamber as seen in direction of a centre line of the outlet (or more precisely the outlet channel) substantially corresponds to the width of the inlet (or more precisely the inlet channel thereof—Thereby, the chamber does not require much space in the direction of the outlet, which is important in cases where there is not much room for the gas flow unit in that direction. The width of the chamber is larger than the depth thereof, and the increased width contributes to reduce pressure drop in the chamber and to prevent swirl in the outlet. Preferably, the ratio between the width of the chamber and the diameter of the outlet (chamber width/outlet diameter) is in the range of 1.3-2.1. Preferably, the ratio between the length of the chamber, i.e. the length from the inlet to the bottom end of the prolongation, and the diameter of the outlet (chamber length/outlet diameter) is in the range of 1.7-3.5.
Preferably, the gas flow chamber comprises a substantially flat wall positioned opposite the gas flow outlet. Thereby, space is saved in the longitudinal direction of the gas flow outlet.
Preferably, the gas flow chamber has a continuously increasing width in a direction from the inlet to an intermediate portion of the gas flow chamber, wherein the outlet at least partly extends from the intermediate portion. The prolongation is positioned opposite the inlet with regard to the intermediate portion. Preferably, the lateral walls of the gas flow chamber have a curvature matching the curvature of the outlet boundaries in the region with increasing width. Said intermediate portion of the gas flow chamber has an elongated cross sectional shape with a longer extension in a direction of the width and a shorter extension in a direction of the depth. Said intermediate portion of the gas flow chamber has a substantially constant cross section. Further, said intermediate portion of the gas flow chamber comprises said flat wall positioned opposite the gas flow outlet. The gas flow unit is preferably symmetrical with regard to a common centre plane of the inlet and the outlet.
According to an aspect of the invention, the gas flow chamber is configured for conveying said first part of the gas flow and said second part of the gas flow such that they meet in the gas flow outlet and achieve a substantially uniform flow distribution in said second gas flow direction.
The invention, according to an aspect thereof, also refers to a gas treatment device comprising a gas flow unit according to the invention and a gas treatment element positioned downstream of the gas flow outlet.
According to one embodiment, the gas treatment element is a gas cooler element. The cooler element typically comprises a circuit of cooling liquid and heat exchanger surfaces which are to be hit by the incoming gas received from the gas flow unit and to which heat from the gas is transferred to the cooling liquid, which is provided on opposite sides of such surfaces, all in accordance with established cooler technology. As seen in the direction of a centre line of the outlet of the gas flow unit, i.e. in the main flow direction of the gas exiting from the chamber through the outlet, the cooler element has a larger cross section than the outlet. Typically, the cooler comprises a plurality of openings across the cross section thereof through which the gas is to flow. In order to make the cooler element operate efficient, the gas flow entering the cooler element through the outlet of the flow unit shall be as uniform as possible over the cross section thereof.
According to an alternative embodiment, the gas treatment element is a silencer device. According to yet another alternative, the gas treatment element is a compressor of a turbo device.
The invention, according to an aspect thereof, also relates to an internal combustion engine comprising a combustion chamber from which exhaust gas is emitted, characterised in that it comprises a gas treatment device according to the invention for the treatment of exhaust gas emitted from the combustion chamber or inlet air to said combustion chamber.
Preferably, said combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas recycling circuit in which said gas treatment device is arranged, and the gas treatment element forms a cooler for recycled exhaust gas in said exhaust gas recycling circuit.
According to another embodiment, said combustion engine comprises a silencer device through which said exhaust gas is conducted, wherein said gas treatment device forms a part of said silencer device.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be presented in the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention.

Gas flow unit, a gas treatment device and a combustion engine provided therewith


A method and apparatus is provided wherein a central Credit Controller Entity (CCE) is connected to a PCIE fabric environment by means of several buses. Flow Control information sent to the CCE over two of the buses indicates the buffer storage capacity that is available at respective Receiver components in the PCIE fabric. The CCE processes the Flow Control information, to generate updates that are sent by a third bus to Transmitter components corresponding to the Receivers. In one useful embodiment, directed to a method of Flow Control management, the CCE provides a repository adapted to store credit count information that represents the available storage capacity of respective Receivers. The method further comprises routing further credit count information from a given Receiver to the CCE, for storage in the repository, following each of successive events that affect the storage capacity of the given Receiver. The CCE is operated to selectively process the credit count information stored in the repository, in order to generate an update credit count. The update credit count is then selectively sent to a given Transmitter, to enable the given Transmitter to send a transmission to the given Receiver.

1. Technical Field
The invention disclosed and claimed herein generally pertains to a method for managing flow control updates in a PCI Express (PCIE) environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method of the above type wherein a Credit Control Entity (CCE) receives credit count information that represents available storage capacity of receivers in the PCIE environment. Even more particularly, the invention pertains to a method of the above type wherein updates, derived by the CCE from the credit count information, are used to enable transmissions to the receivers.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a PCIE fabric environment, packet traffic is directed to virtual channels (VCs) by mapping packets with traffic class labels to corresponding VCs. Moreover, PCIE provides the capability of mapping multiple traffic classes onto a single VC. This is achieved by arranging for traffic flowing through a VC to be multiplexed onto a common physical Link, from Transmitters on the transmit side of the Link. Subsequently, the traffic is de-multiplexed into separate VC paths and directed to corresponding Receivers, on the receive side of the Link.
Within a PCIE switch, each of the VCs requires dedicated physical resources, such as RAMS, buffers or queues, in order to provide buffering or storage capacity. This is necessary to support independent traffic flows inside the switch. Accordingly, a PCIE environment is provided with a Flow Control (FC) mechanism, in order to prevent overflow of Receiver storage buffers and also to enable compliance with ordering rules. The Flow Control mechanism is used by a Requestor, that is, a device originating a transaction in the PCIE domain, to track the buffer space available in a Receiver that is on the opposite side of a Link. Such tracking is carried out by means of a credit-based Flow Control procedure, designed to ensure that a packet is transmitted only when a buffer is known to be available to receive the packet at the other end. This eliminates any packet retries, as well as associated waste of bandwidth due to resource constraints. Each virtual channel maintains an independent Flow Control credit pool. Flow Control information is conveyed between two sides of a Link, by means of Data Layer Link packets (DLLP).
Flow Control is generally handled by the Transaction Layer, in cooperation with the Data Link Layer, with the Transaction Layer performing Flow Control accounting for received Transaction Layer packets (TLPs). The Transaction Layer gates a Transmitter, based on available credits for transmission, in order to allow the Transmitter to send a TLP to a specified Receiver. In support of this Transmitter gating function, an initialization procedure is required, wherein Receivers must initially advertise VC credit values that are equal to or greater than certain pre-specified values. The number of credits allocated to a Transmitter is initially set according to the buffer size and allocation policies of the Receiver. As a succession of TLP transmissions occur, a count is kept of the credits being consumed. Before transmitting a given TLP, the Transmitter gating function must determine if sufficient credits are available to permit transmission of the given TLP. If the intended Receiver does not have enough credits to receive the TLP, the Transmitter must block the transmission of the TLP, possibly stalling other TLPs that are using the same virtual channel. The Transmitter must follow prescribed ordering and deadlock avoidance rules, which require that certain types of TLPs must bypass other specific types of TLPs when the latter are blocked.
Additionally, the credit accounting procedure tracks the count of the total number of credits granted to a Transmitter since initialization. This count may be incremented, as the Receiver side Transaction Layer makes additional received buffer space available by processing received TLPs. It would be beneficial to provide a central control that continually receives all the credit count information pertaining to each Receiver in a PCIE fabric. The central control could process such information, to provide flow control management throughout the PCIE fabric.

Method and apparatus for managing flow control in PCI express transaction layer