Vibration and noise isolation for a magnetic resonance imager (MRI) superconducting magnet cryocooler includes a bellows between the cryocooler and its vacuum sleeve in the magnet, a mass suspended along the axis of, but at a distance from, the cryocooler, elastomeric blocks parallel to the axis, and braided copper wires connecting the vacuum sleeve and the heat shields of the MRI. Motion limiters and bellows flexures are provided for dynamic loads which might be encountered during transport of the magnet.

This invention relates to the use of cryocoolers in superconducting magnets for magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter "MRI"), and more particularly to noise reduction, and vibration isolation, of the cryocooler to improve the quality of the images provided by MRI operation.
As is well known, a magnet coil can be made superconducting by placing it in an extremely cold environment, such as by enclosing it in a cryostat or pressure vessel containing liquid helium or other cryogen. The extreme cold reduces the resistance of the magnet coil to negligible levels, such that when a power source is initially connected to the coil (for a period, for example, of 100 minutes) to introduce a current flow through the coil, the current will continue to flow through the coil due to the negligible coil resistance even after power is removed, thereby maintaining a strong magnetic field. Superconducting magnets find wide application, for example, in the field of MRI.
In a typical MRI superconducting magnet, the pressure vessel, which is contained within a vacuum vessel, is surrounded by a plurality of intermediate concentric heat shields. Each successive heat shield is at a slightly higher temperature than the cryogen in order to thermally isolate the pressure vessel from ambient temperatures on the outside of the vacuum vessel, which may be in the order to some 300.degree. K. higher than the cryogen temperature. The thermal shields are maintained at their cold temperatures by a cryogenic refrigerator which typically is contained within a stainless steel cold head sleeve cylinder with thermal connections between the cold head and the thermal shields. The thermal connection between the cold head and the thermal shields must be thermally conductive and efficient, and operate in the presence of vibration generated by the movement of the piston and gas within the cryogenic refrigerator or cryocooler and the resultant movement of the cold head relative to the heat shields and relative to the superconducting magnet.
Considerable research has been directed at eliminating the need to continuously replenish the boiling helium with the associated problems of transporting and storing liquid helium. This has led to the further use of cryocoolers in recondensing apparatus used to recondense the helium gas back to liquid helium for reuse in providing the superconducting temperatures.
Cryocoolers have been found to provide two major problems, acoustic noise and vibration. The noise has proven to be nuisance and distraction to MRI operators and patients because of its disturbing frequency and the vibration has resulted in deterioration in the MRI image quality. An additional problem is minimizing noise and vibration without deterioration in the cryocooler performance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,879 entitled, "Flexible Thermal Connection System Between A Cryogenic Refrigerator and An MRI Superconducting Magnet", assigned to the same assignee as the present invention, has helped particularly in reducing vibration transmitted to the thermal shields, but has not proven adequate in reducing cryocooler noise and vibration transmittal to the remainder of the superconducting magnet, particularly the vacuum vessel to which it is secured, and adequately reducing the acoustic noise generated by cryocooler operation.

Cryocooler vibration isolation and noise reduction in magnetic resonance imaging


An expander for radially expanding a tubular element, comprising an expander body connectable to an elongate member for moving the expander in axial direction through the tubular element, the expander body having a first body portion and a second body portion axially displaced from the first body portion, wherein the first body portion has a larger outer diameter than the second body portion. A set of expander segments is arranged around the expander body, each segment being movable relative the expander body between a radically extended position in which the segment is axially aligned with the first body portion and a radially retracted position in which the segment is axially aligned with the second body portion. Actuating means is provided for moving each segment between the extended position and the retracted position. Each segment and the first body portion are provided with co-operating support profiles for preventing axial movement of the segment relative to the first body portion during expansion of the tubular element whereby the segment is in the extended position.

In the industry of hydrocarbon oil and gas production it has been proposed to radially expand a tubular element extending in a wellbore formed into an earth formation. The tubular element can be, for example, a wellbore casing which is, after expansion thereof, cemented in the wellbore. In conventional wellbore drilling the wellbore is drilled and cased in sections whereby after drilling and casing each section, the wellbore is drilled deeper and a next casing section is lowered through the previous casing section. Thus, the next casing section necessarily has to be of smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the previous casing section. By radially expanding each casing section after installation thereof in the wellbore, it is achieved that the lower wellbore part still is of a sufficiently large diameter.
It has been proposed to expand each casing section by pulling, pushing or pumping a rigid expander through the casing section whereby the expander has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the unexpanded casing. By virtue of the phenomenon that the inner diameter of the casing after expansion is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the expander (generally referred to as "surplus expansion"), the expander can be moved through expanded casing portions with some clearance. However, a problem of the known expander is that it is impossible to move the expander through unexpanded portions of the casing.
It has further been proposed to apply a collapsible expander which can be moved through the casing when in the collapsed position. One such collapsible expander is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,523, which expander is provided with hingeable segments (also termed fingers) which axially slide over a conically shaped body portion to form the final expanded cone. A drawback of this expander is that the hinges of the segments are subjected to high (friction) loads during the expansion process. Another drawback of the expander is that small clearances between the segments cause extrusion of the tubular element into such clearances thereby causing axial tracks on the inside of the expanded tube, which tracks form insufficiently expanded portions at the inner surface of the tubular element.
Accordingly there is a need for an improved expander which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

Expander for expanding a tubular element


The present invention relates to a method for generating immunoglobulin sequences against cell-associated antigens, more particularly, antigens that are membrane-anchored. The invention also provides immunoglobulin sequences obtainable by the method of the invention. Specifically, the present invention relates to the generation of immunoglobulin sequences by use of DNA vaccination. More specifically, the present invention relates to generation of immunoglobulin sequences in camelids, preferably directed against cell-associated antigens, in particular antigens with multiple transmembrane spanning domains, including GPCRs and ion channels, by DNA vaccination. Furthermore, the present invention relates to said immunoglobulin sequences against cell-associated antigens, more particularly, antigens that are membrane-anchored, such as e.g. GPCRs and ion channels, more preferably ion channels.

Cell-associated antigens, more specifically those with single or multiple transmembrane domains, are difficult to purify in their native conformation. In order to identify antibodies (or antibody fragments such as Nanobodies) against native epitopes which are able to modify the function of the target in vivo, it is crucial to administer the target antigen in its native conformation to the camelid [Dormitz et al. (2008). Trends in Biotechnology 26: 659-667]. In absence of purified native protein of these cell-associated antigens, the most applied immunization strategy consists of repetitive injections of whole cells functionally expressing the antigen of choice at regular intervals. Examples of targets for which such immunization strategy has been executed successfully (i.e. resulting in the identification of neutralizing, in vivo matured Nanobodies) are described in WO 05/044858 and WO 07/042,289). Repeated booster injections of target expressing cells, however, often result in diluted or non-detectable target specific immune responses, especially when the expression level of the target is low and the host cell background is highly immunogenic. The humoral response can be focused more towards the target by using a cell line of camelid origin, which is less immunogenic to llama. Nevertheless, repeated injections of (quasi)self-surface markers also result in a response against the camelid cell line surface markers.
The identification of (neutralizing) selective antibodies against GPCRs, Ion channels or any other type of multispanning cell surface marker is challenging [Michel et al. (2009). Naunyn-Schmied Archives Pharmacology 379:385-388], since i) most often no native protein is available for immunization or subsequent antibody identification, ii) multispanners often show low immunogenicity (due to a limited number of extracellular surface exposed amino acid residues compared to most single transmembrane receptors) and iii) multispanning surface molecules are often expressed at low densities.

Method for generation of immunoglobulin sequences


An information processing apparatus, comprising:                a storage unit that records predetermined information about a first user and a second user registered by the first user;        a data control unit that generates a video signal that displays objects corresponding to the first user and the second user in a two-dimensional display screen at a distance calculated based on the predetermined information; and        a display control unit that displays the video signal in the two-dimensional display screen.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, information processing apparatuses such as mobile phones have been multifunctional. Thus, a user can obtain a variety of information by using various functions mounted in an information processing apparatus. Functions mounted in an information processing apparatus include, as an example, a function capable of grasping behavior of the user. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-340903 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-003655 disclose a technology that recognizes behavior of a user such as walking, running, and stopping by using an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor and displays the behavior as an object.

Information processing apparatus and information processing method


A filament attachment system includes a bond head comprising a de-spooling system with a spool and balanced dancer arm assembly, a clamp having a curved filament entry, a narrower gripping region, and a wider filament exit, and a bond tool comprising a guide portion, a grooving portion, and a staking portion. The grooving portion forms a groove into a bond and the staking portion closes the groove over the filament, securing the filament in the bond. Thus, the filament can be attached with a single pass of the bond head using a single bond.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wire bonding devices, and in particular, to such bonding devices that attach filament.
2. Related Art
Conventional systems and methods for attaching filament to devices, such as semiconductor chips or displays, typically include a spool of filament, a de-spooler to unwind the filament, a dancer arm with a pulley to adjust tension in the filament as it is unwound, a filament guide, and an attaching means for attaching the filament. The attaching means may be a welding device, such as a laser welder or ultrasonic bonder. The device onto which the filament is to be attached can be held in place, while the attaching means moves to attach the filament at the selected portions of the device. Other types of spooled lines, such as bond wires, may utilize similar structures and methods.
Conventional devices include support structures onto which the filament is stretched across and attached, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,693 to Yonezawa et al, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The support structures provide, in part, separation from underlying elements. This separation prevents the filament from sagging and contacting the underlying elements after the filament has been heated and expands. The structures allow each of the filaments to be fixed at one end and elastically held at the other end.
However, such a system can be costly due to the additional expense of manufacturing and securing the support structures onto the device. Furthermore, the support structures increase the overall thickness of the device. Moreover, the welding of the filament to the support structures may cause the filament coating, e.g., carbonate, to scatter into display areas of the device, thereby resulting in inferior or damaged displays.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,693, incorporated above, discloses another filament attachment system in which the filament is bonded between a wiring layer and a metal foil or wire. This requires two bonds or materials to secure the filament.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system for attaching filaments that overcomes the deficiencies in the prior art as discussed above.

Automated filament attachment system for vacuum fluorescent display


A light tower or stack light including an exterior which has a cylindrical or columnar configuration including transparent or translucent panels or lenses, and a interior based on a flat, planar arrangement of light sources. The light tower translates the flat, essentially unidirectional or bidirectional arrangement of lights to a 180 to 360 degree, multidirectional light source. The light indicator tower is for use with a industrial apparatus or process to indicate the status of the apparatus or process. The tower includes a flat, planar, PCB light panel having two sides, the light panel further having a plurality of LED light sources disposed on each side of the light panel. The tower has a curvilinear light dispersing lens disposed to disperse light over a range of 360 degrees.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to indicator and signaling systems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, the invention relates to an indicator light tower for use for example with machine automation systems to show their status to users. Light towers are also known as stack lights, And-On Lights, Machine Status Lights, Indicator Lights and the like.
2. Background Information
Existing technology in this field is believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings.
All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.


An insulating apparatus can include a base portion, a side portion, and an upper portion. Each portion can include a double walled configuration with a gap defining an insulation volume therebetween. The base portion, the side portion, and the upper portion collectively define an interior volume of the insulating apparatus. In one embodiment, the base wall, first side wall, and first upper wall are stainless steel, and the second base wall, second side wall, and second upper wall are aluminum, and wool batting is positioned in the insulation volume, the second insulation volume, and the third insulation volume.

Recreational coolers are used for a variety of purposes and events, including on camping trips, at beach gatherings, backyard BB Qs, and picnics. Conventional coolers are formed from injection molded or rotomolded plastic-bodied materials with polyurethane or polystyrene foam embedded within for insulation. The bulk of the cooler market is at a relatively affordable price point and has an average capacity of 40-60 quarts. Conventional coolers, however, suffer from a number of shortcomings and improvements in performance and materials are desirable.


A spin-on filter including an improved baseplate preferably die cast from aluminum and an improved seaming lid preferably stamped from sheet steel. The baseplate includes a hub joined to a rim by ribs. The rim includes slots that receive tabs from the stamped seaming lid to provide for torque transfer between the canister and baseplate. The baseplate provides a seat for the seaming lid interfit with the baseplate to form a outer gasket groove. The baseplate provides the groove inner wall, while the seaming lid provides the groove outer wall and base. The inventive design in the baseplate and seaming lid provide for a groove for receiving an outer gasket and for torque transfer without complex or costly manufacture.

Spin-on filters are commonly used to separate contaminants from fluid. Spin-on filters typically mount on a mounting adaptor of a fluid circuit and receive and return fluid therefrom. Spin-on filters typically include a steel canister housing a filter element, having a closed end and an open end. At the open end, the filter has provided a connection to the mounting adaptor. The connection requires a flow path for contaminated fluid into the canister and a flow path for filtered fluid out of the canister. Threaded baseplates have commonly been used for the connection.
It is known that many lower pressure and a number of higher pressure applications exist which can be satisfied by spin-on type filters. Lower strength filters are used for lower pressure applications, pressures less than 100 p.s.i., for example in a lubrication circuit for an automobile. Current applications in hydraulics frequently use pressure differential between the high strength filters. These high strength filters are used in the hydraulic circuits of heavy machinery for use in industries such as agriculture or construction, for example, a hydraulic circuit for a backhoe which powers the shovel motion. In such hydraulic circuit applications, the filter must withstand the high pressure inside the filter and the ambient pressure outside the filter. Such applications may require that the filter be capable of withstanding pressure spikes in excess of 750 p.s.i. and impulse strength of at least 0-300 p.s.i. for sustained periods without leakage or failure.
Because of the high pressure requirements, it is preferable to have high tensile strength in the baseplate. It is also desirable to provide a baseplate that is of low cost to manufacture and assemble into the filter. Stamped steel has commonly been used for baseplates. However, aluminum die cast baseplates have provided better strength and currently cost less to manufacture. It is therefore desirable to incorporate an aluminum baseplate into the filter. However, as will be discussed, aluminum baseplate type filters have had manufacturing, assembly and cost disadvantages with providing an adequate connection to the mounting adaptor of a hydraulic circuit.
Insofar as reliability and user convenience are concerned, an important element in spin-on filters is an outer gasket which will remain in position on the filter until locked in sealing relationship with the mounting adaptor of a hydraulic circuit. Outer gaskets prevent fluid leakage between the mounting adaptor and the filter. Often, the outer gasket is installed in and preferably secured in an outer groove on the filter. It is particularly desirable to secure the outer gasket in the groove so that it does not fall out during transport or installation. To retain the outer gasket, at least one of the groove's walls typically includes a reverse draft and/or a mechanism to pinch the outer gasket in the groove.
Also common to spin-on type filters is that the baseplates have been fastened to the canister. Burst strength requirements for a filter necessitates a seaming lid fastening technique which provides a connection capable of withstanding the pressure differential applied from fluid pressure inside of the filter to the ambient outside. The fastening technique also requires torque transfer. Torque transfer has been necessary in spin-on filters because the threaded connection is commonly in the baseplate. When the canister is screwed on or off the adaptor, torque is transferred from the steel canister to the baseplate. Various methods and mechanisms have been employed to fasten the baseplates to the steel canister.
A common way of fastening the canister and baseplate has been to use a seaming lid. Seaming lids are typically stamped from sheet steel. The outer edge of the seaming lid is meshed with an edge of the canister sidewall to form a seam. Such a seaming lid and seam is shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,490,930, to Krull, and 5,453,195, to Jorgenson et al., both assigned to the present assignee. As shown and described in Jorgenson et al. '195, the seaming lid technique has sufficiently fastened the baseplate to the canister. However, one drawback of many prior seaming lid approaches has been that the seaming lid is welded to the baseplate providing the torque transfer necessary for spin-on filters. Welding has not allowed for aluminum baseplates. Moreover, the step of welding can increase manufacturing costs. Another drawback of prior seaming lid fastening techniques has been that the outer gasket retaining groove which is often U-shaped has commonly been formed entirely in the seaming lid. Thus, additional forming and drawing of the sheet steel has been necessary which has decreased strength and increased costs.
Steel seaming lids have also been interlocked to stamped steel baseplates providing the necessary torque transfer. The seaming lids in these filters have provided tabs that fold through the oil inlet ports of the baseplate to provide torque transfer. However, this design undesirably has a substantially flat baseplate. The flat baseplate design has been necessary to provide a flatter, less formed structure in the seaming lid. These flat baseplates are undesirable because they do not permit the strength enhancing structural features desired for aluminum baseplate type filters for high pressure applications. Another very substantial drawback of these flat baseplate filters has been that the outer groove is formed entirely by the seaming lid. Further forming of sheet steel has been necessary to form the outer gasket retaining groove and outer gasket retaining mechanism in the seaming lid which has the cost and strength drawbacks mentioned above.
Other past designs have fastened the baseplate directly to the canister without a seaming lid as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,080,787; 4,743,374 and 4,834,885. Some of these filter designs have provided for aluminum die cast baseplates and high pressure applications. Filters without a seaming lid generally bead or wrap the a portion of the open end of a canister over a preformed shoulder in the baseplate. However, filter designs without a seaming lid have had manufacturing disadvantages and require additional tooling. Specifically, it has been difficult to provide for satisfactory burst strength while at the same time providing torque transfer between the canister and the baseplate and an outer gasket groove. Further drawing of the canister has often been necessary to provide a retaining groove and torque transfer which may reduce strength of the filter and increase manufacturing cost.
Another drawback is that additional geometry and small tolerances have often been necessary in the die cast of the aluminum baseplate to provide a retaining groove. Thus, the manufacturing of filters without a seaming lid has required additional geometry in the baseplate, additional parts and/or additional complex tooling to draw the sheet steel from the canister around the baseplate to sufficiently fasten the baseplate to the canister and provide a retaining groove.


Disclosed is a toothbrush having soft and hard bristles together. The toothbrush having soft and hard bristles with 6–10 mm in tapered length and 0.01–0.08 mm in diameter of end portions comprises: longer bristles(1) located at both edges; and shorter bristles(2) located at the central portion, wherein the bristles are generally in a semicircular form at their top portions when seen from a side, and a difference in length between the longer bristles(1) and the shorter bristles(2) is about 2–4 mm. The toothbrush can increase brushing efficiency and effectively remove foreign matters between teeth and inside periodontal pockets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a toothbrush with tapered acicular bristles, and more particularly, to a toothbrush with tapered acicular bristles having soft and hard bristles together.
2. Background of the Related Art
In general, a toothbrush having bristles tapered at pointed ends to increase removal efficiency of the tartar and the plaque from the teeth and to prevent an injury to the gums during brushing teeth has been invented, and since then, such a toothbrush has become more popular due to demonstration of its effectiveness.
Prior art relating to a toothbrush as described above is known. See for example; Korean Patent Nos. 130932, 261658 and 311360, and Korean Utility Model Registration Nos. 114700 and 244827 invented by the present inventor.
Korean Patent No. 130932 discloses a method of making the diameter of the end portions of PBT bristles into about 0.1–0.03 mm by tapering the PBT toothbrush bristles having a diameter of 0.15–0.2 mm to a length of 4–8 mm from the pointed ends of the bristles after decomposing them with chemicals. The toothbrush having the bristles manufactured by the above method has several advantages in that it is less likely to injure the gums, can remove pollutants and bacteria stained on the user's teeth because the bristles can be inserted into the periodontal pockets of the gums, and can easily remove foreign matters because it can be easily inserted between teeth. However, some consumers are unsatisfied with the toothbrush as they do not experience good brushing feeling due to the excessively soft bristles.
Korean Utility Model Registration No. 114700 discloses a toothbrush having different tapered lengths by tapering the end quarter of a bristle (the tapered length is about 8 mm in case of the bristle length of 32 mm) at one side of the brush and by tapering the end ⅛th (the tapered length is about 4 mm in case of the bristle length of 32 mm) at the other side. The toothbrush manufactured by the above method has more overall hardness than that of Korean Patent No. 130932 yet achieves the same tartar and plaque removal effectiveness as that of the Korean patent.
Korean Patent No. 261658 discloses a method for tapering the diameter of the end portions of the PBT bristles from 0.04–0.08 mm using the same method as that of Korean patent No. 130932, wherein physical and chemical methods are combined to save manufacturing costs. People accustomed to nylon bristles, which are rigid, have a preference for the toothbrush manufactured by the above patent, but it has a disadvantage that it is less effective for removing foreign matters inside the periodontal pockets as its diameter is relatively large.
Korean Utility Model Registration No. 244827 discloses a toothbrush including tapered bristles which are formed of 0.02–0.03 mm in diameter at the ends to be easily inserted into periodontal pockets and are formed to be about 3.5 mm or less in length to provide hardness to the bristles. The toothbrush manufactured by the above method provides consumers with a relatively satisfactory result in hardness, tartar removing effect and insertion of the tapered bristle ends into the periodontal pockets.
Korean Patent No. 311360 discloses a toothbrush having on both sides tapered bristles of a general height to be more easily inserted between teeth and into periodontal pockets. The toothbrush has at least one protrusion 1–10 mm in height to serve as an interdental toothbrush.
Such toothbrushes of the prior arts have been all manufactured and sold as separate products, but toothbrushes having all the above advantages of the prior arts have not yet been disclosed.

Toothbrush having soft and hard bristles together


A fluid flow reducing unit is incorporated in various mechanical systems to increase the mechanical advantage without the addition of energy. The fluids gaseous, liquid or mixtures thereof, are processed by the fluid flow reducing unit to increase the pressure of the effluent fluids when a higher pressure load is applied. The fluid flow reducing system can be employed in rockets, gas turbines, pump and motor systems, fire engine pumper water lines, blood pressure systems, steam engines, etc. An `Unidentified Flying Object-UFO` requires a Fluid Power Transmission to produce higher gas pressure for very rapid acceleration. The statement by Archimedes--`Give me a fulcrum on which to rest and I will move the earth.` relates to the application of a physical mechanical force on a lever arm. The application of a physical fluid pressure on a lever arm also does exist in the form of a Fluid Power Transmission means for greater thrust propulsion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement of mechanical systems involving the flow of fluids, gas, liquids or mixtures thereof, wherein a mechanical advantage is obtained by reducing the fluid flow within an incorporated fluid flow reducer device and increasing the fluid pressure without the addition of energy. For example, the fluid power output of a conventional gas turbine engine is in the form of a high gas flow, but with a relatively low gas pressure. The present gas flow reducing unit reduces the high flow of gas, but will increase the low pressure only when a higher pressure load of gas is required. In particular, the mechanical systems improved by this device include a turbine and compressor system and a motor and pump system. Other modifications include the additions of a fixed or variable gear reduction unit, a bleed-off or by-pass unit, and an axial flow compressor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art describes mechanical systems which do not. emphasize the mechanical advantage gained by a reduction in the fluid flow system. The prior art will be discussed in the order of their perceived relevance to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,888,802 issued on Jun. 2, 1959, to James A. Dosmann describes a vehicle turbine power system comprising a compression means, an air conduit means, a combustion means, a fluid flow energy transfer means, a fluid flow reducer means, a fluid driven mechanical transmission means, a heat exchange means, a fluid flow exhaust means, and a power induction means. The fluid flow reducer means consists of an impeller means, a rotor shaft, a turbine means, and a fluid flow casing means. The fluid flow reducer means in this disclosure begins with the mixed gases flowing through the impeller means to the turbine means. This arrangement of the impeller and turbine is reversed in the present invention with the addition of other modifications. The present invention is not concerned with a gas turbine, per se, but with other applications which handle gases, liquids and mixtures thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,045 issued on Sep. 17, 1991, to Robert A. Oklejas et al. describes a power recovery turbine pump useful in a reverse osmosis process for the desalination of sea water. The turbine impeller and a pump impeller are positioned on the same shaft. The pump impeller is caused to rotate by the rotation of the turbine impeller. The pump impeller raises the pressure of the fluid passed to the pump outlet. The object of this invention is to recover power that would normally be wasted from a pressurized fluid source. The object of the present invention is to increase the mechanical efficiency of the fluid by reducing the fluid flow. The patent teaches against the reduction of fluid flow by added means such as a fixed and variable transmission. The application of this invention is limited to liquid systems, whereas the present invention can be applied to gases, liquids and mixtures thereof.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,285 issued on Apr. 28, 1981, to John W. Erickson describes a downhole cleaner assembly for cleansing lubricant of downhole turbo-machines within wells. The turbo-machines are comprised of several stages of turbines and pumps assembled on a common shaft for increasing the fluid pressure. The bleeding of lubricant from the journals and journal bearings into the fluid stream passing through the turbine pumps cannot be tolerated in the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,042,533 issued on Jun. 2, 1936, to Walter Kieser describes rotary pumps or compressors driven by an elastic fluid turbine having a rotor fastened to the shaft of the compressor. Again, the mechanical apparatuses are reversed in position as to the fluid flow from that in the present invention.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.


An acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor are sealed in respective pressure atmospheres suitable therefor in the process of a series of bonding steps, thereby improving the detection sensibilities of the sensors.

A variety of capacitance type physical quantity sensors have been provided so far. The physical quantity sensors are configured as below. Movable mechanism parts such as a vibrator and a movable member are provided on a silicon substrate or a glass substrate by micromachining. Drive gaps are provided on a cap substrate at positions corresponding to the movable mechanism parts such as the vibrator and the movable member. These substrates are sealed by joining or bonding. The movable mechanism parts have sizes on the order of μm. Therefore, the influence of air resistance or the like leads to a problem of performance degradation. Thus, it is necessary to seal sensing portions at pressure atmospheres suitable for the movable mechanism parts such as the vibrator and the movable member.
The combined sensor has an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity and the like installed on the same substrate. Therefore, the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are sealed in such respective pressure atmospheres as to prevent their performances from being degraded. In general, the sensing portion of the acceleration sensor is sealed at atmospheric pressure and the sensing portion of the angular velocity sensor is sealed in a vacuum. Thus, the combined sensor free from performance degradation is provided.
The angular velocity sensor has the movable mechanism part which is a vibrator. In addition, when the vibrator is driven and vibrated at a given frequency, if it receives angular velocity, the Coriolis force occurs. The Coriolis force displaces the vibrator. Angular velocity is detected by detecting the displacement of the vibrator due to the Coriolis force. As the driving speed of the vibrator is faster, the Coriolis force becomes stronger. Therefore, to increase the detection sensitivity of the angular velocity sensor, it is necessary to vibrate the vibrator at high frequencies and at an amplitude of as large as several μm.
However, the vibrator fabricated by micromachining is formed at a minute gap; therefore, if driving atmosphere is at atmospheric pressure, the influence of the damping effect of air (sealing gas) is increased. This damping effect has an influence on the vibration of the angular velocity sensor at high frequencies and at large amplitude, which lowers the detection sensitivity of the angular velocity sensor. Accordingly, the angular velocity sensor capable of vibrating at high frequencies and at large amplitude can be provided by sealing the sensing portion of the angular velocity sensor in the atmosphere where the influence of the damping effect is small, that is, in a vacuum atmosphere.
On the other hand, the acceleration sensor has the movable mechanism part which is a movable member composed of a weight, a beam or the like. If acceleration is applied to the acceleration sensor, the movable member is displaced. The acceleration is detected by detecting the displacement of the movable member. If the acceleration sensor is sealed in the same vacuum atmosphere as is the angular velocity sensor, the movable member of the acceleration sensor has a reduced damping effect, which leads to a phenomenon in which the movable member continues to vibrate. In this case, high sensitivity acceleration detection by the acceleration sensor cannot be performed. Thus, the acceleration sensor is sealed in the atmosphere where the damping effect is large, i.e., in an atmospheric environment.
Patent Document 1 presents the following configuration as a publicly known example of a combined sensor combining an acceleration sensor with an angular velocity sensor. A through-hole (aeration path) is provided on an acceleration sensor side of a cap substrate sealing the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor. The acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are sealed in a vacuum and then a damping agent is filled via the aeration path. The through-hole is filled with solder, resin or the like. In this way, the acceleration sensor is sealed in the atmospheric environment and the angular velocity sensor is sealed in the vacuum atmosphere.
Patent Document 2 presents the following configuration. An acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor are sealed in an atmospheric pressure environment. Then, a cap substrate or a sensor substrate on the angular velocity sensor is bored with a through-hole. Thereafter, the through-hole is filled with silicon by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). In this way, the angular velocity sensor is sealed at the pressure of CVD, i.e., in a vacuum atmosphere. In this method, the acceleration sensor is sealed in the atmospheric pressure environment and the angular velocity sensor is sealed in a vacuum atmosphere.

Combined sensor and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract: A movable member 111 of an acceleration sensor 11 and a vibrator 121 of an angular velocity sensor 12 are fabricated on the same sensor wafer 10 with a wall 16 interposed therebetween. A cap wafer 20 is formed in which gaps 21, 22 corresponding to the movable member 111 of the acceleration sensor 11 and the vibrator 121 of the angular velocity sensor 12 are provided. Bumps 23 are disposed near the gap 22 of the angular velocity sensor 12. The acceleration sensor 11 is sealed at atmospheric pressure. Then, the angular velocity sensor 12 is subjected to high temperature and a high-load and is vacuum-sealed. Thereafter, cutting with a diamond grindstone and mounting of circuit substrates and a wiring substrate are performed to form a combined sensor.


A method for deciding the maximum luminosity of a monitor is provided. The monitor is used for displaying a target image including a plurality of target pixels. Each of the target pixels has a target gray level. The target image and each adjacent image respectively has a maximum gray level. The monitor is capable of displaying M default gray levels. The method first generates a reference gray level (R) for the target image selectively based on the maximum gray levels. Then, a target control voltage corresponding to R is selected from a look-up table. A gain is generated based on R and M. Respectively multiplying each of the target gray levels by the gain can generate a plurality of new gray levels. At last, the method sets the target control voltage as the control voltage of the monitor and displays the target image with the new gray levels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to managing methods and managing apparatuses used in monitors, and in particular to methods and apparatuses for adjusting the luminosity of a monitor based on an image.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, in an LCD monitor with a back light source, the luminosity of the light source is kept as a constant. The amount of light that passes through the liquid crystal molecules in the monitor is controlled by adjusting the rotation angles of the liquid crystal molecules. In this way, the brightness of the images displayed on the monitor can be changed. On the other hand, an image is composed of plural pixels having various gray levels (i.e. brightness). The rotation angle of one liquid crystal molecule is decided according to the gray level of the pixel corresponding to that liquid crystal molecule. In a monitor capable of displaying 256 gray levels, for example, gray level 255 corresponds to the highest brightness, and gray level 0 corresponds to the lowest brightness. Please refer to FIG. 1, which illustrates an example of the relationship between gray levels and brightness. As shown in this example, gray levels are directly proportional to the brightness of LCD monitors substantially.
In actual conditions, not every image includes pixels having gray level 255. In some images, the brightest pixel might only have gray level 200, or even lower. In prior arts, even the gray level of the brightest pixel in a displayed image is 200, the luminosity of the light source in the LCD monitor is still kept at the level capable of displaying gray level 255. Under this kind of condition, the luminosity of the light source is not adequately utilized. That is, lots of light is sheltered by rotated liquid crystal molecules. Therefore, when a darker image is displayed, the utility rate of the light source of an LCD monitor may be only 80%; the other 20% luminosity is not well utilized.
As known by those skilled in this art, the back light source of an LCD monitor consumes much power, for instance, 70%˜80% power consumption among that of the LCD monitor. The higher luminosity a back light source has, the more power is consumed by the LCD monitor. Furthermore, when an LCD monitor is operated, the light source therein is always turned on. Obviously, this low utility problem of back light sources induces much unnecessary and undesired power consumption

Method and apparatus for adjusting luminosity of monitor based on image


A multi-system module having a functional substrate includes a substrate comprising therein at least one control circuit units, and a plurality of main circuit units provided on one side surface of the substrate. The main circuit units are electrically connected to the control circuit unit, whereby the control circuit unit is used to manage the operation of the main circuit units. Via the above module structure, the substrate can improve the function of controlling multiple systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a multi-system module having a functional substrate, and more particular to a multi-system module in which a control circuit unit is integrated into a substrate.
2. Description of Related Art
With the continuous development of semiconductor manufacturing technologies, the performance and quality of each module must be kept high in order to conform to the high functionality density within the housing of mobile devices. However, it is still an important issue for each manufacturer to reduce the module space while still keeping its quality high and even to enhance the performance of data transmission.
The semiconductor package technology provides a medium for connecting a silicon chip to a printed circuit board and protecting components against moisture. Although the above-mentioned function has not changed during these years, the package technology has become more complicated than before. Since the performance of a chip has changed, the package technology should be responsible to dissipate the generated heat in a safe manner while the heat will not become the limitation in the electronic performance of the desired component.
In prior art, the substrate made of- a printed circuit board (PCB) epoxy resin substrate (FR-4) or a Bismaleimide Triazine (BT) substrate can be used as a primary substrate for the module. Via a Surface Mount Technology (SMT), all of the chips, elements or other components can be adhered on the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the substrate is used as a carrier for forming a circuit connection, and the structure thereof is only used as a laminating structure for arranging the wires.
For example, in a radio-frequency system module, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) can be incorporated with Bluetooth, Global Positioning System (GPS) or other systems in order to have multiple functions. As a result, it is necessary to have more and more chips and elements. If all these components of the circuit are adhered on the substrate, the volume and size of the whole module will be inevitably increased. At the same time, the number of input/output pins will increase together with the number of the systems. In order to arrange all the signal input/output pins in the substrate of a limited area, it will certainly increase the difficulty in design. A common way is to delete or decrease the input/output interface to reduce the number of pins. Alternatively, an expensive small-pitch packaging process may be used. As a result, the compatibility of the modules is reduced while the cost is increased.
Consequently, because of the above technical defects, the inventor keeps on carving unflaggingly through wholehearted experience and research to develop the present invention, which can effectively improve the defects described above.

Multi-system module having functional substrate


An open end spinning method includes the step of providing a spinning chamber with an annular slip wall. A sliver of fiber material is placed onto the annular slip wall that widens continuously in the direction of sliver introduction into the spinning chamber. The angle of the annular slip wall to a rotational axis of the spinning chamber is between 8.degree. and 12.degree.. A yarn is formed from the fiber material in the yarn formation zone which is located within the portion of the annular slip wall upstream of a widest diameter of the annular slip wall viewed in the direction of sliver introduction. The fiber material is removed as a yarn from the spinning chamber through a yarn removal channel, extending along the rotational axis of the spinning chamber, in the direction opposite the direction of sliver introduction.

The present invention relates to a method for open-end spinning of yarns in a rotating spinning chamber. The fiber material in the form of a sliver is placed onto a continuously widening slip wall of the spinning chamber in the direction of sliver introduction. The angle of the slip wall relative to the axis of rotation of the spinning chamber is between 8.degree. to 12.degree., and the yarn is removed from the spinning chamber in a direction counter to the direction of introduction of the sliver through a yarn removal channel which is positioned along the axis of rotation of the spinning chamber.
Conventional spinning rotors for an open end spinning device comprise concentrical inner surfaces with a groove provided as a fiber material collecting location at the position of the greatest inner diameter of the rotor. The groove is formed by two surfaces, one of which is the so-called slip wall to which the fiber material in the form of a sliver is guided and the other is the so-called draw-off wall. In such spinning rotors the introduced fiber material is placed onto a collecting surface and glides into the slip wall in the form of a V-shaped groove where the fibers are compressed to form a band of a substantially triangular cross-section. The fiber material is then removed from this V-shaped groove along the draw-off wall. The resulting yarn is provided with a substantially circular mantle surface during this process, i.e., the resulting yarn has a substantially circular cross-section.
Such methods and the corresponding devices are substantially disclosed in German Offenlegungsschrift 17 10 038, 25 44 503, and 30 18 474 as well as in Swiss Patent 593 356.
According to a publication in "Melliand Textilberichte", 5/1995, pages 308, 310/311, the open end spinning method requires with respect to yarn quality that all fibers, when approaching the rotor groove, should have only a minimal differential velocity relative to the rotor. The time for reaching the rotor groove increases with
a longer gliding path, for example, when the fiber material impinges closer to the edge of the rotor; PA0 minimal starting velocity, for example, when the supplied vacuum is low; PA0 small fiber gliding angle .alpha., for example, required due to constructive considerations in small rotors, whereby the conventional values are .alpha. equal 12.degree. to 25.degree.; PA0 increased frictional coefficient, for example, when the rotor wall has a rough surface. PA0 providing a spinning chamber with an annular slip wall; PA0 placing a sliver of fiber material onto the annular slip wall widening continuously in a direction of sliver introduction into the spinning chamber, wherein an angle of the annular slip wall to the rotational axis of the spinning chamber is between 8.degree. and 12.degree.; PA0 forming a yarn from the fiber material in a yarn formation zone located within a portion of the annular slip wall upstream of a widest diameter of the annular slip wall viewed in the direction of sliver introduction; PA0 removing the fiber material as a yarn from the spinning chamber through a yarn removal channel, extending along the rotational axis of the spinning chamber, in a direction opposite to the direction of sliver introduction. PA0 a spinning chamber with an annular slip wall, wherein a sliver of fiber material is placed onto the annular slip wall widening continuously in the direction of sliver introduction into the spinning chamber, wherein the angle of the annular slip wall to the rotational axis of the spinning chamber is between 8.degree. and 12.degree.; PA0 the annular slip wall comprising preferably a yarn formation zone located within a portion of the annular slip wall upstream of a widest diameter of the annular slip wall viewed in the direction of sliver introduction; PA0 the spinning chamber having a yarn removal channel, extending along a rotational axis of the spinning chamber, for removing the yarn formed in the yarn formation zone, from the spinning chamber in a direction opposite to the direction of sliver introduction.
The prior art thus teaches that, when considering the aforementioned parameters, it must be ensured at all times that the fibers be deposited in the rotor groove.
Conventionally, textile spun yarns of staple fibers, independent of the type of spinning method, are designed to have a uniform circular cross-section. It is presumed that the thus structured yarns are used for producing fabrics by weaving, knitting, etc. which correspond to the conventionally desired products. Such textile fabrics have a uniform, knobbly surface structure, especially when yarns with a high degree of twist or twisted yarns are used.
When it is desired to provide the fabric with a special textile surface structure or when it is desired to produce special visual effects, specialty yarns must be used, for example, yarns with non-uniform or changing cross-section, for example, fancy yarns. It is also possible to provide such special effects by weaving, knitting etc. by providing a respective bonding or pattern for forming the surface of the textile cloth (fabric) or other textile materials.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to produce an open end spun yarn with a non-circular cross-section with which it is possible to change the textile surface appearance or surface structure only by using this special yarn or a twisted yarn made thereof.

Method and device for open end spinning of yarns


An outdoor lamp with projection range adjustment having a freely adjustable lampshade for restricting light projection range of the lamp, thereby controlling light pollution, comprises a lamp partially covered by a shell body and a lampshade pivotally mounted on the lamp. Two parallel bottom edges of the shell body extend on two corresponding lateral walls of the lamp with a predetermined angle, so that the lampshade can freely rotate about a rear portion of the lamp in a range of the predetermined angle. Further, two lateral surfaces of the lamp are each provided with an arced angle adjustment tooth row, and two lateral inner walls of the lampshade are each provided with a projected dot for engaging a corresponding angle adjustment tooth row, whereby a stepless angle adjustment can be realized.

Outdoor lamps of the prior art usually have a special lampshade designed according to various needs. To control light pollution, the unnecessary light extension that causes an uncomfortable visual effect, an outdoor is usually provide a fixed lampshade.
According to the research data, light pollution has been causing serious eye damage to people. When people choose outdoor lighting devices, the main consideration is the ornamental effect. Therefore, the illumination range and strength may go beyond a reasonable level, which not only damages people's vision but also disturbs brain functions, resulting in vertigo, sleeplessness, distraction and poor appetite. Light pollution causes even larger damages to children, since their visual ability are still developing. Therefore, effective control of light pollution is important.
Although the lampshades of the outdoor lamps of the prior art can restrict the projection range of the lamps, the projection range is however fixed and cannot satisfy the necessity of adopting different ranges in different occasions.

Outdoor lamp with projection range adjustment


A machine for sleeving one or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The machine can provide a blank from a roll of continuous material and fold the blank around packages. The machine includes a sleeve folding station that can orient the blank to be folded around the packages. The sleeve folding station is also configured to permit at least one fold in the blank when the package is moved against the blank and into a pocket. The machine may include a bundling unit adapted to arrange packages into a bundle. The machine can include an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the blank so that when folded the blank can be attached to itself to form a sleeved package. Preferably, the machine includes a transfer wheel having a pocket for receiving the blank and bundle together, where upon rotation of the wheel the blank is folded around the bundle.

1. Field of Technology
The preferred embodiments described herein relate to packaging of products made or derived from tobacco, or that otherwise incorporate tobacco, and are intended for human consumption. In particular, they relate to equipment and methods for packaging at least one pack of smoking articles.
2. Background of Technology
Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, conventionally have been sold in packages, usually called cigarette packs. Cigarette packs are generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape, having front and back long walls and two short side walls. Typically, each full package contains about twenty (20) cigarettes, although the packages can have various shapes and/or contain less than or more than twenty cigarettes. See, for example, U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2008/0099353 to Parsons et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One type of popular cigarette package employs a container having the form of a so-called "soft package" or "soft pack". See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,383,728 to Little; 3,695,422 to Tripodi; 4,717,017 to Sprinkel, Jr., et al.; and 5,333,729 to Wolfe, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another type of popular cigarette package employs a container having the form of a so-called "hard pack," also known as "crush proof box" or "hinged lid package." See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,874,581 to Fox et al.; 3,858,788 to Phillips; 3,944,066 to Niepmann; 4,852,734 to Allen et al.; and 5,139,140 to Burrows et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Normally, both types of cigarette packs are packed in cartons, also of generally rectangular parallelepiped form, typically containing ten (10) packages.
The aforementioned types of conventional cigarette packages are designed to maintain the freshness and moisture content of the cigarettes and to protect the cigarettes from adverse environmental conditions which could degrade the freshness and quality of the cigarettes. Such conventional cigarette packages typically comprise three separate wrappings: (1) an inner foil liner comprising a metal foil laminated to a paper substrate or a metalized paper which is wrapped about the cigarettes and folded, but not sealed, at the ends of the cigarettes; (2) a "soft" or "hard" paper or paperboard package which is usually imprinted with brand specific-information; and (3) an exterior clear overwrap of a heat-sealable polymeric film which is heat sealed.
Cigarettes, or cigarette packages, have been marketed and offered with buy-one-get-one-free promotions or monetary discount promotions. For these promotions, multiple single cigarette packages are packaged together into pre-formed/pre-glued paper board sleeves. The exterior surface of the sleeve is printed with advertising for the offer, UPC codes, and other required information. These sleeved offers hold the multiple cigarette packages together until the customer, after purchase, removes the single cigarette packages and discards the sleeve.
Conventionally, the paper board sleeves, after print, are manually formed and glued. To assemble the sleeved offers, single cigarette packages are manually removed from 10-pack cartons, manually inserted into the paper sleeves, and manually returned into the carton, if possible, for shipment. Although automated cartoning machines exist for packing 10-pack cartons, it is typically not feasible to reuse previously manufactured cartons in the cartoning machine. Thus, during the re-cartoning process, either the existing carton would be discarded and not used at all for the sleeved offers, or a manual process would be required to reuse the cartons by filling it with the sleeved offers.
Current promotional sleeve production costs using manual techniques can be expensive. Thus, there remains a need for packing at least one, and preferably, multiple cigarette packages with a paper sleeved offer by means of a lower cost automated process and equipment designed for such. It is also desirable to carton the sleeved offers with an automated process and equipment.

Equipment and method for packaging multiple packets of cigarettes


A landplaster production method includes the steps of providing a supply of particulate gypsum material, drying the gypsum material by passing a stream of heated air thereby as the material is rotated, classifying and separating the dried particles into fines and coarse particles, collecting the suspended fines in a collector, passing the coarse particles to a grinder such as a roller mill for reducing the particles, and mixing the reduced particles with the collected fines for processing into landplaster. The elimination of fines from the feed to the grinder results in significantly greater production by increasing the efficiency of the grinder. Further, the dryer is modified to agitate the dried gypsum material so that it may be more easily introduced into the classifier/separator situated adjacent the drier discharge outlet.

This invention relates generally to a method for producing landplaster, and more particularly to a method for increasing the efficiency of a conventional landplaster production facility though more effective collection of gypsum fines.
Natural gypsum is a mineral found in large deposits in open pits and underground. One common method for processing the gypsum rock is to use a series of primary and secondary crushers and screens to obtain a desired size or size range of the product. The particle size of the crushed and screened gypsum rock will vary with the requirements of the landplaster producer, but generally falls within a range of 11/2 to 2" top size to 1/4 to 1/2" bottom size.
Crushed gypsum rock is difficult to handle in that it does not flow freely. Conventional landplaster production systems generally include a dryer that dries the purified gypsum rock prior to fine grinding to make it easier to handle. This drying process generally includes a rotary dryer provided with screw flights to prevent the generation of dust, and to move the material from an input end towards an output end. In a typical facility, the dryer is temperature controlled so that its internal temperature does not exceed 120.degree. F. After being subjected to primary and secondary crushing and screening operations, fine grinding of mined gypsum rock is generally accomplished by air-swept roller mills fitted with integral air separators for better control of particle size. A preferred type of roller mill is sold under the designation Raymond mill. The Raymond mill is designed to accept an optimum input size of -3/4" of feed material. In the past few years, high-energy impact mills plus air classifiers also have been used. One drawback of such conventional rock processing systems is that the air classifiers are limited to removing only the unwanted dust from the material flow.
In a conventional landplaster production system, the rotary dryer is approximately 110 feet long and turns at approximately 4 to 5 revolutions per minute, with a maximum drying capacity of 81.63 tons (90 metric tonnes) per hour, while the Raymond mill has a maximum grinding capacity of 63.49 tons (70 metric tonnes) per hour. Therefore, the production rate for the entire system is limited by the Raymond mill output.
It has been found that conventional handling of gypsum rock dust or fines of -100 mesh, i.e. material that is 100 .mu.m (0.0039 inches) or less in size, acts as a negative influence on the production rate of the landplaster production system. This is because the fines are fed into the Raymond mill along with larger sized particles of the dried gypsum rock, where the fines take up space, clogging the Raymond mill. As the fines do not need to be ground, in effect the Raymond mill consumes power stirring the fines around without decreasing or otherwise affecting their size. The presence of fines in the Raymond mill decreases the available grinding capacity for larger particles which actually require grinding, and thus detracts from the production capacity of the entire system. Excessive amounts of fines in the Raymond mill also tend to choke the air flow out the mill discharge, further impeding production.
Attempts to solve this problem include speeding up the grinding mill, however that effort resulted in significantly higher mill maintenance costs which offset the increase in production. Other attempted solutions to this problem include efforts to reduce the amount of fines introduced into the Raymond mill. While the primary and secondary crushing steps include screening to reduce the amount of fines generated, significant amounts of fines are still found in the feed to the Raymond mill. In another effort to reduce fines in the roller mill feed, the prior art production system also includes a dust housing and a dust collector with a specifically designed duct connection to eliminate fines from the production system. However, this equivalent has also failed to satisfactorily limit the amount of fines in the roller mill feed.
Thus, the prior art system does not solve the production capacity problems discussed above. Therefore, the Raymond mill still consumes excess power stirring the fines without affecting their size. Second, removing the fines using current methods does not increase the prior art system production capacity. Despite the above-listed attempts, the system production capacity is still limited by the output of the Raymond mill.
Thus, there exist a need to improve the production capacity of a landplaster production system. There is further a need to improve the processing of fines in the system to reduce the amount of fines passed to the Raymond mill.
Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide an improved landplaster production system with increased production capacity and efficiency.
A further object is to provide an improved landplaster production system wherein a significant proportion of fines are separated from the main flow of material prior to grinding in the roller mill.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

Efficient production of landplaster by collecting and classifying gypsum fines


An absorbent article that has a thin, conformable absorbent core where the core has at least two layers, both of which are substantially free of cellulosic fibers. The absorbent article has a Circular Bend Flexibility of less than about 15 N and an acquisition rate on the third gush of less than about 170 seconds and/or on the fourth gush of less than about 190 seconds.

Absorbent articles, such as diapers and adult incontinence products, are well known articles of commerce. Multiple attempts have been made to provide them with an overall good fit and with a high absorbent capacity. Modern diapers make use of superabsorbent materials which allow for storage of significant amounts of aqueous liquids such as urine (e.g., on the order 300 ml for a typical baby diaper).
While such an absorbent article is generally a disposable product, it is frequently worn over many hours and worn in a dry state as well as in a urine loaded state. As a result, providing good wearing comfort is very important both when the article is dry and when the article is fully or partially loaded with urine (or other bodily liquids).
One way the art has approached wearing comfort is to provide thinner absorbent articles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402 describes an absorbent article with a dual layer core where the lower core component has a relatively high concentration of superabsorbent material and a relatively high density. U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264 describes sanitary napkins with fiber/superabsorbent material blends where the superabsorbent is at a relatively high concentration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,597 describes absorbent polymeric macrostructures that comprise an interparticle crosslinked aggregate where individual superabsorbent particles are reacted with an interparticle crosslinking agent to form an aggregate which may take a sheet form. U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,497 discloses an absorbent article which includes superabsorbent material located in discrete pockets formed between a first and a second carrier layer and water-sensitive attaching means for securing the carrier layers together to form the pockets. U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. US 2004/0167486 discusses absorbent articles with a discontinuous layer of superabsorbent material. The layer may contain up to 20% of an absorbent fibrous material.
The art has also considered increasing density as a means to achieve thinness. For example, published U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. US 2005/0119632 discloses absorbent structures said to feature a relatively high concentration of superabsorbent material, a relatively high density and a relatively high level of flexibility.
However, there is a continuing need for absorbent articles having improved thinness and flexibility that maintain the capability to acquire and store enough of the fluid deposited thereon so as to continue to provide desirable wearer skin dryness and satisfactory leakage performance. Caregivers and adult wearers of such absorbent articles desire improved discretion in order that a diaper is less visible under clothes or, in the case of an infant diaper, looks more like underwear. More conformable cores are also desired in order to reduce the amount of material placed between a wearer's legs.

Flexible absorbent article with improved body fit


A method of determining an income of a user of a mobile device, the method comprising: acquiring device data associated with the user of the mobile device; associating the user with a first occupational class, the first occupational class being associated with at least one event type and a first MLA; extracting a first dataset from the device data based on the first occupational class; applying a first logical analysis of the first MLA to the first dataset, the applying comprises: extracting from the first dataset a first data pattern being indicative of a first occupational event performed by the user, the first data pattern being associated with one of the at least one event types; and determining a first income value associated with the first occupational event based on the first data pattern, the first income value being representative of an income of the user of the mobile device.

Mobile devices have evolved beyond simple telephone functionality and are now more complex multi-functional devices. In addition to voice communications, many mobile devices are capable of text messaging, email communications, Internet access, geographical localization, and the ability to run application software. For example, mobile devices can use these capabilities to perform online transactions and searches for relevant content. Furthermore, mobile devices may also be used by an individual in order to store and manage their job related information such as emails, work schedules, job related tasks, etc. The mobile device may also run a plethora of applications that render the management of such job related information a convivial and user-friendly exercise that results in productivity boost of the individual.
Applications that run on the mobile device may, for example, be downloaded and installed from an application marketplace. For instance, an application marketplace may be the Google Play™ service or AppStore™ provided by Apple Corporation. Some of these applications may also be provided by the employer directly and where the applications have been developed internally by the employer. This facilitates data gathering and management of job related information. However, a large number of users are not subscribed to such management services or are not provided with such applications by their employer and, as such, gathering and management of job related information associated with these users becomes a very difficult task to achieve.
Furthermore, user classification based on job related information is becoming a popular task in the industry for several reasons such as: updating user profiles, determining and providing user-specific content, tracking hours worked, ensuring workers get enough rest between shifts, etc. A common approach to user classification based on job related information is to assign each user to a specific group of users which share at least some common job related information. For example, the users may be classified by associating each user to a respective monetary income interval. However, differentiating users amongst each other based on job related information, especially when the users are assigned to an identical interval, is a much more complex task. In other words, user ranking based on job related information may be harder to achieve that a simple classification of users into specific user groups.

System for and method of determining an income of a user of a mobile device


A bicycle hub is provided that comprises a hub axle, a hub body rotatably mounted on the hub axle by a pair of bearings and at least one of the bearings having an inner tube. The bearings include an outer ring operatively coupled to the hub body, an inner ring operatively coupled to the hub axle, and a plurality of rolling components disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. The inner tube is disposed with respect to the outer ring of at least one of the bearings such that at least a portion of the inner tube is disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the hub axle to form a small prescribed radial clearance therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a bicycle hub of a bicycle wheel that is mounted to a bicycle frame.
2. Background Information
Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle as well. One component that has been extensively redesigned is the hub of the bicycle.
Generally, bicycle hubs have a hub shaft or axle mounted in a non-rotatable manner to a rear part of the bicycle frame and a hub shell or body mounted in a rotatable manner to the hub axle by a pair of bearing assemblies. In the case of front hubs, the hub shell or body is freely rotatable on the hub axle in both directions. However, in the case of some rear hubs, one side of the rear hub is provided with a drive body or driving cylinder that is mounted in a freely rotatable manner to one end of the hub shell, and a one-way clutch arranged between the driving cylinder and the hub shell to transmit rotation from the driving cylinder to the hub shell in one direction. The driving cylinder is configured and arranged to have a plurality of sprockets mounted to a radially outward-facing surface of the driving cylinder such that the sprockets can neither rotate nor move axially with respect to the driving cylinder. Thus, the driving cylinders of these types of rear hubs only rotate in one direction on their hub axles.
One example of a conventional bicycle hub is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. S52-60062. This conventional bicycle hub is installed in the central portion of a wheel of a bicycle with spokes extending from the hub to a rim. This conventional bicycle hub has a hub axle, a hub body and a pair of bearings. The hub axle is non-rotatably mounted to a frame of the bicycle (for example, to a front-fork). The hub body is coaxially coupled to the hub axle so that the hub body is disposed radially outwardly with respect to the hub axle. The bearings are configured and arranged to support the hub body so that the hub body can freely rotate around the hub axle. The outer peripheral surface of the hub axle includes a pair of male screw sections in axial ends thereof so that the hub is mounted to the frame by a pair of nuts that are screw on axial ends of the male screw of the hub axle. The bearings are angular-type bearings. Each of the bearings is provided with an outer ring or cup, an inner ring or cone, and a plurality of rolling components (balls). The outer ring is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the hub body and includes a ball receiving surface. The inner ring is screwed into the hub axle and includes a ball pushing surface. The rolling components are disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the hub.
The inner portion of each of the bearings is filled with grease in order to make the rotation of the bearings smooth. The ball receiving surface of the outer ring is arranged as a concaved surface that faces toward a generally axial outward direction of the hub axle. The ball pushing surface of the inner ring is arranged as a concaved surface that faces toward a generally axial inward direction of the hub axle. The angular-type ball bearing installed on the hub is designed to maintain a certain degree of clearance or gap between the radial innermost peripheral surface of the outer ring and an outer peripheral surface of the hub axle. Moreover, a sealing component is coupled to an outer axial direction of the bearing. Therefore, the bearing is designed so that the grease does not leak towards the outer axial direction of the bearing.
However, since there is the clearance between the outer ring and the hub axle in at an axial inner position of the bearing, the grease filled within the bearing occasionally leaks towards the inner axial direction of the bearing. Especially when the hub includes the male screw section is formed in the same screw direction along the entire surface of the outer peripheral surface of the hub axle, the male screw acts like a pump due to the rotation of the wheel (i.e., the rotation of the outer ring of the bearing) relative to the hub axle. Consequently, the grease flows out from the bearing toward the inner axial direction of the hub axle. For example, in a case in which the male screw is a right-handed screw, in the bearing on the right side as viewed from the rear side of the bicycle, when the wheel rotates in the direction of travel, the grease tends to flow out toward the inner axial direction of the hub axle. When the grease flows out from the bearing toward the inner axial direction of the hub axle, the grease tends to travel toward a relatively larger space behind the outer ring and retained in that space due to the centrifugal force. In such a case, the amount of the grease in the bearing becomes insufficient, and rotation of the wheel deteriorates.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved bicycle hub. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.


Elastomeric seals, including O-rings, may have chemically resistant thin films applied by the technique of plasma polymerization to the surface of the elastomer, enhancing wear resistance and environmental resistance without changing the physical properties of the elastomer. The films may be a silane polymer applied by plasma deposition in a radio frequency/microwave dual power source reactor.

This invention relates generally to seals and, more particularly, to a method of applying a thin film polymer coating on an elastomeric seal for enhanced wear resistance and improved environmental resistance; and to the resulting seal.
Construction equipment operates in the most severe conditions imaginable, from the extreme cold of the arctic to the extreme heat of the equator. Seals used in such equipment must be effective in those conditions; plus be able to live in abrasive conditions, such as a track seal for a track-type tractor; or immersed in or exposed to hydraulic fluid, such as in a hydraulic system of a hydraulic excavator. Some seals are utilized in static applications while others are in dynamic applications. Some seals are face-type seals and others are sliding seals. Elastomeric seals are used in many of these applications and are subject to degradation in service by several mechanisms. In some cases, degradation involves abrasive wear while in others it involves oxidation or swelling in hydraulic fluids.
Elastomeric seals are used in a variety of applications, which demand resilience and resistance to high temperatures and corrosive attack. Elastomeric seals may be used in equipment, such as pumps, engines, mixers, compressors, valves, etc. When used in hydraulic systems, leaks are an anathema and superior reliability is required. In instrument applications micro-contamination is often unacceptable and seals must possess superior resistance to degradation and corrosion.
The requirements for a suitable seal are many. For example, it must not degrade or lose its elasticity in contact with the fluids being handled, even at extreme temperatures and pressures. The seal must not allow these fluids to pass through easily by permeation. Furthermore, the material must not swell appreciably in contact with the fluids being handled, even at elevated temperatures. For example, if an O-ring in contact with a moving surface swells appreciably, it may be extruded into a close-clearance area where it will be torn by friction. When an O-ring swells while in contact with a fluid under pressure or high temperature, and the pressure or temperature is then reduced, the O-ring may shrink from its extruded position in a way that causes fluid leakage to occur.
Elastomers are subject to degradation in service by several mechanisms. Most elastomeric seal failures are caused by thermal aging and fluid attack. Swelling may cause elastomeric seals to expand out of their retaining grooves, thereby causing leaks in a system. Generally, higher temperatures increase the deteriorative effect of chemicals on polymers. Thermal aging, including temperatures caused by peak loading conditions of equipment may cause elastomers to become hard and brittle, decreasing the ability of seals to conform to irregular surfaces. In addition, there is evidence that the presence of oxygen may deteriorate some elastomers subjected to temperatures greater than 200xc2x0 F. In some cases, degradation of elastomers involves abrasive wear, while in others it may involve oxidation or swelling in hydraulic fluids.
It has been common practice in industry that, when various items are potentially damaged by vapors within the local environment, some form of coating is applied to reduce the potential interaction. Typically, various organic coatings are applied; one commonly utilized coating being a parylene. Other similar organics, such as polymers, are also utilized. Another form of protective coating utilized in industry is a metal or ceramix layer; typically aluminum being the metal utilized.
Although these coatings have been generally satisfactory, long-term exposure to detrimental constituents often results in damaging of the coated item. This is particularly the case when the item is relatively easily attacked by corrosion, etc. The exact nature of the penetration of the coating by the damaging constituent is not always known; however, in the case of metal coatings, the metal tends to have pinholes in the layer as a result of the deposition techniques that are utilized for its application. Similarly, diffusion and/or small pinholes often penetrate the organic layers.
We are aware of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.:
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a product having enhanced wear resistance and/or improved environmental resistance.
Another object is to provide a seal where the elastomer has improved resistance to degradation.
A further object of the present invention is to improve the resistance of elastomers to degradation through the application of thin film polymer coatings to the elastomers by plasma polymerization or through plasma etching of the elastomers. The thin film polymer coating significantly retards the arrival of deleterious media at the surface of the elastomer and reduces their effects to an acceptable level.
A still further object is to improve the wear resistance of products.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a product having improved resistance and comprising a substrate which may be formed from an elastomeric material or a metal and having a surface, and a thin polymer film plasma polymerized and deposited onto the substrate, thereby forming a product having improved resistance.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention there is provided a method for improving the resistance of a product comprising the steps of depositing a plasma polymerized film onto the surface of its substrate by applying an electric field to a low pressure gas, causing collisions between atoms and free electrons to form excited species, impinging the excited species upon the surface of the substrate exposed to the low pressure gas, and reacting the excited species with other excited species and with monomers to adhere a polymer film on the surface of the substrate; etching the plasma polymerized film on the surface of the substrate to improve the resistance of the film; and thereby forming a product with improved resistance.
Plasma polymerization is an efficient process that advantageously allows polymer synthesis and deposition to be combined. Furthermore, plasma polymerized films are advantageously adherent to the substrates upon which they are formed. Plasma polymerized films also advantageously have properties which can be tailored for specific applications. Moreover, a wide range of monomers can be plasma polymerized, unlike the traditional methods for polymerization, whose applicability is limited to a narrower range of monomers.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent on review of the drawing and the Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention.

Product having a thin film polymer coating and method of making


A liquid discharging apparatus that discharges liquid droplets onto a work includes a head that is supplied with discharging liquid to discharge the liquid droplets; a liquid cleaning unit that contains cleaning liquid to be mixed with the discharging liquid adhered to a nozzle surface of the head; and a transport unit that moves the nozzle surface of the head relative to the liquid cleaning unit to remove, from the nozzle surface, the discharging liquid adhered to the nozzle surface.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid discharging apparatus that discharges liquid droplets onto a work, to a method of cleaning a head, to an electro-optical device, to a method of manufacturing an electro-optical device, and to an electronic apparatus.
2. Related Art
Liquid discharging apparatuses may be used as drawing systems that discharge liquid droplets onto a work in an ink-jet method. The drawing system may be used for manufacturing, for example, an electro-optical device, such as a flat panel display.
In general, the liquid discharging apparatus that discharges the liquid droplets in the ink-jet method has a head for discharging the liquid droplets. A nozzle surface of the head needs to be cleaned, if necessary. Therefore, a method of cleaning a head has been suggested (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-270426 (page 10 and FIG. 18)).
In this type of head cleaning apparatus, bubbles, dust, or solidified ink in nozzle openings of the head are ejected to the outside, and then a wiping sheet is pressed against the nozzle surface to clean the nozzle surface.
However, meniscuses (ink interfaces) of ink are positioned at the corresponding nozzle openings in the nozzle surface of the head, and the meniscuses are positioned close to the nozzle surface. Therefore, when the wiping sheet is pressed against the nozzle surface to remove the residual ink from the nozzle surface as in the related art, the meniscuses of ink in the respective nozzle openings are damaged, and thus the ink droplets in the nozzle openings are drawn out from the nozzle surface.
In this case, even though cleaning is performed on the nozzle surface, the ink droplets drawn out from the nozzle openings adhere to the nozzle surface. The ink droplets adhering to the nozzle surface do not necessarily have a bad influence on the discharge of the liquid droplets in the ink-jet method. However, when the ink droplets remaining on the nozzle surface adhere around the nozzle openings, a subsequent ink-discharging operation performed in the ink-jet method causes a flying curve phenomenon of the ink droplets.
Further, when the ink droplets adhere to the nozzle surface for a long time, a nozzle plate constituting the nozzle surface may be corroded away.

Liquid discharging apparatus, method of cleaning head, electro-optical device, method of manufacturing electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus


An alignment device for an external coil in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system. The device may be adhered to the skin or clothing of a patient and may ensure alignment between an external coil and an internal coil to provide optimal energy transfer in a TET system.

The present invention relates to an alignment device for an external coil in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system.
Certain medical devices implanted within the body must be supplied with electrical power. For example, ventricular assist devices used to supplement the pumping action of the heart must be supplied with power, typically a few watts to tens of watts. This power can be supplied through a wire penetrating the skin. However, such a wire poses a risk of infection, particularly when left in place for months or years. Measures to alleviate this risk add to the burden placed upon the patient and caregivers. TET systems transmit power into the body without the use of wires penetrating the skin, and thus avoid these risks. In certain TET systems, an internal coil and an external coil are provided, the internal coil being implanted within the body of a patient. The internal and external coils include coiled conductors. An alternating current is provided to the external coil, thereby inducing an alternating magnetic field which penetrates the skin and impinges on the internal coil to induce an alternating current in the internal coil. This current may be used to power devices implanted within the body of a patient.
In such a system, the current generated in the internal coil depends directly on the alignment of the internal and external coils. Poor alignment will result in poor energy transmission from the external coil to the internal coil.

Self-adhesive TET coil holder with alignment feature


This invention relates to a positioning apparatus for an upright panel of a building, the apparatus comprising a base adapted to depend from a structure associated with the building or construction thereof, a support for an edge of the panel, and a positional adjustment means depending from the base which provides for positional adjustment of the support relative to the base. A system for positioning a precast panel which incorporates the apparatus, along with methods for using the apparatus and method are also disclosed.

Prior to the pouring of an elevated slab, it is known to use props extending through openings in formwork to support upright panels (including, but not limited to precast panels) which may be used as formwork for edges of cast-in-place concrete and/or which require the structural support of being cast with the slab. However, fine positioning of such a panel is required before the slab can be poured, so a crane is used to assist with the positioning process. However, such positioning is an iterative, and therefore time consuming process, so it ties up the crane for considerable periods of time.
It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.
Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.