A partition manager includes an I/O reconfiguration mechanism and a logical partition suspend/resume mechanism that work together to perform autonomic I/O reconfiguration in a logically partitioned computer system. When I/O reconfiguration is required, the affected logical partitions are suspended, the I/O is reconfigured, and the affected logical partitions are resumed. Because the logical partitions are suspended during I/O reconfiguration, any ghost packet that may occur when the I/O is reconfigured is ignored.

1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to data processing, and more specifically relates to detection of resources in a logically partitioned computer system.
2. Background Art
Since the dawn of the computer age, computer systems have evolved into extremely sophisticated devices that may be found in many different settings. Computer systems typically include a combination of hardware (e.g., semiconductors, circuit boards, etc.) and software (e.g., computer programs). As advances in semiconductor processing and computer architecture push the performance of the computer hardware higher, more sophisticated computer software has evolved to take advantage of the higher performance of the hardware, resulting in computer systems today that are much more powerful than just a few years ago.
The combination of hardware and software on a particular computer system defines a computing environment. Different hardware platforms and different operating systems thus provide different computing environments. In recent years, engineers have recognized that it is possible to provide different computing environments on the same physical computer system by logically partitioning the computer system resources to different computing environments. The iSeries computer system developed by IBM is an example of a computer system that supports logical partitioning. If logical partitioning on an iSeries computer system is desired, partition manager code (referred to as a "hypervisor" in iSeries terminology) is installed that allows defining different computing environments on the same platform. Once the partition manager is installed, logical partitions may be created that define different computing environments. The partition manager manages the logical partitions to assure that they can share needed resources in the computer system while maintaining the separate computing environments defined by the logical partitions.
A computer system that includes multiple logical partitions typically shares resources between the logical partitions. For example, a computer system with a single CPU could have two logical partitions defined, with 50% of the CPU allocated to each logical partition, with 33% of the memory allocated to the first logical partition and 67% of the memory allocated to the second logical partition, and with two different I/O slots allocated to the two logical partitions, one per partition. Once logical partitions are defined and shared resources are allocated to the logical partitions, each logical partition acts as a separate computer system. Thus, in the example above that has a single computer system with two logical partitions, the two logical partitions will appear for all practical purposes to be two separate and distinct computer systems.
A problem with known logically partitioned computer systems occurs when certain conditions occur in I/O hardware that require the I/O to be reconfigured. For example, when I/O towers are added to an existing loop of towers, the loop may need to be rebalanced to optimize performance. A prior art method 200 is shown in FIG. 2. A hardware state is detected that requires I/O reconfiguration (step 210). The I/O is then reconfigured without suspending the affected logical partitions (i.e., the logical partitions that own the I/O that is reconfigured) (step 220). One known implementation of step 220 in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. The I/O to be reconfigured is first quiesced (step 320). Quiescing the I/O includes the steps of masking interrupt sources, disabling arbitration in affected I/O bridges, and waiting sufficient time that all DMA transfers in progress may complete. Once quiesced, the I/O is reconfigured (step 330). The I/O is then enabled for use (step 340).
Prior art method 200 does not stop logical partitions from executing. As a result, a phenomenon known as "ghost packets" can occur which may cause one or more invalid network packets as a result of the reconfiguration. Because the logical partitions are still running, one of the logical partitions may interpret a ghost packet as valid data, causing potential problems with data integrity. Without a way to reconfigure I/O in a logically partitioned computer system without interpreting ghost packets as valid data, the computer industry will continue to suffer from potential data integrity problems when I/O is reconfigured in a logically partitioned computer system.

Apparatus and method for autonomically suspending and resuming logical partitions when I/O reconfiguration is required

International Business Machines Corporation


A sensor plug for pressure and temperature measurement of a fluid medium includes a sensor body having a sensor body axis, as well as a pressure sensor disposed substantially concentrically on the sensor body axis. Also provided in the sensor body is a through orifice for connecting the pressure sensor to the fluid medium, and a temperature sensing element orifice having a temperature sensing element received therein. The temperature sensing element orifice has a temperature sensing element orifice axis that is inclined with respect to the sensor body axis in such a way that at its end pointing toward the fluid medium, it is inclined toward the sensor body axis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sensor plug for pressure and temperature measurement, e.g., for fluid medium.
2. Description of Related Art
In various sectors of technology, different parameters of fluid media, i.e. of gases and/or liquids, must be measured simultaneously. In particular, a simultaneous measurement of pressure and temperature is necessary for many applications. Combined pressure and temperature measurement sensors, which are optimized for the relevant field of application, have been developed for this purpose.
Combined pressure and temperature sensors for climate control systems are an important application example in this context. In climate control systems, the heat of vaporization of a coolant is usually used to cool air (or another medium to be cooled). The coolant is then compressed again, and thereby liquefied, in a compressor. Upon compression, the coolant heats up. This absorbed heat is discharged back to the environment, usually at a gas cooler. The compression operation using the compressor must usually be controlled in such a way that the operating pressure does not exceed a predefined maximum pressure, and the operating temperature does not exceed a predefined maximum temperature. The pressure and temperature must be sensed for this purpose.
The use of two separate sensors for the sensing of pressure and temperature represents a considerable outlay, however, since at least two plugs and multiple cable bundles must be kept in stock. In addition, the use of multiple individual sensors creates multiple points at which the interfaces and connecting points of the individual components must be sealed with respect to one another. It is therefore desirable to obtain both the pressure signal and the temperature signal by way of a combined pressure and temperature sensor. Combined pressure and temperature sensors of this kind are known, for example, from European patent document EP 1 521 061, German patent document DE 101 09 095, and from German patent document DE 197 45 244 and European patent document EP 0 893 676.
For future climate control systems used in motor vehicles, it is to be expected that conventional R134a climate control systems will be replaced with CO2 systems, since in accordance with EU legislation, the R134a coolant hitherto used in climate control systems will be entirely prohibited as of 2016. The operating pressures and temperature loads occurring with such CO2 climate control systems are elevated as compared with conventional systems, creating entirely new demands in terms of pressure and temperature loads on components and sensors. For example, pressures of up to 140 bar and media temperatures of up to 180° C. occur during operation. Leakage requirements of less than 1 g per year are typically applied in terms of sealing of the systems.
With the approach to a combined pressure and temperature sensing element proposed in European patent document EP 0 893 676, a capacitor of variable capacitance is used, encompassing a flexible membrane for pressure measurement. A thermistor is placed onto the flexible membrane as a temperature sensing element. Comparatively complex seals for the membrane are used, using conventional O-rings that easily become embrittled when operated over longer periods (especially with the aforementioned higher temperature loads), so that pressure tightness is not guaranteed over the longer term. A further disadvantage is the complex construction of the seals, which necessitates multiple working steps and thus greatly increases assembly time and assembly costs. A further disadvantage of the proposed approach is that the proposed measurement concept, in particular the temperature measurement concept, is comparatively inaccurate, since the pressure measurement membrane, with the thermistor on it, is located relatively far away from the measured medium.
With the approach according to German patent document DE 101 09 095, a front membrane sensor having an measurement finger placed on it, is used. This approach entails, however, the disadvantage that the sensor is very sensitive especially in the membrane region, so that it many cases a protective shield must be mounted in front. This approach is one used in motor racing applications, with a service life that is relatively short. A further disadvantage of the approach presented in German patent document DE 101 09 095 is that the accuracy of the pressure and/or temperature measurements using the proposed assemblage can vary greatly, under otherwise identical conditions, depending on the installation location of the combined sensor.
The installation problem just described is aggravated by the fact that in usual climate control systems such as those provided, for example, in a motor vehicle, the diameters of the coolant tubes are very small. These tube diameters are usually in the range of approx. 8 mm. Areas having a diminished flow velocity are thus created in the region of the sensor orifice, which must be larger than 8 mm (usually approx. 10 mm), since tubes having a greater diameter must be used in those regions. The measured medium cools more quickly in these areas, and the temperature deviates considerably from the actual media temperature. With an eccentric disposition of the temperature sensor, as proposed e.g. in German patent document DE 101 09 095, it can happen that the temperature sensing element, when threaded in, ends up in precisely these areas of temperature deviation. The accuracy of the temperature signal thus depends on the random position of the measurement finger after being threaded in. A central disposition of the temperature sensor is, however, difficult or impossible in many cases because of the central disposition (preferred for reasons of installation space) of the pressure sensor.

Sensor plug for combined pressure and temperature measurement


A rotary drum filter has a plurality of longitudinally extending division grids mounted about the outer circumference of a drum. A plurality of corrugated sheets are provided, with the leading and trailing edges of each sheet mounted to circumferentially adjacent pairs of division grids to define filtrate compartments. An equivalent number of perforated filter plates are also provided. Each filter plate is attached to the top of a corrugated sheet and has a leading edge and a trailing edge that are set back from the leading edge and trailing edge of the corrugated sheet. A seal clip is positioned near the leading edge of each corrugated sheet. A seal member or seal members is/are held in place by the seal clip and is/are positioned at the face of the leading edge of each corrugated sheet or beneath and near the face or each corrugated sheet. A perforated cap strip can be removably attached to the top of each division grid to thereby retain for confined movement each filter plate and corrugated sheet combination (filter deck and drainage deck) during rotary drum filter operation and to allow easy replacement of the filter plate and corrugated sheet combination(s) and/or cap strip(s) when the rotary drum filter is not in operation. This rotary drum filter design and operation has increased capacity and efficiency.

Rotary drum filters are well known and are used in the pulp and paper industry to filter and wash pulp slurries, for example, from U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,265 and 4,906,364 (the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated hereinto by reference). Rotary drum filters generally comprise a cylindrical drum mounted for rotation in a tank containing a slurry solution. A filter deck assembly is mounted radially outward of the surface of the drum. As the drum is rotated, a low pressure is maintained inside the drum so that a pulp sheet is formed on the surface of the filter deck assembly. The filter deck assembly functions to space the pulp from the drum surface to facilitate filtering and drainage.
The filter deck assembly usually includes a filter deck on top and a drainage deck below, which directs the filtrate to filtrate compartments. The liquid filtrate is drawn through the filter deck and the drainage deck and into the filtrate compartments by a pressure differential. Filtrate is removed from the filtrate compartments in a conventional manner. The filter deck assembly must prevent rewetting of the pulp sheet as the drum rotates through the descending path of the filtrate cycle.
Metal plates having fine perforations, slots or other apertures are often used as the filter deck. Corrugated sheets attached below the filter decks are used as the drainage decks. The metal plates, the corrugated sheets, and the drum may each be made of different metals.
The filter deck assembly for rotary drum filters must be capable of withstanding differential thermal expansion of the component elements due to the temperature variations in the filtering cycles. For example, temperature differentials of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit expose the filter deck assembly to heavy thermal shocks once every cylinder revolution.
Unlike the deck assemblies known to date, the present inventive technology provides a filter deck assembly for a rotary drum filter that has a greater drainage surface, a more efficient filtering action, and is constructed and arranged to permit thermal expansion of the component elements without resultant damage. Furthermore, the present inventive technology provides a filter deck assembly that effectively prevents rewetting of the pulp sheet from a run back of the filtrate as the drum rotates through the descending path of the cycle. The present inventive technology also provides a filter deck assembly that is durable and has a long commercial life. Finally, the present inventive technology provides a filter deck assembly that is particularly constructed and arranged to allow simple and quick replacement of filter deck assembly sections.
The foregoing advantages are obtained in a rotary drum filter having a plurality of longitudinally and radially extending division grids mounted about the outer circumference of a drum. A plurality of corrugated sheets for drainage decks are provided, with the leading and trailing edges of each sheet mounted on circumferentially adjacent pairs of division grids to define filtrate compartments. An equivalent number of perforated filter decks or plates are also provided. Each filter deck or plate is attached to the top of a corrugated sheet (drainage deck) and has a leading edge that is set back from the leading edge of the attached corrugated sheet. An equivalent number of perforated cap strips (longitudinal cap strips) are attached to the tops of the division grids to keep the filter deck assemblies within their proper locations and ranges of movement, to allow maximum drainage and to allow ease of replacement of cap strips and filter deck assemblies.
A seal member is positioned in front of (partially or wholly) and/or underneath the leading edge, or in close proximity thereto, of each corrugated sheet (drainage deck). A seal clip is positioned and attached in front of and/or underneath the leading edge of each corrugated sheet and holds the seal member in place. The seal clip can be tack-welded or spot welded to the corrugated sheet, for example, and depending on the geometry, to the front and/or bottom of the corrugated sheet. When the seal member is positioned in front of and/or underneath the corrugated sheet, the seal member may be configured in a manner so that all or a portion of the seal member is located or pinched between the seal clip and the leading edge, or near the leading edge, of the corrugated sheet. The seal member is a compressible material that acts in conjunction with the seal clip to, among other things, seal the leading edge area of the drainage deck when the corresponding portion of the rotary drum is descending. It also assists with and maximizes the filter deck drainage area and deck pressure differential in the area of the seal clip.
Some of the problems with the prior art devices are the loss of drainage in the area corresponding to the seal member and the loss of pressure differential in that area. For example, the L-shaped seal member of U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,364 results in the loss of drainage in the area of the seal member and the loss of pressure differential in that area. The loss of drainage and pressure differential is detrimental to the capacity of the rotary drum filter and degrades washing efficiency. The present inventive technology provides additional drainage capacity and improved washing efficiency.

High capacity and high efficiency filter deck assembly system and method of use and replacement


An atlas prominently discriminating pages to be desired from the other pages by differently colored indexes and allowing the user to look up a place to be desired therein more simply and rapidly. This atlas has a front cover having a regional name section and a plurality of cover index blocks. The cover index blocks indicates the individual maps and is colored in different colors. The inner papers of this atlas is provided with front index blocks and back index blocks. These front and back index blocks align with the cover index blocks and are printed with alphabets representing names of subdivided districts and colored in the same colors as those of the cover index blocks. In coloring the front and back index blocks, one of the front index blocks and one of the back index blocks, which correspond to a district represented by a map, are colored in a deep color while the other front and back index blocks are colored in light colors, thereby causing the pages on which a map to be desired is printed to be distinguishable from the other pages by the tones of colored indexes when this atlas is opened.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an improvement of an atlas or a combined pocketbook-atlas, and more particularly to an atlas which is provided with differently colored indexes at its front cover and inner papers printed with individual maps, thereby allowing the user to easily look up a place to be desired therein owing to tones of a color.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Known pocketbook generally consists of front and back covers and inner papers. The surfaces of individual inner papers are partitioned by drawing horizontal and vertical lines and, as a result, provide a plurality of rectangular blanks in which names, telephone numbers, addresses and the others may be entered. These inner papers are further provided with serial page numbers. Additionally in order to facilitate looking for a page to be desired of the pocketbook, the known pocketbook uses its first page as an index page including the table of contents.
On the other hand, a conventional atlas includes inner papers printed with maps, such as a map of the world and detailed maps of countries and regions, drawn on optionally reduced scales. The maps of the conventional atlas are marked with longitudes, latitudes and direction expressions. In the similar manner to the known pocketbooks, this conventional atlas generally uses its first inner page as an index page.
As described above, the known pocketbook and the known atlas generally include individual indexes provided at their index pages or the first inner pages. On these index pages, tables of contents are provided by printing contents and their page numbers. In accordance with another embodiment of the prior art, stepped or thumb indexes are provided at side peripheries of the inner papers and printed with letters, such as alphabets, for facilitating looking for a page to be desired.
Accordingly, when the user intends to look up an entered information or a place in the known pocketbook or the known atlas, it is required to refer to, in order to recognize the page number of the information or the place to look up, the index prior to finding his place in the pocketbook or in the atlas. Indeed, when the user intends to look up information or place in the known pocketbook and atlas during looking up another information or place, he should return to the index page so as to recognize the desired page number and, thereafter, find his place in the pocketbook or in the atlas. Hence, a disadvantage of the known pocketbook or the known atlas is resided in that, in order to look up different two or more entered information or places, the user should repeatedly consult the table of content of the index page and, thereafter, find the desired pages separately. Furthermore, in the case of driver, he should suspend the driving of the car before he consults the known atlas. To provide stepped or thumb indexes for the known pocketbook and the known atlas involves additional capital investment for manufacture of such indexes. These known stepped or thumb indexes are easily damaged by being folded or worn-out according to long time use and this spoils the beauty of the pocketbook and the atlas.
In an effort to solve the aforementioned disadvantages, the present applicant proposed "Atlas Provided With Distance Measuring Lines" in Korean Utility Model No. 62214. The maps of this atlas are partitioned by horizontal and longitudinal distance measuring lines in addition to latitudes and longitudes and provided with an additional symbolized index and, as a result, allows the user to look up a desired place in the atlas more rapidly. However, this atlas, while reducing the time to be required to look up one place therein, nevertheless relies on, like the other prior embodiments, repeated consulting of the index and repeated finding of desired pages when it is required to look up different two places in the atlas.


A process and apparatus for surveying a railway track includes a light-receiving and emitting head capable of swivelling about vertical and pitch axes mounted on a measuring platform moveable along the track, as constantly aligned with a reference mark such as by stepping motors controlled by electronic control elements that evaluate the signals detected by the head. These control signals represent at the same time the value of the relative angular displacement of the head with respect to the reference mark while travelling along the track. A space-stabillized gyroplatform on the measurement platform detects the absolute change in position of the measurement platform which is used to correct the angular displacement values of the displacement head. The distance covered is detected by a separate distance measuring device or by the gyroplatform. The actual position with respect to the reference mark derived from this data is compared to the set value in a track survey plan and if necessary the track is corrected on the basis of said values.

The invention relates to a process and apparatus for surveying a railway track for any deviation from a track survey plan having values which set forth the desired course or path of the track relative to reference marks each having light reflectors located on upstanding supports in the vicinity of the track.
A part of the procedure for maintaining railway tracks the course or path of the track must be accurately measured, compared with the predetermined and desired course values of a track survey plan, and thereafter corrected for any deviations from the values of the survey plan. Track maintenance equipment that may be utilized for this purpose are usually very large and complex structures capable of traveling along the track and capable of removing, for example, existing rail sections and installing new rail sections which may include cleaning the ballast. The equipment moves slowly and continuously along the track as it performs these track maintenance operations. The position of the equipment and therefore the course or path of the track must be measured relative to reference marks located along and adjacent the track, usually on upstanding supports for catenary electric power supply lines provided for electrically driven locomotives. Of course, for diesel-only railway lines, other upstanding supports are arranged along the tracks to which the reference marks are mounted.
With the presently available track surveying systems, the track course measurement is carried out by means of optical devices usually through the use of a separate reference device relative to the equipment. These reference devices are located along the track at predetermined distances from the maintenance equipment and the position of the equipment relative to the reference marks is determined, i.e., measured. During such distance measurement, both optical angular position measuring devices and tape measures are used. However, this type of measurement is very time and operator intensive, since the reference device must be repeatedly assembled and disassembled, and several measurements are required to determine a single position to keep the interruption intevals, which are necessary for changing the measurement from one reference device to the other, to a minimum. And, several such devices, which are repeatedly assembled and disassembled, are simultaneously required.

Process and apparatus for surveying a railway track for any deviation from a track survey plan


A silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is disclosed containing at least one methine compound represented by formula (I) or (III). Further disclosed is the methine compound represented by formula (I).

A great deal of effort has been hitherto made to achieve high sensitivity of silver halide photographic light-sensitive materials. With regard to sensitizing dyes, it is considered that if the percent of light absorption is increased, the transmission efficiency of light energy to silver halide is improved and thereby high spectral sensitivity can be achieved.
However, the amount of the sensitizing dye adsorbed onto the surface of a silver halide grain is limited and adsorption of the sensitizing dye in excess of the single layer saturated adsorption is difficult to achieve. Accordingly, individual silver halide grains have a very low percent of absorption in terms of the quantum of incident light in the spectral sensitization region.
To solve these problems, the following methods have been proposed.
In P. B. Gilman, Jr. et al, Photographic Science and Engineering, Vol. 20, No. 3, page 97 (1976), a cation dye is adsorbed to the first layer and an anion dye is adsorbed to the second layer using the electrostatic force.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,622,316, G. B. Bird et al describe a technique in which a plurality of dyes in multiple layers are adsorbed to silver halide and the Forster-type excitation energy transfer contributes to the sensitization.
In JP-A-63-138341 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent publication") and JP-A-64-84244, Sugimoto et al describe a technique of performing the spectral sensitization by the energy transfer from a luminescent dye.
In R. Steiger et al, Photographic Science and Engineering, Vol. 27, No. 2, page 59 (1983), the spectral sensitization is performed by the energy transfer from a gelatin-substituted cyanine dye.
In JP-A-61-251842, Ikegawa et al describe a technique of performing the spectral sensitization by the energy transfer from a cyclodextrin-substituted dye.
With respect to the so-called link dye having two separate chromophores which are not conjugated but linked through a covalent bond, examples thereof are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,393,351, 2,425,772, 2,518,732, 2,521,944 and 2,592,196 and European Patent 565,083. However, these are not used for the purpose of improving the percent of light absorption. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,622,317 and 3,976,493 which have an object of improving the percent of light absorption, G. B. Bird, A. L. Borror et al describe a technique of adsorbing a link type sensitizing dye molecule having a plurality of cyanine chromophores to a grain to thereby increase the percent of light absorption and effecting the sensitization by the contribution of the energy transfer. In JP-A-64-91134, Ukai, Okazaki and Sugimoto describe a technique of bonding at least one dye having substantially no adsorptivity and containing at least two sulfo groups and/or carboxyl groups to a spectral sensitizing dye capable of adsorbing to silver halide.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,587, M. R. Roberts et al describe spectral sensitization by a cyanine dye polymer.
In this way, a large number of investigations have been made until now for improving the percent of light absorption, however, the effect of achieving high sensitivity is not yet satisfied and further, problems are present such as increase of the intrinsic desensitization and inhibition of the development.
Under these circumstances, a spectral sensitization technique of improving the percent of light absorption of a silver halide light-sensitive material and achieving high sensitivity is being demanded.

Methine compound and silver halide photographic light-sensitive material containing the compound


The analgesic effectiveness of a combination drug containing at least one analgesic is significantly enhanced by the addition of a nontoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist thereto.

This invention relates to a pain-alleviating drug composition and method for alleviating pain. The drug composition includes as a first component a first analgesic which may be of the opioid type, e.g., codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, meperidine, propoxyphene, pentazocine, etc., or of the nonopioid type, e.g., a coal tar analgesic such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as a second component, a sedative, e.g., of the barbiturate type such as butalbital or of the nonbarbiturate type such as diphenhydramine, dichloralphenazone, droperidol or promethazine, a skeletal muscle relaxant such as methocarbamol or carisoprodol and, where the first analgesic is of the opioid type, a second analgesic of the nonopioid type, e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, and as a third component, a nontoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist such as dextrorphan or dextromethorphan.
A number of drug combinations for alleviating pain or treating other conditions associated with a pain component are known including the following: codeine phosphate and acetaminophen; hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen; codeine phosphate and aspirin; hydrocodone bitartrate, acetaminophen, caffeine, chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride; hydrocodone bitartrate and aspirin; dihydrocodeine bitartrate, acetaminophen and caffeine; dihydrocodeine bitartrate, aspirin and caffeine; codeine phosphate and promethazine hydrochloride; meperidine hydrochloride and promethazine hydrochloride; oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen; oxycodone hydrochloride, oxycodone terephthalate and aspirin; pentazocine hydrochloride and acetaminophen; pentazocine hydrochloride and aspirin; propoxyphene napsylate and acetaminophen; propoxyphene hydrochloride and acetaminophen; propoxyphene hydrochloride, aspirin and caffeine; acetaminophen and diphenhydramine citrate; acetaminophen and diphenhydramine hydrochloride; acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone and isometheptene mucate; aspirin and butalbital; acetaminophen, butalbital and caffeine; aspirin, butalbital and caffeine; codeine phosphate, aspirin, butalbital and caffeine; aspirin and methocarbamol; aspirin and carisoprodol; codeine phosphate, aspirin and carisoprodol; and, fentanyl citrate and droperidol.
The analgesic component(s) of each of these combination drugs can cause adverse reactions. Opioid analgesics such as codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, meperidine, propoxphene and pentazocine can produce tolerance and/or dependence. As for the nonopioid analgesics, acetaminophen has been known to cause fatal hepatic damage and the NSAIDs have a tendency to cause gastrointestinal side effects ranging from the relatively mild to the quite severe (ulceration of the stomach or duodenum). The risk of these adverse reactions is all the greater where their long term administration is concerned.
Dextromethorphan is the d-isomer of the codeine analog of levorphanol. Unlike the 1-isomer, dextromethorphan is said to have no analgesic or addictive properties (Goodman and Gilman's, "The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics", 8th ed., McGraw-Hill, Inc. (1990), p. 518). The antitussive activity of dextromethorphan has led to its use in a variety of over-the-counter orally administered therapeutic compositions (tablets, syrups) for the relief of cold, influenza and/or cough conditions. Many, if not most, of these therapeutics also contain a nonopioid analgesic such as an NSAID.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,446,140 describes a method of treating mouth pain; i.e., pain or discomfort associated with the oral cavity, the teeth, gums and other mucosal surfaces of the lips, tongue and mouth resulting from such causes as toothache, denture irritations, canker sores, irritation related to inflamed gums, orthodontic tooth manipulation and appliances, oral surgery, etc., by administration of dextromethorphan alone or together with a conventional analgesic such as acetaminophen, indomethacin, ibuprofen or naproxen or a conventional anesthetic such as benzocaine or butacaine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,012 discloses that administration of a nontoxic NMDA receptor antagonist such as dextrorphan or dextromethorphan prior to, with or following administration of an opioid analgesic such as morphine, codeine, and the like, inhibits the development of addiction to and/or dependence on the analgesic.
European Patent Application 0 081 823 describes a method of temporarily reducing pain and discomfort associated with dysmenorrhea by administration of dextromethorphan alone or in combination with one or more additional drugs, e.g., an analgesic such as acetaminophen, indomethacin, ibuprofen or naproxen.

Pain alleviating drug composition and method for alleviating pain


An apparatus is provided for reducing the population of flying insects. A first transparent cylindrical container is oriented with its axis generally vertical and provides a plurality of storage shelves for holding an insect bait. Natural air convection currents flowing over the bait produce an insect-attracting scent in the vicinity of the apparatus for attracting insects to the apparatus. A second transparent cylindrical container provides a space for containing a liquid defatting agent, and has an open top lip so that the liquid may spill over the lip and run downward across the outer surface of the second container. A storage container is positioned below the second container to receive the liquid that spills over the top lip. A pump is interconnected between the storage container and the second container so as to pump the liquid from the storage container to the second container, over the top lip, and back to the storage container in a continuous process. A screen for covering the top of the storage container is included so that the liquid may pass through the screen while excluding disabled insects. The first container may further include a pole clamp so that the apparatus may be positioned coaxially onto the pole and positioned at a selected location on the pole. The first container may further include at least one light and one sound reproducing means for further attracting insects. A fan may be mounted in the first container to blow air across the bait for producing the insect attracting scent. Optionally, at least one insect attracting decal may be included on the inside surface of the wall of the second container. The apparatus may include a self contained storage battery, or a connector for being powered by an external power source.

Several different insect traps exist in the prior art. Many such devices utilize various poisonous substances to kill such insects upon contact. Other devices use a strong adhesive that traps insects in place, thereby eventually killing them. Other devices simply trap insects in a container that must be emptied periodically, for example, into a toilet or other disposal means. Clearly, with such devices, care must be given not to let such insects escape while emptying the device. Recently, several prior art insect killing devices have utilized a strong electric field into which insects fly and are electrocuted.
Public attention has recently become more focused on the over utilization of insecticides, toxic chemicals, and the like. Such chemicals are now being shown to cause significant harm when exposed to the environment. As such, many people are becoming reluctant to use devices that spray poisonous substances, such as many insect controlling devices. People with small children are even more reluctant to purchase such devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,303 to Floyd on Feb. 7, 1989, discloses such a device.
On the other hand, prior art insect control devices that do not use poisonous substances are generally perceived as less effective or more unsanitary than those devices that do contain poisonous substances. For example, those devices that utilize a strong adhesive become, over time, ridden with dead insects. Such devices are not only unsightly, but are arguably unsanitary. Further, strong adhesives of such devices tend to become less effective after exposure to air for an extended period of time. As such, insects that approach such a device may become repelled from it due to the olfactory recognition of other dead insects, or may, in fact, be able to escape when caught by a weak adhesive.
Clear disadvantages are also evident in insect traps that require periodic emptying of a reservoir for catching dead insects. Not only is such a chore distasteful, over time such reservoirs tend to become unsanitary if not properly cleaned. Further, many insects may be repelled from such a device that has not been emptied for some time.
Clear disadvantages are also evident in insect traps that use electricity to electrocute flying insects. Such insects typically fly between two screens that are oppositely charged, whereby an electric arc travels through the insect from one screen to the other, electrocuting the insect. Such an electric arc tends to make an unpleasant, sometimes startlingly load noise. Moreover, many people with small children are reluctant to use any apparatus with high voltage for obvious reasons. Such electric devices, moreover, are difficult to mount on a vertical pole, such as a fence post or the like. Mounting such devices from a pole is often more convenient than finding a tree branch or other such horizontal support near an electrical outlet.
Clearly, then, there is a need for an insect killing device that remains effective over extended periods of time without using wide-spread poisonous substance spraying. Such a needed device would be extremely alluring to flying insects, and extremely effective in killing them, yet would not require periodic cleaning or removing of dead insects. Further, such a needed device would be easy to maintain, would be pleasant in appearance, and would not create loud and unpleasant sounds. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Apparatus for reducing the population of flying insects


The invention envisions a multi-purpose expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that may be used as a bed frame. The apparatus utilizes a telescoping central support apparatus designed such that when a force is applied to the central support apparatus a plurality of floating arm assemblies expand outwardly from the central support apparatus. Furthermore, support straps and a covering member add stability and utility to the frame apparatus.

Expandable-collapsible frames have been developed over the years in various forms and styles. Some possess designs directed toward mechanisms for sleeping and/or lounging, these include foldable futons wherein a top section may bend over a bottom section, or some designs which employ three or more foldable sections are involved. Other types of mechanisms rely on scissor type designs that comprise leg members that when not in use are folded in such a manner as to rest within substantially the same plane as a frame member and then extend outward until they are substantially perpendicular to said frame member when the legs are in use.
Upon the development of durable and semi-durable air beds (and or other portable type mattresses) additional designs were developed that allowed for substantially inward collapsibility verses the intra-planar collapsibility designs. Thus, these more portable frames could be transported with these new highly portable mattresses. These inwardly collapsing portable frames allowed for the frame to collapse so that the frame's length and width dimensions, while collapsed, were a fraction of the frame's length and width when it was fully expanded. However, these collapsible frames still required multiple exertions of force in order to expand the mattress until it was fully constructed.
The required pushing and pulling from external forces to expand these earlier inwardly collapsible frames increase the user's time needed for assembly of the frame. Further, when users applied forces on the frame during assembly, these forces could inadvertently produce undesirable torsion on various frame joints causing improper twisting on the frame which leads to decreased frame durability and longevity. Additionally, these inwardly collapsible frames were often designed specifically to solely meet one particular function, such as supporting mattresses and thus systems that facilitate multiple purposes were not addressed and therefore not implemented.
What is needed is an inwardly collapsible, multi-purpose frame apparatus that prevents the improper application of force during setup that may inadvertently damage the frame. This invention provides that functionality.

Expandable-collapsible multipurpose frame apparatus


A fluid engine for use in pneumatically operated toys such as wheeled vehicles or airplanes includes an engine having a fluid input cavity which is in continuous fluid communication with a source of compressed air, a fluid delivery cavity which is in continuous communication with a piston cavity bounded by a moveable piston mounted in a cylinder member and which is separated from the fluid input cavity by a wall having a valve opening, and exhaust apertures which are separated from the fluid delivery cavity. A valve rod is movably housed to open the valve opening and close the exhaust apertures during the piston's power stroke, and to close the valve opening and open the exhaust opening during the piston's exhaust stroke. The valve rod is operatively connected to a piston to act in synchronism with it by the use of a cam integrally secured to a propeller power shaft.

The present invention relates to fluid engines and, more particularly, to pneumatic engines adapted for use in toys such as aeroplanes and wheeled vehicles, including toy cars, trucks and trains. The invention is, particularly, directed to a piston-operated pneumatic engine. Accordingly, the only prior art relative thereto known to the inventor is that of U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,806 (1982) to Akiyama, entitled Fluid Engine, and the engine of an unpatented compressed air operated model aeroplane sold in the United Kingdom in or about 1990 known as the Jonathan, utilizing a so-called Z-model engine.
Addressing, firstly, the above reference to Akiyama, it differs, from that of the present invention in a number of material respects, these including differences in the respective input and exhaust mechanisms and in the relationship of the engine piston to the air inlet means to the interior of the engine cylinder. More specifically, Akiyama does not teach or indicate the possibility of a spring enhanced piston action, much less one for providing pressurized air input control to the engine cylinder.
With respect to the Jonathan device known in the United Kingdom, the same constitutes a direct predecessor of the instant invention which, however, differs therefrom in a number of respects and as such provides a far less efficient pneumatic engine for use with toy vehicles such as an aeroplane. More particularly, the Jonathan has two distinct modes of operation, one a high pressure mode when the air tank or air pressure canister thereof is at high pressure and a second mode when the air canister is at low pressure. Such a distinction between high and low pressure operations does not exist in the present invention.
Further, the Jonathan employs a piston diaphragm which constitutes the primary air input control means of that system. In distinction, the present system employs a one-way check valve which selectively co-acts with the piston to control air flow through the system intake manifold. Further, the Jonathan possesses two different exhaust channels, one in the lower cylinder housing and the other in the upper cylinder housing. In distinction, the instant system employs a single plurality of air exhaust apertures, all situated in the upper or proximal region of the cylinder housing.
More generally, the Jonathan does not afford efficient use of compressed air stored within the inflatable air canister and, as such, cannot achieve a comparable period of operation to that of the present invention. That is, to maintain operation of the system when the canister air pressure falls below a certain level, requires a distinct mode of engine operation during intervals of reduced pressure.
While the Jonathan, like the instant invention, makes use of a spring to enhance performance of the engine piston, the length and radius of the spring differ materially from that of the invention. Thereby, the Jonathan cannot optimally use the potential energy resident in the compressed air as it passes through the intake manifold into the engine cylinder housing. Also, the spring itself cannot contribute to system deficiency in the manner of the present invention.
It is noted that the use of compressed air power as a motive force for model aeroplanes and model vehicles has, in one form or another, existed in the art since approximately 1920. In such devices, so-called air motors which were constructed from brass and employed a three-cylinder arrangement for purposes of balance. The limiting factor in this technology was the air reservoir which, prior to the advent of contemporary plastics, was of necessity metallic. Such metal reservoirs, while having significant weight relative to the weight of the model aeroplane also did not possess properties of elasticity and resilience resident in modern plastics as, for example, exists today with two or three liter soda bottle. Accordingly, with the advent of a lightweight plastic soda bottle, a practical air container or canister, for use in a compressed air or pneumatic power plant for a so-called fluid expansion engine appeared. Thereby, the above-referenced invention of Akiyama marketed by Tome Kogyo Company of Japan and the Jonathan device with its Z-engine became possible.
The present invention may thereby be appreciated as a continuation of this process of development of compressed air and expansion pneumatic engines usable with a variety of toy vehicles including toy aeroplanes.


A method for adjusting focus position and an electronic apparatus are provided. Herein, a depth map is obtained according to a first image and a second image which are captured by a first lens and a second lens, respectively. A plurality of depth values included in the depth map is compared with a depth of field (DOF) table for obtaining a plurality of focus distances. An All-in-Focus (AIF) image is generated according to a plurality of focus images captured by the first lens with the focus distances, respectively. A blur process is executed for a plurality of pixels excluding a focus selected location in the AIF image, so as to obtain an adjusting image.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to an image processing method and an apparatus, and more particularly to a method for adjusting focus position and an electronic apparatus using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Accompanying with the advancement of the optical projection technology, cameras having adjustable aperture, shutter or even replaceable lenses are gradually popularized, and functionalities of the cameras also tend to more diversified. When a camera is used to capture an image, in order to bring out a theme of the captured image, a capturing technique known as shallow depth of field is generally adopted by focusing a lens of the camera onto a specific distance range in the image, such that objects within the specific distance range can be clearly rendered while gradually blurring other objects outside of the specific distance range. A so-called depth of field (DOF) is used to describe a distance range for clearly rendering the image in a space.
However, the shallow depth of field that can be generated by a normal camera lens provides only limited effects, and in order to obtain a more preferable shallow depth of field, a lens with an large aperture is required to enhance blur process to distant objects, so that the theme that is clearly rendered can be bring out from background. However, the lens with large aperture is usually huge in size and high in price, which cannot be easily provided to a general consumer camera. Accordingly, a technical problem to be solved in the field is to generate an image with shallow depth of field by using a consumer camera of lower level.

Method for adjusting focus position and electronic apparatus


A vehicle door drain slot plug includes a base portion having opposing sides and opposing ends, the base portion being adapted to substantially cover the drain slot. First and second snap-tabs extend from the base portion near the opposing ends on one of the sides for securing the base portion with respect to the slot. A plurality of stand-off members extend from the one side of the base portion and are spaced about the periphery of the base portion for engaging the vehicle door to create a gap between the base portion and the vehicle door in order to allow water to drain out of the slot.

In a vehicle assembly line, a vehicle door which comprises sheet metal components is secured to the vehicle frame, and the entire assembly is then dipped in a series of tubs as part of the painting process. The assembly is first dipped into a phosphate wash which cleans oil off of the assembly and coats it with phosphate, and then into an E-coat bath which acts as a corrosion resistant primer and provides an electrostatic charge on the sheet metal surface for later painting. As the assembly moves into and out of the tubs, the vehicle door assembly will fill with liquids, and large drain slots are provided at the bottom of the door assembly for draining out such liquids.
Such large drain slots are not desirable after the assembly has been painted. These slots allow pressure loss from inside the vehicle, which reduces climate control system efficiency. The slots also provide a means for road noise to enter the vehicle compartment, and they allow creation of a draft in the vehicle occupant compartment when the vehicle experiences a cross wind. Also, when a vehicle is traveling at a substantial speed, a vacuum is created at the drain slots which may draw dirt and dust into the door assembly, and further into the occupant cabin.
Accordingly, it is desirable to overcome the above-referenced shortcomings of vehicle drain slots while allowing liquid to be drained from the door assembly.


According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a case having a bottom wall, a disk-shaped recording medium located in the case, a drive motor which is located in the case and supports and rotates the recording medium, a head which performs information processing for the recording medium, a head actuator, and an inertial latch mechanism which latches and holds the head actuator in a retracted position when an external force is subjected. The inertial latch mechanism is modularized and includes a base plate, a first pivot and a second pivot set up on the base plate, a latch arm supported for rocking motion around the first pivot, an inertial arm which is rockably supported on the second pivot, and a stopper portion which prevents the latch arm and the inertial arm from slipping off the first and second pivots.

1. Field
An embodiment of the invention relates to a disk device provided with an inertial latch mechanism for a head actuator and a manufacturing method for the disk device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, magnetic disk devices, for example, have been widely used as large-capacity disk devices for electronic apparatuses such as personal computers. In general, a magnetic disk device comprises a magnetic disk, spindle motor, head actuator, voice coil motor (VCM), board unit, etc., which are located in a case. The spindle motor supports and rotates the magnetic disk. The head actuator supports a magnetic head. The VCM, which serves to drive the head actuator, includes a voice coil attached to the head actuator, a pair of yokes mounted on the case side, and a permanent magnet.
Further, small-sized portable personal computers have recently been spreading, and magnetic disk devices that are mounted on the personal computers of this type are expected to be improved in reliability against a shock or the like that may be produced while the computer is being carried about.
Thereupon, a magnetic disk device is proposed that comprises a ramp load mechanism as a mechanism for holding the magnetic head in a predetermined position when the device is non-operating. This ramp load mechanism is provided with a ramp that is located outside the magnetic disk. When the disk device is non-operating, the head actuator is rocked to a retracted position beside the outer periphery of the disk, whereupon a suspension runs onto the ramp. Thus, the magnetic head is held in the retracted position off a surface of the magnetic disk, so that it can be prevented from colliding with the disk when subjected to a shock.
Furthermore, one such magnetic disk device is proposed having an inertial latch mechanism that enhances its shock resistance. If a shock acts on the magnetic disk device in a non-operating state, the inertial latch mechanism engages the head actuator to restrict its rocking motion, thereby holding the head actuator in the retracted position.
As disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-51165, for example, the inertial latch mechanism has an inertial arm and a latch arm. The inertial arm is rotated in both forward and reverse directions by external shock acceleration. The latch arm is urged to rotate in one direction as the inertial arm rotates. If a shock is produced in the non-operating state, the latch arm engages the head actuator, thereby holding the head actuator in the retracted position.
In the inertial latch mechanism constructed in this manner, the inertial arm and the latch arm are supported individually by pivots for rotation that are set up on a bottom wall of the case. With the recent miniaturization of magnetic disk devices, the case has been reduced in size and thickness. It is difficult to set up the pivots on the thin bottom wall.
As the magnetic disk devices have thus been reduced in size, the inertial arm and the latch arm of the inertial latch mechanism have become very small components. In assembling the magnetic disk devices, it is very troublesome to mount those small components on the pivots that are set up on the case in which various parts are incorporated, so that the working efficiency is low.

Disk device and manufacturing method therefor


A retractable lens barrel includes an annular ring having an axis parallel to and eccentric relative to an optical axis of the lens barrel; a holder accommodated within the annular ring and supporting a holder lens group; a first lens group aligned with the optical axis and movable towards the annular ring during accommodation of the first lens group within the annular ring; a first actuator of an exposure control component, the first actuator positioned inside the annular ring in a first space between an inner peripheral surface of the annular ring and an outer edge of the first lens group accommodated in the annular ring; and a second actuator of the exposure control component, the second actuator being positioned inside the annular ring in a second space between the inner peripheral surface of the annular ring and the movement path of the holder lens group.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a retractable (imaging) photographing lens (retractable lens barrel), the length of which is smaller in a retracted state than that in a ready-to-photograph (operational) state.
2. Description of the Related Art
Miniaturization of lens barrels incorporated in optical devices such as cameras has been in increasing demand. Above all, further miniaturization of retractable photographing lenses, specifically the length thereof in a non-operating state, has been in strong demand. To meet such demands, the inventor of the present invention has proposed a retractable photographing lens disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/368342 in which an optical element of a photographing optical system is retracted to a position deviating from the photographing optical axis of the photographing optical system, and at the same time, the optical element (together with other optical elements of the photographing optical system) is retracted toward a picture plane when the photographing lens is fully retracted. The mechanism achieving such complicated operations of the optical elements is required to operate with a high degree of accuracy. In a photographing lens having such an optical element retracting mechanism, it is desirable that each of the optical elements of the photographing optical system including the retractable optical element be placed in the lens barrel in a space-saving manner. However, it is difficult to place such optical elements in a space-saving manner when actuators for actuating exposure control components such as a shutter and an adjustable diaphragm are positioned in the vicinity of the retractable optical element.


A lighting device may include at least one semiconductor light source cast with at least one first casting compound, wherein at least one region of the lighting device has: at least one connection area, which is electrically connected to the at least one semiconductor light source, and at least one electrical connecting element, which has at least one electrical line, wherein at least one electrical line is connected to an associated connection area and protrudes at one end out of the lighting device, and the at least one connection area and the at least one electrical connecting element are arranged in a cutout in the first casting compound and are cast by means of a second casting compound.

Until now, LED strips have been known which have a strip-shaped printed circuit board which is populated on one side with a series of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes can be cast in silicone in order to protect against dust and/or moisture. For the electrical connection of the LED strip, until now an electrical plug-type connection has been known which is likewise arranged on the printed circuit board and which is cast first. For its use, a casting compound covering the plug-type connection in the plug-in direction needs to be removed so that plug-in contacts of the casting compound are exposed. One disadvantage with this is that this removal of the casting compound is complicated, in particular since the plug-type connection is typically not visible between the casting compound.
It is also known to solder electrical wires directly to connection areas and to then pass these wires individually out of the lighting device. Disadvantages here are a nonuniform appearance, the difficulty of soldering a plurality of the wires without short circuits and a lack of reliability of a subsequent encapsulation with casting compound, since the wires can also be subjected to tensile strain relatively easily through the casting compound on the connection area.

Lighting device and method for producing a lighting device


A cantilever canopy is disclosed for extending over a surface. The cantilever canopy includes a first telescoping support member and a second telescoping support member. A telescoping coupling member is secured between the first telescoping support member and second telescoping support member. A first pivot hinge pivotably couples the first telescoping support member with a first telescoping cantilever member. A second pivot hinge pivotably couples the second telescoping support member with a second telescoping cantilever member. A screen extends between the first telescoping cantilever member and the second telescoping cantilever member for providing shelter under the screen.

Shelter from the elements, primarily sun and rain, is a major concern for designers and builders of vessels and those involved in outdoor activities. Primarily a health risk, but also a matter of physical comfort, the negative effects of long term exposure to sun is well known to those skilled in the art. A wide variety of awnings, sunshades, navy tops, bimini and T-tops have been designed and produced to provide some level of shade for the occupants of a vessel.
Although conventional boat tops provide protection for those persons inside the hull of a vessel, upon occasion coverage outside the hull maybe required. For example in tropical and sub-tropical climates, it is desirable to provide sun protection over a stern swim platform to keep the surface temperature of the platform low enough to become comfortable or even prevent burns to persons coming in contact with the platform
There have been many in the prior art who have attempted to solve these problems with varying degrees of success. None, however completely satisfies the requirements for a complete solution to the aforestated problem. The following U.S. patents are attempts of the prior art to solve this problem.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,714,387 to Clarence B. Meldrum discloses a portable canopy for mounting on the sides of a boat, comprising a series of four rectangularly spaced vertical posts each including an elongated main portion having at its upper end a radial extension disposed perpendicularly to the length of the post and formed at its outer end with an upwardly extending terminal part. Each of the extensions constitutes a crank element for rotation of the main portion of the post through a circular path about the axis of its associated terminal part to selectively locate the lower ends of the posts in respect to the sides of the boat while preserving unchanged the rectangular spacing of the terminal parts. The clamp means at the lower ends of the posts engages with the sides and a rectangular canopy having at its corners openings registering with and receiving the terminal parts.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,032,046 to Robert A. Coonradt discloses an awning comprising a post, a mounting means on the lower end of the post and a horizontally disposed sleeve positioned on one side of the post adjacent to the upper end thereof and fixedly secured to the post. An awning frame includes a pair of spaced side members, a cross member extends between and is secured to each of the adjacent ends of the side members. A spreader bar extends transversely between the mid points of the side members and has its ends pivotally connected to the side members. The frame is horizontally disposed on the side of the post adjacent the sleeve and having one of its cross members extending through and rigidly affixed to the sleeve. A U-shaped section embodying a bight and a pair of legs projecting from the bight positioned outwardly of each side member with the bight positioned outwardly of each side member with the bight extending along and parallel to the adjacent side member and the legs perpendicular to the adjacent side member and having the free ends of its legs hingedly connected to the adjacent side member. A stretcher cord extends between and is operatively connected to the mid points of the bights of the sections for holding the sections in position outwardly of the side members of the awning frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,255 to Chalotte A. Arrowsmith discloses a floating canopy for use in association with a floating body supporting device having a rigid flat base, a vertical support member, and an upper canopy frame. Flotation means associated with the base maintains the canopy in upright position when in water. The vertical support member may be detached from the base and used on a lawn chair by attaching with a C-clamp.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,298 to Geoffrey T. Pepper, et al. discloses a boat comprising a deck having thereon a helm, and a canopy operable in a first mode wherein the canopy is spaced a first distance above the deck and a second mode wherein the canopy is spaced a second distance less than the first distance above the deck and wherein the canopy permits an operator to be positioned at the helm.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,104 to Walter R. Perkins discloses a portable canopy adapted to extend in an horizontal plane outward from the rear of a vehicle and which is supported and maintained in its erected position by the rear wheels of the vehicle. The canopy of the invention can be quickly disassembled or assembled and carried in a convenient package in the trunk or other storage facility of the vehicle and provides an easy-to-use stable awning for picnics or other events occurring proximate to the motor vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,387 to Craig Zalanka discloses a low sun angle shade preferably adapted to be attached to and carried on a rigid side or end margin of a bimini top, T-top and the like for a boat. The sunshade includes an elongated shade panel formed of substantially opaque material and pivotal connectors on one longitudinal margin of the shade panel adapted for attachment to, and selected pivotal movement of, the shade panel with respect to the side or end margin of the bimini top or T-top. The shade panel is thereby selectively pivotally moveable about a pivotal axis passing through the pivotal connectors between a deployed or outstretched downwardly extending position with respect to the bimini top or T-top wherein low-to-the-horizon sun is substantially block from a boat operators or passengers eyes and a stored position doubled over and positioned against a corresponding side or end portion of the bimini top or T-top. Collapsible embodiments are also provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,558 to Glenn Mandanici discloses a convertible boat top which is mounted on a bass or flats type boat and can be selectively deployed in an extended, functional position to cover occupants of the boat. A stowed, storage position on the side of the boat prevents interference of the boat top with occupants engaged in fishing or other boating activities. The convertible boat top includes a pair of support stanchions for engaging the boat and a pair of attachment stanchions for engaging the boat in spaced-apart relationship to the support stanchions. A retractable boat top is selectively extendable from the support stanchions and removably engages the attachment stanchions to cover and shield occupants in the boat from adverse weather conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,395,774 to Juan Alberto Borges discloses a retractable canopy structure adapted to be used in conjunction with the canopy structure on a boat's existing T-top tubular frame near the level of the existing canopy. The canopy frame structure comprises two longitudinally aligned, telescoping members with at least one transverse, telescoping frame member disposed between the two longitudinal members to prevent the canopy from collapsing when under tension. The canopy frame structure is disposed onto the existing T-top frame using a mounting assembly comprising of a grommet adapted to be placed between two frame members and wrapped with an adjustable strap. The canopy and telescoping frame components are designed to be adaptable to various T-top canopy widths, and can be extended to various lengths to increase the amount of available canopy shade area while in the mounted position on the boat's existing T-top.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,561 to Joe McWhorter, et al. discloses an apparatus for providing shade to an individual, adjustable in three planes. In some embodiments, the shading apparatus include a primary shaft secured to a fixed base such as a pedestal seat. A height adjustable and telescoping secondary shaft is inserted concentrically into the primary shaft. A pivot joint assembly is secured to the secondary shaft, and a shading device is mounted to the pivot joint assembly. The pivot joint assembly allows for rotational, pivoting, and sliding adjustment in order to provide positional flexibility to the individual seeking shade.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,491 to Jeffrey A. Banfill, et al. discloses a vehicle-mounted awning with a quick setup framework that supports a weatherproof fabric canopy, and is configured for use to the rear of a vehicle. A multi-sectioned bumper bar attaches to the hitch receiver of a vehicle. Opposing ends of the bumper bar have vertical extension pieces, each extending vertically and having a slightly arcuate free end for support of an arcuate multi-sectioned upper side panel frame on either side of the bumper bar. Multi-sectioned lower side panel frames are pivotally connected to opposing ends of the bumper bar. Upper and lower side panel frames are removably connected at their distal ends to provide cantilevered support. Additional multi-sectioned framework extends rearward protective coverage. A flexible water-resistant fabric is wrapped over the support framework to provide a covered canopy region. The framework of the device comprises a plurality of collapsible elements for storage in a small bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,775,229 to Ron Sy-Facunda discloses a collapsible canopy shelter having one or more side awnings that are pivotally coupled to the canopy frame. The canopy shelter for this has reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and, collapse the shelter without risking in jury.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,495 to Daniel E. Lemons discloses a bimini extender which fits overlappingly onto and extends forward of a pontoon's primary bimini for extended shade. The bimini extender includes a flexible cover that is at least about one-third of the deck surface area of the pontoon boat, a framework configured for attachment to one or both of the deck and pontoon's perimeter railing, a rear attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to one of the deck, perimeter railing, and primary bimini, and a front attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to the framework. The flexible cover shades an "extra" portion of the deck surface area. The bimini extender is made to be collapsible, removable, and storable, and further is made with robust and lower-cost components including a novel railing clamp, yet is aesthetic, durable and easily installable/removable.
United States Patent Application 2008-0011217 to Ronald K. Russikoff discloses a retractable bimini top device for automated operation and mounted attachment to an existing rooftop member set over the deck of a boat. The inventive device includes a U-shaped support frame having respective side legs adapted to travel longitudinally through a pair of housing tube members disposed in parallel and mounted beneath the rooftop member. The side legs of the U-shaped frame are coaxially fitted within the housing tube members and made to travel together in unison through the respective tube members, each upon a lead screw that is driven by a reversible motor electrically powered and mounted at the end of each tube. A canvas cover attached along its outer end to the transverse portion of the U-shaped frame is stored in a rolled-up state about a spring-loaded roller mounted transversely between the housing tube members so that the canvas cover may be extended in a substantially horizontal manner and retracted as the side legs of the support frame are moved in alternate linear directions through the housing tube members.
United States Patent Application 2008-0029137 to Randy Walter McInville discloses a height-adjustable tubular holder for an elongated rod, such as an umbrella or fishing rod. A bracket is dimensioned for attachment to preexisting bolts, such as on a boat seat. The bracket supports the tubular holder in such a manner as to facilitate angular adjustment of the supported rod, and wherein the holder can be rotated out of position during periods of non-use.
United States Patent Application 2011-0290170 to Ronald K. Russikoff discloses a manually-operated canopy deployment system for mounted attachment to existing rooftop or bridge structure of recreational boats. The system comprises a pair of spring-loaded tubular actuators telescopically assembled and coupled in parallel alignment to deploy a flexible canvas from a roller member transversely mounted between the actuators with a gear box operatively connected to the roller member to control the canvas deployment. Each actuator assembly includes a rearward outer tube closed at its back end, separate forward and intermediate interior tubes each fitted with inner end caps and coaxially disposed to move longitudinally within the outer tube, and compression springs separately disposed within the respective chambers of the outer tube and intermediate interior tube to apply outbound forces axially upon the inner ends of the respective interior tubes. Sleeve members disposed between the respective tubes at their forward ends provide bearing surfaces that stabilize their telescoping movement. Forward and intermediate cross bars transversely mounted and connected across outer ends of the interior tubes serve to draw the canvas from the roller member and support canvas deployment, with a pair of loop attachments provided on the surface of the canvas to engage the intermediate cross bar upon full deployment of the canvas and prevent billowing thereof.
Although the aforementioned prior art have contributed to the development of the art of vessel canopies and tops, none of these prior art patents have solved the needs of this art.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for vessel canopies and tops.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus for providing protection from the sun external to the hull of a vessel.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus that is simple for the operator to use.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus that is easy to cost effectively produce.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a ill understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


An accelerometer module is supported within an interior passage of a transmitter housing of a transmitter that is itself receivable within an inground housing of an inground tool to perform an inground operation which subjects the transmitter to mechanical shock and vibration. An accelerometer housing of the module includes an exterior periphery that is receivable in the interior passage of the transmitter. A resilient damping foam can be supported to dispose the foam between the accelerometer housing and the transmitter housing such that the foam cooperates with the accelerometer housing to form a complex mass-spring-damper system that exhibits a resonant frequency which is controllable. An accelerometer cartridge of the module can include a mass that is at least five times the mass of an original accelerometer cartridge. In one feature, the accelerometer cartridge can include a mass of at least 20 grams for a one inch diameter transmitter housing.

The present application is generally related to MEMS accelerometers and, more particularly, to a MEMS accelerometer cartridge, module and inground device having enhanced resistance to mechanical shock, as well as an associated method.
Inground devices such as, for example, transmitters are often located within the housing of an inground tool at the distal end of a drill string for use while performing an inground operation. The inground operation, by way of non-limiting example, can be a boring operation for purposes of forming a borehole, in which case the inground device can be housed in an inground tool that can be referred to as a boring tool; a pullback operation which may employ a reamer to widen a borehole while pulling a utility therethrough, in which case the transmitter can be received in a housing that is adapted for the reaming/pullback operation; or a mapping operation in which the inground device can be caused to transit through a preexisting utility in a suitable manner without the need for a drill string. Accelerometers can provide outputs that can be used for purposes of determining the angular orientation of the inground device. It is noted that, in some embodiments of the prior art, all the sensors, including the accelerometers, have been co-located on a common or main printed circuit board.
When an accelerometer such as, for example, a triaxial accelerometer is used to sense the angular orientation of the inground device (which can be referred to interchangeably as a sonde or transmitter), pitch and roll orientation of the device can be determined based on the accelerometer outputs. The determination of pitch and roll orientation of an inground tool in a horizontal directional drilling system can be critical information, since the pitch and roll orientation are used for purposes of steering and guiding the boring tool that houses the sonde. Unfortunately, inground environments such as, for example, horizontal directional drilling can subject the accelerometer to extremely high levels of mechanical shock. Such exposure can result in failure of the accelerometer which necessitates replacement of the sonde. In attempting to address concerns with respect to exposure of the accelerometer to mechanical shock, one prior art approach for a transmitter having the accelerometer installed on the main printed circuit board is to shock mount the entire main circuit board of the transmitter and associated components such as an antenna. Unfortunately, this approach is likely to lead to the need to increase the diameter of the transmitter due to the sheer physical size of the main circuit board and associated components. Increasing the diameter of the transmitter, in turn, generally leads to the need to increase the diameter of a boring tool that is configured to house the transmitter. Applicants recognize that the latter raises a number of concerns including the fact that an increased diameter transmitter will not likely fit in existing boring tools. Applicants further recognize that increasing the diameter of a boring tool to accommodate a larger diameter transmitter is highly undesirable since even a small increase results in the need to move a significantly greater amount of material during a horizontal directional drilling operation. For example, increasing a boring tool housing diameter by only 0.25 inch from 3.00 inches to 3.25 inches results in moving approximately 17% more material to form a borehole. Another approach that has been taken by the prior art is to support the accelerometer in an accelerometer housing separate from the main printed circuit board. In the latter approach, the accelerometer housing is generally received by the overall sonde housing with as much foam damping material as practical interposed between the accelerometer housing and the sonde housing. Applicants submit that the prior art has failed to recognize significant deficiencies with respect to the latter approach, as will be further discussed hereinafter.
The present disclosure brings to light a heretofore unseen apparatus and associated method for supporting the accelerometer and an associated accelerometer module/cartridge in a way that provides for sweeping improvements with respect to isolation of the accelerometer(s) from mechanical shock, as will be described hereinafter.

Advanced mechanical shock resistance for an accelerometer in an inground device and associated methods


An electronic assembly is provided. The electronic assembly includes a semiconductor interposer having first and second surfaces. The semiconductor interposer also has cooling channels passing through the interposer between the first and second surfaces. The electronic assembly has at least one semiconductor chip disposed outwardly from the first surface of the semiconductor interposer and at least one semiconductor chip disposed outwardly from the second surface of the semiconductor interposer. The electronic assembly also has a number of electrical connections through the semiconductor interposer wherein the number of electrical connections couple the semiconductor chips disposed outwardly from the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor interposer.

The present invention relates generally to integrated circuits. More particularly, it pertains to a structure and method for an electronic assembly.
Integrated circuits form the basis for many electronic systems. Essentially, an integrated circuit includes a vast number of transistors and other circuit elements that are formed on a single semiconductor wafer or chip and are interconnected to implement a desired function. The complexity of these integrated circuits requires the use of an ever increasing number of linked transistors and other circuit elements.
Many electronic systems are created through the use of a variety of different integrated circuits; each integrated circuit performing one or more specific functions. For example, computer systems include at least one microprocessor and a number of memory chips. Conventionally, each of these integrated circuits is formed on a separate wafer or chips, packaged independently and interconnected on, for example, a printed circuit board.
As integrated circuit technology progresses, there is a growing desire for a xe2x80x9csystem on a chipxe2x80x9d in which the functionality of all of the integrated circuits of the system are packaged together without a conventional printed circuit board. Ideally, a computing system would be fabricated with all the necessary integrated circuits on one wafer, as compared with today""s method of fabricating many chips of different functions and packaging them to assemble a complete system. Such a structure would greatly improve integrated circuit performance and provide higher bandwidth.
In practice, it is very difficult with today""s technology to implement a truly high-performance xe2x80x9csystem on a chipxe2x80x9d because of vastly different fabrication processes and different manufacturing yields for the logic and memory circuits.
As a compromise, various xe2x80x9csystem modulesxe2x80x9d have been introduced that electrically connect and package integrated circuit devices which are fabricated on the same or on different semiconductor wafers. Initially, system modules were created by simply stacking two semiconductor chips, e.g. a logic and memory chip, one on top of the other in an arrangement commonly referred to as chip-on-chip (COC) structure. Chip-on-chip structure most commonly utilizes micro bump bonding technology (MBB) to electrically connect the two chips. Several problems, however, remain inherent with this design structure. One serious complication includes the heating which occurs most seriously in connection with a logic chip such as a microprocessor. In high-performance microprocessors, where the microprocessor runs at a high speed, e.g., on the order of 500 MHz, the microprocessor can dissipate a large quantity of heat such that cooling becomes a crucial issue.
Thus, it is desirable to develop an improved structure and method for cooling integrated circuits in electronic systems. Additionally, the improved structure and method should accommodate a dense integration and packaging for semiconductor chips, e.g. logic and memory chips.
The above mentioned problems with integrated circuits and other problems are addressed by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. An electronic assembly is formed around a semiconductor interposer with cooling channels that are formed through the semiconductor interposer. In some embodiments, the cooling channels are filled with a liquid or refrigerant.

Structure and method for an electronic assembly


Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a flash memory device. In a flash memory device using a SA-STI scheme, a trench for isolation is buried with oxide. A field oxide film is then formed by means of a polishing process. Next, field oxide films of a cell region and a low-voltage transistor region are selectively etched by a given thickness. As EFH values of the cell region, the low-voltage transistor region and the high-voltage transistor region become same or similar, it is possible to secure stability of a subsequent process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a flash memory device and, more specifically, to a method of manufacturing a flash memory device that can improve effective field oxide height (hereinafter, referred to as "EFH") variation between a cell region, a high-voltage transistor region and a low-voltage transistor region in a flash memory device using a self-aligned shallow trench isolation (hereinafter, referred to as "SA-STI") scheme.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A flash memory is provided with a high-voltage transistor and a low-voltage transistor for driving cells in view of a device's characteristic. A gate oxide film of the high-voltage transistor has a thick thickness, a gate oxide film of the low-voltage transistor has a thin thickness, and a gate oxide film of the cell has the same or similar thickness as those of the low-voltage transistor. For example, in a 120 nm level NAND flash memory device, the gate oxide film in the cell may be about 80 Å in thickness, the gate oxide film in the high-voltage transistor may be 350 Å in thickness, and the gate oxide film in the low-voltage transistor may be about 80 Å in thickness. A difference in a topology depending on the thickness of the oxide film in each region results in EFH variation between the high-voltage transistor region and the cell region or the low-voltage transistor region after a chemical mechanical polishing (hereinafter, referred to as "CMP") process for performing a field oxide film, a subsequent process, is performed. In the above, EFH refers to an effective height of a field oxide film that is protruded upwardly from the interface between a first polysilicon layer for a floating gate and a second polysilicon layer for a floating gate.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a flash memory device using the SA-STI scheme according to a related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, a semiconductor substrate 11 in which a cell region CELL, a high-voltage transistor region HV and a low-voltage transistor region LV are defined is provided. A high-voltage gate oxide film 12H is thickly formed on the semiconductor substrate 11 of the high-voltage transistor region HV, and a low-voltage gate oxide film 12L and a cell gate oxide film 12C are thinly formed on the semiconductor substrate 11 of each of the low-voltage transistor region LV and the cell region CELL. A first polysilicon layer 13 for a floating gate is formed on the oxide films 12C, 12H and 12L. A SA-STI process is then performed to form a number of trenches 15 for isolation in the semiconductor substrate 11. The trenches 15 are buried with oxide for isolation to form field oxide films 160. A second polysilicon layer 17 for a floating gate is then formed on the entire structure including the field oxide films 160. Though not shown in the drawing, an etch process using a mask for a floating gate, a dielectric film formation process, a process of forming a conductive layer for a control gate, and an etch process using a mask for a control gate are performed to form gates in the respective regions CELL, HV and LV.
If the flash memory device is fabricated by the above-mentioned method, however, EFH variation takes place among the field oxide films 160 each formed in the regions CELL, HV and LV due to a difference in a topology of the oxide films 12C, 12H and 12L, which are formed in the cell region CELL, the high-voltage transistor region HV and the low-voltage transistor region LV, respectively. It results in EFH variation of about 300 Å or more, even if a nitride film strip process that is used in a SA-STI process after a CMP process and a cleaning process that is performed before the second polysilicon layer 17 is deposited are performed. The EFH of the field oxide film 160 in the high-voltage transistor region HV is about 50 to 200 Å, while the EFH of the field oxide film 160 in the cell region CELL or the low-voltage transistor region LV is 300 to 800 Å. The EFH of the cell region CELL and the low-voltage transistor region LV are high and wide in value. Such values vary depending on conditions of the CMP process. Variation in the EFH between the high-voltage transistor region HV and other regions CELL and LV not only causes many problems such as making it difficult to set a gate etch target of each of the regions CELL, HV and LV, making it impossible to obtain a good gate pattern profile, causing a fail in a device due to polysilicon remnant, and the like. These problems become critical, as the devices is higher integrated. An attempt to solve these problems has been made.

Method of manufacturing flash memory device


A framework for presenting aspects of a story to one or more participants having at least one device, the story having one or more storylines, each storyline comprising one or more segments, each segment comprising one or more elements, each of said one or more elements comprising (i) a physical location; (ii) actions; and (iii) at least one event trigger, said framework comprising a backend platform storing information about said story and interacting with said at least one device to deliver aspects of at least one of said storylines to at least some of said one or more participants based on one or more event triggers.

Providing audio recordings to tour groups, museum patrons, and the like is a useful way to provide information to the guests. For example, many museums offer portable audio devices with headphones that the patrons may rent to listen to informative audio recordings as they wander through the galleries. The provided recordings may lend insight into each piece of artwork, and in doing so, may lead the patron through the exhibit.
In more sophisticated set-ups, the portable audio devices may allow the user to input where they are in the museum (e.g., each piece of art may have a number or bar code next to it that the user can enter or scan into the device). The device may then play the segment of audio specifically recorded for each particular piece of art. In this way, the device may rely on the user to let it know where he/she may be physically located. However, other than entering in the artwork number, there is little else in the way of interactivity between the patron and the device.
The audio players may be self-contained, and as such, may only provide the audio to the particular user who may be operating the device. The audio recordings do not provide visual information, and are thus limited in the information they can provide. Dramatic effects provided by audio recordings are also very limited.
Visual types of media such as video, augmented reality (AR) and/or live theater are known to provide visual and dramatic effects to viewers. However, these types of media are typically delivered to viewers in the form of entertainment and are not delivered or presented simultaneously to groups of people in settings such as museums, or to tour groups at particular physical locations.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system that may deliver pre-scripted, dramatic media such as audio, video, augmented reality and/or live theater simultaneously to groups of people at particular physical locations.
There is also a need for a system to provide increased interactivity between the system and the participants so that media may be managed, triggered and delivered dynamically.
There is also a need for a master control system to manage delivery of the media to groups of participants simultaneously.
It is desirable, and an object of this invention, to provide such a system.

System and method for delivering multimedia content