An inkjet printer includes a recording head having nozzles to discharge ink and a storage chamber for storing the ink which is supplied to the nozzles from an ink source. The chamber includes an inlet to which the ink flows from the ink source and an outlet from which the ink flows out to the nozzles, two walls opposite to each other and parallel to a flow direction of the ink flowing to the outlet from the inlet, and an annular rim formed along edges of the two walls. The chamber includes a pair of ribs for adjusting an ink flow, which are provided in one of the walls, protrude from the one towards the other, and extend parallel to the flow direction apart from the other. The other wall has flexibility and the ribs are spaced from the rim inside the rim.

The present invention relates to an inkjet printer.
Conventionally, as an inkjet printer, a type that contains: a recording head having a plurality of nozzle groups to discharge ink drops; and a plurality of ink storage chambers to transiently store inks to be supplied to the nozzle groups from an ink supplying source for each kind, and in order that the pressure variation in the ink is absorbed in the ink storage chamber, one of top and bottom wall surfaces of the ink storage chamber is made of flexible film (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-262723).
The flexible film requires an area larger than a certain size, in order to absorb the pressure variation in the ink. When such a large area is tried to be reserved, a cross-sectional area of the ink storage chamber in the plan view becomes larger, this bringing about a portion where stagnation is generated in the ink flow.
So, in the configuration described in the Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-262723, it is considered to arrange two flow adjustment ribs which are lower in depth than the ink storage chamber so that the ink smoothly flows to an ink outlet from an ink inlet of the ink storage chamber. The foregoing arrangement of the flow adjustment ribs results in appearance of spaces outside the flow adjustment rib.


An implement is described for cleaning the gutters of a building wherein the implement is operated by pulling in a left-to-right or right-to-left scraping and scooping motion by a person standing on the ground. The implement comprises a longitudinal channel body, an inverted "U" shaped connecting bracket, an elongated handle and a pivot connection attaching the bracket to the handle. In the preferred embodiment, a remotely engagable locking feature is provided for the pivot connection and a separate pivotal member with integral end plate is specified to close either end of the channel body thereby forming a scoop.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an improvement in cleaning implements and, more particularly, to a new and novel implement for remotely removing leaves, roofing materials and other debris from overhead gutters of a building.
(2) State of the Prior Art
In order to clean leaves and other debris which become collected in overhead gutters, many cleaning devices have been provided which can be controlled via an elongated handle operated by a person standing on the ground alongside the building. However, such devices are rather complicated in mechanical construction, difficult to use or ineffective in purpose. And some such devices require the use of water under pressure.
One group of such devices has gripping jaws or arms that are mounted on the end of an elongated handle with a means for remote closure such that in operation a clamping action engages a mass of leaves or debris so that such materials may be physically removed from the gutter. Such devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,196,927 and 4,310,940. These devices are mechanically complicated, difficult and expensive to manufacture, necessarily heavy and awkward to use. And such devices are inefficient in purpose since some leaves and debris and most fine roofing materials tend to fall away from the load as the device is removed from the gutter.
Another group of such devices consists of scoops of differing configurations mounted on elongated handles for the purpose of scraping and containing leaves and debris and removing them from the gutter. Such devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,626,542, 4,319,851 and 4,447,927. Some of these devices are unnecessarily complex, difficult to operate and function when moved in only one direction.
A third type of such devices, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,806, consists of a scraper that is mounted on an elongated handle and that is moved along the gutter to compacted leaves and debris. This device can be converted to hold a water hose which then washes the debris along the gutter, into the vertical outlet pipe and out the discharge. This device is cumbersome to use and may fail to accomplish its objective if the loosened leaves and debris plug the vertical pipe.
In addition, there are blade-type gutter cleaners, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,303,348 and 4,298,224, whose thin blades permit digging and scooping underneath gutter hanging spikes. These devices fail to contain and remove much of the debris in gutters and their movement in a to and fro motion via an elongated handle is awkward and time consuming. A final type of device, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,498, consists of a ramp-like implement with a water assist for forcing debris up the ramp and out of the gutter.
None of the cleaning implements or devices disclosed by the prior art provide for simple and inexpensive construction, easy use, efficient, thorough and fast cleaning, and the flexibility to reach gutters located over porches and other building extensions.


A compression chuck for variously conducting and braking a rope, wherein the compression chuck includes a first and second portions. The invention includes a first biasing mechanism which maintains the compression chuck first and second portions in a disengaged condition with the rope, wherein the rope is conducted freely in response to outside forces on the rope. Also included is an actuator, wherein the actuator is operable to overbear the first biasing mechanism to place the compression chuck in an engaged condition with the rope in response to a rope break, braking movement of the rope. The first and second compression chuck portions may be carried on opposing parallel plates that are biased apart until the actuator moves such plates together in response to a rope break. At least one of the plates may be fixed to a crane head, crane, or other structure proximate a moving rope, when installed.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to rope braking systems, more specifically to systems which brake the movement of a rope being used to lift or haul a load.
2. State of the Art
A rope braking system is used to brake the movement of a rope that has broken while being used to support or lift a weight. Braking the movement of a rope means stopping its movement, or halting payout of a rope so that any load carried by the rope does not fall. Ropes such as wire ropes can be used with a pulley. A rope and a pulley can be used to lift or haul a weight. A sheave is the wheel of a pulley having a grooved rim for holding the rope. A crane block includes a pulley and a hook for attaching a load. Modern cranes use crane blocks having multiple sheaves. The multiple sheaves allow the load to be spread over multiple loops of rope, allowing loads to be lifted that are heavier than a single strand of wire rope could lift. "Cable" is an archaic word for wire rope, which has been disfavored since communications cables have become well known.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,650 discloses a rope brake with a pivotable pulley that can be rotated to first or second sides against first or second side fixed wedges to compress the rope and thereby brake the rope. The braking can be released by rotating the pulley to the center.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,522 discloses a cable grab that uses a levered cam for a personal safety device application. U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,240 discloses a rope grab that also uses a levered cam for a personal safety device application.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,056 discloses a pulley with a rotatable sheave and a non-rotating sheave, where engaging the rope on the non-rotating sheave provides braking action.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,748 discloses a braking device for ropes that uses multiple bends of rope around pins for braking action.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,507 discloses a traction block for a linear winch that operates on a single strand of rope and seizes the rope by compressing halves of a clamping block in a tapered channel formed by flanges with rollers between the clamping block and the flanges.
Occasionally, a rope will break while in use, causing the load to descend out of control and leading to damage to the load, whatever the load lands on, and possibly death or serious injury to humans. When the rope is part of a crane system, the crane operator may react quickly enough to mitigate the damage, but a broken wire rope on a crane under load usually causes catastrophic damage, despite best effort.
There is, therefore a need for a method and apparatus for making safe a load, a crane head, a crane, and nearby personnel in response to a broken rope and to accomplish this with great speed.


A video signal processing device displaying both image and process information includes multiplexing circuitry for multiplexing a second video signal with a first video signal. Control circuitry is provided for controlling a multiplexing ratio of the first and second video signals in the multiplexing circuitry. A display is provided for simultaneously displaying at least a part of a video image which corresponds to the first video signal, and also for displaying a state of the multiplexing operation being performed by the multiplexing circuitry under the control of the control circuitry. Preferably, only a peripheral portion of the image is faded in the view finder. Alternatively, a bar graph on the side of the image in the view finder indicates the degree of fading the image is subjected to.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video signal processing apparatus for processing video signals.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, as a method of switching a plurality of kinds of video images on screen, there has been known an apparatus for switching video images by a special effects such as wipe or fade.
On the other hand, in recent years, in an apparatus in which a video camera and a recording apparatus are integral, an apparatus having a video image editing function such as wipe, fade, or the like as mentioned above has been put into practical use.
However, the apparatus as mentioned above has, for instance, a memory circuit. An arbitrary still image is previously stored in the memory circuit, a video signal corresponding to the still image stored in the memory circuit and a video signal corresponding to an object image which is formed by a video camera unit are switched by sequentially changing switching timings or mixed by sequentially changing a mixture ratio, and the resultant switched or mixed signal is output, thereby accomplishing a special effect such as wipe or fade.
During the execution of the above special effect, a state of the special effect is displayed on an electric view finder (EVF) of the apparatus. However, at the start of the special effect, a still image stored in the memory circuit in the apparatus is displayed on the EVF. The image corresponding to the video signal which is formed by the video camera unit cannot be monitored by the EVF and the using efficiency is low.
On the other hand, hitherto, as one of special functions which the video camera has, there is a fading function such that the video signal obtained from an image pickup device is gradually erased and the whole picture plane is set to the white or black level, or on the contrary, the video signal is gradually mixed with the white or black picture plane.
FIG. 1 is a constructional diagram showing a construction of a conventional image pickup apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image pickup device to convert a video image which was input through a lens into a video signal; 2 indicates a sample and hold (S/H) circuit to sample and hold the video signal which was output from the image pickup device 1; 3 is an auto gain control (AGC) circuit to execute an automatic gain control process, a gamma process, and the like on the video signal which is output from the S/H circuit 2; 4 is a multiplexing circuit to multiplex a synchronizing (or sync) signal with the video signal; 5 is a fading circuit to execute the fading operation; 6 is a driving circuit to generate a drive pulse to drive the image pickup device 1; 7 is a synchronism signal generating circuit to generate a sync signal, clamp pulse, and the like; 9 is a time constant circuit to provide a time constant so that a video image gradually changes upon fading; 10 is a switch to activate the start of the fading operation; 11 is a recording unit with record the video signal to which the sync signal was multiplexed and which is output from the multiplexing circuit 4; and 12 is an electric view finder (EVF) unit to display the video signal which is output from the multiplexing circuit 4.
The operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will now be described hereinbelow.
First, the video signal obtained from the image pickup device 1 is sampled and held by the S/H circuit 2 and, thereafter, is subjected to the AGC and gamma processes by the AGC circuit 3 and the processed signal is input to the fading circuit 5. By turning on the switch 10, the fading circuit 5 makes the fading function operative in accordance with a fade control signal which is output from the time constant circuit 9, thereby executing the fading process on the video signal. The fading-processed video signal is supplied to the multiplexing circuit 4. After that, the sync signal is multiplexed with the faded video signal by the multiplexing circuit 4 and the multiplexed signal is output to the recording unit 11 and also supplied to the EVF unit 12. The photographed video image can be confirmed by the EVF unit 12 during the photographing and recording in the recording unit 11.
As mentioned above, in the conventional apparatus, in the case where the fading function is made operative, the video signal which is input to the EVF unit 12 has already been fading-processed by the fading circuit 5, so that the picture plane in the EVF unit 12 is set to a whole white or black image in accordance with the fade control signal. Therefore, in the fading state, the photographer cannot check the video image which is output from the image pickup device 1. Particularly, in the case where the video signal is gradually mixed from the fading state in which the picture plane is set to a whole white or black image and the photographing and recording operations are started (at the time of fade-in), the video image in which the photographing and recording operations are started cannot be checked. Thus, there is a problem such that the fading function cannot be effectively used because the photographing and recording operations are started with a video image different from an image desired by the photographer.

Video signal processing apparatus displaying image and process information


Technologies pertaining to backscatter x-ray scanning systems are described herein. The backscatter x-ray scanning system includes an x-ray source, which directs collimated x-rays along a plurality of output vectors towards a target. A detector detects diffusely reflected x-rays subsequent to respective collimated x-rays impacting the target, and outputs signals indicative of parameters of the detected x-rays. An image processing system generates an x-ray image based upon parameters of the detected x-rays, wherein each pixel in the image corresponds to a respective output vector. A user selects a particular portion of the image, and a medical device is positioned such that its directional axis is coincident with the output vector corresponding to at least one pixel in the portion of the image.

Radiography involves the utilization of x-rays to view a non-uniformly composed material, such as the human body. By using the physical properties of x-rays, an image can be developed, wherein the image displays areas of a target that include different densities and compositions. An exemplary x-ray imaging system is a backscatter x-ray scanning system. Backscatter x-ray scanning systems are configured to direct narrow (collimated) beams of x-rays towards a target over respective output vectors, such that collimated x-rays in an x-ray beam impact the target. At least some of the x-rays will diffusely reflect upon impacting the target, and a detector detects the reflected x-rays. Intensity of a pixel can then be computed based upon parameters of the detected x-rays that have reflected from the target. To generate an image, an x-ray source directs collimated x-rays over a plurality of output vectors (e.g., performs a scan).
Backscatter x-ray scanning systems are particularly useful when it is difficult (or impossible) to position an x-ray source and a detector on opposing sides of a target. A conventional application of a backscatter x-ray scanning system occurs in airports, where human bodies are scanned to detect hidden weapons, liquids, narcotics, currency, and other contraband. Another application for a backscatter x-ray scanning system includes the scanning of large vehicles for contraband, as the utilization of a backscatter x-ray scanning system is much faster and less expensive when compared to performing physical searches.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Automatic tool alignment in a backscatter X-ray scanning system


A hose assembly including an elongated flexible metal hose attached to a hose fitting having a fitting body defining a passageway for conveying material. The fitting body has a mating portion for connecting the hose assembly to a corresponding fitting which delivers or accepts material passing through the hose assembly. A sleeve engages a surface of the fitting body and secures an end portion of the metal conduit to the fitting by trapping the end portion of the metal conduit between the sleeve and the fitting body. During installation, the sleeve is inserted into the body and subsequently the hose is inserted into a gap between the sleeve and fitting body. A fixture having a radially expanding member is slipped into the sleeve and brought into contact with the sleeve to deform the sleeve and consequently trap an end of the hose between the sleeve and the fitting.

Flexible metal hoses or conduits made from thin sheet metal ribbons which are convoluted and joined at their edges are commercially available from Hose Master Inc., assignee of the present invention. A so-called "interlocked" conduit is one example of such conduits. Interlocked conduit use thin metal ribbons wound helically with their convolutions secured together by reversely curved ribbon edges which are interlocked. The interlocked edges permit limited play between adjacent convolutions so the conduit can be flexed by a user. U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,728, issued Apr. 15, 1980, discloses conduit constructed in this manner.
Other flexible metal conduit constructions have been proposed in which flexibility is gained primarily by the manner of formation of the conduit convolutions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,484 issued Dec. 4, 1984, discloses such a conduit formed from convoluted metal ribbon which is corrugated. In this construction the helical corrugations provide flexibility while the joint between the convolutions is relatively inflexible. Other corrugated convoluted conduits have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,814 to Foti depicts another type of hose construction, hereinafter referred to as "Corrugated." The '814 patent to Foti is incorporated herein by reference.
Helically wound flexible hose is also commonly referred to as "stripwound" metal hose. There are five basic types of stripwound hose.
1) "Roughbore interlocked" is hose in which the strip is formed with legs that interlock to form a tight and rugged construction.
2) "Smoothbore interlocked" is hose made by adding another steel strip inside a roughbore hose to provide a liner having a smooth inner surface, thereby reducing damage to any sensitive materials that are placed within the hose.
3) "Packed interlocked" is hose made by adding a packing to interlocked hose to minimize leakage through the hose profile. The most effective packings are made from resilient materials such as elastomers. Other possible packing materials are stainless steel and copper.
4) "Squarelocked hose" is hose where the helical strip is formed into square shapes that are locked together. These hoses are extremely flexible and are primarily used as protective covering for wires, cables and other hoses.
5) "Corrugated" stripwound hose.
The smoothbore interlocked hose is suited for dry bulk pneumatic conveyance. This hose is produced with a durable armor and an abrasion-resistant liner to achieve a high degree of strength and flexibility.
The hose is attached to a fitting or coupler that allows the hose to be interconnected with a source or destination of the material conveyed within the hose. Selecting a proper fitting for a particular application is determined by the mating fittings to which the hose assembly, i.e., hose plus hose fitting, will be attached. Once the mating fittings have been identified, the hose fittings should complement the mating fittings in type, size and alloy. Even though the selection of hose fittings is determined by the mating fittings, it is a good practice to confirm that the fittings used in any application are appropriate for the particular environment. Any necessary changes should be made to ensure that the fittings are chemically and physically compatible with the application's environment.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1–4 depict various examples of alternative prior art connections between a hose and a fitting. These alternative connections are also depicted in a Catalog entitled "Industrial Metal Hose Products" provided by Hose Master Inc. Copyright 2001 by Hose Master Inc.
FIG. 1 shows a hose assembly having a fitting 10 attached to an interlocked hose 12 using an epoxy 14. The fitting has a notch 16 of larger diameter to accommodate the presence of the hose 12 in a region of overlap 18 between the hose and fitting.
In FIG. 2, a hose assembly includes a fitting 20 attached to an interlocked hose 22 by use of a weld or braze joint 24. If possible, the weld joint 24 is made on an interior diameter of the engagement between the hose and the fitting. As in the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, the fitting includes a notch 26 of larger diameter that defines a region of overlap 28 between hose and fitting. Welding is not recommended, however, for packed interlocked hose, as the packing may be damaged by the relatively high welding temperature.
In FIG. 3, a hose assembly includes a fitting 30 attached to an interlocked hose 32 using two weld or braze joints 34, 35. Welding to an interior diameter provides a smooth transition between hose and fitting to prevent the product carried within the hose from becoming damaged. Providing a second weld joint 35 on the outside diameter of the fitting 30 tends to prevent contamination from entering an interface between the fitting and hose from the outside and also provides additional strength. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a notch 36 of an increased inside diameter of the fitting 30 defines a region of overlap 38 between the fitting and the hose.
In FIG. 4, a hose assembly is depicted that includes two fittings 40, 41 attached to an interlocked hose 42. A first fitting 40 has a threaded interior that threadingly engages corrugations 43 in an outer diameter of the hose 42. An outer surface of the first fitting 40 is threaded to engage a threaded interior of the second fitting 41. A high temperature packing material 45 is used to seal against leakage. The second fitting 41 defines a notch 46 of slightly greater diameter against which the end of the hose 42 abuts.

Flexible metal hose assembly and method of making the same


Urethane-catalyzed polyester-polyurethane hybrid resin molding compositions are prepared using a low profile additive to provide glass-reinforced articles that have improved surface profiles and improved processability compared to commercial low profile-modified unsaturated non-hybrid polyester resins.

Polyester-polyurethane hybrid resins are well-known in the art of thermoset molding compositions. The term hybrid describes a single, new type of polymer that is formed by the incorporation of the chemical groups and the properties of two different polymers, namely polyurethanes and unsaturated polyesters. Hybrid resins build molecular weight and toughness as they cure through the urethane chain-extension reaction, which occurs between the hydroxyl end groups on the polyester polyol and the isocyanate groups. Crosslinking occurs between the unsaturation in the polyester backbone and the styrene monomer, adding stiffness and thermal resistance. Thus, a unique blend of properties is obtained that cannot be achieved with either type of polymer alone. The hybrid resins are normally tougher than non-hybrid polyesters and stronger, stiffer and less expensive than polyurethanes. Polyester-polyurethane hybrid resins typically comprise a hydroxyl-terminated unsaturated polyester polyol, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, such as styrene, and a polyisocyanate. Polyester-polyurethane hybrid resins can be easily adapted to many common thermoset molding techniques employed in both the polyurethane and unsaturated polyester industries. Such hybrid resins are generally supplied as a two component system having an Aside and a B-side. The Aside typically contains the polyisocyanate and a free radical initiator, while the Bside typically contains the hydroxyl-terminated unsaturated polyester polyol/styrene solution and, optionally, fillers and/or additives.
One key problem that occurs during the hybrid cure is resin shrinkage which results in dimensional stability problems, such as warpage. Unacceptable surface appearances such as waviness or roughness results when hybrids are reinforced with fibers, such as glass. The resin shrinks around the glass fibers, allowing the fibers to show through the surface of the molded article. This phenomenon is commonly termed glass print-through. It is desirable to reduce the shrinkage and improve the surface appearance (profile) of molded articles manufactured from hybrid resins.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,849, teaches reducing the shrinkage of hybrid resins by reducing both the styrene level and unsaturation level within the hybrid. Lower shrinkage is achieved by reducing the crosslink density, but this may lead to reduced thermal properties of the hybrid resin. U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,979, also describes the preparation of unsaturated polyester polyols, which can be reacted with a polyisocyanate and a polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer to produce polyurethane/vinyl copolymers. Both patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Low profile additives (LPA's) have been added to unsaturated polyester resins to control shrinkage and improve dimensional stability and surface smoothness (profile). The LPA tends to phase separate from the polyester during cure, resulting in thermoplastic domains that induce stresses within the system. These stresses lead to the formation of internal imperfections, such as microcracks and microvoids, in molded products containing the LPA. The internal imperfections are beneficial because they reduce the amount of shrinkage that occurs during cure. Typical LPA-modified polyesters may contain up to 60 weight percent styrene monomer, and typically have high levels of unsaturation (greater than 5.5 moles unsaturation per kilogram of polyol). When there is more than one mole of styrene per equivalent of unsaturation in the polyester, the product tends to have high shrinkages; however, this shrinkage is counterbalanced by the micro-imperfections developed during the phase separation of the thermoplastic from the thermoset.
Severe glass print-through occurs in the typical conventional composite hybrid molding compositions. The failure of conventional LPA technology in commercial hybrid resins has been attributed to several factors. First, low levels of unsaturation in the polyester contribute to slow reactivity of the hybrid system: fast reactivity is considered to be one of the keys to achieving effective low profiling behavior. Also, the polyurethane reaction is considered to be slower than the unsaturated polyester crosslinking reaction; consequently, hybrid reactivity was always assumed to be significantly less than that for the corresponding polyester system. Second, the hybrid resin has a high matrix toughness compared to the unsaturated (non-hybrid) polyester resins because of the polyurethane component; therefore, the hybrid resin will not form microcracks or craze as easily. This cracking is essential for reducing shrinkage in a low profile system. And third, the low profile additive is highly soluble in the isocyanate component and, thus, is less likely to phase separate and low profile during the cure. To date, there have been no reports of observing effective low profiling behavior in hybrid resins.
Typical commercial hybrids possess low levels of unsaturation in the polyester (less than 4.0 moles/Kg) which typically results in slow reactivity. High levels of unsaturation and fast reactivity are generally believed to be necessary for achieving effective phase separation of the low profile additive. The unsaturation level in a polyol can be increased by substituting an unsaturated anhydride or acid for the saturated anhydride or acid in the polyol preparation. The reactivity of the polyol can also be increased by increasing the concentration of the fumarate (trans) isomer of unsaturation compared to the maleate (cis) isomer.
We have found that urethane catalysis of low profile-modified unsaturated polyester-polyurethane hybrid compositions yields improved processability and provides improved surface appearance (profile) in molded articles that exceeds the processing and surface appearance properties offered by traditional low profile-modified, non-hybrid unsaturated polyester resin systems. This advantage offered by the urethane-catalyzed, hybrid systems is unique and unexpected since it was previously thought that hybrids could not yield effective low profiling behavior. The rate of the crosslinking reaction has been assumed to be critical for achieving the phase separation of the low profile additive. The polyurethane reaction is predominantly a chain extension (non-crosslinking) process and was assumed to prohibit the low profiling behavior in hybrid resins. We have observed, however, that accelerating the polyurethane reaction is critical for achieving molded parts with superior surface appearance properties.

Surface appearance and processing characteristics for urethane-catalyzed low profile-modified polyester-polyurethane hybrid resins


An energy harvesting system and method. An array of cantilevers with PZT films is electrically connected to an energy harvesting device that converts vibration energy to electrical energy. An AC output signal provided by the cantilevers can be rectified to a DC output, thereby avoiding impairment in total electrical output. The DC output terminals can be connected in parallel and/or in series in order to achieve a higher voltage and/or a higher current that prevents the output from different cantilevers from counteracting one another. The connection circuitry includes one or more rectifying components integrated with one or more micro-cantilevers into a single integrated circuit chip. An oscillograph can be utilized to monitor the DC output voltage signal from an associated testing circuit.

Power conservation is an important factor in many electrical systems, such as but not limited to, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) that operate according to low power requirements and low data rates. Long battery life (e.g., up to 10 years) is essential in such systems where line power is not available or if the system is mobile in nature. In many applications, however, utilizing and replacing batteries, even long-lived battery types, is impractical due to factors such as, but not limited to, hard-to-access locations, and labor and replacement battery costs. Accordingly, solutions have been sought for harvesting or extracting electrical power from the environment.
Energy harvesting devices can be utilized to collect and convert environmental energy into electric energy for supporting electrical components, devices and/or systems, thereby eliminating the need for batteries. One example of an energy harvesting device or system is a cantilever(s) with Lead-Zirconate-Titanate (PZT) film(s), which can convert vibration energy in an environment into electrical energy. Piezoelectric materials can be utilized as a means for transforming ambient vibrations into electrical energy, which can be stored and used to power other devices. With the recent surge of microscale devices, piezoelectric power generation can provide convenient alternative to traditional power sources used to operate certain types of sensors/actuators, telemetry and MEMS devices. The energy produced by these materials in many cases, however, is much too small to directly power an electrical device. Therefore, the majority of research into power harvesting has focused on techniques for accumulating the energy until a sufficient amount is present, thereby allowing the intended electronics to be powered.
One single cantilever can only function in a single frequency and produces a very limited power output. The cantilevers must be connected to a cantilever array to overcome these problems. When the cantilevers are electrically connected directly, however, the AC electrical power from different cantilevers can be counteracted as they have different phases. The connection method thus cannot achieve ideal results.
A prior art representation of a connection configuration currently used in electrical connection circuitry of an energy harvesting system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1A. The block diagram depicted in FIG. 1A shows a capacitor 101 connected in series with one or more other capacitors 107, 109 and so forth. A signal can be provided to an AC/DC converter 102 to attain a high voltage output 103. In the prior art configuration depicted in FIG. 1A, the output from different cantilevers counteract.
Another prior art connection configuration currently utilized in the electrical connection circuitry of an energy harvesting system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1B. Note that in FIGS. 1A-1B, similar or identical parts are generally indicated by identical reference numerals. Thus, a block diagram depicted in FIG. 1B illustrates capacitor 101 connected in parallel with capacitors 107, 109 and so forth. A signal can be provided to the AC/DC converter 102 to attain a high voltage output 103. In the configuration of system 100 depicted in FIG. 1B, the output from different cantilevers can also counteract.
Based on the foregoing, it is believed that a need exists for an energy harvesting device that overcomes such problems. It is believed that the system and method disclosed herein provides a solution to these problems by offering a configuration in which a DC output can be attained by rectifying an AC output from a cantilever array and DC output terminals are connected in parallel or in series to achieve a higher voltage or current output such that the output from different cantilevers cannot be counteracted.

Electrical connection of energy harvesting devices


In a TV displaying thumbnails of videos grouped by genre, genre labels are shown so that a user can conveniently move genre to genre with a single click on a remote control device.

Many modern audio/video delivery systems possess the ability to either view or electronically record and store data such as videos and television shows that are often provided by a user's television content provider or by an Internet provider through an Internet adapter connected to the TV. The user may either view the data immediately or access electronically stored data at a later time. A user may wish to view the data at a later time for a number of reasons. For instance, a user may desire to view a television show that is broadcast late at night and the user would find it more convenient to watch the show during the day. In order to browse through incoming and stored data, the user may be required to scroll through lists of the recorded videos when trying to identify the specific data the user wants to access.
Scrolling involves a selection process whereby an indicator or cursor moves from one piece of data to another (in the present context, from one video icon or thumbnail to another), highlighting a particular selection. While scrolling, if the highlighted selection is chosen the audio/visual delivery system will produce that data for viewing. As intimated above, the packages of data (e.g., videos) that a user may scroll through are often represented by thumbnail images that allow the user to identify particular data through a single image. For example, there may be a list of thumbnails representing previously aired television or Internet programs that the system has saved in its memory. The thumbnails may be scrolled through by controlling a cursor using selection keys, such as up and down arrows embodied on a remote control, until the cursor highlights the television program the user wishes to view. The user then selects this television program for viewing and the system produces the data through a television set.
Currently, a user must scroll though each thumbnail separately while browsing an entire list of thumbnails. The data represented by thumbnails are often grouped together according to certain criteria, e.g. grouped according to the genre (category) of the television program. Presently, a user wishing to view available data grouped together under one category must scroll through all preceding groups of thumbnails grouped under preceding categories. This can be time consuming and inconvenient to users who wish to skip directly to thumbnails grouped under a user-desired category. The present invention provides a method for a user to skip entire groups of thumbnails without having to browse through thumbnails associated with a different criteria first, thereby reaching the desired group of thumbnails more quickly.

System and method for scrolling through TV video icons by category


The invention relates to a method for re-crystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, in which, as a result of convenient arrangement of a plurality of heat sources, a significant acceleration of the zone melting method can be achieved. The method is based on the fact that a continuous recrystallisation of the layer is ensured as a result of overlaps being produced. According to the invention, a device is likewise provided with which the method according to the invention can be achieved. The method according to the invention is used in particular in the production of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells or for example in SOI technology. However the application likewise relates also in general to the processing of metals, plastic materials or adhesives and here in particular to the production of thin layers.

The invention relates to a method for recrystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, in which, as a result of convenient arrangement of a plurality of heat sources, a significant acceleration of the zone melting method can be achieved. The method is based on the fact that a continuous recrystallisation of the layer is ensured as a result of overlaps being produced. According to the invention, a device is likewise provided with which the method according to the invention can be achieved. The method according to the invention is used in particular in the production of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells or for example in SOI technology. However the application likewise relates also in general to the processing of metals, plastic materials or adhesives and here in particular to the production of thin layers.
The production of thin doped semiconductor layers for electronics and photovoltaics is at present implemented in the most varied of ways. In general, the aim is to produce sandwich-like layer structures comprising differently doped partial layers. Typically, a plurality of process steps is thereby used which construct the layer structures sequentially. For solar cells made of crystalline silicon, the crystal structure is of fundamental importance for the degree of effectiveness which can be achieved. The fewer the defects in the crystal, the simpler is the production of highly efficient solar cells.
The state of the art in the field of semiconductor structures are methods in which the semiconductor is recrystallised after a deposition step again via the liquid phase in order to change for example the crystal structure. Such an application is provided for example in "Silicon on Insulator" (SOI) Technology or also in the field of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells.
Crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells are being researched at present in different concepts. One of these concepts is represented by way of example in FIG. 1. For the production of a solar cell represented in FIG. 1, the manufacturing steps represented in FIG. 2 are required. The method step for recrystallisation of the layer via the liquid phase, represented in FIG. 2, can be implemented by means of various methods. One of these methods is zone melting (zone melting recrystallisation, ZMR). The nucleus layer represented in FIG. 1 is heated by a linear or linearly scanned heat source such that it melts linearly over the entire width of the substrate. This molten line, i.e. the melting zone, is drawn by a relative movement of substrate and heat source in the direction perpendicular to the melting zone in the substrate plane through the entire substrate length.
As a function of the drawing speed and the temperature gradient at the melting zone limits, crystals are produced which are extended in the drawing direction and have different dimensions. It is a typical aim of each zone melting process to produce crystals which are as large and as low in defects as possible. However in the case of using a zone melting process for photovoltaics, this aim runs counter to economical target specifications for a cost-effective process. From the point of view of economics, the throughput must be as high as possible, i.e. at least 0.1 m2/min, the high crystal quality which is possible at moderate drawing speeds being intended to be maintained simultaneously.

Method for re-crystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, a device for this purpose and use thereof

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.


An automatic water replenishing system is designed for use with multiple dye vats used for tinting eyeglass lenses, but the broad principles of the invention could apply to other systems used for replenishing individual ones of plural vats or reservoirs with water or some other liquid. A rotary water distributor rotates about an arc when it is signaled by water level sensors that the water in a particular vat is low. As the rotary distributor reaches the low reservoir, the LED carried by the distributor actuates a photo transistor adjacent the particular reservoir that needs replenishing, causing the motor to stop and the water supply solenoid valve to be actuated, filling the reservoir until a brief period of time after the level sensor indicates a full condition to the central control system.

The invention is in the field of automatic control systems of the type increasingly used in industry, and in particular pertains to a means of automatically replenishing water in a number of vats which lose water due to evaporation or any other cause. The particular system disclosed and claimed herein relates to an eyeglass lens tinting system in which a number of vats, nine in the illustrated embodiment and common in the industry, each contains a water-based dye of a different color, with one of the vats possibly containing a bleach or color neutralizing solution.
During the tinting of the eyeglass lenses, generally done by an optical company, an optician or even an optometrist with a small tinting setup in a back office, the eyeglass lenses are typically either immersed in the dye for a continuous tint throughout the surface of the lens, or reciprocated up and down to various levels to create a gradient tint.
The dye solution in these vats is maintained at a temperature just under the boiling point between 200.degree. and 210.degree. Fahrenheit. This high temperature causes a considerable evaporation rate. Because each vat requires separate replenishment according to its own needs, replenishing the water is considered a time-wasting nuisance by the technician, who generally waits until the water level has fallen 1/2" to 1", before replenishing the vats.
Because the dye solution level is so low when it is replenished, and the replenishing water is generally at about room temperature since it is usually bottled distilled or purified water, the replenishing causes a considerable temperature drop in the vat. Once the temperature has been dropped in this fashion, the technician must wait until it returns to the 200.degree. to 210.degree. Fahrenheit level before he can continue using the vat or vats in question.
Additionally, because vat dye level maintenance is currently done manually and is not automated, the dye unit in general must never be left unattended for any period of time. There is a possibility that the unit might boil over, spilling water into the expensive heat conducting fluid that circulates beneath the vats in the vat housing manifold. Additionally, should the unit be left unattended for several hours, it is possible that one or more of the vats could dry up, producing toxic vapors.
Because almost all dye units use quart-size vats, there is not adequate room for a float-type level control system of the kind used in water closets.
There is a need, therefore, for a better system to monitor the dye fluid level in each vat, refilling the vat when necessary, and alerting the operator in the event of a boil-over or flood condition, and preferably shutting both the dye unit and the replenishing system off in such an event.


A method and apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers, whereby the containers are rinsed and pre-pressurized with an inert gas in a preliminary pressurizing phase that precedes the filling phase. For the rinsing as well as the at least partial pre-pressurization, the return gas from a return gas channel is utilized. To keep the return gas as free from bacteria as possible, the containers are treated with a sterilization medium in a preliminary treatment phase that precedes the preliminary pressurizing phase. Furthermore, air and sterilization medium that are displaced in the sterilization phase and in the preliminary pressurizing phase are withdrawn to the atmosphere or to a channel that is separate from the return gas channel.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filling bottles or similar containers with liquid material using a filling element that has a liquid flow valve.
A method and associated apparatus of this general type for dispensing a liquid, especially carbonated, material under counterpressure into bottles or similar containers are known (EP-A-0 231 137). Also proposed in this known state of the art is the use of return gas from the return gas channel of the filling machine to reduce the consumption of inert gas or CO.sub.2 gas in the preliminary pressurizing phase for a rinsing and partial pre-pressurizing of the respective container. However, with this known method and apparatus, when return gas is used the desired quality and ability to store the product, especially with a material that is sensitive or easily perishable, cannot be achieved with an adequate reliability, in particular due to the possible existence of bacteria in the return gas of the return gas channel.
In principle, it is also known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,673, Clusserath, to treat the respective container with a sterilization medium prior to the preliminary pressurizing stage, whereby however this treatment serves exclusively for dispensing the liquid material in an aseptic or sterile manner, and for this purpose the respective container is accommodated in a closable bell without being in a sealing position with the filling element; initially, the interior of the bell is acted upon by the sterilization medium and then during the filling process is, among others, acted upon by the pressure of an inert gas or with sterile air. Due to the volume of the bell, a disadvantageously high consumption of inert gas or sterile air results.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a method and apparatus of the aforementioned general type in such a way that while maintaining the advantage of being able to reduce the consumption of inert gas, a high quality and long shelf life of the dispensed filling material can be achieved even where the material is sensitive.

Method and apparatus for filling containers with liquid material

Seitz Enzinger Noll Maschinenbau Aktiengesellschaft


Low VOC penetrating compositions for staining and protecting porous substrates such as wood, concrete, cement, brick and the like, comprising aqueous dispersions of polyurethane-ureas.

Finishes which are useful on porous substrates such as wood, concrete, cement, brick and the like typically fall into two broad classifications: surface coatings and penetrating finishes. Surface coatings can be very high molecular weight, can be highly crosslinked, and characteristically form a continuous film over the substrate. Varnishes and polyurethane clearcoats are typically classified as surface coatings.
Penetrating finishes, on the other hand, are designed to protect a substrate, and typically change a substrate's color, yet retain the natural textural appearance of the substrate. Penetrating pigmented stains, non-pigmented wood preservatives, and water sealants are typical examples of penetrating finishes. One key attribute of penetrating finishes is that they are designed so as not to form an appreciable surface film or coating on the wood/substrate. They are typically low in molecular weight and very small particle size. They are durable, well suited for textured, exposed surfaces such as siding, decks, steps and the like, can contain water repellants, and are easily applied. The ability to penetrate into the surface without leaving a significant or appreciable film on the surface virtually eliminates the peeling and cracking that varnishes and surface coatings experience.
Penetrating finishes can be further subdivided as clear systems or colored systems. The clear systems typically contain a water repellant. When applied to a wood or porous substrate, these compositions serve to protect the substrate from moisture. In addition to their protective characteristics, the colored systems are designed to change the color of the wood or porous surface without hiding the grain or texture of the substrate.
This invention is directed to penetrating finishes, particularly, penetrating stains and water sealants. In the past, commercial architectural penetrating stains and water sealants have been formulated from oil-based compositions. Many commercially available wood stains still utilize pure linseed oil. Oil-based compositions are relatively inexpensive and provide good spreading characteristics. However, such stains typically lack good abrasion resistance and good drying characteristics. They are, furthermore, typically very high in volatile organic compounds content (VOC).
With the advent of environmental laws and regulations controlling the maximum amounts of VOC permitted in paints, coatings, stains, sealants and the like, numerous attempts have been made in the prior art to formulate penetrating stains which comply with the VOC requirements.
For example, European Patent Application 0 314 378 Al to Adkins discloses a waterborne alkyd deck stain containing a medium-long oil length water-reducible alkyd resin solubilized in water with the use of propylene glycol tertiary butyl ether as a coupling solvent. Adkins claims to have low VOC, good resistance to water, durability to abrasion and the like.
Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,329 to Vasishth et al. discloses a composition for treating and protecting wood surfaces comprising a low molecular weight alkyd resin in a cosolvent of water and glycol ether.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,797 to Vasishth et al. discloses a water based thickened stain containing a film forming resin, pigment, thickener and water. The resin is taught to be either an alkyd, a water based acrylic or a water solution of a modified polysaccharide polymer.
UK Patent Application 2 215 732 A to Timperley discloses a water based wood staining composition comprising a water soluble acrylic resin and a pigment.
UK Patent 1 589 605 to Gorivaerk disclose a method of preparing a penetrating wood stain of a suspension of finely divided solids in an oil-in-water emulsion.

Penetrating stains and sealants from polyurethane dispensions


Item of furniture, such as an easy chair, chair or table comprised of an underframe and a support designed to rest on the underframe. The underframe is made up of at least three crosspieces which are formed of jointed struts and whose ends are connected to one another, with two ends to each connection. Each connection is via an elastic, deformable sleeve of unitary construction, with the lower sleeves resting on the ground and part of the upper sleeve assembly holding the support.

The invention concerns a new type of furniture, such as chair, easy chair or table, of the type having an underframe made up of jointed cross-pieces, which holds a support that forms a back or table top. For a long time, easy chairs known as AA have been known that are made up of four flat rigid tubular cross-pieces, rounded off at the ends, on which there is a piece of cloth forming the back and seat. Even though widely used, this type of chair has the disadvantage that it can not be folded, but can only be disassembled.
It was then proposed that on each of the ends of the cross-pieces, straps or mechanical hinges be fitted that are joined to each other. This arrangement, which is complicated on the mechanical plane, is costly and besides, makes the operation of folding or unfolding difficult. In addition, the straps or hinges continuously rub on the ground, which digs it up (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,410).

Furniture, such as chair, easy chair or table having an underframe made up of jointed cross-pieces, which holds a support


A method of determining failure of a CBS.

Electronic shelf label (ESL) systems typically include a plurality of electronic displays, at least one for each item in a store. The electronic displays are coupled to a central server from where prices for all of the displays can be changed. In wireless ESL systems, the server may be coupled to communication base stations (CBSs) that wireless communicate with the ESLs.
If a CBS stops working, it may be days before anybody notices. Failure may be difficult to detect. Remote support personnel may be able to connect to the CBS and get basic diagnostic information, but in order to verify that the CBS can truly communicate with an ESL, support personnel must either call the customer or dispatch a field engineer to physically bring an ESL close to the CBS. This is slow, inconvenient, and costly.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method of determining failure of a CBS.

Method of determining failure of a communication base station


A graphics controller chip has an integrated graphics memory. A wide data interface is provided to a RAM array storing graphics pixel data in the graphics memory. The wide data interface provides 256 bits of data during normal writes, but in a block-write mode the wide data interface is split into two sections. One section contains 128 bits of data, while a second section contains 128 mask bits. The data is replicated to eight half-width columns in the RAM array, while the mask bits disable writing some of the data to the RAM. Separate byte-mask bits can be provided for disabling bytes during normal mode writes, but these byte-mask bits cause multiple copies of the data to be disabled. Thus the mask bits in the second section are more useful as they can disable any individual byte in any of the eight columns. A block write of 64 2-byte pixels can be performed in a single step, as no color-data register and no mask register is needed. The 128 bits of data provide an 8-pixel data pattern which is copied to eight columns. The 8-pixel data pattern provides a complex 8-color pattern for background fills behind foreground graphics data.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to graphics memories, and more particularly to video memories with block-write operations using a wide interface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphics systems use graphics or video memory to store display information. The display information is commonly stored as a bit-map of the lines of pixels displayed on a display screen, or as textual characters which index a character bit-map to convert the characters to pixels. The video memory stores all of the pixels in display frame, and these pixels are sequentially fetched to refresh a display screen, such as a cathode-ray-tube (CRT) or a flat-panel display.
The host processor, which executes user programs and the operating system, updates the displayed image by writing new pixels to the video memory. Many parts of the screen display the same color without any foreground features. For example, a window may have a large amount of white space, while a desktop background may be a featureless blue color. Moving the window causes the host processor to update the bit-map of the screen in the video memory by writing new pixels to the video memory. Since large parts of the screen are of the same color, many of the pixels written to the video memory are identical. The data values written from the host processor to the video memory are likewise identical for these identical pixels.
Specialized memory chips are available which exploit the fact that many identical pixels are written to the video memory during host updates. A block-write mode allows the data or pixel to be written once to the memory chip, and then copied by the chip to multiple locations in the memory. Thus the host processor does not have to write each pixel location on the screen, but can write larger blocks of identical pixels at the same time using a block write operation.
8-BIT BLOCK-WRITE--FIG. 1
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a prior-art graphics memory with an 8-bit block-write register. An example of such a graphics memory chip with a block-write mode is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,606 to Bowen et al. for "Blocked Flash Write in Dynamic RAM Devices" assigned to IBM Corp. of Armonk, N.Y. An 8-bit data bus (DQ) 20 receives an 8-bit data value representing a pixel from the host processor. Special mode pins on the chip are activated so that the data from data bus 20 is written to color register 16 rather than to RAM array 10. Mask register 14 may likewise be written by the host using data bus 20. A mask written into mask register 14 is used by mask logic 18 to prevent some of the bits from being written. For example, setting the mask bits 6, 7 in mask register 14 prevents bits 6 and 7 of the pixel data in color register 16 from being written to RAM array 10. Masking is useful when only a portion of the pixel is changed, and at the edges of a block being written.
The un-masked bits of pixel data from color register 16 are then written to multiple locations in RAM array 10 when a block-write pin on the chip is activated, or some other sequence or combination of signals is asserted. Column drivers 12 replicate the pixel data from color register 16 to eight columns of 8-bits each in RAM array 10. While all 8 columns could be written at one time, some of the columns may be disabled by driving a zero onto the corresponding bit of data bus 20. Driving a one onto a data bit of data bus 20 enables writing to a column. Thus data bus 20 acts as a column select or enable bus during block write, enabling or disabling some of the columns of column drivers 12. The bit masked is specified on data bus 20 at the trailing edge of the row-address strobe (RAS) when write-enable (WE) is active. Mask logic 18 may also be integrated with column drivers 12 to disable driving masked bits.
A block write can write up to 8 columns of 8-bits per column, a total of 64 bits. For a typical pixel, 16 bits are used for each pixel, although older 8-bit pixels are still used for some graphics resolutions. Thus the 64 bits written during a block write are only 64/16=4 pixels. Since color register 16 is only 8 bits wide, each block of 16-bit pixels require two loads of color register 16 and two block writes.
FOUR STEPS TO BLOCK-WRITE PIXELS WITH 8-BIT COLOR REGISTER
FIG. 2 highlights that at least four steps are needed to block-write 16-bit pixels using an 8-bit color register. A 16-bit pixel has a first 8-bit half X1 and a second 8-bit half X2, so that the whole 16-bit pixel is represented by X1:X2. The first step is to write the first half of the pixel, X1, to the 8-bit color register 16 of FIG. 1. A block write is performed in the second step, where X1 from the color register is written to 3 of the 8 columns by setting data bus 20 to 10101000. Five of the columns are not written. The last two columns are not written because a foreground image has already been written to the pixel in the last two column. The background color fill only writes the three pixels in columns 1-6.
Since only 8 bits of the 16-bit pixel may be loaded into the 8-bit color register, the second half of the pixel, X2, is written to the color register in step 3. Then in step 4 the second half of the pixel is block-written to columns 2, 4, 6 by setting data bus 20 to 01010100. This 4-step procedure wrote 3 full pixels using block-write, which is more efficient than the 6 steps requires to randomly write the 3 16-bit pixels using an 8-bit data bus. When the mask register is also used, then an additional step is needed to load the mask register.
FIG. 3 highlights that each block-write operation in general requires three steps: one step to load the pixel data into the color register, a second step to load the mask value into the mask register, and a third step to write the pixel data to multiple columns in RAM array 10. In step 1, the pixel data is written to color register 16 over data bus 20. In step 2, the mask value is written to mask register 14 over data bus 20. In step 3, the pixel data from color register 16 is optionally masked by mask logic 18, and then input to column drivers 12. Column-enable signals are input on data bus 20 to enable some or all of the 8 columns by enabling column drivers 12.
FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating the three steps required to use block write in the graphics memory chip of FIG. 1. In step 1, during time period 22, data bus 20 (DQ) transmits the pixel or color data to the color register where it is stored for a subsequent block-write. RAM array 10 is idle since the data is written to the color register external to the RAM array. In step 2, during time period 23, data bus 20 (DQ) transmits the mask value to the mask register where it is stored for a subsequent block-write. RAM array 10 is again idle since the data is written to the mask register external to the RAM array. In step 3, during time period 24, the pixel data from the color register is masked and replicated by the column drivers and written to multiple locations in the RAM array, which is active. The data bus is used for the column-enable signals rather than for data. When the same pixel is written to many locations, the first step can be skipped for later block writes using the same pixel data, improving efficiency somewhat.
32-BIT COLOR REGISTER--FIG. 5
The limited size of the block write of FIGS. 1-2 can be improved by a wider color register. The MT41LC256K32D4 synchronous graphics RAM (SGRAM) chip by Micron Technology of Boise, Id. is an example of a 32-bit graphics memory chip. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a graphics memory chip with a 32-bit color register. Data bus 20' is 32-bits wide, and writes a 32-bit mask to mask register 14' or 32 bits of pixels data to color register 16'. During the second step, when the pixel data from color register 16' is written to RAM array 10', the 32 data bus 20' lines act as 32 byte-enables for the eight 4-byte columns driven by column drivers 12'. Four byte-enables 21 (DQM) are also provided to disable bytes during normal writes.
The 32-bit color register can hold two 16-bit pixels, and a block-write operation writes up to eight 32-bit columns, or 256 bits. This is equivalent to 16 pixels in a single block-write operation. However, the wider interface requires more pins on the chip and a more expensive package than the 8-bit color register.
FIG. 6 illustrates block write using a 32-bit color and mask registers. The 32-bit color register holds two complete 16-bit pixels, X, Y, while the 32-bit mask register contains a 32-bit mask value. In step 1, pixels X and Y are loaded into the color register. During step 2, the mask value is written to the mask register. In step 3, these pixels are masked and written to multiple locations in the RAM array as a block write. FIG. 6 shows that one pixel 26 is disabled by de-asserting the corresponding column/byte select signal on data bus 20'.
The 32-bit color register can hold two different pixels. While both pixels can be the same color when a solid color fill is desired, more complex backgrounds are common today. These complex backgrounds use multiple colors or shades of color to display a complex background pattern, such as a multi-colored wallpaper on a Windows-based PC. Simply extending the size of the color register to accommodate more pixels is problematic since the data bus also increases in size, and the number of pins on a memory chip is limited. It is therefore desired to perform complex pattern fills rather than simple one- or two-color fills. It is desired to integrate the graphics memory onto the same die as the graphics controller to reduce the number of pins required.
While block-write functions are useful, a more efficient block-write operation is desired. It is desired to perform block write in a single step without first loading a color or a mask register.

Multiplexed wide interface to SGRAM on a graphics controller for complex-pattern fills without color and mask registers


Provided is a refrigerating machine oil which comprises an ester between a polyol consisting of at least one of pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol represented by formula (I) and 2-propylheptanoic acid, and is characterized in that the refrigerating machine oil can be used in combination with a refrigerant consisting of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze). When the refrigerating machine oil is used in combination with a refrigerant consisting of HFO-1234ze, excellent miscibility with the refrigerant, lubricity, thermal and chemical stability and the like can be achieved.

Recently, hydrofluorocarbon(s) (HFC), which has zero ozone-depletion potential, has been used as a refrigerant for a refrigerating machine and the like. However, HFC has high global-warming potential (GWP), and hence has been required to be replaced with a refrigerant with low GWP. A fluoropropene refrigerant, HFO-1234ze, has been considered as one of the candidates (Patent Literature 1).
A refrigerant-circulation cycle of a refrigerating machine or the like generally has a structure in which a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating a refrigerant compressor is circulated together with a refrigerant in the cycle. For this reason, a refrigerating machine oil is required to have miscibility with the refrigerant (refrigerant miscibility). In addition, since the refrigerating machine oil is used to lubricate the operational parts of a refrigerating machine, the lubricity is, of course, important. When phase separation of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil occurs, the refrigerating machine oil discharged from the refrigerant compressor tends to build up in the cycle. As a result, problems such as a lubrication failure due to decrease in amount of the refrigerating machine oil in the refrigerant compressor and clogging of an expansion mechanism such as a capillary may occur (Patent Literatures 2 and 3).
On the other hand, when a refrigerating machine oil has a good miscibility with a refrigerant, the refrigerant is dissolved in the refrigerating machine oil in a refrigerant-circulation cycle, so that the viscosity (refrigerant solution viscosity) of a fluid composition which is a mixture of the refrigerating machine oil and the refrigerant decreases, making it difficult to retain the oil film necessary for the lubrication. For this reason, a problem of lubrication failure may arise. Especially, since a refrigerant consisting of HFO-1234ze (hereinafter, referred to as "HFO-1234ze refrigerant") has an extremely high miscibility with a refrigerating machine oil, the decrease in the refrigerant solution viscosity is remarkable. Note that it is possible to increase the viscosity of the refrigerating machine oil as a method for improving the lubricity. However, this is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy-saving (Patent Literature 4).
In addition, a refrigerating machine oil is required to have a high thermal and chemical stability enough to be used for a long period in the presence of a refrigerant. The HFO-1234ze refrigerant, which has an unsaturated bond, undergoes oxidative decomposition to generate an acid, and further the generated acid promotes hydrolysis of the refrigerating machine oil. For this reason, thermal and chemical stability of the refrigerating machine oil in a state where air or water is contained is especially important.
Each of Patent Literatures 1 and 5 discloses a refrigerating machine oil comprising an ester of a polyol and a fatty acid having 5 to 9 carbon atoms used in combination with a refrigerant containing HFO-1234ze. However, none of Patent Literatures 1 and 5 describe or suggest specific miscibility with the HFO-1234ze refrigerant, lubricity, or thermal and chemical stability.
Patent Literature 4 describes a refrigerating machine oil comprising an ester between pentaerythritol and a fatty acid B in which the ratio of branched fatty acids having 10 to 13 carbon atoms is 98.0% by mole. However, Patent Literature 4 does not disclose specific components of the branched fatty acids having 10 to 13 carbon atoms constituting the ester. In addition, Patent Literature 4 neither describes nor suggests specific miscibility with the HFO-1234ze refrigerant, thermal and chemical stability, lubricity, or the like.
Patent Literature 6 describes a tetraester between 2-propylheptanoic acid and pentaerythritol as a lubricant base stock for an automotive, an aeronautic or the like engine or turbine. However, Patent Literature 6 neither describes nor suggests the miscibility with refrigerant, the lubricity, or the thermal and chemical stability of the ester in the presence of the HFO-1234ze refrigerant.

Refrigerating machine oil, and working fluid composition for refrigerating machine which is produced using same


Image data is reproduced from a recording medium where moving-image data and still-image data are recorded, and the reproduced image data is stored in a memory. The memory can store still-image data for a plurality of different picture frames, and selectively reads the still-image data for the plurality of picture frames stored in the memory.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing image data, and more particularly, to an operation of reproducing a still image from a recording medium in which moving images and still images are recorded.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital VCR""s (video cassette recorders) for recording video data and audio data on a magnetic tape in the form of digital data and reproducing these data from the magnetic tape, have been known as apparatuses of these kinds.
Since such digital VCR""s can record and reproduce images having higher quality than the image quality obtained by conventional analog VCR""s, it is intended to provide a digital VCR with a function of recording and reproducing still images in addition to the ordinary function of recording and reproducing moving images.
That is, when recording image data as data representing a still image, recording of a still image can be performed by recording the same photographed image data (one frame) repeatedly for a period of a plurality of frames.
When recording moving images and still images mixed together in the above-described manner, discrete portions (frames) of still-image data are present between bodies of moving-image data.
When it is intended to reproduce only still images recorded between moving images, it is necessary to perform an operation of retrieving only still-image data by skipping recorded moving-image data. Accordingly, when the user instructs to reproduce the next still image after reproducing a given still image, the user is kept waiting while the next still image is retrieved. Hence, optimum operability is not realized when reproducing a still image.
It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-described problems.
It is another object of the present invention to improve operability when reproducing a still image.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide the capability of effectively utilizing a memory.
According to one aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to a reproducing apparatus including a reproducing unit for reproducing image data from a recording medium where moving-image data and still-image data are recorded, a storage unit for storing still-image data for a plurality of different picture frames reproduced by the reproducing unit, and a memory control unit for selectively reading the still-image data for the plurality of picture frames stored in the storage unit.
According to another aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to a reproducing apparatus including a reproducing unit for reproducing image data of a first format from a recording medium, a first storage unit for storing the image data of the first format reproduced by the reproducing unit, a processing unit for obtaining image data of a second format by performing processing for the image data of the first format stored in the first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a mode setting unit for setting a mode of the apparatus from among a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include an ordinary mode in which the first storage unit stores the image data of the first format reproduced by the reproducing unit, and the second storage unit stores the image data of the second format obtained by the processing unit, and a special mode in which the first storage unit and the second storage unit store the image data of the first format reproduced by the reproducing unit.
According to still another aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to a reproducing apparatus including a reproducing unit for reproducing image data from a recording medium where moving-image data and still-image data are recorded, a storage unit for storing the image data reproduced by the reproducing unit, and a mode setting unit for setting a mode of the apparatus from among a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes include a moving-image reproducing mode in which the reproducing unit reproduces the moving-image data and the storage unit stores the moving-image data for n picture frames (n being an integer equal to or greater than 2), and a still-image reproducing mode in which the reproducing unit reproduces the still-image data, and the storage unit stores the still-image data for m (m greater than n) picture frames.
According to still another aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to a data processing apparatus including a storage unit for storing first image data of a first format and second image data of a second format different from the first format, and a control unit for changing a storage area for the first image data in the storage unit in accordance with a mode of the apparatus.
According to still another aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to a reproducing apparatus including a reproducing unit for reproducing encoded image data from a storage medium where moving-image data and still-image data are recorded, a storage unit for storing the encoded image data reproduced by the reproducing unit, and a decoding unit for decoding the encoded image data stored in the storage unit. The storage unit also stores the decoded image data. The apparatus also includes a control unit for changing a storage area for the encoded image data in the storage unit in accordance with a mode of the apparatus.
According to still another aspect, the present invention which achieves these objectives relates to an apparatus for reproducing encoded image data from a recording medium where still-image data for a plurality of different picture frames are recorded together with moving-image data, and for storing the reproduced encoded image data in a memory. The apparatus has a still-image reproducing mode of automatically detecting and reproducing the still-image data for the plurality of picture frames recorded on the recording medium by controlling an operation of feeding the recording medium, and storing the reproduced still-image data for the plurality of picture frames in the memory.
The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Recording and reproduction of mixed moving and still images


In various implementations, a raceway may be provided that is capable of providing power and/or data connectivity to items (e.g., devices, articles of furniture, etc.) coupled to the raceway. The raceway may be low profile. The raceway may be disposed on floor and/or under floor. The raceway may include an integrated power housing. The raceway may include segments that are selected, as desired for an application configuration, and that are coupleable to each other or other components of the raceway (e.g., nodes, joints, etc.). The housing of component(s) of the raceway may include a base and wall(s) with at least curved section and at least one straight section.

Power and communications capabilities can be provided to a location (e.g., desks, conference tables, televisions, etc.) in a structure by modifying and/or providing new electrical and communication wiring. Often providing new wiring or modifying existing wiring to a location may include coring through concrete flooring, creating openings in walls, and/or otherwise making modifications to the structure. Furthermore, electricians and/or specialty contractors may be required to rewire, gain access points, and/or fix walls and/or floors. In addition, as needs change, the wiring may need to be adjusted to accommodate wiring location layout changes, new types of data connectivity, and/or the need for additional connectivity. These changes may include making further modifications to the structure. Some power tracks, such as extension cords and other power tracks can provide power to locations away from a wall or a floor outlet. These power tracks can cause trip hazards when positioned on and/or under flooring due to the large heights and differences in heights; and, they are inflexible since an electrician must still hardwired receptacles at desired points in the power track. There exists a need for raceways that are flexible, allow modifications to power and communication capabilities, and do not cause trip hazards.

Modular low profile raceway to provide power and/or data connectivity


By arranging a Schottky diode so that it is sensitive to grazing light only in the back-bias mode, a switching element is obtained which, when used in, for example an active matrix LCD display, has a current-voltage characteristic which is comparable to that of a zener diode and can be driven in a reset mode.

The invention relates to an active matrix display device comprising an electro-optical display medium between two supporting plates, a system of pixels arranged in rows and columns, with each pixel being formed by picture electrodes provided on the facing surfaces of the supporting plates, and a system of row and column electrodes for presenting selection and data signals by means of which a range of voltages dependent on the electro-optical display medium can be presented across the pixels for the purpose of picture display, said device comprising means for applying, prior to selection, an auxiliary voltage across the pixels, which auxiliary voltage is beyond or on the edge of the voltage range to be used for picture display.
A display device of this type is suitable for displaying alphanumerical information and video information.
Such a display device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,831 issued Jul. 16, 1991 filed by the Applicant. In this display device, asymmetrical non-linear switching elements are used for applying voltages across the pixel. In one of the embodiments shown, both the picture display voltage and said auxiliary voltage are presented by means of a zener diode, which is operated in the breakdown mode for presenting the auxiliary voltage.
The technologies which are used for realizing active matrices of switching elements for liquid crystal devices (amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon technology) are, however, generally less suitable for realizing zener diodes with a reproducible current-voltage characteristic in the forward direction. Moreover, the light sensitivity, particularly of amorphous silicon, is found to be detrimental.

Active matrix display device with Schottky contact switching elements


A synchronizer ring comprises a ring body having a sliding portion, and a directly spray-coated wear-resistant film formed on a surface of the sliding portion. The film is made of a wear-resistant brass alloy which comprises Cu, Zn and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Mn, Fe, Ni, Si, Co, Cr, Ti, Nb, V, Zr and Mo. The spray-coated film exhibits good wear resistance and good bonding strength.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a synchronizer ring which is adapted for use in transmissions of vehicles which require high torques.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As is known in the art, synchronizer rings have been usually fabricated using only a wear-resistant copper alloy. With the transmissions of vehicles, such as large-sized vehicles or sport cars, which need high power and high torque, the synchronizer ring has been fabricated wherein a synchronizer ring body is made of an iron material and a wear-resistant film or layer is formed on the surface of a sliding portion of the ring body. By this, a high wear resistance is imparted to the sliding portion of the synchronizer ring. This has been realized in the following manner.
1. Mo which is known to have a high wear resistance is spray-coated at a sliding portion. PA1 2. A mixture of a wear-resistant aluminum alloy and Mo is spray-coated at a sliding portion. PA1 3. A wear-resistant part is bonded to a sliding portion mechanically or by welding.
The Mo spray-coating procedure has been widely performed at present for application to large-sized vehicles. However, Mo is very expensive, resulting in the high production costs of the ring article.
The spray-coating of a mixture of a wear-resistant aluminum alloy and Mo has now been used in some synchronizer rings. This is because Si contained in the wear-resistant aluminum alloy is liable to impede wettability with a matrix body on spray-coating, thereby lowering the bonding strength of the coated film. In fact, limitation is placed on the applications except for large-sized vehicles.
With wear-resistant parts being bonded mechanically or by welding, a wear-resistant part has a sliding surface shaped in the form of a ring and inserted into a synchronizer ring body. Thereafter, the part may be fixed with a pin. Alternatively, the part may be subjected to a complicated procedure of the combination of shrink fitting, cold fitting and electron beam welding. Thus, the fabrication becomes very complicated. In addition, an increasing number of parts are essential with an additional number of assembling steps, thus leading to an inconvenience from the standpoint of production costs.

Syncronizer ring having a spray-coated film of a wear-resistant brass material


A document rack is provided to comprises a front wall 4 formed with at least one opening 7, a back wall 5 formed with at least one notch 5a, and a bottom wall 6 for connecting lower ends of front and back walls 4, 5 to structurally constitute a housing 3. A front portion 2 of a document validator 1 may be arranged in inner chamber 10 through notch 5a of back wall 5 so that users can easily take out documents in a lump from a pocket 13 of the document rack for reuse of documents because pocket 13 may receive and retain documents dispensed from document validator 1 to prevent scatter and contamination of the discharged documents.

The present invention comprises a document rack attached to a fore or front side of a document validator to receive and retain documents discharged from the document validator.
Typically, automated bill handling machines such as vending machines, ticket machines and bill exchangers today utilize a bill validator that has its functions to discriminate authenticity of bills slipped into an inlet of the validator, to stow the bills considered genuine into a stacker provided in the validator and to return to the inlet the bills considered counterfeit. When the bill is returned to the inlet, it is kept at the inlet with the bill whose leading edge partly projects outward from the inlet to allow users to thoroughly draw the bill out of the inlet, otherwise the bill is wholly discharged from the inlet on a tray provided in front of and adjacent to the inlet of the vending machine.
Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 2002-99943 by I. Amari et al. discloses a currency handling apparatus that comprises a casing formed at the upper portion with an inlet for receiving bills within the casing and an outlet for discharging bills from the casing, a deposits/withdrawals unit disposed at the upper portion within the casing, a base unit disposed at the lower portion within the casing, and a plurality of intermediate units disposed between the deposits/withdrawals and base units. The deposits/withdrawals unit comprises an introduction mechanism provided with a validator for introducing bills from an insertion opening at the inlet into the validator to discriminate denomination of the bills, a discharge mechanism for carrying bills to a payout opening at the outlet, and a first conveyor mechanism of forward/reverse drive selectively connected through a first switch device to the introduction or discharge mechanism to convey bills along a passageway. The base unit comprises a first stacker, a second conveyor mechanism of forward/reverse drive for carrying bills toward and away from the first stacker, and a first take-in/take-out mechanism of forward/reverse drive for receiving and removing bills between the first stacker and second conveyor mechanism. Each of the intermediate units comprises a second stacker, a third conveyor mechanism of forward/reverse drive for carrying bills toward and away from the second stacker, a second take-in/take-out mechanism of forward/reverse drive for receiving and removing bills between the second stacker and third conveyor mechanism, and a second switch device for switching the conveyance direction between the third conveyor mechanism and second take-in/take-out mechanism.
Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 2004-224476 by A. Isobe, et al. demonstrates a document handler that comprises a conveyor for transporting along a passageway a bill inserted from an inlet, a discriminator for discriminating the bill moved by the conveyor, a refuge area connected to the passageway for receiving the bill out of a detectable position by the discriminator, and a conveyance controller for controlling the drive of the conveyor to deliver to the refuge area the bill considered false and to return the bill from the refuge area to the detectable position by the discriminator for revalidation of the bill's authenticity.
Japanese Patent Disclosure No. 2003-242553 by S. Murai, et al. exhibits a bill handler that comprises an inlet assembly attached to a front side of a handler casing, a frame attached to the front side of the handler casing to surround the inlet assembly, and a front cover attached to the front side of the handler casing to cover and guard the inlet assembly and frame.
Japanese Utility Model Disclosure No. 4-12075 by A. Tomie represents a device for throwing bills into a vending machine that comprises a door provided at the front of the vending machine, a bill slot formed at an opening on the door, a cover for opening and closing the bill slot, a bill validator disposed within the door, a bill guide provided between the bill slot and bill validator, and a spring disposed between the bill guide and a damper supported by the bill slot.
Bill validators shown in these prior art documents are disadvantageous because none of them can collectively retain bills discharged from the validators while preventing scatter of the discharged bills.
An object of the present invention is to provide a document rack for receiving and retaining documents discharged from a document validator to prevent scatter of the discharged documents and their contamination resulted from the scattering. Another object of the present invention is to provide a document rack that may be detachably attached to prior art document validators. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a document rack for collectively receiving and retaining valuable documents considered genuine and yet reusable by and dispensed from a document validator.