A toy storage cover for a portable play yard includes four outer panels shaped to surround the outer walls of the play yard attached at their top edges to four inner panels shaped to line the play yard. A floor panel joins the inner panels and is secured to the floor of the play yard by a mattress pad shaped to fit within the inner panels above the floor of the play yard. A series of pockets are attached to the outer panels of the cover. The pockets have smaller pockets within them or on their outer surfaces. Tie-down straps, fitted foot pockets or attachments through the play yard walls are used to secure the cover to the play yard. The toy storage cover may be adapted to play yards of various designs, cribs or other open topped containers.

Various types of storage systems and devices have been developed for organizing and storing children's toys. U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,264 issued to Crane discloses a child's play table having a reversible top providing a smooth surface on one side and a modular building block system on the other. Attached beneath the reversible surface are one or more toy storage compartments or drawers.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,688 issued to Jones et al., describes a storage case for toy vehicles, simulating the appearance of an automobile steering wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,197, issued to Meyer et al. illustrates a toy storage apparatus having a decorative face designed to appear as an animated creature and having a large internal cavity.
A foot pedal opens the creature's mouth for the introduction or removal of the child's toys. U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,455 issued to Silvey discloses a toy chest of animal form mounted on casters. The chest includes a mechanism that when operated by the child to open the chest will produce sounds and animated movements of features of the chest. These features are designed to encourage the child to clean up his or her room.
While other variations exist, the above-described designs for toy storage devices are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide for an alternative use for a child's play yard when no longer needed to confine a small child. It is a further objective to provide for storage of both large and small toys and similar objects while making maximum use of the external surfaces of the play yard. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide the above-described capabilities in an inexpensive and durable storage system that can be easily removed from the play yard, washed, and easily reinstalled. It is yet a further objective to provide a means to secure the storage system to the play yard to prevent shifting once toys are stored in the system.
While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

Toy storage cover for portable play yards, cribs and containers


A golf club measuring system is designed to dynamically measure physical values of a golf club shaft during its swinging motion. A sensor wiring substrate includes a flexible board (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate material), a connector, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of wires. A plurality of sensors is connected to the sensor wiring substrate via a plurality of couplers. The sensor wiring substrate is helically wound about the golf club shaft such that the flexible board is slightly warped and closely attached to the curved surface of a golf club shaft, thus reducing air resistance occurring on the golf club shaft being swung. An external device (e.g. a strain measuring device) is connected to the connector of the sensor wiring substrate so as to receive signals representing physical values (e.g. strain values), occurring on the golf club shaft being swung, from a plurality of sensors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club measuring system and a golf club measuring method, each of which is able to measure physical values such as strain and torsion occurring in golf club shafts.
The present application claims priority on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-168310, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, manufacturers and dealers of golf produces have been assessing golf clubs by use of sensors attached to golf club shafts, thus measuring physical values such as strain and torsion occurring on golf club shafts. Physical values can be measured using measuring instruments by imparting a certain load to golf clubs which are fixed in position. However, it is preferable that physical values be measured with golf clubs actually being swung in order to obtain good assessment on impacts on players' swinging motions of golf club shafts or properties of golf balls being struck with golf club heads.
Various methods for assessment, analysis, and optimum selection of golf clubs have been disclosed in patent literatures (PLT) 1 to 11. PLT 1 disclosed an assessment method of dynamic behavior of a golf club shaft, wherein strain gauges are attached to two points arbitrarily selected on a golf club shaft so as to measure strain occurring between two points of a golf club shaft during the swinging motion of a golf club shaft. PLT 2 disclosed a shaft selection method for a golf club optimum to each golfer, wherein it teaches a method for selecting a golf club shaft demonstrating the ideal deflection/bending behavior and the rigidity distribution optimum to each golfer. PLT 3 disclosed a selection system of an optimum golf club shaft, wherein it teaches a method for selecting a golf club shaft demonstrating the optimum head-moving speed based on the analysis result regarding the deformation behavior of each golf club shaft. PLT 4 disclosed a golf club selection method that selects a golf club based on the measurement result of gyro-sensor units measuring the movement of hands or other body parts of each golfer swinging his/her golf club. PLT 5 disclosed a golf club shaft selection method that selects a golf club shaft whose property matches each golfer's physical feature and profile considering the head-moving speed, the swing tempo, and the ideal trajectory of a golf ball. PLT 6 disclosed a golf club information providing system that manages the relationship between the registered clients and the specifications of golf clubs matching with the clients' swinging motions, thus improving the efficiency in selecting golf clubs for clients. PLT 7 disclosed a golf club shaft selection method that selects a golf club shaft based on the measurement result of the head-moving speed and the swing tempo for each golfer with reference to the predetermined chart describing weights and behaviors of golf club shafts. PLT 8 disclosed a golfer classification method that classifies golfers based on the measurement result of physical values representing golfers' features determined by golf swing computation simulating golf club models based on three-dimensional time-series data relating to motions of golfers' hands holding grips of golf clubs, thus selecting optimum golf clubs for golfers. PLT 9 disclosed a golfer classification method, which teaches a modified technology of PLT 8 with additionally implementing head-moving speed computation. PLT 10 disclosed a golf club selection method that selects an optimum combination of a head and a shaft constituting a golf club based on the measurement result of the behavior of each golf club, which can be physically separated into a head and a shaft, before and after the striking of a golf ball with a golf club. PLT 11 disclosed a golf club shaft selection system that offers a recommended golf club shaft considering its bending point which is presumed based on the measured values of strain gauges attached to each golf club shaft.
Generally speaking, a few grams of weight attached to a head may cause a significant impact on the behavior of a golf club shaft being swung. In the foregoing measuring method, strain gauges attached to a golf club shaft are electrically connected to a strain measuring device via a wiring cable, whereby a golf club shaft may undergo variable behavior due to the weight of a wiring cable. Additionally, a golf club shaft may undergo variable behavior due to physical force applied to a wiring cable which moves in the air against the air resistance together with a golf club being swung. Therefore, the foregoing measurement method using a wiring cable may measure uncertain physical values on a golf club shaft undergoing variable behavior.

Golf club measuring system and golf club measuring method


Defects in element forming regions on which memory cells of a non-volatile memory are formed are to be diminished to reduce leakage current. End portions of element forming regions with non-volatile memory cells formed thereon are extended a length D by utilizing the region which underlies a dummy conductive film, whereby a stress induced from an insulating film which surrounds the element forming regions is concentrated on the extended region. As a result, defects do not extend up to the regions where memory cells are formed and therefore it is possible to reduce leakage current in the memory cells.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method of manufacturing the same. Particularly, the present invention is concerned with a technique applicable effectively to a semiconductor integrated circuit device in which elongated element forming regions are formed side by side.
A semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises elements and wiring lines formed on main surfaces of element forming regions (active) each defined by an insulating film. For example, the element forming regions are isolated from each other by an element isolation region. The element isolation region is formed for example by an element isolating film. For example, the element isolating film is formed with use of STI (Shallow Trench Isolation) technique. According to this STI technique, an insulating film such as silicon oxide film is deposited on a trench formed in a semiconductor substrate, then the silicon oxide film present outside the trench is removed, for example, by CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing), allowing the silicon oxide film to be buried in the interior of the trench, and the trench with the silicon oxide film thus buried therein is used for the isolation between elements.
For example, a memory LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) is formed on each of elongated element forming regions arranged side by side at a certain pitch.
With microstructurization and high integration of memory cell, there is a tendency that such element forming regions become smaller in width and are arranged at a narrower pitch.
As to a flash memory of NOR type with a drain contact formed using what is called SAC (Self-Aligned Contact) technique for coping with the tendency to microstructurization of memory cell, it is described, for example, in IEDM (International Electron Devices Meeting), 1998, pp.979-982, "A Novel 4.6F2NOR Cell Technology With Lightly Doped Source (LDS) Junction For High Density Flash Memories."

Semiconductor device with reduced memory leakage current


A diathermy apparatus has a power circuit operative at a selected, fixed frequency. An applicator head, for providing therapeutic treatment, has an irradiating portion. A transmission line connects the power circuit and applicator head, and is of a length so that, at the frequency, a selected minimum power is delivered to the applicator head when unloaded, the length further being such that a selected maximum amount of power is delivered to the applicator head when it is in a loaded position in close proximity to a patient load. The diathermy apparatus also includes a cabinet and portable base, wherein the portable base mounts the applicator head, and provides a carriage for the cabinet. The applicator head has an internal fan for cooling components of the applicator head. A display is provided for displaying the actual power consumed by the patient load. A processor independently controls the pulse modulator and power circuit in digital increments on a selected scale.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a diathermy apparatus which therapeutically heats internal body tissue by irradiating the tissue with RF energy. In particular, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for accurately measuring and controlling the amount of RF power being absorbed by the body tissue with the irradiating region of the diathermy apparatus. Specifically, the present invention relates to a diathermy apparatus which automatically tunes an applicator head of the apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical diathermy involves the use of high frequency electric current for the therapeutic treatment of body tissue. This technique involves the transcutaneous transmission of high frequency energy to internal body tissues. The irradiated RF energy generates heat within the internal body tissue, having a therapeutic effect. This deep heating action produced by the diathermy apparatus is used to treat a number of varied ailments.
A diathermy apparatus typically generates high frequency electric currents which are provided to an applicator head for controllable application to the body tissue to be treated. The high frequency currents produced in a diathermy apparatus typically have a standard frequency of 27.12 MHz, which is within the permissible frequency range allocated for diathermy service. At this frequency, nerves and muscles are not adversely stimulated by the radiated energy, and the temperature produced in the internal body tissue is well below that required to destroy the tissue or impair its vitality.
Prior art diathermy machines typically are constructed of a single cabinet which houses the electrical circuitry and the display portion of the shortwave electrical therapeutic apparatus. Typically, a pair of movable arms extend outwardly from the cabinet, each of which positions a diathermy head at its outer end.
The applicator head of the diathermy apparatus includes a radiating electrode which is comprised of an induction coil that generates electromagnetic and electrostatic energy in response to the high frequency electric currents flowing through the electrode. The generated electromagnetic and electrostatic energy is then controllably applied by the applicator head to the body of the patient. This energy causes heat to be generated in the internal body tissue, which is within the radiating region of the head. U.S. Pat. No. 3,800,802 entitled "Short-Wave Therapy Apparatus" to Berry, et al., issued Apr. 2, 1974, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,152 to Berry entitled "Method and Apparatus for Measuring and Controlling the Output Power of a Shortwave Therapy Apparatus", issued Jul. 1, 1980, disclose diathermy machines which are utilized to apply RF energy to the human body for therapeutic purposes. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Of the energy generated by a diathermy apparatus, only the electromagnetic energy is useful in therapy. The electrostatic energy field that is generated simply heats the surface area of the human skin without deep penetration, and is therefore undesirable. Electrostatic shields, of the type shown, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,292 to Berry, et al. entitled "Electrostatic Shield for Diathermy Treatment Head", issued Jan. 10, 1978, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,362 to Berry entitled "Electrostatic Shield for Diathermy Treatment Head", issued Jul. 28, 1981, are conventionally used to attenuate the electrostatic energy field. These patents are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,937 to Rogers entitled "Method and Apparatus for Operating Dual Diathermy Applicator Heads in Close Proximity to One Another", issued Apr. 16, 1985, discloses a method and apparatus for simultaneously operating two diathermy treatment heads in close proximity without interference caused by phase and frequency differences. This patent is incorporated herein by reference.
Elimination of the electrostatic field, through the use of an electrostatic shield, significantly improves the operating efficiency of the diathermy apparatus and the accuracy of the power measurement. Particularly, the interposition of an electrostatic shield between the generating electrode and the applicator head and the treated body tissue significantly reduces the electrostatic (capacitive) coupling between the body tissue and the applicator head, thereby making the reactive parameters of the head less responsive to the surface characteristics of the human load within the irradiating region of the applicator head. By eliminating capacitive coupling between the applicator head and the body tissue, the operating parameters of the diathermy apparatus no longer vary erratically in response to the surface characteristics of the load within the irradiating region of the head. Since the operating parameters of the device do not vary in response to the surface characteristics of the load, the level of power being provided to the applicator head only varies in response to the level of power actually being absorbed by the treated body tissue. While the introduction of body tissue into the irradiating region of the applicator head still causes some minor disturbances in the electrical operation of the power generating equipment, these disturbances are much smaller in magnitude and can be accurately measured. Furthermore, these minor disturbances are predictable and can be accounted for during the power computation.
Elimination of the electrostatic field also stabilizes the operation of the diathermy apparatus because the applicator head is less likely to be detuned from resonance on the introduction of a load into the irradiating region of the head. Therefore, it is easier to keep the current voltage locked in phase, thereby greatly enhancing the operation of the diathermy apparatus and improving the accuracy of the power measurement.
In order to properly and efficiently utilize the electromagnetic field that is generated by the applicator head of the diathermy apparatus, the circuitry associated with the apparatus should be tuned and the power applied to the patient should be closely controlled at a desired level. As the patient moves, or the body temperature or circulation of the patient changes, the load can vary rather widely. To compensate for such expected changes in the load, tuning devices are desirable because they continuously maintain the head tuned to a resonate condition to assure maximum power transfer from the applicator head to the patient load.
In the past, a variety of mechanical tuning components have been utilized for tuning the applicator head to a resonate condition. For example, variable capacitors have been utilized so that an operator of the diathermy apparatus could manually adjust the capacitor to maintain the device in a tuned state. Many such devices utilized a servo mechanism to achieve the tuning. Typically, the prior art utilizes a variable capacitor and a mechanical motor for physically driving the capacitor. The motor is coupled to a servo mechanism which controls a tuning element in the applicator head. The tuning element (e.g., variable capacitor) is varied in order to keep the applicator head in electrical resonance, thereby maintaining phase lock between the sensed current and voltage, and thus maintaining the amount of power being absorbed by the treated body tissue at a desired level.
The mechanical tuning mechanisms utilized in the prior art which require the operator to continuously vary the power are undesirable because of the very requirement that the operator must continually monitor and adjust the device. Those prior art devices requiring variable capacitors, servo mechanism and motors are overly cumbersome, require multiple components, and increase the overall expense of the device, and are therefore undesirable.
The need exists for a diathermy apparatus for generating and providing RF power in a simple manner. The need also exists for a diathermy apparatus which is more portable than prior art machines, and which automatically tunes the diathermy apparatus in a simple and efficient manner. The need also exists for a diathermy apparatus which easily and accurately displays on visual presentation of the actual power being used by a satellite load. These and other needs are met by the unique diathermy apparatus of the present invention while the foregoing and other drawbacks of the prior art are overcome.

Diathermy apparatus with automatic tuning for applicator head


Test data is written into respective semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EEPROMs formed on a wafer. Then, the semiconductor memory devices, still located on the wafer, are baked in a high-temperature atmosphere for a predetermined time. Examples of the baking temperature and time are 200.degree. C. and 8 hours. The test data is read from the respective semiconductor devices to check whether the test data is held by the respective memory devices in a correct manner.

The present invention relates to a method of testing semiconductor memory devices such as., an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM) and an EPROM (erasable programmable ROM). More specifically, the invention relates to an accelerated testing method of the data-holding capability of semiconductor memory devices.
In general, it is assured that semiconductor memory devices such as an EEPROM have a capability of holding written data for at least a specified time. For example, a data-holding time of 10 years in an atmosphere of 70.degree. C. is assured. However, since it is not practical to perform, in a semiconductor manufacturing process, a test of placing a semiconductor memory device in a 70.degree. C. atmosphere for 10 years to confirm a satisfactory data-holding ability, an accelerated data-holding test is conventionally performed in which a semiconductor memory device is subjected to a baking treatment.
Referring to FIG. 2, an example of a procedure of the accelerated test is described below.
First, in a semiconductor substrate (hereinafter referred to simply as "wafer") measurement step N1, electrical characteristics of memory devices, which have been formed on the wafer in a wafer production process, are measured. In an assembling step N2, the wafer is cut into pieces of individual memory devices, which are then subjected to die bonding and wire boding and finally sealed using a resin or the like. In measurement step 1 (step N3), electrical characteristics of the packaged semiconductor memory device are evaluated. In this measurement step 1, data for an accelerated data-holding test (hereinafter referred to simply as "test data") are written into the semiconductor memory device.
In a baking step N4, the semiconductor memory device, in which the test data have been written, is subjected to a baking treatment for the accelerated test. In the baking treatment, for example, the semiconductor memory device is placed in an atmosphere of 150.degree. C. for 143 hours. After the baking treatment, it is checked in measurement step 2 (step N5) whether the test data are held in the semiconductor memory device in a correct manner. Then, the semiconductor devices which have passed the tests are shipped.
However, the above-described conventional testing method has the following problems:
1) Because of the limitations of, for instance, heat resistance of the resin to be used for sealing the semiconductor memory device the temperature of the baking treatment atmosphere is restricted to a relatively low value. Therefore, although the term "accelerated test" is used, a relatively long period is required for the baking treatment, which causes a low operational efficiency.
2) In order to baking a large number of packaged semiconductor memory devices at one time, a large-scale heat treatment apparatus and a wide space for accommodating it are required.
3) When the packaged semiconductor memory device is placed in a high-temperature atmosphere for a long time, the thermal expansion etc. of the sealing resin will impose an undesired stress on the internal device and ultra-thin wires (e.g., gold wires), which may cause a reduction of a reliability of the semiconductor memory device. Further, oxidized lead terminals will become difficult to be soldered.

Method of testing data-holding capability of a semiconductor memory device


A carrier regenerating circuit used for a demodulator which demodulates many-valued orthogonal amplitude modulation signals. The carrier regenerating circuit consists of a first PLL (phase-locked loop) section, including a detector for detecting an intermediate-frequency signal using a local oscillator, a phase error detecting section and a first loop filter, which feeds back phase error information to the local oscillator via the first loop filter; and a second PLL (phase-locked loop) section, including a frequency control section a second loop filter, which feeds back a frequency control signal to the local oscillator via the second loop filter by performing an updating operation by means of the frequency control section when a mark ratio due to the phase error information deviates from a predetermined range. The carrier regenerating circuit with a simplified circuit configuration can always synchronize an input signal (a many-valued orthogonal amplitude-modulation signal) by quickly adjusting the frequency of a regeneration carrier signal to an optimum value even when the input signal is out of synchronization.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a carrier regenerating circuit suitable for a demodulator used in a receiving-side radio equipment included in a radio communications system, and particularly for a demodulator that demodulates many-valued orthogonal amplitude modulation signals.
2) Description of the Related Art
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of receiving-side radio equipment in a radio system. Referring to FIG. 12, a demodulator (carrier regenerating circuit) 70 consists of an orthogonal detecting circuit 40 having a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) 46, an analog/digital (A/D) converting circuit 41, a phase error detecting circuit 42, a first digital/analog (D/A) converting circuit 43, a low-pass filter 44, an operational amplifier 45, a sweep generating source (low-frequency oscillator) 47, a second digital/analog (DIA) converting circuit 48, a low-pass filter 49, and a digital signal processing section 50.
The demodulator 70 shown in FIG. 12 employs a many-valued orthogonal amplitude-demodulation (many-valued QAM: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) system.
The orthogonal detecting circuit 40 branches an input IF-band QAM signal (hereinafter, often referred merely to as an input signal) in two, and mixes (multiplies) the two branched input signals by two regenerated carrier signals supplied from the voltage-controlled oscillator 46, perpendicular to each other in phase, so that two kinds of baseband signals [I-channel (Ich) and Q-channel (Qch) signals] perpendicular to each other are obtained by orthogonally detecting the input signal.
The A/D converting circuit 41 converts each of baseband signals (analog signals) from the orthogonal detection circuit 40 into a digital signal, for example, of 8 bits (i7 to i0 and q7 to q0). The phase error detecting circuit 42 detects a phase error of a QAM signal output via the A/D converting circuit 41. In this case, the phase error detecting circuit 42 detects the phase error signal in an input signal based on the Ich polarity signal (polarity bit: i.sub.7) representing the rotational direction of the signal point of the input signal and the Qch error signal (error bit: q.sub.5) representing the rotational rate of the signal point. In contrast, the phase error signal may be detected based on the Qch polarity signal and the Ich error signal.
The first D/A converter 43 converts phase error information as digital information from the phase error detecting circuit 42 into an analog form. The low-pass filter 44 receives the digital information from the phase error detecting circuit 42 via the first D/A converting circuit 43 and then outputs a voltage control signal to the voltage controlled oscillator 46.
That is, in the demodulator 70, the input signal is synchronously detected by means of the PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit formed of the phase error detecting circuit 42, the first D/A converting circuit 43 and the low-pass filter 44.
The operational amplifier 45 controls the voltage controlled oscillator 46 in the orthogonal detecting circuit 40 by adjusting the direct current (DC) voltage from the low-pass filter 44 or 49 based on the reference voltage Ref, thus optimizing the DC voltage according to variations (performance errors) of the voltage controlled oscillator 46. A variable resistor (not shown) which varies the reference voltage Ref is connected to the operational amplifier 45.
The digital signal processing section 50 subjects a digital signal from the A/D converting circuit 41 to a desired compensating process such as amplitude equalizing process. Specifically, the digital signal processing section 50 outputs a frame alarm signal (FALM) when the input signal is completely out of synchronization.
Further, in order to execute a sweep operation, the sweep generating source 47 hunts a synchronous frequency of an input signal by supplying a ultra low frequency signal to the voltage controlled oscillator 46 based on the frame alarm signal from the digital signal processing unit 50. When the synchronization of the input signal is established, the sweep operation halts.
The second D/A converting circuit 48 converts the ultra low frequency signal (digital signal) output from the sweep generating source 47 into an analog signal. When receiving the signal from the sweep generating source 47 via the second D/A converting circuit 48, the low-pass filter 49 outputs it to the voltage controlled oscillator 46.
In the demodulator 70 with the above-mentioned arrangement, the orthogonal detecting circuit 40 orthogonally detects a QAM signal received, based on a regenerated carrier signal supplied from the voltage controlled oscillator 46 and then converts it into an Ich baseband signal and a Qch baseband signal. Then the A/D converting circuit 41 converts the Ich baseband signal and the Qch baseband signal into respective digital signals. The digital signal processing unit 50 subjects the respective digital signals to a desired compensating process to output demodulated signals.
The phase error detecting circuit 42 detects the phase error signal of an input signal based on the I-channel polarity bit i7 and the Q-channel signal error bit q5. The first D/A converting circuit 43 converts the detected phase error signal into an analog signal and then outputs it as phase control information to the voltage controlled oscillator 46 via the low-pass filter 44.
In such an arrangement, the voltage controlled oscillator 46 can supply regenerated carrier signals in synchronous with the input signal by adjusting the oscillating frequency according to the phase error signal detected by the phase error detecting circuit 42. Hence, the AID converting circuit 41 can always execute an A/D converting process at the optimum timing (phase).
However, when the input signal is actually modulated according to the many-valued QAM modulation system such as a 64-value, 128-value, 256 value, or 512-value QAM modulation system, the above-mentioned PLL circuit (carrier reproducing loop) cannot provide its sufficient capture range (or the difference between a send frequency and a receive frequency) (less than 1/10, compared with the 16-value QAM modulation system). Hence the sweep operation is performed using the sweep generator 47 shown in FIG. 12. That is, even if the input signal is completely out of synchronization, the input signal can be certainly synchronized by executing a frequency sweeping operation by means of the sweep generator 47.
However, in the demodulator 70 shown in FIG. 12, previous adjustment must be made using a variable resistor to tolerate the variation in characteristic of the voltage controlled oscillator 46. Further, when the input signal is completely out of synchronization, the sweep operation is performed using a ultra low frequency from the sweep generator (low-frequency oscillator) 47. However, it takes much time to reestablish the normal synchronization. That is, the problem is that the pulling operation is largely delayed.
When synchronization is reestablished, the sweep operation of the sweep generating source is interrupted. However, the difference between the free run at the point of time of the interruption (the frequency of a free-oscillated signal by the voltage-controlled oscillator 46 without any phase synchronization) and the local frequency of the transmission signal (IF signal) accounts for a steady-state phase error. Thus as the value of the many-valued modulation increases (e.g. 64-value or more), the steady-state phase error cannot be ignored. As a result, the error is shown as degradation in error rate when the signals are generated at the rear stage of the demodulator.


A female electrical connector formed of sheet metal to receive a cylindrical male pin. The connector is configured as hyperboloid of revolution with the generatrices comprising a plurality of flat and straight beam members disposed between a pair of cylindrical ferrules. The beam members bear against the inserted pin along a contact length so the bearing therebetween is a surface of each beam member partially wrapping around the pin to effect electrical continuity therebetween.. The beam members are automatically formed when the ferrules are rolled into cylinders without any part of the tooling touching the beams.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the field of electrical connectors and in particular the design of a female connector configured as a hyperboloid of revolution and the method of fabricating the connector.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Female electrical connectors or sockets configured by a plurality of flexible beam elements to take on the geometric shape of a hyperboloid of revolution are well known in the connector industry. In the hyperboloid, a three dimensional geometric shape having the appearance of an hour glass, the surface is generated by a plurality of straight line beam elements or generatrices. The diameter at the narrowest point of a cross section called the throat is smaller than the diameter of the inserted male member or pin causing spacial interference therebetween. As a result, the beams must deflect outward creating a contact force between the pin and the socket.
Several types of such sockets are shown in prior art patents. In one construction, the surface of a cylindrical tube is milled or sawn to form slots in the central section of the tube leaving a plurality of beam elements defined by the material remaining after the machine cuts. These beams may be straight as elements of a cylinder or partially wrap helix-like around the surface of the tube at an angle skewed with the longitudinal axis. The tube is then formed into the final shape of the desired socket by applying torsional forces at the ends of the tube to twist the beams into a hyperboloid-like shape. This torsional action is transmitted through every beam element of the connector which, in turn, twists each beam and allows the machined edges to come into contact with an inserted male pin member thus making for a generally inferior electrical connection. Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,450,529 to Sprigg and U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,587 to Lancella and U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,108 to Ghiglotti et. al.
In another type of hyperboloid connector, a plurality of wire beams is secured to a pair of end rings or ferrules. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,107,966 to Bonhomme, the wire elements are stretched within the diameter of a rigid tube attached to the ferrules to form the hyperboloid configuration of the connector. The rigid tube is required in order to keep the assembly from collapsing under the tension forces induced in the wires. This construction utilizes a large number of components with the concomitant high assembly costs. In another U.S. Pat. No. to Bonhomme (4,203,647), a similar construction is employed including the multiplicity of wires this time initially positioned as elements of a cylinder, and an equivalent rigid member for assuring the integrity of the connector configuration. This assembly is then loaded in torsion by twisting forces applied to the ferrules repositioning the wires into the hyperboloid configuration. Both of the Bonhomme patents form a connector having line contact between the round male pin and the round wire beam resulting in a less efficient, high resistance electrical contact since a round wire beam is only conformable to a round pin along a line of contact.
Another method is revealed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,833,145 to Wilhelm. Wilhelm punches a plurality of parallel and equally spaced slots into a flat blank of sheet metal that will be configured into the beams of the connector. The blank is then formed into a tube having the slots disposed longitudinally and parallel to the axis of the tube. The final step in Wilhelm's method is to twist the tube in order to position the beams as elements of a hyperboloid. As previously explained, this operation also exposes sheared edges to create high resistance at the interface with the inserted pin member.
These prior art devices either comprise a multiplicity of components or a necessary final step of twisting the tube to form a socket having the required hyperboloid configuration. Not only does this twisting action require an additional step in the fabrication process, it also places the beams in torsion thereby distorting them along the longitudinal axis, so efficient contact with the inserted pin is precluded.

Female hyperboloid electrical connector and the method for fabricating same


An image storage device according to an example of the invention comprising a first storage unit which stores first image, a second storage unit which stores second image to be determined whether the second image includes detection target data which is the similar to data included in the first image, parallel comparison units which perform a process of comparing pixel values between a frame of the first image and a frame of the second image, and determining, based on a comparison result between the frame of the first image and the frame of the second image, whether the detection target data is included in the second image in parallel, and a third storage unit which stores, when it is determined that the detection target data is included in the second image, the detection target data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image storage device and method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Patent document 1 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2002-149672), entitled "AV Content Automatic Summarization System and AV Content Automatic Summarization Method," discloses a method in which the content of a scene is grasped by using a sound recognition or image recognition technique and the grasped content is used for automatic recording of AV content or as a clue in searching for an image.
Patent document 2 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-62883), entitled "Information Processing Device," discloses a method in which by using a special device that is a sensor for measuring a user's eye movement, the user's interest is recognized and thereby a highlight scene is specified.
Patent document 3 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-224791), entitled "Video Search Method and Device," discloses a method in which feature values are extracted in advance from video which is a check target, a table of the feature values and times is created, and then a search is performed, whereby a replay is recognized.
The patent document 3 describes that using information that represents the average color of the entire frame image and the like by several bytes as the feature values, information that represents the average color of the entire frame image and the like by several bytes is used.
For video image searching, patent document 4 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-21597) discloses a device for searching a video image which completely matches a search target frame image.
Patent document 5 (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2002-51300) discloses a method of performing edits after a highlight scene is detected.
In the method of the patent document 1, there are many candidates for a sound recognition algorithm or an image recognition algorithm, and thus the recognition accuracy of a scene varies depending on which algorithm is selected. In addition, variations occur in the functionality of a device that performs a recognition, depending on which sound recognition or image recognition technique is used. Furthermore, there are a recognizable scene and an unrecognizable scene depending on the sound recognition or image recognition technique, which may impair usability for a user.
In addition, the sound recognition or image recognition technique may perform a wrong recognition and thus misdetection or search omission of a scene may occur.
In the method of the patent document 1, since a data dependency in processing steps is high, the adoption of a multiple process is difficult and thus it is difficult to increase speed.
In the method of the patent document 1, since the workload varies depending on the properties of an image to be inputted, hardware design is difficult.
In the case of using the method of the patent document 1, it is difficult to develop a sound recognition algorithm or an image recognition algorithm having performance which satisfies the user.
When, as in the patent document 2, a highlight scene is specified by using a special sensor, it is a lot of trouble to operate the special sensor and only when the user is watching a scene, scene analysis and indexing process are performed.
For example, the telop characters "Replay" may be inserted in a replay scene, or the telop characters "CM" may be inserted in a screen. A replay may be performed in slow motion. In the patent document 3, a method of dealing with such processes on replay scenes is not considered. When a replay scene is processed, the feature values change and it becomes difficult to perform collation.
In the patent document 3, by selection of the feature values or algorithm used for recognition, the performance of recognition is affected.
In the patent document 3, image data is treated by the feature value. Thus, for example, when an algorithm for extracting the feature values is changed, e.g., when a new algorithm for extracting the feature values is updated to improve performance, there is a need to exclude past image data from a search target or to process all stored image data again with the changed algorithm for extracting the feature values.
The patent document 4 does not at all describe the extraction of a highlight scene or the storing of the highlight scene.
In the patent document 5, the object is to cut a commercial and there is no description of the detection or storing of a highlight scene.
The patent documents 1 to 5 do not at all describe the increase in speed or efficiency obtained by a multiple process on image data.


A check valve may include a housing having a bore therethrough, the bore including an inner surface and a bearing face; a check seat adaptor coupled to the housing; a seal in the housing, the seal including a seat bore; and a dart disposed in the bore between the seal and the bearing face and axially moveable between closed and open positions. The dart may include a tail and a head that has at least one dart inlet and sealingly engages the seal when the valve is closed. The tail defines an inner chamber having an outlet that is in fluid communication with the bore. The dart inlet(s), the inner chamber, and the outlet may be in fluid communication and together define a dart flow path through the dart. A biasing device may urge the dart toward the seal.

In unconventional hydrocarbon production, the rate of production may fluctuate over both long and short time spans. For example, a well may produce at extremely high rates when initially completed and then deplete rapidly. When the natural drive energy of a reservoir is not strong enough to push oil to the surface, artificial lift may be used to lift produced fluids to the surface. While there are various ways to achieve artificial lift, gas lift is an increasingly common artificial lift choice because of its flexibility.
In gas lift wells, a compressed gas is injected into the well. The injected gas decreases the viscosity of the fluids in the well and reduces the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the well by displacing some of the well fluids, which allows the produced fluids to flow more easily to the surface and allows reservoir fluids to enter the well at a higher flow rate. In some cases, the gas to be injected into the production tubing is conveyed downhole via the annular space surrounding the production tubing and enters the production tubing through one or more gas lift valves. Each gas lift valve may include a check valve to selectively allow a fluid flow from the inlet side of the check valve to the outlet side of the check valve and prevent reverse flow from the tubing to the annulus.
By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a gas lift system 10 that includes a production tubing 14 that extends into a wellbore. An annulus is defined between the production tubing and the wellbore, which may or may not be cased. The production tubing 14 has a central passageway 17. The system may include a gas compressor 12 located on the surface. The compressor provides pressurized gas to the annulus 15. To control the communication of gas between the annulus 15 and the central passageway 17 of the production tubing 14, the system may include several side pocket gas lift mandrels 16, as shown at 16a, 16b and 16c. Each of the gas lift mandrels 16 may include an associated gas lift valve 18, as shown in phantom at 18a, 18b and 18c. The gas lift valves 18 each establish a one-way fluid flow path from the annulus 15 to the central passageway 17.
As wells age and it becomes desirable to using more aggressive gas lift techniques, check valves are subjected to greater fluid flow rates and more rapid cycling rates, both of which may reduce the lifespan and/or efficacy of a check valve.


An amplifying circuit, which generates a compensation current based on a detection result of a leakage current flowing between an AC power source for supplying power and a power converting circuit section, includes a main amplifier having transistors and a correction amplifier connected in parallel to the main amplifier. Capacitors are connected between each base of transistors, forming the main amplifier and the correction amplifier, and a ground line, and between an output terminal of the correction amplifier and the ground line, respectively, and an impedance ratio of these capacitors is adjusted, thereby adjusting an amplification ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an amplifying circuit, a noise reducing apparatus, and a power converting apparatus, and particularly relates to a technique enabling to miniaturize them.
2. Description of the Related Art
Power converting apparatuses such as an inverter that supplies power to a motor, a switching regulator that supplies voltage to a computer and the like convert power sent from a predetermined power source into power of a predetermined voltage to supply to a load. In such the power converting apparatuses, since switching element is turned on/off to perform power conversion, switching noise is generated by switching the switching element. For this reason, in such the power converting apparatuses, a noise filter is conventionally provided at an input side to reduce noise. Since the frequency of switching noise is greatly high, a noise filter with large attenuation characteristics in a board band is demanded.
While, in the circuit, an electrostatic capacity containing a stray capacity between the circuit and ground is present, and noise caused by switching the switching element becomes a leakage current with high frequency and flows into a ground line. When the leakage current flows into the ground line, a voltage level of a frame (housing) of the power converting apparatus varies. Particularly, when a motor with a high power capacity is connected to the power converting apparatus via the inverter, the stray capacity between the circuit and the ground increases and the leakage current also increases accordingly. The increase in the leakage current will trip a ground-fault circuit interrupter and cause interference with peripheral electronic devices.
For this reason, a method for supplying a compensation current to a ground line in a direction that cancels a leakage current is used as a method for reducing such noise. This method will be explained based on FIGS. 38A and 38B. In FIGS. 38A and 38B, capacitors C201 and C202 correspond to a load electrostatic capacity and a capacitor for common mode noise, respectively. A diode D201 corresponds to a rectification circuit, and a switch SW corresponds to a switching element. Moreover, leakage currents Is1 and Is2 indicate a leakage current flowing from an alternating current source ACV by switching the switch SW and a leakage current propagating in the power converting apparatus, respectively.
Two methods can be considered as a noise reducing method. A first method is one in which a leakage current Is1 is detected and the detected current is amplified by an amplifier AMP, and an amplified compensation current Ir is supplied to a ground line in a direction that cancels the leakage current Is1 via the capacitor C202 as illustrated in FIG. 38A. According to this method, a zero phase current transformer 201 is provided closer to the alternating current source ACV side than an injection point a of the compensation current Ir so as to detect the leakage current Is1.
In the first method, the following equation (1) is established:{A1·(is1−ir)}−is1≈0  (1)(where A1 is an amplification factor of the amplifier AMP when the first method is used, is1 is a current value of the leakage current Is1, and ir is a current value of the compensation current Ir).
Accordingly, the current value ir of the compensation current Ir can be expressed by the following equation (2).ir={1−(1/A1)}·is1  (2)
A second method is one in which a leakage current Is2 is detected and a compensation current Ir is supplied to the ground line based on the detected current in the same way as the first method as illustrated in FIG. 38B. According to this method, a zero phase current transformer 201 is provided closer to the switch SW side than the injection point a of the compensation current Ir so as to detect the leakage current Is2.
When the second method is used, the following equation (3) is established:is1−(A2·ir)=0  (3)(where A2 is an amplification factor of the amplifier AMP when the second method is used).
Accordingly, the current value ir of the compensation current Ir can be expressed by the following equation (4).ir=(1/A1)·is1  (4)
As shown in the equation (4), in order to cancel the leakage current Is1 by the compensation current Ir using the second method, the amplification factor A2 of the amplifier AMP must be correctly set to 1. In the conventional power converting apparatus, since there is difficulty in that the amplification factor A2 of the amplifier AMP is correctly set to 1, the first method is generally used (Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication 9-266677).
However, when the first method is used, the amplification factor A1 of the amplifier AMP must be increased in order to cancel the leakage current Is1 by the compensation current Ir as shown in the equation (2). For this reason, phase compensation must be correctly performed, and a disadvantage that the amplifier AMP does not easily oscillate is caused.
On the other hand, when the second method is used, the amplification factor A2 of the amplifier AMP does not have to be increased. However, when the second method is used, the amplification factor A2 of the amplifier AMP must be correctly set to 1.
Morever, it is necessary to cause a secondary winding of the zero phase current transformer 201 to generate an emitter-base voltage of a transistor provided in the amplifier AMP, resulting in an increase in the number of the secondary windings.
Furthermore, in either method, a CT (current transformer) for detection is used as the zero phase current transformer 201 to detect a leakage current flowing into a power line as a current difference. Then, a compensation current is directly detected by the CT for detection and supplied to the power line from a noise compensation current supply current. In this case, in order to operate the amplifier AMP, it is necessary to cause the secondary winding for the CT for detection to generate E-B voltage (0.6 V) of the transistor provided in the amplifier AMP, resulting in an increase in the number of the secondary windings. Particularly, when the second method is used, a turn ratio between the primary winding and secondary winding of the zero phase current transformer 201 must be 1:1.
Moreover, since a large current flows into the power line, a diameter of the primary winding of the zero phase current transformer 201 increases. For this reason, there is a problem in which the zero phase current transformer 201 is increased in size, making it difficult to use the zero phase current transformer 201 in the large current.
Moreover, there was a problem in which a neutral point voltage of the transistor did not reach a neutral point of a supply voltage, so that a noise control range became narrow. Furthermore, since these noise reducing apparatuses needed a greatly large noise filter, they were increased in size and this was one of causes in an increase in cost.
In order to adjust the amplification factor in the aforementioned methods, the winding number of the zero phase current transformer 201 must be increased to perform adjustment and this will cause an increase in size of the zero phase current transformer 201. Moreover, the amplifier AMP with higher accuracy is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

Amplifying circuit, noise reducing apparatus and power converting apparatus


A media identifier registry for managing metadata records. The registry stores a unique logical identifier for each of the records as well as a base type corresponding to each of the logical identifiers. The base types are representative of the information contained in the respective metadata records for the corresponding logical identifiers. The registry further defines associations between the logical identifiers and base types. Improvements in identifying media content and related information according to the invention permit building a media data warehouse capable of aggregating data from many different sources, uniquely identify the same piece of content from different data providers, in different cultures, and in different physical forms to allow a consistent set of data to be stored and retrieved.

Due to recent advances in technology, computer users are now able to enjoy many features that provide an improved user experience, such as playing various media and multimedia content on their personal or laptop computers. For example, most computers today are able to play compact discs (CDs) so users can listen to their favorite musical artists while working on their computers. Many computers are also equipped with digital versatile disc (DVD) drives enabling users to watch movies.
As users become more familiar with advanced features on their computers, such as those mentioned above, their expectations of the various additional innovative features will undoubtedly continue to grow. Users often desire to receive media metadata, which includes content-related data associated with digital media files such as those from CDs and DVDs. Independent data providers (IDPs), such as Loudeye Corporation and All Media Guide (AMG) of Alliance Entertainment Corp., capture a vast amount of information related to music CDs and other digital media. IDPs usually enter the collected data manually and store and manage the data using their own particular data entry application. Each IDP uses a different format for identifying content. Those skilled in the art are also familiar with media metadata services that collect information from users when metadata for a specific, requested media file is unavailable from an IDP. For example, consider a media player software application that enables a user to play a CD on his or her computer. Typically, the application allows the user to display track information associated with the CD by clicking on an appropriate user interface (UI). Such track information may include track number, song title, playing time, and the like.
The wide and varied tastes of computer users in music, movies, and the like create the need for an enormous corpus of metadata. As such, data publications of media metadata tend to be very large and experience a high volume of query traffic (e.g., several multi-gigabytes in size and under constant access). Also, the same logical content may have many different physical representations, which makes it difficult to identify and retrieve the correct media metadata for a specific media file. Moreover, the same piece of content from different data providers and/or in different cultures may be identified differently. These problems complicate the storage, management, and retrieval of media metadata, particularly in the context of a large database with data collected from multiple sources.
International Standard ISO 15707, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on Nov. 15, 2001, provides one scheme for identifying a logical piece of work. In general, ISO 15707 defines the format, administration, and rules for allocating an international standard musical work code (ISWC) to a musical work. The ISWC uniquely distinguishes one musical work from another within computer databases and related documentation for those involved in the administration of rights to musical works. The standard's goal is to reduce errors when information about musical works is exchanged between rights societies, publishers, record companies, and other interested parties on an international level. As defined in ISO 15707, the ISWC includes a prefix element followed by a nine-digit numeric code and a check digit. Unfortunately, this standard focuses on rights management rather than data management and aggregation and is limited in scope to musical works. Moreover, the existing standard does not provide for associating and mappings related identifiers, which is important when providing useful media metadata.
Those skilled in the art are also familiar with various tagging schemes for identifying digital content. For example, an ID3 tag residing at the end of an audio file can include title, artist, album, year, genre, track, and a comment field. In other words, known tagging systems embed data about the content directly in the content. The problem is that this metadata can become stale and even incorrect. While the ID3 standard provides for an identifier, it is merely a placeholder and there is no specification on how it is to be used. Moreover, existing tagging schemes also fail to address associations and mappings between identifiers.
Accordingly, this invention arose out of concerns for providing systems and methods for processing data to improve the breadth and quality of stored media metadata and, thus, improve the processing of media content to provide an enhanced, rich, and robust user experience. Improvements in identifying media content and related information, as well as in the techniques used to store, retrieve, aggregate, and associate identifiers is desired. Such improvements should permit building a media data warehouse capable of aggregating data from many different sources. In this regard, an identification system, or ID registry, is desired to uniquely identify the same piece of content from different data providers, in different cultures, and in different physical forms to allow a consistent set of data to be stored and retrieved.


A tape cartridge includes a tape roll around which a printing medium is wound, a platen roller that has a first fitting portion to be fitted to a drive shaft when the tape cartridge is mounted on a mounting section of a tape printer, and a second fitting portion that is disposed at a center of a tape roll in an axial direction of the tape roll and is fitted to an identification portion when the tape cartridge is mounted on the mounting section of the tape printer. In the tape cartridge, when the tape cartridge is mounted on the mounting section of the tape printer, the second fitting portion is disposed in a depressed portion facing the mounting section.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a tape cartridge which is mounted on a cartridge mounting section of a tape printer and is used for printing by the tape printer.
2. Background Art
The following configuration has been known as a tape cartridge in the related art which is mounted on a cartridge mounting section of a tape printer (JP-A-2012-20543).
The tape cartridge includes a tape body in which a print tape is wound around a tape core, a ribbon body in which an ink ribbon is wound around a ribbon feeding core, a ribbon winding core around which a used ink ribbon is wound, a platen roller which feeds and conveys the print tape from the tape core, and a cartridge case which receives the tape body, the ribbon body, the ribbon winding core, and the platen roller.
The cartridge case has a lower case as a seat side and an upper case corresponding to the lower case. In the lower case, a hollow tape bearing portion that rotatably supports the tape body is integrally formed. The center of the tape bearing portion (tape body) and the center of the platen roller are disposed to cross an imaginary line connecting two gripping portions of the cartridge case when viewed in a mounting direction.
When the tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section, the tape bearing portion, the platen roller, and the ribbon wind core engage with (are fitted to) a positioning protrusion of the cartridge mounting section, a platen drive shaft, and a ribbon winding drive shaft, respectively.
In such a tape cartridge according to the related art, since the tape body is the heaviest among elements of the tape cartridge, there is a high possibility of being supported to be inclined. That is, when the tape cartridge is gripped with a finger in mounting the tape cartridge, there is a high possibility that a side on which the tape roll is disposed is likely to be inclined due to gravity unless the tape cartridge is consciously gripped to be horizontal. For this reason, in the tape cartridge according to the related art, there is a high possibility that the tape bearing portion will begin to be fitted to the positioning protrusion prior to fitting of the platen roller to the platen drive shaft. Therefore, unless the tape bearing portion is accurately positioned with respect to the positioning protrusion, there is a problem in that the operation of mounting the tape cartridge is troublesome, such that the platen roller is stuck in the platen drive shaft, fine adjustment of fingertips is forced, or the like.
An object of the present invention is to provide a tape cartridge capable of easily being mounted on a mounting section of a tape printer.


A data management system includes an authentication server and a data management apparatus (or an MFP). The authentication server includes a storage part for storing affiliation information specifying at least one group that each user belongs to, an authentication part for transferring and receiving data to and from the data management apparatus to perform user authentication, and a group identification part for identifying one or more groups that an authenticated user belongs to based on the affiliation information to send information about the one or more groups to the data management apparatus. An access permission part of the data management apparatus permits an authenticated user belonging to a plurality of groups to access a data file to which any of the plurality of groups has been granted access.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data management apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (referred to also as an MFP), and a technique related to the data management apparatus.
2. Description of the Background Art
Some multifunction peripherals (MFPs) having a plurality of functions including a copying function, a scanning function, a facsimile communication function, a printer function and the like also have the function (storage function) of storing various document files (data files) and the like in a storage part (hard disk and the like) thereof.
In recent years, it has been proposed to set the right of access to each of the document files for the use of such a storage function.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67249 specifies a technique such that the right of access to each document file is set for each user group.
The above-mentioned technique, however, requires an authentication operation for each of a plurality of data files when access is made to the plurality of data files. When users belonging to different groups make access to the plurality of data files to which the different groups have been granted access, it is therefore necessary to perform an authentication operation for each of the plurality of data files.
The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67249 uses ID cards for the authentication operation. Without the use of the ID cards, however, a user must enter a user ID and a user password each time the authentication operation is performed for each data file. This presents the problem of increased operational burdens on the users.
The use of the ID cards as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67249 eliminates the need for the above-mentioned entry of the user ID and the user password during the authentication operation to reduce the operational burdens, but gives rise to another problem that the users must carry their ID cards.

Data management apparatus, data management system, and method of data management

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


Plugs are deployed along a wellbore to form fluid barriers for associated stages. The plugs include a first plug that includes a first material that reacts with a first agent and does not react with a second agent and a second plug that includes a second material that reacts with the second agent and does not react with the first agent. A first stimulation operation is performed in the stage that is associated with the first plug; and a first agent is communicated into the well to react with the first material to remove the first plug. A second stimulation operation is performed in the stage that is associated with the second plug. The second agent is communicated into the well to react with the second material to remove the second plug.

For purposes of preparing a well for the production of oil or gas, at least one perforating gun may be run into the well via a deployment mechanism, such as a wireline or a coiled tubing string. The shaped charges of the perforating gun(s) are fired when the gun(s) are appropriately positioned to perforate a casing of the well and form perforating tunnels into the surrounding formation. One or more stimulation operations (a hydraulic fracturing, for example) may be performed in the well to increase the well's permeability. These operations may be multiple stage operations, which may involve several runs, or trips, into the well.


A liquid crystal display is provided having two substrates. One substrate includes active aperture areas and a non-active area. A spacing layer is provided between the two substrates and includes spacing elements of anisotropic shape and geometry. The anisotropic spacing elements are formed only within the non-active areas of the substrate. A method of manufacturing is also provided including mechanically rubbing the liquid crystal display after the spacing elements are formed on the one substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to displays and more particularly concerns an active matrix liquid crystal display cell in which smart spacers are provided having an anisotropic shape.
2. Description of Related Art
Active matrix liquid crystal displays (AM LCD) have a variety of uses including being used as the projection element in rear projection monitors. The AM LCD is generally constructed using a rear glass layer with an addressing element and pixel ITO electrodes, a liquid crystal layer, and a front glass layer with addressing elements and pixel ITO electrodes. The cell gap spacing between the front and rear glass layers should remain uniform for consistent light propagation through the AM LCD. Several conventional ways are known to assemble AM LCDs and achieve uniform cell gap spacing within desired tolerance levels.
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a convention vacuum chuck or vacuum press method of assembling a liquid crystal display cell. In this method, a vacuum chuck 10 asserts a pressing force 24 upon a liquid crystal display cell. The liquid crystal display cell includes a bottom substrate 12, a top substrate 14, a seal 16 being an epoxy seal or other form of adhesive glue, liquid crystal material 18, and many randomly placed spacers 20. The spacers 20 are typically spherical glass beads or cylindrical micro-fibers and are randomly placed on the bottom substrate 12 using the techniques of the well known dry cloud method or the well known solvent dispersed method. Additionally, some spacers 20 are placed in the seal 16. The liquid crystal display cell is covered with saran wrap or flexible plastic sheet 22 and an ultraviolet light 26 cures the seal 16 while the pressing force 24 compresses the bottom substrate 12 and the top substrate 14 together.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional vacuum sealed plastic bag technique of assembling a liquid crystal display cell similar to the vacuum chuck or vacuum press method. The liquid crystal display cell includes a bottom substrate 12, a top substrate 14, a seal 16, liquid crystal material 18 and many randomly placed spacers 20. However, in this method, a vacuumed sealed plastic bag exerts the pressing force 24 on the liquid crystal display cell. The seal 16 is cured using either ultraviolet light or heat depending on the type of seal 16.
FIG. 3 shows a conventional balloon method of assembly a liquid crystal display cell. Again, the liquid crystal display cell includes a bottom substrate 12, a top substrate 14, a seal 16, liquid crystal material 18 and many randomly placed spacers 20. A balloon 30 and a thermal chuck hot plate 32 exert the pressing force 24 and cure the seal 16. The seal 16 is therefore thermally cured. On the other hand, if an ultraviolet light cured seal is used then the thermal chuck hot plate 32 may be replaced with glass and the liquid crystal display cell may be back irradiated with the ultraviolet light.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of a liquid crystal display cell assembled using any one of the vacuum chuck method, the vacuum sealed plastic bag method or the balloon method. A nine pixel arrangement is shown merely for illustrative purposes even though the actual number of pixels will be much greater. The liquid crystal display cell is divided into an active aperture area 34 and a non-active area 36 with the spacers 20 randomly distributed throughout both the active aperture area 34 and the non-active area 36.
The above-described conventional methods produce liquid crystal display cells with uniform cell thicknesses having acceptable tolerances. However, problems tend to occur as the size of the active aperture area 34 diminishes. For example, in some projection displays the size of the active aperture area 34 may be of the same order of magnitude as the spacers 20. When the spacers 20 overlap or rest on the active aperture area 34, they may occupy approximately 15% of the active aperture area 34, which significantly disrupts the performance of the liquid crystal display cell and degrades the resulting image. Additionally, the spacers 20 disturb the liquid crystal profile around the spacers 20 which further degrades the resulting image, (i.e., reduces the brightness and contrast).
The randomly placed spacers 20 may not be merely removed to leave the spacers 20 in the seal 16 as shown in FIG. 5 because the pressing force 24 results in a bend in the top substrate 14 that distorts the entire liquid crystal display cell and results in unacceptable image quality.
"Improved Construction of Liquid Crystal Cells" by Maltese et al., Alta Frequenza, Vol. XLVII, No. 9, pages 664-667, September 1978, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses large multiplexed liquid crystal panels having distributed small-area spacers between plates to make a stiff structure.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/767,652, filed Dec. 17, 1996, the subject mater of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses at least one method of applying spacer elements randomly on a bottom substrate and subsequently removing the spacing elements from active areas.

Smart spacers for active matrix liquid crystal projection light valves


A glass container 30 includes a container portion 34 and a handle 44. The container portion 34 is formed with a base floor 36, a side wall 38 and an opening 40 surrounded by an edge 42 which is formed with a pouring lip 46. The handle 44 is formed by two shell sections 52 and 54 which are assembled and secured, mechanically and adhesively, about a glass support 48 which is formed integrally with the glass container portion 34. A soft, non-slip attachment 110 is secured to an inboard side of the exterior of the handle 44.

This invention relates to a glass container, and particularly relates to a glass container with a handle such as, for example, a blender jar.
A blender is used to blend food ingredients into a desired state and consistency. The blender typically includes a housing with a motor for driving a blending implement usually at the inner base of a blender jar or container. The jar is typically removable from the housing of the blender to facilitate transport of the jar to and from another station independently of the housing.
There are many styles and designs of blender jars available in the marketplace. One type of jar is composed of glass and includes a slender glass handle which is formed integrally with a glass container portion of the jar. While a glass handle is usually firmly formed with the container portion of the jar, the slender handle is, at times, difficult to grasp and has a tendency to slip from the grasp of a user, particularly due to the smooth surface texture of the glass handle.
As a consequence, there is a need for a glass jar which includes a handle firmly attached to the container portion of the jar which is easy to grasp. There is also a need for a handle including structure which accommodates a strong and full grasp by a user of the glass jar. Further, there is a need for a handle which includes a gripping surface over at least a portion thereof which enhances the users ability to firmly hold the jar without concern for the jar handle slipping from the user's grasp.


A receiver device which is small in scale of circuit configuration yet capable of detecting an error between symbol timing of a received signal and that generated therein and also restraining an error signal from varying due to variation in input level of the received signal. A delayer delays the received signal for one effective symbol period, a correlator calculates a correlation signal from the product of the received signal and the delayed signal, and an integrator calculates an integral value of the correlation signal. First and second accumulative adders accumulatively add up the integral values over respective predetermined periods before and after symbol start timing generated within the receiver device. An error signal generator generates an error signal by normalizing the difference between first and second sums obtained from the first and second accumulative adders, respectively, by means of the sum total of the first and second sums.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to receiver devices, error detection circuits, and receiving methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a receiver device for receiving a signal that has been subjected to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), an error detection circuit for detecting an error between symbol timing of the received OFDM signal and internal symbol timing of the receiver device, and a method of receiving an OFDM signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
OFDM, which is one of multi-carrier transmission schemes, is tolerant to faults attributable to multipath delay and has begun to be used in terrestrial digital broadcasting and other applications.
FIG. 6 illustrates an OFDM signal.
A receiver device for receiving an OFDM signal carries out Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with respect to a certain interval, or what is called effective symbol, in the OFDM signal in order to demodulate the received signal. Before each effective symbol, a signal called guard interval (GI) is inserted which is used for removing faults attributable to multipath delay. The guard interval and the succeeding effective symbol constitute one symbol of OFDM signal. The receiver device detects symbol timing from the received signal in the manner described below, by utilizing the fact that the signal inserted in the guard interval is a copy of the tail of the effective symbol.
FIG. 7 illustrates a method of detecting symbol timing.
The receiver device delays the received signal for one effective symbol period, then multiplies the received signal and the delayed signal together to obtain a correlation signal, and integrates the correlation signal by using its moving average. As a result, a peak appears at the symbol start position. Thus, the receiver device detects the symbol start position from the peak position, thereby capturing the symbol timing. This process is called symbol timing synchronization.
Following the symbol timing synchronization, the receiver device generates the next symbol start timing by counting the number of samples of the symbol by means of an internal clock, to determine FFT computation timing and the like.
Because of an error in the sampling frequency based on the internal clock of the receiver device, however, the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device occasionally deviates from the peak position of a moving average output signal shown in FIG. 7, causing a timing error.
In conventional receiver devices, the deviation is fed back as an error signal to control the sampling frequency so that the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device may always coincide with the peak position of the moving average output signal.
Also, there has been known a conventional method wherein the timing error is detected by obtaining a difference between areas of the moving average output signal corresponding to predetermined periods before and after the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device.
FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate the method of detecting a timing error based on areas of the moving average output signal. FIG. 8A shows the case where the symbol start timing of the receiver device coincides with that of the received signal, FIG. 8B shows the case where the symbol start timing of the receiver device is earlier than that of the received signal, and FIG. 8C shows the case where the symbol start timing of the receiver device is later than that of the received signal.
Conventionally, a comparison is made between the areas of the moving average output signal corresponding to predetermined periods before and after the symbol start timing of the receiver device. In FIGS. 8A to 8C, SL5 indicates an area of the moving average output signal over the predetermined period before the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device, and SR5 indicates an area of the moving average output signal over the predetermined period after the symbol start timing of the receiver device. Specifically, the areas SL5 and SR5 are each derived as the sum total of L sample values of the moving average output signal. In the figures, 2L denotes an error detection range.
Where the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device coincides with the peak of the moving average output signal (symbol start timing of the received signal) as shown in FIG. 8A, the difference between the areas SL5 and SR5 is zero ("0"), so that no error is detected.
On the other hand, where the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device is earlier than that of the received signal as shown in FIG. 8B, the difference (SL5−SR5) between the areas SL5 and SR5 takes a negative value. Conversely, where the symbol start timing generated within the receiver device is later than that of the received signal as shown in FIG. 8C, the difference (SL5−SR5) between the areas SL5 and SR5 takes a positive value. In the conventional receiver device, the sampling frequency is corrected on the basis of the difference between the areas SL5 and SR5, to thereby correct the timing error of the receiver device.
As such conventional devices configured to obtain the area difference, a receiver device has been known in which an FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter comprising 2L one-clock delayers is used to obtain the area difference.
However, in the conventional receiver devices wherein the symbol timing error of the receiver device is corrected by using the areas calculated based on the received signal, a large number of adders are required to calculate the area difference, resulting in enlargement of the scale of circuitry.
For example, in the case of the receiver device using the FIR filter comprising 2L one-clock delayers, usually (2L−1) adders are required, giving rise to a problem that widening the error detection range leads to further enlargement in the scale of circuitry.
Also, in the conventional receiver devices wherein the symbol timing error of the receiver device is corrected by using the areas calculated based on the received signal, the detected error signal undergoes variations as the input level of the received signal varies, adversely affecting the stability and convergence of the control system.

Receiver device, error detection circuit, and receiving method


Various methods and systems are provided for related to adaptive systems using correntropy. In one embodiment, a signal processing device includes a processing unit and a memory storing an adaptive system executable in the at least one processing unit. The adaptive system includes modules that, when executed by the processing unit, cause the signal processing device to adaptively filter a desired signal using a correntropy cost function. In another embodiment, a method includes adjusting a coefficient of an adaptive filter based at least in part on a correntropy cost function signal, providing an adaptive filter output signal based at least in part on the adjusted coefficient and a reference signal, and determining an error signal based at least in part on a received signal and the adaptive filter output signal.

Adaptive filters are used in a wide range of signal processing applications. While a least means square (LMS) adaptive algorithm can be used to adapt a filter by minimizing the mean squared value (second order moment) of the error between the output of the adaptive filter and the desired response, the performance of such adaptive filters can be limited when operating under impulsive noise conditions.

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.


In a suspension control system, a constant speed travel control device controls throttle control unit according to information from a control switch unit and a vehicle speed sensor, to control the vehicle speed, and, when necessary, applies an over-drive off signal to an automatic speed changer, and a suspension control device detects acceleration of the vehicle from the outputs of the vehicle speed sensor and a throttle opening sensor, to calculate a most suitable damping force of a suspension, and receives control state data through a transmission line from the constant speed travel control device, to determine a most suitable damping force to control damping force switching unit. Thereby, comfortableness in the driving vehicle is improved.

This invention relates to a suspension control system which controls the damping force of a suspension of a vehicle according to travel conditions of the vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conventional suspension control system. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 designates a suspension control device for controlling the damping force of a suspension; 2, a vehicle speed sensor for measuring a travel speed of a vehicle; 3, a throttle opening sensor for measuring a degree of opening of a throttle valve; and 4, damping force switching means 4 for changing the damping force of the suspension. The vehicle speed sensor 2, the throttle opening sensor 3, and the damping force switching means 4 are connected to the suspension control device 1.
The conventional suspension control system shown in FIG. 5 operates as follows: The suspension control device 1 calculates the acceleration of the vehicle by using a vehicle speed outputted by the vehicle speed sensor 2 and a degree of opening detected by the throttle opening sensor 3. When the acceleration thus calculated is higher than a predetermined value, the suspension control device 1 performs control to increase the damping force of the suspension; that is, it applies a switching instruction to the damping force switching means 4 to increase the damping force of the suspension to minimize variations in posture of the vehicle, thereby to improve the comfortableness in driving the vehicle.
The conventional suspension control device is designed as described above. That is, after the occurrence of acceleration has been detected from variations in the degree of opening of the throttle valve or in vehicle speed, the damping force of the suspension is changed. Hence, it is impossible for the device to prevent the posture of vehicle from changing at the beginning of acceleration or deceleration.
During constant speed travel of the vehicle in which it is essential for the driver to be able to comfortably drive the latter, great variations in posture of the vehicle should be sufficiently suppressed.


Processes for the production of tetrachloromethane are provided. The present processes involve catalyzing the chlorination of a feedstream comprising partially chlorinated methanes with a free radical initiator. Cost savings are thus provided relative to conventional processes that require the use of high temperatures and/or pressures, and safety concerns are alleviated or eliminated.

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) products are widely utilized in many applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, foam expansion, and as propellants for aerosol products including medical aerosol devices. Although HFC's have proven to be more climate friendly than the chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon products that they replaced, it has now been discovered that they exhibit an appreciable global warming potential (GWP).
The search for more acceptable alternatives to current fluorocarbon products has led to the emergence of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) products. Relative to their predecessors, HFOs are expected to exert less impact on the atmosphere in the form their much lower GWP. Advantageously, HFO's also exhibit low flammability and low toxicity.
As the environmental, and thus, economic importance of HFO's has developed, so has the demand for precursors utilized in their production. Many desirable HFO compounds, e.g., such as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene, may typically be produced utilizing feedstocks of chlorocarbons, and in particular, chlorinated propanes and/or propenes, which may also find use as feedstocks for the manufacture of polyurethane blowing agents, biocides and polymers.
Unfortunately, many chlorinated propenes may have limited commercial availability, and/or may only be available at prohibitively high cost. This may be due at least in part to the fact that conventional processes for their manufacture may require the use of raw materials and/or starting materials that are prohibitively expensive, or otherwise too limited in the throughputs that can be achieved, to be economically produced by manufacturers on the large scale required to be useful as feedstocks.
For example, some conventional processes may require highly chlorinated propanes or propenes as starting materials that are, in turn, prepared from raw materials that are not generally readily available. Such raw materials may be produced in limited quantities as by-products of other processes, or, may be produced by processes that may be less than optimal in terms of selectivity and/or yield, process operating and/or capital cost, safety, and/or environmental acceptability.
It would thus be desirable to provide improved processes for the production of raw materials useful in the synthesis of chlorocarbon precursors that in turn, are useful as feedstocks in the synthesis of refrigerants and other commercial products. More particularly, such processes would provide an improvement over the current state of the art if they provided a commercially useful yield and/or selectivity, were operable under lower intensity, and thus safer, conditions.

Process for the production of tetrachloromethane


A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided, the combustor having an outer shell with an outer surface exposed to cooling air and an inner surface, and at least one floatwall panel attached to the inner surface of the outer shell and having a trailing edge. At least one dilution hole is in the floatwall panel near the trailing edge and in communication with the outer surface of the outer shell, and at least one local air impingement hole is in the outer shell downstream of each at least one dilution hole, that directs the cooling air towards the trailing edge of the floatwall panel.

In a combustor having a combustion chamber liner arrangement comprising floatwall panels, the combustor comprises an outer shell, which is lined on the inside with heat shields, referred to herein as floatwall panels. One example of such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,941. Each floatwall panel is attached to the outer shell with studs and nuts. The middle stud and the corresponding hole on the shells are made to tight tolerance to locate the floatwall. The rest of the studs and holes are loosely made to allow freedom of movement.
In certain arrangements, there are dilution holes near the trailing edge of the floatwall panel, which communicate with corresponding dilution holes in the outer shell and allows cooling air to dilute the hot gas. In addition to dilution holes, the outer shell also has smaller air impingement holes to allow cooling air to enter between the floatwall panel and the outer shell, in order to cool the back of the floatwall panel. This cooling air exits the effusion holes on the surface of the floatwall panel and forms a film on the surface of the floatwall panel.
Establishing and maintaining a film of cooling air along the inside surface of the floatwall panel helps to form a barrier against thermal damage to the floatwall panel. Challenges in the floatwall arrangement include the need to purge hot gas from between the floatwall panel and the outer shell, and the need to maintain the film of cooling air beyond the trailing edge of the floatwall panel to cool the region behind the dilution holes.
Features that distinguish the present invention from the background art will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description presented below.


An agitator mill comprises an annular cylindrical exterior grinding chamber which is defined by an inner wall of a grinding receptacle and an outer wall of a rotor; and an interior grinding chamber which is defined by an inner wall of the rotor and an outer casing of an interior stator. The grinding chambers are interconnected by a deflection chamber. g<h applies to the radial gap width g of the exterior grinding chamber in relation to the radial gap width h of the interior grinding chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an agitator mill for treating free-flowing grinding stock, comprising a grinding receptacle which defines a substantially closed grinding chamber by means of an inner wall; and an agitator which is rotarily drivably disposed therein and which is cup-shaped in relation to a common central longitudinal axis, having an annular cylindrical rotor which has a closed wall; and an interior stator which is disposed within the rotor and fixedly joined to the grinding receptacle; wherein an annular cylindrical exterior grinding chamber in the form of an annular gap is formed between the inner wall of the grinding receptacle and an outer wall of the rotor, the exterior grinding chamber having a radial gap width; and an annular cylindrical interior grinding chamber in the form of an annular gap is formed between an inner wall of the rotor and an outer casing of the interior stator, the interior grinding chamber being arranged coaxially within the exterior grinding chamber and connected thereto via a deflection chamber and having a radial gap width h; wherein the exterior grinding chamber, the deflection chamber and the interior grinding chamber constitute the grinding chamber which is partially filled with auxiliary grinding bodies; wherein a grinding-stock supply area, which is disposed upstream of the exterior grinding chamber and opens into it in the direction of flow of the grinding stock, and a separator device, which is disposed downstream of the interior grinding chamber in the direction of flow, are disposed approximately on the same side of the grinding receptacle for the grinding stock to pass through; wherein auxiliary-grinding-body return conduits are provided in the agitator for returning the auxiliary grinding bodies from the vicinity of the separator device into the grinding-stock supply area, the return conduits connecting the end of the interior grinding chamber to the beginning of the exterior grinding chamber; and wherein the inner wall of the grinding receptacle and the outer wall and the inner wall of the rotor are free of interruptions, and the inner wall of the grinding receptacle and the outer wall of the rotor are smooth and free of agitator implements.
2. Background Art
In an agitator mill of the generic type known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,943 the interior grinding chamber as well as the exterior grinding chamber are smooth-walled without any interruptions and free from agitator elements. The gap width i.e., the radial extension of the exterior grinding chamber, distinctly exceeds that of the interior grinding chamber. This is meant to accomplish that grinding and dispersing the free-flowing, slurried grinding stock takes place predominantly by shearing effects in such a way that the local intensity of strain on the grinding stock is substantially constant throughout the entire grinding length of path. The smooth-walled design of the cylindrical boundary walls of the exterior grinding chamber and the interior grinding chamber produces a flow in which the auxiliary grinding bodies are moved relative to each other in layers. The shearing gradient and thus the local intensity of strain is constant over the respective grinding-chamber height in the exterior grinding chamber on the one hand and in the interior grinding chamber on the other. With the gap width of the interior grinding chamber being smaller than the gap width of the exterior grinding chamber, the shearing gradient can be made equal in the exterior grinding chamber and in the interior grinding chamber; it is then virtually constant throughout the grinding chamber. Problems have turned out to be posed by the fact that start-up of the agitator mill is difficult in the case of a high auxiliary-grinding-body fill factor. Because of its start-up problems the agitator mill is operated at a reduced auxiliary-grinding-body fill, which again leads to unfavorably rough distribution in grinding-stock particle size. Since this reduction of auxiliary grinding bodies reduces the amount of auxiliary grinding bodies that return through the auxiliary-grinding-body return conduits, there is an increase in the risk of so-called grinding-stock shooting flow i.e., grinding stock that has been supplied to the grinding-stock supply chamber for being ground or dispersed may short-circuit through the auxiliary-grinding-body return conduits towards the separator device.


Eyewear, lenses, and methods of forming lenses are disclosed. In an example eyewear, first and second temples are coupled to a lens. The lens includes a viewing portion, a mounting portion configured to be coupled to at least one of the first and second temples, a connecting portion connecting the mounting portion to the viewing portion of the lens. The lens further includes an elongated slot that defines at least in part the mounting portion and the connecting portion. The mounting portion and connecting portion are configured to effectively isolate the viewing portion from deflection of the mounting portion.

Protective eye wear is used to protect the wearer's eyes from projectiles and or other undesirable particulates in the surrounding area, for example, in an industrial setting or in a combat zone. In addition, protective eye wear may be worn during sports such as cycling, skiing, archery, or others. Various configurations of protective eye wear are known in the art, however, many conventional eye shields suffer from deficiencies. One or more problems of the art may be addressed by the present examples

Eyewear and lenses with deflection attenuation mechanisms