A sensor system for detecting the presence of at least one specific component in a fluid medium such as an exhaust gas. A sensor is mounted in a sensor body for detecting the presence of at least one specific component and providing a representative signal that is transmitted to a remote receiver for processing. A power source such as a thermopile provides power for the sensor and the transmitter. Preferred are sensors that detect a plurality of different components in the gas and provide a distinct signal for each component. A preferred transmitter is designed to transmit at a low duty cycle so as to conserve power. A preferred sensor is electronic, has the capability for self-diagnostics and self-calibration, and causes a change in current when exposed to the component, such as a functionalized field effect transistor.

Multi-component exhaust gas sensors are needed to meet increasingly stringent government regulations. They are also needed for control of combustion performance and fuel economy. There is also a need for sensors that operate in other fluid streams, such as smoke stacks and other discharge media. However, presently available exhaust gas sensors are costly, consume a lot of power, and/or are often limited to sensing one component. Sensors are available that sense O2 or Nx, but are typically not able to sense gases like CO, CO2, or SO2. In addition, their high power consumption does not allow self-powered operation.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0200900 to Hall discloses a sensing platform that can be used to accommodate new sensors and other electronics that Hall says are evolving so rapidly they are obsolete almost as they are developed. Paragraph 0169 suggests a thermopile, powered by a nuclear isotope. No specific mention of any self-powered sensor is made, nor is the idea of placing the platform in an exhaust system of a vehicle even possible.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0226600 to Starer et al. operates a gas valve that is powered by a thermopile that derives heat from a pilot flame. The sensor does not seek to detect specific gases. U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,351 to Kinard et al. discloses a multilayer film multifunction thermal converter that uses thin films in combination with thermopiles and thermocouples. U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,251 to Garabedian et al. discloses a FET as a sensor but not for exhaust gases and not in combination with a thermopile for power or a transmitter for signal transmission.
Accordingly it would be of great advantage in the sensor art if a sensor could be provided that can measure all the various exhaust gas components.
Another advantage would be if a sensor could be developed that operates at sufficiently low power to be driven by a self-generated power source.
Yet another advantage would be to provide a sensor that would include self-diagnostics and self-calibration.
Still another advantage would be to provide a sensor that would operate with a wireless data transfer component.
Other advantages and features will appear hereinafter.


A heat exchanger comprises at least one tube or plate pair defining a fluid flow passage which is reduced in height across a portion of its width. A turbulizer comprising a plurality of rows of convolutions is received inside the fluid flow passage in either the low pressure drop or high pressure drop orientation. The turbulizer includes convolutions of reduced height in order to at least partially fill the reduced-height portions of the fluid flow passage and thereby reduce bypass flow. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, heat exchanger tubes or plate pairs define fluid flow passages which are reduced in height along their edges, and the turbulizer is similarly reduced in height along its edges.

Plate-type heat exchangers comprise at least one pair of spaced-apart plates sealed together at their margins. Each plate pair defines a fluid flow passage having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. In a typical heat exchanger, the edges of the fluid flow passage have a height which is less than the height at the center of the fluid flow passage. The reduction in height adjacent the edges may be due to the manner in which the plates are joined together and/or the edges of the plates may be somewhat rounded as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,685 to Gawve et al.
The fluid flow passage may contain a conductive insert to enhance heat transfer and to increase turbulence in the fluid flowing through the flow passage. These conductive inserts, which are also known as turbulizers, usually comprise strips of metal in which a plurality of convolutions are formed by stamping and/or rolling. The convolutions are usually of a uniform height and are preferably in contact with both plates of the plate pair to maximize heat transfer. Numerous types of turbulizers are known in the prior art. One type of turbulizer which may be used in vehicular oil coolers is the louvered fin described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,981 (Joshi) issued on Aug. 7, 1990. Another type of turbulizer for use in vehicular heat exchangers is the offset strip fin, examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,890 (So) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,183 (So et al.). The patents to So and So et al. are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 of Gawve et al., a turbulizer of constant height cannot fill the entire area of a fluid flow passage which is reduced in height adjacent its edges, while maintaining effective contact with the plates. This causes the formation of a fluid bypass B (FIG. 3 of Gawve et al.) adjacent the edges of the fluid flow passage, which lowers the efficiency of heat transfer. This problem is partially solved in Gawve et al. by indenting the fin walls to reduce their height adjacent their ends, thereby reducing the bypass area B′ as shown in FIG. 7.
While the Gawve et al. patent addresses the problem of bypass flow, it is specific to corrugated fins extending transverse to the direction of fluid flow and having fin walls which extend across the entire width of the turbulizer. There remains a need to address the problem of bypass flow in heat exchangers using other types of turbulizers, such as the offset strip fins mentioned above.

Heat exchangers with turbulizers having convolutions of varied height


A method for grouping computer subscribers by common preferences to establish non-intimate relationships. The method of the present invention provides a subscriber access to a computerized database having stored non-intimate profile information from fellow subscribers. The user registers and stores non-intimate profile information into a database. The present invention groups the user with at least two of the fellow subscribers to form at least one group based on similarities between the subscriber's profile information and the fellow subscriber's profile information. The present invention utilizes an algorithm to determine a level of similarity between the subscriber's profile information and the fellow subscribers' profile information, wherein preferences are assigned integer values concatenated to form a lookup key and used to access an entry in a table containing the corresponding similarity value between two preferences. The similarity values between all profile preferences are added to create a final similarity total for the subscribers. Multi-way matching is also employed to ensure that similarity values for each subscriber in the group and all other subscribers in said group exceeds a threshold value. The list of subscribers in the group as well as similarities between the subscribers in the group are displayed for viewing and for editing by the subscriber.

Non-intimate relationships can best be described as those relationships that are not intimate in nature. Whereas intimate relationships focus on dating and courtship, non-intimate relationships include relationships such as general friendships, golfing buddies, sewing partners, investment groups, and sailing clubs to name a few.
For many people, the act of acquiring and maintaining a non-intimate relationship is a difficult, time-consuming process that is both challenging and difficult. In general, the method of acquiring new non-intimate relationships can best be described as ad hoc, resulting from activities such as attending parties, coaching teams, playing on sports teams, or taking a walk in the park. Once people have initially met, non-intimate relationships take a number of mutually agreeable interactions before they build into what can best be described as relationships of value. Only a small percentage of people who meet develop their relationship into a non-intimate relationship of value.
Although there are many established formalized methods to initiate intimate relationships, such as dating services and classified ads, the development of non-intimate relationships usually must follow a different course. This is simply because people feel uncomfortable and avoid situations where they may be matched with a particular person with the idea of establishing a non-intimate relationship. While people generally feel comfortable going out in groups to make new non-intimate relationships, they generally, and strongly associate one-on-one matching methods such as dating services and classified ads as methods to build intimate relationships. Given the large differences between building an intimate and a non-intimate relationship, current methods to establish intimate relationships would largely fail if one were to attempt to use the same methods to establish non-intimate relationships.
Previous computerized methods have been established to develop intimate relationships. Such methods include on-line dating services for locating and matching people based on a user's characteristics and criteria for establishing intimate relationships. These one-on-one matching methods include the use of a computer network system or the use of the internet. While the computer algorithms used for one-on-one matching of people can vary, a common method used is the "Assignment Method" which is well-documented in operations research publications. This method and more recent computer dating methods suggest that the one-on-one matching of individuals should be performed in a "two-way" manner such that two people are only paired up only if they closely match each other's stated preferences. Results are then relayed to the users of the service through a variety of means such as web pages, telephones and pagers. While these methods suggest that one could be matched to make new acquaintances and friends, it is doubtful that most people would use this one-on-one matching method to secure new "non-intimate" friends for reasons earlier described. Furthermore, the methods described in this prior art are insufficient to match people into groups of three or more people which often provide people with the best vehicle to establish new non-intimate relationships.
Whereas the current matching methods employed to pair people up primarily requires that people be interactively compared to the others and scored for mutual compatibility as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the methods used to match people into groups are different and more complex as illustrated in FIG. 14B. While the one-to-one (individual) pairing of people requires the compatibility score between two people to be above a certain optimized value, the many-to-many (group) comparisons and placement of people into groups requires that all people are compatible with every other person within the group. For example, using FIG. 14B, if people #2–6 were mutually and highly compatible with person #1, but not with each other, they would not be placed into the same group. Moreover, only one of them at most could be placed into the eventual group(s) to which person #1 is assigned.
Additional shortfalls of the prior art as it relates to matching people into groups, fall into two areas including: (1) lack of group-specific parameters and functionality to establish a group; and (2) lack of functionality normally associated with establishing and maintaining a group once established. With respect to the first area, as current art is focused on making one-to-one matches, current art does not include provisions for allowing users to specify a preferred group size. The prior art also does not provide for users to specify preferred group meeting times which are often critical to matching people into groups of larger size. With respect to the second area, the prior art does not provide for an automated means to find new mutually compatible members for an established group from a much larger pool of candidates contained within a profiles database. Moreover, the prior art does not include functionality that tends to be strongly associated with managing group activities such as providing capabilities to schedule meetings and maintain an on-line posting of group events.
It would be desirable to provide a method that directly addresses the acquisition and maintenance of non-intimate relationships. It would also be desirable to establish a method of developing non-intimate relationships for people desiring to meet or interact with other persons "in person". In addition, it would also be desirable to establish a method for establishing and maintaining non-intimate relationships between groups of people.

Method for grouping computer subscribers by common preferences to establish non-intimate relationships


A seat belt retractor with a speed-controlled load limiting device has a belt shaft pivot-mounted in a retractor frame, a blocking device for locking the belt shaft relative to the retractor frame) in the belt extraction direction when a predetermined value of the belt webbing extraction acceleration and/or of vehicle deceleration is exceeded, and at least two toothed elements which, upon activation of the load limiting device move relative to each other. One of the toothed elements performs an oscillatory motion, wherein both parts feature teeth, with which they alternately engage and disengage during the relative motion belt shaft has a first and a second part. The second part can be locked relative to the retractor frame, and each of the toothed elements is allocated to a different part of the belt shaft.

A load limiting device for a seat belt retractor, for example, a speed-controlled load limiting device, is known from WO 2006/108451 A1 filed by this applicant; said device features a plurality of pendulum masses disposed on the frame of the seat belt retractor. The masses are seated so as to rotate on the retraction frame and during the load-limited unwinding of the seat belt, engage alternately with two teeth into a toothed ring connected to the belt shaft. Due to the pendulum masses disposed on the retractor frame, the seat belt retractor as a whole is complicated and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, due to the pendulum masses the seat belt retractor requires a comparatively large installation space.
In the German patent application 10 2008 049 931.5 also filed by this applicant, an improved load limiting device operating on the basis of the same physical principle is described, in which the two toothed parts are moved with respect to each other in a force-limited manner and one of the parts executes a "wave shaped" forward motion in which the toothed parts alternately are engaged and disengaged. The pendulum masses are replaced by the part executing the wave-shaped forward motion, so that the load limiting device described therein requires a significantly smaller installation space and displays a significantly simpler structure. In one exemplary embodiment the part executing the wave-shaped forward motion is realized by a toothed disc which is friction-locked to the belt shaft.
Furthermore, from DE 10 2009 010 435 A1 a seat belt retractor with a speed-controlled load limiting device is known, in which for the activation thereof, the load limiting device is secured to a part on the frame of the seat belt retractor and is connectable to another part on the belt shaft. The part by which the load limiting device is connectable to the belt shaft is designed as a rotatable toothed ring in which a locking pawl seated on the belt shaft engages. During the load-limited belt extension motion, the torque from the toothed ring is directed via axial fingers into a toothed flywheel which then begins a rotational motion with an overlapping, transverse-directed oscillatory motion which alternately engages and disengages with teeth arranged on the frame of the seat belt retractor. During this rotational motion the oscillating disc is periodically accelerated and decelerated, so that the destruction of energy underlying the load limiting principle is effected. One disadvantage of this design is seen in that, upon activation of the blocking device, the toothed ring must have a particular alignment to the engaging locking pawl so that the locking pawl does not undergo false locking against the peak of the tooth. Therefore, the engaging motion of the locking pawl must be synchronized with the alignment of the toothed ring, which in turn can be problematic since the alignment of the toothed ring itself is established by its assembly to the retractor frame. Thus, the alignment of the toothed ring has a certain, unavoidable tolerance due to manufacturing tolerances for the toothed ring itself and its attachment points to the retractor frame and these tolerances complicate the synchronization of the motion of the locking pawl.

Seat belt retractor with a speed-regulated force-limiting device


A control command communicated between a print control section and a finisher control section are relayed by an inserter control section. The print control section and the finisher control section generate the control command without taking into account processing at an inserter, and the inserter control section judges the content of the control command upon receiving the control command sent from the print control section or the finisher control section, and converts the control command or adjusts output timing of the control command if the control command needs to take into account the processing at the inserter.

In an image forming system in which a printing apparatus main body is attached with optional devices such as a post-processing device, an inserter device, and a paper feeding device, timing such as timing of transporting sheets to the optional devices is managed and controlled by the printing apparatus main body.
An example of the image forming system in which the optional device is attached to the printing apparatus main body is an image forming system shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-21984 (Tokukai 2003-21984, published on Jan. 24, 2003). In this image forming system, an optional device in which a post-processing device and an inserter device are integrated is attached to an image forming apparatus main body. Here, when interleaving sheet insertion and staple processing are performed in the system, the optional devices are controlled in a unified manner by the image forming apparatus.
However, the system employing the optional device in which the post-processing device and the inserter device are integrated, as disclosed in Tokukai 2003-21984, offers less flexibility to a user who requires a function provided by the post-processing device (sort function, staple processing function, for example) but does not require a function provided by the inserter device (interleaving sheet insertion function).
Further, there is also an image forming system that includes the post-processing device and the inserter device separately as different optional devices and can serve as either a system composed of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing device or a system composed of the image forming apparatus, the post-processing device, and the inserter device. When the image forming system as described above is established as the system to which both the post-processing device and the inserter device are attached, the inserter device is provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the post-processing device.
In the system employing the optional device in which the post-processing device and the inserter device are integrated as described in Tokukai 2003-21984 (see FIG. 10(a)), and in the system composed of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing device (see FIG. 10(b)), only one system of a control line is required to connect the image forming apparatus with the optional device.
On the other hand, in the image forming system that includes the post-processing device and the inserter device separately as different optional devices as described above, the image forming apparatus main body manages and controls both the post-processing device and the inserter device. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus is required to use control lines in two systems, as shown in FIG. 10(c). This complicates the arrangement of the control system.
Further, in the image forming system provided with the inserter device, a transport path from the main body to the post-processing device is longer by the length of the inserter device, compared with the image forming system that is not provided with the inserter device. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus main body is required to prepare two types of control programs respectively for (i) control (timing control, in particular) of the post-processing device in a case where the inserter device is not attached, and (ii) control of the post-processing device in a case where the inserter device is attached. This increases the workload of control processing on the image forming apparatus.
Further, if the specification of the inserter device changes, for example, it is necessary to modify the control program of the image forming apparatus main body accordingly.

Image forming system and inserter device


An organic solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Amid rising interests in renewable energy increasing worldwide, organic solar cells are currently drawing attention as a promising future energy source having a variety of advantages.
Compared with inorganic solar cells using silicon, organic solar cells may be manufactured as a thin film at low cost and may be applicable to various types of flexible devices.
Therefore, to further improve characteristics of organic solar cells research and development have been conducted in respect to various aspects. As an example, attempts have been made to improve characteristics of a photoactive layer of an organic solar cell by thermal treatment of a photoactive layer material, surface treatment of the photoactive layer, or the like.
However, improvement of a photoelectric conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell and reduction of manufacturing costs are still necessary.

Organic solar cell and method of manufacturing the same


A voltage converting circuit for converting a first voltage signal into a second voltage signal for supplying voltage for an electronic component includes a photoelectric coupler and a connector. The photoelectric coupler includes a light-emitting element and a photosensor. The light-emitting element includes a first terminal configured for receiving the first voltage signal. The photosensor includes a first terminal connected to a power supply, and a second terminal configured for outputting the second voltage signal. The connector configured for connecting the photosensor and the electronic component. When the first voltage signal is at a high level, the light-emitting element emits light to turn on the photosensor, the power supply makes the voltage level of the second voltage signal sent out by the photosensor to satisfy a voltage demand of the electronic component.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to converting circuits, and particularly to a voltage converting circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a voltage converting circuit is connected between a control chip and an electronic component, such as a fan. The voltage converting circuit is configured for converting a low voltage signal, such as a 3V signal that is unfit for the fan, sent out by the control chip to a high voltage signal, such as a 12V signal that is fit for the fan, to meet the voltage demand of the fan. However, the voltage converting circuit generally includes a converting chip and a plurality of transistors, which creates complications and added cost. Furthermore, the voltage converting circuit may distort signals during transmission, which may degrade the fan control circuit's ability to control the fan.


Disclosed is a method for the extraction of lipase from mammalian tissue with which it is associated which involves contacting the tissue with an alkaline, aqueous medium having a pH of from greater than 7.0 up to a level at which the alkalinity will deactivate the lipase.

The commercial application of lipases (esterases) from animal origin are varied. For example, these enzymes find utility in natural flavor production such as in enzymatic modification of lipid food ingredients and in cheese ripening processes by shortening the cheese aging time. The lipases are also useful for the formation of enzyme modified cheese flavor in the production of certain Italian type cheeses such as provolone. They also find utility in butter fat modification, for developing products which are useful in bakery/cereal products, imitation dairy products, margarines, salad dressings and pizza sauces.
The development of flavor in cheese under storage conditions is attributed to a combination of breakdown of products from milk constituents, mostly from fat. The presence of free butyric acid, caproic acid and capric acids in aged cheese is largely due to the action of lipases on cheese fat. Thus, the cheese-ripening time and the flavor profile can be altered by the amount of available lipase in the cheese. Lipases have been extensively used in the production of enzyme modified cheese (EMC). Lipolysed milk fat flavored dairy products are produced by incubation of a pregastric lipase with butter fat or vegetable oils. The resulting hydrolysate is then used as a flavor booster in food products.
Animal lipases have been historically used to enhance the flavor in non-dairy products. The increasing demand for animal lipases in food and dairy industries necessitates the development of an improved processing technology for obtaining higher yields from the limited supply of animal sources.
Animal lipases are typically obtained by drying and grinding calf, kid or lamb gullets to provide a solid, enzyme containing product in which the enzyme is closely associated with the gullet tissue. When used, such as in the making of enzyme modified cheese, the ground gullet bearing the enzyme is added to the vat and blended into the cheese milk. This method suffers from the disadvantage of providing pockets of lipase activity due to the incomplete mixing of the solid lipase containing gullet tissue and the liquid cheese milk. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,329 there is disclosed a method for extracting lipase from animal tissue (gullet) using an aqueous solution containing 10% propylene glycol together with sodium chloride at an acidic pH (pH 6.2-6.5).
The advantages of a liquid form of animal lipase are apparent, and it is an object of the present invention to provide such lipase in the liquid form as well as a method for its preparation. A further object is to provide such a method which provides for the extraction of lipase using an alkaline, aqueous medium which does not require additives to enhance extractions by the aqueous medium.

Liquid lipase from animal origin and method of preparation


A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Balfiesalmo’, characterized by its double type, medium salmon-colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, and vigorous, compact, and upright-mounded growth habit.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant botanically known as Impatiens walleriana and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Balfiesalmo'.
The new cultivar originated in a controlled breeding program in Elbum, Ill. during February 2000. The objective of the breeding program was the development of Impatiens cultivars with fully double-type flowers, attractive flower and foliage coloration, and a freely branching, compact growth habit.
The new Impatiens cultivar is the result of cross-pollination. The female (seed) parent of the new cultivar is the proprietary Impatiens walleriana breeding selection designated SDC1712, not patented, characterized by its semi-double type, coral-colored flowers, dark, olive-green-colored foliage, and mounded, well branched growth habit. The male (pollen) parent of the new cultivar is the proprietary Impatiens walleriana breeding selection designated 12865-2, not patented, characterized by its double type, medium cherry-colored flowers, medium green-colored foliage, and upright-mounded growth habit. The new cultivar was discovered and selected as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the above stated cross-pollination during August 2000 in a controlled environment at Elbum, Ill.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar by terminal stem cuttings since August 2000 at Arroyo Grande, Calif., and West Chicago, Ill, has demonstrated that the new cultivar reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of such asexual propagation.


A method for helmet construction by applying vacuum and fluid-pressure technologies is disclosed. Different types and sizes of exterior and interior helmet shells are press-formed from general engineering plastics. Conventional adhesive is applied on the inside surface of the exterior shell for fastening the interior and exterior shells together to form an integral shell unit. The shell unit is set on the base of a vacuuming apparatus moulded to adapt and to receive the inside surface contour of the interior shell. The vacuuming apparatus and the shell unit setting thereon are placed inside a conventional plastic film bag for vacuuming clear of any air pockets in the space between the two shell layers. The vacuumed film bag containing the vacuuming apparatus and the shell unit is then submerged under heated fluid contained in an airtight and pressure-resistant vessel. Pressure is subsequently applied to the vessel to further pressurize and complete the fastening process of the interior and exterior shells. Helmet construction according to this method requires low operating temperature and low operating pressure, thus enabling the use of relatively inexpensive and easily sourced raw materials.

Helmets in general are made up of an interior shell and an exterior shell fastened together. In the conventional methods of helmet construction, the exterior shell is usually formed first, and high-temperature-resistant printing ink is coated on the inside surface of the exterior shell. The exterior shell is then placed inside a hot-press mould capable of injecting plastic particles. Under high temperature and pressure, injected plastic particles thaw, froth and expand into firm and light interior shell, which tightly presses against the exterior shell. Since this type of conventional helmet construction process requires high heat and pressure, materials for the exterior shells and coating ink must be high-heat-resistant, high-pressure-resistant and distortion-resistant. Generally, polycarbonate (PC) and high-grade plastic are used as raw materials for exterior shells. High-temperature-resistant printing ink is used as adhesive for fastening the interior and exterior shells. Thus, these raw materials are expensive and the coefficient of adhesion between interior and exterior shells is unsatisfactory. Other shortcomings in the conventional method include complex operating techniques, requirement for high precision of mould matching, short usage life, long production cycle and expensive manufacturing cost.
It is therefore desirable to construct helmets without the foregoing disadvantages.

Vacuum and fluid-pressure method for helmet construction


A portable handheld digital radiographic device is disclosed. The device has a touchscreen interface, an x-ray generator, and a computer system. These components are integrated into one combined device that is designed to be small, lightweight and portable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to radiographic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to portable X-ray generation.
2. Background of the Invention
X-ray photography has provided great benefits in the years since its introduction. X-rays are now used routinely in security settings to scan packages, luggage, and travelers for contraband. Perhaps the most visible benefit has been in the medical and veterinary fields, where x-rays are used widely, from radiation therapy to diagnostic imaging. In veterinary medicine specifically, x-rays are used to generate diagnostic images of soft tissue(s) and bone(s).
In the past, x-ray generator photography devices were bulky, unwieldy, and utilized film-cassette-chemical processor combinations to capture image data to x-ray film. In this analog style, x-ray generators emit x-rays to expose x-ray film. Exposed film is removed from the cassette housing and subjected to a chemical process, to create an x-ray image on physical film for viewing on a back-lit, light box.
Not unlike digital cameras, digital x-ray detectors have been utilized in combination with x-ray generators, to record x-ray exposure data instantly, outputting this data into a computer readable electronic format. Film-cassette-chemical processor combinations are being replaced by the digital versions.
However, such digital versions are not without their limitations. Taking up a great deal of space and weighing several hundred pounds or more, present digital x-ray devices and/or "rooms", primarily designed to be installed in a radiology suite, or for in-hospital use in fixed locations, cannot be easily moved once installed. Advances in technology have shrunk the size and weight of X-ray generators and associated digital x-ray components, to the point where "mobile" or "portable" x-ray devices on wheels or in multiple component configurations are now possible.
Yet again, even "mobile" or "portable" x-ray devices do not presently live up to the requirements of users who operate outside of a hospital environment. For example, major medical device manufacturers have developed "mobile" or "portable" hospital use digital x-ray consoles which provide for x-ray generation, digital detector capture, and computer storage/display, for use primarily at patient bedside, rather than in the radiology room suite. However, these devices still weigh, in total, approximately two hundred pounds. Two hundred pounds does not fit any reasonable definition of "portable" or "mobile" for users requiring use in the field, out of a mobile veterinary truck, in a horse's stall, in a zoo pen, or alongside a holding pen for marine mammals. Such "portable" or "mobile" devices, though more self-contained than conventional radiology suite devices, still suffer from the difficulties of portability.
Other portable x-ray generator devices, combined with the multiple separate components of a digital detector system, computer, monitor, and synchronization box, do weigh less, in total. These multi-component digital x-ray systems are used primarily in veterinary medicine for portable fieldwork in equine and zoo patients. In these multi-component solutions, several separate components work together: a portable, handheld x-ray generator; a digital x-ray detector and cable; a computer display and text input unit; and an associated "synchronization" box to coordinate the timing and functions of the individual devices. The disparate devices are coordinated using cables and are powered using several power supplies, connections, and adapters.
The conventional portable, handheld x-ray generator has a "clicker", a two-stage button. In the first stage, pressed halfway down, the clicker powers up the generator and prepares to "fire" x-ray photons. When the stand-alone x-ray generator is cabled within a team of digital acquisition devices, and the first stage of the "clicker" is activated, the first stage clicker signal is sent to a synchronization unit, which in turn communicates with a digital detector attached to the synchronization unit or attached computer. In this communication, the digital detector is communicated via the clicker-synchronization-computer chain to be in an "open" state for reception of x-rays. In the second stage, pressed fully down, the clicker commands the stand-alone generator to transmit X-rays for detection by the detector. The separate synchronization unit coordinates and synchronizes communication of timing and of data between the devices. In addition, the separate synchronization unit attached computer display has a display and keyboard (or other input device, such as a mouse, a keyboard or a touchscreen) to allow the display, process, and editing of image and patient data. These separate devices do weigh less than their "portable" or "mobile" human hospital optimized counterparts. However, they require the user to handle three to four separate components while going to and from the x-ray patient and the input and display device as the user alternates between detector positioning/exposure and image acceptance/labeling, and other functions. This problem may be especially acute in the veterinary field, where the patient, a large animal such as a horse, is out in the pasture or stable and cannot be led into an office. Further, field based exams often are performed on large, dangerous animals. By streamlining exam time and cable management, developing a new design can result in superior results, increased patient compliance, safer operation, lower costs, and superior field durability.
What is needed, therefore, is a new, integrated, portable, handheld device combining all of the features of the synchronization, display, computer processing and recording, data input, and actual x-ray generator exposure into one lightweight, portable, handheld device. In this way, users may label, expose, review, enhance, accept, and label subsequent images in a study series "patient-side," without need to interface with a stand-alone display and input computer device and synchronization unit. Further, a number of cables and power-plug-ins are eliminated, providing a more stable, smaller, safer, transportable, serviceable, and durable solution.


A device and method for patch antenna with enhanced feed is provided. Generally, the patch antenna comprising: a ground plate, a patch plate parallel to the ground plate, a shorting wall, and a feed line. The shorting wall connects an edge of the ground plate to an edge of the patch plate. The feed line passes through an aperture in the ground plate and connects to two locations on the patch plate.

Antennas function to receive and transmit free-space electromagnetic waves. When an antenna is receiving, the antenna transforms free-space propagating waves by inducing a guided electromagnetic wave within the antenna. The guided electromagnetic wave is then fed into an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit then deciphers the signal being transmitted. When an antenna is transmitting, the antenna receives the guided electromagnetic wave for transmission from a feed line and induces an electric field surrounding the antenna to form a free-space propagating electromagnetic wave.
An important consideration in the selection and design of the antenna is the propagation pattern of the free-space propagating electromagnetic wave. In a typical application, a transmitting antenna needs to be able to transmit a guided electromagnetic wave to and from another antenna located on a device such as a base station, hub, or satellite. The base station can be located in any number of directions from the transmitting antenna. Consequently, it is essential that the antennas for such wireless communication devices have an electromagnetic propagation pattern that radiates in all directions.
Another important factor to be considered in designing antennas for wireless communication devices is bandwidth of the antennas. Wireless communication devices such as cellular phones and personal data assistants (PDAs) operate over a frequency band of approximately 1.85–1.99 Gigahertz, thus requiring a useful bandwidth of 7.29 percent. Antennas need to operate at the specific bandwidth of the wireless device. Accordingly, antennas for use on these types of wireless communication devices are be designed to meet the appropriate bandwidth requirements, otherwise communication signals will be severely attenuated.
The demand for compact and inexpensive antennas has increased as wireless communication has become commonplace in a variety of applications. Personal wireless communication devices, for example, cellular phones and PDA have created an increased demand for compact antennas. The increase in satellite communication has also increased the demand for antennas that are compact and provide reliable transmission. In addition, the expansion of wireless local area networks at home and work has also necessitated the demand for antennas that are compact and inexpensive.
A microstrip patch antenna is a type of antenna that offers a low profile, i.e. thin, and easy manufacturability, which provides a great advantage over traditional antennas. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a general shorted-wall, quarter-wave microstrip patch antenna 100. The patch antenna 100 comprises a grounding plate 102, a patch plate 104, and a shorting wall 106. A coaxial cable 108 supplies the guided electromagnetic wave that will be transmitted. Typically the coaxial cable 108 is a 50-ohm cable comprising a signal wire and a ground wire. The signal wire carries the guided electromagnetic wave. The ground wire connects to the ground plate 102 of the microstrip patch antenna 100. The signal wire or feed line 110 passes through an aperture 114 in the ground plate 102 and connects at a location on the patch plate 104. The free-space electromagnetic wave is induced by the patch plate 104 causing a free-space electromagnetic wave to propagate from the patch plate 104.
A properly designed antenna should have a reactive impedance component equal to zero and have a real impedance component equal to a load impedance of the antenna. Additional techniques that allow an antenna designer to manipulate the real impedance of the antenna can provide better designs for patch antennas. Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.


An internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection compression ignition diesel engine, includes an engine housing having a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of fuel injectors associated one with each of the cylinders. The fuel injectors each include a first fuel inlet and a second fuel inlet, and an actuator subassembly which is configured to actuate a control valve assembly positioned within the fuel injector. The engine further includes a fuel system having a fuel supply circuit, and a cooling system for the actuator subassembly having a cooling circuit with a segment in common with a segment of the fuel system. The cooling system is configured to pass cooling fuel across a heat exchange interface of the actuator subassembly to exchange heat therewith. The actuator subassembly may include a piezoelectric actuator and a preloading spring, which are each fluidly sealed within a casing of the actuator subassembly.

Many components of internal combustion engine systems are subjected to relatively high temperatures during operation. In some instances, without some dedicated means for cooling engine system components, operation of the engine system may be sub-optimal, or even compromised altogether. Certain fuel system components commonly used in internal combustion engines are one notable example where cooling may be desired. It is common for fuel injectors used in internal combustion engines to utilize relatively fast moving control valves, actuators and the like to control fuel injection into an associated engine cylinder. The relatively rapid actuation of electrical actuators commonly used in fuel injectors can generate heat, which in combination with heat generated by the engine itself, can raise the temperature of the actuator and associated components above desired levels.
In recent years, piezoelectric actuators have been increasingly used to actuate fuel injector components. Piezoelectric actuators typically consist of a piezoelectric element which changes conformation, typically by lengthening in response to application of an electrical potential. Conventional systems employ a piezoelectric actuator which relatively rapidly lengthens and shortens to control the position of a control valve, which is in turn responsible for controlling a timing of fuel injection. As a piezoelectric element cycles between an excited state and an unexcited state, it tends to generate a relatively large amount of heat. Where piezoelectric actuators are used, problems attendant to cooling may be particularly acute.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,059 to Abe et al. is directed to a cooling strategy for a piezoelectric actuator. In the design proposed by Abe et al., a piezoelectric actuator includes a housing wherein a piezoelectric element is disposed. The piezoelectric element is positioned within an enclosure, having a thermally conductive material in contact with the piezoelectric element. A cooling liquid is circulated through a space surrounding the enclosure, and is stated to absorb heat from the piezoelectric element which is transferred through the thermally conductive material. While the design in Abe et al. may have applicability in certain environments, the fluid connections necessary to supply and drain cooling fluid are relatively complex. Moreover, assembly and proper positioning of the piezoelectric actuator of Abe et al. may be cumbersome in an engine environment.

Engine having fuel injector with actuator cooling system and method


A low profile panel mountable retainer is provided for mounting an elongated electrical connector in an elongated generally rectangular opening in a panel. The retainer is molded of plastic material and includes an elongated, generally rectangular housing insertable into the panel opening for receiving the connector. The housing has end walls and flexible elongated side walls defining a connector-mounting aperture. A pair of resilient wings extend along the outside of each side wall of the housing. Each pair of wings includes an inner snap-in wing, made up of a plurality of discrete snap-in wing portions, spaced from the respective side wall for passing through the panel opening and for bearing against an opposite side of the panel. Each snap-in wing portion provides a discrete retaining area to assure secure mounting of the retainer to the panel. Each pair of wings also includes an outer stop wing spaced from the respective inner snap-in wing for bearing against an entry side of the panel. A plurality of integral living hinges are positioned along each side wall of the housing to join each inner snap-in wing to the respective side wall and a plurality of integral support beams extend from the hinges to join each outer stop wing to the respective inner snap-in wing. The retainer construction provides a low insertion, high retention connection to the panel.

Panel mountable electrical connectors are well known for connecting a wiring harness, or the like, to another electrical device, such as a second electrical connector, in a panel such as a housing or chassis. The second connector may be terminated to another wiring harness, a cable, a circuit board or a second panel. Panel mounted electrical connectors usually include a housing having terminals mounted therein, the housing typically being of nonconductive material which may be partly or entirely molded from plastic. The housing includes a mating end with structure that permits mating and unmating with the second electrical connector.
Heretofore, panel mountable electrical connectors often have been mounted directly to the panel. The mating end of the connector is inserted through an aperture in the panel. Means are provided on the connector housing for achieving secure mounting to the panel. For example, the connector housing may include a flange which exceeds the cross-sectional dimensions of the mounting aperture in the panel. A portion of the connector housing will extend through the mounting aperture and will be engageable with separate retaining means, such as a nut or a clamp engageable against the opposite side of the panel. A portion of the panel therefore will be locked between the flange, the connector housing, and the separate retaining means. In other such panel mountable connectors, integral latch arms or mounting posts on both ends of a connector housing engage the panel, thereby avoiding the need to employ separate panel engaging means with the electrical connector housing. However, this type of structure may not be adequate for an elongated panel mount for several reasons. First, if a short-fill or breakage occurs any where on either latch, the mounting system fails altogether, because both latches are required to fix the retainer on the panel. Second, support on only two sides of an elongated panel mount may not provide adequate rigidity or retention force between the panel mount and the panel, and the panel mount may become dislodged from the panel. Finally, standard latching arms or posts may not fit where there is limited space available because such structures typically require sufficient length for flexibility and deflection. Furthermore, additional apertures may be required in the panel for accommodating such latches or posts.
Another problem with electrical connectors directly mountable to a panel is that many electrical connectors are employed in blind mating environments where precise alignment of the connectors during mating cannot always be ascertained. For example, a panel mountable electrical connector may be disposed at a relative inaccessible location in an automotive vehicle, such as for a radio, in a photostatic copier or in a computer. A failed attempt to align the connector can result in substantial damage to the connector and/or to the fragile electrically conductive terminals mounted therein or to the terminated wiring harness itself. Furthermore, the forces encountered by a technician during an attempt to panel mount an improperly aligned connector can be interpreted by the technician as an indication of complete mounting.
A related problem with panel mountable electrical connectors is that often the insertion force is compromised in order to maximize the retention force and vice versa. That is, in order to make the panel-engaging wings rigid enough to remain firmly in the panel at all times, the insertion force of the connector or retainer will be higher than desirable. Conversely, if the connector latches are made too flexible in order to achieve lower insertion forces, the retention force of the connector within the panel may be less than ideal. It is preferable, therefore, to minimize the insertion force and maximize the retention force of a panel mountable connector within a panel.
In some applications separate panel mounting devices known as clips or retainers have been used. Such a retainer typically includes a housing that can be attached to a panel, for example by snapping or sliding into a locked position in an aperture in the panel. The separate housing is adapted to receive an electrical connector, such as a connector terminated to an end of a wiring harness, either before or after being assembled to the panel.
Heretofore, retainers for panel mountable connectors have been relatively rigid structures which are snapped into place in a panel aperture by using means similar to those used in panel mount connectors, such as stop projections or bosses in combination with snap latch flanges provided on opposite side walls of the relatively rigid retainer. Such retainers, although allowing replaceability of the connectors themselves, have the same disadvantages outlined above in mounting a connector directly to a panel, particularly in blind mating environments. In such environments, it is desirable to not only provide a low insertion force/high retention force retainer, but also to design the retainers such that there is "float" within the panel to allow for alignment of a complementary connector upon mating to the retainer/connector assembly. This requires flexibility and tolerance accommodation in the retainer structure. These desirable attributes are particularly advantageous with significantly elongated connectors where a number of mating pins must be accurately aligned.
This invention is directed to solving various problems encountered with panel mountable electrical connectors, some of which have been outlined above, by providing a panel mountable retainer of an improved structure and which is particularly applicable for mounting an elongated connector in a panel.

Low profile panel mountable retainer for electrical connectors


The present disclosure provides a method performed by user equipment. The method comprises: transmitting a random access preamble for early data transmission (EDT) on a physical random access channel resource for EDT; receiving a random access response (RAR); and performing fallback to a non-EDT procedure if it is determined according to an uplink grant in the received RAR that EDT transmission cannot be performed. Further provided is corresponding user equipment.

A new work item on further enhancement of NarrowBand Internet Of things (NB-IoT) (see RP-170852: New WID on Further NB-IoT enhancements) and a new work item on even further enhancement of machine type communication (MTC) (see non-patent literature: RP-170732: New WID on Even further enhanced MTC for LTE) was approved at the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) RAN #75 plenary meeting held in March 2017. One of the goals of the two research projects is to enhance transmission for a small data packet service. A small amount of data (for example, 1000 bits) needs to be transmitted within a period of time in the small data packet service and can be completed through one transport block of a physical layer, whereas in the existing mechanism, data transmission can be completed only after completing connection with an air interface and entering an RRC connected state. As a result, large signaling overhead is required for transmitting small data packets, and a large amount of data of a user terminal in MTC or NB-IoT causes more severe signaling overhead. At the same time, the excessive signaling overhead also causes unnecessary energy consumption of the user terminal.
In order to enable transmission of small data packets with less signaling overhead and achieve power saving of a user terminal (User Equipment, UE), it is proposed in small data transmission enhancement of Release 15 that UE may not enter a radio resource control (RRC) connected state to perform data transmission. For example, small data may be transmitted together with a random access Msg3 in a random access procedure.
However, in some cases, the UE needs to fall back to a conventional data transmission procedure from the ongoing small data transmission procedure. That is, it is needed to enter the connected state through an RRC connection setup/resume procedure to perform data transmission. For example, since a network side buffers more data of the UE for transmission to the UE, the network side requires the UE to enter the RRC connected state from the ongoing small data transmission procedure to receive more downlink data. At this time, the UE needs to fall back to the conventional data transmission procedure.

Wireless communication device and method


A much safer, and more convenient to use, flammable-liquid storage-container of the hand-portable 1-5 gallon blow-molded/polyethylene-plastic type; featuring a special direct thumb-actuated ballvalve, with geneeric-variations, configured to enable single-handed holding and dispensing without hazardous spillage. Designed to be safely carried within a car's trunk, the removable fill-cap is equipped with a child-resistant/tipover-safe safety-lockout device disengaging the thumb-control from positive engagement with the ball-valve in the closed position. The user must first grasp and uphold the "SafeTflow".TM. container in hand via the upper longitudinal handle-grip, while positioning their thumb forward upon a leverarm actuator arranged upon a pivot-shaft extending up and aftward from the ballvalve rotary-axis. The user must first be of the mind to intentionally exert certain dexterity as to at once depress the spring-loaded swivel-leverarm with their thumb, thereby engaging the swivel-leverarm with a spline on the ballvalve's pivotshaft. Otherwise the swivel-leverarm merely rotates continuously without opening the ballvalve. Included is an optional quick-disconnect dispensing-nozzle of clear-plastic, which can be readily stowed within the container just beneath the ballvalve cap; which preserves compactness of the apparatus, while enabling spill-free dispensing when externally attached.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to hand-portable containers suitable for flammable (otherwise referred to in the English idiom as "inflammable") liquids, and particularly it relates to safety and convenience related canisters having valved spigots thereof.
2. Related Prior-art
Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art for hand-portable safety-canisters regarded as germane to this disclosure. Chronologically for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,607,107 (filed: April 1948) shows a teapot with handle having an index-finger operated trigger which actuates a spring-loaded flip-open stopper-cap. However, by way of example, the stopper-cap is not child-resistant, nor leak-proof; and is therefore unsuitably dangerous for any flammable-liquid, especially if carried in the trunk of an automobile.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,547,847(filed: May 1946) is shown a flammable-liquid canister having a flexible-metal spout and handle, including a two-finger operated trigger serving to open a spring-loaded flip-open stopper-cap. Again, by way of example, such flip-open type stopper-caps are not child-resistant nor leak-proof, and prove very dangerous if carried in an automobile trunk.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,815,892(filed: August 1953) is shown a safety-dispenser for flammable-liquids, having a horizontally-swiveling pour-spout which rotates 180-degrees to stow into a recess of the carry-handle. The pour-spout includes a special screw-on stopper, which lacks user convenience, and is prone to becoming lost. An air/relief-valve is also provided to improve pouring-rate.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,469,747(filed: September 1967) is shown a flammable-liquid canister having a combination carry-handle, and flip-open cap; which arrangement unfortunately makes the convenience of single handed pouring impossible.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,807(filed: December 1970) is shown a flammable-liquid canister featuring a special combination carry-handle which acts to simultaneously open both the pour-spout (flexible-metal) poppet-valve and an oppositely situated air/relief-valve. However, the so-called safety-can is very prone to leakage if tipped-over.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,746,200(filed: August 1971) is shown a blow-molded plastic so-called "Jerry-can", wherein a portion of the carry-handle is integrally-formed and is employed to exert a spring-like bias of the flip-open stopper-valve toward the closed position. however, the operation is not child-resistant nor is it leak-proof during accidental tip-over.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,927,797(filed: January 1974) is shown another Jerry-can of blow-molded plastic, hear featuring a two-finger operated stopper-cap of the now familiar flip-open type, which although somewhat better human-engineered for pouring convenience and balance (but states that two hands are required to carefully control pouring), still is not child-resistant and will leak if accidentally tipper-over.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,843(filed: April 1974) is shown a ballvalve employing a locking lever-arm preventing unintended opening of the valve-ball; and includes a compression-spring arranged coaxial upon the valve's pivot-axis so as to enable the lever-arm to be rocked back out of impingement upon an abutment-lug blocking rotation of the valve. However, since the lever-arm is nevertheless still positively engaged with the valve's pivot-shaft, there remains some possibility that the valve could be inadvertently opened, especially if the compression-spring were to malfunction.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,667(filed: December 1975) is shown another plastic canister for flammable-liquids, which sets forth a rather complex and awkward arrangement of poppet-valve to control pour-rate and a flip-open air/relief-valve to improve pour-rate. However, the configuration is not child-resistant nor is it leak-proof in the event of accidental tip-over.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,270(filed: April 1988) is shown another plastic flammable-liquid canister having an integrally-formed carry-handle, a screw-on fill-cap, and a thumb operated poppet-valve which is pushed-open during pouring while an air/relief-valve is also opened. However again, the design is not child-resistant nor particularly leak-proof during event of accidental tip-over.
In U.S. Pat. No. D 305,982(filed: October 1987) is shown a design of a blow-molded plastic flammable-liquid canister, which is not child-resistant to dangerous tampering; although it's tip-over resistance to leakage may be satisfactory, owing that both the pour/fill-cap and air/relief-cap are of the screw-threaded type which may be furnished with suitable sealing-gasgets.
In U.S. Pat. No. D 338,158(filed: May 1991) is shown a design for a blow-molded plastic flammable-liquid canister, which is substantially like the previous design except as to minor styling differences.
In U.S. Pat. No. D 358,330(filed: May 1994) is shown a design for another blow-molded plastic flammable-liquid canister, being quite similar to the previous example except that it features two handles, one for the normal carry mode of use, the alternate handle serving as a more convenient pour-handle mode of use.
In U.S. Pat. No. D 356,951(filed: April 1992) is shown another design for a blow-molded plastic flammable-liquid canister, this one also featuring dual-mode carry/pour-handles being substantially like previous designs except as to minor styling differences.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,994(filed: August 1994) is shown the utility-patent of the previous canister design, wherein is provided a special pour-spout which works in combination with a viewing-window provided in the sidewall of the canister, thereby enabling the user to visually determine just when the receiving container is full and liquid flow has ceased.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,088(filed: August 1994) is shown the utility-patent of the Jerry-can type, wherein is provided a special sidewall elongate viewing-window, enabling the user to visually determine the amount of liquid contained therein.
In U.S. Pat. No. D 372,871(filed: March 1995) is shown another design for a blow-molded plastic flammable-liquid canister, this one also featuring dual-mode carry/pour-handles being substantially like previous designs except as to minor styling differences.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,608(filed: May 1995) is shown a so-called safety type heavy-duty hand-portable flammable-liquid metal type canister, of cylindrical shape and including an upwardly extending sidewall portion enabling the carry-handle and spigot-valve control-handle and air/relief-valve to all be thereby protectively enshrouded within the sidewall surround. The threaded metal-flexpipe is screwed to the poppet-valve body through a port in the sidewall, enabling the removable flexpipe to be stowed within the shrouded cavity region. However, study of the finger-pulled valve-trigger and poppet-valve design reveals the arrangement to not be child-resistant, nor is the valving made positively leak-proof in event of tipover.
Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, there is determined a serious need for an improved form of device to which these patents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereof believes their newly improved flamable-liquid dispenser device, commercially referred to as the SafeTflow.TM., currently being developed for production under auspices of the Strecker-Mfg./Mkt.Co., exhibits certain advantages as shall be clearly revealed in the ensuing portion of this instant disclosure.

Hand-portable safety-canister w/vari-flow thumb-valve


When a communication device sends an image pickup instruction signal to an image pickup device by remote control, positional information obtained by the communication device is also sent. Upon reception of the image pickup instruction signal, the image pickup device performs image pickup. When storing a taken image, the positional information received is stored in the header of the image. Moreover, when searching an image stored in the image pickup device from the communication device, the image pickup device informs the communication device of search conditions (time information, positional information, and keyword) added to the image and positional information attribute (GPS information, base station ID, and character data). The communication device performs search by using the search condition and the positional information attribute informed by the image pickup device.

Recently, to facilitate creation of electronic albums and search of images, time information, positional information, and various conditions where an image was taken can be added to image data taken by an image pickup device.
Also, suggestions have been made for image search using such information added to image data, including information about the name of the place where the image was taken, the address of the place, the date and time, the person who took the image, and a keyword.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-230999 discloses a technique in which a mobile phone displays filenames, thumbnails, properties, etc. of images stored in a digital camera so that a user can select a desired image, and the selected image is sent from the digital camera to the mobile phone.
Global Positioning System (GPS) information can be used for positional information for specifying, e.g., the name or address of the place where an image was taken.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-211364 discloses a technique in which an image pickup device receives a GPS signal for positional measurements and the positioning information is sent to a server having a map information database. The server then converts the received positional information into map information and sends the map information back to the imagepickup device, and the image pickup device stores the map information received from the server in a header of the image data.
Not only GPS information but also base station ID numbers from public base stations in a mobile phone system, can be used for the positional information. Thus, various kinds of positioning information are used.
Accordingly, a user cannot know whether image data stored in an image pickup device is provided with GPS information or with base station ID numbers, so that he/she cannot judge which positional information is to be used when making an image search with positional information.
A user feels inconvenience also when searching not with positional information but with information of other kinds, because it is not known what kinds of search information are added to the image data stored in the image pickup device.
Also, though some portable terminals, like mobile phones, are equipped with a position measuring function using GPS or base station ID numbers, adding positional information about the image pickup location to an image taken by an image pickup device requires that the image pickup device be equipped with a position measuring function using GPS or base station ID numbers, or that the image pickup device obtain positioning information from another device having a position measuring function.
Equipping the image pickup device with a position measuring function prevents size reduction of the image pickup device.
Also, when obtaining positioning information from another device, the image pickup device requests the other device to send positioning information, and the other device receives the request, measures the position, and sends the result to the image pickup device, which requires establishment of connection just to obtain the positioning information.

Communication device, image storage device, image pickup device, and control method thereof


An agricultural machine, comprises a frame, two or more processing members, which are movably attached to the frame, and a drive device which is configured to drive the processing members. The drive device comprises a main drive shaft, two drive sections connected to the main drive shaft, which drive sections are each configured to drive one or more of the two or more processing members, wherein each drive section comprises a drive shaft. The drive device further comprises a protective device which enables a certain angular rotation between the two drive shafts in the case of an overload of one of the two drive shafts, and a coupling brake device which is configured to effect, at the angular rotation between the two drive shafts, a coupling between the other drive shaft and a part of the agricultural machine that is not co-rotatable with the two drive shafts.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to agricultural machines, in particular agricultural machines having driven processing members such as mowers, tedders or rotary harrows. The invention further relates to a method of overload protection for such machines.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, in agriculture there is a trend to enlarge the machines in use in order thus to enable more efficient agricultural operation on a piece of land. With agricultural machines comprising rotating processing members this leads typically to an increasingly larger working width, and an increasing number of processing members being arranged in one row.
During processing ground or a crop which is lying on the ground it is possible that one of the processing members becomes stuck on an obstacle, for example a pole, tree or large stone. It will then suddenly no longer be possible for the processing member in question to rotate, while it is still being driven by the associated drive shaft. As a result thereof, the load which is exerted on the drive mechanism of the agricultural machine will suddenly increase quickly, resulting in a great risk of damage of the drive. In particular, there may be a great risk of the gear wheels of a transmission being damaged as a result of an overload.
It is known to place an overload protection on the main drive mechanism of a drive device in order to disconnect, in response to a suddenly increasing load, the drive mechanism from the driving source, for example the motor of a tractor, in order to limit the maximum load and thus to prevent damage of the drive mechanism.
However, in particular in the case of larger agricultural machines, in which a larger number of processing members should be driven simultaneously, the mass moment of inertia of the drive device and the processing members is accordingly greater. Suddenly stopping such a large mass which is interconnected via the drive mechanism may still provide a momentary load which may lead to damage of the drive mechanism. Moreover, an increased number of processing members also results in an increased total load which is required for driving all processing members. As a result, the components of the drive mechanism should be designed to be stronger.
In order to prevent the drive mechanism from being damaged, it could be possible, by means of an overload coupling, to disconnect only the blocked processing member from the drive mechanism at a too great load, so that the other processing members would be free to continue to rotate. However, this is only possible if the paths of movement of the processing members do not overlap. In a number of cases however, such as embodiments of mowers, tedders or rotary harrows, the paths of movement of the processing members overlap. For example, in the case of a specific type of tedder, each of the processing members may comprise arms with tines fastened thereto. The arms are arranged with respect to each other in such a manner that the arms of adjacent processing members rotate between each other. The processing members thus have overlapping paths of movement and should, therefore, be moved synchronously.
If, in such an agricultural machine, only the processing member which is suddenly blocked is disconnected, the arms of the adjacent processing member will run into the arms of the blocked processing member. This may lead to damage of the arms, for example serious deformation or breakage of the arms or the tines attached thereto. In such an agricultural machine, such a single disconnection of a single processing member is therefore unwanted.
EP 1 258 187 A2 discloses a drive mechanism for agricultural machines comprising a main drive shaft and two drive sections for driving a group of processing members. Each drive section comprises a drive shaft and an overload coupling which, in the case of an overload, falls back to a minimum torque value. The drive shafts are in line. A catching device is provided between the drive shafts. The catching device is a device to allow a maximum angular rotation between the two drive shafts and consequently the groups of processing members.
When one of the processing members is blocked by an obstacle, the group of processing members in question is completely blocked and disconnected from the drive mechanism by means of the overload coupling. However, the other group of processing members continues to rotate until the catching device does not allow further relative rotation because a maximum angular rotation has been reached. Consequently, the second group of processing members will also be blocked and the overload coupling present in this drive section will be disengaged. By using this drive mechanism, the processing members will not be stopped in one go, but in two phases.
A further advantage of the drive mechanism according to EP 1 258 187 A2 is that the load is distributed over the two drive sections, in which case there is provided for each drive section an overload coupling with a maximum load of 50% of the maximum load of the main drive shaft. However, as a result of the fact that the two drive shafts of the two drive sections are in operative connection with each other by means of the catching device, two peak loads will occur in the blocked drive section.
Thus, there is a particular need for an alternative drive mechanism for an agricultural machine, which reduces the risk of damage of the drive mechanism or processing members in the case of an overload of one or more of the processing members.

Overload protection for an agricultural machine


The disclosure is directed to determining a change in position of a location marker. In an aspect, it is determined whether the location marker is in a motion state or a static state using sensors integrated into the location marker, in response to the determining, one or more reachable nodes are discovered, and distance measurements are calculated from the location marker to each of the one or more reachable nodes.

Conventionally, a number of markers can be deployed that when working in conjunction can determine the location of one or more other devices. When these markers are deployed, their locations need to be determined and stored. Such a system requires significant manual configuration during the initial setup that must be repeated if a marker is moved.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial if a marker could detect when it is moved and automatically trigger a recalibration of the network of markers in response.

Method and apparatus for determining a change in position of a location marker


An assembly structure provided for securing a heat-dissipating fan, includes a casing board and a fan covering for covering the fan, The casing board has ventilation openings, coupling openings and positioning openings, and the fan covering formed with coupling portions and positioning portions secures the fan to a side of the casing board, wherein the coupling portions are coupled to the coupling openings, and the positioning portions are positioned and coupled to the positioning openings, so that the fan is installed at a location allowing wind or airflow to pass through the ventilation openings. Arrangement as such, without using tools during assembling or dissembling processes, allows two heat-dissipating fans to be correspondingly coupled at both sides of the casing board, so as to increase wind force to increase heat dissipation in a simple but convenient way.

Following by improvements of the manufacturing technology for the integrated circuit (IC) design, the integration density of the IC increases continuously. Nowadays, a server is packed with a large amount of IC such as central processors or graphic chips in a tiny space, in order to increase processing speed and reduce space usage; however, operating these IC would also generate a lot of heat within a tiny space. Moreover, the exterior of a server is usually packed with a casing for protection of the server system, however, such arrangement does not allow the heat generated from the interior of the server to be dissipated effectively, thereby influencing operation of the server. Generally speaking, a simple and cheap but effective way of dissipating heat generated in the server is to install a heat-dissipating fan.
Most common models of a heat-dissipating fan for an electronic device such as a server, can be divided into two groups: the models that dissipate heat generated from a particular component, or the models that dissipate heat generated from the entire interior of the server and is installed on the casing thereof. The latter models of the heat-dissipating fan mostly require screwing components such as screws for fastening the fan in the server; however, a user may find it troublesome and inconvenient to fasten the fan via screwing during installation or removal.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are schematic diagrams of a fan fastening structure disclosed in Taiwan Utility Model Publication No. 507886, the fan fastening structure 1 for fastening a heat-dissipating fan 10 to a casing 11 of a computer. The fan fastening structure comprises: at least a board 12 for covering the outer surface of the heat-dissipating fan 10, at least a fan positioning bolt 121 for coupling to at least a screw hole 101 of the heat-dissipating fan 10, and at least a set of coupling member 123 extended and coupled to the casing 11, so that the heat-dissipating fan 10 could be fastened to the casing 11 via the fastening structure 1.
However, as IC design and manufacturing technology have been improved day by day and integration density of IC have been increased constantly, a single heat-dissipating fan can no longer provide sufficient heat dissipation for rapidly and effectively dissipating heat generated from the interior of a server.
Therefore, to overcome the foregoing drawbacks has become an important issue to be resolved.

Assembly structure for securing heat-dissipating fan


Disclosed herein is a light emitting device, comprising: a lighting element located in a housing, wherein the housing is formed from a plastic composition comprising: a conversion material, and a polycarbonate composition comprising: a flame retardant comprising a sulfonate salt and three polycarbonates. The first polycarbonate has a branching level of greater than or equal to 2%, a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 g/mole to 55,000 g/mole and a peak melt viscosity of greater than or equal to 25,000 poise. The second polycarbonate has a glass transition temperature greater than or equal to 170° C. The third polycarbonate has a branching level of 0 to less than 2% and a molecular weight of 17,000 to 40,000 g/mol.

The present disclosure generally relates to polycarbonate compositions, and more particularly, to polycarbonate compositions containing conversion material chemistry and having enhanced optical properties, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof.
A use of polycarbonate is with lighting devices such as those that use light emitting diodes (LEDs). Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are currently used as replacements for incandescent light bulbs and fluorescent lamps. LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit incoherent narrow-spectrum light when electrically biased in the forward direction of their p-n junctions (boundary between P-type and N-type semiconductor), and are thus referred to as solid-state lighting devices.
When a light-emitting diode is forward biased (switched on), electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the device, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescence and the color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photon) is determined by the energy gap of the semiconductor. An LED is often small in area (less than 1° square millimeter (mm2)), and integrated optical components may be used to shape its radiation pattern. LEDs powerful enough for room lighting are relatively expensive and require more precise current and heat management than compact fluorescent lamp sources of comparable output.
There is a need for polycarbonate compositions having enhanced optical properties, methods of making and articles comprising the polycarbonate compositions wherein in these compositions have flame retardance at very low thicknesses. There is also a need for polycarbonate containing material that meets these industry requirements as well as processes that effectuate the manufacture of materials that meet industry requirements.

Branched polycarbonate compositions having conversion material chemistry and articles thereof


A door-stopping device for motor vehicles, includes a door holder bar, a support housing including a passage for the door holder bar to pass through, and a locking unit disposed in the support housing, which includes two pivotally mounted locking levers. Each locking lever is pre-tensioned by a spring element towards each other and towards the door holder bar. Each locking lever comprises a locking element. The locking elements bear on mutually opposite sides against the door holder bar and are adapted to engage with the locking grooves on the door holder bar. For the door-stopping device to present diverse possibilities of design, to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner and to occupy only little space, the spring elements are arranged substantially parallel to the door holder bar.

(1) Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a door-stopping device for motor vehicles comprising a door holder bar, a support housing with a passage for the door holder bar to pass through and a locking unit provided in the support housing, comprising two pivotally mounted locking levers, each pre-tensioned by a spring element towards each other and towards the door holder bar, each locking lever comprising a locking element, the locking elements bearing on mutually opposite sides against the door holder bar and being adapted to engage with the locking grooves on the door holder bar.
(2) Prior Art
A door-stopping device is known from DE 201 20 271 U1, wherein a door holder bar, provided with locking grooves, is arranged pivotally on a vehicle body on the one hand, and in a displaceable manner in the support housing fitted to the vehicle door on the other hand. When the vehicle door is pivoted, a lateral face of the door holder bar provided with the locking grooves, slides from a rigid locking cam of the locking unit and, as a result, locks the vehicle door in predetermined opening positions. Opposite to the locking grooves, on the essentially plane side of the door holder bar, the latter is pressed towards the locking element by a spring-loaded cam.
This door-stopping device has the drawback that its function absolutely requires that the locking grooves must be oriented parallel to the pivoting axis of the door holder bar associated with the vehicle body, since a pivoting ability of the door holder bar is the prerequisite for the operation of the locking unit. This results in considerable structural limitations in the design of the stopping device as well as the associated components, i.e. the vehicle door and the fixing regions of the door holder bar on the vehicle body.
A door-stopping device of the type as set out in the opening paragraph is furthermore known from DE 297 17 283 U1. The locking levers are pre-tensioned by spring elements, whose ends opposite to the locking levers are supported inside the housing. In order to ensure the required support and in order to prevent deformations as a result of the supporting forces, the door-stopping device must be designed accordingly in the supporting region. This, however, entails considerable structural limitations as well as disadvantages with regard to weight.


In accordance with a dual-MVC (Model-View-Controller) approach of the invention, the client machine maintains part of the Model, eliminating many round-trips to the server. The invention provides an implementation approach for constructing the frame(s) contained in the client's browser software to allow it to be refreshed locally. The invention addresses development and maintenance by specifying a library of functions that a programmer can use to construct the View and Controller on the client machine. When part of the Model is maintained on the client, the client has the ability to respond to user interaction without paying the performance penalty of continually interacting with the server.

Typical world wide web (e.g., Internet/Intranet) applications allow users to access and update data on remote servers. The remote server contains the master application data and the client displays views of this data. Examples of such applications include a help desk, life insurance underwriting, health insurance pre-certification for medical procedures, and automated teller machines.
Historically (circa 1970), applications executed on large mainframe systems (servers), to which clients connected via "dumb terminals," e.g., Teletypes, DEC VT100, IBM 327x-series terminals, etc. In these architectures, very little processing was done on the client side. Subsequently (circa 1980), as hardware became cheaper, some of the processing was moved to the client-side hardware, in so-called "fat-client" architectures. A fat client maintains some of the application state, enabling some processing to occur locally thus eliminating round-trips to the server.
Fat-client applications can be described in terms of the MVC (Model-View-Controller) paradigm. The MVC paradigm is described, for example, in G. E. Krasner and S. T. Pope, "A Cookbook for Using the Model-View-Controller User Interface Paradigm in SmallTalk-80," Journal of Object-Oriented Programming, 1(3):26-49, August/September 1988, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this paradigm, the "Model" contains the data, rules, and algorithms affecting the data. The "View" is a screen or window representation of a subset of the model that the application chooses to display. The "Controller" is the logic that processes user requests, such as pressing a button. The Controller causes the Model to be changed and/or the View to be refreshed.
Fat-client applications may maintain a Model and Controller on the server but never maintain a View or View Generation Logic (VGL) on the server. Instead, View and VGL are maintained solely by the fat client.
While fat-client applications provided improved response time, the distribution and maintenance of the client software and databases was problematic. Users tended to customize their client system, and this made it difficult to develop a client-side software base that would work properly on all systems. In addition, when the client software needed to be updated, a company had to figure out how to update all the client machines in the field.
Applets (see http://java.sun.com/applets/index.html) are one implementation of the fat-client architecture. When the user starts the application, or while running the application, the server downloads part of the application to the client's machine to execute locally. This improves performance because round-trips to the server are lessened. However, when the applet is first invoked, it must be downloaded to the client, which in practice can take a significant length of time. Also, in practice, web browsers often support different levels of Java Virtual Machines (JVMs). Because an applet is interpreted by the JVM, the difference in JVMs causes inconsistent operation of applets on different browsers or even different versions of the same browser.
More recently (circa 1994), the development and popularization of the world wide web has led towards a so-called "thin-client" application architecture. In this architecture, most of the application logic again executes on the server, with only the browser display logic, i.e., application-independent display logic, executing inside the client-side web browser software. Here the browser is the client, and displays a View. Each time the user interacts with the View, the remote server is notified to update the View and/or Model.
Another implementation of client/server interaction over the web uses Dynamic HyperText Markup Language (DHTML). DHTML is described, for example, in D. Goodman, "Dynamic HTML, The Definitive Reference," O'Reilly, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. DHTML is a superset of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) which includes JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). JavaScript can be used to implement much of the same functionality that applets provide, is in practice more portable between browsers, and is quicker to download.
Although fat-client architectures provide the most flexibility and performance, their maintenance and distribution problems, together with the popularity of the web, have led many application developers to adopt thin-client architectures for new applications. A problem with this architecture is that network communication delays during server interactions again lead to reduced performance.
Therefore, a need exists for a new Model-View-Controller architecture for Internet/Intranet applications which does not require continual network communication between the client and server.

Methods and apparatus for reducing the number of server interactions in network-based applications using a dual-MVC approach

International Business Machines Corporation


A functional simulator with watchpoint support includes a CPU having a first-level DMI cache, a watchpoint manager having a second-level DMI cache, an interconnect module, and a memory controller. The simulator is operated by a front-end tool. Watchpoints corresponding to a predetermined memory addresses are set by the front-end tool and stored as a watchpoint address list in the watchpoint manager. When a memory access request is received by the first-level DMI cache, after a failure to complete the memory access request, the CPU transmits the request to the watchpoint manager. The watchpoint manager searches for a memory address associated with the memory access request in the watchpoint address list. If a match is found, the watchpoint manager generates a watchpoint hit signal and notifies the front-end tool.

The present invention relates generally to computer software debugging tools, and more particularly, to a system for implementing watchpoint support in a functional simulator.
Debugging tools are commonly used to identify faults or bugs in a computer program that may cause the program to function erroneously. A debugging tool is used to set breakpoints in the computer program for debugging. When the program encounters a breakpoint, the program execution pauses so that various program parameters, viz., register values, memory values, the call stack, and the like, can be verified in order to determine the source of bugs.
A watchpoint is a type of breakpoint that is triggered when a predefined memory address is referenced by the computer program. Triggering the watchpoint generates a watchpoint interrupt, which causes the program execution to be suspended and then continued using a special code called a watchpoint interrupt handler.
Several techniques exist for implementing watchpoints in a debugging tool. One technique is by altering access attributes of memory pages in which watched memory addresses are located, such as to read-only access. When the program accesses that particular memory page to access the memory address, a fault signal indicating a page access violation is generated and a page fault handler is invoked in the debugging tool. The page fault handler determines whether an actual watchpoint has been hit and if so, then a front-end is notified about the watchpoint hit, otherwise access attributes are changed to write-allowed and single-stepping is performed. Upon completion of the single-stepping, the debugging tool resets the access attributes of the memory page to read-only to identify additional subsequent accesses to the memory address.
Though conventional functional simulators successfully enable watchpoint hit detection and debugging using conventional watchpoint mechanisms, they are fraught with several shortcomings. The conventional watchpoint implementation mechanisms are based on memory page access attributes management. As a result, once a watchpoint is encountered, hundreds to thousands of processor cycles are required for invoking the page fault handler and resuming simulation from the faulting instruction, which leads to poor debugging performance. Further, different operating systems have different semantics for altering memory protection attributes. Thus, the debugging tool must be reprogrammed each time it's run on a different operating system platform, which causes portability issues. Further, conventional functional simulators are difficult to integrate with third party tools. The third party tools need to be provided access to internal data structures that model memory to allow change in the access permissions.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a functional simulator that has efficient watchpoint support with negligible overhead on simulation performance, is easy to migrate across different host platforms and operating systems, can be seamlessly integrated with third-party tools, and overcomes the above-mentioned limitations of conventional functional simulators.

Watchpoint support system for functional simulator