A wavelength conversion element having multi-gratings free from damage propagation and a light generating apparatus using it, and a wavelength conversion element having multi-gratings to make a thermal distribution centrosymmetric, and being free from damage propagation, are provided. The wavelength conversion element is realized by comprising a holder and plural prismatic ferroelectric single crystals disposed in the holder, wherein plural prismatic ferroelectric single crystals have at least five planes; the aspect ratios of planes perpendicular to respective longitudinal directions of the plural prismatic ferroelectric single crystals are virtually unity; and each of the plural prismatic ferroelectric single crystals has a domain inversion structure with a predetermined period in the direction perpendicular to the polarization direction thereof, and is arranged in a way that said direction perpendicular to the polarization direction is the same as those of the other crystals.

In recent years, wavelength conversion elements using ferroelectric single crystals having an excellent nonlinear optical constant and an electro-optic constant are being intensively studied. Among them, development of wavelength conversion elements adopting a quasi-phase-matched system is remarkable, due to improvements of the manufacturing technique of ferroelectric single crystals with high quality and the domain inversion structure formation technique.
Wavelength conversion elements tunable in a wide range of wavelength (hereinafter denoted merely by tunability) utilizing lithium niobate single crystals have been developed (see for example, non-patent literature 1).
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a multi-grating type quasi-phase-matched (QPM) parametric oscillator (OPO) by the prior art.
QPM OPO 1600 comprises a wavelength conversion element 1601, a first mirror 1602, a second mirror 1603, and a moving means 1604.
The wavelength conversion element 1601 is made of a congruent lithium niobate (CLN) wafer. The wavelength conversion element 1601 is 0.5 mm in thickness in the direction parallel to the polarization direction of the CLN wafer, and length of the element L is 26 mm.
The wavelength conversion element 1601 has plural domain inversion structures (gratings) with different periods. The width of each grating, WG, is 500 μm. The width of the space between each of gratings is 50 μm. The period of each grating is from 26 μm to 36 μm. The gratings are arranged so that the periods of gratings increase with an increment of 0.25 μm.
These gratings are produced by the lithography technique and electric field poling process repeatedly by using a mask having a predetermined period for each grating. In the figure, only a part of multi-gratings is illustrated.
Each of the first mirror 1602 and the second mirror 1603 has a curvature radius of 150 mm. The first mirror 1602 and the second mirror 1603 are placed through the wavelength conversion element 1601, and the distance between the mirrors is 30 mm.
The moving means 1604 moves the wavelength conversion element 1601 in the parallel direction.
Next, the operation of this QPM OPO 1600 is explained.
The pump laser light (the first wavelength λ1=1.064 μm) generated from a Q-switch Nd:YAG laser (not shown) is incident, through the first mirror 1602 with predetermined beam diameter, on the grating with the predetermined period in the wavelength conversion element 1601.
At that time, the moving means 1604 displaces beforehand the wavelength conversion element 1601 so that the pump laser light is incident on the predetermined grating.
Then, the pump laser light having the first wavelength λ1 is converted into signal light having the second wavelength λ2 and idler light having the third wavelength λ3, dependent on the period of the wavelength conversion element 1601.
At this time, the signal light centering on the wavelength of 1.54 μm is reflected in part by the first mirror 1602 and the second mirror 1603. The signal light and the idler light transmitted through the second mirror 1603 without being reflected thereby, exit the QPM OPO 1600.
Using the QPM OPO 1600 designed in this way, when the first wavelength λ1 of the pump laser light is 1.064 μm and the periods of the multi-gratings are from 26 μm to 32 μm, it can be achieved only by displacing the wavelength conversion element 1601 using the moving means 1604, that the second wavelength λ2 of the signal light has a wavelength of variable range from 1.36 μm to 1.98 μm and the third wavelength λ3 of the idler light has a wavelength of variable range from 4.83 μm to 2.30 μm.
Also, a wavelength conversion element using a lithium tantalate single crystal with a stoichiometric composition has been developed (for example, see patent literature 1).
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a wavelength conversion system according to a prior art.
The wavelength conversion system 1700 comprises a variable wavelength laser 1701, a lens 1702 and a wavelength conversion element 1703.
The wavelength conversion element 1703 consists of a lithium tantalate single crystal with nearly stoichiometric composition having 0.3 mm to 5 mm in thickness. The wavelength conversion element 1700 has periodically poled structures with the period from 3 μm to 5 μm produced by the electric field poling process.
In this wavelength conversion system 1700, the light emitted from the variable wavelength laser 1701 (the fundamental wave) is incident on the wavelength conversion element 1703 through the lens 1702. The fundamental wave incident on the wavelength conversion element 1703 phase-matches (quasi-phase-matches) with the second harmonic of the fundamental wave by periodically poled structures in the wave-traveling direction of the light. Thus, the fundamental wave is converted into the second harmonic during propagating through the wavelength conversion element 1703.
Non-patent literature 1; L. E. Meyrs, et al., Multigrating quasi-phase-matched optical parametric oscillator in periodically poled LiNbO3, OPTICS LETTERS, Apr. 15, 1996, Vol. 21, No. 8, pp. 591-593.
Patent literature 1; Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-90785.

Wavelength conversion element having multi-gratings and light generating apparatus using said element, and wavelength conversion element having cylindrical ferroelectric single crystals and light generating apparatus using said element

National Institute for Materials Science


An apparatus for gas assisted injection molding is shown including a source of injection gas and a source of molten plastic or synthetic resin material. The apparatus includes an injection nozzle with a minimum of moving parts. The injection nozzle includes a nozzle body portion having an axially extending bore therethrough for establishing a flow path. A valve chamber is provided in the axially extending bore, and a spherical valve is mounted in the valve chamber for rotation between a first position in which a first flow path is established, and a second position in which a second flow path is established. A sealing member sealingly mounts the spherical valve in the valve chamber, and means to activate the spherical valve are included.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to injection molding apparatus and parts therefore. More particularly the invention relates to an improved apparatus having an injection or shut off nozzle which is greatly simplified in construction and uses a minimum of moving parts.
2. Description of the Prior Art.
Gas-assisted injection molding is known in the art as a preferred way of making larger and more complicated parts without having the problems of sink marks and the like in thick rib sections or when complicated cross-sections are involved. In gas-assisted injection molding these large and complicated parts are made of a hollow construction by injecting a fluid or gas into the interior of a part while it is being formed in a mold cavity. It is known that the gas or fluid which is injected into the interior of the mold cavity will follow the path of least resistance. Since it is well known that the molten plastic will generally cool and harden from the outside inwardly, the gas will penetrate the inner, softer, and warmer portions of the part, which would normally be found in the thicker sections where there is a structural rib, etc. By following this path there is created a hollow within the plastic, and that hollow could be expanded by the addition of pressure outwardly to fill the mold cavity. It is known that if the gas pressure is held at an effectively constant level while the plastic part cools, the surface finish of the plastic part will be greatly enhanced by the minimization or elimination of sink marks, etc.
However, along with the idea of the injection of the gas or fluid came the need to vent the gas to relieve the pressure within the part before the mold could be opened. Many solutions were tried to discover a satisfactory way of introducing the gas into the interior of the plastic part, and then to vent the gas before opening the mold cavity.
One such apparatus for venting the gas before opening the mold cavity is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,407 issued Jul. 24, 1990 to James W. Hendry. This is the closest prior art of which Applicant is aware. Generally this invention involves venting the gas to atmosphere through a specialized sprue bushing in which the sprue bushing includes a first body part in which a second body part or cylindrical pin is mounted for movement upon the activation of an actuator. The pin has two flow paths which are alternately used. One path allows the passage of plastic through the sprue bushing into the sprue. The second path allows injection or venting of gas from the interior of the associated mold cavity.
However, mold sprues are generally small, and the moving parts thereof which allow the injection of plastic and gas alternately have proven to be difficult to deal with. In addition, the providing of these special sprue valves adds significantly to the cost of the molds.
Thus, Applicant's assignee, to eliminate the problems in the prior art, developed the idea of venting through the injection nozzle, which is a larger device, can be more easily manufactured, and can serve multiple molds. Such a nozzle is described in co-pending U.S. Letters Patent Application Ser. No. 07/628,746, filed on Dec. 17, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,127 and assigned to the common assignee of the present invention.


The present invention relates to formulations for use in 3-D printing using radiation from visual display screens. The formulations comprise titanocene photoinitators and co-initiators. The invention also relates to methods of forming 3-D objects using said formulations.

This invention lies in the field of 3D printing, also known as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing. It is a method of creating three dimensional objects in layers each obtained from a digital representation of the object. Typically an object is scanned in 3 dimensions or generated digitally by computer-aided design (CAD) and split into layers of a pre-determined thickness. These layers are sequentially sent to a 3D printer which builds each layer of the image, then moves the build platform away from the imaging source by the thickness of one layer. The printer then starts the process of creating the next layer on top of the layer just laid down. There are a number of different types of 3D printing and thus different methods of creating these layers.
This invention is a form of stereolithography. Here 3D objects are created in photopolymer (light sensitive resin) by selectively applying electromagnetic radiation to areas of the liquid. This invention specifically relates to the field of 3D printing where the image source is an LCD screen which emits solely daylight. The screen is not modified to adjust its backlight to generate shorter wavelengths of light below 400 nm as is the case in all other 3D printers that use LCD screens as the light control device.
UK patent applications GB 1508178.9, GB 1513771.4 and international application PCT/GB2016/051361 (unpublished at the time of filing), herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, describe the use of daylight active photoinitators incorporated into photopolymer that is active enough to polymerise by light emitted from commercially available LCD screens to create 3D objects. GB 1513771.4 also describes how to create 3D images from LCD screens including tablets, mobile phones and display screens. The novel 3D systems using daylight hardening resins mentioned in these patent applications provide benefits relative to previous 3D-printing techniques in terms of significantly lower capital cost and lower energy usage, as well as surprisingly high resolutions. The techniques described in those applications was, however, slower than previous 3D-printing techniques and the final object properties could be limited in resolution and surface dryness.

Methods for making an object and formulations for use in said methods


A system for determining an optimal sampling phase is provided. The system includes a plurality of analog to digital converters, each receiving an analog signal and a clock phase signal and generating an output. A clock generator receives a reference clock and generates a plurality of clock phase signals. A sampling phase system receives the plurality of outputs of the analog to digital converters and generates an optimal sampling phase.

In applications where receiver needs to sample and digitize multiple input signals of unknown phase with respect to the clock, the input signal may be corrupted (e.g. slow settling, ringing), due bandwidth limitations in the transmission channel, impedance mismatch or other phenomena. In order to minimize bit-error rate or the sampling accuracy, the receiver needs to find the optimal sampling point. Previous solutions utilize statistical methods and have limitations in the highest signal frequency or the minimum channel bandwidth.

Method and apparatus for automatic optimal sampling phase detection


A golf ball delivery device having a housing, a ball feeder adjacent to a housing for supplying the delivery device with balls, a ball channel integral to the housing for guiding balls from the feeder to a tee, a tee for supporting a ball, a piston attached to the tee for reciprocating the tee from ball receiving position to ball driving position, a delivery mechanism for incrementally delivering balls to the tee, the further improvement comprising a pivot handle in communication with the piston for activating the delivery device.

This invention relates to a golf ball delivery device for use in the practice driving of golf balls, and more particularly, to a golf ball delivery device with a pivot handle for activating the device.
Most of the present devices for practicing golf drives, as for example at a driving range, require replacing a golf ball onto a tee following each drive. When a golfer practices for a substantial amount of time, the process of continually stooping down to replace the ball onto the tee becomes tiresome.
Several attempts have been made to manufacture golf driving devices that allow the golfer to maintain driving position throughout the process of supplying a tee with a ball in preparation for a drive and then driving the ball. Some examples or prior type automatic golf ball teeing devices can be seen in the U.S. Pat. No. 2,295,599, which shows a form of automatic golf ball teeing device. This particular device utilizes a teeing mechanism, that shifts vertically within a housing, to lift a ball upwardly, into a teeing position above the shown mat, after the ball is delivered from a chute. A stop mechanism allows one ball at a time to be delivered from the chute into the housing. Furthermore, various electronic means are applied for determining when the next ball is required to be delivered by the tee to the surface of the driving mat.
The United States patent to Monasco, U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,345, shows a golf ball teeing apparatus, with a motor means operative with linkage assembly, for lifting of a piston member, for raising a golf ball above its driving surface.
The United States patent to Blaski, U.S. Pat. No. 2,152,680, shows a mechanical teeing apparatus, using a gravity feed type of chute arrangement, whereby the balls are delivered down a tube, to a ball delivery mechanism, which delivers the next ball to the surface of the platform, when the photocells detect that a ball is not present.
The patent to Hogeberg, U.S. Pat. No. 2,335,280, shows another golf ball teeing mechanism. The various mechanisms utilized in this particular device includes a ball storage container, a chute, for delivery of the balls down to a tube, whereby a flywheel or eccentric wheel mechanism delivers the balls by means of a plunger for lifting them upon the tee, to the floor of the driving device.
The patent to Shouse, U.S. Pat. No. 2,450,206, shows another golf tee apparatus, and this particular apparatus is pertinent from the standpoint as showing the usage of lever means, which delivers a ball by means of mechanical pressure, as by the foot of the player applied to a disc, in order to shift the ball teeing mechanism or its plunger vertically within its delivery cylinder.
Another patent to Mozel, U.S. Pat. No. 2,639,919, shows a coin controlled ball teeing machine. This particular device utilizes a ball delivery chute which delivers the balls to a lift arm, all in response to the insertion of coins into a coin actuator.
Another patent to Hogeberg, U.S. Pat. No. 2,696,985, shows another form of ball delivery device, but this particular device operates in conjunction with a solenoid operative teeing mechanism, which delivers the golf ball through a tube, upon actuation of a plunger, which is rendered operative through the operations of a solenoid coil, that provides the means for lifting the ball above the driving mat.
The United States patent to McGraw, U.S. Pat. No. 2,711,321, shows another golf ball teeing apparatus, and in this particular instance, the gravity means is provided for delivery of the balls to a member, with a foot actuated lever mechanism providing the means for lifting the ball above the shown mat. Foot pressure is used for depressing the pedal, to initiate the action.
The patent to Willcox, U.S. Pat. No. 2,789,824, shows another type of golf ball dispensing and teeing machine. The balls are delivered by means of an inclined trough, to a tee, where the ball is electronically raised upon its tee through the functioning of the shown tee arm.
Another patent to Mozel, U.S. Pat. No. 2,838,313, discloses a golf ball teeing mechanism, which has the usual bin and chute for delivery of balls to the tee device, passes the balls over a track to the tee, with a motor means providing the means for raising the tee for delivery of the ball for driving.
The patent to Scott, U.S. Pat. No. 3,294,402, shows what is identified as golf ball teeing device with photocell and counter operated control means. As can be seen, the motor means operates in conjunction with its rocker bar, and is used for pushing the teed ball above the flat deck or platform, after the balls are delivered by means of gravity flow.
The patent to Turnau, U.S. Pat. No. 3,298,694, provides an automatic golf ball teeing device. This device also utilizes a magazine or chute providing for the gravity flow of balls to the shown tee. Then, a pneumatic cylinder provides a means for lifting of a ball, by way of pressurized air above the cover surface, as required.
Another patent to Turnau, U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,263, shows a little more detail relating to the mechanical operations, by pneumatic pressure, for automatically lifting a golf ball upon its tee, during functioning.
The patent to Scott, U.S. Pat. No. 3,448,985, shows a golf ball teeing apparatus, with this device utilizing a motor for raising its connecting rod, and its associated tubular mounting end, for elevating the ball above the shown platform.
The patent Meierjohan, U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,275, discloses an automatic golf ball teeing device, which utilizes gravity flow for delivery of the balls, then electrically operates various conductors for providing lifting of the tee, through the elevation of carriage means, during usage of the device.
The patent to Diamandis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,744, shows an automatic golf ball tee assembly. This device utilizes a rack and pinion type of lifting mechanism, the rack being designated as shown, while the driving pinion comprises the gear member. Motor means provides for energization of the rack and pinion lifting mechanism, upon operation of its shown switch member.
While all of the aforementioned examples have worked well for their intended purpose, there are several noticeable limitations which have not been solved by prior art designs. One limitation is the maintenance and cost involved in operating a motor means for golf ball delivery devices. Motors often become worn and fail to operate effectively. Removing the motor from the device for repair is cumbersome and costly. Furthermore, motor means exposed for any prolonged time to inclement weather can deteriorate. Another limitation in some of the present art devices utilizing motor means is that activation of the device occurs instantly following the drive. The device is not triggered at will by the golfer, but the process occurs automatically. Therefore, a new ball is placed into driving position even when the golfer wishes to refrain from driving.
Another limitation in devices that permit activation at will is that the golfer must change positions to initiate the delivery process. For example, the golfer must move from golfing position to insert a coin and then move to resume golfing position. A substantial amount of time is spent reciprocating from driving position to a position in which the device may be activated.


An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of removable developing units each of which has an image carrier whose width is narrower than a width of a printable area of the printing paper, and a driving unit for driving the plurality of the removable developing units. The plurality of the removable developing units are disposed in different rows parallel to a main scanning direction such that one end of an image producing area of an image carrier of a first developing unit coincides with one end of an image producing area of an image carrier of a second developing unit adjoining to the first developing unit. The image forming apparatus further includes a control unit for supplying printing data to the plurality of the removable developing units in timings shifted form row to row.

There has been a great demand for image forming apparatuses such as printers supporting A4-size printing in portrait orientation. Printers that support A4-size printing in landscape orientation (or A3-size printing in portrait orientation) have also been in great demand. Recently, printers that support printing on large-size printing paper of A2 size or larger are now in increasing demand. In order to support printing on the large-size printing paper, the printers need, as an image carrier, a photoconductive drum having a width larger than the width of the printable area of the large-size printing paper. However, such a large-size photoconductive drum is exceedingly expensive compared with an A4-size or A3-size photoconductive drum. Consequently, conventional photoconductive drums whose widths are larger than the width of the printable area of the large-size printing paper as well as conventional image forming apparatuses having such a large-size photoconductive drum to support printing on the large-size printing paper are gaining little market acceptance.


The present invention generally provides a load lock chamber having slit valve doors. The load lock chamber is used to connect a transfer chamber to a factory interface, or to connect two transfer chambers. When the load lock chamber is between adjacent transfer chambers, the load lock chamber has slit valve doors within the load lock chamber which seal against an inside surface of the load lock chamber. The load lock can thus be serviced at atmospheric pressure without breaking vacuum in the transfer chambers because the atmospheric pressure presses the doors against the inside surface. When the load lock chamber is between a transfer chamber and a factory interface, one slit valve door is disposed outside of the load lock chamber and seals against an outside surface of the load lock chamber. The atmospheric pressure from the factory interface side helps press the door against the outside surface.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a slit valve door for sealing an opening in a load lock chamber.
2. Description of the Related Art
Substrate throughput in semiconductor processing is always a challenge. If technology is to advance, semiconductor substrates continually need to be processed efficiently. Cluster tools have developed as an effective means for processing multiple substrates simultaneously without breaking vacuum. Instead of processing a single substrate and then exposing the substrate to atmosphere during transfer to another chamber, multiple process chambers can be connected to a common transfer chamber so that when a process is complete on the substrate in one process chamber, the substrate can be moved, while still under vacuum, to another process chamber that is coupled to the same transfer chamber.
Moreover, multiple transfer chambers each coupled with a plurality of processing chambers can be connected by load lock chambers to further increase efficiency. Additionally, load lock chambers may be used to connect a factory interface, which is at atmospheric pressure, to a transfer chamber, which is under vacuum.
Therefore, there is a need for load lock chambers that are able to interface between transfer chambers and between a transfer chamber and a factory interface.


A reclining chair which includes a base, frame supports, and pivotable seat and back supports. The seat and back supports are pivotally connected for correlative movement, and the seat support is operably connected to an inclined ramp which raises the vertical height of the seat support during reclining.

Reclining chairs have been popular for over a century. Most of these chairs include a back support which is pivotally connected to the chair frame or base for movement between various positions relative to the seat support.
Some reclining chairs have also included a pivotal connection between the seat support and the back support which allows correlative movement between the two supports. A few of these chairs have included inclined ramps attached to the chair frame to allow for angular changes in the seat support relative to the floor.
U.S. Pat. No. 860,729 is typical of these ramp-type reclining chairs. As disclosed in the '729 patent, the rectangular seat support rides up inclined ramp B and roller C as the back support G is moved towards its multiple reclined positions. The concept in the '729 patent was to change the angle of inclination of the seat relative to the floor in order to compensate for the movement of the back support. Other U.S. patents which teach this basic concept are Nos. 728,141; 2,016,183; 2,098,623; 2,508,598; 3,947,06; 4,768,829; and Italian Patent 566,544. In each of these patents, the objective was to raise the forwardmost portion of the seat support to maintain a consistent angle between the seat support and back support.
The prior art chairs identified above did not address the critical problem of eye level. Typically, when one of the prior chairs was shifted into a reclined position, the change in angle of the back support caused the user's eye level to be lowered. The lowering of a user's eye level can be especially annoying when the chair is used in several environments, such as theaters, offices, and vehicles to name a few.
The prior art chairs identified above also did not address the mechanical balance of the chair to allow for the chair's tilt action tension to automatically adjust to all variations of a user's weight. Typically, when one of the prior chairs was shifted into the reclined position it was unbalanced until it reached its full reclined position or it was necessary to lock the chair in various tilting degrees. The unbalanced design of these chairs is annoying for users of different body weight especially in offices, vehicles, and theaters where chairs are used by so many different users daily.


A polymer-modified polyol dispersion comprises a polyaddition product dispersed in a polyol. The polyaddition product is present in an amount of from about 25 to about 70 percent by weight based on the total weight of the polyaddition product and the polyol. The dispersion has a viscosity in the range of from about 4,000 to about 50,000 mPa.s, the viscosity remaining substantially the same after production of the dispersion. A process for producing the polymer-modified polyol dispersion is also disclosed together with a process for using the dispersion to produce a polyurethane foam.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to polymer-modified polyol dispersions and to processes for production thereof, and use thereof to produce polyurethane foams. More particularly, the present invention relates to polymer-modified polyol dispersions having a combination of high solids content and improved stability.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Polymer-modified polyol dispersions are known and, in the context of dispersions used to make polyurethane foam, are often referred to as PIPA (PolyIsocyanate PolyAddition) polyols. These terms will be used interchangeably throughout this specification.
A useful background discussion on PIPA polyols may be found in "PIPA-Process For The Future"; Picken, K., Urethanes Technology, June 1984, pg. 23-24, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. PIPA polyol is a dispersion in which the polyol acts as a substantially inert carrier for PIPA particles. The PIPA particles are formed by the reaction of an isocyanate and a trifunctional alkanolamine, optionally in the presence of an organotin catalyst. The reaction product is an array of alkanolamine and isocyanate groups having pendant hydroxyl groups for further reaction.
One of the earliest patents relating to the production of PIPA polyols is U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,209 (Rowlands), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Rowlands discloses the production of PIPA polyols by polymerizing an olamine with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of a polyol. The olamine is described as an organic compound having one or more hydroxyl groups and also one or more amine groups. The olamine reacts at least predominantly polyfunctionally with the isocyanate. The polyol functions as a substantially inert carrier for the PIPA product. Rowlands purports to be able to produce a PIPA polyol having a solids content of from 1% to 35% by weight based on the weight of the polyol. It is noteworthy that Rowlands exemplifies PIPA polyols having a solids content of up to 20% by weight with the product at upper limit described as having "an acceptable viscosity".
U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,470 (Cuscurida), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a polyurea polyol with purportedly improved storage stability. Specifically, the subject polyurea polyol is produced by reacting a hydroxyl-containing amine, a polyether polyol and an organic polyisocyanate. The reaction product is then quenched with a secondary amine. In the Examples provided in Cuscurida, quenching of the reaction product was effected two to three hours after initiation of the reaction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,923 (Carroll et al.), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses polymer-modified polyols. Specifically, there is disclosed a high strength polymer-modified polyol comprising a polyol and from about 40% to about 80% by weight of the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a tertiary-N-polyolanine, based on the combined weight of the polyol and the reaction product. The tertiary-N-polyol is described as an organic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups and one or more tertiary amine groups. The use of a catalyst in the reaction is optional. It is apparent from the Examples that the proportion of the polyisocyanate and polyolamine in the reaction is important for achieving the purported advantages of the invention. Specifically, it is disclosed that the reaction is conducted such that the ratio of isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups provided by the polyolamine is from 0.33:1 to 1:1. Indeed, Example 1 illustrates the importance of observing this ratio to avoid production of a low strength polyol (solids content of 10% by weight). It is also noteworthy that, beyond providing an indication of solids content, the high strength polyol is not isolated for complete analysis nor is there any indication provided of its viscosity. Indeed, one of the deficiencies of Carroll et al, is that the high strength polymer-modified polyol must be diluted immediately after production to prevent gelling thereof.
Heretofore, prior art PIPA polyols have suffered from being relatively unstable, notwithstanding the fact that much of this prior art purports to provide a polyol having a relatively high solids content (e.g. 25% or higher). The problem stems from the fact that it is very difficult to produce such a high solids content polyol which does not have to be diluted immediately after production to prevent gelling thereof. Indeed, to the inventors' knowledge, there is currently no commercially available polymer-modified polyol having a high solids content (e.g. greater than 20% by weight solids).
In light of the foregoing it would be desirable to have a polymer-modified polyol dispersion having a high solids content, a viscosity substantially below the gelling point and post-production stability as a function of little or no increase in the viscosity of the polyol dispersion. Numerous advantages would accrue from the provision of such a polymer-modified polyol dispersion. The major advantage would be that the high solids polymer-modified polyol dispersion could be produced in one site and safely shipped to the user at another site without dilution. This would result in an enormous savings in shipping costs since a larger volume of solids could be shipped at one time.

Polymer-modified polyol dispersions and processes for production and use thereof


When a bowler begins a roll and the result of the roll is detected by a scanner, the detection result is transmitted as data to a host computer via a bowler console assigned to each lane, and the scores of the bowlers are tallied. The scores of the bowlers are transmitted to a sub computer connected to or housed within the host computer, possible maximum scores are calculated by adding to the scores of the roll results the scores that would be attained by knocking down all pins with no misses in subsequent rolls, and the rolls needed to decide the rankings, point differences, and outcome are determined. The rolls needed to decide the calculated rankings, point differences, and outcome are displayed on a lane monitor, a ranking table monitor, a televised lane screen, a televised player, and a televised ranking table screen.

Conventionally, when performing a bowling game in a bowling alley using an auto scorer which automatically calculates scores, bowler names and handicaps for each lane are manually input in an MCT computer installed at a front from an MCT keyboard before starting a competition.
Then, after starting the game, the number of knocked down pins for each roll is detected by scanners installed at each lane, and by data communication of a host computer connected to bowler consoles assigned to each lane, roll results and total scores for each roll of each bowler are displayed on a monitor screen. After the competition ends, scores of each bowler and rankings of comparing the scores are printed and displayed thereon.
In addition, according to bowling game systems that can display total rankings by automatically storing and compiling scores for each frame of players who are playing a game at separate lanes, it is known that not only simple current scores, but also predicted scores predicting final scores on the basis of the current scores, a highest reachable score that can be scored by continuously getting strikes in the future, and scores predicted based on personal information of the bowlers are displayed (see Patent Document 1).
These systems have the following disadvantages.
(A) When holding a competition using the conventional auto scorer, there has been no means for calculating how many points of scores required deciding the rankings and outcome in the future are attained by the player in the middle of the game, such that there has been no means for determining and displaying at what point the rankings and outcome are decided and were decided.
(B) Therefore, in a competition in which the number of participants is larger, players in the competition and spectators who are watching the games did not know at what point the rankings and outcome will be decided, and did not know the moment that the outcome which is an essence of sports is decided. In addition, since the calculation of the scores of bowling is complicated, in a final tournament with a small number of players, there has been many cases in which the player himself/herself or a commentator of a live television broadcast has made a mistake in calculating the scores by mental arithmetic, and in determining at what point the outcome will be decided if a certain number of pins are knocked down.
(C) In addition, in a competition in which the number of participants is larger, the rankings have been printed and displayed on a ranking sheet for the first time after the games of all participants end, such that there has been no means for displaying the rankings in the middle of the game. That is, it could not determine and display the rankings until the games of all participants end.
(D) Therefore, in a competition in which the number of participants is larger or a preliminary of the competition, the players and spectators who are watching the game do not know the middle rankings, such that they did not know who is the dominant player, resulting in bowling being not such an exciting sport.
(E) In a screen displayed on a monitor above the lane, player names and scores are displayed with being fixed in a rolling order on the rolling lane of the first ball, although the ranking is not displayed. Further, when competing in an American method of using two lanes and alternately rolling at left and right lanes in odd frames and even frames, the rolling lanes are indicated by arrows.
(F) Therefore, there have been cases in which the rankings of the players could not be known, as well as unfamiliar players have mistaken the left and right rolling lanes.
(G) When broadcasting the games live on a television, there has been no means for displaying middle rankings and roll results (strikes, spares, or how many pins) required deciding the outcome in images for each lane and respective players during the game on the screen in real time.
(H) Therefore, although it has been required to manually input the scores for the television screen, in the live broadcast, there is no time for manually inputting the roll results (strikes, spares, or how many pins) required deciding the outcome. Therefore, the commentator has had to orally describe the rolls required deciding the outcome by calculating the scores by mental arithmetic.

Auto scorer for displaying rolls deciding outcome


A trash container cover has a pivotable lever arm which pivots vertically moving one or two compactor arms slidably connected to the handle. The compactor arm(s) force a horizontal compactor plate down onto the trash in the container to compact it. The lever arm, compactor arm(s) and compactor plate are pivoted into proximal parallel alignment with the cover and in proximity to the cover for storage and move together to open the trash container to deposit or remove trash. The lever arm may clamp down on the cover to serve as a handle for the cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to trash compactors that use manually applied forces to obtain the necessary motive power for the movable platen thereof and particularly to a compactor that comprises a lever arm hinged to a trash container cover to move vertically relative to the cover for forcing one or two compacting arms down onto a compactor plate to compact the trash, wherein the lever arm, compacting arm(s) and compactor plate are pivotable into proximal parallel alignment for storage in proximity with the cover and move together with the cover to uncover the trash container to deposit or remove trash.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many trash compactors operate by means of mechanical assistance by motors, screws, hydraulics and the like, which may require attachment to an electrical outlet with consequent energy consumption, and the risk of mechanical failure requiring servicing. Powerful mechanized compactor can be dangerous to limbs or appendages accidentally in the way of a compacting operation. Manually operated compactors have also been provided with complex mechanisms, which do not stow away within the container or cover when not being used.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,874, issued Nov. 13, 2001 to Martorella, claims a manual trash compactor having an adjustable arm and stabilizing blocks. The manual trash compactor is for use with a garbage can having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The compactor comprises a hood having an open top end and a bottom end that is attached to a top end of the garbage can. In addition, attached to the hood is a top or substantially closed surface wherein the top surface has at least one hole. There is also an adjustable arm that has a bottom end that is rotatably mounted on the top surface. The adjustable arm also has an opposite top end. Rotatably attached to the top end of the adjustable arm is a lever arm. A first end of the lever arm attaches to the adjustable arm while there is a second end that is spaced opposite the first end. Along the lever arm is a piston having a top end that is rotatably attached to the lever arm. The piston also has a bottom end that extends through the at least one hole in the top surface, with the bottom end extending into the garbage can. A compression plate is attached substantially perpendicular to the piston at the bottom end of the piston. Thus, to manually compress garbage in a garbage can, a user can close the top, and press down on the second end of the lever arm. This act rotates the adjustable arm and the lever arm so that the piston extends down, substantially perpendicular to the bottom end of the garbage can driving the compression plate onto the garbage and compacting the garbage between the compression plate and the bottom end of the garbage can.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,718, issued Sep. 25, 1973 to Adornetto, indicates a trash compactor for attachment to containers, such as a trash or garbage can, for compacting the refuse therein. The compactor attachment includes a plunger with a head for pressing against the deposited trash and a lever arrangement for applying successive increments of pressure to the plunger to compact the refuse engaged by the plunger's head.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,047, issued Mar. 24, 1998 to Lindsey, is for a portable refuse compacting container including a container for receiving a flexible refuse collection bag of the type typically known as garbage bags or leaf bags. Bulky refuse such as leaves, grass clippings and the like may be placed in the refuse collection bag where these materials are compressed by a compacting plate which is loosely received inside the container. The compacting plate is used to compress the refuse by an attached plunger arm which is affixed to the compacting plate and which is pivotally attached to a compaction lever. The compaction lever is pivotally attached to the edge of the top of the container. The compaction lever may be latched in place on the container. The container is provided with wheels for ease in moving either the full or the empty container from place to place. When the compaction lever is latched to the container, the handle of the compaction lever also serves as a handle for moving the container about on its wheels.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,294,211, issued Feb. 11, 1919 to Webley, illustrates a press adapted for use in connection with an ordinary cylindrical receptacle. The press comprises a pair of ears, means for clamping said ears in engagement with the exterior of the receptacle, friction pads carried by the receptacle engaging surfaces of said ears, a compressor follower, and operating means for said follower connected to said ears.
U.S. Patent Application No. 20030024419, issued Feb. 6, 2003 to Ernst, discloses a lid for fitting to an open-topped refuse container. The lid has a compacting mechanism that comprises a compacting plate mounted under the lid, a telescopically adjustable actuating rod mounted over the lid, and means slidably coupling the plate to the rod through an aperture in the lid such that the rod may be maneuvered from a storage position wherein the rod lies across the lid and the plate is drawn up under the lid to an operative position wherein the rod stands upright over the aperture and may be pushed downwardly through the aperture to push the plate down into the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,309, issued Feb. 25, 1992 to Lai, describes a waste container that includes a hollow body having an open top end, a cover detachably provided on the open top end, and a press member movably mounted on the cover and having a plate portion disposed horizontally inside the hollow body. The press member is vertically movable inside the hollow body to compress garbage inside the hollow body.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,157, issued Dec. 18, 1973 to Ross, Jr., concerns a receptacle for receiving, compacting, storing, segregating, and eventual disposal of the compacted trash. The receptacle comprises an outer holder, an inner removable disposable container, and an overlying combined funnel and cover. The funnel opens into the top of the disposable container. The cover is pivoted to the funnel so as to be swung outwardly therefrom, and is provided with a hole through which a manually actuated compactor or ram may be inserted for crushing the trash.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,373, issued Sep. 27, 1977 to Hellmann, provides a manual trash compactor that has a housing, which is adapted to receive therein an exchangeable bag for containing the trash with access means to gain entrance to the bag for depositing of trash within the bag. To compact the trash pressure applying means is provided with a plunger having a compacting head for engagement with the contents of the bag, with gripping means extending outwardly of the housing for moving the plunger axially to reciprocate the head in a compacting direction. Weighting means is associated with the pressure applying means to add weight to the compacting head, and exit means is provided on the housing to permit removal of the compacted bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,567, issued Dec. 8, 1998 to Fischer, shows a manual trash compactor that includes a box having an open top. The hand operated compactor assembly includes a compactor with a member integrally coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom for gripping by a user, whereby the compactor may be manually depressed within the box for allowing the compacting of trash therein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,374, issued Aug. 27, 1991 to Klepacki, describes a trash receptacle compactor for compacting trash in a trash receptacle enclosed in a housing, including a plunger disposed within the housing in alignment with the trash receptacle and lever means outside of the housing and interconnected with the plunger for selectively operating the plunger to compact trash within the receptacle.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,813, issued Mar. 17, 1987 to Kehl, discloses a waste compactor apparatus for trash containers of the type with a top assembly having a frame and a pivoting door, which encloses a central opening of the frame. The compactor comprises a pivot means for the door including a pivot member and a socket which enable the door to be retained in its normal position by gravity, but which permits the door to be easily detached from the frame to enable it to be inserted into the trash container to compress material therein. Once the user has completed the compacting step, the door is re-engaged with the frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,074, issued May 25, 1982 to Behman, indicates a combined cover and compactor assembly that may be mounted on a container for trash or other compactable material which has a housing having at least one side wall defining a transfer and compacting chamber therein. The housing has a side opening located in the side wall serving as an inlet to permit the compactable material to be charged into the transfer and compacting chamber, and a lower end opening in registry with the transfer and compacting chamber. The housing is connectable to the container by a housing support that is adjacent and defines the lower end opening to allow compactable material charged into the transfer and compacting chamber through the side opening to either fall or be forced into the container. A retainer assembly including an upper end opening is disposed at the upper end of the housing to releasably support a compactor within the transfer and compacting chamber. The compactor may act as a cover when it is held by the retaining assembly, or may be disengaged from the retaining assembly to move downward to exert compacting force upon the compactable material present in the transfer and compacting chamber.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,128,055, issued Dec. 5, 1978 to Hellmann, puts forth a manual trash compactor that comprises a housing adapted to receive therein a bag having upstanding walls terminating in an open top for depositing the trash, and formed having a base with vertically extending panels extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper open end such that a rectangular configuration is formed to gain access to the housing. Pressure applying means for compacting the trash within the bag is provided with weighting means associated with the pressure applying means to increase the weight thereof to facilitate the compacting of the trash within the bag. Retaining means for releasably securing the open top of the bag within the housing during operation of the pressure applying means is utilized and comprises a plate operatively associated with each one of the panels to provide retention of the open top of the walls of the bag in fixed relationship to each one of the panels. Mounting means for pivotally securing each one of the plates with respect to one of the panels between an open position and a closed position is provided for permitting the bag to be removed from the housing in the open position and in the closed position compressing the upstanding walls of the bag against the panels. Latching means for releasably retaining each one of the plates in the closed position is provided such that the bag may be filled with trash.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,500, issued Feb. 12, 1991 to Knapp, illustrates a refuse compactor device that has a container housing having an open top end for holding a trash bag in which the bag mouth is in registration with and folded over the open top end of the container for receiving trash to be compacted. The compactor device further includes a compactor plate received within the container housing for manual movement from the open top end of the housing toward the bottom end of the housing to compress refuse material in the trash bag. The housing has ventilation apertures in its side wall and bottom to allow air trapped between the bag and the side walls of the housing to be expelled from the container. The compactor plate also has ventilation apertures to allow air included in the refuse to be expelled from the container as the plate is moved into the trash bag and housing. The compactor plate further has an opening to receive therethrough the mouth end of the bag for convenient closing of the bag mouth.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,720, issued Apr. 21, 1987 to Massonnet, provides a refuse bin incorporating compacting means wherein the compacting plate comprises two upwardly oriented tabs which are placed in housings in the lid to be slidably associated with a control member. Catches facing opposite each other and borne by said tabs come into slides in the control member embedded in a groove in the lid. In this way, by subjecting the control member to a translation, it may, at the end of a stroke, be pivoted with respect to the catches in order to orient it vertically with a view to vertically actuating the compacting plate.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,515, issued Sep. 1, 1981 to Baumann, shows a compacting wastebasket comprising a container closed by a lid for receiving and compacting waste paper. The compacting wastebasket includes a volume-occupying lid, which fits inside the container. The container defines a chamber large enough to accommodate individual pieces of waste to be deposited and compacted. The lid is retained in the container-closing position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,736, issued May 26, 1992 to Rodolico, claims a compaction container for domestic solid waste. A cylindrical container is provided with a cover to be firmly fitted thereon having a bayonet coupling and supports for a lever multiplier to supply to a rack rod a force "n" times stronger than the one applied to the levers, the lever multiplier being integral with a cylinder which slides inside a housing with cuts fitted in the cover center to allow a constant compression according to the heap height; force is transmitted onto the waste to compress it with a piston, which is firmly connected with a nut to the lower part of the rack rod.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,060, issued Dec. 30, 1975 to Burke, puts forth a vehicle litter compactor for attachment to the interior of an automobile or the like for compressing accumulated litter in the vehicle. The compactor has a slidable piston mounted in an elongated case with an opening in one side of the casing. The piston is attached to a sliding shaft passing through one end of the casing and may be withdrawn past the opening for insertion of litter, and then the operator may push the shaft and piston to compress the litter in the opposite end of the casing. The casing has a removable end portion for removing the compacted litter.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,839, issued Mar. 29, 1949 to Bloomfield, is for a waste container that comprises an open top receptacle; an open top housing for the receptacle provided with a swingable lid for closing the top thereof; a plunger reciprocally carried by the lid for movement to and from a position in the waste receptacle to compress the waste therein; and springs attached to the plunger for holding the same inoperative above the top of the receptacle, said plunger having a head thereon substantially the same diameter as the receptacle. The head is disposed above the receptacle when in the inoperative position.
What is needed is an inexpensive, easy-to-use manual trash compactor which fits on any trash container with components that store out of the way in normal usage of the trash container and are easily manipulated for use in compacting the trash in the container.


Systems, methods, and apparatuses for communicating information, altering access rights, and transferring power to and from an electronic programmable key are disclosed. A mobile key interface device is configured to couple to a contact pin of the electronic programmable key to establish a channel of communication. Using the channel of communication, the mobile key interface device may communicate information, alter access rights, and transfer power to and from the electronic programmable key. The mobile key interface device may also communicate with a mobile communication device. Using the mobile communication device's network connection, the mobile key interface device may further establish a channel of communication from a control center to the electronic programmable key.

In electronic programmable key and mechatronic lock systems, electronic programmable keys are generally blocked or disabled from unlocking a mechatronic lock until they are provided with a passcode. The electronic programmable keys are typically equipped with a keypad for entering a passcode, which may be a sequence of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof. Once a key holder enters a passcode into the electronic programmable key, the electronic programmable key is no longer blocked and becomes enabled to unlock the mechatronic lock. Thus, in comparison to conventional mechanical key and lock systems, additional security is provided against fraudulent usage or when keys are lost or stolen; in the event a key is lost or stolen, the lost or stolen key is unusable because it cannot be used without a valid passcode.
Electronic programmable keys may be programmed to unlock a lock or padlock according to certain access rights. More specifically, an electronic programmable key may be programmed to only unlock a designated set of mechatronic locks, and only at certain predetermined times of the day, week, month, and/or year. Moreover, electronic programmable keys or mechatronic locks may store records of access logs that show the times and locations where the electronic programmable key was used.
The passcodes and corresponding access rights are typically created by electronically programming the key itself. To do this, the electronic programmable key may be physically placed into or accessed through a key programming device. Key programming devices are typically stationary, and may comprise, or may need to be connected to, a desktop computing system where an administrator may securely create, edit, or delete locks and keys, and define or refine their access rights. Further, the key programming devices may be used to download a record of access logs generated by the key.
However, current electronically programmable keys are typically deployed and in the possession of individuals who may be in the field, facility, or on site. In order for the key to be programmed, it would have to be brought to an administrator and connected to key programming devices which are typically integrated with stationary computing systems or networks, such as for example a desktop computer. Similarly, in order for a key holder to be able to successfully operate the key in the desired mechatronic lock, he or she may have to request a valid code from the administrator which in turn would be entered into the key. Thus, an administrator cannot grant—and a key holder cannot efficiently request—new passcodes, access rights or access logs on demand and in real-time, while the key holder is in the field or within proximity to the mechatronic lock to which access is desired. Similarly, an administrator cannot directly verify that certain tasks have been completed without recovering the keys or accessing the mechatronic locks, and may have to rely instead on the user to manually report such activities. Rather, a key holder typically travels to the nearest stationary key programming device to reprogram the key or download access logs.
Accordingly, a need exists to provide a mobile key reader or programming device that establishes a connection between the electronically programmable key and a server for accessing information from, and/or defining access rights for, the electronic programmable key.

Mobile key devices systems and methods for programming and communicating with an electronic programmable key


A cable management assembly is provided that facilitates routing of cables from a rack, frame or cabinet. The cable management assembly may be mounted in a vertical or a horizontal orientation, and generally includes a flange, a pair of fingers extending outwardly relative to the flange and defining a routing region therebetween, at least one mounting element extending rearwardly relative to the flange; and a polygonal locking face mounted with respect to the at least one mounting element. The cable management assembly may be mounted with respect to a rack structure by introducing the polygonal locking face to a correspondingly shaped aperture and rotating the cable management assembly, e.g., by a quarter turn.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is directed to cable management assemblies that facilitates routing of cables and, more particularly, to cable management assemblies that are easily and efficiently mounted with respect to racks, frames, enclosures and other cable-related structures in vertical or horizontal orientations.
2. Background
It is common to store computers, servers and other electronic equipment on or in racks, frames and cabinets. Numerous cables and wires are routinely required to power and interconnect these units, as is well known in the art. Efficient, reliable and organized routing of cables and wires to and from such equipment is highly desirable, but not easily achieved.
Prior art efforts have been devoted to developing raceways for routing cables and wires to and from equipment mounted/stored on/in racks, frames and cabinets. Prior art raceways generally permit cables/wires to be routed to equipment mounted/stored on/in racks, frames and cabinets. The routed cables/wires may enter the raceway from a variety of locations, e.g., from other equipment on the rack/frame/cabinet, from an overhead raceway, and/or from an underfloor raceway. With conventional raceways, cables/wires are generally routed vertically to a desired height, and then horizontally to an interconnection position relative to the desired equipment unit.
Prior art teachings that relate to the field of cable management include U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,607 to Caveney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,949 to Weiss, U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,811 to Viklund et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,565 to Krietzman et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,946,605 to Levesque et al. Cable management products/systems are commercially available from numerous manufacturers, including Ortronics, Inc. (New London, Conn.), Panduit Corporation (Tinley Park, Ill.) and Chatsworth Products, Inc. (Westlake Village, Calif.).
For example, Ortronics commercially offers "snap type" cable management rings (OR-60400302) that are designed to promote efficient routing of patch and cross connect cables. The commercially available snap type rings include two spaced/aligned extensions that snap in place on the front and back of Mighty Mo® racks and generally accommodate up to thirty five (35) Category 6 cables. To accommodate the snap type rings, Mighty Mo® racks include spaced/aligned apertures that are sized to receive the extensions that include spring-finger anchor mechanisms for retention purposes. Of note, to release a snap type ring from a rack, it is disadvantageously necessary to pinch the spring-fingers together from the rear and then push the snap type ring out of engagement from the rack.
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for cable management assemblies that may be easily and securely mounted with respect to a rack/frame/cabinet/enclosure for routing cables/wires to and from equipment that is stored therein/thereon in both vertical and horizontal orientations.

Cable management assemblies and associated methods


A system and method of applying dual centrifugal compressors to a single evaporator and a single condenser in a refrigeration chiller unit. The condenser is split into two chambers by a divider having the same cross-sectional shape as the condenser and having holes provided through which the tubing provided in the condenser passes. The condenser includes a valve in fluid communication with both chambers of the compressor, for selectively equalizing or separating the pressures within the respective chambers. One or both compressors can be operated, according to the load. An independent condenser pressure can be provided for each centrifugal compressor, and thus the problems encountered by the conventional parallel-compressor refrigeration system can be avoided. With the invention, the refrigeration chiller capacity can be maximized and also adjusted to accommodate variable load requirements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to centrifugal chillers, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for applying dual centrifugal compressors to a refrigeration chiller unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional centrifugal chiller 10 includes a single centrifugal compressor 12, a condenser 14, an expansion device 16, and an evaporator 18, all being interconnected in series to form a conventional closed refrigeration circuit. Compressor 12 compresses refrigerant gas and delivers it to condenser 14 where a cooling medium, such as water from a cooling tower, causes the compressed gas to condense to a liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant expands as it is passed through expansion device 16 and travels to evaporator 18. As the liquid refrigerant flows through evaporator 18, circulating water from a building is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant so as to cause the water to be chilled and the refrigerant to be vaporized. The refrigerant is then delivered to a suction inlet of the compressor. In this manner, the water is chilled in evaporator 18 for cooling the building. In order to vary the amount of cooling imparted to the building in response to changes in the cooling requirement or load, the capacity of compressor 12 is adjusted, thereby regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit.
Conventionally, horizontal shell-and-tube condensers are used in centrifugal chillers, often with the refrigerant flowing outside the tubes of the condenser. As generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of tubes 20 are held within a cylindrical shell 22 of the conventional condenser. The outside surface 24 of each tube 20 is often finned to increase the heat transfer of the refrigerant outside the tubes with water 26 running through the tubes. Furthermore, condensers usually have the cylindrical shell like that shown in FIG. 2.
In order to increase the capacity of centrifugal chiller systems, it has been proposed to provide a refrigeration system with dual compressors. Such systems are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,065 to Griffen, and one such system is described in some detail in that patent. Aspects of a prior art dual compressor system are shown in FIG. 3. Compressors 28, 30 are connected to separate circuits in condenser 32. The system includes, expansion valves 36, 38 provided in the lines connecting condenser 32 and evaporator 34.
Condenser 32 includes a plurality of separate and distinct refrigeration tube circuits 40, 42, 44 and 46. Each such circuit includes a plurality of parallel elongated tubes (not shown) that run the length of the condenser and are interconnected by bends at the ends of the condenser. Each circuit in Griffen includes parallel tubes (not shown) extending along the length of condenser 32. Circuits 40 and 42 both transverse the top half of the condenser 32, and circuits 44, 46 transverse the lower half of condenser 32. Compressor 28 therefore feeds refrigerant through a circuit 42 in the top half of the condenser and circuit 46 in the lower half of the condenser. Compressor 30 similarly feeds refrigerant to circuits in both the top and bottom of the compressor. If one compressor is shut off when the refrigeration load decreases, or if the flow of refrigerant through one or more circuit is otherwise cut off, the condenser still utilizes the heat exchanger area of the entire condenser.
In the system shown in Griffen, the refrigerant flows through tubes in the condenser and is cooled by a fluid, typically air, that is placed in heat exchange relationship with the refrigerant to cool it. Similarly, the refrigerant flows through tubes in the evaporator where it is used to cool the water flowing through the evaporator shell.
Conventional dual compressor refrigeration systems typically use conventional positive displacement compressors, such as, reciprocation or screw-type compressors. Conventional positive displacement compressors operate in parallel and have common suction and discharge connections. Centrifugal compressors have variable volume and constant head characteristics, and thus, cannot operate in parallel, unless balanced through control. Thus, in order for centrifugal compressors to be effectively implemented in such dual-compressor systems, a control system must be employed that suitably matches the head characteristics for each centrifugal compressor. However, in practice such head matching is difficult to achieve even with the most sophisticated control systems.

Method and apparatus for applying dual centrifugal compressors to a refrigeration chiller unit


A method includes identifying, from radial contours indicating listening areas for respective radio stations, each radial contour specifying a geographic location of a respective radio station and a plurality of segments surrounding the radio station, each segment defining a radius outward from the geographic location defining a boundary of the listening area for the corresponding segment, a segment of a radial contour of a radio station currently tuned to by a radio receiver for a listener location; responsive to the listener location exceeding the radial extent from the radio station for the segment, identifying an alternate radio station available for the listener location; identifying, from the radial contours and the listener location, a segment of a radial contour of the alternate radio station; and responsive to the listener location being within a radial extent from the alternate radio station for the segment, transitioning to the alternate radio station.

Radio station listening contours are coverage patterns that indicate the area surrounding a radio station within which the radio station may be receivable. In an example, a coverage pattern for a frequency modulated (FM) radio station may be calculated from the antenna height and effective transmission power of the station. In another example, a coverage pattern for an amplitude modulated (AM) radio station may be based on the transmitter power of the station, the field strength pattern of the station, the frequency of the station, and the ground conductivity of the local area. For instance, AM radio signals may travel farther over water than over land.

Radio station listening contour estimation


A system can include an aural computing system in communication with the ophthalmic device. In some embodiments, the aural computing system can include a wireless communication device in communication with the ophthalmic device. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device comprises a contact lens, which can inserted into the user's eye. The wireless communication device can comprise wearable technology.

Wearable technology is widely used to track various biometrics. The biometrics are related to things such as length of exercise, heart rate, and number of steps a user experiences. Traditional biometrics, however, rarely provide insight into the actual health of the wearer. For example, the wearable technology cannot track a blood sugar level or red blood cell count.
The eye is subject to numerous diseases and ailments that can be treatable with early detection. Some of these conditions include increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, Acanthamoeba keratitis, cataracts, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, dry eye syndrome, hyphema, and macular hole, to name a few. Some of these conditions can lead to blindness or even the loss of an eye. Some conditions can be easily detected, such as conjunctivitis, while others can require testing to diagnose.
Some diseases can be detected or tracked via the eye or tear fluid. For example, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, high cholesterol, thyroid irregularities, and cancer can often be detected through the eye. For example, diabetes can be tracked through tear fluid. The tear fluid present in a diabetic person can be used to determine an amount of glucose in the diabetic person.
An example of a contact lens for measuring conditions of an eye is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,123 issued to Douglas Weibel. In this reference, an eye-mountable device for measuring an intraocular pressure is provided. The device can include a transparent polymeric material having a concave surface configured to be removably mounted over a corneal surface of an eye, an antenna, an expandable member, a sensor and control electronics at least partially embedded in the transparent polymeric material. The expandable device is configured to expand and apply a force to the corneal surface, and the sensor is configured to detect a resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the applied force. The resistance to deformation of the cornea in response to the force applied by the expandable member is indicative of the intraocular pressure of the eye.
Another example of a contact lens for measuring a condition of an eye is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,935 issued to James Etzkorn. In this reference, body-mountable devices and methods for embedding a structure in a body-mountable device are described. A body-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the body-mountable device. The structure has an outer diameter and an inner diameter and includes a sensor configured to detect an analyte and an antenna. The antenna includes a plurality of conductive loops spaced apart from each other between the outer diameter and the inner diameter.
Another example of a contact lens for measuring conditions of an eye is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,857,983 issued to Randall Braxton Pugh. In this reference, antennas and antenna systems are disclosed for incorporation into mechanical devices, including medical devices, such as ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses. These antennas and antenna systems can be utilized to transmit data from the mechanical device to a receiver, to receive data from a transmitter, and/or to inductively charge an electromechanical cell or the like incorporated into the mechanical device.
Each of these references is herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.

Wearable device for communication with an ophthalmic device


Method for manufacture of links designed to be interconnected to form a conveyor and including the following steps;                mold a body of the link of rigid low-friction material with said body being provided with projections protruding from one of its faces, and        hot-mold on at least part of said face cooled to hardening a high-friction malleable material for formation of a skidproof covering with the high-friction material during molding striking said projections and being injected at a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the rigid material in such a manner as to cause plastic deformation of the projections that originate undercuts with the deformed projections upon completed molding remaining incorporated in the high-friction material to create a mechanical interconnection between the covering and the rigid body.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a conveyor consisting of an indefinite sequence of interconnected links having a nonskid top surface for support of the objects to be conveyed. This invention also relates to a method for manufacture of the conveyor links.
2. State of the Prior Art
The problem of making conveyor belts or chains suited to running along appropriate guides and that at the same time have a skidproof support surface on which are arranged the objects to be conveyed in the horizontal plane or in a sloped direction relative to said plane has long been known in the conveyor field.
To solve this problem, conveyors consisting of an indefinite sequence of interconnected modular members like chain links to which is applied a covering of malleable skidproof material on the entire surface or partially thereon have been proposed. The members or links are made of rigid thermoplastic material and are provided with undercuts designed to receive in engagement a portion of the malleable material to anchor the skidproof covering to the conveyor belt. For example, in patent No. EP 0 523 810 it is proposed to form a reticulate structure on which is molded the malleable material and that is then fastened to the modular member of the conveyor. The reticulate structure is made of a material suited to being welded (for example with an ultrasonic weld) to the material used to make the modular members making up the conveyor. This solution, while avoiding the use of sophisticated and costly molds for forming the undercuts, implies a sequence of molding and welding steps that make the conveyor manufacturing process slow and uneconomical.
According to the conventional and well known methods of overmolding malleable or thermoplastic materials, it could be thought to hot mold the malleable material forming the covering directly on the rigid link of the conveyor without the latter having undercuts for anchoring the covering. To do this, it is necessary to use malleable material compatible with the rigid material of the linked modular-member body to obtain a link effect by thermal effect. However, the most suitable rigid thermoplastic materials to be used for making the modular members of the conveyors are not generally compatible with the rubbery substances that have good skidproof properties. In addition to this, even with compatibility between the two materials the fastening realized does not ensure satisfactory and safe mechanical resistance so that the skidproof covering could detach itself in the long term from the body of the link during use of the conveyor. It is clear that unreliability of this type is a considerable disadvantage.
In addition, to obtain a strong link with the interface between the two materials it is to be hoped that the surface of the body of the link at least reach softening with resulting alteration of its dimensional characteristic and deterioration of the quality obtained in molding.
The general purpose of this invention is to remedy the above mentioned shortcomings by making available a conveyor having a skidproof surface economical and simple to manufacture.
Another purpose of this invention is to make available a conveyor that would ensure a firm and steady fastening of the skidproof portion to the modular linked members forming the conveyor.
Another purpose of this invention is to make available a method for manufacture of linked members of a conveyor that would be fast and economical.

Conveyor with nonskid support surface and manufacturing method for same


A computer implemented method defines game pieces for play which can complement a natural human tendency to be attracted by people's faces. The game is based on segmenting an image of a user's face under control of a programmed processor, the user's face being captured by the mobile application or provided to it, and then turned into a plurality of segments. A reconstituted image of a face made up of multiple segments from two or more different users for presentation to each respective user in a user interface. A user can select or be selected for a game, which once started has each user revealing a further part of their image to the other until either the whole image of both are revealed and the game is won and they can further communicate. Alternatively a user loses by having their image segment rejected with no further communication available.

There is enormous growth in the use of social web and mobile applications such as Facebook and Instagram, these applications heavily rely on the increasing comfort and desire of people to share photos. Similarly, there has been continued growth in websites and mobile applications that connect people, either generally to socialize or to meet on a romantic date, although online dating methods have not markedly changed since they were first introduced.
On the web and in social applications there is also a growing trend of gamification, which comprises techniques to leverage people's natural desires for competition, achievement, status, self-expression, altruism, and closure (Wikipedia). An example of a gamification social application is FourSquare where people rise in status and rewards by checking regularly into local places such as coffee shops, using their mobile device location based sensors to confirm their presence.
There have been numerous studies on what features make a face attractive such as a study entitled Human Facial Attraction and Sexual Selection by Karl Grammer and Randy Thornhill. Humans from birth have a natural tendency to focus and be fascinated by faces and facial features, as can be learned from a study entitled the Development of infants' attention to faces during the first year by Michael C. Frank, Edward Vul and Scott P. Johnson.
There are already many pre-existing techniques and applications for mobile applications to take photos and identify facial areas. This functionality is already built into many smart mobile devices and can be utilised by the invention.
This invention draws on the universal principle that people are attracted to photos and, in particular, faces and facial features, and then (a) combines that with the ability to take and share photos including facial photos using mobile devices and the pre-existing automated photo manipulation techniques, (b) adds the gamification of what visually attracts one individual to another facial feature by facial feature, and (c) provides people the opportunity to connect by playing the application generally, or by playing with others while attending a pre-determined event. The present invention answers a need for a social method that enables people to identify others that attract them, through a stimulating game, adding fascination and anticipation.

Social game concerning photograph manipulation for play across distributed devices


The variable-order delta sigma modulator of the invention is capable of setting an optimum order in relation to a sampling frequency to be used, when using one out of plural sampling frequencies. As to the delta sigma modulator of the third order or higher, in a combination of two arbitrary continued integrators constituting the modulator is furnished a means that connects or disconnects the circuit on the second integrator side at the part of connecting the first integrator and the second integrator, or a means of switching the relation of connections. Connecting or disconnecting the circuit through the means and switching the relation of connections will set the order of the delta sigma modulator into an optimum order in relation to a sampling frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a delta sigma modulator, specifically to a delta sigma modulator capable of switching an order thereof into an optimum order in relation to a sampling frequency.
2. Description of the Related Art
At present, many cellular phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistance), portable music reproducers, and so forth use a DA converter. As this sort of DA converter is widely known the DA converter that incorporates a delta sigma modulator. This DA converter furnished with the delta sigma modulator executes a quantization with fewer bits such as one-bit quantization by means of the over-sampling circuit and noise shaper, and thereby reduces aliasing and quantization noises, and noises in the low frequency band.
Now, in the delta sigma modulator used in the noise shaper, there exists a unique relation between the SN ratio and the order of the delta sigma modulator in correspondence with each of the sampling frequencies as an example, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In the drawing, X-axis represents the order of the delta sigma modulator, and Y-axis represents the SN ratio.
According to this graph, when the sampling frequency is 8 kHz, and when the order of the delta sigma modulator is the third order, the SN ratio becomes the maximum at about 57 dB; when the order increases to the fourth or fifth order, the SN ratio decreases to 55 dB or 40 dB.
In contrast this, when the sampling frequency is 16 kHz, and when the order of the delta sigma modulator is the second order, the SN ratio is about 62 dB; when the order becomes the third or fourth, the SN ratio increases to 72 dB or 73 dB; and when the order is the fifth, the SN ratio decreases to about 69 dB.
Further, when the sampling frequency is 32 kHz, and when the order of the delta sigma modulator is the second order, the SN ratio is 80 dB; when the order is the third, the SN ratio increases; and when the order is the fourth or fifth, the SN ratio reaches the peak at about 90 dB.
As it is clear from the above, the SN ratio will increase or decrease depending on the sampling frequency when the order increases. The delta sigma modulator with a higher order does not necessarily produce a higher SN ratio. Here, FIG. 9 only gives one example, and such a disposition as shown in FIG. 9 does not always appear.
Conventionally, the delta sigma modulator used in the DA converter is designed on the assumption of a specific sampling frequency; accordingly, the order of the delta sigma modulator is fixed, and it could not be changed freely. However in recent years, the mobile telephones can be used in the voice mode on speech communications, or they can be used in the audio mode that outputs a piece of music downloaded; there increases a possibility of using the DA converter with different sampling frequencies.
When the DA converter is used in the audio band (20 kHz), to maximize the SN ratio in connection with the sampling frequency (44.1 kHz) is to select the delta sigma modulator of the fourth or fifth order as the optimum order. However, using this delta sigma modulator with the lower sampling frequency (8 kHz) that handles the voice will deteriorate the SN ratio, in comparison to the delta sigma modulator of the second or third order.
In reverse, when the modulator is used with the lower sampling frequency (8 kHz), the delta sigma modulator of the third order is to be selected in view of the optimum SN ratio; and, when the delta sigma modulator of the third order is used with the higher sampling frequency (44.1 kHz) for the audio band, the SN ratio will deteriorate in comparison to the delta sigma modulator of the fourth or fifth order.
In this manner, there is a specific relation between the sampling frequency and the optimum order of the delta sigma modulator. For example, it is clear that when the sampling frequency is 8 kHz, 16 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz, the optimum order is the second, fourth, fifth, fourth (or fifth), or fifth, respectively. This is shown in FIG. 6.
In order to always set an optimum order in correspondence with variations of the sampling frequencies, it is conceivable to prepare the delta sigma modulators of the first order to the n-th order in advance, and to make them selectable by switching. However, such a design will enlarge the circuit scale only to raise the cost and increase waste. As to the switching operation of the order, it is extremely annoying to manually switch the order of the modulator at each time, accompanied with the switching of the sampling frequencies, which will create malfunctions.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Variable-order delta sigma modulator and DA converter


A flexible touch screen panel includes a substrate divided into an active area, a first non-active area, and a second non-active area, a plurality of sensing electrodes in the active area, a plurality of position detecting lines in the first non-active area and connected to the sensing electrodes, a plurality of connecting units in the second non-active area and connected to the plurality of position detecting lines and the connecting units are multiple layer structure wiring lines, a pad unit including a plurality of pads in the second non-active area and the pad unit is connected to the plurality of connecting units, and an insulating layer in the active area, overlapping the first non-active area, and excluded from the second non-active area.

A touch screen panel is an input device capable of selecting the indication content displayed on a screen of an image display device by, e.g., a human hand or an object, to input a command of a user. The touch screen panel may replace an additional input device coupled to the image display device such as a keyboard and a mouse. Accordingly, the range of use of the touch screen panel is gradually increasing.


Disclosed are salts of the general formula (I)

[(−)-(6R,7R)]-7-((Z)-2-(2-Amino-4-thiazol)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido)-8-oxo-3-vinyl-5-thia-1-azabicyclo[4.2.0]-oct-2-ene-2-carboxlic acid (IV), commonly known as cefdinir,

is a third generation semisynthetic cephalosporin for oral use, characterized by a broad antibacterial spectrum against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, its antibiotic activity being higher than that of other antibiotics for oral administration. In particular, it shows excellent antibacterial activity against staphylococci and streptococci.
Cefdinir is usually synthesized through intermediates of formula (V) wherein the hydroxyimino group (and optionally the primary amino group) is protected

R1 and R2 being as defined in the description.
According to the literature, the intermediates (V) can be obtained in different ways, but their recovery is troublesome and not convenient from the industrial standpoint.
For example, according to WO 97/24358, an intermediate of formula (V) wherein R1 is hydrogen and R2 is trityl (Va), is recovered as the salt with p-toluenesulfonic acid (VIa)

The drawback of this method is that the recovery is accomplished by adding to the reaction mixture anti-solvents such as ethers, which are dangerous and therefore not suitable for industrial use.
Other methods do not envisage recovery of the intermediates (V); as a consequence, the quality of the final product is poor and further purifications are required (WO 98/45299; Kamachi, H. et al., J. Antibiot. 1988 41(11), 1602-16).
Alternatively, the side chain can be linked to the cephalosporanic nucleus by means of subsequent synthetic steps, with decrease in the overall yield and increase in the process time (U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,334, EP 304019).
The intermediates (V) can also be recovered from water as free acids, but filtration and drying are very difficult.

Abstract: wherein R1, R2 and B are defined in the description. These salts are useful intermediates for the preparation of cefdinir. Also, disclosed are processes for the preparation thereof from the compounds of the general formula (II) and (III).

Abstract: Further, disclosed is a method of producing cefdinir from the salts of the general formula (I) including the steps of removing protecting groups.


The present invention provides an apparatus and method for encoding and/or decoding signals. The encoding apparatus includes a variable impedance being coupled with an encoder. The variable impedance establishes a select voltage at the encoder. The encoder is further coupled with an input signal, wherein the encoder generates a modulated output as dictated by the select voltage. The decoding apparatus includes an integrator, a comparator and at least a first variable impedance. The integrator couples with the comparator, and is configured to receive an encoded signal and to generate an average DC voltage, such that the comparator receives the average DC voltage. The first variable impedance coupled with the comparator, and dictates a first limit such that the comparator receives the first limit. The comparator is configured to generate a decoded signal if the average DC voltage is at least equal to the first limit.

Data or signals are often encoded prior to transmission of the signal to provide additional security. Once received, only a receiver configured to decode the encoded signal or data is capable of decoding the encoded signal.
For example, remote control through wireless communication, such as radio frequency or infrared, is well known for communication of signals, including activating and deactivating car alarms and building alarms, and signaling automatic garage door openers.
However, encoders and decoders are implemented through complicated circuit designs, and thus add to the cost to implement. Further, encoders and/or decoders implemented on integrated circuit requires additional complexity.

Apparatus and method for encoding signals


Systems and methods are provided that enable an alternate display device to wirelessly receive content from a computing device, freeing users from the burden of physically connecting the computing device via a cable. The content sent to the display device can also be simultaneously or separately viewed on the computing devices of other nearby computing devices. Generic mechanism(s) and corresponding user interfaces are provided for computing devices to engage in discovery of devices to which content may be delivered, for accepting delivery and for initiating transmission of content.

Personal computers and portable/mobile computing devices, such as laptop computers, Tablet computers, notebook computers, sub-notebook computers and handheld computing devices, etc., as well as other present and future variants of portable/mobile computing devices, are sometimes used to transmit content to a third party device for manipulation or rendering. Such portable or mobile computing devices will be referred to herein simply as "mobile computing devices" or "mobile devices" without limitation. For instance, mobile devices can be used in situations, such as meetings, to display a presentation on a display, such as a large format display surface, e.g., projector or monitor, in the meeting environment. Currently, when such a situation arises, users making presentations using a mobile computer physically connect the portable/mobile computer via a cable to the projector or to an intermediate electronic system that controls the projector. However, laptop users wanting to present in a conference room must sit close to the projector control and swap VGA, and possibly also audio cables to present. The cord is typically not long enough and causes a musical chairs effect between every presentation as people move around to get the right person close enough to plug in their laptop. A user may then have to adjust screen resolution and/or audio settings each time a new presenter takes control of the projector display. In addition, users ideally want to project their display not just to the conference room projector but also to the laptops of various attendees in the meeting room.
The need to physically connect a cable, however, is undesirable for a variety of reasons. First, it requires a user with the mobile computing device to know that the mobile computing device can connect and also how to connect the mobile computing device, i.e., to know that their mobile computing device includes a connector or port for receiving the projector cable, and that such a connection plus some combination of obscure keystrokes (e.g., function key plus F5 key) switches the output of the portable or mobile computing device from the ordinary display of the mobile computing device to the port. Secondly, anytime one or more physical steps are introduced in a computing process, the time it takes to complete the process increases. For instance, a user must bring the mobile device to the cable, connect the cable, and secure the connection so that disconnection does not happen easily. Moreover, to the extent that male and female connector components are physical components, they are subject to abuse, and ordinary wear and tear. For instance, often the pins of a connector can become bent, damaged, metal fatigued, etc. in which case the connector components, either male or female, may no longer function properly.
In addition, the content/data that is ultimately sent to the projector cannot be simultaneously viewed on the computers of meeting attendees. While wireless technology is rapidly gathering momentum in the marketplace, currently, there is no generic mechanism for receiving wireless data by a display, such as a projector. Moreover, there is no generic mechanism for a mobile device to wirelessly transmit content to a display, such as a projector. Still further, there is no generic mechanism for third party computing devices to receive content.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art to add wireless technology to projectors to allow easy access for mobile users, enabling the ability to bring together a plurality of mobile users into the same room for collaborative meetings and providing a seamless connection where a wired solution is not practical. Furthermore, there is a need in the art to remove issues associated with cabling, making projectors easier to install and tidier, without signal degradation over longer distances. Moreover, there is a need in the art to switch between multiple mobile device sources, for example, if multiple people are presenting from their mobile devices. It would be still further desirable to provide a mechanism and corresponding user interface to allow users to find available wireless projectors or other computers, change or enable settings and connect specified content to them. Similarly, on the receiving side, it would be desirable to include a mechanism and corresponding user interface for users of other computers to accept "projected" content/data from a source mobile computer.

Systems and methods for projecting content from computing devices