A heat-dissipating assembly for removing a portion of heat from a heat-generating device is provided. The heat-dissipating assembly includes a heat sink having a base in contact with a surface of the heat-generating device and a plurality of fins extending upwards from the base, and a first fan and a second fan respectively disposed on a first position and a second position of the heat sink, the first fan and the second fan being hot-swappable, wherein the portion of heat is conducted from the heat-generating device to the fins via the base, and further removed by a first action of the first fan and a second action of the second fan.

The present invention relates to a heat-dissipating assembly, and ore particularly to a heat-dissipating assembly having a heat sink and dual hot-swapped fans.
An integrated circuit chip is widely used in an electrical appliance such as a computer. When the electrical appliance operates, the chip generates energy in the form of heat. If the chip is unable to transfer enough heat to ambient air, the elevated operating temperature may result in damage of the chip or the breakdown of the whole appliance. In order to remove most heat generated from the chip, especially a CPU (central processing unit), an additional heat sink is usually attached on and spreads over the top surface thereof. The heat sink is made of a highly thermal conductive material and has a larger surface area than the attached CPU for improving heat transfer. In addition, the heat sink is frequently constructed with spaced fins in order to provide extra surface area. Furthermore, heat can quickly dissipate by improving the efficiency of the air circulation when a fan is disposed above/on the heat sink.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a typical heat-dissipating assembly for a CPU 11. The heat-dissipating assembly includes a heat sink 12 made of a highly conductive material, for example aluminum, and a fan 13. The heat sink 12 includes a base 121 and a plurality of sheet-shaped fins 122. The base 121 is in contact with the top surface of the CPU chip 11. The fan 13 is engaged on the fins 122 by screws 16.
Although the heat-dissipating assembly can dissipate a lot of heat, it still has disadvantages as follows:
(1) The velocity of air flow introduced by the fan 13 is not uniformly distributed on each fin 122, for example the velocity under the hub 131 of the fan 13 is very low such that a portion of heat accumulates thereunder.
(2) If the fan 13 has a breakdown but is not replaced in a short time, the CPU chip 11 will be destroyed.
Therefore, the present invention provides an improved heat-dissipating assembly for overcoming the problems described above.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a heat-dissipating assembly having a heat sink and dual hot-swapped fans for enhancing efficacy and reliability of heat dissipation.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat-dissipating assembly for removing a portion of heat from a heat-generating device. The heat-dissipating assembly includes a heat sink having a base in contact with a surface of the heat-generating device and a plurality of fins extending upwards from the base, and a first fan and a second fan respectively disposed on a first position and a second position of the heat sink, the first fan and the second fan being hot-swappable, wherein the portion of heat is conducted from the heat-generating device to the fins via the base, and further removed by a first action of the first fan and a second action of the second fan.
The heat-generating device is an electronic device in operation, and preferably a CPU (central processing unit).
Preferably, the first position and the second position are two selected from a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface defined by the edges of the fins.
Preferably, the first action is one of attracting ambient air into the heat sink and exhausting hot air from the heat sink to environment.
Preferably, the second action is one of attracting ambient air into the heat sink and exhausting hot air from the heat sink to environment.
Preferably, the first fan is received within a first receptacle of a first frame coupled with the heat sink.
Preferably, the second fan is received within a second receptacle of a second frame coupled with the heat sink.
Preferably, each of the first frame and the second frame has hooks engaged with corresponding recesses of the heat sink.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat-dissipating assembly for removing a portion of heat generated from a CPU (central processing unit). The heat-dissipating assembly includes a heat sink having a base in contact with a surface of the heat-generating device and a plurality of fins extending upwards from the base, and a first fan and a second fan respectively disposed on a first position and a second position of the heat sink, the first fan and the second fan being hot-swappable, the first position and the second position being two selected from a first side surface, a second side surface and a top surface defined by the edges of the fins, wherein the portion of heat is conducted from the heat-generating device to the fins via the base, and further removed by a first action of the first fan and a second action of the second fan.
Preferably, the first action is one of attracting ambient air into the heat sink and exhausting hot air from the heat sink to environment.
Preferably, the second action is one of attracting ambient air into the heat sink and exhausting hot air from the heat sink to environment.
Preferably, the first fan is received within a first receptacle of a first frame coupled with the heat sink.
Preferably, the second fan is received within a second receptacle of a second frame coupled with the heat sink.
Preferably, each of the first frame and the second frame has hooks engaged with corresponding recesses of the heat sink.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

Heat-dissipating assembly having heat sink and dual hot-swapped fans


The purpose of the present invention is to provide: an electric double-layer capacitor, a lithium ion secondary battery, and a lithium ion capacitor, each of which has excellent cycle characteristics; an electrode material which is capable of providing the electric double-layer capacitor, the lithium ion secondary battery, and the lithium ion capacitor; and a composite which is used in the electrode material. The composite of the present invention is a composite produced by compositing from 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of nitrogen atom-containing conductive polymer per 100 parts by mass of porous carbon material. The composite of the present invention is a composite where the peak area ratio (nitrogen/carbon ratio) of peak area derived from nitrogen atoms to peak area derived from carbon atoms in the spectrum by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy becomes 0.005 to 0.05.

Lithium ion secondary batteries and electric double-layer capacitors are known as electrical storage devices.
Generally, in comparison to the electric double-layer capacitor, the lithium ion secondary battery has higher energy density and is capable of operation over a longer time interval.
On the other hand, in comparison to the lithium ion secondary battery, the electric double-layer capacitor is capable of rapid electrical charging and discharging, and working life over repeated uses is longer.
Moreover, in recent years, a lithium ion capacitor has been developed as an electrical storage device that combines such respective advantages of the lithium ion secondary battery and the electric double-layer capacitor.
For example, for an electric double-layer capacitor, the applicant of the present application in Patent Document 1 provides "an electrode material for an electric double-layer capacitor using a polyaniline/carbon composite produced by forming a composite of polyaniline or a derivative thereof and a carbonaceous material selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, Ketjen black, acetylene black, and furnace black, where the polyaniline or a derivative thereof is dedoped by base treatment of conductive polyaniline or a derivative thereof dispersed in a nonpolar organic solvent." The applicant of the present application in Patent Document 2 provides "a polyaniline/porous carbon composite produced by forming a composite of porous carbon material and conductive polyaniline or a derivative thereof dispersed in a doped state in a nonpolar organic solvent."
Moreover, for a lithium ion capacitor, the applicant of the present application in Patent Document 3 proposes "an electric double-layer capacitor including (i) a positive electrode, (ii) a negative electrode containing such active material as can reversibly absorb and release the lithium ion, and (iii) an electrolyte solution comprising an aprotic organic solvent containing a lithium salt supporting electrolyte. In such an electric double-layer capacitor, the positive electrode contains a collector and electrode active material, using an conductive polyaniline/porous carbon composite produced by forming a composite of an conductive polyaniline or a derivative thereof dispersed in a doped state in a nonpolar organic solvent and porous carbon material as active material, as well as an electric conduction auxiliary agent and a binding agent as may be required."
On the other hand, Patent Document 4 describes "an electric double-layer capacitor composed of a polarizable electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution, wherein an electrolyte solution is used that includes an electropolymerizable polymer precursor as an additive at 0.005 to 0.05 M concentration; by performing initial charging, the electropolymerizable polymer precursor contained in the electrolyte solution undergoes electropolymerization; the polymer generated by the electropolymerization precipitates at electrochemically active sites present on the positive electrode-side polarizable electrode surface; and the electrochemically active sites are coated by the polymer."

Conductive polymer/porous carbon material composite and electrode material using same


An apparatus for chilling hot-bagged food includes a refrigeration device providing chilled air and an enclosure for containing the chilled air. A fan blows the chilled air in a stream within the enclosure and an open-work support movably holds a bag of hot food within the enclosure and in the path of the stream of chilled air. Thus, movement of the bag of hot food both agitates food within the bag and exposes surfaces of the bag to the stream of chilled air to rapidly cool the hot-bagged food. A method of processing food includes packaging and sealing a quantity of cooked hot food into a plastic bag then placing the plastic bag and hot food in an open-work basket movably mounted on a support. The plastic bag and hot food on the support are placed in a refrigerated-air environment and cold air is blown over the bag of food while it is moved to both shift the position of the bag and of the food contained in the bag to expose the bag of food to the blowing cold air and to shift the food in the bag to cool the food. A food-immersed temperature sensor assembly may be used to monitor the food cooling process.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved method for rapidly and economically chilling large quantities of food; and to apparatus which may be used to practice this method.
2. Related Technology
For the preparation of large quantities of food and the storage of this food for later consumption, it has previously been proposed to cook the food in large batches, to seal the hot cooked food into plastic bags, and then to immerse the bags in ice cold water and agitate them to cool the food to about 40.degree. F. While this method accomplishes the desired result, the required equipment is expensive to construct and operate, and is inconvenient to use. Either large quantities of ice or a water chiller must be used to maintain the desired very low temperature of the water; and it is necessary to dry the bags of food following water-immersion chilling.


The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and apparatus for encrypting media using a current media encryption key (MEK), requesting a new MEK, and receiving the new MEK. The method further provides for transitioning from the current MEK to the new MEK and continuing to encrypt the media using the new MEK. In another embodiment, the method provides for decrypting media during an ongoing media communication session, the method provides for receiving encrypted media, and decrypting the encrypted media using a current MEK. The method further provides for requesting a new MEK before the current MEK expires based on its associated expiration time, receiving the new MEK, and continuing to decrypt the encrypted media based on a received MEK indication flag (MIF) that indicates whether the encrypted media is encrypted using the current MEK or the new MEK.

A class of wireless services intended for quick, efficient, one-to-one or one-to-many (group) communication has existed in various forms for many years. In general, these services have been half-duplex, where a user presses a "push-to-talk" (PTT) button on a phone/radio to initiate a group communication. These services have traditionally been used in applications where one person needs to communicate with a group of people, such as field service personnel or taxi drivers, generally known as group communication services.
For a secure media communication, media is encrypted using media encryption key (MEK) before being communicated to targets, and decrypted after being received at the targets using the same MEK. Each MEK includes a time-to-live value which upon its expiration the MEK may expire and be no longer valid. When a current MEK expires during an ongoing media communication session, a new MEK is obtained and used to encrypt the subsequent media. However, since the participants of the ongoing communication session may not all receive the new MEK at precisely the same time, the transition to the new MEK may cause some media packets be decrypted with a wrong MEK; thus, negatively impacting the encryption and/or decryption of the media stream.
There is a need, therefore, for mechanisms to dynamically transition from a current MEK to a new MEK during an ongoing media communication session without negatively impacting the encryption and/or decryption of the media stream or loss of media packets.

Method and apparatus for transition of encryption key during an ongoing media communication session


A target assembly including a plurality of target tiles bonded to a backing plate by adhesive, for example of indium or conductive polymer, filled into recesses in the backing plate formed beneath each of the target tiles. A sole peripheral recess formed as a rectangular close band may be formed inside the tile periphery. Additional recesses may be formed inside the peripheral recess, preferably symmetrically arranged about perpendicular bisectors of rectangular tiles. The depth and width of the recesses may be varied to control the amount of stress and the stress direction.

Sputtering, alternatively called physical vapor deposition (PVD), is the most prevalent method of depositing layers of metals and related materials in the fabrication of semiconductor integrated circuits. Sputtering is now being applied to the fabrication of flat panel displays (FPDs) based upon thin film transistors (TFTs) in combination with liquid crystal devices (LCDs). Demaray et al. describe such a flat panel sputter reactor in U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,071, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, other panel technologies are being pursued, such as plasma display, electron emission displays, and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). FPDs are typically fabricated on thin rectangular sheets of glass but other substrates are possible, such as polymeric sheets. A layer of silicon is deposited on the glass panel or other substrate and silicon transistors are formed in and around the silicon layer by techniques well known in the fabrication of electronic integrated circuits. The electronic circuitry formed on the glass panel is used to drive optical circuitry, such as LCDs subsequently mounted on the glass panel or plasma emitters formed in layers deposited on the glass panel.
Size constitutes one of the most apparent differences between electronic integrated circuits and flat panel display and in the equipment used to fabricate them. Demaray et al. disclose many of the distinctive features of flat panel sputtering apparatus in U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,259, incorporated herein by reference. That equipment was originally designed for panels having a size of approximately 400 mm×600 mm. Because of the increasing sizes of flat panel displays being produced and the economy of scale realized when multiple displays are fabricated on a single glass panel and thereafter diced, the size of the glass panels being processed has been continually increasing. Flat panel fabrication equipment is commercially available for sputtering onto panels having a minimum size of 1.8 m and equipment is being contemplated for panels having sizes of 2 m×2 m and even larger.
For many reasons, the target for flat panel sputtering is often formed of a sheet of the target material bonded to a target backing plate, typically formed of titanium. In the conventional method of bonding a target layer to a backing plate, a bonding layer of indium is coated on one of the two sheet-like members and the two members are pressed together at a temperature above indium's melting point of 156° C. In a more recently developed method of bonding, a conductive elastomer or other organic adhesive is applied at much lower temperature and typically cured at an elevated but relatively low temperature. Such elastomeric bonding services are available from Thermal Conductive Bonding, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Demaray et al. in the aforecited patent disclose autoclave bonding.
It is difficult to form sputtering targets of some materials, such as refractory metals, in the large sizes commensurate with the large-size panels. Accordingly, as disclosed by Demaray et al., multiple target tiles of smaller size can be bonded to the backing plate.
It is desired to improve upon the method of bonding one or more sputtering tiles to a backing plate.

Bonding of target tiles to backing plate with patterned bonding agent


Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating paging of an access terminal operable in a radio communication system. A paging message is formed, selectably including partial identities of access terminals that are to be paged by the paging message. Determination is made as to whether portions of any of the partial identities have portions of common values. If portions of the partial identities have common values, such portions can be shared, and extra parts, resulting from sharing can be reallocated to increase the length of another partial identity.

Advancements in communication technologies have permitted the development and deployment of new types of communication systems and communication services. Cellular telephony, and associated communication services available therethrough, are popularly utilized by many, typically providing users with communication mobility and also providing the capability of communications when the use of wireline communication systems would not be practical or possible.
While early-generation, cellular communication systems provided primarily for voice communications and only limited data communication services, newer-generation systems increasingly provide for high-speed data communication services at variable data communication rates. A CDMA2000, cellular communication system that provides for EV-DO services is an exemplary type of new-generation, cellular communication system that provides for high-speed data services. Operational details and protocols defining communications and operational requirements of devices of the system are set forth in an operating standard specification. Various aspects of operation of the CDMA2000 EV-DO communication scheme remain to be standardized and certain parts of the existing standard specification are considered for amendment. Various successor-generation communication schemes are also undergoing standardization and yet others are envisioned to be standardized.
For instance, a revision to the standard specification, release B of the CDMA2000 EV-DO specification standard, defines a quick paging channel (QPCH) upon which access-terminal pages are broadcast by an access network (AN) to an access terminal (AT). The QPCH was adopted in industry contributions 3GPP2 C20-20060323-013R1 and 3GPP2 C20-20060323-003R1 and published in 3GPP2 document C.S0024-B V1.0. Generally, pages are broadcast by the access network to an access terminal to alert the access terminal of a pending communication. And by so alerting the access terminal, the access terminal performs actions to permit the effectuation of the communication. Page indications broadcast upon the quick paging channel are broadcast in a manner that facilitates reduced battery consumption of the access terminal by reducing the battery consumption of the battery of the access terminal. Increased battery longevity is provided, reducing the rate at which a battery of the access terminal must be recharged. The access terminal is, as a result, able to be operated for a greater period of time between rechargings or battery replacement. The aforementioned promulgations provide for broadcast of a message including page indications upon a physical logical layer that is monitored by the access terminal. The access terminal monitors the QPCH prior to monitoring the control channel to receive regular, control channel MAC (medium access control) messages such as page messages. A quick page message is broadcast upon the QPCH.
In one configuration, the quick page message contains quick page indicators. The quick page message includes a number of quick page indicator slots populated with the quick page indicators that indicate whether an access terminal is being paged. An exemplary configuration of a scheme that utilizes page indications is set forth, for instance, in industry contribution 3GPP2 C20-20060731-033. In this configuration, during operation, a mobile station hashes to a quick page indicator location, i.e., slot, within the quick page message based upon a session seed, i.e., a 32-bit pseudorandom number. If the quick page indicator of the quick page indicator slot to which the access terminal hashes indicates that the access terminal is not being paged, the access terminal enters into a sleep state, a reduced-power state, in which the access terminal does not remain powered at a level to receive the regular control channel MAC messages. Power savings is particularly significant in the event that the control channel MAC messages are lengthy and span multiple control channel frames or capsules.
In another configuration, a partial hash comparison scheme is provided. In the disclosed partial hash comparison scheme, the access network forms a quick page message in which a portion of a hash of an access terminal identifier (ATI) of an access terminal that is paged is placed in the quick page message. An access terminal that monitors for the delivery of a quick page message, reads the content of the message and compares the values with corresponding values, that is, portions of a hash of the identifier of that access terminal. If the values do not match, then the access terminal enters into a reduced power state, e.g., a sleep state.
The QPCH message, as presently-proposed, provides thirty-five page indication locations, i.e., bits available to be populated with paging indicators. The aforementioned "partial hash comparison" scheme utilizes three of the thirty-five page indication locations for identifying the number of pages, and the remaining page indication locations are available for paging, viz., are available. While the proposed, partial hash comparison scheme reduces the false wakeup probability when paging load is relatively low, when the paging load increases, the reduction in the available page indication locations actually increases the possibility of false wakeup. When more than five access terminals are paged, partial hash comparison is not used due to this increased possibility. Instead, hashing to page indication locations is performed.
If a manner could be provided by which to improve the performance of a scheme that utilizes partial comparison pursuant to paging by better reducing the possibility of false wakeup, improved battery longevity of the access terminal would be possible.
It is in light of this background information related to paging by an access network of an access terminal that the significant improvements of the present invention have evolved.

Apparatus, and associated method, for configuring a page message including a set structure of partial identifiers used to page an access terminal in a radio communication system pursuant to a partial identity comparison scheme


A monolithically-integrated semiconductor/ superconductor infrared detector and readout circuit providing sensitive, low-noise detection of infrared radiation for high-performance focal plane array applications. The infrared detector and readout circuit includes a semiconductor infrared detector and a semiconductor/superconductor transimpedance readout amplifier fabricated directly on the infrared detector using thin-film, integrated-circuit processing techniques. A superconducting analog-to-digital (A/D) converter digitizes the detector signals in the cryogenically cooled environment of the detector before coupling the signals to the much warmer and electromagnetically noisier environment of the back-end signal processing electronics, thus reducing noise contamination.

This invention relates generally to semiconductor infrared detectors and, more particularly, to cryogenically-cooled focal plane arrays of semiconductor infrared detectors.
Semiconductor infrared detectors are commonly arranged in focal plane arrays and cryogenically cooled to very low temperatures to provide sensitive detection of infrared radiation for various types of space-based infrared sensor systems. Cooling these infrared detector arrays to very low temperatures is particularly important for highly sensitive detection of infrared radiation in the longer wavelength, or far infrared, portion of the spectrum, especially under low background conditions. However, low-temperature infrared detector arrays generate very small analog signals which are easily contaminated by noise when coupled to the much warmer and electromagnetically noisier environment of the back-end signal processing electronics.
One common type of infrared sensor system utilizes bump bonding to connect a semiconductor infrared detector array to a semiconductor multiplexer array. The multiplexer array provides a readout of the analog detector signals and couples these signals, through a large number of signal leads, to the back-end signal processing electronics. Although the detector and multiplexer arrays operate together in the same cryogenically cooled environment, they are fabricated as separate electronic components because of their different and incompatible fabrication processes. This allows the detector and multiplexer arrays to be individually optimized for specific applications, but the use of bump bonding and a large number of signal leads causes added noise contamination of the small analog detector signals. Accordingly, there has been a need for a sensitive, low-noise infrared detector and readout circuit for low-temperature focal plane array applications. The present invention clearly fulfills this need.

Monolithically-integrated semiconductor/superconductor infrared detector and readout circuit


A bottle is described herein. The bottle generally includes a first end, a second end, at least one removable support, at least one support groove clip operably connected to the at least one removable support, a first opening disposed at the first end, a second opening disposed at the second end, at least two caps adapted for securing the first opening and the second opening, a divider disposed proximate a center of the bottle and a handle disposed proximate the center.

A water bottle with a plunger device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,070. By moving the plunger downwards a seal is broken allowing a concentrated flavoring to mix with water within the water bottle.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,270 a method and apparatus is provided for making or brewing beverages, notably tea. The device involves an attachment to the cap of a bottle that has a plunger portion. The drink mix or tea bag is within a seal to prevent mixing until it is desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,803 describes a container with two receiving spaces that are initially separated by a diaphragm or a closure plug. A cutting edge is used to slit open a diaphragm, and a plunger is used to open a closure plug. These opening devices are activated by a screwing motion.
In the first two patents a seal is used to prevent mixing of the beverages before the desired mixing. The downside to this is that once the seal is broken, the bottle must be refitted with a new seal before it can be used again. This can be time consuming and awkward. The third patent was designed to be used for mixing cosmetics, a liquid media that sometimes must be mixed just before use.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved bottle that can store two different kinds of beverages or liquids that can then be intermingled using a plunging device in the region that separates the two compartments of the bottle. In the present embodiments, no seal is used. The plunger operates in the divider section in the middle of the bottle. In this regard, the present embodiments substantially fulfill this need.

Two compartment bottle with mixing device


A method of task and memory assistance using a mobile communication device can include storing a profile of a user and determining a task to be performed by the user based on the user profile. The method can also include notifying the mobile communication device of the task. The method can further include providing sensory indicators in an increasing order of intervention until an acknowledgement is received from user, or for a predetermined number of notifications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of portable computing devices and, more particularly, to a portable computing device for providing daily task and memory assistance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Persons suffering from cognitive impairments, such as the elderly, often experience memory lapses and other challenges. Such handicaps can cause an elderly person to forget to perform critical daily tasks, such as eating three meals a day, feeding a pet, or taking medication. Further, cognitive impairments can cause an elderly individual to forget how to perform the sequential steps involved in a daily routine, such as getting dressed, or operating a VCR. Moreover, once an elder remembers, or has been reminded, to perform a specific task, the elder may require further assistance locating an object or entity integral to the task, such as a medicine bottle, a phone number, a pet, or the like.
At present, devices designed to assist persons suffering from cognitive challenges have many limitations. For example, mechanisms which are intended to remind an elder to perform a specific task, such as audible and visual indicators, alone often do not sufficiently capture the elder's attention. For instance, many elders also suffer from hearing loss, and may be unable to hear an audible sound, such as a buzzer, alarm, or a recorded voice message. Moreover, even if the elder is capable of hearing an audible reminder, he or she may not remember what the sound represents due to cognitive impairments. Similarly, text messages alone can be problematic if the elder suffers from failing sight, reading challenges, or is unable to locate glasses.
Another limitation of commonly used assistance devices is that they are not portable, and are therefore only operable at a relatively fixed location. Thus, oftentimes the user must be in close proximity to the device in order for it to capture the user's attention. Additionally, such devices do not typically contain an acknowledgement feature which can alert a third party, such as a relative or caregiver, if the user fails to perform the task after being reminded.
What is needed is a memory assistance device for cognitively impaired individuals, such as the elderly.

Daily task and memory assistance using a mobile device

University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.


The present invention concerns a method for providing multicast services to a group of at least two users belonging to or connectable to a discontinuous coverage network via their respective terminals.

The invention is based on a priority application EP04291696.5 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention concerns the field of the telecommunications, more particularly in relation to services available through mobile terminals connectable to communication networks.
The present invention concerns more specifically a method and a network allowing to provide multicast data transmission, and associated services, to a user with a mobile terminal, in particular with reduced needs in network resources.
In a discontinuous coverage network (also known as "info-station" system), downstream or downlink data flows (necessary to provide certain services at a mobile terminal) are managed and handled by taking into account the specific nature of the connection.
Thus, when a mobile terminal arrives in a hotspot (area where the radio coverage is available), it retrieves a large amount of data which is necessary for providing the user with the service until said mobile terminal arrives in a new hotspot.
A significant part of the traffic that such a network will support will be of the multicast type. For instance the traffic related to a diffusion of a "multimedia newspaper" everyday towards a group of people who have subscribed for this service, can be considered as a multicast service.
In a network where the final user has continuous connectivity, the multicast nature of the traffic allows to save transmission resources and to reduce the work load of the server by using adequate routing techniques as depicted in the FIGS. 1A and 1B of the drawings.
In a discontinuous coverage network, only a few percentage of the users belonging to a given multicast group are connected (i.e. present in a hotspot or within a coverage area) at the same time.
This discontinuity of the communication link and the resulting random connections of the users of a multicast group, decreases significantly the multicast gain mentioned before.
FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates this loss of resources' gain in case of two clients or users connected at different times to a data server providing multicast data and services, as it is usual in discontinuous coverage networks.
One understands that, as the two clients are not connected at the same time, the transmission of multicast data consumes almost as much resources (in particular server resources) as the transmission of normal (not multicast) data.
Indeed, despite the multicast nature of the data, the transmission to the clients or users of a concerned multicast group is performed by the server by using as many point to point connections as there are clients.

Method to provide multicast data transmission in a discontinuous network

Abstract: Method characterized in that it comprises at least the two following steps:                during downstream transmission of multicast data, caching or temporarily storing said data or part of said data at at least one adapted point (3) on its transmission path to the group of users (1),        further transmitting downstream at least part of said cached or stored data to at least one user (1) of said group or to a more downstream situated caching or storing point (3) on the concerned transmission path.


An optical switching element comprising: a multimode waveguide having an electro-optical effect; one or a plurality of first single mode waveguides; a plurality of second single mode waveguides; a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of one edge on one side of the multimode waveguide; a second electrode arranged in the vicinity of the other edge on the same side of the multimode waveguide; and a third electrode arranged on the other side of the multimode waveguide, over the first electrode and the second electrode being arranged so as to be positioned on bright spots formed by multimode interference in an optical mode field generated by the light propagating through the multimode waveguide, and an optical path being switched between the first single mode waveguide and the second single mode waveguide by applying voltage between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the third electrode, is provided.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to optical switching elements, more specifically, to an optical switching element capable of switching an optical path at low operating voltage.
2. Related Art
The optical switching element having a rigid structure and operating at high speed at low operating voltage is required to build the next generation of optical data links. The traditional optical switching elements are structurally fragile since a Y-shaped branching path or an optical path switching coupler is generally used.
On the other hand, a multimode interference (MMI) that utilizes the interference of light is robust to unintentional alteration in refractive index and assembly failure and is a promising technology for the future, but traditionally, MMIs have only been used as passive elements in optical switching elements.


A modified folding tent is provided. The tent comprises a plurality of main supporters and supporting structures, and a topmost supporter, to form a frame which is covered by an awning. Each main supporter has an inner supporter and a slide. Each supporting structure is provided with a pair of U-shaped covers to provide a sturdy connection. The awning and main supporters are coupled together by studs passing through holes in the awning and wing nuts tightened on the studs. The topmost supporter has a resilient inner supporter, to make the awning look smooth and good-looking. The modified structure ensures high strength of the tent and proper stability thereof, when it is opened.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a folding tent. Particularly, this invention relates to a modified folding tent with a more stable structure, and a more smooth and good-looking appearance when the tent is in an unfolded position.
2. Prior Art
Folding tents are used in outdoor activities, such as camping, picnicking, outdoor cooking, for fairs or other outdoor relaxation activities. A folding tent is greatly popular with users because of its wonderful practicality. Folding tents are easily opened and propped up to cover a wide area with the awning. They can be folded quickly to a small size, to be stored and carried conveniently.
With traditional folding tents, their elementary parts have proved to have shortcomings in their structure. For example, the bond between the awning and the support assembly is not very strong, and the tent will be deformed by a burst of strong wind. Additionally, when the supporting structure of a regular folding tent is frequently opened and closed, the joining screws and the supporting structure is easily damaged, due to the repeated interlocking and telescopic movements.
Furthermore, the topmost supporter located at the highest position of the support assembly, of a traditional tent, is a fixed structure, which will result in wrinkling of the awning when the supporter is propped up. Moreover, the awning will be fatigued and deformed, and cannot maintain a smooth and aesthetic appearance, because of water absorption on rainy days.
In view of the above-mentioned numerous shortcomings of regular folding tents, the present invention provides an improved folding tent. The present invention is designed to include a locating device disposed within each main supporter, a resilient topmost supporter and U-shaped covers for the supporting structures, to promote the stability and strengthen the structure of the folding tent.


In the Freeze Control Valve is situated a bellows that will contract at a temperature of 33 to 34 degrees F. thus triggering the valve to its position allowing the water or liquid to flow through a small discharge hole in the valve body, this in turn allows the water to heat to a higher temperature as it flows from the water line that are normally buried underground or an area that would have an above freezing temperature of 45 to 50 degrees F., the bellows at this temperature will expand, thus closing the Freeze Control Valve shutting off all exiting through the small discharge hole in the side of the valve body. When the water in the Freeze Control Valve drops again to 34 degrees F. the valve bellows repeats its action, this keeps the water from freezing.

This application relates to Freeze Control Valve that opens and closes in response to a preset bellows that respond to environmental temperature conditions, with no other operational sources except the outside temperature.
The invention application is for freeze control protection for all residential and commercial plumbing systems that are exposed to freezing conditions.
The Freeze Control Valve can be connected to a water line just behind the outside exposed bib or faucet, or screwed onto the bib or facet where the water hose connects, both applications can be preformed with the Do It Yourself Kit supplied with the Freeze Control Valve.


A window covering includes a plurality of slats, each slat including a slat base derived from a felt batt and, in one preferred embodiment, a fabric layer. The slat base is thermally treated to form a polymer matrix and can be molded into any desired shape. The starting felt batt includes at least two types of thermoplastic fibers, one having a lower melting point than the other. The thermal forming includes heating the felt batt to a temperature sufficient to melt the lower melting fibers to form a polymer matrix which at least partially envelops the fibers of the higher melting component. A method of fabricating a slat for a window covering is also disclosed. In its most basic form the method includes the steps of thermally forming the slat base and molding it into the desired shape. The optional step of securing a layer of fabric to the slat base is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to window coverings that include horizontally or vertically disposed slats. It relates particularly to a slat made from a multi-component starting felt batt and to various uses of the slat, as is, or as a base for a fabric covering.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Window coverings (e.g., blinds having vertically or horizontally disposed slats) generally employ slats fabricated of rigid materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. While these materials may each provide certain advantages, they all have hard surfaces and reflect, rather than absorb, sound. They are also hard to the touch, and do not have an aesthetically pleasing finish when compared to the xe2x80x9csoftxe2x80x9d fabric window coverings, such as pleated, cellular or Roman shade products. Moreover, rigid slats cannot generally be repaired if deformed to the point that they crease, crack or break. Such damage may occur when, for example, a person manually spreads apart the slats to look through a blind.
It is known to provide vertical blinds having slats comprised of strips of textile material, some of which comprise a backing and a facing. The edges of the facing may be rearwardly inturned, and the edges of the backing may be forwardly inturned, so that the backing and the facing may be secured to each other. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,435, issued May 28, 1985 to Stier and entitled xe2x80x9cSlats For Venetian Blindsxe2x80x9d. It is also known to provide vertical blinds covered with fabric suitable for making clothing or drapes, the fabric being attached to a backing member by either sewing or a heat bonding process. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,132 issued Feb. 11, 1997 to Goodman for xe2x80x9cVertical Blinds And Method For Making The Samexe2x80x9d. It is further known to produce slats from linear, synthetic polyester fibers, which serve as protection against light, and which have been stiffened permanently by plastification. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,472 issued Jan. 5, 1982 to Gotting, et al. for xe2x80x9cSlats Serving As Protection Against Lightxe2x80x9d. It is also known to make blind fabric utilizing natural or synthetic fibers of fabric as base materials to form an inexpensive fabric used in conjunction with conventional venetian and vertical blinds and formed by a method comprising dipping, compressing, tentering, slitting into desired widths, heating, and forming. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,781 issued Dec. 28, 1993 to Shu for xe2x80x9cMethod Of Making Blind Fabricsxe2x80x9d. Another know slat adds a tape or sheet of sound deadening material to a conventional slat. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,472,305 issued Oct. 14, 1969 to Lefes for xe2x80x9cSoundproof And Heatproof Slat For Venetian Blindsxe2x80x9d. All such slat configurations preceding the present invention have one or more disadvantages, generally relating to manufacturing cost, lack of ability to absorb sound, and/or the absence of a soft fabric look and feel.
Other slats which include components other than a single piece of slat material, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,121,217 issued Jun. 21, 1938 to Ellis for xe2x80x9cVenetian Blind Slatxe2x80x9d; U.S. Pat. No. 2,123,010 issued Jul. 5, 1938 to Kahn for xe2x80x9cVenetian Blindxe2x80x9d; U.S. Pat. No. 2,590,204 issued Mar. 25, 1952 to Phillips for xe2x80x9cAcoustical Venetian Blindxe2x80x9d; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,876 issued Apr. 7, 1992 to Zak for xe2x80x9cLouver Covering Systemxe2x80x9d; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,042 issued Aug. 25, 1992 to Schwaegerle for xe2x80x9cWeb Covered Vertical Blind Slat Assembliesxe2x80x9d.
The art of producing non-woven felts is also well-developed. For example, it is known that non-woven fabrics may be xe2x80x9cneedledxe2x80x9d to substrates or to other layers of non-woven fabric to attach the two together. See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,889 issued May 15, 1979 to Platt for xe2x80x9cNon-Woven Fabric, Method And Apparatus For Its Manufacturexe2x80x9d and U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,425 issued Dec. 25, 1984 to Knoke, et al. for xe2x80x9cFused And Needled Non-Woven Interlining Fabricxe2x80x9d. A three layer laminate which includes a layer of meltblown fibers between two layers of needle punched fibers, the three layers being ultrasonically welded together, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,516 issued Nov. 14, 1995 to Lutzow, et al. for xe2x80x9cThermoplastic Fiber Laminatexe2x80x9d. Furthermore, the use of felts comprising at least two different thermoplastic polymers having different melting points is known, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,768 issued Jan. 14, 1997 to Gessner for xe2x80x9cNon-Woven Fabrics And Fabric Laminates From Multi Constituent Fibersxe2x80x9d.
It would be advantageous to provide a window covering slat which is economical to manufacture, provides the pleasant appearance of a soft-textured fabric, and which absorbs sound. It would also be advantageous to provide a window covering slat which does not dent or readily crease and which is easily repaired should it nonetheless become damaged in this way.
A feature of the present invention is to provide a window covering which includes a plurality of slats, each slat including a layer formed from a felt batt, and which may, in some embodiments, include a second layer of fabric secured to a slat base.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a slat for a window covering which includes a plurality of slats, each slat including a slat base thermally formed to a predetermined shape from a felt batt.
Yet another feature of the invention is a method of fabricating a slat for a window covering, the method including the steps of thermally forming a slat base from a felt batt, and optionally securing a layer of fabric to the slat base.
A different feature of the present invention is to provide a slat for window coverings, including horizontal and vertical blinds, which may be made in a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular, S-shaped, curled, and the like.
A still further feature of the present invention is to provide a slat for window coverings which displays a different appearance on one side than on the other, e.g. a decorative appearance on one side and a functional appearance on the other side.
A still further feature of the present invention is to provide a slat for window coverings in which a fabric applied to a slat base may be selected from woven, non-woven, synthetic or natural fabrics.
How the foregoing and other features of the present invention are accomplished, individually or in combination, will be described in the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings. Generally, however, the features are accomplished by forming a slat base into a desired shape from a felt batt and optionally applying a fabric layer thereover. The fabric may be woven, non-woven, synthetic or natural and, when used, is selected primarily for its aesthetic properties. The felt batt is preferably composed of at least two types of thermoplastic fibers having different melting points and is thermally treated at a temperature above the melting point of the fiber having the lower melting point to form a polymer matrix which at least partially envelopes the higher melting point fibers. The felt batt is compressed when heated and formed into its desired shape. A fabric may be attached to the slat before or after such thermal treatment, and the thermal treatment step can be carried out in a mold to simultaneously form the slat into its desired form. Alternatively, the slat, after an initial thermal treatment, can be placed into a mold and be re-heated to form the desired final shape. Other ways in which the above-referenced and other features of the present invention are accomplished individually or in various combinations will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification, and such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.


A tiltable trailer hitch for assisting in the loading and unloading of a trailer. The hitch includes a shank adapted to be received within a conventional trailer hitch and a ballmount pivotally mounted on the shank. An adjustment bracket is carried by the shank and is adapted to attach a ballmount. The adjustment bracket defines cooperating pairs of first openings and cooperating pairs of second openings. The second openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the first openings. The first openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the second openings. The ballmount defines first and second openings for cooperatively receiving the first and second ballmount locking pins. The trailer is tilted up or down by moving the first and second ballmount locking pins up and down within the cooperating pairs of first and second openings.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention pertains to the field of vehicle trailers. More particularly, this invention is related to a trailer hitch configured to selectively tilt relative to the towing vehicle in order to reduce an angle of incline between a loading ramp and each of the trailer deck and the surface on or from which the trailered vehicle is being unloaded or loaded.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of towing, it is well known that trailers are often used to transport vehicles of various types and sizes. Transported vehicles, such as automobiles, construction equipment and military equipment, roll on and off the loading end of the trailer. Typically, ramps are used to roll equipment or automobiles up the short height. The ramps are installed between the trailer deck and the ground or other surface onto which the vehicle is to be unloaded or from which the vehicle is being unloaded. An obtuse angle is defined between the ramps and the trailer deck. Similarly, an acute angle is defined between the ramps and the ground.
When the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, the acute angle at the bottom of the ramp often creates a clearance problem between the vehicle and the trailer. For a vehicle being driven forward onto the trailer, the clearance problem exists between the front end of the vehicle and the ramp. Further, the obtuse angle at the top of the ramp creates a clearance problem between the portion of the vehicle between the axles and the loading end of the trailer. For vehicles such as "low riders" which have a ground clearance of only a few inches, the interference between the vehicle and the ramps or the ground are more profound. For vehicles such as construction equipment and military vehicles which include endless loop belt drives, the vehicle is loaded or unloaded slowly until an equilibrium point is surpassed and the vehicle tilts in an opposing direction. Specifically, when a tank, for example, is being loaded onto a trailer, the front end of the tank extends into the air above the trailer until the tank is advanced far enough onto the ramps such that the center of mass is above the top of the ramps. After this point, the tank pivots and "lands" on the trailer. When unloading, this "landing" takes place on either the ramps or the ground. In each situation, the loading and unloading of such equipment is to some extent uncontrolled.
Various configurations of ramps have been devised to assist in loading and unloading vehicles on and off trailers. Additionally, various complex mechanical devices have been devised to be carried the vehicle or the trailer to assist in tilting the trailer in order to reduce the respective angles between the trailer, the ramp and the ground. Various of these devices are provided for eliminating the ramps altogether.
Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
U.S. Pat. No.Inventor(s)Issue Date3,891,239J. D. Leo et al.Jun. 24, 19754,570,966G. W. Giboney et al.Feb. 18, 19864,929,028L. A. UnderwoodMay 29, 19904,946,182R. WeberAug. 7, 19906,155,588V. MaxeyDec. 5, 20006,726,237T. J. CarricoApr. 27, 2004
Of these patents, the '239 patent issued to Leo et al., discloses a tractor truck having a pivoting frame extending from the rear. The frame includes a lateral member on which is provided a laterally adjustable hitching ball. The frame is vertically adjustable via hydraulic actuators.
Giboney et al., in the '966 patent, disclose a retractable hitch ball for "gooseneck" type trailers. The hitch ball is housed within a self-contained unit beneath the bed of a towing vehicle. A hydraulic cylinder is operated from within the towing vehicle for moving an elevating block relative to a pivoted lifting plate which is biased downwardly by a spring. The hitch ball is elevated and lowered vertically through an opening in the towing vehicle to active and inactive positions.
The '028 patent issued to Underwood discloses a hitch apparatus having a movable structure configured for selectively tilting a trailer with respect to the vehicle so as to facilitate loading and unloading equipment, automobiles, materials, onto or off of the trailer. The hitch apparatus includes an elongated chamber-like structure that has an open top and an interior which is in communication with the open top. The chamber-like structure is sized and configured in the manner of a conventional pickup truck bumper. The apparatus further includes a ball hitch movably connected to a trailer. The ball hitch is mounted for movement with respect to the chamber-like structure, so that the combination hitch connection may be selectively positioned through the use of extendable members. The ball hitch may be moved between a lowered position adjacent the chamber-like structure and a raised position above the chamber-like structure.
Weber, in the '182 patent, discloses a towing hitch which includes three or more power cylinders to effect adjustment of the hitch along a central axis in horizontal and vertical directions to accommodate road or site conditions. The hitch may also be used as a rear end jack for the towing vehicle to provide access to the rear tires.
In his '588 patent, Maxey discloses a tilting trailer hitch including a compressible main support assembly having a hitch coupler and a hitching mechanism. The hitch coupler is configured to connect a towing connector to a towing vehicle and the hitching mechanism is configured to couple with a trailer. An actuator is pivotally connected to the main support assembly in response to trailer loading and is operable to rotate part of the main support assembly, thereby raising or lowering the hitching mechanism along a generally arcuate path. When the hitching mechanism is in the raised position, a loading end of the trailer is lowered to assist in loading the trailer.
The '237 patent issued to Carrico discloses a vertically operable hitch including a horizontal support member having a forward end journaled in the receiver of a tow vehicle. An upright post on the support member has a carrier operably mounted thereon for selective vertical movement along the post. A hitch ball is mounted on the carrier for selective connection to the tongue of a towed trailer to thereby selectively raise and lower the hitch ball.


A vehicle air drag reduction system is provided for mounting on the rearward facing surface of a vehicle, and in particular a truck trailer, that provides improved efficiency. The system comprises a flexible panel that will assume a cone-shape at the rearward end of the trailer, and which is held in place by a plurality of support rods fitted within the flexible panel, and which attach to brackets mounted on said trailer. An inexpensive and simple air drag reduction system is provided which is easily attached or removed from a vehicle is provided.

It is well known that the box-like shape of truck storage areas, and the trailer sections of a tractor-trailer combination, results from the need or desire to optimize cargo space. It is also well known that this boxlike configuration is not aerodynamically efficient and that the aerodynamic drag resulting from the box shape accounts for a considerable percentage of the fuel consumption of large trucks and tractor-trailer combinations during higher speed applications, such as on a highway. In an effort to improve the operating efficiency of such vehicles, the tops of the cabs of trucks and tractors and the upper forward ends of trailers have been provided with a wide variety of wind-foil or other wind fairing devices.
For the same purposes, numerous suggestions have been made to modify the rear ends of trucks and trailers in order to provide them with a variety of streamlining and/or drag reducing devices. However, while the devices fitted to the front of the truck and/or trailers can be rigid and permanent in character (in that the areas on which the air foils are mounted do not need to be accessed in connection with use or operation of the vehicle), the rear ends of trucks and trailers typically must be accessible in that the doors to close the rear end of the truck or trailer are located therein. These doors are typically large in nature, and cover most of the rear end of the truck or trailer since they provide access to the cargo area of the truck or trailer, and are used for loading and unloading purposes.
Accordingly, streamlining and drag reducing devices designed for use on the rear ends of trucks and trailers either have to be detachable or designed so that they can be temporarily removed, or moved to a position wherein access to the truck or trailer interior is possible.
However, in the prior art devices, removal and storage of the streamlining devices is typically a time-consuming operation. Also, removal of the devices also requires storage space on the truck if the operator wishes to keep possession of the device in the situation where a trailer is left at a location. Further, permanent mounting of the device on the truck or trailer doors undesirably exposes the device to adverse weather and other conditions during times of non-use of the device. The exposed device is also subject to other potential damage, such as acts of vandalism, or the like. It will be easily appreciated that such exposure and potential damage shortens the life of the device.
For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,945, a long-haul vehicle streamlining apparatus is provided which has an attachment belt fitted around the outside of the trailer. The belt is drawn tight to the trailer by a series of hooks and straps, and a roughly cone-shaped streamlining device is connected to the belt. The streamlining device has a series of supporting battens or support rods, and is held together in the middle of the device by a strap. For loading or unloading, the streamlining device is separated to provide access to the trailer doors.
While this device provides some improvement over prior art devices, it requires a series of belts and gaskets to seal to the trailer, and can be difficult to use when access to the interior of the truck or trailer is desired. For example, belts must be removed to divide the cone-shaped device, and the separated fabric portions must be draped out of the way in order to access the trailer interior.
Alternatively, the entire device can be removed from the trailer by removal of the attachment belt. However, the entire device is not easily removed (or re-installed) from the trailer, and is not readily portable once removed. Also, the entire device is not easily stored due to the bulk of the belt assembly, and because of the collection of crossing support battens and rods.
Other devices have similar drawbacks. As a result, few of these designs have been adopted to any significant extent. Thus, providing a vehicle air drag reduction apparatus or system which is easier to install or remove, or which provides improved access to the cargo space of a truck or trailer is still desired. As a result, it would still be advantageous to provide a vehicle air drag reduction apparatus that minimized or eliminated some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art devices.


A mounting structure on motorcycle for protecting a capacitor from vibration and heat. In an engine having an upright cylinder a throttle body is connected to an intake path of the cylinder via an insulator, and the throttle body is connected to an air cleaner via a connecting tube. The throttle body is thereby elastically supported relative to the engine and a vehicle body frame via the insulator and the connecting tube. A capacitor is disposed at a position downward of the throttle body. The capacitor is supported integrally with the throttle body using a lower portion of a throttle body cover that covers both left and right sides of the throttle body. A vibration isolating support structure is thus achieved for the capacitor by using the throttle body that is elastically supported.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electric component mounting structure in motorcycles, or more specifically, vehicles having electronic fuel injection systems.
2. Description of Background Art
A known arrangement, in a motorcycle mounted with an engine having an upright cylinder, makes use of a space rearward of the cylinder and upward of a crankcase to dispose therein capacitors and other electric components, so that the electric components are supported on an upper surface of the crankcase. For example, see Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2005-219669.
A problem with the known arrangement is that, because the electric components are fixed to the engine, it is necessary to adopt electric components that offer high vibration resistance or to dispose an elastic member having a large capacity between the electric components and the engine. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple arrangement for achieving vibration isolating support for even an electric component susceptible to vibration.

Electric component support structure for motorcycle


A stainless steel foil contains, in percent by mass, 0.05% or less of C, 2.0% or less of Si, 1.0% or less of Mn, 0.003% or less of S, 0.05% or less of P, 25.0% to 35.0% of Cr, 0.05% to 0.30% of Ni, 3.0% to 10.0% of Al, 0.10% or less of N, 0.02% or less of Ti, 0.02% or less of Nb, 0.02% or less of Ta, 0.005% to 0.20% of Zr, 0.02% or less of Ce, 0.03% to 0.20% of REM excluding Ce, 0.5% to 6.0% in total of at least one of Mo and W, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities.

Ferritic stainless steel composed of an Fe—Cr—Al-based alloy has excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures and, therefore, is used in members (e.g., catalyst carriers, a variety of sensors, and the like) for automotive exhaust gas purifying devices for automobiles, motorcycles, marine bikes, motorboats, and the like. Furthermore, it is used in members of frames for stoves, gas burners, and heating furnaces, and also is used in electric heating elements of heaters by taking advantage of its property of high electric resistivity. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 56-96726 discloses a metal honeycomb using, instead of a conventional ceramic catalyst carrier, an Fe—Cr—Al-based stainless steel foil with a foil thickness of 20 to 100 μm having excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures for the purpose of downsizing of catalyst carriers for automotive exhaust gas purifying devices for automobiles and improvement in engine performance. Regarding this metal honeycomb, for example, flat stainless steel foils (flat sheets) and corrugated stainless steel foils (corrugated sheets) are alternately stacked to form a honeycomb structure, and a catalytic material is applied onto the surface of the stainless steel foils. The resulting metal honeycomb is used for an automotive exhaust gas purifying device. FIG. 1 shows an example of a metal honeycomb. A metal honeycomb 4 is produced by winding a stacked structure including a flat sheet 1 and a corrugated sheet 2 into a roll shape, and fastening the outer periphery thereof with an external cylinder 3.
When the wall thickness of a catalyst carrier is decreased by using such a stainless steel foil, its thermal capacity is decreased. Consequently, the catalyst can be activated in a short period of time from engine starting, and exhaust back pressure can be decreased, thus being effective in downsizing of the catalyst carrier and improvement in engine performance.
On the other hand, automobile exhaust gas regulations are expected to be further tightened from the standpoint of environmental protection. To reduce nitroxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon hydrides emitted from gasoline vehicles and the like, techniques such as one in which a catalyst carrier for an automotive exhaust gas purifying device is placed at a position immediately below the engine, close to the actual combustion environment, and a catalytic reaction is caused by high-temperature exhaust gas with the result that the amount of harmful substances in exhaust gas is reduced, have been developed. Furthermore, to improve fuel efficiency, engine combustion efficiency is enhanced, and the temperature of the exhaust gas itself is increased. Accordingly, catalyst carriers for automotive exhaust gas purifying devices are likely to be subjected to strong vibration in a harsher environment than before.
Stainless steel foils imparting various properties to catalyst carriers for automotive exhaust gas purifying devices have been proposed to cope with such a situation. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (translation of PCT Application) No. 2005-504176 discloses a heat-resistant stainless steel foil in which Mo and W are incorporated into an Fe-20Cr-5Al alloy containing Zr, Hf, and a rare-earth element, and 1% to 15% of Ni is further incorporated thereinto to precipitate NiAl and, thereby, proof stress (strength) at high temperatures is increased, resulting in improvement in durability. Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 3210535 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-168680) discloses a stainless steel foil having excellent strength at high temperatures which is a material for low thermal capacity and low exhaust gas pressure use, in which the foil thickness is less than 40 μm, and the Al content and the Cr content are changed in response to the foil thickness, and into which Nb, Mo, Ta, W, and the like are incorporated. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 5-277380 discloses an alloy foil for a metal carrier in which proof stress at high temperatures and oxidation resistance are improved by incorporating Nb, Ta, Mo, and W into an Fe-20Cr-5Al alloy containing Y Mischmetal or mixed metals. Furthermore, Japanese Examined Patent Application Publication No. 6-104879 discloses a heat-resistant stainless steel foil in which proof stress at high temperatures are enhanced and durability is improved by incorporating a predetermined amount of Ta relative to C+N, Mo, W, and Nb into an Fe-20Cr-5Al alloy containing La, Ce, Pr, and Nd.
However, since a large amount of Ni, which is an austenite-stabilizing element, is contained in the stainless steel foil described in JP '176, the amount of solid solution Al, which is a ferrite-stabilizing element in steel, is decreased in the foil oxidation process, and part of the ferrite is austenitized. Therefore, the thermal expansion coefficient is largely changed, and strength at high temperatures, in particular, distortion resistance, of the catalyst carrier is decreased, which is a problem. As a result, in some cases, failures may occur such as falling off of the carried catalyst and collapse of the corrugated sheet.
Furthermore, in the stainless steel foils described in JP '535, JP '380 and JP '879, incorporation of Nb and Ta improves strength at high temperatures, but markedly decreases oxidation resistance at high temperatures, which is a problem. Moreover, Nb and Ta are likely to form oxides with Fe and Al, and such oxides cause distortion of the foil geometry in the heating process and the cooling process (a decrease in strength at high temperatures).
Furthermore, when the stainless steel foils described in JP '176, JP '680, JP '380 and JP '879 are applied to catalyst carriers for automotive exhaust gas purifying devices for marine bikes and motorboats, salt corrosion is likely to be caused by contact with seawater or the like, which is also a problem.
It could therefore be helpful to provide a stainless steel foil having high strength at high temperatures, excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures, and excellent salt corrosion resistance, and a catalyst carrier for an exhaust gas purifying device using the foil.

Stainless steel foil and catalyst carrier for exhaust gas purifying device using the foil


Methods and systems are disclosed for sharing a content item from a secondary computing device to a primary computing device based on a tilt position of the secondary computing device. A sensor on the secondary computing device determines that the secondary computing device has a first tilt position that is associated with a non-sharing mode. The sensor senses that the secondary computing device is tilting from the first tilt position towards a second tilt position that is associated with a full sharing mode. In response, the content item is begun to be shared with the primary computing device. An amount of the content item that is shared with the primary computing device is continued to be increased as long as the sensor continues to sense that the secondary computing device is tilting from the first tilt position towards the second tilt position. The sensor senses that the secondary computing device has reached the second tilt position and shares the entire content item with the primary computing device.

Sharing additional digital content with other users during an online collaboration session, such as a videoconference call or an online presentation, can be time consuming, prone to errors, and generally diverts attention away from the collaboration particularly for the user who intends to share the additional content. For example, initiating screen sharing in a videoconference call, while ostensibly done at the click of the button, actually is highly error prone and is difficult to initiate while also engaged in a conversation. Clicking on the screen share button requires visual attention to the button and then further visual attention to select which content the user wishes to share, and is easy to miss especially if new to the application. Indeed, users risk sharing the wrong content if they make an incorrect selection. Further, the heavyweight and binary nature of turning sharing "on" or "off" means that users are hesitant to enter a screen sharing mode in the first place, but when they do so, they tend to leave screen-sharing on even when the conversation has moved away from the shared content itself, and it would be more desirable to revert back to the "person space" of the stage (e.g., video feeds).
It is with respect to these and other general considerations that the aspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure.

Tilt-responsive techniques for sharing content


Progressive rounding error and convergence error encountered due to multiple use of a center correction adjustment of an image of a video projection display is reduced by calculating a 3×3 matrix for a moved color signal where the non center matrix values represent the difference between the initially measured sensor values stored at initial alignment, and stored most recently measured sensor values. The matrix center value is the sum of the averaged values calculated from the edge center errors, the stored sum of previous moves and the current move. Rerun of the sensor finding routine resets the stored move sum to zero.

In a projection video display, geometrical raster distortions result from the physical placement of the cathode ray display tubes. Such raster distortions are exacerbated by the use of cathode ray tubes with curved, concave display surfaces and the inherent magnification in the optical projection path. The projected image is composed of three scanning rasters which are required to be in register one with the other on a viewing screen. The precise overlay of the three projected images requires the adjustment of multiple waveforms to compensate for geometrical distortion and facilitate the superimposition of the three projected images. However, manual alignment of multiple waveforms is labor intensive during manufacturing, and without the use of sophisticated test equipment may preclude setup at a field or user location. Field adjustment is frequently required as a consequence of display relocation which changes the direction and intensity of the Earth's magnetic field incident on the display. Such geomagnetic fields and additional incidental magnetic fields from local magnetized objects introduce some display image rotation but mainly cause a rectilinear movement of the entire picture. Thus an automated convergence system is disclosed which simplifies manufacturing alignment and facilitates field location adjustment. An automated alignment system may employ raster edge measurement at peripheral screen locations in order to determine raster size and convergence. However, errors in the center screen region are not measured, since a center screen sensor is, for obvious reasons, undesirable. In a projection television receiver convergence of the 3 color images may be restored after the instrument has been moved to a different magnetic field using an array of 8 light sensors located around the edges of the picture so as to form a 3×3 matrix. The central sensor is missing. To store convergence, for each of the three colors, the sensors are first located after the initial convergence alignment using the high contrast edges of lighted areas that are fixed in position relative to the picture geometry. The picture is moved via digital convergence deflection. The digital value of said deflection corresponding to an edge location for each color and each sensor is stored in non volatile memory. When the receiver is moved to a new location geomagnetic field changes introduce rectilinear movement of the entire picture and some display image rotation. Because this image displacement is consistent over the whole image an average correction value can be computed for use at the screen center. Convergence is restored by again measuring the sensor locations. For each color a 3×3 difference matrix is calculated using the initial and recent sensor location data. Each color picture is then distorted by applying the 3×3 difference matrix result via parabolic curve fitting to the 15×13 digital convergence correction matrix that covers the same picture area. This process restores the initial relationship of the picture geometry to the sensor positions. Small convergence errors may remain at the screen center. These may be manually corrected by overlaying one color on another using a centered video display of the two colors having high contrast vertical and horizontal edges. A 3×3 difference matrix is then calculated for the color that has been manually moved using 0 error for all locations except the center and the manual movement distance for the center error. For the color where the center was moved the picture is then distorted as described above. Progressive rounding errors and undesired convergence errors occur if this center adjustment is done multiple times without rerunning the sensor finding routine which erases any previous center correcting adjustment.

Center convergence optimization in a projection display apparatus


A positioning and clamping device or tools and/or workpieces, comprising a base body, a piston arranged such as to be displaceable in the base body, a pin which may be connected to the piston and at least one locking mechanism, for locking the positioning and clamping device relative to a tool or workpiece holder which has a complementary form to the base body. The base body has a cylinder housing for housing the piston with a clamping cone between the piston and the pin with control surfaces formed on the clamping cone and the piston, with further control surfaces on the locking mechanism, cooperating with the control surfaces of the clamping cone and the piston and the locking mechanism is arranged to be radially displaceable in the base body.

The invention relates to a positioning and clamping device for tools and/or workpieces, comprising a basic body, a piston arranged such as to be displaceable in the basic body, a pin arranged such that it can be connected to the piston, and at least one locking means for locking the positioning and clamping device relative to a work or tool holder designed to be complementary to the basic body.
In the machine tool industry, workpieces are machined with computer-controlled tools in a "machining center". In order to accurately position the workpiece and hold it in place with respect to the tool, or vice versa, quick-action clamping systems are used. A quick-action clamping system ensures that the position of the tool or of the workpiece can be reproducible and accurately defined in the three-dimensional coordinate system which forms the basis for the control by the computer. If the tool or the machine tool has to be changed frequently in the course of the machining of the workpiece, it must be ensured for the computer control that the workpiece is always located again at the same place in the coordinate system.
A device of the generic type for the releasable retention of workpieces on machine tools is known from DE 10116229 A1. A cylindrical receptacle for a matching piston is formed in a basic body. The piston is moved in the Z direction against a spring force by a hydraulic or pneumatic medium. A clamping pin, which is connected to a pallet, is mounted in a ball sleeve such as to be movable in the Z direction. In the ball sleeve, a plurality of balls are arranged in a radially movable manner at the circumference of the clamping pin. Due to specially designed clamping surfaces on the clamping pin and on the piston, the clamping pin is centered and clamped in place by the movement of the piston.
Proceeding from this prior art, the object of the invention is to specify a positioning and clamping device which has an accuracy within the micrometer range, is composed of as few parts as possible and ensures a long service life and has as high a clamping and retaining force as possible.

Positioning and clamping device for tools and/or workpieces


Continuous annular resin bands surrounding electrical contact portions of respective terminals are disposed without gaps between the electrical contact portions of respective terminals and resin members that fixedly hold the terminals; there are formed gaps among the adjoining resin bands. Gaps are formed among a bundle of terminals having annular resin bands and resin members surrounding the bundle. A partial adhesion is formed at the interface between the terminals and the resin by a low cost manufacturing method, whereby a molding with high air-tightness between the interior and exterior thereof and high reliability is realized.

In terminal components formed by insert-molding plural metal terminals for electrical connection with resin, the resin shrinks between the terminals at the time of molding, but shrinkage of the resin is different in directions, and there are formed partial gaps of several micrometers at the interface between the terminals and the resin due to difference in shrinkage among the resin around the terminals. As a countermeasure to this problem, there is a method wherein the terminals and the resin are integrated by bonding them with cured epoxy resins, etc after the insert molding.
Further, there is another method wherein the surfaces of the terminals, which are in contact with the resin, are worked to be rough surfaces, thereby to increase a contact area between the terminals and the resin at the rough surfaces after working.
In Japanese patent laid-open publication 2000-326359, metal terminals are pre-molded with resin, and the pre-molded molding is used as an insert and molded with another resin to integrate it with a double-layered resin.
The terminal components, wherein the plural terminals are insert molded with resin, have problems in productivity, cost and reliability. In the integrating method wherein the terminals and resin are bonded with the an adhesive such as epoxy resin after insert molding, for example, a step of coating the epoxy resin and a step of curing the epoxy resin after the coating step are required; a curing time of 30 to 40 minutes is needed for the curing step. In this method, facilities such as coating machines, curing ovens, etc are necessary, which has low productivity and increases production cost.
In the method wherein the surfaces of the metal terminals and the resin being in contact with each other are worked to make the surfaces rough to increase an area of the contact faces and improve air-tightness between them, it was difficult to prevent formation of gaps at the interface between the circumference of the terminals and the resin in molding, since shrinking directions of the resin and amounts of shrinkage are inhomogeneous in any directions.
In the method wherein the metal terminals are pre-molded with resin, followed by molding the pre-molding as an insert with the resin, there are formed gaps at the interfaces between the circumference of the terminals and the resin, since the resin present among the terminals shrinks inhomogeneously in shrinking directions and shrinking amounts in molding are not homogeneous in directions.
In order to solve the above mentioned problems, the present invention provides composite moldings or moldings having insert members with air-tightness between the interior and exterior of the moldings and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein partial adhesion at the interface between the terminals and the resin is formed, without limitation by the number of the terminals and arrangement thereof.

Composite moldings and a method of manufacturing the same


An organic electroluminescent display includes a substrate; an organic electroluminescent unit including a first electrode unit formed on the substrate in a first predetermined pattern, an organic layer formed in a second predetermined pattern, and a second electrode unit on a top surface of the organic layer in a third predetermined pattern to be insulated from the first electrode unit; a sealing unit, which is joined with the substrate to hermetically seal the organic electroluminescent unit; and an anti-projection unit, which is installed on at least one of the substrate, the organic electroluminescent unit, and the sealing unit, preventing an image of an interior structure of the organic electroluminescent display from being projected on the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent display, and, more particularly, to an improved organic electroluminescent display of which the interior structure is prevented from being projected on an image forming portion through electrodes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, organic electroluminescent displays are self-luminescent displays which emit light by electrically exciting a fluorescent organic compound. They can be operated with a low voltage, and can be made to be thin. In addition, organic electroluminescent displays have advantages, such as a wide viewing angle and a fast response speed, that overcome the problems of liquid crystal displays. Accordingly, they have been noted as next generation displays.
In the operation of organic electroluminescent displays, electrons are moved from a cathode to a luminescent layer via an electron transport layer, and holes are moved from an anode to the luminescent layer via a hole transport layer. The electrons meet the holes in the luminescent layer, which is organic and disposed between the cathode and the anode, thereby generating excitons having high energy. The excitons having high energy make transitions to having low energy, thereby producing light. Various colors can be implemented, depending on the type of organic material the luminescent layer is composed of.
In the meantime, the organic material used for organic electroluminescent displays is greatly influenced by moisture and oxygen. Moisture and oxygen cause many problems, such as degrading the characteristics of the organic material, lifting off a cathode, and shortening the life span of the organic electroluminescent display.
In order to protect the organic layer from moisture and impurities included in the air, organic electroluminescent displays are encapsulated. Encapsulation is implemented by bonding a metal cap or glass cap to a transparent substrate having an organic layer, using an adhesive.
Such encapsulation structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,059,862, 5,047,687, and 5,059,861. In these encapsulation structures, a capping layer is formed on the top surface of a dielectric layer. In Japanese Patent Publication hei 9-274990, a structure in which an organic layer is wrapped by a polyurethane encapsulation layer, which is wrapped by an external air blocking layer containing a desiccant, is disclosed. In a structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,721, a glass sealing case is installed at a transparent substrate having an organic layer to wrap the organic layer, and a sealed space defined by the glass sealing case and the transparent substrate is filled with inert gas.
In the above-described encapsulation structures, a first electrode is formed of a transparent material, and a second electrode is formed by evaporating aluminum or the like, so the interior structure of an organic electroluminescent display may be exposed through the first and second electrodes. When the internal structure is projected on a transparent substrate on which an image is formed, there is a degradation in the resolution of the image.


A measuring method and apparatus of a scanning probe microscope which is easy to initially set caused by exchanging a cantilever. A cantilever is effected of Z rough movement while forcibly vibrating a sample. When a contact pressure of the cantilever against the sample becomes a predetermined magnitude, the Z rough movement is ended. The forcible vibrational frequency may be a new resonant frequency caused by contacting the cantilever with the sample, or a shift resonant frequency. Then, XY scanning is effected to measure while putting the cantilever into light contact with a sample surface. It is possible to use, as an apparatus to forcibly vibrate the cantilever, a multi-layer piezoelectric element that responds to an output signal from an oscillator for outputting a signal at a predetermined frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of measuring a surface geometry of a sample using a scanning probe microscope and an apparatus therefor, and more particularly to a measuring method with and apparatus of a scanning probe microscope adapted to measure a surface geometry of a sample by vibrating the sample.
2. Background Information
There is known a measuring method, as a conventional measuring method for measuring a surface geometry of a sample by using a scanning probe microscope, wherein a cantilever is resonantly vibrated to lightly tap a sample surface and the cantilever is feedback-controlled in Z directional position (distance between the sample and the cantilever) by a servo system so as to bring constant the state of tapping, thereby obtaining geometry data on the sample surface. This method is generally referred to as a tapping mode.
According to this measuring method, there possesses a merit that the Q value of cantilever resonant frequency, at a resonant frequency f0, becomes approximately 100-300 and large amplitude of vibration is obtainable even if the cantilever is vibrated by an oscillator with small amplitude output.
However, in the above conventional measuring method the resonant frequency f0 and the resonant frequency Q value vary for each cantilever. There has been a problem that, if the cantilever is exchanged, time is required for adjustment until starting a sample surface measurement and further the adjustment necessitates experience. In particular, if the Q value changes, the amplitude of cantilever vibration varies. Accordingly, there has been a problem that there is difficulty in causing the cantilever to perform Z rough movement to a position at which a needle tip of the cantilever lightly tap the sample surface. Also, there has been a problem that, although the needle tip urging pressure against the sample surface varies between a shallow Z rough movement case and a deep case, the change of urging pressure causes the sample surface detection data to vary thus resulting in variation in observation image on the same sample.
It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above-stated problems in the conventional art and provide a measuring method with and apparatus of a scanning probe microscope which, even if the cantilever is exchanged, can easily initially set constant at all times the pressure that a needle tip of a cantilever taps a sample surface.
Also, it is another object to provide a measuring method with and apparatus of a scanning probe microscope by which, even if the cantilever is exchanged, variation-free and stable detection for the sample surface data can be obtained.
In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention is a scanning probe microscope measuring method of measuring a geometry of a surface of a sample by contacting a cantilever with the surface of the sample, the scanning probe microscope measuring method characterized in that: the geometry of the sample surface is measured while putting the cantilever in light contact with the sample surface in a state that the sample is being vibrated at a frequency that is substantially free of affection of resonant frequencies inherent to the cantilever and the sample.
The vibrational frequency of the sample may be a new resonant frequency of the cantilever shifted by contacting the cantilever with the sample. Also, the vibrational frequency of the sample may be a resonant frequency caused by contacting the cantilever with the sample.
Also, according to the present invention, in a scanning probe microscope for measuring a surface of a sample, a structure is proposed that has: an oscillator which can output an electric signal at a frequency that is substantially free of affection of resonant frequencies inherent to the cantilever and the sample; a Z servo system for feedback-control on vertical movement of the cantilever; a vibrator for responding to an output signal of the oscillator and an output signal of the Z servo system, to vibrate the sample at a frequency that is substantially free of affection of resonant frequencies inherent to the cantilever and the sample; wherein the Z servo system holds equilibrium at a point where a contact pressure of the cantilever against the sample becomes a predetermined magnitude.
Furthermore, a scanning probe microscope according to the present invention may be, in the above structure, structured that the sample is vibrated at a resonant frequency caused by contacting the cantilever with the sample.
Also, according to the present invention, in a scanning probe microscope of measuring a geometry of a surface of a sample by contacting a cantilever with the surface of the sample, a structure is proposed that has: an oscillator which can output an electric signal of a new resonant frequency of the cantilever shifted by contacting the cantilever with the sample; a Z servo system for feedback-control on vertical movement of the cantilever; a vibrator for responding to an output signal of the oscillator and an output signal of the Z servo system, to vibrate the sample at the new resonant frequency; wherein the Z servo system holds equilibrium at a point where a contact pressure of the cantilever against the sample becomes a predetermined magnitude.
According to the method of the present invention, because the sample is vibrated by avoiding the resonant frequencies inherent to the cantilever and the sample, the measuring manner becomes simple as compared with the conventional measuring method in the tapping mode. Also, even if the cantilever is exchanged, it becomes possible to obtain constant observation images at all times.
In this case, it is possible to structure with using a resonant frequency newly caused when the cantilever comes into contact with the sample regardless of free vibration of the cantilever and the sample as single members. This can enhance sensitivity of measurement. Also, by vibrating at a new resonant frequency of the cantilever shifted due to contacting the cantilever with the sample, even if the cantilever possesses two or more resonant frequencies, measurement is possible provided that the resonant frequency caused by coupling between the sample and the probe needle lies at an intermediate between them.
In any case, because the sample is put in vibration and the cantilever is contacted with this, the vibrational amplitude of the cantilever tends to increase as the cantilever approaches the sample. Due to this, it is possible to increase detection sensitivity. In this manner, because of a detection method that the vibrational amplitude becomes maximum where the probe needle extremely approaches the sample in a manner different from the tapping mode, the S/N ratio of the detection signal improves where the probe needle extremely approaches the sample, thus stabilizing detection characteristics.
Also, according to the apparatus of the present invention, because the Z servo system holds equilibrium at a point where the contact pressure of the cantilever against the sample becomes a predetermined magnitude, the initial setting for measurement (Z rough movement) becomes easy to perform. The scanning probe microscope can be easily handled by one who is not skillful.

Scanning probe microscope and method of measuring geometry of sample surface with scanning probe microscope

International Business Machines Corporation