The present invention relates to an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer; a composition thereof; a film thereof; a polar group-containing resin material; and productions and use of the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer. The ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer of the present invention is characterized in satisfying the following conditions (A) to (E): (A) a density in the range of 0.92 to 0.96 g/cm3; (B) a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range of 0.01 to 200 g/10 min; (C) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.5 to 5.0; (D) possessing only one peak in terms of the number of peaks observed in an elution temperature-eluted amount curve as measured by the continuous temperature raising elution fractionation (TREF) method, from the integrated elution curve obtained by the elution temperature-eluted amount curve, the difference T75xe2x88x92T25 in the temperature and density d respectively satisfy a specific relationship, wherein T25 is the temperature where 25% of the total elution is obtained, and T75 is the temperature where 75% of the total elution is obtained; and (E) possessing one or two melting point peaks, and among these the highest melting point Tm1 and the density d satisfy a specific relationship. Accordingly, this ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer exhibits a superior thermal resistance, heat sealability, and processability.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer which possesses various superior properties and a superior processability; a composition of the same; a film and a polar group-containing resin material of the same; and products and uses of the same. More concretely, the present invention relates to an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer suitable for various packaging films manufacturing by means of T-die technique, inflation techniques, and the like, molded films such as a film for lamination, blow-molded products such as various containers manufactured by means of blow molding, injection-molded products such as various vessels, lids, containers, and the like, manufactured by means of injection molding, covering for electric wires, cables, steel pipes, and the like; a composition thereof; and a film and a polar group-containing resin material thereof. The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-173594, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-197879, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-197880, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-226229, and Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 10-226231, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Background Art
The conventional, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density of 0.89 to 0.94 g/cm3 comprises an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer produced by means of using a Ziegler catalyst. This conventional LLDPE is superior in strength and toughness to a high pressure process low density polyethylene (HpLDPE) obtained according to a high pressure radical polymerization, and applied to various uses such as films, sheets, blow-molded products, injection-molded products, and the like.
However, the conventional LLDPE possesses a distinct disadvantage in that it is inferior with respect to its processability. Therefore, in the field of films such as packaging materials, improvements in the gap width of the die in a processing device, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,619 (Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Technology Corporation, hereinafter referred to as UCC), in addition to blending of the aforementioned HpLDPE into a LLDPE, have been developed.
More recently, it has become highly desirable to improve the both the overall strength and the sealing strength (i.e., low temperature heat sealability) of an LLDPE, in order to increase the speed of the processing cycle, by means of high-speed filling, and also reduce the weight of the molded products.
In recent years, an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer which exhibits an improved low temperature heat sealability and strength has been developed. This ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer is obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst, the molecular weight distribution and composition distribution of which are extremely narrow, which serves to impart high strength. Such an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Sho 60-35009 (WPI: 85-001577, U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,753/Exxon Chemical Patents Inc., hereinafter referred to as Exxon), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 3-502710 (WPI: 90-132257, U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,630/Exxon), Japanese Patent Application First Publication No. Hei 7-500131 (WPI: 90-134412, U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,612/The Dow Chemical Company, hereinafter referred to as Dow), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 7-500622 (WPI: 93-152427, U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,236, WO930822/Dow), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 8-311260 (WPI: 96-507707, U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,427/UCC), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-255724 (WPI: 96-435560, EP735060/UCC), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 8-505174 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,420,220/Mobil Oil Corporation, hereinafter referred to as Mobil), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-511003 (WPI: 95-351300, EP751967, WO95/26372/Mobil), and the like.
However, these conventional, ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymers obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst, (mLLDPE), possesses several disadvantages. For example, since their composition distribution and molecular weight distribution are extremely narrow, and their properties of viscosity and strength change dramatically according to the temperature, these copolymers pose the problems of having only a limited applicable range for the temperature, extrusion conditions, and the like during the processing process, in addition to an inferior processability. In addition, the aforementioned mLLDPE is inferior both with respect to its properties of thermal resistance, even after being processed to a molded product, and with respect to its heat sealability, due to the narrow range of temperatures which can impart the appropriate heat sealing strength.
Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 6-509528, (WO93/03093/Exxon) discloses a heat-sealed product wherein the heat sealing initiation temperature is less than 93xc2x0 C., by means of using a polymer which possesses a narrow composition distribution of at least 50 on the composition distribution breadth index (CDBI). However, this heat-sealed product possesses improved properties of a low temperature heat sealability, but exhibits an inferior thermal resistance, and an inferior heat-sealing strength.
A blended composition of mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst and HpLDPE, and film thereof are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-511273, (WO95/27005/Mobil), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-65442, (WPI: 93-407455, U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,071/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-65443, (WPI: 93-407455, U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,945/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-136194, (WPI: 94-197254/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-136196, (WPI: 94-197255/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication laid Open No. Hei 9-183816, (EP781789A2, WPI: 97-334856/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-59440, (WPI: 97-248282/Toso Corporation), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 8-502532, (WPI: 94-151264, U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,958/Dow), and the like. Composition and films disclosed therein are superior in their processability, however, possess disadvantages such as having a narrow applicable range for the temperature at which an adequate heat sealing strength is exhibited, due to their narrow molecular weight distribution and composition distribution.
An ethylene-60-olefin copolymer, which improves on the aforementioned problems, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 8-325333, (WPI: 96-435559, U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,513/Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd., a joint venture partner of the applicant of the present invention). This ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer is superior in low temperature heat sealability, hot tacking properties, and the like, but also displays an insufficient thermal resistance, processability, and the like.
In general, the thermal resistance of a polyethylene resin can be improved by means of increasing its density and the amount of components possessing high melting points. However, since the amount of components having a low melting point simultaneously decreases, the heat sealing initiation temperature also rises, and a deterioration in the clarity and reduction in flexibility, due to an increased elasticity, unavoidably result.
In order to solve the aforementioned problem, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 8-501812, (WPI: 94-118420, U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,439/Exxon), and Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-505094, (WPI: 95-194055, U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,065/Exxon), disclose a method for mixing a polyethylene resin obtained by means of using a conventional, Ziegler catalyst, which exhibits a superior thermal resistance, and a polyethylene resin obtained by means of using a conventional, metallocene catalyst, which exhibits a superior mechanical strength and possesses a low heat sealing inhibition temperature.
However, the polyethylene resin obtained by means of using a Ziegler catalyst possesses a high heat-sealing initiation temperature, and exhibits an inferior mechanical strength. On the other hand, the polyethylene resin obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst exhibits both an inferior thermal resistance and processability. Accordingly, the simple mixture of these two resins possesses a wider molecular weight distribution than the conventional, polyethylene resin obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst, thus leading to an inferior mechanical strength. Similarly, the aforementioned mixture also exhibits both an inferior thermal resistance and processability compared to the polyethylene resin obtained by means of a using Ziegler catalyst.
On the other hand, in the field of sealant films molded according to extrusion processing, and the like, a film which exhibits a superior clarity, impact strength, low temperature heat sealability, heat sealing strength, anti-blocking properties, and the like, is highly desirable. Such a film is superior with respect to its gas-barrier properties, and is applicable to various packaging materials for pickles, dairy products, retort pouch foods, frozen foods, and the like; packing materials for pharmaceutical drugs, medical container, various liquid transporter, and the like; bottles; containers; and the like. Examples of the sealant film used in this field may include sealant films comprising a mLLDPE, obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst. Such sealant films are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 8-157611, (WPI: 96-339289/Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), a specific LLDPE obtained by means of using a single site catalyst is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publicatoin Laid Open No. Hei 9-137132, (WPI: 97-337244/Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-59442, (WPI: 96-435559/Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd.), and the like. In addition, there is also a great demand to increase the speed of the processing cycle, thermal resistance, and the like, in this field as well. The present invention relates an improved version of the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-59442.
In addition, in the field of extrusion lamination processing, dry lamination processing, and the like, wherein a resin is coated onto a substrate, it is highly desirable to improve the productivity, adhesive strength, and thermal resistance. A composition for extrusion lamination, a multi-layered film, and the like, which comprise a mLLDPE obtained by means of a using metallocene catalyst, are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 7-26079, (WPI: 95-102014/Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 7-26080, (WPI: 95-102015/Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), and Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-57916, (WPI: 97-208082/Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).
In addition, one of the uses of molded products manufactured by means of lamination processing includes a release member. The release member may be used as an adhesive sheet, binder sheet, adhesive tape substrate, process sheet, and the like. Such a release member is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 10-80972, (WPI: 98-254960/Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd.). However, a release member possessing a higher productivity, adhesive strength, and thermal resistance, is highly desired. The present invention relates to an improved version of the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 10-80972.
Other uses of the molded product manufactured by means of extrusion lamination processing may include a paper-laminated member, and paper container using the aforementioned. Paper containers using mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-29868, (WPI: 97-160443/Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-169068, (WPI: 97-388884/Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-187900, (WPI: 97-419926/Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-142455, (WPI: 97-346826/Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-193323, (WPI: 97-430480/Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.), and the like. However, a laminate and paper container, which possess a superior productivity, adhesive strength, and thermal resistance to these of the laminates and paper containers disclosed therein, are desired.
In addition, as a retort container, a medical container comprising LLDPE is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, Second Publication No. Hei 5-59831, (WO86/002044/Baxter International Incorporated), and Japanese Patent Application, Second Publication No. Hei 6-14952, (WPI: 87-208701/Sinsozai Sogo Kenkyusho K. K.). In addition, a medical container comprising mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-99035, (WPI: 97-275661/Terumo Corporation), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-155996, (WPI: 97-368349/Toso Corporation), and the like. In the field of retort containers, it is necessary that deformation and peeling of the heat-sealed portion not occur during the retort sterilization process of the films or containers, and the like, which are to be used. Accordingly, a thermal resistance of at least 110xc2x0 C. is desired for a retort container.
An electric insulating material used for electric wires and cables, comprising an mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 8-111121, (WPI: 96-26550/Hitachi Cable, Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 8-111125, (WPI: 96-265524/Hitachi Cable, Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 8-222026, (WPI: 96-448060/Hitachi Cable, Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 6-509905, (U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,783/Exxon), and the like.
However, these mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst disclosed therein, possesses a limited range of appropriate temperatures and ejection conditions during the processing process due to their extremely narrow composition distribution and molecular weight distribution, in addition to the dramatic fluctuations in their properties of viscosity and strength depending on the temperature, which in turn leads to an inferior processability.
Known methods for improving such problems includes a method wherein a component with a different molecular weight is blended in the mLLDPE; and a method wherein the mLLDPE is obtained by means of multi-step polymerization, and the like. However, even if these means for improvement are used, the processability of the mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst is not necessarily at a sufficient level. Another known method for improving the aforementioned includes one in which an ethylene polymer, obtained by means of using a metallocene, is blended with an ethylene polymer obtained by means of using a Ziegler catalyst or Phillips catalyst possessing a different molecular weight, which is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-505094. However, the electric insulating material obtained according to this method possesses an insufficient dispersability, which leads to melt fractures and a decreased mechanical strength.
The inventors of the present invention disclose an electric insulating material possessing a low electrical activation energy, appropriate for an electric insulating material, by means of improving the aforementioned mLLDPE obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst, in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication No. Hei 9-17235, (Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd.). However, this electric insulating material also exhibits an insufficient processability. The present invention relates to an improved version of the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-17235.
In addition, non-polar polyethylene resins such as LLDPE, high density polyethylene, and the like, are basically inferior with respect to their adhesive properties to substrates such as other resins, metals and the like, and with respect to their compatibility with other resins, and the like. In order to impart adhesive properties to and improve the compatibility with polyethylene resins, a method is known for introducing a polar group of unsaturated carbonic acids and derivatives thereof into a polyethylene resin by means of polymerization, or grafting.
A modified-LLDPE using mLLDPE obtained by mean of using a metallocene catalyst is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-206947, (WPI: 94-275906/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-207062, (WPI: 94-275961/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-206946, (WPI: 94-275905/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 6-207058, (WPI: 94-275960/Mitsui Petrochemicals Ind., Ltd.), Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-176391, (WPI: 97-399677), and a modified-specific ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-235319, (WPI: 97-498357/Japan Polyolefins Co., Ltd.), and the like. However, the modified-LLDPE disclosed therein exhibits an inferior adhesive strength, and thermal resistance. The present invention relates to an improved version of the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application, First Publication Laid Open No. Hei 9-235319, (WPI: 97-498357/Nippon Petrochemicals Co., Ltd.).
Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is to provide a specific ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer, which exhibits a superior mechanical strength, optic properties, thermal resistance, and the like, compared with a LLDPE obtained by means of using a Ziegler catalyst; an equally favorable low temperature heat sealability, and clarity compared with the conventional, ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst; and a superior thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and processability compared with the conventional ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer obtained by means of using a metallocene catalyst.
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a composition of said particular ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer, and other polyolefin.
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a molded product that is molded from said specific ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer, or composition thereof.
Examples of the molded product may include films, laminates comprising said film, release members using said laminate, containers, retort containers used for foods and medicine, paper containers, electric insulating materials, electric wires, cables, and the like. In particular, the present invention provides a superior processability, mechanical strength, and electric insulating properties to the aforementioned electric insulating material, electric wire, and cable.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a resin material containing a polar group, which exhibits a superior thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and processability, and imparts a superior adhesive properties to various substrates, and a superior affinity to various resins; and a laminate using the same.
In consideration of the aforementioned, the inventors of the present invention, after intense research, have disclosed an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer possessing a relatively broad composition distribution, despite having a narrow molecular weight distribution, which exhibits a favorable tensile strength, impact resistance, low temperature heat sealability, and thermal resistance, and thereby achieves the aforementioned objectives.
in other words, the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer of the present invention is obtained by means of polymerizing an ethylene and a C4-12 xcex1-olefin, and is characterized in satisfying the following conditions (A) to (E):
(A) a density in the range of 0.92 to 0.96 g/cm3;
(B) a melt flow rate (MFR) in the range of 0.01 to 200 g/10 min;
(C) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.5 to 5.0;
(D) possessing only one peak in terms of the number of peaks observed in an elution temperature-eluted amount curve as measured by the continuous temperature raising elution fractionation (TREF) method, and from the integrated elution curve obtained by said elution temperature-eluted amount curve, the temperature difference T75xe2x88x92T75 and said density d both satisfy the relationship shown by formula a and formula b, wherein T25 is the temperature at which 25% of the total elusion is obtained, and T75 is temperature at which 75% of the total elution is obtained; and
T75xe2x88x92T25xe2x89xa7xe2x88x92300xc3x97d+285 (for d less than 0.950 g/cm3)
T75xe2x88x92T25xe2x89xa70 (for dxe2x89xa70.950 g/cm3)xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(Formula a)
T75xe2x88x92T25xe2x89xa6xe2x88x92670xc3x97d+644 xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(Formula b)
(E) possessing one or two melting point peaks, and among these the highest melting point Tm1 and said density d satisfy the relationship shown by formula c.
Tm1xe2x89xa7150xc3x97dxe2x88x9217 xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(Formula c)
This ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer possesses superior optical characteristics, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance over the LLDPE obtained by means of using a Ziegler catalyst. Moreover, while possessing the same low temperature heat sealability and transparency as an ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer obtained by means of using a conventional metallocene catalyst, this ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer in addition exhibits a superior thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and processability when compared with the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer obtained by means of using a conventional metallocene catalyst.
In addition, the resin composition according the present invention is characterized in comprising 1 to 99% by weight of the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer described in the aforementioned, and 1 to 99% by weight of another polyolefin.
Accordingly, this resin composition exhibits superior optical characteristics, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and processability.
In addition, a molded product comprising the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer according to the present invention or composition thereof also exhibits superior optical characteristics, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and productivity.
In addition, a film comprising the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer according to the present invention or composition thereof also exhibits superior optical characteristics, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, and productivity.
In addition, the laminate, release member, container, retort container and paper container using the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer according to the present invention or composition thereof exhibits a superior productivity, adhesive strength, and thermal resistance.
In addition, the electrical insulating material comprising the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer according to the present invention or composition thereof exhibits a superior processability, mechanical strength, and electrical insulating properties.
Furthermore, the polar group-containing resin material according to the present invention is characterized in comprising one type of monomer unit selected from among (a) to (e) below in the resin component which comprises the ethylene-xcex1-olefin copolymer, wherein the concentration of the monomer unit ranges from 10xe2x88x928 to 10xe2x88x923 mol per one gram of resin component:
(a) a carbonic acid group or acid anhydride group-containing monomer;
(b) an epoxy group-containing monomer;
(c) a hydroxyl group-containing monomer;
(d) an amino group-containing monomer; and
(e) silane group-containing monomer.
The polar group-containing resin material formed in this manner displays a superior thermal resistance, heat sealing strength, processability, and exhibits a superior adhesiveness with respect to various substrates, in addition to a superior affinity for various types of resins.


A method for determining a steering rack force (FR) for a steering system of a vehicle, in which a first steering rack force (RFD) is ascertained as a function of at least one force that occurs in the steering system or at least one torque (tor_RA) that occurs in the steering system. So as to provide less strong feedback on the force conditions in the steering system for reasons of driving comfort, in particular when this is currently not required, it is proposed to ascertain a second steering rack force (RFC) as a function of at least one vehicle variable (v, ang_RA), which characterizes the state of movement of the vehicle, and to generate a resulting steering rack force (FR) based on the first steering rack force (RFD) and the second steering rack force (RFC).

The invention relates to a method for determining a steering rack force for a steering system of a vehicle, in which a first steering rack force is ascertained as a function of at least one force that occurs in the steering system or at least one torque that occurs in the steering system. The invention further relates to an open-loop and/or closed-loop control device for a steering system for a vehicle which is adapted to carry out such a method.
A target steering torque is ascertained in modern steering systems, for example electric power steering (EPS) or steer-by-wire (SbW) steering systems. A steering torque on a steering means of the steering system, for example on a steering wheel, is set to the target steering torque so as to support the force that is applied by the driver when steering the vehicle, or to counteract the force that is applied by the driver. It is known to ascertain the target steering torque as a function of the steering rack force.
A method for determining a force that acts on a steering gear is known from DE 10 2009 002 706 A1. According to this method, a force that acts on the steering gear is ascertained based on the motor torque. This method provides the driver of the vehicle with good feedback on the real force conditions in the steering gear. However, strong feedback is perceived to be disturbing at least in some instances.
It is the object of the invention to provide a method for determining a steering rack force which provides less strong feedback on the force conditions in the steering system for reasons of driving comfort, in particular when such feedback is currently not required.

Method for determining a steering rock force for a steering device in a vehicle, steering device and open-loop and/or closed-loop control device for a steering device


An example electronic system is described in which an imaging device includes a lens and an image sensor. The imaging device is aligned with an optical target. The optical target includes a text character of a defined text size. An image capturer activates the imaging device to capture an electronic image of the optical target. The electronic image includes the text character of the optical target. An optical recognizer generates an optical recognition result for the character based on the captured electronic image. A sharpness detector compares the optical recognition result with a true value of the text character included in the optical target. Based on the comparison, a designated or defined text size is selected as a designated resolution. The designated resolution is then associable with the imaging device, the optical target, the electronic image, or a component thereof.

Many factors can affect the quality of imaging systems and devices during manufacturing. One factor can be the final precise alignment of various internal components such as sensors and lens elements. Another factor affecting the quality of images systems and devices can be the quality of each of the various components. Each of the various components is itself subject to imperfections during manufacturing.
The present disclosure may be better understood by, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to, those skilled in the art by referencing examples shown in the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A drum brake for use in a brake system (10) having first (14) and second (16) shoes retained on a backing plate (20). The first brake shoe (14) has a first end (22) connected to an actuator (12) and a second end (26) connected to an anchor arrangement (24) and the second brake shoe (16) has a first end (36) connected to the actuator (12) and a second end (38) connected to the anchor arrangement (24) The actuator (12) responds to an input signal during a brake application by moving the first (14) and second (16) brake shoes into engagement with a drum (18). The anchor arrangement (24) includes a load sensor (64) for measuring a torque generated between the first (14) and second (16) brake shoes and the drum (18). The anchor arrangement (24) has a bracket (44) with a base (46) having first (48) and second (50) side walls which are secured to the backing plate (20). The first side wall (48) has a first central opening (56) therein while the second side wall (50) has a second central opening (58) therein. A core member (64) of the load sensor is retained by the bracket (44) between the first (48) and second (50) side walls is connected to a controller (28). First linkage (66) extends through the first opening (56) for connecting the first brake shoe (14) to the core member (64) while a second linkage (74) extends through the second opening (58) for connecting the second brake shoe (16) to the core member (64). A first linear dimension defined by the core member (64) and first (66) and second (74) linkages is less that a second linear dimension between the first (48) and second (50) side wall such that a gap "x" is created. The first (14) and second (16) brake shoes on engagement with the drum (18) defining a leading brake shoe and a trailing brake shoe. The leading brake shoe produces a first force which moves the core member (64) within the gap "x" to bring one of the first (64) and second (74) linkages into engagement with said bracket (44) and thereafter compress the core member (64) and independently modify an output signal generated therein to define an operational torque developed during a brake application.

Electrically operated brakes have been developed and used on vehicles for a period of time. A desirable characteristic offered by such brakes reside in their simplicity and an opportunity to reduce the overall weight of a vehicle. Examples of such brakes can be found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,447; 4,804,073; 4,850,459; 4,928,543; 4,944,372; 5,201387 and 5,913,390.
In these brakes, an output torque from an electric motor is modified through the use of various gears to provide an input for moving brake pads into engagement with another member to effect a brake application. An individual brake module for a vehicle would include a drum brake in which first and second brake shoes are urged by an actuator as a function of torque developed by an electric motor in response to an input signal supplied by a controller by an operator to effect a brake application. A concern in the operation of such brakes is the speed at which the actuation force develops and the intensity of the resulting actuation force is produced to bring the vehicle to a stop within a desired braking distance during a brake application In vehicles having electric brakes sensors are associated with the individual wheels to supply a controller with an indication of the braking of each wheel in order to regulate the individual wheel operational signals to achieve a smooth, balanced and effective stop. Unfortunately servo action which occurs between a leading brake shoe into the trailing brake shoe and variations in brake effectiveness may erroneously influence the brake torque generated during braking. Thus, while electrically operated brake systems meet current standards of operation their use has generally been limited to use in brake systems for towed vehicles

Anchor arrangement for retaining a sensor in a drum brake


Method and apparatus for separating a mixed frequency light beam, particularly a laser light beam, into its different frequency components by impinging it on a first surface of an optical slab which reflects one component but transmits another, and re-directing the reflected component via a roof prism to a second surface of the slab which is adjacent to and positioned 90.degree. to the first surface, to obtain a reflected beam which is co-directional with the mixed beam, but stripped of the transmitted component.

Separation of spectral components from light beams composed of distinctly different frequencies, such as mixed beams resulting from second harmonic generation in laser beams, poses severe challenges to optical designers. Filters are unsuitable for high power applications, because of optical damage. Conventionally employed systems relying on selective reflection and/or diffraction are complex and require a multitude of elements which, in the aggregate, are bulky; in addition, they require critical alignment.

Method and apparatus for color separation with an optical slab and roof prism


A network device includes an airflow baffle. The baffle redirects cooling air toward a transceiver cage to increase a rate of heat transfer from electronic devices on the transceiver. The baffle is bi-directional, so that cooling air is redirected regardless of whether it flows in a front-to-back or back-to-front direction.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to cooling network devices.
2. Related Art
A typical network device includes at least one printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one integrated circuit (IC) device. IC devices generate heat during operation. Excess heat can degrade the performance of the IC device. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling to IC devices. A typical cooling configuration for an IC device includes a heat sink secured to the IC device and cooling air circulated across the heat sink to carry heat away.

Network device with baffle for redirecting cooling air and associated methods


In an information processing terminal, a second screen activation monitoring unit that has received a focus OFF notification sends a domain switch request notification to a domain control unit, and the domain control unit that has received the notification sends a domain switch notification to a first OS. Then, the first OS sends a focus ON notification to a first screen activation monitoring unit and further sends the focus OFF notification to a first application. A resource is thereby released by the first application that is implemented to release an acquired resource upon receiving the focus OFF notification.

The virtualization technology that runs a plurality of OS on an information processing terminal such as a mobile phone terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), personal computer or server device has been developed. In the virtualization technology, it is necessary to control the system so as to allow simple operation before and after switching even when operating with a plurality of OS switched from one to another. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique that aims at providing a consistent feeling of operation in different environments (applications, resources and files).

Information processing terminal and resource release method


An acetabular prosthesis (8) having an orientable metal socket bearing (13) and a cup (10) for fixation to bone (6) is provided. The bearing (13) has a male taper (26) which locks into a corresponding female taper (28) formed in the cup (10). Two screws (15) are used to seat the bearing (13) in the cup (10) and to further secure the taper lock. The assembly of the apertures (4) through which bone screws (15) can pass to further secure the cup (10) to the patient's bone (6).

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to acetabular prostheses having metal socket bearings and, in particular, to an improved mechanism for affixing a metal socket bearing to an acetabular cup.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Acetabular prostheses having metal socket bearings are known in the art. Early constructions are shown in Sivash, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,820,167, 3,943,576, and 4,077,070, and Noiles, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,272, and Re 28,895. These prostheses were of the constrained type wherein the bearing encompassed more than half of the ball. The bearing consisted of two pieces which were placed around the ball and secured to the cup by riveting or screw threads. Because of the difficulty of assembling the prosthesis in situ, the surgeon was provided with an assembled joint comprising both the femoral and acetabular components.
PCT Patent Publication No. WO 83/02555 shows a variation of these earlier constructions wherein the metal bearing could encompass 180.degree. or less of the femoral ball. Attachment between the bearing and the cup was again by means of a screw thread. Accordingly, although in situ assembly was not impossible, it was still generally impractical because of the screw thread.
Noiles, U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,472, shows two metal bearing constructions. In the first construction (FIGS. 9-10 of the '472 patent), the bearing comprises two pieces which encompass more than half of the ball and which are held together around the ball by means of retaining ring 74. For this construction, in the assembled joint, the bearing can rotate within the cup to provide a greater range of motion for the joint. In the second construction (FIGS. 33-34 of the '472 patent), the bearing again comprises two parts which in this case are locked in place within the cup by wedge 136.
Other constructions for acetabular prostheses employing metal socket bearings are disclosed in Frey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,910.

Acetabular prosthesis having a metal socket bearing


When a recording material is conveyed to a double surface conveying portion, a second conveying roller pair is forward driven to convey the recording material conveyed by a first conveying roller pair forward driven. A control portion performs control so that the driving of the second conveying roller pair is stopped and the second conveying roller pair is separated in timing in which the first conveying roller pair is switched from forward driving to reverse driving.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus forming an image on a recording material, and a sheet conveying apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various types of conveying apparatuses capable of reversing a recording material which is used in an image forming apparatus. The conveying apparatus reversing and conveying a recording material generally uses a reverse roller pair capable of receiving a fed recording material (sheet) and forward and reversely running the recording material conveyed through a predetermined conveyance passage. The recording material is captured by rotating forward the reverse roller pair, and subsequently fed to a conveyance passage different from the conveyance passage by reversely rotating the reverse roller pair. A reversing apparatus passing the recording material to a sheet discharging roller pair or passing the recording material to a conveying roller pair of a double surface conveying portion for forming an image on a rear surface of a recording medium as well has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 06-092530 (1994)).
In this case, driving a motor or solenoid for rotating rollers leads to increased power consumption and occurrence of driving sounds.
Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 06-092530 (1994), reversing portions used during phase down sheet discharge (hereinafter referred to as FD sheet discharge) and used during double surface printing are different. The recording material is conveyed through a different conveyance passage during double surface reversal. Further, each reverse roller should be equipped with a plurality of solenoids such as a solenoid for separation during continuous printing and a solenoid for conveyance passage switching during double surface printing. Use of such a plurality of solenoids and an increase in the number of conveying mechanical components due to the complicated conveyance passage leads to not only an increase in cost of the apparatus but also upsizing of the apparatus itself.

Image forming apparatus and sheet conveying apparatus


A light guide device (21) includes an incident surface (211), an emitting surface (212) and a plurality of protrusions (212a). The incident surface is configured so as to allow an incident light to pass therethrough. The emitting surface is adjoining the incident surface and configured so as to allow the light to emit out of the light guide device. The protrusions are formed on at least a portion of the emitting surface. The protrusions are configured for concentrating light that emits out from said portion of the emitting surface. The present application is also concerned to a backlight module (2) including a light source (22) and the light guide device.

In a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a liquid crystal is a substance that does not itself illuminate light. Instead, the liquid crystal relies on receiving light from a light source, thereby displaying images and data. In the case of a typical liquid crystal display device, a backlight module powered by electricity supplies the needed light. Generally, a bottom-lighting type backlight module and/or an edge-lighting type backlight module are/is provided.
Generally, a bottom-lighting type backlight module has two or more light sources, thus making the overall LCD big, heavy, and energy inefficient. Therefore, bottom-lighting type backlight modules are usually employed in LCDs or LCD televisions where portability, mass, and volume are negligible factors.
FIG. 1 represents a typical edge-lighting type backlight module 1. The backlight module 1 includes a light guide plate 11, a light source 12, a reflector 13, and a plurality of optical elements 14, 15, and 16. The light guide device 11 is wedge-shaped. The optical elements include a reflective sheet 14, a diffusion sheet 15, and two prism sheets 16. The light source 12 generally includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The reflective sheet 14 is positioned under the light guide plate 11 and is configured for reflecting light back into the light guide plate 11. The diffusion sheet 15 is located above the light guide plate 11 and is configured for uniformly diffusing the emitted light. The prism sheets 16 are positioned above the diffusion sheet 15 and are configured for collimating the emitted light, thereby improving the brightness of light illumination.
Also referring to FIG. 2, two ends of the light source 12, i.e. two electrodes 121 that do not emit light results in that few light enters into two corners of the light guide plate 11 adjacent to the two electrodes 121. Thus, two dark corners 18 are formed. The light source 12 may be configured to extend or displace farther out from the light guide plate 11 to solve the above problem. However, it makes little effect and instead will enlarge the volume of the backlight module 1.
What is needed, therefore, is a light guide device and a backlight module using the same which overcome the above-described problem.

Light guide device and backlight module using the same


An independent suspension system for a vehicle driving axle is disclosed which includes a leading lower control arm which pivots about an axis which is nearly perpendicular to the upper control arm pivot axis and which is nearly perpendicular to the vehicle center line. By providing this perpendicular relationship between the pivot axes of the upper and lower control arms, an imaginary steering point results. This new imaginary steering point allows for improved vertical wheel travel, while minimizing the distance of half shaft plunge. By improving the vertical wheel travel and minimizing the distance of half shaft plunge, the ride of the vehicle is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an independent suspension system for an automobile, and more particularly, to an independent suspension system with a leading lower control arm.
2. Description of the Related Art
Independent suspensions for conventional vehicles typically include a suspension system which has an upper control arm and a lower control arm attached to the wheel of the vehicle. As the vehicle is driven, the wheel bounces up and down in response to bumps in the road and during cornering. As this is going on, the travel of the wheel is controlled by both the upper and lower control arms as they pivot on axes which are nearly parallel to one another and with the center line of the vehicle. In conventional vehicles, the suspension system is attached to a drive shaft via a joint which can extend or retract as needed when the suspension moves. These joints may include splines, or other standard means of joining.
During the operation of the vehicle, the joint has to adjust in order to compensate for the distance that has been traveled by the wheel. Upon looking at the suspension mechanism from the rear of the vehicle, one can see that the upper and lower control arms essentially define a trapezoidal configuration. As the wheel flexes up and down in response to jounce and rebound, the trapezoid moves and creates a radius that pulls the joint back and forth, causing "halfshaft plunge". The distance that the joint moves, i.e, the "halfshaft plunge", is desirably kept to a minimum to add driveability and control of the vehicle.
In a front wheel drive car, there is generally a half shaft and a C-joint, the constant velocity joint. The half shaft extends from the transmission to the wheel. As the suspension moves, the halfshaft moves in and out to compensate for the radius which is created during the travel of the wheel. If the C-joint needs to move and become greatly displaced in order to compensate for the radius which is created, the C-joint itself can be put into a "weak" condition.
Minimizing the distance that the half shaft has to move is advantageous. In order to optimize roll understeer, anti-acceleration squat, and anti-brake lift, various configurations for the upper and lower control arms have been investigated in the past. Optimally, we want the halfshaft to move up and down directly without causing the C-joint to move in and out very much. This will stop the C-joint from traveling a great distance.
As an automobile is driven, the C-joint moves in and out, and it is desirable to minimize the travel from this in-and-out movement in order to give better stability to the suspension system. Furthermore, in normal operation of a vehicle, undesirable characteristics arise during weight transfer of the vehicle due to acceleration and braking. During acceleration, the rear of the vehicle "squats", while during braking, the rear of the vehicle "lifts". During a cornering operation, a combination of various vector forces cause an additional, more complicated set of problems. Therefore, it would be advantageous to optimize the geometry of the independent suspension system such that the vector forces and the wheel travel are optimized.
The imaginary steering point which is created by the geometry of the independent suspension system has been investigated by the present inventors, and has led them to the following invention.
Therefore, the present invention seeks to provide an independent suspension system having the advantage of allowing for an increased wheel travel without penalty to the drive train components by minimizing the in-and-out movement of the C-joint and thereby resulting in an improved ride without compromising the handling of the vehicle.

Independent suspension for a vehicle axle with leading lower control arm geometry


Systems and methods for the communication and recovery of supplementary data encoded in the primary information transmitted from a source to a receiver for both audio and television transmissions. The method includes modulating a carrier signal with the supplementary data using a spread spectrum approach and demodulating the carrier signal to recover the embedded supplementary data.

Historically, several methods have been used to transmit embedded data along with a carrier signal, such as a radio or television signal. In one approach, data is included in parts of the signal that do not interfere with the perception of the signal by a human receiving it. One approach is to use the vertical blanking interval (VBI) in television transmissions to transmit supplementary data. In this approach, a decoder device is typically attached to the receiver to provide accurate synchronization with the incoming transmitted signal.
A spread spectrum technique is another approach used to embed supplementary data in a transmitted signal. Traditionally, analog techniques have been used to decode the supplementary data encoded using a spread spectrum technique. In general, synchronization of the local code generator with the received code can be performed with an analog correlator. Depending on the frequency used and the application requirements, the synchronization can be a time consuming operation when performed by the analog correlator. The operation involves shifting the local code and computing its correlation with the received code, and repeating this process, typically many times, until the correlation is above a threshold.
In one approach to transmitting embedded data, the embedded data is encoded using frequency shift keying of bits at a low signal level. However, mixing can occur between the data frequencies and 60 Hz sampling of a television signal, producing lower frequencies that are detectable by humans.
The present invention overcomes these shortcomings.

Systems and methods for spread spectrum communication of supplemental information


An apparatus and method of aiding synchronization between a master transceiver and a slave transceiver is disclosed. The method includes the master transceiver transmitting data signals that are received by the slave transceiver. The slave transceiver locks a slave clock to the data signals with a slave phase-locked loop. The slave transceiver transmits slave clock information to the master transceiver.

High-speed LAN technologies include 100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10GBASE-T. These high-speed LAN technologies include link partner transceivers that can communicate, for example, over a bi-directional transmission channel. An exemplary transmission channel includes four pairs of copper wire.
Proper operation of the Ethernet link partners requires them to be synchronized. Synchronization can be obtained by one link partner phase-locking a clock to data signals transmitted by the other link partner. The transmitter and receiver processing of one of the transceiver link partners are clocked by the phase-locked clock. For Ethernet systems, data signals can be distorted during link establishment. In addition, external noise can be added onto the data signals, that can add excessive jitter to the phase-locked clock or cause the clock to lose phase-lock. Too much jitter on the clock signals can introduce excessive errors to the transmission and/or reception of data signals between the transceiver link partners.
A master transceiver can monitor a phase error signal of signals received from a slave transceiver link partner. Therefore, the phase error provides an indication of the quality of the phase-lock of the slave transceiver link partner. This, however, is undesirable because the master transceiver is required to support the error detection circuitry, and the phase-lock status detection happens with a time delay after the slave transceiver link partner loses phase-lock. If detected, the first transceiver can drop the link with the second transceiver link partner, or stop adaptation of processing of data signals received from the second transceiver link partner.
It is desirable to have a system, apparatus and method of aiding synchronization between Ethernet transceiver link partners. It is desirable that the method and apparatus operate efficiently, and not require excessive amounts of additionally electronic circuitry.

Aiding synchronization between master and slave transceivers


According to the storage control device of the present invention, individual cooling passages are formed for each region in the enclosure and the respective cooling passages are formed bent so as to bypass the connection substrate. As a result, the interior of the enclosure is cooled efficiently. The interior of the enclosure is divided in the front-rear direction by the connection substrate. Logic substrates and battery devices are provided on the front side of the connection substrate and logic substrates and power supply devices are provided on the rear side of the connection substrate. The battery devices and power supply devices located on the left and right sides of the enclosure are each cooled by means of individual cooling passages. The logic substrates are cooled by means of different cooling passages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cooling structure for a rackmount-type control device and a rack-type storage control device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A storage control device comprises a storage section in which a multiplicity of disk drives are connected in the form of an array and provides a host computer ('host' hereinbelow) such as a server with logical storage regions (logical volumes). In order to increase reliability and so forth, the storage control device provides a host with a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)-based redundant storage region.
A controller, a multiplicity of disk drives and power-related devices, which are housed in the enclosure of the storage control device, each generate heat. Hence, it is necessary to cool the controller, disk drives, and power-related devices respectively. In cases where the interior of the enclosure is air-cooled by means of a large-scale cooling fan device, it is difficult to uniformly air-cool the respective parts of the cooling target (which are the controller, disk drives, and power-related devices). In order to adequately cool the respective parts of the cooling target, a stronger cooling fan must be provided, which results in an increase in fabrication costs and electricity charges, and so forth.
Therefore, a storage control device that is constituted such that the storage control device is divided into a plurality of regions which are, namely, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) header mount region, a logic substrate mount region, and a power-source mount region and such that cooling is performed by providing individual cooling mechanisms in each of the regions has also been proposed (Japanese Application Laid Open No. 2007-156751).
The conventional technology that appears in Japanese Application Laid Open No. 2007-156751 relates to a so-called large-scale storage control device and, therefore, cannot be applied as is to a rack-type storage control device. A large-scale storage control device comprises a cooling passage that allows a cooling air stream to pass from top to bottom at the center of the enclosure. However, a rack-type storage control device does not comprise a central cooling passage of this kind.
In addition, in the case of the conventional technology that appears in Japanese Application Laid Open No. 2007-156751, a cooling hole must be provided in the connection substrate in order to guide the cooling air stream into the central cooling passage. Hence, the surface area that can be used for electrical connections of the total surface area of the connection substrate is reduced and it is therefore difficult to more densely mount a greater number of substrates and devices.

Cooling structure for rackmount-type control device and rack-type storage control device


An organic EL device of the present invention includes: a base layer; a plurality of bottom electrodes arranged in a surface portion of the base layer at an interval in a lateral direction along a surface of the base layer; an organic layer which contains an organic light emitting material and is placed on the base layer so as to cover the plurality of bottom electrodes collectively and divided into a plurality of pixels respectively corresponding to the plurality of bottom electrodes; a top electrode opposed to the plurality of bottom electrodes with the organic layer interposed therebetween; and a gate electrode, which is placed at a region between mutually adjacent bottom electrodes in a planar view seen from the normal direction of the surface of the base layer, for turning off a parasitic transistor formed by cooperation of the top electrode and mutually adjacent bottom electrodes.

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-123089) discloses an active matrix color organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display of a top emission type. The color organic EL display has a structure in which a color conversion filter substrate and an organic EL element are combined with each other. An organic EL element has a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), a planarizing layer, a bottom electrode, an organic light emitting layer provided thereon, and a top electrode on a support substrate.


An adjustable vehicle steering column is locked to a vehicle chassis by a remote-controlled electrically-operable locking arrangement that is carried by one end of a locking arm the other end of which is pivotally connected with the vehicle chassis. The locking arrangement has a locking axis that is parallel with and spaced a given distance from the pivot axis of the locking arm.

1. Field of the Invention
An adjustable vehicle steering column is locked to the vehicle chassis by a remote-controlled electrically-operable locking arrangement that is carried solely by a locking arm that is pivotally connected between the steering column and the vehicle chassis.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known in the prior art to provide vehicle steering columns wherein the position of the steering wheel can be adjusted in terms of height and/or in terms of depth. The position of the steering wheel is selected by the driver and is maintained in place by a locking system whose manual control consists of an operating lever that is worked by the driver.
These different types of locking devices, operated by means of a lever, possess several inconveniences. First of all, the lever can be positioned only in the proximity of the locking axis, in other words, in an area where accessibility is reduced along with poor visibility, which creates a risk of injury as the fingers are squeezed. Moreover, the locking and unlocking operations necessitate a major effort and is interfered with by the driver's knees. Finally, the operating lever is situated in areas that must be used for other functions so as to provide a good ergonomy for the driver's position. This environment can be the area of computers when the locking axis is placed adjacent or above the column spindle. This environment can also be the area where the driver's legs are located when the locking axis is placed below the column shaft, which introduces a risk of impact against the knees in case of an accident.
The present invention was developed to provide a device for locking an adjustable automotive vehicle steering column, which will eliminate the above-described inconveniences by providing remote locking control. This remote control must employ a simple and rather small device to allow great adaptation flexibility depending on the type of steering column and the environment of the driver's position.

Adjustable steering column including electrically-operable locking means


Briefly, a method and system for testing a cable harness is disclosed. Generally, a cable harness is used to route many electric wires for power, communication, and control. The tester includes a switch system that enables one or more TDR engines to sequentially apply a TDR stimulus to substantially all the wire pairs in the cable harness, and to collect the resulting TDR waveforms. The waveforms are analyzed to determine if the cable harness meets quality standards. In some cases the tester may also perform a continuity, resistance, capacitance, or inductance test on the cable harness. The tester may also measure and use temperature in analyzing the cable harness, or may apply temperature cycling, different or varying atmospheric pressures, vibration, shaking, or shock to the cable harness.

Modern products have become increasing sophisticated, requiring complex electrical interconnections to provide power, control, and monitoring functionality to various assemblies and components within the product. For example, motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, often have scores of embedded computers to provide monitoring and control for operation, safety, convenience, information, entertainment, and emission control purposes. These processors need to be connected to the assembly that they monitor or control, and usually need to interconnect to some central display or control facility. Also, a vehicle is loaded with scores of electronic devices, such as a radio, electric seats, power windows, entertainment systems, navigation, emission and safety monitors, lighting, cameras, and many other devices currently used and even more importantly for future devices that will rely on higher speed data communication formats. All of these require power, and most need connection to buttons, switches, other devices, a computer, or operator display. In all, hundreds and hundreds of electrical and communication lines run throughout the vehicle. It is critical for operation, safety, emission control, and comfort that these lines provide for a robust and confident electrical and communication connection. Failure of the electrical or communication connections can lead to failure of the vehicle, unsafe conditions, customer dissatisfaction, and expensive and complex warranty repairs. In another example, wiring harnesses are also used in aircraft, spacecraft, marine and agricultural products and vehicles as well as machinery, appliances, instrumentation and electronic devices and systems.
To provide for ease of assembly and increased protection of the electrical lines, the lines are often routed around the vehicle in a multi-circuit wire bundle. This wire or cable assembly, often referred to as a harness, comprises wires and connectors that may be constructed using various types of machinery or built by hand. Then, at a later time in the manufacturing process, the harness is assembled into a final product. For example, FIG. 2 shows a relatively simple cable harness for a modern passenger vehicle, which will be discussed in detail later.
Manufacturing requirements for these cable assemblies may reference industry standards (such as SAE) or may have contractual specifications that must be verified. Many cable assembly manufacturers use a simple continuity test and in some cases a DC resistance measurement to determine that a cable assembly has been manufactured correctly. Continuity tests and DC resistance measurements are limited in detection capabilities to catastrophic faults such as opens and shorts but do not verify that industry or contract required construction standards have been met. Current verification methods often require destructive testing of the assembly to allow physical measurement and visual inspection. Destructive testing is conducted only on a sample basis meaning that large numbers of cable assemblies are shipped to customers with only a limited test that is not capable of detecting manufacturing defects such as improper crimp height, missing wire strands or insulation in the connector pin crimp, insulation cuts or chafes and broken wire strands.
Typical cable assembly testing consists of a continuity test between connectors that shows that the wire has an electrical connection to the correct pins on the connectors. This type of testing does not provide any measurement information that can be used to determine the conformance and quality of the assembly. Other measurement techniques could be used to better identify the electrical properties of the cable assembly to verify the quality of the materials and construction. One technique is to use Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to measure the impedance of the assembly along its length. Measurements of the previously listed cable defects have shown that a Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) would require a few milli-ohms of impedance resolution and a length resolution of 0.25 inches or better for successful defect detection. TDRs with this type of performance typically cost $100,000 or more and are limited to testing one wire pair at a time. Large harness assemblies can have hundreds of wire pairs requiring hours of test time with a standard TDR, and therefore TDR has not been a practical option for harness manufacturers.
The substantial limitations in current cable testing procedures and devices leads to two different and very undesirable consequences. First, cable harnesses are shipped to assembly facilities with an existing undetected defect, and the defect is not discovered until sometime later in the assembly process. This causes unnecessary delay and disruption to fast-moving modern manufacturing processes, leading to down-time and increased manufacturing costs. For example, an assembly plant may assemble an entire vehicle, and then discover in final test that some electrical failure exists because of a faulty cable harness. Second, and even worse, the cable assembly might pass all the factory tests, but then one or more electrical lines fail soon after delivery to a customer. Still worse, such latent wiring defects are often intermittent, making it harder, more expensive, and more frustrating to identify the problem. This leads to potential safety issues, customer dissatisfaction, and a potentially expensive and time-consuming warranty repair. Since the cable harnesses are such a central part of a vehicle, having to replace one can often only be done with a major removal or disassembly of instrument panels, engine components, seats, carpeting or body panels. It has been estimated that almost 25% of warranty claims are related to these later discovered wiring defects, and these claims are individually relatively expensive.

System and method for automated testing of an electric cable harness


A shift register group includes a plurality of series-coupled shift registers each being configured to provide an output signal. The third control signal of a first sift register of the plurality of shift registers is the output signal provided by the shift register N stages after the first shift register, and the fourth control signal of the first sift register is the voltage at the driving node of the shift register 2N stages after the first shift register, wherein N is a natural number. A driving method of the aforementioned shift register group is also provided.

Compared with the conventional technology of using external silicon wafer for the manufacture of driving chip, Gate Driver on Array (GOA) is a technology for directly manufacturing a gate driver circuit on an array substrate. By using the GOA technology, gate driver circuit can be directly manufactured around a panel, thereby increasing the integration degree of a panel circuit. Therefore, the GOA technology has been widely used for reducing the border width of the display panel.
However, each scan line on a screen is driven by a corresponding gate drive circuit; thus, the output signal, outputted form the gate driver circuit to the respective scan line, must be designed to have a shorter enable period in response to an increasing image frame rate with the high image quality demands. For example, if the output signal outputted from the nth-stage gate driver circuit is still enabled when the scanning of the nth scan line is completed, the image data supposed to supply to the pixels electrically coupled to the (n+1)th scan line is also supplied to the pixels electrically coupled to the nth scan line, an abnormal image may occur. Thus, it is quite necessary to pull down the output signal to non-enable state as quickly as possible once the corresponding scan line is scanned.

Shift register group and method for driving the same


A transmission having an input shaft with a sun gear (12), a medium speed shaft with a sun gear (14) rotatably mounted on the input shaft, a low speed shaft with a sun gear (16) rotatable mounted on the medium speed shaft and a reverse rotation shaft with a sun gear (18) rotatable mounted on the low speed shaft. A first carrier and a second carrier terminating in an output shaft are rotatably mounted on the reverse shaft and input shaft, respectively. Locking pins interconnect first and second carriers. Reverse rotation gear is integrally formed with an input gear and rotatable mounted on a locking pin. Each reverse rotation gear meshes with the reverse sun gear (18) and each input gear meshes with sun gear (12). Low speed gears are integrally formed with a medium speed gear and rotatable mounted on a locking pin. Each low speed gear meshes with sun gear (16) and each medium speed gear meshes with the input gear and the sun gear (14). Low speed brake (41) brakes the low speed shaft to provide a low speed rotation of the output shaft. Medium speed brake (42) brakes the medium speed shaft to provide a medium speed rotation of the output shaft. Interlocking system (50) directly couples the input shaft and the medium speed shaft to provide high speed rotation of the output shaft. Reverse rotation brake (43) brakes the reverse rotation shaft to provide reverse rotation of the output shaft.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a transmission, and more particularly to an automatic transmission which obviates the need for a clutch means to change gears and provides rotational output to an output shaft without disengaging gears when decelerating or accelerating or when reversing rotational output of the output shaft to obtain a backward motion.
2. Information Disclosure Statement
Generally to change speed using a manual transmission a predetermined gear ratio is selected for each speed range. Careful attention is necessary in this process since the gears must be shifted (changed or disengaged) when changing speed. Such transmissions are complicated and require a large installation space because the manual clutch must be installed in addition to the transmission.
To solve the above problems U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,823 entitled: Continuously Variable Transmission with Controlling Brakes, issued on Nov. 5, 1991. However, the transmission described in the above patent document requires a separate means for attaining reverse operation, i.e. a backward motion.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a continuous automatic transmission which advances the state of the art, which can rapidly comply with a change of the load without using a clutch or other complicated mechanisms, which smoothly transmits rotational force to an output shaft, which facilitates a smooth reverse motion, and which is of simple construction.
The preceding objects should be construed as merely presenting the more pertinent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to both the summary of the invention and the detailed description, below, which describe the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Continuously geared automatic transmission with controlling brakes

Duckyong Villa Ka-204 141-2, Duckjeong-Ri, Hoecheon-Uep, Yangju-Gun


The present invention allows the processing mode for write access operations to be set independently and respectively for prescribed units. The processing modes for handling write access are set previously for each of the volumes 6A and 6B. If the cache memory is functioning normally, write access operations to the respective volumes 6A and 6B are processed by means of an after-write method as illustrated in FIG. 1(a). If an abnormality has occurred in the cache memory, then write access operations to the volumes 6A and 6B are processed by means of a method previously selected from a write-through method as illustrated in FIG. 1(b) or a non-redundant storage type write-after method as illustrated in FIG. 1(c). By using different processing modes for write access, for each of the volumes 6A and 6B, it is possible to set a suitable processing mode respectively for each of the prescribed units, in accordance with the composition of the storage system, the operation configuration, and the like.

The present invention relates to a storage device and a write access processing method for a storage device.
This storage device provides a storage area based on a RAID (Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks) system, wherein disk drives, such as hard disk drives, or the like, are arranged in an array configuration. A host computer (hereinafter, called "host") accesses the logical storage area provided by the storage device and reads or writes data.
The storage device stores write data received from the host, on the disk drives, via a cache memory. Furthermore, for example, if data requested by the host is not stored in the cache memory, then the storage device reads out the data requested by the host, from a disk drive, stores that data in the cache memory, and then supplies the data to the host via the cache memory.
In this way, write data requested for writing by the host is held in the cache memory, and then written to a prescribed disk drive. The method for writing data from the cache memory to a disk drive can be divided broadly into two types of method.
One method is a so-called "write-through" method, for example, wherein the writing of write data to the cache memory and the writing of write data to the disk drive is carried out in a substantially simultaneous fashion. The other method is a so-called "copy back" method or "after-write" method, for example, wherein the write data is stored in the cache memory only, and at a prescribed timing thereafter, the write data in the cache memory is written to a disk drive (see Japanese Patent Laid-open No. (Hei)6-309232.)
In the write-through method, the completion of the write operation is reported to the host when the write data has been written to the disk drive. In the after-write method, the completion of the write operation is reported to the host when the write data has been stored in the cache memory. Therefore, the after-write method allows the response time to be compressed to a greater extent than the write-through method.

Storage device and write access processing method for storage device


A utilitarian and/or decorative object and a method for forming the object fabricated mainly of a plastic material, such as polyester, having a metallic outer face which thereby imparts to this object the appearance and/or hand of a like object made entirely of metal. In this technique, a mixture of a liquid monomer, a curing agent therefor, a dispersion of metal particles and floatable particles are poured into a mold for forming the object. The metal particles are permitted to settle in the mold or the mold is centrifuged to cause the metal particles to migrate toward the outer or lower region of the piece and concentrate in this region before the monomer polymerizes and hardens to bind the particles. At the same time the floatable particles, such as glass or ceramic microspheres, rise to the inner or upper region of the piece and concentrate in this region before the monomer polymerizes and upon hardening of the monomer maintains the article in the desired shape without distortion from warping from uneven shrinkage. After removal from the mold, the outer face of the piece is polished and buffed to remove the fine plastic skin from the surface of the metal particles and to polish the exposed metal surface, whereby the resultant plastic piece simulates the appearance of a solid metal piece.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to the production of utilitarian or decorative objects such as floor and wall tiles, architectural moldings, vases and other three-dimensional pieces formed mainly of plastic materials, such as polyester, having a metallic appearance. The fabricated objects have the appearance of a genuine metal piece such as a bronze object and can be made to have the hand simulating that of the genuine object, that is, a weight significantly greater than the same object when made entirely of a plastic material. When the object is a decorative tile, molding or the like, the object may be fabricated so the outer surface has a metallic surface giving the appearance that the object is made from metal while the inner surface of the object has a roughened ceramic surface, such as a ceramic tile of ceramic molding would have, giving the appearance that the object is made of ceramic and providing a product which acts like a ceramic product in terms of its use and installation characteristics.
2. Background of the Art
One way of imparting a metallic appearance to an object is, of course, to cast that object from the metal. However, casting a three-dimensional object from a metal such as bronze or copper can be a relatively expensive process with the result that decorative objects such as vases, tiles and the like are not readily available in the mass market to ordinary consumers.
Alloys such as bronze were used in very early times for forming many objects and, therefore, bronze affords a record of ancient life and the arts. The early Egyptians cast and hammered bronze into utensils, armor and statuary, as did the early Greeks and Romans. These pieces were often polished to provide highly reflective and beautiful surfaces which render the pieces greatly prized in the modern art market. However, the cost of fabricating a vase or other decorative piece of bronze or other decorative metal is relatively high, and such pieces are not available in the mass market to ordinary consumers.
Attempts have been made in the past to impart a bronze-like appearance to decorative or utilitarian objects. However, these objects generally do not have the appearance of a genuine bronze or a metallic body. U.S. Pat. No. 2,454,910 discloses a molding technique in which the surface of the mold is coated with a bronzing liquid wherein bronze particles are dispersed in a resin base to create a bronze-like layer in the mold which is then filled with a moldable plastic material such as a phenolic.
Ceramic objects such as floor and wall tiles have been glazed with a coating of metallized enamel and it is also possible to create a thin metallized surface by vacuum deposition, sputtering or other plating techniques on the face of a plastic body.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,963 discloses a technique for producing a reinforced panel by spreading out on a stainless steel base treated with a release agent, a mixture of a liquid resinous binder and solid particles of sand or metal powder, these particles settling out to concentrate in the region adjacent the base plate.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,773,287 a reinforced plastic pipe is disclosed in which glass fibers, crushed rock or other non-metallic particles are mixed with a polyester resin and added to a pipe mold which is then rotated to produce a centrifugal force causing the particles to migrate toward the outer surface of the tube.
Throughout the specification, the terms "hand" and "appearance" are utilized in describing the invention.
The term "hand" refers to the tactile reaction of an individual handling an object. Thus, when an individual has a polished bronze piece in his hand, what he feels is the cold metal. He may also feel the sensation of weight. If instead of a genuine bronze piece the individual is given an identical piece made of plastic with a bronze-enamel facing, then what he senses is the relatively warm plastic material and a much lighter weight.
The term "appearance" refers to the visual impression made by a piece. Using the same example, what the individual will see in a genuine bronze piece is a distinctive bronze glow. However, when confronted by the piece having a shining bronze-enamel facing, he will perceive an obvious imitation, not an authentic bronze.
The term "hand" and "appearance" are interrelated. If an object, though made of plastic, looks like it were made of metal and has a weight significantly greater than one would expect a plastic object to weigh, then the holder of this object, who is subjected to both impressions, thinks he is holding a metal object. Most individuals are normally sensitive only to gross differences in weight. If a piece in the hands of an individual weighs more than plastic and looks like the genuine metal, then the holder receives the impression that the piece is made of metal even if it is not as heavy as pure metal.
While the invention will be described in connection with plastic pieces having bronze particles incorporated therein, it is to be understood that it is not limited to this alloy and is applicable to other metals which are inherently decorative when polished, such as aluminum, brass, copper, nickel-silver (pewter), and other metals.

Plastic molded pieces having the appearance of a solid metallic piece


The present invention discloses an earphone and a method for making an earphone to achieve automatic identification and switch control. The earphone comprises: a voltage-controlled switch, a switch button set, a microphone and more than two earphone remote control circuits, wherein different earphone remote control circuits correspond to different smartphone operating systems, respectively; the voltage-controlled switch is arranged between the switch button set, the microphone and the more than two earphone remote control circuits, and the voltage input terminal of the voltage-controlled switch is connected to the microphone-connected terminal of the earphone; the voltage-controlled switch identities the operating system of the smartphone that the earphone is plugged in according to the voltage of the microphone-connected terminal of the earphone, and then controls switch(es) in itself to switch to a corresponding earphone remote control circuit, to achieve the connection of the switch button set and the microphone to the corresponding earphone remote control circuit. The technical solution of the present invention makes one earphone generally applicable to the mobile phones of different operating systems.

Smartphone operating system is a mobile phone system, whose computing power and functions are more powerful than the traditional mobile phone system. Most frequently used smartphone operating systems are iOS, Windows Phone and so on. The application software compatible with one operating system is not compatible with another operating system.
Current smartphones generally are equipped with matching earphones with remote control functions of volume increase (Vol +), volume reduction (Vol−), and Send/End. But each of the current earphones with remote control functions is only compatible with a certain smartphone operating system. For example, the earphones with remote control functions compatible with the mobile phone of iOS operating system can only be applied for the mobile phone of iOS operating system, rather than being applied for the mobile phone of another operating system. Similarly, the earphones with remote control functions compatible with the mobile phone of Windows Phone operating system can only be applied for the mobile phone of Windows Phone operating system, rather than being applied for the mobile phone of another operating system.

Earphone and a method for making an earphone to achieve automatic identification and switch control


A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, two dust caps oppositely attached to end portions of the slider respectively and each having a channel formed between two legs for slidably engaging with the guide rail, and each having a lip portion directed toward the guide rail for wiping the engaging surface of the guide rail, and the lip portions of the legs of the dust caps each include an inner flange directed toward the slider and each include a number of notches and a number of projections formed in the inner flange of each of the legs and offset from each other for wiping the lubricating fluid into the notches of the legs respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a linear motion guide apparatus, and more particularly to a linear motion guide apparatus including a lubricating oil agitating or wiping device or arrangement or structure or mechanism designed and arranged for suitably agitating or wiping or moving or circulating the lubricant or lubricating oil or fluid to lubricate the two movable members or elements, such as the slider and the guide rail and for allowing the slider and the guide rail to be smoothly moved relative to each other.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various kinds of typical linear motion guide devices have been developed and comprise a slider or slide block slidably attached onto a guide rail, and normally, a ball bearing device is disposed between the slider and the guide rail for facilitating the sliding movement between the slider and the guide rail and for allowing the slider and the guide rail to be smoothly moved relative to each other.
For example, the applicant has also developed various kinds of typical linear motion guide devices or apparatuses as disclosed in the following patents, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,641 to Scotte et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,430 to Wu et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,544 to Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,514 to Hung et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,059 to Chen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,082,814 to Jiang et al. disclose several of the typical linear motion rolling guide units or devices or apparatuses each comprising a slider or slide block slidably attached onto a guide rail, and a ball bearing device disposed and engaged between the slider and the guide rail and engaged in the endless ball guiding raceway for facilitating the sliding movement between the slider and the guide rail and for allowing the slider and the guide rail to be smoothly moved relative to each other.
Normally, the slider and the guide rail and/or the ball bearing device are moved in a fast speed relative to each other, and a lubricating device is required to be provided or disposed or engaged in the slider and/or the guide rail for filling or supplying the lubricant or lubricating oil or fluid into the endless ball guiding raceway and the slider for suitably lubricating the ball bearing device.
However, the lubricant or lubricating oil or fluid normally will permeate or flow out of the slider and/or the guide rail, and the dust caps or wipers at the end portions of the slider normally include a planar or smooth contacting surface with the guide rail and may not be used to suitably or effectively wipe or clean the lubricant or lubricating oil or fluid that is permeated or flown out of the slider and/or the guide rail, and such that the lubricant or lubricating oil or fluid may have a good chance to be consumed or used up quickly, and such that the two movable members or elements may not be smoothly moved relative to each other after a predetermined time interval of use.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional lubricating structures or devices for linear motion guide devices.

Linear motion guide apparatus having lubricating oil wiping mechanism


Systems and approaches integrate a radio frequency (RF) or near field communications (NFC) antenna with a display and/or touch component of an electronic device. The device can be incorporated with RF or NFC technology without having to increase the thickness of the device. The RF or NFC antenna can be formed during fabrication of the display and/or touch component, which can result in simpler manufacturing processes. One or more segments of the RF or NFC antenna can each be formed from a single or multiple scan/signal lines of the display component and/or a single or multiple drive/sense lines of the touch component. Additional circuitry can be added during manufacture of the display and/or touch component to enable the device to switch between a mode of operation for display and touch and a mode of operation for RF or NFC.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field communications (NFC) is a technology enabling a personal electronic device, such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, to establish wireless communications with another RFID- or NFC-enabled tag, device, or system, such as a smart poster, another personal electronic device, or POS terminal, by touching or bringing the personal electronic device into close proximity with the other RFID- or NFC-enabled tag, device, or system. RFID or NFC has certain advantages over other approaches to short range wireless communication. For example, RFID or NFC technology typically consumes very little power relative to other short distance wireless standards. In addition, the close proximity required to connect two RFID- or NFC-enabled devices can be useful in situations where many other devices are within the vicinity and potentially causing interference with wireless communications in the area. RFID or NFC technology also enables for quick connections between devices, usually no more than milliseconds, while other short distance wireless protocols may take up to several seconds to establish inter-device connection. Further, connecting two RFID- or NFC-enabled devices usually requires no manual setup. These characteristics of RFID or NFC make the technology suitable for applications such as electronic payment and ticket processing, security and identity authentication, face-to-face social networking, smart posters, bootstrapping for other modes of wireless communication, among others. As a result of its various benefits, RFID/NFC technology is becoming increasingly common in personal electronic devices.

Integrated radio frequency or near field communications antenna


A method is provided for determining variance of actual engine torque from reported engine torque, including configuring a controller with an algorithm to calculate the ratios of current and maximum engine torque to reported torque upon the initiation of high-throttle 1-2 shift, high-throttle 2-3 shift, high-throttle torque converter lockup, and at maximum Engine Rating Torque Function for each high-throttle torque converter drive cycle. An apparatus is also provided for detecting engine torque variance in a vehicle having an engine, a throttle, and a torque converter, the apparatus comprising a controller with memory and an algorithm for calculating the maximum and current engine torque variance upon the occurrence a predetermined throttle condition, and storing the values in accessible memory, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the algorithm upon the occurrence of one of the throttle conditions, and wherein the throttle and torque converter each communicate speed signals to the controller.

Vehicle transmissions are designed to transmit rotational force, i.e. torque, from an engine to the point of use, such as the drive axles or drive wheels, in order to propel the vehicle at a relatively wider range of output speeds. While an engine is generally designed to produce a sufficient known input or reported engine torque within a relatively narrow range of engine rotational speed, the vehicle itself preferably operates over the wider range of output speeds. Manual and automatic transmissions are typically configured to work in conjunction with an engine having a known reported torque in order to safely enable engagement with the transmission over the comparatively wide band of transmission output speeds while still enabling smooth or fluid gear shifting across the entire range of output speeds.
Although vehicle engines are designed and sized to perform at a specific, known, or reported torque range, various aftermarket kits or devices are able to boost or "up-rate" the engine torque well above the reported torque, for example by boosting or increasing the amount of fuel fed to the engine from the electronic fuel injector system. Such aftermarket devices are generally not authorized by the vehicle manufacturer due to the potential damage such devices may inflict on the engine and/or the various interconnected components of the transmission. Since these torque up-rating kits also commonly void manufacturer's warranties by altering the output of the engine and transmission beyond their intended operating parameters, vehicle owners may be inclined to disconnect and remove the torque up-rating kits before returning the vehicle for transmission or engine service in order to render detection of the prior use of the up-rating kits or devices difficult to ascertain.

Engine overrate detection method and apparatus


A microscope illumination system includes a first light source configured to provide light along an optical axis and an aperture device including an aperture wheel that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The aperture wheel includes a plurality of apertures of varying size disposed circumferentially on the aperture wheel. The aperture wheel is rotatable so as to dispose each of the apertures in a position that is centered on the optical axis so as to generate an illumination beam path that extends in a centered relationship with respect to the optical axis, and so as to dispose each of the apertures in a position that is off-center from the optical axis and that is within a defined region around the optical axis so as to generate an illumination beam path that extends off-center from the optical axis for oblique incident illumination.

Oblique incident illumination of objects to be examined is used, for example, in wafer inspection to image surface structures of a specimen with high contrast and three-dimensional appearance using the diffraction effects produced at said surface structures. In German Patent DE 35 27 426 C1, an incident light illuminator for a microscope is described which can be used for this purpose and is adapted to provide oblique incident illumination and which uses an aperture stop of variable size. This patent presents an aperture stop device whose aperture stop can be displaced sideways from the optical axis in both directions. An increase in the distance from the optical axis is associated with an increase in the so-called "incident light angle" at which the axis of the illumination beam path meets the object plane (with respect to the normal to the object plane) after passage through the microscope objective.
However, the design of the incident light illuminator proposed in the above-mentioned document turns out to be mechanically complex and requires training and experience of the user to be successfully used in the field. In addition, as described in the document, the pivoting range may be limited depending on the position within the stand. Finally, as also described in the document, the reproducibility of the direction of light incidence (according to the pivoting movement of the aperture stop device) is limited. The rotation of the adjusting nut required for varying the incident light angle makes it virtually impossible for said angle to be continuously varied during the microscopic examination.
A technically simple and therefore economic alternative to interference microscopy, which is used to advantage for phase objects, is provided by reflected light microscopy with oblique illumination, which is suitable in particular for surface relief observation. To this end, generally, incident light Köhler illumination is used. In this connection, unilateral oblique illumination is obtained by positioning the aperture stop off-center (see document DE 35 27 426 C1 discussed above), while oblique illumination from all sides is obtained by inserting central or annular stops in the plane of the aperture stop.

Microscope illumination system, microscope and oblique incident illumination method