An improved system and method for automated fiber polishing overcomes the limitations of conventional systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides for continuous determination of the quality of the polish during a polishing procedure. An optical signal is transmitted to a fiber tip, and any back-reflected signal is detected and monitored to determine polish quality. In this manner, automated polishing quality assurance is provided in real time.

In contemporary fiber optic systems, optimization of coupling efficiency between the optical fiber and active or passive devices is a key metric in system comparisons, such as the pumps used in fiber amplification systems. In a popular technique for improving coupling efficiency, an end of the optical fiber is polished to provide a lens shape at the end face. Hyperbolic-shaped end faces are among the most highly desired shapes, since they tend to provide the highest coupling efficiency.
A popular technique for fiber polishing involves the use of a motor-controlled jig to position the end face of a fiber in contact with a rotating abrasive wheel. Once in contact, the end face of the optical fiber is polished by the wheel to form a lens.
The present invention is directed to a system and method for fiber polishing that overcome the limitations of conventional systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides for continuous and contemporaneous determination of the extent of the polish during a polishing procedure. An optical signal is transmitted to a fiber tip, and any back-reflected signal is detected and monitored to determine the polish. In this manner, an automated polishing quality assurance is provided in real-time, during the polishing operation.
According to a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system for polishing a tip of a fiber optic. The system includes a fiber tip polishing unit for positioning a fiber optic tip relative to a polishing surface. A control system controls the positioning of the fiber optic tip. A polishing feedback unit includes an optical source and an optical sensing unit. During a polishing operation, the optical source provides an optical monitoring signal in the fiber optic, and the optical sensing unit senses a portion of the monitoring signal inwardly reflected (i.e., back reflected) from the tip.
The fiber tip polishing unit preferably positions the fiber optic tip relative to the polishing surface in a plurality of degrees of freedom. In the present implementation, the tip is held in a silicon chuck.
The fiber tip polishing unit may further include a bearing along a longitudinal axis of the fiber tip for providing the fiber tip at the polishing surface at a controlled force. The bearing may comprise an air bearing.
The fiber tip polishing unit may further include a translation positioner along a longitudinal axis of the fiber tip, the translation positioner being coupled to the control system for controlling longitudinal positioning of the fiber tip with respect to the polishing surface.
The fiber tip polishing unit may further include a rotation positioner along a longitudinal axis of the fiber tip, the rotation positioner being coupled to the control system for controlling rotational positioning of the fiber tip about the longitudinal axis with respect to the polishing surface.
The fiber tip polishing unit may further include a lateral positioner coupled to the control system for controlling lateral positioning of the fiber tip with respect to the polishing surface.
The polishing surface may comprise a rotating polishing pad, and the fiber tip polishing unit may further include a pad motor coupled to the control system for controlling rotation rate of the polishing pad. An optional tilt positioner may be coupled to the control system for controlling tilt angle of the polishing surface with respect to the fiber tip.
The polishing feedback unit may further include an optical coupler, for example a 3 dB coupler, for dividing the monitoring signal generated at the optical source, such that a portion of the monitoring signal is delivered to the fiber optic tip in a first direction of propagation, and such that a portion of the monitoring signal inwardly reflected from the tip is delivered to the optical sensing unit in a second direction of propagation. An optional termination unit, for example an index-matching gel, substantially eliminates back reflection of a remaining portion of the monitoring signal propagating in the first direction.
The optical sensing unit may further generate a feedback signal based on the sensed portion of the monitoring signal for controlling the positioning of the fiber optic tip.
The control system preferably controls positioning of the fiber optic tip by controlling spatial positioning or force and orientation of the tip with respect to, and contact force with, the polishing surface.
According to a second embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for polishing a tip of a fiber optic. The position of a fiber optic tip relative to a polishing surface is controlled. During a polishing operation, an optical monitoring signal is provided in the fiber optic, and a portion of the monitoring signal inwardly reflected from the tip is sensed.
In this manner, an apparatus and method are provided for automated fiber polishing by which the quality of the polish is monitored during the polishing operation, and, in response, a control system performs a real-time adjustment of the polishing apparatus.

System and method for automated fiber polishing


A gauge for determining the distance of break, on a surface of golf green for a properly putted golf ball moving from a given point toward a golf cup. The gauge includes a base having measure indica at each end thereof and a level indicating member on one edge thereof. A sighting element is pivotally secured with the base and includes measure indica pointing means at each end thereof. By selecting a given point from the golf cup and arranging the base so that the level indicating member indicates level and arranging the sighting element to be coplanar with the surface of the golf green at the golf cup, the indica pointing means will point to measure indica denoting the distance of break of the golf ball to the left or right of the cup.

The invention is directed to a gauge which is operative to assist golfers to determine the amount of break a properly putted golf ball will have between a given point on the surface of the green and the cup.
The surfaces of golf greens are contoured to be at various angles or to have numerous slopes of varying degree. Because of these contours, the golf ball seldom rolls along a straight line. In order for a golfer to putt the ball into the golf cup he must first determine the break or the distance the golf ball will move from a straight lint of trajectory during its movement toward the golf cup. Failure to properly make this determination results in a missed putt and is the most frustrating thing facing the week end golfer. The invention is intended to relieve that frustration by assisting the golfer in determining the distance of break.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an assisting tool for putting a golf ball.
A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism to determine the distance of break of a properly putted golf ball.


A method for acceleration of a shaft run that a turbine, in particular a gas turbine, a generator and an excitation machine connected to one another by a common shaft, includes accelerating the turbine is accelerated using acceleration apparatus during a starting process, wherein the excitation machine is used as the acceleration apparatus. In addition, an apparatus for performing the method.

A method such as this and an apparatus such as this are known, for example, from the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,195, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Gas turbines are being used to an ever increasing extent for the generation of electrical power. In this case, the oil or gas which is burnt in the gas turbine is converted to movement energy and then, via a generator, to electrical energy. The gas turbine and the generator are in this case coupled to one another and form a shaft run. The gas turbine cannot be started until it reaches a specific rotation speed. Below this rotation speed, the shaft run must be accelerated by some other component. This component then still has to assist the gas turbine over a wide rotation speed range.
Nowadays, the generator is itself used for this starting process. In this case, the generator is used as a motor rather than as a generator. However, owing to the high regulation quality required for the starting process and owing to the load on the mains and the generator, the generator must not be connected directly to the mains. It is therefore now normal for the generator to be fed via a static frequency converter (SFC) during this process. In this case, the size of the SFC is governed in particular by the required torque at medium to high rotation speeds. In addition to this starting and acceleration apparatus, a second device is required in order to control the excitation of the generator. The generator field winding is fed either via sliprings or via a brushless excitor. In the case of brushless excitation, a second apparatus may be required for frequency conversion (in this context, see the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,195, which was cited above).
In some cases, however, the gas turbine is also started by means of an independent drive acting on the shaft. This can be achieved in various ways. In this case, by way of example, asynchronous motors are used with appropriate frequency converters.
The known solutions for this starting process have the disadvantage of the comparatively high degree of complexity. During acceleration via the generator, the frequency converter has to be matched to the voltage level of the main stator circuit, and switching means must be provided for disconnection in the generator mode. In the case of an independent drive, the mechanics of the shaft run are more complex.

Method for acceleration of a shaft run, as well as an apparatus for carrying out the method


Primary-side windings of the transformers (T1,T2,T3) are connected in parallel to each other. A switch (SW) turns on/off primary side currents of the transformers (T1,T2,T3). Each transformer (T1,T2,T3) includes a plurality of secondary-side windings.

A flyback type, a forward type, a push-pull type and a half/full bridge type are known for switching power supplies in which an input (primary side) and an output (secondary side) are insulated from each other. A transformer is used for insulation in all the types.
Particularly, a flyback power supply has a small number of components, and is used as a compact/small capacity power supply of 100 W or less in capacity. When plural secondary-side outputs are required, plural secondary-side windings are provided in a transformer according to the required number of outputs.
A power supply using a transformer having plural secondary-side windings which are provided according to the number of secondary-side outputs is called as a centralized type power supply. For example, when the number of secondary-side outputs is equal to 4, the transformer has a configuration including one primary winding and four secondary-side windings. On the other hand, a configuration including plural power supplies each of which has one output or a small number of outputs is called as a distributed type power supply (see PTL 1, for example).

Flyback power supply, inverter and electrically powered vehicle


A light-emitting device avoids a cross-talk phenomenon. The device includes a precharge controlling circuit and a precharge circuit. The precharge controlling circuit provides a precharge controlling signal in accordance with display data input from an external source. The precharge circuit applies a precharge current corresponding to display data and a scan line resistance to the data lines in accordance with the precharge controlling signal transmitted from the precharge controlling circuit. As a result, precharge current is applied to data lines according to a pixel cathode voltage, and thus cross-talk occurs is eliminated or at least substantially reduced in the device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to light-emitting devices, and more particularly to an electroluminescent device and a method of driving the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a first related-art organic electroluminescent device. This device includes a panel 100, a controlling circuit 102, a scan driving circuit 104, a discharge circuit 106, a precharge circuit 108, and a data driving circuit 110.
The panel 100 includes a plurality of sub-pixels (E11 to E44) formed in an area of crossed data lines (D1 to D4) and scan lines (S1 to S4). Each sub-pixel corresponds to a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, or a blue sub-pixel, and each pixel comprises red, green, and blue (RGB) sub-pixels.
The controlling circuit 102 receives display data input from an external source. The display data may, for example, be RGB data. Circuit 102 controls operation of the elements in the organic electroluminescent device by using the received display data. The scan driving circuit 104 is formed in one direction of the panel 100, and transmits in sequence scan signals to the scan lines (S1 to S4).
The discharge circuit 106 includes a switch (SW) and a zener diode (ZD). The switch (SW) is turned on or off by a control signal from the controlling circuit 102. For example, when the data lines (D1 to D4) are discharged, the switch (SW) is turned on. As a result, the data lines (D1 to D4) are connected to the zener diode ZD, and a charge on the data lines (D1 to D4) is discharged up to a zener voltage of the zener diode (ZD).
The precharge circuit 108 applies a precharge current corresponding to the display data to the data lines (D1 to D4) in accordance with control of the controlling circuit 102. The data driving circuit 110 applies a data current corresponding to the display data to the data lines (D1 to D4) in accordance with control of the controlling circuit 102.
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show circuits for driving the organic electroluminescent device of FIG. 1, FIG. 2C is a timing diagram showing how the pixels of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are controlled to emit light. A first resistance (RS) between the outmost sub-pixel and ground has a value of 10Ω. A second resistor (RP) between sub-pixels has a value of 2Ω. Moreover, each of pixel (E41) and pixel (E42) emits light having a brightness corresponding to the data current of 3 amps. Further, sub-pixels (E11, E21 and E31) do not emit light. In addition, each of sub-pixels (E12, E22 and E32) emit light having a brightness corresponding to the data current of 1 amp.
To cause sub-pixels E11 to E41 along scan line S1 to emit light, precharge circuit 108 applies a precharge current corresponding to the display data to the E11 to E41 sub-pixels. (See FIG. 2A.) As a result, a charge corresponding to a second voltage (V2, default precharge voltage) is precharged to the E41 sub-pixel during a first precharge time (pcha1), as shown in FIG. 2C.
Subsequently, data currents (I11 to I41), which are 0, 0, 0, and 3 amps respectively, are applied to the data lines (D1 to D4). In this case, an anode voltage (VA41) of the E41 sub-pixel is increased up to a third voltage (V3), corresponding to the sum of a cathode voltage (VC41) and a voltage of 4V corresponding to a data current of 3 amps during T1 time. Then, the anode voltage (VA41) reaches a stable third voltage (V3) after a certain time. Here, the cathode voltage (VC41) is the whole current (sum of 0, 0, 0 and 3 amps) passing through the first scan line (S1) times a resistor of the scan line (sum of 10, 2, 2 and 2Ω), i.e. 48V, and thus V3 is 52V. Accordingly, the E41 sub-pixel emits a light having gray scale corresponding to 4V, i.e., the difference between the anode voltage (VA41) and the cathode voltage (VC41).
As shown in FIG. 2B, the precharge circuit 108 applies a precharge current corresponding to the display data to the E12 to E42 sub-pixels. As a result, a charge corresponding to the second voltage (V2, default precharge voltage) is precharged to the E42 sub-pixel during a second precharge time (pcha2), as further shown in FIG. 2C.
Subsequently, data currents (I12 to I42), which respectively correspond to 1, 1, 1, and 3 amps, are applied to data lines (D1 to D4). In this case, an anode voltage (VA42) of the E42 pixel is increased up to a fourth voltage (V4) corresponding to the sum of a cathode voltage (VC42) and the voltage of 4V corresponding to the data current of 3 amps during T2 time. Then, the anode voltage (VA42) reaches a stable fourth voltage (V4) after a certain time. Here, the cathode voltage (VC42) is the whole current (sum of 1, 1, 1 and 3 amps passing through the second scan line (S2) times the resistor of the scan line (sum of 10, 2, 2 and 2Ω), i.e. 96V, and thus V4 is 100V.
In summary, the difference of the stabilized anode voltage (VA42) of the E42 sub-pixel and the precharge voltage (V2) is higher than that of the stabilized anode voltage (VA41) and the precharge voltage (V2). Hence, T2 is bigger than T1. As a result, the consumed amount of charge to stabilize anode voltage (VA42) in the E42 sub-pixel is higher than is required to stabilize anode voltage (VA41) in the E41 sub-pixel, as shown in FIG. 2C. Accordingly, the E42 sub-pixel is designed to emit light at the same gray scale level as the E41 sub-pixel, but in reality emits light having a gray scale level smaller than the E41 sub-pixel. This phenomenon is often referred to as a cross-talk phenomenon.
FIG. 3 shows a second related-art organic electroluminescent device. This device includes a panel 300, a controlling circuit 302, a first scan driving circuit 304, a second scan driving circuit 306, a discharge circuit (e.g., a circuit to ground), a precharge circuit 310, and a data driving circuit 312. (Since the elements of this embodiment except the first scan driving circuit 304 and the second scan driving circuit 306 are the same as those of the first embodiment, any further detailed descriptions concerning the same elements will be omitted.)
The first scan driving circuit 304 transmits first scan signals to one group of scan lines (S1 and S3) in one direction of the panel. The second driving circuit 306 transmits second scan signals to remaining ones of the scan lines (S2 and S4) in other direction of the panel. As in the first related-art organic electroluminescent device, the cross-talk phenomenon occurs in the second related-art organic electroluminescent device. Also, the light-emitting process in the second device is similar to the device, and thus any further detailed descriptions concerning the process will be omitted.

Light-emitting device and method of driving the same


The present invention relates to content addressable memory (CAM), particularly, to a CAM having its memory array, which contains a plurality of memory locations, being divided into at least a first and a second memory block (100, 102), whereby the first and second memory block (100, 102) are formed by a first and second portion of each of said memory locations, respectively. The CAM further comprises a first set of compare lines (115) and a first set-of match lines (116) associated to said first memory block (100), and a second set of compare lines (117) and a second set of match lines (118) associated to said second memory block (102), and pre-charge units (112, 114) for charging said match lines before a comparison operation. The present invention provides an improved CAM which allows flagging of memory locations of which the content only partially matches a given comparison value. This is achieved by a CAM according to the above features using the pre-charge state of the match lines (116, 118) as a logically valid state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to semiconductor memory, and more specifically relates to providing an improved content addressable memory (CAM).
2. Background of the Invention
Content addressable memory, also called xe2x80x9cassociative memoryxe2x80x9d, is a type of storage device which includes comparison logic with each bit of storage. A data value is broadcast to all words of storage and compared with the data values in storage. Words that match are flagged in some way. Subsequent operations can then work on flagged words, e.g., read the flagged words out one at a time or write to certain bit positions in all of the flagged words. A CAM can thus operate as a data parallel processor, also referred to as SIMD processor (Single Instruction/Multiple Data). Moreover, content addressable memories are often used in caches and memory management units.
The content addressable memory described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,324 has two memory arrays D0xe2x80x2 and D1xe2x80x2 to store all memory locations. The memory array D0xe2x80x2 contains two blocks D00 and D10. The block D00 stores the bit positions 0 to 11 of a first portion of the memory locations, whereas the block D10 stores the bit positions 0 to 11 of a second portion of the memory locations. The memory array D1xe2x80x2 contains blocks D01 and D11, which store the bit positions 12 to 23 of the first and the second portion of the memory locations, respectively. A location with a width of 24 bits is therefore divided into two halves in the described CAM.
The memory arrays D0xe2x80x2 and D1xe2x80x2 are each electrically linked through bit line drivers and write heads S0xe2x80x2 and S with the input lines B0 to B11 and compare lines CD0 to CD1, and with the input lines B12 to B23 and the compare lines CD12 to CD23, respectively. A read/write memory block E0xe2x80x2 belongs to the memory array D0xe2x80x2, whereas a read/write memory block E1xe2x80x2 belongs to the memory array D1xe2x80x2. The read/write memory blocks E0xe2x80x2 and E1xe2x80x2 have both an enable circuit, which allows writing in a read/write cell of one of the blocks E0xe2x80x2 or E1xe2x80x2. Each of the blocks D00, D01, D10 and D11 is linked through corresponding match lines MATCH00, MATCH01, MATCH10 and MATCH11 with an enable circuits. Each location having 12-bit positions of one of the blocks D00, D0, D10 and D11 thereby has a separate match line.
The match lines MATCH00 and MATCH01 , or MATCH10 and MATCH11, are linked logically in an AND-operation in the enable circuits. Only when both of the match lines MATCH00 and MATCH01, or MATCH10 and MATCH11, indicate that the corresponding bit positions of the comparison data on the match line correspond to those bits stored in the blocks of a data word, the corresponding enable circuit gets activated for that location in the blocks in which the agreement was determined. The information of the agreement of the comparison data and a stored data word is then flagged by writing into a corresponding read/write cell of one of the read/write blocks E0xe2x80x2 or E1xe2x80x2. This information can then be read out through output lines Out0 and Out1 which are linked with the read/write blocks E0xe2x80x2 or E1xe2x80x2 through output drivers. The enable circuit, the logical AND-operation of the match lines and the read/write cell of the memory block E0xe2x80x2 is implemented for each memory location of the CAM.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved content addressable memory which will flag memory locations of which the content only partially matches a given comparison value.
A content addressable memory according to the present invention has at least one memory array having a number of memory locations. Each memory location has a predetermined number of memory cells, whereby each memory cell is able to store 1 bit of information. In the case of the memory locations having 16 memory cells, then each memory location is able to store 16 bits of information. Although 16 memory cells might form one memory location, this does not necessarily mean that all 16 memory cells forming one memory location have to be positioned adjacent to each other. It might rather be advantageous, e.g., for wiring reasons, to place memory cells side by side that belong to different memory locations.
The memory array is divided into at least a first memory block and a second memory block. It is acknowledged that, without departing from the spirit of the invention, the memory array might also be divided into more than two separate memory blocks. The first memory block is formed by a first portion of each of the memory locations and a second memory block is formed by a second portion of each of the memory locations. In other words, one part of the memory cells, e.g., the memory cells representing the lower 8 bits of the memory locations, are grouped to form the first memory block and another part of the memory cells, e.g., the memory cells representing the upper 8 bits of the memory locations, are grouped to form the second memory block.
The content addressable memory according to the present invention also has a first set and a second set of compare lines which are associated to the first and the second memory block, respectively. Compare lines are generally used to apply comparison values-to comparison units, one of which is associated to each memory cell. For example, the compare line carrying the compare signal representing the reference value of bit position 3 is connected to all comparison units associated to memory cells storing the bit position 3 in a memory location. Thus, there are as many logically different compare lines as there are bit positions in one memory location. However, physically there might be a higher number due to wiring constraints.
Furthermore, the content addressable memory includes a first and a second set of match lines, whereas the first set of match lines is associated to the first memory block, and the second set of match lines is associated to the second memory block. A match line generally combines the output of all comparison units belonging to one memory location. However, since, according to the present invention, each memory location is divided into at least two portions, two times as many match lines as there are memory locations are distinguished.
Pre-charge units are provided for charging the match lines before a comparison operation. For performance reason the content-addressable memory according to the present invention is implemented using dynamic logic. Therefore, pre-charging of the match lines is necessary. The pre-charging brings the match line into a high-level state. During the following comparison operation, the match line keeps its high-level state if all bit positions of a memory location correspond to the respective bit positions of the comparison value. In case there is only one mismatch, the level of the match line is pulled down to a low-level state. The pre-charge units may be combined with other units, e.g., with a comparison unit, or may be distributed, e.g., parts connected to the match line, whereas other parts might be connected to the comparison unit. The pre-charge units may even not directly cause the match line to go into the pre-charge-state, as it will be apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment below.
In order to allow that a match of only a subset of all bit positions of a memory location with the respective comparison value generates a match signal, the results of the comparison of the first memory block and the result of the comparison of the second memory block are logically combined. In the above example, in which a 16 bit wide memory location is divided into a lower and an upper 8 bit portion, a partial match of either the lower 8 bits or the upper 8 bits might generate a match signal, depending on how the results of both comparisons are combined. In the case of only the upper 8 bits are required to match, the result of the lower 8 bits may be neglected. This can be implemented by a combination logic being present for each pair of match lines, whereby the combination logic is controlled by select signals indicating which portion of the contents of a memory location must match.
Alternatively, the content addressable memory uses the pre-charge state of the match lines as a logically valid state, which leads advantageously to a reduction in the number of physical conductor lines which have to be provided in the circuit layout.
In a preferred embodiment of the content addressable memory according to the present invention, a first select signal line, a first functional unit, a second select signal line and a second functional unit are provided, whereby the first select signal line is connected to an input terminal of the first functional unit and the second select signal line is connected to an input terminal of the second functional unit. The functional units determine under which circumstances the comparison of one or the other memory block gets neglected. Of course, there is still the possibility that the whole content of a memory location has to match to the reference value. The state in which both comparison results are ignored might be used as a xe2x80x98general resetxe2x80x99 for output registers or latches storing the result of a comparison.
Furthermore, the output of the first functional unit is connected to the pre-charge units associated to the first memory block and, correspondingly, the output of the second functional unit is connected to the pre-charge units associated to the second memory block.
In addition, the functional units are configured to keep the respectively connected pre-charge units in a pre-charged state during the comparison operation when the associated select signal line shows a predetermined level. In other words, when a comparison of one memory block needs to be ignored, then the match line is forced by the functional unit and the pre-charge unit to the stay in the pre-charge state also during the comparison phase. Thus, according to the present invention, the precharge state is under certain conditions considered to be the valid logical state representing a match of all bit positions of the respective memory block. Therefore, if the comparison of a portion of bit positions that has to be ignored behave as if it was a match condition, only a mismatch in a bit position of the other portion could cause an overall mismatch. Hence, the match line pairs may be connected to each other without providing a combination logic for each pair of match lines. Instead, only one functional unit is needed for each memory block, i.e., two functional units for the example above.
In another preferred embodiment, the compare lines are connected to respective pre-charge units associated with the related match line. In addition, each pre-charge unit may have two output lines and may be configured to generate a true-signal and a complement-signal formed from the respective compare line signal when the output signal of the associated functional unit has a first level, and may generate the same signal on both output lines when the output signal of the associated functional unit has a second level.
Each functional unit may have other input terminals connected to a clock signal line. Advantageously, each functional unit may be configured to generate an output signal of a first level causing the respective pre-charge units to stay in a pre-charge state when the respective select signal has a predetermined level, independent from the clock signal level.

International Business Machines Corporation


A method includes producing a flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff and then exposing the flowing sheet of material to a processing fluid in at least one of the major surfaces of the sheet. The transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of material may be generally equal to a dimension of the foodstuff pieces making up the comminuted foodstuff. The processing fluid may enter the sheet of material through one or both of the opposing surfaces used to form the sheet. Discrete openings may be formed through a wall of material used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material, and the processing fluid may be applied through such discrete openings. The processing fluid may also be applied through a porous and permeable material included in, or making up, a wall used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material.

Certain food processing operations require adding processing fluids to a foodstuff. U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,795, for example, discloses a method using ammonia and/or carbon dioxide to modify the pH of a meat product. The treatment disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,795 has been shown to decrease pathogenic microbe content in meat products. U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,838 also discloses a process in which a pH modifying material such as gaseous or aqueous ammonia is applied to meat products as part of an overall process that includes freezing and physically manipulating the pH modified meat product.
Treatment processes that expose foodstuffs to a processing fluid may require a controlled and consistent application of the processing fluid. Depending upon the treatment process, underexposure may not provide the desired results, while overexposure to the processing fluid may produce undesirable results. In the pH adjustment processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,871,795 and 6,389,838 for example, portions of the meat product being treated may be overexposed to the pH adjusting fluid while other portions of the meat product may be exposed to very little or none of the pH adjusting fluid. The overexposed portions may absorb sufficient adjusting fluid to affect the taste of the treated product and to produce a residual pH adjusting material odor. Underexposed portions of the meat product may not exhibit the desired pathogenic microbe inhibiting effect.

Method for exposing comminuted foodstuffs to a processing fluid


A digital signal processor includes an up-sampling module that samples an input signal and generates up-sampling points. A natural sampling module includes a reference signal generation module that generates a reference signal. A crossing point detection module receives the up-sampling points and the reference signal and uses interpolation to detect intersection points of the input signal and the reference signal. The crossing point detection module determines values of the input signal at first and second evaluation times. The crossing point detection module estimates a current intersection point of the input signal and the reference signal as an intersection of the reference signal and a line that extends between first and second points on the input signal that correspond with the first and second evaluation times. A frequency of the reference signal is variable and a current switching period of the reference signal is not equal to a previous switching period.

Amplifiers are typically used to amplify low-level audio signals in order to drive audio speakers such as headphones, loudspeakers, and/or other audio devices. Class-D amplifiers have a relatively high efficiency and are particularly applicable to portable audio devices. However, Class-D amplifiers are also used in non-portable audio applications. Class-D amplifiers include power transistors that are operated in either a fully-on or a fully-off state. A Class-D amplifier generates an amplified binary signal that conveys the same information as a digital input signal.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary Class-D amplifier 10 includes a digital signal processor (DSP) 12 that receives a digital audio input signal. The DSP 12 amplifies the input signal and generates a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal based on the input signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the amplifier 10 is a tri-state amplifier 10, and the PWM signal consists of three values. For example, the values may be −1, 0, and +1. A sourcing transistor 14, a sinking transistor 16, and a ground transistor 18 all receive the PWM signal. The sourcing transistor 14 communicates with a positive supply potential Vdd, the sinking transistor 16, and the ground transistor 18. The sinking transistor 16 communicates with a negative supply potential −Vdd, the sourcing transistor 14, and the ground transistor 18. The ground transistor 18 communicates with a ground potential, the sourcing transistor 14, and the sinking transistor 16.
The PWM waveform functions as a digital control signal that switches the sourcing and sinking transistors 14 and 16, respectively, on and off based on the amplitude of the input signal. The gain of the amplifier 10 is adjusted by varying the value of the positive and negative supply potentials. The sourcing and sinking transistors 14 and 16, respectively, generate a high-power version of the PWM waveform, which includes components of the input signal as well as components resulting from the PWM conversion process. Therefore, a low-pass filter 20 receives the amplified PWM waveform. The low-pass filter 20 outputs lower frequency signals while restricting higher frequency signals. The low-pass filter 20 also has the effect of smoothing transitions in the amplified PWM waveform.
The filtered waveform is received by a load 22 that communicates with a ground potential. For example, the load 22 may be an audio speaker. The ground transistor 18 is turned on in order to ground the common node between the sourcing and sinking transistors 14 and 16, respectively, the ground transistor 18, and the low-pass filter 20. In the event that the low-pass filter 20 includes one or more inductors, the ground transistor 18 provides a ground path to discharge the inductors. This prevents adverse effects to the amplifier circuit 10 that may be caused by the inductors remaining in a charged state.
The DSP 12 includes a sawtooth generator 28 that generates a sawtooth reference signal 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the DSP utilizes the sawtooth reference signal 30 to sample a digital audio input signal 32. A frequency of the sawtooth waveform 30 determines a sampling rate for the input signal 32. The DSP 12 detects intersection points of the input signal 32 and the ramp portions of the sawtooth waveform 30. The intersection points are converted into a PWM waveform 34. The PWM waveform 34 includes positive pulses 36 and negative pulses 38. The amplitudes of the pulses 36 and 38 are equal to the supply potential of the amplifier 10.
Intersection points that are located below zero are converted into negative pulses 38 in the PWM waveform 34. Intersection points that are located above zero are converted into positive pulses 34. Positive pulses 36 begin at reference times of the sawtooth waveform 30. For example, the reference times may occur at points where the ramp portions of the sawtooth waveform 30 are equal to zero. Positive pulses 36 end at respective intersection points of the input signal 32 and the sawtooth waveform 30. Negative pulses 38 begin at intersection points that are located below zero and end at respective reference times of the sawtooth waveform 30. This results in the PWM waveform 34, which exhibits one of three states.
In one approach, DSPs 12 for Class-D digital power amplifiers 10 generate the PWM waveform 36 by comparing the digital input audio signal 32 and the sawtooth waveform 30. However, the DSP 12 may also include an up-sampling module that adjusts a frequency at which the input signal 32 is sampled. In this case, the up-sampling module generates sampling points, which makes it difficult to compare the input signal 32 and the sawtooth waveform 30. Also, an abundance of near zero amplitudes at intersection points of the input signal 32 and sawtooth waveform 30 may adversely affect analog circuitry in the amplifier 10.

Natural sampling for a digital Class-D power amplifier


A solar cell wafer having a porous layer on a surface of a semiconductor wafer typified by a silicon wafer, which can further reduce reflection loss of light at the surface. A solar cell wafer 100 of the present invention has a porous layer 11 having a pore diameter of 10 nm or more and 45 nm or less, on at least one surface 10A of a semiconductor wafer 10, and the layer thickness of the porous layer 11 is more than 50 nm and 450 nm or less.

In general, a solar cell is formed using a semiconductor wafer typified by a silicon wafer. In order to enhance the conversion efficiency of a solar cell, it is necessary to reduce light reflected by a light receiving surface of the solar cell and light transmitted by the solar cell. In order to improve the conversion efficiency, for example, in a case where a crystalline solar cell is fabricated using a silicon wafer, since silicon wafers transmit low percentage of visible light which contributes to photoelectric conversion; consideration should be given to reduction of reflection loss of visible light at the silicon wafer surface serving as the light receiving surface and effective confinement of incident light into the solar cell.
Techniques for reducing reflection loss of incident light at a silicon wafer surface include a technique of forming an antireflection film on the surface and a technique of forming irregular features such as a so-called textured structure having pyramid-shaped micro recesses and micro protrusions. The method of forming a textured structure on the surface, of the latter technique, is a method suitable for single crystal silicon, which is typified by a method of etching a (100) single crystal silicon surface with an alkaline solution. This method makes use of etching using alkali which causes slower etching rate on the (111) face than on the (100) face and the (110) face. Further, as the latter technique, a technique of reducing reflection loss of incident light by making a silicon surface porous to form irregular features on the surface has been proposed in recent years.
PTL 1 (JP 06-169097A) discloses a method of forming many micropores on a surface of a single crystal silicon substrate by anodization in which electric current is flown in hydrofluoric acid using the single crystal silicon substrate as an anode and Pt as a cathode. PTL 2 (JP 2004-5063301) discloses a method of forming a porous layer having many regular pores in the direction perpendicular to the wafer surface by reactive ion etching (RIE).
PTL 3 (JP 2007-194485A) discloses a method of forming, on a silicon substrate surface on which a micron-size textured structure has been formed, more microscopic irregularities of the submicron order by coating the surface with metal particles by electroless plating, and then etching the substrate with a mixed aqueous solution of an oxidant and hydrofluoric acid. Specifically, the alkali textured p-type single crystal silicon substrate is dipped in an aqueous solution containing silver perchlorate and sodium hydroxide to form silver microparticles on its surface. After that, the substrate is dipped in a mixed solution of a hydrogen peroxide solution, hydrofluoric acid, and water, thereby forming irregularities of the submicron order.

Solar cell wafer and method of producing the same


A vehicle has a forward end fashioned with a vehicle arresting device. The vehicle arresting device includes an elongate flexible member carried by opposed first and second supports having first and second outer ends, respectively. The first and second supports are mounted to the vehicle together for movement between stored and deployed positions relative to the forward end of the vehicle. The first and second outer ends of the first and second supports are disposed forwardly of the forward end of the vehicle in spaced apart relation in the deployed position of the first and second supports suspending the elongate flexible member therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicles arresting devices and methods.
2. Related Art and Prior Art Statement
Research into the realm of police pursuits is fraught with many complex, often conflicting methodologies and ending results. Some projects indicate that police pursuits are highly dangerous and in need of better supervisory and administrative control, while others maintain that pursuits are not unduly dangerous and constitute an integral and necessary component of police duties. Struggling to come to terms with the many intricate scholarly research endeavors in this area, along with the variety of legal discussions so often occurring as a result of a pursuit gone awry, is the police administrator. Ultimately, it remains the responsibility of the policy writers and administrators to devise effective and efficient policy with regard to police vehicular pursuits. Only through improving written policy will negative outcomes of police pursuits such as accidents, injuries, fatalities, and litigation wane.
Regardless of the policy, legal, and intellectual considerations of police pursuits, every year as many as 400 people are killed during vehicular police pursuits in the United States. Many of those killed during vehicular police pursuits are simply innocent bystanders, such as pedestrians and drivers and passengers of other vehicles not involved in the pursuit. If the number of needless injuries and fatalities that occur during vehicular police pursuits are to be reduced, police vehicles must be equipped with vehicle arresting devices capable of easily and efficiently arresting pursued vehicles before the pursuit gets out of control or results needless death or serious injury. Although skilled artisans have directed considerable attention and resources toward vehicle arresting devices, the art suffers in that most are difficult to construct, difficult to install onto police cruisers, impracticable, expensive, and, most importantly, unsafe. Given these and other deficiencies in the art, the need for continued improvement in the art of vehicle arresting devices is evident.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A method includes obtaining a reservoir model for a subsurface reservoir, identifying a current state of the subsurface reservoir using the reservoir model, and a computer processor selecting an optimization function from multiple optimization functions according to the current state of the reservoir to obtain a selected optimization function. The method further includes the computer processor calculating valve positions of physical devices using the selected optimization function. The valve positions are implemented.

Computer systems are used for a variety of technological fields in order to model various aspects of a technology. For example, one use of computer systems is to model underground formations and model the extraction of hydrocarbons. Specifically, sensors at the oilfield gather large volumes of data. The sensors send the large volumes of data to the computer system. Through the various techniques of mathematical modeling and simulations, the computer system attempts to create an optimal design for extracting hydrocarbons. A challenge exists to manage the amount of data that the computer system receives, the execution times, and the various timing requirements for returning a result. Often, the computer system is inefficient when performing the modeling and generating a result. Inefficiency causes delay or more computing resources to be used.

Method and system for reactively defining valve settings


Non-petroleum based oils replace traditional process oils used in rubber compositions in general and specifically in footwear applications. The replacement oils, derived from plant or animal sources, represent a renewable resource and provide other advantages. The oils contain a sufficient level and distribution of fatty acid side chains to partially incorporate into the rubber at low levels, and to act as internal plasticizers at higher levels. Other compositions are free of silane coupling agents and additives that generate carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Synthetic and natural rubbers have a variety of unique and useful physical properties. In an uncured or natural state, such materials generally exhibit properties that are less than optimal for everyday or industrial use. Accordingly, rubber compositions are generally reacted with crosslinkers such as those containing sulfur or peroxides in order to cure the rubber. In general, heat is applied to a rubber composition during a molding operation to produce molded articles having desired physical properties.
Athletic footwear have rubber outsoles that meet a variety of performance specifications. The outsoles are generally prepared from silica filled rubber compositions by heating the compositions for suitable times and temperatures in compression molds. To compatibilize the rubber resins with the filler and improve the physical properties, silane coupling agents are commonly used.
Typical rubber compounds require the use of a process oil to facilitate both compounding and processing. As a rule, the process oils come from petroleum. As such, they represent a non-renewable resource, and can contain a variety of potentially harmful components such as aromatic compounds. The process oils may be hydrotreated to remove at least a large portion of the aromatic compounds; however such a hydrotreatment step adds increased costs.
Under some manufacturing conditions it is economically feasible to replace petroleum based components in a rubber composition with components from renewable sources. For example, it has been proposed to replace mineral oil in tires with vegetable oil at relatively high levels in order to produce tires having a greater proportion of renewable resources that have an acceptable rolling resistance. Under other conditions, it is desirable to reduce or completely eliminate the level of certain processing agents such as silanes in rubber compositions. It has been found that the use of low levels of a non-petroleum oil in rubber compositions leads to the use of a greater amount of renewable resources in the compositions, and can provide other health and technological benefits.

Rubber compositions with non-petroleum oils