A method is disclosed for controlling an engine assembly comprising an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas treatment apparatus. The aftertreatment assembly may require cleaning from time to time, and where this involves active thermal management of the aftertreatment assembly, the method involves performing the following steps: (a) imposing a first limit on engine speed; (b) awaiting an engine safe state; and (c) implementing a cleaning process comprising: (i) injecting fuel into the engine such that the fuel passes through the engine without combusting for the fuel to combust in the diesel oxidation catalyst so as to target an increase in exhaust gas temperature in the diesel oxidation catalyst; and (ii) removing the first limit on engine speed and targeting an engine speed set point, wherein the engine speed set point is at a higher speed than the first limit on engine speed.

An exhaust gas treatment apparatus may comprise a plurality of modules, wherein each module is intended to treat one or more constituents of an exhaust gas. The modules may be arranged in series such that exhaust gas flows through each module in sequence. The exhaust gas treatment apparatus may comprise a first aftertreatment module comprising a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) module and a second aftertreatment module downstream of the first aftertreatment module. The second aftertreatment module may comprise a diesel particulate filter (DPF) module and/or a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module. Where the second aftertreatment module comprises both a DPF module and an SCR module, the SCR module may be downstream of the DPF module.
The diesel oxidation catalyst module may cause constituents of exhaust gas to oxidise. The diesel particulate filter module, where present, may filter soot from exhaust gas in order to prevent that soot from being released to atmosphere. The SCR module, where present, may cause NOx present in the exhaust gas to undergo a chemical reaction with ammonia to produce Nitrogen and water.
Achieving and maintaining an appropriate temperature in each module may be important for achieving a desired result.
In order to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas before it reaches the second aftertreatment module, it is known to use the diesel oxidation catalyst module to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas passing through it in order to increase the temperature of exhaust gas arriving downstream of the diesel oxidation catalyst. This may be achieved by introducing unburnt fuel upstream of the diesel oxidation catalyst module for oxidation in the diesel oxidation catalyst thereby to increase the temperature of the exhaust gas leaving the diesel oxidation catalyst module.
Accordingly, in addition to injection of fuel for combustion, fuel may be injected into one or more of the cylinders of the engine as a post combustion event with the intention that the fuel passes out of the one or more cylinders without oxidising. This fuel may oxidise in the diesel oxidation catalyst module and thereby increase temperature of exhaust gas therein. Injection of fuel in this way may be termed HC dosing.
Performance of the diesel particulate filter module, where present, may be influenced by an amount of soot trapped in the diesel particulate filter module. Strategies, known as regeneration or cleaning strategies, may be employed to seek to reduce the amount of soot trapped in the diesel particulate filter module. Such strategies may include techniques for ensuring that soot combusts within the diesel particulate filter module as and when appropriate. For example, combustion may be promoted by an increase in temperature within the diesel particulate filter module.
It may be that an amount of soot trapped in the diesel particulate filter module may affect performance of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus and, in turn, engine performance. For example, where a large amount of soot is trapped in the diesel particulate filter module, backpressure caused by the trapped soot may affect engine performance.
Performance of an SCR module, where present, may also be influenced by a build-up of deposits within the SCR module which may be reduced or managed by appropriate thermal management of the exhaust gas passing through the SCR module.
Having an appropriate hierarchy of regeneration/cleaning strategies may improve the performance of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus. Furthermore, it may reduce machine downtime. Moreover, it may increase service intervals.
Cleaning strategies may be divided into two types of cleaning strategy. A first type of strategy may involve taking steps that affect the performance of an engine below a threshold that would be likely to have a significant impact on a user of the engine. A second type of strategy may be more substantial such that they may not be possible to implement whilst allowing a user to continue using the engine for useful work. For the purposes of distinguishing between the first and second types of cleaning strategy, for simplicity, this document refers to strategies of the first type as minor cleaning strategies and strategies of the second type as major cleaning strategies. The terms minor and major in this context are simply labelling terms and should not be understood as implying absolute requirements of the magnitude of the cleaning that is achieved.

Method of controlling operation of an exhaust gas treatment apparatus


A system to provide a two piece robust fluid injector. According to various embodiments, the fluid injector is a fuel injector for a combustion engine. The injector includes two coaxially formed annuluses. One annulus is formed in a face plate and the second annulus or hole is defined by a tube extending through the face plate. The tube extends through the face plate in a portion of a through bore which also is used to define the second annulus. The second annulus is formed using a throughbore through which the tube extends. This allows the second annulus to always be formed inherently and precisely substantially coaxial with the first annulus. Moreover, the second annulus can be formed with a much greater tolerance than if other independent components needed to be added.

In a gas combustion engine a fuel is generally combusted with an oxidizer. Both the fuel and the oxidizer are provided to a combustion chamber where the combustion occurs. The combustion may either be caused by an ignition spark or some other means for igniting the mixture.
One system for providing the fuel and oxidizer to a combustion chamber involves providing a fuel inlet and an oxidizer inlet. In these cases, the fuel and oxidizer are provided through separate inlets or ports to the combustion chamber. The fuel inlet and the oxidizer inlet are generally oriented such that the flow of fuel and flow of oxidizer will interfere with one another to substantially intermix before combustion occurs.
In engines that include dense injector layouts or high outputs, the fuel inlet portion and the oxidizer inlet portion may be substantially coaxial. Therefore, the fuel and the oxidizer are provided along a substantially similar axis with an injector element. For example, concentric annuluses are formed where an inner annulus provides the oxidizer, while an outer annulus, substantially surrounding and coaxial with the first annulus, provides the fuel. As the oxidizer and fuel exit their respective ports, shear forces between the two flows are created and cause the fuel and oxidizer to substantially mix. After mixing, combustion occurs to produce the energy required.
One application for such a high output engine is a rocket engine. One example of a coaxial injector element for a rocket engine includes a central oxidizer post or tube, which forms the oxidizer inlet, fitted into a bore of a faceplate. An annulus is formed around the oxidizer tube and a fuel sleeve or face nut is placed into the bore to provide the dimensions of the fuel inlet. These systems are generally complex because they require an additional component to form the injector system. In addition, the face nuts and fuel sleeves are generally centered and aligned from the oxidizer post. Thus, the oxidizer post must be substantially fixed prior to the installation of the face nut or fuel sleeve. Moreover, the fuel sleeves add an additional complex machined component. In addition, the face nut cannot survive the demanding thermal environment in some systems. Further disadvantages of these two systems include that they are not easily scaled down for smaller or more compact injector systems and engines. Machining these components becomes significantly more complex and costly at smaller and smaller tolerances and sizes.
Another example of a coaxial injector provides centering elements on the oxidizer post itself. Features or tabs are included on the oxidizer post that engage features or detents on the face plate to insure a proper alignment and centering of the oxidizer post. This system generally results in high injector post costs, while also making it more difficult to place the tabs properly on the oxidizer post as the oxidizer post size is reduced. The tabs must be precisely placed on the post because they are the only alignment means of the post.
In a coaxial injector system, the flow rate of the fuel and the oxidizer are controlled by selecting appropriate annulus sizes and ratios of the fuel annulus size relative to the oxidizer annulus size. Moreover, precise placement of the oxidizer tube is desired so that the proper quantities of oxidizer and fuel are provided at the injection plane to allow a substantially complete and quick combustion. Therefore, it is desired to provide a system that allows for precise tolerancing of the injector flow features while decreasing the complexity and cost of the injector system. Also a system is desired that is substantially robust so that it remains in alignment during use in rigorous applications, such as in an application as a rocket engine.

Method and apparatus for a substantially coaxial injector element


An image animation method implementable in software includes: fitting a fitting model to at least an object in the image, and animating the object in accordance with a corresponding animation model, where the fitting model is at least as rigid as the animation model, and the animation model is no more rigid than the fitting model.

A variety of web-based interactive photo-animation applications are available on the Internet. There are several types of these applications, each purporting to provide one or more services such as: "Easy Animation", "On-Line Animation", "One-Touch Animation", "Make your own animation", "Creation of Avatars", "Photo-Realistic Animations", "Photo-Realistic Avatars." Existing web-based interactive photo-animation applications may be categorized as follows:
Facial cut out applications provide interactive options to cut out the face of a character on a photo uploaded by a user. This face is then inserted into a pre-prepared animation or video clip. Examples of such applications are available over the Internet from JibJab Media Inc. and Gizmoz Inc., both of the United States.
Redressing applications provide interactive options to customize a cartoon animated character. A user can create customizable characters by choosing eyes, hair, and skin tone as well as shirt, pants, shoes and other accessories. An example of such an application is "Zwinky", available from IAC Search and Media in the United States.
"Image-me" from the United States provides an online tool to generate a speaking myspace avatar from a face photo. "Sitepal" (http://www.sitepal.com/) provides customized (cartoon-like) speaking avatars to be inserted into commercial sites. With these applications the user can also choose eyes, hair, skin tone as well as shirt, pants, shoes and other accessories. In addition, photo images can also be transformed into speaking avatars.
A number of web-based applications are available for the production of limited animation clips. Such applications typically provide users with choices for the background and the addition of library characters and artifacts which can be interactively translated and rotated. Examples of such applications are "Fluxtime" (http://www.fluxtime.com/index.php) and "Animasher" (http://www.animasher.com).
There are also some Web tools for "morphing" and "merging". These tools allow the user to produce animation clips presenting the morphing of a character's face, or merging two faces or objects into a single image. Examples of such tools are "Fantamorph" (http://www.fantamorph.com/), "Funmorph" (http://www.funmorph.com/), and "FaceFun" (http://www.dolsoft.com/Product/DownloadFaceFun.htm). Some of these tools provide a limited control of facial expressions, for example, "Cartoon.Pho.to" (http://cartoon.pho.to/).
Interactive video-clip applications utilize pre-prepared combinations of video-clips in order to provide a user with interactive choices of actors, scenario, etc. For example, the site "KnickerPicker, online dressing room" (http://www.knickerpicker.com) proposes an online dressing room where the user can pick the most appropriate photo-model and then to "redress" her according to the selling suggestions.
PCT application IL2008/001205, assigned to the common assignees of the current invention, describes a system and method for the modelization of objects in images that provides solutions for automatic and interactive fitting of image objects with relatively complicated models such as typical human models.

Animation of photo-images via fitting of combined models


A railcar presence detector including magnetic field sensors spaced along the length of a rail track for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects, such as railcars, passing along the rail track. Each of the magnetic field sensors generates an output signal that is received by a control unit. The control unit compares the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to a detection threshold and controls the position of a contact member dependent upon the comparison between the output signal and the detection threshold. Each of the magnetic field sensors includes a test device that is selectively operable to modify the magnetic field near the magnetic field sensor to test the operation of the magnetic field sensor. During operation of the system including the magnetic field sensor, the control unit can automatically activate the test device to assure that each of the magnetic field sensors are operating properly.

The present invention generally relates to a control system for detecting the presence of a railcar along a length of track. More specifically, the present invention relates to a presence detector that includes a plurality of magnetic field sensors that each detect the presence of a railcar on a length of track and includes components for calibrating the output signal from each of the magnetic field sensors to adjust for the earth's magnetic fields in the location near the magnetic field sensor.
Since the inception of railroads, the control of trains along tracks, and specifically along the multiple parallel, closely spaced tracks typically included in rail yards, has been a priority and concern to prevent injury and damage. Part of the process of controlling the movement of trains through a rail yard requires the need for the automatic detection of railcars along each two-rail track included in the rail yard. Since many switching and arresting devices are automatically controlled in a rail yard, identifying the presence of railcars along the individual tracks is imperative to prevent collision and derailment.
Early detection devices oftentimes utilized pressure switches that operated upon movement of a track section due to the train weight and/or electrical contact switches that are operated through conduction of the train wheels. Although these prior systems provided some type of indication of a railcar presence, the systems included numerous drawbacks, which are primarily focused upon the operation of the pressure or conductive switches utilized along the length of the rail.
Another type of detector that has also been used to detect railcars within a rail yard utilizes photoelectric detectors to detect the presence of a railcar along a length of track. Although photoelectric detectors operate well in perfect conditions, the detectors oftentimes need to be calibrated or cleaned to remove dirt or snow that can block the photo detectors.
A presently available and commonly utilized railcar detector utilizes a continuous inductive coil buried beneath the rail track that includes multiple windings of an electrically conductive material. As the railcar passes over the coil of wire, the changing magnetic field created by the ferromagnetic material from the railcar changes the electrical current generated within the inductive coil. Thus, a change in the voltage from the inductive coil resulted in a train presence signal. Although this type of train detector system works fairly well, damage to any portion of the inductive coil results in failure of the entire detection system. Following such damage, repair personnel must initially identify the damage to the coil and subsequently replace the damaged area. The identification and repair of the damaged section of the sensing coil required both highly trained personnel and a significant amount of down time within the rail yard.
Therefore, a need exists for a railcar presence detector that is both robust and easily repairable to detect the presence of railcars along rail tracks within a rail yard. A need exists for such a system that can both accurately detect the railcar and provide a failsafe mode of operation to prevent damage and/or derailment of railcars within the rail yard.


A differential assembly includes an electrically operated input device and a first planetary assembly in driving engagement with the input device. The first planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary assembly is in driving engagement with the first planetary assembly and the second planetary assembly is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The first planetary assembly co-acts with the second planetary assembly to provide substantially the same torque to the first and second output assemblies and the first and second planetary assemblies include axes of rotation substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the input device.

It is known to employ a pair of planetaries to provide differential drive respectively to a pair of output assemblies such as ground engaging wheels or a continuous belt or track. The planetaries may be arranged such that their respective sun gears are driven by a common drive member or shaft. The main drive source, typically a drive shaft propelled by an internal combustion engine, may be in mesh with a ring gear of one of the planetaries through multiple gear assemblies to provide directionality and gear reduction. Typically, the drive source includes a rotational axis perpendicularly located relative the rotational axis of a driven axle or output which is commonly referred to as a "cross-drive". For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,840 issued to Winzeler, having an issue date of Nov. 9, 1982 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,644 issued to Coutant, having an issue date of Jan. 3, 1984 which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, show differential assemblies having a pair of planetary assemblies driven in a cross-drive orientation. In operation, the planetary assemblies are in continuous driving engagement through a common shaft.
However, electrically driven powertrain systems may provide additional advantages since the drive source has been integrated into the differential to desirably reduce losses caused by the cross-drive connection, in addition to providing a more compact powertrain assembly. Additionally, there are also significant cost benefits of such an integrated arrangement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,387 issued to Janiszewski provides an electric motor driving an axle through multiple, stacked and interconnected assemblies including a two-speed reducer, a reduction planetary and a bevel-gear nest.
Moreover, differential assemblies, by nature, are configured to transfer torque substantially equally between the outputs. For example, on a ground-engaging machine the torque generated by the drive source is transported to the wheels. However, known differentials transmit torque to the wheels regardless of wheel speed and are thus prone to wheel slippage especially at low speeds. On construction machines such as a wheel loader, such wheel slippage is typical as the machine is maneuvered to fill its bucket, for example. If a wheel slips a portion of the traction may be lost corresponding to an inefficient operation. Such events are time consuming, and significantly increase the operational costs associated with increased fuel usage, increased machine maintenance and increased time to complete the required task.
Therefore, it is desired to provide an inexpensive and compact differential assembly which, when operated, exhibits a reduction in losses between the drive source and the final drive assemblies, and additionally does not include significantly expensive componentry. Further, it is desired to provide a differential which limits wheel slippage to increase efficiency and enhance maneuverability.

Method and apparatus for an electric drive differential system


An integrated circuit, in which the influence of parasitic capacitance between a semiconductor substrate and a resistor and between the semiconductor substrate and a capacitor can be inhibited, and a DC-DC converter provided with the integrated circuit. A shielding layer of an n-type semiconductor is formed between a p-type semiconductor substrate and a resistor formed thereon and between the semiconductor substrate and a capacitor formed thereon. A point BOOT is connected to the shielding layer, at which an electric potential changes in the same way as a change in the reference potential of a functional circuit carrying out a specified operation by using the resistor and the capacitor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an integrated circuit in which elements formed with semiconductors are formed on a semiconductor substrate, and particularly to a DC-DC converter formed by using the integrated circuit.
2. Description of the Background Art
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an existing DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter 70 shown in FIG. 5 is a dropper type DC-DC converter in which an n-channel MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) is used on the high side. The DC-DC converter 70 is formed by including an n-channel MOSFET 71 on the high side with a drain terminal to which an input voltage PVDD is applied, an n-channel MOSFET 72 on the low side with a drain terminal which is connected to the source terminal of the MOSFET 71, a coil 73 connected to the connecting point of the MOSFET 71 and the MOSFET 72, a capacitor 74 provided between the coil 73 and the ground GND, a bootstrap circuit 77 formed of a diode 75 and a capacitor 76, a driving circuit 78, a driving circuit 79, a level shift circuit 80 and a control circuit 81 which outputs specified signals to the level shift circuit 80 and the driving circuit 79 on the basis of an output voltage VOUT applied to the capacitor 74.
The control circuit 81 is operated with the electric potential of GND taken as a reference potential. Moreover, the level shift circuit 80, on the basis of a specified signal outputted from the control circuit 81, outputs a specified signal to the driving circuit 78. The driving circuit 78 can be formed with a circuit such as an overcurrent protection circuit provided therein and outputs a driving signal to the MOSFET 71 on the basis of the specified signal outputted from the level shift circuit 80. The driving circuit 79 outputs a driving signal to the MOSFET 72 on the basis of a specified signal outputted from the control circuit 81.
The DC-DC converter 70 switches the MOSFETs 71 and 72 to be alternately turned-on and -off to thereby make the input voltage PVDD drop to the output voltage VOUT with a specified magnitude. Namely, with the MOSFET 71 made turned-on and the MOSFET 72 made turned-off, energy is stored in the coil 73. With the MOSFET 71 made turned-off and the MOSFET 72 made turned-on, the energy stored in the coil 73 is released. By adjusting the respective duty ratios for which the MOSFET 71 and 72 are turned-on and -off, the energy stored in the coil 73 is controlled to make the output voltage VOUT equal to a target voltage.
In the DC-DC converter 70, the use of the n-channel MOSFET 71 on the high side necessitates applying a voltage higher than the input voltage PVDD to the driving circuit 78 when driving the MOSFET 71. Therefore, in the DC-DC converter 70, to apply a voltage higher than the input voltage PVDD to the driving circuit 78, the bootstrap circuit 77 is used. The bootstrap circuit 77 is a circuit that gives an approximately constant voltage to the driving circuit 78 with the electric potential of the source electrode of the MOSFET 71 (the electric potential of the point M shown in shown in FIG. 5) taken as a reference potential. In FIG. 5, a frame A marked by a broken line shows a module that can be formed as an integrated circuit.
Circuit elements such as resistors and capacitors formed in an integrated circuit are formed on a semiconductor substrate by using a semiconductor such as polysilicon. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an existing integrated circuit. In the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 6, the same constituents as those shown in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals and signs as those in FIG. 5.
An integrated circuit 82 shown in FIG. 6, is formed by including a p-type semiconductor substrate 83, a resistor 85 formed on the semiconductor substrate 83 with a polysilicon film 84, a capacitor 88 formed on the semiconductor substrate 83 by polysilicon films 86 and 87 and an insulator layer (not shown) between them. The semiconductor substrate 83 is to be connected to ground GND, an n-type semiconductor layer 89 is selectively formed on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate 83, and further, a p-type semiconductor layer 90 is selectively formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer 89. Moreover, one of the terminals (the point BOOT also shown in FIG. 5) of the capacitor 76 is connected to the semiconductor layer 89, and the other terminal (the point M also shown in FIG. 5) of the capacitor 76 is connected to the semiconductor layer 90. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, besides the resistor 85 and the capacitor 88, the elements such as the MOSFETs 71 and 72 and the driving circuits 78 and 79 are also to be formed in the integrated circuit 82.
In thus formed integrated circuit 82, as shown in FIG. 6, parasitic capacitance 91 is adjunctively formed to some extent between the semiconductor substrate 83 and the resistor 85 and between the semiconductor substrate and the capacitor 88.
The parasitic capacitance 91 causes two problems. The first one is that noise accompanying operation of a number of circuit elements formed on the semiconductor substrate 83 and noise superimposed on a power source voltage supplied externally enter the resistor 85, the capacitor 88 and the driving circuits 78 and 79 from the semiconductor substrate 83 through the parasitic capacitance 91.
The second problem occurs when the driving circuit 78 shown in FIG. 5 is formed by using the resistor 85 and the capacitor 88 in the integrated circuit 82, for example. The problem is that each change in the electric potential at the point M accompanied by the turning on-and-off operation of the MOSFETs 71 and 72 (the electric potential at the point BOOT as the potential of the power source for the driving circuit 78 also changes with the change at the point M) causes large noise signals, equivalent to a voltage applied with an amplitude between the input voltage PVDD and GND, to enter the driving circuit 78, with the parasitic capacitance 91 made functioned as a coupling capacitance, which may prevent normal operation of the DC-DC converter 70.
To counteract the first problem, there is a proposal in which a shielding layer of an n-type semiconductor is provided in each of the region between the semiconductor substrate 83 and the resistor 85 and the region between the semiconductor substrate 83 and the capacitor 88, and the shielding layer is connected to the power source or GND at a fixed electric potential to thereby shield the resistor 85 and the capacitor 88 from noise from the semiconductor substrate 83 (see JP-A-7-30064 (paragraphs 0010 to 0012, and FIG. 1) or JP-A-63-29962 (pages 3 to 4, and FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 and 6), for example)).
However, the arrangement proposed in JP-A-7-30064 or JP-A-63-29962, in which a shielding layer is provided in each of the region between the semiconductor substrate 83 and the resistor 85 and the region between the semiconductor substrate 83 and the capacitor 88 and, along with this, the shielding layer is connected to the power source or GND, can only deal with the first problem but can not solve the second problem. Specifically, there is no difference between the proposed arrangement and that of the existing one in as much as a coupling capacitance is present between a circuit with its reference potential changed and a region at a fixed electric potential (the semiconductor substrate). Therefore, a large amount of noise enters the driving circuit 78 along with the switching operation of the MOSFETs 71 and 72.
Accordingly, the invention has an object of providing an integrated circuit that can solve the two problems caused by the parasitic capacitance between the semiconductor substrate and the elements, particularly the second problem, which could not previously be solved, and a DC-DC converter formed by using such an integrated circuit.

Integrated circuit and DC-DC converter formed by using the integrated circuit


In a tilt device for seat furniture, the base, which is fastened to the chair bottom part and which carries a rotatable backrest carrier for the backrest and a seat plate for the seat, is designed as a closed carrier box composed of a plurality of sheet-metal parts and is arranged between backrest cheeks of the backrest carrier. A simple compact construction of the mechanism, which can be used without appreciable changes for a permanent-contact backrest and for a simultaneous mechanism, is obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of seat furniture. It relates particularly to a tilt device for seat furniture, comprising
(a) a base which can be fastened to an underframe of the seat furniture, preferably a chair column, and which serves as a carrier for a seat and a backrest;
(b) an angular backrest carrier with a lower leg and an upper leg, said backrest carrier being rotatably mounted on the base in the middle region of its lower leg by means of a rotary bearing and consisting, at least in its lower leg, of two backrest cheeks arranged parallel to and at a distance from one another;
(c) a seat plate which is supported at least in its front region by the base; and
(d) at least one spring element which is fastened to the base on one side and which on the other side engages on the backrest carrier behind the rotary bearing and exerts an upwardly directed force on the backrest carrier.
Such a tilt device is known, for example, from EP-B1-0,233,974 of the same applicant.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Two solutions conducive to dynamic sitting have found acceptance:
(1) As a basic version, chairs with a so-called "permanent-contact backrest", that is to say with a backrest mechanism which generates a specific countermoment, in order to compensate the variable leaning moment of the chair user by means of the tilting range of the backrest. The range of countermoments generated can at the same time, if appropriate, be adjusted to the individual weight of the user's upper body.
(2) As a sophisticated version, chairs or armchairs with a so-called "simultaneous" or "synchronous" mechanism. In this mechanism, the seat too--coupled with the permanent-contact backrest--varies its tilt in a specific ratio. Especially when the tilting ranges of the backrest are relatively wide, this simultaneous or synchronous change of the seat tilt is a necessary measure, in order, among other things, to counteract the forward displacement of the buttocks which occurs as a result of the leaning moment.
In the publication mentioned in the introduction, although a chair mechanism allowing the two above-explained possibilities of variation is described, nevertheless this known chair mechanism has essentially the following disadvantage:
The basic elements of the mechanism (housing, springing, locking, etc.) are designed for the complicated simultaneous mechanism. The constructional outlay and production costs are therefore considerable, because, in principle, a simultaneous mechanism has to be "scaled down", in order to obtain a simpler permanent-contact mechanism. At the same time, the relatively expensive housing made of cast metal or fiber-reinforced plastic, the complicated selectively usable locking for retained positions and other special designs of the mechanism are preserved.


Methods and systems for providing related video files in a video file storage system are disclosed. One method includes identifying a plurality of video files within the video file storage system, wherein the plurality of video files each have a relationship with the first file, wherein the video file storage system provides a platform for storing and sharing videos, and each video file includes a video and associated information. The method further includes generating, by a system server, a list of inquiries based on the plurality of video files, providing, by the system server, the list of inquiries to at least one creator of the first file, receiving from the at least one creator at least one response to the list of inquiries, selecting a subset of the plurality of video files based on the at least one response, and storing information related to the selected subset of the plurality of video files for access if the first file is selected.

Search engines running on video file storage systems use a variety of search techniques to present individual videos or video files or files embedded with video to users based on one or more search terms that are provided by the users. The relevance of search results relate closely to the search terms, creators, or date created. The search engine generally produces a large number of results with videos that include some irrelevant results and are difficult to sort for relevant videos or video files. Many suggested videos are not relevant to the user. Relevant results are not always provided.
It is desirable to have methods and systems for providing a list of videos related to the selected video, relevant to the subject matter of the selected video.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Identifying video files of a video file storage system having relevance to a first file


A method of producing a resilient decorative construction material from waste products such as slag granulate or waste glass granulate is taught. The waste glass granulate may contain paper, adhesives, plastic, or other contaminants. The construction material may be in the shape of a tile and used in interior or exterior applications. A layer of material comprising glass granulate, slag granulate, or sand, or mixtures thereof, is placed in a heat-resistant mold. The layer has first and second surfaces. The layer is thermally treated, and is initially heated so that a temperature gradient is established throughout the layer, with the first surface having a first temperature no greater than the softening point, and the second surface having a second temperature less than the first temperature. These temperatures are held for a period of time, and the layer subjected to further heating. The further heating is to a temperature sufficient to sinter the layer, and also to reverse the temperature gradient throughout the layer, so that the first surface has a lower temperature than the second surface. These temperatures are held for a period of time sufficient to sinter the layer into a construction material. The layer is then cooled and annealed to produce the final product.

Waste glass, especially post consumer waste glass, has become problematic in today's society. Many methods are known for recycling the waste glass, including grinding up the glass into particles followed by melting or sintering the glass particles into new glass objects, including construction materials such as glass or tiles. However, in order to use waste glass for such purposes, it is necessary to separate the glass from the plastic, paper and other materials with which the waste glass is mixed.
Often one of the most expensive and difficult steps in the process of recycling such waste glass is cleaning the glass and removing all the plastic, paper and other contaminants from the waste glass prior to its recycling. The presence of waste paper may be especially problematic because the burning of such paper during thermal processing of the glass into construction material such as a tile may create bubbles which will rise to the surface of the construction material being produced, resulting in an uppermost surface containing defects in the form of bubbles or pores. Such flaws in the resulting construction material make it unsuitable for many applications, wherein the appearance of the construction material is paramount.
There are various kinds of equipment known in the art that are able to separate the glass material from most of the metal,plastic and papers during processing and milling of the waste glass for use. Inevitably, however, some part of these waste materials stay in the crushed glass. There remains a need to be able to produce a construction material from waste glass wherein the waste glass is contaminated with paper, plastic and other contaminants, resulting in a construction material that has a substantially defect-free outer surface, so that the construction material will be suitable for decorative uses. Moreover, a need exists for the production of a construction material from waste glass or other industrial waste material such as slag that will have sufficient mechanical strength and durability to be used in a broad spectrum of applications including exteriors and floors of buildings.

Method of producing a decorative construction material


A rubber vulcanizer includes: a pair of heat plates disposed to be opposed to each other in a prescribed direction and to be apart from each other in the prescribed direction; and one or more dies for rubber molding stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates. The rubber vulcanizer is able to realize either a state in which the dies of which the number is N are stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates, or a state in which the dies of which the number is (N+1) are stacked on each other in the prescribed direction between the heat plates, where N is a natural number that satisfies at least a condition that 1≦N≦M, and M is a certain positive integer.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a rubber vulcanizer and a rubber vulcanizing method. The invention is applicable to manufacturing of any products made of rubber that is vulcanized in dies. The invention is suitably applicable to manufacturing of, for example, an annular or strip-shaped rubber product used for a damper pulley that is fitted on a crankshaft to turn a belt for driving an engine auxiliary machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-88416 describes an example of a conventional rubber vulcanizer (FIG. 1). The vulcanizer includes an upper die and a lower die. Each of the upper die and the lower die has two recesses. The recesses of the upper die and the recesses of the lower die define rubber molding cavities in cooperation with each other. Because two cavities are defined between the upper die and the lower die of the vulcanizer, two rubber products are vulcanized at the same time.
According to the conventional rubber vulcanizing method, only two rubber products are molded during one vulcanization, and thus the productivity is low.
FIG. 7 illustrates a vulcanizer as a reference example, which is able to enhance the productivity. Note that, the vulcanizer as the reference example is disclosed by the inventors of the invention in order to facilitate the explanation of the invention, and is not known before the filing of the present application, that is, is not prior art, and thus it cannot be used to deny the patentability of the invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the vulcanizer has an upper die 100 and a lower die 101. The upper die 100 and the lower die 101 have a plurality of recesses 103 and a plurality of recesses 104, respectively. The recesses 103 of the upper die 100 and the recesses 104 of the lower die 101 define a plurality of cavities 120 for forming rubber products in cooperation with each other.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the cavities 120 are present on a plane orthogonal to a pressing direction indicated by an arrow B. The cavities 120 are located at intervals on a straight line. Because the vulcanizer has the multiple cavities 120, the number of rubber products manufactured per unit time is increased. Thus, the vulcanizer has an advantage that the productivity is high.
However, the vulcanizer, which is the reference example, has the multiple cavities 120 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction. As a result, a large-sized pressing machine and the large-sized dies 100, 101 are indispensable. Thus, a great initial investment is required. Therefore, if production of the rubber products is discontinued, excessive losses are caused.
Further, with the vulcanizer, it is not easy to flexibly cope with variations in the number of rubber products to be manufactured, so that it is difficult to recoup an initial investment if the number of products to be manufactured varies. Thus, it is not easy to suppress manufacturing costs and to enhance the productivity.

Rubber vulcanizer and rubber vulcanizing method


A homogenizer for collimated light limits the angular distribution of the light by passing the light through a mild diffuser followed by a slab light guide which has top and bottom surfaces covered with optical constraining layers and optical absorbing layers where the optical absorbing layer has a higher refractive index than the optical constraining layer and the optical constraining layer has a lower refractive index than the slab light guide.

It is known that the use of a collimated backlight and a front diffusing screen can greatly improve the quality of an LCD. One such approach is described in Saccomanno (U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,198), which is incorporated herein by reference. Saccomanno describes the use of an arc lamp, whose light is collected, homogenized, and coupled into an array of optical conduits. Each conduit then illuminates a non-imaging optic, which collimates the light and subsequently illuminates the edge of a light-extraction guide.
Even though my prior patent teaches an effective collimated light and diffuser screen arrangement, for certain applications such as medical imaging there is a need to improve black-level contrast and image sharpness even at the expense of a slightly larger and less light efficient device.

Homogenizer for collimated light controlled high angle scatter


A bookmark or promotional device comprises a plurality of pockets aligned side-by-side with the opening of the pocket being at the edge of the bookmark. The pockets contain advertising or other promotional material as inserts. The devices are produced in different versions for different audiences and are distributed through a variety of channels generally free of charge to customers.

This invention relates to a device for use as a bookmark or for promotional purposes, which may carry advertisements, promotional material and other information.
It is desirable for advertisers to distribute advertising copy and promotional material specifically directed to particular socio-economic groups. For example, advertisements may be placed in magazines and other periodicals with advertising copy specifically tailored to the profile of the readership of the individual titles. Presently, books are published and sold on a great variety of subjects, appealing to different groups of people in society.
Hitherto, bookmarks have been proposed with features that perform more than just marking the last read page of a book. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,006 discloses a bookmark with a pocket to receive photographs and potpourri whereas U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,803 discloses a bookmark attached to the spine of the book providing a pocket for inserting pens.

Device for use as a bookmark or for promotional purposes


A medical examination chair is used to seat a patient and move the patient along three essentially-perpendicular planes over a wide range. The chair includes a primary arc which is connected to a stationary column by a horizontal shaft, forming a first axis of rotation. A second axis of rotation, which is essentially perpendicular to the first, passes through first and second ends of the primary arc. The chair also includes a secondary arc which is equipped with a seat and which is disposed inside the primary arc. Third and fourth ends of the secondary arc are connected to the first and second ends of the primary arc by an upper shaft and a lower shaft. The primary and secondary arcs can rotate around the first and second axes of rotation respectively. The medical examination chair further includes braking elements for suddenly stopping the rotational movement.

The present invention relates to an examination chair serving in particular to enable a practitioner to treat positional vertigo. The medical examination chair thus allows a seated person to be moved in a multidirectional mode and over large amplitudes, which is useful in dealing with such vertigo.
The inner ear of a human being enables the brain to identify the movements to which the person is subjected by means of three semicircular canals that are oriented in three substantially perpendicular planes. In addition, the vestibule receiver organ of the inner ear includes a zone that informs the brain on acceleration/deceleration phenomena, said zone being constituted in part by a gelatinous mass weighted by small crystals known as "otoliths" to the person skilled in the art. Positional vertigo can then be caused by the following phenomena that lead to erroneous perception of movements:                cupololithiasis caused by otoliths becoming detached and then migrating to the cupola cochlea which is a very sensitive portion of a semicircular canal; or        canalolithiasis caused by otoliths that become detached and that move about in a semicircular canal.
While making a diagnosis, the practitioner moves the trunk and the head of the patient slowly through 180° in three planes: from front to back, laterally from one side to the other, and then in rotation about the axis of the body.
If positional vertigo is diagnosed, the practitioner moves the trunk and the head of the patient in a given plane rapidly followed by sudden deceleration. Thus, the otoliths that give rise to vertigo are expelled from the sensitive zone and the vertigo is generally cured in one to three sessions.
An examination chair is known that presents mobility about a vertical axis enabling a sitting patient to be turned. It is also possible to tilt the back of the chair so as to put the patient into a prone position, and it is also possible to lift the chair relative to its stand, usually by means of an electrically-controlled rack system, or possibly by a foot-controlled hydraulic system. This kind of chair mobility is largely sufficient for most examinations. However, the manipulations associated with diagnosing and treating positional vertigo cannot all be performed, since movement is possible in a single plane only and the manipulations are also wearisome both for the patient and for the practitioner.
Document FR 1 113 809 discloses apparatus for rehabilitation and checking reflexes, which apparatus includes an oscillating support, preferably having a plurality of degrees of freedom in movement, on which the patient is placed in such a manner as to be capable of damping or amplifying the oscillations of the support by moving the patient's own center of gravity.
That document is remote from the technical field of treating vertigo. The object of the device described is to stimulate the reflexes of a handicapped person, and not to move otoliths in the inner ear that lead to positional vertigo. In addition, it does not make it possible in any way to impart rapid movement followed by sudden deceleration.
The manipulations associated with diagnosing and treating vertigo therefore cannot be implemented in satisfactory manner with a device of known type.
Such manipulations are thus generally performed on an examination couch and they require a large amount of physical strength and know-how on the part of the practitioner, and also excellent co-operation on the part of patients. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved with patients suffering from arthrosis, obesity, handicaps, or high levels of anxiety, which patients are consequently particularly difficult to treat, and that can lead to therapy failing.
In addition, the need to have available in a medical office both an examination couch and an examination chair considerably increases the amount of space that is needed and also the costs inherent in fitting out an office.


In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support system for mounting a load to a removable vehicle canopy on a vehicle, comprising a pair of support frames configured to be installed on opposing internal side walls of the removable vehicle canopy, a pair of support feet configured to be installed on an internal surface of the removable vehicle canopy, and a plurality of mounting elements on an external surface of the canopy and arranged for mounting the load thereto, each of the support frames and support feet having one of the plurality of mounting elements affixed thereto by a mechanical fastener extending through a hole in the canopy, wherein the support system is configured to be installable onto the removable vehicle canopy while the canopy is mounted to the vehicle, such that when the canopy having the support system installed is mounted to the vehicle, the support system substantially distributes the mounted load into the vehicle and substantially inhibits distribution into or through the canopy. The invention further includes a second aspect being a method of installation of an embodiment of the first aspect.

Vehicle roofs provide a suitable surface for storing, mounting and transporting additional cargo, equipment and other loads. However, not every vehicle is equipped to receive a load directly onto a roof or canopy surface of the vehicle. Although many utility vehicles may have inbuilt mounting points, other vehicles may lack these features, even though the vehicle may be structurally and mechanically capable of carrying additional load.
One particular example of such a vehicle is one that comprises a removable vehicle canopy. Many utility vehicles that have a truck bed may be fitted with a removable vehicle canopy, and certain other vehicles (for example, the 'Jeep Wrangler' manufactured by Chrysler) may also comprise a removable hard-shelled canopy that similarly lacks the necessary structural elements to enable supporting a load upon the canopy.
Removable vehicle canopies are typically hollow shells constructed of plastic and/or fibreglass, and generally lack the necessary structural reinforcement that would enable supporting a significant load thereupon. As the skilled person will appreciate, a removable vehicle canopy is not designed to support heavy loads, and will have a 'maximum load tolerance', being the maximum load that can be safely supported by the removable vehicle canopy. Although many prior art examples may be found wherein a roof rack or similar load-carrying structure is mounted to a removable canopy, these racks are typically mounted directly to the canopy and so are only able to carry very light loads. The maximum load tolerance is typically measured in tens of kilograms; for example, the removable canopy of the aforementioned Jeep Wrangler is able to safely support a load of approximately 45 kilograms.
Prior art systems and assemblies provide some means of overcoming this problem. Once such example may be seen in FIG. 1, which depicts one such prior art system comprising an external frame. This prior art solution enables the vehicle itself to support the weight of a load carried on a mounted load-carrying structure, without risking damage to the canopy. However, such a solution is difficult to mount or dismount as needed and can further impact the ability to further modify the vehicle to the tastes and/or needs of the consumer. In addition, the external frame can increase wind resistance and may generate sounds such as whistling when the vehicle is travelling. Furthermore, the prior art solution may lack in aesthetic appeal to some consumers.
A further prior art solution, developed by the applicant (Rhino Rack Australia Pty Ltd), is shown in FIG. 2. This prior art solution overcomes many of the issues provided by external frame systems, by providing a support frame that is internally located. This overcomes the potential issues of wind resistance, whistling and other vehicle noise, as well as maintaining the original aesthetic appearance of the vehicle. However, this prior art solution requires significant work to install on a vehicle. Due to the size and shaping of several of the prior art support elements, the vehicle canopy was required to be dismounted from the vehicle prior to installation. A vehicle canopy itself is typically large, cumbersome and heavy, which resulted in the installation requiring multiple people to perform. The prior art solution also failed to provide means of easily locating and installing the various prior art mounting elements that are affixed to an external surface of the vehicle canopy, which required drilling apertures in the canopy. This was typically done by supplying a paper or cardboard template to facilitate an operator in drilling the holes in the canopy. As a result, vehicle canopies could become damaged due to attachment of the mounting elements in the incorrect locations, which may require further drilling of apertures to properly locate the installation sites for the various mounting elements.
An additional prior art solution is depicted in United States patent application publication US 2014/0069971. Similarly to the prior art solution provided by Rhino Rack Australia Pty Ltd and discussed above, this solution provides an internally-located support frame system. However, this suffers from similar issues to the previously-discussed prior art solution, in that the installation process is complex and requires the removal of the vehicle canopy form the vehicle. The prior art solution disclosed by US 2014/0069971 utilises weight transfer brackets, having a first and second plate section that are perpendicular to one another.
the method of installing the prior art weight transfer plates, however, requires removal of a manufacturer-installed bracket component of the vehicle. In addition and with reference to FIG. 3, the prior art weight transfer brackets are positioned to sit at location P10, which is positioned on an outer top surface of vehicle pillar P12. The prior art weight transfer brackets therefore sit sandwiched between the outer top surface of vehicle pillar P12 and vehicle canopy P14, and therefore the canopy of the vehicle must be removed in order to the prior art support frame system of US 2014/0069971. Finally, as the prior art weight transfer brackets are not fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, they are only capable of distributing compressive loads exerted by a mounted load-carrying structure.
There is therefore a need for a means of mounting a load to a removable vehicle canopy mounted to a vehicle that overcomes the above problems associated with the prior art, or at least provides an alternative thereto.

Support system for a removable vehicle canopy


A lightweight, freestanding tent type shelter using a single removable arch pole tensioning the roof canopy between ground-level platform poles that form a perpendicular base for the arch pole. The platform poles are already-carried or found pole type objects such as trekking poles, sticks, skis, paddles and the like already at hand or easily located at a campsite, and the lower side edges of the canopy are provided with connectors for securing the canopy to the platform poles. The canopy has an embedded roof strut crossing the arch pole to add headroom and transfer arch tension to the front and rear ends of the shelter.

The present invention is in the field of tent and tarp type shelters used by hikers and campers.
Hikers and backpackers usually require a shelter such as a tent for overnight or multi-night trips. The longer the trip, the greater the need for a shelter of as little packed weight as possible to reduce fatigue, to make room for food and other gear in the pack, and to increase the enjoyment of hiking.
Tents tend to be one of the heaviest items in the pack. The typical modern tent is a sturdy, freestanding dome or paraboloid shelter. When two or more long, removable, sectioned poles are inserted into canopy sleeves, and tensioned into arches with the pole ends locked into the corners of a bathtub style waterproof floor to lift the canopy, the tent is "freestanding", meaning it will stand on its own without being staked down (although the tent is almost always staked down for wind security after the initial freestanding setup). The primary drawback of freestanding tents is their weight, with a minimum of two long, relatively heavy poles and a floor designed to form a structural base for the poles and arched canopy.
Some double-walled freestanding tents are offered with a "fastpack" option, in which the main tent body can be left at home while the arch poles are used to tension just the rainfly portion of the tent over a detachable floor. This arrangement is lighter than the full double-walled tent combination, but still requires multiple arch poles, and loses the protection of the insect netting of the main tent body.
Some hikers opt for lighter, non-freestanding shelters that must be staked out in order to reduce weight from their packs. Examples of non-freestanding tents include nylon pyramids, pole-supported tarps, my Tarptent™ shelters, and several single-pole hoop designs from companies such as Sierra Designs (Asteroid model), Montbell (Monoframe model), and Hilleberg (Akto model). The pyramids and tarp shelters typically use one or more relatively short, lightweight, upright poles for structural support, and even more weight can be saved by substituting an already-carried trekking pole or hiking stick for an upright pole. The single-pole hoop designs use only a single arch pole, typically bisecting the tent, and must be staked down and/or guyed out with tensioning lines for the single arch to stand unsupported.
While single-pole shelter designs are lighter, many backpackers still choose heavier multi-pole freestanding tents for their ease and speed of setup, their greater headroom, the ability to move them around a campsite fully set up, and for their generally greater structural stability.


In a puller for correcting an upper jaw (19) on a skull (20), for eliminating an overbite, crossbite, or cleft palate for example, a basic body (11) is provided with elements (4, 18, 22) for attachment to upper jaw (19) and is movable in correction direction (x.sub.1).

The invention relates to a puller for correcting an upper jaw in a skull, for example to eliminate an overbite, crossbite, or cleft palate.
Corrections to the upper jaw, especially to achieve occlusion, are usually performed today in Le Fort's operation. This operation lasts approximately 2-3 hours and can only be performed on an in-patient basis; a hospital stay is required.
In the Le Fort operation, the upper jaw is separated completely from the skull and the nasal mucosa is separated as well; the upper jaw is shifted forward and usually secured by titanium plates.
Apart from the costly surgery required, there is often the disadvantage that the jaw, despite the attachment, drops back so that another operation is required.
The present invention has as its goal the development of an above-mentioned puller in which outpatient treatment is sufficient and the risk of the jaw dropping back does not occur.


Modern electronic office environments often include hundreds of different document format types. Format/object transformation applications exist which are capable of transforming a first selected document/object format into a second selected document/object format; however, the existence of thousands of such transformation applications make it difficult to identify the existence of multiple stage format transformations. Accordingly, a matrix is established having multiple rows and columns of zero value cells. An identification of selected document/object formats is associated with each row and column of the matrix. Thereafter, for each existing transformation capable of directly converting a selected document/object format into a second selected document/object format a value of one is entered into a cell at the intersection of a row of the matrix associated with the selected document/object format and a column of the matrix associated with the second selected document/object format. The existence of a multiple stage transformation from a first particular document/object format into a second particular document/object format is then determined by evaluating the matrix at successive powers from one to N for a nonzero value R in a cell at the intersection of the two document/object identifiers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of object type transformations and in particular to the field of multiple stage document format transformations. Still more particularly the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for identifying the existence of multiple stage object type transformations and identifying the number of stages in each such transformation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the modern electronic office environment documents or other objects may exist in many different format or types. For example, it is common for a document to exist in any one of multiple word processing formats, image formats, graphic formats, facsimile formats, binary formats or other user-defined formats. In a multi-vendor network environment documents may be sent from one user to another user wherein each user may utilize different document editors to work with the document. In situations in which each user desires to edit the document within a different format it is therefore necessary to provide document transformation applications which may be utilized to convert the document from an original document type to a second document type which is manipulatable by the receiver.
Those situations in which a document type may be simply and efficiently transformed from a first document format to a second document format utilizing an existing transformation application are simple and efficient to utilize. However, the increasing complexity and number of document formats which are available in the modern electronic office environment make it necessary to utilize hundreds of different document transformation applications in order to be able to convert a document to a desired format or type.
Additionally, it is often necessary for a document to be transformed into an intermediate stage prior to ultimate conversion to the desired document type due to the lack of a direct transformation application capable of transforming the original document to the desired document format.
While many different document transformation applications exist there is no expedient and efficient method to determine the existence or nonexistence of a multiple stage format transformation. In modern electronic systems which are capable of performing hundreds of multiple transformations it should be obvious that a need exists for a technique to determine whether or not a multiple stage format transformation is possible to avoid the expenditure of enormous amounts of processor assets.

Method and apparatus for identifying multiple stage document format transformations

International Business Machines Corporation


A preferred embodiment provides, for example, a system and method of integrating fluid media dispensing technology such as direct-write (DW) technologies with rapid prototyping (RP) technologies such as stereolithography (SL) to provide increased micro-fabrication and micro-stereolithography. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides, for example, a system and method for Rapid Prototyping High Density Circuit (RPHDC) manufacturing of solderless connectors and pilot devices with terminal geometries that are compatible with DW mechanisms and reduce contact resistance where the electrical system is encapsulated within structural members and manual electrical connections are eliminated in favor of automated DW traces. A preferred embodiment further provides, for example, a method of rapid prototyping comprising: fabricating a part layer using stereolithography and depositing thermally curable media onto the part layer using a fluid dispensing apparatus.

The present invention relates to the general field of rapid prototyping (RP), and methods and systems of dispensing fluid media such as direct-write (DW) technologies.
RP technologies, also known as Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF), layered manufacturing and other similar technologies enable the manufacture of complex three-dimensional (3D) parts. RP technologies, in particular, generally construct parts by building one layer at a time for use in, for example, the toy, automotive, aircraft and medical industries. Oftentimes prototypes made by RP technologies aid in research and development and provide a low cost alternative to traditional prototyping.
Stereolithography (SL) is one of the most widely used RP technologies known in the art. The resolution of SL machines and the ability of SL to manufacture highly complex 3D objects, make SL ideal for building both functional and non-functional prototypes. In particular, SL techniques provide economical, physical models of objects quickly prior to making more expensive finished parts. The models are readily customizable and changes may be easily implemented.
SL generally involves a multi-stage process. For example, the first stage involves designing and inputting a precise mathematical and geometric description of the desired structure's shape into one of many computer-aided design (CAD) programs and saving the description in the standard transform language (STL) file format. In the second stage, the STL file is imported into SL machine-specific software (RP software). The RP software slices the design into layers and determines the placement of support structures to hold each cross-section in place while building the structure layer by layer. By computing build parameters, the RP software controls the part's fabrication. In the layer preparation stage, the build parameters for the desired part are translated into machine language. Finally, the machine language controls the SL machine to build a desired part and its support structures layer by layer. SL machines typically focus an ultraviolet (UV) laser onto a cross-section of a liquid photopolymer resin. The laser, in turn, selectively cures a resin to form a structure, layer by layer. Ultimately, the part is cleaned, the support structure is removed and the part is post-cured (typically exposed to UV) prior to completion. Complex-shaped parts are thus manufactured by repeating the layering process.
Although RP technologies for complex functional parts and prototypes have greatly improved in recent years, there is still a need to improve RP technologies for building functional electromechanical parts. There is a further need for achieving significant reductions in size, mass and manufacturing cycle times of low voltage electrical systems. Most RP systems allow building cycle sequences to be interrupted, thus opening the possibility of encapsulating electromechanical components within the model structure. For example, some have demonstrated the feasibility of encapsulating sensors and actuators in metal and polymer structures using Shape Deposition Manufacturing (SDM). Others have demonstrated systems for automatic dispensing of conductive, thermally curable media, such as direct-write (DW) inks, for maskless patterning of electronics. Limitations in speed and feature size, however, have prevented the integration of RP and DW technologies and, consequently, its acceptance in, for example, the microelectronics industry. Recently, however, there have been several breakthroughs in DW ink dispensing for military applications which dispense advanced metallic inks through a hollow tip, precisely controlling the ink's flow and stopping points. These breakthroughs may lead to writing capabilities as small as 50 micrometers on curved substrates of various materials. Although there have been improvements in writing capabilities, many SL resins have been found to be incompatible with, for example, the high temperatures required to anneal DW inks.
What is desired is a system and method for automated deposition of fluid media during any RP processing, automated curing of the media (if necessary), encapsulation of the media and continued building without contamination or intermediate washing and/or curing. What is also desired are improvements in part building technology and, in particular, improvements in the integration of fluid media, such as DW inks, with RP technologies. Specifically, there is a need for low cost, efficient and easy to use RP processes that accommodate 3D DW ink dispensing technology to fabricate, for example, complex 3D, high density circuits that are rapidly manufactured, integrated and fully functional electromechanical systems. Such electromechanical systems should be compact, less expensive and more reliable than their conventional predecessors. Additionally, by removing heavy cables, redundancy can easily be designed into a structure where previously it could not be, thus allowing significant size and weight savings for sensitive applications such as those for aerospace and space applications.
What is further desired is a system and method for Rapid Prototyping High Density Circuit (RPHDC) manufacturing of solderless connectors and pilot devices with terminal geometries that are compatible with DW mechanisms and reduce contact resistance where the electrical system is encapsulated within structural members and manual electrical connections are eliminated in favor of automated DW traces.

Methods and systems for rapid prototyping of high density circuits


The objects of the present invention are to provide a magnetic field molding device capable of improving yield in a production and stabilizing product quality, and a method for producing a ferrite magnet. In molding in a magnetic field, the mortar-shaped die 19 provided with a plurality of the cavities 13 is heated by the heater member 20, provided in the heater block located under the mortar-shape die 19, under control of a controller at varying temperature depending on the position of the mortar-shape die 19, to keep uniform temperature of the slurry in the cavities 13. This assures good and stable slurry dehydration properties and improves product yield.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a magnetic field molding device, method for producing ferrite magnet and die which can be used for them.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ferrite (sintered) magnets are massively going into widely diversified areas, e.g., vehicles, home electric/electronic appliances and industrial machines, because of their improved properties and relative inexpensiveness.
Ferrite magnets are produced by a series of steps of calcining a raw material mixture with a given composition into a ferrite state, milling the resulting calcined body into a fine ferrite powder of submicron size, compression-molding the powder into a molded body using a die in a magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as magnetic field molding), and sintering the molded body into a ferrite magnet.
The processes for magnetic field molding fall into two general categories; dry process wherein the powder is molded as a dried material and wet process wherein the powder is molded as a slurry.
The wet magnetic field molding involves a problem of decreased production yield resulting from cracking or the like of the molded body, unless the slurry is dehydrated enough to remove its water content.
Therefore, there has been proposed a technique for improving the dehydration properties of the slurry in which the slurry be heated before it is injected into a die to reduce its viscosity and thereby to improve its dehydration properties, as disclosed in, e.g., Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3.
Patent Document 1 proposes a technique in which a heating device for heating a slurry is provided between a die assembly and a pressure pump for pumping the slurry to the die assembly.
This technique, however, which uses an electric heater tube or water bath as the heating device, involves a problem of needing a long heating time. Patent Document 2, in an attempt to solve the above problem, proposes a technique in which microwaves are used to uniformly heat the slurry in a shorter time.
Patent Document 3 proposes the following techniques. That is, the slurry in a tank is directly heated by a pipe heater or the like before being injected into the die; or indirectly heated by hot water or the like circulating over the tank; or the slurry is flowing in a pipe connecting the tank to the die, into which it is to be automatically injected, and the slurry is heated by heating the pipe periphery. Thereby, the slurry is kept from 40 through 90° C.
However, the inventors of the present invention have found that injection of the heated slurry into a die causes problems resulting from decreased temperature of the slurry and consequently increased viscosity of its dispersion medium, because it is quenched by the die or the like.
The technique disclosed by Patent Document 3 has the essence of keeping the slurry from 40 through 90° C. in a die, for which it is heated while it is held in a tank before being sent to the die directly by a pipe heater of the like or indirectly by hot water or the like circulating over the tank, or while it is flowing in a pipe to the die, into which it is to be automatically injected, by heating the pipe periphery, as described above. It is however practically difficult to keep the slurry from 40 through 90° C. in a die by the above-described heating procedure, because it is quenched when injected into the die, as described above. This has been experimentally confirmed.
In order to solve these problems, a technique is proposed, e.g., by Patent Document 4 which discloses a structure provided with a heating member for heating the slurry in such a way to encompass a die cavity (molding space).    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-54167 (Claims)    [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-182728 (Claim 1)    [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-13924 (Claims and Page 3)    [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-54168 (Claims)

Magnetic field molding device, method for producing ferrite magnet, and die


A communication device is provided with a turbo encoder (1) which carries out a turbo encoding process on the lower two bits of transmission data so as to output information bits of two bits and redundant bits of two bits, a conversion (2) which carries out calculations so as to uniform error-correction capabilities on respective information bits by using the output, decoders (11 to 18) which carries out a soft-judgment on the lower two bits of the received signal that are susceptible to degradation in the characteristics so as to estimate the original transmission data, and a second judging device (19) which carries out a hard-judgment on the other bits in the received signal so as to estimate the original transmission data.

The conventional communication methods will be explained below. For example, in the wide band CDMA (W-CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access) using the SS (Spread Spectrum) system, turbo codes have been proposed as error-correction codes that greatly exceed convolutional codes in their performances. In the turbo code, a list formed by interleaving an information list is encoded in parallel with a known coding list, and the turbo code is one of the error-correction codes that have attracted the greatest public attention at present, and is said to provide characteristics close to Shannon limit. In the above-mentioned W-CDMA, since the performances of the error-correction code give great effects on the transmission characteristics in the voice transmission and data transmission, the application of the turbo code makes it possible to greatly improve the transmission characteristics.
Operation of transmitting and receiving systems of the conventional communication device using the turbo code will be explained in detail below. FIG. 8 is a drawing that shows the construction of a turbo encoder used in the transmitting system. In FIG. 8(a), reference numeral 101 denotes a first recursive system convolutional encoder that subjects an information list to a convolutional encoding process to output redundant bits. Reference numeral 102 denotes an interleaver, and reference numeral 103 denotes a second recursive system convolutional encoder that subjects the information list that has been switched by the interleaver 102 to a convolutional encoding process to output redundant bits. FIG. 8(b) is a drawing that shows the inner structures of the first recursive system convolutional encoder 101 and the second recursive system convolutional encoder 103, and the two recursive system convolutional encoders are encoders that only output redundant bit respectively. Moreover, the interleaver 102, which is used in the turbo encoder, randomly switches information bit lists.
The turbo encoder, which is arranged as described above, simultaneously outputs an information bit list: x1, a redundant bit list: x2 obtained by encoding the information bit list through the operation of the first recursive system convolutional encoder 101, and a redundant bit list: x3 obtained by encoding the information bit list that has been interleaved through the operation of the second recursive system convolutional encoder 103.
FIG. 9 is a drawing that shows the construction of the turbo decoder that is used in the receiving system. Reference numeral 111 denotes a first decoder that calculates a logarithm likelihood ratio from a receiving signal: y1 and a receiving signal: y2. Reference numerals 112 and 116 denote adders, and reference numeral 113 and 114 denote interleavers. Reference numeral 115 denotes a second decoder that calculates a logarithm likelihood ratio from a receiving signal: y1 and a receiving signal: y3. Reference numeral 117 denotes a deinterleaver, and reference numeral 118 denotes a judging device for judging the output of the second decoder 115, to output an estimated value of the original information bit list. The receiving signals: y1, y2, y3 are signals that are formed by allowing the information bit list: x1 and the redundant bit lists: x2, x3 to include influences from noise and phasing in the transmission path.
In the turbo decoder that is arranged as described above, first, the first decoder 111 calculates the logarithm likelihood ratio: L(Uk) (where k refers to the time) from a received signal: y1k and a received signal: y2k. In this case, the logarithm likelihood ratio: L(Uk) is represented by the following equation:                                                                                L                                                        (                                          u                      k                                        )                                                  =                                                      y                                          1                                            k                                                        +                                      La                                                              (                                              u                        k                                            )                                                        +                                      Le                                                              (                                              u                        k                                            )                                                                                =                                  Ln                                                                                Pr                      (                                                                        x                                                      1                                                                                k                              ′                                                                                =                                                  1                                                                                                                                          {                              Y                              }                                                        )                                                                                Pr                      (                                                                        x                                                      1                                                                                k                              ′                                                                                =                                                  0                                                                                                                                          {                              Y                              }                                                        )                                                                                (          1          )
Here, Le(Uk) represents external information, La(Uk) represents preliminary information that is external information preceding by one, Pr(x1k′=1|{Y}) represents the probability of an estimated information bit upon receipt of the entire list {Y} of the received signals: x1k′ being 1 and, Pr(x1k′=0|{Y}) represents the probability of an estimated information bit upon receipt of the entire list {Y} of the received signals: x1k′ being 0. In other words, equation (1) finds the probability of the estimated information bit: x1k′ becoming 1 with respect to the probability of the estimated information bit: x1k′ being 0.
Next, the adder 112 calculates external information to be given to the second decoder 115 from a logarithm likelihood ratio that is the result of the above-mentioned calculation. Based upon the above-mentioned equation (1), the external information: Le(Uk) is represented by the following equation:Le(Uk)=L(Uk)−y1k−La(Uk)  (2)
Since no preliminary information has been given at the time of the frist decodig process, La(Uk)=0, for an initial time value (k)=0.
In the interleavers 113 and 114, in order to make the received signal: y1k and the external information: Le(Uk) coincident with the time of the received signal:y3, the signals are re-arranged. Then, in the same manner as the first encoder 111, based upon the received signal: y1 and the received signal: y3 as well and the external information: Le(Uk) preliminarily calculated, the second decoder 115 calculates a logarithm likelihood ratio: L(Uk). Thereafter, in the same manner as the adder 112, the adder 116 calculates the external information Le(Uk) by using equation (2). At this time, the external information, rearranged by the deinterleaver 117, is fed back to the first decoder 111 and the preliminary information: La(Uk).
Finally, in the turbo decoder, the above-mentioned processes are repeatedly executed predetermined times so that it is possible to calculate a logarithm likelihood ratio with higher precision, and the judgment device 118 makes a judgment based upon this logarithm likelihood ratio, thereby estimating the bit list of the original information. More specifically, for example, the logarithm likelihood ratio shows that "L(Uk)>0", the estimated information bit: x1k′ is judged as 1, while it shows that "L(Uk)≦0", the estimated information bit: x1k′ is judged as 0.
In this manner, in the conventional communication method, by using the turbo code as the error-correction code, even when the signal point-to-point distance becomes closer as the modulation system is multi-valued, it becomes possible to greatly improve the transmitting characteristics in the voice transmission and data transmission, and consequently to obtain characteristics superior to the known convolutional codes.
However, in the above-mentioned conventional communication method, in order to carry out an error correction with high precision, the turbo encoding process is carried out on all the information lists on the transmitting side, and on the receiving side, all the encoded signals are decoded, and a soft-judgment is then executed thereon. More specifically, for example, in the case of 16 QAM, a judgment is made with respect to all the 4-bit data (0000 to 1111: 4-bit constellation), and in the case of 256 QAM, a judgment is made with respect to all the 8-bit data. Therefore, conventionally, the application of the conventional communication method that carries out judgments on all the data as described above causes a problem of an increase in the amount of calculations in the encoder and decoder in response to the multi-valued levels.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a communication device and a communication method for such a device, which is applicable to any communication system using the multi-carrier modem system and the single-carrier modem system, and makes it possible to achieve a reduction in the amount of calculations and to provide a good transmitting characteristics in the same manner as the conventional device, even when there is an increase in the constellation due to multi-valued levels.

Communication device and communication method


A sealing system for a gap (2) existing between the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) of a orientable horizontal stabilizer (5) of an aircraft, comprises a main body (1) formed by an upper surface (18) and a lower surface (19) and at least one longitudinal vertical element (22) arranged between the two surfaces (18,19) which grants rigidity to the main body (1), and a plurality of first elastic sealing profiles (9) between the first surface (11) of the main body (1) and the outer surface of the fuselage (3) and making contact with them, and a plurality of second elastic sealing profiles (13) between the second surface (12) of the main body (1) and the first end of the elevator (15) and making contact with them, in such a way that the sealing of the gap (2) takes place and an aerodynamic continuity is produced between the fuselage (3) and the elevator (4) when the elevator (4) is at rest in the plane of the orientable horizontal stabilizer (5) for any of the orientation positions of the orientable horizontal stabilizer (5).

This invention belongs to the technical field of sealing systems intended to cover gaps or grooves in outer surfaces of vehicles in the aeronautical sector, and more particularly to the field of sealing systems intended to cover gaps existing between the fuselage and the elevator of an aircraft with an orientable horizontal stabilizer.
In the large majority of aircraft there exists a gap or groove between the elevator of each horizontal stabilizer and the fuselage. This groove is necessary for permitting the movements made by the elevator in different maneuvers of the aircraft such as ascent or descent.
On the other hand, during cruise conditions, which represent the major part of the operating time of an aircraft, the elevator does not move, being at rest in the plane of the horizontal stabilizer.
During these cruise conditions, owing to the incidence of the airflow on the groove, certain loads are created which increase the aerodynamic resistance, occasioning various inefficiencies, among others an increase in fuel consumption.
So, in order to avoid this increase in aerodynamic resistance created by the airflow, it would be desirable to seal the gap existing between the elevator and the fuselage during cruise conditions in which the elevator remains at rest in the plane of the horizontal stabilizer. During maneuvers in which movements of the elevator take place, the groove varies in size and shape, but while those maneuvers are taking place this groove does not need to be sealed since the maneuvers account for a minimal operating time of the aircraft and the impact of the increase in aerodynamic resistance at these moments is negligible.
The complexity of the situation increases when the horizontal stabilizers in which the elevators are located are orientable, in other words, their position can be varied by inclining them in order to achieve stability by means of centering the forces acting on the aircraft, since for the correct movement of the stabilizers here exist some additional gaps between the elevators and the fuselage, these gaps being larger than the above and which therefore increase the aerodynamic resistance more.
So far, in the prior art, solutions have been known for sealing the gap existing between the fuselage and the elevator in aircraft with a fixed horizontal stabilizer, but not for sealing the gap in aircraft with an orientable horizontal stabilizer, the gap being even greater than in the previous case, which meant that the increase in the aerodynamic resistance owing to the gap and the inefficiencies caused by it, revealed in a higher fuel consumption and increased environmental impact, had to be accepted.
A system was therefore desirable which would solve the problems existing in the state of the art.

Sealing system for the gap existing between the fuselage and the elevator of an aircraft with orientable horizontal stabilizer


An active micro-force sensor is provided for use on a micromanipulation device. The active micro-force sensor includes a cantilever structure having an actuator layer of piezoelectric material and a sensing layer of piezoelectric material bonded together. When an external force is exerted on the sensor, the sensor deforms and an applied force signal is recorded by the sensing layer. The applied force signal is then fed back to the actuating layer of the sensor via a servoed transfer function or servo controller, so that a counteracting deformation can be generated by the bending moment from the servoed actuating layer to quickly balance the deformation caused by the external micro-force. Once balanced, the sensor beam comes back to straight status and the tip will remain in its equilibrium position, thus the sensor stiffness seems to be virtually improved so that the accurate motion control of the sensor tip can be reached, especially, at the same time, the micro-force can also be obtained by solving the counteracting balance voltage applied to the actuating layer.

Efficient assembly processes for micro devices have not been developed, partially because, at the micro-scale, structures are fragile and easily breakable. Typically breakage at the micro-Newton force range cannot be reliably measured by most existing force sensors. So far the most straightforward and flexible operation methods run in an open loop format using a microprobe to physically manipulate the micro device. This method can be inherently risky without an on-line safety micro force regulation. As a result, this approach decreases overall yield and drives up the cost of micro devices. For these reasons, research into automating the micromanipulation processes have focused on micro force sensing and related control techniques.
In micro force sensing, cantilever beams are the most frequently implemented sensor structure type depending on its highly sensitive factor, and either static or dynamic operation mode. However, cantilever-based sensors introduce significant limitations for micro-force measurements during micromanipulation. First, the cantilever-based sensors have a relatively flexible structure which causes inherent difficulties with accurate manipulation of micro devices. Second, such sensors exhibit only a small dynamic range for maintaining high accuracy. To overcome these limitations, the present invention proposes an innovative active micro-force sensor based on the bilateral mechanical-electrical behaviors of piezoelectric films.

Active sensor for micro force measurement

Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University


A spare receiver in a CMTS is used to determine the RF connectivity status of the receivers of a Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group in the CMTS in the network. The spare receiver is connected to a receiver of the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group which does not have modems registered. The spare receiver is also configured to have the communication protocols of another selected receiver of the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group which does have modems registered. A transmitter sends a request for a response to a modem registered with the selected receiver. If the spare receiver, which is configured to have the same communication protocols as the selected receiver, receives the response from the modem, the unregistered receiver under test is determined to have sufficient RF connectivity to be included in Load Balancing operations. Each unregistered receiver in the Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group is analyzed in the same manner.

Coaxial cable television systems have been in widespread use for many years and extensive networks have been developed. The extensive and complex networks are often difficult for a cable operator to manage and monitor. Particularly, a typical cable network generally contains a headend which provides content to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) containing several receivers, each receiver is usually connected to modems of many subscribers, e.g., a single receiver may be connected to hundreds of modems. In many instances the operator will cable multiple receivers together to serve a particular area of a town or city.
Cable operators often use Load Balancing Groups and/or Spectrum Groups to equalize the load of the traffic across receivers and is a feature that is tested for DOCIS 2.0 by Cable Labs. Load Balancing is often performed by a software program controlled by cable operators to help prevent one or more receivers from being overloaded with data while other receivers are being underused. In order to have receivers belong to the same Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group all of the receivers in the group must be physically wired together in the RF head end. Multiple receivers in Load Balancing and Spectrum Groups may be used for agility whenever the CMTS detects that an individual receiver has excessive loads, such as excessive data traffic.
In order for cable operators to take advantage of the Load Balancing features they have to first manually configure every Load Balancing Group and/or Spectrum Group. For example, the Motorola BSR 64000 has 12 slots available for CMTS cards with 8 receivers on each card. The worse case scenario, but a common one, would be that the operator has to configure 48 Load Balancing Groups, with two upstreams per Load Balancing Group and/or 48 Spectrum Groups. These are time consuming efforts that can also be prone to errors for the cable operator. In some instances cable operators may not want to take advantage of these features because they do want to expend the resources to perform the manual configuration.
There is presently no suitable technique for determining if a receiver designated to a Load Balancing Group or Spectrum Group is actually capable of carrying the loads required. For example, if a receiver R1 in a Load Balancing Group has an excessive load a CMTS operator may shift portions of the load on R1 to receiver R2 in the Load Balancing Group by attempting to register several modems M associated with R1 to R2. However, if receiver R2 has a poor RF connection, such as a damaged coaxial cable, the modems M will deregister from receiver R2 and re-registered again on receiver R1. Without operator intervention, the load balancing operation is caught in an endless cycle of registering/deregistering modems between R1 (being overloaded) and R2 (connected with a bad cable) resulting in numerous modem deregistration. The CMTS operator must determine which receiver has failed, the cause of the failure, and manually remove the failed receiver from the Load Balancing Group. Even if a CMTS could detect a bad cable directly at the input of the receiver, presently, no CMTS's are known to be able to detect bad or missing cables further down the RF plant.

Automated load balancing of receivers in a network