A safety door latch 10 has a base 12 with a shaft 24. A venting disc 30 is rotatably mounted on the base shaft. A lever 50 with a strike locking cam 54 is mounted on the base shaft over the venting disc. Lugs 23, 32 provide for limited relative movements of the locking cam with respect to the venting disc in conjunction with spring bias detenting balls 44.

As is known, various types of structures have doors with latches for securing the doors closed. In their simplest form, latches for doors commonly have a bar and a catch mounted on a door and door jamb. Either the bar or the catch is pivotably mounted for movement between a bar holding and bar releasing position. For example, with simple gate latches one merely lifts a pivotable bar or catch to release it from the other member. Upon swinging the gate back to its closed position, a camming leading edge of at least one member causes one member to be cammed over the other member and then fall behind and into a held position.
Latches on other structures such as pressurized oven doors, refrigerator doors and the like are of more sophisticated design for enhanced safety and reliability. For example, the camming lever latch is generally the preferred latching mechanism for doors of pressure chambers because it provides for good gasket compression and sealing of the door to maintain internal chamber conditions at a desired level of isolation from ambience. Sealing of pressurized chambers is typically provided by use of a rubber gasket which lines the perimeter of the chamber door or opening. When using a camming lever latch, engagement of a camming member mounted on the chamber door with a catch mounted on the door jamb, causes the door to be drawn toward the jamb with positive force providing firm gasket compression. This in turn provides superior sealing of the door. However, when the door of such a pressurized oven chamber is rapidly opened super heated steam can suddenly escape and burn the operator. To reduce this hazard some manufacturers have developed devices which allow for only limited opening of the chamber door in a first door opening stage while yet restraining it to allow circulating steam to be vented from the chamber in a controlled manner before the door is fully opened in a second stage. For instance, some safety doors use a separate edge-mounted mechanical device which requires a second operator action to fully release the chamber door. Other devices provide two stage opening with a single latching unit by use of a latching hook that engages a latching pin in alternate positions, or by use of a dual position roller that engages a double latch strike. None of these devices, however, provides the firm gasket compression and sealing of a camming lever type latch in a single unit.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a safety door latch for pressurized ovens that provides the sealing alacrity of a camming lever latch and yet also a two-stage opening operational feature. It is to the provision of such a latch that the present invention is primarily directed.


A semiconductor device comprises: a substrate; a multilayer semiconductor layer located on the substrate; a source located on the multilayer semiconductor layer, the source including a first source portion inside an active region and a second source portion inside a passive region; a drain located on the multilayer semiconductor layer, the drain including a first drain portion inside the active region and a second drain region inside the passive region; a gate located on the multilayer semiconductor layer, the gate including a first gate portion inside the active region and a second gate portion inside the passive region, and the first gate portion being in a form of interdigital among the first source portion and the first drain portion; and a heat dissipating layer disposed at one or more of the first source portion, the first drain portion, the first gate portion, the second source portion, the second drain portion and the second gate portion.

Compared with the first-generation semiconductor of silicon and the second-generation semiconductor of GaAs, GaN semiconductor devices have many outstanding advantages such as large band gap, high electron saturation velocity, high breakdown voltage and ability to withstand high temperatures, which makes it more suitable for electronic devices operated under high temperature, high pressure, high frequency and high power. Thus GaN semiconductor devices have broad application prospects.
Since the GaN semiconductor devices are operated at the environment with high power and high current, a relatively large amount of heat is generated by the GaN semiconductor devices. Some performances of the GaN semiconductor devices are greatly influenced by temperature, for example, Schottky contact and carrier mobility, etc. If a local high temperature is generated within a Schottky contact region, the Schottky contact will be degraded, causing reduction of barrier height and increase of gate leakage current. In a severe case, the GaN semiconductor device will become failure. Even if there is no change of Schottky barrier at high temperatures, the energy of carriers in the GaN semiconductor device will increase as the temperature rises. In this case, the carriers are more likely to cross the barrier layer, thereby causing the increase of the gate leakage current. In addition, as the temperature rises, the phonon scattering suffered by Two-Dimensional Electron Gas (2DEG) in the channels increases, so the mobility of 2DEG rapidly decreases, causing a rapid decrease of the output current of the device. Therefore, the output power of the device is affected, thereby causing degradation of RF performance and microwave performance of the device. Thus it could be seen that effective heat dissipation has a significant impact on the reliability and performance of GaN semiconductor devices.
Currently, the GaN semiconductor devices dissipate heat in the following three ways: a part of the heat produced by the GaN semiconductor device is longitudinally transferred to a base of good thermal conductivity via a substrate; a part of the heat is laterally transferred to a passive region which is located outside an active region via metal electrode wires and semiconductor material inside the GaN semiconductor device; and a remaining part of the heat is dissipated through air above a top surface of the GaN semiconductor device. However, the cooling effect still needs to be increased in the art to further increase reliability and performance of the semiconductor devices.

Heat spreader on GaN semiconductor device


A wireless communication module is used to implement an ad-hoc wireless sensor network. The wireless communication module is configured to interface with numerous and varied types of sensors and, in one particular embodiment, is used to implement an ad-hoc wireless sensor network for an aircraft engine. The modules are also configured to implement various functions to optimize ad-hoc network functionality and to minimize the electrical power dissipated by each module in the ad-hoc network.

Modern physical systems, such as those used in aircraft, are becoming more and more complex. This increase in system complexity has led to an increased desire for automated prognostic and health monitoring systems. Many prognostic and health monitoring systems receive signals or data representative of one or more physical parameters from various components and/or subsystems within a system. The prognostic and health monitoring systems may then use the signals or data to, for example, predict future system performance and/or detect or predict potential component or subsystem faults.
One particular aircraft system in which prognosis and health monitoring capability is becoming increasingly desirable is aircraft engine systems. To provide such capability, however, several sensors of varying types may be mounted on the engine to sense various physical parameters associated with engine operation. These sensors may be coupled to a central processing unit such as, for example, a Full Authority Digital Engine Controller (FADEC) using wiring and multiple wiring harnesses. These wiring and wiring harnesses used to couple the sensors to the central processing unit can increase overall system weight and cost, and can reduce overall system reliability.
Hence, there is a need for a system and method of providing signals and/or data representative of various aircraft engine parameters that does not use wiring and multiple wiring harnesses and/or reduces the overall impact on system weight and cost and/or does not reduce overall system reliability. The present invention addresses one or more of these needs.

Aircraft engine sensor network using wireless sensor communication modules


Some embodiments include apparatus and methods using a first stage including an integrator, a second stage coupled to the first stage, the second stage including an amplifier, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor coupled in series with the first capacitor between an input node and an output node of the amplifier, a quantizer coupled to the output node of the amplifier, and a feedback path coupled to an output node of the quantizer and to the first and second stages, the feedback path including a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the DAC including an input node coupled to the output node of the quantizer and an output node coupled to the input node of the amplifier.

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are widely used in electronic devices or systems such as computers, tablets, and cellular phones. An ADC converts analog signals into digital signals. A sigma-delta ADC is one of many types of ADCs. A sigma-delta ADC often has a sigma-delta modulator that can perform a signal filtering function to improve the quality of an analog signal before the signal is passed to another part of the device or system for further processing. In some electronic devices or systems, designing a sigma-delta modulator to meet overall criteria such as signal stability, power consumption, and circuit complexity may pose a challenge.

Single amplifer bi-quad sigma-delta modulator


The present invention provides a process for producing an aromatic unsaturated compound of the formula (4)

An aromatic unsaturated compound of the formula (4)
wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic group or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group, and Y represents an electron withdrawing group (hereinafter, abbreviated as aromatic unsaturated compound (4))is useful as, for example, a synthetic intermediate of medical and agricultural chemicals or the like. For example, a compound of the following formula (7)
is known as a synthetic intermediate of fluvastatin useful as a hyperlipidemia drug as described also in, for example, WO 01/92223.
Compounds of the following formulae (8) and (9) are compounds being developed as an arteriosclerosis remedy as described also in JPH09-202775-A and JPH07-206842-A, respectively.

As a process for producing such an aromatic unsaturated compound (4), there is known, for example, a process reacting an aromatic halide with an acrylic acid compound such as acrylic acid and the like in the presence of a palladium catalyst and a base (for example, WO 01/92223), however, an aromatic halide manifesting high load on environments is required to be used as a raw material, and additionally, a hydrogen halide is by-produced together with progress of the reaction. In addition, since the above-mentioned hydrogen halide is required to be neutralized with a base, it is not necessarily a reaction of high atom economy from the standpoint of raw material.
On the other hand, as a process of higher atom economy, there is a process using a compound of the formula (1)Ar—H  (1)wherein, Ar is as defined above,as a raw material and reacting it with an acrylic acid compound. For example, there are suggested (a) a process using a ruthenium catalyst and a palladium catalyst and reacting in the presence of oxygen (for example, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 125, 1467 (2003), J. Am. Chem. Soc., 123, 337 (2001)), (b) a process using a palladium complex in an amount equal to or more than the theoretical amount (for example, J. Org. Chem., 46, 851 (1981), Heterocycles, 22, 1493 (1984)), and the like.
However, the process (a) is not necessarily advantageous from the standpoint of operation and equipments since oxygen is used and accordingly the process is required to be performed under the reaction condition not higher than the explosion limit. The process (b) is disadvantageous from the standpoint of cost since a palladium complex in an amount equal to or more than the theoretical amount is used though it is a method of higher atom economy from the standpoint of raw material. In addition, post treatment of the palladium complex after the reaction is troublesome, further, the yield is low. That is, it is not necessarily an advantageous method from the standpoint of industrial production.
As a process for producing a compound having an indole ring, there is known a process protecting a nitrogen atom constituting an indole ring with a benzenesulfonyl group, then, reacting it with an acrylic acid compound in the presence of a palladium catalyst (for example, Synthesis, 236 (1984)). This process, however, is a reaction limited to a compound in which a nitrogen atom constituting an indole ring is protected with a benzenesulfonyl group, and additionally, needs a use in excess amount of a relatively expensive re-oxidizer such as, for example, silver acetate and the like for obtaining an intended object in good yield.

Process for producing an aromatic unsaturated compound

Abstract: wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic group or an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group, and Y represents an electron withdrawing group,which comprises reacting    (a) a compound of the formula (1)Ar—H  (1)            wherein Ar has the same meaning as defined above with            (b) a compound of the formula (2)

Abstract: wherein Y has the same meaning as defined above, and Z represents a lower alkoxy, ora compound of the formula (3)

Abstract: wherein Y and Z have the same meanings as defined above, in the presence of            (c) an acid or a compound which generates a mineral acid by its hydrolysis.


A safety system for a riding lawn mower that prevents powered operation of a PTO driven implement while in reverse unless an override switch is “ON”. The override switch may be a sustained action two position switch and the PTO driven implement may be a lawn mower blade. In one embodiment, the override switch does not allow the engine to start if the override switch is on. In one embodiment, the override switch cooperates with an operator presence switch to prevent operation of the PTO driven implement when the override switch is on and the operator is not present.

Lawn and garden tractors often have power take offs (PTOs) that drive implements such as mower blades. Prior lawn and garden tractors with PTOs have included interlock circuits that prevent engagement of the PTO driven implement when the vehicle is in reverse. Under certain conditions, operation of a PTO driven implement while the vehicle is in reverse is desirable. Various override systems have been proposed that allow operation of a PTO driven implement in reverse. Many of these override systems are difficult to operate.
Override systems have been developed that use a momentary override switch that latches an override relay. The override relay is unlatched when certain other conditions are met, like shifting out of reverse.
One proposed system uses a four-position ignition switch. The positions are "Off," "Run with override on," "Run with override off," and "Start." In that system the user must turn the key to the start position to start the engine, thus resetting the override on engine restart. The ignition switch spring returns the key from the "Start" position to the "Run with override off position," requiring an additional intentional movement of the key by the user to select "Run with override on."


A control cabinet with a frame having framing profiles and covered with side members and at least one door. The frame surrounds the inside of the control cabinet where electrical components are integrated. An air conditioning device which is placed on at least one vertical side of the frame rejects heat generated inside the control cabinet. This invention provides this type of cooling apparatus with additional equipment without the need for a large number of pieces. For this purpose, a separating member, parallel to the lateral side and placed at a distance therefrom, is attached to the framing profiles and forms with the side channel an air guiding channel. Moreover, the separating member comprises several passages for providing a physical connection between the air guiding channel and the inside of the control cabinet. Furthermore, air can be conveyed through the air guiding channel and through at least one passage by using at least one fan.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a switchgear cabinet with a rack, assembled from profiled frame sections and paneled with lateral elements and at least one cabinet door, and which encloses a switchgear cabinet interior, in which electrical installations are housed, and wherein in an area of at least one vertical side of the rack a cooling device is arranged which removes heat generated in the switchgear cabinet interior.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional switchgear cabinet is known from German Patent Reference DE 41 11 457 C1. The rack of the switchgear cabinet is assembled from twelve equal profiled frame sections. The sides of the rack are paneled with vertical lateral elements. The switchgear cabinet can be refurbished with a cooling device. Thus, a lateral element is removed from the rack and a cooling device is screwed to the vertical profiled frame section in its place. The cooling device encloses an interior chamber, in which the cooling units are housed. It is possible to aspirate air from the switchgear cabinet interior into the interior chamber, to cool the air there and then to return the air into the switchgear cabinet interior.
It is one object of this invention to provide a switchgear cabinet of the type mentioned at the outset, in which refurbishing with an airconditioning device is possible with a small outlay of parts.
This object of this invention is attained with a separating element fastened on the profiled frame sections and distanced parallel in relation to the lateral element which, together with the lateral element, forms an air guide conduit and which has several openings which create a spatial connection of the air guide conduit with the switchgear cabinet interior. It is possible to convey air through the air guide conduit and at least one opening with at least one ventilator.
For refurbishing the switchgear cabinet, the lateral element becomes a component of the airconditioning device, so that the latter need not be exchanged. This simple step considerably reduces the structural outlay for a cooling device. Moreover, if a separating element is installed in the interior of the switchgear cabinet, the exterior appearance of the switchgear cabinet is not, or is only negligibly, affected.
For a simplified assembly the openings cut in a vertical wall of the separating element are arranged symmetrically distributed with respect to the horizontally and/or vertically extending center transverse plane of the separating element.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention the separating element has at least two rows of openings, which are evenly distanced from each other. One of the rows is arranged in the bottom area and the second row in the cover area of the interior chamber. The heated air collected in the cover area can be aspirated through the upper openings, cooled in the airconditioning device and then re-introduced into the switchgear cabinet through the openings in the bottom area. At least one further row of openings can be arranged in the center area between the bottom and cover areas of the switchgear cabinet interior, in order to thus provide further introduction or removal options of air into, or respectively out of, the air guide channel.
In a preferred embodiment, the openings can be closed off independently of each other by covers. This makes it possible for the user to use existing openings of a present airconditioning device, which in the particular case are suitable for effective cooling. The openings not required are simply closed off by the covers. For example, the covers can be designed as plate-like elements, which are suspended by hooks on the separating element and are secured to the separating element with a fastening element.
In order to make the air conveyance in the guide conduit possible in a simple manner, the ventilators are arranged in the area of one or several openings, which aspirate the air conveyed in the guide conduit through the opening out of the switchgear cabinet interior, or discharge into it. In this case, the ventilators are primarily arranged on the side of the separating element facing the switchgear cabinet interior.
It is thus possible to place the separating element closely against the lateral element, so that a space-saving construction is possible.
This invention is explained in greater detail by an embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 shows a rack of a switchgear cabinet and a separating element fastened thereon, in a perspective exploded view;
FIG. 2 shows an air conditioning device, embodied as a cooling device and fastened on the rack, in a partial view; and
FIG. 3 shows the cooling device of FIG. 2, but in a different construction.


Provided is a sustained release preparation comprising an insect pest-targeting gel composition, the preparation being free from leakage or reaction of a volatile substance and being capable of releasing the volatile substance at a constant rate. More specifically, provided is a sustained release preparation including a polymer tube and an insect pest-targeting gel composition in the polymer tube, the composition including one or more volatile substances and an oil gelling agent, wherein the volatile substances are included in an amount of from 70.0 to 99.0% by weight by the insect pest-targeting composition and are released outside of the polymer tube through the polymer tube.

Mating disruption, emergence forecasting, mass trapping, control of insect pests in a predetermined area and the like can be accomplished by the sustained release of a pheromone substance, an attractant, a repellent or the like. As a method of sustainably releasing a volatile substance which is effective for insect pest control, over a long period of time, a method of sustainably releasing a volatile substance in liquid form, a method of sustainably releasing a volatile substance in gel form and other methods are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method comprising the steps of enclosing a volatile substance in a polymer vessel and sustainably releasing it from the polymer surface through the polymer wall; Patent Document 2 discloses a method comprising the steps of forming a volatile substance into a fluid gel and sustainably releasing the gel through a polymer film; and Patent Document 3 discloses a method comprising the steps of entrapping a volatile substance in a polymer lattice and sustainably releasing it in a solid or gel form.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Sustained release preparation comprising insect pest-targeting gel composition


Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

This invention relates to robotically assisted surgery, and more particularly provides surgical tools having improved mechanical and/or data interface capabilities to enhance the safety, accuracy, and speed of minimally invasive and other robotically enhanced surgical procedures.
In robotically assisted surgery, the surgeon typically operates a master controller to remotely control the motion of surgical instruments at the surgical site. The controller may be separated from the patient by a significant distance (e.g., across the operating room, in a different room, or in a completely different building than the patient). Alternatively, a controller may be positioned quite near the patient in the operating room. Regardless, the controller will typically include one or more hand input devices (such as joysticks, exoskeletol gloves, master manipulators, or the like) which are coupled by a servo mechanism to the surgical instrument. More specifically, servo motors move a manipulator or xe2x80x9cslavexe2x80x9d supporting the surgical instrument based on the surgeon""s manipulation of the hand input devices. During an operation, the surgeon may employ, via the robotic surgery system, a variety of surgical instruments such as tissue graspers, needle drivers, electrosurgical cautery probes, etc. Each of these structures performs functions for the surgeon, for example, holding or driving a needle, grasping a blood vessel, or dissecting, cauterizing, or coagulating tissue.
This new method of performing robotic surgery has, of course, created many new challenges. One such challenge is that a surgeon will typically employ a significant number of different surgical instruments during each surgical procedure. The number of independent surgical manipulators will often be limited due to space constraints and cost. Additionally, patient trauma can generally be reduced by eliminating the number of tools used at any given time. More specifically, in minimally invasive procedures, the number of entry ports into a patient is generally limited because of space constraints, as well as a desire to avoid unnecessary incisions in the patient. Hence, a number of different surgical instruments will typically be introduced through the same trocar sleeve into the abdomen during, for example, laparoscopic procedures. Likewise, in open surgery, there is typically not enough room adjacent the surgical site to position more than a few surgical manipulators, particularly where each manipulator/tool combination has a relatively large range of motion. As a result, a number of surgical instruments will often be attached and detached from a single instrument holder of a manipulator during an operation.
Published PCT application WO98/25666, filed on Dec. 10, 1997 and assigned to the present assignee (the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) describes a Multicomponent Telepresence System and Method which significantly improves the safety and speed with which robotic surgical tools can be removed and replaced during a surgical procedure. While this represents a significant advancement of the art, as is often true, still further improvements would be desirable. In particular, each tool change which occurs during a surgical procedure increases the overall surgery time. While still further improvements in the mechanical tool/manipulator interface may help reduce a portion of this tool change time, work in connection with the present invention has shown that the mechanical removal and replacement of the tool may represent only one portion of the total interruption for a tool change. U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,267 describes a memory feature for electrically powered medical equipment, and is also incorporated herein by reference.
As more and more different surgical tools are provided for use with a robotic system, the differences between the tool structures (and the interaction between the tool and the other components of the robotic system) become more pronounced. Many of these surgical tools will have one or more degrees of motion between the surgical end effectors and the proximal interface which engages the tool to the holder of the manipulator. The desired and/or practicable ranges of motion for an electrosurgical scalpel may be significantly different than those of a clip applier, for example. Work in connection with the present invention has found that even after a tool is properly placed on the surgical manipulator, the time involved in reconfiguring the robotic system to take advantage of a different tool, and to perfect the master controller""s effective control over the degrees of motion of the tool, may add significantly to the total tool change delay.
In light of the above, it would be desirable to provide improved robotic surgery tools, systems, and method. It would further be desirable to provide techniques for reducing the total delay associated with each tool change. It would be especially desirable if these enhanced, and often more rapid, robotic tool change techniques resulted in still further improvement in the safety and reliability of these promising surgical systems.
The present invention generally provides improved robotic surgical devices, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery. The robotic tools of the present invention will often make use of a memory structure mounted on a tool, manipulator arm, or movable support structure. The memory can, for example, perform a number of important functions when a tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type (whether it is a scalpel, needle grasper, jaws, scissors, clip applier, electrocautery blade, or the like) to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming to take full advantage of the tools"" specialized capabilities. This tool-type data may simply be an identification signal referencing further data in a look-up table of the robotic system. Alternatively, the tool-type signal provided by the tool may define the tool characteristics in sufficient detail to allow reconfiguration of the robotic programming without having to resort to an external table. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including (for example) measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment between the tool drive system and the tool end effector elements, tool life data (such as the number of times the tool has been loaded onto a surgical system, the number of surgical procedures performed with the tool, and/or the total time the tools has been used), or the like. The information may be stored in some form of non-volatile memory such as one-time programmable EPROM, Flash EPROM, EEPROM, battery-backed-up SRAM, or similar memory technology where data can be updated and retained in either a serial or random access method, or with any of a wide variety of alternative hardware, firmware, or software. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
In a first aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system has a processor which directs movement of a tool holder. The tool comprises a probe having a proximal end and a distal end. A surgical end effector is disposed adjacent the distal end of the probe. An interface is disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the probe. The interface can be releasably coupled with the tool holder. Circuitry is mounted on the probe. The circuitry defines a signal for transmitting to the processor so as to indicate compatibility of the tool with the system.
The tool will often comprise a surgical instrument suitable for manipulating tissue, an endoscope or other image capture device, or the like. Preferably, the signal will comprise unique tool identifier data. The processor of the robotic surgical system may include programming to manipulate the tool identifier according to a pre-determined function or algorithm so as to derive verification data. The signal transmitted to the processor will often include the verification data. Alternative compatibility signals may include a signal which is listed in a table accessible to the processor, an arbitrary compatibility data string, or the like.
In another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical component for use in a robotic surgical system having a processor and a component holder. The component comprises a component body having an interface mountable to the component holder. The body supports a surgical end effector, and a drive system is coupled to the body for moving the end effector per commands from the processor. Circuitry is mounted on the body and defines a signal for transmitting to the processor. The signal may indicate compatibility of the component with the system, may define a component type of the component, may indicate coupling of the component to the system, and/or may indicate calibration of the component. Typically, the component will comprise a surgical tool, a manipulator arm, a pre-positioning linkage supporting the manipulator arm, or the like.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for installing a robotic surgical component in a robotic surgical system. The method comprises mounting the component to a component holder. A signal is transmitted from the component to a processor of the robotic surgical system. The component is articulated in response to the signal per commands of the processor.
In many embodiments, compatibility of the component with the robotic surgical system will be verified using the signal transmitted from the component to the processor. This can be accomplished by providing unique identification data on the component, and deriving verification data from the identification data according to an algorithm. The verification data is stored with a memory of the component, the signal transmitted to the processor including both the identification and verification data. The algorithm may then be performed on the transmitted unique identification data with the processor, and the results compared with the verification data. Advantageously, this method can take advantage of unique identification data which is often unalterably stored in a memory of commercially available integrated circuits.
In another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in robotic surgical systems having a processor. The tool comprises a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A surgical end effector is disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The end effector has a plurality of degrees of motion relative to the proximal end. An interface is disposed adjacent the proximal end of the shaft. The interface can be releasably coupled with a robotic probe holder. The interface comprises a plurality of driven elements. A plurality of tool drive systems couple the driven elements to the degrees of motion of the end effector. The tool drive system has calibration offsets between a nominal relative position of the end effector and the driven elements, and a measured relative position of the end effector and driven elements. A memory stores data indicating the offsets. The memory is coupled to the interface so as to transmit the offsets to the processor.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical system comprising a plurality of tools of different tool-types. Each tool comprises an elongate shaft with a cross-section suitable for introduction into an internal surgical site within a patient body via a minimally invasive opening. A distal surgical end effector is coupled to the shaft by at least one joint. The joint is drivingly coupled to a proximal interface by a tool drive system. Circuitry of the tool transmits a tool-type via the interface. The tool types may optionally differ in at least one characteristic such as joint geometry, end effector geometry, drive system characteristics, end effector or drive system strength, or the like. The system also includes a robotic manipulator including a linkage supporting a tool holder. The tool holder releasably receives the interface. A manipulator drive motor drivingly engages the linkage so as to move the tool holder relative to the opening and position the shaft within the surgical site. A tool drive motor is coupled to the tool holder so as to drivingly engage the tool drive system and articulate the joint. A processor is coupled to the tool holder. The processor has programming that effects a desired movement of the end effector by transmitting drive signals to the tool drive motors of the manipulator. The processor reconfigures the program for the different joint geometries based on the tool-type signals.
In another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical system comprising a surgical tool having a surgical end effector and an interface. A manipulator assembly has a base and a tool holder for releasably engaging the interface. A plurality of tool engagement sensors are coupled to the tool holder. Each tool sensor produces a signal when the interface engages the holder. A processor is coupled to the tool engagement sensors. The processor has a tool change mode and a tissue manipulation mode. The processor requires tool signals from each of the sensors before changing the tool change mode to the tissue manipulation mode. The processor remains in the tissue manipulation mode when at least one, but not all, of the tool signals is lost.
The tools used in robotic surgery will be subjected to significant structural stress during use. The stress may result in temporary loss of an engagement signal from an engagement sensor. By providing at least two, and preferably three engagement sensors, the surgical procedure can continue safely with the loss of an engagement signal from an individual sensor so long as the system can still verify proper engagement between the manipulator and tool. This arrangement results in a robust tool engagement sensing system that avoids frequent delays during the surgical procedure as might occur from the loss of an individual signal.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical system comprising a manipulator assembly having a base and tool holder which moves relative to the base. The tool holder has a plurality of drive elements. A sterile drape covers at least a portion of the manipulator. A sterile tool has a proximal interface and distal end effector. The distal end effector has a plurality of degrees of motion relative to the proximal interface. The degrees of motion are coupled to drive elements of the interface. An adapter is disposed adjacent the sterile drape between the holder and the interface. The adapter comprises a plurality of movable bodies. Each movable body has a first surface driven by the drive elements of the holder, and a second surface driving the driven elements of the tool.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use with a robotic manipulator having a tool holder. The tool holder has magnetically actuatable circuitry. The tool comprises a probe having a proximal end and a distal end. A surgical end effector is disposed adjacent the distal end of the probe. An interface adjacent the proximal end of the probe is releasably coupleable with the holder. The interface comprises a magnet positioned so as to actuate the circuitry of the holder.

Mechanical actuator interface system for robotic surgical tools


An asset location system comprising a plurality of location tags, each having: a location tag transmitter for controlled range transmission of a location identifier; a plurality of asset tags, each being affixed to an asset and each having: a receiver for receiving a location identifier from any of the location tags; a memory for storing at least an asset identifier and a location identifier; a transmitter for transmitting an asset signal, the asset signal including at least the asset identifier and the received location identifier; and an asset location retrieval unit, the retrieval unit having: a receiver for receiving the asset signal from any of the asset tags; a memory; a power unit; and an output means for outputting asset locations based on the received asset signal from any of the plurality of asset tags.

In many situations, finding an asset within a facility can be a cumbersome and time-consuming exercise. Worker productivity is reduced by requiring the worker to search for the asset. Further, the benefits of a certain piece of equipment or asset are reduced by having it under-utilized, thereby in many situations necessitating the purchase of more assets in order to offset this down-time.
In order to overcome the above inefficiencies, in some situations, facilities have installed asset tracking systems. An asset tracking system, as used herein, is defined as a real-time or near real-time system in which an asset location is continually updated. Such systems generally include means for locating an object in a facility through the attachment of an indicia to the object. Indicia include radio frequency tags. Such a system records the location of the object and the radio frequency tag is used to identify the location of the object. Receivers in each location typically convey identifiers from a tag to a centralized computer.
The problem with asset tracking is the cost of implementing the infrastructure required for this tracking. Each location needs to include a receiver for receiving signals from assets and this receiver needs to continually communicate with a centralized database in order to constantly know the location of assets.
Asset tracking is useful, for example, in warehouse situations where a large number of assets exist in a small area. The cost of implementing a number of receivers in this small area is sufficiently low that asset tracking is worthwhile. Situations with sufficiently high-valued assets can also justify the required infrastructure costs of an installed tracking system.
Asset tracking, however, is not worthwhile in situations where there are a relatively small number of assets in a large location. Such a location can include, for example, a hospital setting in which the location of pieces of equipment sometime need to be determined. In such a situation, the cost of implementing an asset tracking system can be prohibitive due to the infrastructure requirements of this system. Other illustrative examples are a) materials and/or equipment tracking in manufacturing facilities and b) goods tracking in a distribution centre.
An asset "location" system is a better solution for such an environment. An asset "location" system is a system in which an asset is periodically located and this information is stored on a database. One such system includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,600,418 to Francis et al. Francis teaches the use of a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) on both objects and in locations. A palette truck moving the objects includes an interrogator and a receiver which records both the location of the object and the object identification. Using the RFID tags on both location and the object, a database on the palette truck can store the location of an asset.
One problem with Francis is the use of an RFID tag for both the location and the object identification. RFID will identify an area of poorly controlled and poorly defined size and dimensions for the location of an object. Further, since both the object and the location uses RFID tags, it is possible that the palette truck in Francis will receive an identifier for the location from one tag which does not necessarily identify the correct location for the object identified by a second tag.
A second problem of Francis is that it requires interrogation, thus making the tags and markers more complicated and costly. Francis further does not disclose the period collection of data for the movement of assets since Francis assumes that these assets will be moved with a fork-lift truck and, therefore, the new asset location will be registered in the database.
Another tracking system includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,139 to Heller. Heller teaches the use of RF and IR to locate subjects. The system has asset tags which transmit both IR and RF to a dual technology receiver. This implementation limits the receiver to be within line of sight for the IR communication to function and provide location information. This, as a result, requires additional receivers to be installed to get IR location information and limits the function of the non-line of site receivers to only RF information. This system is not suitable for portable receivers due to the lack of location specific IR information since it is also an IR receiver. Therefore, it does not address the high infrastructure costs of fixed receivers in an asset tracking system.
Another tracking system includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,542,114 to Eagleson et al. Eagleson teaches the the use of LF transmit signposting, an asset tag with an LF receiver and RF transmitter, along with an RF receiver which is fixed into the facility infrastructure. Eagleson does not teach the use of a portable RF receiver and therefore also does not address the high infrastructure costs required to install a fully fixed network of receivers.
In situations such as in hospitals, schools, laboratories or other facilities in which objects can be moved by people, it is desirable, therefore, to have a low-cost system which can periodically be updated to indicate the location of assets and to do so accurately.


Circuitry for eliminating charge sharing noise in MOS dynamic logic circuits is described. Dynamic logic circuits having stacks of MOS devices controlling the state of a common node defining the output logic state of the circuit are susceptible to charge sharing noise. This noise ultimately arises from leakage and stray capacitances at the nodes between MOS devices in each stack which the common node must supply. The noise is eliminated by employing MOS devices associated with the MOS devices in the stacks to couple the nodes between stack MOS devices to a supply voltage until their associated stack device changes logic state. On the changing state of the associated stack device, the node charging MOS device turns off, allowing the nodes to assume states defined by the input signals to the dynamic logic circuit.

Dynamic logic circuits in which the output state is determined during an evaluate phase of a clock signal are susceptible to charge sharing noise. In such logic circuits, the output logic state of the circuit is controlled by stacks of MOS devices which drain charge from a common node during the evaluation phase of operation of the circuit. The state of each stack of devices is determined by the inputs to the MOS devices comprising the stack. The noise results from the sharing of charge on the common node among the stacks of MOS devices. If the charge drained from the common node is sufficiently large, the output logic state may switch even though the input logic states are such that the output logic state would not otherwise switch in the absence of these parasitic effects. This may be better understood by now referring to FIG. 1 which typifies such a dynamic logic circuit.
Clock input 111 is applied to the gate of P-type MOS device 101. The source of MOS device 101 is coupled to a supply voltage, Vcc, and the drain of MOS device 101 is coupled to the input 117 of inverter 107. The output of inverter 107 forms the output 171 of the dynamic logic circuit 100. P-type MOS device 108 comprises a weak latch which latches the logic state of the input 117 of inverter 107. The junction between the drain of MOS device 101 and MOS device stacks 131 and 132 forms pre-charge node 121. The input 117 of inverter 107 is also connected to pre-charge node 121. MOS device stacks 131 and 132 are in parallel between pre-charge node 121 and ground.
The state of pre-charge node 121 depends on the logic states of the inputs to MOS devices 102, 103, 122, and 123. When the logic level of clock 111 is low, defining the pre-charge phase, MOS device 101 conducts, charging pre-charge node 121, and therefore the input 117 of inverter 107, to a high logic state. At the same time, the low logic level of clock 111 turns off clock foot MOS devices 104 and 105. This lifts MOS device stack 131 and MOS device stack 132 from ground. Therefore, pre-charge node 121 is charged to approximately Vcc during the low logic level of clock 111 independent of the input states of MOS devices 102, 103, 122, and 123.
The evaluate phase begins when clock 111 transitions from low to high. This turns off MOS device 101 and turns on clock foot MOS devices 104 and 105. This couples to ground the series strings of MOS devices 102 and 103 in MOS device stack 131, and MOS devices 122 and 123 in MOS device stack 132.
The state of pre-charge node 121 is determined by the logic signals applied to MOS devices 102, 103, 122, and 123 at their respective inputs 112, 113, 127, and 128. For example, in dynamic logic circuit 100, if input 112 and input 113 are both logic level high, MOS device 102 and MOS device 103 both conduct, discharging pre-charge node 121 to ground thereby forming a logic level low at the input 117 of inverter 107. The output 171 of dynamic logic circuit 100 would then be high. Likewise, if the logic levels of input 127 and input 128 are both high, then MOS device stack 132 would shunt pre-charge node 121 to ground, resulting in a logic high at the output 171 of dynamic logic circuit 100. Conversely, if either of the inputs 112 and 113 in MOS device stack 131, and inputs 127 or 128 in MOS device stack 132 are low, then neither MOS device stack 131 nor MOS device stack 132 has a conducting path to ground and pre-charge node 121 remains charged to a high logic level. Consequently, the output 171 of dynamic logic circuit 100 would remain at a low logic level.
It is an important requirement of the dynamic logic circuit 100 that the evaluate phase persists throughout the high state of clock 111. This means that the logic levels of inputs 112, 113, 127, and 128 may, and must be allowed to, attain their dynamic logic levels at any time during the high logic level state of clock 111 comprising a particular evaluate phase. The changing of the states of inputs 112, 113, 127, and 128 during the evaluate phase, coupled with real circuit effects, can give rise to noise in the operation of dynamic logic circuit 100.
If, in the evaluate phase, input 113 of MOS device 103 and input 128 of MOS device 123 are low and remain low, pre-charge node 121 should remain charged to a high logic level independent of the states of inputs 112 and 127. This is in accordance with the operation described above. However, if, during the evaluate phase, input 112 of MOS device 102 transitions from low to high, and input 127 of MOS device 122 also transitions from low to high, then both MOS device 102 and MOS device 122 turn on. Node 141 and node 142 are then both connected to pre-charge node 121. Due to stray capacitances, the charge on pre-charge node 121 divides between node 141 and node 142. This may reduce the charge on pre-charge node 121 to a level that is sufficiently low to cause the output 171 of dynamic logic circuit 100 to falsely switch. In order to overcome this effect, the dynamic logic circuit 200 of FIG. 2 has been employed.
Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that dynamic logic circuit 200 employs circuitry to pre-charge any stray capacitances of node 141 and node 142. During the pre-charge phase, at which time pre-charge node 121 is charged through MOS device 101 by virtue of clock 111 being at a low logic level, clock 111 is also provided to the gates of MOS device 201 and MOS device 202. Thus, MOS devices 201 and 202 are turned on, thereby charging node 141 and node 142, respectively, to approximately Vcc. After the evaluate phase commences on the transition of clock 111 to a high logic level, ideally, node 141 and node 142 retain their pre-charge. In this circumstance, even if input 112 of MOS device 102 and input 127 of MOS device 122 transition from low to high during the evaluate phase while input 113 of MOS device 103 and input 128 of MOS device 123 remain low, pre-charge node 121 will not discharge into node 141 and node 142 because any stray capacitances associated with those nodes have been pre-charged. However, the requirement that inputs 112, 113, 127, and 128 be allowed to assume their logic levels at any time during the evaluate phase, can cause the solution embodied in dynamic logic circuit 200 to be ineffective in eliminating noise in the operation of dynamic logic circuit 200.
If, during the evaluate phase, the low to high transition of input 112 of MOS device 102 and input 127 of MOS device 122 are sufficiently delayed relative to the beginning of the evaluate phase, then a false switching of the output of logic circuit 200 may still occur. In this circumstance, leakage can drain the pre-charge from node 141 and node 142 before the low to high transition of input 112 and input 127. Then, the pre-charge on node 121 will still be required to charge any stray capacitances of node 141 and 142, and the charge sharing that gave rise to the noise in the operation of dynamic logic circuit 100 of FIG. 1 will reappear. Consequently, dynamic logic circuit 200 is also susceptible to charge sharing noise. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for dynamic logic circuitry which eliminates charge sharing noise.

Dynamic MOS logic circuit without charge sharing noise

International Business Machines Corporation


Embodiments of a software defined automation system that provides a reference architecture for designing, managing and maintaining a highly available, scalable and flexible automation system. In some embodiments, an SDA system can include a localized subsystem including a system controller node and multiple compute nodes. The multiple compute nodes can be communicatively coupled to the system controller node via a first communication network. The system controller node can manage the multiple compute nodes and virtualization of a control system on a compute node via the first communication network. The virtualized control system includes virtualized control system elements connected to a virtual network that is connected to a second communication network to enable the virtualized control system elements to control a physical control system element via the second communication network connected to the virtual network.

Automation is the use of automatic control devices and various technologies to automate monitoring, operation and control of processes and installations without significant human intervention to achieve performance that is superior to manual control. Known automation systems for monitoring and controlling processes and installations (e.g., in plants, buildings, etc.) typically comprise various automation devices such as controllers (e.g., Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)), input/output devices (I/O devices), field devices (e.g., sensors and actuators), personal computers (PCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and the like. The controllers execute user-defined programs to control automated processes. Typically, in a control system, controllers read input data from field devices such as sensors and metering devices and use the input data to generate control outputs based on the user-defined programs.

Software defined automation system and architecture


Diffusion metallic anticorrosive zinc-iron-aluminum coatings of iron and iron-based item surfaces, realized by heating of products at temperatures of 370–450° C. in a saturating powder mixture environment in a closed container. The coating compositions are multiphase-polymetallic, and comprise zinc, iron and aluminum. Other elements may be added to attain specific coating properties. This coating exhibits a high corrosion resistance (at least a 700-hour corrosion resistance level in a standard salt spray test), a relatively high hardness level and good adhesion to secondary coatings.

The anticorrosive property requirements imposed on products and components are becoming ever more stringent. For example, ten years ago, an acceptable corrosion resistance level under salt spray tests for the most widely accepted and commercially used anticorrosive zinc coating was the 75-hour corrosion resistance level or, as a maximum, the 150-hour corrosion resistance level. Today, the requirement may be a 400-hour corrosion resistance level or greater. (The salt spray test data results cited herein were obtained using standard ASTM B 117).
Anticorrosive coating manufacturers have attempted to meet the more stringent coating corrosion resistance requirements by the addition of numerous components aimed at increasing the corrosion resistance of their coating compositions.
In the electroplating process, coatings composed of Zn—Fe, Zn—Ni, Zn—Co, Zn—Cd alloys were developed and produced. By using chromate passivation, it became possible to maintain coating corrosion resistance for 400 to 500 hours, before red corrosion traces appeared in the salt spray test. Red corrosion traces indicate the beginning of iron-based substrate corrosion.
However, the added complexity and sensitivity of the coating precipitation process and the resulting need for more precise production control led to a substantial increase in coating production costs. In addition, the addition of environmentally dangerous elements, such as Ni, Co, and Cd, in the coatings led to higher waste treatment expenditures.
Another commonly accepted method for applying a corrosion resistant zinc-based coating is the hot-dip (or galvanizing) process; in which treated parts are immersed in a molten zinc bath. This method is widely used for applying coatings onto large-sized products, and also for a continuous process of applying protective coatings on metal sheet and wire.
However, the hot-dip zinc coating, thus applied, exhibits a relatively low corrosion resistance, (a corrosion resistance of approximately 150 hours was maintained before the appearance of red corrosion in the salt spray test) and high white corrosion susceptibility. White corrosion refers to the corrosion products of zinc.
In the 1970s, hot-dip processes were modified to use a bath containing aluminum, as well as zinc. Coatings produced using these hot-dip processes have various commercial names, however, their chemical composition is essentially the same. The coating, known in Europe and the USA as Galfan, contains 4.7–5.2% by weight of aluminum. The Galvalum coating, commercially produced in the USA, contains approximately 55% by weight of aluminum.
Galfan coating is characterized by a 3 to 5-fold lower corrosive mass-loss rate than that of conventional hot-dip technology coatings, and also, by an increased period of time elapsed before the appearance of red corrosion of the base metal.
Although the introduction of relatively small amounts of aluminum (usually 4–7% by weight) is known to lead to an increased corrosion resistance of zinc coating, the electrochemical mechanism that leads to this effect is not apparent.
The higher resistance of Zn—Fe, Zn—Ni, Zn—Cd alloys in comparison with pure zinc can be attributed to their higher electrode potential, as the electrochemical potential of the second component of the alloy is higher than that of zinc, as shown in the table below:
TABLE 1Electrochemical Potential of Alloy ComponentsElementElectrochemical potential, VZn−0.763Fe−0.037Ni−0.250Cd−0.403Al−1.663Mg−2.37
Conversely, in zinc alloys with aluminum and magnesium having electrochemical potentials equal to −1.663 V and −2.37 V, respectively, the situation is reverse. From the electrochemical point of view, zinc alloys with aluminum and/or magnesium should be less corrosion resistant.
According to J. Tanaka et al., "Effect of Mg and Si on the Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior on Zn—Al Hot Dip Coatings on Low Carbon Steel" (ISIJ international, Vol. 42 (2002), N1, pages 80–85), a Zn—Al coating with Mg and Si admixtures has a complicated phase composition caused by phase transformation processes at the transition from bath temperature to room temperature. In addition to a Zn—Fe intermetallide layer, adjacent to the base metal, phases of almost pure zinc, almost pure aluminum, and eutectic Zn—Al compositions, with approximately 5–6% by weight of Al, are also observed. According to these authors, almost pure aluminum does not corrode due to its self-passivation capability.
The increased corrosion stability of Galfan type coatings seems to be due to the fact that the eutectic aluminum, when subjected to corrosion, forms insoluble compounds, which fill coating defects, such as, pores and cracks. In essence, the activity of these insoluble compounds provides an effect of coating self-passivation similar to that observed in pure aluminum and its alloys.
The increase in the corrosion resistance of zinc-aluminum coatings, produced by hot-dip technology, has been achieved by making the chemical composition of the coating more complex. Adding magnesium and silicon to the coating composition made it possible to bring the corrosion resistance of such coatings up to the level of today's industrial anticorrosive coating requirements.
The modified hot-dip technology process, however, requires an extremely delicate multistage pretreatment of surfaces to be coated, fluxing, and in many cases, chromate passivation of finished coating as well. There are also problems in maintaining a constant melt composition in the bath, and, as a rule, the coating itself is applied in several steps.
To attain a high coating adhesion to the substrate, it is necessary to introduce various kinds of admixtures into the bath, including rare-earth elements. This increases 2 to 2.5-fold the cost of polymetallic coating in comparison with a conventional hot-dip coating.
Coatings applied, using this technology, on parts of complex shape fail to provide a uniform thickness.
This technology is inapplicable for parts having blind holes and internal thread.
It is difficult to automate the process of coating small-sized parts. Applying coatings onto small flat parts, for example, washers, presents a problem as well.
The hardness level of zinc-based coatings, applied by both the electroplating and hot-dip processes, is not high. It is 50–65 HV for zinc, zinc-aluminum and other zinc alloy coatings. A low hardness level leads to a rapid wear of coating in friction and erosion areas and, consequently, to the deterioration of corrosion stability.
Another common drawback of zinc-based coatings, applied by both the electroplating and hot-dip processes, is their low adhesion to secondary coatings. The secondary coatings are applied to increase the corrosion resistance, to attain the required appearance of the product, and to obtain the specified technical characteristics, for instance, to increase or decrease the friction coefficient. White corrosion of zinc, developed in the vicinity of pores and defects of the second coating, leads to the mechanical destruction of the second coating. As the corrosion process advances, its products displace the second coating, which exhibits blistering.
The above-mentioned process drawbacks are eliminated using diffusive metal coatings. According to this technology, a substrate to be coated is placed into a powdered metal medium and heated up to a temperature, at which diffusion of atoms occurs between the substrate metal and the powder on the substrate surface. A particular version of this method widely used in industry is Sherardizing.
According to the established understanding, Sherardizing is a process where parts are heated for several hours in a closed, usually rotating, container together with zinc powder at temperatures of 370–450° C. As a result of this process, two intermetallide Zn—Fe phases are formed on the substrate surface. The first phase is usually only several microns thick. It is adjacent to the base metal and contains approximately 20% by weight of iron. The second phase, which forms the main part of the coating thickness, contains less iron, usually up to 12% by weight of iron.
The process temperature approaches the zinc melting temperature (˜419° C.) and sometimes exceeds it. To prevent the powder from fusing and/or sticking to the substrates, the zinc powder is diluted with inert filler, such as, sand, aluminum oxide, and so forth. Alternately, according to Soviet Union patent SU 1534091 to Galin et al, the surface of zinc powder particles may be treated by a special hydrothermal method, which creates a layer that prevents the zinc powder particles from fusing.
As a result of the Sherardizing process, a relatively rough and porous coating is formed, which adheres uniformly to the profile of the substrate. The coating also serves as an excellent substrate, upon which to apply a second coating. The Zn—Fe intermetallide hardness level is high, 280–400 HV, and therefore prevents rapid wear of coating in friction and erosion areas and, consequently, maintains corrosion stability.
The corrosion resistance of the intermetallic Zn—Fe, containing approximately 12% by weight of Fe, would be expected to exceed that of electrochemically applied Zn—Fe alloy coatings. The electrochemically applied Zn—Fe alloy coatings exhibit a salt spray test corrosion resistance of up to 120 hours (and as high as 300 hours, after chromate passivation) at a thickness of 5 microns.
The Sherardizing process applied coating thickness may reach tens of microns and even exceed 100 microns; consequently, it would be natural to expect unique anti-corrosive properties of this coating. However, this is not the case. In a moist atmosphere, a layer of white corrosion covers a newly applied coating, obtained by using the Sherardizing process, in just a few hours. This white corrosion is a result of contraction cracks reaching the base metal. These contraction cracks are formed in the coating during the cooling-down of coated products.
Galvanic couples are rapidly formed in a moist, natural environment, promoting intense corrosion of the coating. Consequently, at present, all substrates coated using the Sherardizing method are either phosphatized and/or covered with a second protecting layer, for example, Dacromet paints. Phosphatization of substrates leads to an increase in salt spray test corrosion resistance levels. Corrosion resistance levels of up to 150–250 hours until the appearance of white corrosion, and up to 400 hours and more when organic coatings are applied, have been obtained.
The corrosion resistance of such a coating cannot be appreciably improved, not even by coloring with metal oxides and compounds introduced into the coating by the method suggested by U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,359 B1 to Levinski et al. The maximum salt spray test corrosion resistance of the coating, obtained using the Levinski patent, was only 192 hours until the appearance of yellow corrosion. Yellow corrosion refers to corrosion observed in a coating containing Fe. These relatively low corrosion resistance levels are due to the fact that these metal oxides coloring techniques slow down, but fail to entirely eliminate white corrosion development in the main coating, as described previously.
The prior art does not describe improvements to the Sherardizing coating corrosion resistance by means of alloying the coating with different chemical elements. Probably, this is due to the fact that the structure of the Zn—Fe intermetallic, in contrast to alloys, has a limited capability of alloying with other chemical elements.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a diffusion coating that possesses the advantages of the Sherardizing process, but attains a high corrosion resistance, as well. In addition, it would be desirable to attain specific unique properties in this coating by including other metals, such as, tin, silicon, and magnesium, in the coating composition.

Corrosion resistant poly-metal diffusion coatings and a method of applying same


A method for correction errors in radar systems that operate using a crossfeed principle (CFR), in which echo signals are directly received from flying objects, such as an aircraft. In particular, the present invention is used in connection with low-flying objects, in which radar signals are indirectly reflected from the surface of the earth to an antenna of the radar system. Correction terms are determined and weighted, using correction factors, so as to improve the capability of the crossfeed radar system to accurately determine the exact elevation of the flying object. The correction factors that are used to improve the accuracy of the radar system are based upon sea state numbers, or Beaufort numbers, which vary in relation to the shape and/or structure of the reflecting surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a method for correcting errors that occur during the use of Crossfeed Radar (CFR) equipment that operates in accordance with a crossfeed principle and which receives echo signals from flying objects. In particular, the present invention is used in connection with echo signals that are emitted by a low-flying object, such as an aircraft, and are reflected from a surface of the earth.
2. Discussion of Background and Relevant Information
Monopulse tracking radar equipment is normally used to track airborne objects, such as an aircraft. Such a system purposely generates azimuth and elevation error signals which, when transmitted in open space, cancel out azimuth and elevation errors if the transmitting antenna, or boresight axis, is directly aligned with a desired target. An antenna guidance system, using two servo circuits, is typically employed for tracking a target. One servo circuit controls the elevation of the antenna, while the second servo circuit controls the azimuth adjustment of the antenna.
Unfortunately, an elevation angle error occurs when a transmitted signal "hits", for example, a body of water, and is echoed back to the antenna. This results in a non-zero elevation angle indication that can not be eliminated, even if the axis of the antenna is aligned directly with the target. Thus, in addition to receiving the desired echo signal from the tracked target, a second, undesired, target echo signal, reflected from the surface of the water (or ground), is received. The radar system cannot discriminate between the first, desired echo signal and the second, undesired echo signal with regard to the distance or bearing. Thus, the superimposition of these two echo signals results in an erroneous indication of the elevation of the target. The result is that during the guidance tracking phase, the elevation servo circuit orients the antenna axis away from the target.
Additional bearing error signals have been utilized in a so-called crossfeed method in an attempt to overcome the above-discussed deficiency of the monopulse tracking system. If the right combination of signals is used, a zero position signal on the antenna axis will be generated. Such a method is described in, for example, Swiss Letters Patent Nos. 592,887 and 629,898. According to these patents, a monopulse antenna with, for example, four antenna horns a, b, c, d is used. The antenna horns receive an interference signal, consisting of a direct echo signal and a reflected echo signal. From the echo signals received by the antenna horns a, b, c and d, a summing/differentiation circuit located downstream obtains the following signals which depend upon the alignment of the antenna with respect to the target and to the reflecting surface: EQU F.sub.S a+b+c+d, (1)
where F.sub.S comprises a summing function containing the distance information EQU F.sub.dA =d-b, (2)
where F.sub.dA comprises a first differentiation function containing lateral or azimuth bearing information EQU F.sub.dE =a-c, (3)
where F.sub.dE comprises a second differentiation function that is distorted by reflection effects, and which contains an elevation angle or elevation information and reflection effect information EQU F.sub.dK =(a+c)-(b+d), (4)
where F.sub.dK comprises a cross-term function that contains both bearing data and reflection effect information.
These functions are processed in accordance with the radar system, in reference to the summing function F.sub.S in a discriminator that is located downstream of the summing/differentiation circuit. This results in the production of three signals:
Azimuth angle signal F.sub.A =F.sub.dA /F.sub.S ; PA1 Elevation angle signal F.sub.E =F.sub.dE /F.sub.S ; and PA1 Crossterm signal F.sub.K =F.sub.dK /F.sub.S.
In adjacent quadrature channels, the in-phase portions EAP, EEP and EKP of the bearing error functions F.sub.A, F.sub.E, and F.sub.K and the quadrature portions EEQ and EKQ which are displaced by 90 degrees with respect to the corresponding in-phase portions EEP and EKP, are obtained. The summing function F.sub.S, or a signal corresponding to it, is valid as a reference for all bearing error signals.
A corrected elevation angle error signal F.sub.Ekorr is obtained as a function of the angle between the target and the antenna axis w.sub.dE from the function: EQU F.sub.Ekorr (w.sub.dE)=EEP-(EEQ/EKQ).multidot.EKP+(EEQ/EKQ).multidot.F.sub.K (w.sub.dE) EQU or EQU F.sub.Ekorr (w.sub.dE)=EEP+FD1+FD2
In contrast to correction term FD1 itself, remainder correction term FD2 is a function of angle w.sub.dE and is iteratively determined, or is disregarded. Error correction in accordance with the described method operates satisfactorily as long as the reflection echo signal is reflected to the antenna from only one place on the surface of the earth. However, multiple, or diffuse reflections, directed towards the receiver antenna often occur, which cannot be corrected at all, or can only be partially corrected by the above-described method.

Correcting errors in crossfeed radar systems


A bag-in-box shipping container including an outer rigid container and an inner flexible container including a dispensing device. Sides of the rigid container are defined by an outer front panel, a first side panel, a back panel, a second side panel, and an inner front panel connected in series at respective first, second, third, and fourth fold lines. A plurality of top flaps are foldably joined to upper edges of the panels to define a top side of the rigid container. A plurality of bottom flaps are foldably joined to lower edges of the panels to define a bottom side of the rigid container. Outer and inner portal covers are formed in the respective outer and inner front panels, and a tear tab is defined by perforated lines adjacent the upper edge of the outer front panel, longitudinally aligned with the outer portal cover.

It is common practice to contain fluent products, e.g. liquid detergents, in a so-called bag-in-box package rather than, for example, conventional plastic bottles. Such bag-in-box packages can provide particular advantages for shipping bulk quantities of fluent products. Previously identified advantages of bag-in-box packages include more efficient usage of volume, cost reductions over alternative packaging materials, and easier disposal. Further, the shape of bag-in-box packages matches that of conventional shipping containers, such as boxes forming overpacking, such that one or more bag-in-box packages can be efficiently protected within the overpacking. Alternatively, a quantity of bag-in-box packages may be shipped on a pallet. While prior systems for shipping bag-in-box packages have provided an efficient means for shipping bulk supplies of fluent products, shipping of smaller quantities of fluent materials, such as in quantities that may be purchased and used by individual consumers, can be less cost efficient due to redundancy in packaging requirements to ensure that the bag-in-box packaging is protected against damage so as to avoid leakage of the fluent product.
A particular example of challenges associated with shipping products with minimum packaging while maintaining the integrity of the shipping package can be found in c-commerce, where consumer expectations and shipping cost often require that packaging materials and/or packaging size be minimized. Although a typical box of the bag-in-box package can contain and protect the bag during normal consumer handling of the package, such bag-in-box packages generally cannot be shipped under standard package shipping and handling conditions without additional protective wrapping or packaging over the box. For example, known bag-in-box packages often include at least one feature defining a weakened access area on the box to provide easy consumer access to a dispensing device connected to a product bag within the box. Without additional protective wrapping or packaging over the box, the weakened access feature in such known bag-in-box packages may break and compromise the package integrity during standard shipping and handling, that may include impacts, or other forces applied to the package, that can occur as the bag-in-box package moves through e-commerce shipping channels.


Sipe groups including a plurality of sipes which is opened to a main groove and is arranged at intervals in a tire circumferential direction are formed in both land parts with the main groove being interposed therebetween. The sipe groups are arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction, and are shifted in the tire circumferential direction on both sides of the main groove.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire, and more particularly, to a pneumatic tire in which sipes are formed in a land part of a tread part.
Background Art
In the related art, cuts which are called sipes are formed in a land part such as a block or rib provided in a tread part of a pneumatic tire. The sipes have the edge effect or water removal effect, and enhance travelling performance and braking performance in an ice/snow road surface or the like (hereinafter, referred to as snow performance), which are disclosed in JP-A-2002-264614, JP-A-2003-63213, JP-A-2009-286276 and JP-A-5-112107, for example.


A magnetically actuated safety lock device provides automatic locking capability to doors such as sliding glass patio doors and prevents unsupervised opening of the door by young children, thereby barring their access to dangerous environments. When the sliding door is closed, it is automatically locked. The lock device is installed in a position high upon the sliding door to prevent actuation by young children and requires no permanent modification to the door on which it is installed. The lock device consists of a locking assembly and a magnetic key. The locking assembly includes a magnetized latch assembly and a mounting bracket. The latch is held in the locked position by gravity and is only rotated into the unlocked position through the application of hand pressure or the repulsive force of the magnetic key. The doors can be unlocked from both inside and outside the door. Upon removal of either the magnetic force or hand pressure, the latch rotates back into the locked position. The latch is designed with an angled surface on one side such that as the user closes the door behind him, the door can close normally. This angled surface in the latch allows the door to slide along its track in the closing direction and, as the door edge touches the latch at the angled surface, the latch is rotated by the door into the unlocked position. Once the frame of the door slides completely past the latch, the latch rotates back into the locked position.

This invention relates to child-resistant door locks. More particularly, it refers to a magnetically controlled means for opening automatic door locking mechanisms.
A variety of locking mechanisms exist for use in conjunction with sliding doors such as glass patio doors. These devices include bars, pins, track-mounted stops and latch-keeper devices. The bar-type locking mechanism prevents the door from sliding by spanning the distance between the edge of the door and the door jamb, thereby reacting to a door opening force in compression. Pins prevent the door from sliding by pinning the door to a stationary member such as the door frame of the opposite door, thereby reacting to a door opening force in shear. Track-mounted stops are secured to the track on which the sliding door glides and block the door from sliding along the track once the door engages the stop. Finally, latch-keeper combinations consist of a latch in the door frame and a keeper in the door jamb which engage together to secure the door frame to the door jamb.
In the case of bar-type, pin-type and track-mounted stop configurations, it is not possible to lock or unlock the door from the face of the door opposite the face on which the pin-type, bar-type or track-mounted stop is installed. In the case of latch-keeper mechanisms, the locking and unlocking means is normally found at an elevation accessible to small children and these mechanisms are not normally constructed to prevent unlocking from the interior of the building in which the door is installed. In more sophisticated versions of these types of mechanisms, key actuated latch-keeper lock mechanisms may be employed. This type of lock mechanism is expensive, is difficult to add to pre-existing door installations, and requires permanent modifications to the door. Pin-type and bar-type locking devices also require permanent door modifications to doors on which they are installed.
The present invention is intended to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. The door lock of this invention can be easily installed by the door owner without the use of tools and requires no permanent modification to the door on which it is installed. The door lock of this invention may be removed easily from the door when there is no more need for it. On the side of the door on which the inventive locking device is installed, it can be opened by anyone able to reach to the elevation of the device as installed. On the opposite face of the door, typically outside the building in which the door is installed, the user grasps a magnetic key stored at a high elevation near that door face and places the key against the outer surface of the door, thereby causing the latch to rotate into the unlocked position as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
The following prior art is known to Applicant:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,812 to Slaughter discloses a concealed safety lock having a bolt in the form of a cylindrical magnet that may be moved through the use of a magnetic key.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,919,464 and 5,076,623, both to Richards, disclose latch mechanisms for use, for example, in holding a door leaf closed and include a pivotable assembly carrying a magnet that holds a magnetically attractive material attached to the door leaf closely adjacent thereto in one position thereof, and is pivoted away from that position responsive to close proximity of a magnetic key, thereby allowing the door leaf to be opened.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,405 to Maccaferri discloses a locking device for a latch similar to that of the Richards patents but including the further provision of a locking mechanism designed to hold the latch in an open position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,733 to Hoffman discloses a concealed magnetic lock for cabinet closure that includes a pivotable magnetic piece biased in one direction through a built-in magnet and pivotable away from that position through the use of a magnetic key.
The present invention differs from the teachings of these patents as contemplating a latch designed to move and lock through the force of gravity to a latched position automatically and may be moved to an unlatched position through the repelling force between a latch-mounted magnet and a magnet mounted in a key.

Automatic child-resistant sliding door lock