A system and method for facilitating configuration of client stations in a computer network. A virtual disk representing configuration information is formed and selectively exported via the network to the client stations. The stations are configured with the configuration information identified by the virtual disk. Snapshot disks representing modifications to the configuration information required at the client stations can also be created, transported across the computer network, and used to upgrade client station.

The present invention relates generally to the configuration and management of computer stations, and more particularly, to configuring computer stations linked together by a computer network.
For a networked computer station to be operable, it must first be configured with configuration information. The configuration information includes, for instance, the computer operating system. Conventionally, such information is installed on a computer using a master configuration disk. The master configuration disk is physically carried to the computer station which is to be configured. Once delivered, the master configuration disk is installed in a disk reader, such as a floppy disk drive, and copied into the memory of the computer station. The master configuration disk is then removed from the disk reader and typically stored at a central location. Additional computer stations can similarly be configured with the master configuration disk.
When a computer network is formed, it is often desirable that all of the computer stations within the network initially have the same configuration information installed. When the network is formed of a large number of computer stations, installing the configuration information at each of the computer stations can become a time-consuming and tedious process. For example, the master configuration disk must be provided to each of the computer stations by physically transporting the master configuration disk to each station. Once provided to each of the computer stations, the configuration information must be read into the local memories of each station. Additionally, updating each of the computer stations with upgraded configuration information requires the same time-consuming and tedious process.
To avoid the above process, the configuration information, as well as updates thereto, could be provided to the computer stations by way of network connections. However, if different configuration information is required at different computer stations ensuring that the correct configuration information is provided to the computer stations becomes burdensome. Thus, conventional techniques for installing and updating configuration information via the network is, in many cases, considered impractical.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved technique by which to more easily configure and maintain computer stations connected to form a computer network.
The details of such technique and additional advantages and features will be described below.
In accordance with the present invention, an improved technique is provided for configuring networked client stations with configuration information.
One or more main storage devices are connected with the client stations via the network. The configuration information necessary for the operation of the client stations is stored on the main storage device(s). The main storage device(s) could be, for example, one or more hard disks, or optical disks which form part of a network server(s).
The configuration information stored on the main storage device(s) is made available to the client stations using one or more virtual disks that include a representation, e.g., main storage device address identifiers, of the applicable configuration information, e.g., master configuration information. Each client station is capable of receiving identifiers of the appropriate configuration information from the virtual disk(s). Each of the virtual disk(s) is preferably a copy-on-write logical disk.
Each of the client stations typically has a local storage device, such as the hard disk of a personal computer (PC). A representation of a first virtual disk can be stored on the local storage device and accessed by a local processor. For example, the representation in the local storage is accessible by a PC processors to provide to the client station identifiers of the first configuration information, e.g., a master configuration.
A second virtual disk may include a representation of second configuration information, e.g., another master configuration or a modification, e.g., upgrade, to the master configuration represented by an identifier on the first virtual disk. A representation of the second virtual disk can be stored at the local storage device. It can be accessed by the local processor to provide an identifier of the second configuration information to another client station, making it possible to provide each client station with a choice of configurations. For example, a first client could choose a configuration including software A, B, and C while a second client could choose a configuration including only A and B.
In practice, the representation of a master configuration is formed, e.g., copied on a virtual disk. A logical copy of the virtual disk is used to create a snapshot of that virtual disk, using, for example, copy-on-write techniques. The snapshot forms the second virtual disk which represents only modifications to the virtual which it is associated. To upgrade a client station, instead of exporting a modified first virtual disk to a client station, only the snapshot is exported. This allows a client station to alter its configuration information by substituting only the snapshot. In this fashion, the identifiers stored on the first virtual disk are not altered. Accordingly, the first virtual disk can be used to provide numerous client stations with identical master configuration information, and the second virtual disks can be used to provide applicable client stations with modifications to the master configuration information.

Method and system for configuring and updating networked client stations using a virtual disk and a snapshot disk


Disclosed herein are an anti-reflection polarizing film and a display device having the same. The anti-reflection polarizing film includes: a polarization layer configured to linearly polarize external light; a phase-difference layer configured to circularly polarize the light transmitted through the polarization layer; a first support layer between the polarization layer and the phase-difference layer, configured to protect the polarization layer; and a second support layer facing the first support layer with the polarization layer therebetween, configured to protect the polarization layer, wherein a part of a particular layer among the layers facing the second support layer is extended towards an edge.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an anti-reflection polarizing film and a display device having the same.
Description of the Related Art
As information technology has developed display devices that represent information in the form of visual images are in widespread use. In accordance with such development, various display panels that can be implemented in devices which are thinner, lighter and consume less power have been developed to rapidly replace existing CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes).
Exemplary display devices include LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display), EPD (Electrophoretic Display, Electronic Paper Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), FED (Field Emission Display), an ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), EWD (Electro-Wetting Display), etc. Display devices have a display panel to produce images. Such a display panel includes a pair of substrates attached together, with a luminescent material and/or a polarizing material between the substrates.
An organic light-emitting display (OLED) is a self-luminance display device and thus does not require an additional light source such as those used in a liquid-crystal display (LCD). Accordingly, the OLED can be lighter and thinner. In addition, an OLED is advantageous over an LCD in terms of viewing angle, contrast and power consumption. In addition, an OLED is driven with low DC voltage, has a fast response speed, is robust to external impact due to its solid-phase internal components, and is workable in a wide range of temperatures.
An OLED may include a window substrate covering a display panel. In addition, an OLED may include a touch screen panel that detects a position touched by a user to convert such touch inputs into electric signals. When a window substrate and/or a touch screen panel is disposed on the display panel, external light is reflected off the window substrate and/or the touch screen panel. Accordingly, a viewer or user perceives the reflected light containing no image information, and thus the image quality of the OLED may be degraded.

Polarized film and display device having the same


Provided is a hierarchical rate splitting method and apparatus in a hierarchical cell communication system. An upper node or a macro base station may adaptively determine a hierarchical splitting mode based on a channel condition of a channel between the macro base station and a macro terminal and/or a performance of pico terminals in comparison to a performance of the macro terminal.

1. Field
The following description relates to a hierarchical rate splitting method and apparatus for a hierarchical cell communication system.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently, various wireless communication technologies and devices have been developed. As a result, the demand for wireless communication has rapidly increased. This demand has caused a lack of frequency resources resulting in a demand for more effective use of the frequency resources.
A hierarchical cell environment is an environment in which a macro cell includes small cells that are formed by small base stations, and that make up a self organizing network. The small cells formed by the small base stations may include, for example, a relay cell, a femto cell, a pico cell, a cell based on a home node-B (HNB), a cell based on a node-B (HeNB), a cell based on a remote radio head (RRH), and the like.
While the hierarchical cell environment may increase a total system capacity, a quality of a service of a user may deteriorate because of interference between a macro base station and a small base station. Therefore, interference between the macro cell and the small cells needs to be more effectively managed.

Apparatus and method for hierarchical rate splitting in hierarchical cell communication system

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


The photoreceptor arrangement has at least two photoreceptors (P) with which light rays are registered and converted into electrical signals. The photoreceptors (P) are coupled to one another, whereby the couplings (K) of the photoreceptors (P) are couplings.

Photoreceptors convert received light rays into an analog electrical signal that can be digitalized. For example, photoreceptors can be situated in a digital camera that registers an arbitrary image in analog form, is digitalized following the photoreceptors and is further-processed in digitalized form, for example in a computer. However, the photoreceptors can also be utilized as an independent sensor system independently of a video camera, for example in image processing. A further employment of photoreceptors can be seen in a realization of what is referred to as a technical eye.
Various photoreceptor arrangements are known under the research term of silicone retina and are discussed in the following prior art references: K. Boahen and A. Andreou, A Contrast Sensitive Silicon Retina with Reciprocal Synapses, Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems 4, J. Moody et al. (eds.), San Mateo, pp. 764-772, (1992); J. Heeger et al., Image Enhancement with Polymer Grid Triode Arrays, Science, Vol. 270, pp. 1642-1644, (1995); M. Mahowald and C. Mead, The Silicon Retina, Scientific American, Vol. 164, pp. 40-46, (1991); S, Wolpert and E. Micheli-Tsanakou, Silicon Models of lateral Inhibition, IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, Vol. 4, pp. 955-961, (1993); and Wu Chung-Yu and Chiu Chin-Fong, A New Structure of the 2-D Silicon Retina, IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 30, No. 8, pp. 890-897, (1995).
In the photoreceptor arrangements described therein, with which the retina of vertebrates is to be simulated, it is also known to embed the photoreceptors in a network. As a result of this procedure, it is beginning to become possible to implement a filtering of the registered image information. In said works, the coupling of the photoreceptors ensues mainly with the goal of intensifying contrast.
The known arrangements, however, exhibit some disadvantages and deliver only unsatisfactory results. In particular, the couplings in the cited networks are fixed and not fashioned variable dependent, for example, on the illumination intensity of the photoreceptor arrangement. These models can thus only be meaningfully employed in a small range of an illumination intensity predetermined by the coupling intensities.
The reference of J. Heeger et al., Image Enhancement with Polymer Grid Triode Arrays, Science, Vol. 270, pp. 1642-1644, (1995), also discloses that the photoreceptors be coupled to one another not by a network but via a substrate of fixed conductivity.
A Oppenheim and A. Willsky, Signale und Systeme, 2.sup.nd Edition, VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, ISBN 3-527-28433-8, pp. 347-383, (1992), discloses various filter structures of digital filters.
The German reference DE 43 37 160 A1, discloses a photodetector array. The photodetector array comprises a plurality of photodetector elements regularly arranged in a surface. At least two layers, layers A and B, are provided, whereby the photodetector elements are arranged in the first layer A facing toward the light incidence and are directly connected to one another via paths of controllable electrical conductivity, for example channels of MOS transistors. Further circuit elements are accommodated in a second layer arranged coplanar with the first.

Photoreceptor arrangement for receiving light beams having coupling elements


A controller generates printing data to be printed by the printing nozzles of at least first and second adjacent printing nozzle arrays out of a plurality of printing nozzle arrays on the basis of tone information of image data to be printed. In particular, the controller generates printing data to be printed by each of the first and second printing nozzle arrays in the range in which the influence of an air flow generated along with ink discharge from the first and second printing nozzle arrays is admissible. Printing by the first and second printing nozzle arrays of the printhead is controlled on the basis of the generated printing data.

At present, OA devices such as a personal computer and wordprocessor have widely spread, and various printing apparatuses and printing methods for printing information input by such OA device on a printing medium have been developed. Particularly, more OA devices process color information upon improvement of the information processing ability. Along with this, printing apparatuses for outputting information to be processed are shifting to color ones.
As a printing apparatus capable of forming a color image, there are proposed various printing apparatuses in terms of the cost, function, and the like, including a low-cost printing apparatus having a relatively simple function and a multifunctional printing apparatus capable of selecting the printing speed and image quality in accordance with the type of image to be printed and the application.
In particular, ink-jet printing apparatuses have a feature of easily achieving low noise, low running cost, downsizing, and color printing. Such ink-jet printing apparatuses are widely used for a printer, copying apparatus, facsimile apparatus, and the like.
Color ink-jet printing apparatuses generally print a color image by using three colors of ink, cyan, magenta, and yellow, or four inks including black ink in addition to these inks.
Conventional ink-jet printing apparatuses generally use dedicated paper having an ink absorption layer as a printing medium in order to obtain a color image at high color development without any ink blur. At present, printing apparatuses which have printing suitability for "plain paper sheets" used in large quantities by a printer, copying apparatus, and the like upon improvement of ink are also put into practical use.
A printing means for printing in a plurality of colors such as color printing is a printhead in which printing nozzle arrays are arranged side by side. In this printhead, printing nozzle arrays (nozzles for use) for respective colors that are used for printing are sequentially arranged along the main scanning direction perpendicular to the printing medium convey direction (sub-scanning direction). In single printing/scanning, ink droplets are discharged to the same raster from nozzles.
A means for performing higher-image-quality printing in the ink-jet printing apparatus using the side-by-side printhead is high-resolution printing. An effective means for this purpose is an arrangement using a high-density printhead in which the integration densities of printing elements and nozzles of the printhead are increased. Recently, high-density printheads using a semiconductor process have been introduced. Printheads whose printing nozzle arrays have a high density of 600 dpi (nozzle pit: about 42.3 μm) are also manufactured.
For higher densities, printheads in which a plurality of printing nozzle arrays are arranged parallel to each other and offset by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction are also manufactured. For example, when the density of one printing nozzle array is 600 dpi, two printing nozzle arrays are arranged parallel to each other, and offset at 1,200 dpi (nozzle pitch: about 21.2 μm) in the sub-scanning direction. This printhead can be used as a 1,200-dpi high-density printhead.
Another means for printing at higher image quality is small-droplet printing. To realize this, an arrangement using a printhead in which the printing element and nozzle of a printhead are downsized to discharge small droplets becomes effective. In recent years, printheads capable of discharging small droplets at a discharge amount of 4 to 5 pl are available. Printheads advantageous to high-resolution printing are also manufactured.
Higher-image-quality printing can be achieved using a printhead advantageous to high-density printing, or a printhead capable of discharging small droplets advantageous to higher-resolution printing.
In the use of such printhead, however, the influence of ink discharge from a plurality of printing nozzle arrays may appear. Since ink droplets discharged from nozzles draw surrounding air, an air current (air flow) is generated by movement of ink droplets upon discharging many ink droplets and at the same time, high-speed movement of the printhead. The air flow may directly influence discharge.
A mechanism of generating an air flow will be described in detail. Generation of an air flow corresponding to operation of the printhead will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the discharge surface of the printhead. Ink is discharged from a printing nozzle (not shown) in a direction perpendicular to the sheet surface. In FIG. 1, as the printhead moves in the traveling direction (main scanning direction), it discharges ink from the printing nozzles of printing nozzle array 1 to print on a printing medium. At this time, an ink flow is generated by ink discharge immediately below the printing nozzles, and acts as a "gas wall" which inhibits a gas flow. If the printhead moves in the traveling direction in this state, an air current is generated behind the gas wall, and serves as an air flow (indicated by arrows in FIG. 1). Air then flows behind printing nozzle array 1 in the traveling direction. This air flow may influence ink discharge from printing nozzle array 2.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the printhead.
Similar to FIG. 1, as the printhead moves in the traveling direction, it discharges ink from the printing nozzles of printing nozzle array 1 to print. An air current by an ink flow behind a gas wall will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2, a downward air current (air flow) is generated by discharging ink, and the flow direction is changed backward near a printing medium.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the printhead in the traveling direction.
FIG. 3 particularly depicts printing nozzle array 2 of the printhead shown in FIG. 1 or 2. Similar to FIG. 1, as the printhead moves in the traveling direction, it discharges ink from printing nozzles to print. Ink droplets from printing nozzles at the ends of printing nozzle array 2 are discharged inward near a printing medium under the influence of an air flow.
As a result, ink droplets discharged from printing nozzles near the two ends of printing nozzle array 2 land at positions shifted inward from original landing positions on a printing medium, and are recognized as an image error identical to a distortion or discharge failure. This image error occurs because discharge of ink droplets from printing nozzles at ends shifts under the influence of an air flow flowing behind a gas wall described with reference to FIG. 1 and an air flow generated by ink discharge described with reference to FIG. 2.
The influence of such air flow is strong when the distances between a plurality of printing nozzle arrays of the printhead are short and the printing nozzle arrays are close to each other. The influence is weak for a large ink volume, but strong for a small ink volume. Also, the influence is strong for a high printing nozzle density because the number of ink droplets which generate an air flow increases. The influence is strong for a high moving speed of the printhead. Although the degree of influence changes depending on the type of printhead, its moving speed, and ink discharge conditions, an air flow is generated around the printhead.
In a printing apparatus using a conventional printhead, an air flow occurs depending on the ink discharge state and printing conditions of the printhead, degrading the quality of an image formed on a printing medium. To solve this problem, complicated printing conditions must be performed, or control disadvantageous to printing operation must be performed by excessively decreasing the moving speed of the printhead.

Ink-jet printing method, ink-jet printing apparatus, and program


A refrigerant recovery system includes a compressor and an evaporator connected to the compressor inlet for evaporating refrigerant passing therethrough to the compressor inlet from refrigerant equipment under service. A sensor is coupled to the system input for detecting presence of liquid phase refrigerant. A valve is connected to the compressor inlet in parallel with the evaporator for bypassing refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor inlet when the sensor indicates that liquid refrigerant is absent at the system input. The liquid refrigerant sensor takes the form of an open canister between the system input and the evaporator, and a liquid level sensor coupled to the canister for sensing level of liquid refrigerant collected within the canister. A solenoid valve is connected in parallel with the evaporator, and is responsive to the liquid level sensor for opening the valve and bypassing the evaporator in the absence of liquid refrigerant within the canister. In this way, when input refrigerant is already in vapor phase, such refrigerant is bypassed to the compressor inlet, eliminating undesirable superheating of the refrigerant within the evaporator.

Many scientists contend that release of halogen refrigerants into the atmosphere deleteriously affects the ozone layer that surrounds and protects the earth from ultraviolet solar radiation. Recent international discussions and treaties, coupled with related regulations and legislation , have renewed interest in devices for recovery and storage of used refrigerants from refrigeration equipment for later purification and reuse or for proper disposal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,178, assigned to the assignee hereof, discloses a refrigerant recovery system in which the inlet of a compressor is coupled through an evaporator and through a manual valve to the refrigeration equipment from which refrigerant is to be recovered. The compressor outlet is connected through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The condenser and evaporator are combined in a single assembly through which cooling air is circulated by a fan. Content of the storage container is monitored by a scale on which the container is mounted for sensing weight of liquid refrigerant in the container, and by a pressure switch coupled to the fluid conduit between the condenser and the container for sensing vapor pressure within the storage container. A full-container condition sensed at the scale or a high-pressure condition sensed at the pressure switch terminates operation of the compressor motor. A vacuum switch is positioned between the inlet valve and the evaporator for sensing evacuation of refrigerant from the refrigeration system and automatically terminating operation of the compressor motor.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,768,347 and 4,809,520, also signed to the assignee hereof, discloses a refrigerant recovery system that includes a compressor having an inlet coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration equipment from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an outlet coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container or tank. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigerant recovery when the container is full. The scale comprises a platform pivotally mounted by a hinge pin to a wheeled cart, which also carries the evaporator/condenser unit, compressor, control electronics, and associated valves and hoses.
Although the systems disclosed in the noted patents address and overcome problems theretofore extant in the art, further improvements remain desirable. For example, a problem remains relative to controlling inlet flow to the evaporator and compressor so as to maximize overall recovery speed and efficiency for either liquid, vapor or mixed liquid/vapor phase inlet refrigerant, while ensuring that refrigerant at the compressor is in vapor phase so as to prevent slugging at the compressor. It is also desirable to control the inlet refrigerant flow in such a manner as to minimize superheating of the refrigerant in the evaporator, which reduces efficiency of the handling system and the amount of refrigerant that can be pumped therethrough.
It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a refrigerant handling system, such as a refrigerant recovery system, that includes the capability of handling inlet refrigerant in either vapor phase, liquid phase or mixed liquid/vapor phase, that is adapted to optimize flow of refrigerant therethrough a function of inlet refrigerant phase, and that ensures that refrigerant at the compressor inlet is in vapor phase so as to prevent slugging and possible damage to the compressor. Another and related object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant handling system of the described character that operates automatically without operator invention. A further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant handling system of the described character in which flow of refrigerant to the evaporator is optimized for enhanced heat exchange with the refrigerant condenser while substantially reducing or preventing superheating of the refrigerant.

Refrigerant handling system with inlet refrigerant liquid/vapor flow control


The archery bow hanger provides an archer with the ability to hang his bow at anytime while in the woods, a tree stand, a ground stand, or a hunting blind. The bow is always within reach, even when climbing a tree, and arrows can be notched while the bow is hanging so that the archer is ready to shoot at all times. Use of the archery bow hanger increases the enjoyment of hunting by freeing the archer""s hands for other activities such as binocular usage, relaxation, eating, and drinking. By providing an alternative to leaning the bow against a tree or laying it on the ground, this invention keeps the bow free of leaves, dirt, bark, twigs, grass, or mud. The archery bow hangar consists mainly of a hollow metal tube with a bracket on one end and a hook on the other end. The bracket is adaptable for right and left-handed archers and is mounted on the bow by attaching it at the quiver or sight mount screw holes. Hanging the bow is accomplished by placing the hook over a tree limb or in a screw eye that is inserted into a tree or other suitable surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an archery accessory for use by archery enthusiasts and hunters in connection with hanging an archery bow, and specifically a compound bow. The archery bow hanger has particular utility in connection with providing the ability to hang the bow at anytime rather than placing it on the ground which brings it in contact with dirt, mud, grass, leaves, and sticks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
On the archery range and in hunting, the bow is not constantly in use. Bow hangers are desirable for allowing the archer free use of his hands and for providing a means for putting the bow aside without laying it against a tree where it can be damaged if it falls or placing it on the ground which brings the bow in contact with leaves, twigs, dirt, bark, and mud.
The use of bow hangers is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,893 to Robert B. Shaw, III discloses a bow hanger consisting of steel plate members and a hook that are attached on the upper bow limb. However, the Shaw ""893 patent makes no provision for hanging the bow on a surface that will not accept a hook, and has the further drawbacks of adding weight to the upper limb of the bow which could potentially affect the balance of the bow.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,792 to Anthony D. Pucillo discloses an archery bow and appurtenance that inhibits vibration, twisting, and splitting of the outer section of the bow limb and provides a means for supporting the bow by suspension. However, the Pucillo ""792 patent fails to address a suspension means for surfaces that do not readily accept a hook, and, additionally, adds weight to the outer bow limb that could potentially change the balance of the bow.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,150 to Robert J. Fecko discloses a tree mounted archery bow holder that is useful in a hunting situation that involves a tree stand. However, the Fecko ""150 patent does not address other times when an archer might want to hang his bow, such as at the archery range, in a hunting blind apart from a tree, and in his closet at home. Additionally, the Fecko ""150 device must be manually mounted with screws at each location and does not provide the ease of hanging the bow over a limb, fence, cable, or similar surface with a hook device. Furthermore, the Fecko ""150 device has the deficiency of not being a mobile device, making it necessary to uninstall and reinstall the device each time the archer changes location.
Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,080 to Philip M. Brocco discloses a bow hanger for an archery bow that is made of a hook attached to a Velcro(copyright) fastener. While the Brocco ""080 patent provides a means for hanging the bow on a surface that accepts a hook, it does not provide a means for attaching to a surface that does not readily accept a hook. Additionally, the Brocco ""080 device relies on a hook and loop fastener to support the bow while hanging, and such fasteners tend to attract lint, dirt, and other debris resulting in a loss of gripping power. The weight of a bow in addition to the debris build up could lead to the fastener coming apart and the bow being damaged in a fall. At the very least, the Brocco ""080 device would need to be replaced if the gripping ability of the hook and loop fastener were compromised by debris.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,657 to Gary D. Foster and Curtis C. Foster discloses an archery bow holder that is attached to the floor of a tree stand to receive the bow. However, the Foster ""657 patent does not provide for a means to support the bow for any other situation, such as on a tree limb, a fence, on the archery range, or in a closet. The Foster ""657 device has the additional deficiency of not being a mobile device, making it necessary to uninstall and reinstall the device each time the archer changes location.
While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe an archery bow hanger that allows for the ease and mobility of hanging the bow on virtually any elevated horizontal or vertical surface. The Fecko ""150 and Foster ""657 patents make no provision for easily hanging a bow by a hook on any convenient horizontally elevated surface such as a fence, a tree limb, a cable, a closet pole, or the top of a wall. Additionally, the Fecko ""150 and Foster ""657 devices are more suitable for stationary positioning and must be uninstalled and reinstalled each time an archer changes location. While the Shaw ""893, Pucillo ""792, and Brocco ""080 patents all provide a hook by which to hang a bow on a convenient surface, none of these devices makes provision for hanging the bow if a convenient horizontally elevated surface is not available, such as a tree with limbs that are too wide for the hook to fit over or are too high to reach. Furthermore, the Shaw ""893 and Pucillo ""792 devices are composed of metal pieces that are attached to the bow limbs, which could alter the balance of the bow. Finally, the Brocco ""080 relies on a hook and loop fastener to hold the weight of the bow. Such fasteners typically collect any debris to which they are introduced which, in turn, decreases the integrity of the fastener, leading to potential damage to the bow in a fall.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved archery bow hanger that can be used for conveniently hanging a bow on a vertical or horizontal surface. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the archery bow hanger according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of hanging an archery bow to provide free use of the hands for other activities.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of archery bow hangers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved archery bow hanger, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved archery bow hanger which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in an archery bow hanger which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises an archery bow hanger consisting of an L-shaped bracket which attaches to a bow at the quiver or sight mount, a hollow metal tube attached at one end to the bracket, and a hook attached to the opposite end of the tube. The hook is placed over any convenient surface, such as a tree limb, a fence, a cable, or a closet pole so that the bow is suspended.
A second embodiment of the present invention consists of the inclusion of a screw eye with the aforementioned archery bow hanger for the purpose of hanging the bow on a vertical surface which does not readily accept the hook, such as a tree with limbs that are out of reach or a wall where the top is too wide for the hook or out of the archer""s reach.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
The invention may also include an angled portion of the L-shaped bracket which is adaptable for right-handed or left-handed archers, allowing the archer to notch arrows on the bow while it is suspended. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved archery bow hanger that has all of the advantages of the prior art archery bow hangers and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved archery bow hanger that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved archery bow hanger that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such an archery bow hanger economically available to the buying public.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new archery bow hanger that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide an archery bow hanger for use on both horizontally elevated surfaces and vertical surfaces. This allows the archer the freedom to use his hands for other activities, increasing the enjoyment of the sport of archery and hunting.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile archery bow hanger for use by the archer. This allows increased speed and stealth for the hunter since the archery bow hanger presented can be used quickly and quietly.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adaptation for both right-handed and left-handed archers allowing arrows to be notched while the bow is suspended. This ensures that the archer will be ready to shoot almost instantaneously, even if he has been sitting for an extending amount of time.


A bidirectional cable television system provides for transmission of signals from cable subscribers downlink in the same direction as the ensemble of television channels which the cable television system is already constructed to deliver. The subscriber signals may be transmitted over the cable in the blanking intervals of a cable television channel, using the T-NET technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,036. Alternatively, the signals may be carried over a dedicated channel, or transmitted cochannel along a cable television channel carrying ordinary programming by adding the subscriber information to alternating video frames in alternating polarity to achieve visual cancellation. The subscriber signals are collected after the last distribution line amplifier in the cable downlink. The collected signals are transmitted to a central receiver via wireless or other customary means such as a modem. The collected signals may alternatively be transmitted over the air to the central receiver in the blanking intervals of a broadcast television channel using the T-NET technique.

This invention relates to improvements to the Interactive Television and Data Transmission System technology which this inventor calls T-NET and which is described in detail in his U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,036, issued Jun. 7, 1988 and divisional U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,604 issued Jan. 5, 1993. T-NET provides hi-directional communication (either wireless or cable) from one or several central locations to a plurality of fixed or mobile subscriber transceivers throughout a metropolitan area for applications in interactive TV, 2-way data or voice transmission, and the like. Today, such systems are often referred to as interactive TV or multimedia delivery systems. Furthermore, many CATV (Cable TV) operators are desirous of adding telephone and portable (cordless) phone message delivery capability to their CATV systems.
Generally speaking, the related T-NET technology disclosed in the inventor's previous patents concern TV signal-compatible modulation methods wherein data signals to be transmitted downlink to subscribers or uplink from them are placed either: (a) in blanking intervals of a co-channel or adjacent channel "host" television signal or alternatively, (b) the effective polarity of the information is reversed on sequential host TV signal frames and superimposed upon it so as to thereby become invisible to its viewers even though transmitting co-channel. The inventor calls method (b) "data-over-video".
Other related technology disclosed in aforesaid patents concern partitioning a metropolitan T-NET wireless service area into angular sectors and range intervals in a manner the inventor calls "virtual cellular" so as to gain the advantage of frequency re-use in non-adjacent cells to achieve substantially improved spectrum efficiency. This is made possible because T-NET measures and employs the RF signal propagation time to establish a radio "fence" (using "range gates") surrounding each transmitting device and thereby eliminates RF cross-talk between devices. This is in effect a combination of time-division and space division multiplex TDM/SDM) . A related method the inventor calls "cellular cable" is taught in the instant application.
Yet another related T-NET method disclosed in prior applications is "synergistic modulation" wherein data signals to be communicated to remote locations are superimposed upon another existing but unrelated local (host) signal transmission in such a manner so as to synergistically employ the carier and some of the spectral or temporal modulation of the unrelated signal. In this method the remote T-NET receivers are designed to detect both the data and unrelated host signal and subsequently processes the received data signal as if it were a subcarrier of the unrelated host carder signal. This significantly improves the transmission reliability and detectability of the data in the presence of the usually more powerful unrelated signal, while minimizing or eliminating any interference the data might otherwise cause the unrelated signal, even when aforesaid data and host transmissions occur co-channel, or are on adjacent channels, or when the data and unrelated host signals propagate in opposite directions.
The application of the improved technology taught herein to interactive television and multimedia is of great interest today in the United States and elsewhere in the world. Improved use of the presently assigned radio frequency spectrum without displacing existing users, and more efficient and expanded use of existing telecommunication facilities are principal objects of this invention. Additional detailed background relating to the instant invention may be found in the patents cited above.

Two-way cable TV conversion system for data transmission over a dedicated frequency band


A bulbous or spherically shaped food product container for heating or cooking various food products by means of steam in order to cook multiple sized portions of food products within relatively short cooking times is dis-closed. When steam flows into the food product container, the food product is cooked by the steam. The use of the unique bulb-shaped or spherical food product container enables more than a single or individual food product portion to be cooked within the food product container, and the use of the steam, in conjunction with the bulbous or spherically-shaped food product container, causes the steam and food product to undergo turbulent, rotational, or swirling flow within the bulbous or spherically-configured food product container whereby the food product is greatly dispersed, effectively thinned, and is caused to travel along the internal peripheral surface areas of the bulbous or spherical food product container such that cooking times are dramatically reduced.

Various cooking methods or procedures are of course widely employed in connection with the cooking or preparation of various different foods. For example, eggs may be grilled or poached, oatmeal may be cooked within a pot of hot water, chicken may be cooked within ovens, shrimp may be cooked within steamers, and various other food products may be cooked in boiling water. In the fast-food industry, however, such known cooking procedures are not readily adaptable to the needs of fast-food customers who order their particular food products and expect the food products to effectively be delivered to them within a time frame which may comprise only several minutes. In addition, while the aforenoted United States patent application effectively taught the relatively quick cooking of food products disposed within single or individual serving food cups as a result of the food, disposed within the food cups being exposed to the steam issuing from the steam generator, it is sometimes desirable to cook larger amounts of food, that is, larger than a single or individual food portion, by means of the same cooking techniques while nevertheless preserving relatively short periods of cooking time.
A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved food cooking appliance wherein the aforenoted disadvantages or operational drawbacks characteristic of conventional food cooking appliances are effectively overcome or eliminated. More particularly, a need exists in the art for a new and improved food cooking appliance which will permit or facilitate the cooking of various different food products. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a new and improved food cooking appliance which will permit or facilitate the cooking of various different food products in a relatively short period of time. Still further, a need exists in the art for a new and improved food cooking appliance which will permit or facilitate the cooking of various different food products in a relatively short period of time which effectively renders the appliance extremely desirable in the fast-food industry. Yet further, a need exists in the art for a new and improved food cooking appliance which will permit or facilitate the cooking of multiple-sized portions of various different food products within a food product cup while nevertheless preserving the relatively short periods of cooking time.

Spherical food product container for heating or cooking various food products by steam in order to cook multiple sized portions of food products within shortened cooking times, and a food cooking appliance incorporating the spherical food product container therein


The present invention provides a method for stabilizing trypsin, in which enzyme reaction of trypsin can be generated in a two-solution system, degradation of trypsin and its substrate can be prevented, and enzymatic activity of trypsin is improved compared to conventional methods, and which can be sufficiently applied to an automatic analyzer. An enzyme solution is prepared by dissolving trypsin in a buffer solution having a pH at which enzymatic activity of trypsin is active and containing calcium and/or manganese ions. It is preferable that the total concentration of the calcium ions and the manganese ions in the buffer solution is in the range of 3 to 10 mmol/l. It is also preferable that the concentration of the buffer solution is at least 10 mmol/l, and that the pKa of the buffer solution is higher than the pH of the buffer solution.

When measuring enzymatic activity of trypsin, generally an aqueous solution of trypsin (an enzyme solution), a buffer solution, and a substrate solution are prepared separately, and these three solutions are admixed so as to generate enzyme reaction. When trypsin is dissolved and stored in a purified water, the amount of trypsin often decreases due to autolysis. In order to prevent this phenomenon, the pH of an aqueous trypsin solution is usually adjusted to a range in which the trypsin is inactive but not deactivated. For example, trypsin may be dissolved in a hydrochloric acid aqueous solution (1 mmol/l). Also, in order to further increase the stability of trypsin, calcium ions may be added to the hydrochloric acid aqueous solution.
However, in the above-mentioned conventional method of mixing three solutions, additional labor is required for preparing the solutions and for measuring the enzyme reaction. Furthermore, when measuring the enzymatic activity of trypsin with an automatic analyzer in a clinical test or the like, which requires processing a large amount of sample, it is desired to integrate such a three-solution system into a two-solution system. Therefore, dissolving a substrate in a buffer solution may be considered, but there is a problem that .alpha.-benzoyl-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) or the like generally used as a synthetic substrate for trypsin is unstable in a buffer solution.
Furthermore, in the above-mentioned automatic analyzer or the like, it is desired to prepare a dry reagent by drying a reagent used for measuring the enzymatic activity of trypsin, and adhering it to a test piece or the like. However, when trypsin is stabilized using hydrochloric acid as mentioned above, the hydrochloric acid volatilizes during the drying step, so that the stability of trypsin is reduced. Although other non-volatile acids may be used in place of hydrochloric acid, there is a possibility that acid concentration is increased in the drying step, resulting in deactivation of trypsin, if such acids are used.

Method for stabilizing trypsin, method for increasing enzymatic activity of trypsin, and kit for measuring enzymatic activity of trypsin


An image forming apparatus has upper and lower frames. A fixing unit detachably mounted on one frame is provided with a heated roller and a pressure roller. One end of a lever is positioned to be pushed by the other frame when the frames are in a closed condition, and the other end of the lever pushes the pressure roller at both ends of its shaft transversally towards the heated roller so as to pinch therebetween and heat a sheet having a toner image thereon. When the frames are disengaged and moved to their opened condition the pressure on the lever is released, whereupon the pressure roller separates from the heated roller so that the pressure on the sheet is released to facilitate easy removal of the sheet.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to image forming apparatus used in an electrophotographic printing or copoying machine, etc., employing toner to form a toner image on a sheet of paper. More particularly, the invention relates to a detachable fixing unit including rollers for pinching a sheet carrying a toner image thereon so as to fix the toner image on the sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an electrophotographic recording apparatus a toner image is developed on a rotating photosensitive drum corresponding to an image to be recorded according to a well-known technique. A sheet of paper is fed into the apparatus and is brought into contact with the toner image so that the toner image is transferred onto the sheet while the sheet feed speed is synchronized with the speed of the rotating drum surface, according to a well-known technique. The sheet having the toner image thereon is then fed between a pair of parallel rotating rollers of a fixing unit. One of the rollers is generally a heat roller and the other is a backup roller. The rollers are pressed transversally together so that the toner is melted and fixed on the sheet. It has been a typical problem that the image bearing sheet being fed through the rollers will become jammed by the rollers. Therefore, many schemes have been devised for conveniently servicing the rollers, for example, to facilitate removal of the jammed sheets.
The fixing unit having rollers as outlined above may be constructed for axial detachment from a frame of the apparatus, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,181. Of Edward et al. Problems of encountered in the use of the Edward et al. structure include the fact that the removal of the fixing unit from the frame for servicing is not efficient because the two rollers must be removed together with the jammed sheet pressed between the rollers, and the removal of the sheet is a troublesome operation. Additionally, the mechanism for pressing the rollers together must be included as part of the fixing unit resulting in higher initial cost as well as higher serving cost.
Alternatively, the rollers may be respectively on separate frames, and for servicing the frames are disengaged so as to release the pressure between the two rollers. Such apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Sho No. 61-176964 by Fukushima, et al., and in U.S. patent application No. 890511 of Kawashima. The chief problem involved in the use of these structures is that the manipulation needed to remove the rollers from their respective frames for servicing of the rollers is inefficient.
As another previous alternative, the rollers are pressed together only when an upper chassis is engaged with its lower chassis, such as disclosed in Japanese Unexaminated patent publication Sho No. 62-299982 of Yamashita, et. al.. The main shortcoming of this structure is that the fixing unit is not detachable from the chassis, and accordingly the servicing of the rollers can not be efficiently carried out.

Image forming apparatus including detachable toner fixing unit


A process for preparing diorganohalogenosilanes wherein diorganodihalogenosilanes are reacted with at least one organosilicon compound having at least one .tbd.Si--H bond in the molecule and selected from polysilanes, polycarbosilanes and polysilphenylenes is described. This reaction proceeds in the presence of a Lewis acid.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process for preparing diorganohalogenosilanes. The diorganohalogenosilanes are important compounds in the industry of organosilicon compounds for use as starting materials for imparting reactivity to various types of organopolysiloxanes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Organohalogenosilanes have been heretofore prepared by the following several processes.
(1) Process wherein silicon powder and alkyl halides or aryl halides are reacted in the presence of a copper catalyst by a so-called direct method, thereby obtaining the diorganohalogenosilanes along with diorganodihalogenosilanes.
(2) Process wherein two types of silicon compounds are subjected to redistribution reaction using amines or Lewis acids to collect the resultant diorganohalogenosilane as set forth in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Nos. 47-13,314, 49-93,324 and 62-81,390.
(3) Process wherein the Si-Cl bond of chlorosilanes is reduced into a .tbd.SiH bond as described in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application Nos. 52-151,130 and 53-95,922.
The process (1) has now been used on an industrial scale in order to mainly produce diorganodihalogenosilanes. However, even when the type of catalyst and reaction conditions are changed, the production rate of diorganohalogenosilanes is extremely low. Thus, this process is not suitable for the production of diorganohalogenosilanes.
The process (2) fundamentally requires high temperature and high pressure conditions. Accordingly, it involves complicated side reactions through exchange reactions of .tbd.Si--CH.sub.3, .tbd.Si--H and .tbd.Si--Cl, so that the production rate of diorganohalogenosilane is low with an attendant disadvantage that isolation of the diorganohalogenosilane is difficult.
The process (3) makes use of reducing agents which are expensive. In addition, during the reduction of diorganodihalogenosilanes, two chlorine atoms are all reduced with the result that the reaction proceeds to an extent of diorganodihydrosilane. It is difficult to selectively stop the reaction at the stage where diorganohalogenosilanes are produced.
To overcome the disadvantages involved in the process (2), there have been proposed improved processes of preparing diorganohalogenosilanes.
In one such improvement, Japanese Patent Publication No. 52-31,854 proposed a process wherein methylhydrogenpolysiloxane and a diorganodichlorosilane are reacted in the presence of a catalyst, thereby causing an exchange reaction with the hydrogen atom bonded to the silicon atom of the methylhydrogenpolysiloxane. However, this improved process is disadvantageous in that the catalyst and starting materials are expensive and that the yield of a dimethylmonochlorosilane product is low.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 57-176,911 proposes a process wherein dimethylsilane and dimethyldichlorosilane are subjected to disproportionation reaction similarly to the above process. However, the starting dimethylsilane is expensive. Since dimethylsilane has a boiling point of -20.degree. C. and is gaseous at room temperature, so that it is dangerous and handling of this silane is industrially difficult.

Process for the preparation of diorganohalogenosilanes


A pharmaceutical oil-in-water type microemulsion having an action of potentiating the activities of anti-cancer agents, said micro-emulsion comprises. fine particles of a vegetable oil or a triglyceride of a medium-chain fatty acid having 8 to 12 carbon atoms containing 0.1 to 10% (w/v) of N-solanesyl-N,N'-bis(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)ethylenediamine malate of formula (I) below, ##STR1## an aqueous medium, and 0.05 to 25% (w/v) of a physiologically acceptable phospholipid for dispersing said fine particles in said aqueous medium.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a novel lipid emulsion having the activity of potentiating the anti-cancer activity of an anti-cancer agent, a method of potentiating the activities of anti-cancer agents by using it with the lipid emulsion, and to a method of treating cancer occurring in a warm-blooded animal by administering the novel lipid emulsion in combination with anti-cancer agents to the warm-blooded animal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
N-solanesyl-N,N'-bis(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)ethylenediamine of the following formula (II) ##STR2## is a known compound.
The compound of formula (II) is described in the patent literature as one of a series of isoprenylamine derivatives having antiviral and antitumoral activities (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 192339/1982 and its corresponding U.S. Pat. Nos. 4645862, 4658063, 4700002 and 4323008).
In recent years various carcinostats and anti-cancer agents against solid tumors such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and testicular tumor or tumors in the hematopoietic organs such as leukemia and malignant lymphoma have been developed, but no drug has yet come out which can completely cure or prevent these malignant tumors. For example, cyclophosphamide (CPA), melphalan (MPL), nimustine (ACNU), carboquone (CQ), vincristine (VCR), vinblastine (VLB), vindesine (VDS), bleomycin (BLM), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), adriamycin (ADM), cisplatin (CDDP), actinomycin D (ACD), methotrexate (MTX), aclarubicin (ACR), toyomycin (TM), neocartinostatin (NCS), and ifosfamide (Ifos) have been used heretofore therapeutically as anti-cancer agents (the parenthesized letters show abbreviated designations) which may sometimes be used hereinafter). These drugs are used selectively and specifically in various areas because of their inherent anti-cancer spectra. For example, adriamycin (ADM) has a broader anti-cancer spectrum than other drugs, and is used against breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, testicular tumor, malignant lymphoma, and acute leukemia. However, the efficacy of ADM on these diseases is limited, and cancer cells showing resistance to ADM have appeared. A further cumbersome and complex problem is that other drugs do not show an anti-cancer action on these ADM-resistant cancer cells.
The appearance of drug-resistant tumor cells also becomes a problem with drugs other than ADM.
Recently, searching for compounds effective on these drug-resistant tumor cells was considered, and it has so far been found that when N-solanesyl-N,N'-bis(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)ethylenediamine itself or its hydrochloride is combined with ADM, the pharmacological efficacy of ADM can be potentiated, particularly against ADM-resistant tumor cells. This finding was applied for a patent (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 200913/1986).
The present inventors further made investigations in order to overcome the problem of the drugresistance of tumor cells, and determined that an acid salt, especially a malate, of N-solanesyl-N,N'-bis(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)ethylenediamine of formula (II) above has excellent anti-cancer activity as compared with the compound (II) and it hydrochloride and can potentiate the pharmacological efficacy of not only adriamycin but also other anti-cancer agents, particularly the anti-cancer activity of these compounds on drug-resistant tumor cells, and that this activity has some degree of specificity.
The present inventors have further found that when the malate of compound (II) is administered in a form incorporated in lipid microspheres by applying the drug delivery system (DDS), the lipid microspheres are transferred selectively to tumor cells, and the incorporated malate exhibits its effect in situ, and that this offers an effective therapeutic method.


A card (10) for use as a telephone authorization card or the like is comprised of a layer of a backing material (20) such as a stiff plastic material which has some pliability. A thin sheet lenticular lens material (12) has a flat surface (14) on which is printed selected interlaced images. On the other side of the lens material is formed a plurality of lenticules (16) through which the images are viewed. The flat side of the lenticular material is secured to one face (22) of the backing in a convenient manner. A cutting tool is now used to form an opening (32) in the outer face of the lenticules and a programmed microchip (30) is inserted in the opening and secured in place. On the outer face of the backing material a magnetic strip (40) containing magnetically encoded indicia is secured. The card is usable in a reader (R) which can scan the magnetic strip and read information from the microchip to allow the user to place a telephone call or conduct other transactions.

Not applicable.
Not applicable.
This invention relates to cards such as telephone calling cards, credit and debit cards and the like, and more particularly, to such cards manufactured using a lenticular lens material.
Lenticular lenses and lenticular lens materials have a wide variety of uses, particularly for advertising purposes. Heretofore, the material has been used on cereal boxes and other packaging to promote movies, for example. As is well-known in the art, one of the advantages of using lenticular lenses is that it can be used to provide a variety of visual effects which are created as the lens material is viewed from different angles.
It is becoming more and more common for people to use cards not only for charging a purchase on credit, but also to debit an account, obtain funds from an automatic teller machine (ATM), place long distance telephone calls, etc. These cards, all of which are about the same size as a conventional credit card, are used at points of purchase, inserted in an ATM, or inserted into a reader on a telephone. The card includes a microchip having authorization information, account numbers, and other information which, when accepted, allows the user to complete an appropriate transaction. The use lenticular lens material is also known. Recently, a thin sheet lenticular lens material has been developed which has features which, when combined with current card technology provides certain advantages over conventional cards now in use.
Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a card such as a telephone card, credit card, debit card, ATM card and the like made with the use of a lenticular lens material;
the provision of such a card made with the use of a thin film lenticular lens material so the resulting thickness of the card is compatible with that of conventional cards so the card is usable in the various readers provided for the respective types of cards;
the provision of such a card in which interlaced image segments are printed on one side of the lenticular material, different images being seen through the material when the face of the card is subsequently viewed by a user;
the provision of such a card which is a laminated card having a backing material to which the lenticular material is secured, a magnetic strip or the like being attached to the opposite side of the backing material to which the lenticular material is secured;
the provision of such a card in which an opening is formed in the lenticular material for attaching a machine readable microchip to the material; and,
the provision of such a card in which use of the printed lentcular material provides an attractive presentation to the company sponsoring the card and a user thereof.
In accordance with the invention, generally stated, a card for use as a telephone authorization card or the like is comprised of a layer of a backing material such as a stiff plastic material which has some pliability. A thin sheet lenticular lens material has a flat surface on which is printed selected interlaced images. On the other side of the lens material is formed a plurality of lenticules through which the images are viewed. The flat side of the lenticular material is secured to one face of the backing in a convenient manner. A cutting tool is now used to form an opening in the outer face of the lenticules and a programmed microchip is inserted in the opening and secured in place. On the outer face of the backing material a magnetic strip containing magnetically encoded indicia is secured. The card is usable in a reader which can scan the magnetic strip and read information from the microchip to allow the user to place a telephone call or conduct other transactions. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

Telephone card or the like using lenticular lens material


An integrated catheter system utilizes a balloon angioplasty catheter placed through a central passageway of a stent delivery catheter to enable balloon angioplasty and stent delivery to be accomplished with a single device. The integrated catheter system is able to perform dilatation of an arterial stenosis, placement of the stent at the site of the stenosis and then the angioplasty catheter balloon can be used to further embed the stent into the arterial wall. Balloon angioplasty, stent placement and stent embedding into the arterial wall are all accomplished while the catheter's angioplasty balloon remains situated at the site of the stenosis. A conically shaped distal portion of the stent delivery catheter allows stent placement over the deflated balloon after balloon angioplasty even when intimal dissection causes an intimal flap to be pushed inwardly against the deflated balloon. A proximal portion of the integrated catheter system employs longitudinal motion constraining spacers to prevent the stent from being inadvertently positioned beyond the distal end of the balloon. The balloon of the balloon angioplasty catheter can be readily advanced through tortuous coronary arteries because the distal end of the stent delivery catheter can be placed back by 0.5 to 20 cm from the balloons proximal end during insertion. Thus, the stiffness of the stent and the stent delivery catheter do not add stiffness to the distal portion of the balloon angioplasty catheter, which stiffness can prevent catheter advancement through such tortuous vessels.

It is well known to use balloon angioplasty catheters for the dilatation of various vessels of the human body and most particularly for opening stenotic arteries. It is also well known to place stents into vessels to maintain patency of that vessel. It is also well known to use a balloon catheter for imbedding a stent into the wall of the vessel to prevent stent migration.
It is typical to use separate catheters for vessel dilatation and for stent delivery. This requires one or more catheter exchanges which increase the time and cost for performing interventional procedures. Since the patient is typically in some discomfort during such procedures, it is also highly advantageous to the patient to make the interventional procedure as short as possible. Furthermore, removing a balloon angioplasty catheter after balloon dilation can result in an intimal dissection that can preclude stent placement.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,090, L. Pinchuk illustrates in FIGS. 13 to 18 a method for mounting a self-deploying stent on a balloon angioplasty catheter. However, Pinchuk's method functions only for self-deploying stents and not balloon expandable stents, and furthermore, his method requires the balloon to be advanced at least 3 cm beyond the distal end of the stenosis that is treated. That is not possible in many coronary arteries because of restrictions within the lumens of the coronary arteries. Furthermore, Pinchuk's method requires two additional steps, i.e. one is a further advancement of the balloon after balloon angioplasty is performed, and later pulling the balloon back within the deployed stent. Pulling back of the balloon catheter can cause the stent to be moved away from its optimal location. Additional steps in such a procedure require additional time which is generally undesirable. Furthermore, Pinchuk does not teach a means or method for the use of a guide wire through the center of the integrated catheter so as to guide it through the typically tortuous coronary vasculature. Still further, Pinchuk teaches an outer sheath with a blunt end whose operability can be defeated because of intimal dissection which often occurs as a result of balloon angioplasty. Still further, Pinchuk does not describe any structure at the catheter's proximal end for the introduction of fluids and a guide wire and for disallowing inadvertent release of the stent.

Integrated dual-function catheter system and method for balloon angioplasty and stent delivery


A driver device for a duty solenoid valve comprises a pair of transistors 27 and 31 for controlling the excitation current level flowing through the solenoid 17 of the valve, and a transistor 45 for turning on and off the excitation current. The excitation current level is detected via an integrator 63 and A/D converter 61 by a microcomputer 62. In response to the detected excitation current level, the microcomputer 62 generates a first pulse signal (PWM signal) via OUT3 to control the level of the excitation current to a target level. Further, the microcomputer 62 outputs a second pulse signal via the OUT4 to the transistor 45 to control the duty ratio of the solenoid 17.

This invention relates to driver devices for controlling a duty ratio control solenoid type valve (referred to as a duty solenoid valve) in order to adjust the flow rate or pressure of a fluid.
FIG. 11 shows a typical organization of a duty solenoid valve for controlling oil pressure. The duty solenoid valve includes an input port 10 to which a supply pressure Pa is applied; a drain port 11 usually having a pressure equal to atmospheric pressure Pex; and an output port 12, having a control pressure Pc which is determined by the duty ratio of the valve, i.e., the ratio of the time lengths at which passage is provided between the output port 12 and the input port 10 and when passage is provided between the output port 12 and the drain port 11, respectively. When the solenoid 17 is not energized, the ball 14 is urged on the valve seat Sc by the spring 16, such that passage is provided between the output port 12 and the drain 11, thereby lowering the control pressure Pc toward the drain pressure Pex. When, on the other hand, the solenoid 17 is energized, the plunger 13 is attracted by the solenoid 17 against the urging force of the spring 16 and the ball 14 is retracted to the valve seat So, such that passage is provided between the output port 12 and the input 10, thereby raising the control pressure Pc toward the supply pressure Pa. Thus, the control or output pressure Pc may be adjusted to a target level by controlling the duty ratio or the energization time ratio of the solenoid 17.
FIG. 12 shows the relation between the duty ratio of the solenoid 17 and the control pressure Pc. When the duty ratio is in the neighborhood of 0%, the length of time during which the input port 10 and the output port 12 are coupled to each other is so short that the control pressure Pc is equal to the drain pressure Pex. When, on the other hand, the duty ratio is in the neighborhood of 100%, the length of time during which the output port 12 and the drain port 11 are coupled to each other is so short that the control pressure Pc is equal to the supply pressure Pa. However, except for these non-sensitive duty ratio regions near 0% and 100%, the control pressure Pc is substantially proportional to the duty ratio.
FIG. 13 shows the waveform of the excitation current supplied to the solenoid 17. The duty ratio is equal to (Tx/To).times.100%, since the solenoid 17 is energized for the time Tx during one cycle period To. An overexcitation current I.sub.H is supplied for a short period of time Tc at the head of energization time Tx, such that the ball 14 is quickly moved from the seat Sc to the seat So. Thereafter, the excitation current is reduced to a lower hold level I.sub.L. The overexcitation period Tc is selected somewhat longer than the time required to complete the movement of the ball 14 from the seat Sc to the seat So.
In the case of a voltage control type driver system where the current level is raised to the overexcitation level I.sub.H by increasing the voltage applied across the solenoid 17 and an automotive battery is utilized as the voltage source, the excitation current level may vary greatly due to the variation of the supply voltage or the thermal variation of the resistance of the solenoid 17. Further, in the case of such a system a resistance is connected serially with the solenoid 17 to lower the excitation current to the low level I.sub.L. This serial insertion of a resistance results in a substantial loss of power. Thus, the excitation current level is usually controlled to predetermined constant overexcitation level I.sub.H and hold level I.sub.L by means of an elecronic control system.
FIG. 14 shows a conventional control driver circuit for the solenoid 17. A microcomputer 20, comprising a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, I/O port 24, timer 25, and a data bus 26, determines the duty ratio (Tx/To) of the solenoid 17 as required by the target control pressure Pc, in accordance with the relation between the duty ratio and the control pressure Pc shown in FIG. 12, and outputs a corresponding duty pulse signal from the output terminal OUT1. The duty pulse signal from OUT1 is held at a high level H during the excitation time Tx. Further, an overexcitation signal, held at a low level L during the overexcitation time Tc, is outputted from the terminal OUT2.
The duty pulse signal and the overexcitation signal are generated by means of the timer 25 of the microcomputer 20. FIG. 15 shows the detailed organization of the timer 25, while FIG. 16 is a timing chart for describing the operations of the timer 25. A pre-scaler 50 divides the clock frequency of the microcomputer 20 by 1/N, and a 16-bit free-running counter 51 counts the number of clock pulses from the pre-scaler 50. The demultiplication factor 1/N can be set by the bits B3, B4, B5 of the timer-counter and status register 56 by means of a program. Thus, the content of the 16-bit free-running counter 51 changes as shown in FIG. 16(a), overflowing and reset at the end of each period To at r3 or FFFFH in hexadecimal. The 16-bit reference registors A and B (52 and 54) store reference values r1 and r2 (see FIG. 16(a)) corresponding to Tc and Tx, respectively. Thus, the comparator A 53 sets the comparison bit Bo of the counter 56 when the content of the free-running counter 51 reaches r1; on the other hand, the comparator B 55 sets the comparison bit B2 when the content of the counter 51 reaches r2. Further, a timer overflow flag B1 is set each time when the free-running counter 51 overflows at r3. An interrupt is generated by the OR gate 57 when one of the bits B0 through B2 is set.
The interrupt generated by the OR gate 57 starts an interrupt routine within the microcomputer 20, shown in FIG. 17. The steps S3 and S5 corresponds to the time points at which the content of the free-running counter 51 reaches r1 and r2, respectively; when the content of the free-running counter reaches r3, the steps S6 through S9 are executed. Thus, there are generated: an overexcitation signal having the waveform as shown in FIG. 16(b) (note that the low level L corresponds to the supply of the overexcitation signal), and the duty pulse signal having the waveform of FIG. 16(c) (note that the high level H corresponds to the supply the excitation current). The reference values r1 and r2 are set at steps S8 and S9 such that the duty ratio Tx/To and the overexcitation time Tc are adjusted properly in accordance with the target control pressure Pc, etc.
FIG. 18 shows the waveforms occurring in the circuit of FIG. 14. The waveforms at FIG. 18(a) and (b) represent the duty pulse signal and the overexcitation signal, respectively, outputted from OUT1 and OUT2 of the microcomputer; the waveform at (c) represents the non-inverting input signal to the operational amplifier 36 (voltage at point P); the solid and the dotted waveforms at (d) represent the inverting and non-inverting input to the comparator 38, respectively; the waveform at (e) represents the output of the AND gate 39; and the waveform at (f) represents the excitation current flowing through the solenoid 17.
The transistor 45, coupled serially with the solenoid 17, is turned on and off in response to the high level H and the low level L of the duty pulse signal from OUT1, thereby turning on and off the excitation current flowing through the solenoid 17. The Zener diode 46 suppresses the surge voltage that is developed when the transistor 45 is turned off. During the overexcitation time Tc, the level of the overexcitation signal from OUT2 is at the low level L, such that the transistor 43 is turned off and the voltage at point P is at a first (higher) predetermined level as determined by the voltage divider consisting of the resistors 40 and 41; during the rest of the excitation time (Tx-Tc) when the overexcitation signal is at the high level H (i.e., is negated), the transistor 43 is turned on, such that the voltage at the point P is at a second (lower) predetermined level as determined by the ratio of the resistors 40 and 42. The error amplifier 33 amplifies the error or difference between the voltage at point P and the voltage at Q (corresponding to the excitation current through solenoid 17). The output of the error amplifier 33 becomes greater when the voltage at Q becomes smaller. Thus, the comparator 38 outputs a PWM (pulse-width modulation) output as shown in FIG. 18(e) and supplies it to the the AND gate 39. The transistors 31 and 27 are turned on and off in response to the output of the AND gate 39. Thus, the excitation current through the solenoid 17 is controlled to the predetermined levels I.sub.H and I.sub.L (see FIG. 18(f)) during the periods Tc and (Tx-Tc), respectively, as determined by the two predetermined voltage levels at point P. When the excitation signal from OUT1 falls to the low level L, the transistor 45 is turned off and the excitation current is thereby interrupted.
The above conventional driver device for a duty solenoid valve has the following disadvantages. Namely, the driver comprises, for controlling the excitation current to a predetermined level, an error amplifier 33, a triangular waveform generator 37, a voltage comparator 38, and an AND gate 39; further, for switching the excitation current level between two predetermined high and low levels I.sub.H and I.sub.L, the driver device includes a transistor 43 and resistors 40 through 42 and 44. Thus, the circuit is complicated in organization and large in size. Further, the failures within the circuit, such as the disconnection of the solenoid 17 or the short circuit of the transistor 27, cannot readily be detected.


An engine start-up system is disclosed. The engine start-up system has a 24-volt starter motor configured to crank the engine. The engine start-up system also has an energy source configured to supply electrical power to the starter motor. A 12-volt-operated magnetic switch is integrated with the 24-volt starter motor and is operable to permit the energy source to supply electrical power to the starter motor.

Generally, diesel engines in on- and off-highway vehicles, construction equipment, and other machines need high cranking torque, which in turn, requires high cranking current. These machines may use on-board batteries to crank and start their main engines. In North American on-highway vehicles, the on-board batteries are usually a 12-volt energy source, which also usually provides power to operate a machine's other electrical components such as electronics, fans, and lighting.
Cranking and starting an engine may draw a significant amount of power from a vehicle's on-board battery. Typically, the on-board battery may be able to provide only three to four main engine cranking events before depleting the energy stored in the battery. Thus, if the engine fails to start after repeated attempts, and/or if the battery loses enough charge due to internal leakage, the charge present in the battery may be insufficient to start the main engine, and it may be both costly and time consuming to bring in the necessary service equipment to remedy such a problem. Moreover, cold weather conditions may exacerbate battery problems because batteries tend to lose significant amounts of charge in low temperature conditions.
Compared to the widely used 12-volt cranking systems, 24-volt cranking systems reduce the cranking current and provide additional voltage needed to crank the engine. However, converting an entire vehicle to utilize 24-volt electrical devices may be cost prohibitive. Moreover, many components of a vehicle, such as electronics, fans, and lighting, rely on 12 volts, usually supplied by the cranking battery. In addition, using the cranking battery to power other components of the vehicle places engine cranking at risk because the cranking battery is frequently discharged below acceptable energy levels to operate comfort and convenience accessories with the engine turned off.
The present disclosure is directed towards overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.


The present disclosure relates to new materials comprising Al, Co, Fe, and Ni. The new materials may realize a single phase field of a face-centered cubic (fcc) solid solution structure immediately below the solidus temperature of the material. The new materials may include at least one precipitate phase and have a solvus temperature of at least 1000° C. The new materials may include 4.4-11.4 wt. % Al, 4.9-42.2 wt. % Co, 4.6-28.9 wt. % Fe, and 44.1-86.1 wt. % Ni. In one embodiment, the precipitate is selected from the group consisting of the L12 phase, the B2 phase, and combinations thereof. The new alloys may realize improved high temperature properties.

INCONEL 625 is a nickel-based alloy having a nominal composition of 61 wt. % Ni, 21.5 wt. % Cr, 9 wt. % Mo, and 3.6 wt. % of (Nb+Ta). INCONEL 625 has high strength and toughness from cryogenic temperatures to 980° C., good oxidation resistance, fatigue strength, and corrosion resistance.

Fcc materials of aluminum, cobalt, iron and nickel, and products made therefrom


Systems and methods may provide for aggregating a first idle duration from a first device associated with a platform and a second idle duration from a second device associated with the platform. Additionally, an idle state may be selected for the platform based at least in part on the first idle duration and the second idle duration. In one example, the idle durations are classified as deterministic, estimated or statistical.

1.. Technical Field
Embodiments generally relate to power management in computing platforms. More particularly, embodiments relate to the use of device idle durations to select idle states for computing platforms.
2.. Discussion
In conventional mobile computing platforms, idle states may be used to reduce power consumption and extend battery life, wherein deeper idle states may generally conserve more power. Idle state depth may be limited, however, in order to guarantee the quality of service (QoS) that platform devices require. Unduly limiting idle state depth may have a negative impact on energy efficiency and performance in certain circumstances.

Optimizing energy efficiency using device idle duration information and latency tolerance based on a pre-wake configuration of a platform associated to the device


A highly sensitive and inexpensive spatial optical transmission system using an LD (Laser Diode) as a light source and making use of the characteristics of a light receiving element is provided. The system includes a laser chip oscillating a laser beam, and a light receiving element receiving and converting to an electric signal the laser beam emitted from the laser chip and propagated through a space. The laser chip oscillates a laser beam having a wavelength of which absorption coefficient at the light receiving element is in a range of 0.001 to 0.3 μm−1.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a spatial optical transmission system for optically transmitting data in a free space. More specifically, it relates to a spatial optical transmission system of which directional full width at half maximum of the transmitted light is wide and which has a diffusion type transmission light source used for the communication distance of at most 10 m, a semiconductor laser module used for the spatial optical transmission system, and to an electronic appliance mounting the spatial optical transmission system or the semiconductor laser module.
2. Description of the Background Art
In a conventional spatial optical transmission system, a light emitting diode (LED) has been used as a light source for the transmission light. As a representative example, an optical transmitting/receiving device of IrDA (Infrared Data Association) shown in FIG. 21 has been known. The optical transmitting/receiving device includes a light emitting diode 112 having a peak wavelength of 850 to 900 nm and a light receiving element 102, and is applied to low speed data link of a short distance.
As a spatial optical transmission system using a semiconductor laser device for optical communication, a spatial optical link system for a space without humans in a normal state has been known. The semiconductor laser device is used in the spatial optical link system, as it has better condensing characteristic than the LED, and hence it is possible to transmit a light beam over a long distance while maintaining luminous flux of a small diameter. In a spatial optical transmission system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 6-252856, radiation angle of a beam is limited narrow, to realize long distance and high-speed data link. In the spatial optical transmission system, transmission over a few to several kilometers is intended, and in order to suppress attenuation in the air, it is recommended to use a semiconductor laser beam having the wavelength range of 735 nm to 759 nm, 770 nm to 811 nm or 838 nm to 891 nm.
An LED is a non-coherent device and, generally, has a half maximum width of several tens nm. When the peak wavelength is 850 nm, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, the emission band expands to the range of about 750 to 1000 nm. Therefore, when a sharp optical filter is used in a transmitting/receiving device using an LED, the wavelength range that will be cut is wide, lowering signal light intensity. Thus, a sharp optical filter cannot be used. Further, when the LED is used, as the wavelength expands wide, it becomes necessary to expand effective sensitive wavelength band, in designing the light receiving element. When the effective sensitive wavelength band is made wider, however, background noise light such as sunlight or fluorescent lamp increases, so that signal to noise (SN) ratio degrades, and the minimum reception sensitivity lowers, that is, the maximum transmission distance becomes shorter.
When a light receiving element is molded by a resin containing black carbon, the background light on the shorter wavelength side is cut to some extent, and therefore, lower noise is expected. The wavelength of the LED as the transmission light source, however, is inherently wide, and therefore, significant noise reduction is not attained. Further, the color of the semiconductor laser module as a whole is limited to black, which is not very preferable considering the appearance of products such as mini disk players in silver, white or other colors.
In a system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 6-252856 mentioned above, a semiconductor laser beam having the wavelength range of 735 nm to 759 nm, 770 nm to 811 nm or 838 nm to 891 nm is used, considering attenuation in the air. When radiation directional full width at half maximum is wide, however, light intensity attenuates abruptly as the transmission distance increases. Therefore, the usage is limited for short distance. In this case, it is unnecessary to consider attenuation by air, and oscillation wavelength of the light source is determined from the following different view points.
A light beam having a short wavelength of about 735 to 850 nm is much absorbed by a silicon light receiving element, and is absorbed at the surface of a pn or pin junction photodiode (PD), that is, on the light entering side. Therefore, it is necessary to make a layer on the light entering side efficiently thin. At this time, background light having wavelength shorter than the aforementioned laser beam wavelength is also absorbed at the surface layer, and as the surface layer is thin, it results in a diffusion current, and thus, noise component.
The above described use of the semiconductor laser beam as a light source is simply an application of a semiconductor laser device for spatial transmission, and, as compared with a conventional device using an LED, technical superiority is not very high.
In view of attaining higher technical superiority, it may be possible to use a steep optical filter for reducing background light, as the semiconductor laser device is used as the light source. Mounting of a steep optical filter, however, increases cost of the spatial transmission device, and narrows receivable angle of a receiver. Therefore, this option is industrially impractical.

Semiconductor laser module, spatial optical transmission system and electronic appliance


The invention, which can be applied to both starting mills and window mills for use in sidetracking a cased borehole, makes use of carbide discs as cutting elements and the geometrical disposition of blades on which the discs are mounted to enhance cutting efficiency. The blades are angularly offset with respect to the tool centerline in a variety of configurations.

Sidetracking of wells is a well-known procedure in which a new borehole is initiated at a small angle to an existing cased hole. The existing hole is closed by a packer below the intended sidetracking site, and a whipstock is secured on the packer to present an angled flat face towards the top of the well. A starting mill is then run into the well; the starting mill has a tapered nose to engage the angled face of the whipstock and side cutters which, when the string is rotated, cut an angled notch in the casing. The starting mill is then removed and replaced with a window mill. This is engaged in the notch and rotated to cut an elongate window through the casing and to form an initial length of the sidetrack bore.
The time taken to perform a sidetracking operation thus depends on the rate of penetration and reliability of the starting mill and the window mill. Mills used hitherto achieve only a modest performance. Starting mills require a high operating torque and tend to rotate unevenly or jam. Window mills have very poor penetration rate during part of the window-forming operation, to such an extent that they are frequently pulled because the operator suspects major damage to the tool but no such damage is found on recovery of the tool.


The present invention relates to an injection molding method using a fiber-reinforced composite material as an insert, and an injection molded product, and provides an injection molding method comprising: a step of preparing a fiber-reinforced composite material having a high-strength fiber, which is an insert material, impregnated in a resin; an insert formation step of manufacturing an insert by molding the fiber-reinforced composite material into a preliminary shape; and an injection molding step of manufacturing an injection product by arranging the insert in an injection mold and injecting a resin.

A fiber-reinforced composite material is a high-performance material that is enhanced in strength by impregnating high-strength fiber such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid, or Kevlar in a polymer matrix material such as plastic or epoxy.
The fiber-reinforced composite material is advantageous in a reduction in weight and an increase in strength, but is disadvantageous in that a realizable shape is limited, so that the freedom of design is low.
For example, a bumper back-beam made of a general plastic material is more excellent in freedom of design, is lighter in weight, and is lower in cost than a metal material. However, the bumper back-beam made of the plastic material is lower in rigidity, so that crashworthiness is insufficient.
Meanwhile, if the bumper back-beam is made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, a high rigidity is obtained, so that crashworthiness is enhanced. However, the bumper back-beam made of the fiber-reinforced composite material is problematic in that the freedom of design is limited, so that it is difficult to manufacture the bumper back-beam as a single product. Thus, since some components should be separately formed and then assembled with each other, this leads to an increase in cost and an insufficient weight-lightening effect.
The present invention is intended to provide an insert injection molding method using a fiber-reinforced composite material, which employs the fiber-reinforced composite material as an insert, thus being high in freedom of design, increasing a strength, and reducing a weight, and an injection molded product using the method.

Insert injection molding method using fiber-reinforced composite material, and injection molded product using same


An image forming apparatus includes a communicating unit (123) that performs communication with an-external apparatus (200), a recording unit (97) that stores image information, an image processing unit (96) that performs image processing, and a control unit (91) that performs control to secure the image processing unit from the external apparatus via the communicating unit, when a request signal for performing processing of the image information is received, if the image processing unit can be secured, convert a file format by expanding the image information and compressing the image information again using the image processing unit secured and transfer the image information converted via the communicating unit, and, if the image processing unit cannot be secured, transmit an indication that the image processing unit cannot be secured and the image information before the conversion to the external apparatus via the communicating unit.

Recently, according to the improvement of performance of image forming apparatuses such as a digital copying machine, an integrated digital apparatus having not only a copying function but also a function of a printer is developed and spread. Such image forming apparatuses have a full network function and can perform various kinds of image processing using a client computer via a network.
A Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2004-320255) discloses an image processing apparatus to which a computer capable of executing image processing corresponding to an image processing command is connected. In the Patent Document 1, addition of an image processing command is permitted according to a file format at a conversion destination of read image data to distribute processing loads to the image processing apparatus.
However, in this Patent Document 1, since load distribution processing is performed only in the inside of the image processing apparatus by the addition of the command corresponding to the file format, there is a problem in that, for example, the processing is delayed when an image processing unit built in the image processing apparatus is in use.

Image forming apparatus, image forming method and image forming system