This invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically inspecting the connection of a wire to a lead on lead frame containing a semiconductor chip or similar device. Using an image processor to locate the general position of a soldered lead in a digitized image, the present invention creates a template of an idealized optical indentation left by a good bond; determines parameters such as wire angle, idealized position and shape thresholds for applying the template; conducts a normalized correlation search of the digitized image; compares the results returned to the parameters and reports the resulting signals generated by this comparison to a host controller or other control module.

A. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to machine vision systems and semiconductor chip wire bonding devices, and similar bonding apparatus, and particularly to a method and apparatus for locating and inspecting the bond formed on a lead on a semiconductor chip.
B. Background
Semiconductor devices, such as integrated circuit chips, are electrically connected to leads on a lead frame by a process known as wire bonding. The wire bonding operation involves placing and connecting a wire to electrically connect a pad residing on a die (semiconductor chip) to a lead in a lead frame. Once all the pads and leads on the chip and lead frame have been wire bonded, it can be packaged, often in ceramic or plastic, to form an integrated circuit device. In a typical application, a die or chip may have hundreds or thousands of pads and leads that need to be connected.
There are many types of wire bonding equipment. Some use thermal bonding, some use ultra-sonic bonding and some use a combination of both. A post-process inspection step, commonly called the third optical inspection, typically involves locating and inspecting the position and size of all bonds on the device, the wire connections and the wire heights using optical means to insure that a good connection was created by the bond. This is done after wire bonding is complete and before encapsulation of the integrated circuit.
Heretofore the third optical inspection has been accomplished only after the device is completely bonded and sent to a separate machine or operator, but most usually by a human operator using a microscope. The inspection is often done on a sampled basis. While sampling reduces the number of inspections, bad connections may be missed.
Vision systems or image processing systems (systems that capture images, digitize them and use a computer to perform image analysis) are used on wirebonding machines to align devices and guide the machine for correct bonding placement, but have heretofore not been used during the process for inspection purposes. Separate machines are available to perform inspections outside of and after the bonding process, but this requires another piece of capital equipment in the production line.
Offline machines tend to be slow and may not be as accurate as an in process inspection, since significant information about the device is not available to an offline system. As a result, defective bonds may not be detected until later in the assembly process or after its completion. Productivity is thus lowered, and some defective bonds may not be detected at all.
In actual application in the field, almost all wirebond inspections are done manually. Manual inspection is very slow. Expensive parts may need to be inspected 100% on an individual basis, rather than sampled, and if this is done manually as well, this can further reduce productivity and add to costs.
In order to perform an automated, in-process inspection of the leads bonded by the wire bonder, a system must first locate each soldered lead formed on a chip before an inspection can take place. Applicants' co-pending U.S. applications:
Automated Optical Inspection Apparatus, filed Oct. 6, 1993, Ser. No. 08/132,532; and continuation in part thereof, Automated Optical Inspection Apparatus Using Nearest Neighbor Interpolation, Ser. No. 08/236,215, filed May 2, 1994; which are hereby incorporated by reference, describe a system for locating the nominal placement of a bonded lead with sufficient speed and accuracy to permit an inspection of lead size and position to occur.
Even when the nominal location of a soldered lead can be found quickly, however, one of the major problems with trying to locate and measure bonds on leads in an image are the large number of confusing edges that are present. These are due to the circuitry, probe marks and bond pad or multiple leads & wires in the image. Most semiconductor chips have a considerable amount of visual detail (such as the images of the circuits themselves) which must be circumvented in analyzing the post-bond image to find the bonded lead. In post-process inspections, some of this detail can be mistaken for parts of the bonds. Visual imperfections on the pads caused by probe marks, discoloration, or imperfect illumination further complicate these difficulties.
Wire bonding mechanisms that use a capillary means to affix the wire from the contact pad to the lead on the lead frame usually leave a circular or elliptical indentation at the point where the bond head strikes the lead. This indentation is roughly the diameter of the capillary which forms the end of the bond head and often in the shape of a ring. The formation of the ring is affected by the angle of the wire connecting the die to the lead, the force used in making the bond, the frequency at which the capillary is vibrated, and other factors controlled by the bonding device. While an entire ring is often seen, it is also common for only an arc shaped part of it to appear. In addition, part of the bond known as the crescent, or stitch, sometimes extends into the ring as side effect of the bonding process. This stitch intrusion may obscure a significant portion of the ring or arc indentation.
To bond the wire to the lead, the bond head using the capillary is vibrated at extremely high speed. As it moves on the lead, the indentation is formed. An inner diameter smaller than the chamfer diameter and an outer diameter larger than it appear. Their size depends primarily on the bond head frequency, the shape of the capillary, and the force used in bonding.
The indentation's reflective properties are not always consistent across the indentation. In practice there may be a fringe area immediately beyond the inner and outer diameters where the image intensity decreases (or increases, depending on the light/dark polarity of the image) until it attains the intensity of the lead.
Other problems can be created by mispositioning of the bond head or improper bond force.
If the indentation can be found and measured, its presence, placement, and size indicate the quality of the connection formed on the lead. However, the visual complexity and variability surrounding the lead makes it difficult to automate this inspection, either during an in process operation or as an post-process, offline inspection.

Method and apparatus to detect capillary indentations


In an alternating current electric power system of the type subject to rapid load voltage regulation as a result of variations in reactive load current, reactive load current compensation is provided by fixed capacitors and inductors in parallel with the load. The inductors are in series with static switches which are phase controlled to continuously maintain the net reactive compensating current substantially equal and opposite to the reactive components of load currents. Compensation control determines firing time of thyristor switches in accordance with the magnitude of reactive load current. In one embodiment, a signal representative of the condition of the reactive load current is provided with a positive phase shift correction to compensate for a negative phase shift which is provided by the thyristor switching technique.

The present invention relates to control of compensating impedance connected to supply leading or lagging reactive current to an a-c electric power system for stabilization of voltage at a critical bus area, and particularly to a control system responsive to rapid current disturbances.
It is known that electric power systems which supply highly erratic reactive loads, e.g., electric arc furnaces, are typically characterized by poor voltage regulation. Consequently, these systems often exhibit an undesirable flicker. One type of regulating system suggested to alleviate this condition is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,936,727 and 3,968,432, respectively issued to Kelley, Jr., et al and Kelley, Jr. on Feb. 3, 1976 and July 6, 1976. These patents are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are hereby incorporated by reference in the present application.
Generally, the above-mentioned regulating system includes the use of two control loops: one open compensating control loop; and one closed regulating or supervisory control loop. The compensating control loop senses the reactive load current component and attempts to negate the same by providing the appropriate compensating reactive current component through a reactive converter which includes capacitive and inductive components. The regulating or supervisory control loop employs a current angle sensor to sense the power factor or phase angle at a selected line location which is typically located in a critical area of the line at which good voltage regulation is desired. These two loops cooperate to generally provide a satisfactory degree of voltage regulation when an erratic load is present
One problem with such a regulating system arises because the reactive converter in the system typically includes thyristor switching for controlling the current which passes through the inductive components. The thyristor switching involves triggering the thyristor switches into conduction at an appropriate gating angle (.alpha.), i.e., the phase angle with respect to the impressed alternating voltage wave at which each thyristor is triggered into conduction. The interval during which the thyristor subsequently conducts following each triggering is referred to as the conduction angle (.sigma.). When the conduction angle (.sigma.) is substantially 180.degree. for each thyristor, the switch is considered to be fully "on" or closed; when the conduction angle (.sigma.) is substantially 0.degree., the switch is considered to be fully "off" or open. At intermediate conduction angles (.sigma.), and correspondingly intermediate gating angles (.alpha.), the switch is partially "on" and partially "off" during each half cycle and controls the amount of current flowing therethrough by the ratio of "on" time to "off" time. Once the current is initiated by gating the thyristors, current will flow for the whole half cycle if conduction is initiated at the peak of the voltage wave. Current can be changed every half cycle by control of the gating angle. Current conduction stops at every current zero and is reinitiated at the current level required by reapplication of the gate signal.
The correction provided to the power system by a change in thyristor switching may be viewed as a two-part correction. For example, advancing the gating angle (.alpha.) by .DELTA..alpha. degrees initiates conduction by .DELTA..alpha. degrees earlier in the waveform cycle and also delays the end of conduction by .DELTA..alpha. degrees, thus effecting a change in the conduction angle (.sigma.) of two times .DELTA..alpha. degrees. The geometric centroid of the conduction angle change is delayed from the gating event by half the conduction angle. This conduction angle change is determined by the control information at the instant of thyristor gating. In this connection, if the thyristor switch output is modulated by the gating control at a frequency somewhat less than power system frequency, the modulation of the output will lag the gating control modulation by approximately half the conduction angle. This lag comprises a frequency plane negative phase shift which reduces the effectiveness of the reactive converter in correcting the effects of load disturbances on the power system.
Accordingly, a general object of this invention is to provide an improved regulating system for use in an a-c electric power system wherein the regulating system includes a thyristor switched static converter.
Another object of this invention is to provide such a regulating system wherein the effectiveness of the thyristor switched reactive converter is improved by providing means for correcting for the negative phase shift produced in the thyristor switch.
Another object of this invention is to provide such a regulating system wherein the means for correcting for the negative phase shift includes positive phase shift means.

Static var system with means for correcting for negative phase shift


A machine for packaging multiple containers wherein a flexible carrier stock is fed across a jaw drum. A plurality of containers are also moved through the machine whereby the carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers so that flexible carrier stock engages with one of the containers to form a package. The machine is adjustable to accommodate a range of container heights and sizes, carrier configurations and/or package sizes. In addition, movement of the various components of the machine is coordinated using a drive system and a controller.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a machine for unitizing a plurality of containers using a flexible container carrier.
2. Description of Prior Art
Container carriers connect two or more containers into a sturdy unitized package of containers. Carriers are generally planar arrays of rings, sometimes referred to as "six-pack carriers," typically formed from a thermoplastic sheet material. Carriers are applied to containers of various sizes and shapes along various points along the sidewall or under the chime of the container. A preferable machine would be capable of application of a container carrier to a wide range of container sizes in a number of different package sizes in one of several positions along the container sidewall and/or chime.
Prior art multi-packaging devices and methods generally require several different versions or configurations of machines to accommodate different container carrier, package sizes and package configurations. Machines are traditionally a limitation on the range of container diameters, size of package or configuration of package that can be effectively packaged by a single system.
In addition, different machines or complex set-up procedures would also be required for different sizes of packages, for instance 4-packs, 6-packs and/or 12-packs. Each different package size would typically require different machines and/or complex set-up of machine configurations to accommodate division and diversion of differently sized packages.
Finally, different machines or complex set-up procedures would also be required for containers having different heights or requiring application along different points along the container sidewall and/or chime. Two traditional configurations of container carrier to container are the sidewall-applied carrier (SAC) position and the rim-applied carrier (RAC) position. A sidewall-applied carrier requires that the carrier is applied lower along the container than the rim-applied carrier. As such, different machines and/or set-up procedures are traditionally required to bring the carrier up or down along the container. Likewise, such different equipment and/or set-up procedures are traditionally required to package containers having different overall heights.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The invention discloses a refrigeration device, including: a first compressor unit (101), an indoor heat exchanger (3) and an outdoor heat exchanger (2), sequentially communicated; a first throttle device (401) and a second throttle device (402), sequentially connected in series; and an air supply device (5), provided between the first throttle device (401) and the second throttle device (402). The refrigeration device further includes a second compressor unit (102). An air intake port (B) of the second compressor unit (102) is communicated with an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger (2). An outlet (E) of the second compressor unit (102) is communicated with the air supply port (C) of the first compressor unit (101) and an air exhaust port (D) of the first compressor unit (101) by means of a three-way valve (10), respectively.

The heating capability of an air source heat pump rapidly attenuates due to temperature reduction of an outdoor environment, and cannot meet user demands accordingly. A double-stage or quasi-double-stage compression intermediate air-supplying and enthalpy-enhancing technology, including two-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling and one-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling circulation, is adopted in the prior art, which may improve the low-temperature heating capacity and the COP, provides some help for reduction of the exhaust temperature of a compressor, and cannot meet actual application in cold regions. However, the prior art is limited in amplitude of improvement of the heating capacity and the COP, and is also limited in reduction of the exhaust temperature of the compressor. In addition, an air-supplying and enthalpy-enhancing proportion in the prior art is restricted by a displacement ratio of a high pressure stage to a low pressure stage, and application to a heat pump type air conditioner results in design incompatibility of capability and energy efficiency.

GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI


A slew rate limited load driver is disclosed with a transistor switch (123) driving a load (125). The transistor switch (123) is controlled by a current from a current amplifier (107) and a current sink (111). The current amplifier (107) is driven from the combination of a source of compensating current (120) and a turn on current source (115). As a command signal (103) transitions, the source of compensating current (120) adds a transitional compensating current to the current derived from the turn on current source (115) and is amplified by the current amplifier (107). The output of the current amplifier (107) is combined with the output of the turn off current sink (111), to control the voltage slew rate to the load (101).

The slew rate, of a load driver circuit, is commonly defined as the maximum rate of change of the voltage driving the load. Load drivers are often designed to maximize the slew rate to get fast load response time. However, with certain loads, such as inductive solenoids, it is desirable to limit the slew rate. Limiting the slew rate limits electromagnetically radiated energy that can interfere with other circuits and systems.
Prior art relies on one of several schemes to limit the slew rate. One method includes a large capacitor connected between a drive transistor's control input and the load. This type of circuit suffers from many deficiencies. One deficiency is that the capacitor needs to be large to swamp out the effect of the drive transistor's variable internal capacitance. This size restriction causes an unnecessary burden on the circuit driving the drive transistor's control input. Also, the size of the capacitor makes it impractical to fit on an integrated circuit. Therefore, this scheme is more unreliable as more parts are used.
Another prior art solution is to include a large capacitor connected between a drive transistor's control input and circuit ground. Aside from having the same deficiencies as the prior circuit, the slew rate of the voltage driving the load varies as the load changes. This happens when the load changes because of manufacturing tolerances and aging.


Slidable connections from a support to a supported section combined with slidable end connections between adjoining supported sections allow relative motion between adjoining supported sections to be limited to less than the relative motion between adjoining supports. This is accomplished in an open-gap mullion embodiment for supporting a curtain wall assembly by providing an open gap between mullion sections equal to or less than a tolerable range for the curtain wall. When floor support deflections close the gap, further floor deflection causes an adjacent lower mullion section to provide support for the contacted upper mullion section. In a limited-gap embodiment, the gap between mullion section may exceed the tolerable motion of the associated curtain wall assembly, but a slidable gap-limiting means is provided to limit relative displacement between sections. In addition, the slidable mullion sections can be field installed without the need for field drilling and/or welding.

This invention relates to section joints in supported section assemblies, specifically a joint design improvement to absorb significant deflections in mullion section supports while limiting mullion joint deflections to less than the deflections of the mullion section supports.
A typical curtain wall panel assembly in a multi-story building consists of multiple wall panels supported by a number of laterally spaced apart, generally vertical mullion assemblies comprising a series of mullion sections spliced together in an end-to-end arrangement. Typically, the mullion section lengths are approximately equal to the height between adjacent floors of the associated building. Each erected mullion section is typically secured or anchored near an edge of an adjoining floor slab or other building support element that supports the mullion assembly and the associated curtain wall panels. Some of the functions of the erected curtain wall system are to provide a pleasing appearance and to provide a long term weather shield for the building interior against wind, rain, temperature, and other weather conditions.
Since each of the mullion sections are typically supported or anchored at the floor edges, floor movement or other deflection (e.g., under differential live loads) typically causes a comparable movement of the supports/anchors, mullions, and the curtain wall assembly. These movements, especially differential movements of floor edges of greater than about xe2x85x9c inch or 1 cm, may adversely impact on the appearance of the curtain wall, disable the weather sealing functions, and could even cause structural failure of the curtain wall system and/or its components, such as the loss of panels and damage to the mullion assemblies.
The prior art solutions to this deflecting building floor and mullion support problem have included two design options. The first option is to design the curtain wall system to be structurally strong and/or compliant enough to absorb the differential inter-floor or other deflections. However, this option may lead to objectionable appearance, added cost, and/or long term weather shield performance problems, e.g., weather seals may not be able to reliably seal after repeated large joint compressions and expansions. The second option is to reduce the magnitude of the differential inter-floor deflection by stiffening the building floor supports/anchors. However, this option may not be feasible due to architectural limitations or treatment (e.g., a cantilevered floor slab design with thickness and material constraints) or may result in significant cost increases.
One embodiment of the present invention limits attached mullion section motion to within a tolerable range for a curtain wall assembly even when differential mullion support motions are outside the tolerable range. This is accomplished in an open gap embodiment by providing an open gap equal to or less than the tolerable range and prevent compressive relative displacement between mullion sections and allowing greater relative vertical displacements between a floor anchor and an adjoining mullion section. Thus, when floor deflections close the gap, further floor deflection causes an adjacent lower mullion section to provide support for the contacted upper mullion section that would otherwise move outside a tolerable range. Additional downward floor deflections beyond a tolerable range for the attached curtain wall assembly are allowed by a mullion support slot and a slidable connection. Thus, the adjacent floor continues moving downward and no longer supports the previously supported mullion section which is now supported by the lower mullion section.
In a preferred limited-gap embodiment, the splice gap between mullion sections may exceed the tolerable motion of the associated curtain wall panels, but a gap-limiting means is provided in addition to a slidable support. The gap-limiting means also provides support for a displaced mullion section (that would otherwise be displaced outside the tolerable range if supported by a displaced proximate floor anchor) by hanging on an above mullion section and/or being supported from a lower mullion section, allowing the dead weight of the supported mullion section(s) to be split among several other mullion sections and their associated supporting hardware. The preferred splice gap-limiting means comprises a gap containing a weather seal and a splice gap-limiting slot and sliding bolt connector where the gap-limiting bolt and slot limits relative up or down motions between mullion sections to acceptable levels for the curtain wall and weather seal. The preferred mullion support and joint assembly also includes a bearing support plate that can be field positioned using self-tapping screws avoiding the need for field drilling and/or welding.


Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating enhanced classification of network traffic based on observed flow-based and/or host-based behaviors.

Efficient allocation of network resources, such as available network bandwidth, has become critical as enterprises increase reliance on distributed computing environments and wide area computer networks to accomplish critical tasks. The widely-used Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite, which implements the world-wide data communications network environment called the Internet and is employed in many local area networks, omits any explicit supervisory function over the rate of data transport over the various devices that comprise the network. While there are certain perceived advantages, this characteristic has the consequence of juxtaposing very high-speed packets and very low-speed packets in potential conflict and produces certain inefficiencies. Certain loading conditions degrade performance of networked applications and can even cause instabilities which could lead to overloads that could stop data transfer temporarily.
In order to understand the context of certain embodiments of the invention, the following provides an explanation of certain technical aspects of a packet based telecommunications network environment. Internet/Intranet technology is based largely on the TCP/IP protocol suite. At the network level, IP provides a "datagram" delivery service—that is, IP is a protocol allowing for delivery of a datagram or packet between two hosts. By contrast, TCP provides a transport level service on top of the datagram service allowing for guaranteed delivery of a byte stream between two IP hosts. In other words, TCP is responsible for ensuring at the transmitting host that message data is divided into packets to be sent, and for reassembling, at the receiving host, the packets back into the complete message.
TCP has "flow control" mechanisms operative at the end stations only to limit the rate at which a TCP endpoint will emit data, but it does not employ explicit data rate control. The basic flow control mechanism is a "sliding window", a window which by its sliding operation essentially limits the amount of unacknowledged transmit data that a transmitter is allowed to emit. Another flow control mechanism is a congestion window, which is a refinement of the sliding window scheme involving a conservative expansion to make use of the full, allowable window.
The sliding window flow control mechanism works in conjunction with the Retransmit Timeout Mechanism (RTO), which is a timeout to prompt a retransmission of unacknowledged data. The timeout length is based on a running average of the Round Trip Time (RTT) for acknowledgment receipt, i.e. if an acknowledgment is not received within (typically) the smoothed RTT+4*mean deviation, then packet loss is inferred and the data pending acknowledgment is re-transmitted. Data rate flow control mechanisms which are operative end-to-end without explicit data rate control draw a strong inference of congestion from packet loss (inferred, typically, by RTO). TCP end systems, for example, will "back-off,"—i.e., inhibit transmission in increasing multiples of the base RTT average as a reaction to consecutive packet loss.
A crude form of bandwidth management in TCP/IP networks (that is, policies operable to allocate available bandwidth from a single logical link to network flows) is accomplished by a combination of TCP end systems and routers which queue packets and discard packets when some congestion threshold is exceeded. The discarded and therefore unacknowledged packet serves as a feedback mechanism to the TCP transmitter. Routers support various queuing options to provide for some level of bandwidth management. These options generally provide a rough ability to partition and prioritize separate classes of traffic. However, configuring these queuing options with any precision or without side effects is in fact very difficult, and in some cases, not possible. Seemingly simple things, such as the length of the queue, have a profound effect on traffic characteristics. Discarding packets as a feedback mechanism to TCP end systems may cause large, uneven delays perceptible to interactive users. Moreover, while routers can slow down inbound network traffic by dropping packets as a feedback mechanism to a TCP transmitter, this method often results in retransmission of data packets, wasting network traffic and, especially, inbound capacity of a WAN link. In addition, routers can only explicitly control outbound traffic and cannot prevent inbound traffic from over-utilizing a WAN link. A 5% load or less on outbound traffic can correspond to a 100% load on inbound traffic, due to the typical imbalance between an outbound stream of acknowledgments and an inbound stream of data.
In response, certain data flow rate control mechanisms have been developed to provide a means to control and optimize efficiency of data transfer as well as allocate available bandwidth among a variety of business enterprise functionalities. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,038,216 discloses a method for explicit data rate control in a packet-based network environment without data rate supervision. Data rate control directly moderates the rate of data transmission from a sending host, resulting in just-in-time data transmission to control inbound traffic and reduce the inefficiencies associated with dropped packets. Bandwidth management devices allow for explicit data rate control for flows associated with a particular traffic classification. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,000, above, discloses automatic classification of network traffic for use in connection with bandwidth allocation mechanisms. U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,980 discloses systems and methods allowing for application layer control of bandwidth utilization in packet-based computer networks. For example, bandwidth management devices allow network administrators to specify policies operative to control and/or prioritize the bandwidth allocated to individual data flows according to traffic classifications. In addition, certain bandwidth management devices, as well as certain routers, allow network administrators to specify aggregate bandwidth utilization controls to divide available bandwidth into partitions. With some network devices, these partitions can be configured to ensure a minimum bandwidth and/or cap bandwidth as to a particular class of traffic. An administrator specifies a traffic class (such as FTP data, or data flows involving a specific user) and the size of the reserved virtual link—i.e., minimum guaranteed bandwidth and/or maximum bandwidth. Such partitions can be applied on a per-application basis (protecting and/or capping bandwidth for all traffic associated with an application) or a per-user basis (controlling, prioritizing, protecting and/or capping bandwidth for a particular user). In addition, certain bandwidth management devices allow administrators to define a partition hierarchy by configuring one or more partitions dividing the access link and further dividing the parent partitions into one or more child partitions.
While the systems and methods discussed above that allow for traffic classification and application of bandwidth utilization controls on a per-traffic-classification basis operate effectively for their intended purposes, they possess certain limitations. Identification of traffic types associated with data flows traversing an access link typically involves the application of matching criteria or rules to explicitly presented or readily discoverable attributes of individual packets against an application signature which may comprise a protocol identifier (e.g., TCP, HTTP, UDP, MIME types, etc.), a port number, and even an application-specific string of text in the payload of a packet. After identification of a traffic type corresponding to a data flow, a bandwidth management device associates and subsequently applies bandwidth utilization controls (e.g., a policy or partition) to the data flow corresponding to the identified traffic classification or type. Accordingly, simple changes to an application, such as a string of text appearing in the payload or the use of encryption text may allow the application to evade proper classification and corresponding bandwidth utilization controls or admission policies. In addition, the rapid proliferation of network applications in general presents challenges to developers of network traffic classification mechanisms to constantly monitor for new application types and create new classification rules.

Behavioral classification of network data flows


A sizing applicator with two pairs of rollers arranged in sequence with one another along the transport path of a yarn sheet can be converted, without changing the position of the pairs of rollers, between an operating mode as a pad-type sizing applicator and a squeezing-type sizing applicator. Each pair of rollers has a defined gap at a common tangent therebetween and each pair of rollers has one roller disposed at a lower elevation than the other roller of the pair. The two roller pairs are relatively arranged such that their respective common tangents intersect beneath the roller pairs approximately midway between the roller pairs. The lower roller of each roller pair is disposed partially in a trough for containing the sizing to be applied to the yarn sheet, and the upper rollers of the two pair of rollers are arranged relative to one another such that the yarn sheet can be passed in a first path of travel between the two pairs of rollers in peripheral contact with each upper roller of each of the roller pairs over a limited circumferential extent and in another path of travel moving downwardly through the gap between the first pair of rollers and then upwardly through the gap of the second pair of rollers.

An apparatus of this type is disclosed in German Patent Disclosure DE 31 45 342 A1. In order to have the capability at little expense and without disruption of introducing the broadest possible range of different impregnating agents into the individual yarns of the yarn sheet, the impregnating agent or sizing is introduced immediately upstream of and into the gap between each pairs of rollers, where it penetrates the yarns and at the same time is metered in its amount per unit of length of the yarn sheet by means of the roller gap. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of rollers with a common vertical tangent is followed along the transport path of the yarn sheet by a pair of rollers with a common horizontal tangent. In the area upstream of the particular gap between each pair of rollers (as viewed in the of the direction of travel of the yarn sheet), the sizing is introduced from a supply line aimed into the gap and/or from a trough into which one roller dips. With this known squeezing-type sizing applicator, hot, low-concentration sizing can be applied to the yarns in a warp.
Recently, however, an attempt has been made to use highly concentrated sizings as well, for instance in order to reduce the expenditure of energy in the ensuing drying operation. For this situation, it is proposed in German Patent Disclosure DE 41 18 076 A1 that application of the sizing be accomplished by moving the yarn sheet past a first sizing applicator roller, which contacts one side of the yarn sheet essentially at a tangent over a limited circumferential range, and then moving the yarn sheet with its opposite side past a second sizing applicator roller, again contacting it essentially at a tangent over a limited circumferential range, thus subjecting the yarn sheet to a slop-pad type treatment on both faces. The yarn sheet is then dried and finally wound, for instance onto a warp beam. As contrasted to the aforementioned squeezing-type sizing applicator, the machine just described will be referred to hereinafter as a slop-pad sizing applicator.
In the textile industry, there are warp yarn sheets (or other sheet articles) that can be adequately well-sized with the aid of slop-pad treatment, but there are also warp yarn sheets that can be properly penetrated with the applicable sizing only in a more conventional way, i.e. by means of a dipping and squeezing treatment. The manufacturer who wishes to be able to treat both types of article or yarn sheets must therefore have both squeezing units and slop-pad units available in the manufacturing plant to be used as alternatives, which above all presents considerable problems.


The present invention relates to methods of passive infrared imaging and dynamic infrared imaging of a tumor or lesion (“DIR”) where multiple images are taken before, during and after heating or cooling the tumor or lesion. Patterns of intensity of infrared emission in the infrared image(s) are related to the level of vascularity or metabolic activity of the tumor or lesion, and are used to identify size and shape of the tumor or lesion. The patterns can also be used to determine whether Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, skin cancer lesions and melanomas are active or inactive. Changes in the patterns of infrared emission determined by comparing images taken before, during and after the onset of drug or radiation therapy, are used to assess efficacy of the therapy. The methods can also be used to study tissue affected by angiogenic diseases.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods of passive and active dynamic infrared imaging of a tumor or lesion ("DIRI") that heats or cools the tumor or lesion. Patterns of intensity of infrared emission in the infrared image are related to the level of vascularity or metabolic activity of the tumor or lesion, and are used to identify the size and shape of the tumor or lesion. Changes in the patterns of infrared emission determined by comparing images taken before, during and after the onset of drug or radiation therapy, are used to assess the efficacy of the therapy. The methods can also be used to study tissue that has been affected by angiogenic diseases.
2. Description of the Related Art
Tumor angiogenesis, the recruitment of new blood vessels by a growing tumor from existing neighboring vessels, is essential for the growth and persistence of solid tumors and their metastases (Folkman, 1989; Hori et al., 1991; Kim et al., 1993; Millauer et al., 1994). This recruitment of new microvasculature is a central process in tumor growth and aggressive spreading of the tumor through hematogenous metastasis. Angiogenesis depends upon the production of angiogenic factors by host or tumor cells, or both. All solid tumors require angiogenesis for growth and metastasis. Tumors greater than 2 millimeters in size, must obtain their own blood supply; this is accomplished by inducing the growth of new capillary blood vessels. Once these new blood vessels become embedded in the tumor, they provide a means for tumor cells to enter the circulation and metastasize to distant sites such as liver, lung or bone (Weidner, N., et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 324(1), 1-8 (1991). The level of angiogenesis is thought to be an important parameter for the staging of tumors, and new therapies are being developed which attack the process of angiogenesis for the purpose of attempting to control tumor growth and tumor spread by restricting or eliminating the tumor blood supply. It is therefore of clinical importance to be able to monitor angiogenesis in tumors in a noninvasive manner.
Although angiogenesis is a highly regulated process under normal conditions, many diseases (characterized as angiogenic diseases) are driven by persistent unregulated angiogenesis. Unregulated angiogenesis may either cause a particular disease directly or exacerbate an existing pathological condition. For example, ocular neovacularization has been implicated as the most common cause of blindness and dominates approximately 20 eye diseases. In certain existing conditions, such as arthritis, newly formed capillary blood vessels invade the joints and destroy cartilage. In diabetes, new capillaries formed in the retina invade the vitreous, bleed, and cause blindness. Growth and metastasis of solid tumors are also dependent on angiogenesis (Folkman, J., Cancer Research, 46, 467-473 (1986), Folkman, J., Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 82, 4-6. (1989).
At present there is no single imaging method capable of providing quantitative characterization of tumor angiogenesis (Passe, et al., Radiology 203:593-600, 1997) or other abnormal angiogenesis. Such a method would facilitate monitoring the efficacy of antiangiogenesis factors for therapeutic use, tumor staging, and diagnosis of angiogenic diseases.

Method for imaging and spectroscopy of tumors and determination of the efficacy of anti-tumor drug therapies


A most recently used bit (25) is used to determine if a data transfer should occur from a fill buffer (20) into a data memory (32) in a cache (15). If the data to be displaced in the data memory (32) has been referenced more recently than the data present in the fill buffer (20), then the transfer should not occur. When a cache miss does occur, a control register (50) is used to determine the conditions for loading the fill buffer (20).

In general, data processing systems comprise a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions that are fetched from a main memory. One method to improve the performance of the CPU is to use cache memory. Cache memory is high speed memory that works in conjunction with the CPU and the main memory to provide the necessary data to the CPU. With this architecture, a higher response time is possible than if the CPU fetches all instructions and operands directly from main memory.
The improved performance is possible because the cache contains the data that the CPU is most likely to request in the next bus cycle. The cache is typically also much faster than the main memory, therefore, the cache can usually provide the data required by the CPU much faster than the main memory. Part of the methodology used to load data into the cache is to predict and store the data that is frequently used by the CPU and is likely to be used by the CPU in the next bus cycle. When the cache contains data requested by the CPU, this is referred to as a cache hit.
However, it is not always possible to predict and store the necessary data in the cache before the CPU requests the data. If the cache does not contain the information requested by the CPU, then this is referred to as a cache miss. On a miss, the data is loaded from the main memory into a fill buffer and is provided to the CPU. On the next miss, the data in the fill buffer is then generally loaded into the cache in anticipation that the CPU may request the data in an upcoming bus cycle. This process continues throughout the operation of the processor.
During each cache miss, the data in the fill buffer is loaded into the cache. The transfer from the fill buffer into the cache may overwrite a valid piece of data in the cache. The data that is overwritten, however, may be the data that is requested by the CPU on the next bus cycle. In such a situation, on the next bus cycle the cache will be requires to fetch the data that was just overwritten in the previous cycle. Such situations reduce the efficiency of the use of a cache.
The loss in efficiency is further compounded by the time it takes to fill the fill buffer with data from the main memory. To increase the likelihood of a hit on the next bus cycle, it is common for the fill buffer to be filled with a large data stream such as 4 long words, which is 128 bits of data. However, if the next bus cycle only requires 16 or 32 bits of data, then most of the time spent to load the entire 128 bits is wasted.
By now it should be appreciated that it would be advantageous to provide an apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of a cache.

Apparatus and method for optimizing performance of a cache memory in a data processing system


The presence of an object in the path of an automotive vehicle window is detected. This is accomplished by sensing or observing a system variable, such as speed or motor current, and comparing this measured value to a predicted limit value of the system variable which is based upon the behavior of the system variable when there is no object present. The values are compared over predetermined time intervals and if the measured value falls out of the predicted limit value of the system variable in a direction that indicates an obstruction, then a control system detects the presence of an object and reacts accordingly by stopping or reversing the drive motor of the vehicle window.

This invention relates to a method and system for detecting an obstructing element in the path of an automotive vehicle window. This is accomplished by sensing or observing a system variable, such as speed or motor current, and comparing this measured value to a predicted value of the system variable, which is determined by way of a system equation, in order to determine the presence of an obstructing object.
Vehicles are provided with closures to close openings. Typically, these closures are powered by an electric motor to move between open and closed positions within a frame. Such closures include side windows, moon roofs, sunroofs, etc. Typically, an operator actuates a switch and the closure will move to a fully closed position. In this disclosure, a side window is disclosed. However, it should be understood that the invention applies to all closures, such as moon roofs, sunroofs, etc.
If an object is in the path of the closure, such as a passenger""s arm, the prior art would like closure movement to stop or even be reversed. Thus, various systems have been proposed to monitor characteristics of operation during closure to identify the obstruction. Typically, characteristics of the motor are sensed.
It is known that detailed system equations can identify the presence of an object by looking at a number of system variables. However, such equations are of limited value in that there are too many unknowns which are unique to each closure system. Various aspects such as the particular tolerances within the closure system, temperature, age, etc. affect how each individual system will respond.
Thus, there exists a need for an accurate yet simple algorithmic system for identifying the presence of an object in the path of a vehicle closure.
The present invention observes a system variable, x, such as speed or motor current, to determine the presence of an object. A system equation is used to predict a value of the observed variable as it would normally behave without the presence of an object. This predicted value (xp) is compared to a measured value (xm) of the observed variable. If the measured value (xm) exceeds the predicted value (xp) by some limit, in the direction indicative of an object, then the control system detects an object and reacts accordingly, typically by stopping or reversing the motor.
The present invention also uses a correction mechanism to account for inaccuracies in the system equation. A system equation may not be accurate due to variability between systems and changes due to temperature and aging. In addition, the system equation is adapted over time to also account for these inaccuracies.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings.

Method and system for detecting an object in the path of an automotive window utilizing a system equation

Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, L.L.C.


In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain. The apparatus includes a body configured to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The apparatus also includes a central elastic membrane coupled to the body and extending across a central aperture of the body. The elastic membrane includes a number of pre-formed openings provided for purposes of securing the lead in position within the brain after implantation. Each pre-formed opening may penetrate through an entire thickness of the elastic membrane. Each pre-formed opening may be selected for insertion of the lead into the brain. Each pre-formed opening is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted through the pre-formed opening and positioned in the brain and is adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation.

Electrical energy is applied to the brain to treat a variety of clinical conditions such as movement disorders or chronic pain. One method of delivering electrical energy to the brain involves inserting an electrical stimulation lead through a burr hole formed in the skull and then positioning the lead in a precise location adjacent a target area of the brain to be stimulated such that stimulation of the target area causes a desired clinical effect. For example, one desired clinical effect may be cessation of tremor from a movement disorder such as Parkinson's Disease. A variety of other clinical conditions may also be treated with deep brain stimulation, such as essential tremor, tremor from multiple sclerosis or brain injury, or dystonia or other movement disorders. The electrical stimulation lead implanted in the brain is connected to an electrical signal generator implanted at a separate site in the body, such as in the upper chest.
Electrical stimulation leads implanted in the brain require precise placement because of the relatively small size of the target area in the brain and because of the relatively close proximity of other non-targeted anatomic regions in the brain. One method of achieving precise placement is through a stereotactic surgical procedure that uses radiographic or fluoroscopic images of the brain to guide the surgeon to the target area. This may require placement of a three-dimensional frame to the head such that horizontal and vertical coordinates of the target area may be compared to radiographic images and precisely located. Other stereotactic methods may include a frameless procedure. Once the precise location of an electrical stimulation lead in the brain is achieved it is important that the lead remain in its precise position to avoid injury to the brain, reduced effectiveness, or other undesirable effects. An electrical stimulation lead may be particularly prone to being dislodged when a stereotactic frame is disassembled and removed from the head, for example, after insertion of the lead. When the frame is being disassembled and removed from around the insertion site, a doctor, nurse, or other clinician must typically attempt to manually secure the exposed end of the electrical stimulation lead in an attempt to maintain the precise positioning of the lead in the brain. This is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish in practice.
Previous burr hole covers used for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain have included a fluid-impermeable membrane that spans the entire central aperture of the burr hole cover to prevent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. In these previous burr hole covers the fluid-impermeable membrane has been solid and the electrical stimulation lead is forced through the fluid-impermeable membrane to form a puncture hole in which the lead is then secured. Certain of these previous fluid-impermeable membranes have included an upper portion with one or more pre-formed blind holes above the solid lower portion that is punctured to form a hole for securing the electrical stimulation lead. With or without blind holes, when the electrical stimulation lead is secured in the puncture hole, the fit of the lead within the puncture hole and the fluid-impermeable nature of the surrounding membrane prevent CSF leakage from the brain. The puncture hole formed through the fluid-impermeable membrane, and any associated blind hole, is preferably sized such that upon removal of the electrical stimulation lead the fluid-impermeable membrane reseals and CSF leakage continues to be prevented.

Electrical stimulation system and associated apparatus for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain


A rack and pinion steering assembly includes a housing with a first bore for rotatably receiving the pinion and a second bore for movably receiving the rack. A support member slidably engages the rack and includes a pair of arms opposing the wall of the first bore to prevent separation of the support member and rack away from the pinion. A resilient cooperates with one of the arms to bias the support member to pivot about the other arm. An optional ring cooperates with the other arm to adjust the position of the support member and the rack to take up wear between the rack and pinion or between the rack and support member.

A rack and pinion assembly includes a housing with a first bore for rotatably receiving the pinion and a second bore for movably receiving the rack. In order to maintain the rack fully engaged with the pinion, a support member is slidably engageable with the rack and biased toward the pinion to yieldably resist separation between the rack and the pinion.
The housing includes a boss with a bore for receiving the support member. A plug closing the boss bore cooperates with an adjuster assembly to take up clearances due to wear between the rack and the pinion. Consequently, the housing requires modification to make room for the support member and its adjuster assembly. In addition, a resilient member biasing the support member toward the rack is disposed within the boss of the bore or between the support member and the second bore so that the housing in either case requires modification to accommodate the resilient member and/or adjuster assembly.

Support member for rack and pinion assembly


A circuit arrangement for determining the reactance of a power transmission line in the event of a short circuit from first and second measurement valves proportional to the short circuit current and voltage respectively, in which, in order to perform this determination, in a very short time, the circuit arrangement contains a phase shifter in which, from the first measurement variable an auxiliary measurement variable which lead the first measurement variable approximately by a phase angle corresponding to the phase difference between the current and voltage in the case of a metallic short circuit is formed and switches used to couple the auxiliary measurement variable and the second measurement variable to an evaluation arrangement for determining the phase angle and to an arrangement for storing the maximum value of the measurement variables which two arrangements are followed by a computer which computes the reactance from the phase angle and stored maximum values.

This invention relates to power transmission lines in general and more particularly to a circuit arrangement for determining the reactance of a power transmission line in the event of a short circuit.
In selective protection engineering, it has been known for a long time that the distance of the fault location from the installation site can be determined by measurement of the resistance of a power transmission line between the installation site of a protective arrangement and the location of a fault, since the resistance is proportional to the distance. It is further known from the literature to measure the reactance of the power transmission line between the installation site of the protective arrangement and the short circuit; if the reactance is measured, it has the advantage that the determination of the short circuit location is only slightly influenced by the arc resistance or by the resistance to ground. The reactance Xk of a power transmission line can be described by the following equation: ##EQU1## In this equation .vertline.Uk.vertline. gives the peak value of the short circuit voltage on the transmission line and .vertline.Ik.vertline. the peak value of the short circuit current in the transmission line as measured at the installation site of the protective arrangement; the phase angle between the short circuit voltage and the short circuit current is designated as .phi. k.
In order to determine the reactance of the line in the event of a short circuit for determining the location of the short circuit on a power transmission line, it is therefore necessary to determine .vertline.Uk.vertline., .vertline.Ik.vertline. and sin .phi. k as well as to interlink these variables mathematically. With the present state of the art in electronic circuits, this can be done without difficulty if sufficient time is provided therefor.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a circuit arrangement for determining the reactance of a power transmission line in the event of a short circuit, by which the reactance and therefore also the short circuit can be determined in a very short time from the measurement variables .vertline.Uk.vertline. and .vertline.Ik.vertline.; this is desirable so that the reactance and therefore also the short circuit can be determined exactly and with certainty in the short time period before the following circuit breakers open, after an excitation circuit has responded in the event of a short circuit or an associated protective device has delivered a tripping signal.

Circuit arrangement for determining the reactance of a power transmission line in the event of a short circuit


A transmission assembly includes a stationary housing and a first section having a coupling member. The first section further includes a first planetary gear assembly, a second planetary gear assembly, and a third planetary gear assembly operatively disposed in the stationary housing. Each of the planetary gear assemblies includes a ring gear, at least one planet carrier having at least one planet gear, and a sun gear. The sun gears of at least the first and second planetary gear assemblies are operatively connected to the coupling member. The first section also includes an input member operatively connected to the third planetary gear assembly to drive the first section. A first stationary clutch operatively connects the coupling member to the stationary housing. A second stationary clutch operatively connects at least one of the planet carrier and the ring gear of the first planetary gear assembly to the stationary housing.

Work machines such as, for example, off-highway trucks and other heavy construction and mining machines, are used to perform many tasks. To effectively perform these tasks, the work machines require a power source that provides significant power to a transmission. The power source may be an engine such as, for example, a turbine engine, diesel engine, gasoline engine, or natural gas engine operated to generate a power output. The transmission must provide a range of gearing in order to allow the work machine to work at several different speeds while keeping the engine within a desired operating range. Typically, the work machines include a multi-speed transmission that generally includes a series of gears and is connected to the engine via a torque converter. The utilization of a torque converter helps to overcome problems of initial star-up and further provides a broader torque transmission range.
As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,951 to Winzeler et al., a multi-speed transmission for a work machine typically includes a variety of gears and clutches that are disposed between an input member and an output member of a work machine. The input member is connected to, and is rotated by, an engine via a torque converter. The output member is used to move the work machine. The clutches are used to engage different combinations of gears that will connect the input member to the output member through a selected gear ratio. The selected gear ratio translates the rotational speed of the input member, as provided by the engine, to a desired rotational speed of the output member.
To generate the wide range of gear ratios required by the work machine, the multi-speed transmission typically includes a plurality of intermeshing gears and a corresponding plurality of clutches. Each of the gears may have different numbers of teeth to achieve the required gear ratios. In addition, differently designed clutches may be required to engage the different gears into the necessary gear ratios.
The manner in which the gears are engaged to provide the different gear ratios and the number of different gear ratios impacts the efficiency of the transmission and work machine. The larger the step and the more variable the step between gear ratios, the more an engine will deviate from the desired operating range. Energy and efficiency are lost when the work machine operates outside of the desired operating range.
The vehicle transmission of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above.


A collapsing clip including of a plurality of collapsed self expanding wire frame segments is contained within the distal end of a catheter. The clip can be maneuvered by a wire traversing through the catheter. The catheter can be placed proximate to the neck of an aneurysm within the neurovascular system. Using the wire, at least one segment can be pushed from the catheter through the aneurysm neck and expanded within the interior of the aneurysm. The wire can pull the expanded segment in a proximal direction. A proximal segment can be pushed from the catheter and expanded on the proximal side of the aneurysm. The collapsing clip impinges the distal and proximal framed wire segments onto the neck of the aneurysm. The framed wire segments are inter positioned so that the diamond shaped spaces between the wires are substantially blocked. The neck of the aneurysm is blocked by the distal and proximal framed wire segments forming a barrier.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and processes for treating an aneurysm, and more particular to an endovascular system and process for collapsing an aneurysm.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Aneurysm treatments have been proposed using a wide variety of processes and devices, which have enjoyed various levels of success and acceptance. Such systems and processes include aneurysm clips, intravascular coils, intravascular injections, detachable intravascular balloons, and the like.
These prior devices, however, have proven to be difficult to employ, oftentimes do not lend themselves to deployment in all sizes of aneurysms, can be imprecise in their deployment, their installation can be very time consuming, risk rupture of the aneurysm because they increase its size, can risk recanalization and/or migration of the device in the patient's vasculature, and may not treat the mass effect that the aneurysm may have caused. Furthermore, the present of adhesions in the aneurysm makes it difficult to collapse the aneurysm. There therefore remains an unmet need in the art for systems and processes which do not suffer from one or more of these deficiencies.


Sheet products, such as card stock, envelopes and other paper products (10) are advanced on a vacuum surface conveyor belt (30) beneath a glue applicator drum (35). The glue transfer strips (37 and 38) of the glue applicator drum apply stripes of glue (42 and 43) at the ends of the sheet product, leaving a belt engaging space (41) without glue between the glue stripes. The sheet product is grasped by overlying conveyor belts (46 and 47) at the belt engaging space (41), thereby exposing the wet glue stripes on opposite sides of the belts. Hot air is applied on opposite sides of the conveyor belts (46 and 47), drying the glue. The glue transfer strips (37 and 38) of the glue applicator drum can be adjusted in size, shape and position so as to apply glue to one end, the other end, or both ends of the sheet product, and if glue is applied to only one end, one of the dryers (50 or 51) can be deactivated, saving energy.

The invention involves a method and apparatus for applying glue to sheet products, such as envelopes, card stock and other flat products. More particularly, the invention involves the simultaneous application of glue to opposed ends of the sheet products.
In the production of sheet products, such as card stock and other paper products, there are many instances when the product is to be folded, and glue is applied to the flaps so as to seal the various panels and flaps together. An example of this is in the production of envelopes, some of which require the application of glue to more than one flap of the folded product.
The conventional approach for the application of glue in an automated glue applicator machine is to feed a plurality of identical sheet products in sequence to a conveyor system. The conveyor system advances each product in spaced relationship along a processing path by controlling one end of the product while applying glue to the other end of the product. Typically, drive belts must carefully control each product so that the glue is properly applied at the precise location on the sheet product. In some instances, the glue, such as latex and remoistenable glues, are dried as the products are advanced farther along the processing path. In other instances, the glue is covered with a peel-away seal strip that can be removed from the sheet product when the panel is to be adhered to an adjacent surface.
When applying glue to the closure flaps of a series of envelopes, the typical approach is to advance the envelopes along a processing path with the fold of the flap extending parallel to the direction of movement, and with the flap folded closed as it approaches the processing path. A flap opener, in the shape of a small plow, is positioned in the path of the flap and the flap opener engages and opens the flap so as to place it in the proper path for receiving the glue. The flap opener, the gum box, the glue applicator drum and a heater that dries the adhesive after the adhesive has been applied to the envelope are all on the operator""s side of the machine. The other side of the machine typically includes overlying conveyor belts that grip and advance the envelopes through the workstations along the processing path.
In those instances where glue is to be applied to both ends of a sheet product, it is customary to run the sheet product through the glue applicator twice, with the first run applying glue to one end, and then reversing the product for the second run so that the same system applies glue to the other end of the sheet product.
When the sheet product must be run through the glue applicator twice in order to apply glue to the opposed ends of the sheet product, the expense of the product increases because of the additional machine time required for the second run, and because of the extra handling and planning required by the machine operator.
In those instances where attempts are made to apply glue to both ends of the sheet products with one run through the glue applicator system, the glue applicator drum can be set up with its glue applicator strips spaced about the circumference of the cylindrical surface instead of along the length of the cylindrical surface. The glue transfer strips are positioned so as to apply glue to both ends of the sheet products during a single run; however, since the transport belts must engage at least an edge portion of the sheet products, the glue can be applied only to approximately one-half the width of the sheet products, leaving the remaining portion of the sheet product available for engagement by the transport belts. In many cases, the products of this process are unacceptable to the purchaser since the glue is not applied across the entire ends of the sheet product.
It is to the above noted concerns that this invention is directed.
Briefly described, the present invention includes a method and apparatus for simultaneously applying glue to both ends of a sheet product, drying the glue, and shingle stacking or vertical stacking the sheet products for packaging and delivery to a purchaser.
An examples of the sheet products to which the glue is to be applied can include hanger tags for coat hangers, envelopes, and virtually any card stock or other paper products or even other sheet material that has enough body strength and weight to be advanced with its body extending parallel to the direction of advancement through the system without inadvertently folding or wrinkling.
The sheet products are arranged in stacked relationship and are fed to the system by a feed wheel of conventional design. Each sheet product is deposited by the feed wheel onto an aligner conveyor that is a conventional surface conveyor having spacer pins protruding therefrom for engaging the rear edge of each product, for assuring that the trailing edge of each product is properly positioned as the product advances on through the processing path. The products are moved in sequence from the aligner section onto a vacuum surface conveyor belt where a partial vacuum beneath the belt holds each sheet product in place as the sheet products advance with the belt beneath a glue applicator drum. A gum box of conventional construction applies liquid glue to the applicator pads that are carried by the cylindrical surface of the glue applicator drum, and the applicator pads rotate into contact with the sheet product and transfer the glue to the sheet product.
The sheet products continue to move beyond the glue applicator drum on the vacuum conveyor and the vacuum conveyor delivers the sheet products to dryer belts.
The dryer belts are a pair of overlying endless conveyor belts that grasp each sheet product in sequence and move the sheet products along a drying path where heated air is directed toward the glue and dries the glue.
A feature of the invention is that the glue applicator drum can be as long as the width of the machine and can apply glue to the opposed ends of the largest sheet products that can be processed through the machine. For example, the sheet product being run through the system might be card stock and it is desirable to apply glue simultaneously to both ends of the card stock. The glue transfer pads are located on the glue applicator drum in spaced relationship along the length of the cylindrical surface of the drum. The sheet products are oriented with their ends aligned across the processing path so as to accept stripes of glue at their ends from the glue transfer pads. This leaves a space on the card stock between the stripes of glue where glue has not been applied to the card stock that is later used as a belt engaging space. This space is later engaged by the overlying dryer belts that grasp the card stock without contacting the glue and continue to advance the card stock through the system.
Heated air is applied in straddling relationship with respect to the dryer belts, in the paths where the glue of the card stock will travel. Typically, the heaters comprise separate ducts that extend in straddling relationship beside the dryer belts. Blowers and induction heaters are mounted at one end of the heater ducts for supplying warm air through the ducts, and the ducts have exhaust ports at intervals along their lengths that are directed toward the paths that are to be traveled by the glue applied to the card stock.
Another feature of the invention is that the transfer strips that are carried by the cylindrical surface of the glue applicator drum can be of virtually any shape and size that is compatible with the shape and size of the work pieces to be processed through the system, including having transfer strips at only one end of the glue applicator drum. This latter configuration makes the system compatible for applying glue to only one end of a sheet product, or to only the other end of the sheet product. For example, there are some instances when glue is to be applied to the flaps of envelopes. In this situation, the glue applicator strips would be located at one end of the glue applicator drum, but the other end of the drum would be left blank. However, some envelopes are considered to be xe2x80x9cleft-handedxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cright-handed,xe2x80x9d in that the flap to which the glue is to be applied must be run on the left-hand side of the system, or on the right-hand side of the system, usually dependent upon the way that the seams are formed in the envelope. The invention disclosed herein is compatible with operating the envelopes in either a xe2x80x9cleft-handedxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cright-handedxe2x80x9d orientation, by simply adjusting the placement of the glue applicator strips on the glue applicator drum.
Another feature of the invention is the separate heaters used to apply hot air to the glue, to dry the glue. If only one end of the sheet product is to receive glue, only one heater may be activated, thereby conserving the energy of the inactive heater.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved, multi-purpose glue applicator for sheet products, such as envelopes, card stock, and other paper products, which is more versatile in that it can apply glue to various configured sheet products, and which tends to avoid the need for advancing the sheet products more than once through the machine for application of glue to different surfaces of the sheet products.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved glue applicator for sheet products which has the capacity of applying glue simultaneously to opposed ends of the sheet products.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved glue applicator for sheet products that includes the ability to apply glue to one end, or to the other end, or to both ends of a sheet product, and then to dry only those ends of the sheet product to which glue has been applied.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Multi-purpose glue applicator for sheet products


A spoken communication system includes a plurality of domestic devices and a server. Each of the devices is responsive to spoken communication to communicate that spoken communication to other devices, and to receive spoken communications received by other communication devices. The server is in digital communication with domestic devices to communicate that spoken communication among the registered devices.

The present invention is directed to a communication system that is restricted to a community, such as a family or other unit, and, in particular, to a system that provides spoken, or oral, communication among family members. While the invention is capable of providing spoken communication within a residence, it is also capable of providing such communication among several residences and among several platforms for residents that are outside of the residence(s).
Currently, home communication systems are permanently installed wall-mounted fixtures, known as intercoms, which require the user to be located in front of the fixture, and press and hold a button while speaking into a microphone. The person to whom the communication is directed needs to be near a corresponding unit. Such units require hard-wired communication cable interconnecting the units, as well as a source of power.
Various web-enabled communication techniques are available. Some even pick-up casual conversations without the conscious knowledge of the users. Such techniques provide access to the communication by the service provider. The service provider is able, through permission given via the user agreement, to record conversations and to extract information about the users from the on-line communications sent to their computers to provide marketing pitches, and the like. Communications among family members are often very sensitive and most private, and recording of such communication is typically not desired.


An apparatus and method for secure cryptographic communications between a sender and a receiver or multiple receivers that includes first and second timing elements, and first and second key storage units containing multiple keys in a predetermined order for selection depending on respective key times, where the key times occur periodically according to the first and second timing elements, respectively. A data encryptor obtains a new key from the first key storage unit at each occurrence of the key time of the first key storage unit, and uses the key to encrypt an inputted data. And, at least one data decryptor obtains a new key from the second key storage unit at each occurrence of the key time of the second key storage unit. Time synchronization of the participants"" equipment provides the method of selecting compatible keys for the encryption and decryption process. This approach not only selects the compatible keys at the sending and receiving ends but also serves to change keys on a regular basis to enhance the overall security of the system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the security of electronic communications while reducing the logistics involved. More specifically, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to a security infrastructure involving electronic cryptographic communications.
2. Description of Related Art
Electronic cryptography involves the use of encryption and decryption keys to render the information transmitted to be undecipherable for unintended recipients. It is hoped only the authorized recipient, being in possession of the required decryption key, will be able to decipher the data that is sent.
However, such a system may be breached if an unauthorized party has knowledge of the cryptographic keys. This can occur through unintentional disclosure or by breaking of the code by a xe2x80x9chackerxe2x80x9d. Conventional systems attempt to decrease the likelihood of a security breach by using longer encryption key codes and better management of the key infrastructure. Nevertheless, even systems using longer encryption key codes are susceptible to breach by a hacker, especially in today""s world of powerful computers. Further, management of the key infrastructure increases logistics and maintenance costs, and may create opportunities for unintended disclosure of cryptographic keys.
To overcome the problems described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for the secure transmission of encrypted data where the likelihood of interception of the keys by a hacker as well as the costs of maintaining a robust security system are greatly diminished.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes first and second timing elements, and first and second key storage units containing a plurality of keys in a predetermined order for selection of keys depending on respective key times, wherein the key times occur periodically according to the first and second timing elements, respectively. A data encryptor obtains a new key from the first key storage unit at each occurrence of a key time of the first key storage unit. The data encryptor holds the key for a key period and uses the key to encrypt the data inputted during the key period. Also, at least one data decryptor is provided with a data decryptor obtaining a new key from the second key storage unit at each occurrence of a key time of the second key storage unit. The data decryptor uses the key for a key period to decrypt the encrypted data.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least two data decryptors. The first data decryptor has a current key period, and the second data decryptor has a key period preceding or succeeding the current key period. The data decryptors each hold a key that corresponds to their respective key periods at substantially the same time such that one of those keys matches the key used to encrypt the received encrypted data.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least three data decryptors. The second data decryptor has a current key period, the first data decryptor has a key period preceding the current key period, and the third data decryptor has a key period succeeding the current key period. The data decryptors each hold a key that corresponds to their respective key periods at substantially the same time such that one of those keys matches the key used to encrypt the received encrypted data.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for secure cryptographic communications between a sender location and a receiver location is provided which method includes providing first and second timing signals at sender and receiver locations, respectively. Also included is providing a first and second plurality of keys in a predetermined order, and providing a plurality of key times periodically according to said first and second timing signals, respectively. For encryption, the method involves obtaining a new key from said first plurality of keys at each occurrence of the key times, holding the key for a key period, and using the key to encrypt data inputted during said key period. For decryption, the method involves obtaining a new key from the second plurality of keys at each occurrence of the key times, holding the key for a key period, and decrypting the encrypted data with the key.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the system stores and/or generates in real-time a multitude of encryption keys in the crypto portion of the hardware supplied to an authorized user community. These keys, symmetric or asymmetric in structure, are preferably not known to any of the users. This solves one of the most pervasive causes of security breachesxe2x80x94the unintentional disclosure of an encryption key. These stored and/or generated encryption keys are preferably time synchronized in the hardware of the authorized user community so that the key used to encrypt data at the sending end is the same key that decrypts the data at the receiving end(s).
The preferred embodiments of the present invention provides several advantages. First, in one preferred embodiment, no key is transferred across the communication media, whether sent by courier, sent electronically in the clear or sent via cryptographic means. Thus, keys cannot be intercepted in such an embodiment. Second, by time synchronizing the authorized user community, the infrastructure is provided to regularly change the keys. System robustness is maintained over a wide range of key periodicity. A practical range for key change is days to nanoseconds. Frequency of key change is influenced by the level of security desired and the accuracy of time synchronization. The more frequent the key change, the higher the security level. Thus, changing keys creates an extremely high entry barrier for the hacker. Thus in preferred embodiments, the keys are changed preferably faster than the state-of-the-art of computing power that a hacker could apply to decipher the keys.
Due to the simplicity of the key infrastructure described, no key manager is required in the user community, which significantly reduces logistics costs and chances for security breaches. Transmission speed is inherently increased since no bandwidth is wasted on key transfer and authentication. Also, the preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for the utilization of different cryptographic algorithms since key management is independent of encryption algorithms.
Other advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention include that the encryption keys are unknown to anyone in the authorized user community, hence no unintentional disclosure can occur. At the same time, no xe2x80x9cpublicxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cprivate user communityxe2x80x9d database exists for keys or any portions of keys, hence this significantly hinders any access to information relating to the keys or their infrastructure. In one preferred embodiment, no third-party Key Authenticators or Certifiers (CAs Certificate Authorities) are required since the preferred embodiment eliminates substantially the possibility of spoofing an unknown key.
Other important improvements over conventional systems include being able to support numerous cryptographic algorithms, both symmetric and asymmetric. At the same time, architecture using multiple key generation blocks can be used to support PKI like functions. Tiered access and separate levels of security and access within a user community are also possible in one preferred embodiment. Furthermore, the key management scheme of the preferred embodiments is suitable for point to point as well as broadcast communications. And, finally, multiple seed inputs and the resultant remap of information assures against spoofing of the crypto modules of one piece of key data.
Other features, elements, and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention and the attached drawings.

System and method for secure cryptographic communications


A recreational vehicle fire escape system for providing a user with a safe passage from the escape window to the ground includes a pair of tracks designed for coupling to a camper on an underside of an elevated compartment extending from the camper. A platform is slidably attached to the track for extending outwardly from the elevated compartment. A ladder is extended from the platform and is pivotable relative to the platform such that a distal end of the ladder is designed for positioning against a surface below the platform. The platform is positioned near an egress window of the camper such that the platform and ladder are designed for facilitating exit of a user through the egress window.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fire escape systems for recreational vehicles and more particularly pertains to a new recreational vehicle fire escape system for providing a user with a safe passage from the escape window to the ground.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of fire escape systems for recreational vehicles is known in the prior art. More specifically, fire escape systems for recreational vehicles heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,796,456; 3,469,654; 392,744; 3,997,026; 4,476,957; and 3,946,833.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new recreational vehicle fire escape system. The inventive device includes 13. A fire escape system for a camper of the type including an elevated compartment extending outwardly from a main cabin area, the elevated compartment including an egress window, the fire escape system includes a pair of substantially parallel tracks designed for coupling to the camper on an underside of the elevated compartment. A platform slidably attached to the track for extending outwardly from the elevated compartment. A ladder, the ladder is extended from the platform, the ladder is pivotable relative to the platform such that a distal end of the ladder is designed for positioning against a surface below the platform. The platform is substantially vertically aligned with the egress window of the elevated compartment such that the platform is designed for facilitating exit of a user through the egress window.
The track is generally L-shaped, each track including a side wall and a supporting flange extending outwardly from the side wall, each the support flange is for supporting the platform when the platform is in a retracted position defined by the platform is positioned in the tracks beneath the elevated compartment, each the support flange further is for supporting the ladder when the ladder is in a retracted position defined by the ladder is positioned in the tracks and beneath the elevated compartment. The track including a stopping portion extending between an end of the sidewall and an associated end of the support flange.
The platform including a pair of roller connection members, each roller connection member extending outwardly from a respective side of the platform in alignment with an associated one of the pair of tracks whereby a distal end of the roller connection member is positioned for contacting an associated one of the stopping portions. A roller assembly extending between the roller connection members such that the roller assembly is supported by the support flanges of the pair of tracks for facilitating extension and retraction of the platform. The platform including a pair of ladder connection members extending outwardly from the platform, the ladder is pivotally attached to the ladder connection members. Each of the ladder connection members including an upper flange extending orthogonally outward from the platform such that the upper flange is extends past a proximal end of the ladder when the ladder is attached to the ladder connection members the upper flange is coplanar with an upper surface of the platform for preventing the distal end of the ladder from pivoting above a horizontal plane in which the platform lies.
The tracks each including a respective securing aperture; the ladder including a pair of holes, the holes is alignable with the securing apertures when the ladder is in the retracted position.
A fastener assembly for coupling through the securing apertures and ladder holes for holding the ladder in the retracted position during periods of non-use. The fastener assembly including a pin member for inserting through an associated aligned securing aperture and ladder hole, the pin member including a receiving hole extending through a distal end of the pin member. A clip member insertable through the receiving hole whereby the pin member is engagable to the ladder and the track for holding the ladder in a static position.
The ladder including a pair spaced legs and a pair of pin receiver plates, each pin receiver plate extending outwardly from an associated one of the legs, each the hole in the ladder is located in a respective one of the pin receiver plates. A plurality of generally L-shaped mounting brackets designed for coupling the tracks to the underside of the elevated compartment of the camper.
In these respects, the recreational vehicle fire escape system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a user with a safe passage from the escape window to the ground.


A fluorine-substituted compound containing an ether bond is disclosed, which is represented by formula ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight chain alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; m represents an integer of from 1 to 7; X represents hydrogen atom or fluorine atom; Y represents a connecting group selected from a group consisting of ##STR2## and the cyclohexane ring represents a trans(equatorial-equatorial) cyclohexane ring.

Typical examples of liquid crystal cell include a field effect mode cell proposed by M. Schadt et al., Applied Physics Letters, 18, 127-128 (1971), a dynamic scattering mode cell proposed by G. H. Heilmeir et al., Proceeding of the I.E.E.E., 56, 1162-1171 (1968), and a guest/host mode cell proposed by G. H. Heilmeir et al., Applied Physics Letters, 13, 91 (1968) or D. L. White et al., Journal of Applied Physics, 45, 4718 (1978).
These liquid crystal display cells are required to satisfy various characteristics, with quick response and low threshold voltage (V.sub.th) being the most important ones. Liquid crystal display cells having a low threshold voltage can be driven at a low voltage. Quick response liquid crystal display cells, on the other hand, can be fabricated by using liquid crystal materials low in viscosity, since the response time (.tau.) is directly proportional to the viscosity (.eta.) of the liquid crystal material, i.e., .tau..varies..eta..
Among these liquid crystal display cells mentioned hereinbefore, the TN mode cells which belong to the field effect mode cells, are mainly used at present. In the case of the TN mode cells, it is required to set the product of the optical anisotropy (.DELTA.n) of the liquid crystal material in the cell and the thickness (d).mu.m of the cell to a definite value in order to achieve good cell appearance, as indicated by G. Bauer, Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst., 63, 45 (1981). A liquid crystal display cell used in practice has a .DELTA.n.multidot.d value selected from among 0.5, 1.0, 1.6, and 2.2. In general, the viewing properties of a liquid crystal display cell can be improved by setting the .DELTA.n.multidot.d value to 0.5. On the other hand, the frontal contrast thereof can be ameliorated by setting the .DELTA.n.multidot.d value to 1.0, 1.6, or 2.2. Therefore, it is generally recommended to set the .DELTA.n.multidot.d value of a liquid crystal display cell to 0.5 when it is considered more important to achieve excellent viewing properties from any direction. On the other hand, the .DELTA.n.multidot.d value thereof is preferably set to 1.0, 1.6, or 2.2 to obtain a clear frontal contrast.
However, the thickness in a liquid crystal display cell used in practice is commonly set to a definite value within a limited range of from 6 to 10 .mu.m. Thus, a liquid crystal material having a low .DELTA.n is required to set the .DELTA.n.multidot.d value to 0.5. In contrast thereto, a liquid crystal material having a high .DELTA.n value is requisite to obtain a .DELTA.n.multidot.d value of 1.0, 1.6, or 2.2. That is, either a liquid crystal material of a low .DELTA.n value or one of a high .DELTA.n value is required depending on the desired display properties.
In the TN mode cells, the dielectric anisotropy (.DELTA..epsilon.) of a mixed liquid crystal is required to be positive. Therefore, it is demanded to provide nematic liquid crystal materials which are large in .DELTA..epsilon. value and low in threshold voltage, hence capable of being driven at a low voltage.
As a viscosity depressant known to the present to use for the purposes mentioned hereinbefore, mentioned is a compound represented by formula (a) below ##STR3##
However, the compound represented by formula (a) above suffers a disadvantage, since the addition of this compound to a liquid crystal matrix commonly used at present as the nematic liquid crystal composition reduces the viscosity of the liquid crystal matrix at one hand, and increases the threshold voltage on the other.

Fluorine-substituted compound containing ether bond


A highly heat resistant transparency of epoxy resins cured with adducts of trimethoxyboroxine and benzyl alcohol is disclosed. This transparency may exist in a composite with other layers of transparent material known to those skilled in the art. The epoxy resin having the trimethoxyboroxine and benzyl alcohol may also have triphenyl phosphite which further increases the resistance to intense heat for these transparencies in their use on military and industrial hardware.

Heretofore, the use of transparencies in military and industrial hardware has required exacting properties for their certified use. For example, a military helicopter having vast areas of transparent material will require special transparent material having identifiable indices of refraction to prevent internal reflection of sunlight. Other transparencies require resistance to penetration by projectiles. Still other transparencies are designed for resistance to abrasion.
The use of these transparencies in military and industrial applications has been severely limited by the temperatures these composite materials could withstand. Direct application of a heat source or a high energy point of origin could quickly alter the physical properties of the composite materials. Whether the thermal effects be generated by fossil fuel fires or laser application, the conventional transparencies lacked sufficient resistance to the intense heat generated. Therefore, the need exists for a material which is heat resistant, in order to complement the impact, ballistic, abrasion, or light resistant materials presently existing in composite transparencies.

Transparencies produced from epoxy resins cured with adducts of trimethoxyboroxine and benzyl alcohol