A method and circuit is provided for preloading a branch prediction unit within a microprocessor. In one embodiment of the method, a branch history storage device such as branch history shift register is written with a predetermined multibit predicter in response to the microprocessor receiving and executing a special write branch history storage device instruction for writing the predetermined multibit predicter into the branch history storage device. The branch history storage device is contained within a prediction circuit of the microprocessor, and generally the contents of the branch history storage device is used in the process of predicting the results of executing conditional branch instructions prior to their execution. Once the branch history storage device is preloaded with the predetermined multibit predicter, the prediction circuit predicts the result of a conditional branch instruction using the predetermined multibit predicter stored in the history device after the conditional branch instruction is received by the microprocessor and before the conditional branch instruction is executed. In one embodiment, the predetermined multibit predicter is an operand of the write history storage device instruction received and executed by the microprocessor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to microprocessors, and more particularly to a circuit and method for preloading a prediction circuitry within the microprocessor.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
Microprocessor based computer systems have become prevalent in today's society. The increasing use of computer systems in large part is related to advances in semiconductor chip technology, which technology is increasing circuit densities so that microprocessors can be implemented on one or a very small number of semiconductor chips. Additionally, speeds within microprocessors are increasing with the use of scalar computation with superscalar technology being the next logical step in the evolution of microprocessor. The term superscalar describes an implementation that improves performance by a concurrent execution of scalar instructions. Scalar instructions are the type of instruction typically found in general purpose microprocessors. Using today's semiconductor processing technology, a single microprocessor chip can incorporate high performance techniques that were once applicable only to large scale scientific processors.
Microprocessors run application programs. An application program comprises a group of instructions. In running application programs, microprocessors receive and execute instructions in some sequence. There are several steps generally performed by the microprocessor in executing a single instruction, including: fetching the instruction, decoding the instruction, assembling the operands required by the instruction, performing the operations specified by the instructions, and writing the results of the instruction to storage. These steps are controlled by a periodic clock signal. The period of the clock signal is the processor cycle time.
The time taken by a microprocessor to complete a program is determined by at least three factors: the number of instructions required to execute the program, the average number of processor cycles required to execute an instruction, and the processor cycle time. Microprocessor performance is improved by reducing the time taken by the microprocessor to complete the program, which dictates reducing one or more of these three factors.
One way to improve the performance of microprocessors is by overlapping the steps of different instructions, using a technique called pipelining. In pipelining, the various steps of instruction execution described above are performed by independent units called pipelined stages. Pipelining reduces the average number of cycles to execute an instruction, though not the total amount of time required to execute an instruction, by overlapping instructions and thus permitting the processor to handle more than one instruction at a time. Pipelining reduces the average number of cycles per instruction by as much as a factor of three. However, when executing a conditional branch instruction, the pipeline may sometimes stall until the result (resolution) of the conditional branch operation is known and the correct next instruction is fetched for execution. This stall is known as branch delay penalty and is a limiting factor in the speed enhancing effects of pipelining.
A typical pipelined scalar microprocessor executes one instruction per processor cycle. A superscalar microprocessor further reduces the average number of cycles per instruction beyond what is possible in a pipelined scalar processor, by concurrent execution of several instructions in different pipelines. While superscalar processors are simple in theory, there is more to achieving increased performance than simply increasing the number of pipelines. Increasing the number of pipelines makes it possible to execute more than one instruction per cycle, but there is no guarantee that any given sequence instructions can take advantage of the capability. Instructions are not always independent of one another, but are often dependent. Instruction dependencies can be either data dependent or control dependent. A control dependency occurs when a control decision, such as for example, a conditional branch decision must be made before subsequent instructions can be executed.
Branch prediction mechanisms are often employed in superscalar microprocessor to predict the outcome of a conditional branch before its resolution. Once a branch prediction is made the microprocessor pursues the likely execution path prior to decode and subsequent execution of the conditional branch instruction. At any point within the path of instruction execution, if the microprocessor determines that a prior prediction was incorrect, the microprocessor backs up in the instruction stream and proceeds down the correct path. There is a penalty from employing branch prediction mechanisms within a microprocessor. The penalty relates to wasted time associated with instructions completed after the conditional branch is predicted but before the branch outcome is actually determined. These completed instructions are discarded after a branch misprediction, and the time the microprocessor spent executing them is wasted.
Branch prediction can be either static or dynamic. In static branch prediction, each branch instruction encountered is assumed to be either "taken" or "not taken." Generally, the "not taken" branches are usually assumed, and prediction is correct more often than not. However, when there is a branch misprediction, the instruction pipeline has to be flushed of the instructions currently under execution. In this case, the execution of instructions is terminated and the pipeline is reloaded with a new set of instructions corresponding to the target branch address of the misdirected branch instruction.
Dynamic branch prediction mechanisms generally include a branch prediction unit. Several different dynamic branch prediction mechanisms have been studied extensively. One mechanism involves a technique referred to as bimodal branch prediction. In bimodal branch prediction, a prediction is made based on the direction the particular branch went the last few times the particular branch was executed. It is possible that more accurate predictions can be made using more history for the branch instruction. Another mechanism considers the history of each branch independently and takes advantage of repetitive patterns. This technique is referred to a local branch prediction. Another technique uses the combined history of all recent branches in making a prediction. This technique is often referred to as global branch prediction.
In the global branch prediction technique, a dedicated N-bit shift register is used to record the resolution of the most recent N conditional branches. When a branch instruction is encountered, the contents of the shift register are subsequently used to access, directly or indirectly, a branch history table that stores a plurality of two bit counters. As will be more fully described below, the most significant bit of the accessed two bit counter defines the prediction for the encountered branch instruction. The prediction (logical one for taken or logical zero for not taken) is then shifted into the shift register. After resolution of the branch instruction, the appropriate counter in the table is incremented, if the branch instruction is resolved as taken. Likewise, for each not taken branch, the appropriate counter is decremented. The counter is saturating such that the counter is not decremented past zero nor incremented past three. Furthermore, the contents of the shift register is corrected in the event of misdirection.
As noted above, the most significant counter bit determines the prediction. Repeatedly taken branches will be predicted to be taken, and repeatedly not taken branches will be predicted to be not taken. By using the two bit counter, a prediction scheme can tolerate a branch going an unusual direction one time and keep predicting the usual branch direction.
A variation of the global branch prediction involves the use of the branch instruction address or program counter (pc) of the branch instruction. This technique is often referred to as global branch prediction with index selection. In this scheme, the branch history table is indexed with a concatenation of the shift register contents and the pc. Another variation of the global branch prediction technique involves XORing the pc with the contents of the shift register, the results of which are used to access the branch history table for a particular counter. This technique is often referred to as global prediction with index sharing.
Most hardware prediction schemes use one of the global prediction techniques discussed above for predicting branch behavior. While this is an effective and efficient method, and it requires a relatively small amount of integrated circuit real estate, there are classes of algorithms where application program behavior can be accurately predicated a priori. Examples would include digital signal processing behavior including many commonly used algorithms such as fast fourier transforms, discrete cosine transforms, finite impulse response filters, infinite impulse response filters, adaptive filters, and many more. These types of software processing are frequently used as building blocks in constructing many commercial software based application programs.
In these types of algorithms, it is often noted that a portion of code will loop X number of times each time it is executed or called with a jump back to an earlier location the first X-1 number of times. At the X.sup.th time, the code reaches the statement that it will continue and go on to other sections. In cases like this, the prediction unit may mispredict a branch or similar decision the first Y number of times due to the behavior of previously executed branch instructions. The mispredictions cause a subsequent delay while the microprocessor prepares the non-predicted address and jumps there.

Method and circuit for preloading prediction circuits in microprocessors


For tuning a microcomputer-controlled radio receiver to the one of several transmitters broadcasting the same program best satisfying the requirements for quality of reception the information obtained from the RDS data stream is memorized in a table of the alternative transmitters and sorted in the priority of the corresponding quality of reception. In establishing the priority in the table of alternative transmitters not only quality evaluation information but also a current status information depending on the time and/or distance covered is determined and evaluated. Particularly for mobile radio receivers having only a single receiver section this method alleviates the circumstances that obtaining the information determining the priority for all alternative frequencies contained in the RDS data stream is considerably time-consuming and that the information held in the table may reflect the conditions at any one time incompletely or incorrectly.

The invention relates to a method of tuning a microcomputer-controlled radio receiver to the one of several transmitters broadcasting the same program best satisfying reception quality requirements by making use of RDS information and preferably by using only one receiving section. The method according to the invention is particularly intended for application in mobile radio receivers, especially car radios.
Since the availability of RDS information it has become possible to automatically tune also radio receivers having merely one receiving section to the one of several transmitters broadcasting the same program best satisfying the requirements of reception quality. The RDS information also facilitates achieving radio receivers having two receiving sections, one of which is continuously involved in checking the alternative transmitter frequencies transmitted in the RDS information.
To be able to select from the alternative transmitter frequencies as contained in the RDS data stream the one actually having the best quality of reception, each of the individual alternative transmitter frequencies must be tested. Since up to 40 alternative transmitter frequencies can be identified to the transmitter set in each case, checking all of the frequencies necessitates a time duration of considerable length. Although the quality of reception of a transmitter can be measured relatively quickly on the basis of the field strength and other signals indicating the occurrence of noise in reception (multi-path reception, adjacent and co-channel noise), determining the identity code of a transmitter set for checking takes up a time period of up to 1 second. Checking the identity code is necessary, however, since due to random overlapping of reception sectors ambiguities may arise. Due to special conditions of reception it is possible that a program can be received under a given frequency contained in the RDS data stream which is different to that to which the transmitter is momentarily tuned, the alternative frequencies of which are included in the data stream.
Since checking the quality of reception and the identity code of all alternative frequencies listed in the RDS data stream necessitates a considerable time period there is the problem particularly in mobile radio receivers that the information obtained in checking the alternative transmitters is no longer current at the moment at which tuning to an alternative transmitter is required, due to the quality of reception of the transmitter tuned momentarily deteriorating. This problem is particularly serious in radio receivers having only a single receiver section since this is to be tuned to an alternative frequency only for a very brief time so that the changeover does not become a nuisance. Checking the identity code is only possible when the receiver remains tuned to the alternative frequency for a time period of at least a few hundred milliseconds which requires that the quality of reception is sufficient.

Method of tuning a radio receiver using RDS information


A housing includes a cylinder portion, a back portion, crimping portions, and supporting portions. The cylinder portion has a first opening, a second opening, and a cut and can be in contact with an external conductor of a receptacle inserted from the first opening. The back unit covers the second opening. Each of the supporting portions is disposed on the cylinder portion. Each of the crimping portions extends from the back portion and is bent so as to face the back portion such that the supporting portion is disposed between the crimping portion and the back portion. An elastic portion is disposed between the crimping portion and the supporting portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to L-type coaxial connectors. In particular, the present invention relates to an L-type coaxial connector that can be connected to and disconnected from a receptacle having a center conductor and an external conductor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Examples of known L-type coaxial connectors are described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-43939 (hereinafter referred to as JP 2001-43939) and in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-307158 (hereinafter referred to as JP 11-307158). FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a coaxial connector 210 and a receptacle 230 described in JP 2001-43939. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a coaxial connector 310 described in JP 11-307158.
As shown in prior art FIG. 18, the coaxial connector 210 includes a housing 212, a bushing 214, and a socket 216. The coaxial connector 210 is attached to an end of a coaxial cable 220 and can be connected to and disconnected from the receptacle 230. The coaxial cable 220 has an outer conductor 222 and a center conductor 224. The receptacle 230 includes an external conductor 232 and a center conductor 234.
As further shown in FIG. 18, the housing 212 further includes a cylinder portion 226, a surrounding portion 227, a lid portion 228, and a crimping portion 229. The housing 212 is connected to an outer conductor 222 of the coaxial cable 220. The bushing 214 is made of an insulating material.
As further shown in FIG. 18, the bushing 214 is attached to the cylinder portion 226 and the surrounding portion 227 of the housing 212. The socket 216 is attached to the bushing 214 and connected to the center conductor 224 of the coaxial cable 220. After the bushing 214 and the socket 216 are attached to the housing 212, the lid portion 228 is closed and the crimping portion 229 is crimped. Thus, the cylinder portion 226, the lid portion 228, and the coaxial cable 220 are fixed to one another.
The coaxial connector 210 described in JP 2001-43939 has a problem in that even a slight force applied to the coaxial connector 210 or the coaxial cable 220 can disengage the coaxial connector 210 from the receptacle 230. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the coaxial connector 210.
More specifically, in attaching the coaxial connector 210 to the receptacle 230, the external conductor 232 of the receptacle 230 is inserted into the cylinder portion 226. At this time, the cylinder portion 226 is pushed and expanded by the external conductor 232 in the directions indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 20, and the cylinder portion 226 is thus pressed into contact with the external conductor 232. This enables the coaxial connector 210 to be attached to and disconnected from the receptacle with a moderate force.
However, for the coaxial connector 210 described in JP 2001-43939, the force for causing the cylinder portion 226 to be pressed into contact with the external conductor 232 is insufficient. As shown in FIG. 20, a gap SP1 is present between the surrounding portion 227 and the crimping portion 229, and, thus, the surrounding portion 227 is not supported by the crimping portion 229. Because of this, in attaching the coaxial connector 210 to the receptacle 230, after the cylinder portion 226 is expanded in the directions indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 20, the surrounding portion 227 is not supported by the crimping portion 229 and is also expanded largely. The force for causing the cylinder portion 226 to be pressed into contact with the external conductor 232 is not sufficiently large, so the coaxial connector 210 is apt to be disengaged from the receptacle 230.
The coaxial connector 310 shown in JP 11-307158 is described next. As shown in prior art FIG. 19, the coaxial connector 310 includes a housing 312, a bushing 314, and a socket 316 and is attached to the end of the coaxial cable 220.
As further shown in FIG. 19, the housing 312 includes a cylinder portion 326, a cover 327, a lid portion 328, and a crimping portion 329. The housing 312 is connectable to the outer conductor 222 of the coaxial cable 220. The bushing 314 is made of an insulating material. As shown in FIG. 19, the bushing 314 is attached to the cylinder portion 326 of the housing 312. The socket 316 is attached to the bushing 314 and connectable to the center conductor 224 of the coaxial cable 220. After the bushing 314 and the socket 316 are attached to the housing 312, the lid portion 328 is closed and the crimping portion 329 is crimped. Thus, the cylinder portion 326, the lid portion 328, and the coaxial cable 220 are fixed to one another.
To enable the coaxial connector 310 described in JP 11-307158 to be attachable to and detachable from the receptacle 230 with a moderate force, it is necessary to produce the housing 312 with high accuracy. FIG. 21 is a plan view of the coaxial connector 310.
More specifically, in attaching the coaxial connector 310 to the receptacle 230, the substantially cylindrical external conductor 232 of the receptacle 230 is inserted into the cylinder portion 326. At this time, the cylinder portion 326 is pushed and expanded by the external conductor 232 in the directions indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 20, and the cylinder portion 326 is thus pressed into contact with the external conductor 232. This aims to enable the coaxial connector 310 to be attached to and disconnected from the receptacle with a moderate force.
However, for the coaxial connector 310 described in JP 11-307158, the cylinder portion 326 is less prone to being deformed. In order to enable the coaxial connector 310 to be connected to and disconnected from the receptacle 230 with a moderate force, it is necessary to produce the housing 312 with high accuracy. As shown in FIG. 21, the cover 327 is pressed by the crimping portion 329. Accordingly, in attaching the coaxial connector 310 to the receptacle 230, because the cover 327 is unable to expand due to pressing by the crimping portion 329, the cylinder portion 326 is unable to expand largely in the directions indicated by the arrows shown in FIG. 21. That is, the cylinder portion 326 can be deformed in a significantly narrow range. To enable the coaxial connector 310 to be connected to and disconnected from the receptacle 230 with a moderate force, the amount of deformation of the cylinder portion 326 after the external conductor 232 of the receptacle 230 is inserted into the cylinder portion 326 must fall within that narrow range. Therefore, it is necessary to produce the housing 312 with high accuracy.


A production line (1) is constituted of a sliding path (10) as a moving path provided along nine working step positions from a first step position (P1) to a ninth step position (P9), nine skids (20) as support-receipt plates slidably mounted on the sliding path (10) every predetermined interval so as to correspond to the step positions (P1) to (P9), and driving mechanisms (30), that is, (31A), (30B) and (30C) as moving and driving mechanisms for moving and driving the skids (20).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a line facility for producing a structure, in which support-receipt plates are moved and driven in step for each working step place on a moving path located along a plurality of the working step places, so that a large-size structure including hull blocks, girder blocks of a bridge or the like is sequentially formed on the support-receipt plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, construction of a large-size vessel or bridge is carried out by a block construction method, in which the vessel or the bridge is divided into a plurality of blocks.
A proposed line facility for producing a structure constituted of divided blocks is as shown in FIG. 1.
Namely, in the line facility for producing the structure, on a rail 11′ located on a floor surface along a plurality of working step places P′, support-receipt plates (i.e., skids 20′) are mounted to be movable with wheels interposed therebetween. Further, the line facility for producing the structure is provided with a driving mechanism 30′ for moving and driving the skids 20′. The skids 20′ are moved and driven in step for each working step place P′ by the driving mechanism, and then structure blocks are sequentially formed on the skids 20′. The skids 20′ are located in plural so as to correspond to the respective working step places P′. The skids 20′, which reach the final step of the production line (in which the structure blocks are completed), and from which the structure blocks are discharged, are carried to a first step place of the production line by a ceiling crane or the like, and are sequentially reused.
The driving mechanism 30′ is constituted of a driving device such as a motor. A chain 31′ driven around an orbit along the rail 11′ by the driving mechanism 30′ and the skids 20′ to be moved thereon are coupled to each other. The driving mechanism 30′ is driven to move the chain 31′ around the orbit. There is another driving mechanism 30′ constituted, in which a wire rope having a tip coupled to the skid 20′ to be moved is wound by a winding device, and then this driving mechanism is driven to pull the skid 20′.
However, in the line facility for producing the structure, which is constituted as described above, there has been a problems below. A total weight of the skids 20′ and the structure blocks supported by the skids 20′ is extremely enlarged. Thus, as shown by thick arrows in the drawing, the support-receipt plates must be moved sequentially one by one. Therefore, it takes time for the moving working thereof. Of course, during the moving working, the construction working cannot help but be interrupted, such that the production efficiency is lowered. Moreover, in order to move and drive the plurality of support-receipt plates simultaneously, the output and strength of the driving mechanism must be extremely enlarged, so that the proposed line facility is not a practical line facility for producing the structure.
For the purpose of improving the space efficiency in the plant, a line constitution (see FIG. 2) has been adopted in many cases, in which a production line makes a U-turn in a halfway thereof. However, with this line constitution, the driving mechanism becomes complicated, thereby enlarging the facility. Therefore, there have been problems that the facility expenses are increased, and that the work efficiency is low.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the line constitution for producing the structure, an approach path 10A′ and a back path 10C′ are located parallel to each other. Moreover, a terminated working step place of the approach path 10A′ and a starting working step place of the back path 10C′ are connected by a connection path 10B′. The skids 20′ moved and driven in step for each working step place P′ on the approach path 10A′ reach the terminated working step place of the approach path 10A′. Thereafter, the skids 20′ are moved and driven in to the starting working step place of the back path 10C′ through the connection path 10B′. Subsequently, the skids 20′ are moved and driven in step for each working step place P′ in the back path 10C′, and then reach the terminated working step place of the line.
In the line constituted as described above, a driving mechanism is required for each of the approach path 10A′, the connection path 10B′ and the back path 10C′. Further, it is necessary to constitute the line so that each driving means (a chain, a wire rope or the like) cannot interfere with the others. Thus, the line constitution becomes extremely complicated and large in scale. In addition, when the direction of the skids 20′ is changed from the approach path 10A′ to the connection path 10B′ and from the connection path 10B′ to the back path 10C′, it is necessary to change the direction of the skids 20′ by a method for floating the wheels from the rail 11′, in which the skids 20′ are lifted by a jack or the like. The constitution for this direction change becomes complicated and large in scale. Moreover, the working itself of changing the direction of the skids 20′ is cumbersome, and time is required therefore.

Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.


The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball and a method of winding that includes measuring and controlling thread stress directly, rather than maintaining and controlling the level of tension on the threads. The golf ball includes a center, a wound layer that surrounds the center to form a wound core, and a cover that surrounds the wound core. The wound layer is formed of at least one thread, and the wound layer includes a plurality of radially extending sections, each section has a thread stress. The stress within each section is substantially constant, but at least two radially extending sections have different stresses. The method for winding thread onto a golf ball center to form a wound core comprises the steps of measuring a stress within a portion of the thread; winding the thread about the golf ball center while applying a force on the thread to form a plurality of portions with predetermined thicknesses and varying the stress between the portions.

This invention relates generally to golf balls, and more particularly to wound golf balls that have radially-extending sections of thread windings with variable stress, and a method for forming such golf balls.
Wound golf balls are the preferred ball of more advanced players due to their spin and feel characteristics. Wound balls typically have either a solid rubber or fluid-filled center around which a wound layer is formed, which results in a wound core. The wound layer is formed of thread that is stretched and wrapped about the center. The wound core is then covered with a durable-cover material, such as a SURLYN(copyright) or similar material, or a softer xe2x80x9cperformancexe2x80x9d cover, such as Balata or polyurethane.
Wound balls are generally softer and provide more spin than solid balls. This enables a skilled golfer to have more control over the ball""s flight and final position. Particularly, with approach shots into the green, the high spin rate of soft-covered-wound balls enables the golfer to stop the ball very near its landing position. In addition, wound balls exhibit lower compression than two-piece balls. Their higher spin rate means wound balls generally display shorter distance than hard-covered-solid balls. The advantages of wound constructions over solid ones, however, relate more to targeting or accuracy than distance.
To meet the needs of golfers with various levels of skill, golf ball manufacturers also vary the compression of the ball, which is a measurement of the deformation of a golf ball under a fixed load. A ball with a higher compression feels harder than a lower-compression. Wound golf balls generally have a lower compression than solid balls, which is preferred by better players. Whether wound or solid, all golf balls become more resilient (i.e., have higher initial velocities) as compression increases. Players generally seek a golf ball that delivers maximum distance, which requires a high initial velocity upon impact; therefore, manufacturers of both wound and solid golf balls balance the requirement of higher initial velocity from higher compression with the desire for a softer feel from lower compression.
To make wound golf balls, manufacturers use automated winding machines to stretch the threads to various degrees of elongation during the winding process without subjecting the threads to unnecessary incidents of breakage. As the elongation and the winding tension increases, the compression and initial velocity of the ball increases. Thus, a more-lively wound ball is produced, which is desirable.
Some methods attempt to employ constant tension during the entire winding process by attempting to apply a constant pull or force on the thread. However, variations in thread cross-sectional area prevent balls formed under constant pull from having constant stress or constant elongation throughout the ball. For example, as the cross-sectional area of the thread decreases, the thread stretches to a greater degree given a constant pull. Conversely, as the cross-sectional area of the thread increases, the thread stretches to a lesser degree under a constant pull. This results in uncontrolled variations in stress and in compression throughout the finished ball, which may negatively affect the ball""s performance.
Furthermore, to account for variations in thread cross-sectional area, manufacturers of wound balls do not wind using the maximum tension or stretch the thread to the maximum elongation, because to do so would cause an excessive amount of thread breakage during manufacture or play. This also prevents manufacturers from optimizing ball performance. In addition, the rubber elastic modulus also affects compression which is not considered when manufacturers attempt to control tension alone.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,078 to Brown et al. discloses one method used in an effort to decrease thread breakage. In this patent, thread is wound first at low tension then at high tension. Controlling tension alone, however, is an approximate means of achieving the desired compression.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,425,909 to Wilheim discloses one winding method that considers the cross-sectional area of the thread during winding. In this patent, an apparatus measures the pounds per square inch tension of a portion of thread during winding, applies the level of total tension to the thread during winding, and automatically adjusts the level according to the pounds per square inch tension measurement in order to keep the pounds per square inch tension value constant throughout the winding process.
Golf ball manufacturers are continually searching for new ways in which to provide wound golf balls that deliver improved performance for golfers while decreasing the occurrence of thread breaks both during manufacturing and during play. It would be advantageous to provide a wound golf ball with a higher compression, higher initial velocity, improved durability, and improved manufacturing processibility. The present invention provides such a wound golf ball.
The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball and a method of winding a golf ball that includes measuring and controlling thread stress directly, rather than maintaining and controlling the level of tension on the threads.
The golf ball includes a center, a wound layer that surrounds the center to form a wound core, and a cover that surrounds the wound core. The wound layer is formed of at least one thread, and the wound layer includes a plurality of radially-extending sections. Each section has a thread stress. The stress within each section is substantially constant, but at least two radially-extending sections have different stresses. The thickness of a radially extending section can be as small as about 0.007 inches. According to one aspect of the present invention, substantially constant means the percentage stress variation within a section is less than the percentage thread cross-sectional area variation within the same section.
In one embodiment, the stresses are different by at least 10%. In another embodiment, the stress increases from one radially extending section to another in a radially-outward direction. In another embodiment, the stress decreases from one radially-extending section to another in a radially-outward direction. The stress can also alternate between sections.
In one embodiment, the golf ball further includes first and second stresses. The first stress is less than about 40% of the breaking stress of the thread and the second second stress is greater than about 40% of the breaking stress.
In yet another embodiment, the golf ball can include first- and second-wound layers, and a molded-intermediate layer. The first-wound layer surrounds the center. The molded-intermediate layer surrounds the first-wound layer, and the second-wound layer surrounds the first-wound layer. The first- and second-wound layers include a plurality of radially-extending sections, each section has a stress, wherein at least two sections within each layer have different stresses and the stress within each first section is substantially constant.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the stress varies constantly or in intervals.
The method for winding thread onto a golf ball center to form a wound core comprises the steps of measuring stress within a portion of the thread; winding the thread about the golf ball center while applying a force thereon to form a first portion with a predetermined thickness and the first portion having thread with stress equal to a first value; and winding the thread about the golf ball center under the force to form a second portion with a predetermined thickness and the second portion having thread with stress that is different from the first value.
In one embodiment, winding the thread about the golf ball center to form the second portion further includes forming a plurality of subsections within the second portion of predetermined thickness. The stress in the subsections varies from the first value and varies from the stress value in adjacent subsections.
In another embodiment, the stress varies during winding constantly or in intervals.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of measuring the stress is continuous during winding and further includes passing the thread over at least two-spaced rollers; vibrating the portion of the thread between the rollers; measuring the vibration of the portion of the thread; and calculating stress from the vibration measurement. The step of vibrating the portion of the thread between the rollers further includes directing air upon the portion of the thread.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the step of applying the force further includes passing the thread over a tension wheel that rotates about a shaft, and applying a braking force on the shaft. For example, a magnetic brake or a friction brake applies the braking force.

Variable stress wound golf balls and a method for forming such golf balls


A method may include receiving an enhanced television (ETV) application in a video client over a first data path and executing the ETV application in the video client. In one embodiment, the ETV application may include an enhanced television binary interchange format (EBIF) resource. The method may also include extracting, from the EBIF resource, an identifier of an extension application and requesting the identified extension application. The method may include receiving the extension application, over a second data path different than the first data path and executing the extension application.

Enhanced Television (ETV) is a collection of specifications that define ETV applications, such as interactive television programs. An ETV application may be delivered to end users through an MPEG (Motion Pictures Expert Group) transport stream, which may include video and audio streams. An ETV application may include resources (e.g. files) adhering to the Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF). EBIF specifies graphical widgets (e.g., buttons, dialog boxes, etc) and bytecodes (e.g., an instruction set), for example, for ETV applications.


There is provided herein an animal waste collection pad, comprising: a backing sheet of fluid impervious material, one or more absorbent sheets overlying the backing sheet, a top sheet overlying the absorbent sheet(s) and integrated tie means along one dimension of the collection pad. The tie means form ties for carrying and tying the collection pad into a compact bundle for disposal.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to waste collection pads and, more particularly, to a animal waste collection pad having built-in ties for convenient disposal thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Examples of art related to this invention include the following patents and/or publications:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,899 entitled "Training Pads for Young Dogs" and incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, describes "an absorbent material lined on one side thereof with fluid impervious material [which] is impregnated with an odor imparting substances which attracts young dogs to the pads for the purpose of urination and defecation and discourages chewing of the pad by the young dog."
U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,677 entitled "Animal Waste Collection Pad" and incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, describes "an animal waste collection pad having a backing sheet of fluid impervious material, a non-woven top sheet thereon. An absorbent pad is disposed on the backing sheet and the pad contains a scent, attractive to dogs. The scent may be provided by a frangible capsule, a micro encapsulated scent incorporated in the pad or a spray applied to the pad. There are tapes or drawstrings attached to the backing sheet for tying the animal waste collection pad into a small compact package for disposal."


A method and apparatus redundantly store data, in particular video data objects, in a distributed computer system having at least three processor systems, each processor system being connected in point to point two way channel interconnection with each other processor system. The data is stored in a redundant fashion both at the computer system level as well as the processor system level. Accordingly, the failure of a single processor does not adversely affect the integrity of the data. The computer system can also overlay a switching system connected in a ring fashion for providing a fault tolerance to the failure of a single connected processor system at the switch level. Accordingly, there results a fault tolerant data distribution system.

The invention relates generally to mass storage device interconnections and in particular, to a method and apparatus for increasing delivery bandwidth, providing fault tolerance, and input/output load balancing in a multiprocessor computer cluster.
Modern reliable computer systems require a large capacity mass storage, and large bandwidth access to that mass storage. While disk sizes have increased substantially, for example a typical personal computer today can be configured with over a gigabyte of storage, the bandwidth available to access the storage has improved, but not significantly. Thus, while large volumes of information can be stored, the rate at which the storage can be accessed has not generally changed in the past few years. In particular, considering the requirements of a digital video system for the delivery of constant bit rate video streams such as MPEG-2 digital video streams, it is important to provide a high bandwidth to accommodate the data requirements of the digital video network, for example an ATM OC-3 network interface.
While various methods have been employed to provide sufficient quantities of data in a reliable configuration, perhaps one of the more popular, and least expensive, approaches is the use of RAID-5 striping and parity techniques to organize data in a fault tolerant and efficient manner. The RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) approach is well described in the literature and has various levels of operation, including RAID-5, and the data organization can achieve data storage in a fault tolerant and load balanced manner.
In particular, RAID-5 provides that the stored data is spread among three or more disk drives, in a redundant manner, so that even if one of the disk drives fails, the data stored on the drive can be recovered in an efficient and error free manner from the other storage locations. This method also advantageously, using RAID-5 striping, makes use of each of the disk drives in relatively equal and substantially parallel operations. Accordingly, if one has a six gigabyte cluster volume which spans three disk drives, each disk drive would be responsible for servicing two gigabytes of the cluster volume. Each two gigabyte drive would be comprised of one-third redundant information, to provide the redundant, and thus fault tolerant, operation required for the RAID-5 approach.
Consider a processor reading a video data object from a local RAID-5 array. In normal operation, using a RAID-5 approach, when the processor needs to access a video data object which is spread across all of the disk drives connected to the processor, the processor reads a portion of the video data object in a round robin fashion from each of the disk drives. For example, a first 64 kilobyte block of the video data object can be stored and read on a first drive, the next 64 kilobyte block being stored oh the second drive, and so on. In addition, however, the parity check (actually an EXCLUSIVE-OR function), also a 64 kilobyte block, is stored so that if there were n disk drives there would be one parity block written for each nxe2x88x921 blocks of data.
The processor reading the disk drives, however, is still xe2x80x9cstuckxe2x80x9d with a relatively narrow bandwidth. Accordingly, the amount of data which can be read is limited by the bus to which the drives are connected. For example, a SCSI bus which, while providing substantial improvements over buses from years ago, is still relatively slow compared to the needs of video applications. Also, the use of a local RAID-5 controller can combine the outputs of multiple local SCSI buses, but is subject to the failure of the local processor. Such a failure eliminates access to all the data.
Accordingly, objects of the invention are a method and apparatus having improved and increased mass storage read and write bandwidth (delivery bandwidth), operating using a reliable and fault tolerant protocol in a novel topology and enabling large quantities of data to be read and written in accordance with well known and accepted techniques. Other objects of the invention include a method and apparatus which is relatively inexpensive, reliable, simple to build, and easy to maintain.
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for redundantly storing data in a distributed computer system having at least three processor systems, each processor system having at least one central processing unit and at least one mass storage sub-system. The method features the steps of interconnecting each one of the processor systems in a point to point two way channel interconnection with each other one of the processor systems and storing input data across the processor systems according to a distributed, redundant storage process. Thereby, data is stored at each mass sub-storage system and some of a redundant representation of the data is stored also at each processor mass storage sub-system.
In particular aspects of the invention, the method features storing data across the processor systems according to a RAID-5 process and, further, storing data within each processor system according to a RAID-5 process.
The method further features the step of reading data from the computer system, in the absence of a failure of any of the processor systems, over respective ones of the data channel interconnections, whereby the reading step establishes a load balance across the processor systems. In the presence of a failure of one of the processor systems, the reading of data from the computer system features the steps of reading data from each non-failed processor system storing the data, and reading redundant data from the non-failed processor systems in place of the data stored at the failed processor system. Thereafter, the needed data stored at the failed processor system can be recreated using the redundant data and the data read from the non-failed processor systems. In some embodiments of the invention, during the time when a failure has occurred at any processor system, the method may prevent the writing of any data at any processor system until the failed processor system is brought back on line.
In another aspect, the invention further features the limiting case wherein there are only two processor systems initially. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the system continues, in the absence of a failure, to provide increased bandwidth by reading succeeding blocks of data from alternate processors in sequence; and, in this manner, effects a load balancing and provides increased read bandwidth compared to a typical so-called xe2x80x9cmirroredxe2x80x9d system. In a typical mirrored system, data is read from one processor only, the other processor acting as a backup. Thus, in accordance with the invention, data is read from all of the processors thereby providing an increased read bandwidth and load balancing. As noted hereinafter, therefore, the two processor version of the invention, while not providing all of the advantages of the system with a larger number of processors, does allow easy scalability to a processor system having greater capacity, less overhead, and greater bandwidth.
In various aspects of the storage step, the method, in some embodiments of the invention wherein data storage is modelled at a disk abstraction level, feature either designating one processor system to effect all write functions for the computer system, designating one processor for allocating files for each data input and enabling all processor systems to write input data to each of its associated and allocated files, or arbitrating write operations among the processor systems using a distributed lock manager.
In another aspect of the storage step, however, the data input is stored as named fragment files, or named files, in each processor system. When stored as named fragment files, or named files; they can be accessed and reconstructed, for example even when a process or system is added to the distributed computer system. The system continues to deliver stored data as an output stream even as the number of processor systems, network interfaces, and amount of storage is changed. This is possible because the method uses file names to distinguish, modulus xe2x80x9cNxe2x80x9d, data fragments from modulus xe2x80x9cN+1xe2x80x9d data fragments, even as these modulus xe2x80x9cN+1xe2x80x9d data fragments are created from the modulus xe2x80x9cNxe2x80x9d fragments. Further, the method features the step of reconstructing a failed processor system by reconstructing only the data objects which were written while the processor system was in a failed state.
The distributed computer system in accordance with the invention has at least three processor systems for redundantly storing data, each processor system having at least one central processing unit and at least one mass storage system. The distributed computer system features interconnecting channels providing a point to point two way channel interconnection from each one of the processor systems to each other one of the processor systems, and a data storage controller at each processor system. The controllers act to store data input at any one of the processor systems according to a distributed redundant storage process whereby data is stored at each of the computer processors and some of a redundant representation of the data is stored also at each of the processors. In a preferred embodiment, the storage controllers store data across the processing systems according to a RAID-5 process, and further, can store data at each processor system in its associated mass storage sub-system according to a RAID-5 process.
The apparatus of the invention further features a system in which the controllers read data from the computer system, in the absence of a failure of any processor system, so as to maintain and establish a load balance across the computer system. In the presence of a failure of one of the processor systems, the controllers read data from each non-failed processor system storing the data (over the appropriate dedicated network connection) and read redundant data from each non-failed processor system in place of the data stored at the failed processor system. The requesting processor system can then recreate the data stored at the failed processor using the read data and the redundant data. In a preferred embodiment, an xe2x80x9cexternalxe2x80x9d processor can be employed to recreate the data stored at the failed processor, thereby preserving the delivery bandwidth of the system even in the face of a failed processor.
In another aspect, the apparatus features a storage controller which stores the input data as named fragment files, or named files, in the distributed computer system.
The apparatus of the invention also relates to a redundant switch having at least n interruptible inputs, n interrupting inputs, and n outputs. The redundant switch features n+1 switched systems, each switched system having at least two control inputs, a first input, a second input, a third input, and a fourth input, and a first and a second output. Each switched system is connected at its second output to an interrupting signal generator, an interrupting output of the associated signal generator being connected to the second input of the connected switched system. The switched systems are interconnected in a ring structure so that each switched system further has an interruptible input signal connected to the first input, the second input of a first neighbor switched system in the ring being connected to the third input, the interruptible input from the other neighbor switched system on the ring being connected to the fourth input, and each switched system having switching circuitry responsive to the control input for switching any of its inputs to at least its first output and for connecting either of its first and fourth inputs to its second output. The controller provides the control signals to the control inputs of the switched system to enable the cross-bar operation.
In another aspect, the redundant switch has n+1 switched systems each switched system having at least two control inputs, four signal inputs, and two signal outputs. Each switched system is connected at one of its outputs to an associated interrupting signal generator and n interrupting output of the associated signal generator is connected to an input of the connected switched system. The switched systems are interconnected in a ring structure so that each switched system is connected to a first and a second nearest neighbor. Each switched system has switching circuitry responsive to the control input for the switched system for selectively switching its inputs to its outputs. A controller provides the control inputs to the switched systems to enable the switched systems to effectively rotate signal switching functions one position in one or both directions around the ring. Thereby, a failed signal generator can be bypassed and the signals on the n first outputs continue uninterrupted.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a distributed data delivery system having at least three processor systems for redundantly storing data, each processor system having at least one central processing unit and one mass storage system. Interconnecting data channels provide a point to point, two way, channel interconnection from each one of the processor systems to each other one of the processor systems. A data storage controller at each processor system stores data input from any one of the processor systems according to a distributed, redundant storage process whereby data is stored at each of the processor systems and some of a redundant representation of the data is stored at each of the processors as well. A switching circuit having n interruptible input ports, at least n+1 interrupting input ports, and at least n+1 output ports, has n interruptible input signals connected to respective primary processor systems, each primary processor system having an output connected to a respective interrupting input. A switching controller, connected to the switching circuit for selectively interrupting each of the n interruptible input ports with the signal information available from a respective one of the processor systems, in the event of a failure at a processor, and using a previously unused processor system in that process, causes the switching circuit to connect the interruptible input port of the failed processor system to a different processor system, and to replace the output of the failed processor system with the output of another processor system.

Loosely coupled mass storage computer cluster


Method and apparatus for the sizing of annular objects by cutting through an arcuate portion of the object to be sized; separating and straightening the cut ends of the object; placing sizing stock coated with solder into temporary adherence with a holder and then placing the stock, while held in the holder, between the cut ends; followed by heating the holder and the stock to release the sizing stock from the holder and cause solder paste to adhere the stock to the annular object between its cut ends.

Items of jewelry, such as finger rings, often need to be increased in size. This may occur because changes in the fingers or other part of the body where the rings are worn, or because a ring or other item of jewelry may be given to a friend or relative and require a change in size. A reduction in size poses no problem, but increases in size are difficult to make efficiently and aesthetically.
It is standard practice to cut the bottom of the ring shank and insert sizing stock of the same material as the ring. An attempt is then made to solder the insert in place. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to place the sizing stock appropriately, and even when correctly placed the stock may slip during the soldering operation, resulting in a product that either requires re-sizing or has a less than satisfactory appearance.
In addition, the solder often runs over the adjoining part of the ring shank, again resulting in a less than satisfactory appearance. In some cases the solder is not uniformly applied, resulting in a weak joint that can easily become undone.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to facilitate the sizing of objects, particularly items of jewelry such as rings.
Another object of the invention is simplify the procedure for the proper fastening of sizing materials inserted between cuts at the bottom of the ring shank.
A further object is to insert sizing stock of the same material and external configuration as the ring in a way that makes it virtually impossible to tell that the ring has been sized.
Yet another object is to solder the insert in place without slippage during the soldering operation, resulting in a product that neither requires re-sizing nor has a less than satisfactory appearance.
A yet further object is to prevent the solder from running over the adjoining part of the ring shank, again resulting in a less than satisfactory appearance. A related object is to assure that the solder is uniformly applied, to achieve a strong joint that cannot easily become undone.


A method and apparatus for code block division are provided. The method may include the following acts. A reference information block length of a code block is determined according to an obtained division related parameter. A maximum information block length is determined according to the reference information block length and a hardware parameter. A Transport Block (TB) having a length greater than the maximum information block length may be divided into two or more code blocks according to the obtained division related parameter, the hardware parameter and the determined maximum information block length. An information length after code block division is less than the determined maximum information block length.

FIG. 1 is a structure diagram of a digital communication system. As shown in FIG. 1, the digital communication system may include a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal, and the transmitting terminal and the receiving terminal may communicate with each other through a channel. Generally, the transmitting terminal may mainly include: an information source, an information source encoder, a channel encoder and a modulator. The receiving terminal may mainly include: a demodulator, a channel decoder, an information source decoder and an information sink. The main function of the encoder is: introducing redundant information in an information bit according to certain rules, so that the channel decoder of the receiving terminal may correct, to some extent, error codes generating when information is transmitted in a channel.
Baseband processing plays an important role in wireless interface technologies. The baseband processing before physical channel mapping is mainly the processing of channel encoding chain in the channel encoder. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of processing of channel encoding chain. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing of channel encoding chain is: performing code block division to an input Transport Block (TB), namely dividing the TB entering the channel encoder into code blocks according to the size of the maximum code block. The TB is a basic input of the channel encoding chain. Generally, data of one TB may be processed by the same encoding and modulating mode. Operations like Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) adding, channel encoding, rate matching, modulation, and physical channel mapping may be performed on multiple obtained code blocks.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of code block division. As shown in FIG. 3, in an encoding process of a channel encoder, the channel encoder may divide the information bit of the TB into the encoding bocks with a certain length. In FIG. 3, for example, the TB may be divided into the code block 1, the code block 2 and the code block 3. Generally, the bigger the code block, the better the error-correcting performance. But if the code block is big, encoding and decoding complexity and decoding delay time may increase. Therefore, when a channel encoder is designed, it may be suggested to limit the size of the maximum code block, that is, a maximum value of a maximum code block may be set. Because an allowable size of the maximum code block may be provided for the channel encoding, it may be needed to divide one TB into multiple code blocks before channel encoding can be performed. At present, in the process of dividing the TB into multiple code blocks (namely a code block division technology), it may be needed to divide a TB into multiple code blocks with roughly the same size. For example, in a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LET-Advanced (LTE-A) system, the code block division may be performed by taking 6144 bits as a unit. When the length of the TB (including the CRC) is greater than 6144 bits, one TB may be divided into multiple code blocks. Moreover, because the length of the code block and the length of the CRC is required to match a code length supported by a turbo channel encoder, and the code blocks not matching the code length supported by the channel encoder cannot be directly encoded, so it may also be needed to add filling bits to these code blocks.
The LTE and LTE-A system is a system based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). In an OFDM system, a physical time frequency Resource Block (RB), which may be called RB for short, is a time frequency two-dimensional unit composed of multiple OFDM symbols which are continuous on time and multiple subcarriers which are continuous on frequency. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an RB whose time length is one time slot in the OFDM system. As shown in FIG. 4, an RB may occupy 12 subcarriers in a frequency domain. In the LTE and LTE-A system, a basic time granularity of resource allocation is an integral multiple of one subframe, and a frequency domain granularity is an integral multiple of one RB (namely 12 subcarriers). In an RB structure in FIG. 4, one time slot may include 7 continuous OFDM symbols, and one subcarrier may include two time slots, namely 14 continuous OFDM symbols. In addition, each small square in FIG. 4 represents one Resource Element (RE). In one time slot, there are 12*7=84 REs on each RB. When the length of each time slot is 0.5 ms, two continuous time slots form one subframe, so the length of each subframe is 1 ms. Because one TB at least occupies one subframe in the time domain, one TB may need to occupy multiple OFDM symbols in the time domain. If a factor that a control channel (e.g. a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)) also occupies a part of the OFDM symbols is taken into consideration, then the number of the OFDM symbols actually occupied by one TB may be less than 14, but usually greater than 10.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a method for physical channel mapping in an LTE system. As shown in FIG. 5, in an OFDM system, information transmission is usually performed by taking one TB as a unit. One TB may include one or more code blocks. Each code block may be subjected to encoding and rate matching processing before one encoded code block can be generated. Each encoded code block may be formed into one symbol stream after modulation. That is, one TB may correspond to multiple symbol streams, for example, J1, J2, . . . , Jn. In the LTE and LTE-A system, one TB may occupy a maximum of 4 layers, and may occupy the same time frequency resource area on each layer. A transport layer is a concept of multi-antenna "layer" in the LTE and LTE-A system, indicating the number of effective independent channels in spatial multiplexing. The concept "layer" is another dimension except time and frequency.
In the LTE and LTE-A system, 9 different transmission modes are defined for data transmission, and different transmission modes respectively correspond to single-antenna transmission, antenna diversity, beamforming and spatial multiplexing. In different transmission modes, a transmitting terminal may adopt different transmission strategies and parameters. A Down Control Information (DCI) format is a command word related to the transmission mode. The DCI may include: signaling related to downlink scheduling allocation and uplink scheduling request, physical channel resource allocation information, transmission formats (like a code rate, and a modulation order), spatial multiplexing (like a precoding matrix and the number of spatial layers), information related to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) and information related to power control. The DCI may be transmitted in the PDCCH.
According to different functions, multiple types of Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (RNTIs) may be provided in the LTE system. Each User Equipment (UE) may correspond to multiple RNTIs at the same time. Functions like system broadcast and specific user scheduling may be implemented by using the RNTI to scramble a PDCCH control message.
Block encoding is an encoding technology between data packets, namely a process of generating a check data packet by encoding multiple source data packets. The block encoding is a process of generating a check sequence at a corresponding position of the check data packet based on an information sequence at the corresponding position of a source data packet. Each check data packet may include data at the corresponding position of each check sequence. There may be various methods for block encoding, for example, it may be feasible to generate the check data packet by performing an XOR operation to each source data packet, or by adopting a Reed-Solomon code, or by a Fountain code or network code. The block encoding may provide a better transmission performance by increasing an encoding constraint between the data packets.
Code block division is an essential process in a channel encoding chain processing flow. However, during an application process of the code block division, a time delay has not been fully considered. By taking a method for code block division in the 3GPP LTE system for example, the length of each code block after the code block division may be between 3000 bits to 6120 bits. When a bandwidth is relatively small, each code block may occupy multiple continuous OFDM symbols in the time domain, and the receiving terminal may decode a code block only after receiving all these OFDM symbols. If a system is sensitive to a time delay (e.g. Internet of Vehicles), decoding the data subjected to the code block division may cause a time delay that the system cannot accept. Therefore, for a system having a high requirement on the time delay, the code block division technology may influence normal operation of the system.

Method and apparatus for code block division


Cones whose rotation axes are substantially parallel to each other and whose sides maintain a constant interval therebetween are provided in a driving force transmission unit to transmit a driving force to a developer feeding member, a roller to transmit the driving force is provided between the cones, a position of the roller is moved in accordance with rotation of one cone or the other, and a rotational speed of the developer feeding member to which the driving force is transmitted from one cone changes with an increase in a number of revolutions of s driving force transmission unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a developer feeding apparatus and a developing apparatus applied to an image forming apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process adopts a process cartridge system in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge and the cartridge is made removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
According to the process cartridge system, the apparatus can be maintained by the user himself (herself) without relying on maintenance personnel and thus, operability can significantly be improved. Therefore, the process cartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.
A developer feeding apparatus is integrated in this kind of process cartridge to feed a developer (toner) to a developing roller by a developer feeding member (toner feeding member) provided in the developer feeding apparatus being rotated.
Some developer feeding apparatuses have a unit for changing the rotational speed of the toner feeding member by which the number of revolutions of a motor is controlled in accordance with a remaining amount of toner to change the number of revolutions of the toner feeding member (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 01-84266).

Developer feeding apparatus and developing apparatus


The method of fuse manufacture has a step to fabricate a metal plate with an overall long narrow shape, with a plurality of rows of connecting pieces having separated tips and connected aft ends, and with the tip of each connecting piece arranged in a straight line; a step to connect the tips of adjacent connecting pieces by welding wire to the connecting piece tip regions which are arranged in a straight line; a step to treat two adjacent connecting pieces as a unit, to cut the wire between each two-connecting piece unit for separation, and to detach each individual connecting piece; and a step to bend the wire, connecting each cut two-connecting piece unit, to form the pair of connecting pieces into a straight line.

This application is based on application No. 115753 filed in Japan on Apr. 17, 2000, the content of which incorporated hereinto by reference.
This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fuse which melts and breaks due to heating with excessive current flow, and to a battery pack which contains that fuse.
A fuse shuts off current flow by melting open due to heat generated by excessive current flow. A fuse is heated by Joule heating. Joule heating increases in proportion to the square of the current times the electrical resistance of the fuse. Consequently, as current flow increases, Joule heating increases abruptly heating the fuse to high temperatures. The temperature at which a fuse blows is determined by the metal used. Thus, a fuse heats and melts open at a prescribed current flow and shuts off that current.
A battery pack contains a fuse to protect the batteries from excessive currents. A fuse is connected in series with the batteries and is melted open by excessive current. A battery pack which utilizes a lead In the dual role as a fuse has also been developed (Japanese Patent Application SHO 55-141448, 1980). The battery pack cited has a lead formed with a narrow section to melt open with excessive current.
In addition, the present inventor developed a fuse using laminates, such as bi-metal and tri-metal laminates of metals with different thermal expansion rates, to improve the breaking characteristics of a fuse with the previously cited structure (Japanese Patent Application HEI 11-154714, 1999). When this fuse is heated by excessive current, mechanical deformation stress, due to differences in thermal expansion rates of the laminated metals, acts on the section which blows. Consequently, this fuse has the characteristic of blowing quickly as a result of mechanical deformation stress acting on the fuse when heated by excessive current.
However, a fuse of this structure has the drawback of high materials cost because of the use of bi-metals or tri-metals. Further, in a fuse of this type with the structure shown in FIG. 1, the current at which the fuse blows is determined by the cross sectional area of a narrow section. Therefore, it is necessary to cut this section significantly thin. This is because the shut down current for a battery pack is small at only a few amperes.
A fuse made with a narrowly cut section has the drawback that it can be easily broken by mechanical shock, for example by dropping during battery pack assembly or after being assembled in a battery pack. If the fuse mechanically breaks, the battery pack becomes completely useless after that. Consequently, although it is important for a fuse installed in a battery pack to reliably melt open with excessive current flow, it is also important for the fuse not to break open as a result of mechanical shock.
Further, for a fuse with a locally narrow section as shown in FIG. 1, there are limitations to the width of the narrow region imposed by manufacturing practicality. For example, it is extremely difficult to fabricate this type of fuse for a fuse blowing current on the order of 3A. Therefore, this type of fuse has the drawback that it cannot be installed in a low capacity battery pack. Since the width of the narrow section must be made still narrower as the fuse blowing current becomes smaller, this type of low current fuse has the further drawback that it is becomes easier to break by mechanical shock.
The present invention was developed to resolve these types of drawbacks. Thus it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method of fuse manufacture and a battery pack containing that fuse wherein the fuse can be inexpensively manufactured in quantity, is blown reliably with excessive current, is difficult to break with mechanical shock, and in particular, can be made resistant to mechanical shock for low fuse blowing currents.
The above and further objects and features of the invention will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings.
The present invention manufactures a fuse by a step to fabricate a metal plate with an overall long narrow shape, with a plurality of connecting pieces having separated tips and connected aft ends, and with the tip of each connecting piece arranged in a straight line; a step to connect the tips of adjacent connecting pieces by welding wire to the connecting piece tip regions which are arranged in a straight line; a step to cut the wire between each pair of two adjacent connecting pieces and to detach each individual connecting piece; and a step to bend the wire connecting each cut pair of connecting pieces, attached at both sides of the wire, in a direction which separates both ends of the connecting pieces.
The method above can inexpensively manufacture fuses in quantity, can produce a fuse that blows reliably with excessive current but is difficult to break with mechanical shock, and in particular, the method has the characteristic that a fuse can be made to blow at low currents and be strong with respect to mechanical shock. This is because the method of manufacture above has a step to fabricate a metal plate with a plurality of connecting pieces having separated tips and connected aft ends, a step to connect the tips of adjacent connecting pieces by welding wire to the connecting piece tip regions, a step to cut the wire between each pair of two adjacent connecting pieces and to detach each individual connecting piece, and a step to bend the wire connecting each cut pair of connecting pieces in a direction which separates both ends of the connecting pieces.
Further, the method above can manufacture with extreme simplicity a fuse structure having connecting pieces at both ends of a wire, and moreover can efficiently manufacture these fuses in quantity. Consequently, fuse manufacturing cost can be reduced, and they can be inexpensively manufactured in quantity.
Further, since a fuse manufactured by the method above is configured with wire as the narrow melting and breaking region, it is stronger with respect to mechanical shock than a fuse of the type shown in FIG. 1. This is because the metal wire material itself is strong, and in addition the wire can resiliently deform. Further, since the wire is bent, this bent region can absorb and dissipate mechanical shock. In particular, since a folded back configuration for connecting piece tips allows both ends of the wire to be swaged in the folded back tips and welded to the connecting pieces, these attachment points have significant strength and their separation is difficult. Additionally, a fuse with metal wire as the narrow fusing element has a uniform cross sectional area. Since the cross sectional area of a given metal wire determines its resistance, the characteristic of reliable fuse blowing at the specified current, particularly for small currents, is achieved.
Preferably, in the method described above, the wire is bent to align the pair of connecting pieces in a straight or nearly straight line.
Connecting pieces, which connect to the fuse wire, preferably have additional processing to provide a fold back at their tips. Wire is inserted in a folded back tip, pressure is applied to swage the wire in the folded back tip, and the swaged wire is welded. A connecting piece of this structure can form a strong and reliable connection with wire via the folded back tip. Additionally, It is preferable to use SUS-304 stainless steel wire as the fuse wire,
Still further, the metal plate of the present invention can be formed as a long narrow band and wire can be welded to connecting piece tip regions as metal plate is continuously supplied. For example, this method of manufacture can continuously produce fuses via an automated manufacturing line. Therefore, manufacturing efficiency can be improved and low cost production in quantity is possible.
The battery pack of the present invention is provided with a plurality interconnected rechargeable batteries disposed in parallel positions, and a fuse connected at both ends to a rechargeable battery electrode to form a series connection with the rechargeable batteries. The fuse is provided with a metal wire which melts open with a prescribed current flow, and a pair of connecting pieces which connect to both ends of the wire and are welded to battery electrodes. The tip region of a connecting piece is bent to provide a folded back tip, and wire is welded to the connecting piece while inserted in this folded back tip. Furthermore, wire welded at the folded back tips is bent in a direction which separates both ends of the connecting pieces attached to both ends of the wire, and the pair of connecting pieces is joined to battery electrodes.
A battery pack structured as described above uses a fuse with a low blow-out current which is also strong with respect to mechanical shock. Therefore, the fuse can reliably blow when excessive current flows, but it will not break due to mechanical shock making high reliability and quality possible.

Method of fuse manufacture and a battery pack containing that fuse


Method and system for providing ad-splicer N+1 redundancy in a network by employing IP network intelligence and techniques to facilitate a redundant ad-splicer assuming, within a few seconds, the functionality of the failed primary ad-splicer. The network triggers the installation of unicast and multicast routes on an interface by tracking one or more unicast routes to deliver the unicast and (pre-spliced) multicast traffic to the redundant ad-splicer. The network dynamically adjusts the multicast trees to continue to deliver the post-spliced multicast traffic to the intended receivers.

In a typical cable/MSO network, the ad splicer plays a significant role due to its ability to splice the advertisements or commercials into the live video streams using analog or Digital Program Insertion (DPI). More specifically, an ad server typically stores the commercial content and streams it to the ad splicer when triggered by digital cues. Using digital ad insertion standard such as DVS 253 (which supports the cable based DPI cueing message) or SCTE35, the ad splicer is configured to splice the MPEG commercial video streams into the programmer's digital streams. The ad splicer also allows the operator to select among multiple programmer video streams, providing outgoing signal carriage of only those networks carried by the operator.
A single market may typically have as many as 40 different advertisement zones which may be demographically grouped areas of a market that receive the same advertising content. A single hub in the network may be configured to serve multiple advertisement zones. Since each ad splicer serves a single advertisement zone, a hub with multiple advertisement zones includes a set of ad splicers for each advertisement zone.
Video and content service providers have relied upon the ad splicer capability to insert the appropriate advertisements or commercials into the live video streams as a substantial revenue source. Thus, ad splicer failure or downtime has significant impact both in real time transmission service disruption as well as loss of potential revenue from advertisements or commercials which do not get transmitted. Indeed, the undesirable mean time to repair such ad splicer failure can range from a few minutes to several hours.
Present approaches to address ad splicer failure include human intervention where a technician is dispatched to the HUB site to physically move the links from the failed ad splicer to a redundant ad splicer in the HUB site.
In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have methods and systems to improve the overall mean time to repair (MTTR) network downtime due to ad splicer failure.

Method and system for providing ad-splicer redundancy in a cable/MSO network


A fuel injection device includes a cylindrical valve housing, a valve needle disposed inside the valve housing and a ceramic heater disposed around the valve housing. The valve housing has a fuel inlet at an end, a first fuel passage, a second fuel passage, a nozzle hole at the other end and a valve seat. The valve needle has a hollow portion connected to the first fuel passage and a plurality of fuel apertures connecting the hollow portion and the second fuel passage, a head portion disposed to be seated on or unseated from the valve seat thereby intermittently injecting fuel through the nozzle hole. The ceramic heater is disposed around the valve housing down stream of the fuel apertures and upstream of the valve seat. Fuel vapor can be discharged upward though the fuel apertures.

The present application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application 2000-183473 filed Jun. 19, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fuel injection device for an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to reduce noxious components of engine combustion exhaust gas, it is important to atomize fuel injected from a fuel injection device. For example, fuel is heated and decompressed so as to be evaporated. This is very effective, especially, when an engine is started at a cold temperature.
One of an inexpensive way of heating fuel is to heat a portion around the fuel injection device. However, this necessitates large electric power and is not very effective.
Another way of heating is to put a heating element directly in fuel. This necessitates sealing of electric wires, which is very troublesome.
Therefore, a main object of the invention is to provide an improved fuel injection device having a highly efficient heating arrangement that does not necessitate sealing of electric wires.
A fuel injection device according to a feature of the invention includes a cylindrical valve housing, a valve needle and a ceramic heater. The valve housing has a fuel inlet at an end, a first fuel passage, a second fuel passage, a valve seat and a nozzle hole at the other end. The valve needle is disposed between the first and second fuel passages inside the valve housing. The valve needle has a hollow portion connected to the first fuel passage and a plurality of fuel apertures connecting the hollow portion and the second fuel passage, a head portion to be seated on or unseated from the valve seat thereby intermittently injecting fuel through the nozzle hole. The ceramic heater is disposed around the valve housing down stream of the plurality of fuel apertures and upstream of the valve seat to directly heat a portion of the valve housing.
The nozzle needle may have a bulging portion opposite the ceramic heater to narrow the cross-section of the second fuel passage, thereby effective by heating fuel to be injected.

Commutator of motor and method of manufacturing the same


A method of gettering an SOI wafer from the front side of the wafer includes depositing a gettering layer, such as polysilicon, on the SOI layer and annealing the SOI wafer with the gettering layer in place. A polish stop structure, which can be deposited before or after the gettering layer, provides a means for selectively removing the gettering layer from the SOI wafer without damaging the surface or eroding the thickness of the SOI layer.

During production of semiconductor substrates or wafers, it is commonly necessary to perform gettering to remove unwanted impurities, for example, heavy metals, from the active areas of the wafer (e.g. where circuit devices are formed). For wafers formed by conventional techniques (e.g. "bulk wafers"), for example, by the Czochralski method, a variety of effective gettering techniques have long been employed. Generally, the methods involve creating a gettering site at or near the back side of the wafer where circuit devices are not planned to be formed. For example, the back side of the wafer may be intentionally damaged by ion implantation, thereby forming crystalline defects which draw impurities from throughout the wafer. Another technique deposits a layer of metal, such as tin or lead, or polysilicon on the back side of the wafer to act as a sink for gettering.
An alternative method of producing semiconductor wafers currently being pursued in the art and referred to as Silicon On Insulator (SOI) involves the formation of a thin monocrystalline silicon film on an insulating substrate, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the SOI wafer 100 includes a base or substrate 112, most commonly comprising silicon or another semiconductor material, an insulating layer 114, most commonly comprising silicon dioxide, and a thin film semiconductor layer 116, most commonly comprising silicon. It is the thin film semiconductor layer 116 in which circuit devices are formed. The thinness (e.g. on the order of 1000 .ANG.) of the semiconductor layer 116 and the insulating layer beneath the semiconductor layer 116 causes device properties which result in greater switching speed and higher current drive capability than that achieved with devices formed in conventional wafers. Thus, critical to the performance and manufacturability of the devices is the ability to accurately control both the nominal thickness and the uniformity of the thickness of the semiconductor layer 116.
SOI wafers are formed by a variety of methods. A first group of methods known as Separation by Implanted Oxygen (SIMOX) involve implanting oxygen inside a silicon substrate 112 to form a buried insulating layer 114 of SiO.sub.2 at a prescribed depth. After the implant, a thin silicon layer 116 is present on the SiO.sub.2 layer 114. The entire wafer 100 is then subjected to a heat treatment to remove or repair defects in the thin silicon layer 116, now referred to as the SOI layer, caused by the implant. A second group of methods involves forming a surface oxide on each of two separate silicon substrates, placing the substrates one on top of the other with the surface oxides in contact, and bonding the substrates together at the junction formed by the surface oxides by an appropriate heat treatment.
Conventional metal gettering methods, as introduced above, are generally ineffective for gettering SOI wafers. Since the conventional methods getter from the back-side of the wafer, the insulating layer 116 of the SOI wafer 100 frustrates such methods by blocking movement of impurities from the SOI layer 116 to the bulk substrate 112. While for bonded SOI wafers, there is some opportunity to interpose a gettering layer between the middle oxide and SOI layers, no such interposition methods for SOI wafers formed by the SIMOX method are known.
It would be desirable to apply a gettering layer such as polysilicon to the front of an SOI wafer to overcome the problems created by the insulating layer, but removing the polysilicon selectively to the underlying monocrystalline silicon without destroying the wafer is problematical. Etching techniques are generally impractical due to a lack of available etchants having a high selectivity (e.g. on the order of 100:1) to polycrystalline silicon over monocrystalline silicon. Thus, overetching of the polysilicon layer, as is common in the art to insure complete removal of the layer being removed, is likely to result in significant and uncontrolled reduction in the thickness of the monocrystalline silicon layer as well as roughening of or damage to the surface of the monocrystalline silicon layer, thereby rendering it unsuitable for forming devices therein. Since polysilicon in direct contact with monocrystalline silicon tends to grow epitaxially, particularly at the elevated temperatures normally used for gettering, removal by selective etching becomes impractical. Similarly, polishing the polysilicon layer down to the silicon is also uncontrolled; since polysilicon is visually indistinguishable from monocrystalline silicon, the point at which the monocrystalline silicon layer is reached cannot be accurately detected.
What is needed is an improved method of gettering an SOI layer.

Method and structure for front-side gettering of silicon-on-insulator substrates

International Business Machines Corporation


A carrier (90) for packaging articles is formed from a single unitary blank (10). The carrier includes primary panels (14, 16, 18, 20) hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure having an interior space. A bottom closure structure (30b, 34b) at least partially closes a lower end of the tubular structure. At least one of the primary panels (16, 20) may include a handle (H1, H2). A handle reinforcing panel (30a, 34a) is secured to the inside surface of the at least one of the primary panels. A partition structure (P1, P2) is hingedly connected to the handle reinforcing panel and disposed in the tubular structure to divide the interior space of the tubular structure into two or more cells for receiving articles.

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.
It is desirable to provide a carrier or carton with a partition structure to divide the carrier into cells each for accommodating an individual primary product container. In this way, each primary product container is separated or spaced from its adjacent neighbours and each primary product container is protected against "knocking damage" which can occur when adjacent primary product containers knock against one another when the package is moved. It is desirable to provide the carrier with a handle structure such that a consumer may readily transport the package; such handles should be strong enough to bear the load of the primary product containers. It is desirable to form such a carrier from a foldable sheet of material, preferably a recyclable material.
It is further beneficial to minimise the area and footprint of such a sheet of material in order to maximise the number of carriers that can be made from a standard sized sheet of material.
The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.