The invention relates to a process and apparatus for manufacturing a body to be reinforced with a fiber-composite material, especially bottles or containers or metal or plastic for holding a pressurized gaseous medium, in which a plurality of light, high-strength inorganic or organic, non-conductive or conductive as well as non-metallic yarns are wrapped around the body, whereby individual fiber strands or fibers are unwound and are bundled and, prior to being wound on the body, are impregnated with a plastic material. The wrapping of the yarns is carried out with controllable, pre-tensioned yarns. During wrapping, the individual yarns are again impregnated with a polymer melt of thermoplastic and each individual wrapping layer is smoothed and/or cooled by a temperature-controlled roller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for manufacturing a body reinforced with fiber-composite material, for example, a glass, metal or plastic container for holding pressurized gas.
2. Description of the Related Art
A process of manufacturing a body reinforced with fiber composite is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,974. In this process, a plurality of light weight, high-strength, inorganic, nonconductive and non-metallic yarns are wrapped lengthwise around a hollow body. A plurality of spools are arranged on a spool holder. The yarns from the spools are bundled together and, prior to wrapping them around the body which should be reinforced, they are impregnated with a resin. This process uses a duromer resin as a matrix of the fiber-composite material, not a thermoplastic. The disadvantages resulting from this process are inferior recyclability, longer processing time, limited shelf-life of the raw material, greater moisture absorption, lower temperature stability and less ductile yield.
EP OS 0060856 discloses the so-called spiflex process. In this process, a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic strip is prepared first. This strip is tensioned and then wrapped around the hollow body to be reinforced. The main disadvantage of this process is that the manufacturing of the strip entails additional costs and, thus, for economic reasons, the spiflex process has disadvantages, even though it uses the preferred thermoplastic as a matrix material. Another disadvantage is that, due to the width of the strip material, the application is limited to certain body forms.

Process and apparatus for manufacturing a body reinforced with fiber-composite material


A turbomachine is provided and includes first and second endwalls disposed to define a pathway, each of the first and second endwalls including a surface facing the pathway and first and second blades extendible across the pathway from at least one of the first and second endwalls, each of the first and second blades having an airfoil shape and being disposed such that a pressure side of the first blade faces a suction side of the second blade. A portion of the surface of at least one of the first and second endwalls between the first and second blades has at least a first hump proximate to a leading edge and the pressure side of the first blade, and a second hump disposed at 10-60% of a chord length of the first blade and proximate to the pressure side thereof.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a turbomachine and, more particularly, to a turbine of a turbomachine having a multiple hump endwall.
A turbomachine, such as a gas turbine engine, may include a compressor, a combustor and a turbine. The compressor compresses inlet gas and the combustor combusts the compressed inlet gas along with fuel to produce high temperature fluids. Those high temperature fluids are directed to the turbine where the energy of the high temperature fluids is converted into mechanical energy that can be used to generate power and/or electricity. The turbine is formed to define an annular pathway through which the high temperature fluids pass.
At one or more axial stages of the turbine, rotating blades typically exhibit strong secondary flows at various turbine stages whereby the high temperature fluids flow in a direction transverse to the main flow direction through the pathway. These secondary flows can negatively impact the stage efficiency at each of those various stages.


A method for authorizing an electronic device to perform an action includes detecting interaction data from an interaction between a hardware sensor and an identity-augmented tangible object; wherein data of the first set of interaction data is intrinsically dependent on physical characteristics of the identity-augmented tangible device; computing parametric descriptors from the interaction data; transmitting the parametric descriptors and supplementary data to a remote database system; generating, on the remote database system, identity data from a comparison of parametric descriptors with a known set of parametric descriptors; and authorizing, in response to both of the identity data and the supplementary data, the electronic device to perform a first action.

The link between tangible objects and their digital counterparts is an important part of the entertainment, sales, and security industries. Tangible objects give a sense of ownership, are less easily duplicated than their digital counterparts, and can be transferred through traditional sales methods. Further, they provide a realism of experience unmatched by digital objects. However, linking between tangible and digital objects can be cumbersome and unwieldy, leading to security issues and/or user dissatisfaction. Thus, there is a need in the consumer electronics field to create methods for enabling real-time digital object and tangible object interactions. This invention provides such new and useful methods.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods for enabling real-time digital object and tangible object interactions


In an image forming apparatus having a toner density sensor which emits light to a developer carried on a developing sleeve and which detects developer density by a reflection output value from the developer, when a reflection output value when the developer is initially set with respect to the illumination light of the toner density sensor is defined as A and a reflection output value of a region of at least the developing sleeve which is opposed to the toner density sensor when the developer is not carried on the developing sleeve is defined as B, a value of B/A is in a range of 0.3<B/A<2.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus utilizing an electrophotographic system, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus using two-component developer in which toner and carrier are mixed for developing device which develops an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member.
2. Description of Related Art
In a conventional image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system, there is known a technique in which an electrostatic image formed in the image bearing member is developed using a developer by means of a development device, thereby making the image visible as a toner image. For the development device using the two-component developer in which toner and carrier are mixed as the developer, in order to obtain stable developing characteristics, it is important to keep constant a mixing ratio T/D ratio (D=T+C) (indicating toner density of developer, T/D ratio, hereinafter) of toner (T) and carrier (C) of the developer.
The toner in the developer is consumed at the time of development, and the T/D ratio of the developer is changed. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately detect the T/D ratio of the developer in the development device, supply toner in accordance with the variation, always control the T/D ratio of the developer constant, and to maintain the quality of image.
Thus, several systems such as light reflection detecting system, an inductance system and a patch detection system have been proposed as developer density detection/control apparatuses (ATR).
In these systems, infrared-emitting LED (light-emitting diode) emits infrared light, and the reflection light is received by a light receiving element, e.g., a PD (photodiode). Many image forming apparatuses using the light reflection detection system which detects the T/D ratio of a developer by measuring the amount of reflection light are used (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-091156).
This is based on a principle that toner reflects infrared light carrier and carrier absorbs infrared light, and if the amount of toner is increased, the reflection light amount is increased, and if the amount of toner is reduced, the reflection light amount is also reduced. Therefore, if the supply amount of toner is adjusted such that the reflection light amount becomes a constant value, the T/D ratio of the developer can be maintained at a constant level.
In a full color image forming apparatus, a development device having a plurality of development devices using developers of different colors is used. Among them, a color image forming apparatus for forming a full color image requires development devices of three colors, i.e., yellow, magenta and cyan, or four colors including black.
If the plurality of development devices are respectively provided with a developer density detecting unit, the same number of developer density detecting units as that of the development devices is required. Further, the same number of signal processing circuits which processes a detection signal from the developer density detecting unit and outputs a developer (toner) supply signal as that of the developer density detecting unit is required. Thus, the structure of the apparatus is complicated, and cost is largely increased.
To solve this problem, the apparatus has a moving type development device which can move a specific development device at the time of developing operation to develop, and a light reflection detecting unit detects a developer carried on a developer bearing member of the development device. An image forming apparatus capable of controlling the T/D ratio of each developer using a single developer density control apparatus is proposed (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 05-313495).
In the developer density control (ATR) of the conventional light reflection detection system, however, the output of the light reflection detecting unit is largely varied by variation of the developer coat amount carried on a developing sleeve which is the developer bearing member of the development device. Thus, there is an adverse possibility that a value is erroneously be detected.
The developer coat amount which is carried on the developing sleeve is varied by variation in fluidity of developer caused by a large amount of image forming operation, variation in surface properties (surface roughness, friction coefficient) of the developing sleeve, and an image ratio of an output image.
In the conventional image forming apparatus, as a material of the developing sleeve, aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) provided at its surface with projections and depressions to enhance bearing and transportation ability of developer is frequently used.
In such a developing sleeve, if the coat amount of developer carried on its surface is reduced, the surface is exposed. In addition, the material such as aluminum and stainless steel constituting the developing sleeve has high reflection coefficient, the reflection light from the developing sleeve surface is increased when the developer density is detected by the light reflection detecting unit. Thus, if the developer density is high, erroneous detection is caused, and control for reducing the supply amount of toner is adversely performed to reduce the developer density by the developer density control.
As a result, the developer coat amount on the developing sleeve is reduced and developing performance is deteriorated, and the developer density is reduced by the developer density control. Therefore, the developing performance is abruptly deteriorated, the image density is reduced and carrier is adhered.

Image forming apparatus having density sensor for developer bearing member


A method and system for monitoring the traffic carrier performance of a CDMA carrier in a mobile communication system are provided. The method and system assign a preferred traffic carrier to each mobile station. During a drive-test, the preferred traffic carrier is assigned to the respective mobile station either originating or receiving a call. In the event of a dropped call, the system attempts to re-establish the call on the preferred traffic carrier to provide continuous monitoring on the same traffic carrier when the call is retried. If the preferred traffic carrier is not available when the BSC or base station assigns a traffic carrier, an alternate traffic carrier can be assigned at the call setup. After the call setup procedure is completed, a handoff procedure is initiated to transfer the call from the alternate traffic carrier to the preferred traffic carrier after a predetermined time if the preferred traffic carrier is available.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a mobile communication system, and more particularly to a method and system for monitoring the traffic carrier performance of a CDMA carrier.
2. Description of the Related Art
Drive team testing is a labor intensive process that is expensive, time consuming, and often incomplete. Drive team testing requires dispatching a mobile unit into a selected zone of coverage to make a first hand observation of system conditions. The current drive team testing methods include: Mobile Diagnostic Monitor (MDM), Mobile Station Test (MOST), and Test Carrier. Each method includes drawbacks associated with monitoring the performance of a traffic carrier during a test drive.
MDM is a software tool for collecting drive-test data with a mobile phone. The mobile station follows the standard call processing procedures. For a CDMA multi-carrier system, when a mobile station originates or receives a call, the cellular system assigns a traffic carrier on one of the equipped carriers of the sector. The assignment is based on that sector""s own assignment algorithm. The traffic carrier assigned to the mobile unit can be different depending upon the prevailing system conditions (i.e., RF loading, system resources, etc.). It becomes inconvenient to monitor the performance (i.e., call drop rate, handoff completion rate, lost call, etc.) of a particular traffic carrier during a test drive as a consequence of assigning different traffic carriers to the mobile station. The method is deficient to the extent that, as a consequence of assigning different traffic carriers, there is no guarantee that all the desired performance data will be collected for the desired carrier.
In the Test Carrier method, the test mobile directs xe2x80x9ctestxe2x80x9d mobile stations (e.g., those assigned Access Overload Class =10) to make initial system access using the carrier under test, and the normal subscriber (i.e., non-test) mobiles to make initial system access using either a carrier already in service, or any carrier assigned to the sector. This feature minimizes service provider fears about the impact of testing upon their subscriber base, by restricting subscriber mobile stations to non-test carriers, while providing full system access to test mobiles.
This feature requires the service provider to assign a test carrier to each cell on the drive test route requiring an excessively large data assignment. This occurs because each sector can have only a single carrier assigned as a test carrier. It is not practical for a technician to use different handsets to monitor the traffic carrier performance on the different carriers.
In the Mobile Station Test (MOST), technicians are permitted to use a mobile unit as a test station (i.e., a MOST mobile unit). When used as a test station, the MOST mobile unit enables the technician to test a cell-to-mobile unit call processing interface and to check the audio quality on all the carrier elements on a cell by entering the forced handoff function code to have call handoff from one carrier element to another carrier element on the cell. When monitoring the traffic performance of a specific carrier with the MDM, the technician has to repeatedly enter the forced handoff function code until the call is handed off to a traffic channel of a desired traffic carrier. When the call is dropped during the test drive and only one technician is on the test drive route, it is very inconvenient for the technician to dial a lot of numbers from the mobile station.
Accordingly, a need exists for a method and system which overcomes the disadvantages in the prior art.
The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring the traffic carrier performance of a CDMA carrier. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a desired traffic carrier (DFC) database, specific to the present invention, can be located with and controlled by each base station, base station controller (BSC), or mobile switching center (MSC) in a mobile communication system. Each DFC database includes a record for each service provider""s test mobile station in the communication system. Each DFC database record includes at least two data fields: a mobile station identification field which is the record index, and a preferred traffic carrier field which identifies a preferred traffic carrier which represents the traffic carrier to be preferably selected for assignment to the mobile station involved in a call setup.
As is well known in the art, each base station operates on a subset of the radio frequency (RF) carriers assigned to the system. The preferred traffic carrier represents the RF traffic carrier to be preferably assigned to a mobile station from among the RF carriers assigned to the servicing base station.
In operation, during a call setup for a particular mobile station, where the mobile station either originates or is the recipient of a call, the servicing base station accesses the DFC database specific to the macro-cell, and uses a predefined mobile station identifier as an index into the database to retrieve the record pertaining to the particular mobile station originating/receiving the call. Once the record has been identified, the base station retrieves the preferred traffic carrier from the record, and attempts to assign the preferred traffic carrier, if available, to the mobile station to complete the call setup. If the preferred traffic carrier is available, the call can be setup by one of the following methods:
1. The system assigns the preferred traffic carrier during the call setup. In this case, the initial assigned carrier is the same as the preferred traffic carrier; or
2. The system assigns a carrier following the standard normal call setup procedure. In this case, the initial assigned carrier may be different from the preferred traffic carrier.
If the preferred traffic carrier is not available during the call setup, the method provides for one of the following alternatives:
1. Make a standard traffic carrier assignment during the call setup stage (see item 2 above).
2. Provide the mobile subscriber with a message announcement or predetermined tone indicating the call cannot be setup.
If (1) is selected, a counter will be initiated during which a continual check will be made to determine whether the preferred channel has become available. In the event the initial assigned carrier is different from the preferred traffic carrier, upon completion of a successful call setup (i.e, traffic channel acquiring procedure completes successfully), the system directs the mobile to hand off the call to the preferred traffic carrier.
Advantageously, a technician only needs to bring a single test mobile for system monitoring, that has preferred traffic carrier assigned to it. With this feature, a technician need not bring multiple handsets and make multiple call attempts to ensure that the test call is assigned on the carrier that will be monitored.
Another advantage of the present invention is that if a call is dropped or lost while being monitored during a drive test, a technician is only required to re-establish the call without being concerned about assigning a particular traffic carrier. In the event a call is dropped or lost, an attempt is made to preferably re-establish the call on the preferred traffic carrier, thereby allowing for complete and expedient testing of a coverage area than was previously possible via standard testing schemes.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the DFC database allows for effortless software upgradability and expansion of the testing system.

Method and system for monitoring traffic carrier performance in a mobile communication system


A card game which includes a plurality of cards. Each of the plurality of cards has a front side and a back side. The front side has a first identification information section printed thereon. A first name information section is printed below the identification information section on the front side of the card. The first identification information section has information corresponding to said first name information section on another of the cards. The back side of the card has a second name information section printed thereon. The second name information section has information corresponding to the first identification information section. The back side of the card also has a leader information section at a different location than the second name information section. The leader information section has information corresponding to the second name information section on another of the plurality of cards.

For centuries one of man's principal social and intellectual diversions, cards and card games, fit every degree of skill, from the simplest children's games to advanced games requiring inferential reasoning of a high order, psychology, and speculation. Card games remain popular despite the proliferation of other forms of entertainment, and cards are also used for education, divination, and conjuring.
Though where and when cards originated is uncertain, China seems to be the most likely place, and the 7th to the 10th century the earliest probable time. An Indian origin has been suggested by the resemblance of symbols on some early European decks to the ring, sword, cup, and baton classically depicted in the four hands of Hindu statues. Yet another theory is that both cards and chests are derived from ancient divinatory procedures used by primitive peoples.
It is not known how cards were introduced to Europe. Some early decks had symbols resembling the Chinese markings and may have been taken back by a Venetian, possibly Niccolo Polo or his more famous Son Marco during travels to and from China in the latter half of the 13th century. Another speculation is that cards may have been brought from Arabia by the Gypsies, but the Gypsies did not reach Western Europe in appreciable numbers until after cards had been more firmly established. If an Arab origin is to be sought, the Saracen invasion of Sicily or the Moorish Conquest of Spain could provide a link. The Spanish word for cards, which is naipes, and an earlier Italian word, which is naibi, are probably of Arab origin. There are references to cards in Italy from 1299, in Spain, from as early as 1371, the Low Countries, from 1379, and in Germany from 1380. A French manuscript of the early 14th century contains a reference to cards, and in 1392 the registers of the Chambre des Comptes of Charles VI recorded the purchase of three games of cards "in gold and diverse colors". In England by 1465 the use of cards was well enough established for manufacturers to petition for protection against imports.
Card games catering to social and competitive inclinations have proved vastly more important than other uses of cards. It is frequently suggested that one prime ingredient of their success is that such games allow women to compete with men on equal terms and in mixed society. From the earliest times, cards have been used for instruction in diverse subjects. A cardinal, for example, used playing cards each baring a full-length figure with a description below, to instruct the young Louis XIV in the names of the kings and queens of France, geography, and Greek myths. Heraldry was also a popular subject for instruction by cards. Today there are many games, played mainly by children, based on the assembly of sets of pictures, while other decks--printed with the letters of the alphabet--or used for word games by adults as well as children.
The games for children are necessarily simple, as they must appeal to all age groups, and are seldom played in a serious frame of mind. Children enjoy them because they can compete with adults with a chance of winning. Most can be played by any reasonable number, and many games accentuate the element of suspense by giving each player three lives, after losing which he is out. Some games introduce actions, such as Slapjack, in which the player who slaps the jack when it appear takes all of the cards in a common pile. Some have an educational value, such as Casino, which is a foremost children's game because it gives practice in elementary arithmetic and can be played at a more serious level by adults. Other popular games are Old Maid and Beggar-My-Neighbor. Older children quickly learn to outshine most adults in such games as Concentration (Memory, Pelmanism in which, on each turn, the player faces two cards from a complete deck laid out face down. If a pair is formed, the player keeps them; if not, they are returned to their places, again face down. The winner is the player who collects the most cards.
The game of Concentration is very important in developing the memory skills of children. As such, the game of Concentration can be adapted, in other ways, to increase the understanding of geography or other important topics. In addition, when used with the names of football players, emphasis can be placed on the pattern in which football players attended college prior to playing professional football. As such, there is a need to adapt conventional playing cards so as to instill goals and to promote education among children.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a card game which is instructional and educational.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a card game that is simple, yet fun to play.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a card game that is adaptable to a wide range of topics and subjects.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.


A method determines the transmission quality of a signal transmitted by a base station and received by a mobile station in a cellular digital radio telephone network. The mobile station determines the phase error of detected bits a the input of the channel decoder, calculates the average and variance of the phase error. The average and variance are used to calculate the S/N ratio. The S/N ratio information is transmitted to a base station which converts the S/N ratio to a value defining the BER estimate of the received signal.

The present invention relates to a method to determine the transmission quality of a signal transmitted by a base station and received by a mobile station in a cellular digital radio telephone network.
In cellular radio telephone networks a mobile station, e.g., a radio telephone to a car, is connected to the closest base station of the base station providing the best transmission quality. When the transmission quality drops below a predetermined acceptable level, the controlling exchange in the network will hand-off the mobile station to another base station providing a better transmission quality.
The various digital cellular systems (e.g. European GSM system and the US digital mobile telephone network) each have standardized criteria for determining the lowest different acceptable transmission level before a hand-off is triggered. The bit error rate (BER) of the signal received in the mobile station is the most common criteria. This BER value should then be transmitted to the respective base station in a channel quality message.
The bit error rate is conveniently determined (or measured) at the input to the decoder, i.e., the BER is determined before decoding, but after the digital signal has been received, demodulated, filtered and detected.
For example, the BER could be determined by an encoding-decoding method, where a received data frame is decoded and error corrected and then encoded and compared to the actually received frame. An estimate of the number of bit errors is provided by counting the number of unequal bits in the frames. This method is effective, but complicated to implement.

Method to determine transmission quality


Method and apparatus are disclosed for a wire harness routing aid. An example wire harness routing aid for a vehicle includes an extruded core made of a thermosetting polymer. The example wire harness routing aid also includes a plurality of wires positioned around an exterior of the extruded core. Additionally, the wire harness routing aid includes a fastening layer to affix the plurality of wires to the extruded core.

Wire harnesses are bundles of cables that electrically couple components in a vehicle. Some cables are used for data communication (e.g., data buses) and some cables are used for power (e.g., power buses). Vehicles typically have tight spaces and close packaging envelopes in which the wire harness is to fit. As shown in FIG. 1, to ensure that the wire harness 100 fits within the allotted space, typically, the wire harness 100 is contained within a shield 102. The shield 102 is designed to fit into the allotted space. The shield 102 is produce via injection molding. However, injection molding requires a custom mold be designed for each location the shield 102 is being used. Designing and manufacturing the custom molds is time consuming and expensive.


A method of controlling the use of a custom image by a user in a value dispensing system, such as a mail processing system, that enables the system provider to account and charge for the use of the custom image without ever actually receiving the data representing custom image. The method includes steps of receiving a hash generated from at least the custom image at a provider location, such as a data center, generating a digital signature from data including at least the received hash, and transmitting the digital signature and data used to generate the digital signature to the user at a user location. The method may further include additional steps of determining whether the digital signature can be successfully verified, and allowing the custom image to be printed by the user only if it is determined that the digital signature can be successfully verified.

Postage metering systems are well known in the art. A postage metering system applies evidence of postage, commonly referred to as postal indicia, to an envelope or other mailpiece (directly or on a label to be applied thereto) and accounts for the value of the postage dispensed.
Presently, there are two basic postage metering system types: closed systems and open systems. In a closed system, the system functionality is solely dedicated to postage metering activity. Examples of closed metering systems include conventional digital and analog (electronic and mechanical) postage meters wherein a dedicated printer is securely coupled to a metering or accounting function. In a closed system, since the printer is securely coupled and dedicated to the meter, printing evidence of postage cannot take place without accounting for the evidence of postage. In an open system, the printer is not dedicated to the metering activity, freeing system functionality for multiple and diverse uses in addition to the metering activity. Examples of open metering systems include personal computer (PC) based devices with single/multi-tasking operating systems, multi-user applications and digital printers. An open system metering device is a postage evidencing device with a non-dedicated printer that is not securely coupled to a secure accounting module. Open system indicia printed by the non-dedicated printer are made secure by including addressee information in the encrypted evidence of postage printed on the mailpiece for subsequent verification.
Conventional analog closed system postage meters (both electronic and mechanical) have heretofore physically secured the link between printing and accounting. The integrity of the physical meter box has been monitored by periodic physical inspections of the meters. Digital closed system postage meters typically include a dedicated digital printer coupled to a device that provides metering (accounting) functionality. Digital printing postage meters have removed the need for the physical inspection that was required with analog systems by cryptographically securing the link between the accounting and printing mechanisms. In essence, digital printing postage meters create a secure point to point communication link between the accounting unit and printhead.
In such digital closed systems, the dedicated printer and the metering (accounting) device may be located in the same device and/or at the same location when placed in operation. Alternatively, the dedicated printer may be located in a first location (i.e., the local location where indicia are to be printed), and the metering (accounting) device may be located in a remote location, such as a provider's data center. In the latter situation, it is still necessary for the dedicated printer to be a secure device having cryptographic capabilities so that postage printing information, such as an indicium, received from the metering (accounting) device, and the metering (accounting) device itself, can be authenticated.
Many postage metering system users desire to have the ability to print an image on the mailpiece (or label) in conjunction with the indicium that is printed. For example, the image may be a predetermined image that is selected and obtained (such as from a catalog or the like) from the postage metering system provider. In such a case, the provider is able to control the images that are available for use, and thus can take steps to prevent the use of copyrighted and/or offensive images. In addition, when predetermined provider images are used, the provider can account for the use of such images and therefore charge a fee to users for use of what is considered to be a premium service. Some users, however, desire to have the ability to print custom images that they either create themselves or obtain form a third party source. Custom images, however, present a problem as they are not as readily controlled by the provider, and thus it is difficult to prevent the use of copyrighted and/or offensive images. Furthermore, for various reasons, in situations where a custom image is to be used, it is preferred that the custom image (i.e., the data representing the custom image) never actually be received and physically possessed by the provider. This, however, limits the ability of a provider to account for, and thus charge the customer for, the use of the custom image. Thus, there is a need for a system that enables a provider to account and charge for the use of a custom image wherein the provider never actually receives the data representing custom image.

Method to control the use of custom images


In addition to a first transmitter circuit, a plurality of transmission lines and a first data processing circuit in the receive side, so as to cause a DLL circuit to be regulated that regulates timing of a sampling clock of the data signal, a second first transmitter circuit, a transmission line and a second data processing circuit are provided, when a second specific signal string is sent, a regulation start signal string is caused to be distributed by the second data processing circuit, regulation is caused to be made for a DLL circuit of the first data processing circuit by a regulation signal string, the data starting with the bit next to a first specific signal string detected in the data signal is written into a m-address n-bit FIFO circuit, simultaneously a read address synchronized with a system clock is generated from a third specific signal string that came to the second data processing circuit, whereby the data is recovered.

The present invention relates to a high-speed transmission system having a low latency for use in an information processing unit, more particularly to improvement in a high-speed transmission system that transmits a serial signal using a plurality of transmission lines in a transmission system that is used for data transmission among a plurality of processors and between the processor and a memory, which requires a highly speedy broadband data transmission.
Conventionally, in such a highly speedy broadband transmission system, generally, transmission was made for parallel data at one period or plural periods among units having a synchronized clock by the use of a plurality of transmission lines in parallel.
Recently, more broadband transmission has been required, the parallel signal number has increased, and reduction of the signal number of LSI (Large Scaled Integration) has been requested as the input/0 output signal number increases drastically.
So as to respond to this request, for example, as disclosed in High Performance Parallel Interface 6400 M bit/s Physical Layer (HIPPI-6400-PH ANSI X3xxx.199x), it was proposed to transmit a serial data signal at high speed and in broadband by the use of a plurality of transmission lines. So as to correctly receive data that operates at high-speed, it is necessary to sample a data signal having a transmission waveform distorted by a transmission medium such as a cable in a narrow determination region of data called an eye. For that end, phase alteration of a build up or a lagging edge that always alters is supervised constantly, and a sampling clock is regulated at the center of alteration points of data by the use of a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) to receive data. But, in a technique disclosed in this prior-art document, as shown in FIG. 14, by adding one bit to data signal 4 bits, a signal is inversed so that ratios of 1 and 0 become equal, whereby continuous occurrence of 0 and 1 is suppressed to cause alteration to occur constantly.
Also, in a single transmission line, like a fiber channel (ANSI XT11 Fiber Channel Physical and Transmission Protocol) so as to reduce the numbers of 1 and 0 (zero) that are continuous, a technique has been employed of converting 8 bits into 10 bits.
For example, in JP-A-340839/1999, was disclosed a parallel-signal serial transmission unit adapted to provide in the send side separator-bit addition/parallel-serial conversion means of adding a synchronizing signal to a parallel data signal to convert it into a serial data signal, and to provide in the receive side separator-bit deletion/serial-parallel conversion means of removing a separator bit from the serial data signal to convert it into a parallel data signal.
Also, in JP-A-216744/2000, was disclosed a data transmission unit that includes synchronizing code addition means of adding a synchronizing code during a specific period of parallel data and parallel/serial conversion means of converting the parallel data to which the synchronizing code was added into serial data.
On the contrary, in the prior art described above, the problem existed: For example, since separator one bit (or two bits) was added to data 4 bits (or 8 bits), 80% of the transmitted data signal was effective data, whereby, so as to transmit the same data volume, it was necessary to use one and a quarter times of circuit volume and transmission line or to raise a transmission speed one and a quarter times.
Also, since time for converting 4-bit (or 8-bit) data into 5-bit (or 10-bit) one so that ratios of 1 and 0 become equal, and time for converting 5-bit (or 10-bit) data into 4-bit one (or 8-bit one) are needed, the problem existed: It required the time (hereinafter, referred to as latency) that the receiver side recovered original data and output it after data that was transmitted was input, and even though transmission was able to be made at a high speed, the time was delayed for being used as data.
But, in the event that 4 bits (or 8 bits) was not converted into 5 bits (or 10 bits), a redundant bit is not added and a data signal takes a free value, whereby means of establishing a specific signal string as a start of data is not able to be employed, and yet it is not be able to be guaranteed that a signal string does alter into 1 and 0, whereby the problem occurs that a sampling clock is not able to be regulated constantly.

High-speed transmission system having a low latency


Provided is a heterocyclic compound that may have a GCN2 inhibitory action, and is expected to be useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of GCN2 associated diseases including cancer and the like. A compound represented by the formula (I):

Integrated stress response (ISR) plays an essential role when cells adapt to stress conditions such as hypoxia and malnutrition (non-patent document 1). ISR is regulated by 4 kinds of eIF2α kinase (EIF2AK); heme-regulated initiation factor 2 alpha kinase (HRI), double stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), GCN2. These EIF2AKs are activated under a particular stress and phosphorylate a protein translation initiation regulatory factor, eIF2α. It is known that GCN2 is activated by amino acid starvation, ultraviolet irradiation and the like. Phosphorylation of eIF2α by GCN2 is considered to cause expression of the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) at the downstream thereof and involvement in amino acid synthesis, metabolism, cell death and the like.
In the intratumoral microenvironment, angiogenesis may become locally insufficient along with abnormal proliferation of cancer cells and the like. When the hematological supply is stagnant, a state of oxygen or nutrient deficiency is induced. Cancer cells support tumor growth by having the ability to survive by overcoming these harsh environments.
It is suggested that the GCN2/eIF2α/ATF4 pathway has the possibility of playing an important role in the survival and proliferation of cells in the amino acid starved state and is involved in angiogenesis in tumor (non-patent documents 2, 3). In addition, GCN2 has been reported to show high expression in certain tumors as compared to normal tissues (non-patent document 3).
As a compound inhibiting GCN2, the compounds described in patent documents 1-3 and the like are known. However, specific disclosure of anti-cancer action and preventive and therapeutic effects on other diseases which are caused by GCN2 inhibition is absent. Non-patent document 4 discloses Raf inhibitors and patent documents 4, 5 and 6 disclose pyrimidine derivatives and compounds which are pyrimidylpyrrolopyridinone derivatives and having a sulfonamide structure for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. To date, there is no compound launched as a therapeutic agent for cancer and other diseases based on a GCN2 inhibitory action.

Abstract: wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION, or a salt thereof.


An optical intensity modulator for high-speed RZ and NRZ data modulation based on a balanced three-arm Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The three arms are joined at the input and output sides of the device by three-way couplers. The input coupler is structured to couple approximately equal powers into the first and third arms and no more than 50% power into the second arm. In the straight sections of the arms, there is arranged an AC electrode structure for applying an RF modulation signal and a DC electrode structure for biasing the device at a working point. The AC electrode structure is arranged so that an applied modulation signal induces a negative phase shift (xe2x88x92xcex94xcfx86) in the first arm in relation to the second arm and a positive phase shift (+xcex94xcfx86) in the third arm in relation to the second arm.

The invention relates to optical intensity modulators, more especially, but not exclusively, to optical modulators suitable for high bit rate optical communication systems using return-to-zero (RZ) data modulation.
The Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) is perhaps the most common solution for realizing integrated optical intensity modulators. An optical signal is split from an input waveguide by a Y-splitter (or 2-way coupler) into two waveguide arms. Electrodes are placed along the two arms to control the optical path length difference between the two arms, e.g. using the electro-optic effect. The two arms rejoin at another Y-splitter (or 2-way coupler) so that light components carried by the two arms interferometrically recombine. Data carried by an electrical signal connected to the electrodes can be used to control the interferometric recombination of the light components at the output Y-splitter, thereby impressing the data onto an optical signal traversing the device. A favored technology for implementing MZI""s is a lithium niobate crystal substrate with diffused titanium waveguides (LiNbO3:Ti technology). A variety of other technologies can also be used, for example GaAs.
FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a conventional balanced MZI 110 comprising two arms 118 and 120. The device is fabricated in an x-cut lithium niobate substrate 100, as described in reference [1] and reference [2]. In use, a phase shift is induced between the two arms 118 and 120, trough the electro-optic effect. The phase shift is induced by applying an RF data modulation signal across a signal electrode 114 and two ground electrodes 112 and 116, suitably arranged in respect of the arms 118 and 120. As well as AC (i.e. RF) electrodes, there are also provided DC electrodes (not shown) for biasing the modulator at a desired working point. A desired intensity variation at the interferometer output is thus obtained to provide data modulation. In the figure, there is also shown an output side phase modulator 125 suitable for chirping the signal output from the MZI 110 using a pair of electrodes 130 and 132. In this way, chirped RZ (CRZ) data modulation can be achieved.
The MZI modulator is easy to realize, is simple to use and achieves high performance. It has thus become a key component in optical communication systems. However, the relatively weak electro-optical coefficient of the available materials used for realization of the waveguides means that the modulator electrodes need to be relatively long in order to induce the necessary phase shift to the light. Long electrodes are undesirable, because they limit the frequency bandwidth of the modulator.
With the continuously increasing bit rate of modem optical communication systems and the interest in RZ data modulation for soliton and other non-linear transmission systems, there is a need for an intensity modulator capable of generating still shorter optical pulses.
In principle, to provide shorter optical pulses, it is sufficient to feed the AC electrodes of a simple MZI with shorter RF pulses. However, in this case, the bandwidth of the modulator (i.e. the bandwidth of the RF drivers and the RF electrodes of the modulator) must be at least equal to the bandwidth of the RF pulses or even higher, that is higher than the inverse of the bit rate. This approach is generally avoided because of the large bandwidth required by the modulator.
FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows an approach designed to solve this problem, as disclosed in references [1], [2] and [3]. The proposed approach is to cascade two MZI""s 10 and 150. The illustrated device is fabricated in x-cut lithium niobate. In use, one of the MZI""s, for example MZI 110, is modulated via its electrodes 112, 114 and 116 with non-return-to-zero (RZ) modulated data, while the other MZI 150 is modulated via its electrodes 152, 154, 156 with a clock signal for converting the NRZ optical signal into an RZ optical signal. Generally, the clock-signal receiving MZI has travelling wave electrodes resonating at the clock frequency, which equals the bit rate of the NRZ modulated data
If a chirp is also desired, another phase modulator must be cascaded to the two NZI""s. In other words an additional stage similar to the phase modulator shown in FIG. 1 would be added to the device of FIG. 2. As a result, the device would become even longer than the two-stage device of FIG. 2. In addition, it would be difficult to synchronize the two, or even three, modulating RF signals applied to the electrodes.
The invention is based on the idea of dispensing with the conventional two-arm MZI (2aMZI) used in the prior art for RZ data modulation and instead using a suitably biased and configured three-arm MZI (3aMZI).
More especially, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for modulating an optical signal comprising:
an interferometer comprising: an optical signal divider; first, second and third arms; and an optical signal combiner arranged respectively to divide, convey and interferometrically recombine components of the optical signal into, along and from the arms, wherein the optical signal divider is structured so that the components of the optical signal coupled into the first and third arms are of approximately equal power;
a DC electrode structure for biasing the interferometer at a working point of the device; and
an AC (i.e. RF) electrode structure for applying an electrical modulation signal to the interferometer, wherein the AC electrode structure is configured so that the electrical modulation signal induces phase shifts of opposite sign and approximately equal magnitude in the first and third aims.
Although it is preferred that the three-arm interferometer is of the Mach-Zehnder type, in principal other interferometer configurations could be used, such as Michelson. However, in the following, it is assumed that the three-am interferometer is a 3aMZI. In addition, it may be possible to add further arms to the interferometer.
The 3aMZI modulator can be used as a data modulator or a pulse generator, for example.
In preferred embodiments, the 3aMZI has a symmetric power split between the first and third arms, with no more than 50% of the total power coupled into the second arm, and an antisymmetric phase shift between the first and third arms.
The second arm may be arranged as a central waveguide between the first and third arms which are arranged as two external waveguides extending either side of the central waveguide. Typically, the three waveguides will be joined at the input side of the device by some form of input signal divider and at the output side by some form of output signal combiner. The signal divider and combiner can be fabricated using splitters or couplers. Various alternative implementations are discussed further below.
As mathematically described further below, the 3aMZI may provide the same form of intensity (or power) transfer function as two cascaded 2aMZI""s (2xc3x972aMZIxe2x80x94see FIG. 2), but has a number of advantages over the 2xc3x972aMZI modulator of reference [1], and more generally over 2aMZI modulator designs.
One advantage is that with a 3aMZI modulator, only one modulation source is required, that is only one RF driver is required. By contrast, each stage of the 2xc3x972aMZI modulator requires a separate RF driver. This is of benefit for achieving high data rates, since there is no requirement to synchronize different RF drivers (e.g. one for the clock and another for NRZ data).
Another related advantage is that a 3aMZI modulator is inherently more compact than the 2xc3x972aMZI modulator, since it has only one stage rather than two. This is also of benefit for achieving high data rates.
A further advantage is that, in comparison with a 2aMZI modulator, the 3aMZI modulator can provide a larger notch width, which makes the device generally more robust, for example to noise in the input optical signal or modulating electronic signal. Notch width is the width of the zero of the intensity transfer function, as measured in terms of voltage or phase. The notch width is sensitive to the coupling constants of the input and output couplers or splitters. Choice of the coupling constants can thus be used to provide a desired notch width. In the example of a 3aMZI modulator in which 50% of the power is coupled into the central waveguide and 25% of the power is coupled into each of the two external waveguides, the notch width of the 3aMZI is about one order of magnitude larger than that of a 2aMZI modulator. A larger notch width makes the device less sensitive to variations in the technological fabrication processes. Further, a larger notch width means that the device is more tolerant to variations in the DC bias and RF drive signals. For digital applications, the 3aMZI architecture is thus inherently more robust than 2aMZI architectures.
A still further advantage is that the 3aMZI modulator can be embodied to provide efficient RZ modulation or NRZ modulation. Moreover, if desired, a single 3aMZI modulator can be designed to be switchable between multiple operational modes, for example one operational mode for RZ modulation and another for NRZ modulation. Specific examples of how this can be achieved are given in the detailed description below. Moreover, if desired, he RZ modulation can be chirped to provide chirped return-zero (CRZ) modulation. This can be achieved by adding a conventional phase modulation stage (see FIG. 1).
It is believed it a 3aMZI architecture has not previously been proposed for RZ or NRZ data modulation. However, it is noted that a 3aMZI was proposed in reference [5] in the context of analogue amplitude modulation of a CATV (cable television) signal containing a large range of frequency components requiring a linear modulation. Reference [6] discloses a four-arm MZI, also for amplitude modulation in CATV networks.
Reference [4] discloses a 3aMZI. The device is all-fiber and the phase modulations in the three arms are induced by piezoceramics. This device is intended for applications in the field of interferometric measurements and quantum physics, rather than for any data modulation applications for optical telecommunications.
There are some other properties of the 3aMZI structure which are now also discussed.
Like notch width, notch voltage, i.e. the voltage at which the notch occurs in the intensity transfer function, is dependent on the coupling constants of the input and output couplers or splitters. Generally, as the proportion of power coupled into the central waveguide is increased, both the notch voltage and notch width will increase.
In some preferred embodiments, it is beneficial to provide a notch width (related to the zero range of the device transfer function) that is as wide as possible. Maximum notch width is calculated to occur at 50% power coupled into the second arm, with significantly enhanced values of notch width (compared to a 2aMZI) occurring when 30% or more power is coupled into the second arm. Accordingly, it is preferred that between 30 and 50%, more preferably 40 and 50%, still more preferably 45 to 50%, of the total power is coupled into the second arm.
In another preferred embodiments of the invention there is provided a 25:50:25 power split between the first, second and third arms respectively. This power split provides very good extinction ratio performance. Allowing for variations around this preferred power split, the signal divider may thus be structured to couple between 40% to 60%, more preferably 42 to 58%, still more preferably 45 to 55%, yet more preferably 46.5 to 53.5% of the total power into the second arm (e.g. central waveguide.
Moreover, the difference in the respective power fractions coupled into the first and Gird arms should be less than about 8%, more preferably 5%, for most applications. The signal divider may thus be structured so that the components of the optical signal coupled into the first and third arms are of approximately equal power. Fabrication of a 3aMZI modulator can be based on existing processes used for 2aMZI modulators. The microwave circuits used for the RF drivers can also be based on those used for conventional 2aMZI modulators. For example, co-planar microwave waveguides can be used as the electrodes and can be of the same dimensions in a 3aMZI modulator as for a 2aMZI modulator.
The 3aMZI generally has a higher drive voltage V90 than a 2aMZI. That is, a 3aMZI requires a higher applied voltage to produce a sufficient phase difference in the intensity transfer function to change the output state from high to low or vice versa. The drive voltage in a 3aMZI is up to twice that of a 2aMZI, with the precise factor depending on the input power split into the arms of the 3aMZI. With 50% power coupled into the central waveguide and 25% power coupled into each of the two external waveguides, the factor is 2.
The transfer function of a 3aMZI with an antisymmetric phase shift and symmetric power splitting ratio is non-sinusoidal. Consequently, the practical interest in such 3aMZI devices is probably restricted to data modulation, i.e. digital applications. By contrast for amplitude modulation applications, such as CATV distribution, a linear response is required for good quality amplification References [5] and [6] disclose thee and four arm MZI designs for amplitude modulation applications.
The device may be fabricated in a substrate or epitaxial layer of lithium niobate, lithium tantalate or related crystal compound. The lithium niobate or related compound may be X-cut or Z-cut. The waveguides may be fabricated using conventional Ti diffusion processes. The electrodes may be fabricated using conventional Au sputtering processes. Alternatively, the device may be implemented in GaAs or other III-V compounds. The material choice is not critical to the device so any other waveguide technology may be considered, for example silica waveguide technology.
The AC electrode structure may comprise a signal electrode arranged adjacent to the second arm and ground electrodes arranged adjacent to the first and third arms. Alternatively, the AC electrode structure may comprise ground electrodes arranged adjacent to the second arm and a signal electrode arranged adjacent to the first and third arms. Further, the signal electrode may be split into two separate, individually drivable electrodes which allows RF drivers with lower peak powers to be used. The cost is that the two RF drivers need to be synchronized. The AC electrode structure is preferably symmetrical with respect to the interferometer arms. The AC electrodes are preferably travelling wave electrodes, since these can provide higher speed with existing technology. Lumped electrodes could however be used. The DC bias electrodes will typically be lumped. It will also be understood that the electrode positioning in relation to the waveguide arms will depend on the nature of the substrate, e.g. x-cut or z-cut.
A variety of conventional components can be used for the input signal divider, i.e. for splitting light from the input waveguide into the waveguide arms of the 3aMZI. Similarly, a variety of conventional components may be used for the output signal combiner, i.e. for recombining the light from the waveguide arms into the output waveguide. Three-way couplers may be used. Alternatively a cascade of two two-way couplers could be used. Moreover, instead of three-way couplers, tree-way splitters can be used. These are sometimes called tri-furcations or three-furcations in analogy with the term bi-furcation sometimes used to describe Y-splitters. Similarly, two two-way splitters (i.e. two Y-splitters) could be cascaded.
Among these alternatives, the preferred component for the output signal combiner is a three-way coupler, since this provides two monitor lines of the modulator output at no extra cost. One or both of these can be used for providing feedback for stabilizing the biasing of the 3aMZI. Feedback stabilization can be achieved by controlling the DC supply used for biasing the DC electrodes responsive to the monitor feedback signal from the output coupler.
To implement this functionality, the device may further comprise a bias controller having an output connected to the bias power supply and an input connected to the signal combiner, the controller being operable to control the biasing of the DC electrode structure, and us the working point of the device, responsive to a feedback signal received at its input from the signal combiner.
When the signal combiner is a three-way coupler, as preferred, its central output waveguide is preferably used to carry the modulated optical signal and one or both of its two peripheral waveguides are used to provide the feedback signal to the bias controller.
By comparison, in a 2xc3x972aMZI modulator, operational stability is less easy and convenient to implement, since two feedback control loops are needed for full stabilization, one for each stage. Another relevant point is that if the 3aMZI modulator uses couplers (rather than splitters) for the signal division and combination their coupling lengths are not critical and may even be different. By contrast in a 2aMZI, it is critical that the coupling lengths are carefully controlled and equal. This is because the transfer function of a 3aMZI is relatively insensitive to the coupler properties.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of modulating an optical signal comprising:
(a) providing an interferometer having first, second and third arms;
(b) biasing the interferometer at a working point thereof;
(c) supplying an optical signal to the interferometer;
(d) dividing the optical signal into components in each of the first, second and third arms, wherein the components of the optical signal coupled into the first and third arms are of approximately equal power; and
(e) applying a modulation signal to the interferometer so as to induce phase shifts of opposite sign and approximately equal magnitude in the first and third arms.
In one mode of operation, the working point is approximately at a maximum in the power transfer function of the interferometer, to provide return-zero (RZ) modulation of the optical signal.
In another mode of operation, the working point is approximately at a minimum in the power transfer function of the interferometer, to provide return-zero (RZ) modulation of the optical signal.
In a further mode of operation, the working point is intermediately positioned between a minimum and a maximum of the power transfer function of the interferometer, to provide non-return-zero (NRZ) modulation of the optical signal. In this case, the working point is preferably approximately midway between the maximum and minimum of the power transfer function.
A device according to the first aspect of the invention may be configured to provide only one of these modes of operation. However, the device could be configured to be switchable between any two of the above modes, or all three of the above modes, to provide a multi-mode device. In this way, a device could provide multiple RZ modulation modes, for example one with small notch width and one wit large notch width. Another example would be a device switchable between RZ and NRZ data modulation modes.

Optical intensity modulation device and method


An apparatus is proposed which serves the purpose of load-dependent actuation of an adjustment device, wherein the cross section and/or the pressure drop of an exhaust recirculation line in an internal combustion engine can be varied in accordance with load. An injection pump of conventional design is associated with the internal combustion engine and further includes a quantity adjustment device, the position of which acts as a control variable for the load. With this control variable, a booster apparatus is controlled via a comparison apparatus; the output variable of the booster apparatus in turn is the control variable for the actuation of an adjustment device which acts on an exhaust recirculation control apparatus. When a threshold value for load is exceeded, the exhaust recirculation is precluded. The control variable is preferably formed as a fuel pressure signal with the fuel withdrawn from the suction chamber of the injection pump. Apparatuses are proposed by means of which, in the event of the actuation of the control apparatus for exhaust recirculation, the smallest possible removal quantity of fuel is required for control purposes.

The invention relates to an apparatus in accordance with the invention described herein and finally claimed. In a known apparatus of this type, a signal analogous to load is generated and, through a load-dependent variation of a cross section in a pressure fluid supply line, for instance, a variable adjustment pressure which arises at an outlet throttle is made available, the amount of this pressure being correspondent to the load set at the fuel injection pump. However, this apparatus has the disadvantage that in order to provide precise metering of recirculated exhaust gas quantities, appropriate to the particular family of characteristic curves, high costs must be borne for the measurement of passage cross sections and their association with the particular load points required.

Apparatus for actuating an adjustment device acting upon a control apparatus for exhaust recirculation in internal combustion engines


A method for measuring efficiency of a turbine includes operating the power plant at a first load, wherein a gas turbine is operated with a first fuel flow and a first gas turbine inlet air flow, determining a first shaft output at the first load with steam supplied from a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to both the first steam turbine inlet and the second steam turbine inlet, maintaining the first gas turbine fuel flow, the first gas turbine inlet air flow, and the first steam turbine inlet steam flow while isolating the second steam turbine from the steam admission flow, determining a second shaft output while the second steam turbine is isolated from the steam admission flow, and determining an expansion efficiency of the second steam turbine based on the first shaft output and the second shaft output and a measured change in second steam turbine admission steam flow.

This invention relates generally to power generation facilities, and more specifically to a method of measuring an expansion efficiency of a turbine utilized in a power plant.
At least some known power plants include a low pressure steam turbine (LP) coupled with an intermediate pressure (IP) and/or high pressure (HP) steam turbine to drive a common generator. Measuring the steam turbine efficiency, i.e. a ratio of a measured enthalpy drop to an ideal (isentropic) enthalpy drop, of the LP steam turbine may be problematic when steam entering a condenser includes a mixture of saturated steam and water. Furthermore, accurately quantifying the quality and the enthalpy of steam in a wet region of the steam flow may also problematic.
Steam turbine section expansion efficiency is commonly measured when the expansion takes place entirely in a dry or superheated region because, in the case of superheated steam, the measured temperature and pressure expressly defines steam enthalpy. The expansion efficiency of an LP steam turbine section is normally not measured in the wet region since enthalpy is no longer only a function of pressure and temperature, but is also a function of a steam moisture content. Exhaust moisture is extremely difficult to measure, and as such exhaust moisture and LP steam turbine expansion efficiency, are typically calculated by measuring other quantities and performing an energy balance calculation. Although the HP turbine and IP turbine efficiency may be directly measured, by virtue of their superheated exhausts, the uncertainty in these measurements and in the HP, IP, and LP steam turbine flow results in undesirably high uncertainty in LP power output and derived efficiency.

Methods of measuring steam turbine efficiency


The present invention provides novel 19,20-didehydro-PG.sub.2 sulfonyl amides, methods for their preparation, and pharmacological use for the induction of prostaglandin-like effect.

The present invention relates to novel prostaglandin analogs. Particularly, these compounds are analogs of the prostaglandins wherein the C-20-C-19 position is unsaturated, i.e., 19,20-didehydro-PG compounds. Most particularly, the present invention relates to novel 19,20-didehydro-PG.sub.2 sulfonyl amides, a disclosure of the preparation and use of which is incorporated here by reference from U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,104.


The invention is directed to an apparatus for optically evaluating colorimetric coloration zones automatically wherein not only a single testing tube but also a plurality of reaction zones applied one behind the other to a common carrier can be evaluated. The least quantity of indicator substances for the coloration zones is used and an adequate signal intensity with the least possible consumption of power for the optical signal evaluation is attained. At the same time, the sensitivity to faults is reduced. Such an apparatus includes transmission as well as receiving units on a common mounting carrier. The light of the transmitting unit is conducted via a light conductor through the region of the reagent carrier which is transmittent and the coloration of the channel-shaped reaction zones of the carrier is detected in transmission and reflectance.

A device of this kind is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,232.
The known apparatus is a chip-shaped reagent carrier for several channels which are lined with a colorimetric indicator. The indicator enters into a chemical coloring reaction in the presence of a gaseous and/or vaporous component of the gas mixture which is to be detected. The length of the coloration or the speed with which the coloration advances along the reaction zone is a measure of the quantity or concentration of the component to be detected. The evaluation of each coloration zone takes place in that a row of light sources emit visible or invisible light toward the reaction zone and the reflected light is reflected onto corresponding detectors. The light sources are arranged one behind the other. The signal transmitting unit as well as the signal receiving unit must be adapted to the course of the reaction zone such that a uniform irradiation of the channel path is possible. Only ,small quantities of color indicators are available for the colorimetric display because of the small dimensions of the channels and the reaction zones. The evaluation signal for the receiving unit is correspondingly small. More specifically, the measuring signal is correspondingly susceptible to disturbance components which are caused, for example, by a nonuniform distribution of the indicator material. Likewise, a nonuniform illumination of the reaction zone can lead to a falsification of the measuring signal.
The known carrier with its plurality of channel-shaped reaction zones is introduced into an evaluation unit with the aid of an automatic transport device for the purpose of carrying out a measurement. A data field is read out (for example, in the form of a bar code) during the insertion into the evaluation unit. The data field contains all data necessary for the measurement and evaluation of the measuring signals. The type and number of the reaction zones as well as the correlation which prevails for each reaction zone is provided in a coded form in the data field. The correlation is between the coloration length and concentration of the gaseous components to be detected. The data read in in this manner is transmitted to a control unit and a data processing device (microprocessor). The carrier is placed into a measuring position after evaluation of the data field. In this measuring position, one or more reaction zones are connected to a pump. With the aid of this pump, the gas component to be investigated is pumped through the channel-shaped reaction zones. The reaction zone used for the investigation is brought into the radiation region of the signal transmitting unit and the signal receiving unit for measuring the colorimetric coloration. The transmitting and receiving units are the same which had read out the data field in the evaluation position of the carrier. The indicator colors during the throughflow of the reaction channel in dependence upon the quantity of the gas component to be investigated. The coloration path is detected from the portion of the non-colored reaction zone by the reflection and/or the absorption of different wavelength intensities by the signal receiving unit.

Apparatus for optically evaluating colorimetric coloration zones on a carrier to automatically detect gaseous and/or vaporous components of a gas mixture


A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a first cam phase variable mechanism capable of varying the phases of both first and second intake cams by using operating oil pressure, and a second cam phase variable mechanism having a split change function and capable of varying the phase of the second intake cam relative to that of the first intake cam by using the operating oil pressure. When the engine is operating in a low-speed, low-load region (A) in which the engine rotating speed is lower than a predetermined rotating speed (N2) and at the same time the engine load is lower than a predetermined load (L1), the second cam phase variable mechanism is preferentially controlled over the first cam phase variable mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a variable valve device for internal combustion engines, and more particularly, to techniques for optimizing valve opening/closing timings of intake and exhaust valves.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, more and more internal combustion engines (engines) have come to be equipped with cam phase variable mechanisms as a variable valve device for varying valve opening/closing timings (cam phases). Also, techniques have been developed whereby the cam phase variable mechanisms are applied to an engine having each cylinder provided with a plurality of intake valves and the valve opening/closing timings of all intake valves as well as only some of the intake valves are varied (split) in accordance with the operating condition of the engine (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2009-144521).
Where the valve opening/closing timings of only some of the intake valves associated with the individual cylinders can be varied in this manner, the multiple intake valves can be made to open continuously as a whole, whereby highly flexible valve control can be executed so that the overall valve open period of the intake valves may be prolonged, making it possible to improve the operational performance of the engine.
As actuators for such cam phase variable mechanisms, hydraulic actuators operated by unit of operating oil pressure are generally used. Also in the aforementioned publication, a vane-type hydraulic actuator is used for an actuator for actuating all of the intake valves as well as for an actuator for actuating only some of the intake valves.
Where a plurality of hydraulic actuators are used, however, a problem arises in that when the operating oil pressure is supplied to both of the hydraulic actuators at the same time, the supply pressure of the operating oil fluctuates due to temporary drop in the overall operating oil pressure. Such fluctuation in the supply pressure of the operating oil is not desirable because the valve opening/closing timings (cam phases) possibly fail to be accurately controlled as a result.

Variable valve device for internal combustion engine

Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha


A joint in the form of a counter track joint is disclosed that comprises a joint outer part with first outer ball tracks and second outer ball tracks; a joint inner part with first inner ball tracks and second inner ball tracks; wherein first aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points of a ball with the first outer ball track and with the first inner ball track, and second aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points between a ball with the second outer ball track and with the second inner ball track. The first aperture angles of the first track pairs open towards a first side of the joint, and the second aperture angles of the second track pairs open towards a second side of the joint. Outer axial play is provided between the joint outer part and the ball cage. Inner axial play is provided between the ball cage and the joint inner part. Axial play permits relative axial displacement of the joint inner part with respect to the joint outer part.

DE 100 60 120 A1 discloses a ball-type constant velocity joint in the form of a counter track joint with an axial displacement range, wherein the controlled angles of the first and second track pairs change in opposite directions along the axial displacement of the joint inner part with respect to the joint outer part. The guidance of the joint at each point on the axial displacement path varies as a result of the continuous change in the control angles of the first and second track pairs in opposite directions along the axial displacement of the joint. In addition, either a maximum or a minimum of the control angles is reached at each end point of displacement travel in the first and second track pairs.

Counter track joint with axial displacement range


The present invention relates to a method for actuating a parking brake which is electromechanically operable by an actuator by way of a force-transmitting element, the actuator being composed of an electric motor and a self-locking gear which is interposed between the electric motor and the force-transmitting element, and it also relates to a system for actuating an electromechanically operable parking brake. To permit an adjustment of necessary actuating force nominal values, according to the present invention, the current to be supplied to the actuator and the actuator position are evaluated to determine a voltage that is to be applied to the actuator corresponding to the desired actuating force and the actuating force gradient.

German published patent application DE 19414046, for example, discloses an electromechanically operable parking brake of this general type. The special feature of the prior art parking brake includes that the rotor of the electric motor has a hollow or tubular design and radially embraces the gear unit. This method permits achieving an actuating unit which exhibits a small axial overall length. However, the state of the art mentioned does not indicate how the actuating unit is driven.
An object of the present invention is to disclose a method and a system for actuating an electromechanically operable parking brake which permits adjusting necessary nominal values of the actuating force. Another object of the present invention involves disclosing a method and a system which allow release of the parking brake and adjustment of the lining clearance. Still another objective is directed to monitoring the proper function or monitoring that predetermined limit values (such as maximum current, power requirement) are maintained.
According to the present method, this object is achieved in that the current to be supplied to the actuator and the actuator position are evaluated in order to determine the voltage that is to be applied to the actuator corresponding to the desired actuating force and the actuating force gradient.
To render the idea of the present invention more precise, a desired actuator position and a desired actuator rotational speed is associated with the desired actuating force and its gradient by function control and monitoring.
In this arrangement, the desired actuator position and the desired actuator rotational speed are preferably subjected to a position control in order to produce a signal representative of the actuator current nominal value.
The voltage that is to be applied to the actuator is preferably calculated by evaluating the signal representative of the desired actuating current value in consideration of a signal representative of the actuator rotational speed actual value.
Another favorable feature of the method of the present invention includes that a second voltage value, which preferably amounts to 0 volt, can be applied to the actuator in dependence on a switching variable.
The switching variable can be set by the function control and monitoring system due to error and/or functional reasons, or by the position control due to functional reasons.
An actuation system according to the present invention for implementing the above-mentioned method is characterized in that
a) there is provision of a function controlling and monitoring module which is furnished, as input quantities, with nominal values of the actuating force and signals representative of the actuating force gradient, with a signal representative of the actual actuator position, and a signal representative of the actual actuator current, and which produces from the input quantities the nominal value of the actuator rotational speed, the nominal value of the actuator position and the actual value of the actuator rotational speed, PA1 b) there is provision of a position controller which is furnished, as input quantities, with the signals that correspond to the nominal and actual value of the actuator rotational speed and the nominal and actual value of the actuator position, and which provides the signal representative of the actuator current nominal value, and PA1 c) connected downstream of which is a calculating module in which the signal representative of the actuator current nominal value is converted into the desired voltage that is to be applied to the actuator, and in which there occurs a compensation of the opposing electromagnetic force generated by the actuator, in consideration of the actual value of the actuator rotational speed.
In this arrangement, it is assumed that elements which exhibit a self-locking effect are provided in the electromechanical driving track. A simplified control structure compared to a system without self-locking is achieved by specifically utilizing the self-locking effect in the actuator activation. It is not required to actuate the electric parking brake in a controlled way when a predetermined target position or target force is reached; it may rather be brought to a standstill in a simple manner by the influence of a great degree of static friction. Due to the self-locking effect, the parking brake will remain in this position also in the deenergized condition.
In a preferred aspect of the actuation system of the present invention, switching means are connected downstream of the calculating module which permit applying a second voltage value to the actuator, that is preferably 0 volt, in dependence on a switching variable.
In another embodiment of the system of the present invention, the output signal of the switching means is sent to an electronic actuating circuit (servo booster) whose output signal is used to drive the actuator.

Method and system for actuating an electromechanically operable parking brake for automotive vehicles


Generally disclosed may be an LED lighting module (including but not limited to lamps, light bulbs, or light fixtures) with (i) rapidly replaceable LED light source units, (ii) rapidly replaceable driver circuitry, and (iii) efficient heat transfer. An aspect of the rapid replaceability of the disclosed light source is self-registration of the source's light elements, electronic drive components, and heat sources respectively relative to the optical, power supply components, and heat sink components of a lamp or other lighting device.

Field of Invention
The present application is in the field of light emitting diode (LED) lamps and related methods.
Background of the Invention
An LED is a two-lead semiconductor light source. LEDs have become widespread for use in lighting applications because LEDs are favorably smaller in size, lower in power consumption, longer in life, and offer quicker response speeds than alternative incandescent or fluorescent light sources. Although better than alternative light sources, LED lamps can be inefficient, where in some cases, 80% to 85% of input power is converted to heat rather than light. This inefficiency can result in heat buildup and, if the heat is not dissipated effectively, light emitting intensity and service life of the LED light source are reduced significantly.
LED lamps or light bulbs are assemblies with an LED light source for use in lighting fixtures and other lighting applications. A traditional (prior art) LED bulb or lamp is an MR-16 high power LED lamp. FIG. 1A is a prospective view of a typical MR-16 high powered LED lamp bulb 10. FIG. 1B is a side view of the MR-16 high powered LED lamp bulb 10 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the MR-16 high powered LED bulb of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Referring to FIG. 1A through 1C, and FIG. 1C in particular, a traditional MR-16 LED bulb 10 comprises a housing 11, a base 12, a driver circuit and pins 13, LED light source(s) 14, wiring 15, printed circuit board ("PCB") for the LED(s) 16, a lens and/or optic 17, and a retainer ring 18. Typically, the LED light source(s) 14 is(are) secured to the PCB 16 and both (a) mechanically connected to the base 12 and (b) electrically connected to the driver and pins 13 via the wires 15 and screws 19. In use, the light source(s) 14 emit(s) light whenever the driver and pins 13 are electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The lens and optics 17 may be used to focus light emitted from the light source(s) 14 and the snap retainer ring 18 can secure the lens/optics 17 in place. Such traditional LED bulbs are tedious to assemble because, among other reasons, (a) the wiring 15 must be soldered or otherwise connected to the driver and pins 13 and LED light source(s) 14; the PCB 16 must be screwed into the base and housing via a screw driver; and, usually a spanner wrench and other special purpose tools must be had for dismantling and reassembling an LED lamp.
Another embodiment of typical LED lamps are generally shown and described by U.S. Pat. App. Pub. 2008/0174247 (published Jul. 24, 2008) by Yu et al. Referring to FIG. 1 of Yu et al. (reproduced as FIG. 1D in this specification), a traditional MR-16 LED bulb 10 comprises a housing 11, a base 12, driver and pins 13, an LED light source 14, wiring 15, insulation 16, a lens/optic 17, and a cover 18. Yu et al., ¶[0007]. Typically, the LED light source 14 is secured to the insulation 16 and both (a) mechanically connected to the base 12 and (b) electrically connected to the driver and pins 13 via the wires 15. Id. In use, the light source 14 emits light whenever the driver and pins 13 are electrically connected to a power source (not shown). Id. The lens/optic 17 may be used to focus light emitted from the light source 14 and the cover 18 can secure the lens/optic 17 in place. Such traditional LED bulbs are tedious to assemble because, among other reasons, the wiring 15 must be soldered or otherwise connected to the driver and pins 13 and LED light source 14.
Traditional LED lamps, like the MR-16 lamp, have also not adequately addressed the heat-dissipation problems associated with LED light sources. For instance, heat cannot be effectively dissipated from the LED light source in a traditional bulb because the LED is positioned on insulation or a PCB. As discussed above, heat build-up can degrade the LED and, if the LED is damaged, it is more cost effective and time-efficient to replace the entire lamp than tediously replace the LED. Likewise, when failure of driver circuitry or driver components occurs, these are equally difficult and impractical to replace. Thus, an improved LED lamp is needed that effectively dissipates heat from the LED light source and/or that allows damaged LED light sources and/or damaged driver circuitry to be easily replaced. All of these problems render such MR-16 bulbs unserviceable.
One attempt to meet the aforementioned need is disclosed by Yu et al. Specifically, Yu et al. discloses, with reference to Yu et al.'s FIGS. 2 (reproduced as FIG. 2 in this document), an LED lamp 20 with an LED light source 27, a housing 21, heat-dissipation glue 23, a circuit board 24, and a femininely threaded adapter 26. Id., ¶[0020]. The LED light source 27 is a threaded cylinder wherein the threads 271 are a negative electrode for the LED and the base of the cylinder is a positive electrode for the LED. Id., ¶[0024]. The circuit board 24 features pins 25 and a positive contact point 241. As disclosed by Yu et al., the circuit board 24 and adapter 26 are glued, via the heat-dissipation glue 23, into the bottom of the housing 21 so that the circuit board 21 is underneath the adapter 26. Id. ¶[0021]. When so assembled, the LED light source 27 may be threaded, via its negative electrode 271, into the adaptor 26 until its positive electrode contacts the positive contact point 241 of the circuit board 24. Id., ¶[0021]. In this design: (a) heat may be transferred to the ambient environment via the mechanical contacts between the LED light source 27, adapter 26, circuit board 24, glue 23, and the housing 21; and (b) the LED light source 27 may be readily replaced via unscrewing the component 27 from the adapter 26.
Although an improvement to traditional LED lamps, the lamp disclosed by Yu et al. has various limitations. For instance, the threading of a small LED light source into an equally small adapter can be tedious and requires tools. In addition, a glue gun may be required in the assembly of the lamp. Furthermore, machining the threads for the LED light source and adapter of Yu et al.'s lamp requires exact tolerances or else the assembly cannot be constructed. Additionally, when a driver component or components fail, replacement is difficult since the driver 24 is glued into the housing 21 and may also require unsoldering and re-soldering of wires to effect such replacement. Finally, Yu et al.'s LED lamp accomplishes heat transfer to the ambient environment via the conduction of heat through the interface of several components of the lamp, which is less efficient than conductive heat transfer through the interface of two or less components of the lamp. Thus, a need still exists for LED lamps that effectively dissipate heat from an LED light source and that allow damaged LED light sources and drivers to be easily replaced.

Light module with self-aligning electrical and mechanical connection


A steam valve seal for a steam iron comprising: a hollow cylindrical base disposed within an opening defined by a steam chest cover plate of the iron, the base receiving a steam valve of the iron; an annular middle portion disposed between the base and an outer annular wall having a downwardly extending annular shoulder; the annular shoulder disposed in an annular channel defined by the steam chest cover plate; and an annular groove defined by and disposed between the annular middle portion and the outer annular wall, the annular groove receiving an annular clip disposed within the iron which holds the seal against the steam chest cover plate. Shrinkage of the steam valve seal causes the cylindrical base to tighten against the steam valve and causes the annular middle portion and annular shoulder to tighten against the steam chest cover plate.

Typical steam valve seals for steam pressing irons shrink when exposed to high temperatures generated in steam irons over long periods of time. Further, the design of known steam valve seals are such that when such shrinkage occurs, the seals actually shrink away from the steam chest cover plate and the steam valve, causing the seal to fail thereby allowing steam to escape from the steam chest. As a result, the useful lives of the steam irons in which such known steam valve seals are used are shortened.
Thus, there is a need for an improved steam valve seal which eliminates the undesirable effects of shrinkage associated with known steam valve seals.
It is desirable, therefore, to provide an improved steam valve seal which shrinks against, as opposed to away from, the steam chest cover plate and the steam valve.
It is also desirable to provide an improved steam valve seal which has a longer life than known steam valve seals.


A transportable wind tunnel testing automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, scale-model aircraft, building structures, and other products requiring high-quality and low noise directed air flow. The wind tunnel comprises one or more containers which can be separately transported on trailers. Each wind tunnel container comprises one or more fans, conditioning screens, acoustic baffles, and a reduction or contraction section. Wind tunnels may be connected end-to-end or side-to-side, with joined outflow. The wind tunnel containers can be used on the trailers, or can be removed and temporarily installed at a location.

Wind tunnels are well known in the prior art for testing various articles, including, but not limited to, aircraft, automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. Examples of prior art wind tunnels, testing apparatus, and variations thereof used for aerodynamic or aeroacoustic testing are disclosed in Barske, U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,558; Bouis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,609; and Knestel, U.S. Pat. No. 9,146,174, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by specific reference for all purposes.
Prior art wind tunnels, however, are large, permanent installations that are expensive to build and operate. The article or vehicle being tested must often be inserted into the wind tunnel or testing chamber, to reduce noise, interfering turbulence, and other factors. Further, use of prior wind tunnels can be inconvenient, as the articles or vehicles being tested must often be transported long distances to the location of the wind tunnel.


A vehicle safety mechanism comprising a seatbelt buckle containing numerous variants of a piercing point or glass breaking mechanism that can be utilized to break open a vehicle window in the event of an emergency. In numerous embodiments, a set of finger grips and a cover for the piercing point are illustrated.

1. Field of the System
The instant invention pertains to safety mechanisms and more specifically with safety mechanisms for the automotive, automotive manufacturing, and automobile safety industry.
2. Description of Concurrent Art
Currently, aftermarket hammers and spring-loaded, glass—breaking devices are products designed and geared toward providing a means for escaping a motor vehicle after an accident —particularly upon submergence of the vehicle. Thus, numerous aftermarket products, which are not permanently installed in vehicles, have been relied on for years. However, many of these systems may not be sufficient for escape as these are regularly placed in the glove box during normal operation, and, in the event of a crash, are not easily accessible to the driver.
In many crashes that result in vehicle submergence, the motor vehicle either ends up in the water in an upside down position or ends up turned over on one side at the bottom of the body of water. Additionally, often times, a driver or passenger are injured or trapped upon crashing and thus possess a limited range of motion. As concurrent systems are not designed to be retained on the body of the user, often times these systems are unusable in emergency situations.


In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for self-assembly of magnetic building blocks, including distributing a plurality of building blocks in a liquid medium, each of the plurality of building blocks having a plurality of stable radicals, establishing a magnetic field interacting with at least a portion of the plurality of building blocks, guiding with the magnetic field the portion of the plurality of building blocks from a first location in the liquid medium to a second location in the liquid medium, assembling into a first construct the portion of the plurality of building blocks proximate the second location, and treating the first construct with at least one antioxidant to neutralize at least in part the plurality of stable radicals.

The disclosure relates, in general, to self-assembly of building blocks and, more particularly, a system and method for guided self-assembly of magnetic building blocks including stable radicals.
Self-assembly is a promising and non-invasive strategy for parallel fabrication of heterogeneous functional systems made of various microstructures. Several self-assembly studies utilizing principles such as fluidic force, surface energy, magnetic force, gravity, electrostatic force, or capillary force have been presented for multiple applications. These self-assembly methods are often massively parallel, and thus, less expensive and faster than deterministic methods such as robotic assembly. However, assembly precision and yield are not as high as serial pick-and-place assembly owing to the probabilistic nature of self-assembly. To increase the yield of the assembly, excessive numbers of components were used within the assembly regions. Therefore, redundant mass fabrication of microstructures is required in most fluidic self-assembly methods, and there is an unmet need to develop efficient and inexpensive self-assembly methods merging the advantages of high-yield deterministic assembly and high-throughput self-assembly.
In general, microcomponent manipulation strategies using magnetism are versatile, contactless and inexpensive. In most of these strategies, magnetic micrometer-scale or nanometer-scale beads are used. Commercial magnetic beads are made of mainly iron oxide with minor amounts of other elements such as nickel and cobalt encapsulated in a polymer shell. Because of the risk of heavy metal poisoning, use and release of such magnetic beads in clinical applications have to be proven.
Therefore, there is a need for development of alternative beads that are potentially heavy metal-free for biological applications.

System and method for magnetic self-assembly