Impeller and turbine wheels form a toroidal working chamber of a hydrodynamic clutch filled with working medium. A throttle plate extends circumferentially near a central diameter of the working chamber The throttle plate moves axially, from an inactive position with little or no throttling effect on a circular flow of the working medium, to an active position with a greater throttling effect on the circular flow. The working chamber is without a center wall, such that the throttle plate is directly enclosed by the flow zone of the working chamber in both the active and inactive position of the throttle plate. The inactive position is located in the area of a separation gap between the impeller and the turbine wheel.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hydrodynamic clutches are known. They comprise an impeller and a turbine wheel which, as a rule, are the two only blade wheels of the hydrodynamic clutch. Accordingly, no stator is provided.
As a rule, the impeller and the turbine wheel jointly form a toroidal working chamber which is or can be filled with a working medium, for example oil, water or water-mixture. In the impeller the working medium is accelerated in radial direction outward, enters into the turbine wheel where it is slowed in radial inward direction and again enters into the impeller. By means of this working medium circulation the torque or respectively power is transferred free from wear and tear, from the impeller to the turbine wheel.
In the known state of the art, stationary or movable throttle plates are provided in hydrodynamic clutches in order to influence the working medium circulation and thereby the transfer behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch, especially to specifically adjust it. DE 103 53 518 A1 for example, describes two alternative options of providing throttle plates. According to a first embodiment stationary throttle plates which are located in axial direction of the hydrodynamic clutch, or in radial direction of the hydrodynamic clutch are provided which, depending on the slippage between impeller and turbine wheel exert a more or less throttling effect upon the working medium circuit. According to the second embodiment movable wall sections of the impeller wheel are provided, in order to influence the working medium circuit.
The disclosure document WO 2005/050047 A1 describes throttle plates extending in radial direction of the hydrodynamic clutch, which can be moved alone or jointly with a part of the impeller or turbine wheel of the hydrodynamic clutch in order to be optionally introduced into the circuit flow of working medium in the working chamber, thereby influencing the transfer behavior of the hydrodynamic clutch.
In the first-mentioned embodiment according to DE 103 53 518 A1 with stationary axially aligned throttle plates a targeted adjustment of the transfer behavior of the clutch is possible only to a limited extent. On the contrary, a firmly predetermined dependency on the effect of the throttle plate on the slippage results. Even the suggested displacement of parts of the blade wheel wall of the impeller, especially in the area of the radial outer diameter of the hydrodynamic clutch, or respectively its working chamber permits only a limited exertion of influence upon the transfer behavior.
In the embodiment according to the aforementioned WO-publication 2005/050047 A1 a comparatively great force is required to displace the throttle plate in axial direction due to the radial orientation of the throttle plate. As a rule, the fill level in the hydrodynamic clutch—that is the volume of working medium which circulates in the working chamber—must therefore be reduced, in order to be able to implement the axial movement of the throttle plate.
The disclosure document DE 103 53 554 A1 according to one embodiment describes a ring-shaped throttle plate which comprises a horizontal segment of an annular slide extending in circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic clutch and which is operable through an adjustment mechanism that is located radially outside the working chamber.
The patent documentation DE 582 886 describes a throttle plate which, in circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic clutch progresses in the area of a central diameter of the working chamber and from the perspective of an axial section across the hydrodynamic clutch extends with its intake side against which the circulation flow of working medium flows, parallel to the axis of rotation of the hydrodynamic clutch. In order to move the throttle plate into its active position, it is displaced out of the working chamber into a core ring area which is limited by a wall in relation to the working chamber. In its inactive position the throttle plate is not immediately surrounded by the flow zones of the working chamber, but is separated from them by the wall which forms the core ring area. The demonstrated embodiment requires a high constructive expenditure.
It is an objective of the current invention to provide a hydrodynamic clutch including a throttle plate to influence the transmission ratio of the hydrodynamic clutch. On the one hand a great effect upon the transmission behavior, that is the power transmitted from the impeller to the turbine wheel, or respectively the transmitted torque is possible through axial displacement of the throttle plate inside, or respectively into the working chamber. On the other hand a slight displacement of the throttle plate in any operating status and at any fill level of the hydrodynamic clutch is ensured. In addition an embodiment of the hydrodynamic clutch is created which is constructively simple and as compact as possible.
The inventive hydrodynamic clutch comprises an impeller and a turbine wheel which jointly form a toroidal working chamber that can be or is filled with a working medium. A throttle plate is provided which can be moved in axial direction of the hydrodynamic clutch in order to be optionally introduced into the working chamber and/or to be displaced within the working chamber.
According to the invention the throttle plate extends in the circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic clutch, that is around the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch, as a rule in a ring shape, elliptical shape or also in a square shape. The throttle plate can be a continuous design or can be discontinuous in circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic clutch.
According to the invention the throttle plate is provided in the area of the central diameter of the working chamber. This means it is located with a distance relative to the outside diameter of the working chamber and relative to the inside diameter of the working chamber.
The throttle plate extends in an axial direction of the hydrodynamic clutch. This means it comprises an intake side against which the working medium flows, thus creating a circulation in the working chamber and which, from the perspective of an axial section across the hydrodynamic clutch extends parallel to the axis, or substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch. The axial section is carried through the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch. The term "parallel to the axis" is understood to be not only an exact parallelism with the axis, but also a certain angular arrangement of the intake side of the throttle plate relative to the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch is possible. The more defined the angle, the stronger is the force which is required to displace the throttle plate in the axial direction. The angle should therefore be relatively small. In each instance it is to be less than 90°, for example between 0 and 45°, especially between 0 and 30° and especially advantageously between 0 and 10°, or 0 and 5° relative to the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch.
The hydrodynamic clutch can be in the embodiment of a hollow cylinder or a sector of a hollow cylinder, for example a plurality of individual sectors of a hollow cylinder. In both cases the distance of the throttle plate from the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch is constant over the entire circumference of the hydrodynamic clutch. Obviously, other forms with varying distance relative to the rotational axis over the circumference of the hydrodynamic clutch are considered. In angular arrangements, for example, conical forms of sections of cones are considered.
The throttle plate is advantageously supported by an adjustment mechanism and/or is connected to such a mechanism which engages with the throttle plate in a central area in a radial direction from the inside and/or a radial direction from the outside. The throttle plate, jointly with the component of the adjustment mechanism engaging with it forms in particular a T, viewed in an axial perspective through the hydrodynamic clutch, or respectively in circumferential direction through the throttle plate and the adjustment mechanism.
According to the invention the throttle plate—especially in the latter design variation—can be moved from an inactive position which is located in the area of the separation gap between the impeller and the turbine wheel of the hydrodynamic clutch into an active position, which is provided in the impeller or turbine wheel in the area of a central diameter of the working chamber. The required physical axial space for the throttle plate in its active position throttling the circulation of working medium, as well as in its inactive position which does not inhibit the circulation of working medium in the working chamber is hereby minimal, especially since the path of movement of the throttle plate is located entirely or substantially entirely, at least in axial direction or in any direction of the hydrodynamic clutch inside the working chamber.
The throttle plate is located directly in the working chamber in its active position, as well as in its inactive position. This means that it is not separated by a wall or something similar from the working chamber. On the contrary, from the perspective of an axial section across the hydrodynamic clutch the working chamber possesses a cross section that is without a central area which is delimited by a wall. Therefore, the throttle plate in its inactive, as well as in its active position is directly surrounded by the flow zones of the working chamber, in other words, without insertion components between them. Advantageously, the throttle plate is movable only inside the working chamber.
In an especially advantageous embodiment, the cross section of the working chamber, from the perspective of an axial section across the hydrodynamic clutch displays a full circular shape or respectively a full surface form, which could result from an elliptical shape or respectively from a shape deviating from the circular shape. These statements refer to one respective halve of the hydrodynamic clutch since in this axial perspective, the cross section of the working chamber naturally occurs respectively once on each side of the rotational axis of the hydrodynamic clutch.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention (, in one form,) and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.


A voice interaction architecture that compiles multiple audio signals captured at different locations within an environment, determines a time offset between a primary audio signal and other captured audio signals and identifies differences between the primary signal and the other signal(s). Thereafter, the architecture may provide the primary audio signal, an indication of the determined time offset(s) and the identified differences to remote computing resources for further processing. For instance, the architecture may send this information to a network-accessible distributed computing platform that performs beamforming and/or automatic speech recognition (ASR) on the received audio. The distributed computing platform may in turn determine a response to provide based upon the beamforming and/or ASR.

Homes are becoming more wired and connected with the proliferation of computing devices such as desktops, tablets, entertainment systems and portable communication devices. As these computing devices evolve, many different ways have been introduced to allow users to interact with them, such as through mechanical devices (e.g., keyboards, mice, etc.), touch screens, motion detectors and gesture recognition systems. Another way to interact with computing devices is through speech.
One drawback with speech recognition is that vocal interaction with a computing device can be affected by noises present in the room, the volume of the individual speaking, the location of the individual relative to the device and the orientation of the individual relative to the device. While there are advanced techniques available to extract speech from the audio signal, doing so in near real-time is computationally expensive.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


Impact detecting resistors (141), (143) of an impact detecting circuit (104) detect a counter electromotive force of a step motor (105) generated due to an impact. This counter electromotive force is amplified applying a predetermined period and a predetermined chopper-width by a chopper-amplifying waveform shaping circuit (118). Therefore, even a light impact can be detected. Inverters (145), (146) compare these impact detecting signals (S22), (S23) with a threshold value and detect an impact when the signals exceeds the threshold value. A controlling circuit (102) provides a lock pulse to the step motor (105) through signal lines (AA), (BB) when an impact is detected, brakes rotation of a rotor (162) thereby preventing a deviation of the time displayed with a second hand (106).

Conventionally, an analog electronic timepiece such as a wrist watch, etc., has a structure in which have time hands provided on a display unit rotate. The current time is recognized by the rotational positions of an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand that are the hands. Since such a wrist timepiece is small-sized, the visibility of the hands and accuracy of the displayed time are demanded. Especially in a wrist watch, downsizing and low power consumption are demanded. To meet this demand, small thin hands must be used. Therefore, the visibility has been poor.
If, for example, a thick second hand is used to improve the visibility, a weight of the second hand becomes heavy, causing a concern that the displayed time is deviated with only a small impact, that is, degradation of anti-shock property of the timepiece. To improve such an anti-shock property, a retentive power of a step motor that is a driving source should be increased. However, this method can not be employed because the power consumption during driving increases.
Mechanisms to cancel the deviation of the displayed time when an impact is applied externally are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below.
The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 corrects a deviation of the displayed time by executing rotation control such as outputting a compensation driving signal to a step motor, delaying a normal driving signal until an impact is ceased, etc. when the rotor detects a counter electromotive force generated while being jolted due to an impact. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 2 facilitates detection of an impact by periodically amplifying a counter electromotive force generated when the impact is detected and the level of this counter electromotive force.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. S65-110073
Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S61-61356

Analog electronic timepiece that prevents deviation of displayed time when an impact is applied to the timepiece


In an approach, a processor receives a request to deploy a workload in a container environment, where: the container environment comprises a plurality of external providers running container environment clusters; and the request (i) includes one or more requirements of the workload and (ii) does not specify a particular external provider of the plurality of external providers. A processor determines a cluster, from the plurality of external providers running the container environment clusters, that meets the one or more requirements of the workload. A processor deploys the workload on the determined cluster.

The present invention relates generally to the field of multicloud, and more particularly to estimating cost(s) and/or coordinating the placement of workloads among on-premise resources and/or various cloud computing resources based on received workload requirements.
Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. In cloud computing, functions are often distributed over multiple locations from central servers. Clouds may be limited to a single organization (enterprise cloud), or be available to many organizations (public cloud)
Multicloud refers to the distribution of cloud assets, software, applications, etc. across several cloud-hosing environments. A typical multicloud architecture utilizes multiple public clouds and/or private clouds. A multicloud environment aims to eliminate reliance on any single cloud provider.

Cluster selection for workload deployment


The present invention relates generally to an optical security system having a key, an optic lock, and a processing system. The lock generally has a plurality of optic reflective sensors, a plurality of readable discs, and a controller for processing information to and from the plurality of sensors. The optic security lock senses the surface changes of state during the rotation of the plurality of discs caused by the turning of the fully-engaged key. The data from the sensors is communicated to the controller, with the controller having a microprocessor capable of communicating data to and receiving data from the sensors. The processing system analyzes the data from the controller and compares the data to known information in a database for generating a lock command signal. Additionally, an external keypad device can be coupled in data communication with the controller and processing system for additional security verification before generating a corresponding lock command signal.

The present invention relates generally to security, and more particularly, to an optical security system capable of sensing and counting the rotatable movement of lock discs and generating a lock command signal.
Traditionally, key locks have been the most commonly used and understood lock systems available. Conventional key lock systems comprise a lock and a corresponding key. Each lock has a key cut to match the specific internal tumblers or wheels of the lock such that only that key will properly align and open the lock. Key blades are cut to predetermined shapes to facilitate proper engagement with a corresponding lock. However, there are fundamental drawbacks to such systems. Namely, there are a limited number of cut configurations for a particular key, thus limiting the number of lock and key combinations that can be manufactured. As a result of this limitation, it is generally accepted that only several thousand distinct lock and key combinations are available in such conventional lock systems. Once that limit has been met it is necessary to recycle the known combinations. This can obviously result in unacceptable results and security vulnerabilities.
Even those conventional lock systems that have attempted to expand on the number of potential key and lock combinations have not achieved the level of success required in those areas of use where security is of the highest priority. Credit card security, home safety, personal safety, and concerns over the like have become central issues. As a result, some attempts have been made to find alternatives to conventional lock systems.
A prime example of an alternative to conventional lock systems that has become quite popular, and has found widespread use, is the identification or security card having a magnetic strip. These cards resemble the traditional credit card configuration. Information or magnetic data is stored on the strip. In use, these cards can include various security, personal, identification, and a myriad of other data that enables a device, such as a simple card reader, to make a nearly endless array of discriminatory decisions. In the area of security, these decisions can compare names, citizenship, dates of birth, code numbers, and other information on the magnetic strip with information in the devices memory, or in the memory or database of an external device in communication with that device, such that only a qualified card is considered acceptable. These card systems have become increasingly popular with hotels, industries, and even homeowners to better secure facilities. However, there is at least one major drawback to these systems.
Accepted card systems require the storage of magnetic data. This data is easily erasable, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Magnetic sources independent of the card can come into direct or proximal communication with the card, thus erasing the data kept on the strip. In addition, it is possible to utilize a false card reading device to extract the security, identification, and other data on the card, thus permitting an unauthorized and undesirable individual to obtain the sensitive data.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,587 (the ""587 patent), issued to and owned by this applicant, addresses the inherent weaknesses of existing security devices and systems. The ""587 patent is directed to a tubular key which rotates discs, whereby the rotation of the discs are read by a relatively complex fiber optic system. The counting results are fed to an external computer for processing. While the device described in the ""587 patent is a vast improvement over past technologies and techniques, it is not without inherent problems. First, the fiber optic and corresponding circuitry generates undesirably high heat levels. Second, fiber optic technology requires cumbersome and time consuming calibration. Similarly, slight deviations in the optic alignment of the components from the desired calibration alters optic readings and corresponding accuracy of the units. As a result of deviations, additional calibrations are necessarily required. Third, processing functions for the lock claimed in the ""587 patent are not housed locally with the lock, but rather are remotely housed. With none of the processing taking place locally at the lock, the overall efficiency of the unit is reduced and the costs become increasingly undesirable.
In addition to the cost of the fiber optic components and processing techniques, there are additional manufacturing costs associated with such a system. Precision manufacturing is required. Fiber optic systems require passageways through the lock components, such as the discs of the lock, such that light is permitted to pass through for reading by an optic component at one end of the opening. This necessitates highly precise tolerances in order to ensure that the light passageways are functionally sound to permit proper optical readings. Each of these requirements are necessary for the lock of the ""587 patent to properly function. Undesirable manufacturing and configuration costs relating to both the lock components and the fiber optic components are an unfortunate, but necessary, barrier under such a fiber optic lock system.
Consequently, a security system is needed that will address many of the problems associated with current systems. The gross inadequacies of conventional locks, and the problems associated with fiber optic systems, must be avoided in providing a security system that can be manufactured, configured, and maintained at a reasonable cost. At the same time, increased security must be of the highest priority.
The optical security system in accordance with the present invention substantially solves the problems associated with traditional locks and lock systems, as well as the problems inherently present with fiber optic security locks. The present invention generally provides for a solid state optic lock system utilizing reflective infrared sensors for reading the rotational movement of a plurality of rotatably secure discs or wafers. The optic security system of the present invention generally employs standard electronic solid state components to minimize the manufacturing and configuration costs of the system. In addition, the use of these standard components permits simplified manufacturing and configuration for the lock components and, in particular, the discs being optically read by the system.
The present invention relates generally to an optical security system having a key, an optic lock, and a processing system. The lock generally has a plurality of optical reflective sensors, a plurality of readable discs, and a controller for processing information to and from the plurality of sensors. The optic security lock senses the surface changes of state during the rotation of the plurality of discs caused by the turning of the fully-engaged key. This results in a possible combination count of at least 24.9 billion. The data from the sensors is communicated to the controller, with the controller having a microprocessor capable of communicating data to and receiving data from the sensors. The processing system analyzes the data from the controller and compares the data to known information in a database for generating a lock command signal. The processing system can be encompassed within the controller-based microprocessor, or in an external remote processing device. The external remote processing device can be coupled in data communication with the controller for processing the data obtained from the lock, and for generating a corresponding lock command signal. Additionally, an external keypad device can be coupled in data communication with the controller and processing system for additional security verification before generating a corresponding lock command signal.
It is possible to use the optical security system of the present invention to monitor and control access into private homes, commercial buildings, hotels, and the like. In addition to these entrance control applications, the system of the present invention can be utilized in any application where security verification is required. For instance, credit card access and computer terminal or program access can be controlled by requiring an unlock lock command signal prior to granting permission. Any of the access or entrance requirements can be predicated on the a requirement that a proper PIN be entered into the operable keypad, in addition to the proper rotation of an acceptable key within the optical security lock. Consequently, the lock command signal can be a signal to a security system or door lock, or it can be a signal to another computing or processing device, such as those used in processing credit card purchases or program access at a computer terminal. Further, the optical security system, and the processing system in particular, can be used to keep track of key usage, last use, number of uses by a user or key, and the like. This type of processed and stored data can be used for controlling the system, interpreting access or usage requests, and a myriad of other uses.


A retaining device has clamping elements arranged on a housing that act as detachable locking elements and can be radially displaced when a pressure member located in the housing is axially displaced. First and second pressure media can act upon the pressure member in the axial direction and the second pressure medium acts upon the pressure member in the opposite direction to the first pressure medium. The retaining device is considerably simplified in that two chambers which follow each other in the axial direction are designed in the housing and separated by a membrane anchored on the housing and having axially movable sections. The pressure member is joined to the membrane and at least one of the chambers can be connected to a pressure medium source.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention concerns a holder with clamps on its housing that move radially upon an axial movement of a pressure element, whereby the pressure element in located the housing can be acted axially upon by a first and second pressure medium, where the second pressure medium acts on the pressure element in the opposite direction as the first pressure medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
The document EP A 0255 042 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,588), describes a holder in the form of a machine tool, e.g. a chuck attachable to an electrical discharge forming machine that can hold a work piece or tool. A tie bolt that couples with the workpiece fits in an opening of the chuck in which the tie bolt is held by a ball lock under the effect of pressure springs and can be released by compressed air acting against the pressure springs.
With the holder described in EP A 0614725 (correspond to U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,384), a pin projects from the workpiece to be held that can be held by a ball lock in a housing of the holder. The ball lock grips the pin under the effect of pressure springs acting on a pressure element. To release the workpiece, the pressure element is acted on by compressed air that acts against the pressure springs.

Retaining device, in particular for a workpiece


A QCTC (Quasi-Complementary Turbo Code) generating apparatus having: a turbo encoder for generating an information symbol sequence and a plurality of parity symbol sequences by encoding the information symbol sequence; a channel interleaver for individually interleaving the symbol sequences, generating new parity symbol sequences by multiplexing the symbols of parity symbol sequences with the same priority levels, and serially concatenating the information symbol sequence and the new parity symbol sequences; and a QCTC generator for generating a sub-code with a given code rate by recursively selecting a predetermined number of symbols from the concatenated symbol sequence at a given starting position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to code generation in a data communications system, and in particular, to an apparatus and method for generating complementary turbo codes, considering the characteristics of turbo codes in a packet communications system or a general communications system that employs a retransmission scheme.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a system using a retransmission scheme (e.g., HARQ: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) performs soft combining to improve transmission throughput. The soft combining techniques are divided into packet diversity combining and packet code combining. These two combining schemes are usually called soft packet combining. Although the packet diversity combining scheme is sub-optimal in performance relative to the packet code combining scheme, it is favorable due to easy implementation when performance loss is low.
A packet transmission system uses the packet code combining scheme to improve transmission throughput. A transmitter transmits a code with a different code rate at each packet transmission. If an error is detected from the received packet, a receiver requests a retransmission and performs soft combining between the original packet and a retransmitted packet. The retransmitted packet may have a different code from the previous packet. The packet code combining scheme is a process of combining received N packets with a code rate R to a code with an effective code rate of RIN prior to decoding, to thereby obtain a coding gain.
With regard to the packet diversity combining scheme, on the other hand, the transmitter transmits the same code with a code rate R at each packet transmission. If an error is detected from the received packet, the receiver requests a retransmission and performs soft combining between the original packet and the retransmitted packet. The retransmitted packet has an identical code to that in the previous packet. In this sense, the packet diversity combining scheme can be considered the received symbol energy averaging on a random channel. The packet diversity combining scheme reduces noise power by averaging the soft outputs of the received input symbols and achieves such a diversity gain as offered by a multi-path channel because the same code is repeatedly transmitted on a fading channel. However, the packet diversity combining scheme does not provide such an additional coding gain as obtained according to a code structure in the packet code combining scheme.
A turbo encoder for generating the turbo code will be described hereinbelow. In the case of a turbo encoder with R=⅕, the turbo encoder generates information symbols X, first parity symbols Y0, Y0′ and second parity symbols Y1, Y1′ by encoding input information symbols. The turbo encoder is comprised of two constituent encoders and one interleaver. The first parity symbols Y0 and Y0′ are output from a first constituent encoder by encoding the input information symbols and the second parity symbols Y1 and Y1′ from a second constituent encoder by encoding the information symbols interleaved through the interleaver. In detail, the Y0 is a row of first parity symbols generated from a first constituent encoder, and the Y0′ is a row of second parity symbols generated from the first constituent encoder.
Due to implementation simplicity, most packet communication systems have used the packet diversity combining scheme, which is under study for application to the synchronous IS-2000 system and the asynchronous UMTS system. The reason is that the existing packet communication systems have used convolutional codes and even packet code combining does not offer a great gain when convolutional codes with a low data rate are used. If a system with R=⅓ supports retransmission, there is not a wide difference in performance between the packet code combining scheme and the packet diversity combining scheme. Thus, the packet diversity combining scheme is selected considering implementation complexity. However, use of turbo codes as forward error correction codes (FEC) requires a different packet combining mechanism because the turbo codes are designed as error correction codes to have performance characteristics very close to the "Shannon Channel Capacity Limit" and their performance varies obviously with the coding rates unlike convolutional codes. Therefore, it can be concluded that packet code combining is desirable for a packet communication system using turbo codes in a retransmission scheme to achieve the goal of optimum performance.

Apparatus and method for generating codes in communication system


The present invention discloses a vacuum glass sealing device. The device comprises an air extraction table, an upper pressing plate and a heating device, wherein the air extraction table is provided with an accommodating groove for placing glass plates to be sealed, the upper pressing plate is pressed on the glass plates to be sealed in the accommodating groove and air-tightly connected with the air extraction table around the periphery of the accommodating groove; and the air extraction table and/or the upper pressing plate are provided with air extraction ports, and the heating device heats the glass plates to be sealed from the exterior. The air extraction table and the upper pressing plate form a closed space in the sealing device, and the upper pressing plate is directly pressed on the glass plates to be sealed, so the volume of the closed space is greatly reduced, and conditions are created for quick vacuumizing of the closed space and quick sealing of the vacuum glass. The closed space in the sealing device is only used for providing a vacuum environment, and the heating device for welding is separately arranged at the exterior, so equipment operation is convenient, equipment construction is simplified, and a condition is created for large-scale processing of the vacuum glass.

Vacuum glass compounded by using two or more glass plates has been absorbed more and more attention by people due to excellent sound insulation and heat insulation performances, so various vacuum glass manufacturing methods and corresponding vacuum glass products have been provided successively. The applicant has also invented a composite glass plate sealing technique and a vacuum glass product processed by using the technique through years of research and a large amount of experiments, and has applied to the China's State Intellectual Property Office for the patent. The periphery of the glass plates is air-tightly sealed by adopting a metal welding process in the composite glass plate sealing technique provided by the applicant; and before sealing, firstly, metal layers solidified together with the glass plates are preformed on the surface of the periphery of the glass plates, then the two or more glass plates are compounded, and the corresponding metal layers on the two adjacent glass plates are air-tightly sealed and connected by the metal welding process after compounding. During welding, the two metal layers can be mutually welded and connected directly, a metal sealing plate can also be arranged between the two metal layers, and air-tight sealing of the edges of the glass layers is realized by welding and connecting the metal sealing plate and the two metal layers. The structure of the vacuum glass is shown as a FIG. 1 and a FIG. 2, wherein the FIG. 1 shows that the two metal layers are directly welded and connected, and the FIG. 2 shows that the two metal layers are sealed through the metal sealing plate with U-shaped section.
For the composite glass plate sealing technique previously provided by the applicant, generally the two pieces of glass are sealed, then the compounded glass plates are vacuumized through a reserved air extraction port, and finally, the air extraction port is sealed. The manufacturing process is complex and needs complex manufacturing equipment, also brings certain uncertainty to the quality of a product, limits the processing efficiency of the vacuum glass and increases the manufacturing cost of the vacuum glass.
In addition, the vacuum glass can also be manufactured by using a vacuum chamber, namely the compounded glass plates are conveyed to the vacuum chamber, and vacuumizing and sealing operations of the vacuum glass are completed in the vacuum chamber. The glass plates for forming the vacuum glass and a middle support in the vacuum space are deformed under the stress of atmospheric pressure, and the deformation certainly causes that the vacuum space in the vacuum glass is reduced and the vacuum degree of the vacuum glass declines, so it is difficult to ensure the vacuum degree of the vacuum glass manufactured by using the vacuum chamber.
Invention Contents
With respect to the problems of the above existing technology, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum glass sealing device with simple structure, operation convenience, stable quality, high sealing efficiency and no air extraction port.
In order to fulfill the purposes, the vacuum glass sealing device comprises an air extraction table, an upper pressing plate and a heating device; the air extraction table is provided with an accommodating groove for placing glass plates to be sealed, the upper pressing plate is pressed on the glass plates to be sealed in the accommodating groove and air-tightly connected with the air extraction table around the periphery of the accommodating groove, and then the glass plates to be sealed are sealed in a closed space; and the air extraction table and/or the upper pressing plate are provided with air extraction ports, the air extraction ports are used for vacuumizing the closed space and the glass plates to be sealed in the closed space, and the heating device is used for heating the parts to be sealed on the glass plates to be sealed from the exterior of one side of the upper pressing plate and/or the exterior of one side of the air extraction table so as to complete metal welding of the parts to be sealed.
Further, the upper pressing plate is air-tightly connected with the air extraction table around the periphery of the accommodating groove through a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is arranged in a sealing ring installation groove on the air extraction table and/or the upper pressing plate.
Further, the heating device is an inductive heating device or a microwave heating device, and correspondingly, the upper pressing plate or the air extraction table positioned between the heating device and the glass plate to be sealed is made of nonmetallic material.
Further, the heating device is a laser heating device, and the upper pressing plate or the air extraction table positioned between the heating device and the glass plate to be sealed is made of transparent material.
Further, the heating device is arranged on an operating mechanism and carried by the operating mechanism to move along the parts to be sealed on the glass plates to be sealed so as to complete welding of the parts to be sealed on the periphery of the glass plates.
Further, the air extraction table is arranged on a known multi-degree-of-freedom movement mechanism and driven by the movement mechanism so that the parts to be sealed on the glass plates to be sealed move relative to the heating device so as to complete welding of the parts to be sealed.
Further, the sealing device also comprises a clamping device, and the upper pressing plate and the air extraction table are mutually fixed through the clamping device.
Further, the upper pressing plate is made of nonmetallic material, the heating device is an inductive heating device, and the heating device heats the parts to be sealed on the glass plates to be sealed from one side of the upper pressing plate; and the upper pressing plate is also provided with an annular pressing plate, the annular pressing plate is positioned on the periphery of the accommodating groove, the clamping device is a clamping flange, the clamping flange presses the upper pressing plate on the air extraction table through the annular pressing plate, and a plurality of clamping rings are arranged along the annular pressing plate.
Further, the air extraction table consists of a bottom plate and an annular surrounding plate, the lower end of the annular surrounding plate is situated on the bottom plate and sealed with the bottom plate through a sealing ring, the sealing ring is arranged in an installation groove at the bottom plate and/or the lower end of the annular surrounding plate, and the inner side of the annular surrounding plate and the upper surface of the bottom plate form the accommodating groove together; and the upper end of the annular surrounding plate is air-tightly connected with the upper pressing plate through a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is arranged in an installation groove at the upper pressing plate and/or the upper end of the annular surrounding plate.
Further, the air extraction port is formed on the air extraction table, a plurality of air extraction holes are arranged around the air extraction table at intervals, or a plurality of air extraction ports are arranged on the bottom plate of the air extraction table.
According to the vacuum glass sealing device of the present invention, the air extraction table and the upper pressing plate form a closed space in the sealing device, and the upper pressing plate is directly pressed on the glass plate to be sealed, so enough pre-pressing force is provided for the glass plates, the compound state of the glass plates before welding and the stability of positions in the accommodating grooves are ensured, smooth welding of the glass plates is ensured, the volume of the closed space is furthest reduced, and conditions are created for quick vacuumizing of the closed space and quick sealing of the vacuum glass.
Because the upper pressing plate in the sealing device of the present invention is pressed on the glass plate, the pressure of atmosphere is directly acted on the glass plate and the middle support through the upper pressing plate, compressive deformation of the glass plates for forming the vacuum glass and the middle support already happens at the same time of completing vacuumizing of the vacuum glass, and the sealed vacuum glass continuously generates very little compressive deformation after leaving the air extraction table, so vacuum glass products with high vacuum degree and stable vacuum degree can be processed by using the sealing device.
The closed space in the sealing device of the present invention is only used for providing a vacuum environment, and the heating device for welding is separately arranged at the exterior, so equipment operation is convenient, equipment construction is simplified, and a condition is created for large-scale processing of the vacuum glass.


An electrical connector that is particularly suited for electrical test equipment is disclosed. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within a stack. At least one insulator is disposed between each adjacent pair of electrical contacts in the stack as well. Each electrical contact includes a mating connector interface surface that is electrically engageable with an electrical contact of a mating electrical connector, for instance associated with a device under test.

Testing devices or electrical test equipment (ETE) of various types exist. Devices that are tested by the ETE are oftentimes referred to as a "device under test" or a DUT, at least during the time of testing. One example of an electronic device that is subjected to a number of tests or the like prior to being released to the consumer are disc drive devices. There may be a need to provide one or more electrical signals to one or more of the various components within the drive both for testing purposes and servo writing operations. Other examples of electronic devices that are typically tested prior to being released include without limitation devices that incorporate a printed circuit board.
Typical ETE use what are commonly referred to as one or more "pogo pins" or probes to establish an electrical connection with a DUT. A pogo pin-type electrical connector in the case of a disk drive ETE is a four-piece assembly—a probe body, a receptacle in the probe body, a pogo pin or probe disposed within the receptacle, and a return spring that is disposed within the receptacle and that biases its corresponding pogo pin in the direction of maintaining electrical contact with the mating connector. This four-piece assembly is normally press-fit into a precision-machined housing, which in turn is mounted to a printed circuit board.
Pogo pin-type electrical connectors are susceptible to damage when the DUT and the ETE are misaligned. For instance, a misaligned pogo pin of the ETE may get wedged or squeezed in between two adjacent contacts of the DUT. In any case, at least a certain misalignment between the ETE and the DUT may expose one or more pogo pins to a "side force"—a force that is not directed along the length dimension of the pogo pin and that coincides with the direction that the pogo pin is intended to move when engaged with a mating connector (e.g., the vector of the force and the central axis of the pogo pin are not coaxial in this case). Forces of this type may bend one or more pogo pins or otherwise adversely affect their operability in some respect.
In ETE used with disc drives, the electrical connector is exposed to what may be characterized as a high cycle environment—one in which a DUT is engaged with the electrical connector for testing, and is thereafter disengaged on a frequent basis. For example, a high cycle ETE may accept a disk drive every three minutes for executing one or tests or performing one or more operations on the disk drive. It is not uncommon for this type of ETE to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Therefore, the pogo pin-type electrical connector is highly susceptible to becoming damaged, having one or more of its parts simply wear out, or both. A damaged pogo pin-type electrical connector should of course be replaced, and therefore subjects the ETE to down-time and a corresponding reduction in productivity.

Electrical connector with stacked contacts


A route decision system is provided to avoid an obstacle existing in a traceably moving direction for tracing a reference route from a current location of an autonomous movable body. The system computes traffic distance and a traffic width as a traffic region having a given traffic width and does not allow an obstacle to intrude in each of a plurality of moving The moving direction of the autonomous movable body is decided on the basis of the traceably moving direction and the traffic region. A speed decision device decides a moving speed allowing the autonomous movable body to stop before it collides with the obstacle in response to the braking condition of the autonomous movable body and the location and the speed of the obstacle.

As a background art in the technology field, there is Japanese Published Unexamined Application No. 2011-8313 (Patent Literature 1). Patent Literature 1 aims at running through a route so as to trace the route and avoid an obstacle. For the purpose, a trafficable distance allowing straight-running within a specific traffic width is computed for each of given angular intervals in the circumference of a vehicle and, in the directions where the trafficable distance is not less than a set threshold value, a direction the difference of which from a target direction is the minimum is decided as the traveling direction of the vehicle. Further, the speed of the vehicle is decided from the maximum value and the average value of the trafficable distance and the magnitude of route deviation. An autonomous movement system moving in this way is disclosed in Patent Literature 1.
Further, there is Japanese Published Unexamined Application No. 2010-282443 (Patent Literature 2). Patent Literature 2 aims at running through a route the direction of which does not largely vary when an obstacle is avoided. For the purpose, a detour point is set within a given angle from the current direction of a vehicle. Further, the distance from an obstacle is decreased in the case of a fixed obstacle described on a map and increased in the case of an undescribed obstacle. An autonomous movement system moving in this way is disclosed in Patent Literature 2.
Furthermore, there is Japanese Published Unexamined Application No. 2009-42845 (Patent Literature 3). Patent Literature 3 aims at detecting an obstacle laterally approaching and controlling speed at an intersection while deceleration is prevented from occurring by detecting a lateral wall on an ordinary path. For the purpose, a semi-elliptical deceleration region is formed ahead of a vehicle on an ordinary path, the deceleration region is changed into a semicircular shape and switched so as to expand laterally in an intersection zone described on a map, thereby a lateral obstacle is detected at an intersection, and speed is controlled. An autonomous movement system moving in this way is disclosed in Patent Literature 3.


Disclosed is an image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section, a control section, and a magnification factor adjusting section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to controlling operations for forming a band-shaped toner image onto an intermediate area residing between two toner image areas which are adjacent to each other on a surface of an image bearing member provided in an image forming apparatus, while performing an image magnification factor adjusting operation in parallel.
2. Description of Related Art
In an image forming apparatus employing an electro-photographic method, a patch toner image or a band-shaped toner image may be formed on an area (paper interval area) provided between a toner image area (defined as an area where a toner image to be transferred onto a paper sheet is formed on the basis of image data) and a next toner image area, both of which are to be provided on a surface of an image bearing member, such as a photoreceptor drum, an intermediate transfer member, etc. Hereinafter, the controlling operation for forming the patch toner image and the band-shaped toner image is referred to as a controlling operation for forming a toner zone within the paper interval area, as its generic name.
In the image forming apparatus as above-mentioned, toner is employed for the image forming operation. Further, in order to prevent the toner from deterioration caused by the result of storing the toner within a developing device for a long time, there has been well-known such a technology that the band-shaped toner image is formed on the paper interval area of the surface of the image bearing member so as to positively consume the toner. For instance, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication 2011-22468 sets forth such the toner consuming technology as abovementioned. Further, other than the band-shaped toner image, sometimes, various kinds of patch toner images may be formed for the purpose of adjusting the image forming apparatus.
In addition to the abovementioned, in the image forming apparatus, a fixing section applies heat and pressure onto the toner image, transferred onto the paper sheet, so as to fix the toner image onto the paper sheet concerned. On this occasion, the paper sheet may be shrunk under the influence of the heat applied during the fixing operation. Concretely speaking, since the image formed on the first surface of the paper sheet is already shrunk due to the fixing process, and then, the other image is formed on the second surface of the paper sheet in a shrunk state, image magnification factors of obverse and reverse sides of the paper sheet may not coincide with each other. Accordingly, when performing a duplex printing for forming images on both sides of the paper sheet, it is necessary to apply fine-adjustment processing to both the image sizes (image magnification factors) of obverse and reverse sides of the paper sheet in advance, in order to improve the accuracy of the positional relationship between the images respectively formed on obverse and reverse sides of the paper sheet.
As the controlling operation for performing the fine-adjustment between the image magnification factors of obverse and reverse sides of the paper sheet, the method for adjusting the velocity of image forming process (driving speed of the photoreceptor drum or the intermediate transfer member), the other method for adjusting the rotational velocity, etc., are well-known. In a case that such the conventional method as abovementioned is employed, it takes same time to complete the adjustment, and accordingly, a waiting time necessary for completing the adjustment (adjustment time) has been established in the conventional image forming apparatus.
Further, since the waiting time is a certain time interval residing between the toner image area and the next toner image area on the surface of the image bearing member, the waiting time may possibly overlap with the other time interval for forming the patch toner image onto the paper interval area.
In other words, sometimes, the timing for adjusting the image magnification factor would overlap with the other timing for implementing the controlling operation for forming toner zone on the paper interval area. Accordingly, there has been such a technology that the patch toner image is formed on the paper interval area after the operations for adjusting the image magnification factors of obverse and reverse sides of the paper sheet has been completed. For instance, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication 2011-100035 sets forth the abovementioned technology.

Abstract: The control section employs an index signal based on a detected result of a light beam irradiation, for controlling an operation timing of the image forming section in the toner image area; and when forming the band-shaped toner image on the area between the toner image areas being adjacent to each other, while controlling the magnification factor adjusting section to implement an operation for adjusting the image magnification factors in parallel, the control section employs a timing signal, created otherwise without depending on the detected result of the light beam irradiation, for controlling the operation timing of the image forming section.


A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.5 or will raise the pH of a treated acid sludge to a similar range so that microbial activity can proceed to facilitate stability. Heat may be applied to the mixture to accelerate the carbonation and aid the overall drying process. The granular product, substantially due to its active microbial population, is useful as an agricultural product and topsoil blend.

With the alternatives for sludge processing changing because of the public awareness of the problems of sludge dumping, either in landfills or oceans, the treatment of municipal sludges by a sterilization or a pasteurization process is becoming increasingly common so that it is safe for exposure to the public as a product. Unfortunately many of these treated sludges do not possess a long term stability against the formation of noxious odors and or the regrowth of a pathogenic microflora which would pose a potential and significant public health threat. Me present invention introduces a long term stability to such treated wastewater sludges as well as untreated wastewater sludges, e.g., raw primary or secondary sludges.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated rules governing the type of processes that an be used to treat wastewater sludge.
Under 40 CFR 257, a Process to Further Reduce Pathogens (PFRP) must be used where sewage sludge or septic tank pumping are to be applied to a land surface or are incorporated into the soil, and crops for direct human consumption are to be grown on such land within eighteen (18) months subsequent to application or incorporation.
A Process to Significantly Reduce Pathogens (PSRP) must be used where sewage sludge or septic tank pumping are to be applied to a land surface or incorporated into the soil and the public will have access to such land within twelve (12) months subsequent to application or incorporation, or grazing animals, whose products are consumed by humans, will have access to such land within one (1) month subsequent to application or incorporation.
40 CFR 257 classifies the following as PSRP and PFRP processes:
A. Processes to Significantly Reduce Pathogens
Aerobic digestion: The process is conducted by agitating sludge with air or oxygen to maintain aerobic conditions at residence times ranging from 60 days at 15.degree. C. to 40 days at 20.degree. C., with a volatile solids reduction of at least 38 percent.
Air Drying: Liquid sludge is allowed to drain and/or dry on under-drained sand beds, or paved or unpaved basins in which the sludge is at a depth of nine inches. A minimum of three months is needed, two months of which temperatures average on a daily basis above 0.degree. C.
Anaerobic digestion: The process is conducted in the absence of air at residence times ranging from 60 days at 20.degree. C. to 15 days at 35.degree. C. to 55.degree. C., with a volatile solids reduction of at least 38 percent.
Composting: Using the within-vessel, static aerated pile or windrow composting methods, the solid waste is maintained at minimum operating conditions of 40.degree. C. for 5 days. For four hours during this period the temperature exceeds 55.degree. C.
Lime Stabilization: Sufficient lime is added to produce a pH of 12 after 2 hours of contact.
Other methods: Other methods of operating conditions may be acceptable if pathogens and vector attraction of the waste (volatile solids) are reduced to an extent equivalent to the reduction achieved by any of the above methods.
B. Process to Further Reduce Pathogens
Composting: Using the within-vessel composting method, the solid waste is maintained at operating conditions of 55.degree. C. or greater for three days. Using the static aerated pile composting method, the solid waste is maintained at operating conditions of 55.degree. C. or greater for three days. Using the windrow composting method, the solid waste attains a temperature of 55.degree. C. or greater for at least 15 days during the composting period. Also, during the high temperature period, there will be a minimum of five fumings of the windrow.
Heating drying: Dewatered sludge cake is dried by direct or indirect contact with hot gases, and moisture content is reduced to 10 percent or lower. Sludge particles reach temperatures will in excess of 80.degree. C. or wet bulb temperature of the gas stream in contact with the sludge at the point where it leaves the dryer is in excess of 80.degree. C.
Heat treatment: Liquid sludge is heated to temperatures of 180.degree. C. for 30 minutes.
Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion: Liquid sludge is agitated with air or oxygen to maintain aerobic conditions at residence times of 10 days at 55.degree.-60.degree. C., with a volatile solids reduction of at least 38 percent.
Other methods: Other methods of operating conditions may be acceptable if pathogens and vector attraction of the waste (volatile solids) are reduced to an extent equivalent to the reduction achieved by any of the above methods.
Any of the processes listed below, if added to the processes described in Section A above, further reduce pathogens. Because the processes listed below, on their own, do not reduce the attraction of disease vectors, they are only add-on in nature.
Beta ray irradiation: Sludge is irradiated with beta rays from an accelerator at dosages of at least 1.0 megarad at room temperature (ca. 20.degree. C.).
Gamma ray irradiations: Sludge is irradiated with gamma rays from certain isotopes, such as .sup.60 Cobolt and .sup.137 Cesium, at dosages of at least 1.0 megarad at room temperature (ca. 20.degree. C.).
Pasteurization: Sludge is maintained for at least 30 minutes at a minimum temperature of 70.degree. C.
Other methods: Other methods of operating conditions may be acceptable if pathogens are reduced to an extent equivalent to the reduction achieved by any of the above add-on methods.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,781,842 and 4,902,431 there is disclosed processes wherein:
In these processes, the alkaline material may comprise lime, cement kiln dust or lime kiln dust or other alkaline materials.
Other processes for treating wastewater sludge have utilized the concept of raising the pH in combination with high heat, e.g., gearer than 70.degree. C., to sterilize as contrasted to pasteurizing the sludge thereby killing all of the bacteria both undesirable and desirable. With these "add-on" processes usually the principal surviving microorganisms are bacterial spores. Such microbially restricted sludges lose the significant fertility value associated with bioactivity. When alkaline materials are added to a sludge to raise the pH, a toxicity may exist due to the high pH. When the product is used as a soil supplement in agriculture, particularly at high application rates, there is a risk of over alkalinization of the soil (see FIG. 14) and burning of crops may result. In addition, a high pH (over pH 1 1) in the soil due to the addition of active alkaline materials containing calcium oxide or metal hydroxides can result in severe damage to microbial populations in surface soils. With most existing (traditional) alkaline technologies it has been required by the USEPA that the pH be maintained above pH 12 to prevent microbial overgrowth and instability. In fact, with the PFRP "add-on" heat processes, the pH is required by the USEPA to be maintained above 12 until the alkaline treated sludge is land applied. This requirement is based upon the recognition that when such sludges fall below pH 11 noxious odors will develop. U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,431 column 2 line 58-67 states: "In January 1979, the EPA published a Wastewater Sludge Manual (EPA 625/1-79-001) tided `Process Design Manual for Sludge Treatment and Disposal` which states: `Lime stabilizations a very simple process. Its principal advantages over other stabilization processes are low cost and simplicity of operation . . . lime addition does not make sludges chemically stable; if pH drops below 11.0, biological decomposition will resume producing noxious odors.`"
In addition, the high pH triggers the release of volatile ammonia nitrogen from the sludge which also is toxic and results in the loss of valuable nitrogen from the potential agricultural product. Further, the toxic nature of ammonia, i.e., to human and animal mucus membranes has been described as well as its lethal activity on microorganisms (see Meehan et al 1988 U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,927). Although having ammonia present during sludge stabilization processing is highly desirable for microbial control, it is not desirable following treatment when the sludge product usage and exposure to the public is likely.
If these toxic stresses and the residual odor in a sludge product could be reduced upon demand, then opportunities for utilization of alkaline sludge products by the public and private sector would increase. This result would be favorable to increased emphasis on resource recovery of the value inherent in municipal sludge material.
The USEPA has evaluated lime stabilization (EPA 600/2-78-171; EPA 670/2-75-012; and Farrell et al., 1974) and has established the cost effectiveness, simplicity, and high level of performance of lime stabilization particularly PFRP alkaline processes for wastewater sludges. The process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,842; 4,902,431 requires a drying period which is usually effected by a windrowing process and results in a product that is above pH 12 and, if produced from an anaerobically digested sludge, emits significant amounts of ammonia. However the processes substantially reduce the emission of ammonia by aeration (such as windrowing) but to do so the processes are taking 3 to 10 days to prepare the product for storage or market. As evidence of health concerns over ammonia, states such as Ohio, New Jersey and California have implemented air quality standards regulating the emission of ammonia from industrial sites. Recently other alkaline treatment processes such as the RDP Company's Envessel Process (trademark) - (U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,458) using high amounts of CaO and heat above 70.degree. C. for 30 minutes have been approved by the USEPA as PFRP, however these sludge products made by these processes have been required by the USEPA in 1990 to be maintained at a pH of 12 or above for stability and inhibition of odor development. This USEPA policy prevents these alkaline treated sludges from developing a stabilizing and enriching microflora, causes them to emit excess ammonia and requires the sludge to be maintained in a high alkaline condition with substantial toxic hydroxide present that is detrimental to direct application to soils and crops. It is also significant with regard to the proposed invention that traditional alkaline stabilization is still being used as PSRP treated sludges may still be land applied. Other more refined PSRP treatment processes such as the Chemfix (trademark) of Chemfix Technologies, Incorporated Process (U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,872) are also being used in various municipalities. Both of these processes could be modified to a sterilization or pasteurization process by the inclusion of additional calcium oxide [U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,270,279 (sterilization) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,842; 4,902,431 (pasteurization)]; and then subsequently stabilized as taught by the present invention or they can be stabilized using the present invention without achieving PFRP levels of disinfection.
It is fact that when alkaline materials are added to municipal sludges in sufficient mass to raise the pH to at least 11 and often to over 12 that several toxic stresses occur that may affect the disposition of the treated sludge material (EPA 600/2-78-17 1). For example, the high pH itself may preclude the product use in certain agricultural settings; in addition, the high pH triggers the release of volatile ammonia which itself is toxic and, of course, represents the loss of valuable nitrogen from the potential agricultural product. The toxic nature of ammonia, i.e., to human and animal mucus membranes has been described as well as its lethal activity on microorganisms (see Meehan et al. 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,927). Although having ammonia present during sludge stabilization processing is highly desirable, it is not desirable following treatment when sludge product usage and exposure to the public is likely. If these toxic stresses could be reduced upon demand then opportunities for alkaline sludge utilization by the public and private sector would increase. This result would be favorable to increased emphasis on resource recovery of the value inherent in municipal sludge material. The present invention not only significantly reduces the ammonia emissions from treated product it also allows for any ammonia product during processing to be collected and scrubbed from the air (see FIG. 9) resulting in an environmentally clean operation.
Time is also important in processing and in determining the use of sludges in various markets. The invention described herein would allow containment of the total process operation thereby facilitating emissions control as discussed above and would shorten the time necessary to produce sludges which will maintain stability under any climatic condition.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,842 and 4,902,431 Nicholson and Burnham teach the significant advantages of adding accelerated drying by aeration to alkaline treated sludges to achieve odor reduction and control. When windrows are used, this Nicholson and Burnham process commonly takes between 3 and 10 days to effect the aeration/drying. The present invention provides a faster method of accomplishing same.
Sontheimer (U.S. Pat. No. 3,345,288) in 1967 showed that CO.sub.2 could be used to neutralize a watery sludge (1.5 to 4.5% solids) so that it could be dewatered more efficiently. He does not teach the neutralization of sludge cakes for the purpose of increased stability. Further, Roediger (U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,279) points out that "the CO.sub.2 in the air may also react with the lime so that the outer surfaces of the particles in the bulk matter of the sludge become rigidified". He also failed to recognize or teach the conditioning step to preparing the sludge for the development of a microbial population that is responsible for long term stability. Wurtz (U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,572) described a very similar process wherein the granulating ability of gaseous CO.sub.2 was important in their sludge pelletization process.
These three patents: 1) fail to recognize the detoxifying abilities of carbonated treatment of alkaline sludges; and most importantly, 2) do not recognize that reduction of the pH of the treated sludges will have a major beneficiating influence on the ability of seeded or indigenous microflora to establish an ecologically active population. This microflora is critically significant to long-term sludge stability because of its ability: a) to enhance by its own metabolism the carbonation of any residual hydroxides or likewise the catabolism of unstable organics; b) to reduce sludge odors and produce a soil-like odor; and c) to prevent the regowth of pathogenic microorganisms.
Among the objectives of the present inventions are to provide a method of treating and stabilizing wastewater sludges rapidly to provide a beneficiated soil or fertilizer; which can be utilized to heat untreated sludge or previously treated sludges, i.e., PSRP or PFRP sludges.


A useable wireless network connection is continuously maintained for a client device.

In a wireless network, a wireless client device may indicate to a user that a good wireless network connection exists whenever the client device is successfully associated with a wireless AP. However, other requirements (i.e., other than association) may need to be satisfied before a "useable" network connection is achieved. Thus, a user may be under the impression that data transfers to/from the network may be carried out at a time when no such capability exists.

Method and apparatus to provide a continuous useable wireless network connection


An apparatus comprises a pillar formed on a top surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein the pillar comprises a first pillar region, a second pillar region and a first cavity formed between the first pillar region and the second pillar region, and wherein the first cavity is configured to accommodate a probe pin.

The semiconductor industry has experienced rapid growth due to continuous improvements in the integration density of a variety of electronic components (e.g., transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, etc.). For the most part, this improvement in integration density has come from repeated reductions in minimum feature size, which allows more components to be integrated into a given area. As the demand for even smaller electronic devices has grown recently, there has grown a need for smaller and more creative packaging techniques of semiconductor dies.
As semiconductor technologies evolve, wafer-level chip scale package structures have emerged as an effective alternative to further reduce the physical size of semiconductor devices. In a wafer-level chip scale package structure, active devices such as transistors and the like are formed at the top surface of a substrate of the wafer-level chip scale package structure. A variety of metallization layers comprising interconnect structures are formed over the substrate. Interconnection structures of a semiconductor device may comprise a plurality of lateral interconnections such as metal lines and a plurality of vertical interconnections such as vias, plugs and/or the like. The metal lines of the metallization layers are separated by dielectric layers. Trenches and vias are formed in the dielectric layers to provide an electrical connection between metal lines. Various active circuits of a semiconductor device may be coupled to external circuits through a variety of conductive channels formed by the vertical and lateral interconnections.
In the manufacturing of semiconductor devices, probing is a process for determining the quality of semiconductor chips on wafers. The semiconductor devices must be tested in order to ensure that a functional device has been manufactured. Subsequently, only those chips that pass the probe tests are packaged. These tests are usually performed by contacting a plurality of probe pins to their respective testing pads such as bumps of the semiconductor devices.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A high shock survivable fuze, system, and method are presented. At least one shock-survivable fuze that survives a high shock environment comprises a timer, a detonator, and a protective housing. The timer sends a fire signal after a programmed delay in response to an arming command. The detonator initiates an explosion in an explosive in response to the fire signal, and the protective housing protects the timer and the detonator from the high shock environment. An arming module communicates with the at least one shock-survivable fuze and sends the arming command.

Deep penetrating warheads may be used to penetrate hardened targets or targets buried deep underground. For example, a massive ordnance penetrator may comprise a penetrating precision-guided 5,000-pound to 30,000-pound explosive. Such explosives are generally fuzed by a single cylinder located at an aft end of an explosive casing. The aft end location can subject the fuze to very high lateral loads referred to as tail slap which can destroy or eject the fuze from the explosive casing during a penetration event and prior to initiation.


An emotion mapping apparatus includes: a detector configured to sense a user's emotion state using at least one sensor; a storage in which information about a relationship between the at least one sensor and an emotion factor is stored; and a controller configured to acquire information about the user's emotion state based on a relevance that exceeds a preset reference value among user's emotion state values measured by the at least one sensor, and generates an emotion map in which information about the user's emotion state is classified according to a first emotion axis corresponding to a degree of positive and a second axis corresponding to a degree of excitability.

In modern society, vehicles are the common means of transportation and the number of people using vehicles is continuously increasing. The development of vehicle technologies is greatly changing lives, such as making it easy for people to take long-distance trips, etc.
In recent years, technologies have been developed to determine a driver's emotion and increase the driver's convenience in accordance with the driver's emotion. For example, there is a technology using biometrics to determine the driver's emotion.
Biometrics enables recognizing a body part of a person to perform emotion determination, such as voice recognition, face recognition, hand gesture recognition, and heartbeat recognition. Since biometrics uses a body part unique to the person, which changes according to the person's emotion, highly accurate determination of the emotion can be made, and thus many studies are being conducted on biometrics.

Emotion mapping method, emotion mapping apparatus and vehicle including the same


The invention relates to nanometric or mesoscopic dissymmetric particles, and to a method for preparing the same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to nanometric or mesoscopic dissymmetric particles comprising a part consisting of an inorganic material and a part consisting of an organic material, and also to a method for preparing them.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known practice to prepare dissymmetric particles comprising two organic parts by reaction of latex particles (polystyrene) with styrene monomer in the presence of divinylbenzene as a crosslinking reagent, 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile) as a polymerization initiator and poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer. Such a method thus consists in bringing about the growth of a polymer by a free-radical process using a particle of latex that has been preconstituted and swollen with a mixture of monomers under conditions such that phase-separation of the latex and of the polymer formed is promoted [cf. H. R. Sheu, et al., J. of Polymer Science: Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol. 28, 653-667 (1990)].
The preparation of solid particles that are amphiphilic in nature is known from WO 01/85324. The method consists in partially modifying the surface of a mineral particle with organic chains which are hydrophobic in nature. The product obtained is an emulsifying composition comprising nanometric mineral particles that have a core made of mineral material and a hydrophobic organic coating on part of its surface, the hydrophobic coating being obtained in particular by covalent bonding using a compound comprising a long alkyl chain and a silanol group.
A method for preparing silica particles, at the surface of which small polystyrene particles are attached, is also known. Said method comprises a first step during which a suspension of silica particles is prepared, a second step during which a hydrophilic PEG methacrylate macromonomer is adsorbed onto said silica particles, and a third step during which emulsion polymerization of styrene is carried out in the presence of the modified silica particles. The concentrations of macromonomer used are 0.1 and 0.05 g.l−1 for a concentration of silica particles of 10 g.l−1. The particles obtained by means of this method consist of a silica core and of small nodules of polymer distributed evenly at the surface of the silica core (cf. Syntheses of Raspberrylike Silica/Polystyrene Materials, S. Reculusa, et al., Chem. Mater. 2002, 14 2354-2359 (published on Apr. 27, 2002)).

Nanometric or mesoscopic dissymetric particles, and method for preparing same

Abstract: The particles have an inorganic part A and a spherical organic part B bound by physicochemical or covalent interactions. Material A is a metal oxide, a metal or a metal chalcogenide. Material B is a polymer consisting of recurrent units derived from a vinyl compound. The particles are obtained by modifying the surface of material A particles with a coupling agent C having a function FC which exhibits affinity for the polymer, and contacting the modified inorganic particles with the precursor(s) of the polymer B, in the presence of a free radical initiator and of a surfactant in solution in a solvent.

Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

CPE Lyon Formation Continue et Recherche


Hair care compositions including from about 0.005% to about 5% apigenin; from about 0.15% to about 12% of a solubilizing agent, wherein the solubilizing agent comprises an amine functional group; and at least about 20 weight percent of an aqueous carrier, where the composition has a pH ranging from about 3 to about 10, and methods of making the same are provided. These hair care compositions can be applied to any area of the scalp or hair where healthier hair appearance is desired.

Many attributes contribute to the appearance of hair considered to be attractive. For instance, hair with a full and thick appearance is very desirable. In contrast, hair with a thin appearance is not as attractive, and can even lead to a perception that the thin-haired individual is older than their chronological age. Additionally, the appearance of gray hair can also lead to the perception that an individual is older than their chronological age. Furthermore, thin hair and gray hair can be more difficult to style, and typically cannot be styled into as many hairstyles, leaving the individual frustrated and with an unkempt appearance. Because of the foregoing problems associated with thin hair and graying hair, many individuals expend great effort and time on grooming, yet still do not attain their desired hairstyle and appearance. This can lead to frustration and/or lack of confidence in his or her appearance. These problems can be experienced by both female and male consumers and at a variety of ages.
The flavone Apigenin, which is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been proposed to stimulate hair growth through various biological pathways to increase the fullness and/or thickness of hair appearance and reduce the appearance of gray hair. However, apigenin possesses poor solubility in many solvent systems and thus it is difficult to prepare compositions with efficacious quantities of solubilized apigenin. In view thereof, there is a need to provide consumers with a hair care composition that includes enhanced concentrations of apigenin.

Hair care compositions and methods of use


A method including improving a property of a paper product precursor by adding a molten wax suspension to paper product precursor, the molten wax suspension including a suspension of liquid wax particles in a liquid solvent, the liquid wax particles being at a temperature higher than the melting point of the wax. The molten wax suspension may be added to the paper product precursor in a production line prior to making a finished paper product. A finished paper product may be made from the paper product precursor.

Many different kinds of additives are used in the manufacture of paper products. For example, in techniques for coating paper, cardboard or the like, coating compositions may be used that contain one or several inorganic fillers, one or several binders and various additives. The goal of coating is to improve certain physical and optical characteristics of paper, such as but not limited to, gloss, brightness, opacity, capability for ink printing, smoothness and other properties of great commercial importance.
A composition for coating paper is generally formed from a filler which may comprise one or several pigments, one or several polymer binders and various additives such as, especially, a lubricant such as calcium stearate, a wax emulsion, or a fatty acid ester, and possibly antifoaming agents, and the like, as is known in the art.
In another example, the paper manufacturing industry generally uses cellulose, mechanical wood pulp, or fillers, such as kaolin or chalk and rosin sizes, as the principal components for paper and carton stock. Papers often need "sizing", i.e. hydrophobing. This is necessary in order to give writing paper proper ink resistance, to avoid "feathering". Similarly, printing stock should give a clear print with the best possible reproduction of contrast and with the minimum demand for printing ink. Also, for semi-manufactured products, such as base-paper for coating purposes, a limited degree of sizing is required to limit the degree of penetration of size-press preparatory solutions or surface coatings; full sizing is not desirable in this case because, apart from economic considerations, it would lead to a repulsion or separation of the surface treating material. There is therefore a distinction between full and partial sizing, e.g. half, quarter or one-eighth sizing.
The strength properties of paper and paper products include, but are not limited to, burst, tear, tensile, fiber bonding, crush strength, chemical resistance (e.g., to water, salt, oil) and the like. For example, in the paper-making process, cellulosic fibers may be softened with water before being processed into paper. Fillers such as clay, titanium dioxide, talc, and calcium carbonate, are added to the papermaking process to improve paper properties such as opacity, brightness, and printability. Each filler is unique due to differences in physical-chemical and morphological properties. One example of a substance which will reduce linting or dusting is clay. Titanium dioxide is an excellent filler for opacity purposes due to is high refractive index and small particle size. Due to its hydrophobicity, talc is an excellent pitch/stickiness control. In addition, talc is an excellent filler for purposes of improving machine drainage, sheet smoothness and printability.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,792,382 to Lodge et al. teaches that "waxes and fats generally, and paraffin specifically, materially improve the water resistance of paper and paper products when incorporated into the sheet of paper either by the process commonly known as engine sizing in which process a solution, emulsion or finely divided dispersed suspension of wax or waxes alone or in combination with rosin and/or other ingredients, is added to the paper pulp in the beaters". The wax suspension in Lodge et al. is a suspension of solid wax particles in a solvent.
European Patent EP0026091 describes a hydrophobic filler for papermaking, particularly in the production of partly to fully sized paper or carton stock. The hydrophobic filler is used in conjunction with a wax-based emulsion.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,646 to Lasmarias et al. describes a talc additive for use as a filler in making paper products which is useful in preventing dusting or Tinting of paper. The talc is milled to have a particle size of less than 10 micrometers and a cationic charge to the surface of the talc particles. For example, a cationic charge can be added to the particle by mixing talc particles with water to create a slurry and, adding a cationic compound to the slurry. In preferred embodiments, the cationic compound is selected from cationic wet-end starch, cationic wax-based emulsion, polydadmacs and carboxymethylcellulose.

Paper product and method therefor using molten wax suspension


A muffler includes a case divided into three chambers by two baffles. The first chamber is closest to, and the third chamber is farthest from, the exhaust pipe. An inlet pipe has a first end connected to the exhaust pipe, and a second end in fluid communication with the third chamber. An outlet pipe expels exhaust and water from the first chamber to the exterior. A connecting pipe provides fluid communication between the first and third chambers. The second end of the inlet pipe is above the bottom interior surface of the outlet pipe. The inlet pipe may have holes in the second chamber, above the bottom interior surface of the outlet pipe. The connecting pipe may have holes in the second chamber. The baffles may have holes for the water to flow from the second and third chambers to the first chamber. Also, an exhaust apparatus utilizing the muffler.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a muffler of a vehicle and an exhaust apparatus using the same.
(b) Description of the Related Art
A typical vehicle exhaust apparatus includes a catalytic converter that filters out hydrocarbons and other impurities from exhaust gas through chemical reactions. Water vapor is generated as a by-product. For example, in the simplest case, a fuel that includes one carbon and n hydrogens:CHn+(1+n/4)O2→CO2+(n/2)H2O
In extremely low temperatures, the water vapor in the muffler may freeze, blocking the outlet of the muffler, and causing poor startability.
To draw off the condensed water in the muffler to the atmosphere, mufflers with narrowing cross-sections, mufflers with inlets partially submerged in condensed water, and curved pipes have been used, but all are generally inadequate.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Muffler of vehicle and exhaust apparatus using the same


An association method for a multi-slope FMCW radar identifies candidate combinations of frequency components as being correctly or incorrectly associated based on calculated range-rate. Range and range-rate are calculated for various pairs of frequency components emanating from like-polarity slopes of the transmitted waveform, and pairs having similar ranges and range-rates are combined to form candidate associations. The range and range rate of the candidate associations are then computed using all four frequency components, and ambiguous candidate associations are resolved by selecting the candidate associations having similar range rates.

The present invention relates to automotive multi-slope frequency-modulated-continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems, and more particularly to a method of associating data from a distributed object.
In FMCW radar systems, the frequency of the emitted radar energy is modulated with multiple frequency rate slopes, and the instantaneous difference in frequencies of the transmitted and reflected waveforms is determined to form a baseband signal including both time delay and Doppler frequency shift information. Thus, at least two frequency rate slopes are needed to determine the range (time delay) and range-rate (Doppler frequency shift) of a single target. However, multiple targets create multiple returns, and three or more frequency rate slopes are needed to identify the reflected waveforms corresponding to each target. In general, the baseband signal is processed using fast Fourier transformation (FFT) and frequency centroiding to identify target-related signal components and an association procedure is then used to associate the identified components with respective targets. Typically, the association procedure identifies the frequency components associated with a given target by determining if certain mathematical relationships linking properly associated components are satisfied. For example, given two potentially related frequency components, the frequency of a third related component can be mathematically predicted, and the presence or absence of a frequency component within a window or gate including on the predicted frequency can be determined. See, for example, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,337 to Brovko et al., issued on Mar. 2, 1993, and incorporated by reference herein.
However, when the emitted signal impinges on a distributed or extended target such as a truck or a guardrail, multiple scattering corners on the target produce multiple similar returns, frequently resulting in the presence of multiple frequency components in a single frequency gate. This ambiguity increases the likelihood of incorrectly associating the frequency components, which in turn, leads to errors in the range and range-rate calculations. The usual way of resolving the ambiguity is to select the frequency component that is closest to the predicted frequency; this criterion is referred to as minimum estimation error in Brovko et al. However, the minimum estimation error technique often results in selection of the wrong frequency component, particularly when baseband signal noise and/or errors in the frequency centroiding process shift one or more of the frequency components. Accordingly, what is needed is an improved association method that more reliably identifies frequency components associated with a given target, particularly in the presence of data ambiguity due to returns from a distributed or extended target containing multiple scattering corners.
The present invention is directed to an improved association method for a multiple-slope FMCW radar wherein candidate combinations of frequency components are identified as being correctly or incorrectly associated based on calculated range-rate. According to the invention, range and range-rate are calculated for various pairs of frequency components emanating from like-polarity slopes of the emitted radar signal, and pairs having similar ranges and range-rates are combined to form candidate associations. The range and range rate of the candidate associations are then computed using all four frequency components, and ambiguous candidate associations are resolved by selecting the candidate associations having similar range rates.

Method of associating target data in a multi-slope FMCW radar system


The light source device 10A has a light-emitting tube (11) (radial light source) and a reflector (12A). A cylindrical heat-conductive member (14A) is attached on an outer surface of a first sealing portion (114A) near a neck portion (121A) of a reflector (12A) in sealing portions (114) of the light-emitting tube (11). The heat-conductive member (14A) is attached along the outer surface of the first sealing portion (114A) with an end thereof being extended to a section near a light-emitting portion (113). A heat-radiation fin (15A) is attached on the other end of the heat-conductive member (14A).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light source device including a light-emitting portion that generates a light beam by an electric discharge between electrodes, and sealing portions provided on both sides of the light-emitting portion, and a projector.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a projector that forms an optical image by modulating a light beam irradiated by a light-emitting tube of a light source device in accordance with image information and projects the optical image in an enlarged manner has been used. In recent projectors, in order to clearly display the projected optical image, it is required to increase the illuminance of a light source lamp (light-emitting tube).
Since a great amount of heat is generated by the light-emitting portion of the light-emitting tube in accordance with the increase in the illuminance, cooling air is blown by a cooling fan etc. to control the temperature of the light-emitting tube (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-107823(FIG. 1)).
However, since the temperature varies in accordance with the change in the flow rate and flow direction in the above arrangement where the light-emitting tube is cooled solely by the cooling air, it is difficult to control the temperature of the light-emitting tube at a predetermined temperature.
Further, in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-107823, though the temperature of the light-emitting tube is controlled by cooling the light-emitting tube when the temperature of the light-emitting tube is high, the temperature is not controlled at a predetermined temperature by heating the light-emitting tube when the temperature of the light-emitting tube is low, e.g. immediately after a power switch is on.