A differential current-mode driver that meets the IEEE 1394 standard employs a wide output range in common-mode voltage, minimizes timing skew over this wide range, and has well-controlled rise/fall times in the edge rates of the digital signals transmitted, within the window specified by the IEEE 1394 standard, without having to resort to full-swing (VDD to VSS) gate drive signals. In a preferred embodiment PMOS and NPOS transistors are used to provide current for a current driver, in the form of a current steering switch switching a pair of current mirrors. The current mirrors output is input to a predriver waveform circuit which divides current between a data source A and data source B, forming the differential signal pair. Certain key transistors in the current driver are kept in saturation to improve performance. Upper and lower voltages used for the voltage swing necessary for the predriver waveform circuit and transmit driver are generated by P-channel and N-channel input opamps in a predriver reference generator circuit.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of serial-bus drivers for the IEEE 1394 standard.
2. Description of Related Art
FireWire is a serial bus standard that was developed jointly by Apple, Intel, Texas Instruments, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Compaq and National Semiconductor, and is now an IEEE standard, IEEE 1394. IEEE 1394 has numerous advantages: it supports isochronous applications, where data delivery must be guaranteed only at the endpoints in a time period, it has a large address space available, which allows a large number of devices per bus to be connected, it supports "hot-swapping" of devices, and it supports a fast transfer speed, up to 400 Mb/s, or potentially greater.
One way IEEE 1394 supports a fast transfer speed is through differential signal transmission at the PHY (the physical level in the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) ISO standards framework for communications). IEEE 1394 specifies both common mode (DC) and differential signaling, and reserves the bulk of transmissions for differential signaling. DC signaling, where a logical 1 is represented as positive voltage and a logical zero is represented as zero voltage is reserved in IEEE 1394 for only three purposes: device attachment and detection, speed signaling and power management (e.g. a suspend function). By contrast, differential signaling is used for the remaining majority of operations, such as data packet transmissions, bus reset, arbitration, and configuration commands. However, the presence of DC signaling in IEEE 1394 presents a problem to designers of serial bus drivers because the IEEE 1394 standard requires a wide output for the common-mode voltage range.
Differential signaling, such as shown in FIG. 1, uses the difference in voltage level between two wires (or traces) to signal information. If the voltage on one wire is greater than the voltage on another wire, a logical 1 is represented, and vice versa. Differential signals in a dual trace use lower voltage swings than single-ended signals, which can result in faster circuits with lower power consumed over a wide range of frequencies transmitted. Because the signals traveling in dual traces in differential signaling typically travel in opposite directions, differential signaling reduces the need for shielding traces, thus it reduces EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) and cross-talk. The presence of two traces (or conductors) to convey a signal results in noise tolerance in the form of common-mode voltage rejection (voltage common to both sides of a differential circuit pair canceling out, being out of phase, when the lines are perfectly balanced, so noise coupled onto the two wires equally, as common-mode noise, will be rejected by the differential signal receiver). Further, tighter router densities are possible and the absence of a complex termination strategy, as is often found in a single-ended signal trace, results in fewer parts in a board.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art schematic for a differential-signal driver and receiver, taken from the Port Interface diagram of the IEEE 1394 standard (FIG. 4-12 of IEEE Std. 1394a-2000). The importance of the IEEE 1394 specifications is to emphasize the timing skew (of data relative to strobe, TPA/TPB) and rise/fall time requirements over a wide output common-mode range, which the present invention seeks to meet and exceed. In FIG. 1 are shown the twisted pair interfaces—TPA/TPA* and TPB/TPB* (twisted pair TPA of port 1 connects to TPB of port 2 and vice versa), over which a pair of twisted-pair copper cables typically connect. A constant current source driver transmits a differential signal on one side, while on the other side there is the receiver (the IEEE 1394 standard is for transceivers, so there is a driver and receiver on both sides of the twisted pair channel); the FIG. 1 differential-signal driver and receiver is bi-directional. The current driver injects a small current into one wire or the other of the two conductors of the differential pair lines, depending on the logic level to be sent. The current passes through the receiving end at the receiver, and the receiver, having a high DC input resistance, results in the majority of the driver current flowing through a low resistance termination resistor, in FIG. 1 shown as a 55 Ω resistor (which may further be matched to the characteristic impedance of the twisted pair channel). The current injected returns in the opposite direction along the other wire in the twisted pair. From Ohm's Law the voltage difference across the resistor is sensed by the receiver, which also senses the polarity of the voltage (positive or negative), to determine the logic level. This is termed current loop signaling.
The IEEE 1394 standard, however advantageous, does demand certain exacting conditions for designing the driver in a IEEE 1394 serial bus, e.g., in the way of a wide common-mode voltage output range and controlled edge rates, that are not shared by similar differential signaling schemes, such as for LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). An example of an LVDS I/O interface for a high-speed I/O circuit is found in Boni et al. "LVDS I/O Interface for Gb/s-per-Pin Operation in 0.35-um CMOS" (IEEE J. of Solid-State Circuits, Vo. 36, No. 4, Apr. 2001, pp. 706-11).
First, there is the requirement in IEEE 1394 that DC signaling be used for device attachment and detection, speed signaling and power management, that results in having to design a wide output range in voltage for the common-mode voltage.
Second, there is the requirement in IEEE 1394 that the clock be transmitted along with the signal being transmitted in a twisted wire pair, with the data in the twisted wire pair XOR'd (Exclusive-OR) to extract the clock. This puts a premium on minimizing timing skew and requires low timing skew over a wide range of common-mode voltage ranges. In FIG. 1, data and strobe use the separate TPA and TPB twisted pairs, and can be different common-mode voltages due to drop in the ground line, and speed signaling.
Third, the IEEE 1394 specification, though isochronous, demands well-controlled rise/fall times in the edge rates of the digital signals transmitted. The rise/fall times of the digital signals cannot be too fast nor too slow, but have to lie within a window specified by the IEEE 1394 standard.
As in the present invention, existing current mode drivers that meet the IEEE 1394 standard exist. However, while these drivers may share similarities in the current steering switches, they lack the configuration of the present invention, and typically these drivers use full-swing (VDD to VSS gate drive signals). What is lacking in the prior art is the present invention method and apparatus of using reduced-swing gate drive for meeting the IEEE 1394 serial bus standard, that achieves low timing skew over a wide range of common-mode voltage ranges with well-controlled rise/fall times, without having to resort to full-swing (VDD to VSS) gate drive signals. Reduced-swing gate drive has two benefits: (1) output rise/fall time relates more directly to input rise fall time since the output stage is in its linear region more of the time (the differential pair forming the current steering switches will be a straight line, i.e. linear, for small differential input amplitudes, then saturate to a fixed value at higher plus and minus input levels), and (2) the current steering switches operate in saturation mode versus the linear region, so that the common-source voltage does not vary with output common-mode level voltage.

Differential current-mode driver with high common-mode range and controlled edge rates


An apparatus and method for wavelength conversion of a signal, for example, a dual-polarization signal, is disclosed. The apparatus implements a single-loop counter-propagating wavelength conversion scheme which provides both up-conversion and down-conversion of the signal within the same loop. Nonlinear wavelength conversion devices in the loop provide both up-conversion and down-conversion of the polarization components of the signal within the loop depending on whether the polarization component travels through the nonlinear conversion device in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction. The wavelength-converted signal is available to be extracted from the wavelength-conversion loop. An all-optical wavelength-division multiplexing transponder based on the wavelength-conversion scheme is also disclosed.

Wavelength conversion of an electromagnetic wave that is used to carry information is often desired to take advantage of available bandwidth, spectrum and in some cases minimize wavelength collision or contention in optical networks. In this particular application, "Up-conversion" refers to a process by which the frequency of a signal is shifted up (i.e., increased). In view of the inverse relationship between the frequency of an electromagnetic wave signal and its wavelength, the wavelength of an up-converted signal is decreased. "Down-conversion" refers to a process by which the frequency of a signal is shifted down (i.e., decreased). In view of the inverse relationship between the frequency of an electromagnetic wave signal and its wavelength, the wavelength of a down-converted signal is increased. Throughout this disclosure, wavelength conversion and frequency conversion will be used interchangeably.
The wavelength conversion of an electromagnetic field carrying information and with different attributes (polarization, spatial modes, phase and/or amplitude modulation, etc.) is a cumbersome and tedious process. As waves are converted from one frequency to another, signal integrity is of paramount interest. Of particular importance are attributes such as polarization crosstalk, polarization group delay, timing delay, phase delay, frequency jitter, etc.
For example, in phase-encoded dual-polarization systems, a small amount of polarization crosstalk can lead to severe signal degradation leading to an increased bit-error-rate. As a result, wavelength conversion of a dual-polarization signal requires a polarization-independent wavelength conversion device with minimal to zero polarization crosstalk. In the absence of such devices, a wavelength conversion scheme that separates a certain attribute (such as polarization), performs the conversion, and accurately recombines the separated attributes is needed.
In the case of a dual-polarization signal, for example, independent wavelength conversion is required for each polarization component of the signal. One solution is to separately convert the wavelength of each polarization component of the signal and then to combine the separately converted polarization components. In this approach, which is referred to as the "polarization diversity" scheme, typically each wavelength conversion is done using a separate yet similar non-linear medium, e.g., a periodically poled lithium niobate ("PPLN") crystal broadly referred to as one example of a wavelength conversion component. Also, other methods could be employed to perform wavelength conversion. As shown in FIG. 1, in a polarization diversity scheme 100, the polarization components 106 and 104 of a dual-polarization signal 102 having a wavelength λ1 are separated by a polarization demultiplexer (e.g. polarizing beam splitter) 108 and each polarization component 104, 106 is converted to a different wavelength λ2 by a respective wavelength conversion component such as a PPLN 110, 112. The wavelength-converted polarization components 114, 116 are then combined by beam polarization combiner 118 into a dual-polarization optical signal 120 which has a wavelength λ2.
A similar process is used to convert the dual-polarization optical signal 120 from its wavelength λ2 back to a dual-polarization optical signal having a wavelength λ1. The polarization components 122 and 124 of the dual-polarization optical signal 120 are separated by a polarization beam splitter 126 and each polarization component 122, 124 is converted back to wavelength λ1 by a respective wavelength conversion component(s) 128, 130. The wavelength-converted polarization components 132, 134 are then combined by beam polarization combiner 136 into a dual-polarization optical signal 138 which has a wavelength λ1.
One main drawback of the polarization diversity scheme is that each polarization component experiences a different optical path with different optical components (i.e., different wavelength conversion component(s)). Hence, the optical path lengths for the two polarization components are unequal, which makes it necessary to compensate for a relative delay between the two polarization components. The different optical path lengths also cause the polarization diversity approach to be prone to distortion and instability caused by environmental factors. The polarization diversity approach further requires four wavelength conversion component(s).
A well-known solution for such problems is to use a counter-propagating (also referred to as bi-correctional) scheme, which could be free-space or in a waveguide. In the counter-propagating scheme, both polarization components propagate within the same optical path and in different directions and are converted inside the same wavelength converting component(s). Accordingly, the benefit of the counter-propagating scheme is that it provides a similar path length with shared components (i.e., the same waveguides, fibers, nonlinear crystals) for both polarization components of the electromagnetic field, which results in a minimal delay between the two polarization components.
The main drawback of the counter-propagating scheme as shown in FIG. 2 is the need for broadband components if the two wavelengths of λ1 and λ2 are largely separated. In order to perform a conversion to a new wavelength and back to the original wavelength, it is possible to use a cascade of two counter-propagating design. However, as mentioned earlier this scheme will not work unless the MUX and Demuxer components, optical waveguides, etc. within the loop operate at both wavelengths. FIG. 2 shows an implementation of a counter-propagating scheme 200 in which two consecutive conversions provide back-and-forth conversion from λ1 to λ2 and back to λ1. As shown in FIG. 2, in each conversion both polarization components of a dual-polarization electromagnetic wave counter-propagate within the same loop and are wavelength converted inside the same wavelength conversion component. A first loop 202 and a first wavelength conversion component(s) 204 are responsible for wavelength conversion from λ1 to λ2. The polarization components 206 and 208 of a dual-polarization optical signal 210 having a wavelength λ1 are separated by a polarization de-multiplexer (e.g. polarizing beam splitter) 212 and each polarization component 206, 208 is converted to a different wavelength λ2 by wavelength conversion component(s) 204. Polarization component 206 travels in a clockwise direction around first loop 202 and through wavelength conversion component 204, which converts polarization component 206 from wavelength λ1 to wavelength λ2. Similarly, polarization component 208 travels in a counter-clockwise direction around first loop 202 and through wavelength conversion component 204, which wavelength-converts polarization component 208 from wavelength λ1 to wavelength λ2. The wavelength-converted polarization components 214, 216 are then combined by polarization multiplexer (e.g. polarization beam splitter/combiner) 212 into a dual-polarization optical signal 218 which has a wavelength λ2.
Second loop 220 and second wavelength conversion component 222 are responsible for wavelength conversion from λ2 to λ1. The polarization components 224 and 226 of a dual-polarization optical signal 218 having a wavelength λ2 are separated by a polarization de-multiplexer (e.g. polarizing beam splitter/combiner) 228 and each polarization component 224, 226 is converted back to wavelength λ1 by wavelength conversion component 222. Polarization component 224 travels in a clockwise direction around second loop 220 and through wavelength conversion component 222, which wavelength-converts polarization component 224 from wavelength λ2 to wavelength λ1. Similarly, polarization component 226 travels in a counter-clockwise direction around second loop 220 and through wavelength conversion component 222, which wavelength-converts polarization component 226 from wavelength λ2 to wavelength λ1. The wavelength-converted polarization components 230, 232 are then combined by polarization multiplexer (e.g. polarization beam splitter/combiner) 228 into a dual-polarization optical signal 234 which has a wavelength λ1.
In the consecutive counter-propagating scheme shown in FIG. 2, each one of wavelength conversion component 204, 222 provides only conversion from a wavelength λ1 to a wavelength λ2 (wavelength conversion component 204) or conversion from a wavelength λ2 to a wavelength λ1 (wavelength conversion component 222) of the polarization components that pass through it, regardless of the direction in which the polarization component passes through the wavelength conversion component. As described in connection with FIG. 2, and as shown in FIG. 3, when polarization components 206, 208 pass through wavelength conversion component 204 in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction after leaving polarization multiplexer/de-multiplexer (e.g. polarization beam splitter/combiner) 212, wavelength conversion component 204 converts both polarization components 206, 208 from a wavelength λ1 to a wavelength λ2. Likewise, when polarization components 224, 226 pass through wavelength conversion component 222 in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction after leaving polarization multiplexer/de-multiplexer (e.g. polarization beam splitter/combiner) 228, wavelength conversion component 222 converts both polarization components 224, 226 from a wavelength λ2 (e.g., 633 nm) to a wavelength λ1 (e.g., 1560 nm). It should be noted that both the clockwise and the counterclockwise signals 206 and 208 travel inside the wavelength conversion component 204 with the same polarization and only in the opposite direction. The wavelength converting component 204 works efficiently only for one polarization component. As mentioned earlier, if a dual-polarization wavelength converting component exists with minimum or no polarization crosstalk, then signal could simply be sent through it for up- or down-conversion.
The counter-propagating scheme 200 shown in FIG. 2 provides the benefit of minimum delay since each polarization component travels within the same loop (i.e., experiences similar optical path) and is converted by the same wavelength conversion component within that loop. The counter-propagating scheme also uses only two wavelength conversion components, as compared to the four wavelength conversion components required in the polarization diversity scheme shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the counter-propagating scheme can reduce the complexity and cost of providing wavelength conversion as compared to the polarization diversity scheme.
The scheme described in FIG. 2 shows a method to perform the wavelength conversion from wavelength λ1 to a wavelength λ2 and conversion back to wavelength λ1. However to the best of the knowledge of the inventors, all of the reported research and literature using the counter-propagating scheme has been done with two wavelengths λ1 and λ2 very closely located to each other within a narrow spectral bandwidth usually within the C-band or the L-band. Furthermore, the commercially available optical components, such as polarization beam splitters, circulators, wavelength-division multiplexers, and polarization-maintaining fibers, to name a few, usually have a limited operating band where they can easily handle both wavelengths. For a broadband application, optical components cannot handle both wavelengths, and optical fibers to operate single-mode over a wide spectrum (such as broadband photonic crystal fibers ("PCF")) are expensive and difficult to work with. Vendors currently have difficulty connecting such fibers to PPLN crystals. A brute-force solution would be to use free-space components and dichroic mirrors to resolve the issue, but this solution would add to the complexity and cost.
There is, therefore, a need for a wavelength conversion apparatus and method that overcomes one or more of the above and other deficiencies, simplifies the design, and reduces total cost and complexity.

Apparatus for broadband wavelength conversion of dual-polarization phase-encoded signal


A method of providing annotations within a portal environment can include executing a portlet object having a tag, wherein the tag specifies an annotation service associated with an artifact presented by a graphical user interface of the portal environment. A visual identifier can be presented proximate to the artifact. The visual identifier can reference the annotation service. The method further can include creating an annotation using the annotation service responsive to the selection of the visual identifier.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to information management and, more particularly, to annotating software objects with supplemental information.
2. Description of the Related Art
Within the context of information technology, annotations generally refer to the attachment or association of supplemental information to a portion of user-supplied data. In illustration, one variety of annotation system pertains to word processing applications. Modern word processing applications typically allow users to select a given portion of text from within a word processing document. The selected text then can be associated with an annotation, usually in the form of a comment. Comments include additional user supplied text which is visually distinguishable from the regular text of the electronic document. For example, comments often are distinctively highlighted and placed in the document margin proximate to the text to which the comment has been associated. Such annotation schemes frequently mimic the manner in which people manually mark-up or edit paper-based documents.
While annotations of this sort can be helpful in terms of providing additional commentary for a portion of text, limitations do exist. One limitation is that conventional annotation frameworks used within word processing applications do not provide a means for regulating which users are provided access to a given comment. Annotations also are limited to a single type, i.e. a comment which serves an explanatory function. Further, annotations used within word processing applications can only be associated with the content of an electronic document. That is, the annotations cannot be associated with other software objects such as elements of the graphical user interface (GUI) of the word processing application.
Another variety of annotation scheme provides supplementary Universal Resource Locators (URLs) for selected Web pages. Such annotation schemes attempt to associate particular URLs, or Web addresses, with one or more other related URLs. When a user accesses or downloads a given Web page, the user can be alerted that one or more other URLs are available which may provide further information in addition to that which is included in the user-requested Web page. The user then can choose whether to access that supplemental content.
Annotation systems of the variety described above typically require the user to download a program, referred to as a plug-in. The plug-in executes in concert with the user's browser and monitors the URLs requested by the user. These URLs are compared with a listing of URLs available from an online service that is accessed by the plug-in. If a user-requested URL is associated with one or more other URLs listed in the online service, the user can be notified.
This sort of Web-based annotation system also has disadvantages. One disadvantage is the need for the user to download and execute a third-party application. Additionally, as was the case with word processing-type annotation systems, conventional annotation systems for Web pages typically perform a single, limited function. In this case, that function is to associate a URL with another URL. Other limitations of Web-based annotation systems include the inability to regulate annotations based upon user identity, enforce security policies, or perform more varied programmatic functions using annotations.
It would be beneficial to provide an annotation service which overcomes the deficiencies described above, thereby providing increased flexibility in terms of the type of annotation that can be created and the type of software object with which an annotation can be associated.

General purpose annotation service for portal-based applications

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A method and system stores and retrieves data items associated with a primary key, using search indices at multiple storage locations. A server receives a primary key, identifies one or more segments of the primary key, and hashes each segment with one or more hash functions to obtain a sequence of hash values. The hash values are used as keys to index a chain of search indices that are stored in multiple storage locations. One or more of the hash values in the sequence are used to form a host name, and the host name is mapped to an address of a server that stores a first search index in the chain. The last search index in the chain contains the data items associated with the primary key, or provides a reference to one or more locations at which the data items can be found.

A typical data management system includes a front end component and a back end component. The front end component includes one or more client applications (e.g., web browsers and/or special purpose client applications) that generate data request (e.g., read and/or write data items) and transfer these requests to the back end component. The back end component processes the data requests, looks up a search index, and accesses a data repository to store or retrieve the requested data items.
In some enterprise data management systems, a single data repository may not be able to handle all the data items generated by the front end component. Additionally, the search index may contain a large amount of data that cannot be easily managed by a single server. Thus, it becomes crucial to be able to distribute the data items and the search index across multiple storage locations that are managed by multiple servers in an efficient manner.

Federated indexing from hashed primary key slices


An apparatus (10) for erecting collapsed, tubular cartons (12) includes a device (32) for removing the top carton (12) of a vertical stack of cartons (12) and moving it in a horizontal orientation to an operative position, with the second side panel (16) of the collapsed carton (12) underlying at least the first end panel (18) which is in a linear arrangement with the first side panel (14). Suction cups (76) carried by a frame (74) are secured to the second side panel (16) in an attachment position and moved by a parallelogram linkage to an open position located vertically below and coinciding with the first side panel (14). After an unload arm (84) is secured to the first end panel (18), tucking arms (102, 104, 106) are pivoted to tuck the bottom closure flaps (22, 24, 25). The unload arm (84) is then pivoted about a first axis from the pickup position to a drop position and is simultaneously pivoted about a second axis from a first condition to a second condition to place the erected carton (12) in a chute (118) at an offset location and in a horizontal orientation. In the most preferred form, the unload arm (84) is pivoted about the second axis by a crank arm (98) secured to the unload arm (84) and a connector (100) having its opposite end secured to a stationary reference point when the unload arm (84) is pivoted about the first axis.

The present invention generally relates to apparatus for erecting cartons from a collapsed condition, particularly to apparatus for erecting cartons of the tubular type from a collapsed condition, and specifically to apparatus for erecting tubular cartons which have been previously utilized or which have not been previously utilized.
Many types of products are stored and transported in cartons which hold multiple products. Once reaching their final destination, the products are removed from the carton such as for their retail sale, and the carton is disposed of. Although previously such used cartons were simply disposed of as waste, with increasing ecological and environmental awareness, such used cartons are often recycled. However, to further enhance the reduction of waste, it has become desirable for the cartons to be reused multiple times (such as on the average of eight times) before they are recycled or otherwise disposed of. It can then be appreciated that with the product removed, it is then desired that the carton be stored and transported in a flat or collapsed condition for space reduction to the factory or similar location where the carton is again erected or set up for reuse by again filling the carton with product.
Various types of packaging machines exist for erecting or setting up cartons from a blank or collapsed condition such as but not limited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,663. However, most existing packaging machines were designed to handle cartons which have not been previously utilized and which have not been previously erected or set up. Cartons which have been previously used and then returned to their flat or collapsed condition for reuse are not as rigid as new cartons and are more difficult to automatically, mechanically handle. Thus, many prior packaging machines had difficulty handling and erecting used cartons. This difficulty is further complicated as cartons at various stages of their lives from being new to being reused their first or second time to being reused their last time and thus of varying degrees of rigidity and ease of handling are intermixed in their collapsed condition in the carton magazine or hopper of the packaging machines.
Additionally, it is desired that the reuse of cartons be as competitive as possible with utilizing only new cartons in packaging in addition to the ecological advantages gained by reuse. Towards that end, it is desired that handling of the reused carton be made as minimal and as easy as possible. It can then be appreciated that collapsed cartons are typically transported back to the factory for reuse on pallets. Thus, it is desired that the collapsed cartons be easily loaded into the erecting apparatus from pallets or the like. Many prior packaging machines include carton magazines which are relatively difficult to load individual cartons from a vertical stack on a pallet.
Thus a need exists for apparatus for erecting or setting up cartons from their flat or collapsed condition which is able to handle without difficulty intermixed cartons at various stages of their lives and which allows ease and minimization of handling reused cartons from vertical stacks.

Collapsed, tubular carton erecting apparatus

Douglas Machine Limited Liability Company


Blends containing a polyetherimide and from about 8 to about 20 wt. % of a modifier formulation comprising an acrylate rubber and a polycarbonate, and a method for improving the ESCR properties of polyetherimides.

This invention relates to polyetherimides, and more particularly to polyetherimide compositions having improved stress-crack resistance. Still more particularly, the polyetherimide compositions of this invention are polymer blends containing, in addition to a polyetherimide, an acrylate core-shell type rubber and a polycarbonate. These blends are characterized by remarkably improved environmental stress-crack resistance and an excellent balance of mechanical properties.
Polyetherimides are widely accepted for use because of their good strength properties at elevated temperatures, electrical properties, and for their heat resistance. Even though these resins are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, they are susceptible to crazing and stress cracking when exposed to solvents and fluids commonly encountered in coating, electronic and automotive applications. Polyetherimides also are somewhat lacking in impact strength and ductility; when molded parts encounter such solvents they may become crazed or stress-cracked and subject to catastrophic failure in use.
Improvement in environmental stress-crack resistance thus becomes needed for better performance of articles fabricated from polyetherimides, particularly for use in applications such as automotive and electrical parts where the articles may be subject to attack by solvents and fluids. Of course, it is also important that such improvement be achieved without substantial adverse effects on desirable properties of the polyetherimide. The acceptance of polyetherimides for many applications over other resins by the compounding art depends on the resin's excellent dimensional stability at elevated temperatures. Methods for increasing resin environmental stress-crack resistance at the expense of impact strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures would likely not be readily adopted by the industry.
A variety of impact modifiers are known for use with thermoplastics. Generally, these modifiers are rubbery compositions that can be blended or incorporated into the thermoplastics. Very few rubbery modifiers have been found to be effective for improving impact in polyetherimide resins, and many of those that do often cause adverse affects, including losses in other key properties.
Ternary blends of polyetherimides with polycarbonates and acrylic rubber interpolymers are known in the art and have been shown to have improved impact strength. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4.673,708, there are disclosed blends comprising from about 25 to about 33 wt. % of the polycarbonate component based on the total weight of the blend, together with minor amounts of the rubber component. Although the blends are disclosed to have improved impact strength, little improvement is shown by the reference for ternary blends containing less than 30 wt. % polycarbonate.
Thus, there continues to be a need for high temperature thermoplastic polyetherimides with improved resistance to environmental stress cracking, and for a method to improve the environmental stress cracking resistance of polyetherimides without substantially reducing the desirable balance of mechanical properties that characterize these resins.

Polyetherimide compositions having improved environmental stress-crack resistance


An input receiver for stepping down a high-voltage domain input signal into a low-voltage-domain stepped-down signal includes a waveform chopper. The waveform chopper chops the high-voltage domain input signal into a first chopped signal and a second chopped signal. A high-voltage-domain receiver combines the first chopped signal and the second chopped signal into a high-voltage-domain combined signal. A step-down device converts the high-voltage-domain combined signal into a stepped-down low-voltage-domain signal.

As semiconductor technology has advanced into the deep submicron regime, the power supply voltage is scaled down in concert with the scaling down of transistor dimensions. Nevertheless, input/output (I/O) standards from higher-voltage regimes may still need to be supported. But the thick-oxide transistors in modern high-density integrated circuits may not be able to accommodate any voltage higher than some maximum level such as two volts across their gate-source, gate-drain, or source-drain junctions. To safely receive input signals with voltages that exceed such maximum levels, it is conventional to use native transistors in the integrated circuit's input receiver.
An example conventional input receiver 100 is shown in FIG. 1A. A native NMOS pass transistor 105 has its gate driven by the internal power supply voltage VDD. This internal voltage VDD is lower than a power supply voltage VDDX that is cycled to by a VDDX-domain input signal 102 received at a drain of native pass transistor 105. The level for VDDX depends upon the signaling protocol for input signal 102. For example, one signaling protocol may have input signal 102 cycle between 0 and 3.3V (VDDX) according to its frequency. In contrast, VDD may equal 1.8V or 1.65 V, which is a safer level for modern devices. In that regard, if 3.3V were impressed across any pair of terminals for native pass transistor 105 (drain-to-source, gate-to-source, or gate-to-drain), native pass transistor 105 may fail. More generally, VDD equals approximately one-half of VDDX, regardless of the level for VDDX as determined by the signaling protocol.
As input signal 102 rises to VDD, it passes through to the drain of native pass transistor 105 since its voltage threshold is zero volts. The gate-to-source voltage for native pass transistor 105 eventually drops to zero, which prevents the source of native pass transistor from rising higher than VDD. Although the drain continues to rise to 3.3V in a cycle of input signal voltage 102, native pass transistor 105 is not strained since there is no more than a VDD voltage difference between its drain and source. Similarly, there is never more than a VDD voltage difference between the gate and drain or between the gate and source of native pass transistor 105.
A receiver such as an inverter 110 powered by the VDD power supply voltage inverts the source voltage to produce a VDD-domain or stepped-down output signal 115 from VDDX-domain input signal 102. Inverter 110 drives output signal 115 to internal circuitry (not illustrated) of the integrated circuit that includes input receiver 100. Although native pass transistor 105 avoids voltage strain problems in converting VDDX-domain input signal 102 into a VDD-domain output signal 115, input receiver 100 suffers from a number of problems. For example, an external source drives input signal 102. Input receiver 100 has no control over this external source. Native pass transistor 105 thus passes whatever duty cycle and slew rate it receives through to inverter 110. The duty cycle and slew rate for VDD-domain output signal 115 from inverter 110 may thus be unacceptably distorted. In addition, further distortion results from input signal 102 oscillating between voltage minimums and voltage maximums that differ from the desired levels of ground and VDDX. Moreover, native devices such as native pass transistor 105 are very sensitive to process variations. Use of input receiver 100 is thus limited to relatively low input signal frequencies such as in the tens of MHz to satisfy a +/−5% duty cycle error requirement.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for step-down input receivers providing more accurate performance in higher frequency domains.

High-voltage input receiver using low-voltage devices


Apparatus and method are for extraction of follicular units. A dermal biopsy punch is utilized in combination with a suction device for extraction purposes. The use of suction to extract the follicular unit allows for distribution of the forces over a large area of the unit, helping to keep the unit intact. A perforating device, affixed to the punch, is utilized to weaken the structural integrity of the extraction area. The perforating device, having a plurality of spike members which surround the follicular unit and are inserted into the skin at a small, previously determined depth, reduces the holding tissue around the unit. The small number of relatively thin spikes of the perforating device help keep the follicular unit undamaged. Because suction is utilized to extract the follicular unit, the distal end of the apparatus may have a guard which functions to prevent the extracted follicular units from being vacuumed further therein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for extraction of follicular units from a donor area, for the purpose of transplantation into balding areas of the scalp.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous innovations for hair transplant procedures have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents most relevant to the invention at hand, as well a description outlining the differences between the features of the present invention and those of the prior art.
1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,279, invented by Rassman, entitled "Hair Implantation Device"
The patent to Rassman describes a system for transplanting hair grafts from a donor region of a patient's scalp to a recipient region of the patient's scalp. The system includes harvesting N (N>21) strips of skin containing living hair follicles from the donor region of the patient's scalp, the N strips of skin being harvested simultaneously, and cutting the N strips of skin into hair grafts, the N strips of skin being cut simultaneously. The system also includes loading the hair grafts sequentially, bottom down, into a removable cartridge connected to an instrument for implanting the hair grafts into the recipient region of the patient's scalp, the hair grafts being loaded so as to create an air seal between the hair grafts and the cartridge, and implanting the hair grafts. The implanting includes implanting the hair grafts into the recipient region of the patient's scalp, one at a time, using the instrument, by feeding a hair graft to a predetermined feed position in the instrument via air suction created by an air seal between the hair graft and the cartridge, making an incision at a point in the recipient region of the patient's scalp at which the hair graft is to be implanted using a cutting device on the instrument, and sliding the hair graft into the incision using an implanting member in the instrument.
Other relevant prior patents to Rassman include U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,851, entitled "Hair Transplantation System," U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,120, entitled "Hair Implanting Instrument," and U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,841, entitled "Instrument For Implanting Hair Grafts".
2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,273, invented by Arnold, entitled "Apparatus For Producing Hair Transplantation Donor Strips And Methods"
The Arnold invention provides methods and apparatus for producing hair transplantation donor strips for use in hair transplantation procedures. According to one exemplary method, a surgical instrument is provided having at least two planar blades, with each blade having a sharpened edge, and with the blades being substantially parallel to each other. The blades are translated along and through an area of the scalp having hair to form at least two parallel incisions in the scalp. The orientation of the blades relative to the hair is adjusted such that the blades are generally aligned at all times with the direction of hair growth for the hair between the blades when the surgeon is making the incisions. A graft of skin having hair is then removed from between the incisions formed by the blades. At least a portion of the graft of skin having at least one hair is then placed into another area of the scalp.
3. U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,512, invented by Bridges, entitled "Hair Follicle Harvesting Device"
The patent to Bridges describes a hair follicle harvesting device which is characterized by a pencil-like harvesting tube fitted at the distal end with a needle of selected bore size for insertion over one or more hairs and hair follicles in a scalp flap and puncturing the scalp flap. The harvesting tube is connected at the proximal end to a source of saline solution and accommodates a flow of saline solution through a venturi or tube constriction by operation of a pump to remove the encircled and loosened hair follicles as micrografts, minigrafts and hair plugs from the scalp flap. The hair follicles are caused to flow through the needle and into the saline solution stream by reduced pressure responsive to flow of the saline solution through the venturi or tube constriction located near the base of the needle in the harvesting tube. The saline stream containing the hair follicles is then directed from the harvesting tube through a screen in a disposable follicle harvesting apparatus or a screen in a follicle collection vessel, which retains the hair follicles on the screen and returns the saline solution to the pump for continued circulation through the harvesting tube. The screen is periodically removed from the harvesting apparatus or follicle collection vessel to collect the harvested hair follicles, which are then used in conventional hair transplant procedures.
4. U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,811, invented by Goldberg, entitled "Micro And Mini Hair Transplant Device"
The patent to Goldberg describes a device for automating hair transplant procedures. The device includes a part for puncturing the scalp, a part for containing the hair grafts to be transplanted, a part for ejecting the hair grafts from the containing means, a part for actutating the ejecting means and a part for delivering the hair grafts into the transplant site.
5. U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,297, invented by Boudjema, entitled "Device For Transplanting Small Diameter Hair Grafts"
The patent to Boudjema describes a device for transplanting small diameter hair grafts using a hand-held cutting instrument having a body holding the tool, a rotary cylindrical tool and a drive assembly capable of driving the tool in rotation with respect to the body. The tool has a hollow end for cutting a graft. The cylindrical tool is a hollow needle with an axial through bore of the same diameter as the hollow cutting end to which it forms an extension. The device extracts the graft by sucking it up through the axial bore of the needle.
6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,064, invented by Arnold, entitled "Dermal Punch For Hair Transplantation And Methods"
In one aspect, the Arnold invention provides a method for transplanting hair. According to the method, an instrument is provided having a concentric cylindrical shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis extending therebetween A blade is on the distal end of the shaft normal to the axis of the shaft, and an escape port is provided in the wall of the shaft near the distal end. The instrument is inserted into the skin to a preselected depth where the skin is below the escape port to form a cylindrical incision. The instrument is then removed from the skin. The step of inserting the instrument into the skin is repeated, with any accumulated skin in the shaft being forced through the escape port. In this way, the shaft does not become clogged with tissue after repeated use. A graft of skin having at least one hair is then placed into at least one of the cylindrical incisions.
7. U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,807, invented by Boudjema, entitled "Device For Implanting Small-Diameter Capillary Grafts"
The patent to Boudjema describes a device for implanting a small-diameter capillary graft into the scalp, comprising a hollow needle pierced by a throughbore having a smaller diameter than the graft and suitable for gripping, by its end, one end of the said graft through the needle. The needle is mounted so as to slide in a cylindrical sheath between a first position, in which the needle is retracted inside the sheath, and a second position for gripping and for inserting the graft into the scalp, in which the needle projects beyond the end of the sheath. The needle is actuated between the first and second positions, preferably by application and release of a vacuum to an enclosure which is defined by a cylindrical tube and which is closed on a first side by the sheath and on a second side by a plug fastened to a distal end of the needle. A communication port is formed in the needle communicating with the enclosure, so as to allow vacuum in the enclosure to facilitate gripping of the capillary graft by vacuum, and an orifice is provided in a wall of the cylindrical tube so as to allow a surgeon rapidly to apply and release vacuum in the enclosure.
8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,683, invented by Shiao, entitled "Mini-Graft Hair Implanting Device For Implanting Multiple Clumps Of Hair Follicles At One Time"
The patent to Shiao describes a mini-graft hair implanting device for implanting multiple clumps of hair follicles at one time includes a barrel, a plunger and a depth control unit. The barrel is formed as a hollow cylinder with an open top and a bottom wall that has a cluster of hollow needles which are attached thereto so as to extend downwardly therefrom. Each of the hollow needles is adapted to receive a clump of hair follicles therein and has two open ends, a distal one of which is tapered so as to form a pointed tip. The plunger extends slidably into the barrel and has a bottom end that is formed with a set of downwardly extending first push rods and at least one downwardly extending second push rod. The first push rods are aligned with and extend into the hollow needles. The depth control unit is attached to and extends downwardly from the bottom wall of the barrel. The depth control unit includes at least one tube which is shorter than the hollow needles and which has two open ends, a distal one of which is blunt. Each second push rod is aligned with and extends into a corresponding tube.
9. U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,369, invented by Kim, entitled "Hair Transplanter"
The Kim invention discloses a hair transplanter. A needle to be inserted into a scalp has a pointed end portion to reduce damage of the scalp, and a guide plate in adhered to an end portion of a sliding unit reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the needle outside the needle, in order to prevent hair roots from being separated at the time of the separation of the needle. As a result, the hair roots inserted into a needle insertion groove are not damaged and are naturally settled in the scalp without modification, thereby stably performing the hair transplantation.
10. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,572, invented by Markman, entitled "Method, Apparatus And Kit For Performing Hair Grafts"
In the patent to Markman, a device and method are set forth for performing hair grafts which includes a housing, plunger with a needle, and a carriage containing an inventory of hair grafts to be placed. The plunger is placed at an extended position where the needle extends from the catheter and the needle and catheter are inserted into the tissue. The plunger and needle are withdrawn and the carriage is indexed to position a graft. The plunger is moved to urge the graft from the carriage through the catheter into the tissue for transplantation.
The above-listed prior art largely relates to methods known in the art, such as the "strip method" (first-above-listed patent to Rassman, second above-listed patent to Arnold) as well as cylindrical cutting tools for extraction, and various hollow needles used in the extraction process. In addition, various prior art relates to the implantation of follicular units, as distinguished from device designed to facilitate extraction.
In contrast to all of the above, the present invention provides two innovations to improve follicular unit extraction. The first utilizes a dermal biopsy punch and suction device which allows for distribution of forces over a greater area of the follicular unit to mitigate crush force upon the unit, and keep the same intact.
The second innovation utilizes a perforator with a plurality of thin spikes inserted into the skin to surround the follicular unit and weaken the structural integrity of the area. Because the follicular unit is being partially sucked into the punch, the holding tissue is decreased, allowing the follicular unit to become free. This prevents damage to the follicular units safely extracts high quantities of follicular units in a short period of time, while maintaining the integrity of such follicular units.

Method and apparatus for follicular extraction and transplantation


An energy guiding chain with a plurality of links, which are connected to each other in articulated fashion, is provided where the links consist at least partly of an electrically conductive material that permits the discharge of electrical charges over at least part of the chain length, and is characterized in that the links are designed such that they are in contact with each other over the full pivoting angle on contact areas that move relative to each other and are in permanent contact and/or in that at least one connecting element connecting two or more links to each other in each case is provided, and in that the contact areas, and the areas of the links or the connecting element connecting them, form a continuous conductivity path with low electrical resistance, which extends at least over several links and permits use of the chain in ESD protection zones.

The ESD compatibility of the chain is designed to avoid electrostatic charges in the chain, so that the energy guiding chain can be used in sensitive areas, e.g. in the production, packaging or transportation of electrical or electronic components, such as semiconductor elements, or in explosion-protected areas. In this context, the energy guiding chain used must be electrically grounded in an appropriate manner, where, in particular, the end fastening links of the energy guiding chain are grounded, by means of which the chain is fastened to the consumers.
In energy guiding chains, the links are mostly connected to each other by pivoted connections in the form of pin-and-hole connections, where pivot pins projecting laterally on the side pieces of a first link engage corresponding recesses on the side pieces of an adjacent link. However, it has been found on various occasions that the energy guiding chains known to date do not always fulfill the above-mentioned ESD requirements, or not dependably enough, particularly when they are made of a plastic material, even if the plastic material in itself displays sufficiently high electrical conductivity.
Therefore, the object of the invention is to create an energy guiding chain that can be used dependably at all times in ESD protection zones, or other zones with comparable requirements profiles, and permits improved discharge of electrical charges via the energy guiding chain.


A face seal fitting operable to join first and second conduits together and to provide a face seal, the face seal fitting comprising a body comprising a fluid passageway, and a coupling portion having an end defining a mating face; a gland comprising a fluid passageway, and an end having a mating face operable to be seated against the mating face of the body; a polyimide sealing component configured to be situated between the body and the gland; and a compression nut fittable over the gland and coupleable to the body, the compression nut being operable, upon torqueing to achieve a threshold compression load, to cause the mating face of the gland to seat against the mating face of the body, and to compress and elastically deform the polyimide sealing component to be flush with the mating faces of the body and the gland to form a face seal.

Face seals are a common type of seal comprising sealing surfaces normal to the axis of the seal. Face seals are typically formed for the purpose of sealing sections of tubing or conduits connected together. The tubing or conduits can be used to convey a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid, or a combination of these under pressure. Face seals can be formed or provided in such applications to prevent leakage in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the seal. In one example, face seals can be achieved using face seal fittings, which can comprise face seal fitting components or connectors in support of the tubing sections that can be coupled or connected together under compression loads to form the face seal. In another example, face seals can be achieved using coupleable components that are part of the conduit sections, such as two flange sections on two respective pipes that couple together to form a pipe flange joint.
Face seal fittings (or joints) can utilize various types of seals or sealing components to achieve the face seal. Elastomeric sealing components, such as O-rings, gaskets, etc. are one example of a type of seal or sealing component used to facilitate the formation of a face seal. However, elastomeric seals are susceptible to explosive decompression when subject to rapid pressure reduction. In addition, elastomeric sealing components, depending upon their type, can introduce non-volatile residue (NVR) and outgas in applications with high cleanliness and purity requirements. These types of sealing components can further require an internal support wall or groove in order to prevent extrusion under a vacuum in some applications. In another example, face seal fittings (or other types of coupleable components) can utilize metallic crush sealing components to facilitate the formation of a face seal. This type of sealing component comprises a sacrificial gasket that is intended to be crushed (i.e., plastically deformed) with little elastic rebound. As such, metallic crush sealing components are typically used only in single-use applications. In other words, metallic crush seals are not suitable for reuse, such as in applications where the face seal fitting may be disconnected and reconnected for whatever reason. In still another example, face seal fittings (or other types of coupleable components) can utilize metallic compression sealing components to facilitate the formation of a face seal. However, these are susceptible to sealing surface galling, thus limiting the number of repeatable connections/disconnections (i.e., makes/breaks) of the face seal fitting. Moreover, face seal fittings using these types of sealing components are prone to leaks when the face seal connector components are over or under torqued relative to one another.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

Face seal fitting having a polyimide sealing component for facilitating a face seal


In a USB device, virtual endpoint capability allows a number of physical endpoints in the device to support a larger number of data pipes at logical endpoints requested by the host. This is done by re-assigning physical endpoints to support the logical endpoint requested by the host. The logical endpoints and their corresponding data pipes may be served in a round robin scheme.

This invention relates in general to Universal Serial Bus ("USB") devices, and in particular to the use of virtual endpoints in such devices.
An increasing number of different functions have now been incorporated in computer peripheral devices. These functions may include printing, signal transmission through telephone lines by means of modems, video and audio signal transmission, telephone communication and broadband transmission. The Universal Serial Bus ("USB") specification Revision 2.0 (referred to herein as "USB Specification", which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), available from http://www.usb.org/developers/docs.html, specifies up to 31 physical endpoints. Aside from endpoint zero which is used for default control, these endpoints may be used in a computer peripheral for controlling up to 30 communication or data pipes, each data pipe used for data transfer between the computer peripheral device and the host computer for supporting a particular application or function of the peripheral device.
As set forth in Section 5.3.1 of the USB Specification, an endpoint is a uniquely identifiable portion of a USB device that is the terminus of a communication flow between the host and device. Each USB logical device is composed of a collection of independent endpoints. Each logical device has a unique address assigned by the system at device attachment time. Each endpoint on a device is given at design time a unique device-determined identifier called the endpoint number. Each endpoint has a device-determined direction of data flow. The combination of the device address, endpoint number, and direction allows each endpoint to be uniquely referenced. Each endpoint is a simplex connection that supports data flow in one direction from the point of view of the host: either input (from device to host) or output (from host to device). In other words, a computer peripheral device may contain more than one USB logical device, where each logical device is treated separately by the host controller from another logical device in the same peripheral.
According to the USB Specification, the data pipes associated with all the endpoints except for endpoint zero are uni-directional. Thus, if data is to be transferred in both directions between the host computer and the peripheral device for a particular function or application, two data pipes would be required: one for the host computer to send data to the peripheral device and the other for the peripheral device to send data to the host computer. Certain types of functions or applications may require more than one data pipe in the same direction. For example, audio signals may require two or more data pipes for each direction for stereo sound or surround sound.
At the host side, the data transfer is handled by a microprocessor which sends tokens to the USB peripheral device requesting endpoints to support one or more applications. Such tokens would include information for identifying the data pipe involved and are known as logical endpoints. On the side of the USB device, hardware is used to support data transfer in the associated data pipe, where such hardware is known as a physical endpoint in accordance with the USB Specification. Each physical endpoint is associated with allocated memory (such as FIFOs) and registers. A match is found between a logical endpoint requested by the host with a physical endpoint in the USB peripheral device during initialization or during the process of establishing communication between the host and the device for data transfer through a particular data pipe.
When the host computer attempts to communicate with a USB peripheral device through a data pipe to support a particular function, the host computer will send a token containing information related to a logical endpoint for the data pipe. When the token is received by the USB device controller in the USB peripheral device, the USB device controller would match the logical endpoint information with that of the physical endpoints of the peripheral device. If a match is discovered, the USB device controller would respond to the host computer to establish the data pipe communication. If, however, the logical endpoint requested by the host computer is not found to match any one of the physical endpoints of the peripheral, such request by the host computer is simply denied so that the peripheral device is unable to support such function. This can, of course, be avoided if a USB device controller is designed with all 30 physical endpoints (in addition to endpoint zero) that are possible under the USB Specification.
However, if a USB device controller is designed with all 30 physical endpoints in addition to endpoint zero that are possible under the USB Specification, then the controller chip will become unnecessarily complex and requires a large die to accommodate all of the endpoints. Since typically many fewer functions or applications than 30 need to be supported simultaneously, if a USB device controller is designed with all 30 physical endpoints in addition to endpoint zero, then a large number of the physical endpoints would be idle most of the time. Including enough memory and registers to support all 30 physical endpoints in addition to endpoint zero is inefficient and costly.
Due to size and cost considerations explained above, most USB device controllers presently marketed do not include all 30 physical endpoints in addition to endpoint zero. In fact, most controllers contain only a few physical endpoints in addition to endpoint zero. In conventional designs, each physical endpoint in a computer USB device peripheral is identified with a particular data pipe and cannot be switched or changed to support a different data pipe between the host computer and the computer peripheral. Therefore, when computer peripherals are called upon to be increasingly versatile and perform many different functions, the few physical endpoints now being provided in the USB device controllers now on the market may not be adequate to support as many functions as desired by consumers. It is therefore desirable to provide USB devices with fewer physical endpoints than possible under the USB specification, where such devices still are adequate for supporting an increasing number of functions and applications desired by consumers in computer peripherals.


A vehicle headlamp comprises: a discharge bulb; and a reflector having a reflecting surface including a plurality of reflecting surface elements to reflect the output light of the discharge bulb forwardly, wherein an sub light distribution pattern having an oblique cut line and a horizontal cut light is formed by controlling light reflected from the reflecting surface elements. Of the plurality of reflecting surface elements, oblique cut line forming reflecting surface elements, and horizontal cut line forming reflecting surface elements extend above the lines of intersection between the reflecting surface and an inclined surface which passes through the optical axis of the reflector and has an angle of elevation of 15.degree..

This invention relates to a vehicle headlamp with a discharge bulb, and more particularly to a sub light distribution pattern forming headlamp.
A discharge bulb is able to perform high brightness irradiation. Hence, recently, it has been employed as the light source of a vehicle headlamp.
In the case where, in such a headlamp with a discharge bulb, a sub light distribution pattern having oblique and horizontal cut lines is formed, the sub light distribution pattern is high in the recognition of far objects, and large in the angle of irradiation.
A headlamp has been proposed in the art which uses a reflector having a reflecting surface including a plurality of reflecting surface elements to reflect the output light of a discharge lamp, thereby to form the aforementioned sub light distribution pattern.
In the case where, as was described above, the reflecting surface of the reflector is made up of a plurality of reflecting surface elements, generally not only a border line which divides the reflecting surface elements into right and left parts but also a border line which divide the reflecting surface elements into upper and lower parts is formed on the reflecting surface.
However, in the case where the border line which divides the reflecting surface elements into upper and lower parts (hereinafter referred to as "an upper and lower border line", when applicable) is carelessly formed on the reflecting surface of the reflector, the following problems are involved:
That is, in the case where, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower border line L is present on the reflecting surface 22 of the reflector 16, the reflecting surface 22 is discontinuous at the upper and lower border line L, and therefore the undercoating paint applied to the reflecting surface 22 for aluminum vacuum deposit treatment forms a paint pool B near the upper and lower boarder line L. This paint pool B is formed not only in the case where, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the upper and lower border line L is of a downward step, but also in the case where, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the upper and lower boarder line L is of an upward step, and in the case where, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the border line L is of a protrusion. And the output light of the discharge bulb 18 applied to the aforementioned paint pool B is reflected in a direction which is different from the aimed direction, to form an upward diffused light Ru, thus glaring on the driver on an oncoming car.
In the case of a conventional headlamp whose light source is a halogen bulb or the like, the upward diffused light from the upper and lower border line causes no serious problem in practical use; however, in the case of a head lamp whose light source is a discharge bulb, the upward diffused light cannot be disregarded because the power of the light source is considerably great.

Vehicle headlamp with steps in periphery with parabolic edges with different focal lengths


A silver halide color photographic material having at least three light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layers, each sensitive in a different wavelength region. At least one of the silver halide emulsion layers contains at least one adsorbable reducing compound represented by a hydroquinone containing a group capable of promoting adsorption to silver halide grains and a silver halide emulsion having a silver chloride content of at least 90 mol %. The photographic material is well adapted for rapid processing and maintains constant sensitivity with a change in humidity upon exposure and when stored for a long period of time prior to use.

Commercially available silver halide photographic materials and methods for forming images therein are of wide variety, and utilized in multifarious fields. As for the halide composition of silver halide emulsions used in these photographic materials, iodobromides mainly composed of bromide are widely adopted, particularly in the case of picture-taking photographic materials for achieving high sensitivity.
On the other hand, silver bromide substantially free from iodide or silver chlorobromide emulsions are used in products where there is an urgent demand to finish a large quantity of prints over a short period of time, such as photographic materials for color photographic paper. In this case, it is necessary to increase the developing speed.
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for enhanced adaptability to rapid processing of color photographic paper, such that a large number of investigations thereon have been carried out. Now, a high chloride content silver halide emulsion is known to provide a remarkable increase in developing speed.
However, silver halide photographic materials which have a high chloride content to thereby provide for rapid processing tend to suffer a change in sensitivity upon long-term storage. Thus, there has been a demand for improved stability of photographic properties for color photographic papers, especially in case of long-term storage.
In addition, no change in photographic properties is particularly required of color photographic light-sensitive materials, such as color photographic paper, when subjected to a change in surroundings, e.g., a change in humidity, upon printing in a laboratory. Namely, a change in humidity during the printing operation in a laboratory results in a deviation from optimum printing conditions, such that prints of high quality are not obtained.

Silver halide color photographic material


A computer controlled labeling apparatus having a label applying mechanism for applying labels to containers. The labeling apparatus has a motor for driving a container transport and a sensor for providing transport status information to a controlling computer. The apparatus contains at least one labeling station. Each labeling station also has a motor and a sensor, the motor drives the labeling station and the sensor provides labeling station status information to the controlling computer. The computer is programmed to process status information in conjunction with prestored information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, containers, and desired labeling and generated suitable control signals for labeling apparatus operation. Computer control for the application of stretch type label material from a continuous web of material is described. The computer controlled application of liquid material, such as a settable viscous adhesive to label material during application of the label to form a tactilely sensible indica, such as braille marking is also provided.

In a turret type of labeling machine such as that described in U.S. Pat. 4,108,709 and incorporated herein by reference, containers are supplied continuously to a rotating turret; each container, in turn, is clamped between an upper chuck and a lower chuck carried by the turret; the container, so clamped, is rotated orbitally about the central shaft of the turret to a label pick up station where it contacts the leading edge of a label carried by a label transport such as a rotating vacuum drum; the label is released from the vacuum drum and is wrapped around a container as the container is caused to spin about its axis; and with a label wrapped around, it is transported by the turret to a container release station where the labeled container is released from the turret. In this operation, it is necessary to rotate each container clamped between a pair of chucks orbitally about the axis of the turret and it is necessary to spin the container about its own axis to wrap a label about it. Other labeling machines are known, such as for example, that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,167 entitled xe2x80x9cLabeling Machinexe2x80x9d which is hereby incorporated by reference.
In the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,709 the spinning of the container is achieved by, for example, a wheel fixed to and coaxial with the upper member of a pair of chucks and a pad which is concentric to the turret axis. The contact between this wheel and pad causes the respective chuck, and with it the container, to spin.
This means of spinning the containers is quite effective but is limited in many ways. For example, the container can spin in only one direction and its speed is fixed by the speed of the turret and by the radius of the wheel and the pad. Also, this method of spinning the container to wrap the label may be ineffective for containers having generally noncircular cross sections.
The invention also relates to the application of stretch labels to containers and other articles. It is common practice to apply labels to containers and other articles by supplying a continuous length of label material from a roll, cutting it into suitable lengths which are transferred to a rotating vacuum drum which picks up each label in turn on its cylindrical surface by means of vacuum and transports each label to a label applying station where it Is wrapped around a container. For the purpose of adhering the label to the container, glue is applied to the container and/or to the label, usually the latter, at its leading end and at its trailing end. An adhesive may be formed in situ by the use of a solvent. Also heat sealing of the overlap between the trailing end of the label of the leading end of the label may be employed.
Hereinbelow for convenience the term xe2x80x9clabelxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9clabelsxe2x80x9d and the term xe2x80x9ccontainerxe2x80x9d will be used, but it is to be understood that other segments of sheet material may be applied, e.g., for decorative purposes, identification bands, tamper evident strips, etc. and that other articles than containers may have labels or other segments of sheet material applied to them.
Such label application to containers may be carried out with a stack of precut labels rather than severing labels from a continuous length of label material.
Representative patents relating to such label application are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,108,709; 4,108,710; 4,500,386; 5,091,040; 5,137,596 and 5,269,864. Such label application may also be carried out and is often carried out with a heat shrinkable label material which, after application to the container, is subjected to heat to cause it to shrink, e.g., into a recessed area of a container or onto contoured portions such as the neck or shoulder of a container. For example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,173 such heat shrink labeling is illustrated by application of a label to a container having a cylindrical body above and below which are portions of the container which are of lesser diameter. The heat shrinking shrinks the label onto such areas of lesser diameter.
An alternative to such heat shrinking/contour labeling is the application of stretchable labels, which are stretched before application and which, after application, contract and closely adhere to the recessed and/or contoured portions of the container. An example of such stretch labeling and the method and machinery for accomplishing it is provided by Automatic Label Systems of Twinsburg, Ohio, who supply what are called xe2x80x9cAuto-Sleeve(copyright) stretch sleeve labels.xe2x80x9d The Auto-Sleeve(copyright) labels are first formed into sleeves. The sleeves have a diameter less than the maximum diameter of the container to which they are to be fitted and the sleeve is stretch fitted over the container and when so applied it contracts and relaxes to fit the container tightly. This method avoids the need to use glue, heat or solvent to adhere the label to containers and it avoids the need to heat the label on containers to shrink the label material onto the container.
However that method requires first forming the stretch label material into a sleeve, then fitting the sleeve over the container. Other than in sleeve technology, the stretching of labels has heretofore been avoided or minimized.
Providing braille characters, icons, or other tactilely sensible indicia on containers allows visually impaired persons to ascertain the contents of packages or containers. Conventional containers have been developed which have a braille or indicia molded therein as part of the container manufacturing process. In addition, the indicia may be directly stamped on the container.
Applying braille markings at the time of printing presents problems due to the difficulties that would be encountered at the point of application. Cut and stacked labels having braille or indicia have a tendency toto nest and thus stick together as each label is pulled out consecutively one at a time during application of the labels to the container or article. In the case of a continuous roll having braille or other indicia, the roll itself would be lopsided due to the indicia. Such a roll would then encounter difficulties during such process as precision winding and/or unwinding. The problem may be particularly acute when the indicia are formed on stretchable label material.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a method and apparatus for applying tactilely recognizable indicia to containers at production speeds which overcome the deficiencies of prior known methods and apparatus for applying such indicia to containers or articles.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a more versatile means of operating such a turret type of labeling machine.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for applying braille indicia to labels at productions speeds.
It is a further object to provide a method and apparatus wherein a continuous roll of label material is marked with TACTILELY sensible indicia with labels being cut from the roll and applied to the containers.
It is yet another object to use an adhesive applying apparatus to apply glue droplets in a controlled and predetermined pattern on the surface or reverse side of a label to produce tactilely sensible indicia.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and machinery which will apply stretch labels in sheet form, as for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,386 or U.S. Pat. 4,108,709, and to apply the labels in stretched condition without the need to preform a sleeve.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide computer control and synchronization of the label handling apparatus to achieve the afore described labeling objectives.
The difficulties and limitations mentioned above are greatly diminished by providing a computer controlled turret type labeling apparatus for controlling the label applying mechanism when applying labels to containers. The computer controlled turret type labeling apparatus has a motor driven turret within a container handling station and one or more sensors that provide information about the operational status of the turret. Each container handling station has a motor for driving the container handling station and one or more sensors that provide operational status information about the container handling station. A label applying mechanism such as a motor driven vacuum drum may also be provided having sensors to provide operational status information. A computer is coupled to the motors and sensors for processing the status information received and for generating control signals in response to the received signals to drive the motors and to effect correct labeling of containers. The sensors typically provide speed, direction and position information. The computer is programmed to process the status information in conjunction with prestored information, including information relating to the characteristics of the labeling apparatus, the size and shape of the containers, and the desired container labeling characteristics.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method are provided for identification by visually impaired persons. The method comprises providing a sheet or web of material, preferably, having printed matter on one side for use as a label. A tactilely distinguishable mark is then provided on a portion of the sheet or web for identifying packages to the visually impaired by touch. The sheet of material is applied to the article such as a container for example or becomes part of the article. The step of providing the tactilely distinguishable mark may include applying a glue pattern to the sheet. The glue pattern may be applied either on the side of the label containing the printed matter, or else, on the opposite side adjacent the article producing bumps or ridges on the label, which is preferably formed of a lightweight film or paper. Alternatively, the sheet of material may be stamped, embossed to produce ridges, or punched to produce depressions. Further, it is possible to directly apply the glue pattern to the product without utilizing a separate label material. By applying the computer control methods and apparatus to the container and label handling apparatus and to apparatus for applying the glue to a label or directly to the container greater precision is obtained in applying the mark and in locating the mark on the container, a particular advantage when applying braille indicia to sight impaired individuals who otherwise may have difficulty locating the braille indicia.
In another aspect of the invention, method and apparatus for applying stretch label material are provided. Stretch label material, e.g., stretchable polyethylene is supplied continuously to a cutting instrumentality such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,181,555 and each label, after it passes through the cutter and before it is cut into an individual label is supplied to a rotating vacuum drum and its leading end is placed on the rotating vacuum drum, which grips the label by vacuum. Alternatively, but less desirably, precut labels are fed from a stack of the same to a vacuum drum, as for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,416, likewise being gripped by the vacuum of the vacuum drum. In either case the peripheral speed of the drum is controlled, such as by using computer control techniques as described, so that the peripheral speed of the drum exceeds the linear speed of the label web or sheet arriving at the drum prior to application to the container. In the absence of a sufficiently high vacuum this would lead to slippage of the label on the vacuum drum. However, by using a sufficiently high vacuum this slippage is avoided. Hence the label is held firmly on the drum by vacuum and by reason of the fact that the peripheral speed of the drum is controlled to be greater than that of the label feed through the cutting instrumentality, the label is stretched. Alternatively the leading end of the label may be clamped onto the vacuum drum, e.g., as described in Eder U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,452. The combined use of a clamp and a vacuum strong enough to hold the label against slippage may also be employed.
The label thus held in stretched condition on the drum is then contacted, e.g., at the leading end and at the trailing end by a glue applicator which applies glue to the leading end and to the trailing end so that when the label is wrapped around the container it is adhered thereto. Also the use of a solvent applied to the label and absorbed by the label to form an adhesive in situ may be employed. Alternatively also heat sealing of the ends of the label together may be accomplished as for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,596.
The problem of relaxation of the label from its stretched condition when it is released from the vacuum drum may be dealt with as follows. The adhesive applied to the leading end of the label to adhere it to the container may be an adhesive which bonds very quickly and strongly to the label and to the container, such that it prevents or minimizes relaxation of the label as it leaves the vacuum drum and bonds to the container. Examples of such adhesives are provided below. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the use of such an adhesive, the adhesive may be applied as a series of dots spaced lengthwise along the label or around the periphery of a container. Thus the first dot or array of dots of adhesive near the leading end of the label will be followed by a dot or array of dots spaced a short distance from the first dot or array, etc. Therefore the label will be held firmly on the container as each segment comes off of the vacuum drum and it is prevented from relaxing or the relaxation of the label is not significant.
Adhesive may be applied to the container rather than the label or it may be applied to both the container and the label. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,963 adhesive application to the container is shown. The adhesive application to the container may be (as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,963) applied to both the container and the label, and the pattern of adhesive applied to the container may vary. For example, a line of adhesive may be applied to the container for adhesion to the leading end of the label, or it may be applied both to the leading end and to the trailing end of the label, or it may be applied to the entire circumference of the container as a succession of dots.
Hereinabove xe2x80x9cdotsxe2x80x9d of adhesive have been referred to and as stated in connection with application to the label, adhesive may be applied as bands or strips to the container and/or to the label.
The labeled container is then removed from the label applying equipment. That portion or those portions of the stretched label overlying a recessed surface or surfaces of the container will shrink onto the recessed portion or portions.
If there is a recessed area on the container which is of a magnitude such that the relaxation of the label will not suffice, e.g., in the case of a deep groove in a container intended as a fingerhold, a heat shrinkable label may be employed assisted if need be by perforations overlying such deeply recessed area or areas to release air trapped between the label and the container. Heat is applied to shrink the label onto or into such deeply recessed area or areas.
Instead of employing a greater peripheral speed of the vacuum drum to stretch the label, the container may be controlled in a manner that causes it to spin at a peripheral speed which is greater than that of the vacuum drum, thereby stretching the label. The peripheral speed of the container is the composite of the speed at which it is caused to spin, its diameter and the speed at which it travels after first making contact with the label. The difference in speed of the label while on the drum and this composite speed can be governed quite precisely by gears or by computer controlled motors as described in greater detail below. To prevent the label from slipping on the container due to its greater peripheral speed, an adhesive which bonds strongly and quickly may be used. Alternatively (and/or in addition to such procedure), adhesive may be applied as a succession of dots so that the label is adhered to the container, not at one point but at several points.
The label may also be stretched by both procedures, that is by operating the vacuum drum at a peripheral speed greater than the label feed and by also causing the container to spin at a composite speed greater than the peripheral speed of the vacuum drum.
Stretch labels having conventionally printed indicia, as well as braille indicia for sight impaired individuals may be employed.

Computer controlled labeling machine for applying labels including stretch labels and tactilely sensible indicia on articles


An exercise chair includes a frame and a seat rotatably coupled to the frame. First and second front support members are coupled to the frame in laterally spaced part relation and first and second rear support members are coupled to the frame in laterally spaced part relation, the first and second front support members and the first and second rear support members cooperating to support the frame above a surface.

The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment and, in particular, to an improved exercise chair which may be used to perform not only exercises typically performed on a conventional Pilates chair, but also to perform exercises which are not performed on a conventional Pilates chair, including Reformer-based exercises and others, including exercises that cannot be performed on Pilates chairs having a fixed seat.
Pilates is a physical fitness training method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The Pilates method is a non-impact exercise technique incorporating principles of yoga and which focuses on spinal and pelvic alignment, core strengthening and controlled movements. The Pilates method includes many exercises to be performed on a mat, as well as many exercises to be performed on specialized pieces of equipment. For example, the so-called Wunda Chair includes a fixed seat with a movable pedal and resistance springs, and may be used to perform exercises in a seated position. The Reformer is another piece of equipment which utilizes spring resistance and which allows additional exercises to be performed, including exercises performed in the prone and supine positions (among others), in addition to exercises performed in a seated position. It would be desirable to provide a single piece of equipment which allows the user to perform the traditional, Pilates chair-based exercises as well as Reformer-based exercises and/or new or nontraditional exercises that cannot be performed on the prior art Pilates chairs.


Disclosed is an image capturing device for use in photo surveys, wherein said image capturing device comprises: a camera unit for capturing images; a processing unit for controlling said camera unit; a first shutter release button for activating said camera unit to capture an image of a motive; and a second shutter release button for activating said camera unit to capture an image of a motive. The processing unit, when either said first shutter release button or said second shutter release button is activated, is configured to control said camera unit to capture an image of a motive, and generate an opinion variable associated with said captured image, wherein said opinion variable is for indicating the opinion of a user towards said motive, and wherein said opinion variable is generated dependent on the used shutter release button.

User surveys are an important tool for many organizations. User surveys may both be used to develop new products and services, and retain user loyalty. Computers have become an important tool for conducting user surveys. By using computers, participants may be provided with access to a specially designed home page, where they can fill out an electronic questionnaire. This is not only an efficient way of collecting data, but also makes it easier to organize and analyse the results.
US20120030476 discloses a system and a method for automatically collecting opinions. The disclosed method comprises the steps of: distributing, to user terminals, content containing actual metadata corresponding to metadata items required for executing an opinion-collecting service programme, and extracting opinions of users contained in the reply content received from user terminals, and compiling statistics with the extracted opinions. This enables an automatic online collection of user opinions regarding voting, public opinion polls, surveys and other feedback via PCs or portable communication equipment, and automatically compiles statistics with the collected user opinions.
However, the disclosed method is limited to literate participants.
Thus it remains a problem to provide methods for conducting precise user surveys for special groups of participants having limited reading capabilities such as children. Further, it remains a problem to provide devices for use in such methods.
Further, it remains a problem to provide a method for conducting precise user surveys for investigating types of user perception unsuitable for traditional questionnaire based surveys.

Photo survey using smart device with camera


In an inflated and deployed state of a side-airbag, a shoulder bag section is disposed to extend from the side of a shoulder of a seated occupant toward the vehicle front side, above a main bag section. The vehicle width direction dimension of the shoulder bag section is set smaller than that of the main bag section, and a vehicle width direction inner side face at an upper end side of the main bag section slopes or curves so as to rise on progression toward the vehicle width direction outer side. An upper arm is pushed upward by making sliding contact with this face. Moreover, the shoulder can be restrained by the shoulder bag section, even when the seated occupant moves under inertia obliquely toward the vehicle front.

In a vehicle side-airbag device described in Patent Document 1, an airbag in an inflated and deployed state is provided with a rear side tube bag section extending in the up-down direction further to the vehicle rear side than a vehicle width direction outer side end of the chest of a seated occupant, and a front side tube bag section extending in the up-down direction positioned more to the vehicle front side than the rear side tube bag section and more to the vehicle front side than the vehicle width direction outer side end of the chest of the seated occupant. An upper portion of the rear side tube bag section configures a shoulder restraining section that is positioned at a shoulder side of the seated occupant and restrains the shoulder, and an upper end of the front side tube bag configures an arm support section that is positioned further to the vehicle front side than the shoulder restraining section and lower than an underarm of the seated occupant, and on which the upper arm of the seated occupant rests.
Namely, in the above vehicle side-airbag device, the shoulder of the seated occupant that has relatively high resilience is restrained by the shoulder restraining section, and the upper arm is inhibited from coming between the chest of the seated occupant that has relatively low resilience and the airbag, by resting the upper arm of the seated occupant on the arm support section.