A client/server computer system comprising: a communication link; a plurality of server computers including a dual-role proxy server computer connected to the communication link; a storage device connected to the communication link for storing information; and at least one client computer connected to the communication link. The client computer generates requests to the proxy server computer for processing certain information on the storage device. In response, the proxy server computer accesses said information on the storage device and associates program instructions to the information for processing the information. Thereafter, the proxy server computer processes the information according to the program instructions.

The present invention relates to client/server processing, and in particular, to client/server processing by proxy.
Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Solaris, Java, JavaOS, JavaStation, HotJava Views and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
There are times when a computer user uses more than one type of computer platform. A computer platform is the combination of the computer hardware (processor) and operating system that comprises a particular computer system. For example, a computer system with a Sparc processor manufactured by Sun Microsystems and running the Solaris or Unix operating system is a platform, A computer with an Intel processor and running the operating system known as Windows is considered to be another platform. An Intel computer running the DOS operating system is considered to be another platform. Other platforms include Motorola processor based computers.
Consider a user using multiple platforms all connected via a network. The user may be in the position of having a file on a first computer platform that can only be processed on a second computer platform. This can occur, for example, when a user has an email account on the first platform and receives mail that includes a file from another platform, the user may need to transfer the file to the second platform before being able to view the file. This is time consuming and frustrating to the user.
To alleviate this problem, existing network systems provide server computers capable of processing data files requiring programs that are incompatible with the processing platform of one or more client computers. Such server computers can comprise dedicated or emulator server computers connected to the communication link, and can be within close spatial proximity of client computers utilized by users for convenience. However, a major disadvantage of such systems is that the user must transfer and locate a desired data file at one of such server computers. Specifically, in the above example, the user must utilize the server computer to locate the desired data file on a storage device in the network, and launch a required program for processing the data file which is compatible with the processing platform of the server computer.
There is, therefore, a need for a method and system for a user at a client computer to request processing of user selected information by a server computer using simple and efficient steps.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a client/server computer system, comprising: a communication link; a plurality of server computers including a dual-role proxy server computer connected to the communication link; a storage device connected to the communication link for storing information; and at least one client computer connected to the communication link. The client computer generates requests to the proxy server computer for processing certain information on the storage device. In response, the proxy server computer accesses said information on the storage device and associates program instructions to the information for processing the information. Thereafter, the proxy server computer processes the information according to the program instructions.
The client computer includes a user interface module for: (1) allowing a user to select said information on the data storage device and to specify the type of processing for said information, and (2) generating a request to the proxy server computer, wherein the request includes data identifying said information and the type of processing specified by the user. Further, the proxy server computer includes an association module for selecting the program instructions appropriate for processing said information. The proxy server computer further includes an access module for locating and accessing the information on the storage device via the communication link. As such, once the user locates the desired information on the storage device via the client computer, the client computer requests the proxy server computer server selected by the user to process the user selected information with the appropriate program instructions for the selected information ate the proxy server computer.
The client/server system can include a plurality of proxy server computers connected to the communication link; and the client computer generates one or more requests to one or more of the proxy server computers. Each request is directed to a proxy server computer for processing certain information on the storage device. In response the selected proxy server computer accesses said information on the storage device and associates program instructions to said information for processing the information. Thereafter, the proxy server computer processes said information according to the program instructions. Preferably, the client program user interface module allows the user to select said information on the data storage device and specify the type of processing for said information and select a proxy server computer. The client computer then generates a request to the specified proxy server computer, wherein the request includes data identifying said information and the type of processing specified by the user.

Method and system for data processing by proxy


A multilayer sliding bearing includes a rigid metal backing having a metal bearing liner attached thereto. The metal bearing liner includes a metal bearing liner layer which is attached to the bearing surface of the metal backing layer and at least one metal overplate layer deposited over an outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer. The metal bearing liner layer has a layer of hard particles embedded in an outer surface thereof which is adjacent to the inner surface of the at least one metal overplate layer. The bearing may also include a barrier layer interposed between the metal bearing liner layer and the metal over plate layer to inhibit diffusion therebetween and/or promote adhesion of the metal over plate layer to the metal bearing liner layer. The invention may also include a thin metal protective coating layer over the outer surface of the bearing liner and backing layer. The invention also includes a method of making a multilayer sliding bearing which includes the steps of fabricating a metal backing layer having a bearing surface, attaching a metal bearing liner layer having an outer surface to the bearing surface of the metal backing layer, embedding a layer of hard particles in the outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer and depositing at least one metal overplate layer over the outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer. The method may also include a step of depositing a barrier layer over the outer surface of the metal bearing liner layer prior to depositing the metal overplate layer.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to plain bearings and to methods of their manufacture. More particularly, the invention relates to multilayer engine bearings of the type having a metal backing on which a functional bearing layer is applied which in turn is plated with an overlay of soft metal. Most particularly, the invention relates to multilayer bearings having a functional bearing layer having a surface layer of hard particles embedded therein which is overlaid by a layer of a soft metal, and optionally, with a diffusion barrier layer between the soft metal layer and the functional bearing layer.
2. Related Art
Plain engine journal-type bearings for use in high load engine applications for journaling crank shafts and the like typically include a bearing lining layer having a functional bearing layer of either copper-lead or aluminum alloys applied to a steel backing. A single layer of a lead-tin-copper alloy having a thickness of about 25 μm is typically overplated onto the functional layer. Often, a nickel diffusion barrier or copper bonding layer is interposed between the overplate and functional layer to prevent the tin from diffusing from the overplate into the bearing layer. As a final step, the bearing may optionally be coated with a micro-thin layer of tin or lead-tin flash plating having a thickness of about 1 μm or less. The flash plating is both functional and aesthetic, giving the product a protective outer layer and a bright, pleasing appearance. It also provides a level of corrosion protection to the steel backing. Within a short time during the break-in period of the engine, the flash plating applied to the running surface of the bearing is worn away by the action of the components being born by the bearing.
In service, such multilayer crank shaft bearings are subjected to high dynamic loads that vary in-magnitude and direction due to the inertial loads applied by the piston and connecting rod mechanism and by the combustion gases. The soft overplate layer enables such bearings to conform under high load forces to any misalignments or changes in profile of loading of the member being journaled, so that the loads are distributed across a greater surface area of the bearing. The overplate also allows any foreign particles of dirt or metal that may come between the bearing surface and the member being journaled to become embedded or absorbed into the bearing surface, so as to protect both the bearing and the component being journaled from excessive wear or damage.
It is generally accepted that conformability and embedability of the overplate are dependent upon overplate thickness, with a thicker overplate being preferred. It is also generally known that as the thickness of the overplate increases, so does the susceptibility to bearing fatigue (i.e., the fracturing of the bearing surface when under load). Resistance to fatigue cracking requires that the bearing surface possess sufficient tensile strength to enable it to undergo minor configuration changes without cracking. However, it is also generally known that certain alloys which would otherwise exhibit improved strength and resistance to fatigue, are also more susceptible to sliding wear processes and seizure of the bearing layer to the journaled component, such as the crank shaft, during operation of the engine. Thus, it is has been necessary to balance the properties of conformability and embedability with fatigue resistance of the bearing layer when designing engine bearings, particularly ones that are subjected to high dynamic loading.
For many high load engine applications, it has been found that the 25 μm thick single layer lead-tin-copper alloy overplate mentioned above provides excellent conformability and embedability characteristics and good fatigue resistance of typical bearing layers. However, as the output and efficiency of engines increases, so does the dynamic loading placed on the crank shaft bearings, and thus the increased potential for bearing fatigue. Under extreme loading conditions, the conventional bearings described above employing the single 25 μm thick overplate of lead-tin-copper may be prone to fatigue. Efforts to alleviate fatigue by simply decreasing the thickness of the single layer overplate to less than 25 μm have been generally unsuccessful, as it is at the cost of sacrificing acceptable levels of conformability and embedability. As performance requirements increase, there exists a need in the industry for an improved journal bearing that can perform under such extreme high dynamic loading conditions by providing a sufficient thicknesses of the soft overlay to promote acceptable conformability and embedability while at the same time also enabling the use of stronger more fatigue resistant bearing alloys which also possess the necessary wear properties and resistance to seizure of the bearing layer.

Bearing having embedded hard particle layer and overlay and method of manufacture


A dispenser includes a backplate mountable to a surface. The backplate has a cover associated with it. An anti-ligature fixture is associated with either the backplate or the cover. The anti-ligature fixture is positioned to cut any ligature positioned between the dispenser and the surface as an anchor point.

In environments with high suicide rates, such as medical facilities, prisons, detention centers, and mental health facilities, various structures within a room of the facility may be used as an anchor point in suicide attempts. Anchor points are used to support ligatures, such as rope, sheets, fabric, string and the like, wherein the ligature is used by an individual to commit suicide by strangulation. Skilled artisans will appreciate that full suspension from an anchor point is not required. Death by hanging or strangulation can occur while a person is partially suspended or in a kneeling, lying down, or seated position.
To prevent such occurrences from happening, rooms and fixtures may be designed to remove or at least minimize fixtures with such anchor points. Anchor points may be doors, grab bars, handles, door knobs and the like. Exemplary design guidelines are set out in such documents as the Department of Veteran's Affairs—Office of Construction and Facilities Management Design Guide, December 2010. Fixtures, and especially bathroom fixtures, are of concern because they are usually in areas where most people are given privacy.
However, unlike other bathroom or room fixtures, no specific guidelines for surface mounted dispensers have been provided. In considering other room fixtures, it is generally known to provide dispensers with smooth downwardly sloping surfaces. However, in some instances the dispenser is mounted to a surface and a gap occurs between the surface and the dispenser. This gap allows for the insertion of the ligature such that the dispenser can be used as an anchor point. Some dispensers specifically include features that attempt to minimize the gap or block entry of ligature material from entering the gap. Although presumably effective, it is believed that known mounted dispensers still provide a gap between the mounting surface and the dispenser's housing. Indeed, it is believed that over time a gap may naturally form or that persistent repeated movement may cause a gap to form. Therefore, there is a need to prevent the use of surface mounted objects, such as dispensers, from use as an anchor point.


A camera includes an imaging device having an image receiving plane, the imaging device receiving an optical image formed on the image receiving plane and outputting signal corresponding to the received image, and a pressure plate arranged between a photographing lens and the imaging device, the pressure plate being formed of a transparent plate member having a predetermined gradient distribution of refractive index, the pressure plate shifting an image formed in front of the pressure plate to the imaging device.

The present invention relates to a camera which is operable in two operative modes: a normal photographing mode using a photographing film; and a digital photographing mode using an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) instead of the photographing film.
Recently, imaging devices, such as CCDs, have improved greatly. In particular, the density of image pixels, i.e., the number of pixels per unit "area", has been increased such that the quality of captured images has improved greatly. Digital cameras using such imaging devices have been developed.
On the other hand, in normal photography, a new film system called "APS" (Advanced Photographing System) has been developed which makes normal photographing easier.
In order to make use of the advantages of both the normal photographing and the digital photographing systems, a camera operable in the normal photographing mode and the digital photographing mode has been developed. An example of such a camera is provided with a half mirror on an optical axis of a photographing lens. The half mirror splits an incident light into two light rays: one is directed towards the photographing film; the other is directed to the imaging device.
In such a camera, since the light converged by a lens system is split into two rays, the amount of light incident to the photographing film or the imaging device is reduced to one-half in comparison to a camera which is operable only in only one mode (digital or normal). Since recent cameras are designed to have a small diameter photographing lens, this reduction in the amount of light incident to the film or the imaging device becomes a problem.
One method of avoiding the above problem is to have a light path switching mechanism. For example, a total reflecting mirror may be inserted in or retracted from the light path, such that the path is switched, so that the light is incident on either the photographing film or the imaging device.
However, such a light path switching mechanism will require space, and as such, a camera including such a mechanism must be relatively large to have sufficient room for accommodating the mechanism. Further, the structure may be very complicated and increase manufacturing cost.
Japan Patent Provisional Publication HEI 2-101874 discloses a camera which is switchable between the normal photographing mode or the digital photographing mode with a relatively simple structure. In particular, a pressure plate at the rear of the camera is provided with a transparent window member, and an imaging device is arranged behind the transparent window member. In this camera, when the photographing film is loaded in the camera, the normal photographing is executed, while when the photographing film is not loaded in the camera, the digital photographing can be executed. That is, when the film is not loaded, the image focused by a photographing lens is transmitted to the imaging device through the transparent window member. Note that according to this system, the light amount is the same for both the normal and digital photographing.
In the camera described above, the structure requires that a film surface and an image receiving surface of the imaging device are at different distances from the lens with the transparent member located therebetween. In order to obtain an in-focus image in either mode, the image must be focused at different positions depending on the mode. In other words, a focusing operation must be performed that compensates for the difference between the image receiving planes, i.e., the postions of the two film and the image receiving surface of the imaging device. The above publication discloses a structure for automatically switching focusing operations in accordance with a selected operation mode. In order to perform focusing operations with respect to both of the different positions, a detector for detecting a focusing status of one of the positions and/or a logic circuit for performing a focus calculation is used for each focusing position, which duplicates the number of focus detecting systems or complicates the logic of the logic circuit, and as a result a price of the camera is increased.


Disclosed is a car seat for protecting vertebral column, comprising: a backrest and a seat, wherein there is disposed with a troughed recess at a central portion of each of the backrest and the seat, so that when the backrest and the seat are subject to external impact, the impact damage incurred by the backrest and the seat onto a human vertebral column may be avoided, and in this way the human vertebral column can therefore be protected; in an embodiment of the present invention, there further comprises a plurality of viscous elastomers disposed inside the backrest and the seat, these viscous elastomers are set up in a corresponding arrangement on two sides of a human vertebral column, so as to assist in biasing the muscle on the two sides of the vertebral column to cause less direct impact by the external force, and to provide a cushioning effect.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in car seat, particularly for applications in cars, RVs, trucks, buses, container trucks, and other types of vehicles, for the purpose of securing safety of human vertebral column through the means of car seat.
2. Description of Related Art
Car continues to be a dominant mode of transportation for the modem society, and accounts for the most used vehicle for most people. The major function of a car seat aims to provide the rider a place to sit when riding a car, and in consideration of safety, car makers or car seat makers also spend a great amount of attention in taking deliberation in the safety of car seat, and its protection aspect for the riders.
In most car safety accident s, the main cause of casualty to passengers is due to the impact or collision against an external force, which leads to physical damage to human bodies, and the impact or collision affected on a human body can include collision by a human body to an object, or an object to a human body. The former situation can be avoided by using a safety belt to keep the passenger in a fixed position in the car seat, and for the latter there are many known techniques that can be used to protect the passengers from harm, for examples, air bags for cars, car seats and pillows capable of cushioning effect, in particular, pillow of car seat can also provide support to a person's neck, while also keep the neck from serious harm when the car is subject to external force collision from behind.
FIG. 1 herewith shows the anatomical structure of a human vertebral column. From a side perspective, the vertebral column has a visual appearance of a "S shape", including seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic and five lumbar, one of sacrum and caudal below a lumbar. The structure of vertebral column resembles a circular column, connects to medulla, and extends from the foramen magnum to the location of the second lumbar. It is a thick nerve bundle, works to deliver information between the brain proper and other parts of the body, it meets the brain at the base of the skull, extends downward along the channel formed by the foramen. Muscle, blood vessels, and nerves are located in front and on two sides of the spine; the main function of the spine includes: supporting weight; guiding gravity so as to maintain body balance; and protecting spinal cord and nerve root to permit the brain to deliver information, or to accept information, and also protecting the neural system at the same time.
As shown in FIG. 2, under normal situations, when a passenger is in the car seat, the vertebral column 40 of a human body's back will collapse between the back muscles 41 on the two sides, the backrest 70 will be given priority to contact the back muscles 41 on the two sides of the vertebral column 40, the strength of the back is supported by the back muscle 41 on the two sides of the vertebral column 40. When the posture changes, especially when the car driver stretches arms to take command of the driver's wheel (as shown in FIG. 3), the back muscle 41 originally on the two sides of the vertebral column 40 will stretch toward the two sides, the vertebral column 40 on the back will at this time appear to be more protruding and will touch the back surface of the backrest 70. In this case, if the car is subject to considerable external force impact or collision, the backrest 70 will very likely cause a great deal of impact or collision to the back of the human body, and directly cause damages to the vertebral column 40.
In issued U.S. Pat. No. 2,855,986, entitled "SACRAL NERVE RELIEVING SEAT CUSHION BACK" (hereinafter Cited Reference 1), the Cited Reference 1 features, cited here in paraphrase, "My invention relates generally to seat cushions adapted for use primarily as a supplement to cushions of automotive vehicles. More particularly, my invention relates to improvements in automotive vehicle seat cushions of the type adapted to relieve pressure, strain and irritation to the lower portions of the spine and related areas including the sacral nerves, the prostate, and coccyx." One difference between the Cited Reference 1 and the current invention is that the Cited Reference 1 cites back-supporting section recesses 10 to be receptive for sacrum and caudal parts of a human body, not receptive for cervical vertebrae and thoracic parts. This difference shall be apparent to set the current invention apart from the prior art. The Cited Reference 1 installs recesses 10 on the back-supporting section 3 to only preclude the sacrum and caudal parts to directly press upon the back-supporting section 3. Oppositely, the current invention takes a different approach by way of serving as a storage for a whole-section vertebral column, to facilitate for a human body subject to severe collision force to recline into this invention's recess in a vehicle collision situation. The Cited Reference 1 cannot deliver this effect. Additionally, the troughed recess in the current invention extends to reach the pubis bone position of a human body, as opposed to in the case with the Cited Reference 1, the recesses 9 extend only to the front rim of the seat-forming section 2, making the front rim of the seat-forming section 2 a receptacle end. The derived structural effect is insufficient structural strength for sustaining weights.
Furthermore, the Cited Reference 1 does not use any elastomer on the back-supporting section 3 and the seat-forming section 2, therefore the Cited Reference 1 cannot reduce the regressive speed of the human body subject to collision. On the contrary with the current invention, two sides of the backrest's troughed recess is attached with elastomer. The elastomer works to mimic human muscle on the two sides of a human vertebral column. When the human body is subject to collision or impact to lead to the body's moving backward, the caudal part will expose itself. In an embodiment of the current invention, the caudal part will enter into the troughed recess of the backrest, embedding itself into the elastomer. In this case the elastomer works as a mechanical shock absorber to reduce the entry speed of the human vertebral column into the troughed recess, to prevent overreaching impact force from damaging the human vertebral column. This setup can also prevent the vertebral column from directly contact with the backrest. As a result, the elastomer disposed in the troughed recess and the two sides of the troughed recess shall be taken in entirety into context for the interpretation of the present invention's inventive scope.
In issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,738, entitled "CONTOURED SEAT AND METHOD" (hereinafter the Cited Reference 2), the Cited Reference 2, cited here in paraphrase, "A contoured seat generally includes a seat surface for supporting the thighs and buttocks of a sitter and a back surface for supporting the lower back of a sitter. Defined by the seat surface are a pair of bilateral, spaced protrusions that are positioned to extend into performs musculature of the sitter. Preferably, the seat surface is inclined at a 5° to 15°, and more preferably a 7.5°, angle to induce forward pelvic tilt in conjunction with lower lumbar support of a forward angle of the back surface. The seat and back surfaces may define a sacral-coccyx pocket that has a depth that varies, along its proximal-distal path to allow for sacral stabilization. The sacral-coccyx pocket preferably is relatively narrow and deep proximally and flares as it extends in the distal direction. A reinforcing ridge may extend across a top edge of the sacral-coccyx pocket to provide additional support." The Cited Reference 2 relates primarily to a seat, which is not literally disclosed or implied to coincide either with the current invention's vertebral column or pubis bone accommodating feature, nor with the disposition of elastomer on the two sides of a troughed recess. In its inventive scope, the Cited Reference 2 features a shock absorber system 26 disposed under the seat; the present invention does not cite such feature. The cited invention alone is not clear or suggestive to enable persons in the relevant technical art to arrive at the concept and realization of disposing elastomer on the two sides of troughed recess in the seat.
In issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,564, entitled "ERGONOMIC SYSTEMS AND DEVIES" (hereinafter the Cited Reference 3) cited here in paraphrase, "Ergonomic systems and devices are disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, a system or device includes a traction surface that provides traction and/or support through contact with a portion of a user's body. For example, an ergonomic system includes a backrest cushion. The backrest cushion has a traction surface with a plurality of protruding traction pads for resting against a user's back and pulling along the user's back. The traction pads help stretch or decompress the user's spine through contact at multiple positions on the back and flanking the spine. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a chair, resting table, bed or other article of furniture includes one or more traction surfaces that provide traction through contact with one or more corresponding portions of a user's body." The Cited Reference 3 does not disclose disposition of a cerebral-cord-receiving recess. Rather the invention therein is primarily directed to disposing vertically numerous protruding traction pads 203 on the two sides of the vertebral column. The protruding traction pads are mainly used to stretching the human vertebral column, to help maintain the user in a normal sitting posture to avoid mis-positioned sitting postures and vertebral column damage. Against this prior art's feature, the current invention discloses disposition of elastomer on the two sides of troughed recess. The objective of disposing elastomer is not directed to providing guidance for a proper sitting posture. The elastomer is of a platelet form and is assembled on the two sides of the troughed recess. It is not of a block shape assembled on the two sides of the troughed recess. One current invention's approach is to use the elastomer as muscle of the two sides of a human vertebral column. When the human body is collided against or under impact to result in a recessive movement, an intervention answering to this physical influence includes using elastomer to absorb impact force as an initiative response measure. This setup is meant to reduce the entry speed of the human vertebral column's sinking into the troughed recess, to prevent impact force from overreaching a predetermined threshold, such that the human vertebral column can be protected from damage. This ceberal cord protective function would not be attainable if the current invention adopts the configuration cited in the Cited Reference 3.
In issued U.S. Pat. No. 3,749,442, entitled "SEAT HAVING RELATIVELY ADJUSTABLE SECTIONS" (hereinafter the Cited Reference 4) cited here in paraphrase, "A seat assembly having a base and two complementary seat elements supported thereon for individual yieldingly resisted universal tilting movement to accommodate to different positions of a user's body. The seat elements have recesses or apertures offset rearwardly from the universal connections for receiving the ischial tuberosity bones of the user, and the back of the seat has a localized recess for partial reception of the lumbar portion of the user's backbone. A peripheral upturned flange may be provided on the base in a relation enabling use of the assembly as a portable unit, to be removably positioned on a chair or the like, with the shiftable seat elements then being held by the flange against interfering contact with the chair. At the forward edges of the two shiftable seat elements, the assembly may be constructed to provide a more cushioned or yielding support than at other locations." Even though t—he seat in the Cited Reference 4 can be applied in automobile seat setting, the recess 56 located on the back of the seat cannot provide for accommodating the entire human vertebral column. The user's vertebral column would remain susceptible to collision against the back of the seat when the user is collided against. The recess cited in the Cited Reference 4 is designed to extend toward the edge of the seat. This setup can lead to seat's structural instability, weakening the weight support capability.
In collective view from the teaching that the Cited Reference 1 to the Cited Reference 4 altogether do not refer to car seat, it should be reasonable to deduce that the design principle throughout the Cited References 1 through 4 is not directed to dealing with protecting the vertebral column when the user is subject to an impact force. The design principle in the prior arts is entirely different from that adopted in the current invention. The troughed recess of the current invention is capable of aligning the vertebral column and the pubis bone for them to be mutually receptive. Even more, because the location of the troughed recess on the backrest in the current invention traverses along the shape of a human vertebral column to extend downward to reach the location of the pubis bone of a human body. This design emphasis for the vertebral column in the current invention is to avoid direct contact with the backrest and the seat when the user is under external impact, therefore effecting a protective function for the human vertebral column. This is not included in known car seat. The present invention therefore offers an inventive advantage not obvious to the persons of relevant art.
Furthermore, the Cited References 1 through 4 do not disclose troughed recess on the backrest that is structured to align with the location of pubis bone on a human body. Therefore when compared against the current invention, the prior arts cannot establish themselves to deliver identical effects. To be sure, the features of the current invention, including prevention against insufficient structural support and fitting of the vertebral column into the troughed recess when the vertebral column comes into contact with the backrest as a result of external impact, are made available by requiring the troughed recess on the backrest to align with the location of the pubis bone of a human body. These are not attained in the Cited References 1 through 4.

Car seat for protecting vertebral column


A composite-forming process includes impregnating a reinforcing structure with a curable composition at a temperature of about 10 to about 40° C. The curable composition includes specific amounts of an epoxy resin, a poly(arylene ether), a solvent, and a curing promoter. The poly(arylene ether) includes, on average, about 1.6 to about 2.4 phenolic hydroxy groups per molecule, and it has a polydispersity index less than or equal to 2.2 and an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. These characteristics substantially improve the solubility of the poly(arylene ether) in the curable composition and allow the curable composition to be formed and used at or near room temperature. Composites formed by the process and circuit boards including the composites are also described.

Epoxy resins are high performance materials used in a wide variety of applications including protective coatings, adhesives, electronic laminates (such as those used in the fabrication of computer circuit boards), flooring and paving applications, glass fiber-reinforced pipes, and automotive parts (including leaf springs, pumps, and electrical components). In their cured form, epoxy resins offer desirable properties including good adhesion to other materials, excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals, high tensile strength, and good electrical resistance. Two challenges associated with the use of epoxy resins are the brittleness of the cured epoxy resins and the need to heat many curable epoxy compositions enough to prepare and blend and shape them but not so much as to cure them prematurely.
Poly(arylene ether) resin is a type of plastic known for its excellent water resistance, dimensional stability, and inherent flame retardancy. It is known that the brittleness of epoxy resins can be reduced the addition of poly(arylene ether)s. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,172 to Hallgren et al. describes a composition including a polyphenylene ether having a number average molecular weight of at least about 12,000 and a specific epoxy material. However, relatively high temperatures are required to dissolve the polyphenylene ether in the epoxy resin.
As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,565 to Tracy et al. describes compositions including an epoxy resin and a poly(arylene ether) having a number average molecular weight less than 3,000. The low molecular weight poly(arylene ether) is easier to dissolve in the epoxy resin than higher molecular weight poly(arylene ether)s. However, the products obtained on curing these compositions are not as tough as those prepared with higher molecular weight polyphenylene ethers.
Known curable compositions comprising poly(arylene ether)s and epoxy resins thus appear to present a trade-off between toughness of the cured product and ease of preparing and processing the curable composition. When a high molecular weight poly(arylene ether) is employed, the cured product is very tough, but elevated temperatures are required to dissolve the poly(arylene ether) in the epoxy resin. On the other hand, when a low molecular weight poly(arylene ether) is employed, it is possible to dissolve the poly(arylene ether) in the epoxy resin at a lower temperature, but smaller improvements in toughness are observed in the cured product.
There remains a need for curable epoxy compositions that can be processed at low temperature yet be extremely tough (less brittle) after curing. This need is particularly great in the field of circuit board manufacturing, where improvements in toughness are needed, but existing processes and equipment cannot accommodate curable compositions that must be prepared and maintained at high temperatures to maintain dissolution of a poly(arylene ether).

Composite-forming method, composites formed thereby, and printed circuit boards incorporating them


The present invention is an airborne radar system which scans the flight path of an aircraft with two radar scans, an upper elevation pointing above local level and a lower elevation scan pointing below the glide slope. The radar returns from the upper elevation scan are used to detect the core of the microburst. The core and a model of the windshear which uses the core are used to select angles and range cell candidates, in a lower elevation scan, for hazard detection processing. The candidates in the lower scan, which is pointing at the ground, are used to create a hazard map tested against a predetermined hazard threshold. A threshold violation results in a pilot alert. The hazard map includes a vertical factor determined through model coefficients in the radial outflow as a function of altitude. The invention applies the model to determine the total hazard factor along the glideslope using the vertical hazard of the model and altitude scaling of the horizontal hazard from the lower bar elevation to the glideslope of the aircraft. The present invention also includes a radar scan with two pulse repetition frequencies which allows the elimination of non-correlated returns. The system also includes post detection integration with a sliding azimuth window to enhance the signal to noise ratio. The system also combines velocities within a single range gate to produce a velocity representing the windspeed at that range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a radar system which uses two radar scans to characterize a microburst generating a windshear and, more particularly, to a system in which oriented, ordered constant false alarm rate processing reduces ground and vehicular clutter from a downward looking radar scan which is processed for a windshear hazard alert based on an upper elevation scan which determines candidate regions for windshear hazard detection processing during both landing and take off.
2. Description of the Related Art
A microburst is a meteorological phenomena of atmospheric instability which causes a windshear phenomena which is hazardous to aircraft. The instability is created by warm air at lower altitudes supporting cooler, dense air at higher altitudes. When the cooler air mass exceeds a variable threshold, warm air can no longer support the cold air and the cold air begins to penetrate and descend, often accelerating further due to evaporative cooling. A microburst derives its name from the shaft of cold air which descends and splatters or spreads out in all directions upon ground impact. This splattering is governed by fluid dynamics and the laws of conservation of mass. Behaving almost as an incompressible fluid, the downdraft to the ground is transformed into radial outflow along the ground, producing a "sombrero" envelope in space for the downdraft, outflow and vortex of the flow. For aircraft at low altitudes during landing or takeoff these windshear outflows are hazardous because they amount to a region in space where the local wind changes from a headwind to a tailwind. Aerodynamically, this is a performance decreasing windshear and will cause the aircraft to lose altitude. The hazard is further increased by the downdraft and the initial impression of a performance enhancing headwind. The severity of the hazard is balanced by the aircraft' s ability to initiate and sustain altitude performance, that is, its thrust to weight ratio. The magnitude of the hazard is measurable by the margin remaining within the aircraft's performance envelope when in a performance decreasing airstream.
The detection of hazardous weather has been performed using a double elevation or bar radar scan transmitted from the ground when a microburst is detected the pilot is alerted by the ground personnel monitoring the ground based radar. In this double bar scan relatively large vertical fan beams overlap and produce an upper beam Doppler spectrum and a lower beam Doppler spectrum which are subtracted allowing the velocity bounds of the difference Doppler spectrum to provide windspeed components at heights near the surface. However, this ground based approach is not particularly applicable to airborne systems with downlook scans because airborne radar typically employs higher frequencies, maximal directive gain and minimal antenna sidelobes. This type of double overlapping beam scan is described in U.S. Pat. No. RE 33,152. Airborne turbulence mapping systems typically involve pulse pair processing approaches in which autocorrelation is used between the echoes as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,536. Another approach is to characterize the turbulence by a variance of velocities over a range, without respect to a performance decreasing structure as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,309. Neither of these approaches is suitable for a downlook system for detecting windshear.
To effectively avoid windshear hazards, pilots need an airborne windshear hazard alert system which looks at the path to be taken by the airplane and alerts the pilot in sufficient time to abort a landing or takeoff or to allow the pilot to compensate for the magnitude of the performance decreasing changes caused by the microburst.

Windshear radar system with upper and lower elevation radar scans


A system (100 or 200) includes a first AGC stage (102) having a programming input and a gain input. A second AGC stage (104 or 210 and 234) is coupled in a common path with the first AGC stage, the second AGC stage having a programming input and a gain input. The first and second AGC stages are programmed by respective programming signals to produce independent gain characteristics responsive to a common gain signal at their respective gain inputs.

In any integrated circuit (IC) employing multiple automatic gain control (AGC) stages, a tradeoff is typically made when setting the gain in the different stages. For example, in a wireless communication system, the receiver may employ two AGC stages. The output of the first AGC stage is mixed with an intermediate carrier frequency signal to step it down to the baseband frequency. The baseband signal is then filtered. The filtered signal is passed through a second AGC stage. The distribution of the total gain between these two AGC stages has an impact upon the noise figure and the intermodulation distortion.
The noise figure is the measure of the noise introduced by the receiver. The noise figure will determine the ability of the receiver to process weak signals. The intermodulation distortion will determine the receiver's ability to process strong signals.
In general, a system which has little attenuation of the input signal before an active gain stage will have a superior noise figure but may be susceptible to interference due to intermodulation distortion. On the other hand, a system which attenuates the input signals before application to the active gain stages will have superior intermodulation performance since the signal level at the active gain stages will be lower. Unfortunately this attenuation will add to the noise figure and thus reduce the system's sensitivity to weak signals.
In designing an IC, accommodating for this classic tradeoff between the noise figure and intermodulation distortion can become very expensive and time consuming. If the proper balance cannot be reached for the many different users of the IC, then many versions of the IC may have to be created and maintained. Additionally, in attempting to adapt the IC to a particular application, the tradeoff may have to be changed as the system design progresses. In this case the IC will need to be modified each time a new tradeoff is identified. Inasmuch as an IC fabrication cycle is on the order of 8 weeks, redesigning the IC introduces a substantial delay in the development of the system IC and adds significantly to the engineering cost.
Accordingly it is desirable to provide a more flexible IC design for systems employing multiple AGC stages.


A low power consuming read circuit for a memory array is disclosed. The circuit is particularly useful in applications where oxide breakdown one-time programmable memory is integrated into a system having low power available from the power sources supplying the system.

This invention is related to integrated circuit memories, and in particular to one-time programmable memories, often referred to as OTP Memory. Nonvolatile memory retains stored data when power is removed, and is used in many different applications. As system-on-chip (SoC) technology becomes more prevalent in consumer electronics and industrial applications, embedded nonvolatile memories have become more common. Embedded memory is included on the same semiconductor die with other non-memory circuitry, typically logic circuitry.
An embedded memory can be used for various purposes, for example, providing chip IDs, analog trimming, yield enhancement, code storage, etc. It is advantageous if the embedded memory does not require added masks or other process modifications to a standard CMOS process flow. Flash NAND or NOR memory using multiple polysilicon layers is not compatible with standard CMOS processing. Gate dielectric based anti-fuse memory increasingly has become the choice of SoC chip designers because it can be included on the chip using standard CMOS processes, and it is reliable and secure.
Gate dielectric anti-fuse based memory can be broadly categorized into two types, depending upon its operating principle. One type is cross-point memory consisting of a single capacitor at each grid point. The second type has more than two access lines for each cell in the memory array. A typical example is a storage capacitor or transistor coupled in series with a selection device such as a transistor or diode.
Cross-point memory arrays are advantageous due to their compact layout and simple decoding. As a result, embedded OTP memories of the first type can be about eight times smaller than those of the second type. One cross-point memory is described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/250,267 filed Apr. 10, 2014, and entitled "One-Time Programmable Memory and Method for Making the Same."
One challenge to OTP memory is reducing the amount of power consumed by such memories, e.g. for battery powered applications, or other applications where low power consumption is advantageous. In OTP memories relying upon oxide breakdown, after breakdown the memory typically has a relatively low oxide resistance, for example, between 10 K ohms and 100 K ohms. Typically, for a memory array there is a resistance distribution where some cells are seen with the resistance at the lowest end of the range (10 K Ohms or possibly lower). These low resistance cells inherently consume significant power during the sensing operation.
In reading data from such memories, the content of each addressed cell is read producing either a '0' (not programmed) or a '1' (programmed, oxide is broken-down). The result is output from the sensing circuit as a bit of data. There is a need, especially in low power systems, to sense the state of the OTP memory cell utilizing low total power dissipation, despite the OTP memory cell having a low resistance and potentially consuming high power were traditional sensing means used.

Reduced power read sensing for one-time programmable memories


A single integrated circuit device is disclosed that is capable of selectively functioning in real time as either a sequential matrix multiplier, a parallel matrix multiplier, a convolver or a finite input response FIR filter in order to process image data. A core group of multipliers is used to provide the basic multiplication operation that is common to each of the desired image processing functions. Input data router unit, coefficient router units and an output data router unit are responsive to mode selection control signals, supplied to a mode selection port, to route the appropriate input data and coefficients to the core group of multipliers and to route the output of the adders to the correct output port(s) for each of the desired processing functions.

Color matrixing is a common image data processing operation that is used to either improve the color reproduction of images or to perform space transformations. A color space transformation matrix is used, for example, to convert red, green and blue image signals (RGB) into luminance (Y) and chrominance (R-Y, B-Y) image signals. A color correction matrix can also be used to correct the spectral sensitivities of image sensors for the chromaticities of the phosphor set of a particular display device or to correct film colorimetry for video display in film-to-video conversion operations.
Most matrixing devices are designed to perform a 3.times.3 matrixing operation on three parallel input components (RGB) in order to compute three parallel output components (YIQ). The three components of color image data, however, are sometimes provided sequentially rather than in parallel. Film scanning systems that employ trilinear electronic sensor devices, for example, often generate sequential red, green and blue output components. The sequential output components require a 1.times.4 matrix to be performed sequentially three times to achieve a sequential 3.times.4 matrix operation.
In addition to parallel and sequential matrixing operations, other data processing operations, including 2-D convolution operations and filtering with finite impulse response filters (FIR), are commonly employed on color image data to enhance the sharpness of images reproduced from the image data. In order to reduce costs, conserve space and improve processing efficiency, it is desirable to implement all four of the image data processing operations described above within a single integrated circuit device or chip having the capability of performing the data processing operations in real time. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a single integrated circuit device that is capable of selectively functioning in real time as either a multiple sequential matrix multiplier, a parallel matrix multiplier, a 2-D convolver or a FIR filter in order to process image data, as well as to provide system related functions of loading and verifying look-up-tables (LUTs) used in a color space conversion system.

Selectively configurable integrated circuit device for performing multiple digital signal processing functions


An electronic chassis and filter apparatus is provided. A chassis includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side wall portion, and a second side wall portion. The bottom portion includes an open front side, a closed back side, a first guide rail portion and a second guide rail portion. An ejector spring is operatively attached to the back side of the bottom portion, and a spring-biased actuator is operatively connected to the first rail portion adjacent the open front side. When the filter is inserted into the open front side, the filter contacts the ejector spring which biases the filter against the spring-biased actuator.

Electronic chassis which house electronic components for high-speed telecommunication and networking applications typically include a plurality of vertically oriented application cards that are inserted into the chassis. A fan is typically located at the top of the chassis which draws air upward from the bottom of the chassis and between the application cards to provide ventilation for the various electronic components mounted on the application cards. A horizontally oriented air filter is typically inserted into a bottom portion of the chassis to prevent airborne pollutants, such as dirt particles, from entering the chassis and interfering with the electronic components housed within the chassis.
These filters are typically fastened to the chassis with conventional mechanical fastening components such as, for example, screws or bolts. However, the large number of fastening components required significantly increases manufacturing costs. Moreover, the tools that are required to tighten and release the mechanical fasteners result in inefficiencies when removing and replacing filters. The removal and installation of filters is therefore labor intensive and cumbersome, which also increases costs. Moreover, with mechanical fasteners, the tolerance between parts may result in the inconsistent placement of the filter, which in turn may cause dirt particles to enter the chassis. The same problems may arise when no mechanical fasteners are used to secure the filter to the chassis.
Finally, when the filter is installed, the outer frame of the filter is typically completely within the exterior walls of the chassis which makes it difficult to access and remove the filter. To solve this problem, attempts have been made to provide a separate handle that is attached to the frame of the filter to enable a technician to remove the filter from the chassis. This, however, also results in increased manufacturing costs.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an electronic chassis and filter apparatus that overcomes the disadvantages described above, and to provide a simple and cost effective electronic chassis and filter apparatus.

Electronic chassis and filter apparatus and method


A system may provide dynamic web-based content in conjunction with text message content. A user may use text messages to interact with web content (e.g., to select hyperlinks, request information, provide information, etc.). A content server may process the text messages, sent by the user, in order to determine web content to provide to the user. The text messages may be authenticated by a message relay server, thereby eliminating the need for the content server to request authentication or identification information from the user.

"Text" messaging (such as Short Message Service ("SMS") message or Multimedia Messaging Service ("MMS") messages) is a useful technique that allows mobile telephones to send and receive information. Businesses often use text messages to provide notifications to users, such as flight status notifications, delivery status notifications, sports scores, and/or other types of information. Businesses also sometimes use web content, such as web pages, to provide information to users. Text messaging and web content are generally accessed, by users, via separate interfaces (e.g., a messaging application for text messaging, and a web browser application for accessing web pages).

Dynamic web content via contextually aware text messaging


A prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles incorporated therein as an abrasive material. The silicone elastomer and perlite particles are processed in a 3-roll mill so that the perlite particles have a predetermined size and are uniformly dispersed throughout the prophylaxis cup. As the prophylaxis cup is used to clean and polish teeth, the prophylaxis cup disintegrates upon contact with the teeth releasing the perlite particles which act as a cleaning and polishing agent between the prophylaxis cup and the teeth.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disposable prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles incorporated therein. The present invention also relates to a method of forming a prophylaxis cup of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles uniformly distributed throughout. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of using a prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles to clean and polish teeth.
(2) Description of the Related Art
The related art has described disposable prophylaxis cups formed of a silicone elastomer incorporated with pumice material as an abrasive for use in cleaning teeth. Illustrative is U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,020 to Eckert.
The related art has also described the use of perlite in various dental tools as an abrasive material for cleaning teeth. Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous rock. In particular, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0084534 A1 to Kaizuka describes a toothbrush with bristles containing a far-infrared emitting material and multi-element minerals. One of the multi-element minerals is perlite. In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0074031 A1 to Davies et al. describes a toothbrush having a resilient element for whitening and polishing the teeth. The resilient element is constructed of an elastomer into which is incorporated perlite. The perlite can be crude or non-expanded perlite but is preferably expanded perlite.
Also of interest are U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0224702 A1 and 2003/0203337 A1 both to Roulston which describe a polishing composition using unexpanded perlite ore and methods of using the polishing composition such as to polish teeth.
It is also known in the art to use perlite in prophylaxis pastes for cleaning and polishing teeth as shown in the article entitled "Advances in Abrasive Technology in Prophylaxis Pastes", Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, Vol. 23: 1 (2002), pp. 61-70. 3M ESPE Dental Products of St. Paul, Minn. manufactures a paste having perlite under the trademark ClinPro™ Prophy.
Finally, it is known in the art to use either a 2-roll mill or a low intensity type mixer such as a 1-arm or a 2-arm mixer to mix the abrasives into the silicone elastomer to form the compound for the prophylaxis cup. This method has worked in the past since previously the abrasives used in the prophylaxis cups were discrete particles with no tendency to agglomerate. However, the use of perlite as the abrasive has necessitated a change in the method of forming the prophylaxis cups.
Thus, there remains a need for a disposable prophylaxis cup and for a method for forming the prophylaxis cup where perlite particles are incorporated into the prophylaxis cup and where the prophylaxis cup when rotating, disintegrated under load upon contact with the teeth to release the perlite particles to clean and polish the teeth.

Prophylaxis cup having perlite particles, methods of forming and method of use


A process for the production of an alkali dispersion includes charging a mixing vessel with a solid alkali metal, a liquid which is inert to the alkali metal and a grinding media. The vessel is connected to a vibrating driver which is vibrated until the alkali metal is ground by the media finely enough to form a dispersion in the liquid. Preferably the driver is a resonant driver which is vibrated at the resonant frequency of the driver. Mineral oils or other liquids containing organohalides such as PCBs can be used as a liquid which is treated during the grinding by the organohalide reacting with the alkali metal.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to processes for making dispersions of alkali metals, particularly sodium, and for treating organohalides such as PCBs.
2. Description of Related Art
Various methods have been developed for making finely divided dispersions of alkali metals in an inert liquid. Such dispersions are typically prepared for chemical processes in which the alkali metal is used as a reactant. The concentration of alkali metals in such dispersions varies from trace quantities up to sixty percent. The particle size of the sodium in the dispersion typically varies from a few millimeters down to submicron dimensions. Typically the particles are in the range of 1 to 30 microns.
Three methods have been widely adopted for preparing sodium dispersions: (1) The high speed stiring method; (2) The colloid mill process; and (3) The pump or jet method.
All three prior art methods involve significant disadvantages. For example, the high speed stirring method is time consuming and is limited to batch operations. Furthermore, this method involves the use of an external stirring motor apparat which requires a mechanical seal or packing gland to connect the shaft of the stirrer into the stirring vessel. This necessary feature requires special cooling designs since water-based coolant must be avoided. Mechanical wear of the gland leads to the emission of gas and liquid leaks. Admission of atmospheric air into the reactor during preparation of the dispersion presents a hazard owing to the reactive nature of the finely dispersed sodium. the relatively long processing time requires large batch operations. Such a large inventory of hazardous materials creates major safety concerns.
The colloid mill method requires preparation and handling of hot, molten sodium. A considerable amount of heating is needed due to the large specific heat of sodium. The process is time consuming and also involves the use of mechanical stirrers and colloid mills which require packing glands or mechanical seals to connect the drive motor to an internal stirring shaft for the mixer or rotor for the colloid mill. The high speed of the rotor presents special difficulties with respect to cooling of the gland as well as mechanical wear of the gland parts. Also, special colloid mills are required for the purpose.
The pump jet method suffers most of the disadvantages of the colloid mill process. These include the handling of molten sodium, high temperature dispersion, intolerance of solid impurities and mechanical scaling of the drive motor to the pump to exclude atmospheric air.
The prior art also includes a number of processes and apparatuses intended to cause reactions with organohalides, such as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs). These compounds have been widely used in the past because of their surprising chemical and thermal stability. They are formed by the chlorination of aromatic biphenyls. Typically they are used for their electrical insulating, fire-resistant and heat-transfer properties and as hydraulic fluids. As an electrical insulating liquid, PCBs have been used in transformers, capacitors, cables and circuit breakers, usually admixed with other insulating liquids, such as mineral oils.
In recent years however considerable concern has arisen with respect to bioaccumulative and toxic properties exhibited by these difficult-to-destroy compounds. Attempts to destroy them have typically been directed to processes that incinerate the materials at high temperatures.
Alternatively, PCBs can be destroyed by treatment with extremely reactive metals, such as the alkali metals: lithium, sodium or potassium. For example, Canadian Patent No. 1,142,551 to Arato et al. discloses a process for treating a chlorinated biphenyl compound which comprises reacting the compound with an alkali metal or a mixture of alkali metals or an alkali metal amalgam. The liquid containing the PCBs is mixed with sodium metal in the form of fine sand, heated to a temperature in excess of 130.degree. C. and stirred vigorously for two to four hours. The dispersed sodium reacts with the chlorine substituents on the biphenyl nucleus. The metalated PCBs are either degraded or destroyed, leaving a dark sludge that settles upon standing. The mineral oil carrier fluid for the PCBs is left sufficiently pure to allow it to be re-used.
However, this method suffers from several deficiencies. First, the liquid must be mixed with the alkali metal at a temperature above the melting point of the particular alkali metal used. This is 62.degree. C. for potassium and 97.5.degree. C. for sodium. Furthermore, the treatment times extend to several hours. Furthermore, sodium is usually used because it is far less expensive than potassium. In order to present a high surface area, sodium sand is preferred, but this is relatively expensive.
It is an object of the invention to produce a dispersion of an alkali metal, such as sodium, under improved production conditions and is capable of being adapted as a continuous process.
It is another object of the invention to provide a process for producing dispersions of alkali metals at lower temperatures than those of the current production methods.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for producing dispersions of alkali metals that is tolerant of solid impurities without requiring the filtering of hot, molten alkali metals.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a process for destroying PCBs which is capable of utilizing less expensive forms of alkali metals than sodium sand.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for destruction of PCBs which can be carried out at a relatively low temperature.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for destroying PCBs with alkali metals which is faster than previous methods using alkali metals.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a process for destroying PCBs with alkali metals which is capable of being adapted as a continuous process instead of being restricted to a batch process.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a more cost effective process for the reactions between alkali metals and organohalides.

Sodium dispersion and organohalide reaction processes


A method and system for provisioning storage from a storage area network is provided. The provisioning includes receiving a request for a storage size and storage configuration from a storage area network according to a storage profile, identifying a storage device pool of storage devices according to a storage device candidate strategy, selecting a media unit provisioning strategy based upon the type of storage configuration specified in the storage request, generating media unit solutions using the media unit provisioning strategy and sequence of storage devices in the storage pool, determining if the media unit provisioning strategy produced a solution for the requested storage configuration and provisioning a media unit solution in response to the determination.

Storage area networks, also known as SANs, facilitate sharing of storage devices with one or more different host server computer systems and applications. Fibre channel switches (FCSs) can connect host servers with storage devices creating a high speed switching fabric. Requests to access data pass over this switching fabric and onto the correct storage devices through logic built into the FCS devices. Host servers connected to the switching fabric can quickly and efficiently share blocks of data stored on the various storage devices connected to the switching fabric.
Storage devices can share their storage resources over the switching fabric using several different techniques. For example, storage resources can be shared using storage controllers that perform storage virtualization. This technique can make one or more physical storage devices, such as disks, which comprise a number of logical units (sometimes referred to as "physical LUNs") appear as a single virtual logical unit or multiple virtual logical units, also known as VLUNs. By hiding the details of the numerous physical storage devices, a storage virtualization system having one or more such controllers advantageously simplifies storage management between a host and the storage devices. In particular, the technique enables centralized management and maintenance of the storage devices without involvement from the host server.
In many instances it is advantageous to place the storage virtualization controller(s) in the middle of the fabric, with the host servers and controllers arranged at the outer edges of the fabric. Such an arrangement is generally referred to as a symmetric, in-band, or in-the-data-path configuration. It is often the case that many different components distributed over the storage area network operate together to fulfill a particular request and deliver the storage. Generally, these components can deliver requested data or data processing results within a time frame unless an error or other malfunction has occurred. Accordingly, many processes operating with the storage network have a time out interval that the process needs to complete the operation or receive a time out event. This time out event is used to indicate that the event on the storage network has failed and needs to be restarted or investigated.
During operation, the storage virtualization controller receives requests from applications, users and other systems for different amounts of storage from the storage area network. The storage virtualization controller identifies one or more storage devices on the storage network to fulfill each request and delivers the storage as a VLUN. The application, user or other systems use the VLUN to access and use the storage on the storage area network in the same way as other types of storage. As previously described, the VLUN hides the details of the underlying complex storage area network and simplifies administration of complex storage systems.
Unfortunately, identifying and allocating storage from the storage area network in an efficient and cost-effective manner is a complex and difficult process. The storage virtualization controller needs to manage a larger number of storage devices having different operating characteristics and available storage sizes. For any given storage request, the controller may need to determine the most optimal allocation to use given there may be many different ways to allocate the storage. In some cases, the storage allocation may be more cost effective yet not provide the level of reliability a user has required. Alternatively, other storage allocations may provide the requested reliability but not use the storage resources efficiently and in a cost-effective manner for the storage area network operator. Conventional approaches to provisioning storage may perform many thousands of computations to find a provisioning solution. These "brute force" approaches to provisioning may identify a reasonable solution yet the large computational requirements make them unacceptably slow for use in most applications.
For these and other reasons, it is therefore desirable to create a system that provisions storage on a storage area network in a manner that utilizes storage efficiently yet performs the provisioning operation in a relatively short time frame.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for strategy driven provisioning of storage in a storage area network


The present invention provides a testing device and a testing method. The testing method comprises: providing a testing device; bonding at least one connecting terminal of the testing device to signal lines of the display panel; and inputting test signals to the signal lines of the display panel through at least one test contact of the testing device. In the present invention, it is not required to arrange shorting bars on the display panel.

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have been widely applied in electrical products, wherein LCD panels are important components of the LCDs.
After the LCD panels are made, in general, makers of the LCD panels will test the LCD panels to find problem products and to reduce a waste in follow-up processes. Currently, in the test process of the LCD panels, shorting bars are disposed on an array substrate of the LCD panel and connected to signal lines 220 of the LCD panel. Test signals are inputted to the signal lines through the shorting bars for testing whether the signal lines are broken or have defects. After the test process, the connections between the shorting bars and the signal lines are cut off by a laser.
It is necessary to add a laser cutting process for cutting off the shorting bars after testing the LCD panels, thereby deteriorating a production capacity and a process yield of the LCD panels. Moreover, it is required to waste the space on the LCD panel for arranging the shorting bars. In addition, after cutting off the shorting bars, the LCD panel can not be tested again.
As a result, it is necessary to provide a testing device and a testing method to solve the problems existing in conventional technologies such as above-mentioned.

Testing device and testing method for display panels

SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A method and die apparatus for manufacturing a honeycomb body of rhombic cell cross-section by extrusion through an extrusion die of triangular cell discharge slot configuration, the die incorporating feedholes at selected slot intersections only, such that slot segments communicating directly with the feedholes discharge web material and slot segments not so connected do not discharge web material, whereby a rhombic cell cross-section in the extruded body is provided.

The present invention relates to an extrusion die for forming thin-walled honeycomb structures from extrudable materials such as glasses, glass-ceramics, ceramics, plastics, metals, cermets and other materials. In the ceramic arts, such dies are used for the extrusion of ceramics dispersed as powders in shapeable (plastic) extrusion batches to provide extruded green bodies of complex honeycomb shape.
Thin-walled ceramic honeycomb structures with multiple parallel through-channels or cells display utility in a variety of applications. For example, such structures exhibit utility as catalytic converters in the exhaust system of internal combustion engines. They also exhibit more general utility as catalyst carriers, filter bodies, and thermal regenerators or heat exchangers.
Dies used for the extrusion of ceramic honeycombs commonly have shallow, criss-crossing and interconnecting slots on the downstream or exiting die face from which the ceramic batch emerges and which during emergence form the webs or sidewalls of the cells of the honeycomb structure being made. To supply the batch material to these slots, feed holes are provided in the opposite or upstream die face which connect with and feed batch material to the slots.
In common production dies the feed holes are aligned with the intersections of the slots on the outlet face of the die. This is because the intersections generally require larger proportions of the batch material for proper slot filling and web formation in the extruded shape. Some dies have a feed hole at every intersection, while other dies have holes at alternate intersections. Alternating hole patterns using fewer holes of larger diameter can be advantageous in that the dies are easier and less costly to produce, and are more resistant to bending deformation under high extrusion pressure.
Dies are also occasionally made with the feed holes aligned with the central portions of the slot segments, eg., midway between the slot intersections. This feedhole positioning can improve the strength of the "pins", which are the projecting islands of metal bounded by the slots on the exit face of the die defining the channels in the honeycomb material extruded from the die.
A variety of die configurations for extruding honeycomb bodies of both triangular and square cell cross-section are known. U.S. Pat. No. 1,874,503, for example, discloses a triangular cell extrusion die wherein the feed holes supply batch material to the intersections of the triangular slots, this die being used for the extrusion of candy. Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 50-29922 describes extrusion dies for the continuous manufacture of ceramic honeycombs having channels or cells of triangular cross-section which comprise feed holes supplying either the slot intersections or the central portions of the slots.
Dies of alternating feed hole design are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,792, for example, discloses a rectangular cell die configuration for extruding honeycomb ceramic heat exchanger bodies wherein the feed holes are positioned at alternating slot intersections In this design, only two of the four corners of each extruded cell are formed by the direct flow of batch material thereto. The other corners of each cell are formed by lateral flow of the extrudable batch material within the slots to achieve the necessary web knitting at such other corners.
More complex arrangements of holes and slots are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,216, which describes dies comprising both primary and secondary discharge slots. In dies of this design, the secondary slots, which typically differ in depth from the primary slots, are supplied with extrudable material by the primary slots, rather than by feedholes communicating directly with the secondary slots.
One problem associated with the production of extruded bodies from dies of the types shown in these patents relates to the thermal shock resistance of the bodies in applications involving use at high temperatures. Thus extruded honeycomb products composed of fired ceramics, or even of sintered metals, are subject to severe thermal stress in the course of heating and cooling from high temperatures. This is particularly true where, as is frequently the case, the heating and cooling is not uniform across the body.
Thermal shock problems in these honeycomb bodies are aggravated by the fact conventional dies and honeycombs produced therefrom feature arrays of square, rectangular or triangular cells based on long straight webs traversing the entire cross-section of the bodies. Honeycomb product configurations based on such straight continuous webs can be efficiently made since dies with long straight slots are economical to fabricate. Unfortunately, however, such cell arrays do not exhibit optimum thermal shock resistance, due in part to the limited flexibility of long straight webs which cannot readily relieve stress by bending.
In principle, honeycomb bodies having cell configurations wherein long webs are absent would offer advantages in thermal shock performance. Examples of such cross-sections, which could exhibit greater flexibility than conventionally packed triangular, square, or rectangular cells, include hexagonal, rhombic, and staggered rectangle cell cross-sections. Attempts to make such structures have included specialized die modification techniques such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,691. In accordance with that patent, selected segments of long discharge slots on the discharge face of a conventional die are plugged to pattern the discharge flow into a honeycomb body with a staggered or "flexible" rectangular cell cross-section. Although extruded products of this type exhibit greater inherent flexibility, due to the absence of webs running continuously across the cell array, dies with plugged or other elaborately patterned discharge slot configurations are both difficult to fabricate and expensive. In addition, difficulty can be encountered in designing a feedhole array sufficiently homogeneous in layout to assure uniform continuous batch extrusion characteristics in the die.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a novel and economical extrusion die, and method for using it to make honeycomb bodies, which can produce extruded green ceramic honeycomb preforms having a "flexible" cell configuration. It is a further object of the invention to provide an extrusion die design incorporating an arrangement of straight slots and feedholes such that the cross-sectional cell shape and cell arrangement of extruded bodies produced by the die do not comprise any long straight webs.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an extruded honeycomb body having a cross-sectional cell shape and cell arrangement substantially free of long straight web segments. It is a further object of the invention to provide an extruded honeycomb body having a cross-sectional cell shape and cell arrangement in the configuration of a plurality of nested rhombuses.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved method for making an extruded honeycomb body having a cross-sectional cell shape and cell arrangement in the configuration of a plurality of nested rhombuses.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof.


A wellhead union and associated methods provide enhanced safety in operations involving access to, and/or fluid communication with, a wellhead. In a described embodiment, a wellhead union has a housing structure which includes a fluid conduit and a plug. A safety interlock prevents removal of the plug from the fluid conduit when fluid pressure is present within the wellhead. As a warning that such fluid pressure is present within the wellhead, the safety interlock additionally provides an externally visible indication when the fluid pressure is present.

The present invention relates generally to operations associated with wellheads on subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a wellhead union having a safety interlock.
External access to a wellhead is typically provided by a wellhead union, or "quick union", attached to an upper portion of the wellhead. The union generally consists of a plug sealingly inserted into the interior of a fluid conduit, with the plug maintained in place by a cap threadedly attached to the fluid conduit. In order to gain access to the wellhead, it is normal practice to close a master valve of the wellhead, bleed off any fluid pressure within the wellhead, unthread and remove the cap, and then remove the plug from the fluid conduit.
It will be readily appreciated that, if the fluid pressure in the wellhead is greater than atmospheric pressure at the time the cap is removed, the plug, and possibly the cap, may be violently and uncontrollably propelled from the wellhead. This extremely hazardous condition may easily result in damage of property or loss of life. Even more hazardous conditions are presented when caustic, acidic, or otherwise harmful substances, such as hydrogen sulfide gas, are present in the wellhead at the time the cap is removed.
While the normal practice is to bleed off the fluid pressure within the wellhead before removing the cap, an operator may forget this step, or the operator may attempt to bleed off the pressure but the attempt may fail. One reason that the attempt may fail is that a valve used to bleed off the pressure may become blocked with scale or other debris. Another reason is that a pressure gauge used to indicate fluid pressure within the wellhead may be inaccurate, improperly functioning, or may also be blocked by debris, etc. Thus, an operator, even though he or she may have attempted to bleed off the fluid pressure within the wellhead, still cannot be assured that it has been completely, or partially, bled off.
When the cap is unthreaded from the fluid conduit in ideal conditions, and fluid pressure is present within the wellhead, the cap may be difficult to rotate. This is due to the plug being forced against the cap by the fluid pressure. An operator may recognize that difficulty in rotating the cap may be associated with the presence of fluid pressure, or the operator may equate this difficulty with damaged threads, inadequate leverage, or other possible causes of the difficulty. Additionally, the cap may be unthreaded without difficulty even in the presence of fluid pressure within the wellhead, due to the plug being temporarily stuck in the fluid conduit. Thus, no positive indication of the presence of the fluid pressure within the wellhead is provided.
Although the above discussion has been directed to surface wellheads, it will be readily appreciated that similar problems and hazards exist in association with subsea wellheads. Access to a subsea wellhead is complicated by the fact of its remote location, which also adds to the variety of problems that may be encountered in bleeding off fluid pressure within the wellhead.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that it would be quite desirable to provide a wellhead union which permits convenient access to, fluid communication with, and attachment of other items of equipment to, a wellhead, while preventing such access, fluid communication and attachment when fluid pressure is present within the wellhead. It would also be quite desirable to provide a wellhead union which gives a positive indication of the presence of fluid pressure within the wellhead. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such a wellhead union and methods associated therewith.


A carriage system on an aircraft determines the type of each store attached to the carriage system. The carriage system detects stores attached to the carriage system and determines whether a first interlock signal formatted according to a first interface format is present for each store. If the first interlock signal is present, then the dual mode carriage system determines that a store interface for the store is the first interface format. If the first interlock signal is not present for the store, the carriage system determines whether a second interlock signal formatted according to a second interface format is present on a predetermined set of connection pins of the first interface format. If the second interlock signal is present, then the carriage system determines that the store interface for the store is the second interface format. The carriage system reports the store interface of each store to the aircraft.

Smart weapons deployed on aircraft platforms communicate with the aircraft platform through a standardized interface to ensure interoperability. The MIL-STD-1760 format was developed as the first smart weapon interface standard, but other standards have subsequently been developed. For instance, the AS5725 interface standard was developed to accommodate smart miniature munitions. The AS5725 interface standard may be implemented as either a Miniature Mission Store Interface (MMSI) or a Joint Miniature Munitions Interface (JMMI). The MIL-STD-1760 and AS5725 standards are similar, but have different electrical connections that use different form factors and different signals.
To expand the capacity of an aircraft platform, the aircraft may mount carriage systems that carry two or more weapons at a single station of the aircraft. Typically, carriage systems may carry either MIL-STD-1760-based weapons or AS5725-based weapons, but not both. Due to the different form factors and signals in the two different interface standards, carriage systems do not carry both types of weapons.


A device (10) holds a hollow puncturing needle (11) which can be controllably moved in a first direction (16) within an aparture (21) in the device (10). The handle (14) can, when pushed, be moved in the direction of the arrow (15). If the handle (14) is moved in the direction of the arrow (15), the hollow puncturing needle (11) moves in the first direction (16). The device (10) is to be placed against a counter-surface via a support surface (20). The hollow puncturing needle (11) is held in the device (10) to be axially movable controllably in the first direction (16) via the movable handle (14).

The invention concerns a device for the controlled positioning of a trocar or a hollow puncturing needle.
This type of device has, for example, become known in the art under the designation "ETHICON ENDOPATH".
The trocar plunger of the conventional device is encased in an axially displaceable tube which also surrounds the tip of the trocar plunger in the starting position. The tube and the trocar plunger are introduced into a shaft and held therein in snapping engagement. In the event that the shaft is introduced through a tissue wall, the tube and the trocar plunger are inserted into the shaft and both components interlock with each other on the side facing away from the patient. In this configuration the trocar plunger projects beyond the free end of the shaft, wherein the tip of the trocar plunger is still completely covered and encased by the axially displaceable tube.
However, when penetration through a tissue wall or the like is effected, the patient-sided end of the shaft with the tube protruding therefrom is placed on the tissue wall and the force components exercised by the hand of the user in the axial direction cause the tip of the trocar plunger of the device to project out beyond the tube encasement to penetrate into the adjacent tissue wall. The shaft with the trocar plunger penetrates into the tissue wall with a speed depending on the strength with which the user pushes on the conventional device.
In the conventional device, a functional movement of this kind can cause uncontrolled displacement of the trocar plunger, since increased resistance requires that increased force be exercised on the shaft to cause same to penetrate through a tissue wall. If however, the resistance suddenly decreases, it is possible that the utilized force components causing the axial displacement are not simultaneously reduced so that the shaft exercises an axial motion which is greater than that desired.
Known in the art from U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,946 is an injury avoiding needle device with which a needle can be pushed out of a housing using an indexing wheel. The needle is utilized in association with blood transfusion and intravenous applications. The indexing wheel has teeth which engage in teeth of a mounting, holding the needle, which is axially displaceable in the device. The needle is displaced by rotation of the indexing wheel.
Known in the art from U.S. Pat. No. 2,269,963 is an implantation device with which radioactive capsules can be released in a controlled fashion from a magazine in a hollow region. The pipe filled with the capsules must be capable of insertion by hand into the hollow region against possible resisting forces. When the free end of the pipe is positioned as desired one or more capsules can be released in a controlled fashion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,465 describes a device with which a needle or a trocar can be introduced through the abdominal wall. The needle or the trocar are held and displaced within a mounting frame. The mounting frame with the needle is placed on the abdominal wall from the outside and a screw is attached in a rotatable fashion on the mounting frame, the free end of which cooperates with the needle or with the trocar. Upon turning in one rotational direction, the screw is displaced into the mounting and thereby pushes the needle or the trocar out of the mounting. In order for the tip of the needle or of the trocar to overcome a resistance of greater or lesser extent, a turning of the adjustment screw with correspondingly different strength is necessary.
It is therefore the purpose of the present invention to develop a device for controlled placement of a trocar or of a hollow puncturing needle which does not require different force application by the user of the device, rather which facilitates an even axial motion of the shaft with the trocar plunger independent of the resistive force working against the trocar plunger.

Device for the controlled positioning of a trocar or a hollow puncturing needle


Provided herein are an oven and a method of opening or closing the door. In more detail, disclosed herein are an oven having a door opening or closing unit capable of opening or closing a door driven by remote control and a method of opening or closing the door of the oven. Some of embodiments provide an oven capable of opening or closing a door by using a door opening or closing unit according to remote control and a method of opening or closing the door of the oven.

Ovens, which are appliances configured to cook foodstuff, may be classified as an electric oven, a gas oven, and a microwave oven according to a heat source thereof. An electric oven converts electric energy into thermal energy and heats foodstuff, a gas oven burns gases and heats foodstuff, and a microwave oven emits microwaves toward foodstuff to heat the foodstuff.
When cooking is performed using an oven, it is necessary to directly approach and check the oven to check a state of cooking of the foodstuff and add seasoning to the foodstuff. As necessary, the foodstuff may be checked through a transparent window of the oven or directly checked by opening a door.
When a user does something else outside a kitchen or cooks other foodstuff in the kitchen, it is inconvenient to multitask while checking the foodstuff in the oven.

Oven and oven door opening and closing method