A moving picture signal decoding system includes a processing order determination element having a logic calculation device for decoding additional data, determining as to whether an orthogonal transformation is performed with respect to a divided signal of each block or a residual signal after motion compensation, and changing a processing order in accordance with a determined content; a decoding element for decoding transformation coefficient data; an inverse scanning element for inversely scanning the transformation coefficient decoded by the decoding element; an inverse quantization element for inversely quantizing the transformation coefficient after inversely scanning; an inverse orthogonal transformation element for inversely and orthogonally transforming the inverse quantized signal; and a motion compensation element for compensating a motion on the basis of the additional data decoded by the processing order determination element; wherein the processing order determination element decompresses the additional data while the decoding element decodes the transformation coefficient, thereby miniaturizing a circuit scale. Therefore, it is possible to provide a moving picture decoding system capable of operating in higher speed. Also, it is possible to provide a flexible decoding system corresponding to various coding systems.

The present invention relates to a system for decoding a moving picture signal which is coded by using a variable length code for an image communication, transmission and storage, and more particularly to a system for decoding a moving picture signal which is generated by multiplexing a discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient and additional data, such as an H.261 system and a moving picture expert group (MPEG) system.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of coding a moving picture signal in accordance with the H.261 and MPEG systems, in which the H.261 and MPEG are a standardization committee for coding a moving picture signal.
There will be described below a coding system shown in FIG. 1. An original picture signal S.sub.1, which is input through an input terminal 1 at every macro-block, is divided into one which is input into a motion compensation determination circuit 3 as it is, and the other which is input into a motion compensation circuit 2. The motion compensation circuit 2 performs a motion prediction on the basic of a content of a reference image memory 4 so as to output a motion compensation residual signal S.sub.2, a motion vector signal S.sub.3 and a reference image signal S.sub.4. The motion compensation determination circuit 3 receives the original signal S.sub.1 and the residual signal S.sub.2 after the motion compensation and determines as to whether or not a motion compensation should be performed, so as to output a selected signal S.sub.5 and a flag signal S.sub.6 which shows a selection of any of the signals. A discrete cosine transform (DCT) circuit 5 divides the selected signal S.sub.6 into small blocks and performs a DCT transformation so as to output a DCT coefficient signal S.sub.7. A quantization circuit 6 quantizes the DCT coefficient signal S.sub.7 to generate and output a quantized value signal S.sub.8 to a scanning conversion circuit 10 and an inverse quantization circuit 7. The scanning conversion circuit 10 scans the quantized value signal S.sub.8 with zigzags to output a scanning result to a variable length coding circuit 11. The variable length coding circuit 11 encodes and multiplies the scanning result scanned with zigzags, the flag signal S.sub.6 showing the determination flag for the motion compensation and the motion vector signal S.sub.3 so as to output a coded output S.sub.10.
On the other hand, the inverse quantization circuit 7 inversely quantizes the quantized value signal S.sub.8 so as to output an inversely quantized result to an inverse DCT circuit 8. The inverse DCT circuit 8 performs an inverse DCT transformation so as to output an inverse DCT result to a local decode signal generation circuit 9. The local decode signal generation circuit 9 receives the reference image signal S.sub.4, the flag signal S.sub.6 and the inverse DCT result, and adds the reference image signal S.sub.4 with the inverse DCT result so as to output a local decode signal S.sub.8 when the motion compensation is performed. When the motion compensation is not performed, the local decode signal generation circuit 9 makes the local decode signal S.sub.9 from the inverse DCT result as it is. An output of the local decode signal generation circuit 9 is stored in the reference image memory 4.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional system for decoding the moving picture signal which is encoded by the method shown in FIG. 1 and corresponding to the coding as the standardization of the moving picture.
A coded image signal is input through an input terminal 21 to a variable length code decoding circuit 22 which decodes a variable length code, so as to divide the coded image signal into a DCT coefficient signal S.sub.11 and an additional data signal S.sub.12. The DCT coefficient signal S.sub.11 is inverted its scanning in a scanning conversion circuit 23, is inversely quantized in an inverse quantization circuit 24, and is inversely transformed a discrete cosine transform, thereby outputting a result to a decoded signal generation circuit 26. The additional data signal S.sub.12 is supplied to an additional data redundancy decompression circuit 27 which decompresses the data signal S.sub.12 to generate a motion compensation determination flag signal S.sub.13 and a motion vector data signal S.sub.14. The motion compensation determination flag signal S.sub.13 is supplied to a motion compensation circuit 28 and the decoded signal generation circuit 26, while the motion vector data signal S.sub.14 is supplied to the motion compensation circuit 28. The motion compensation circuit 28 reads out a reference image from the reference image memory 29 on the basis of the motion vector data signal S.sub.14 to output a reference image signal S.sub.15 to the decoded signal compensation circuit 26. The decoded signal compensation circuit 26 receives the result of the inverse DCT, the reference image signal S.sub.15 and the motion compensation determination flag signal S.sub.13, and generates a decoded signal S.sub.16 by adding the reference image signal S.sub.15 with the result of the inverse DCT when the motion compensation is performed. On the contrary, when the motion compensation is not performed, the result of the inverse DCT becomes the decoded signal S.sub.16. The decoded signal S.sub.16 is also stored in the reference image memory 29 and used as a reference image when the next image is decoded.
There are the H..621 system and MPEG system as a moving picture coding system by combining the DCT and the motion compensation. All of these systems perform a coding by multiplexing the additional data and the DCT coefficient in accordance with a specific rule (syntax), respectively. When a decoding is performed, the decoding should be advanced with a sequentially analysis for a syntax of a bit stream. Furthermore, since the additional data are transmitted by taking a previous value prediction (DPCM--differential pulse code modulation--) code with a previous macro-block, it is necessary to decode the DPCM code.
Since the conventional system for decoding a signal standardized by the H.261 system has a low symbol rate after decoding a code, the variable length code decoding circuit 22 shown in FIG. 2 interprets a syntax by a serial bit to decode the variable length code, thereby realizing a compact and small scale decoding circuit.
However, even though the conventional system decodes a code with a serial bit, if the symbol rate becomes high, the variable length code decoding circuit is not in time for operation. By a simple calculation, in the variable length code decoding circuit of a serial bit type for decoding a variable length code having 10 bit of the maximum code length by a symbol rate of 27 MHz/sec after decoding, it is necessary to use a clock frequency of "27 (MHz).times.10=270 (MHz)", thereby resulting in a difficult utilization.
Accordingly, when the symbol rate is high, it is necessary to provide a variable length code decoding circuit which can decode one symbol by one clock. Even though such a circuit can be utilized by a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 3-286855 (1991), the prior art has the problem that a circuit scale becomes larger. Accordingly, there is an attempt to suppress an increase of the circuit scale by combining a decoding circuit having a low operation speed and a small circuit scale with a decoding circuit having a high operation speed and a large circuit scale.
As described above, in the conventional moving picture decoding system, since the circuit scale becomes large if the symbol rate is high, there is provided a countermeasure to suppress the increase of the circuit scale through trial and error at a present. Especially, a moving picture reproduction system is provided as a system using the MPEG method on a display terminal of a compact disc (CD) do-it-oneself vocals audio visual system (a CD KARAOKE system) and a personal computer (PC), they are desired to be a compact size. Accordingly, the moving picture decoding circuit is made by one chip device and it is necessary to miniaturize the entire system.
On the other hand, if the syntax of bit stream is analyzed by a hardware sequencer, it becomes a special purpose chip. An MPEG syntax allows to include data which can be defined by a user. Accordingly, a syntax analyzer is desired to be able to be programmed and to use a logic calculation element such as an ALU. However, since the utilized efficiency is wrong by using the ALU only in the syntax interpretation, it is necessary to increase the utilized efficiency.

System for decoding moving picture signal multiplied and coded by DCT coefficient and additional data


Limiting traffic in a communications system is based on monitoring data packets traversing a first network node and determining whether at least one first data packet originating from a source node fulfills a predefined criterion. When the predefined criterion is fulfilled, a second network node is instructed to change processing of at least one second data packet originating from said source node.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to limiting traffic in communications system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to limiting useless traffic, for example traffic relating to viruses and other malware, in communications systems.
2. Related Art
A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication between two or more entities such as user equipment and/or other nodes associated with the system. The communication may comprise, for example, communication of voice, data, multimedia and so on. The communication system may be circuit switched or packet switched. The communication system may be configured to provide wireless communication.
Communication systems able to support mobility of communications devices across a large geographic area are generally called mobile communications system. In cellular communication systems a communications device typically changed the cell via which it communicates. Some examples of a cellular system are the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS provides packet-switched data services and utilizes the infrastructure of a GSM system. Two further examples of cellular systems are EDGE and EGPRS, which are further enhancements to GSM and GPRS. EDGE refers to Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution, and EGPRS refers to EDGE GPRS.
For illustrating packet-switched services in a cellular communication system, GPRS system is used below as an example. It is, however, appreciated, that similar concepts may be found also in other cellular systems supporting packet-switched services.
FIG. 1 illustrates schematically, as an example of a cellular system supporting packet-switched services, a GSM/GPRS communication system 10. Alternatively, the system 10 may be an EDGE/EGPRS network. Only some of the network elements of a GSM/GPRS network are illustrated in FIG. 1. The radio access network 20 comprises a number of base station systems (BSS). Each base station system comprises a base station controller (BSC) 22 and a number of base stations (BS) 21. A mobile station (MS) 11 communicates with a base station 21 over a radio interface. A packet-switched core network of the system GSM/GPRS system comprises a number of GPRS Supporting Nodes (GSN) 31. Each mobile station registered for packet-switched services has a serving GSN, called SGSN, which is responsible for controlling the packet-switched connections to and from the mobile station. The packet-switched core network is typically connected to further packet-switched networks via a Gateway GSN (GGSN) 32. As FIG. 1 shows, a further packet switched network 40 typically comprises an edge router (ER) 41.
Viruses are a common problem in personal computers (PCs) that are connected to public data networks. The effects of a virus on a computer may various: the computer may totally crash down, the user may notice some oddities or the user may be unaware of a virus infecting his computer. In any case, the virus typically aims to spread further via a network the computer is connected to. Some viruses may scan actively network nodes connected to the network. It is also possible that a node affected by a virus causes, by flooding a network or a server, connections to other nodes to be refused or cut off.
In the following, viruses are used as an example of malware. The term malware is abbreviated from malicious software, and it refers, for example, to various viruses, worms, and spying software. It is also appreciated that although traffic relating to malware is discussed in this description in some detail, network elements may malfunction and cause useless traffic to a communications system also due to other reasons than due to malware infection.
As it is possible to use a personal computer in, for example, a GPRS network by supplying the computer with suitable equipment (often called a card phone), the traffic caused by viruses affects also cellular networks. Furthermore, it is possible that viruses will spread also to other user equipment than personal computers, such as to personal digital assistants (PDAs) or modern portable telephones.
Especially in the radio access network (in wireless environment) communication resources are limited. Useless traffic caused by viruses, by other malware or by malfunctioning devices may cause serious difficulties, such as latency or loss of packets, for normal traffic. Especially connections, where both end points are reachable via a wireless network, are sensitive to latency and loss of packets. Due to latency and/or loss of packets, transport protocols encounter challenges to keep connections alive.
It would be beneficiary to remove viruses from network nodes and clear virus infected data packets. Some known approaches are static cleaning of the network nodes, packet filtering and firewalls. Static cleaning refers to anti-virus software installed/running on a computer or network node. The anti-virus software typically scans stored files or data and seeks featured character queue to identify known viruses. If anti-virus software finds virus infected file or data, the anti-virus software will clean or quarantine the infected object. The effectiveness of static cleaning depends on how well users of computers or other communication devices use anti-virus software.
Packet filtering refers to a network node scanning data packets transmitted via the node or to/from the node. For example, a network address translation (NAT) device may perform also packet filtering. If a data packet seems to be infected (that is, the data packet seems to contain data relating to a virus or be a data packet transmitted by a virus), the suspected packet is typically dropped. Packet filtering can work on a node, whereby transmitted and/or received data packets are filtered. Packet filtering may be implemented at entrance of a network segment. It may prevent traffic from going out from the network segment or into the network segment. Packet filtering usually needs to be based on simple rules, because very detailed analysis of the data packets may cause heavy latency to traffic. In any case, packet filtering typically causes some latency to all traffic. Packet filtering is usually not a practical approach for core networks. FIG. 2 shows, however, a simplified schematic example of packet filtering nodes 51a, 51b placed between edge routers 41a, 41b and a core network 40. The edge routers 41a, 41b are in FIG. 2 called Access Network Edge Routers (ANER). The situation FIG. 2 shows relates to two communications devices 11a, 11b using GRPS networks as access networks. The communications device 11a, 11b in FIG. 2 may be, for example, personal computer equipped with card phones.
A firewall refers to a network node separating typically a network segment from, say, a public packet network. A firewall typically uses packet filtering and may cause latency to all traffic. In a wireless network, more re-transmissions and error corrections are typically needed than in a fixed network. There typically is a certain time limit, within which a data packet should be successfully transmitted. The re-transmission and error corrections together with the latency caused by packet filtering in a firewall may cause too much delay for packets to be successfully transmitted in a wireless network. Rule based packet filtering in a firewall may therefore be an infeasible solution for wireless network segments.
There are thus problems relating to viruses infecting network nodes and/or to the traffic caused by viruses. In addition, useless traffic originating from malfunctioning device may cause problems. Especially in wireless communication system, the transmission capacity loss over the air interface may cause problems to the operators. Furthermore, processing capacity loss in, for example, GPRS supporting nodes may be significant. Packets may be lost due to too long latency. Users with no virus infected communications device are also affected indirectly by the transmission capacity loss and processing capacity loss. Furthermore, as the price for using wireless communication resources is typically considerable, a user with a virus infected communications device may have an unusually high invoice for data transmission services. It is also evident that virus infected data packets increase the risk to get a virus infection to a communications device or to a network node.
The present invention aims to address at least some of the problems discussed above.

Limiting traffic in communications systems


A new method of local oxidation using nitrogen implant to reduce the growth of a bird's beak is described. An oxide layer is provided over the surface of a semiconductor substrate. A first silicon nitride layer is deposited overlying the oxide layer. An opening is etched through the first silicon nitride layer to the oxide layer where the device isolation region is to be formed. Nitrogen ions are implanted through the oxide layer to form a nitrogen implanted area within the semiconductor substrate within the opening. A second silicon nitride layer is deposited overlying the first silicon nitride layer and the oxide layer within the opening. The second silicon nitride layer is etched away to leave spacers on the sidewalls of the first silicon nitride layer. The oxide layer and the nitrogen implanted area of the semiconductor substrate within the opening are etched away where they are not covered by the spacers. The semiconductor substrate within the opening is oxidized wherein the device isolation region is formed and whereby the nitrogen implanted region underlying the spacers reduces the growth of a bird's beak. The remaining oxide layer, first silicon nitride layer, and spacers are removed completing the fabrication of a device isolation region of an integrated circuit.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the fabrication of integrated circuit devices and more particularly to a method of local oxidation using a nitrogen implant to suppress growth of a bird's beak under field oxide in the fabrication of integrated circuits.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Local oxidation of silicon is the conventional lateral isolation scheme. The conventional local oxidation process (LOCOS) is described in VLSI Technology, International Edition, by S. M. Sze, McGraw-Hill Book Company, NY, N.Y., c. 1988 by McGraw-Hill Book Co., pp. 473-474. Referring to FIG. 1, a layer of silicon nitride 3 is deposited over a pad oxide 2 overlying a silicon substrate 1. The pad oxide is a thin thermal oxide which allows better adhesion between the nitride and silicon and acts as a stress relaxation layer during field oxide formation. The nitride and oxide layers are etched to leave openings, not shown, exposing portions of the silicon substrate where the local oxidation will take place. The field oxide 6 is grown within the openings and the nitride and pad oxide layers are removed. This completes the local oxidation.
Bird's beak encroachment is a disadvantage of the conventional LOCOS method. Bird's beak encroachment 7 is caused by the lateral oxidation of silicon along the pad oxide under the nitride layer during the high temperature and long time required by the oxidation process. The bird's beak encroachment reduces the size of the active area. This is critical as device sizes continue to shrink and packing density increases.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,221 to Dennison et al teaches the use of oxide or polysilicon spacers and recessed etching to reduce bird's beak encroachment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,051 to Rao et al teaches the use of a polysilicon layer between the pad oxide and the silicon nitride layers as well as the use of silicon nitride spacers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,117 to Yamamoto teaches the use of a thick silicon nitride layer with thinner edges to prevent bird's beak formation.
Other methods include the use of oxidation blocking films. U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,885 to Cho et al discloses the use of a silicon oxidation blocking film, then forming an oxynitride film by nitrification of native oxide. U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,982 to Chao teaches growing an oxide layer in a nitrogen ambient and annealing the oxide layer to form an oxynitride layer which reduces the bird's beak. Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,451 (TSMC-96-026) to Tsai et al filed on Aug. 29, 1996 teaches an oxynitrided pad oxide layer to suppress bird's beak.

Method of forming isolation by nitrogen implant to reduce bird's beak

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a liner, wherein a surface of the hydrogel dissociably-engages a surface of the liner. Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a hydrophobic glue, wherein at least a portion of the gel network of the hydrogel is occupied by the hydrophobic glue. Reverse coaling processes and articles of manufacture made by reverse coating processes are provided according to aspects of the present invention. Compositions are provided according to aspects of the present invention that include a hydrogel and a substrate, wherein: the hydrogel comprises a polymer network; the substrate comprises a surface comprising a polymer network; and the polymer network of the hydrogel and the polymer network of the surface are entangled.

Compositions and methods that improve the useful lifetime of surfaces and decrease the need for cleaning and maintenance of such surfaces continue to be desirable. Compositions and methods according to aspects of the present invention relate to materials including a hydrogel that can be used to protect surfaces from fouling and other types of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration.

Antifouling zwitterionic polymer coating and reverse coating method


A method and system for displaying, an animation spline produced from a sequence of knots is disclosed. In one embodiment, a user may flip the vertical axis of selected ‘pose’ knots to visually enhance anomalies in the animation spline trajectory on a display screen. Visually exaggerating the trajectory of the animation spline provides a display that facilitates a user in detecting and correcting such anomalies in the animation spline.

This invention relates to computer animation and more particularly to the use and display of an animation spline, namely the mathematically defined curve in distance and time that is used to produce a smooth path between successive points or key frames in an animation sequence. This invention addresses the problem of intuitively assessing and controlling ease in and ease out for key frames in an animation scene (also known as "slow in and out"). This invention is particularly relevant for monotonically increasing curves, such as those used to control the timing of other animation splines.
With the wide-spread availability of computers, film animators increasingly rely upon computers to assist in the animation process. This process includes using computers to facilitate drawing-based animation, for example, by painting images, by generating in-between images ("tweening"), and the like. This process also includes using computers to augment physical animation techniques. For example, physical models could be represented by virtual models in computer memory, and then the virtual models could be manipulated.
As one of the pioneering companies in the computer aided animation (CAA), Pixar of Emeryville, Calif., has developed computing platforms especially designed for CAA, animation software, and rendering software now known as RENDERMAN®. While RENDERMAN® computer animation/rendering software was focused upon rendering, namely the creation of images from geometric models, the animation software developed for in-house use had focused upon allowing animators to specify ("animate") the geometric models. The geometric models typically represent objects in a scene, characters in a scene, positions of objects and characters, manipulation of objects and characters, lighting, textures, and the like.
In the process of preparing a fully animated scene, animation splines are provided in display form to guide the animator in making dynamic changes between key frames. Animation splines are typically drawn against a constant distance axis relative to a time axis, typically a vertical axis. As such, an ease in/out effect for a monotonically increasing section takes on an S-curve shape through the knot. This S-curve is non-symmetrical about the vertical axis, making it more difficult for the animator to observe differences between the in and out sections, and as such it is also not especially intuitive to an animator. A further disadvantage of this approach is that splines that represent monotonically increasing quantities over an extended time period require a large amount of vertical space to display fully.
What is needed is a mechanism for enhancing the usefulness of animation splines.


A force transmission mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a worm drive, a lever arm, and an actuation element. The lever arm may include a follower member at a first end of the lever arm. The follower member engages the worm drive and is configured to be driven by the worm drive. The actuation element is connected the lever arm. The actuation element is configured to transmit force to actuate an end effector of the surgical instrument. Rotational movement of the worm drive imparts translational movement to the actuation element via the lever arm.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery are well known, and they include less patient trauma, less blood loss, and faster recovery times when compared to traditional, open incision surgery. In addition, the use of teleoperated surgical systems (e.g., systems operating surgical instruments at least in part with computer assistance, such as instruments operated with robotic technology), such as the da Vinci® Surgical System commercialized by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif. is known. Such teleoperated surgical systems allow a surgeon to operate with intuitive control and increased precision when compared to manual minimally invasive surgeries.
To perform actions directed by a surgeon, a surgical instrument may use one or more actuation elements to move the surgical instrument. For instance, actuation elements are used to provide one or more degrees of freedom for the motion of a surgical instrument. While conventional surgical instruments have included effective components to move a surgical instrument in more than one degree of freedom, further improvements can be made with respect to components for actuating surgical instruments and surgical instrument end effectors.

Force transmission mechanism for surgical instrument, and related systems and methods


A gear machining apparatus causes a machining tool and a workpiece to rotate at a high speed in synchronization with each other to machine a highly accurate gear through cutting. The machining tool is manufactured such that each of pitches between tool blades of the machining tool is an integer multiple of a pitch between teeth of the gear, the integer multiple being equal to or larger than double. By using the machining tool for cutting performed by the gear machining apparatus, the number of the tool blades of the machining tool, which are brought into contact with the workpiece at the same time, is reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress occurrence of self-excited vibrations during cutting by reducing the cutting resistance. Thus, it is possible to enhance the tooth trace accuracy of the gear.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a gear machining apparatus that causes a machining tool and a workpiece to rotate at a high speed in synchronization with each other, thereby machining a gear through cutting.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in order to machine a gear through cutting with the use of a machine tool such as a machining center, there has been adopted, for example, a machining method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-51049 (JP 2012-51049 A) as a technique for efficiently machining internal teeth and external teeth. In this machining method, a machining tool such as a skiving tool having a plurality of tool blades, which is rotatable about the tool rotational axis, and a workpiece rotatable about the workpiece rotational axis that is tilted with respect to the tool rotational axis by a prescribed angle are rotated at a high speed in synchronization with each other while the machining tool is fed along the workpiece rotational axis to cut the workpiece. In this way, teeth of a gear are formed.
However, in this machining method, multiple tool blades are brought into contact with the workpiece at the same time, and thus a cutting resistance tends to be high. Thus, self-excited vibrations are likely to occur during cutting, which causes a possibility that the tooth trace accuracy of the gear will be deteriorated (the deviation of the actual tooth trace of the gear from the ideal tooth trace will increase). If the tool diameter of the machining tool is reduced, the number of the tool blades that are brought into contact with the workpiece is also reduced. However, there is a possibility that the stiffness of the machining tool will be reduced.
Therefore, JP 2012-51049 A describes a machining method in which the machining tool is moved in a feed path direction that extends along the surface of each tooth of the workpiece. In the machining method, the machining tool is moved relative to the workpiece in the feed path direction at a variable feed speed. With this machining method, because the intervals between fine machining scratches become irregular along the surface of each tooth, it is possible to reduce noise generated from the site of meshing between the machining tool and the workpiece, that is, self-excited vibrations during cutting.
In the machining method described in JP 2012-51049 A, it is necessary to vary the feed speed of the machining tool relative to the workpiece. As a result, the feed control is complicated. Thus, it is difficult to enhance the degree of accuracy of the tooth profile of the gear.


A golf training device that assists a golfer in sighting the direction to hit, and in the proper alignment of his body with respect to the golf ball. The device has a housing for mounting at least two lasers having a vertical element that provides vertical support for the lasers, a base element that enables at least a portion of the housing to be oriented to a desired sighting, and a spike for stabilizing the housing. Each of the lasers has a diffraction optical element that converts a laser beam into a planar arc of light which when projected onto a surface, such as the ground, produces a laser line. The diffraction optical elements are oriented orthogonal to each other and the resulting lines produced by the lasers are orthogonal. One of the laser lines provides feet alignment and the other provides a feet to ball laser reference line.

1) Field of Invention
The invention relates to a golf training aid, and more particularly to a training device that enables a golfer to accurately determine the direction in which a golf ball will be hit when properly struck, and an aid that assists the golfer in properly aligning his feet with respect to the ball.
2) Prior Art
In playing the game of golf, a golfer must properly align his body with respect to the ball to accurately hit it to a desired location on the course. It is not easy for the golfer to position his stance such that the alignment is attained. There have been recent advances using laser technology that help a golfer align his position with respect to the ball, and with respect to the desired direction that the golfer wishes to hit the ball. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,436 to Phillip Mark, there is disclosed a method for employing light from a laser light beam source to assist in aiming a golf ball and device therefor. In the invention the golfer holds the laser light beam source directly over the golf ball and rotates the source until the golfer believes that it is pointed toward the desired direction. The source creates three lines on the ground. A first line bisects the ball and points in the direction that the golfer wishes to hit the ball. A second line is parallel to the first line, so that the golfer can align his feet. A third line is orthogonal to the first line and the second line, such that the shaft of the club can be aligned substantially parallel with the third line.
A limitation of Phillip Mark's invention is that the golfer must accurately rotate the device over the ball so that the first light beam is accurately pointed in the desired direction. A second limitation is that the second line, which helps the golfer align his feet, is a function of the height at which the golfer holds the laser-training device. The higher the device, the greater the distance between the first line and the second line; and in order to achieve reproducible results, the golfer must always hold the light beam device at the same height. A third limitation is that, as shown, the lines are only created while the golfer is holding the laser light beam source. As soon as the golfer picks up his club to hit the ball, then he must put down or pocket the laser light beam source. Another limitation is that the golfer has to move with respect to the ball (versus the conventional method of training where the golfer positions the ball), and the invention doesn't relate the position of the ball with the position of the golfer's lead foot. An advantage of Phillip Mark's invention is that it is portable and can be easily transported to the golf course or the driving range.
What is needed is a training device that does not require the golfer to hold the device when addressing the ball, where the training device can be set up and/or teed into the ground in a stationary position, and therein produces a feet alignment directional laser line. The feet alignment directional laser line can then be adjusted by sighting down the line, and rotating the device such that the line has the desired coincident orientation. Furthermore, what is needed is a training device that in applications where the ball has a fixed position (e.g. a driving range), the feet alignment directional laser line can be adjusted such that the distance from the ball to the feet alignment laser line is adjustable to accommodate clubs having different shaft lengths, and people having different dimensions and styles of play (i.e., tall or short, and how much they are comfortable leaning forward or standing upright). Further, what is needed is a feet to ball laser line that is orthogonal to the feet alignment directional laser line, where the feet to ball laser line provides the golfer a stationary visible reference to properly align his feet, and in particular his lead foot, with respect to the golf ball. The feet to ball laser line should provide a reference where the golfer will know that for any given club what is the desired position of the ball with respect to the feet to ball laser line. For instance, for a driver the ball is typically in front of the front of the feet to ball laser line, and consequently close to the golfer's lead foot toe, and for a fairway wood the ball is typically on or behind the feet to ball laser line, and consequently further back and closer to the golfer's heel.
Another desired feature of the training device is that it can be used to quantify the golfer's club head speed, as the club head speed is strongly indicative of the distance the struck ball will travel.


A synthesis process for forming nanodendrites. The nanodendrites are utilized in a process to form a heterojunction catalyst. Nanodendrites may include PtRu8 nanodendrites that can be oxidized through annealing to form PtRuO2. One heterojunction catalyst comprises PtRuO2 on a carbon support.

The recent development of novel membranes and ionomers with enhanced hydroxide conductivity and alkaline stability opens up new opportunities for the alkaline anion-exchange membrane fuel cells ("AEMFCs"). However, most of the membrane electrode assemblies ("MEAs") demonstrating high peak power density in literature used a substantial amount of Pt-group metal ("PGM") catalysts for the anode and cathode. Developing cost-effective oxygen reduction reaction ("ORR") catalysts for AEMFCs has been partly successful as the MEAs employing less expensive ORR catalysts showed ˜1 W/cm2 peak power density. However, developing low-cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction ("HOR") of the AEMFCs has limited success; therefore, the cost-benefits of AEMFCs over the proton-exchange membrane fuel cells ("PEMFCs") have diminished. Replacing Pt-based HOR catalysts with highly active Pd-based catalysts has become less attractive as the price of Pd is getting higher than that of Pt. Replacing Pt catalysts with non-PGM catalysts has had only limited success because of the relatively low catalytic activity and anode flooding. Reducing Pt loading in the AEMFC anode is a potential solution to reduce the overall cost of AEMFCs. Recently, Omasta, et al., reported ˜0.8 W/cm2 peak power density with a low Pt-loading anode-catalyzed MEA (Anode Pt loading=0.073 mgPt cm−2).
To develop highly efficient HOR catalysts for the advanced AEMFC system, not only does the intrinsic kinetic activity of the electrocatalyst need to be taken into account, so too do other parameters, such as compatibility of the catalyst with ionomer of MEA, water management, and the scalability of the catalyst synthetic procedure. Our previous work of HOR on bulk alloy electrode surfaces demonstrated that Pt—Ru bimetallic alloy catalysts have benefits because Ru would provide the sites for OHad, which can then effectively remove the hydrogen intermediates that are present on the nearby Pt sites. Further, work at Los Alamos National Laboratory found that Pt—Ru bimetallic alloy catalysts also have benefits to minimize the phenyl group adsorption which significantly increases the HOR current density up to 0.5 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode ("RHE"). Since most ionomeric binders used for the electrolytes of AEMFCs contain phenyl group, the unique low phenyl group adsorbing characteristics of Pt—Ru bimetallic alloy catalysts have shown the dramatic increase in AEMFC power density to ˜1.5 W/cm2 for MEAs using polyaromatic ionomers. Other researchers demonstrated the AEMFC power density of >2.0 W/cm2 with the MEAs using less phenyl-containing polyolefinic ionomers. Incorporating Ru element to Pt catalyst may significantly reduce the HOR catalyst cost as the Ru price is only ˜30% of Pt; however, it is still challenging to maintain the excellent anode performance at low Pt-loading anode with Pt—Ru bimetallic alloys because the water generated from HOR in the thin catalyst layer promotes anode flooding.

Scalable Pt cluster and RuO2 heterojunction anode catalysts


A patient table comprises: a curved base plate, a support face arranged over the curved base plate's concave side, a planar table top removable placed over the support face surface and the planar table top having a flat support surface opposite form the support face; the planar table top being contiguous to the support face. In particular in the patient table assembly with longitudinal sides (a) longitudinal groove(s) are provided along one or both the longitudinal sides in the flat support surface and at the longitudinal groove(s) indentations, in particular notches, are provided in the flat support surface and transverse to the groove(s).

A couch top for supporting a patient during treatment is known from the U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,116.
The known couch top is a rectangular panel in which several pairs of indentations are placed in opposite side edges of the panel. An accessory device e.g. a flat index bar can be attached to the couch by way of with fastening members that fit into the indentations. Such a flat index bar is known per se from the U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,237. The known diagnostic MRI table typically has a concave lateral cross-section, and the current state-of-art RT table solution for magnetic resonance imaging employs an additional flat table top overlay that can be positioned on top of the (standard) diagnostic imaging table.


The present invention relates to the retrievable storage of high-level nuclear spent fuel. Such waste, which generates heat as it decays, is packed in sealed containers (2) which are placed in a repository site comprising a tunnel or drift (5) in a geological rock formation (50) for permanent or long-term storage. Elongated, sealed cooling enhancement devices (7) are emplaced in boreholes (8) extending from the inside surfaces (16a-b) of the drift (5) and carry heat from the location of the waste containers (5) to farther distances in the repository site. Applicable sealed cooling enhancement devices disclosed are heat pipes (7), thermal syphons (307), superconductor rods, and heat pumps (407). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, conventional mining rock bolts which are hollowed contain a cooling enhancement choice.

It is critical to the future of nuclear power to solve the problem of long-term storage of high-level nuclear spent fuel. In connection with this, the nation's first underground waste repository site is proposed to be constructed in a formation of unsaturated welded tuff (a very hard igneous or volcanic rock) at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The concept is the subject of public and scientific criticism, partly because local future climate and seismic events are uncertain. In addition, there are risk factors associated with the breakdown of the natural geological and the associated man-made barrier systems. Other concerns are possible future complications attending retrieval of the waste from the site for reprocessing, or alternative storage emplacement.
Two different waste emplacement layout approaches have been considered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in order to distribute heat generating waste evenly over an appropriate underground area in Yucca Mountain. The long, horizontal emplacement approach assumes long horizontally driven holes which are 100 to 200 meters in length, in which 14 to 18 canisters could be emplaced in series. Canisters are 0.7 meters in diameter and five meters high. This layout has the advantage of low drift wall temperatures, since heat is transferred directly into the rock heat sink area, farther from the surface of a drift. However, this approach presents emplacement and retrieval problems, and in response to these concerns, the long, horizontal emplacement concept has been rejected.
Currently, only the short vertical or horizontal hole approach is being considered. While short holes provide for easy retrieval, they also have disadvantages, namely, (1), the heat source is close to the surface of the emplacement drift or underground tunnel and extensive ventilating air is needed to cool down the drift wall for regular maintenance or retrieval, and (2) a large amount of underground excavation is needed to spread the heat load evenly over the waste site area, resulting in excessive construction and operating costs and an increased risk of failure in the engineered or geological barrier systems. Waste storage using tubular waste containers and an open air circulation system such as this is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,199, where the containers are emplaced into vertical holes of a concrete block incorporating channels and cooling is provided by air flowing between the containers and the channel wall.
Other suggested layouts and arrangements, however, can provide for easy retrieval. The following possibilities have been suggested by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; single-package instead of multi-package emplacement, short holes and floor trenches, or alcoves in the drift wall. While these arrangements are advantageous for low-level nuclear waste, they are not suitable for high-level waste storage, because of the high heat and radioactive radiation load. One approach to the problem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,916, again using convective air cooling, with all its attendant problems, and where waste is stored in tubes placed within a room having at least one cold air inlet and a hot air outlet.
The methods described in the foregoing employ so-called open-loop ventilation circuits to control the temperature of the waste container and the storage area. Open-loop ventilation is potentially hazardous when applied to high-level waste, since contamination can be released from a leaking container. In addition, such systems also usually involve the added energy costs of providing a source of cooled air.
There are other methods for the removal of decay heat. A heat sink in the form of a heat conducting rod extending substantially along the length of a spent fuel rod is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,918. Here the decay heat is conducted away from a sealed storage assembly for spent nuclear fuel.
A sealed storage complex is described in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,164, where the amount of excavation is minimized for safety purposes. An elastoplastic filling material is used which conducts the heat of the waste to the site area. Another two-phase cooling circuit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,630. In accordance with this patent, the decay heat is removed by water evaporation from the fluidic form of waste during disposal. The vapor travels through a closed pipeline to a surface-based cooler to condense. The condensate is re-used, after mixing with the waste and pumped back to the site. This solution represents a two-phase cooling system with a cooler on the surface, which is potentially hazardous, requires utilities, operating personnel and maintenance.

Method and apparatus for underground nuclear waste repository


It is to provide a method for producing a silicon epitaxial wafer, which can prevent fine unevenness from occurring on a rear main surface of a silicon epitaxial wafer and which suppresses the haze level of the whole rear main surface to 50 ppm or less.

Conventionally, there is known a method for producing a silicon epitaxial wafer by epitaxially growing a silicon epitaxial layer on a front main surface of a silicon single crystal substrate mounted on a spot facing of a susceptor arranged within a reactor.
In a case of producing the silicon epitaxial wafer, a cleaning step of cleaning the silicon single crystal substrate is performed before vapor phase epitaxy of the silicon epitaxial layer. In the cleaning step, generally, an SC1 cleaning step of mainly removing particles is performed using a mixed solution composed of ammonia water and hydrogen peroxide solution and then, an SC2 cleaning step of mainly removing metals is performed using a mixed solution composed of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution. During the SC1 cleaning and the SC2 cleaning, a natural oxide film is formed on a surface of the silicon single crystal substrate.
Thereafter, the cleaned silicon single crystal substrate is carried within the reactor and mounted on the spot facing of the susceptor. Further, heating within the reactor is performed to subject the substrate to hydrogen heat treatment. As a result, the natural oxide film formed on the front main surface of the silicon single crystal substrate is removed by etching using a hydrogen gas. In the hydrogen heat treatment, a hydrochloric gas may be used together with a hydrogen gas.
Next, a temperature within the reactor is set to a growth temperature and a silicon source gas is fed on the front main surface of the silicon single crystal substrate. As a result, the silicon epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the front main surface of the silicon single crystal substrate. Thus, the silicon epitaxial wafer is produced.
Further, there is known a wafer supporting apparatus for forming a thin film on a rear surface of a wafer, in which projections for supporting the wafer from its lower surface are provided on tops of lift pins for forming a clearance between the wafer and a susceptor (see, e.g., Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication Unexamined Tokukaihei-9-205130

Method for producing silicon epitaxial wafer and silicon epitaxial wafer

Abstract: A method for producing a silicon epitaxial wafer, includes: a hydrogen heat treatment step of arranging within a reactor a susceptor capable of mounting a silicon single crystal substrate and subjecting the silicon single crystal substrate mounted on the susceptor to heat treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere, and a vapor phase epitaxy step of epitaxially growing a silicon epitaxial layer after the hydrogen heat treatment step, wherein the silicon single crystal substrate is separated from the susceptor during the hydrogen heat treatment step, and the silicon single crystal substrate is mounted on the susceptor during the vapor phase epitaxy step.


A transfer device for use in a copying machine includes a rotatable belt to convey a sheet to a transfer station and a conductive brush to provide the sheet with an electric charge so that the sheet is attracted onto the belt. An electric current passing through the brush is detected and a transfer condition for the sheet is controlled on the basis of the detected electric current.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine. More specifically, the invention relates to an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image, which is obtained by developing a latent image on an image carrying member, onto a recording paper by physical means using a transfer belt unit having a transfer belt which rotates, for conveying the recording paper with the toner image to fixing means, and for fixing the toner image by the fixing means.
Many methods and apparatuses for obtaining multi-color images by the electrophotographic method have been proposed. As one of them, a method for repeating the formation of latent images according to the number of decomposed colors of an original image on a photoconductor which is an image carrying member and developing them with color toners; for superimposing the multi-color toner images on the photoconductor; and for transferring them onto a transfer material so as to obtain a multi-color image has been proposed and executed. The basic process of multi-color image forming is mentioned in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 60-75850, 60-76766, 60-95456, 60-95458, and 60-158475 by the applicant of this specification.
In an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, the peripheral surface of, for example, a photosensitive drum which is an image carrying member is uniformly charged by a charging unit and an image is exposed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum so as to form an electrostatic latent image. This latent image is developed and visualized to a toner image by developing means. This toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording paper which is fed in exact timing by physical means, and the recording paper whereon the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum and conveyed to fixing means. Further the toner image is fixed on the recording paper, and then the recording paper is ejected from the image forming apparatus.
As to transferring of the toner image, which is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, onto the recording paper, the recording paper is reversely charged to the charging of the toner by a transfer unit which discharges from the back of the recording paper and transferred onto the recording paper. After transferring, the recording paper is discharged by a high AC voltage applied by a separation unit and separated from the photosensitive drum. However, it is difficult to surely maintain the transfer property and separation property. Particularly, when the diameter of the photosensitive drum is large, the recording paper cannot be separated easily; that is, after the toner image is transferred, the recording paper is kept adhered to the photosensitive drum without being separated, causing jamming. A transfer belt unit is used as an art for improving this disadvantage.
The transfer belt unit rotates a transfer belt which is stretched by a plurality of holding rollers at the same speed as that of the photosensitive drum. The above transfer belt unit has charging means for supplying an electric charge to the recording paper so as to adhere to the transfer belt by electrostatic force. The recording paper which is adhered to the transfer belt comes in contact with the photosensitive drum in the transfer section and a high voltage which is reverse to the charging of the toner is applied to the recording paper in the transfer section under constant current control so as to transfer the toner image. In such a transfer belt unit, a high transfer efficiency and separation effect can be obtained in the transfer section.
Such a transfer belt unit can be used as a particularly desirable unit in a color image forming apparatus for superimposing toner images on the photosensitive drum and for transferring them onto the recording paper at a time. In such a color image forming apparatus, a plurality of developing units are mounted at the periphery of the photosensitive drum so as to superimpose toner images on a photoconductor, so that the drum diameter increases, and a sufficient separation performance cannot be obtained by the conventional electrostatic transfer and separation method, and a sure separation performance is necessary. Furthermore, the method for superimposing toner images requires a large amount of adhering toner, so that a large transfer charge is necessary and a large transfer charge holding capacity is necessary. The transfer belt unit is superior in the above two points.
When the aforementioned image forming apparatus is installed in a humid place or used in a humid season, the resistance of a recording paper is changed because the recording paper absorbs moisture and the water content increases, and toner images formed on the photosensitive drum are transferred defectively, and the image quality lowers. When the humidity is low, the transfer current becomes insufficient and toner images are transferred defectively.
To solve the above problems, a heater is used conventionally to heat a recording paper. However, it is impossible to finely adjust the humidity by heating according to the percentage of moisture content of the recording paper. Furthermore, a method that a temperature and humidity meter is mounted in an image forming apparatus so as to detect changes in the environment and to set the transfer conditions or a method that measuring means for measuring the resistance of a recording paper is mounted so as to set the transfer conditions from the measured resistance is conventionally used. However, new installation of such means causes a complicated structure and an increase in cost.
The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having a transfer belt unit for allowing good transfer regardless of the temperature and humidity or the paper type without using such a complicated means.

Image forming apparatus having controlled transfer unit


A sensor includes: a first chip; a second chip disposed on the first chip through an adhesive member; and a stopper. The second chip is connected to the first chip through a bonding wire. The stopper limits a displacement of the second chip when the adhesive member is deformed. The stopper is disposed around the second chip. Since the displacement of the second chip is restricted, deformation of the bonding wire between the first and the second chips is also restricted.

A sensor device includes a sensor chip and a circuit chip, which are laminated through an adhesive material and connected through a bonding wire. This type of sensor device has a construction in which the sensor chip is laminated and adhered onto the circuit chip through the adhesive material, and the sensor chip and the circuit chip are connected to each other through the bonding wire.
For example, a structure for mounting the sensor chip onto the circuit chip through the adhesive material of a film shape is proposed as such a sensor device to reduce an output change with respect to a temperature change of the sensor chip for the purpose of a reduction in thermal stress of its joining portion. This structure is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,663.
However, in the structure of the sensor device of this kind, when the adhesive material such as the film shape adhesive material for adhering a portion between the chips has low elasticity, the rigidity of the joining portion of the sensor chip and the circuit chip is reduced, so that the sensor chip is easily greatly displaced by an impact from the exterior.
Therefore, the problems that the bonding wire for electrically connecting both the chips is easily deformed with respect to the deformation of this sensor chip and is disconnected in its turn, are caused.
In particular, in the case of a physical amount sensor of a capacity type for converting a physical amount into a capacity change by the sensor chip and detecting the physical amount, the parasitic capacity between adjacent wires, or between the wires and the chips affects sensor characteristics.
Therefore, the deformation of the bonding wire caused by excessively displacing the sensor chip causes a change in the above parasitic capacity as well as mechanical deformation including the disconnection of the wire. Therefore, the problem of a change in sensor chip characteristics is caused.

Sensor device having stopper for limitting displacement


A backing ring that serves to back an antifriction bearing on the journal of a rail car axle includes an annular body that seats against a fillet that is located at the end of the journal and also a lip that projects over a larger dust guard diameter that is located on the axle immediately beyond the fillet. In addition, the backing ring includes a stabilizing element which cooperates with the lip and with the dust guard diameter to lessen the tendency of the annular body to work against the fillet and create a fretting wear when the journal undergoes cyclic flexures. The stabilizing element accommodates dust guard diameters of varying size. The stabilizing element may also establish a seal between the lip and the dust guard diameter.

This invention relates in general to backing rings for the bearings on railroad axles and, more particularly, to stabilized backing rings that fit axles of varying diameter.
The typical bearing for a railcar fits around a journal at the end of a railcar axle where it is captured between a backing ring and an end cap. The backing ring seats against a fillet that merges into an enlarged dust guard diameter, while the end cap fits over the end of the journal to which it is secured with cap screws. On most journals seal wear rings fit between the bearing and the backing ring and also between the bearing and the end cap. Seals encircle the wear rings and exclude contaminants from the bearing. When tightened, the cap screws bear down against the end cap and clamp the bearing securely between the backing ring and end cap. This forces the backing ring snugly against the fillet.
The journals on any rail car axle represent the regions of least diameter in the axle, yet it is through these journals and nearby dust guard diameters, which are somewhat larger, that the weight of the rail car is transferred to the wheels. Being subject to considerable weight, the journals flex cyclically as wheels roll along the rails of a railroad track, with most of the flexure occurring near the small ends of the fillets. The flexure produces fretting between the backing ring and the fillets, and as a consequence both experience wear. When water seeps into the spaces between the backing rings and the fillets, it exacerbates the fretting with corrosion. Sometimes the wear at a journal is enough to eliminate the clamp fit that holds the bearing in place, and this disturbs the setting for the bearing, imparting more end play than desired. Over the years the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has increased the allowable gross rail load on the 100-ton nominal capacity rail car, which is used bulk commodity transport, from 56427 newtons (25100 lbs) to 59125 newtons (263000 lbs.) in 1961 and then to 64295 newtons (286000 lbs) in 1990. This contributed to axle flexing of a higher magnitude which in turn led to greater fretting wear.
To combat fretting wear and corrosion at axle fillets, bearing manufacturers introduced the fitted backing ring. It had an annular lip which extended axially over the dust guard diameter adjacent to the fillet. Moreover, the AAR set standards for the fitted backing rings and further specified a tolerance for the dust guard diameters so that an interference fits would exist between the dust guard diameters and the annular lips of the backing rings. Thus, a fitted back ring required the application of some force during the last increment of installation, this to overcome the interference fit. The press-fit stiffened the joint between the backing ring and the fillet on the journal and excluded moisture, thus reducing both fretting and corrosion between the backing ring and the journal. However, the MR specified larger dust guard diameters for the new axles—dust guard diameters larger than those on older traditional axles. This enabled the new fitted backing rings to be used interchangeably with the old traditional axles and the new axles, but without interference fits on the older axles. In the absence of an interference fit, a fitted backing ring possesses little, if any, advantage over a more traditional backing ring without a lip.


A ratchet for use with a cord includes a pair of opposed tear drop shaped members defining a one piece housing for rotatably supporting a one piece ratchet spool, for supporting a pivotally mounted thumb release and for supporting an angularly displacable hook. Opposed circular cavities are disposed within the members to rotatably support corresponding bosses extending from opposed sides of the spool. A plurality of opposed interleaved non-radial ribs extend from opposed surfaces of the spool to frictionally grip a cord partially extending about the spool. A pair of wheels forming the spool are interlocked with and secured to one another through a key and keyway.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a ratchet device for tensioning rope, cords, and cable and more particularly to a handle lever pawl assembly with centrally rotatable body pawls wheels with different configurations incorporating spools with opposing gears equaling the spool rigidity, and anti-theft handle lever and or body pawl including rope or cord with a cable core to prevent simply cutting and removal of ratchet or object being secured.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
Ratchets used with cords as rope, cables and the like, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,242 incorporated herein by reference and include a spool about which the cord or the like is partially wrapped. Circumferentially located teeth positionally fixed on one side with the spool cooperative with a pawl to permit rotation in the other direction to tighten the cord and to prevent rotation in the other direction to bring about gripping of the cord by the spool when a force is applied to the cord will adequately pull quickly and easily objects in the direction of the ratchets. The pawl usually includes a thumb release to permit selective rotation of the spool in either direction. A hook or other securing member extends from the ratchet to permit anchoring of the ratchet, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,791, incorporated herein by reference. Although pulleys or ratchets are well known, it is desired to provide an improved pulley ratchet mechanism for applying greater gripping tension to rope or cord and maintain corrosion resistance for harsh environments such as saline sea water, chemicals heat and cold while incorporating multiple configurations in the spool or spools to add external or internal removable devices to rotate the wheel sheave giving a mechanical advantage to the spool sheave from the larger diameter spool boss journals. The ratchet is configured with internally and externally rotatable handle and centrally located body pawl assemblies including a novel security feature incorporated within a key or combination lock or hook with lock but not limited to a key or combination lock in the bodies or handle locking through rotation of the locks, rotating a pin or lever to lock the handle pawl or body pawls from being able to disengage from a lock position and having a rope in polyester, nylon, dyneema, vectran, polypropylene, or the like incorporating a center core with cable or non-cuttable core for detouring theft by simply cutting the rope or cord and/or releasing the unlocked ratchets. Locking device configurations are unlimited using materials both known and unknown. Known ratchets today have features including external discs to rotate rope or cord within the housing where assembly is required by the consumer, or ratchets having access to only one side to apply tools to rotatable forces. Novel features such as depressing a button inward on the ratchet, moving the pawl lever out of engagement with cooperating teeth of the wheel and facilitating release rather than rotating the pawl lever to release. It is desired to accommodate a ratchet with new and improved technology for three sided access to apply rotational forces to tension the ratchet while incorporating the ability to mechanically release the spool tension, as well as incorporating an anti-theft feature not found in rope or cord ratchets today having built-in means to release the spool while under tension, not commonly found on rope or cord pulley ratchets.


An apparatus includes a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch includes a bilayer with first and second stable curved states. A transformation of the bilayer from the first state to the second state closes the switch.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to micro-mechanical switches and to methods of making and operating micro-mechanical switches.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
A mechanical switch is an electrical switch that has an electrical connection that moves during the transformation of the switch between the open-switch and closed-switch states. In many mechanical switches a controllable electro-mechanical device drives the transformation between the open-switch and closed-switch states. Often, the electro-mechanical device must be continuously powered in one or both these states. One example of such a mechanical switch is an ordinary electro-mechanical relay in which an electromagnet typically holds the switch contacts together in the closed-switch state. The need to continuously power such an electro-mechanical control device in one or both switch states may lead to high power costs for using such a switch.


Devices and methods for water purification are provided. An improved demister (70) for removing liquid or other particles from steam is disclosed. The demister can have adjustable outlets. In other embodiments, a demister apparatus is placed, at least partially, inside a boiler apparatus (310). Additionally, a filter flow indicator (401) that provides an optical indication of the efficiency of a water filter is also provided. The filter flow indicator has a viewable side passage that connects the input and output sides of a filter unit. A weighted object, such as a ball (440), can move up and down the side passage in response to the pressure differential in the filter system. The user can determine the status of the filter by viewing the location of the weighted object in the side passage. Additionally, a device and method of adding various minerals back to purified water in order to improve the flavor of the water is described. The device and method involve the use of a ground mineral mixture, typically chosen from minerals (230,240,250) that are common in natural springs. Pure water that runs through the mineral filter apparatus can take up some of the minerals, thus creating water that, although free from unhealthy contaminants, tastes like natural spring water.

Water purification technology is rapidly becoming an essential aspect of modern life as conventional water resources become increasingly scarce, municipal distribution systems for potable water deteriorate with age, and increased water usage depletes wells and reservoirs, causing saline water contamination. Additionally, further contamination of water sources is occurring from a variety of activities, which include, for example, intensive agriculture, gasoline additives, and heavy toxic metals. These issues are leading to increasing and objectionable levels of germs, bacteria, salts, MTBE, chlorates, perchlorates, arsenic, mercury, and even the chemicals used to disinfect potable water, in the water system.
Conventional technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO), filtration, and chemical treatment are rarely able to handle the diverse range of water contaminants. Additionally, even though they are commercially available, they often require multiple treatment stages or combination of various technologies to achieve acceptable water quality. Less conventional technologies, such as ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation or ozone treatment, can be effective against viruses and bacteria, but seldom remove other contaminants, such as dissolved gases, salts, hydrocarbons, and insoluble solids. Additionally, most distillation technologies, while they may be superior at removing a subset of contaminants are frequently unable to handle all types of contaminants.
Accordingly, sophisticated distillation systems that are continuous, self-cleaning, and recover a major fraction of the input water appear as the best long-term option to resolve increasing water contamination problems and water scarcity. These distillation systems can involve numerous components, including demisters and filters.
Demisters
A demister, which can be part of such a distillation system, is capable of separating heavy particles of steam and lighter particles of steam from a mixed sample. Cyclone demisters operate by forcing contaminated steam into a curved housing, forcing the steam to take on a rotational motion within the curved housing. This rotational motion results in a centrifugal force that forces the heavier droplets of steam to the outer walls of the housing, while the lighter droplets of steam remain relatively closer to the center of the device. Thus, steam that is heavy because it is contaminated with a heavy substance can be separated from steam that is not contaminated with the substance.
To take advantage of this separation of "clean" and "dirty" steam, demisters typically have a downcomer tube in the center of the top of the curved housing, providing an exit pathway for clean steam to leave the housing. Additionally, there is normally a second exit in the demister on the opposite side of the housing from the downcomer tube. It is through this second exit that the dirty steam can leave the demister.
Filter Flow Indicators
Another part that is frequently involved in distillation systems are liquid filtration devices. Examples of such devices include devices that allow only particles of a certain size to pass, filters that remove particulates, filters that remove molecules of particular chemistries, and devices that purify contaminants from water.
Some filter configurations are simple mechanical devices that capture particulates from the water stream and thereby remove such particulates from the water product. Still other devices utilize adsorbents, such as activated carbon, to physically adsorb impurities that are dissolved in the water stream thereby purifying it. Other filter devices are complex systems that use multiple types of filter cartridges and have elaborate electronic control systems to indicate to the user when problems are occurring.
One recurrent problem with many types of filter devices is that the filter unit can become clogged with the matter that is being removed from the liquid. It is often difficult to determine at what point the filter becomes too clogged to function properly. Unfortunately, for many types of filter devices, a clogged filter that is not attended to can break, allowing leakage of the filtered materials into the filtered liquid. Often, this can happen without warning and compromise water quality.
Many types of monitoring systems have been developed to determine the status of a filter unit and to warn the user when the filter is not working effectively. Typical sensor systems include electronic and pressure sensors to indicate when the filter has been clogged and needs either cleaning or replacement. These types of sensor systems can be generally elaborate and expensive.
Product Water Characteristics
The concern for water purity has resulted in the purification aspects and devices described above. Some of these devices assert to eliminate selective impurities that are commonly found in tap water, but that are detrimental to human health. Although water that has been treated so that it is chemically pure will lessen a consumer's water purity concerns, many consumers hold the opinion that the chemically pure water is tasteless and "flat." Additionally, many consumers desire the presence of certain beneficial minerals in their drinking water.
Spring water is a popular choice for drinking water, as the minerals provide an amount of flavor to the water that chemically purified water does not have. Additionally, spring water contains certain dissolved gasses that also improve the flavor of the water.