There is provided a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet with a microstructure in a ⅛ thickness to ⅜ thickness range whose middle is a ¼ thickness from a surface of a base steel sheet, the microstructure contains ferrite phase is 50% or more and 97% or less by volume fraction, and a predetermined phase wherein at an interface between a hot-dip galvanizing layer and the base steel sheet, a Fe—Al alloy layer has an average thickness of 0.1 μm to 2.0 μm, and a difference between a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness in a steel sheet width direction is within 0.5 μm, and in a fine-grain layer directly brought into contact with the Fe—Al alloy layer, the fine-grain has a difference between a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness of the fine-grain layer in the steel sheet width direction is within 2.0 μm.

A demand for high-strengthening is increasing with respect to steel sheets mainly used as a framework member of an automobile. To these high-strength steel sheets, it is common to add alloying elements typified by Si and Mn that contribute to strength improvement, in order to obtain high strength and excellent formability. However, the alloying elements typified by Si and Mn also function to reduce plating adhesion.
Further, an automotive steel sheet is generally used outdoors, so that it is normally required to have excellent corrosion resistance.
Incidentally, for the purpose of usage such as an automotive outer panel, heavy-load bending (hem bending) is normally performed on a peripheral portion of the panel through presswork. Further, it is often the case that a steel sheet after being subjected to heavy-load bending, hole expanding, or the like by presswork is used not only in usage for the automotive outer panel but also in another usage. Further, when a conventional hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is subjected to the heavy-load bending, the hole expanding, or the like, a plating layer is sometimes peeled off a base steel sheet at the worked portion. When the plating layer is peeled off as described above, corrosion resistance of the peeled portion is lost, resulting in that corrosion and rusting occur in the base steel sheet at an early stage, which is a problem. Further, even if the peeling of the plating layer does not occur, when adhesion between the plating layer and the base steel sheet is lost, and even a slight gap is generated at that portion, the outside air or moisture enters the gap, resulting in that an anti-corrosion function provided by the plating layer is lost. As a result of this, corrosion and rusting occur in the base steel sheet at an early stage, similarly to the above.
Based on such problems, as a high-strength steel sheet used by being subjected to heavy-load bending or the like, a metal coated steel sheet including a hot-dip galvanizing layer excellent in adhesion of the plating layer with respect to a base steel sheet, is strongly desired.
In order to increase adhesion of a plating layer, there are proposed methods in which an oxide is generated inside a steel sheet to reduce an oxide, at an interface between base iron and the plating layer, which becomes a cause of plating peeling, as typified by Patent Literatures 1 to 3, for example. However, if such an oxide is generated in a steel sheet surface layer, carbon at the steel sheet surface layer bonds with oxygen to be turned into gas. As a result of this, carbon is released from the steel sheet, so that strength of a region from which the carbon is released is sometimes reduced significantly. When the strength of the steel sheet surface layer is reduced, there is a concern that fatigue resistance which strongly depends on the property of the surface layer portion deteriorates, and fatigue strength greatly reduces.
Alternatively, in order to increase adhesion of a plating layer, Patent Literature 4 proposes a method in which, before a general annealing step, a new annealing step and an acid pickling step are additionally performed to reform a surface of a base steel sheet, thereby increasing the plating adhesion. However, in the method described in Patent Literature 4, the number of steps is increased when compared to a general manufacturing method of a high-strength metal coated steel sheet, and thus there is a problem in terms of cost.
In addition, in Patent Literature 5, there is proposed a method in which carbon is removed from a surface layer portion of a base steel sheet to increase plating adhesion. However, in the method described in Patent Literature 5, strength of a region from which carbon is removed is reduced significantly. For this reason, in the method described in Patent Literature 5, there is a concern that fatigue resistance which strongly depends on the property of the surface layer portion deteriorates, and fatigue strength greatly reduces.
Further, in each of Patent Literatures 6 and 7, there is proposed a steel sheet in which amounts of Mn, Al, and Si in a plating layer are controlled to fall within suitable ranges, to thereby improve the plating adhesion. In each of the steel sheets described in Patent Literatures 6 and 7, there is a need to control the amounts of elements in the plating layer with high precision during manufacture, and thus an operational burden is large and there is a problem in terms of cost.
As a method of increasing the plating adhesion, Patent Literature 8 proposes a high-strength steel sheet in which a microstructure of the steel sheet is composed only of ferrite. However, in the steel sheet described in Patent Literature 8, since the microstructure is composed only of soft ferrite, sufficiently high strength cannot be obtained.
Here, a galvannealed steel sheet obtained by performing alloying treatment after hot-dip galvanizing treatment is widely used. The alloying treatment is treatment in which a plating layer is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a melting point of Zn to diffuse a large quantity of Fe atoms from the inside of a base steel sheet into the plating layer, to thereby make the plating layer to be a layer mainly formed of a Zn—Fe alloy. For example, each of Patent Literatures 9, 10, and 11 proposes a galvannealed steel sheet excellent in plating adhesion. However, in order to sufficiently perform alloying on the plating layer, there is a need to heat the steel sheet to a high temperature. The heating of the steel sheet to a high temperature is not preferable since a microstructure inside the steel sheet is degenerated, a coarse iron-based carbide is likely to be generated in particular, and the property of the steel sheet is sometimes impaired.
Meanwhile, in a hot-dip galvanized steel sheet described in Patent Literature 12, an uneven appearance due to nonuniformity of a Fe content of a plating layer in a width direction sometimes occurs.


A hook and ornament assembly for a chandelier is provided. The assembly includes a hook with a first end terminating in a straight end-segment with a free end. A first ornament defining a straight bore is positioned on the end-segment, with the end-segment extending into the bore. The hook also has a first stop portion for limiting advancement of the first ornament further onto the hook and a second stop portion for limiting advancement of the first ornament off of the free end of the end-segment. The hook is constructed and arranged so that the straight end-segment can be spring biased away from the second stop and so that the first ornament can be positioned on and off the end-segment without permanently bending the hook. Hooks for such assemblies and methods for forming such assemblies also are provided.

Chandeliers typically include a frame member supporting trimmings of glass ornaments. The ornaments are attached to the chandelier via hooks. An important cost component in manufacturing a chandelier is that cost associated with assembling the ornaments onto the hooks. Two examples are provided in prior art FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring to FIGS. 1a-e, the steps for installing an octagon and glass bead onto a prior art hook are illustrated. The hook 10 of the prior art is pre-formed in a wire-former and has a straight elongated segment 12 with an open loop 14 at one end. (FIG. 1a) An ornament in the form of an octagon 16 having a bore (not shown) is inserted via the bore over the free end 18 of the open loop 14. (FIG. 1b) The open loop then is shaped into a closed-eye 20 using pliers. (FIG. 1c) Next, a glass bead 22 having a central bore (not shown) is threaded onto the free end of the elongated segment 12 and is positioned adjacent to the closed eye 20. (FIG. 1d) Finally, the free end of the elongated segment 12 is formed into a frame-engaging loop 24 using a hand-operated machine. (FIG. 1e) The axial orientation of the octagon may be adjusted by twisting so that the face of the octagon is properly presented in the hanging orientation. The trimming then is ready for attachment to a chandelier frame. Using the foregoing methodology, an individual can assemble approximately one hundred and seventy (170) pieces of trimming per hour.
Referring to FIGS. 2a-2d, the steps for assembling onto a prior-art hook a pair of octagons and a barrel are illustrated. A hook 30 is pre-formed in a wire-former. The hook includes an elongated segment 32 having an open loop 34 at one end. (FIG. 2a) A first octagon 36 is threaded onto the free end 38 of the open loop 34 via a bore (not shown) in the octagon. The free end 38 of the open loop 34 then is bent to form a closed-eye 40. (FIG. 2b) An ornament in the shape of a barrel 42 then is threaded over the free end of the elongated segment 32 via a through-bore (not shown) in the barrel 42, and the barrel 42 is positioned adjacent to the closed eye 40. A first bend 44 then is placed in the portion of the elongated segment 32 extending from the barrel 42. (FIG. 2c) A second octagon 46 then is threaded over the free end of the elongated segment 32, and a second bend 48 is formed adjacent the free end of the elongated segment 32 to secure the second octagon 46 to the hook 30. Approximately two hundred (200) pieces of the foregoing trimming can be assembled by a single worker per hour.
The hooks of the prior art are adapted to facilitate permanent bending using pliers or the like and typically have a tensile strength of between 100,000 and 200,000 p.s.i.

Chandelier trimming including spring-hook


Provided in the present disclosure are a method and apparatus for transmitting information, a base station, and user equipment, the method including: determining transmission configuration information of an unlicensed spectrum, the transmission configuration information being used to indicate various data transmission starting positions within a preset time window; sending the transmission configuration information to user equipment; performing information transmission with the user equipment using a channel of the unlicensed spectrum according to the transmission configuration information. By employing the method for transmitting information as provided by the present disclosure, unlicensed spectrum resources may be effectively used to transmit information.

The development of new-generation novel Internet applications such as Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication makes higher requirements on wireless communication technologies and urges the wireless communication technologies to be constantly evolved to meet the requirements of the applications. At present, a cellular mobile communication technology is in an evolution stage of a new-generation technology. An important characteristic of the new-generation technology is to support flexible configuration of multiple service types. Different service types have different requirements on a wireless communication technology. For example, a main requirement of an enhanced Mobile Broad Band (eMBB) service type focuses on the aspects of large bandwidth, high rate and the like, a main requirement of an Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) service type focuses on the aspects of relatively high reliability and low delay, and a main requirement of a massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) service type focuses on the aspect of large connection number. Therefore, a new-generation wireless communication system requires a flexible and configurable design to support transmission of multiple service types.
Under the development of service requirements, only using a licensed spectrum may not meet increasing service requirements, so deployment of a mobile network on an unlicensed spectrum is considered. There may be another system such as a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) system on the unlicensed spectrum such as 2.4 GHz spectrum and 5 GHz spectrum. How to ensure fair resource sharing of different communication systems on an unlicensed spectrum needs to be researched.

Method and apparatus for transmitting information, base station, and user equipment

Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.


A tandem system having multiple fluid-powered cylinders for operation of motor graders and other earth-moving equipment that is capable of interfacing with and being controlled by conventional two dimensional (“2-D”) and three dimensional (“3-D”) grade control systems, responds to encountered grade changes and adjusts elevation and a cross-slope to match predetermined project design specifications. Each cylinder member has at least one master area and at least one slave area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a tandem control and operating assembly for use in achieving a desired grade (including, without limitation, a precise final grade) on a variety of earth moving applications. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a tandem phasing hydraulic assembly for use in elevation and cross-slope tilt control on earth moving equipment, using a 2-D (two dimensional) or 3-D (three dimensional) machine control grading system.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Earth-moving projects can encompass a wide variety of excavating, trenching, boring, scraping, spreading and other tasks, which are performed in connection with road-building, infrastructure improvements, construction, mining and other activities. During earth-moving operations, a wide variety of equipment can be used for specific applications. Such equipment can include, without limitation, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, loaders and motor graders.
One such earth-moving process is commonly referred to as "grading." Grading is frequently used during construction operations in order to create a smooth base having a designed surface slope. The grading process is typically used in connection with many different earth-moving projects including, without limitation, construction or reconditioning of sports fields, planar and non-planar commercial parking areas, residential subdivisions, roadways, agricultural areas and the like. Design parameters such as water runoff, slope, compaction (typically for load-bearing capacity) and thicknesses of various material layers, represent important grading and site design criteria.
In most instances, such grading operations typically involve a combination of "cutting" (that is, removal of earth or other materials) and "filling" (that is, placement of earth or other materials) operations that are required in order to achieve a final grading plan. During grading operations, cut and fill quantities are preferably beneficially balanced in order to avoid inefficiencies associated with obtaining additional fill material or removing excess material.
During grading and other earth-moving operations, mobile equipment generally must be steered and/or otherwise guided within a particular jobsite, while the working components of such equipment (such as, for example, blades, buckets and/or ground-engaging tools) must be controlled through their respective ranges of motion. Such steering, guidance and control have historically been accomplished by human operators; such human operators typically require relatively high levels of skill, training and experience for achieving desired results piloting such earth-moving equipment.
More recently, three-dimensional machine controlled guidance systems have been developed in order to provide automated control of such earth moving equipment. Such machine controlled guidance technology can be used to reduce human control, thereby increasing earth-moving efficiency and overall job quality. In many instances, such technology utilizes a global positioning system ("GPS"), as well as other measurement control systems, in order to automatically guide and control equipment used to place, level and/or compact dirt and other materials.
So-called "fully automatic" three-dimensional machine controlled guidance systems permit automated operation of earth moving equipment, as well as the working components thereof, in order to conform to a predetermined site plan. Such site plan, typically created by an engineering or other design firm, can be imported into said three-dimensional machine controlled guidance system. Thereafter, said earth moving equipment and the associated working components can be automatically controlled and oriented in order to move dirt or other materials to match said predetermined site plan.
Generally, cutting edges of earth-moving equipment are positioned using fluid-powered (typically hydraulic) drive cylinders. Such drive cylinders are used to move blades and other working components up and down, and to adjust vertical and horizontal angles of such blades and other components. With fully automatic three-dimensional machine controlled guidance systems, control fluid for such drive cylinders is directed to and from said cylinders using electrically actuated servo-type valves which, in turn, are controlled by a computer-driven operating system.
Onboard computers and operating software can utilize satellite GPS positioning information, as well as predetermined design data, in order to guide earth-moving equipment around a job site and automatically adjust positioning of working components of such equipment. Sonic and/or laser sensors can also be used to provide information, such as distance, elevation or proximity measurement, to said three-dimensional machine controlled guidance systems. Such information is provided to computer processor(s) which process such information and electronically control said servo valves which, in turn, control fluid powered drive cylinders. In this manner, cutting edge(s) of working components can be automatically moved or adjusted to match predetermined job parameters.
Unfortunately, conventional earth moving devices equipped with double action fluid-powered drive cylinders suffer from some significant limitations. Such conventional cylinders typically include a relatively large number of moving parts that eventually wear or fail, including, but not limited to, pivot pins, bushings, bearings, hoses, and hydraulic fittings. Such failures generally give rise to costly down time and a frequent need for expensive and time consuming repairs.
Further, conventional double action drive cylinders are generally supplied with fluid from a common fluid supply conduit; such fluid passes through a flow divider that is designed to split such fluid flow volume in a desired proportion (frequently, 50/50) between multiple cylinders. However, when earth moving equipment is subjected to uneven loading, such divided fluid flow will typically take a path of least resistance, causing said fluid split to deviate from said desired proportion. As a result, such conventional fluid-powered double action drive cylinders are especially prone to failure when installed on scrapers and/or other earth moving equipment exposed to uneven distribution of dirt or other earth material and, thus, uneven loading.
Thus, there is a need for a robust earth moving assembly equipped with fluid-powered cylinders capable of providing consistency, accuracy and repeatability in operation. Said earth moving assembly should beneficially utilize less moving parts than conventional equipment, thereby providing for a more durable and effective solution to earth moving applications.

Method and apparatus for earth moving and surface grading


A spatial light modulator including a thin layer of solid-state electro-optical material having parallel, opposite first and second surfaces, an elongated first electrode disposed on the first surface and a plurality of spaced, elongated second electrodes disposed on the second surface and generally perpendicular to the first electrode. The layer of solid-state electro-optical material has a thickness in the range of approximately 5 to 15 microns, and is composed of PLZT. In one embodiment, a plurality of thin regions of insulator are disposed on the first surface between portions of the first electrode and the electro-optical material.

The invention relates to spatial light modulators, and more particularly to improvements therein which result in low voltage, high speed devices with high contrast ratios.
PLZT (lanthanum modified lead zirconium titanate) is well known for use in spatial light modulators (SLMs), or "light valves". U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,920 by the present inventor gives general background on spatial light modulators. Also see the article "Photoconductive Activated Light Valve for High Definition Projection System", by Garth Gobeli and Thomas Toor, 172/SPIE vol. 1664 High-Resolution Displays and Projection Systems (1992).
FIG. 1 shows a prior art spatial light modulator formed in a relatively thick (e.g., 200 microns) substrate 10 of PLZT. On the top surface 15A there are formed various positive electrodes, for example, positive electrodes 11 and 13, and various negative electrodes, such as negative electrodes 12 and 14, interspaced between the positive electrodes. The opposite voltages applied to the positive and negative electrodes produce "fringing" electric fields 15 between the positive and negative electrodes underneath upper surface 15 of PLZT substrate 10. The presence or absence of the fringing fields 15 modulate or control the amount of light that can pass through the spatial light modulator or light valve 1.
A substantial problem of the above prior art of FIG. 1 is that the fringing electric fields 15 are relatively nonuniform. This non-uniformity results in the necessity of applying large voltage differences, usually more than 60 volts, between the positive and negative electrodes in order to achieve the desired level of light modulation. It would be very desirable to be able to use lower electrode voltage differences of less than 60 volts. The non-uniformity of the fringing electric field also means that memory mode material cannot be employed as a substrate.
Very thin layers of PLZT material of thickness in the range from 0.01 to 0.08 microns have been fabricated by depositing PLZT material onto a suitable substrate, using sputtering or liquid phase deposition techniques. Such very thin PLZT films require high activation voltages which lie well to the left of the minimum "A" shown in the curve of "PLZT operating voltage versus PLZT layer thickness" shown in subsequently described FIG. 8. Also, PLZT substrates with thicknesses in the 100 to 200 micron range have been fabricated by conventional grinding and polishing techniques, but the substrates of this thickness range require very high operating voltages that lie far to the right of the minimum "PLZT operating voltage versus PLZT layer thickness" shown in the curve of FIG. 8.
There would be a great many applications in the fields of optical computing, optical projectors, and large dynamic range cameras, for a two-dimensional spatial light modulator array in which each spatial light modulator cell operates with voltages less than approximately 60 volts, at operating speeds of more than approximately one million operations per second, and with a contrast ratio of greater than approximately 512 to 1.
Until now, no available or proposed spatial light modulator has been capable of meeting all three of these operating objectives. For example, typical liquid crystal devices (LCDs) operate at low voltages (less than 5 volts) but are quite slow, typically switching at about 30 frames per second, and have a low contrast ratio, typically about 12 to 1.


A device for the identification of objects such as patients, competitors and visitors to trade fairs, animals and baggage. The identification device comprises a strip-like tape made from a tear-resistant material and the attachment of one end of the tape to an arbitrary point on the tape so as to produce a closed strip loop. The tape has at least one field for information identifying the object, and the closed loop may be applied around a projecting part of the object associated with the information in question. The attachment of the aforementioned one end of the tape to an arbitrary point on the tape for producing the strip loop consists of a piece of double-sided adhesive tape applied at the aforementioned one end of the tape. This adhesive tape is covered prior to use by a removable protective film. The adhesive tape is of a type such that, when the joint forming the closed loop is parted at that point, the adhesive tape separates in a laminar fashion so that rejoining is not possible.

The present invention relates to an arrangement for the identification of objects such as patients, competitors and visitors to trade fairs, animals and baggage, comprising a strip-like tape made from a tear-resistant material, which tape has at least one field for information identifying the object, and means for attaching one end of the tape to an arbitrary point on the tape so as to produce a closed strip loop intended to be placed around a projecting part of the object associated with the information in question, whereby the aforementioned means for producing the strip loop consist of a piece of double-sided adhesive tape applied at the aforementioned one end of the tape, which adhesive tape is covered prior to use by a removable protective film.
Identification arrangements of this kind are previously disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,561,894, U.S. Pat. No. 2,098,164 and PCT WO 86/05303. These publications are concerned more specifically with identification strips for the identification of mothers and newborn infants and marking strips for baggage.

Device for the identification of objects


This invention discloses a method for establishing IPOA channel-based maintenance channels. The invention establishes an IPOA channel between a base station and a base station controller with configuration of the base station. A BOOTP request is initiated from the base station to an operation and maintenance center, and the base station obtains an IP address assigned to it from a response sent from the operation and maintenance center, so that an operation and maintenance channel is established between the base station and the base station controller. The invention can solve automatic base station launching problem, and can prevent IP address conflicts and implement parallel launching of base stations. In addition, with the method described in this invention, operation of establishing maintenance channels is simple, light in workload, and reliable. Thus, program and data auto-loading as well as configuration and maintenance of base station(s) at far end (i.e., the operation and maintenance center) can be achieved. The method described in this invention is superior in quality and low cost in maintenance, and can be applied to various networking patterns, such as star-type, chain-type, and tree-type networks.

As wireless communication technology develops, communication networks become more and more sophisticated and bulky. As a result, the criteria for network maintainability become higher. However, due to default maintenance channels of base stations have not been defined in the protocols of 3G wireless communication networks for WCDMA and CDMA2000 communication systems, it is impossible for base stations to automatically complete far-end auto-configuration, which brings inconvenience to network maintenance. Presently, there are mainly two methods for establishing maintenance channels for base stations: the first one is that maintenance personnel manual configures related data at base stations (NodeB) and base station controllers, so as to configure special operation and maintenance channels to solve base station startup problem. However, due to the fact that access devices are usually far from the network in actual applications, the fatal defect of this method is that near-end base station's O&M data configuration is in great difficulty, if the corresponding physical base station is far from the base station controller or this base station is in a remote and/or desert area. In addition, it is inconvenient for failure treatment. The second method is: At initial startup of all base stations, requests are submitted to the operation and maintenance center with preset PVCs and IP addresses, to obtain formal configuration data. For subsequent startups, the formally configured PVCs and IP addresses will be used to contact with the operation and maintenance center, and the original PVCs and IP information will be deleted. However, the fatal defect of this method is that it is difficult to implement when the operation and maintenance center is at far end. In addition, because all base stations use fixed IP addresses, they can't be launched at the same time; otherwise, the operation and maintenance center is unable to identify the base stations. Further, the operation and maintenance and network management are complex during startup of the base stations. Furthermore, operation and maintenance channels can't be established at base stations automatically, and manual intervention is necessary in case of data loss after startup of the base stations.
In conclusion, the main defect of existing methods for establishing operation and maintenance channels for base stations is that the mechanism for automatically establishing operation and maintenance channels is unavailable. Therefore, the operation of establishing operation and maintenance channels is difficult, labor-intensive, and error-prone, and thus causing increased maintenance costs and degraded quality.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for establishing IPOA channel-based operation and maintenance channels


The present invention is directed to a downhole pump assembly having a housing, a standing valve located near the lower end of the housing, a plunger disposed in the chamber of the housing below the upper and lower internal shoulders thereof and adapted for reciprocating movement through at least a portion of the chamber of the housing, and a traveling valve located in the plunger. A pull rod has one end connected to the plunger and an opposite end connected to a sucker rod string to affect reciprocating movement of the plunger. A sliding valve is positioned in a chamber of the housing between an upper internal shoulder and an internal shoulder. The sliding valve moves in an upward direction upon upward movement of the plunger so that fluid passes around the sliding valve, and the sliding valve moves in a downward direction upon downward movement of the plunger to restrict the downward flow of fluid through the chamber of the housing so that the pressure above the traveling valve is less than the pressure below the traveling valve to cause the traveling valve to open. The pull rod is provided with a plurality of vertical grooves so that the vertical grooves extend through the sliding valve near the end of the downward movement of the plunger to cause the pressure above the sliding valve and the pressure below the sliding valve to be substantially equalized so that the sliding valve is caused to move in the upward direction upon upward movement of the plunger.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sucker rod pump for pumping fluids, such as hydrocarbons, from an underground formation to the earth's surface, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved downhole pump assembly for pumping fluids while minimizing the conditions of "gas lock" and "gas pound."
2. Description of Related Art
Sucker rod pumps are often used when the natural pressure of an oil and gas formation is not sufficient to lift the oil to the surface of the earth. Sucker rod pumps operate by admitting fluid from the formation into a tubing and then lifting the fluid to the surface. To accomplish this, the sucker rod pump contains, among others, four elements:                (1) a pump or working barrel, (2) a plunger which travels in an up and down motion inside the pump barrel, (3) a standing valve positioned near the lower end of the pump barrel and (4) a traveling valve that is attached to and travels with the plunger.
A chamber is formed inside the pump barrel between the standing valve and the traveling valve. The standing valve allows fluid to flow into the chamber but does not allow fluid to flow out of the chamber. The traveling valve allows fluid to flow out of the chamber, but not into the chamber.
When the fluid that the sucker rod pump is pumping is substantially all liquids, the plunger is mechanically made to move up and down in a reciprocating motion. On the upstroke of a pumping cycle, where the plunger is moved upward, the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid above the traveling valve causes the traveling valve to close. The upward motion of the plunger also causes a negative fluid pressure to develop inside the chamber thereby causing the standing valve to open and to admit fluid from the formation into the chamber.
At the end of the upstroke, the chamber is filled with liquid from the formation. When the plunger begins the downstroke, the pressure in the chamber becomes positive which causes the standing valve to close. Because liquids are substantially incompressible, the pressure in the chamber rapidly increases to a pressure greater than the fluid column pressure above the traveling valve. When the fluid pressure in the chamber becomes greater than the fluid column pressure above the traveling valve, the traveling valve opens and fluid passes by the traveling valve where it is able to be lifted by the sucker rod pump on the upstroke.
When the fluid being pumped by the sucker rod pump is a mixture of gas and liquid, problems may be encountered. During the downstroke, the standing valve closes normally as the plunger compresses the gas and liquid in the chamber. However, the traveling valve does not open until the chamber pressure becomes greater than the hydrostatic pressure above the traveling valve. If the fluid contains a significant amount of gas, the traveling valve may not open at all, even as the plunger reaches the bottom of the downstroke. This condition results in a "gas lock." When the plunger compresses the gas and collides with the liquid, the collision generates a shock wave and is referred to as "gas pound." The shock wave causes the traveling valve to open quickly and this can cause damage to the traveling valve and to the tubing in the well.
To this end, a need exists for an improved sucker rod pump that prevents the formation of gas lock and gas pound. It is to such an improved sucker rod pump that the present invention is directed.


Various embodiments provide an apparatus and a method for operating the apparatus. The apparatus, in one embodiment, may include an optical waveguide located over a substrate, the optical waveguide having a first segment and a second segment. The apparatus may further include a single heating element configured to heat both the first segment and the second segment, wherein a light propagation direction at a point in the second segment differs by at least 90 degrees with respect to a light propagation direction at the point in the first segment.

Thermo-optic phase-shifting devices (e.g., thermo-optic heaters) are essential components of optical communication systems. By thermally changing the refractive index of material in an optical pathway, they can control switching, attenuation or modulation of an optical signal. The principle of operation is that by heating a waveguide, the lightwave in the waveguide can be delayed enough to control switching, attenuation or modulation thereof.
A typical thermo-optic phase shifter comprises a resistance heater thermally coupled to the high index core of a silica, or silicon, waveguide. Heat changes the temperature of the core, and thereby the refractive index since it is temperature dependent. This changes the optical refractive index and distance (optical pathlength) and hence changes the time required for the passage of the light.

Thermo-optic tuning of a multi-directional optical waveguide


A data transmission method and a unit for performing data transmission. The method and unit include use of a data transmission interface having a controlled rectifier. The data transmission interface is actuated by a rectifier actuation unit.

Contactless chip cards communicate with the reader without hard electrical connections. In this case, a distinction is drawn between passive chip cards and active chip cards. In the case of the "passive chip cards", the power required for communication and data processing needs to be provided externally. The power is frequently provided by the reader in the form of an electromagnetic field, i.e. the power is obtained from the received signal.
FIG. 1 shows a principle which is known from the prior art for supplying power to a contactless chip card. The reader 1 uses the reader antenna 2 to generate an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic coupling between the reader antenna 2 and the chip card antenna 3 is a coupled coil. The chip card antenna 3 has a resonance capacitor 4 connected in parallel with it whose capacitance is chosen such that, together with the coil inductance of the chip card antenna 3, a parallel resonance circuit is formed whose resonant frequency corresponds to the transmission frequency of the reader 1. A resonance rise in the parallel resonant circuit causes the induced voltage between RF1 and RF2 to reach a maximum. The induced voltage is rectified by a rectifier 5 and is smoothed by means of a smoothing capacitor 6, and is used to supply the chip 7 mounted on the chip card with the voltage RFVDD.
The voltage induced between RF1 and RF2 is highly dependent on the coupling factor of the reader antenna 2 and the chip card antenna 3. The coupling factor is determined by the distance between the chip card and the reader 1. At great distances, the coupling is weak, and only a low voltage is induced. At short distances, a resonance rise means that the induced voltage very quickly reaches high values which can damage the chip 7 as a result of overvoltage.
FIG. 2 shows another solution which is known from the prior art and in which the chip is protected against overvoltage. In this case, the arrangement from FIG. 1 is extended by a shunt rectifier 8, having a shunt element 9 and a shunt element actuation unit 10, which is connected in parallel with the nodes RF1 and RF2. If the voltage induced between RF1 and RF2 is too high, the shunt element actuation unit 10 is used to actuate the shunt element 9 such that the output of the shunt rectifier 8 is shorted to ground. Some of the current induced in the chip card antenna 3 is thus discharged by the shunt element 9 and thus stabilizes the voltage RFVDD for supplying the chip 7. The use of the additional, parallel-connected shunt rectifier 8 reduces the voltage ripple in the supply voltage RFVDD (WO 01/06630 A1).
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the rectifier 5 and shunt rectifier 8 which is known from the prior art. The connections RF1 and RF2 have an AC voltage applied to them. This voltage is rectified and is available as a DC voltage between RFVDD and ground. The rectifiers 5, 8 comprise four NMOS transistors T1 to T4 which are operated as diodes by connecting the gate connection to the source connection. The transistors T1 to T4 are connected up in the same way as the diodes in a full-wave bridge rectifier which is known from the prior art. In this case, two transistors from the four transistors are always on and two are always off.
For a positive half-cycle of the induced voltage, RF1 is greater than RF2. T3 and T2 are on, while T1 and T4 are off. The current flows from RF1 via T3 to RFVDD and through the load and via the ground and T2 back to RF2. For a negative half-cycle, RF2 is greater than RF1. T4 and T1 are on, while T3 and T2 are off. The current flows from RF2 via T4 to RFVDD and through the load and via the ground and T1 back to RF1. This interconnection means that the current always flows in the same direction through the load connected between RFVDD and ground, regardless of the polarity of the voltage which is present between RF1 and RF2.
FIG. 4 illustrates the load modulation principle which is known from the prior art. Load modulation can be used to transmit data from the chip card to the reader 1. A modulator is connected between the smoothed voltage RFVDD and ground. The modulator comprises a modulation resistor 11 and a modulation element 12. In this example, the modulation element 12 is in the form of a transistor. As a result of the modulation element 12 being turned on and off by the signal MOD, the electrical load in the chip card and hence also the voltage on the chip card antenna 3 change. Since the chip card antenna 3 is connected to the reader antenna 2 by means of an electromagnetic field, load changes also affect the antenna voltage of the reader 1. The antenna voltage of the reader 1 is modulated by the changes in the electrical load in the removed chip card. In this case, the ratio of the amplitudes of the antenna voltage when the modulation element 12 is off and on is called the depth of modulation. When the data to be transmitted from the chip card to the reader are applied as signal MOD, they control when the modulation element 12 is turned on and off. The resultant changes in the antenna voltage in the reader 1 then correspond to the data which are to be transmitted and can be demodulated. This form of data transmission is called load modulation. FIG. 4 also shows a voltage regulator 13 with a transistor, which is intended to minimize voltage fluctuations in the supply voltage VDD for the chip 7 which arise as a result of the load modulation.
FIG. 5 shows a load modulation embodiment which is likewise known from the prior art. In this case, the modulator is not connected to the rectified voltage RFVDD, as in FIG. 4, but rather directly to the voltage between RF1 and RF2 which is provided by the chip card antenna. In the case of this embodiment, the modulator comprises two modulation resistors 16 and 17 and two modulation elements 14 and 15 which are respectively connected to ground in series between RF1 and RF2. The modulation elements are again in the form of transistors. This arrangement can be used to modulate both positive and negative half-cycles of the induced antenna voltage with the signal MOD. Besides lower circuit complexity, this arrangement has the additional advantage over FIG. 4 that the modulation's disturbances on the supply voltage RFVDD for the chip are smaller. In this case, the smoothing capacitor 6 is not discharged by the modulation process, since the rectifier 4 allows a flow of current in one direction only, namely in the one which charges the smoothing capacitor 6. In addition to the modulation resistors 16 and 17, it is also possible to use modulation capacitances 18 and 19 connected in parallel therewith. Besides the amplitude modulation, the voltage on the reader antenna is then additionally phase modulated.
In the case of the solution shown in FIG. 2 for protecting against overvoltages, it is a drawback that the shunt rectifier 8 produces an increased chip area requirement. The shunt element 9 itself, generally a transistor, also requires additional chip area, because it needs to be proportioned to be large enough to be able to dissipate excess power and convert it to heat. Since a large chip area has a direct effect on cost, the solution which is known from the prior art is unsatisfactory in this respect.
A drawback of the load modulation solutions known from the prior art which are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is that the level of the voltage RFVDD which is required for supplying the chip 7 is not taken into account during the modulation. If the chip card is at a great distance from the reader 1, only a low voltage is induced in the chip card antenna 3. In the case of additional load modulation of this voltage, the minimum supply voltage VDD for the chip 7 which is required may be undershot. In this case, breaks appear in the power supply for the chip 7, and communication with the reader 1 is then no longer possible. To bridge these breaks in supply, it would be possible to increase the size of the smoothing capacitor 6. A drawback of this, however, is the additional need for expensive chip area and, in an arrangement as shown in FIG. 4, the restriction in the modulation dynamics as a result of the smoothing capacitor 6.
Another drawback of the previously known apparatuses from FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is that additional chip area is required for the modulation elements 12, 14 and 15 themselves. In this case, the modulation element needs to be provided with appropriately large proportions for its contact resistance to become as low as possible. Another inadequacy of the known circuits for load modulation is that the depth of modulation is not predictable.


A system for detecting abnormality in combustion of an internal combustion engine based on fluctuations in the rotational speed of the engine. A signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the engine is subjected to frequency analysis. Abnormality in combustion of the engine is detected based on amplitude of components of the signal at respective predetermined frequencies, the components being obtained by the frequency analysis.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a system for detecting abnormality in combustion of an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to a misfire-detecting system which detects misfire occurring in a multi-cylinder type internal combustion engine based on fluctuations in the rotational speed of the engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a system is already known from Japanese Provisional Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-258955, which detects abnormality in combustion, particularly so-called misfire, i.e. failure to ignite an air-fuel mixture, of a particular cylinder of a multi-cylinder type internal combustion engine, and warns the driver of the abnormality or inhibits fuel from being injected into the particular cylinder.
The conventional system is based upon the recognition that minor fluctuations are caused in the rotational speed of the engine by combustion in each cylinder. Therefore, an amount of change in the rotational speed of the engine per cycle of the fluctuations is obtained from the difference between the maximum rotational speed and the minimum rotational speed of the engine per each cycle of the fluctuations, and when the ratio of the amount of change in the present cycle of the fluctuations to the amount of change in the immediately preceding cycle of the fluctuations is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that a misfire has occurred in a cylinder.
However, the ratio can be small due to factors other than misfire, e.g. fluctuations in the air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine, or delayed flow of fuel adhering to the inner surfaces of the intake pipe at acceleration or deceleration of the engine, etc, which can cause the system to erroneously judge that a misfire has occurred.
Further, the ratio is obtained based on amounts of change in the rotational speed of the engine respectively calculated for two different cylinders which are adjacent to each other in the order of ignition. On the other hand, the amount of change varies between cylinders even under the same operating conditions of the engine. Therefore, the ratio can be small even when no misfire has occurred. This can also cause the system to erroneously judge that a misfire has occurred, even in the absence of the aforementioned factors other than misfire.

Misfire-detecting system for an internal combustion engine


The present invention provides a method and apparatus for encoding and detecting data from magnetically encoded access cards. The invention includes a control unit (1) having an access card slot (4) communicating with a microprocessor (11) and sensor (3). A barium ferrite access card (5) magnetically encoded in a particular grid pattern is interposed within the card slot, and the encoded grid pattern is then detected and "read" by the sensor. The encoded data in grid form is then transmitted to the microprocessor which, in turn, assigns to the magnetically encoded grid representation a numeric value. This numeric value is then compared with a list of values stored in the microprocessor and if the detected and translated numeric value corresponds to a stored value, the microprocessor, directly or indirectly, emits a signal to activate or deactivate a device to be controlled (10).

It is often desirable to limit access to enclosed areas through the use of electronically or otherwise controlled access doors or to restrict the operation of equipment or machinery, e.g., computers, copying machines, parking facilities, etc. Automatically limiting access to a selected number of individuals through the use of electronic or mechanical means results in significant economies through avoidance of the need for guards, security personnel or outside security contractors. Moreover, automatic access devices such as that contemplated by the instant invention are extremely flexible and may be used in connection with a variety of applications aside from limiting access to a particular room or area.
In this regard, numerous electronic systems typically using "card keys" or access cards have been developed over the years for industrial and commercial applications. Access cards, typically comprised of a planar layer of barium ferrite, or other similar materials, interposed between sheets of vinyl, stainless steel or other magnetically inert material, are generally used to "key" the system. Specifically, a number or other code is magnetically represented on the face of the barium ferrite layer of the card through a coding system. The card is then inserted, directly or by wiping, or is interposed within a control device adjacent or proximate to an area to be accessed (e.g., a doorway and door) and is electrically linked with the door lock or operating system of the device to be controlled. The slot has a singular or series of sensors, and the sensors are activated to read the encoded magnetic data on the face of the card from the data carrying medium of the card. The sensors work in various ways; for example, some sensors detect changes in resistance or conductance in the presence of a magnetic field. Accordingly, the sensor will typically "read" the series of magnetically encoded points on the face of the card as a binary number, i.e., a series of 0's or 1's.
For example, a typical card might consist of two columns of data points along the card surface. One column serves as the "clock," while the other serves as the encoded data. When the sensor detects a magnetic point in a particular row of the "clock column," the sensor then looks to the data column in the same row to determine whether the point is magnetized or not. If magnetized, the sensor might be thought to interpret that point as a "1" in a series of binary digits. The sensor reads each row of the various columns in an identical manner and ultimately generates a binary number comprised of a series of 0's and 1's.
In the prior art, this binary string is communicated to a programmable microprocessor usually within the main control unit having storage and memory capability and equipped to recognize the binary string and, if appropriate, issue a corresponding command signal, directly or indirectly, to the device to be controlled, e.g., a door lock. The microprocessor may be programmed to grant access (i.e., activate) a particular device to be controlled upon receiving from the sensor a certain number or numbers represented in binary form, while excluding (i.e., deactivating or failing to activate) the device to be controlled in response to still other received binary strings. Accordingly, access or operation may be selectively limited to those having access cards that are appropriately encoded.
In general, electronic access systems have proved to be fairly reliable and secure. Nonetheless, a number of operational problems have been identified. For instance, it is critical that the sensor accurately "reads" the encoded data in the data carrying medium of the access card. Often times, an inaccurate "read" is obtained on account of improper or careless insertion of the access card into the slot containing the sensor or series of sensors for detecting the encoded information or even wearing of the card or mechanical guides directing the card into the slot. Second, security may be breached and the access card circumvented through counterfeiting or unauthorized duplication of access cards, especially critical in high security (e.g., governmental) applications.
For example, in the prior art, data is detected by the sensors as the card is inserted into the access slot. Accordingly, "play" from side to side or uneven insertion can result in a "misread." In response to this problem, the prior art also includes a slot having a switch at its internal end. The switch must be first activated by the edge of a fully inserted card prior to sensing of the encoded data. This solution, of course, results in further complication of the apparatus, as well as additional expense attendant to the switch. Maintenance problems are similarly encountered. Still further, insertion of the card upside down or backwards results in a "misread." In short, a cardholder properly permitted access to the device to be controlled can nonetheless be denied access for failure to properly and carefully insert the access card. This problem remains in the prior art and as yet, has not been adequately solved in an economical and efficient manner.
Counterfeiting or unlawful duplication of access cards has also proved troublesome, especially with regard to high risk and security conscience applications. Accordingly, there have been attempts in the art to disguise data by, for example, altering polarities, reading only certain discrete points on the face of the access card, reprogramming the microprocessor on a regular basis, or exchanging access cards frequently. These efforts, however, have proved inconsequential to an effective resolution of the counterfeiting/duplication problem.
In particular, since many devices are based upon a binary string of numbers, it is extremely difficult to disguise data arranged in only two columns. Moreover, the data density capable of being represented on such a card is low thereby making the access card code easier to decipher, copy or counterfeit. In addition, the low data density results in decreased flexibility in applications requiring a large number of access cards.
Still further, the prior art has also encompassed various systems for improving the "read" accuracy of the devices. For instance, a "two read" system, known in the art, provides for reading of the data after detection of a switch closure or sentinel at the front end of a card and the reading of the card again as it is pulled out of the slot. The two readings are then compared and, if identical, access is granted. When the comparison is identical, there is, of course, a high degree of accuracy and reliability of the reading. However, the "two read" system is prone to a high number of "misreads" attendant to the insertion and excursion of the card from the slot. A "one read" system has also been used in the art. This requires the presence of a switch or sentinel, discussed above, at or near the end of the slot. Side to side movement of the card or play in the insertion of the card, may result in numerous misreads under this system.
Accordingly, the instant invention provides a method and apparatus to improve upon the accuracy of the "reads," as well as allowing the encoded data to be further disguised and protected from unlawful or unauthorized copying or duplication.

Method and apparatus for encoding machine readable serial encryptedmagnetic data


The present disclosure relates to circuitry comprising: pulse-width modulation (PWM) circuitry configured to generate a PWM output signal; and monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a supply voltage to the PWM circuitry and to output a control signal for controlling operation of the PWM circuitry, wherein the control signal is based on the supply voltage.

One way of controlling the speed of a DC motor is to adjust a supply voltage applied to the motor. Thus, at higher supply voltages the speed of the motor is higher, whereas at lower supply voltages the speed of the motor is lower, in the absence of any load on the motor. However, controlling the speed in this way can limit the power and/or torque of the motor, and makes the speed of the motor sensitive to the load on the motor. Further, as the motor speed is dependent upon the supply voltage, any change in the supply voltage (e.g. a reduction in the supply voltage arising, for example, as a result of discharging of a battery that provides the supply voltage) will also affect the motor speed.
An alternative approach is to use a pulse width modulated (PWM) or pulse duration modulated (PDM) drive signal to control the speed of a DC motor. The speed of the motor is controlled by varying the duty cycle of a PWM drive signal output by PWM circuitry to the motor, such that the motor speed is effectively controlled by the RMS (root-mean squared) value of the PWM drive signal. In an open-loop system of motor control in which the supply voltage varies, e.g. where the supply voltage to the PWM circuitry is provided by a power source such as a battery for example, the speed is a function of both the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal and the supply voltage, since as the supply voltage changes the RMS value of the drive signal changes accordingly.
To mitigate the problem of the motor speed being dependent upon the supply voltage as well as the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal, the supply voltage to the PWM circuitry may be regulated by means of voltage regulator circuitry such as DC-DC converter circuitry, low drop-out (LDO) regulator circuitry or the like. However, the use of such additional voltage regulator circuitry increases, for example, the physical size, number of components and cost of a system for controlling a DC motor, and can also reduce the power efficiency of the system due to inefficiencies in the additional voltage regulator circuitry and necessary headroom requirements of the voltage regulator circuitry.
PWM drive signals can also be used to drive other transducers, such as LEDs (light emitting diodes), haptic transducers, resonant actuators and the like, and issues similar to those outlined above can arise when using PWM drive signals in such applications.


A padlock with safety locking mechanism is provided. The padlock includes a casing, a leverage latch plate in cooperation with a combination locking mechanism to rotatably lock or unlock the padlock and a plurality of sleeves slidably disposed on a cylindrical slide enabling the change of combination code by the users themselves.

The present invention relates to padlocks and more particularly to a combination padlock with safety locking mechanism including a leverage latch plate which provides a safety locking and unlocking of the padlock without injuring the user's hand and facilitates changing of the combination code.
Typical padlock as shown in FIG. 1 includes a rotatable latch plate operated by user's forefinger, when the latch plate is pressed to rotate inward, it disengages with the locking bar so as to unlock the padlock. Since the latch plate becomes tilted that may lead the finger simultaneously sliding upward to block the gap between the latch plate and the locking bar. This may cause an inconvenience for locking the padlock or injuring the finger. FIG. 2 shows an improved padlock which includes a press button on the opposite side of the latch plate, when the user presses the button to operate the latch plate for locking or unlocking the padlock, it may not injure his (her) finger. However, both the above padlocks equiped with transverse numeral dials which make column of code that goes against the habit of reading. FIG. 3 shows another combination padlock, when the dials are on-combination, one may press the upright latch plate outward for unlocking the padlock, when the latch plate is released, it will automatically resile back to its locking position. However, this type of padlock has also the same disadvantage when the user's finger presses the latch plate, it may hinder the object to lock up.


A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge part that foldably connects the second housing to the first housing, a one touch opening mechanism that is provided to the hinge part, and automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to an angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that is provided to the hinge part and brakes an opening action of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, the damper mechanism including a damper having a rotational shaft that generates a braking power and a damper bush having a fixed shaft connected to the rotational shaft, and a flexible printed circuit that is twisted around the rotational or fixed shaft of the damper mechanism, and electrically connects the first and second housings to each other.

The present invention relates generally to a foldable portable phone (which includes a personal digital cellular ("PDC") and a personal handy phone system ("PHS")), and another mobile communication terminal, which are generically referred to as "mobile radio communication apparatus" in the instant application, and more particularly to an internal structure of its hinge part.
Recent widespread mobile radio communication apparatuses, such as PDCs, have roused various demands including operational comfortableness and safety, apparatus's versatility and smaller housing, etc. in addition to mere communications.
In general, there are two types of portable phones, i.e., foldable portable phones and non-foldable, rod-shaped portable phones. The foldable portable phones typically include a movable part that contains a liquid crystal display ("LCD") screen, a fixed part that contains a ten-key, and a hinge part that connects them foldably. Some foldable portable phones include a free stop function, a one touch opening function, and a safety-improving oil damper (see, for example, Japanese Patent Applications Publications Nos. 2002-344597, 2002-364629, 2002-139020, 10-51526, 9-130462, 8-331219, 8-186629, 6-268724, and 5-336022, and Japanese Utility-Model Registration No. 3,088,332). For the apparatus's versatility, the camera function and Internet access function that allows a user to access the Internet to download Web information and motion-picture information.
The free stop function is one that maintains an arbitrary angle between the movable part and the fixed part. The one touch opening function is one that automatically opens the movable part when a push button on the fixed part is pressed. The oil damper is such a damper as stores oil in a hinge part's case, and uses oil's viscosity to absorb vibrations when the movable part opens.
However, these conventional portable phones do not provide a satisfactorily user-friendly, safe, and small hinge mechanism.

Multifunctional mobile radio communication apparatus


A process for dyeing hair by preparing and thereafter applying to the hair an aqueous reaction medium comprising a substituted dopa species and an oxidant which is a ferricyanide salt, said aqueous reaction medium further containing a buffer to maintain the pH in the range from 6 to 10 during the reaction, and removing said aqueous reaction medium from the hair within about one hour following its preparation.

As reported, for example, in Prota, Progress in the Chemistry of Melanins and Related Metabolites, Med. Res. Reviews, 8:525-56 (1988), melanins are naturally occurring pigments present in hair and skin. In humans biosynthesis takes place in tyrosinase containing melanocytes. The tyrosinase enzyme catalyzes the hydroxylation of tyrosine to dopa and its subsequent oxidation to dopachrome. Once formed, dopachrome undergoes a series of complex reactions in the formation of eumelanins and phaeomelanins. Melanins provide black and deep brown pigments, and are formed by oxidative polymerization of 5,6-dihydroxyindole derived biogenetically during the melanogenesis. On the other hand, phaeomelanins provide yellow to reddish brown pigmentation to hair, and are formed by oxidative polymerization of cystein-S-yl-dopas via 1,4-benzothiazine intermediates.
Synthetic 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) has been disclosed in the prior art for use in hair and skin dyeing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,934,396 to Charle discloses a process for dyeing hair by contacting hair with an aqueous solution of DHI having a pH of at most 7 for 5 to 60 minutes, followed by an application of an aqueous solution capable of inducing oxidation and/or polymerization of DHI.
Dopa and dopamine are disclosed as hair dyeing precursors in the process of Herlihy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,322, wherein the aqueous hair dyeing composition comprises said precursor, an organic compound to assist dye dispersion and an iodate or periodate. The dopa or dopamine dye precursor is present in the aqueous hair dye composition in an amount of from about 1 to about 100 mg/ml, preferably from about 5 to about 25 mg/ml. Dopamine is preferred, according to Herlihy. The iodate or periodate is present in the composition at a concentration of 1 to about 50 mg/ml, while the dispersing agent is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to 30% (wt./vol.). Optionally, a color modifier can be incorporated into the aqueous composition of Herlihy, at a level of from about 0.1 to about 10 mg/ml. pH may be maintained between about 3 to about 7 by incorporation of an effective amount of a buffer. According to Herlihy, the above-described aqueous compositions disperse the dye on the hair shaft "with little or no penetration into the hair shaft." Column 2, lines 56-58.
The prior art fails to provide a commercially feasible process for effectively, permanently dyeing hair using substituted dopa species as a starting reagent. It is believed this failing is attributable to an inability of the prior art processes in making a melanin precursor available on the hair at concentrations suitable for its diffusion into the hair, for subsequent conversion to nondiffusable melanin, as further explained in detail below.
Indeed, the inability to provide an inexpensive yet effective process for dyeing hair with a melanin precursor has prevented use of melanogenesis in the commercial dyeing of hair.
Interest in melanogenesis to dye hair is quite high, however. This is because synthetic melanin pigments provide an exceptionally natural-looking deep brown or black color. Moreover, they are not irritating to the skin. Nor are they mutagenic.
It has now been found, quite surprisingly, that an aqueous hair dyeing process wherein an effective melanin-forming hair dyeing amount of a nitrogenous phenolic, especially indolic, melanin precursor is generated during the reaction of select substituted dopa compounds with a ferricyanide oxidant can practiced inexpensively and under commercially feasible conditions, to achieve a permanent hair color. Advantageously, the utilization of the substituted dopa compounds of the present invention, alone or in combination with one or more conventional hair dye couplers and/or primary intermediates, is conducive to the attainment of a range of hair color shades, in contrast to the use of dopa alone as the starting reagent, which is capable merely of providing gray or black pigmentation to hair.


A lock device includes a lock housing unit, a jaw actuating unit, and a jaw unit. The lock housing unit includes an upper lock housing formed with a rod hole, and a lower lock housing formed with a jaw hole. The jaw actuating unit includes a jaw actuator operable to move between locking and unlocking positions, and an urging member for urging the jaw actuator to the locking position. The jaw actuator has a ring portion disposed adjacent to a positioning ring of the upper lock housing, and an operating rod extending through the rod hole. The jaw unit includes an overlapping pair of locking jaws received in the lower lock housing and each having a hooking section that extends out of the jaw hole and an opposite force bearing section, and two biasing members for biasing the force bearing sections of the locking jaws toward each other.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a lock device, more particularly to a lock device suitable for use when locking a number of hardware devices together.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to prevent theft of expensive peripheral hardware devices or products, manufacturers usually form such devices with a lock hole for mounting of a lock assembly, which includes a locking chain that can be tied to a fixed object.
However, since the conventional lock assembly is designed for application to only one hardware device, several lock assemblies are required when protecting a corresponding number of the hardware devices from theft. In view of the cost of each lock assembly, which includes a lock body, a locking chain and a key, high expenses are incurred when protecting a large number of the hardware devices from theft. Moreover, it is both troublesome and inconvenient to manage or handle individual keys of a large number of the lock assemblies. In addition, tying the locking chains of a number of the lock assemblies to the same fixed object results in an untidy environment.


A plurality of rigid bars, made of wood, plastic or other material, are joined together to form an articulated assembly. A rope is threaded through bores formed in the bars. Spacers are placed over the rope between the bars. Ends of the spacers can be angled for inclining, declining or flat arrangements of adjacent bars. In the alternative, ends of spacers can be rounded and received in a rounded depression of the bore. In an alternate embodiment, flexible interlocking elements are connected to adjacent bars. Interlocking elements can have engaging male and female portions or can be screwed together. Each male and female portion can pass through a plurality of bars. When laid flat over a surface, the articulated assembly may be used as a support that forms a deck, walkway, or similar structure. Other uses of the assembly include a latticework, a barrier and a vertical support.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to flexible surfaces for use as walkways, roadways, support barriers or the like and, more particularly, to a system of articulated rigid members that may be mounted to form a surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past, it has been the general practice to employ various assemblies of inter-linked members for covering a strip of ground to provide a temporary or emergency path. Typically, such assemblies comprise a number of rigid members flexibly linked by means of a flexible rope on which the members are threaded or by means of interlocking elements that are attached to and extend between adjacent members. The flexibility of the rope and the interlocking elements enable the assemblies to be laid on an uneven strip of ground or other surface and to be rolled up for storage or for moving them about. Examples of such prior art assemblies may be found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,685,403; 3,595,140; 4,681,482; 4,047,257; and 3,912,408. Similar articulated structures used as doormats may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,766,020; 4,804,570; and 4,654,245. A catalogue by Leichtung Workshops, March 1989, shows a flexible doormat made of wooden slats and spacers that are held together with a polypropylene rope. A more recent catalog by Solutions (1991) shows a walkway. Both catalogues include rigid slats having a grooved side for receiving a matching spacer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,542 issued to the inventor is related to this application. U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,542 describes a walkway assembly useful for making turns. U.S. Pat. No. 305,328 describes a street pavement system in which adjacent rail sections are secured together by rigid bolts.
Although such prior art devices have served the purpose, they have not been widely used by the general public for a variety of reasons. Many prior art devices are designed to be used in only a highly specialized environment. Others incorporate complex combinations of elements making them expensive to manufacture, cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, and difficult to repair and maintain. Other prior art devices also have the disadvantage that the shape of the spacers allow them to become improperly aligned between adjacent rigid bars. While there has been a long recognized need for improvements in the design of such structures, no practical device has yet been devised that resolves many of the current shortcomings. Ideally, a portable supporting surface would be manufactured from a combination of simple elements, be easy to assemble and disassemble, be collapsible into a compact configuration for moving and storage, be easy to clean, and be capable of assuming a variety of shapes so that it may be safely used over irregular surfaces, may be made to follow a winding path or may be positioned on its edge to form a stable support or barrier. The present invention fulfills this need.

Assembly of articulated members for forming a surface


A system for controlling an active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna, which enables the AESA antenna to switch rapidly between different antenna states, includes memories (38) connected to a common address bus (40). Each memory (38) is also connected to a digitally controlled RF signal transmission block (32) within the AESA antenna, and stores digital control words for the digitally controlled RF signal transmission block (32). When a new address is provided on the address bus (40), each memory (38) outputs a new digital control word to its respective digitally controlled RF signal transmission block (32), causing a change in the state of the AESA antenna.

1. Field
Embodiments described herein relate to electronically scanned array antennas and in particular to systems for controlling active electronically scanned array antennas.
2. Description of Related Art
An active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna is an antenna composed of multiple radiating elements, or radiators, the relative amplitude and phase of which can be controlled, making it possible to steer the transmit or receive beams without moving the antenna. Such an antenna includes an array of radiators, or radiating elements. The AESA transmit and receive gain patterns may be uniquely set and may have different polarization states by applying different relative amplitudes and phases in the transmit and receive paths. Each radiator may be connected to a circulator for separating transmitted and received radio frequency (RF) paths having unique transmit/receive electronics. The electronics may include n-way combiner/dividers, for splitting the signal to be transmitted along the path to the radiators, and combining the received signals along the path from the radiators. The electronics may also include digitally controlled elements for adjusting the gain and phase of the signals propagating to or from the radiator, and for switching between the two signal directions, i.e., between the transmitting and receiving modes of the antenna. An electronically controlled attenuator, for example, may be adjusted to control the amplitude of the signal radiated by a radiator, or, if it is followed by a divider, the set of radiators fed directly or indirectly by that divider.
Conceptually, the digitally controlled components used to control amplitude, phase, and signal direction may be grouped into functional blocks referred to herein as digitally controlled RF signal transmission blocks. Supplying a digital control word to such a block through a digital RF block control bus may control the setting of every digitally controlled element in that block. An AESA antenna may contain several varieties of digitally controlled RF signal transmission blocks.
A dominant lobe of an antenna pattern may be referred to as a beam. Such a beam may have several characteristics: the beam direction, which may be characterized by azimuth and elevation angles, the beam width or spoiling, the frequency, and the polarization state. The set of characteristics defining the beam is known as the beam state. If an antenna is designed for both transmitting and receiving operation, then in addition to operating over a range of beam states, the antenna may, at any time, be either transmitting or receiving. The combination of the beam state an antenna is transmitting or receiving, as well as whether it is transmitting or receiving, will be referred to herein as the antenna state. The antenna state may be changed by sending a new digital control word to every digitally controlled RF signal transmission block in the AESA antenna.
The parameters for each digital control word may be recalculated each time the antenna state is to be changed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,680, for example, discloses a phase shift control circuit which uses control signals from a beam transform controller, as well as data stored in the phase shift control circuit, to determine the phase shift that the associated phase shifter will impart to the RF signal. In one embodiment, the phase shift control circuit contains multipliers and combiners to form products and sums of combinations of control signals and internally stored data. U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,119 discloses a phased array antenna subsystem in which a distributed beam steering microcomputer is collocated with each of a set of phase shifters. Each microcomputer is used to calculate the phase shift needed from the associated phase shifter to achieve a certain overall beam direction.
In systems requiring that calculations be performed each time the antenna state is to be changed, the rate at which antenna states can be changed may be limited by the time required to perform the calculations. If for example a multiplication is part of the calculation, and if a computer is used which requires some number of clock cycles to perform a multiplication, then the maximum rate at which the antenna state can be changed may be one at which that number of clock cycles elapses before each new antenna state change.
In another prior art embodiment, a small memory, capable of storing a small number of digital control words, e.g., eight digital control words, is associated with each digitally controlled RF signal transmission block. In operation, a central computer calculates all the parameters needed throughout the array for each state when the state is selected. These parameters are loaded into each small memory, during a programming phase, with digital control words corresponding, for example, to eight antenna states. After programming is complete, a beam steering controller may then rapidly switch to any of the eight available antenna states as commanded by the central computer by sending out the corresponding address, which causes the memory contents to be sent to the digitally controlled RF signal transmission block. In this embodiment, antenna state switching may be accomplished rapidly, as long as the switch is to one of the small number of programmed antenna states. A significantly longer delay is incurred when a new beam state must be calculated and then the memories reprogrammed to make one or more new antenna states available. This delay is unacceptable for some AESA applications.
In some modern AESA antenna applications, it is required to be able to switch the antenna state much more quickly to any antenna state supported by the antenna. Thus, there is a need for a system capable of switching among the full range of antenna states, and of doing so without incurring significant delays caused by the calculation time and time to load the required parameters for each antenna state.

Memory based electronically scanned array antenna control


Methods for operating a device and for managing bootstrapping of devices are disclosed. The method (100) for operating a device comprises computing (102) a derivative of a secret shared between the device and a server entity of a network, generating (104) a temporary bootstrap URI by combining at least a part of the computed derivative with a static bootstrap URI for the network, and sending (106) a bootstrap request to the temporary bootstrap URI. The method for managing bootstrapping of devices comprises generating temporary bootstrap URIs corresponding to devices operable to connect to a network, and updating a network DNS registry to map the generated temporary bootstrap URIs to the IP address of at least one of a bootstrap server instance reachable via the network and/or a bootstrap load balancer. Also disclosed are a device, a bootstrap load balancer, a bootstrap server, and a computer program.

The "Internet of Things" (IoT) refers to devices enabled for communication network connectivity, so that these devices may be remotely managed, and data collected or required by the devices may be exchanged between individual devices and between devices and application servers. Such devices, examples of which may include sensors and actuators, are often subject to severe limitations on processing power, storage capacity, energy supply, device complexity and/or network connectivity, imposed by their operating environment or situation, and may consequently be referred to as constrained devices. Constrained devices often connect to the core network via gateways using short range radio technologies. Information collected from the constrained devices may then be used to create value in cloud environments.
The constrained nature of IoT devices has prompted the design and implementation of new protocols and mechanisms. The Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), as defined in RFC 7252, is one example of a protocol designed for IoT applications in constrained nodes and constrained networks. CoAP provides a request-response based RESTful communication architecture between constrained nodes or between constrained nodes and nodes on the Internet. CoAP can easily be integrated to the web and web services by translating CoAP messages to HTTP. One of the available extensions to CoAP is to enable CoAP clients to observe resources from CoAP servers such that a CoAP server may notify a CoAP client. This enables server-initiated communication in constrained networks using CoAP, which is an important asset for constrained environments.
The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Lightweight Device Management (DM) protocol, also known as the Lightweight Machine to Machine protocol (LWM2M), is a light and compact device management protocol that may be used for managing IoT devices and their resources. LWM2M is designed to run on top of CoAP, which either uses UDP or SMS bindings. LWM2M is therefore compatible with any constrained device which supports CoAP. LWM2M defines three components:                LWM2M Client: contains several LWM2M objects with resources. An LWM2M Server can execute commands on the resources to manage the client, including reading, deleting, or updating resources. LWM2M Clients are generally run in constrained devices.        LWM2M Server: manages LWM2M Clients by sending management commands to them.        LWM2M Bootstrap Server: is used to manage the initial configuration parameters of LWM2M Clients during bootstrapping of a device.
In order to maintain communication between the above discussed components, the following LWM2M interfaces are defined:                Bootstrapping: LWM2M Bootstrap Server sets the initial configuration on an LWM2M Client when the client device bootstraps.        Client Registration: LWM2M Client registers to one or more LWM2M Servers when bootstrapping is completed.        Device Management and Service Enablement: LWM2M Server can send management commands to LWM2M Clients to perform several management actions on LWM2M resources of the client. An access control object of the client determines the set of actions the server can perform.        Information Reporting: As a feature of the CoAP Observe-Notify mechanism, LWM2M Clients can initiate communication to an LWM2M Server and report information in the form of notifications.
A constrained device must be configured during bootstrap for a specific environment and/or domain before being deployed to use that domain's LWM2M Server. A new LWM2M server can be added to the access control list (ACL) of the device in several ways as set out in the OMA DM LWM2M standard. During bootstrapping, an LWM2M Bootstrap Server updates client security information with the assigned LWM2M Server address and credentials for the LWM2M client. In this manner, the assigned LWM2M Server is given management rights on the client.
Typically, an LWM2M Bootstrap Server is a single server endpoint to which all bootstrapping clients try to connect. This may for example be the bootstrap server of a manufacturer of constrained devices. The LWM2M Bootstrap Server thus represents a single point of failure, which is generally undesirable and can lead to problems in deployment. If a large number of constrained devices try to bootstrap at the same time, the bootstrap server can become overloaded, which may result in the bootstrap server being unavailable to clients. The bootstrap server is also susceptible to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, during which server overload is deliberately provoked by a third party.
Efforts to address the issue of bootstrap server overload are limited by the constraint that the LWM2M protocol allows for only one bootstrap server account on the LWM2M client. It is not therefore possible to include additional bootstrap servers on a device, which would allow for a "simple load balancing" arrangement, according to which a device could attempt to contact different bootstrap server addresses. Existing approaches are therefore limited to Cloud based deployments in which an LWM2M Bootstrap Server may use a load balancing system such as HAProxy. According to such systems, the LWM2M Bootstrap Server remains as the single point of access for connecting devices, and server load is divided in the cloud between bootstrap server instances using proxies.


Methods for quickly and inexpensively producing photochromic non-prescription (e.g., sunglasses, safety glasses, reading glasses, etc.), prescription, multifocal and progressive plastic optical quality eyeglass, and more particularly, a simple and inexpensive yet rapid and high quality method for rendering one or both surfaces of a lens photochromic. The invention further concerns lenses produced by the method. The method comprises providing a layer of a polar liquid in a vessel, dissolving a photochromic dye in a non-polar solvent having a lower specific gravity than a polar liquid to form a dye carrier, providing a photochromic dye dissolved in non-polar solvent into a vessel as a distinct upper layer on top of a polar liquid lower layer to form a two-layer bath; immersing a lens to be rendered photochromic into a bath such that at least part of a lens passes through the upper layer, into the lower layer, and back out through the upper layer, drying the lens to evaporate solvent and form a deposit of photochromic dye on the lens, and heat treating the lens to cause the deposited dye to firmly adhere to the lens.

Photochromic ophthalmic lenses made of mineral glass are well known. Photochromic dyes have good compatibility with mineral glass. The most common complaints about photochromic mineral glass lenses concern the weight of the lenses and the slow photochromic reaction time, particularly the change from dark lenses to light lenses.
Unlike the lens industry of years ago when lenses were made only from glass, now spectacle lenses are made from many different types of plastic or from glass-plastic composites. Plastics include acrylic, PPMA (a product of PPG-Pittsburgh Plate Glass) also known as CR-39.RTM., and Lexan.RTM. (a polycarbonate made by General Electric).
Recently, attempts have been made to apply photochromic dyes to light-weight plastic lenses to render them similarly photochromic. However, for various reasons this objective has not been satisfactorily achieved with plastic lenses. One reason for the lack of success has to do with the chemistry of ethylene glycol diallyl dicarbonate, the most commonly used monomer for producing plastic ophthalmic lenses. This monomer is cast in a lens mold and polymerized with a catalyst such as isopropyl percarbonate. One might expect that a plastic lens made from such a monomer could be rendered photochromic simply by incorporating photochromic dyes into the monomer composition prior to casting the lens. However, in practice it was found that, following polymerization of the organic material, the photochromic dyes did not retain their photochromic property. Apparently, the catalyst required for the polymerization caused inhibition of the dyes. Thus, it has not been possible in practice to simply incorporate photochromic dyes into the monomer composition when making ophthalmic lenses from an organic material.
Advances have recently been made on two fronts in materials and methods for the on-site production of prescription lenses: advances designed to reduce the amount of stock materials which must be carried on hand, and advances in reduction of the time needed to produce the prescription lenses. However, none of these approaches has made it possible to produce plastic photochromic prescription lenses. Further, none of the available methods permits the lens crafter to utilize simple stock lenses, yet offer a wide variety of photochromic properties, tinting, UV protection, scratch resistance, and other desirable properties. Further yet, none of the available methods or materials makes possible the provision of photochromic lenses having an extremely rapid photochromic response rate.
A typical approach to on-site custom lens production involves casting an additional plastic layer onto a plastic lens blank. See, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,339,433 (Staehle) disclosing a method of adding a correction to a molded plastic lens by adding a thin level of resin. U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,460 also discloses means for casting plastic lenses from thermosetting or thermoplastic materials wherein a plastic blank having significantly less curvature than required for the full intended prescription of the lens is used as a base. An additional layer of material is cast onto this base. The patent employs a conventional optical gasket to provide space between the plastic blank and the mold and to hold the resin material in the cavity created thereby. The additional layer of material changes the curvature of the resulting lens over the vast majority of its surface, thereby changing the prescription of the resulting finished lens to the power required. The material is cured by heat. Such a heat curing process requires heating over a period of more than 12 hours, thus making the formation of the lens a long, drawn-out process. Obviously, photochromic lenses could not be produced from such materials and methods.
Others have tried to manufacture multifocal or progressive plastic lens using a lamination technique. Such a technique joins a preformed plastic section, referred to as a wafer, to a matching cured plastic prescription lens. The preformed wafer section defining a multifocal or progressive region of the finished lens is joined to the prescription lens by adhesive. The adhesive for bonding the two lens components is the same monomer used to cast the lens components. Accordingly, no provision is made for incorporation of photochromic dyes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,698 (Kobayakawa, et al.) entitled "Photochromic Composition" addresses the problems associated with specific photochromic compounds which tend to be slow-acting or inactive when incorporated in plastic, and solves the problem by use of a resin compound having at least one epoxy group in the molecule as the resin for forming the photochromic lens. Kobayakawa, et al. (a) is directed to forming a lens having photochromic compound disbursed throughout, (b) requires the presence of multiple types of photochromic compounds in combination, (c) requires the use of a polymerizable compound having at least one epoxy group to form the lens, (d) requires polymerization in a heat furnace, with polymerization taking from 2 to 40 hours, and (e) reports fading time to 1/2 density measured after exposure to 60 seconds averaging 3 minutes (Table 1). Kobayakawa, et al. thus requires a long time to produce a specific type of slow acting lens.
More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,940 (Gupta et al.) teaches methods for making optical plastics lenses with photochromic additives. According to a first embodiment of the invention, a casting resin having a low cross link density comprising polymerizable components (preferably including up to 50 wt % bisallyl carbonate) and photochromic additives, wherein all polymerizable components have a functionality not greater than two, is arranged between a mold and a lens preform and then cured. Upon polymerization the resin has a low cross-link density and forms a soft matrix. This soft matrix is unsuitable as the outer layer for photochromic lenses. According to a second embodiment of the invention, the casting resin but substantially free of photochromic additives is arranged between a mold and a lens preform and then cured. The resin is then impregnated with photochromic additives. In a third embodiment, the layering resin containing a photochromic additive is provided on the surface of a mold and cured to a gel state. Then, a casting resin that is substantially free of photochromic additives is arranged between the coated mold and a lens preform and cured. According to a fourth embodiment, a casting resin that is substantially free of photochromic additives is provided on the surface of a mold and cured to a gel state. Then, a casting resin containing photochromic additives is arranged between the coated mold and a lens preform and cured. There is no discussion of photochromic rate of reversal, and the photochromic material is represented as being too soft to expose to the environment. Further, the process is complex, time consuming, and requires a high degree of attention.
Accordingly, it has not been possible previously to simply coat a lens with a photochromic material and thereby render the lens photochromic. Even if a coating composition had been available for rendering lenses photochromic, the requirement for forming a very even coating has in the past required certain precise coating techniques in the lens manufacturing industry. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,208 (Ireland) teaches coating of the convex side of an optical lens for blocking purposes by immersing the downwardly facing convex side in a liquid coating material in a can, upwardly withdrawing the lens above the level of the coating material but below the lip of the can, and spinning the lens about its vertically disposed axis to spread the coating material by centrifugal force as a uniformly thin film over the convex side, to create an edge buildup of coating material to form a thickened bead-like peripheral or rim portion at the periphery of the convex side, and to spin-off excess coating material against the inside of the can for reuse. Upon spin-off of excess coating material the lens is withdrawn out of the can whereupon the film on the spinning lens dries sufficiently for handling. To facilitate the lens coating operation, the lens is held on its concave side by a suction cup having the upper end of its vibration damping stem chucked in the drive shaft of a hand-held motor. To further facilitate the lens coating operation, a releasable vacuum source is operatively associated with the suction cup to pick up a lens for immersing and spinning and to release the suction cup from the lens without handling of the lens. Accordingly, complex apparatus and operations are required to form a coating layer on a lens.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,228 (Peralta, et. al.) also teaches the coating of a plastic ophthalmic lens with a scratch-resistant coating using a spin coating process.
There is thus a need for a method for applying a photochromic coating onto non-prescription or prescription ophthalmic lenses, which method would enable any optometrist to easily, quickly, and effectively custom produce photochromic plastic lenses, which lenses may also be tinted, UV-protective, and scratch resistant as required by the customer.

Process for rendering plastic substrate photochromic