A drive shaft assembly has universal joints at each end that include flexible seal boots. The drive shaft assembly has a protective cover for the flexible seal boots in the form of a seamless woven nylon sleeve that is clamped onto the universal joint housings at each end of the drive shaft. The sleeve is tied in the middle to reduce its profile. Alternatively, the drive shaft assembly may have an individual protective cover for each flexible seal boot. These individual protective covers are also in the form of a seamless woven nylon sleeve. But these individual sleeves have a conical portion that terminates in a small diameter opening that closely surrounds the drive shaft.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,621 granted to Philip J. Mazziotti Oct. 22, 1974 discloses a seal boot and a protective shield or cover for a universal joint that forms a driving connection between a drive shaft and a front road wheel of a motor vehicle. The seal boot encloses the working parts of the universal joint and it is flexible in order to accommodate joint angulation. The protective shield is a rigid, bell shaped member that is mounted on the shaft to protect the flexible seal boot from stone and gravel impingement and abrasive wear of foliage wiping over the flexible seal boot in "off road" service.
A drawback of the rigid Mazziotti shield is that it is necessarily spaced from the housing of the universal joint in order to accommodate joint angulation. Consequently portions of the flexible seal boot are still exposed to stone and gravel impingement and to abrasive wear of foliage wiping over the flexible seal boot when the vehicle is operated "off road" or in other harsh and abusive environments such as agricultural fields and the like.

Protective cover for universal joint seal boot


A display device includes a first substrate which is light transmissive and has a display region and a periphery region surrounding the display region. A light shielding portion is formed in at least the periphery region of the first substrate and has a light passing portion in the periphery region. A first scale mark portion is formed on the first substrate so as to be arranged inside the light passing portion. A second substrate overlaps the first substrate and a second scale mark portion is formed on the second substrate and forms a pair with the first scale mark portion. A sealing member seals the first and second substrates in the periphery region between the display region and the light passing portion. A dam portion is formed on the first substrate between the display region and the light passing portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A liquid crystal display panel has a structure in which liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates. One of the pair of substrates is a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, and the other thereof is a color filter substrate. On the TFT substrate, a large number of pixel electrodes are formed, whereas, a large number of colored layers are formed on the color filter substrate. It is necessary to arrange the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate so that the pixel electrodes and the colored layers are aligned with each other. Conventionally, the liquid crystal display panel has been provided with scale marks for measuring a misalignment amount (dimension) between the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 10-104560 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-102134).
Because of the formation of the scale marks, light leakage of the liquid crystal display panel has become a problem. As a countermeasure against the light leakage, there can be conceived a method of blocking off an opening through which light leaks by utilizing a metal film to be used when forming the TFT substrate. However, in this case, the metal film and the scale marks overlap one on top of another, which makes it difficult to read the scale marks. Besides, the pair of substrates are adhered to each other by a sealing member, and the liquid crystal is sealed in a space surrounded by the sealing member. Even when the sealing member overlaps the scale marks, it becomes difficult to read the scale marks. The sealing member is more liable to overlap the scale marks as the size of the region for the scale marks increases.


In-stream rolling shutter compensation may be utilized to modify image data to compensate for detected camera motion. An image processor may perform motion matching on image data received from a camera sensor to determine whether and how the camera is moving. Strips of image data are analyzed to find matching locations between the current image and a previous image by generating graphical profiles for each image strip. The graphical profiles for the current strip are compared to corresponding profiles from the previous image to determine matching locations between the two frames. A motion vector for the strip may be computed based on spatial distances between the match locations of the current image and corresponding match locations of the previous frame. Image data for the current strip may be modified based on the motion vector to compensate for perceived camera motion as it is written out to memory.

Modern digital cameras, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) cameras, frequently employ a method of image acquisition in which each frame is recorded by scanning across the frame row by row from top to bottom (or column by column across the frame) rather than by taking a single snapshot of the entire scene at a single point in time. Thus, not all parts of the image may be recorded at the same time. This method of image acquisition is sometimes called rolling shutter, because the shutter is moving (e.g., rolling) across the image area of the scene.
Due to the rolling shutter, visual distortions may be introduced and may be visually apparent when the entire image is displayed. In general, any movement of the camera as the image is captured may result in a warping or distortion of the image. Images captured using rolling shutter acquisition may exhibit different types of visual effects or distortions. One type of distortion may be caused by the camera not being held completely still throughout the entire process of scanning a frame. If the camera is moving horizontally, the image gets sheared. If the camera moves vertically, image is stretched or compressed.
For example, in images captured while a camera is vibrating, such when used from a moving vehicle, a wobble distortion may be created. Video exhibiting this distortion may appear to wobble unnaturally in a jelly-like fashion. Similarly, if a camera moves from side to side, a skew distortion may result in which the image may bend diagonally in one direction or another. If a CMOS camera sensor is used to take an image of a moving object, different areas of the object may appear smeared or to change proportion as compared to other areas of the object.


The disclosure relates to immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against human macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) and their uses in the field of oncology. More specifically, it concerns immunoglobulin single variable domains, including single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), against human MMR and their use in targeting and in vivo imaging of tumor-associated macrophages, with applications in the field of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics and monitoring of the disease.

Non-invasive molecular imaging is a powerful technique aimed at tracking cellular and molecular events in their native environment in the intact living subject. In its broadest sense, molecular imaging entails the administration of a tracer molecule labeled with a contrast reagent for visualization. Primarily, radioactively labeled tracers are used in combination with positron-emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT)-based imaging techniques (Pysz et al. 2010, Clin. Radiol. 65:500-16). In the clinic, the majority of cancer imaging is currently still performed based on detection of enhanced metabolism in cancer cells using 18F radiolabeled deoxyglucose (Coenen et al. 2010, Nucl. Med. Biol. 37:727-40), while 99mTc-labeled human serum albumin is used for lymphoscintigraphic mapping of the draining lymph nodes in cancer (Kim et al. 2001, Int. J. Oncol. 19:991-6). Although useful, these tracers do not target a specific molecule or receptor on the surface of the cells involved in the disease process. Therefore, there is a need for probes that allow a more specific molecular characterization of inflamed or diseased tissue using disease related membrane antigens. These specific markers can help to define the phenotype of a disease and can be targeted by specific agents like monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). In this context, the choice of the targeted molecular markers will be a critical factor in determining whether it is possible to acquire in-depth molecular information on the underlying disease process.
Several FDA approved MAbs directed against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) on malignant cells are being applied for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with a few of the most commonly used MAbs being human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-specific Trastuzumab (Dijkers et al. 2010, Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 87:586-92), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-specific Arcitumomab (Hong et al. 2008, Biomark Insights 3:435-451) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-specific Capromab (Aparici et al. 2012, Am. Nucl. Med. Mol. Imaging 2:48-54). Yet, although the direct targeting of antibody moieties to TAAs on malignant cells is a potent tool that has reached clinical maturity, the non-transformed cells present within the tumor microenvironment can also provide useful biomarkers for molecular imaging, as an alternative or complement to markers on the inherently genetically instable transformed cells. Indeed, tumors should be considered as organ-like structures featuring a complex bidirectional interplay between transformed (cancer) and non-transformed (stromal) cells, whereby stromal cells can critically contribute to tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Hence, targeting these tumor-associated stroma cells for imaging could provide additional information on the state of the tumor or response to therapy.
In particular, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important component of the tumor stroma, both in murine models and human patients (Pollard 2004, Nat. Rev. Cancer 4:71-8). TAMs can promote tumor-growth by affecting angiogenesis, immune suppression and invasion and metastasis (Lin et al. 2006, Cancer Res. 66:11238-46). The plasticity of macrophages offers perspectives for using them as in vivo sensors for the tumor microenvironment they are exposed to. As a matter of fact, at the tumor site, these cells are confronted with different tumor microenvironments, leading to different TAM subsets with specialized functions and distinct molecular profiles (Laoui et al. 2011, Int. J. Dev. Biol. 55:861-867). For example, in mammary tumors, at least two distinct TAM subpopulations have been described, based on a differential expression of markers such as the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR or MHC II), differences in pro-angiogenic or immunosuppressive properties and intratumoral localization (normoxic/perivascular tumor areas versus hypoxic regions). In particular, the association of MMR-high TAMs with hypoxic regions in the tumor (Movahedi et al. 2010, Cancer Res. 70:5728-5739) offers perspectives for image-guided radiotherapy.
Full-sized MAbs have a number of disadvantages that have so far limited their effective use in the clinic. MAbs are macromolecules with a relatively poor penetration into solid and isolated tissues such as tumors (Hughes et al. 2000, J. Clin. Oncol. 18:363-370). In addition, complete MAbs feature a long residence time in the body and a potential increase in background signals because of binding to Fc receptors on non-target cells, making them less suitable for molecular imaging applications. Indeed, for imaging the most important properties of a tracer are: rapid interaction with the target, fast clearing of unbound molecules from the body and low non-specific accumulation, especially around the area of interest. These requirements have led to the development of a myriad of antibody derived probe formats, like Fabs and scFvs, trying to combine specificity with a small size for favorable pharmacokinetics (Kaur et al. 2012, Cancer Lett. 315:97-111).
A novel approach for generating small and high-affinity antigen-binding moieties focuses on the use of single-domain VHH antibody fragments, named NANOBODIES®, derived from the heavy-chain only antibodies found in camelid species (Hamers-Casterman et al. 2003, Nature 363:446-448). sdAbs, conveniently labeled with 99mTc at their carboxy-terminal hexahistidine-tail, have by now a solid track record for SPECT-based molecular imaging in preclinical animal models (reviewed in: Vaneycken et al. 2011, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 22:877-881), with rapid blood clearance of unbound probes and high signal-to-noise ratios as early as a few hours after inoculation. In particular, US2011/0262348 demonstrates the usefulness of 99mTc-labeled mouse-specific anti-MMR sdAbs for targeting MMR-positive TAMs in mice models that spontaneously develop carcinomas. These results offer perspectives for applications of anti-MMR sdAbs in image-guided radiotherapy, whereby the distribution of radiation is adapted in function of localized risk factors such as hypoxia (Bentzen 2005, Lancet Oncol. 6:112-117). Moreover, as has been documented for sdAbs targeting the HER2 tumor antigen, sdAbs exhibiting effective tumor targeting can be converted from an imaging probe in a radioimmunotherapeutic compound by coupling it to a therapeutic radionuclide (D'Huyvetter et al. 2012, Contrast Media Mol. Imaging 7:254-264).
However, there is still a need for specific probes that can be used both in the clinic and in preclinical animal models, with applications including improved diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and therapy monitoring.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Anti-macrophage mannose receptor single variable domains for targeting and in vivo imaging of tumor-associated macrophages


A multi-organizational information management system provides for full lifecycle tracking of business activities of a complex mix of governmental entities and business organizations by maintaining a secure database of data entities or records to track such activities. The system provides for secure sharing of information among the governments and organizations by controlling access to data entities based on organizational membership and assigned role of system users. The system provides flexible structural relationships among the various data entities. A graphic, web-based user interface of the system enables efficient access to the data entities for entry and update of specific data.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to information management and, more particularly, to a system adapted to improve collaborative work and communications across organizational boundaries to manage projects, programs, and community and emergency events.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Increasingly, governance organizations have difficulties planning, managing, and tracking the thousands of projects, programs, and events, many of which are cross-jurisdictional. As an example, each year, these organizations miss valuable funding opportunities or miss submittal deadline dates resulting in loss of funding. They have minimal visibility regarding the accuracy of estimates, project status, and funding status. Delays in communication result in delayed action at each step and ultimately compound into unnecessarily long, inefficient and protracted processes. There is no software application on the marketplace that facilitates and tracks all information needed to truly manage the full lifecycle of these public and private projects, programs, actions, and events.
There are various software packages that could be deployed, but they do not create a comprehensive, cohesive and intuitive system that is easy to use. Most implementations of these software packages are Client/Server applications, not pure web applications. This means that the scope of users is limited to the intranet of the organization, or perhaps an extranet. Even newer packages that are web based are not implemented in such a manner as to provide seamless user operation across hundreds of organizations. These software packages offer some functionality, yet miss satisfying these and other critical needs within this community of organizations. None of these application software vendors are building subscriber-shareable knowledge-bases. The software development activities of these vendors are generally oriented to solving the problems of corporations or traditional businesses and not the problems of multi-agency public and private groups.
For example, there are various types of softwares that provide for some of the needs of government organizations, but fall short of delivering the breadth and functionality that is really needed by governance applications.
Collaborative Groupware Software offers contact databases, calendars, "to-do" lists, e-mail messaging and document organization. They do not have any governance specific applications (e.g. funding, estimating, etc.) nor do they automatically track communications per any entity.
ERP systems, or Enterprise Resource Planning systems, operate based on products, product sales, inventory for distribution, profitability and other issues that are not germane to government related organizations and, further, do not offer the functionality needed for multi-agency use. This type of software can not be easily or effectively applied to government applications. Although there have been attempts to customize business software for some government applications, the organization often gives up the ability to effectively maintain the software because of new version releases that require additional customization to continue operation in the government environment. Even then, they cannot track multiple funding sources over numerous fiscal years.
Program & Project Management Systems are software packages that allow users to develop Gantt type project plans (similar to Microsoft Project). Most of these systems are used by one person, the project manager, who updates the plan and task dates by verbal communications and status meetings. None offers the ability for team members, from different organizations, to update plan dates and information. Some offer the ability to view programs or multiple projects. None offers the capability of multi-jurisdictional planning, nor do they allow users to set precedence on projects, instead of just tasks. Furthermore, these systems support the user plan at the task level, which quickly becomes overwhelmingly difficult when thousands of projects need to be managed. Governance communities need a system that can help them manage projects at a higher level, and help manage contractors and roles instead of individuals. None of the known program and project management systems supports true governance life-cycle, from project request to warranty.
Construction Integrated Systems are software packages that track the financial information and handle job costing for construction type firms. Many of the functions that are needed by contractors are available in such software. Still contractors do not have automation for the bid and contract paperwork/forms or message triggers for pre-construction meetings and have no means to work with a city government to receive payment quicker using web forms and e-pay functions. Furthermore, these systems are limited to a contractor's enterprise; they do not easily "rollup" and manage subcontractors or work collaboratively with city project managers, inspectors, and utility coordinators.
Spreadsheet Templates—There are a multitude of small software templates that track everything from assets, estimating, petitions, facilities, and the like. This software, however, does not have the ability or structure to handle large volume applications. Currently, federal, state, regional, and municipal governance organizations, as well as the private sector, do much of their required work by e-mailing spreadsheets and mailing associated documents among various personnel. Many standalone spreadsheet and commercial database applications exist, some with good functionality; but they cannot be employed enterprise-wide or multi-organizationally.
Other Point Solutions—There are a multitude of other software packages that provide point solutions such as estimating, work order management, timekeeping, performance management, and the like. These are usually not enterprise systems and provide little, if any, ability to develop standards and share information with others.
None of the software listed above addresses the needs of governance type organizations with their unique multi-level independent and overlapping multi-organizational boundaries. Further these traditional types of software do not allow the creation of individual user interfaces and permissions, nor do they allow independent self created and maintained user records. Further, traditional software does not combine permission based access, allow a user to create an interface for a particular job function, and is not designed to provide automatic escalation of information both within an organization and across multi-organizational boundaries.

Multi-organizational information management system


Sheet material pieces comprising a plurality of panels that are connected together in hinged relationship are fabricated so that a stand-out structure die-cut into one of the panels assumes an attention-attracting, 3-dimensional orientation upon the opening of the hinged panels as a result of interconnection of portions of the stand-out structure with the facing panel surface. Because one panel can be imperforate, of desired, particular advantages are obtained in mass production and other machine-assembly methods as a result of such a configuration. A variety of methods are shown for efficiently producing such pieces via mass-production, including items having multiple stand-out structures. Flat individual blanks in sheet form are particularly adapted to be conveyed through laser printers, copy machines and other suitable imprinting equipment in order to inexpensively personalize such blanks, which can be used to create a variety of different 3-dimensional items, including novelty sunvisors.

Three-dimensional structural arrangements have long been used in greeting cards and the like and have fairly recently become frequently used in advertising and in other promotional endeavors.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,609,639, and 2,152,299 are generally representative of patents which show techniques sometimes referred to as "box-folds" that have been used in greeting cards and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,444 shows the use of this general technique in making advertising leaflets (see FIG. 5) and the use of strips from one panel to open a flap in an opposite panel. U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,573 shows the use of this technique in stationery items.
Such pieces have now become generally available to the advertising field as a result of the developments shown in several earlier patents, particularly U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,388, issued Dec. 7, 1976, which discloses methods for making pop-up paper products having significant advantages over hand-assembly methods that had been generally theretofore employed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,983, issued Apr. 3, 1979, discloses other methods for making novel promotional items, particularly those which are designed to present a plurality of coupons or the like to a recipient upon the opening of a folder. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,337,589, 4,349,973, 4,833,802, and 4,963,125 disclose still other manufacturing techniques that are specifically suited for mass production of pop-up advertising pieces on a web-press or the like, the disclosures of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
The foregoing patents describe different manufacturing techniques useful for making advertising and promotional pop-ups as a part of a continuous web arrangement, and pop-ups such as these have been frequently used to create impact and enjoyment in books, in greeting cards and in advertising inserts. These advances in designs and in manufacturing methods have enabled the volume production of such products at significant cost savings and thus have increased their use.
A particularly attractive characteristic of such dimensional items is the construction of a pop-up element which rises upward from a flat, substantially single plane to assume a three-dimensional orientation upon the opening of a pair of cover pieces or base pieces, which may generally form a folder inside of which the pop-up is located. By attaching pop-up elements of these general types to opposite panels of a pair of base pieces, for example along angles created by lines of weakness (e.g. score lines and/or perforations) in combination with adhesive bonds, it is possible to create pressure or stress points on each such bond which, upon opening of one cover, cause the pop-up to be erected. The pressure or stress which is created upon opening is usually sufficient so that, when the cover is manually released, it will draw the cover either partially or entirely closed.
Although substantial design effort has heretofore been expended in creating a variety of different dimensional structures and designs, improved designs continue to be sought, as are methods for mass production of such improved designs.


A percussion drilling assembly for drilling through earthen formations and forming a borehole. In some embodiments, the drilling assembly includes a retainer sleeve having an upper end with an outer diameter and a tubular casing engaging the retainer sleeve. The tubular casing includes a first, second, and third tubular portion. The first tubular portion engages the upper end of the retainer sleeve at a first end having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the retainer sleeve. The second tubular portion is connected to the first tubular portion at a first end and has a second end with an outer diameter that differs from the outer diameter of the retainer sleeve. The third tubular portion is coupled to the second tubular portion. The first and third tubular portions each have a length configured to enable gripping of the tubular casing using tongs.

1. Field of Art
The disclosure relates generally to earth boring bits used to drill a borehole for applications including the recovery of oil, gas or minerals, mining, blast holes, water wells and construction projects. More particularly, the disclosure relates to percussion hammer drill bits. Still more particularly, the disclosure relates to percussion hammer drill bits with an erosion retarding case.
2. Background of Related Art
In percussion or hammer drilling operations, a drill bit mounted to the lower end of a drill string simultaneously rotates and impacts the earth in a cyclic fashion to crush, break, and loosen formation material. In such operations, the mechanism for penetrating the earthen formation is of an impacting nature, rather than shearing. The impacting and rotating hammer bit engages the earthen formation and proceeds to form a borehole along a predetermined path toward a target zone. The borehole created will have a diameter generally equal to the diameter or "gage" of the drill bit.
A typical percussion drilling assembly is connected to the lower end of a rotatable drill string and includes a downhole piston-cylinder assembly coupled to the hammer bit. The impact force is generated by the downhole piston-cylinder assembly and transferred to the hammer bit via a driver sub. During drilling operations, a pressurized or compressed fluid (e.g., compressed air) flows down the drill string to the percussion drilling assembly. A choke is provided to regulate the flow of the compressed fluid to the piston-cylinder assembly and the hammer bit. A fraction of the compressed fluid flows through a series of ports and passages to the piston-cylinder assembly, thereby actuating the reciprocal motion of the piston, and then is exhausted through a series of passages in the hammer bit body to the bit face. The remaining portion of the compressed fluid flows through the choke and into the series of passages in the hammer bit body to the bit face. The compressed fluid exiting the bit face serves to flush cuttings away from the bit face to the surface through the annulus between the drill string and the borehole sidewall.
The hammer bit body may be generally described as cylindrical in shape and includes a radially outer skirt surface aligned with or slightly recessed from the borehole sidewall and a bottomhole facing cutting face. The earth disintegrating action of the hammer bit is enhanced by providing a plurality of cutting elements that extend from the cutting face of the bit for engaging and breaking up the formation. To promote efficient penetration by the hammer bit, the bit is "indexed" to fresh earthen formations for each subsequent impact. Indexing is achieved by rotating the hammer bit a slight amount between each impact of the bit with the earth. During drilling operations with the hammer bit, the borehole is formed as the impact and indexing of the drill bit, and thus cutting elements, break off chips of formation material which are continuously cleared from the bit path by pressurized air pumped downwardly through ports in the face of the bit.
In oil and gas drilling, the cost of drilling a borehole is very high, and is proportional to the length of time it takes to drill to the desired depth and location. The time required to drill the well, in turn, is greatly affected by the number of times the drill bit, or other component of the percussion drilling assembly, must be changed before reaching the targeted formation. Each time a drilling assembly component is changed, the entire string of drill pipe, which may be miles long, must be retrieved from the borehole, section by section. Once the drill string has been retrieved and the new component installed, the drilling assembly must be lowered to the bottom of the borehole on the drill string, which again must be constructed section by section. As is thus obvious, this process, known as a "trip" of the drill string, requires considerable time, effort and expense.
Some conventional percussion drilling assemblies include a top sub coupled to the lower end of a drill string, a driver sub, a tubular case axially disposed between the top sub and driver sub, a hammer bit received by the driver sub, and a bit retainer engaging the lower end of the driver sub. During drilling operations, chips of formation material cleared from the bit path by pressurized air pumped downwardly through ports in the face of the bit are carried by the pressurized air from the borehole upward through the annulus between the drilling assembly and the borehole sidewall to the surface. Due to geometric differences between the outer surfaces of the drill bit, bit retainer and case, localized turbulent fluid flow develops adjacent the lower end of the case. The combined effect of the turbulent fluid flow and the chips of abrasive formation material suspended therein causes erosion of the case outer surface in this portion. Over time, erosion of the case weakens the case and hastens the need for replacement of the case. As described above, replacement of the case is a time consuming and costly procedure.
Accordingly, there is a need for a case for percussion drilling assemblies and hammer bits that prolongs the service life of the drilling assembly and thus postpones the need for its replacement.

Percussion drilling assembly having erosion retarding casing


A composition of matter is provided which comprises low-shrinkage, wet-type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C.) having high thermal conductivity, glass fibers, and a particulate aluminum nitride filler having high thermal conductivity. Also provided is an electrical component housing which possesses high thermal conductivity and heat dissipation properties including a body of a low-shrinkage, wet-type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C.) composition having high thermal conductivity.

A conventional, low-shrinkage, wet type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C) composition has been produced by the following process. First, an unsaturated polyester resin, a hardener, and a low shrinkage rendering agent, e.g., polystyrene powder and polyethylene powder, in a total amount of from 20 to 28% by weight (hereinafter, all percents are by weight) based on the amount of the composition to be produced, are mixed with from 1.2 to 2.0%, based on the amount of the composition, of additives including a mold release agent and lubricant, such as stearic acid, calcium stearate, and the like, and this mixture is stirred, during which a calcium carbonate powder as a filler is incorporated into the mixture in an amount of from 45 to 60% based on the amount of the composition. Several minutes later, a slight amount of a carbon powder is added as a colorant and the resulting mixture is blended in a batch-type mixer for 40 minutes. Glass fibers are then added as a reinforcement in an amount of from 25 to 28% based on the amount of the composition and finishing blending is then conducted for 5 to 10 minutes. In this process, the reinforcement is added lastly because degradation of glass fibers should be prevented as far as possible so as to impart sufficient strength to formed products to be obtained from the formulation. Further, in order to prevent a temperature increase of the mixture due to stirring or blending, the temperature of the mixture is regulated by means of a jacket.
By molding or otherwise forming the compound obtained by the above-described process, formed products are obtained which have a thermal conductivity of 1.8.times.10.sup.-3 cal/cm.sec..degree.C. due to the calcium carbonate particles contained therein in an amount of from 45 to 60%.
An application example for such a formed product obtained from the above low-shrinkage wet type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C) composition to the housing of earth-leakage circuit breaker is illustrated below.
In a prior known earth-leakage circuit breaker as shown in FIG. 2, the cover 1 and base 2, each being a resinous molded part, have sufficient thicknesses and have sufficient internal spaces between themselves and each of the conductive members, e.g., the front terminal board (not shown) and the rear terminal board 5, which have sectional areas suited to electric current to be applied. Because of this, even in this earth-leakage circuit breaker employing such formed parts having the above-described conventional composition, the Joule heat generated therein is readily dissipated throughout the circuit breaker, without leaving a local thermal stress, and the dissipated heat is radiated from the housing surface and other parts.
In known electrical devices or instruments having a housing, e.g., earth-leakage circuit breakers of the above-described type, the amount of Joule heat generated by the conductive circuit parts therein is increasing with the recent trend toward size reduction and functionality increase or toward breaker capacity increase. At present, the temperature increase problem for these electrical devices or instruments has reached such a level that heating of such devices or instruments cannot be coped with by the measures conventionally employed for temperature increase prevention, such as volume increase of conductive parts, utilization of spaces, heat insulation, etc. For this reason, it has become difficult to manufacture electrical devices or instruments that meet temperature increase standards provided for with respect to the respective products.
As one specific example of the above case, there is a desire to incorporate a ground fault detector having an integrated circuit into an earth-leakage circuit breaker of the above-described type without changing the outer dimensions (mounting size) of the breaker or reducing the mechanical strength of the circuit breaker housing and without lowering the current-conduction capacity of each conductive part.
In order to satisfy such a desire, components of the earth-leakage circuit breaker should be housed in the housing at an increased packaging density, so that the internal space within the circuit breaker becomes small and conductive members come to be disposed closer to one another.
As a result, if a formed part having the above-described conventional formulation is used as the housing, the following problems, for example, are posed. That is, thermal interaction between members changes the conditions under which the bimetal bends and prevents the integrated circuit and other members which are sensitive to thermal stress from performing their usual functions.
These problems are partly attributable to the insufficient thermal conductivity of the formed parts produced from the above-described low-shrinkage, wet type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C) composition and used in the housing, heat generating part-supporting parts, and the like. Illustratively stated, because of such formed parts, heat dissipation cannot occur sufficiently and, as a result, the heat generated is confined within the housing and the temperature therein rises unavoidably. In order to eliminate the above problems, it is necessary to improve the conventional, low-shrinkage, wet type unsaturated polyester (B.M.C) composition so as to give formed parts having high thermal conductivity and, hence, good heat-dissipating properties.

Low-shrinkage unsaturated wet type polyester resin (B.M.C.) formulation composition having high thermal conductivity and molded circuit breaker and parts formed therefrom


A method of operating a fuel cell system includes step a) of providing a package accommodating a fuel cell stack and a hydrogen-rich gas supply configured to supply hydrogen-rich gas, step b) of detecting leakage of a combustible gas, comprised of the hydrogen-rich gas or a raw fuel gas, using a combustible gas detector, step c) of injecting the combustible gas intermittently into the package through a combustible gas guide pipe, and step d) of determining whether or not detection sensitivity of the combustible gas is proper based on an output value of the combustible gas detector when step c) is preformed.

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system employed in, for example, stationary power generation apparatuses, or power supplies for automobile.
In recent years, concern about environmental problems has been increasing on a global scale, under the influence of global warming, acid rain, and so on, due to carbon acid gas. So, in a field of power supply development, attention has been focused on a fuel cell system capable of energy change which is highly efficient and keeps the environment clean without emission of carbon acid gas.
FIG. 9 is a view schematically showing an example of a construction of the conventional fuel cell system.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a conventional fuel cell system 600 comprises, within a package 51, a fuel supply device 52, a fuel cell 53, and a DC/AC (direct current-to-alternate current) converter 54. The fuel supply device 52 is configured to supply a hydrogen-rich gas containing plentiful hydrogen (hereinafter referred to as hydrogen-rich gas) to the fuel cell 53. The fuel cell 53 is configured to carry out power generation to output a DC (direct current) of a predetermined voltage, using the hydrogen-rich gas supplied from the fuel supply device 52. The DC/AC converter 54 is configured to convert the DC of the predetermined voltage which is output from the fuel cell 53 into an AC of the predetermined voltage, and to output the AC. The package 51 is provided with an inlet 56 to which a fan 55 is attached, and an air outlet 58 to which a combustible gas detector 57 which detects a combustible gas is attached (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. Hei 03-254070, FIG. 1).
When the fuel cell system 600 is operated to generate an electric power, the fuel supply device 52 first generates the hydrogen-rich gas, and then supplies the hydrogen-rich gas to the fuel cell 53 through a predetermined pipe. The fuel cell 53 generates an electric power using the hydrogen-rich gas supplied from the fuel supply device 52. The DC of the predetermined voltage generated in the fuel cell 53 is input to the DC/AC converter 54. The DC/AC converter 54 converts the DC of the predetermined voltage input from the fuel cell 53 into the AC of the predetermined voltage. Thereby, the AC of the predetermined voltage is output from the fuel cell system 600.
During an operation of the fuel cell system 600, ambient air is suctioned from the inlet 56 into the package 51 by using the fan 55, and the air in the interior of the package 51 is exhausted from the air outlet 58 to outside of the package 51 through the combustible gas detector 57. This is because, if the combustible gas such as the hydrogen-rich gas leaks from the fuel supply device 52 and/or the fuel cell 53, such a leakage combustible gas is exhausted from the air outlet 58 to outside of the package 51, and the combustible gas detector 57 detects the leakage of the combustible gas, so that the operation of the fuel cell system 600 is stopped, and some appropriate actions are taken, for example, information indicating a warning is displayed, in order to avoid dangerous explosion and so on.
In the conventional fuel cell system 600, the combustible gas detector 57 is capable of accurately detecting the leakage of the combustible gas so long as the combustible gas detector 57 is functioning properly. In other words, safety of the fuel cell system 600 can be ensured so long as the combustible gas detector 57 is functioning properly. However, if the detection capability of the combustible gas detector 57 degrades, for example, after an elapse of time, and hence detection sensitivity of the combustible gas detector 57 to the combustible gas degrades, the leakage of the combustible gas cannot be detected accurately. In such a case, safety of the fuel cell system 600 cannot be ensured. Especially when the detection sensitivity of the combustible gas detector 57 to the combustible gas significantly degrades, the combustible gas detector 57 is incapable of detecting even the leakage of the combustible gas with a concentration which exceeds an upper limit of an allowable range. In this case, since safety measures cannot be taken for the fuel cell system 600, it may be highly probable that the fuel system 600 malfunctions, for example.
The safety of the fuel cell system 600 may be ensured by inspecting the combustible gas detector 57 on a regular basis or by forcibly replacing the combustible gas detector 57, assuming that the above-mentioned condition would take place. In that case, however, maintenance such as inspection and replacement of the combustible gas detector 57 must be carried out, irrespective of whether or not the combustible gas detector 57 is functioning properly. This may lead to increased cost in maintenance of the fuel cell system 600.

Method of operating a fuel cell system by detecting leakage of a combustible gas


The invention relates to a piston, particularly of light metal, for internal combustion engines, comprising a piston skirt substantially closed in the peripheral direction, pin bosses set back with respect to the piston skirt diameter in the direction of the piston axis, and two supporting skirt wall sections which thus remain on the piston skirt on the thrust and the counter-thrust side. The supporting skirt wall section on the thrust side is larger at least in the peripheral direction of the skirt than the supporting skirt wall section on the counter-thrust side.. In order to divert the lateral forces acting on the supporting surfaces to the entire supporting structure in an elastically cushioned but safe manner, the two wall sections of the skirt connecting the supporting wall sections are respectively continuously curved convexly outwards as seen along the periphery of the piston skirt at least at the open skirt end beneath the pin bosses. The cross-sectional configuration of the piston skirt can therefore be described as being "egg-shaped".

This invention relates to a piston, in particular of light metal, for internal combustion engines having substantially circular sleeves, comprising a piston skirt substantially closed along its periphery, pin bosses set back with respect to the piston skirt diameter in the direction towards the piston axis to the extent that the spacing between the outer pin boss surfaces corresponds to 60 to 80% of the piston diameter. Two supporting skirt wall sections remain on the piston skirt on the thrust and counter-thrust side and receive the transverse forces. The supporting skirt wall section on the thrust-side is larger at least in the peripheral direction of the skirt than the supporting skirt wall section on the counter-thrust side. Two wall sections connect the supporting skirt wall sections which are continuously convexly curved outwards along the piston skirt periphery at least at the open end of the skirt.
Such pistons are known from Japanese utility model publication JP-A-64-3054.They are the result of a long development. In order to fulfill the general motor - technical development aims of:
High power compression corresponding to high revolutions of the motor, PA0 quiet running of the pistons, and PA0 low power loss due to friction between the piston and the cylinder, PA0 maintain the piston weight as low as possible by means of far-reaching reduction in the wall thickness; PA0 optimize the supporting skirt surfaces of the piston, responsible for receiving the transverse forces, to the extent that they are not larger than necessary, in order to prevent a forcing through of the oil film due to the effect of the specific surface thrust, and to the extent that they are as small as possible in order to maintain as low as possible the shear forces which are constantly to be overcome in the oil film; and PA0 reduce the play between the piston and cylinder wall to the greatest extent possible in order to limit rocking movements of the piston and deflection noises.
it has already been attempted for a long time to:
In proceeding towards these aims, the piston skirt was initially developed from a cylindrical to an oval, crowned outer shape in the sense that the skirt was reduced to a small extent of under 1 mm in the direction of the pin axis from the contact point on the cylinder wall in order to allow the piston to elastically mitigate dimensional overlapping due to thermal expansion in the connecting rod pivoting plane. On account of this measure, the assembly play perpendicular to the gudgeon pin axis could be reduced.
Further development towards always greater reduction of the piston skirt lead to the so-called box- or H-piston, which only had somewhat cylindrical skirt regions as supporting surfaces in the thrust and counter-thrust directions, but, contrary to this, almost straight wall regions in the pin direction which are greatly set back towards the piston central axis. On account of this measure, not only the frictional power losses caused by the contacting skirt surfaces were further reduced; a substantial saving in weight was achieved together with the shortening of the piston pin (c.f. EP-B-0 171 825, in particular FIG. 3).
In order to take the various loading ratios of the piston on the thrust and counter-thrust sides into account, it is additionally known to form the supporting surface on the thrust side, at least in the peripheral direction of the piston skirt, to be larger than the supporting surface on the counter-thrust side (c.f. EP-B-0 171 825, particularly FIG. 4).
The deficiency of these pistons according to the described state of the art results from the selected form or the selected shape of the wall sections which connect the supporting wall sections of the piston skirt with one another, as well as the type of joining of these wall sections to the sections of the piston skirt forming the supporting surfaces. In the known pistons, these connecting wall sections extend substantially linearly and perpendicularly to the piston axis or radially to the joining point at the cylindrical supporting wall section, thus providing the piston skirt with a large stiffness in the direction of the connecting rod pivoting plane, i.e. in the region of the supporting surface joining point. Furthermore, the transition from the straight wall sections into the cylindrical supporting surfaces with only one, mostly small radius of curvature results in a zone of high stress concentration.
On account of the continuously necessary elastic cushioning of the supporting skirt walls during operation of the motor, material cracks are easily generated in these critical transition zones. In the state of the art, these possible cracks are countered with material additions or rib-like reinforcements (see again EP-B-0 171 825, particularly FIGS. 3 and 4), which however, increase stiffness of the piston skirt and thus the risk of piston scuffing, and also work against the savings in weight that are sought.
In the piston according to Japanese utility model JP-A-64-3054 already described and forming the basis of the prior art, the supporting skirt wall section is not only greater on the thrust side in the pheripheral direction of the skirt than the supporting skirt wall section on the counter-thrust side as in the known piston already discussed (EP-B-0 171 825, FIG. 4), but the wall sections connecting the supporting skirt wall sections are also at least convexly curved outwardly in the region of the skirt beneath the pin boss. However, the transition regions between the supporting skirt wall sections and the connecting wall sections as well as between these and the pin bosses are still characterized by abrupt changes in direction, which results in the consequence that stress peaks occur there even though this piston is more elastic than the previously revealed type of piston on account of the convexity of the connecting wall sections.
Due to the fact that the pin bosses project radially outwardly with respect to the connecting wall sections, shorter supporting skirt wall sections result in the peripheral direction for given pin lenghts than when the outer surfaces of the connecting wall sections pass over into the outer pin boss surfaces in a flush manner, as in the known box piston (cf. EP-B-0 171 825, particularly FIG. 3). Therefore, the known piston has a higher surface compression.
Finally, a piston is described in the older but not pre-published EP-Al-0 430 362, the connecting walls sections of which extend convexly outwardly between the supporting skirt wall sections over the entire length of the shaft; however, this piston is symmetrically formed, ie. both supporting shaft wall sections are the same in the peripheral direction.
The technical problem with respect to this prior art forming the basis of the present invention is to provide a piston which ensures a high elasticity of the entire piston skirt when using a light mode of construction and in which no stress concentrations arise.

Piston with flush connecting wall sections at pin boss surface


An object of the present invention is to provide an optical multiplexer and a fiber laser for obtaining high-output light of a single wavelength. The optical multiplexer according to the present invention is provided with input units 11 and 12, a wavelength multiplexing unit 14, a multiplexed light converting unit 15 and an output unit 16. Lights of a plurality of wavelengths λ1 and λ2 are input to the input units 11 and 12, respectively. The wavelength multiplexing unit 14 wavelength-multiplexes the lights of the plurality of wavelengths λ1 and λ2 input from the input units 11 and 12 different for each wavelength to one multiplexed light. By wavelength-multiplexing, it is possible to multiplex without a loss. The multiplexed light converting unit 15 generates Raman light with at least one wavelength out of the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 included in the multiplexed light from the wavelength multiplexing unit 14 and converts the multiplexed light of the wavelengths λ1 and λ2 from the wavelength multiplexing unit 14 to light of a single wavelength λm included in a wavelength band of the Raman light.

Recently, a high-output of the fiber laser has been developed and the fiber laser of which output is over 10 kW is available commercially. Such high-output fiber laser is increasingly used industrially in various fields such as a processor, a medical device and a measuring device, and especially, in a field of material processing, since the fiber laser may perform precision processing because this is more excellent in a light collecting property than other lasers, power density of which is high and this may obtain a small beam spot, and since this performs non-contact processing and this may also perform processing of a hard material, which may absorb laser light, application thereof is rapidly enlarged.
Such fiber laser over 10 kW is generally realized by multiplexing output lights of a plurality of fiber lasers of which outputs are few tens of W to few kW. A coherent beam system or a wavelength beam system are used to multiplex the output lights (for example, refer to the patent documents 1 to 3).
The coherent beam system generates phase coupling to multiplex by adjusting phases of a plurality of laser output lights oscillated at the same wavelength (for example, refer to the patent document 1). According to this, high-output light of the same wavelength is obtained.
Herein, a method of generating the phase coupling without performing phase control is suggested (for example, refer to the patent document 2). In this method, cores of two optical fibers are moved closer to each other in a part of an oscillator, light, which leaks from the core of one optical fiber, is optically coupled with the core of the other optical fiber, thereby performing injection locking. According to this, the two fiber lasers automatically oscillate with the same phase and it is possible to multiplex the laser output lights without individually performing the phase control.
On the other hand, in the wavelength beam system, a plurality of laser outputs of different oscillation wavelengths are allowed to enter a diffraction grating and the lights after diffraction are spatially overlapped with each other by utilizing difference in diffraction angles for each wavelength (for example, refer to the patent document 3). According to this, the high-output light is obtained.


A suction tool for an electric vacuum cleaner includes: a suction tool body which is connected to the vacuum cleaner body and has a suction inflow passage therein for conducting a suction air stream from a suction port, to the vacuum cleaner body; and a movable brush which is provided inside the suction inflow passage formed in the suction tool body and is driven by a driver device. In this tool, the movable brush sways and reciprocates back and forth about a support shaft, perpendicular to the direction of the suction inflow stream. Alternatively, the tool may have a linear motor which operates so as to reciprocate a rod which is liked at one end of it with oscillatory plate pivoted inside the suction tool. Further, this movable brush may be formed of a unit which is composed of a sweeping member having a pair of front and rear sweeping parts and a moving brushing part embedded in between, wherein the front sweeping part is shorter than the rear sweeping part.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement of the suction tool for an electric vacuum cleaner.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
As an example of a suction tool for an electric vacuum cleaner, disclosed in for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication Hei 3 No. 41,634 there is a configuration which as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes: inside a suction tool body 33 made up of upper and lower casings 31 and 32 being butted to each other, a suction inflow passage 36 for conducting the suction air stream from a suction port 34 which is an opening in the lower surface of suction tool body 33, to the vacuum cleaner (not shown) via a joint tube 35; a motor 37; and a rotary brush 40 which is driven to rotate about a support shaft 39 through a belt 38 by the driving force of the motor 37.
Since, in the above suction tool, rotary brush 40 rotates about support shaft 39, a space which is greater than the dimension of the radius of rotary brush 40 was needed around the brush inside suction tool body 33, thus increasing the size of the suction tool. There was also a risk of danger in that if a hand touched the rotary brush 40, fingers might be drawn into the tool by the brush. Further, there was an area which the bristles of rotary brush 40 could not reach, and the tool had a poor scrubbing effect of dust and dirt in this area.

Suction tool for an electric vacuum cleaner


A decorative panel includes a body constructed from a single layer of a polymer based blanket material having a surface zone. Printing is directly applied to an exposed face of that surface zone. The surface zone may be densified relative to the remainder of the body to tune the acoustical and physical properties of the panel for a particular application and/or to allow for high definition printing.

Laminate materials of various polymers including but not limited to polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon and rayon, as well as natural fibers and fiberglass are known to be useful for a number of purposes. Exemplary of the many applications for these materials include office screens and partitions, ceiling tiles, building panels and various vehicle applications including as hood liners, head liners, floor liners and trim panels. Generally, where such laminated materials are going to be highly visible, they are decorated with a fabric facing material. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,083 to Diffrient discloses an office panel or screen including a three-ply corrugated cardboard sheet septum disposed between two sound insulation pads or panels all covered with decorative fabric.
While such a fabric covering enhances the aesthetic quality of the resulting product, it must be appreciated that it adds significantly to the overall cost of production. Naturally, these added costs must be passed along to the consumer. Further, fabric coverings generally add nothing to the structural as well as the sound and thermal insulating properties of the product.
One approach for addressing this problem is set forth in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/185,220, filed Jun. 27, 2002, entitled "Decorative Laminate For Fibrous Insulation Products" owned by the assignee of the present invention (OC case #25204). The panel described in this document incorporates a base layer of fibers and a separate facing layer of densified polyester fibers that not only enhances the rigidity and sound attenuating properties of the base acoustical insulating layer but also bears printed patterns, designs, graphics or other indicia on an exposed face thereof so as to display an aesthetically pleasing appearance. This enhanced aesthetic appearance is achieved sans a decorative fabric covering thereby substantially reducing overall production costs.
The present invention relates to yet another improvement. The panel of the present invention is formed from a single layer of fibers that may or may not have a densified surface zone. Printing is directly applied to this surface zone. Advantageously, since there is no lamination step, any risk for delamination of the product is avoided. Production costs and product complexity are reduced while product integrity is enhanced for a longer service life.


Techniques are disclosed to regulate an output of a power converter. One example power converter controller circuit includes a line sense input to be coupled to receive a signal representative of an input voltage of a power converter. A feedback input is included and is to be coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. A drive signal generator is included and is to generate a drive signal coupled to control switching of a switch to provide a regulated output parameter at the output of the power converter in response to the feedback signal. The drive signal generator is to latch the power converter into an off state in response to a detection of a loss of regulation of a power converter output parameter if the input voltage of the power converter is above a threshold level. The drive signal generator is to be unresponsive to the signal representative of the input voltage of the power converter while the power converter output parameter is in regulation.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to electronic circuits, and more specifically, the invention relates to circuits that respond to fault conditions.
2. Background Information
Off-line switching power supplies generally use a control loop for regulating an output parameter such as the output voltage(s) and or current(s). For safety reasons it is often necessary that these power supplies have a way to help protect the entire system in case of a fault condition where for example the regulation is lost or the power converter exceeds a temperature threshold. Otherwise, the output circuitry or the attached load or in worst case a person touching the output or power converter enclosure may be harmed under such a condition.
A loss of regulation or exceeding a temperature threshold, however, can have various causes in a power supply. Firstly, a loss of regulation may be caused by a defect component in the control loop. An example would be a faulty optical coupler typically used for coupling a feedback signal across the isolation barrier from the output or secondary back to the input or primary side of the power supply.
Secondly, a loss of regulation may be caused by an output overload condition or an output short circuit condition. In the case of an output overload condition, the output voltage drops below its regulation value once the power supply cannot deliver the requested power anymore. In the case of an output short circuit condition, the output voltage drops close to zero. In both cases the power demanded exceeds the capability of the power supply. The regulation is lost.
A loss of regulation can also occur during a normal power down, such as for example when the power supply is unplugged from the line, because once the alternating current (AC) input voltage is removed the input voltage to the power supply will eventually fall so low that the converter is unable to deliver the output power and the regulation will be lost. Another example for this last cause of lost regulation is a temporary sag in the AC or line input voltage. Under conditions where the AC voltage sags, the temperature of various components in the power converter typically come under additional thermal stress, which in turn can lead to individual components or the complete converter exceeding a safe temperature threshold value.

Method and apparatus for conditional response to a fault condition in a switching power supply


The tank venting device has a fuel vapor reservoir connected to a fuel tank to deliver escaping fuel vapors to the fuel vapor reservoir, and is connected to the internal combustion engine in such a manner that during a tank venting operation the fuel vapors contained in the fuel vapor reservoir are delivered as regeneration gas. To check the operability of the venting device the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas is ascertained at a minimum of two different points in time during the venting operation. The fuel concentration values in the regeneration gas are compared with respective reference values representing the regeneration gas fuel concentration in the situation in which no additional fuel vapors are delivered during the venting operation. The assessment of the venting device operability is carried out by comparison of the values ascertained for the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas with the reference values.

In order to comply with statutory emission limit values, modern motor vehicles have a tank venting device. The main part of the tank venting device is a fuel vapor reservoir which is preferably designed as an activated carbon canister. The fuel vapors contained in the fuel tank are delivered by way of a connecting pipe to the activated carbon canister where they are absorbed by the activated carbon and stored in this manner. The activated carbon canister needs to be regenerated from time to time. To this end, the fuel vapor reservoir is connected by way of a tank venting pipe and a tank venting valve arranged therein to the induction manifold of the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle. The absorbed fuel vapors are drawn into the intake tract of the internal combustion engine on account of the vacuum prevailing in the induction manifold and then participate in the combustion process together with the fresh air. In this manner, the emission of fuel vapors from the fuel tank into the environment is reliably avoided.
Increasingly stringent legislation stipulates that the operability of the tank venting device must be checked. A method is thus known for example from DE 10 2005 054 880 B3 for checking the integrity of the tank venting device, according to which the tank venting device is initially evacuated by means of the induction manifold vacuum and the integrity of the tank venting device is checked by evaluating the pressure profile therein.
In addition, a method is known from DE 198 36 102 C2 for validating a tank pressure sensor.

Method and device for checking the operability of a tank venting device for an internal combustion engine


A chuck has a chuck body adapted to be rotated about a chuck axis and formed with a plurality of axially forwardly open passages each having a pair of angularly confronting side faces, respective guides pivotal in the passages about respective guide axes extending secantally of the chuck axis, and respective elongated jaw arms axially slidable in the guides. Each jaw arm has a pair of oppositely angularly directed side faces angularly confronting and spaced from the respective passage side faces. Two guide plate in each of the passages each have an outer face engaging one of the respective passage side faces and an inner face engaging the respective arm side face. These plates are releasably fixed in the chuck body.

The present invention relates to a chuck. More particularly this invention concerns a lever-action chuck of the type used to hold the ends of a crankshaft as same is being machined.
A standard lever-action chuck for use in a lathe or the like has a body adapted to be rotated about a chuck axis and formed with a plurality of axially forwardly open passages each having a pair of angularly confronting side faces. Respective guides in the passages are pivotal in the body about respective guide axes extending secantally of the axis, that is about axes that are offset from the chuck axis and that each lie in a plane generally perpendicular to the chuck axis. Respective elongated jaw arms axially slidable in the guides each have a pair of angularly oppositely directed side faces riding on the respective passage side faces. Means is provided to axially displace the jaw arms between outer positions with their outer ends spaced forward from an end face of the chuck body and inner positions with their outer ends closed to or even recessed in the end face of the chuck body. Further means is provided for pivoting the jaw arms about the respective secantal guide axes so that, in the outer position, the outer arm ends can pivot in to grip a work-piece.
Such chucks are typically used in axially confronting pairs to rotate a workpiece such as a crank shaft that is gripped at both ends and rotated about the coaxial chuck axes to machine bearing and crank surfaces of the crankshaft. The retractability of the jaw arms makes it possible to load the workpiece into the chucks and remove it from them radially of the machining axis without having to axially displace the chucks. The pivotability of the jaw arms makes it possible to clasp them on the workpiece without applying an axial force to the workpiece, which force could distort it.
The main problem with this type of chuck is in accurately fitting the jaw arms to the chuck body. They are normally of square or rectangular section and are supported on their radially inner and outer surfaces in the guides and on their angularly oppositely directed side faces directly on the side walls or faces of the passages. Thus these passages must be meticulously machined in the chuck body. Any error during the machining results in a ruined workpiece. Furthermore once the chuck wears somewhat, it must normally be discarded as loose jaw arms cannot hold the workpiece perfectly on center as required in a precise machining operation.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved lever-action chuck.
Another object is the provision of such an improved lever-action chuck which overcomes the above-given disadvantages, that is which is easier to manufacture and that has a longer service life than the known such lever-action chuck.
A chuck has according to the invention a chuck body adapted to be rotated about a chuck axis and formed with a plurality of axially forwardly open passages each having a pair of angularly confronting side faces, respective guides pivotal in the passages about respective guide axes extending secantally of the chuck axis, and respective elongated jaw arms axially slidable in the guides. Each jaw arm has a pair of oppositely angularly directed side faces angularly confronting and spaced from the respective passage side faces. A respective guide plate in each of the passages has an outer face engaging one of the respective passage side faces and an inner face engaging the respective arm side face. These plates are releasably fixed in the passages.
Thus with this system the critical side faces of the guide passages, which are subject to considerable stress during machining as the chuck is rotated at high speed, are made somewhat oversize. The guide places are subsequently fitted to them to achieve a perfect fit of the jaw arms, allowing any mismatches to be easily compensated for.
According to the invention a pair of the guide plates angularly flanks each of the jaw arms in each of the respective passages. Thus both side face of each jaw arm are accurately guided and supported on a respective such guide plate.
Furthermore each passage side face is formed with a seat in which the respective guide plate is fitted with the side face of each of the guide plates projecting angularly inward into the respective passage past the respective passage side face. Respective screws having heads bearing on the chuck body and shanks threaded into the guide plates fix the plates in the seats. The guide plates are rectangular and the faces are planar and extend parallel to the chuck axis.


A phase-change type information recording medium composed of a substrate and a recording layer formed on the substrate, which recording layer is composed of a recording material with the composition thereof in terms of atomic percentage being represented by general formula: EQU Ag.sub..alpha. In.sub..beta. Te.sub..gamma. Sb.sub..delta. +M.sub.x. 0.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.10, .alpha.+.beta.+.gamma.+.delta.+x=100, and M is one. wherein 5.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.17, 6.ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.18, 13.ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.36, 33.ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.77, additional element selected from the group consisting of B, N, C, P and Si.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical recording medium for use in an optical memory apparatus, and more particularly to a phase-change type information recording medium in which a phase change is caused in a recording material of a recording layer by the application of a light beam thereto, thereby performing the recording and reproducing of information, and enabling the overwriting of information.
2. Discussion of Background
A phase-change type optical information recording medium utilizing a phase change between a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase or between one crystalline phase and another crystalline phase is conventionally known as one of the optical memory media which are capable of recording, reproducing and erasing information by the application thereto of electro-magnetic waves, such as a laser beam. This kind of phase-change type optical information recording medium enables the overwriting of information by use of a single laser beam, although such overwriting is difficult to conduct by the application of a single laser beam in magneto-optical memory using a magneto-optical recording medium.
An optical system of a drive unit for the phase-change type optical information recording medium can be designed simpler than that for a magneto-optical recording medium, so that recently research and development of this kind of recording medium has been actively made.
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,530,441, the so-called chalcogen-based alloys, such as Ge--Te, Ge--Te--Sb--S, Ge--Te--S, Ge--Se--S, Ge--Se--Sb, Ge--As--Se, In--Te, Se--Te and Se--As, are conventionally used as recording materials for the phase-change type optical information recording medium. In addition, it is proposed to add an element of Au to the above-mentioned Ge--Te based alloy to improve the stability and to increase the rate of crystallization of the recording material as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 61-219692. Furthermore, the addition of Sn and Au to the Ge--Te based alloy, and the addition of Pd to the same are respectively proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications 61-270190 and 62-19490 for the same reasons as mentioned above. Furthermore, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 62-73438, a recording material composed of a Ge--Te--Se--Sb alloy with a specific composition ratio of each component in terms of atomic percentage is proposed for the improvement of the repetition properties of recording and erasing.
However, none of the above-mentioned conventional phase-change type optical information recording media satisfies all the requirements for the phase-change type rewritable optical memory medium.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 63-251290 discloses an optical information recording medium which comprises a recording layer comprising a compound of a multi-component system composed of substantially three or more components in a single crystalline phase. The single crystalline phase of the compound of a multi-component system composed of substantially three or more components is considered to contain a compound with a stoichiometric composition, for example, In.sub.3 SbTe.sub.2, in the recording layer in an amount of 90 atm.% or more. It is mentioned that by the provision of this kind of recording layer, high-speed recording and high-speed erasing can be performed to some extent. However, this optical information recording medium has the shortcomings that the erasability is low because of insufficient laser power for recording and erasing, so that erasing becomes imperfect.
Furthermore, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 1-277338 discloses an optical recording medium which comprises a recording layer comprising an alloy with a composition represented by the formula of (Sb.sub.a Te.sub.1-a).sub.1-b M.sub.b, wherein 0.4.ltoreq.a<0.7, and b.ltoreq.0.2, and M is one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Al, As, Au, Bi, Cu, Ga, Ge, In, Pb, Pt, Se, Si, Sn and Zn. The basic system of the aforementioned alloy is Sb.sub.2 Te.sub.3, and the addition of a large excess of Sb to this composition in terms of atomic percentage enables high-speed erasing operation and improves the repetition properties. The addition of the element M can further enhance the high-speed erasing performance. In addition to the above advantages, this reference asserts that the erasability by the application of DC light is increased. However, this reference does not show any specific erasability attained at the overwriting, and according to the experiments conducted by the inventors of the present invention, the erasability in the course of the overwriting operation is unsatisfactory and the recording sensitivity is insufficient for use in practice.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 60-177446 discloses an optical recording medium which comprises a recording layer comprising an alloy with a composition represented by the formula of (In.sub.1-X Sb.sub.X).sub.1-Y M.sub.Y, wherein 0.55 .ltoreq.X.ltoreq.0.80, 0.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.0.20, and M is one element selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, Al, Si, Ge, Ga, Sn, Te, Se and Bi. In addition, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 63-228433 discloses a recording layer of an optical recording medium, which comprises an alloy with a composition of GeTe-Sb.sub.2 Te.sub.3 --Sb (excess). The sensitivity and erasability required for the recording medium cannot be satisfied in any of the above-mentioned conventional optical recording media.
Under such circumstances, the most important problems to be solved in the conventional optical recording media are to improve the recording sensitivity and erasing sensitivity, to prevent the decrease of the erasability in the course of the overwriting operation, which is caused by the remaining of unerased portions, and to extend the life of the recorded portions and unrecorded portions in the recording media.
A conventional recording material of an alloy AgInTeSb enables high-speed recording and attains the improvement of the erasability, but the repetition properties in the course of the overwriting are not sufficient for use in practice.
The above-mentioned drawbacks stem from the segregation and movement of the elements in the recording layer, which are caused by the repetition of recording and erasing operations with the application of a laser beam thereto.

Phase-change type information recording medium


Aspects of the present disclosure address systems and methods for fixing clock tree design constraint violations. An initial clock tree is generated. The generating of the initial clock tree comprises routing a clock net using an initial value for a parameter that controls a priority ratio between total route length and a maximum source-to-sink route length in each net of the clock tree. A violation to a clock tree design constraint is detected in the clock net in the clock tree, and based on detecting the violation, a rerouting candidate is generated by rerouting the clock net using an adjusted value for the parameter. A target clock tree is selected based on a comparison of timing characteristics of the rerouting candidate with the clock tree design constraint.

An IC layout specifies portions of various components of an IC. When the IC is to include a large number of registers, latches, flip-flops, and/or other types of clocked devices ("sinks") that are to be clocked by one or more clocks, the IC must include one or more clock trees for delivering the clock signal from the clock source to all of the sinks to be clocked by it. A clock tree distributes a clock signal from its root to a set of sinks within an IC through a branching network of drivers (e.g., buffers or inverters). A single driver distributes the clock signal to a grouping of other drivers and/or sinks. Connectivity between a driver and its fanout is referred to as a a "clock net" and will be physically implemented by routed wires.
Electronic design automation (EDA) software systems commonly perform clock-tree synthesis (CTS). Conventional approaches to CTS include building a clock tree while avoiding violations to clock tree design constraints that impose constraints on certain design characteristics. Common clock tree design constraint violations include slew, maximum insertion delay, and timing closure violations. During CTS, clock buffers are placed and routed to transmit the clock signal. Resulting routes in the clock tree may be unbalanced. For example, a first portion of a route connecting a source to a first sink may be short while a second portion of the route that connects the source to a second sink may be long. The longer portion of the route can result in both a worse transition time and a worse delay, thereby causing a clock tree design constraint violation.
For runtime reasons, clock trees are initially implemented using estimates. The accuracy is increased as the clock trees are refined. Refining an initial clock tree can result in new violations appearing. For example, clock nets that were close to clock tree design constraint targets previously are pushed over target (creating a violation). One example of accuracy increase is a congestion update where the whole design routing is re-evaluated. This may reveal highly congested regions that in turn result in an increased capacitance for clock nets in that region. An increased capacitance can slow down the clock signal (larger capacitor is slower to charge), thereby resulting in transition-time and delay violations. These clock tree design constraint violations (also referred to as "clock tree violations") must be corrected and are often done so as part of CTS.

Modifying route topology to fix clock tree violations


In a displacement measurement apparatus using light interference, a probe light path is spatially separated from a reference light path. Therefore, when a temperature or refractive index distribution by a fluctuation of air or the like, or a mechanical vibration is generated, an optical path difference fluctuates between both of the optical paths, and a measurement error is generated. In the solution, an optical axis of probe light is brought close to that of reference light by a distance which is not influenced by any disturbance, a sample is irradiated with the probe light, a reference surface is irradiated with the reference light, reflected light beams are allowed to interfere with each other, and a displacement of the sample is obtained from the resultant interference light to thereby prevent the measurement error from being generated by the fluctuation of the optical path difference.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a displacement of a sample by use of light interference, more particularly to a method and an apparatus for measuring a displacement in which a sample is irradiated with laser light, reflected light is allowed to interfere with reference light, and a displacement of the sample is measured from the resultant interference signal.
As a method for measuring a displacement or a movement of a sample, a method using light interference has been broadly known (Meas. Sci. Technol., 9 (1998), 1024 to 1030). One example is shown in FIG. 10.
In an interferometer shown in FIG. 10, a laser head 301 emits double-frequency orthogonally polarized light beams 302 whose polarization directions cross each other at right angles and whose optical frequencies are different from each other by 20 MHz. The light beams are split into two polarized components by a polarization beam splitter 303. After an S-polarized light beam 303′ is reflected by the polarization beam splitter 303, the light beam is reflected by a right angle prism 304, and enters the polarization beam splitter 303 as reference light. A P-polarized light beam 305 passes through the polarized light beam splitter 303. The light beam is reflected by a right angle prism 306 placed on a sample to be measured 400, and enters the polarization beam splitter 303. Both of the reflected light beams are combined in the polarization beam splitter 303, and pass through a polarizing plate 307 having a polarizing angle of 45° with respect to polarization directions of both of the reflected light beams to cause heterodyne interference.
This heterodyne interference light is received by a photoelectric conversion element 308, and is converted into an electric signal 309. Doppler shift frequency is added to a frequency fM of the heterodyne interference signal 309 in accordance with a moving velocity V of the measurement sample 400, and the frequency fM is given by Equation 1:fM=fB±NV/λ  (1),where fB=20 MHz, λ denotes a wavelength of laser light, and N=2, 4, . . . which denotes a constant determined by the number of times the light travels both ways in an optical path. In FIG. 10, N=2. On the other hand, a beat signal 310 indicating fB=20 MHz is output as a reference signal from the laser head 301.
The measured heterodyne interference signal 309 and reference signal 310 are input into a phase detection circuit 311, the moving velocity V and a movement 400d of the measurement sample 400 are obtained from a phase difference between both of the signals, and a movement output signal 312 is output.
In the interferometer shown in FIG. 10, a probe optical path, that is, an optical path through which the P-polarized light beam 305 as probe light passes is spatially separated from a reference optical path through which the S-polarized light beam 303 as the reference light passes. Therefore, when a temperature or refractive index distribution is made by a fluctuation of air or the like, or a mechanical vibration is generated, an optical path difference varies between both of the optical paths, and this generates a measurement error of a nanometer order. A positioning precision of the order of a sub-nanometer or less is required in an exposure device for manufacturing a semiconductor fine pattern for a 45 nm or 32 nm node in future, a stage of a pattern dimension measurement apparatus, or a probe microscope for use in local characterization. The conventional technique shown in FIG. 10 cannot meet the requirement. There is supposed a method of controlling environment factors such as temperature, humidity, and mechanical vibration with a high precision, but economical effects remarkably drop with regard to apparatus costs and sizes, and conveniences.

Method and apparatus for measuring displacement of a sample to be inspected using an interference light


A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a first interface block configured to transmit and receive signals within the same chip; a second interface block configured to transmit and receive signals to and from different semiconductor chips; and a switching block configured to select a signal path in which the signal transmission and reception of the first interface block is not performed through the second interface block, in response to a chip structure signal.

1. Technical Field
Various embodiments generally relate to a semiconductor integrated circuit.
2. Related Art
A semiconductor integrated circuit may have a single chip package structure or a multi-chip package structure including a plurality of semiconductor chips to improve the integration degree.
Examples of the multi-chip package may include a structure in which a plurality of semiconductor chips are stacked in a vertical direction so as to transmit/receive signals through a through-silicon via (TSV).
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a conventional semiconductor integrated circuit 1.
A plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be stacked to implement a semiconductor integrated circuit having a multi-chip package structure.
Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional semiconductor integrated circuit 1 includes a plurality of memory banks BK0 to BK3, a plurality of global input/output lines GIO_L, GIO_R, WGIO, and RGIO, a unit input/output circuit block (IOCELL) 10, an input/output multiplexer (MX) 20, a buffer (BUF) 30, a latch (LAT) 40, and interface logics 50 to 70.
The interface logics 50 to 70 are configured to transmit and receive write data, read data, and command/address signals CMD/ADD to and from semiconductor chips at different layers.
Each of the interface logics 50 to 70 includes a transmitter TX, a TSV, and a receiver TX.
The unit input/output circuit block 10 performs an operation of inputting and outputting data to and from a memory bank BK0 or BK1 through a connection operation with the input/output multiplexer 20.
The buffer 30 is configured to receive and buffer the command CMD and output the buffered signal to the latch 40.
The latch 40 is configured to adjust setup/hold timing of the command CMD and output the adjusted command.
The conventional semiconductor integrated circuit 1 includes the above-described interface logics 50 to 70 so as to be used as the multi-chip package structure.
Therefore, as loading is increased by the interface logics 50 to 70, signals passing through the interface logics 50 to 70 are inevitably delayed.
Due to the above-described signal delay, the conventional semiconductor integrated circuit 1 fabricated for a multi-chip package cannot be used as a single chip package structure.
When semiconductor integrated circuits used in the single chip package structure and the multi-chip package structure, respectively, are fabricated with different structures, more serious problems than the degradation of signal characteristic may occur. For example, cost increase and productivity reduction may occur.

Semiconductor integrated circuit with switch to select single or multiple chips


Monitoring system of person coming to entrance comprises camera for capturing image of the person and recorder for the captured image, the system informing the person of the image recordation for deterring a crime in bad visit case or making polite notice in goodwill visit case. Unlock system has an intercom for visitor to request unlock and a self unlock operating portion for resident. If unlock done through intercom with acquaintance confirmed, polite notice is preferred, whereas “note record” is added to the image record in case of intercom unlock with unacquainted assumed. If unlock done by resident, the information and the image recordation are withheld. If entrance in a group detected, “note record” is added to the image record in case bad person successively follows goodwill person duly unlocking entrance. Privacy of acquaintance visitor image is protected by password. “Note record” is added to image record without voice message.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a monitoring system of a person coming to an entrance of a building.
2. Description of the Related Art
In this field of the art, various attempts have been done with respect to a monitoring system of a person coming to an entrance of a building with the security taken into consideration.
For example, Japanese Publication No. 2008-79105 proposes an intercom system for a collective housing including a communal entrance unit having a camera for capturing a visitor and home units each located in each home, respectively, in communication with the communal entrance unit, in which the image captured by the camera is recorded if a call number input at the communal entrance unit does not coincide with a reference call number or only a room number is input at the communal entrance unit.
However, there still exist in this field of art many demands for improvements of a monitoring system of a person coming to an entrance of a building.


A connector structure includes a circuit body, a fork terminal, a housing and an insertion member. The circuit body includes a conductor including a two-pronged part having two extended portions, and plated leads arranged at the extended portions respectively. The fork terminal includes a first terminal part and a second terminal part which project from a terminal base so that an insertion space is formed between the first and second terminal parts. The housing includes a fitting part accommodating the fork terminal. The insertion member is inserted into the insertion space through the fitting part in a state where the circuit body is fixed. The circuit body is electrically connected with one of the first and second terminal parts with the insertion of the insertion member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a circuit body having a plated lead, and a connector structure including this circuit body.
2. Description of the Related Art
A connector structure disclosed in the following PTL 1 includes a housing, a fork terminal, a slider, a flat cable and a cable press member. According to the connector structure of PTL 1, the fork terminal is included as a terminal accommodated in the housing. The slider is included as an insertion member. The flat cable is included as a circuit body. Also, the cable press member is included as a member for fixing the flat cable and being fitted into the slider.
The flat cable is fixed to a lower surface of the slider by the cable press member. The fork terminal accommodated inside the housing has insertion space of the slider between an upside terminal part and a downside terminal part of this fork terminal. When the slider is inserted into the insertion space, the flat cable is in the fixed state, so that a cable conductor makes contact with the downside terminal part and is electrically connected to the downside terminal part.
When the slider in a state of fixing the flat cable is inserted into the insertion space, the fork terminal flexes and is pushed out in a direction in which the upside terminal part and the downside terminal part separate with this insertion. Then, when pinching is performed by a reaction force of this flexure, connection between the downside terminal part and the cable conductor is maintained.
The downside terminal part is connected with the cable conductor in a state where a top of a protrusion formed on the downside terminal part rides on the cable conductor.