A device and method for adapting an arrow bolt fletching tool for use in fletching crossbow arrow bolts. The invention is designed to facilitate fletching crossbow arrow bolts, which are shot without nocks, utilizing a commercially available fletching tool which is designed and produced for use in fletching arrows having nocks which remain with the arrow and are shot with it. The invention provides for an end cap, containing a specially shaped indentation, to be placed in the end of the crossbow arrow bolt. A special fletching nock, with an end configured to fit within the indentation of the end cap, is inserted within the end cap for purposes of fletching the arrow only and is then removed. The fletching nock has a forked, or u-shaped, end, which engages the fletching tool in the same manner as a standard arrow nock.

The field of archery includes traditional archery, and crossbow archery. Many archery enthusiasts, both traditional and crossbow, manufacture or assemble their own arrows from components. The arrow shafts, on to which vanes or feathers are attached, are called bolts. Typically, arrows are manufactured with three or four plastic vanes or feathers which are generally fletched or attached to the bolt at 90.degree. separations for four vanes and 120.degree. for three vanes. To assist in the process of attaching the vanes or feathers to the arrow bolt, called "fletching," specifically designed fletching tools or "jigs" are commercially available for the enthusiast. The Bohning Professional Arrow Fletching Jig, sold by The Bohning Company, Ltd., Lake City, Mich., is an example of a commercially available fletching tool in which an arrow is inserted. The fletching tool has a rotating indexer component in which the nock end of a traditional arrow is inserted and which is engaged by the opening in the nock end. The rotating indexer is set to rotate in increments of either 90.degree. or 120.degree., thus putting the arrow bolt in position for fletching, or attachment of a vane or feather, at each specific interval.
Traditional archery arrows, and some crossbow arrows, are manufactured with a nock attached to the arrow bolt. The purpose of the nock is to engage the bow string or draw string and to maintain contact of the arrow with the draw string or bow string, which is the propelling force, when the arrow is shot. The existing art provides numerous examples of nocks and special adaptations of nocks for this purpose, including various methods of affixing the nock to the arrow bolt. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,020, to Bolf, describes an arrow which is arranged to threadedly receive a nock member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,747, to Laabs, describes a nock with a corresponding element which is attached directly to the bow string. U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,044, to Easton et al, describes an arrow nock containing a stiffener of light weight high strength material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,432, to Saunders, describes an arrow nock orientation assembly allowing the user to select a preferred orientation between a reference vane on an arrow or on an arrow bolt shaft and the bow string receiving slot of the arrow nock. U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,163, to Scanlon, describes an arrow nock with a cylindrical body member having a plug shaft extending axially, to one side, for insertion within an arrow shaft.
With particular regard to the attachment of a nock, by use of an adapter, to an arrow shaft, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,731, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,439, both to Bickel, specifically relating to the manner in which an arrow nock is mounted on an arrow shaft.
With regard, however, to crossbow bolts, no nock is utilized. A bolt cap having a planar surface perpendicular to the axis of the arrow, and of approximately the same dimension of the arrow, is placed in the end of the arrow shaft. Accordingly, there being no nock, there is nothing to engage the rotating indexer of a fletching tool or jig for fletching purposes.
While it is known, as indicated in the patents to Bickel, to insert an adapter within an arrow shaft, to receive a nock assembly, none of the prior art presented demonstrates such an adapter which, without the nock in place, presents a sufficient planar surface for engaging a bow string in the manner required of a crossbow bolt. Such prior art, further, though providing for potential replacement of a nock, does not provide a readily insertable and removeable nock, which would allow for a reasonable method of fletching a crossbow bolt. The prior art, further, does not provide, in any respect, for a method of adapting a fletching tool for use with nockless arrows. Accordingly, archery enthusiasts using standard crossbow bolts, do not have readily available devices, or methods, to fletch the same with the degree of certainty provided by a commercially available fletching tool or jig as is currently used in conjunction with a traditional, nocked arrow.
Accordingly, a need exists, and it would be desirable to provide a device for and a method of adapting a commercially available fletching tool for use in fletching crossbow bolts which, upon completion of the process provided by the disclosed method, such crossbow bolt is still in a condition to be shot by a crossbow.
It would further be desirable to provide such a device and method wherein the arrow bolt is held sufficiently in place for circular movement of the bolt about its longitudinal axis but, wherein, the means for engaging the bolt with the fletching tool, for fletching purposes, is not otherwise permanently, or semi-permanently, affixed.

Crossbow bolt cap and fletching nock device and method


Rotation interception mechanisms (10) are mounted to intervene between a drive casing (22) and a substrate (60) of a movable scroll (54), and include a binding member (11) for binding rotation of the movable scroll, a fixed side pin (14) provided with protrusion in the drive casing to get engaged with the binding member, and a swivel side pin (15) provided with protrusion in the movable scroll to get engaged with the binding member for being restrained by the binding member and swiveling around a shaft center of the fixed side pin; and load alleviation means (54h) alleviates a load onto the fixed side pin and the swivel side pin caused by the torque due to the distance between the gravity center (O) and the rotation center (OR) of the movable scroll and the centrifugal force.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a scroll type hydraulic machine suitable as a compressor for a refrigerating circuit constituting an air conditioning system.
2. Description of the Related Art
This type of hydraulic machine, that is, a scroll type compressor is provided to a refrigerating circuit, and is disposed in an automobile, for example, inside an engine room. More specifically, a compressor is connected to an evaporator, a condenser as well as an expansion valve. These condenser and expansion valve are disposed inside the engine room while the evaporator is disposed in a vehicle interior.
This compressor comprises a scroll unit, that is, a stationary scroll as well as a movable scroll, inside a compression casing, suctions refrigerant from the evaporator side and compresses by causing the movable scroll to rotate with respect to the stationary scroll and discharge this compressed refrigerant toward the condenser side.
In order to implement swivel actions of this movable scroll, it is necessary to intercept the shaft center of the stationary scroll, that is, rotation of the movable scroll around the rotation center without preventing orbital rotation of the movable scroll around the orbital center. Therefore, as a rotation interception mechanism for intercepting this rotation, such a compressor is known that comprises a plurality of binding members for binding its rotation between a drive casing and a substrate of the movable scroll, and brings these binding members into pin connection to both of the drive casing and the movable scroll (reference should be made to, for example, Japanese Laid-Open patent (Kokai) Publication No. 2001-90678).
According to this compressor, the swivel side pin and the fixed side pin are disposed in such a position that is determined from the orbital center and the rotation center so as to alleviate the load onto the pins, in such a position in which the volume of the compressing chamber reaches 20% to 28% of the volume at the time of completion of suction of fluid.
It should be added that, there exist three reference points in the movable scroll, that is, the above-mentioned orbital center as well as rotation center and, in addition, a gravity center. Further, in general, this rotation center is employed as the center of the substrate of the movable scroll. That is because the production of the scroll unit becomes easy.
Here, there is no problem in the case where the gravity center of the movable scroll and the rotation center match. On the other hand, the gravity center and the rotation center are disposed at slight distance and therefore do not match. That is because it is necessary to make the size in the scroll unit's radius direction smaller at the time of engagement between the stationary scroll and the movable scroll.
Further, the displacement quantity being distance between the gravity center and the rotation center generates torque around the rotation center by being multiplied by the centrifugal force arising in the movable scroll. That is, a load other than the original rotation intercepting force will arise in the pin of the rotation interception mechanism. In particular, since the above-mentioned centrifugal force is proportionate to the square of the rotation speed,-an excess load arises at the time of high speed, and the decrease in durability of the rotation interception mechanism is concerned.
However, the above-mentioned prior art determines disposition of the pin from the relationship between the orbital center and the rotation center with the gravity center of the movable scroll and the rotation center match as a precondition. In other words, on a problem in the case where the above-mentioned gravity center and rotation center do not match, no particular consideration is paid and the problems on the point of load decrease in pins still remain.


The present invention provides adaptive lightweight acoustic signal classification for physiological monitoring applications. In an exemplary implementation, the total energy of a segment of an acoustic signal recording body sounds is first determined. For each of a plurality of signal classes (e.g., good, noisy, weak), the probability that the segment belongs to the signal class is then calculated using the total energy and profile data for the signal class. The segment is then assigned to one of the plurality of signal classes by reference to the probabilities. Physiological data are then selectively generated and outputted using the segment, depending on the assigned signal class, and the segment is selectively applied as feedback to update profile data for the assigned signal class.

The present invention relates to physiological monitoring and, more particularly, acoustic signal classification in physiological monitoring.
Physiological monitoring is in widespread use managing chronic diseases and in elder care. Physiological monitoring is often performed using wearable devices that acquire and analyze acoustic signals that contain heart and lung sounds as people go about their daily lives. However, such acoustic signals are not always reliable. For example, an acoustic signal may be too noisy to reliably detect heart or lung sounds if taken when a person speaks, or is in motion, or is in an environment with high background noise. Moreover, an acoustic signal may be too weak to reliably detect heart or lung sounds if taken when an acoustic sensor of the monitoring device is not placed at the proper body location or when an air chamber of the acoustic sensor is not fully sealed. When an acoustic signal is too noisy or too weak, confidence in physiological data extracted from the signal, such as the patient's heart or respiration rate, may be very low.
Reliance on physiological data extracted from an unreliable acoustic signal can have serious adverse consequences on patient health. For example, such physiological data can lead a patient or his or her clinician to improperly interpret the patient's physiological state and cause the patient to undergo treatment that is not medically indicated or forego treatment that is medically indicated.
Various methods and systems have been proposed to classify acoustic signals to distinguish between reliable and unreliable signals and "weed out" unreliable signals for purposes of physiological monitoring. However, such classification schemes have generally been non-adaptive and unduly complex.

Adaptive lightweight acoustic signal classification for physiological monitoring


The invention is a Christmas tree ornament that incorporates a smoke or fire detector, a burglar alarm operated by a motion sensor, and connects to an integrated fire extinguishing system. The Christmas tree ornament resembles a star, but can also be designed to reflect an angel, or any other Christmas tree decoration that typically rests on top of the Christmas tree. A fire extinguishing system connects to the ornament and runs the length of the tree to the fire extinguishing fluid reservoir that is located in a unit that rests on the floor. The invention is powered by an electrical cord as well as a battery backup. A speaker is integrated into the device, and features the same high sound level capability of traditional smoke detectors.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of Christmas tree ornaments that double as smoke detectors, more particularly multi-purpose Christmas tree stars.
A Christmas tree, though very festive, is a great fire hazard for the home. That being said, there has been a need to provide fire detection devices in and around the tree to alert the residents of a potential fire should something go awry. Furthermore, should a fire start on a Christmas tree, there may be no one around to extinguish the fire in time, so a fire prevention means is also a desirable aspect to incorporate into a Christmas tree ornament.
The holiday season also brings about opportunity for a rise in burglaries, especially of presents resting underneath a Christmas tree. That being said, a Christmas tree star that can double as a burglar alarm for bodily movement in and around the tree would be another desired feature.
B. Discussion of the Prior Art
The Schumer Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,732) discloses a smoke detector that is easily attached to the limb of a Christmas tree that includes a smoke detector circuit, and an audible alarm circuit for generating an audible alarm in response to the detection of smoke. However, this patent does not disclose a fire prevention system that is integrated into the invention, nor does it include an integrated burglar alarm.
The Solak Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,865) discloses a smoke/heat detector in the form of a Christmas tree ornament which utilizes a spherical ornament housing divided by a fire-resistant barrier into lower and upper chambers. However, this patent does not disclose a device that incorporates a fire prevention system into the invention, nor does it disclose a burglar alarm.
The Stark et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,345) discloses a fire safety apparatus particularly useful in association with Christmas trees comprising a smoke detector, circuitry for processing a signal generated by the smoke detector, an audible alarm, a moisture level sensor, and circuitry for interruption of the flow of electricity to a receptacle. However, this patent does not disclose a fire prevention system, nor does it disclose a burglar alarm.
The Bridges Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,221) discloses a smoke alarm disguised as a Christmas tree ornament. As mentioned above, this patent does not disclose an ornament with a burglar alarm and an integrated fire extinguishing system.
The Schoenwetter Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,878) discloses a smoke alarm mounted atop a Christmas tree, where an early indication of an impending fire may be generated. However, the smoke alarm detector is not integrated into a star, and nor does it provide burglar alarm and fire extinguishing capabilities.
The Mayer Patent (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 244,362) illustrates a design for a fire detector.
A non-patent prior art document includes a Christmas Tree Electronic Fire Alarm that discloses a smoke and fire detector contained within a Christmas tree ornament. However, the device does not provide a burglar alarm nor does it provide fire extinguishing means.

Christmas tree ornament with integrated smoke detector, heat detector, motion sensor, and fire extinguishing means


A semiconductor memory device and a method of operation in the semiconductor memory device. The memory device receives an external clock signal and includes an array of memory cells. The method of operation of the memory device includes receiving, during a first half of a clock cycle of the external clock signal, a first data value and a first mask bit. The first mask bit indicates whether to write the first data value to the array. The method further includes receiving, during a second half of the clock cycle of the external clock signal, a second data value and a second mask bit. The second mask bit indicates whether to write the second data value to the array.

The present invention relates to the field of electronic memories for data storage. More particularly, the present invention relates to ways of providing a memory with write enable information.
Digital information can be stored in various types of memories, including random access memories (xe2x80x9cRAMsxe2x80x9d), electrically erasable read-only memories (xe2x80x9cEEPROMsxe2x80x9d), flash memories, etc. Data is typically stored in a two-dimensional array in which one row of bits is accessed at a time.
A RAM is a volatile memory that can be erased and written to relatively quickly, but which loses its data when power is removed. A RAM can be either static (i.e., an xe2x80x9cSRAMxe2x80x9d) or dynamic (i.e., a xe2x80x9cDRAMxe2x80x9d). In an SRAM, once data is written to a memory cell, the data remains stored as long as power is applied to the chip, unless the same memory cell is written again. In a DRAM, the data stored in a memory cell must be periodically refreshed by reading the data and then writing it back again, or else the data in the cell disappears.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a prior DRAM 10. DRAM 10 typically is part of a computer system that includes a high speed bus 19 and a DRAM controller. DRAM 10 includes DRAM array 11, which consists of one or more banks. For example, array 11 has Bank0 and Bank1. Interface 18 contains logic for processing and routing signals entering and leaving DRAM array 11. Signals enter and leave DRAM 10 on interface pins 6 which connect to bus 19. The number of pins making up interface pins 6 depends upon the width of bus 19 and also upon the bus protocol used by a computer system to which the DRAM is connected.
FIG. 2 shows how interface 18 communicates with Bank0 of array 11 of DRAM 10. Bank0 of array 11 can store xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d units of data. A unit of data can be a byte, and the byte is defined as being xe2x80x9csxe2x80x9d bits wide, where in this case xe2x80x9csxe2x80x9d is 8 bits or 9 bits (i.e., a X8 byte or a X9 byte). Address interface 60 provides column and row address signals 42 and 44. Data interfaces 51 through 53 transfer data to and from array bank 11 into and out of DRAM 10. Data to be read out of Bank0 of array 11 is carried on R lines 38, and data to be written to Bank0 of array 11 is carried on W lines 36. For example, data interface 51 provides for conveyance of data bits [t-1:0][0], these bits being the 0th bits of each of bytes 0 through t-1 of Bank0 of array 11, or all the 0th bits of the bytes to be transferred. Similarly, data interface 52 carries all the 1th bits of Bank0 of array 11.
Write enable (xe2x80x9cWExe2x80x9d) interface 56 provides a WE signal for each byte of data of Bank0 of array 11. Signals WE[t-1:0] are WE signals for byte 0 through byte t-1. The WE signals are carried on WE lines 34. A WE signal indicates whether an associated byte is to be written or not written during a write operation.
Control interface 58 provides the following signals: column access strobe (xe2x80x9cCASxe2x80x9d) 62, row access strobe (xe2x80x9cRASxe2x80x9d) 64, and Read/Write (xe2x80x9cW/Rxe2x80x9d) signal 66. RAS and CAS are timing signals indicating a row or column access. W/R 66 specifies whether an operation is a write operation or a read operation
FIG. 3 shows the types of inputs to prior DRAMs. Various types of prior DRAMs have provided various separate pins for the following inputs: row address 74, column address 76, read and write data 78, a write/read input signal 82, the RAS 84, the CAS 86, and write enable signals 80. Having separate pins for each of these inputs to the DRAM is relatively inefficient because the pins take up space and not all of the signals overlap in time.
For DRAMs using different signals that are not active at the same point in time, several prior methods have been used to permit the sharing of pins, however. The sharing of pins minimizes the pin count without adversely affecting functionality.
One prior method for conserving DRAM interface pins is column/row address multiplexing. FIG. 4 illustrates column and row address multiplexing. FIG. 4 shows that one column and row address pin Arc[Nrc-1:0] 92 handles column and row address inputs 76 and 74 of FIG. 3. This is possible because column and row address signals are not active at the same time.
Another prior method is data in/out multiplexing. Data to be read and written is multiplexed onto the same pins of a DRAM. This is also referred to as Write/Read multiplexing or W/R multiplexing. FIG. 5 illustrates W/R multiplexing, in which data read from or written to a DRAM uses the same pins 102 for communicating with the exterior of the DRAM. Data is not read from and written to a DRAM at the same time, and thus it is possible to share data pins.
FIG. 6 illustrates another prior method of bit multiplexing, called data byte multiplexing. For data byte multiplexing, xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d data bits are transferred in serial over the same pin. For one prior art scheme, xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d equals 8. Each data bit is from a different byte. This is possible in prior DRAMs in which the internal RAM cycle rate, sometimes referred to as Column Access Strobe (xe2x80x9cCASxe2x80x9d) cycle rate, is slower than the DRAM input/output (xe2x80x9cI/Oxe2x80x9d) cycle rate.
For the example shown in FIG. 6, the I/O cycle rate is xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d times faster than the CAS cycle rate. Thus, if a block of data is xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d bytes, and one bit of each byte is to be transferred in a CAS cycle, then only one pin per xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d bits is needed during one CAS cycle for data transfer. For these reasons pins 202 can replace pins 102 of FIG. 5, and the number of data pins is reduced by a factor of xe2x80x9ct.xe2x80x9d
In FIG. 7, another prior bit multiplexing method is shown. This method is used in typical prior DRAM systems in which row address signals and data signals are not transferred at the same time. Pins 302 transmit read and write data, but also carry row address signals 44, thus eliminating the need for pins 74 of FIG. 3. The column address requires dedicated column address pins 76 because column address information can be transferred at the same time data is transferred.
For the above described prior methods, dedicated WE pins are required. In prior memories in which WE signals travel a longer path to DRAM array 11 then do data signals, dedicated registers are required to hold data during the wait for WE signals. The WE signals indicate whether the data is to be written or not written to DRAM array 11.
FIG. 8A shows a prior art memory configuration using RDRAMs(trademark) (xe2x80x9cRambus DRAMsxe2x80x9d) of Rambus, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. FIG. 8B shows how WE information is multiplexed for that Rambus memory configuration. As shown in FIG. 8B, eight eight-bit wide WE words comprising WE block 981 are transmitted into a RDRAM over the nine-bit wide data bus and enter the RDRAM through pins BusData[7] through BusData[0] of data pins 980. The ninth data pin, pin BusData[8], is not used for transmission of the WE words. The WE words are stored in registers of the RDRAM. Each WE word is associated with a respective one of eight data blocks. Each data block is eight bytes long. Each data byte is also referred to as a data word. Each bit of each of the WE words is associated with a respective one of the eight data bytes in the respective block, which are each eight bits wide and are sent over the data bus and to the data pins of the RDRAM. Each bit of the WE word determines whether or not the associated data byte is written to the RDRAM. For example, the first WE word in WE block 981 pertains to DataBlock 0. Bit 0 of the first WE word determines whether data byte 1000 is written. Bit 1 of the first WE word determines whether data byte 1001 is written, and so on. Similarly, each WE word pertains to a data block until the final WE word of WE block 981 determines whether data bytes in DataBlock 7 are written. For this prior art scheme, a single clock cycle has two phases, allowing two transfer operations to occur within a single clock cycle.
One disadvantage of this prior method is that 64 registers are needed to hold the 64 WE bits during the time the write operation is taking place. Another disadvantage of the prior method is that a WE block must be transmitted for every group of eight data blocks that are transmitted. The periodic transmission of WE blocks takes time and therefore reduces bandwidth otherwise available for data transmission.
Prior DRAM memory systems have included some method of detecting errors in stored data. For one of these methods a type of data bit called an Error Detection and Correction (xe2x80x9cEDCxe2x80x9d) bit is used. An EDC bit can be either a parity bit or an error correction code (xe2x80x9cECCxe2x80x9d) bit. Parity is a basic prior method of error detection without error correction. A parity bit is associated with a byte of data and indicates whether or not one of the bits in the byte is erroneous. One prior art scheme uses a ninth bit out of a X9 byte as the parity bit Parity is said to be either odd or even (indicated by an exclusive-OR or exclusive-NOR operation). If a parity check reveals that the state of the parity bit is inconsistent with the state of the other bits of the data byte, a parity error is detected. When a parity error is detected, the system is typically restarted.
An ECC scheme is a more sophisticated prior EDC method. Single ECC bits do not refer to a single byte of data, as is typically the case with a parity bit. Rather, multiple ECC bits are combined to form a word that encodes complex error detection and correction information. ECC words of various widths are required to encode information for blocks of data of various sizes (a block having xe2x80x9ctxe2x80x9d units of data, each unit being xe2x80x9csxe2x80x9d bits wide). According to a prior ECC technique a word of width LOG2 (N bits/block)+2 is required to encode ECC data for a block of size N bits. With the use of ECC it is possible to both detect and correct bit errors.
The choice of which EDC scheme is used can affect DRAM performance in prior DRAM systems. When an ECC scheme is chosen, write time may be increased and performance reduced. This is true because ECC bits do not refer to a single data byte, but form part of an ECC word referring to the entire block. Thus, when it is desired to write only a portion of the block, the ECC word for the entire block will change in complex ways such that it no longer reflects accurate information about the block. This makes it necessary for every partial write to the block to involve reading out the entire block, modifying it in part so that the ECC can be reformulated, and writing the block back again. This process is called a Read/Modify/Write, or R/M/W. R/M/Ws cost extra time and are preferably avoided. If ECC is used and the entire block is written, however, the R/M/Ws are not required.
If parity is chosen, it is possible to benefit from using a Write Enable (xe2x80x9cWExe2x80x9d) signal associated with a single X9 byte to indicate whether the byte is to be written or not written. For certain prior DRAMs, separate WE pins convey WE signals associated with each X9 byte of the block of data. Because parity bits refer only to the X9 byte they are part of, the parity bits will be changed appropriately when a X9 byte is written, and unwritten parity bits will be unaffected. Thus, with the use of parity and WE, it is not necessary to perform R/M/Ws when writing to the memory.
One object of the present invention is to provide a memory with write enable information, yet minimizing the circuit area required and maximizing performance.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of memory pins required without adversely affecting memory functionality.
Another object is to reduce memory register resources required, thereby reducing memory die size.
Another object is to allow for faster memory operation.
Another object is to allow the use of write enable and error correction and detection in a memory without the requirement of a pin dedicated solely to the write enable function.
A method is described for providing a memory with a serial sequence of write enable signals that are offset in time with respect to respective data received by a plurality of data inputs of the memory.
A memory is also described with an array for data storage, a plurality of data input pins, and a separate pin for receiving either additional data or a serial sequence of write enable signals applicable to data received by the plurality of data input pins. The additional data that the separate pin receives could, for example, be error detection and correction (EDC) information. A method is also described for multiplexing write enable information and error detection and correction information.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.

Semiconductor memory device which receives write masking information


An apparatus for multi-path search using a dual code generator includes: first and second code generators for generating first and second search codes, changing phases, and generating a search-done interrupt; a multi-path search engine for receiving the search codes from the code generators and performing a search process for detection of the multiple paths; a search controller for controlling the code generators to generate the search codes, and sending the search-done interrupt from the code generators; and a drive controller for generating a slewing command to the search paths and a search command, sending the commands to the search controller, reading search results from the search controller upon generation of the search-done interrupt, and generating second slewing and search commands for a new search process.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000). More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a multi-path search using a dual code generator that reduces a slewing time for path acquisition by using a dual code generator in a multi-path searcher.
(b) Description of the Related Art
In general, the multi-path searcher is an apparatus designed to detect multiple paths occurring due to reflection waves caused by movement of vehicles or surrounding buildings in the mobile communication environment, and to demodulate the detected multiple paths via a demodulator, thereby increasing the gain of the receiver. The time required for path acquisition is an important valuation basis of the multi-path searcher's performance. The time required for path acquisition is divided into the make-ready time and the actually required time for path acquisition. The conventional searchers employ double dwell serial searching or determination of the optimized integral time to cut down the actually required time for path acquisition, but they do not use a method for reducing the make-ready time.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for a multi-path search according to prior art, and FIG. 2 is an illustration showing a method for a multi-path search according to prior art.
The conventional apparatus for a multi-path search comprises: a multi-path searcher controller 20 for controlling the total operation of the multi-path searcher under the control of a driving software controller 10; a code generator 30 for generating codes necessary for search under the control of the multi-path searcher controller 20; and a multi-path searcher engine 40 for receiving the search codes from the code generator 30 and actually performing the multi-path search process.
The multi-path acquisition process of the multi-path searcher under the control of the driving software controller 10 involves generation of the codes necessary for multi-path acquisition, slewing to the target position, and performing the actual multi-path search process. Upon receiving slewing and search commands Slew1 and Search Command from the driving software controller 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the multi-path searcher moves as far as Slew1 and performs a search process. After the completion of the search process, the multi-path searcher generates a search-done interrupt Srch_done1, and the driving software reads out the search result and sends slewing and search commands Slew1 and Search Command again. The conventional multi-path searcher repeats the above procedures. But, the conventional multi-path searcher takes a considerable time in moving to a specific position for a multi-path search, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

Apparatus and method for multi-path search using dual code generators

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A system and method include receiving target image data associated with a target coating. A color model and a local color model are used to predict color differences between the target coating and a sample coating. The color model and local color model includes a feature extraction analysis process that determines image features by analyzing target pixel feature differences within the target coating. Performing an optimization routine upon the color differences for determining automotive paint components for spraying a substrate.

Visualization and selection of coatings having a desired color and appearance play an important role in many applications. For example, paint suppliers must provide thousands of coatings to cover the range of global OEM manufacturers' coatings for all current and recent model vehicles. Providing this large number of different coatings as factory package products adds complexity to paint manufacture and increases inventory costs. Consequently, paint suppliers provide a mixing machine system including typically 50 to 100 components (e.g., single pigment tints, binders, solvents, additives) with coating formulas for the components that match the range of coatings of vehicles. The mixing machine may reside at a repair facility (i.e., body shop) or a paint distributor and allows a user to obtain the coating having the desired color and appearance by dispensing the components in amounts corresponding to the coating formula. The coating formulas are typically maintained in a database and are distributed to customers via computer software by download or direct connection to internet databases. Each of the coating formulas typically relate to one or more alternate coating formulas to account for variations in coatings due to variations in vehicle production.
Identification of the coating formula most similar to a target coating is complicated by this variation. For example, a particular coating might appear on three vehicle models, produced in two assembly plants with various application equipment, using paint from two OEM paint suppliers, and over a lifetime of five model years. These sources of variation result in significant coating variation over the population of vehicles with that particular coating. The alternate coating formulas provided by the paint supplier are matched to subsets of the color population so that a close match is available for any vehicle that needs repair. Each of the alternate coating formulas can be represented by a color chip in the fan deck which enables the user to select the best matching formula by visual comparison to the vehicle.
Identifying the coating formula most similar to the target coating for a repair is typically accomplished through either the use a spectrophotometer or a fandeck. Spectrophotometers measure one or more color and appearance attributes of the target coating to be repaired. This color and appearance data is then compared with the corresponding data from potential candidate formulas contained in a database. The candidate formula whose color and appearance attributes best match those of the target coating to be repaired is then selected as the coating formula most similar to the target coating. However, spectrophotometers are expensive and not readily available in economy markets.
Alternatively, fandecks include a plurality of sample coating layers on pages or patches within the fandeck. The sample coating layers of the fandeck are then visually compared to the target coating being repaired. The formula associated with the sample coating layer best matching the color and appearance attributes of the target coating to be repaired is then selected as the coating formula most similar to the target coating. However, fandecks are cumbersome to use and difficult to maintain due to the vast number of sample coating layers necessary to account for all coatings on vehicles on the road today.
As such, it is desirable to provide a system and a method for matching color and appearance of a target coating. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

Systems and methods for matching color and appearance of target coatings


A steerable carriage apparatus for manually transporting a payload across a surface, that includes frame multiple end portions that include rotating elements rotationally attached to each of the frame multiple end portions, with the rotating elements forming contacts on the surface. Additionally, the frame multiple end portions have a pivotal attachment to one another being operational to steer the carriage, with the pivotal attachment having a pivotal axis forming an angle to the surface, the pivotal attachment having the option of selectively controlling the urging, dampening, or locking of the pivotal movement.

As human society ever evolves into a more health conscious state and with the desire to become more efficient or to optimize the use of an individual's time, multitasking has become the metaphor for efficiency, wherein an individual performs a number of tasks simultaneously or in parallel to accomplish more tasks in a given amount of time as opposed to performing a number of tasks in a series manner that requires considerably more time. However, multitasking is not without its problems, as performing tasks simultaneously can require more versatility on the part of the individual and/or the related device or apparatus being used. As an example with a cell phone, the multitasking involves driving and making/receiving phone calls and phone conversation. The versatility required on the part of the individual is to safely split their attention between driving and making/receiving phone calls and phone conversation, in addition the cell phone must have more versatility than a home phone in being self contained and small in size neither of which are required in a home phone. Thus, along with the need or desire of an individual to manually move a carriage across a surface which can be for the purpose of moving the carriage from one location to another, or including a payload disposed on or in the carriage, such as items to carry in the using of a hand cart, a person(s) to carry in the using of a wheel chair, or a baby(s) or child to carry in the using of a stroller, while at the same time performing another task such as jogging or running for either physical fitness or to simply move the carriage from one location to another location in a more timely fashion resulting in the carriage being manually moved along a surface at a velocity varying from a slow walk to a fast run.
This results in examining the versatility required in the carriage, focusing specifically on the changing dynamics of turning/steering the carriage at varying velocities (speeds) across the surface in going from a slow walk to a fast run. As an introduction, one of the most significant problems is related to the current turning/steering ability in prior art jogging strollers is that it is highly burdensome to the individual using the jogging stroller by the constant lifting, adjusting, and/or lateral skidding of the fixed position front wheel (as prior art jogging strollers are without a steering mechanism, having typically three fixed wheels that rotate only and do not steer) for directional changes on jogging paths and the like, in fact when the current prior art jogging strollers are used on a concrete or asphalt surface, the skidding of the front wheel (to turn the prior art jogging stroller) is so difficult that many user's resort to pushing down on the jogging stroller handle thus suspending the single front wheel above the surface (to facilitate easy turning) with the jogging stroller only riding on its two rear wheels, resulting in awkward jogging stroller pushing across the surface by the user. Thus, the major issues are being in controlling the jogging stroller steering and smooth (vibration free) operation of the jogging stroller, when the jogging stroller is manually moved across the surface at varying speeds from a slow walk to a fast run.
The reason that the prior art jogging strollers shun the use of a conventional castor to steer or turn with (as in common on walking strollers) is that when the conventional castor is pushed across a surface (or a rough surface such as gravel) at higher than walking speed the conventional castor oscillates laterally (termed resonance) making the use of conventional castors on a jogging stroller untenable as the laterally oscillating castor wheel adds significant vibration to the stroller frame and results in turning the stroller being very difficult in being too quick or responsive. Perhaps, the most common analogy to draw upon is in the use of a conventional grocery shopping cart that is normally moved across a surface at a slow to moderate walking pace. Wherein, the grocery cart is steerable through a pair of front castors that have a fixed castor or fixed trail length, with the trail length being defined as the length or distance between the wheel contact point on the surface to the wheel vertical pivot axis, thus being where the vertical pivot axis theoretically intersects the surface, with the wheel vertical pivot axis adjacent to the grocery cart frame. With fixed trail length being defined as that the trail length does not change with the castor wheel pivoting through the vertical pivot axis and with the castor assembly being without any bias, urging, or dampening related to the wheel vertical pivot steering movement in positioning or controlling steering movement of the wheel. Also, a pair of grocery cart rear wheels that are affixed to the grocery cart frame in the sense that they are not steerable with the wheels only being rotatable about a fixed rotational axis. As most people are familiar, when moving the grocery cart along the surface at a slow to moderate walking pace the castor wheels steer adequately as the trail creates a rotational moment (being defined as an engineering moment in units of inch-pounds) to turn the wheel in the same direction as the individual turns the grocery cart and when the individual returns the grocery cart along the surface in a forward fashion (not turning) the wheel returns to being in a parallel position to the fixed wheels from the trail rotational moment (resulting in wheel pivoting movement along the vertical pivot axis) of the castor as the individual turns the grocery cart in an opposite direction. Both during the turning and non turning states of operation the grocery cart castor wheels operate substantially smoothly being without resonance, with resonance being defined as uncontrolled two way lateral movement or vibration parallel to the surface related to movement of the castor wheel about the vertical pivot axis.
However, as is well known to a number of grocery cart using individuals, when the grocery cart is manually moved across the surface at a higher velocity, i.e. when the individual is running, the front castor wheels go into resonance (sometimes called wheel shimmy or steering wobble) resulting in uncontrolled movement related to movement of the castor wheel about the vertical pivot axis with the wheel swinging side to side laterally, being parallel to the surface making the grocery cart difficult to move across the surface as the front castor wheel is virtually skidding sideways in its contact with the surface in an oscillating manner as opposed to the wheel properly rolling across the surface with minimal forward movement frictional resistance, i.e. making the grocery cart easy to push. The cause of this resonance of the castor wheel on the grocery cart when being moved across the surface at a velocity higher than a normal walking pace is that the pivotal (steering) instantaneous moment of the castor increases as a function of the velocity approximately squared, in addition the resonance can be excited by an undulation in the surface (surface unevenness, bumps, ruts, cracks, and the like) that the wheel comes in to rolling contact with. Thus, in taking the grocery cart from a velocity of about two (2) miles per hour (moderate walking pace) to about six (6) miles per hour (moderate jogging pace) the rotational moment of the castor increases about nine (9) times. Also, the frequency of the castor wheel resonance proportionally increases with the velocity of the grocery cart being in conjunction with the increase of the rotational moment. With the significant increase in the rotational moment of the castor there is a tendency for the wheel to overshoot in vertical pivot movement further causing a reactionary vertical pivot movement of the wheel from the rotational moment in the opposite direction. Further, in continuing the wheel overshoots in vertical pivot movement in the opposite direction causing a reactionary rotational moment and further continuing, thus resulting in lateral or horizontal resonance or uncontrolled movement of the castor wheel being highly undesirable as interfering with the smooth operation and steering ability of the grocery cart. However, this problem of castor resonance is not limited to grocery carts, as wheel chairs, hand carts, baby strollers, and the like typically are structurally very similar to grocery carts related to the castor wheels and affixed wheels as previously described. Note that this problem of castor resonance is not universal as long as the carriage is manually moved along the surface at a typical moderate walking velocity or slower as the castor resonance is rarely present due to the reduced rotational moment of the castor not causing the overshooting of the vertical pivot movement of the wheel that results in a reactionary and opposite rotational moment that ultimately leads to resonance of the castor wheel as previously described. However, if there is potential that the carriage will be manually moved across the surface at a velocity greater than the moderate walking pace then the aforementioned problem of castor resonance will most likely appear as in the case of jogging strollers and racing wheel chairs, being typical of manually operated carriages that are moved along a surface at a velocity higher than a moderate walking pace.
The problem of castor wheel resonance in carriages is recognized in the prior art for strollers particularly due to the advent of the "jogging stroller" and racing wheel chair wherein suddenly manually moving a carriage across a surface at a velocity substantially faster than moderate walking speed became an issue with the accompanying castor wheel resonance problems as previously described, that were not a problem with a traditional stroller or wheel chair that was typically manually moved along a surface at a moderate walking velocity. An example of a traditional "walking" stroller that is designed for moving along a surface at a moderate walking velocity utilizing castor wheels similar to the aforementioned grocery cart is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,320 to Chen that discloses a walking stroller with the novel portion being the pivoting handlebar that automatically converts the front wheels into castor type wheel sets when pushing the stroller either forward or backward. Further, a typical example of a "walking" wheel chair is in U.S. Pat. No. 2,669,289 to Usher et al. that discloses a folding wheelchair that collapses width wise, with the novelty in the folding X type frame, having only standard type castor wheels. On the typical jogging stroller, due to the previously described castor resonance when the carriage is manually moved along a surface at a higher velocity being around running or jogging speed, the prior art jogging stroller overcomes the resonance issue simply by eliminating the castor and making the front wheel(s) affixed to the stroller frame with no castor or turning capabilities much the same as the rear wheels. Of course jogging strollers have other features such as longer extending handles to provide clearance for the jogger's feet and legs longer stride to minimize interference with the stroller frame and wheels and having larger diameter wheels that will rotate slower at higher velocities across the surface to reduce wheel imbalance vibration and give the stroller the capability roll upon more undulated or uneven surfaces at higher velocities with less chance of a sudden vertical force upon the stroller frame that could result in upsetting the stroller (causing the jogging stroller to potentially roll on its side) resulting from the wheel coming into contact with the uneven surface at a higher velocity from manually moving the stroller across the surface at jogging or running speed.
An example of a typical jogging stroller is given in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,802 B2 to Sheehan, which discloses a jogging stroller as previously described being a conventional three fixed wheel design, wherein the novelty is in the ability to be a single seat or interchangeably a two seat design. Even though Sheehan is very representative of a typical jogging stroller, a number of design deficiencies become apparent in the jogging stroller arts, firstly, inherent rolling instability along an axis parallel to the direction of travel, as jogging strollers negotiate turns at higher velocity than walking strollers, roll over stability is important, however, ironically jogging strollers fare worse in this area than walking strollers by typically placing the child at a higher position above the surface increasing the composite roll over moment of the jogging stroller and child combined, due to larger diameter wheels and the stroller frame being higher above the surface (similar to a Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV] as compared to a passenger car), with the composite center of gravity of the child and the jogging stroller combined being vertically higher above the surface.
Secondly, addressing another typical jogging stroller design deficiency, as most jogging stroller designs have a single front wheel and two rear wheels as represented by Sheehan, further adds to roll over instability by reducing the effective "track" being the width of the wheel contacts upon the surface positioned transverse to the direction of travel of the stroller, depending upon the composite center of gravity for the child and the stroller combined as positioned between the front and rear wheel axles. As a way of partially overcoming the roll over instability as previously described, most jogging strollers place the composite center of gravity substantially adjacent to the rear wheel axle to allow the wider track of the rear wheels to have more influence on the effective track to regain some roll over stability. Also, as the typical jogging stroller has no wheel steering capability (castor or otherwise), as all the jogging stroller wheels are fixed to not allow steering having only wheel rotation, the only way the jogging stroller can be turned is by "skidding" or by lifting, or a combination thereof of the single fixed front wheel side to side or laterally transverse to the stroller direction of travel and in order to do this skidding easily the majority of weight should be removed from the front wheel with this being accomplished by two items. First, being the design center of gravity of the jogging stroller and child that is adjacent to the rear wheel axle and with the long jogging stroller handle giving the individual manually pushing the jogging stroller a longer moment arm to pivot the jogging stroller on the rear wheels thus making the contact of the front wheel to the surface very lightly loaded or even removing the front wheel contact with the surface temporarily. The method of currently steering present art jogging strollers is burdensome to the individual using the jogging stroller by the constant lifting, adjusting, and/or skidding the fixed position front wheel for directional changes on jogging paths and the like, especially in the case of a large child in the jogging stroller or with the use of twin (two) children jogging strollers.
Thirdly, addressing yet another typical jogging stroller design deficiency, again as most jogging stroller designs have a single front wheel and two rear wheels as represented by Sheehan, when maneuvering the jogging stroller up or down street curbs or steps, the single front wheel is placed either up or down as required by pivoting on the rear wheel axle the stroller frame being lifted or lowered via the extended length handle, wherein the single front wheel is placed on the curb or step (i.e. the new surface where the individual using the jogging stroller wants to go) and then using the handle the individual lifts the two rear wheels resulting in the entire jogging stroller weight resting upon the single front wheel. At this point a highly unstable situation exists, requiring the user to maintain a firm grip on the stroller handle, with all the weight and balance being on a single front wheel (similar to a unicycle) especially along the roll axis that is parallel to the jogging stroller direction of travel wherein the entire jogging stroller could roll sideways very easily being only resisted by the individual holding the handle until the two rear wheels are safely placed back on the new surface making the jogging stroller more stable about the roll axis.
Thus, the stroller arts have evolved into two distinct groupings based upon their use, being the walking strollers and the jogging strollers as represented by Chen and Sheehan respectively as previously described. Wherein, walking strollers cannot be easily used as jogging strollers having small diameter castored wheels that would result in undesirable castor resonance and vertical stroller frame shock loads from surface irregularities that are encountered at higher velocities along the surface, that increase the potential for a roll axis upset thus risking that the walking stroller could end up on its side if used on undulated surfaces at velocities higher that a moderate walking pace. The result of this is to have potential discomfort, injury, or death to the occupant of the stroller and to damage the stroller itself, in addition also potential injury or death to the user manually pushing the stroller. However, as most walking strollers have four wheels (two equally tracking front wheels and two equally tracking rear wheels), walking strollers are more stable along the roll axis during turns and are more stable when maneuvering the walking stroller up or down street curbs or steps, as the two front wheels are placed either up or down as required by pivoting on the rear wheels with the stroller frame being lifted or lowered via the handle, wherein the two front wheels are placed on the curb or step (i.e. the new surface where the individual using the walking stroller wants to go) and then using the handle the individual lifts the two rear wheels resulting in the entire jogging stroller weight resting upon the two front wheels, thus not having any compromise in roll axis stability than exists with all four wheels resting upon the surface. Conversely, if a jogging stroller is used as a walking stroller the lack of any steerable wheels is very inconvenient, requiring the individual using the jogging stroller to frequently lift or drag the single front wheel to move the front wheel sideways or transverse to the stroller direction of travel. Also, the jogging stroller has the previously described design deficiencies of turning or roll axis instability (however less critical at walking speed across the surface) and curb/step negotiating instability from the three wheel design. In addition, note that the three wheel All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in no longer manufactured due to safety issues related to roll axis instability while turning resulting in rider injury or death, wherein the ATV design has been replaced using four wheels for enhanced roll axis stability.
There has been some recognition in the prior art as to the dichotomy in the stroller arts in looking at U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,804 B1 to Liu that discloses a jogging stroller that has a control block that can lock and unlock the front wheel from swivel (castor) movement. Liu recognizes the problem of steering a jogging stroller with a fixed front wheel, and claims to solve this problem by selectively allowing the front wheel to swivel for turning and then relocking the front wheel from swivel movement while going straight ahead with the stroller. Liu does not teach specifics related to rake, trail, pivot angles, on the front swivel wheel, as the Liu front swivel wheel is a design similar to the aforementioned grocery cart. Wherein, if the Liu front swivel wheel were unlocked (allowing swivel movement) when being used as a jogging stroller the front wheel would not only have resonance (defined as uncontrolled vacillating swivel movement of the wheel) but would also have excessively quick steering that would make control of the stroller difficult. It could be stated that Liu has a "hybrid" stroller that can lock the front swivel wheel for jogging mode and unlock the swivel wheel to turn in walking mode. However, as Liu has the conventional three wheel jogging stroller design the aforementioned turning instability and curb/step instability issues remain with Liu not improving upon the current separate functions of strollers that are designed for either walking or jogging. Some additional recognition of this dichotomy is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,801 B1 to Durrin that discloses add on front wheel castors for a jogging stroller, the add on castors are standard type castors, with the novel feature being only the attachment structure of the add on castors to the jogging stroller, which of course converts the jogging stroller to a walking stroller. Also, similarly in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,467 B1 to Black disclosed is a functionally similar arrangement to Durrin, however, except that the jogging stroller is originally manufactured with interchangeable front wheels, with the walking stroller front wheels being of standard castor design and the jogging front wheel being of standard fixed design. Wherein, Black further recognizes the problem of castor front wheels on jogging strollers, reference Black's FIGS. 2 and 3.
What is needed is a stroller that substantially overcomes the aforementioned dichotomy in the stroller arts to allow a single stroller to function with substantial success as both a walking stroller and a jogging stroller without the need for structural hardware change outs between a jogging mode of use and a walking mode of use. This would include having several enhancements to overcome the identified deficiencies with the current jogging stroller arts related to having slower more controlled steering capabilities for a jogging stroller, enhanced roll axis stabilities, higher stability when negotiating curbs and steps with a jogging stroller, and retaining the current stroller arts capabilities of walking strollers that include steering, roll axis stability, and curb/step negotiating roll axis stability. In particular, enhancing the jogging stroller steering capability related to overcoming castor wheel resonance at higher velocities that accompany jogging velocities or speeds of the jogging stroller across the surface. Additionally, having enhanced roll axis stability while turning the stroller at speeds above walking, improved curb/step negotiating stability, and having the capability to have smooth and stable turning and non turning modes at speeds from walking to running.


The present invention pertains to a process for the production of a polyester multifilament yarn having at least 90 mol % ethylene terephthalate with a single filament titer of 1 to 20 dtex, using a central quenching system, characterized in that the method has the following steps: Extrusion of a polyethylene terephthalate polymer melt through a spinneret that has a number of capillaries between 150 and 1500, adjusting a spacer length between 5 and 150 mm, cooling of the obtained threads by means of a constant blown-air speed profile defined in the thread transit direction in that it initially rises very quickly in the region facing the spinneret, then reaches a maximum and subsequently drops off initially very quickly, then more slowly, with the average blown air speed in the vicinity of the threads being between 0.15 and 1.5 m/sec, in such a manner that the undrawn yarn produced from the process has a birefringence of between 0.050 and 0.130, and the coefficient of variation in tenacity at break between the undrawn, single filaments of a yarn amounting to a maximum of 6% with the coefficient of variation in the elongation at break amounting to a maximum of 8%, whereby finally the undrawn yarn is further processed into a finished yarn.

The present invention pertains to a method for the production of a polyester multifilament yarn.
High-strength filaments of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are used, as known, in various facets of industry, e.g., for the manufacture of tire cord.
The invention in particular pertains to a polyester (PET) that contains at least 90 mol % of ethylene terephthalate.
For the use of PET in the above-identified areas, yarns with particularly stable molecular structures are needed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,052 describes a method for the production of high-strength PET yarns with low shrinkage and little heat generation under cyclical, mechanical loads. To increase the spin yarn orientation, the process uses a stress elevation by means of a fast cooling of the threads directly beneath the spinning nozzle. As is also indicated from the above patent specification (FIG. 1), within the framework of the method, a counterflow blowing is used. However, in this case, maximum capillary counts of 20 to 34 are disclosed.
A cooling process of this kind and other conventional quenching processes in general lead to nonhomogeneous yarn properties, and thus to an increased filament breakage rate. In particular, when using several hundred capillaries (e.g., more than 200), as the ordinary technician will know, multiple problems occur.
Nonhomogeneous yarn properties are obtained in the otherwise standard cooling processes, particularly when a relatively high and defined spin yarn orientation is required for the use of many capillaries. The latter pertains to special methods for the production of polyester yarns with low shrinkage and large modulus, the so-called low-shrinkage-high-modulus yarns (L.S.H.M. yarns). The nonhomogeneity problems thus increase with a greater the number of filaments at a given single titer. The single filament titer is between 1 and 20 dtex. U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,657 describes the production of a yarn with large modulus and low shrinkage. However, the described method with a conventional cooling technique cannot be transferred to a one-step spin-drawing process owing to the high required spinning speeds. In addition, in the use of a conventional cooling system, particularly when many capillaries are to be used, even in a two-step method (spinning-and drawing separately) the homogeneity of the yarns is limited.
From German Patent No. 3629731 and No. 3708168 it is already known how to achieve a good homogeneity in the mechanical properties. The problem of a simultaneously high molecular orientation in the spin material however is not found to be addressed in these publications. The provision of a high molecular orientation with simultaneous homogeneity of the high capillary spin yarn as a basis of a multifilament for specific use in L.S.H.M. is not found in either German Patent No. 3629731 or even in German Patent No. 3708168.
European Patent No. 0527134 pertains in general to the homogeneous production of filaments by use of a central quenching system. However, the possibilities for the production of yarns with low shrinkage and higher modulus are not recognized in this publication. Furthermore, clearly fewer than 150 capillaries are used in this publication.
In additional studies that form the basis of the present invention, it turned out that, in particular, certain combinations of spacer lengths (spacing between blow candle* and spinneret), lengths of the active and passive part of the central quenching system, the blown air speed, the blown air temperature, and the blown air profile produce definite improvements, specifically with regard to the production and/or the properties of L.S.H.M (low-shrinkage-high-modulus) yarns.

Process for the production of a polyester multifilament yarn


The presence of radiation shielding material concealing illegitimate content in a container is detected by obtaining each of measured gamma-ray data and measured neutron data from the container, and comparing the measured gamma-ray and neutron data to expected gamma-ray and neutron data. An anomaly between the measured data and the expected data is an indicum of the presence of such material shielding such illegitimate content.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the detection of radiation shielding material in a container, and, more particularly, to the detection of such material using an inverse ratio of gamma-ray to neutron radiation emission from a given container.
2. Background of the Art
In the post World War II era, global tensions festered and resolved within an environment dominated by the tremendous destructive capability of nuclear weapons that could kill millions of people and destroy large metropolitan areas in a single, momentary event. For several decades after 1945, a handful of nations, generally aligned within a bipolar world order, engaged in the proliferation of these weapons, continually increased the destructive capability of each warhead and refined delivery systems capable of launching a near instantaneous annihilative force with unprecedented stealth and accuracy.
Yet, despite the unprecedented military power ever possessed by a single nation state, the sheer magnitude of the mutual destruction that would result from the initiation of an attack by one state upon another, and the equally destructive response which would ensue, using these weapons prevented their very use. This concept of mutually assured destruction provided the delicate balance in the bipolar alignment of world order that, irrespective of the ever-increasing magnitude of destructive force on each side, such force would never be used.
Presently, however, that delicate balance has been lost. The collapse of bipolarity and the emergence of unipolarity have resulted in the emergence of rogue nations and terrorists as the primary threat to world order. Rogue nations generally comprise small quasi-failing states that have either developed nuclear weapons or have active nuclear weapons programs in progress. Terrorists are small non-national groups who use random and wanton destruction of human life and property to create fear and panic in the civilian population for political gains. In either event, rogue nations and terrorists are increasingly capable of buying nuclear weapons technology on the world's black-market. Once in possession of nuclear weapons, either merely needs a method of delivery to cause great harm.
As set forth in the '154 and '307 Applications, the Sep. 11, 2001 attack on the New York World Trade Center by a terrorist group known as al Qaeda was a wake-up call for the nations of the world. People suddenly realized that their countries and nations were vulnerable to attack by using the common transport mechanisms of global commerce as a weapons delivery system or as the weapons themselves. Accordingly, these transport mechanisms have been subject to increased monitoring and more stringent security measures to minimize the chances of weapons delivery. However, the magnitude of the increase in monitoring or of the stringency of security measures is inherently limited so that such monitoring and measures do not disadvantageously choke the stream of commerce thereby potentially resulting in economic disruption and instability. Such disruption and instability would nonetheless achieve the aims of the terrorist even if no further weapons were ever delivered.
One of the basic transport mechanisms of the modern global economy is containerized shipping. Through seaports and border crossings, shipping containers freely move in and out of the nations of the world with little or no inspection of their contents. For example, as of February 2004, the United States Government admits that ninety-five percent (95%) of the some 30,000 shipping containers that enter U.S. ports every day are not inspected in any way. The same is true of the millions of shipping containers annually brought into the United States across its borders with Canada and Mexico.
This lack of inspection extends in even greater percentages to the some 200 million shipping containers that move in and out of the ports, and over the roads and rails, of the nations of the world every year. It has now been clearly recognized that rogue nations or terrorists could potentially deliver a nuclear weapon by stealth in a shipping container destined for a particular population center.
One way to prevent the delivery of a nuclear weapon by stealth is to physically inspect each and every shipping container as it moves through all of the major transit points, that is at each highway entrance and exit, border crossing, airport and seaport. But large scale, invasive inspections are not economically feasible. Such rigorous inspections would result in the aforementioned disruption and instability, thereby achieving the very goal of the terrorists. Accordingly, there has been developed various methods and apparatus, as disclosed in the '154 and '307 Applications, for alternative, non-invasive "on the fly" inspection of shipping containers at the major transit points of world trade.
a. Active Versus Passive Systems and Methods
A nuclear weapon, whether designed to destroy through the explosive release of nuclear energy or through the spread of nuclear material by conventional explosive force, contains a radioactive or fissile material. As is known, radioactivity is the spontaneous emission of radiation. This radiation occurs either directly from unstable atomic nuclei or as a consequence of a nuclear reaction, and comprises alpha particles, nucleons (protons and neutrons), electrons and gamma rays. This radiation can be detected through active or passive systems and methods.
As described in the '154 and '307 applications, gamma rays emitted by radioactive or fissile material in a shipping container can be detected by various types of radiation detection devices. It is also well known in the art that neutrons emitted by radioactive or fissile material in a shipping container can be detected by various radiation detection devices. See, e.g., Perkins et al., Method and apparatus for detecting neutrons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,423 ("Perkins et al.").
Active radiation detection involves (1) a source of radiation, e.g., x-rays or neutrons; (2) a radiation detection device; and, (3) in most schemes, the placement of the suspect container (or target object) between the source and the detection device in the path of the radiation emanating from the source. See, e.g., Armistead, Single Beam Photoneutron Probe And X-Ray Imaging System for Contraband Detection and Identification, U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,759. In the active system or method, the source of radiation illuminates or is focused at the container either to (1) cause a shadow of the shipping container contents to be cast on the detector (as in medical x-ray or tomography imaging); or (2) cause the target objects in the container to give off other types of radiation which are then detected by the detector.
There is an inherent fundamental problem with the known active, non-invasive detection systems and methods. The radiation source that illuminates or is focused upon the container gives off radiation which is itself harmful to people and property. As stated in the '307 Application: "Active detection systems (1) produce harmful radiation and thus are not suitable for the work environment; (2) can damage certain types of cargo carried in containers such as photographic film; (3) require a separation space between the radiation source and the detector into which space the inspected container must be placed; and, (4) are difficult to accommodate on the hoist attachment of the container crane."
Passive detection systems, as of the type described in the '154 and '307 Applications, do not rely upon any source of radiation, but instead assess the contents of the container by reliance upon the radiation spectrum or energy detected. As described therein, an unexpected spectrum or energy could be used to subject the container to further non-invasive or invasive inspection.
b. Shielded and Unshielded Nuclear Weapons
An unshielded nuclear weapon in a shipping container can be detected by many gamma-ray and neutron detection systems and methods. As pointed out in the '154 and '307 Applications, as early as 1911, Geiger-Mueller counters were available to detect the presence of ionizing radiation. Most modern, passive radiation detection devices utilize scintillators to detect the count and energy of the gamma rays. Among other things, gas filled chambers are used to detect the presence of neutrons. For an example of detection of unshielded radiation, "portal monitors" are radiation detectors mounted on a squared-off A-frame structure. A shipping container is driven through the portal monitor. The container thereby comes into proximity to the radiation detectors and they detect the presence of the radiation by virtue of the gamma-ray and/or neutron emissions from the container.
However, as also pointed out in the '154 and '307 Applications, it is well know in the art that matter significantly attenuates gamma rays. For example, two to three inches of lead surrounding, for example, forty (40) pounds of highly enriched uranium ("HEU") will almost entirely attenuate the gamma-ray emissions of the HEU. Any rogue nation or terrorist clever and resourceful enough to acquire a nuclear weapon in the first place will know that the best way to deliver it by stealth is to shield it. Consequently, there exists a need for improved methods and apparatus for passive non-invasive inspection of shipping containers that will detect the presence of radiation shielding material concealing impermissible quantities of radioactive or fissile material in a shipping container.

Inverse ratio of gamma-ray and neutron emissions in the detection of radiation shielding of containers


A muffler for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, the muffler including a muffler housing, at least one exhaust gas inlet, at least one gas outlet and at least one muffling device arranged in the muffler housing. At least one cooling element arranged in the muffler housing is configured to extract heat energy from the exhaust gas and is arranged in the muffler housing.

Mufflers are provided in exhaust gas systems of internal combustion engines to damp pressure surges which arise upon the fast opening of the outlet valves and to reduce noise emission. Different kinds of muffling devices are arranged in the interior of a muffler housing for the purpose of muffling. Examples of such devices include perforated pipes, chambers, insulating material and/or pipes with varying cross-sections. Further muffling devices are present in arrangements which divide the exhaust gas flow into a plurality of part flows of different lengths, whereby sound waves partly cancel one another out by phase-shifted superimposition due to interference effects.
A substantial proportion of the energy supplied by the fuel is lost in the form of heat energy through the exhaust gas system in internal combustion engines. It is advantageous in this respect to utilize at least a portion of this waste heat present in the exhaust gas and convert it into useful energy. There is only a limited construction space available for the exhaust gas system, particularly with internal combustion engines installed in motor vehicles. It is therefore frequently difficult to integrate devices required to utilize the waste heat into the exhaust gas system.


A method for producing a ballistic protective armour includes superimposing a certain number of textile layers (116) in such a way that a layer structure (114) is formed, in sewing the textile layers (116) of the layer structure to each other and in pressing the layer structure (114). Prior to a sewing process, the textile layers (116) of the layer structure (114) are pre-pressed by a pre-pressing process (30) in such a way that a preform (130), whose three-dimensional shape corresponds to a final product shape, is formed and subsequently, after the sewing process (50), the preform is exposed to a heat-pressing process (100) at a temperature greater than the temperature of the pre-pressing process (30).

The present invention relates to a method for producing a ballistic protective armour according to the premeable of claim 1.
Ballistic protective armours are known as components of ballistic protective clothing in a number of different embodiments, as, for example, military helmets protecting against projectile impacts and shell splinters, as flak jackets and suchlike. For producing a protective armour of this kind, single textile layers made of highly durable fabrics are layered onto each other to form a layered structure. The textile layers of this layered structure are sewed together and subjected to a pressing step to form a laminate. A protective armour of this kind is known, for example, from the patent document U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,954 and serves in the case described in this document as a back-side reinforcement of another armouring layer, so that a high stability against the impact of a splinter is achieved.
The compactness and and rigidity of the layered structure can be improved by sewing so that the protective effect of the armouring is improved. Moreover it is known to form ballistic protective armours from laminated textile layers which absorb the energy of a striking projectile to a large extent. This is achieved by a deformation of the projectile which penetrates the outer layers of the laminate, the deformed projectile being intercepted by the remaining layers at the inner side of the armour which is to be protected, because the kinetic energy is already strongly reduced after destroying the outer layers. These remaining catching layers delaminate in parts from the penetrated outer layers so that an inward bulge is formed at the inner side of the protective armour, in which the projectile remains. Because an extensive bulging effect can lead to strong injuries of the wearer of the ballistic protective armour, for example, to severe head injuries of the wearer of a military protective helmet which is built that way, it is possible to delimit the peeling or delamination effect of the catching layers by providing seams. Thus it is possible to provide a protective armour made of a textile laminate which absorbs an impact sufficiently on one hand and keeps the person to be protected from suffering injuries on the other hand.
To ensure a wearing comfort which is as high as possible as well as an extensive protective effect, the ballistic protective armour should be adapted to the body form of its wearer. It is therefore desired to produce the armour in a large variety of different forms. This is not always achievable without problems because the inner structure of the relatively rigid textile laminate can be changed by a subsequent bending, bulging, deep drawing or the like in a way that the protective effect may be impaired all over the whole product or locally. In particular it is disadvantageous if a covering which is coated to the textile layers for forming the laminate penetrates too deep into the fibers, because the fabric of the textile layers and the yarn of the seams shall keep well-defined properties with respect to elasticity and tensile strength. For example, the protective armour disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,954 is bendable to a certain extent after sewing and subsequent pressing, but it is not spherically deformable, for example, to a hemisphere. So it is not possible to form helmet shells by that way.

Method for producing a ballistic protective armour


A plug connector for pipelines, in particular pipelines made of plastic, having a housing part comprising, in two-part form, a receiving part for a retaining element and fluid seal; and a coupling part for coupling the housing part to an assembly, and can be sealed with respect to the assembly, characterized in that the housing part is divided in such a way that the receiving part can be sealed directly with respect to the assembly.

The relevant prior art in relation to such plug connectors is provided, for example, by EP 0 753 698 B1, EP 0 733 844 B1 and DE 203 19 959 U1 (US 2007/0284875 A1) which describe various applications and structural designs of known coupling devices.
In this respect, EP 0 733 844 B1 describes a coupling device for the rapid and releasable coupling of at least one plastic pipeline, comprising a housing part with at least one receiving opening for inserting the pipeline, and also a clamping ring which is arranged in the receiving opening and which, in order to lock the pipeline, interacts via an outer cone with an inner cone of the housing part, wherein, for the purpose of being able to release the pipeline, the housing part comprises, in two-part form, a base part and an insert part which is connected releasably to said base part and which incorporates the inner cone, and the insert part is connected to the base part via a snap-action form-fitting connection. Provision is made for the insert part to have an inner, encircling sealing lip so that it can bear sealingly against the outer peripheral surface of the pipeline, wherein the sealing lip extends obliquely inward in the direction of insertion prior to the insertion of the pipeline in such a way that it is somewhat elastically widened by the inserted pipeline and then bears sealingly.
EP 0 753 698 B1 describes a plug connection for coupling pressure-medium lines, comprising a housing part with a socket having a one-side opening for the insertion of a plug section formed in particular by a pipeline end, wherein at least one retaining element is arranged within the socket on the side facing the opening and at least one sealing element is arranged, starting from the retaining element, in the direction away from the opening, and, during the operation of inserting the plug section into the socket of the housing part, a retaining function is ensured first of all, and, in the further course of the insertion operation, sealing of the plug section with respect to the housing part is additionally ensured via the sealing element, wherein the housing part comprises a leakage path in such a way that, when the plug section is in an inserted position in which it is locked by the retaining element but not yet sealed via the sealing element, a perceptible leakage within defined limits is ensured. Provision is made for the leakage path to be assigned a valve element in such a way that, with the plug section in the inserted position in which it is not yet sealed via the sealing element, it is possible on the one hand for the pressure medium to pass outwardly via the leakage path but, on the other hand, dirt particles and the like are prevented from penetrating from outside into the interior of the housing.
DE 203 19 959 U1 (US 2007/0284875 A1) describes a plug connector for fluid lines, comprising a housing part with a plug socket for the fluidtight insertion of a tubular plug-in part, wherein a retaining element for locking the inserted plug-in part and a fluid seal for sealing said part are arranged in the plug socket, and wherein the housing part comprises, in two-part form, a base part and an insert part which is connected thereto via a snap-action form-fitting connection. Provision is made for the base part in turn to comprise, likewise in two-part form, a receiving part for the retaining element, the fluid seal and the insert part and also a coupling part for coupling the housing part to a fluid line.
At the same time, DE 203 19 959 U1 (US 2007/0284875 A1) also claims a plug connector for fluid lines that can have the above features, comprising a housing part with a plug socket for the fluidtight insertion of a tubular plug-in part, wherein, starting from a dirt seal on the mouth side as viewed in the direction of insertion, first a retaining element for locking the inserted plug-in part and subsequently a fluid seal are arranged within the plug socket, wherein a leakage path is formed in such a way that, with the plug-in part in a prelocking position in which it is locked by the retaining element but is not yet sealed via the fluid seal, a physically perceptible leakage within defined limits is ensured. Provision is made for the leakage path to be formed by depressions which are arranged on the outer periphery of the plug-in part and which, in the prelocking position, are arranged on the one hand in the region of the fluid seal and on the other hand in the region of the dirt seal.
In the case of one-part couplers (EP 0 753 698 B1, EP 0 733 844 B1), it is conventional for receiving parts together with retaining element and sealing ring to be inserted into a metal screw-in stub. The disadvantage with these plug connections is that the content of metal is very high and therefore the costs for material and machining are also correspondingly high.
Consequently, use has also been made of two-part designs having reduced metal content. In the case of these two-part plug connections, it is conventional for preassembled plastic receiving parts together with retaining element and sealing ring to be fastened to screw-in parts, as can be found in DE 203 19 959 U1 (US 2007/0284875 A1) in particular in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 thereof. These known plug connections follow the basic principle of "retention before sealing". The disadvantage of these plug connectors is that, apart from the main sealing ring which seals the pipe with respect to the receiving part, a further sealing ring has to seal the receiving part with respect to the screw-in part. This entails high costs on the one hand and on the other hand creates a point at which leakages can occur.


A computer-implemented method for providing secure mobile email communications is described. At least one application programming interface (API) of a native email client is hooked in order to transmit data securely via email. The native email client is native to an operating system of the mobile device. An email originating from a registered application is detected, via the hooked API. The email includes the data to transmit securely. The registered application is registered in a registry according to a mobile application authentication procedure. The registry includes a plurality of registered applications authenticated according to the mobile application authentication procedure.

The use of computer systems and computer-related technologies continues to increase at a rapid pace. This increased use of computer systems has influenced the advances made to computer-related technologies. Indeed, computer systems have increasingly become an integral part of the business world and the activities of individual consumers. Computer systems may be used to carry out several business, industry, and academic endeavors. The wide-spread use of computers has been accelerated by the increased use of computer networks, including the Internet.
Many businesses use one or more computer networks to communicate and share data between the various computers connected to the networks. The productivity and efficiency of employees often require human and computer interaction. Users of computer technologies continue to demand an increase in the efficiency of these technologies. Improving the efficiency of computer technologies is always desirable to anyone who uses and relies on computers.
Computing systems may be mobile so that users may carry these systems as they travel, shop, work, etc. A mobile computing device may host a number of concurrently running apps, each capable of network communication. A component of the operating system of the mobile computing device, one of the apps, or a combination of the two may allow a user of the mobile computing device to use a native email client to send data associated with an application to another computer device. The process of sharing data associated with an application on a mobile computing device via the native email client may present opportunities for unintended recipients to acquire access to this data through unintended data leakage and data breaches.

Systems and methods for securing email in mobile devices


The invention relates to a method of cleaning tubes, in which the tube is at least partially filled with a cleaning medium, wherein a cleaning medium is atomized, in which case the droplets of cleaning medium are accelerated, at least in part, essentially in the direction of a center axis of the tube.

Capillary tubes are required for a variety of different uses. For example, in the electronics sector, reed switches and transponders are welded in thin glass capillary tubes. In order for the function of such components, which in some cases are relevant to safety, not to be impaired, the cleanliness of the capillaries used has to meet stringent requirements.
The cleaning of capillary tubes, however, is an extremely difficult task. Thus, the cleaning medium, on account of the surface tension, is slow to penetrate into the capillaries and thus usually achieves an unsatisfactory cleaning result.
The cleaning of capillaries which are closed at one end, also known as scooping capillaries, poses particular problems. If such a scooping capillary is to be flooded with a cleaning medium, the cleaning medium usually penetrates only into the front region since the air which is enclosed in the region behind prevents the cleaning medium from passing through the entire volume of the capillary.
A series of methods are known for the purpose of cleaning capillaries.
Thus, for example, EP 1 237 665 discloses the operation of cleaning capillaries by means of a liquid which contains magnetic droplets. A significantly improved cleaning action is achieved by a changing magnetic field being applied.
DD 274 173 discloses a method of cleaning capillaries in which the capillary is cooled from outside in a nitrogen bath and a cryogenic liquid is forced through the capillary.
Also known in practice are mechanical methods in which a cleaning aid is forced through the capillary. Such mechanical methods, however, are not suitable for all types of capillaries. The known methods of cleaning capillaries involve extremely high outlay.
In particular the operation of cleaning scooping capillaries is possible only to an insufficient extent using methods which are known from the prior art.

Method for, and apparatus for, cleaning tubes


This relay unit includes: a first bus bar; a relay electrically connected to the first bus bar; and an apparatus cover for covering the first bus bar and the relay. The apparatus cover includes: an upper member in a box shape having a covered upper end, the upper member having an opening formed in a lower end; and a lower member bonded to the upper member such that the opening of the upper member is covered with the lower member. The lower member is formed of a resin having heat conductivity that is higher than that of the upper member. The first bus bar is connected to the lower member via a first inner heat conductive sheet such that heat can be transferred to the lower member, said first inner heat conductive sheet being disposed between the first bus bar and the lower member.

Vehicles such as electric automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with an electric motor for driving the vehicle. In addition, some vehicles are equipped with a power generator. A rotary electric machine such as the electric motor or the power generator is connected to a battery via an inverter. In this configuration, a relay is connected between the inverter, which is a load of the battery, and the battery, and the relay is controlled by a control device, to switch an electrical connection state between the battery and the inverter.
Patent Literature 1 discloses structure of a vehicle in which a relay is housed inside an electric equipment housing, along with other electric equipment components. One end of a bus bar is electrically connected to a connection point of the relay, and the other end of the bus bar is electrically connected to an output terminal of a battery block at an outer side of the electric equipment housing. Further, an intermediate portion of the bus bar is connected via an electrically insulating and heat-dissipating sheet to a chassis which is a part of the vehicle, at an outer side of the electric equipment housing. Patent Literature 1 also discloses that the bus bar does not need to be connected to the chassis, and may instead be connected to a housing which houses the battery system. With this configuration, heat generated in the relay can be thermally conducted and discharged to the side of the chassis or the other housing.


A golf weight training device for improving a golfer's swing during practice therewith. The device comprises an elongate shaft with a top section and an arcuately contoured bottom section defining a bottom end. Advanced over the top section of the shaft is a golf grip used by the golfer to hold the golf weight training device during practice. The bottom section is curved such that the bottom end is laterally offset from a longitudinal shaft axis of the top section. The curved bottom section simulates the position of a club head during the swing and moves the center of gravity of the device outside the swing plane in order to promote proper motion. Generally, the shaft will weigh about 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and be around 29-39 inches in length. The curved bottom section will be formed on the last 6 inches of the shaft such that the bottom end will be laterally offset about 3 inches away from the longitudinal axis of the top section.

There is currently known in the prior art a wide variety of training devices for improving a golfer's swing. Such devices improve the swing by teaching the proper swing mechanics. When trying to learn the proper technique, the golfer must teach his muscles the proper motion needed to strike the ball effectively. Therefore, it is advantageous for the golfer to repeat the proper swing technique in order for his muscles to develop a memory for the swing such that the correct motion becomes automatic.
In order to drive a golf ball accurately and with distance, the golfer must have the proper positioning of his body during his swing. The golfer must fully rotate his shoulders with his arms extended outward during the backswing of the golf club. Then during the downswing, the golfer's arms and shoulders must rotate forward with the golfer's wrists remaining in a prescribed orientation. Additionally throughout the swing, the golfer's weight must shift between his/her feet. Furthermore, the golfer must accelerate the club head through the impact of the ball and after follow-through.
As can be seen, the proper mechanics of a golf swing are very complicated and must be practiced often in order to achieve maximum performance. The present invention provides an aid for strengthening and learning muscle memory for a correct golf swing. Specifically, the present invention can help promote a correct swing by teaching the golfer's muscles the proper positioning and motion needed while practicing with the device. Additionally, the present invention can promote strength, flexibility and endurance for the golfer.