A device for making ice pieces includes an ice piece producing unit, a collection container for receiving ice pieces produced in the ice piece producing unit and a detection device for monitoring a fill level of the collection container. The detection device includes a signal-emitting device and a signal receiving device, where the signal-emitting device is adjustable. Alternatively, the detection device includes a signal-emitting device, a reflector and a signal receiving device, where the reflector is adjustable.

Today, the field of gastronomy is unimaginable without ice pieces made of water for cooling foods and beverages. Because of the quantities needed, devices for making ice pieces have always been used. However, making ice pieces is becoming increasingly important and interesting for private users as well. For this reason, devices for making ice pieces are already known, either as separate devices or integrated into freezers or refrigerators.
The basic design of such a device for making ice pieces is always similar. More particularly, there is always at least one ice piece producing unit and a collection container in which the ice pieces produced are received and from which they can be removed by the user. What differs is the way in which the ice pieces are produced in the ice piece producing unit and the manner in which the fill level in the collection container is monitored.
It is known, for example, to monitor the fill level in the collection container using sensor means, such as mechanical, electronic, electromechanical, or optical sensors. The prior art, however, has the disadvantage and inconvenience that only two conditions are detectable, namely, when the collection container is full and when it is empty and needs to be refilled. However, depending on the user's habits, it may not always be required or desired for the collection container to be completely filled. Moreover, it has been found that the ice pieces become connected and adhere to each other when no ice pieces are removed from the collection container over a prolonged period of time. In that case, the ice pieces are "expired". In addition, they shrink and change their shape because they lose moisture as a result of the cooling process. Furthermore, prolonged storage involves the risk of deterioration in the overall quality of the ice pieces. Another negative aspect of such devices for making ice pieces is that the energy consumption increases disproportionately with the number of excessive ice pieces.
German Patent Publication DE 40 20 128 C2, for example, describes a device for making ice pieces where the ice pieces are formed on cooling fingers which are in communication with a compression cooling unit. The cooling fingers are immersed in a water tray and subsequently cooled to the freezing temperature so that the surrounding water freezes on the cooling fingers. The ice pieces so produced can subsequently be released into a collection container by briefly heating the cooling fingers. In this design, the water tray is pivotable about an axis so that the water remaining therein after making the ice pieces can be poured out. Moreover, a feeler arm is provided as a detection device on the outer edge of the water tray to monitor the fill level of the collection container. When pouring out the residual water, the water tray is pivoted so that the path of movement of the feeler arm is blocked when a predetermined fill level is reached. As a result, an electric controller interrupts the production of ice. As explained earlier herein, this approach has the disadvantage that the fill level of the collection container must always be at the same height, and that ice pieces are produced until the maximum fill level of the collection container is reached.
A similar device for making ice pieces is described in DE 10 2005 057 139 A1. Here, the ice pieces are produced by introducing water into a suitable ice tray which is pivotable about an axis. Once the water is frozen, the ice tray is pivoted about its axis, and the ice pieces are mechanically removed from the ice tray by a finger during the rotational movement. In order to monitor the fill level of the container and to control the ice cube supply as a function of the detected fill level, a detection device in the form of a light barrier is used which defines the upper fill level of the collection container. When the light beam of the light barrier is interrupted, the production of the ice pieces is stopped by a suitable control circuit. As long as the light barrier is not interrupted, the production of ice pieces continues, which involves the above-mentioned disadvantages. Here, too, the ice pieces are therefore not produced according to demand. Consequently, it is not possible to adjust the production of ice pieces in a flexible way.


When a user places his finger on a fingerprint detecting section, in the fingerprint detecting section, a shadow made by the finger placed on the fingerprint detecting section is detected by a sensor portion, and then, when it is judged that a shape of the detected shadow coincides with a distribution of the shadow made by the user""s finger, and thereby, a power is turned on. Thereafter, a fingerprint is detected from the finger placed on the fingerprint detecting section, and then, the detected fingerprint is collated with a previously stored fingerprint data so as to identify the user. Further, it is possible to use various data such as schedule data corresponding to the identified user. Therefore, this dispenses an operation for turning on the power and an instruction for starting fingerprint collation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus which identifies a user with the use of a person verifying function by a fingerprint when using a portable telephone and a portable information terminal equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
According to the related art, when using a portable telephone, portable information terminal equipment or the like, personal verification (identification) has been made with the use of a fingerprint of the person so that other persons can not have access to the person""s information.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication JP-U 1-120270 has disclosed a technique of collating a user""s fingerprint with a previously registered fingerprint, and controlling turn on/off of a power source of data terminal equipment in accordance with a collation result.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication JP-U 4-4352 has disclosed a technique of providing a cover which is located on a finger touch surface for being touched by a fingertip so as to freely reciprocate to open and close, and a sensor for detecting a cover open state, and supplying a power to a fingerprint input section when the cover open state is detected by the sensor.
Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A 4-352547 has disclosed a technique of reading a user""s fingerprint, collating a fingerprint data registered in a portable telephone with the read user""s fingerprint information, and further, setting and displaying the corresponding user""s personal telephone number from personal telephone numbers registered in the portable telephone in the case where the coincidence of collation is obtained, and thus, making a call.
However, according to the aforesaid related art, in order to collate the fingerprint, there is a need of carrying out a power-on operation and providing a fingerprint collating start instruction. Accordingly a problem arises such that the operation is troublesome.
Further, in using the apparatus, an operation for recognizing the user""s fingerprint is always continued to identify the user. Accordingly, a problem arises such that a power and a load on the apparatus are always applied in order to recognize the user""s fingerprint, and an identifiction process is interrupted when the user""s fingerprint can not be recognized due to a movement of the finger placed on a plate.
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus which can be easily operated.
Further, another object of the invention is to provided an information processing apparatus which can recognize a fingerprint even if a finger is moved on a plate.
The invention relates to an information processing apparatus comprising:
a finger contact plate for making a finger contact;
a light source for irradiating light to a contacting finger via the finger contact plate;
a fingerprint detecting section for detecting a fingerprint on the basis of reflected light of the light source; and
a fingerprint collating section for collating the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detecting section with a previously stored fingerprint,
the information processing apparatus further comprising:
a contact detecting section for detecting a contact of the finger onto the finger contact plate; and
a light source driving section for driving the light source when a contact of the finger is detected by the contact detecting section.
According to the invention, it is possible to dispense a key operation for starting fingerprint collation, so that the number of troublesome operations can be reduced.
Further, in the invention it is preferable that the information processing apparatus further comprises a light source stopper section for stopping the light source from being driven by the light source driving section when fingerprint collation by the fingerprint collating section is completed.
According to the invention, it is possible to prevent power consumed by wasteful drive of the light source.
The invention relates to an information processing apparatus comprising:
a finger contact plate for making a finger contact;
a light source for irradiating light to a contacting finger via the finger contact plate;
a fingerprint detecting section for detecting a fingerprint on the basis of reflected light of the light source; and
a fingerprint collating section for collating the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint detecting section with a previously stored fingerprint,
the information processing apparatus further comprising:
a contact detecting section for detecting a contact of the finger onto the finger contact plate;
a light source driving section for driving the light source when a contact of the finger is detected by the contact detecting section; and
a control section for putting the apparatus in a usable state when a coincident collation result is obtained by the fingerprint collating section.
According to the invention, it is possible to dispense a key operation for starting fingerprint collation, so that the number of troublesome operations can be reduced.
Further, in the invention it is preferable that the information processing apparatus further comprises a light source stopper section for stopping the light source from being driven by the light source driving section when fingerprint collation by the fingerprint collating section is completed.
According to the invention, it is possible to prevent power consumed by wasteful drive of the light source.
Further, in the invention it is preferable that the control section continuously puts the apparatus in a usable state when the contact of the finger onto the finger contact plate is continuously detected.
According to the invention, it is unnecessary to continue the fingerprint collation. Therefore it is possible to prevent power consumed by the wasteful driving of the light source. Further, the user is the same so long as the finger continuously contacts with the finger contact plate, and accordingly it is possible to restrict the user.
Further, in the invention it is preferable that the control section continuously puts the apparatus into a usable state when a movement of the finger in contact with the finger contact plate is detected by the contact detecting section.
According to the invention, the usable state of the apparatus is kept without continuing the fingerprint collation and the contact of the finger onto the finger contact plate Therefore, it is possible to reduce the user""s load that the user""s finger has to be placed on the finger contact plate maintaining the contact therewith.
Further, in the invention it is preferable that the contact detecting section is constructed in such a manner that a plurality of light receiving elements for generating a voltage by irradiation with light, are arranged in the form of a plane.
According to the invention, it is possible to detect the finger contact by the contact detecting section having a simple structure.


The maize gene dull1 (du1) of the present invention is a determinant of the structure of endosperm starch. Mutations of du1 affect the activity of at least two enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis, namely the starch synthase, SSII, and the starch branching enzyme, SBEIIa. Du1 codes for a predicted 1674 residue protein, and is expressed with a unique temporal pattern in endosperm but is undetectable in leaf or root. The size of the Du1 product and its expression pattern match precisely the known characteristics of maize SSII. The Du1 product contains two different repeated regions in its unique amino terminus, one of which is identical to a conserved segment of the starch debranching enzymes. The cDNA provided for in the present invention encodes SSII, and mutations within this gene affect multiple aspects of starch biogenesis by disrupting an enzyme complex containing starch synthase(s), starch branching enzyme(s), and possibly starch debranching enzyme(s).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to carbohydrate biochemistry. More specifically, the present invention relates to starch biosynthesis and the enzyme(s) involved.
2. Description of the Related Art
Starch, the most significant carbohydrate reserve in plant storage tissues, comprises the glucose homopolymers amylose and amylopectin. Amylose consists of predominantly linear chains of .alpha.-(1.fwdarw.4)-linked glucose residues, whereas amylopectin is a highly branched glucan with a specific "clustered" distribution of .alpha.-(1.fwdarw.6) glycosidic bonds (i.e branch linkages) connecting linear chains French, 1984; Manners, 1989).
Despite the relatively simple chemical structure of amylopectin, very little is known about the enzymatic processes responsible for formation of the highly specific and complex branching patterns in this polysaccharide. Biosynthesis of amylose and amylopectin involves activities of four groups of enzymes, each of which comprises multiple isozymes. These enzymes are ADPG pyrophosphorylases (AGPase), starch synthases (SS), starch branching enzymes (SBE) and starch debranching enzymes (SDBE) (Preiss, 1991; Hannah et al., 1993; Martin and Smith, 1995; Nelson and Pan, 1995; Ball et al., 1996; Preiss and Sivak, 1996; Smith et al., 1996). These enzymatic steps can account for all chemical linkages in starch, however, the specific roles of individual isozymes in formation of specific branching patterns in amylopectin and determination of starch granule structure and properties remain unknown.
Analysis of maize mutants with abnormal endosperm phenotypes has contributed greatly to the understanding of starch synthesis (Shannon and Garwood, 1984; Nelson and Pan, 1995) and facilitated the identification of many genes coding for starch biosynthetic enzymes. Cloned genes whose products are thought to be involved directly in starch biosynthesis are waxy (wx), coding for the granule-bound starch synthase GBSSI (Shure et al., 1983; Klosgen et al., 1986), amylose extender (ae), coding for SBEIIb (Fisher et al., 1993; Stinard et al., 1993), shrunken2 (sh2) and brittle2 (bt2), coding for the large and small subunits of AGPase, respectively (Bae et al., 1990; Bhave et al., 1990), and sugaryl (su1), coding for the SDBE SU1 (James et al., 1995). The transposon-tagging strategy was used to determine that the abnormal endosperm phenotype of wx-, ae-, or su1- mutants results from primary defects in GBSSI, SBEIIb, or SU1, respectively, and this approach remains the most effective way to identify genes such as dull1 (du1), in which the primary defect can not be associated with a particular enzyme deficiency.
The du1- mutations define a gene with a very important function in starch synthesis, as indicated by extensive structural analyses of starch from du1- mutant endosperms, and by the effects of these mutations when combined with other genetic deficiencies in starch biosynthetic enzymes (Shannon and Garwood, 1984; Nelson and Pan, 1995). The reference mutation du1-Ref was first identified as a recessive modifier of su1-Ref and su1-amylaceous (su1-am) (Mangelsdorf, 1947). Mutations of du1, when homozygous in otherwise non-mutant backgrounds, result in mature kernels with a tarnished, glassy, and somewhat dull appearance referred to as the "dull phenotype". Expression of this phenotype, however, depends on the particular genetic background (Mangelsdorf, 1947; Davis et al., 1955). Total carbohydrate and starch content in mature du1-mutant kernels is slightly lower than normal (Creech, 1965; Creech and MeArdle, 1966). The apparent amylose content in starch from du1- mutants is slightly or greatly elevated compared to normal depending on the genetic background (Shannon and Garwood, 1984), although the properties of polysaccharides in the apparent amylose fraction are essentially not altered (Dvonch et al., 1951). Approximately 15% of the starch in du1- mutant endosperms is in a form known as "intermediate material", which is distinguished from amylose and amylopectin by the properties of its starch-iodine complex (Wang et al., 1993b). Analysis of combined amylopectin/intermediate material fractions indicated that starch from du1- mutants has the highest degree of branching among a wide variety of normal and mutant kernels analyzed (Inouchi et al., 1987; Wang et al., 1993a; Wang et al., 1993b). Starch granules from du1- mutants seem to have normal structural and physical properties, although some abnormally shaped granules are found in the mutant endosperm (Shannon and Garwood, 1984).
Despite these subtle effects exerted by the single mutation, du1-alleles when combined with other mutations affecting starch synthesis result in a broad range of more severe alterations (Shannon and Garwood, 1984; Nelson and Pan, 1995). Mutations of du1 have been examined in combination with wx-, ae-, su1-, and sugary2 (su2-) mutations, and in all instances the double mutant kernels contained more soluble sugars and less total starch than when any of the mutations was present alone. In many instances the double mutants also produce polysaccharide forms that are distinct from the starch found in any single mutant kernels. These pleiotropic effects indicate the product of Du1 affects many aspects of starch biosynthesis in maize endosperm, however, without knowing the identity of this protein it is difficult to assess its specific functions.
Consistent with the pleiotropic genetic effects, du1-mutations cause reduced activity in endosperm of two seemingly unrelated starch biosynthetic enzymes, the starch synthase SSII and the branching enzyme SBEIIa (Boyer and Preiss, 1981). SSII is one of two enzymatically distinct starch synthase activities identified in the soluble fraction of maize endosperm; in vitro activity of SSII requires an exogenous glucan primer, and its molecular weight was determined in different studies as either 95 kD or 180 kD (Boyer and Preiss, 1981; Mu et al., 1994). Similarly, SBEIIa is one of the three known SBE isozymes in endosperm cells (Boyer and Preiss, 1978b; Fisher et al., 1993; Fisher et al., 1995; Gao et al., 1997). Several possibilities exist to explain the dual biochemical effects of du1- mutations. Du1 may code for a protein regulating the expression or activity of both SSII and SBEIIa. Alternatively, Du1 may code for either of these two enzymes, and the deficiency in one enzyme might also affect the second enzyme because of a direct or substrate-mediated physical interaction.
DU1 codes for a starch synthase, as indicated by the extensive similarity of its deduced amino acid sequence to potato SSIII, and by the substantial similarity between the C-terminal residues of DU1 and a large group of phylogenetically diverse starch- and glycogen synthases. Particularly striking are two regions that together comprise more than half of the deduced DU1 sequence of 1,674 residues, which share very high similarity of 51% and 73%, respectively, with the corresponding regions of the potato SSIII sequence. Within a stretch of 450 amino acids at the C-terminus of DU1 nearly 30% of the best aligned residues are identical in comparisons to a wide variety of starch- and glycogen synthases, suggesting the location of a domain within DU1 that provides .alpha.-1,4-glycosyltransferase acitivity.
The starch synthase coded for by Du1 is the soluble isozyme identified biochemically as SSII (Ozbun et al., 1971; Boyer and Preiss, 1981). The deduced molecular weight of Du1 including a potential transit peptide, 188 kD, matches closely with that of 180 kD reported for mature SSII lacking a transit peptide (Mu et al., 1994). The size difference of approximate 8 kD may be due to the transit peptide present in the deduced DU1 sequence. The tissue specific expression pattern of the Du1 mRNA also matches the expression pattern of SSII. Du1 transcripts were undetectable in leaves either by RNA gel blot or RT-PCR analyses, corresponding with that fact no detectable SSII activity was present in leaf extracts (Dang and Boyer, 1988). Moreover, the activity of SSII, along with that of SBEIIa, was greatly reduced in du1-mutant endosperm (Boyer and Preiss, 1981). Therefore, it appears that the maize du1 locus codes for the soluble starch synthase SSII, the counterpart of potato SSIII.
This characterization of Du1 implies that the phenotypic effects of du1- mutations, including changes in starch structure, deficiencies of two starch biosynthetic enzymes, and genetic interactions with ae-, su1-, su2-, and wx- mutations, all result either directly or indirectly from alteration of SSII. The reduction of SBEIIa activity in du1-mutant endosperm could result from the SSII deficiency owing to physical interaction between the two enzymes. A direct physical association of SSII and SBEIIa is implied by the observation that peak activities of both SSII and SBEIIa always coincide in the same DEAE-cellulose column fractions (Boyer and Preiss, 1978a; Boyer and Preiss, 1981; Dang and Boyer, 1988). Thus, SSII and SBEIIa may function together in vivo in the form of single multi-enzyme complex. Loss of the intact enzyme complex owing to reduction of SSII in du1-mutant endosperm may result in abnormally rapid proteolytic turnover of SBEIIa, or prevent accumulation of the enzyme by some other mechanism. Alternatively, expression of the Sbe2a gene in du1 -mutant endosperm may be inhibited as a more indirect consequence of the deficiency in SSII, for example through reduction of a transcriptional inducer or elevation of a repressor. Although the du1-Ref mutation does indirectly affect expression of other starch biosynthetic genes (Giroux et al., 1994), it actually caused increased gene expression rather than the reduction observed for SBEIIa. Furthermore, considering that large glucose polymers are expected to be the substrate and product of DUI, down-regulation of Sbe2b expression by a transcriptional mechanism seems unlikely. Thus, the former hypothesis may explain the deficiency of SBEIIa in du1-mutant endosperm.
The broad impact of the combination of du1- mutations with various su1-alleles on kernel phenotype and starch synthesis (Cameron, 1947; Shannon and Garwood, 1984) could be explained by the SU1 SDBE also interacting closely with SSII in vivo, perhaps in the same enzyme complex with SBEIIa. This proposed association of SBEIIa and SU1 in a multi-enzyme complex is consistent with the proposed simultaneous branching and debranching actions during amylopectin synthesis by SBE and SDBE (James et al., 1995; Nelson and Pan, 1995; Ball et al., 1996).
Thus, the prior art is deficient in understanding the complex association of enzymes involved in starch synthesis and in cloning genes corresponding to these enzymes. The present invention fulfills this long-standing need and desire in the art.

Dull1 coding for a novel starch synthase and uses thereof

Iowa State University Research Foundation


A communications cable payout bag includes: a main compartment configured to hold a communications cable package; a shoulder strap attached to the exterior of the bag; a pair of handle straps attached to the exterior of the bag, wherein each handle strap is shorter than the shoulder strap; a cable payout passageway between the main compartment and the exterior of the bag; and a closure mechanism configured to close the main compartment.

It is often necessary for technicians to carry a bulk amount of cable, such as coaxial cable, when performing installations, changes and repairs. Bulk amounts of cable are typically wound in coils (e.g., on reels or spools). Cable payout may be controlled by unwinding a desired amount of cable from the coil.
Cable coils are preferably portable to allow the technician to pay out cable at various locations. However, carrying a coil by hand may be undesirable due to the coil's size, weight and unwieldy nature. Furthermore, cable may become unorganized and/or tangled when paid out from an unrestrained coil.


A hybrid slot-strip antenna apparatus, and an associated methodology, for a multi-mode mobile station or other radio device. The antenna is formed of a plurality of slot-strips disposed upon a printed circuit board, or other substrate. The antenna is defined by width and length design parameters, the selections of which are determinative of the antenna functionality. Through appropriate selection of the design parameters, the antenna is operable, that is, resonant, at each of the frequency bands of the multi-mode mobile station.

Radio communications are a pervasive part of modern society. For many, the availability of radio communication systems through which to communicate is a necessary aspect of daily life. Radio communication systems are constructed that provide both radio broadcast services as well as interactive, two-way communication services. Various radio communication systems are operable over wide areas, and others are operable over only local areas.
Cellular communication systems are amongst the radio communication systems that are widely used by many. The network infrastructures of cellular communication systems have been deployed over significant portions of the populated areas of the world. A subscriber to a cellular communication system generally subscribes for service to communicate by way of the network infrastructure of the associated communication system. Communications are generally effectuated through use of a mobile station, typically a portable, radio transceiver oftentimes of small physical dimensions permitting their hand-held operation and carriage. With continued advancements in circuit technologies, increasing functionality is able to be provided in circuitry of increasingly miniaturized dimensions. While early-generation, cellular communication systems and their associated mobile stations were used primarily for voice services, newer-generation, cellular communication systems, and their associated mobile stations, are permitting of increasingly data-intensive communication services. Different ones of the cellular communication systems operate at different frequency bands. For instance, the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) 800 system operates at a frequency band defined between 824 and 894 MHz. The GSM 900 system operates at a frequency band extending between 890 and 960 MHz. The DCS (Digital Communication Service) system operates at a frequency band extending between 1710 and 1880 MHz. The PCS (Personal Communication Service) system operates at a frequency band extending between 1850 and 1990 MHz. The UMTS (Universal Mobile Telephone Service) operates at a frequency band extending between 1900 and 2200 MHz.
Other types of radio communication systems are also widely used. Some of such other systems share some of the aspects of cellular communication systems, or provide for interworking communications therewith. For instance, Bluetooth and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) communication systems provide for voice and data communication services, typically over relatively shorter ranges than the ranges over which cellular communication systems operate. Such systems are operable, e.g., in conformity with operating specifications set forth in the IEEE802.11b/g family of standards. And such systems are operable, for instance, at a frequency band located at the 2.4 GHz band. WLAN 802.11j/a systems are operable, for instance, at the 4.9-5.0 GHz, 5.15-5.35 GHz frequency band, or the 5.725-5.875 GHz frequency band. And, a GPS (Global Positioning System) radio broadcast system provides positioning services through the broadcast of signals at the 1.57 GHz band.
The various communication systems are not necessarily co-extensive. That is to say, the network infrastructures of some of such systems are deployed in some geographical areas and not others. And, in other geographical areas, other networks are deployed. Dual-mode, tri-mode, and quad-mode mobile stations are available that are permitting of their operation with two, three, and four different types of radio communication systems, respectively. Advancements in circuit technologies have permitted circuitry miniaturization that, in significant part, has permitted the multi-mode, mobile station implementations.
A challenging aspect of such multi-mode, mobile station implementations pertains to the antenna structures that transduce signal energy during the mobile-station operation. An antenna is typically of a length that is associated with the wavelengths of signal energy that is to be transduced. As noted-above, the different communication systems are operable at disparate frequency bands. As the mobile stations are increasingly packaged in small-sized housings, multi-mode devices that require antennas operable at multiple frequency bands must also be of dimensions to permit their positioning at the housing of such mobile stations.
Use of multiple antennas that operate at the different frequency bands of the multi-mode, mobile station increasingly become an impractical solution as the housing dimensions do not permit positioning of many antennas therein. PIFAs (Planar Inverted F Antennas) are sometimes used. PIFAs are compact, of low profiles, and are manufactured relatively easily. But, a PIFA is typically operable over only a narrow bandwidth. While the bandwidth of a PIFA can be increased by combining the PIFA structure with another broadband technology, such as a 3D multi-layered structure, such a combination negates, in significant part, the size advantages provided by a PIFA.
A need continues, therefore, to provide an antenna of small dimensions and capable of transducing signal energy of frequencies of multiple, disparate frequency bands.
It is in light of this background information related to antennas for radio devices that the significant improvements of the present invention have evolved.

Slot-strip antenna apparatus for a radio device operable over multiple frequency bands


An injection molding apparatus used comprises a molten resin injector 15 for injecting a molten resin, and a die 12 connected to the molten resin injector and communicating with the molten resin injector so that the molten resin is injected into the die. A cavity having a prescribed shape is formed within the die in order to mold the injected molten resin into the prescribed shape. An opening of the die for guiding the molten resin to the outside is blocked so as to confine a molding object as an object for molding the resin member. A plate member 10 as a molding object is compressed onto the die 12, and the molten resin is injected into the die while compressing the molding object. The molten resin is adhered on the molding object by being guided from the opening, and a solidified resin member comprising the solidified molten resin is bonded on the surface of the molding object. Consequently, the resin member having a prescribed shape is readily and promptly formed on the surface of the molding object.

When a resin member is fixed to a molding object such as a glass, the resin member is usually molded into a prescribed shape using a molding apparatus followed by fixing the molded resin member onto the molding object using an adhesive or a clamping member. Fixing the resin member is required, for example, when a vehicle component such as a vehicle glass as an wind shield glass is attached to the body of the vehicle. While the vehicle glass is usually bonded to the vehicle frame using an adhesive, the glass should be held to the body by some means before adhesive strength of the adhesive becomes sufficiently strong. In a conventional method for holding the glass, a special holding member (resin member) such as a clip is fixed to the glass, and the holding member is locked to the body. Accordingly, a molded holding member was prepared before fixing the holding member to the glass in the conventional method, and the molded member is fused to the glass using a ultrasonic welding machine.
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for readily attaching a molded resin member on the surface of a molding object, and an injection molding apparatus to be used for this purpose.

Method for molding resin member and injection molding apparatus


A track link connector is disclosed herein that includes an elongate, substantially cylindrical body having a length dimension and including a substantially annular exterior surface and first and second opposing end portions. The track link connector further includes a textured region extending less than 360 degrees around a circumference of the exterior surface of the body at one of the end portions thereof.

Machines such as track-type tractors, hydraulic excavators, and track loaders frequently utilize undercarriages to travel along a worksite. Such undercarriages frequently include track assemblies. In a track assembly of an undercarriage, track links may be connected to one another by track link connectors such as pins or cartridges. During use of the track assembly, the track link connectors may gradually move axially within the track link bores, potentially weakening the track assembly. The track link connectors may be textured to help prevent such movement, but the textured connector surfaces may cause galling of track link bore surfaces that engage the textured connector surfaces. As a result, when the track link connectors are removed and replaced, track link material may unintentionally be removed with the connectors, thereby reducing track link life. However, the textured connector surfaces may be configured to reduce their impact on track link life.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0141513 A1 to Livesay discloses a machine component configuration including a pin having a non-directional surface finish along a first portion of the length of the pin and a directional surface finish along a different portion of the length of the pin. The non-directional surface finish may be a circumferential surface finish that provides a fluid seal and the directional surface finish may facilitate press fitting of the pin in one direction while inhibiting removal of the pin in an opposite direction.

Track link connector with textured region


A method and apparatus for making thin panels having a urethane core and hinges for interconnecting them. A frame is secured to a support bed, and a sheet of paper is placed inside the frame into overlying relation to the bed. Plural board members are then placed inside the frame so that they overlie the peripheral borders of the sheet of paper and so that they are held in position by the frame. Tubular members are positioned in bores formed in the board members so that they extend into the area bounded by the extrusion members, and the innermost end of the tubular members are taped over to prevent foam intrusion. A second sheet of paper is then placed over the frame and a rigid top plate is lowered into overlying relation to the second sheet of paper so that the frame is sandwiched between the bed and the top plate. Foam is then injected into the cavity defined by the board members and the sheets of paper through a port formed in a board member. After the foam has cured, the top plate is raised and the completed panel is removed from the bed. A tool is used to form a bore at the innermost ends of each tubular member to accommodate a retainer clip that engages the innermost end of its associated tubular member, and a bungee cord is extended between opposing retainer clips in adjacent panels to form a double-acting hinge between the panels.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates, generally, to the art of making rigid panels. More particularly, it relates to the art of making thin panels having urethane cores. It also relates to a flexible hinge construction that enables edge-to-edge hinged interconnection of display panels.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Rigid panels are used in a wide variety of ways. Sales personnel, for example, often build information displays that employ such panels. Since sales personnel often travel extensively, it is important that the display panels they use be light in weight and easily transportable. Moreover, it is important that the panels be easily deployed and that the display, when fully set up, is attractive.
Most display panels are rectangular in configuration and are usually a little more than a centimeter in thickness. The flat display surfaces are usually covered by a suitable material.
The core of a typical display panel might be made of expanded polystyrene because that material is light in weight and reasonably durable, but the manufacturing of polystyrene is apparently detrimental to the ozone layer and efforts are under way to ban such manufacturing. Another common core material is corrugated cardboard, but the peripheral edges of display panels made from that material are unsightly.
Panels having urethane foam cores have also been made, but such panels are usually more than seven centimeters in thickness; accordingly, such panels are commonly used in the construction of walk-in freezers or refrigerators.
Attempts have been made to use urethane in the construction of thin display panels, but no successes were reported by others before the filing of this disclosure. Urethane expands upon curing, and molds designed to make thin panels from urethane have proved to be unsatisfactory because the expansion of the foam simply destroys such molds. If the problem is solved by admitting very small quantities of urethane into the mold so that the subsequent expansion does not break the mold, the resulting panel has too many large voids therewithin for an acceptable product. The problem is so intractable that the conventional wisdom in the panel making and the urethane industries is that thin panels of the type having utility as display panels will never be made from urethane.
There is a need for a sturdy, light-in-weight display panel having a urethane foam core, but the prior art, when considered as a whole in accordance with the requirements of law, neither teaches nor suggests how the need could be fulfilled.
There is also a need for an improved way to hingedly interconnect the novel panels and display panels, in general.
The common hinge is well known, but it is unsatisfactory for use with display panels. It includes a central post having a round cross section and a pair of flat leaf members each of which has a plurality of cylindrical post-receiving members formed along a preselected edge thereof. The plural cylinders interleave with one another when the hinge is assembled and the post is slidably received within the bore collectively defined by said cylindrical members.
The common hinge is typically of metallic or plastic construction and as such is not flexible. Moreover, the common door hinge enables the hinged door to open in one direction only, i.e., the common hinge is not double acting. If the common hinge is employed to hingedly interconnect flat members such as display panels, the hinge will not only be visible and thus detract from the aesthetics of the display, but a pronounced seam between adjacent panels will also be visible.
There is a need, therefore, for a double acting hinge capable of interconnecting panels or other flat members in edge-to-edge relation to one another. The ideal hinge would also be hidden from view and would allow edge-connected panels to seamlessly abut one another, but the prior art, taken as a whole, neither teaches nor suggests how such a hinge could be provided.

Thin urethane panels having double acting hinge


A method of selecting genetically transformed cells from a population of cells comprising introducing a desired nucleotide sequence and a co-introduced nucleotide sequence into the genome of a cell whereby the desired nucleotide sequence or the co-introduced nucletoide sequence induces a positive effect by giving the transformed cells a competitive advantage when the population of cells are supplied with an inactive compound thereby allowing the transformed cells to be identified and selected from the non-transformed cells by means defined as positive selection; as well as cells transformed according to the method and plants derived therefrom. The invention further relates to novel glucuronide compounds including cytokinin glucuronide compounds for use in the method.

The present invention relates to a method for selecting genetically transformed cells into which a desired nucleotide sequence has been incorporated by providing the transformed cells with a selective advantage without damaging the non-transformed cells, as well as to novel compounds for use in the method, and transformed cells.
It is well known that when new genetic material is to be introduced into a population of cells by transformation, only a certain number of the cells are successfully transformed. It is then necessary to identify the genetically transformed cells so that these cells can be separated from the non-transformed cells of the population. Identification and separation of the transformed cells has traditionally been accomplished using "negative selection", whereby the transformed cells are able to survive and grow, while the non-transformed cells are subjected to growth inhibition or perhaps even killed by a substance which the transformed cells, by virtue of their transformation, are able to tolerate.
For example, when a population of plant cells is transformed, selection of the transformed cells typically takes place using a selection gene which codes for antibiotic or herbicide resistance. The selection gene--which in itself generally has no useful function in the transformed plant (and may in fact be undesirable in the plant) is coupled to or co-introduced with the desired gene to be incorporated into the plant, so that both genes are incorporated into the population of cells, or rather into certain of the cells in the population, since it is difficult, if not impossible, in practice to transform all of the cells. The cells are then cultivated on or in a medium containing the antibiotic or herbicide to which the genetically transformed cells are resistant by virtue of the selection gene, thereby allowing the transformed cells to be identified, since the non-transformed cells--which do not contain the antibiotic or herbicide resistance gene in question--are subjected to growth inhibition or are killed.
These negative selection methods have, however, certain disadvantages. First of all, the non-transformed cells may die because of the presence of antibiotics or herbicides in the growth medium. As a result, when the population of cells is a coherent tissue there is a risk that not only the non-transformed cells but also the transformed cells may die, due to the fact that the death of the non-transformed cells may cut off the supply of nutrients to the transformed cells or because the damaged or dying non-transformed cells may excrete toxic compounds.
Another disadvantage of negative selection is that the presence of an unnecessary gene, for example antibiotic resistance, may be undesirable. There is concern among environmental groups and governmental authorities about whether it is safe to incorporate genes coding for antibiotic resistance into plants and microorganisms. This concern is of particular significance for food plants and for microorganisms which are not designed to be used in a closed environment (e.g. microorganisms for use in agriculture), as well as for microorganisms which are designed for use in a closed environment, but which may accidentally be released therefrom. While these concerns may prove to be unfounded, such concerns may nevertheless lead to government restriction on the use of antibiotic resistance genes in for example plants and it is therefore desirable to develop new methods for selecting genetically transformed cells which are not dependent on such genes.
A further disadvantage of negative selection is that plant tissues or cells treated with toxic substances become more susceptible to bacterial infection. This is a problem when Agrobacterium is used as a transformation vector, because the treated tissues or cells sometimes become overgrown with the bacteria even though antibiotics are used to prevent bacterial growth.
In addition, selection of cells or tissues using negative selection requires precise timing of expression of the introduced genes in relation to the selection process. If the transgenic cells are treated with a toxic compound before the detoxifying gene is expressed or before enough gene products are produced to ameliorate the action of the toxic compound, both the transgenic and the non-transgenic cells will be killed. If selection is performed too late, the selection of transgenic cells or tissues may be hindered by, for example, shoot or callus formation from non-transgenic cells or tissues which forms a barrier to the penetration of the compound used to select the transformed cells.
The above disadvantages are substantially overcome by the method according to the present invention, termed "positive selection" which for the first time makes it possible to identify and select genetically transformed cells without damaging or killing the non-transformed cells in the population and without co-introduction of antibiotic or herbicide resistance genes. In addition to the fact that the need for antibiotic or herbicide resistance genes is eliminated, the positive selection method according to the present invention is often far more efficient than traditional negative selection, and a combination of positive and negative selection gives a selection frequency of transgenic shoots as good as if not higher than that obtained using negative selection alone. Furthermore, the use of positive selection provides the advantage that a single gene may be used as both a reporter gene and a selection gene, resulting in simplification of vector constructions, more stable constructions and a 100% correlation between the expression of reporter and selection genes.
Positive selection may also eliminate the above-mentioned problems with regard to timing, since selective compounds may be produced as a consequence of the action of gene products, resulting from expression of the introduced gene, on particular substrates. Thus, the selective compound may accumulate as a consequence of expression of the selection gene, the selection effect appearing when a sufficient amount of the selective compound has been produced.


A machine for assembling enclosure including a shell and a base includes a support base (12), a pair of first brackets (20) movably attached to opposite ends of the support base, and a pair of second brackets (40) pivotably attached to the first brackets respectively. A pair of first engagement assemblies (50) is arranged on opposite ends of the second bracket, each comprising a movable engagement part for engaging inside of the shell. A second engagement assembly (70) is arranged between the first engagement assemblies, and comprises a movable engagement plate for engaging outside of the shell. A controller (80) is provided for controlling the first and second brackets, the first and second engagement assemblies to act properly and sequentially, for engaging pins of the shell in corresponding holes of the base to form the enclosure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a machine and method for assembling an enclosure, and more particularly to a machine and a method for assembling an enclosure which comprises a shell.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of information technology, more and more electronic devices are produced to facilitate our home and office life. As we enjoy the convenience of the electronic devices, we begin to pay more and more attention to aesthetic and healthy issues relating to the electronic devices. The electronic devices are more attractive for beautiful ornamental design and less electromagnetic leaking.
An computer with colorful plastic enclosure has been popular in the past. However, rigidity of the plastic enclosure is bad, and the plastic itself is unable to prohibit electromagnetic leaking.
To address the aforesaid problem, a computer with metal enclosure has been brought to the market. The enclosure comprises a base, and a C-shaped shell attached to the base to form a sealed enclosure. The shell forms a plurality of pins on internal faces adjacent free edges thereof. A plurality of holes is defined in the base, for receiving the pins of the shell therein respectively. The enclosure must be sealingly assembled for an aesthetic issue and prohibiting electromagnetic leaking. It is obvious that manual work is inefficient and tiresome.
Thus, a machine for automatically assembling such an enclosure is desired.

Machine and method for assembling enclosure comprising shell

Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.


A responsive novelty punching device for use in amusement and the relief of frustration or aggression of computer users, wherein the responsive novelty punching device contains stored audio responses and means for broadcasting the audio responses when the user strikes the responsive novelty punching device. Audio responses will cycle through a variety of languages for amusement and educational purposes, and for the production efficiencies in the case of international distribution and sales. The responsive novelty punching device also contains connectivity means for communicating data to or from a computer, and affixing means for attaching the responsive novelty punching device to a horizontal surface such as a desk. The responsive novelty punching device can be formed in any of a variety of computer-like shapes for use as a “scapegoat” for computer user frustration and will be encased in a resilent, energy-absorbing material to withstand many blows without losing its shape.

This invention relates to punching bags, stress relief aids and novelty items for the purpose of providing entertainment, or venting frustration and aggression in a non-damaging therapeutic way, and providing an educational tool.
Computer users sometimes become frustrated in the operation of their computer due to drop-off from the internet, a window pop-up constantly appearing with instructions that the user does not understand, or a program interrupting the entry of lengthy data or typing of a letter and thereby causing a loss of entered data. Users have few opportunities to vent their frustrations and may become frustrated, irritable and angry. In the past, some users have taken their anger out on the computer causing damage thereto or vented their ire on a nearby co-worker.


A joint body includes first and second metal members and a joint portion including a welded portion where the first and second metal members are joined together, the welded portion having a line shape. The joint portion includes first and second longitudinal portions and a plurality of connecting portions. The first longitudinal portion has first intersecting portions arranged in a first direction and extends in the first direction. The second longitudinal portion has second intersecting portions arranged in the first direction and extends in the first direction. The welded portion intersects itself at the first and second intersecting portions. The connecting portions are arranged in the first direction. The connecting portions extend in a first direction and connect the first and second longitudinal portions.

JP 2001-507993 A (FIGS. 3, 5) and JP 2014-015206 A (FIG. 4(f)) disclose a joint body manufactured by joining two metal members, that is, a first metal member and a second metal member, by laser welding. JP 2001-507993 A discloses that a welding mark made by laser welding is one or a plurality of pairs of straight lines parallel to each other. JP 2014-015206 A discloses that a welding mark made by laser welding includes a plurality of C-shaped portions arranged in a row, and adjacent C-shaped portions partially overlap each other.

Joint body, manufacturing method for joint body, and manufacturing apparatus for joint body


A device and method for removing a static charge from electrically non-conductive fluids includes a metallic enclosure 12 that receives fluid flow therethrough, a conductive member 18 in said enclosure 12, engaging the conductive member 18 with the fluid flow and grounding the conductive member 18.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a static discharge device and, more particularly, to a static discharge device for electrically non-conductive fluids.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Whenever an electrically non-conductive fluid flows in physical contact with another surface, a charge is generated in the liquid. Charge generation is especially prevalent in non-conductive fluid flows that include hydrocarbons. The more common charge generating hydrocarbons are gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuels; however; lubricating oils can also develop a static charge via a filter utilized to clean the oil. Although a complete explanation has not been presented for the charging mechanics, it has been generally accepted that impurities present in the non-conductive fluids, especially hydrocarbons, are the cause for the static charge build-up in the fluid.
When an electrically non-conductive fluid is at rest, impurities are adsorbed along the interface between the fluid fuel and the walls containing the fluid. The impurities attach themselves to the container wall such that all negative or all positive portions of the impurities are adjacent to the wall. In FIG. 1, a container having negative portions of the impurity attach to the wall is disclosed.
The net effect of this at rest alignment is no charge buildup on the fluid. However, when the fluid begins to flow, the positive charges are swept away while the negative charges drain to ground. This results in a net positive charge to the fuel flow (see FIG. 2) in the direction of the arrow.
Had the positive portions of the impurities attached to the container wall, the result would have been a net negative charge to the fuel flow in the direction of the arrow with the positive charge draining to ground.
The impurities discussed above can be quantified in a parts per million or parts per billion context. However, depending upon the size of the container (pipe), the velocity of flow and the type of fluid, along with the quantity of the impurities, the ultimate developed charge can rise to magnitudes well beyond 1000 volts.
The static charge buildup and high voltage levels developed when an electrically non-conductive fluid fuel such as gasoline is being pumped, causes problems pertaining both to safety and performance. Safety is compromised when the charged gasoline is transported to a partially filled storage tank having a vapor portion therein that falls within an explosion range. The charged gasoline can generate a high energy spark to ground that is capable of causing an explosion with catastrophic results.
The performance of a charged fluid fuel such as gasoline is denegrated due to the inefficient mixing of the air and gas molecules within a burning chamber. More specifically, when utilizing gasoline in an internal combustion engine, air and gas are injected or mixed in a piston cylinder to provide an explosive combination that is utilized to develop power. When the gasoline has a static charge thereupon when injected into a piston cylinder, a portion of the gas does not mix with air. Instead, the "unmixed" portion becomes attracted to the grounded internal metal walls of the cylinder as well as the cylinder heads and pistons. The unmixed portion does not generate power but still burns thereby generating numerous pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxides and nitrous oxides, or becoming a carbon deposit on the pistons, cylinder heads and/or valves.
One method to decrease the static charge buildup on hydrocarbon fluids, thereby decreasing explosions and pollution, is to install a static discharge device in the line supplying the fluid at the entrance port of a storage tank, or adjacent to an internal combustion engine that receives the fluid. The static discharge device is capable of directing the static charge from the hydrocarbon fluid safely to ground thereby providing a neutral or uncharged fluid into a receiving member.
Prior art static discharge devices for hydrocarbon fluids utilize projecting conductive rods attached to grounded inside walls of a storage tank to minimize spark and discharge the surface of the fluid to ground.
The problem with this static discharge system is that it allows a charged fluid to enter the tank instead of removing the static charge from the fluid before the fluid enters the tank.
A need exists in the art for a device that removes a static charge from a hydrocarbon fluid before the fluid enters a storage facility thereby removing the chance for sparks and explosions.
Also, a need exists in the art for a device that removes a static charge from a hydrocarbon fluid before the fluid is combined with air to generate an explosive mixture. Removing the static charge imports a more complete burn to the fluid with corresponding reductions in hydrocarbon particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide emissions. The device should also be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Static discharge device for electrically non-conductive fluids


A toilet riser, for use in restroom buildings, has a generally tubular shape and a hollow, double-walled construction. Liquid-tight walls define an empty chamber. The riser is formed from cross-linked polyethylene in a multi-part mold having smooth cavity surfaces so that all external surfaces of the riser are smooth and easy to clean.

This invention relates to toilet risers for vault toilets and more particularly to toilet risers manufactured using seamless molding techniques.
Toilet risers are used in vault toilet restroom buildings. These are commonly found in parks, campgrounds and other facilities where flush toilets can not be used because there is no convenient connection to a sufficient water supply or sewer system. Such vault toilet risers have consisted of a single, tubular wall of plastic or stainless steel on which is mounted a toilet seat.
Toilet risers used in public toilets are subject to abuse and must be easy to clean. Traditional stainless steel risers are subject to denting and wear at their welded or riveted seams. Molded plastic risers have been sturdier, but traditional molded plastic risers have at least one exposed surface that is porous, and thus difficult to clean and sanitize. Because the risers for vault toilets are not flushed with water during routine use, microorganism growth on porous surfaces is a significant concern.
Thus, there remains a need for a sturdy, thoroughly-cleanable toilet riser.


A method for preparing fluorinated organic compounds wherein at least one fluorinated olefin is reacted with methyl fluoride in the gas-phase and in the presence of a Lewis Acid catalyst to form at least one product having at least 3 carbon atoms.

(1) Field of Invention:
This invention relates to novel methods for preparing fluorinated organic compounds via a gas-phase reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of producing fluorinated alkanes, fluorinated alkenes, and fluorocarbon polymers via a gas-phase reaction.
(2) Description of Related Art:
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's), in particular hydrofluoroalkenes such as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (R-1234yf) and hydrofluoroalkanes such as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoropropane (R-245cb), are known to be effective refrigerants, fire extinguishants, heat transfer media, propellants, foaming agents, blowing agents, gaseous dielectrics, sterilant carriers, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents and power cycle working fluids. Unlike chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), both of which potentially damage the Earth's ozone layer, HFCs do not contain chlorine and thus pose no threat to the ozone layer.
Several methods of preparing hydrofluoroalkanes are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,426 (Belen'Kill) describes a method of making R-245cb via the liquid phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and methyl fluoride in the presence of antimony pentafluoride catalyst. Other processes for producing hydrofluoroalkanes include those described in WO 97/02227 (DuPont) wherein carbon tetrafluoride or chloro-trifluoromethane are reacted with a fluorinated ethylene compound in the liquid phase to produce a fluorinated propane or a chlorofluorinated propane.
Methods of prepareing hydrofluoroalkenes are likewise known. For example, the preparation of R-1234yf from trifluoroacetylacetone and sulfur tetrafluoride has been described. See Banks, et al., Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, Vol. 82, Iss. 2, p. 171-174 (1997). Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,594 (Krespan) discloses a process wherein tetrafluoroethylene is reacted with another fluorinated ethylene in the liquid phase to produce a polyfluoroolefin product.
However, the above-mentioned processes have a serious disadvantage in that they are solvation reactions; that is, a solvent is necessary to facilitate the reaction. Solvation reactions have a number of disadvantages. For example, certain solvents pose health risks and the risk of environmental contamination. Also, their use can dramatically increase the costs associated with synthesizing hydrofluorocarbons due to the cost of the solvent itself as well as the added expense of recovering the solvent. An additional disadvantage is the fact that the product is produced in the liquid phase instead of the gas phase. Liquid phase separation processes are substantially more difficult and costly compared to gas phase separations.
Therefore, there remains a need for methods of efficiently preparing certain hydrofluorocarbons, such as R-1234yf and R-245cb, via a gas-phase reaction. These and other needs are satisfied by the present invention.

Method for producing fluorinated organic compounds


An optical configuration and related analysis techniques are presented that provide a practical method for determining the Rytov parameter based on the difference of variances for the differential image motion (average wavefront gradient or wavefront tilt) between two receiving apertures. The Rytov parameter is the log-amplitude variance predicted by an approximate solution to Maxwell""s equations for propagation through media with random index of refraction (Rytov theory). It is a useful metric of the optical effects for extended turbulence propagation and is a leading indicator of the performance limitations of adaptive optical compensation devices not related to the transverse coherence diameter. A time-duplex alternative apparatus and a single source alternative apparatus are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field of atmospheric turbulence, and in particular, relates to an optical apparatus designed to provide in-situ estimates of the Rytov parameter for the propagation of light through atmospheric optical turbulence.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The term xe2x80x9cRytov parameterxe2x80x9d refers to the theoretical log-amplitude variance predicted by Rytov theory. The Rytov parameter for spherical-wave propagation is given as a weighted integral of the random index-of-refraction structure constant Cn2 as follows:                               σ          x          2                ≡                  0.5631                                xe2x80x83                                                        (                                                2                                                        xe2x80x83                                                      π                                λ                            )                                      7              /              6                                                      xe2x80x83                                                        ∫              0              L                                                  xe2x80x83                                                                  ⅆ                z                                                          xe2x80x83                                                          C                n                2                                                          xe2x80x83                                                                                (                    z                    )                                                                          xe2x80x83                                    [                                      z                                                              xe2x80x83                                                                                (                                              1                        -                                                  z                          /                          L                                                                    )                                                        ]                                                  5                  /                  6                                                                                (        1        )
where xcex is the wavelength, L is the propagation distance, and z is a position along the propagation path. Though strictly a theoretical quantity, the Rytov parameter is a useful metric of the optical effects for extended-turbulence propagation and is a leading indicator of the performance limitations of adaptive-optical compensation devices not related to the transverse coherence diameter (Fried parameter) (D. L. Fried, xe2x80x9cOptical resolution through a randomly inhomogeneous medium for very long and very short exposures,xe2x80x9d J. Opt. Soc. Am. 56, pp. 1372-1379, October 1966). This instrument bases the estimate of the Rytov parameter on an appropriate difference of variances for the differential image motion (average wave-front gradient, wave-front tilt) between two receiving apertures. The use of differential tilts for determining the Rytov parameter is a primary novel aspect of this invention, for these quantities are not conventionally recognized to be indicative of the Rytov parameter. When interpreted properly, differential-tilt measurements are a reliable and predictable indicator of the Rytov parameter. It is important to clarify that the differential-tilt Rytov parameter monitor is used to estimate the value of the integral expression for "sgr""khgr"2 given in Eq. (1), not the observed log-amplitude variance for point-source propagation.
The Rytov approximation is the predominant theoretical construct used to derive a solution to the scalar wave equation for propagation through a medium with random index-of-refraction fluctuations. Analysis of turbulence effects using the Rytov approximation is often referred to as xe2x80x9cRytov theory.xe2x80x9d The variance of the log-amplitude computed using Rytov theory is called the xe2x80x9cRytov parameter.xe2x80x9d This quantity is designated "sgr""khgr"2 is related to point source propagation parameters as indicated in Eq. (1). While Eq. (1) indicates that "sgr""khgr"2 should increase proportionately with any constant multiplier of Cn2, experimental and simulation-based studies have concluded that this trend does not hold for full-wave propagation. Instead, the irradiance variance (scintillation) increases monotonically from 0 to a maximum value greater than 1, then decreases as Cn2 increases. This behavior is referred to as the xe2x80x9csaturationxe2x80x9d of scintillation. Saturation imposes a limit on the utility of irradiance-based instrumentation (scintillometers) to adz accurately determine turbulence strength parameters using Rytov theory. In many experiments, the Rytov parameter cannot be measured directly, but rather must be inferred from measurable quantities making key assumptions about the turbulence profile that are not generally valid.
The Rytov parameter is often used to quantify the severity of turbulence effects in propagation, especially in studies of scintillation. Moreover, the Rytov parameter is a critical metric in determining the utility of adaptive-optical systems for compensation of extended-turbulence effects. Recently, it has been recognized that the Rytov parameter is related to a rotational component of the turbulence-induced phase due to phase dislocations (branch points) which limit the ability of conventional wave-front reconstruction procedures (D. L. Fried, xe2x80x9cBranch point problem in adaptive optics,xe2x80x9d J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 15, pp. 2759-2768, October 1998). The Rytov parameter addresses additional adaptive optics performance degradation not quantified by considering only the transverse atmospheric coherence length r0 or Fried parameter. Thus, it is desirable to accurately estimate the Rytov parameter in field experiments where little or nothing is known about Cn2(z). For simulation studies, the Rytov parameter may be computed directly from the input parameters. An accurate estimate of the Rytov parameter in practical experiments therefore facilitates comparison with simulation-based studies.
In current laser propagation and adaptive-optical compensation field tests, at least two types of atmospheric characterization measurements are typically made. The first type of measurement relates to the variation of the received irradiance or scintillation. This measurement is made with a device called a scintillometer, which measures the random fluctuation of received light in a collection aperture. Devices of this type have been patented by Hill and Ochs (U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,171, Thierman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,024), and Wang (U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,105). For conventional scintillometers, the irradiance variance is computed from the data and analysis is performed to yield an estimate of Cn2. Since these measurements are typically made over nearly horizontal paths, it is assumed that Cn2 varies little over the path. The observed irradiance variance may be interpreted using Rytov theory in the weak-fluctuations regime, or a comparison with wave-optics simulation results may be made in the saturated or asymptotic regimes. From the estimate of Cn2 obtained with the scintillometer, the Rytov parameter may then be computed using Eq. (1).
The second type of atmospheric characterization measurement often made in field tests relates to the strength of the turbulence-induced phase, quantified by the transverse coherence length r0 which is related to point-source propagation parameters as follows:                               r          0                ≡                              (                          [                                                2.91                  6.88                                                                  xe2x80x83                                                                                (                                                                  2                                                                          xe2x80x83                                                                        π                                            λ                                        )                                    2                                                                  xe2x80x83                                                                                ∫                    0                    L                                                                          xe2x80x83                                                                                ⅆ                      z                                                                                xe2x80x83                                                                                C                      n                      2                                                                                xe2x80x83                                                                                (                      z                      )                                                                                xe2x80x83                                                                                (                                                  1                          -                                                      z                            /                            L                                                                          )                                                                    5                        /                        3                                                                                ]                        )                                              -              3                        /            5                                              (        2        )
A mathematical comparison between Eq. (1) for "sgr""khgr"2 and Eq. (2) for r0 indicates that while the bulk of the contribution to "sgr""khgr"2 comes from the middle of the propagation path, r0 is affected primarily by turbulence near the receive aperture. Thus, "sgr""khgr"2 and r0 are indicative of disparate optical effects arising from different regions of the propagation path. For an optical system with diameter D, atmospheric effects on resolution are determined by the quantity (D/r0)5/3. A device for measuring r0 has been patented by Wilkins (U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,287) that employs beam-spread and angle-of-arrival variance. However, work dating back more than 20 years (D. L. Fried, xe2x80x9cDifferential angle of arrival: Theory, evaluation, and measurement feasibility,xe2x80x9d Radio Science 10, pp. 71-76, January 1975; F. D. Eaton, et al., xe2x80x9cComparison of two techniques for determining atmospheric seeing,xe2x80x9d in Proc. SPIE: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave Propagation Engineering, vol. 926, pp. 319-334, 1988; and F. D. Eaton, et al., xe2x80x9cPhase structure function measurements with multiple apertures,xe2x80x9d in Proc. SPIE: Propagation Engineering, vol. 1115, pp. 218-223, 1989) demonstrates the superiority of techniques employing differential angle-of-arrival measurements of two spatially-separated receive apertures for estimating r0.
In cases where Cn2 may reasonably be assumed constant over the entire propagation path, either irradiance variance measurements from a scintillometer or r0 measurements from a suitable device could be used to compute Cn2 from Rytov theory or simulation, and the Rytov parameter could then be computed using Eq. (1). In practice, however, constant Cn2 is rarely observed over a propagation distance greater than several hundred meters. Thus, neither the irradiance-based (scintillometer) nor conventional phase-variance-based techniques provide a reliable method for determining the Rytov parameter. Additionally, analysis of scintillometer data using wave-optics simulations may require a measurement of the inner scale of turbulence for enhanced fidelity. Taken together, limitations of the available devices and techniques for atmospheric characterization may lead to large errors in estimating the Rytov parameter for realistic turbulence profiles.
The differential-tilt Rytov parameter monitor is an optical apparatus, which when combined with related processing and data analysis techniques, provides in-situ estimates of the theoretical expression of the Rytov parameter for point source propagation of light through atmospheric optical turbulence. The Rytov parameter is the theoretical log-amplitude variance predicted by Rytov theory. It is a useful metric of the optical effects for extended turbulence propagation and is a leading indicator of the performance limitations of adaptive optical compensation devices not related to the transverse coherence diameter (Fried parameter). The present invention bases the estimate of the Rytov parameter on an appropriate difference of variances for the differential image motion (average wavefront gradient and wavefront tilt) between two receiving apertures, quantities that are not conventionally recognized to be indicative of the Rytov parameter. A time-duplex alternative apparatus and a single source alternative apparatus are also disclosed.

Differential-tilt rytov parameter monitor for atmospheric turbulence

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


A rotating umbrella includes a canopy which serves a fan. The umbrella canopy is formed by a plurality of segmented petals extending radially outwardly in a fan-like fashion, and connected to a hub mounted on a shaft. The shaft includes a drive shaft member coupled to a second shaft member which connected to the hub at its upper end, wherein the drive shaft member is powered by a motor such that it rotates and operatively engages the second shaft member to rotate the hub and the petals of the canopy. The motor and the drive shaft both mounted on a base plate on the ground to stabilize the umbrella. A cooling breeze is produced when the petals are rotated to deter flying insects and to shield a person setting beneath the umbrella from the elements.

I. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates to umbrellas and outdoor canopies in combination with fans. Particularly, the present invention relates to umbrellas and outdoor canopies in combination with fans that are combined in a single unit to provide relief from the sun and to provide a cooling air flow to one setting beneath the umbrella or canopy. More particularly, the present invention relates to an umbrella that has a canopy consisting of segmented petals that are rotated about a shaft producing a cooling air flow. More particularly, the present invention relates to an umbrella wherein the canopy is comprised of segmented petals that are driven by a motor that rotates a shaft that is connected to the segmented petals and rotates these segmented petals producing a cooling air flow.
II. Description of the Related Art
Numerous umbrellas have been provided in the prior art that consist of an umbrella that is connected to a fan. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,975 (1994) issued to Valdner teaches a small fan under the canopy of an umbrella that served to exchange the hot air under the canopy with cool air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,711 issued to Mueller in 1992 teaches a small fan mounted beneath the canopy to provide a cooling breeze to those underneath the canopy, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,811 (1991) to Hopkins teaches a ceiling type fan mounted underneath a canopy, for providing a cooling breeze to those underneath it. In each of these devices, the fan was treated as an accessory to an already existing umbrella. Other umbrellas or canopies such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,557 to Apple (1991) attempted to reduce the forces applied to canopy umbrellas by allowing the canopy to rotate freely in the wind. The present invention provides several advantages over the prior art. One advantage in contrast to other devices, is that the present invention incorporates rotating a canopy comprised of segmented petals to produce air flow. This air flow acts to push stale hot air from underneath the canopy or umbrella as well as provide a cooling breeze. A further advantage is given by the operation of the segmented petals in reverse which acts to draw the stale hot air from underneath the canopy and force it out the top. A further advantage is given in that by rotating the umbrella canopy to produce the breeze, the number of parts needed to manufacture the invention is reduced. Another advantage is that by using the segmented petals as the blades of a fan, there is nothing additional to add to or mount on the umbrella. A further advantage is that the larger surface area that is being rotated contributes to the production of more air flow per rotation. Another advantage is that by having more air flow produced by the larger surface area, the invention is more efficient in comparison to a smaller fan which would have to make many more revolutions to produce a similar air flow volume. Another advantage is that by having an air flow present, the present invention has the direct effect of deterring flying insects that act as an irritant to people sitting under the canopy. The present invention is also weather resistant and can be left outdoors. The segmented petals of the present invention provide another advantage over the prior art in that wind loading is reduced on the invention as a whole by allowing for some air flow between the petals themselves. This reduced wind loading results in the advantage of being more resistant to tipping due to wind forces. This advantage is accentuated by the presence of the base plate which acts as a weighted anchor for the present invention. A further advantage is that the present invention does not necessarily have to have electrical current present to power the rotating canopy's petals, in a preferred embodiment, the power for rotation is supplied by solar panels. In another preferred embodiment, the power for rotation is supplied by a foot crank which can be used to wind up a mechanism to rotate the canopy's drive shaft.


Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Autonomous control of a single robotic system with attached payloads for sensing the environment can be a daunting task and has been the subject of much research in recent years. Not only must there be planning to ensure the movement of the robot is safely constrained, but sensors must be actuated based on different environmental stimuli, and sensitive equipment must be activated or even listened to at the appropriate time. The complexities of dealing with such a system of systems is compounded when adding multiple robots to form an unmanned team and even more so when coordinating teams of teams. The difficulties of managing all of the resources at hand can then become exponentially greater when considering a mission with any substantial duration and can be even further compounded when the robots are heterogeneous and have different modalities for control.
To reduce complexity of the coordination of unmanned assets, control modalities are often designed to achieve a specific collective outcome such as route traversal, area search, maintaining formation, perimeter patrol, etc. These modalities can then be used as atomic building blocks where different phases of a mission are executed by commanding one or more unmanned systems to execute a sequence of these modalities.
There have been several approaches in the prior art that use control modalities as atomic building blocks for mission design. A very common approach can consist of needs-based allocation approaches. In needs-based approaches, the fundamental idea can be that a need is directly solved by one of the atomic building blocks. When a need is detected (possibly at a random time), resource allocation techniques can be used to assign one or more systems to the atomic control modality that will address the given need. When the need has been addressed or if a more eminent, higher priority need is detected, the resources can be freed to be re-allocated. While such approaches are robust to varying mission requirements and resource availability or failure, they are not well-suited for mission design before the fact. They do not directly allow a subject matter expert to influence the orchestration and sequencing of multiple atomic modalities for missions consisting of multiple phases or long-term operations.
As an alternative approach to mission design, methods which can employ an automaton (or finite state machine) can be implemented. These approaches directly allow for visualization of the sequencing of different mission phases or states, but suffer in terms of expression of parallel execution of the atomic control modalities and visualization of decision logic. And parallel execution of such modalities can often be necessary when planning and executing missions that can involve swarms of robots.
For mission design (or more generally process design), business process modeling notation (BPMN) has been developed to visually lay out the mission as an expressive, hierarchical process flow diagram. BPMN notation can include the ability to sequence parallel threads of atomic process components, represent decision points and corresponding process flows, allow for merging and diverging of parallel flows, and the ability to use hierarchical abstractions to simplify mission design. But while BPMN can be an excellent design tool in general, it lacks the ability to express resource requirements or deal with resource failures and there is a fundamental disconnect between mission planning and execution.
What is needed is a system and method that can overcome the disadvantages cited above, and that can bridge the gap between planning and execution of unmanned systems missions, to allow for both planning and execution by an end user that may be an expert in tactics, but that may not necessarily be an expert in software programming to program the unmanned vehicles to carry out the desired tactics.
In view of the above, it can be an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for mission design for a team of unmanned vehicles that does not require programming configuration and/or mission files in each unmanned vehicle separately. Another object of the present invention can be to provide a system and method for mission design of a team of unmanned vehicles that can be accomplished using a combined editing and visualization tool. Still another object of the present invention can be to provide a system and method for mission design of a team of unmanned vehicles that can be accomplished without domain knowledge of the operating systems of the unmanned vehicles. Yet another object of the present invention can be to provide a standardized method for communication between the user and a team of unmanned vehicles, when the unmanned vehicles are different from each other. Still another object of the present invention can be to provide a system and method for mission design for a team of unmanned vehicles that can accommodates the design of a mission while considering resource management requirements for execution. Another object of the present invention can be to provide a system and method for mission design of a team of unmanned vehicles, and control of the vehicles during the mission, that can be easily accomplished by a user without a software programming background, in a cost efficient manner.

Mission modeling planning, and execution module (M2PEM) systems and methods

United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A turbine rotor blade includes an airfoil having pressure and suction sidewalls extending longitudinally in span from root to tip. The sidewalls are spaced apart between leading and trailing edges and joined together by longitudinal partitions defining flow channels therein. Rows of first and second slant turbulators extend from one of the sidewalls in one of the channels and are offset longitudinally. The first and second turbulators overlap chordally to eliminate an axial gap therebetween while maintaining a radial gap for tripping cooling air channeled along the span of the channel.

The present invention relates generally to gas turbine engines, and, more specifically, to turbine rotor blades therein.
A typical gas turbine engine includes several rows or stages of turbine rotor blades which extract energy from hot combustion gases for rotating the corresponding turbine disks from which they extend. A high pressure turbine powers an upstream compressor, and a low pressure turbine typically powers an upstream fan in an aircraft turbofan engine application.
Air is pressurized in the compressor and mixed with fuel in a combustor for generating the hot combustion gases which flow through the turbine stages. A portion of the pressurized air is bled from the compressor for cooling the turbine blades for ensuring long life thereof.
More specifically, turbine blades have hollow airfoils with various cooling circuits therein for accommodating the different heat loads over the concave pressure and convex suction sides thereof which extend between opposite leading and trailing edges. The cooling air is delivered to the supporting dovetail of the blade and channeled radially outwardly through the dovetail and platform through the root of the airfoil and radially outwardly to its outer tip.
The leading edge of the airfoil first receives the hot combustion gases in the turbine flowpath, and typically requires a dedicated cooling circuit therefor. The trailing edge of the airfoil is relatively thin and typically includes a dedicated cooling circuit therefor. And, the midchord region of the airfoil typically includes multiple cooling legs or channels specifically configured for cooling this region of the airfoil.
The prior art is crowded with various cooling circuits and cooling features for cooling turbine rotor blades from root to tip and between the leading and trailing edges. The internal cooling circuits may be single radial flow channels typically along the leading and trailing edges, with multiple flow channels in between typically in the form of multi-pass serpentine flow channels.
Short turbulator ribs are typically found in the various internal flow channels of the airfoil for tripping the cooling air coolant to increase its heat transfer coefficient for improving cooling efficiency. The turbulators are typically in the form of straight ribs extending horizontally or along the chord axis of the airfoil, or they may be inclined relative thereto.
As the air flows radially outwardly and radially inwardly through the various flow channels inside the turbine airfoil heat is extracted from the metal sidewalls thereof for providing local cooling, with the cooling air then being discharged through various apertures throughout the airfoil. For example, the sidewalls of the airfoil typically include inclined film cooling holes which discharge the spent cooling air in corresponding films for providing a thermally insulating cooling air blanket over the external surface of the pressure and suction sidewalls as required.
The leading edge may have specialized showerhead holes, and the trailing edge may have various forms of trailing edge discharge holes. And, the tip of the airfoil typically includes additional outlet holes in the floor of the tip cavity thereof for additionally discharging the air from the internal cooling circuits.
Although stator nozzle vanes and turbine rotor blades may share in general various cooling circuits therein including film cooling holes and internal turbulators, the turbine blades operate under centrifugal force due to rotation thereof. Centrifugal force acts on the coolant being channeled through the circuits inside the airfoil and affects the cooling performance thereof.
The combination of the radial velocity of the coolant inside the flow channels of the airfoil and the rotary speed of the blade atop its supporting rotor disk creates a Coriolis force on the coolant which introduces secondary flow fields in the form of small vortices in addition to the main radial direction of the coolant. The Coriolis force affects heat transfer of the coolant as it is tripped by the internal turbulators of the airfoil.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,726 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,098 preferred orientations of the turbulators are disclosed for enhancing cooling performance in conjunction with the Coriolis force. These patents include specifically slanted turbulators along the pressure and suction sides of the airfoil, and additional chevron turbulators having small clearances or gaps therein.
The relatively long slant turbulators cooperate with the Coriolis force on the coolant to enhance heat transfer along the length of the those turbulators. The chevron turbulators enjoy enhanced heat transfer when specifically used in conjunction with the Coriolis force, interrupted only by the axial gap within the chevron pair.
In both configurations, the short-height turbulators are integrally cast in the airfoil during the original manufacture thereof and are subject to typical manufacturing casting tolerances. The turbulators are relatively low and relatively narrow in the exemplary range of about 10–30 mils, and the gaps in the chevron turbulators may also be in this exemplary size range. Excessively sized gaps decreases the heat transfer effectiveness of the chevron turbulators, and narrow gaps are difficult to cast and also affect performance of the turbulators.
Accordingly, it is desired to provide a turbine rotor blade with improved turbulators for enhanced performance under the Coriolis force.


A single treatment compartment has a liquid metal inlet and outlet and a connection to a liquid metal-input trough. A treatment gas is injected into the liquid metal arranged in at least one sidewall of a ladles. The liquid metal inlet and outlet have an orifice positioned so as to be entirely underneath a level of the liquid metal during the treatment, in order to prevent entry of ambient air into the compartment during treatment. The treatment compartment includes an upstream part and a downstream part. The gas injection is accomplished in the upstream part. The compartment further has a filter located in the downstream part for degassing and filtering the liquid metal. Injection and filtration occur in close proximity to one another and within the same single treatment compartment.

1. Domain Of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for treatment of a flow of liquid metal, particularly aluminium, an aluminium alloy, magnesium or a magnesium alloy.
2. State of the Art
Methods of treatment of a liquid metal flow or batch before it is cast in the form of a metallurgical product, such a shaped part, a billet or a plate, are known. Treatment of liquid metal is usually intended to eliminate dissolved gases (particularly hydrogen), dissolved impurities (particularly alkaline metals) and solid or liquid inclusions that could reduce the quality of cast products. This treatment typically includes a treatment operation by insufflation of a gas into the liquid metal, this operation being performed in a first ladle. The treatment gas may be inert and insoluble in the liquid metal (such as argon) or reactive (such as chlorine), or a mix of inert and insoluble gas. The inert and insoluble gas absorbs dissolved gas by the dilution effect and carries it with it. The reactive gas reacts with some dissolved impurities and thus generates liquid or solid inclusions which, like those already present in the liquid metal, can be eliminated by a filtration operation in a second ladle provided with a filter, such a deep bed filter.
Known treatment systems for liquid metals always have several disadvantages. In particular, known systems are voluminous installations, for which maintenance is usually complicated. Such systems require a high initial investment and introduce large operating costs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,479 describes a system for inline treatment comprising a closed treatment compartment and a series of treatment gas injection nozzles arranged in line along the sides of the compartment. This system is incapable of eliminating solid inclusions.
The inventors have searched for a compact device for the treatment of liquid metals that provides an industrial and economic solution to disadvantages of devices according to prior art.

Device for the in-line treatment of liquid metal by means of gas and filtration