The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automated controlling of an engageable and disengageable torque transmitting system and of a shifting a transmission in a power drive of a propulsion unit of an automotive vehicle, having at least one actuator for gear shifting and for operating the torque transmitting system, and having a control unit for controlling the at least one actuator and, further, having at least one sensor connected in signal-transmitting communication with a control unit. The sensor is arranged to operate between the control unit and the transmission and to monitor conditions in the transmission during automated shifting and to detect a predetermined condition while the system is disengaged and, upon detection of such predetermined condition, to undo, at least temporarily and at least partially, the preceding gear shifting, and to thereafter resume gear shifting.

The present invention relates to apparatus for automated actuation of a torque transmitting system and for automated shifting of a transmission in a power train of a propulsion unit of an automotive vehicle, having one or more actuators for gear shifting and for operating the torque transmitting system, and having a regulating or control unit for regulating or controlling the actuator(s) and, further, having one or more detection devices (such as one or more sensors) in signal-transmitting communication with a regulating or control unit.
Further, the invention relates to a method of operating an automated actuation of a torque transmitting system and of automated gear shifting by controlling one or more actuators for gear shifting and for operating the torque transmitting system.
Automated actuation of a torque transmitting system and of automated gear shifting serve the automation of transmissions with discrete gear ratios, and torque transmitting systems (such as clutches) in the power train. Automated shift transmissions generally are shift transmissions which can be manually shifted with a conventional linkage, but the articulation of the gear shifting can also be accomplished automatically by an actuator. Such transmissions can be so equipped that during the gear shifting process, the existing traction force is interrupted. This differs from conventional automatic transmissions in that the conventional transmissions essentially operate without interrupting the traction force during gear shifting. Conventional transmissions of this type are disclosed, e.g., in DE-OS 39 37 302 and DE-PS 35-07 565.
Compared with the conventional fully automatic automobile transmission with hydraulic torque converter and planetary gears, the automated actuation of the torque transmitting system and of the transmission, offers advantages in that the transmission can be a non-modified or slightly modified manual shift transmission. In a non-modified or slightly modified manual shift transmission, the conventional linkage for translating the shift lever movement to a manual gear shifting utilizes at least one actuator in order to automatically shift the transmission with the control unit. The actuator can be disposed within or on the outside of the transmission. Furthermore, a cylinder cam actuator, although more expensive, can also be installed within the transmission.
When gear shifting is initiated, either by a signal given by the power or by a signal given by the regulating or control unit, the torque transmitting system is at least partly disengaged by the control unit. Thereafter, the control unit causes the actuator to shift the gears or to actuate internal transmission gear shifting elements, i.e., a force generated in the actuator by the control unit moves internal transmission gear shifting elements either into active contact, or it prevents the active contact, or it causes both contact conditions to take place sequentially. The latter causes gear shifting from one gear ratio to the next gear ratio. After the gear shifting is completed, the torque transmitting system is again engaged. The actuator can be designed to provide any shifting sequence.
Generally, a synchronization device includes a synchronization ring and a coupling element and is disposed between the internal transmission gear shifting elements. These internal transmission gear shifting elements may have a toothed construction. The synchronization device provides for a rotational speed synchronization before a meshing of the individual internal gear shift elements takes place and, upon obtaining a synchronized rotational speed, it provides for an active contact through the gear meshing between the internal gear shift elements. In the majority of the gear shiftings, either done manually or by controlled actuation utilizing an actuator, the internal gear shift elements mesh without a problem. However, for a small but significant number of gear shiftings, the positioning of the gear shifting elements may be such that, e.g., top lands of the toothed constructions collide with one another during shifting, creating excessive forces. This may cause damage to the actuator or to the transmission, especially when the application of the force continues.

Apparatus for controlling automated actuation of torque transmitting system and automated gear shifting and method for controlling automated actuation of torque transmitting system and automated gear shifting


A system and method for determining the angular orientation of a body moving in object space. The invention is usable to detect and identify the angular orientation of the body relative to the theoretical plane of gravity and thereby relative to any other theoretical plane between zero and three-hundred sixty degrees therefrom. The invention is operable regardless of whether the body is rotating with an angular velocity, either natural and/or induced. The invention may employ one or more analog and/or digital sensors. The analog sensor may be an accelerometer. The system may be used to provide real-time orientation data to permit the body to be guided or directed towards a desired destination or simply to permit the orientation of the body to be known, controlled or varied as desired.

In many fields, the angular orientation of a body (e.g., the rotational orientation or "roll" of the body relative to some reference plane) must be determined. This determination may be needed to permit the body to be guided or directed towards a desired destination or simply to permit the orientation of the body to be known, controlled or varied as desired. In many cases, the determination must be made while the body is moving along a velocity vector in object space--within a six degree of freedom spatial model. Various systems for determining the angular orientation of a moving body are known, however each of these systems suffers from at least one of several inherent problems.
For example, an electrostatic/electromagnetic roll reference sensor is known which can be used to determine a vertical reference (relative to the plane of gravity) for a spin-stabilized projectile moving in object space. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,328,938 to Reisman et al. which discloses such a sensor. In addition, antenna systems which transmit varying signals to ground-based equipment can be used to calculate projectile roll. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,334 to Cuadros. Similarly, gyroscopes which can be used to determine vertical are also known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,905 to Hadekel. Finally, various needle-and-ball, pendulum, radar/barometric altimeter, and aircraft-type wing attitude devices are known.
Each of the aforementioned devices, however, suffers from specific problems. For example, the Reisman roll reference sensor requires complex support circuitry and further requires that the body be moving along a spin-stabilized trajectory. Moreover, the system must be reconfigured for use in different hemispheres. Similarly, the Cuadros antenna system requires a complex ground-based transceiver, requires that the body be spin-stabilized and will only operate in line-of-sight applications. The Hadekel gyroscopic system requires an expensive, complex gyroscope and support componentry.
The remaining systems suffer from similar complexity, cost and/or technical problems.
What is needed, therefore, is a simple, rugged, inexpensive angular reference system which can be used to determine the roll orientation of a body moving in object space. Ideally, the system should be operable anywhere and under any conditions from low g's launch to, for example, cannon launched and anywhere around or about the planet earth and even within other gravitational networks, should operate beyond the horizon, and should operate regardless of whether the body is rotating with an angular velocity (either natural or induced).

System and method for determining the angular orientation of a body moving in object space


The present invention provides an improved endo-osseous implant which has sufficient binding force against occlusal pressure from every direction and does not cause any inflammation. The endo-osseous implant of the invention includes a large number of concaves on the circumference of a cylindrical main body embedded in dental alveoli. Each of the concaves has a shape of hemisphere or alternatively a shape of double hemisphere consisting of an upper hemisphere of greater diameter and a lower hemisphere of smaller diameter. Part of the cylindrical main body in contact with gingiva is covered with a polycrystal ceramic layer, and fine notches are further formed on the residual surface of the main body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dental implant and more particularly to an endo-osseous implant inserted and embedded in gingiva and dental alveoli.
2. Description of the Related Art
Histologically stable adhesion of an endo-osseous implant to gingiva and dental alveoli against the occlusal pressure is essential for successful dental implant.
Some methods have been proposed to enhance the binding force of an endo-osseous implant: for example, forming grooves on the side wall of the implant as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open Gazette No. Hei-1-135346; and coating the implant with porous substance to increase the surface area in contact with the dental alveoli as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open Gazette No. Hei-1-164359.
In the former method, occlusal pressure from plural directions triggers unfavorable fracture of dental alveoli, which exceeds the physiological limit of absorption and neogenesis, adjacent to the grooves of the implant. Such fracture eventually causes removal of the implant from the dental alveoli. In the latter method, the larger surface area in contact with the dental alveoli ensures stable adhesion of the implant. Occlusion may, however, disturb the normal circulation of tissues inserted in the porous substance to necrose and putrefy the tissues and thereby cause inflammation of gingiva. The inflammation increases the internal pressure of the implant and lowers the adhesion of the implant to gingiva. In extreme cases, the implant is to be removed from the dental alveoli and gingiva by operation.

680-10 Aza Shimokawada, Ohaza Sanbongi, Nisshin-cho


A method for treating and improving diabetes and liver dysfunction, can be obtained by administering at least one selected from a chitin oligosaccharide, a chitosan oligosaccharide and salts thereof, in an effective amount. As the chitin oligosaccharide, preferred is one having the degree of polymerization of from 2 to 7. As the chitosan oligosaccharide, preferred is one having the degree of polymerization of from 2 to 8. As the method for administration, it is preferred to add them to e.g. foods, medicines or feeds, and orally ingest them. However, when used as medicines, administration methods such as intravenous injection and muscular injection, may be used.

The present invention relates to a method for preventing and improving diabetes and liver dysfunction.
In recent years, in Japan, reflecting the progressive increasing in elderly population and the westernization of diet, the incidence of various deseases of adult people has increased. Among them, diabetes is a generic term of chronic high blood glucose and various complications (such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and immune disorder) induced by capillary dysfunction accompanying the chronic high blood glucose, and it is estimated that domestically about five million patients are suffering from them. Diabetes is generally classified into insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In Japan, it is reported that IDDM patients account for at most 5%, while NIDDM patients account for at least 95%. Particularly, NIDDM which is related to habitat factors such as obesity, overfeeding, ataxia and senescence, is expected to increase in the future in Japan where the progressive increasing in elderly population and the westernization of diet, will further advance.
As the causes of IDDM, it is generally known that viral infection or defects of autoimmunization mechanism causes inflammation of Langerhaus islet of pancreas, resulting in the destruction of beta-cells as the insulin-producing cells, whereby insulin will not be secreted to develop IDDM. Accordingly, treatment is made by administration of insulin.
Further, as the causes of NIDDM, it is believed that although insulin is secreted, the action of insulin on cells is inadequate, whereby the cells can not take glucose in the blood sufficiently and a hyperglycemia state is thereby continued. Accordingly, for the treatment, insulin is not necessarily required and dietary treatment and excercise treatment are mainly used.
If the hyperglycemia state is continued by diabetes, systemic capillary will fall into disorder and arteriosclerosis will advance, thereby causing obstruction of blood vessels in heart or brain and gangrene of legs. Further, if the blood glucose level is high, glucose in the blood is likely to bond to proteins in hemoglobin or tissues, whereby the functions thereof will be inhibited. As the results, complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neurosis, cerebral infarction, myocardinal infarction and cataract, are occurred. Further, since immunization power is decreased by diabetes, the patients are likely to catch infections easily.
If the complications become worse, recovery is very hard, and it is thereby important for the patients of diabetes to control the blood glucose level so that it will not rise above such level that no symptom is observed. For such a purpose, various antidiabetic agents such as hypoglycemic agents have heretofore been developed. For example, there may be mentioned, as natural materials, a hypoglycemic agent containing as an active ingredient, tea lactone as a water-soluble polysaccharide component of tea leaves (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-124139), an antidiabetic agent containing as an active ingredient, a hot water extracted fraction of banaba leaves (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-228539), a hypoglycemic agent of a xanthone extracted and isolated from Japanese green gentian (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-206673), and the like; and as chemically synthesized products, a moranolin N-substituted derivative (Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 59-43949), a thiazolidine compound (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-210977) and a condensed 7-membered cyclic compound having an imidazolyl group (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-178381), and the like.
The chemically synthesized products generally exhibit potent effects, but give unwanted side effects, whereby a long term administration accompanies many problems. While the natural extracted products are high in the safety, but mostly exhibit no adequate effects.
On the other hand, with respect to liver dysfunction as other one of the deseases of adult people, the degree can be grasped by indices such as COT or GPT in biochemical inspections of, for example, periodical medical checkup, and it has become easy to find disorders.
Liver plays important rolls in vivo, for example, detoxication, metabolism or storage of sugar, protein or lipid, and hormone control. Dysfunction of liver often leads to fatal results for living bodies. It is well known that the causes of liver dysfunction represented by hepatitis, are based on the habit of life, for example, over ingestion of alcoholic beverages, heavy drinking, heavy eating, irregular life or stress. However, it has been found that the liver dysfunction is often caused by hepatitis virus. Especially, if viral hepatitis becomes chronic, it will often become hepatic carcinoma through liver cirrhosis, whereby suitable preventing and improving method has been demanded.
Many proposals have heretofore been made as a preventing and improving agent for hepatitis. However, chemically synthesized products generally exhibit potent effects, but have side effects, thereby being problematic for a long term administration, while natural extracted products are mostly high in the safety, but exhibit no adequate effects.

Method for treating and improving diabetes


A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant named ‘Extrmag’, characterized by its upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant form; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; large magenta-colored flowers; and good flower longevity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus plant, botanically known as Hibiscus moscheutos and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Extrmag'.
The new Hibiscus plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in De Kwakel, The Netherlands. The objective of the breeding program is to create new Hibiscus plants with large attractive flowers.
The new Hibiscus plant originated from a cross-pollination in August, 2011 in De Kwakel, The Netherlands of a proprietary selection of Hibiscus moscheutos identified as code number CB11023, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with a proprietary selection of Hibiscus moscheutos identified as code number CB11046, not patented, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Hibiscus plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled greenhouse environment in De Kwakel, The Netherlands in August, 2012.
Asexual reproduction of the new Hibiscus plant by vegetative cuttings in a controlled greenhouse environment in De Kwakel, The Netherlands since September, 2012 has shown that the unique features of this new Hibiscus plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


Disclosed is a circuit configuration that permits the monitoring of the operation of an input/output circuit of a digital unit under test by pseudo-random scan test techniques. A resistive element couples test signals to an input/output terminal of the device under test to which the input/output circuit is connected. The connection between the resistive element and the terminal is monitored during pseudo-random scan testing, permitting testing of the input/output circuitry.

The present invention relates to the testing of digital circuits and systems in using pseudo-random scan test techniques, and particularly to the capability of checking the operability of the input/output circuits of such circuits and systems during the test period.
Recent advances in the art of semiconductor circuit fabrication, particularly in the area of manufacturing components for digital computer systems, have seen a significant increase in the amount of circuitry that can be formed on any given area of semiconductor. In addition, while circuit density per semiconductor area has increased, chip size (i.e., the semiconductor area available for holding the circuitry) has also increased, resulting in integrated circuit chips carrying an enormous amount of digital circuitry. These are often termed large-scale integrated (LSI) or very large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuitry.
Earlier in the chronological development of integrated circuits, testing was relatively straightforward: Known test signals were applied to the inputs of the circuit, varied, and the outputs monitored. On the simpler, less integrated circuitry then available, this technique was easy to use, and proved quite useful. However, as integrated circuit densities increased, including the number of elemental storage units (e.g., latches, flip-flops, registers and the like) more sophisticated techniques became necessary.
One such technique in use today is referred to as pseudo-random "scan testing." This technique requires the elemental memory units forming a part of the integrated circuit to be designed to selectively function in one of two modes: A first or "normal" mode in which they operate as primarily designed, i.e., flip-flop or register; and a second, "test" mode in which a number of the elemental memory stages are connected in series to form one or more extended shift registers or, as they are more commonly called, "scan lines." Pseudo-random bit patterns are then scanned (loaded) into the scan lines, the system under test allowed to operate in its normal configuration for one clock time, and the system returned to its test state so the content of the scan lines scanned (shifted) out and analyzed (usually by comparing it to known or standard patterns). The operability of the tested system is thereby established. Examples of the foregoing may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,718,065, 4,534,028, and 4,827,476.
Pseudo-random scan testing to which the present invention is directed, as the term implies, involves applying pseudo-random patterns to any input circuits of the system under test, and monitoring the output of any output circuits. While this technique of testing provides many benefits, such as a cost effective test method without need to form special test vectors in advance, there are problems. One such problem is the difficulty, if not inability, to predict in advance the state that certain input/output circuits will assume during testing. For example, certain circuits of the system under test may be capable of operating in one of two modes: Input or output. To date, insofar as is known, pseudo-random scan test techniques do not provide complete confidence that portions of such input/output circuit are tested. The reason stems from the inability to easily predict the input-output direction of the circuit; during scan test time bit patterns (which, it will be remembered, are pseudo-random) must be supplied to the input section, and the output section monitored. Since, during the test period, there is usually no easy way to know what state (i.e., input or output) the input/output circuit will be, applying a test signal at the same time the input/output circuit is functioning as an output produces indeterminate results. For example, assume the tester applies a logic ZERO while the input/output circuit is in an output mode of operation, providing a logic ONE. The monitored voltage at the terminal pin connected to the input/output circuit may read a logic Zero at one time, a logic ONE at an other time; that is, it is never certain that a logic ONE or ZERO will appear under such conditions.
This uncertainty has resulted in such dual-function circuits not being completely tested.
Accordingly, there is a need for including in scan test techniques a methodology that can also monitor and check the operability of such dual-function input/output circuitry.


A novel pivoting door thrust reverser which provides a nozzle for the exhaust of a bypass engine that ensures a smooth continuous flow path for the exhaust without leakage around the pivoted upper and lower reverser doors. The upper reverser door is provided with a pair of biased cooperating crescent shaped kicker members that are biased outwardly in a controlled movement when the doors are deployed to deflect the upper portion of the reversed exhaust efflux forwardly in a predetermined direction to avoid interference with the control surfaces of the aircraft. The lower reverser door is provided with pivoted splitter plates that are biased outwardly when the door is deployed to abut and form a unitary splitter element that divides the lower exhaust efflux into two portions that are directed forwardly and away from the inlet of the engine to preclude foreign object damage to the engine. The thrust reverser is lightweight, uses simple, inexpensive mechanisms, and operates in a very efficient manner when deployed as a thrust reverser and when stowed as an exhaust nozzle for the engine.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of pivoting door thrust reversers and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved thrust reverser which provides improved mechanisms for directing the exhaust efflux to preclude foreign object damage to the engine and interference with the control surfaces of the aircraft and that provides an exhaust nozzle having improved performance in flight.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to reduce the landing distance of a jet engine powered aircraft, as well as to increase the margin of safety when the aircraft is landing on a wet or icy runway, thrust reversers are utilized on the jet engines in order to provide a braking thrust for the aircraft. Such thrust reversers function to reverse the direction of the jet thrust, from a normally rearward direction used for propelling the aircraft in flight, to a generally forward direction for slowing or braking the aircraft.
For low bypass jet engines, the thrust reversers are typical formed by pivoting thrust reverser doors which are pivotally mounded on a fixed structure attached to the engine and to another component of the nacelle. These reverser doors and fixed structure cooperate to form the final nozzle of the gas turbine engine propulsion system. The doors are capable of pivoting between two positions about two spaced parallel axes which are transverse and substantially diametrical with respect to the exhaust of the engine.
The first position finds the doors in a stowed position, out of the direct path of the exhaust forward thrust of the engine. In this position, the doors form, in cooperation with the fixed structure, the exhaust nozzle of the gas turbine engine so that the thrust of the engine is directly rearward, thereby producing forward thrust for the aircraft. In a second position, the doors are pivoted about their pivot axes until their trailing edges abut in a transverse thrust deflecting or deployed position, to block and redirect the engine thrust generally forward and thereby produce the braking thrust for-the engine when needed.
The thrust reversers are generally mounted on a fixed structure. This fixed structure basically serves a dual role. In the forward thrust mode of operation of the jet engine, i.e. when the reverser doors are in the stowed position, the fixed structure forms a part of the envelope of the jet flow and is intended to ensure the best possible flow continuity with the inner skin of the thrust reverser doors.
In the reverse thrust operation, i.e. when the reverser doors are deployed, the fixed structure provides the throat of the nozzle, and defines as well the spacing distance from the thrust reverser doors.
Both of these functions of the fixed structure are important criteria for the proper operation of the jet engine. While in the forward thrust mode, a good flow continuity is essential to the proper forward thrust performance. In addition, the jet exhaust pipe must adequately define the throat area in reverse thrust and the spacing distance in order to satisfy the operational compatibility requirements of the engine and of the thrust reverser when the thrust reverser doors are deployed.
Experience has shown that often thrust reversers tend to favor performance more in the reversing function of operation. But this, unfortunately, is at the expense of the performance provided in the forward thrust mode of operation, meaning that performance degradation during forward thrust is generally associated with the installation of thrust reversers. This is unfortunate since thrust reversers are in operation generally for only 15 to 30 seconds of a flight.
Further, thrust reversers of the prior art have not dealt well with the requirements of deflecting one portion of the reversed exhaust flow upwardly so that it will not adversely effect control surfaces of the aircraft and deflecting a second or other portions of the reversed exhaust flow downwardly and forwardly in a manner that will not cause foreign objects lying on the surface of the landing field to be blown forward so that such objects may be ingested by the engine and thereby cause injury to such engine. Attempts to provide simple inexpensive mechanisms to control the exhaust efflux in the desired manner have not been entirely successful.
Typical pivoting reverser doors generally require a pit or concave portion near their leading edges. This type of configuration does not provide a smooth internal exhaust flow through the nozzle contributing to the degradation in performance during operation in the forward thrust mode. Such doors often have an efflux deflecting member positioned near the leading edge, with such member being pivoted downwardly to deflect the exhaust flow as the door is deployed. Also, problems have been encountered with past thrust reverser door designs in attempting to seal the doors adequately in the stowed position and preclude the exhaust pressure in flight leaking out past the stowed doors to cause drag and marginal performance as well as raising the possibility of having the doors deploy in flight.
Thus, a need exists for a pivoting door thrust reverser that provides a simple, inexpensive, and highly reliable mechanism for the desired forward deflection of the exhaust flow in the deployed mode and to direct portions of the reversed flow so as to avoid interference with control surfaces of the aircraft and to preclude the downwardly directed reversed flow from blowing foreign objects forwardly to a position for ingestion by the engine. A need also exists for a thrust reverser that meets the above criteria while precluding leakage from the reverser unit while in flight and also provides a nozzle that provides a relatively smooth continuous flow for the exhaust of the engine. It is believed that such requirements are met by the instant invention which provides a practical state of the art thrust reverser in an economical manner.

Pivoting door type thrust reverser with deployable members for efflux control and flow separation


The present invention relates to high pressure processing (HPP) methods of and containers for preparation of food products such as solid or semi-solid foods, beverages and food supplements containing high-pressure sensitive probiotics and other high-pressure sensitive substances, which maintain their viability, biological activity and other beneficial properties in the prepared food product. The present invention also relates to pasteurized food products containing biologically active high-pressure sensitive probiotics, other high-pressure sensitive substances, or their combinations.

The nutritional value of a food product (including a beverage), its safety, appearance and taste qualities influence consumers' preferences and purchase decisions. Thermal treatment methods, such as radio frequency, microwave, and infrared heating during processing, are commonly used to reduce, control or eliminate pathogens from food products and to extend food products' shelf life. However, such methods often affect nutrition and sensory properties (e.g., palatability) of the food. Moreover, heat treatment prevents the use of probiotics (bacteria and/or yeasts) and other heat-sensitive substances in foods and food supplements. Accordingly, as the food industry strives to meet consumer demand for fresh, minimally processed foods that have extended shelf life, the demand for non-thermal processing technology increases. High pressure processing (HPP) thus becomes a way of choice to pasteurize or sterilize food under high pressure to inactivate or destroy pathogens without changing natural status of the food during the process. In HPP, high pressure kills microorganisms by interrupting their cellular function without the use of heat and, thus, without changing the taste, texture and nutrition of the food. The HPP method, however, is not suitable for pasteurization of foods and nutritional supplements containing high-pressure-sensitive ingredients.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved techniques for preparation, packaging, and pasteurization of foods and nutritional supplements, especially, foods and nutritional supplements containing probiotics (bacteria and/or yeasts) and their metabolites, enzymes, prebiotics, nutraceuticals, and/or other biologically active substances that are sensitive to high pressure.

High pressure processing of foods and food supplements

Foremost Technologies and Products, Inc.


A plurality of cooler plates (9) are disposed between fuel cells (8) in a stack (7) and have protrusions (12, 13) which include coolant inlet and outlet channels (15). The protrusions are surrounded by an elastomeric sealant material (35, 36) which forms a seal with the manifold structures (27, 28) to form coolant inlet and outlet manifolds (17, 20). The sealant material prevents coolant from entering fuel cells along the edges thereof, thereby preventing the fuel cells from being poisoned by the coolant. The coolant inlet and outlet manifold structures (27, 28) also define reactant gas manifolds (18, 21).

The use of fuel cell power plants to provide electric power to electric vehicles is being proposed by many sources. In many parts of the world, the fuel cell power plant must be able to withstand freezing temperatures. One approach is for such fuel cells to utilize a freeze-proof coolant solution, such as the common ethylene glycol antifreeze solution in water. However, ethylene glycol has a very high tendency toward poisoning the membrane of a PEM fuel cell as well as the catalyst, and must therefore be completely isolated from the fuel cells.
Cooler plates are easily provided which will totally contain the coolant within them, thereby posing no threat to the fuel cells from the coolant solution. However, a problem heretofore has been that getting the coolant into the cooler plates has required that there be a manifold which in turn may subject the joints between adjacent fuel cells, as well as the joints between cooler plates and fuel cells, to leakage of the coolant, which thereby can enter and poison the fuel cells themselves.

Easily isolated, oversized fuel cell stack cooler plates


A gas sensor element (100) including a detection portion (150) including a solid electrolyte body (105) and a pair of electrodes (104) and (106) disposed on the solid electrolyte body; and a porous protection layer (20) covering the detection portion. The porous protection layer includes an inner porous layer (21) and an outer porous layer (23); the inner porous layer is higher in porosity than the outer porous layer; the inner porous layer contains, as main components, ceramic particles (21a), and ceramic fiber filaments (21b) which are mainly formed of a ceramic material and which have a mean fiber length of 70 to 200 μm; and the amount of the ceramic fiber filaments is 25 to 75 vol % on the basis of the total amount of the ceramic particles and the ceramic fiber filaments, the total amount being taken as 100 vol %.

Conventionally, a gas sensor is used for determining the concentration of a particular component (oxygen, etc.) in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The gas sensor has a gas sensor element provided therein. The gas sensor element has, on a forward end side thereof, a detection element including a solid electrolyte body and a pair of electrodes disposed on the solid electrolyte body. The gas sensor element may be exposed to poisoning substances (e.g., silicon and phosphorus) contained in exhaust gas and may suffer adhesion of water droplets contained in exhaust gas. Thus, in order to trap poisoning substances and to prevent direct contact of water droplets with the gas sensor element, the outer surface of the gas sensor element is covered with a porous protection layer. That is, the detection element, which is exposed to a gas-to-be-measured (exhaust gas), is entirely covered with the porous protection layer.
Also, the following technique has been developed: the porous protection layer is formed of two layers (i.e., an upper layer and a lower layer), and, by means of the lower layer having porosity higher than that of the upper layer, an anchor effect brings the upper layer into close contact with the lower layer, whose surface is roughened by pores (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An adapter box which makes possible a direct connect 110 volt central vacuum system hose to be plugged into a portable vacuum cleaner in the same way that a 110 volt direct connect central vacuum system hose would plug into an in home central vacuum system using direct connect central vacuum system inlets.

This invention relates generally to a need to make the job of cleaning an auditorium or classroom easier. Vacuum cleaning down long narrow isles and around chair and table legs in an auditorium or class room has proven to take a lot of time and effort when using standard portable vacuum cleaners. Experience has shown that time and effort can be saved when vacuuming with just a hose and attachment as is the case when a central vacuum system is used. Some buildings especially those with the floor consisting of a poured cement slab make installing a central vacuum system not possible or cost prohibitive. The invention of a direct connect adapter box makes it possible to attach a central vacuum system direct connect hose to a portable vacuum cleaner in the same way that it would plug into a wall inlet of a central vacuum system. This makes it possible to clean an auditorium or classroom with the same ease of cleaning which is acquired with the usage a central vacuum cleaner. Portable vacuum sources using long hoses have been around a long time. The uniqueness of this invention is the obtained ability to plug a direct connect hose (readily available on the market) into a portable vacuum cleaner and then to proceed with the same ease and time saving attributes which one has when vacuuming with a central vacuum system.

Abstract: An adapter box that attaches to the inlet vacuum port of a portable vacuum cleaner (household, commercial, or other) for the purpose of making compatible and possible the plugging in of a direct connect central vacuum system hose in the same way the same hose would be plugged into the direct connect central vacuum system inlet valve of an in house central vacuum system. This type hose allows 110 volts to be available for the operation of a 110 volt powered rug cleaning attachment.

Abstract: An adapter box that allows a direct connect central vacuum system hose to function with a portable vacuum cleaner so that it may function in like fashion to a central vacuum system in a home where the hose simply plugs into a direct connect central vacuum system wall inlet receiving vacuum power from the central vacuum system power unit through pipes installed in the walls and ceilings of the building.


An irrigation sprinkler having a tubular housing having an inlet and adapted to be coupled to a water supply source and an outlet and in which is located an outlet nozzle including a sprinkler outlet. The housing accommodates flow control means coupled at one end to said inlet end and having an outlet which communicates with and is spaced from the sprinkler outlet by a region defined within the housing and constituting an hydraulic quiet zone for ensuring that water flow arrives at the spray outlet with substantially symmetrical distribution and with minimal turbulence.

A known problem which arises with such sprinklers, and in particular micro-sprinklers, whether these are of the rotary or of the static kind, is connected with the variation of output rate, spray range and distribution pattern as a consequence of variations in input pressure to the sprinkler, whether these arise as a result of variations in mains supply or as a result of variations in terrain which give rise to differing supply pressures reaching differing sprinklers.
In an attempt to overcome this particular problem, it has been known to associate the water supply to the sprinkler with suitable pressure or flow control means, by which it is desired to ensure that the water reaching the outlet nozzle of the sprinkler is always at a substantially constant outflow rate, irrespective of the supply pressure.
A further problem which arises is associated with sprinklers which are desired to operate at a relatively low output rate. Achieving such a relatively low output rate, and at the same time ensuring that the spray outflow is of sufficient velocity to ensure maintaining an adequate spray range, has involved the use of nozzles with increasingly smaller outflow apertures. It will be readily appreciated that the smaller the outflow aperture, the greater the danger that this aperture becomes blocked by grit and the like.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved irrigation sprinkler in which some or all of the above-referred-to disadvantages are significantly reduced.


A new and novel self-locating railcar rerailing device of one-piece construction is provided. A track insert is configured to be installed within a track gauge of either straight or curved sections of an existing model railroad track layout. The sloped and shaped ends of the preferred embodiment and up-ramps of an alternative embodiment each engage the derailed wheels of a moving railcar in such a manner that, with either forward or backward motion, the railcar wheels are guided back into both vertical and horizontal alignment with the tracks.

For many generations, model railroading has been a popular and fascinating hobby for modelers of all ages. Throughout the years the technical aspects of the hobby have grown in all areas of expertise. From the somewhat crude wind-up toy engines of a century ago to the highly sophisticated electronically powered engines of today, hobbyists now have the opportunity to select the size and type of model railroad they wish to build and command. The currently available sizes range from the smallest at 1:220 of actual size, which can be built on a tabletop, to the largest at 1:22.5 of actual size which is commonly used out-of-doors in a garden like environment. The more popular sizes selected by most of today's hobbyists are the "N" gage at 1:160, and the "HO" gage at 1:870 real life size.
Traditionally, those hobbyists who are involved particularly in either "N" or "HO" gage modeling will selectively use flexible model railroad track, which is available in a variety of lengths up to approximately 36 inches, rather than using sections of shorter tracks of specific length, since the longer sections have the ability to be formed, shaped and/or curved to suit the design of the track layout while also requiring fewer joints that must be connected in order to make a continuous run. Flexible track, with its greater utility, is customarily laid down over a cork roadbed and then secured into place, such as by nailing or tacking, to an underlying rigid substrate, such as plywood. This creates a rather permanent track layout. During the installation of track, it is often necessary to install one or more devices, which can rerail cars that may become derailed during operation. One such device commonly used is constructed of rigid plastic molded about a short section of electrically conductive track. Often, this device will be strategically located in close proximity to the operators location near the control panel to aid in the initial placement of engines and/or cars to the tracks prior to operation. Other rerailers, often of the same or similar design, may be used where it is anticipated that derailments might occur along the track right-of-way.
In practice, however, identifying where a derailment might occur is not always immediately apparent. That is, while certain areas may be identified as likely derailment locations, due to the particular layout of the modeler's choosing, other areas where derailments occur may only become observable through use. In this instance, to remedy the situation, it may become necessary to add rerailers at these troublesome locations. To do so, however, often necessitates disrupting certain sections of track, by requiring cutting, removing and relaying of the tracks in order to accommodate the installation of each new rerailer. This is a tedious and often difficult task once a track layout has been finalized and many other track accessories are in place.
Accordingly, there exists a long felt and heretofore unresolved need for a rerailer that addresses these disadvantages.


Provided is a method, system and computer readable-medium to evaluate lameness in a four-legged animal. The method includes selecting a gait analysis test. Test data associated with the animal is collected for a plurality of gait cycles at a speed associated with the test. The test data is collected in relation to a pressure sensor pad having a plurality of sensors. A plurality of paws and associated paw pressure of the animal are identified in association with each of the cycles in relation to the sensor pad. A gait lameness score is computed in association with a paw based on a ratio of, a total paw pressure for the paw in the plurality of gait cycles divided by total pressure for the plurality of paws in the plurality gait cycles, and a mean paw pressure for the paw that is expected by a breed of the animal.

1. Field
The present application relates to gait analysis in animals. More specifically, the present application is directed to a system and a method of detecting and quantifying lameness in animals. The system and method also enable the display of detected and quantified lameness on various computing devices and smart devices to facilitate understanding by clinicians, as well as lay people (owners).
2. Brief Discussion of Related Art
Gait analysis is a term that is broadly used in evaluating mobility in humans and animals, and can refer to systems that typically look at a limited number of measures in evaluating such mobility. For example, a system that measures pressure in a shoe for a human can refer to gait analysis at one end of the spectrum, while a system that uses three-dimensional (3D) video with markers to record and measure kinematics can also refer to gait analysis at the other end of the spectrum.
Systems that imbed sensors in treadmills for use with human subjects have been around for many years, generally focusing on location data in order to determine foot placement of the human subjects. In recent years, these systems have also been combined with projection systems that show where the subjects should place their feet, in order to determine how well the subjects completed this task. The foregoing systems are useful in human rehabilitation.
However, the aforementioned systems that are directed to the evaluation of foot placement in humans are not very useful to the evaluation of lameness in four-legged animals, e.g., dogs. Evaluation of lameness in animals requires specific animal-related measurements including, among other measurements, the pressure that these animals put on their paws, placement position of the paws at one or more specific points during a gait cycle, and the timing among the paws at various velocities.
Several systems perform gait analysis in animals and provide some degree of lameness detection and evaluation, whether directly or through clinician interpretation. One such system employs a relatively short over-the-ground pad. A drawback of such a system is that it collects a limited number of paw prints based on the speed of the animal and the animal's overall size, thereby requiring multiple passes over the pad in order to collect enough data for the evaluation of the animal. These passes may not include complete consecutive gait cycles. Specifically, it is well documented that even a single gait cycle collected only once is not adequate to accurately determine a degree of lameness for both primary and secondary lameness in animals.
Another system uses a longer walkway (e.g., 16 feet-26 feet) to capture a minimum of three consecutive gait cycles. This system provides an adequate number of gait cycles to determine both primary and secondary lameness. However, a drawback of such a system is the space required to layout the walkway and the difficulty in collecting data over the longer walkway at a consistent velocity.
While 3D video systems that use markers can be employed to detect lameness, such video systems are capable of producing accurate results only if lameness in the animals is visually identifiable. However, animals (especially dogs) are masters at compensation that makes lameness detection problematical even using the 3D video systems with markers. Moreover, the time and space requirements associated with use of such systems in clinical settings present additional drawbacks.
Other devices, such as force plates and static pressure reading devices for lameness detection are well known. Force plates require elaborate test methods to identify which paw is being measured and do not collect complete gait cycles. Static devices are unable perform dynamic analysis that is required for primary and secondary lameness detection in individual animals.
The foregoing systems and devices are generally not capable of producing accurate scoring to allow objective evaluation and reporting of the degree of lameness and to enable the tracking of changes during and following treatment of the animals.

System and method to detect and quantify lameness in animals


A patient interface packaging that includes an integrated sizing template. The packaging system includes a container having an inner chamber containing a patient interface device having a size contained within. The packaging further includes an outer exterior having an integral flap. The integral flap includes at least one opening therethrough forming a sizing template. The size of the opening corresponds to the size of the mask contained within the package so that the opening may be fitted to the nose region of a patient's to allow the user to determine an appropriate size patient interface device that matches his or her anatomical dimensions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a packaging system for a patient interface device, such as a respiratory mask, and, in particular, to a packaging system where the packaging containing the respiratory mask includes an integrated sizing gage for use in determining whether the mask contained in that package is a proper fit for a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of respiratory masks or patient interface devices are known that have flexible seals and cover the nose, mouth, or both of a human user and are designed to create a seal against the user's face. Because of the sealing effect that is created, gases can be provided at a positive pressure within the mask for consumption by the user. Uses for such masks range from high altitude breathing, i.e. aviation applications, to mining and fire fighting applications, to various medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. For example, such masks are used to delivery continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or variable airway pressure, which varies with the patient's respiratory cycle, to an airway of a patient. This is done to treat a medical disorder, such as sleep apnea syndrome, in particular, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or congestive heart failure or to ventilate a patient who has a compromised respiratory ability.
A requisite of such respiratory masks is that they provide an effective seal against the user's face to prevent leakage of the gas being supplied. Commonly, in prior mask configurations, a good mask-to-face seal has been attained in many instances only with considerable discomfort to the user. This problem is most crucial because such masks are typically worn for an extended period of time. One concern in such a situation is that a user may avoid wearing an uncomfortable mask, defeating the purpose of the prescribed pressure support therapy.
Thus, to ensure a comfortable fit providing an adequate seal, it is important that the mask fit a patient's face properly. Typically, respiratory masks are provided in a range of sizes, such as "small", "medium" and "large", or "adult" and "child". Traditionally, the product's manufacture supplies a sizing gage, also referred to as a template, for use in determining which size is best suited for each user. The sizing template is typically formed from a rigid material with a plurality of cutouts, each cutout corresponding to a different size of the mask. The user places the template on the part of the body to be measured, such as over the nose and/or mouth, to determine which the size mask best fits their anatomical features. The user can test their anatomical features in each different size cutout determine which cutout, and, hence, which size mask, best matches their features.
This template must be available to the provider each time a patient is sized. A disadvantage to this system is the provider must remember to take a sizing gage with them to a patient's residence, in the case of a homecare application, or to the patient's bedside, in the case of a hospital application. It should be apparent that one disadvantage, is that this rigid gage may not always be available.
In another sizing technique, "eyeballing" is used. In this instance, the provider will guess the appropriate size product for the patient. It should be apparent that this method can easily result in the selection of the wrong product size. In another sizing procedure, the mask packaging is opened and the product is tried on the patient. If the mask is not the correct size, the mask must be cleaned and disinfected prior to use on the next patient, or the mask may be disposed. Disposing of unused product is obviously wasteful and not profitable. Cleaning and/or disinfecting product is time consuming and may require special equipment or chemicals to properly clean the product.
Thus, an advantage exists to provide a sizing gage with every product, eliminating the need to carry a durable gage or many different gages to suit the broad range of products available. Guessing at mask sizes would also be eliminated, as a sizing gage would be readily available. Providers would no longer be required to open products that would ultimately not be used on the patient. The potential disposal of unused product and the need for disinfection equipment and chemicals would be eliminated.

Patient interface packaging with integrated sizing gage


A delay locked loop circuit includes a delay locking unit configured to output a first internal clock and a second internal clock, a rising edge of which is synchronized with that of the first internal clock by delaying a compensated external clock for compensating a skew of a semiconductor memory device; a duty ratio compensation unit configured to generate the compensated external clock by compensating a duty ratio of an external clock of the semiconductor memory device and to compensate duty ratios of the first and second internal clocks; and a clock control unit configured to control an activation state of the second internal clock after the duty ratio compensation of the external clock.

The present invention relates to a delay locked loop circuit, and more particularly, to a delay locked loop circuit capable of reducing power consumption.
Generally, a Delay Locked Loop (DLL) circuit controls a timing of data outputted from a memory device, e.g., a synchronous semiconductor memory device, by using an external clock inputted from the outside of the memory device.
In order to transfer the output data of the semiconductor memory device to a chip set without an error, the semiconductor memory device and the chip set should be synchronized with the external clock. However, since the external clock inputted to the semiconductor memory device is delayed by an internal circuit of the semiconductor memory device, a phase difference is generated between the external clock and an internal clock. The DLL circuit compensates the clock skew generated by the internal circuit of the semiconductor memory device in order to eliminate the phase difference between the data outputted from the semiconductor memory device and the clock.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a conventional delay locked loop circuit.
As shown in the drawing, the conventional delay locked loop circuit includes a first delay locking unit 101, a second delay locking unit 111 and a duty ratio compensation unit 121.
The first delay locking unit 101 includes a first phase comparison unit 103, a first delay control unit 105 and a first replica model unit 107. The second delay locking unit 111 includes a second phase comparison unit 113, a second delay control unit 115 and a second replica model unit 117.
The first phase comparison unit 103 compares a phase of an external clock EXT_CLK with that of a first feedback clock FB_1 outputted from the first replica model unit 107 in order to generate a first comparison signal CMP_1 which includes information about a phase difference between the external clock EXT_CLK and the first feedback clock FB_1. A clock delay component inside a semiconductor device is modeled in the first replica model unit 107. The first replica model unit 107 receives a first internal clock CLKOUT_1 whose duty ratio is compensated by a second compensation unit 125 mentioned later in order to output the first feedback clock FB_1.
The first comparison signal CMP_1 is inputted to the first delay control unit 105. The first delay control unit 105 outputs a first internal clock CLK_1 by delaying a compensated external clock CLK_CC generated by a first compensation unit 123 mentioned later based on the first compensation signal CMP_1. Herein, the first compensation unit 123 generates the compensated external clock CLK_CC by compensating a duty ratio of the external clock EXT_CLK.
As a result, through the above-mentioned processes, delays due to the first delay control unit 105 and the first replica model unit 107 are reflected to the first feedback clock FB_1, and thus a phase of the first feedback clock FB_1 is synchronized with that of the compensated external clock CLK_CC. At this time, the first internal clock CLK_1, to which a delay due to the first delay control unit 105 is reflected, is delay-locked, i.e., a locking is completed.
The second delay locking unit 111 performs a similar operation to the first delay locking unit 101 in order to synchronize a phase of the external clock EXT_CLK with that of a second feedback clock FB_2 and output a second delay-locked internal clock CLK_2. However, since the second delay control unit 115 outputs the second internal clock CLK_2 after inverting it, a rising edge of the second internal clock CLK_2 is synchronized with that of the first internal clock CLK_1 and a duty ratio of the second internal clock CLK_2 is opposite to that of the first internal clock CLK_1. That is because the second delay control unit 115 performs an operation related to a duty ratio compensating operation of the second compensation unit 125 mentioned later. In FIG. 1, the circle at the output terminal of the second delay control unit 115 means an inversion.
The duty ratio compensation unit 121 includes the first compensation unit 123, the second compensation unit 125, a duty ratio sensing unit 127 and a compensation control unit 129.
The duty ratio compensating operation is performed after the locking operation and is controlled by the compensation control unit 129. After the locking operation, the compensation control unit 129 activates a compensation signal DCC_EN so that the duty ratio compensating operation is performed by the first and second compensation units 123 and 125 in response to the compensation signal DCC_EN.
The duty ratio sensing unit 127 detects duty ratios of the first and second internal clocks CLK_1 and CLK_2 in order to generate a detection signal PD. The compensation control unit 129 outputs a control signal DCC_CTRL which includes duty ratio adjustment information to the compensation unit 123 in response to the detection signal PD. The first compensation unit 123 compensates a duty ratio of the external clock EXT_CLK in order to generate the compensated external clock CLK_CC in response to the control signal DCC_CTRL.
The second compensation unit 125 mixes phases of falling edges of the first and second internal clocks CLK_1 and CLK_2 to a medium phase in order to output the duty ratio compensated first and second internal clocks CLKOUT_1 and CLKOUT_2. The second compensation unit 125, unlike the first compensation unit 123, is operated only when a dual compensation signal DUAL_EN inputted from the outside of the conventional delay locked loop circuit is activated. In case of improving a duty ratio compensating ability of the conventional delay locked loop circuit, the dual compensation signal DUAL_EN can be set to be activated.
After completing the locking operation and the duty ratio compensating operation through the above-mentioned processes, the first and second internal clocks CLKOUT_1 and CLKOUT_2 are kept in the completed state of the locking and duty ratio compensating operations. Thereafter, the conventional delay locked loop circuit performs an updating process to output the first and second internal clocks CLKOUT_1 and CLKOUT_2 by periodically reflecting a change.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the conventional delay locked loop circuit shown in FIG. 1 when the dual compensation signal DUAL_EN is deactivated. The arrow indicates an enablement of each unit at each operation step of the conventional delay locked loop circuit.
If the operation of the conventional delay locked loop circuit is started, the first and second internal clocks CLK_1 and CLK_2 are delay-locked by the first and second delay locking units 101 and 111 respectively. Thereafter, the duty ratio compensating operation is performed by the first compensation unit 123. Since the first and second delay locking units 101 and 111 are still enabled after the locking operation, the duty ratio sensing unit 127 generates the detection signal PD by detecting duty ratios of the first and second internal clocks CLK_1 and CLK_2, and the first compensation unit 123 compensates a duty ratio of the external clock EXT_CLK in response to the control signal DCC_CTRL.
In case the dual compensation signal DUAL_EN is deactivated, unlike when the dual compensation signal DUAL_EN is activated, the operation of the conventional delay locked loop circuit is not influenced, even if the second delay locking unit 111 is disabled except for the update process after the completion of the duty ratio compensation. However, as shown in the drawing, even after the duty ratio compensating operation of the first compensation unit 123 is completed, the second delay locking unit 111 is still enabled. Since the compensated external clock CLK_CC inputted to the second delay control unit 115 continuously toggles, unwanted power consumption occurs in the second delay control units 115.
As a result, according to the conventional delay locked loop circuit, even when the second compensation unit 125 is not operated, the second delay locking unit 111 is still enabled, thereby unnecessarily consuming power after the completion of the duty ratio compensating operation.


A photoreactive composition comprises (a) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction; and (b) a photoinitiator system comprising photochemically-effective amounts of (1) at least one type of semiconductor nanoparticle quantum dot that has at least one electronic excited state that is accessible by absorption of two or more photons, and (2) a composition, different from said reactive species, that is capable of interacting with the excited state of the semiconductor nanoparticle quantum dot to form at least one reaction-initiating species.

Molecular two-photon absorption was predicted by Goppert-Mayer in 1931. Upon the invention of pulsed ruby lasers in 1960, experimental observation of two-photon absorption became a reality. Subsequently, two-photon excitation has found application in biology and optical data storage, as well as in other fields.
There are two key differences between two-photon induced photoprocesses and single-photon induced processes. Whereas single-photon absorption scales linearly with the intensity of the incident radiation, two-photon absorption scales quadratically. Higher-order absorptions scale with a related higher power of incident intensity. As a result, it is possible to perform multiphoton processes with three-dimensional spatial resolution. Also, because multiphoton processes involve the simultaneous absorption of two or more photons, the absorbing chromophore is excited with a number of photons whose total energy approximates the energy of an electronic excited state of the multiphoton photosensitizer that is utilized. Because the exciting light is not attenuated by single-photon absorption within a curable matrix or material, it is possible to selectively excite molecules at a greater depth within a material than would be possible via single-photon excitation by use of a beam that is focused to that depth in the material. These two phenomena also apply, for example, to excitation within tissue or other biological materials.
Major benefits have been achieved by applying multiphoton absorption to the areas of photocuring and microfabrication. For example, in multiphoton lithography or stereolithography, the nonlinear scaling of multiphoton absorption with intensity has provided the ability to write features having a size that is less than the diffraction limit of the light utilized, as well as the ability to write features in three dimensions (which is also of interest for holography). Such work has been limited, however, to slow writing speeds and high laser powers, due to the low photosensitivities of current multiphoton-activatable, photoreactive compositions.


A method of determining a target spatial coordinate using an apparatus comprising a movable hand-held probe, having a body and a pointing element for pointing the target spatial coordinate, and a portable base unit provided with line-of-sight distance coupling means, wherein the hand-held probe is coupled to the base unit by said line-of-sight distance coupling means, coupled to the body at an attachment point, and wherein the base unit is provided with sensors providing measuring signals for measuring length or a change in length of the line-of-sight distance coupling means and rotation of said line-of-sight distance coupling means in at least one degree of freedom. Computer-controlled processing means are arranged for processing measuring signals. The method further comprising retrieving measuring signals wherein the target spatial coordinate is appointed from different orientations of the hand-held probe, and determining the target spatial coordinate from the measuring signals.

The invention relates to a method of determining a target spatial coordinate using an apparatus comprising a movable hand-held probe, having a pointing element for pointing the target spatial coordinate, and a portable base unit provided with line-of-sight distance coupling means, wherein the hand-held probe is coupled to the base unit by means of the line-of-sight coupling means via an attachment point, and wherein the base unit is provided with sensors providing measuring signals for measuring length or a change in length of the line-of-sight distance coupling means and rotation of the line-of-sight distance coupling means in at least one degree of freedom, and computer-controlled processing means communicatively connected to the sensors for processing measuring signals delivered by the sensors.
An apparatus of the above mentioned type is known from EP patent 1,226,401, which can be used for measuring the shape or contour of two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects, such as small objects to be placed on a measuring table, or relatively large objects disposed in a room.
The known apparatus is equipped with a cord or a wire, for connecting the movable hand-held probe to the portable base unit via an elongated arm provided with the base unit. Therefore, only a single sensor suffices for determining the length or change in length of the cord or the wire.
A second sensor in the apparatus is used in order to enable accurate determination of the angle or angular displacement of the cord caused by a change in position of the measuring probe. The second sensor is arranged to measure the rotational displacement of the arm in, for example two dimensions or three dimensions.
In an example, the sensors for measuring length or a change in length of the cord or the wire and rotation of the arm in at least one degree of freedom are understood to be sensors in the form of pulse generators, wherein the number of pulses delivered during use is proportional to a change in length or angular displacement of the cord or the wire or of the arm coupled thereto. Another option is to use potentiometers for measuring the rotation of the arm, and the change in length of the cord or the wire.
The computer-controlled processing means are arranged for processing the measuring signals delivered by the sensors, i.e. the angle or angular displacement of the line-of-sight distance coupling means or change in length of the line-of-sight distance coupling means, into position data of the hand-held probe.
EP patent 1,226,401 provides an example in which the coordinates of the attachment point and the target spatial coordinate are the same because the cord or wire is attached to the end of the pointing element, which pointing element is used for pointing the target spatial coordinate.
However, in such an example, a problem arises in case a spatial coordinate is to be measured which is not in direct line-of-sight with the base unit. In order to accurately determine the spatial coordinate, the cord or wire needs to be directly spanned in a straight line between the base unit and the hand-held probe without obstacles or obstructions. In case the spatial coordinate is not in direct line-of-sight with the base unit, the computer-controlled processing means will unavoidably include inaccuracies in the determination of the spatial coordinate. The above is, for example, important for measuring a target spatial coordinate behind an object.
The inventors of the present invention further noticed that in practice situations the target spatial coordinate can not always be directly, physically pointed at, due to obstacles, obstructions, narrow passages, or the like. In such a case, the apparatus of EP 1,226,401 will introduce offset inaccuracies as the intended spatial coordinate, i.e. the target spatial coordinate, does not equal the attachment point of the line-of-sight distance coupling means, i.e. a cord or a wire.
Consequently it is an object of the invention to provide for an improved method and apparatus for accurately determining a target spatial coordinate in more versatile situations.

Method of determining a target spatial coordinate using an apparatus comprising a movable hand-held probe and a portable base unit, and a related apparatus


An assembly of microelectronic devices and method for forming an assembly of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a first packaged microelectronic device adjacent to a support member having support member circuitry, with the first packaged microelectronic device having a first microelectronic die at least partially encased in a first encapsulant to define a first package configuration. The method can further include electrically connecting the first packaged microelectronic device to a first portion of the support member circuitry and positioning at least proximate to the first packaged microelectronic device a second packaged microelectronic device having a second microelectronic die at least partially encased in a second encapsulant to define a second package configuration different than the first package configuration. The first packaged microelectronic device can be positioned between the support member and the second packaged microelectronic device. The second packaged device can be coupled directly to a second portion of the support member circuitry. Accordingly, the second packaged microelectronic device can be connected directly to the support member without connecting the second packaged device to the first packaged device.

Packaged microelectronic assemblies, such as memory chips and microprocessor chips, typically include a microelectronic device mounted to a substrate and encased in a plastic protective covering. The device includes functional features, such a memory cells, processor circuits, and interconnecting circuitry. The device also typically includes bond pads electrically coupled to the functional features. The bond pads are coupled to pins or other types of terminals that extend outside the protective covering for connecting the microelectronic device to buses, circuits and/or other microelectronic assemblies.
One conventional approach to reducing the surface area occupied by packaged microelectronic devices in compact electronic products is to stack one packaged device on another packaged device having an identical configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an upper packaged microelectronic device 20b can be stacked on a lower packaged microelectronic device 20a (collectively referred to as packaged devices 20) and the assembly of packaged devices 20 can be attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) 30. Each packaged device 20 typically includes a die 24 encased in an encapsulant 23. Each die 24 has a plurality of die bond pads 25 connected to pins 43 that extend outside the encapsulant 23. Corresponding pins 43 of each packaged device 20 are connected directly to each other and to corresponding bond pads 31 on the PCB 30. The packaged devices 20 are also connected to each other by attaching an adhesive 11 between the encapsulant 23 of the lower packaged device 20a and the encapsulant 23 of the upper packaged device 20b.
In another conventional arrangement shown in FIG. 2, two identical packaged devices 120 (shown as a lower packaged device 120a and an upper packaged device 120b) are connected to each other and to a PCB 130 with solder balls 143. Each packaged device 120 can include a die 124 mounted to a substrate PCB 140 and encased with an encapsulant 123. Each die 124 has die bond pads 125 connected with wire-bonds 126 to corresponding bond pads 131a of the substrate PCB 140. The bond pads 131a are connected to solder ball pads 131b with circuitry internal to the support PCB 140. The solder balls 143 connect the solder ball pads 131b of the upper package 120b to the solder ball pads 131b of the lower package 120a. Additional solder balls 143 connect the lower package 120a to corresponding bond pads 131c of the PCB 130.
One drawback with the conventional arrangements described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is that the stacked packaged devices are connected to each other. Accordingly, it can be difficult to remove and replace one packaged device without removing or damaging the other. Furthermore, this arrangement can require several tests to confirm that the packaged devices remain operable after each manufacturing step. For example, the packaged devices may be tested individually before they are coupled, then tested again after they are coupled to each other, and then tested yet again after the coupled packaged devices are mounted to the PCB. Each test can add to the time required to complete the final product, and can accordingly reduce the efficiency of the manufacturing process.


A wristband can comfortably secure an electronic device, such as a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device, to a wrist of a user. The wristband can include a number of magnets that allow the wristband to be magnetically coupled to itself when folded over or when separate band portions are overlapping. The magnets can include a polymer mixed with a magnetic material to provide magnetic properties and flexibility. The magnets can be joined together by a continuous support structure that extends through opposing pairs of the magnets. The support structure can provide substantial and ability as well as tensile strength. The magnets and the support structure can be surrounded by a flexible cover to protect the components within.

Some electronic devices may be removably attached to a user. For example, a wristwatch or fitness/health tracking device can be attached to a user's wrist by joining free ends of a wristband together. In many cases, wristbands may have limited fit adjustment increments available. For example, some bands have an incrementally user-adjustable size (e.g., a buckling clasp, pin and eyelet, etc.) whereas other bands have a substantially fixed size, adjustable only with specialized tools and/or expertise (e.g., folding clasp, deployment clasp, snap-fit clasp, etc.). Other bands may be elastic expansion-type bands that stretch to fit around a user's wrist, flexible bands including buckles, or metal bands including metal clasps. The degree of comfort and securement of the electronic device can depend on the function and arrangement of the wristband. However, conventional bands can have negative aspects and can undesirably fail prior to the failure of the wearable electronic device.


A friction resistance generation mechanism is disposed between two relatively rotatable members of a rotating mechanism. The mechanism includes an input side disk-like plate 32, output side disk-like plates 30 and 31, first friction shims 61A, and second friction shims 61B. The first friction shims 61A are frictionally engaged with the plates 30 and 31, and engaged in a manner that allows torque to be transmitted by way of a first rotational direction gap 79A to the plate 32. The second friction shims 61B are frictionally engaged with the plates 30 and 31, and engaged in a manner that allows torque to be transmitted to the plate 32 by way of a second rotational direction gap 79B with a different size than the first rotational direction gap 79A.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a frictional resistance generation mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanism for attenuating torsional vibration that is disposed between two relatively rotatable members of a rotating mechanism, and is designed to generate frictional resistance and to attenuate the torsional vibration due to the torsional friction when the two members rotate relative to each other.
2. Background Information
A clutch disk assembly used in vehicles has a clutch function for engaging or disengaging a flywheel, and a damper function for absorbing and attenuating torsional vibration from the flywheel. A vehicle commonly emits abnormal, i.e. deviating from a standard, noises during idling (rattling noise), abnormal noises while running (acceleration/deceleration rattling, booming noise), and tip-in/tip-out noise (low frequency vibration). It is a function of the damper of the clutch disk assembly to eliminate these abnormal noises and vibrations.
An abnormal noise while idling is a noise that can be heard as a "rattle" generated by the transmission when shifted into the neutral gear and the clutch pedal is released while waiting at a traffic light or the like. The reason for this abnormal noise is that the engine torque is low in the vicinity of engine idling rotation, and torque fluctuation is considerable during engine firing. Rattling noise occurs between the counter gear and input gear of the transmission at this time.
The tip-in/tip-out (low frequency vibration) refers to the considerable longitudinal lurch of the car body that is generated when the accelerator pedal is suddenly depressed or released. When the rigidity of the drive transmission system is low, the torque transmitted to the tires is conversely transmitted to the drive transmission system from the tires, and excessive torque is generated in the tires as a backlash. The result is a longitudinal vibration that violently and transiently shakes the car body in the longitudinal direction.
The torsion characteristics of a conventional clutch disk assembly are insufficient in the vicinity of the zero torque to counter the abnormal noise during idling because the torsional rigidity at this point should be low. On the other hand, the torsion characteristics of the clutch disk assembly body must be as solid or rigid as possible to counter the longitudinal vibrations of tip-in/tip-out.
To solve the above-described problems, a clutch disk assembly in which a two-stage characteristic is realized by using two types of spring members is provided. In view of the above, this has an effect of preventing abnormal noise during idling because the torsional rigidity and the hysteresis torque are kept low in the first stage (low torsional angle area) in the torsion characteristics. The longitudinal vibration of tip-in/tip-out can be sufficiently attenuated because the torsional rigidity and the hysteresis torque are set high in the second stage (high torsional angle area) in the torsion characteristics. Also known is a damper mechanism for efficiently absorbing minute torsional vibrations by not allowing the large friction mechanism in the second stage to operate when minute torsional vibrations, which are caused, for example, by combustion fluctuations in the engine in the second stage of torsion characteristics, are inputted.
The entire frictional resistance generation mechanism in the above-described damper mechanism is arranged to act parallel to the direction of rotation with a highly rigid spring member, and further has a frictional resistance generating unit and a rotational direction coupling that is disposed so as to act parallel to the direction of rotation in relation thereto. The rotational direction coupling has a narrow rotational direction gap between two members. Therefore, there is no collision in the rotational direction coupling when minute torsional vibrations caused by combustion fluctuations in the engine are inputted. Further, at this time, the frictional resistance generating unit does not operate.
On the other hand, the frictional unit operates in response to torsional vibrations with a large torsional angle. The frictional resistance generating unit does not operate in the narrow rotational direction gap at both ends of the torsional angle. That is to say, when a torsional vibration with a large torsional angle is input, a sudden shift occurs from the area where the frictional resistance generating unit does not operate to the area of large frictional resistance in which the frictional resistance generating unit does operate at both ends of the torsional angle. In other words, the impact is considerable when the members including the gap in the rotational direction collide with each other because large frictional resistance builds up in the vertical direction. As a result, a so-called knocking sound is generated.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved frictional resistance generation mechanism. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Frictional resistance generation mechanism


An actuator assembly for a magnetic storage system wherein the end arms are dynamically tuned to reduce the modes of vibration on the actuator to improve the performance and stability of the actuator assembly in the magnetic storage system. In one embodiment, the upper and lower outer arms of the actuator assembly are thinned in the same or similar locations. In another embodiment, the upper and lower outer arms of the actuator assembly are notched at high strain energy points to reduce the stiffness of the outer arms. In still another embodiment, the upper and lower outer arms of the actuator assembly are both notched and thinned at the same or similar locations.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to computer hard disk drives and, more particularly, to improvements to the rotary actuator of hard disk drives for better dynamic performance.
2. Description of Related Art
Moving magnetic storage devices, especially magnetic disk drives, are the memory devices of choice. This is due to their expanded non-volatile memory storage capability combined with a relatively low cost.
Magnetic disk drives are information storage devices which utilize at least one rotatable magnetic media disk having concentric data tracks defined for storing data, a magnetic recording head or transducer for reading data from and/or writing data to the various data tracks, a slider for supporting the transducer in proximity to the data tracks typically in a flying mode above the storage media, a suspension assembly for resiliently supporting the slider and the transducer over the data tracks, and a positioning actuator coupled to the transducer/slider/suspension combination for moving the transducer across the media to the desired data track and maintaining the transducer over the data track center line during a read or a write operation. The transducer is attached to or is formed integrally with the slider which supports the transducer above the data surface of the storage disk by a cushion of air, referred to as an air-bearing, generated by the rotating disk.
Alternatively, the transducer may operate in contact with the surface of the disk. Thus the suspension provides desired slider loading and dimensional stability between the slider and an actuator positioner arm which couples the transducer/slider/suspension assembly to the actuator. The actuator positions the transducer over the correct track according to the data desired on a read operation or to the correct track for placement of the data during a write operation. The actuator is controlled to position the transducer over the desired data track by shifting the combination assembly across the surface of the disk in a direction generally transverse to the data tracks. The actuator may include a single positioner arm extending from a pivot point, or alternatively a plurality of positioner arms arranged in a comb-like fashion extending from a pivot point. A rotary voice coil motor (VCM) is attached to the rear portion of the actuator assembly to power movement of the actuator over the disks.
The VCM located at the rear portion of the actuator assembly is comprised of a top plate spaced above a bottom plate with a magnet or pair of magnets therebetween. The VCM further includes an electrically conductive coil disposed within the rearward extension of the actuator assembly and between the top and bottom plates, while overlying the magnet in a plane parallel to the magnet. In operation, current passes through the coil and interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet so as to rotate the actuator assembly around its pivot and thus positioning the transducer as desired.
The magnetic media disk or disks in the disk drive are mounted to a spindle. The spindle is attached to a spindle motor which rotates the spindle and the disks to provide read/write access to the various portions on the concentric tracks on the disks.
During operation of the disk drive, the actuator, driven by the VCM, is positioned radially over the disk surface under the control of a positioning servo system. The servo system is designed to accurately position the read/write transducer over a selected data track on the disk in as short a time as possible. The actuators of most disk drive systems have at least two positioner arms, an outer upper positioner arm (outer upper arm) and an outer lower positioner arm (outer lower arm) so that data may be written to and read from both surfaces of the disk. Disk drive systems having more than one disk have actuators with one or two outer arms and at least one inner positioner arm (inner arm). The outer arms each support a single suspension and corresponding slider/transducer assembly. The inner arms each support two suspensions with their slider/transducer assemblies, the suspensions being mounted in a back-to-back configuration on each side of the positioner arm.
Actuator positioner arms have resonant frequencies that can adversely affect the performance of the servo system. The dynamics of the upper outer arm and the lower outer arm are typically different than the dynamics of the inner arms due to the fact that the outer arms generally support one suspension and the inner arms support two suspensions. The different dynamics of the outer and inner arms leads to additional modes of vibration on the actuator that can degrade performance of the disk drive system.
It therefore can be seen that there is a need for an actuator that has outer and inner arms with closely matched dynamics to the inner arms to reduce the modes of vibration on the actuator that can adversely affect the performance of the disk drive.

Dynamically tuned outer arms for improved rotary actuator performance

International Business Machines Corporation


An image shake correction device comprising a first image shake correction lens and a second image shake correction lens for correcting an image shake of a subject image caused by shaking is provided. The image shake correction device executes correcting the image shake caused by the drive of the first image shake correction lens and the second image shake correction lens after correcting a drive deviation between the first image shake correction lens and the second image shake correction lens.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image shake correction device, a control method thereof, and an image pickup apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
There are cases in which a subject image is shaken (image shake) due to the shaking of a user's hand holding a camera body (causes hand shake) while capturing an image by an image pickup apparatus, such as a digital camera. There has been proposed an image pickup apparatus comprising an image shake correction unit that corrects this image shake.
Optical image shake correction processing and electronic image shake correction processing have conventionally been used as correction processing by the image shake correction unit. The optical image shake correction processing detects a vibration applied to the camera body by using, for example, an angular velocity sensor, and moves an image shake correction lens, which is provided inside an imaging optical system, according to the detected result. Hence, an optical axis direction of the imaging optical system is changed, and an image to be imaged on a light-receiving surface of an imaging element is moved so that the image shake is corrected. Additionally, in the electronic image shake correction processing, image processing is performed on a captured image, and the image shake is artificially corrected.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-249276 discloses an image shooting lens that corrects an image shake by moving a plurality of lens groups in a direction different from the optical axis.
The image shooting lens disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-249276 integrally moves the plurality of lens groups in a direction different from the optical axis, or integrally rotates the lens groups around the vicinity of a barycentric position of the lens groups. Additionally, the drive of the lens groups is integrally performed by using the same drive mechanisms, and thus, increases in the size of the apparatus are minimized. However, when the lens groups are integrally driven by using the same drive mechanisms as in the case of this image shooting lens, the arrangements of the lens, the arrangements of the drive mechanism, and like are restricted, and thus, the flexibility of design work may be lost.
In a case where a plurality of lenses are separately driven, when the drive phases of the plurality of lenses serving as the correction unit for correcting the image shake are coincident and the lenses are driven in synchronization, the deterioration of the optical performance does not occur. However, when the drive phases of the lenses are not coincident, the deterioration of the optical performance occurs. Accordingly, when the deterioration of the optical performance sometimes occurs, in particular during shooting a moving image and the like, the quality of the shot moving image is low.

Image shake correction device, control method thereof, and image pickup apparatus