An array of microcavity plasma devices is formed in a ceramic substrate that provides structure for and isolation of an array of microcavities that are defined in the ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate isolates the microcavities from electrodes disposed within the ceramic substrate. The electrodes are disposed to ignite a discharge in microcavities in the array of microcavities upon application of a time-varying potential between the electrodes. Embodiments of the invention include electrode and microcavity arrangements that permit addressing of individual microcavities or groups of microcavities. The contour of the microcavity wall allows for the electric field within the microcavity to be shaped.

Microcavity plasmas, plasmas confined to a cavity with a characteristic spatial dimension <1 mm, have several distinct advantages over conventional, macroscopic discharges. For example, the small physical dimensions of microcavity plasma devices allow them to operate at gas or vapor pressures much higher than those accessible to a macroscopic discharge such as that produced in a fluorescent lamp. When the diameter of the microcavity of a cylindrical microplasma device is, for example, on the order of 200-300 μm or less, the device is capable of operating at pressures as high as atmospheric pressure and beyond. In contrast, standard fluorescent lamps operate at pressures typically less than 1% of atmospheric pressure. Also, microplasma devices may be operated with different discharge media (gases, vapors or combinations thereof) to yield emitted light in the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared portions of the spectrum. Another unique feature of microplasma devices, the large power deposition into the plasma (typically tens of kW/cm3 or more), is partially responsible for the efficient production of atoms and molecules that are well-known optical emitters. Consequently, because of the properties of microplasma devices, including the high pressure operation mentioned above and their electron and gas temperatures, microplasmas are efficient sources of optical radiation.
Microcavity plasma devices have been developed over the past decade for a wide variety of applications. An exemplary application for an array of microplasmas is in the area of displays. Since single cylindrical microplasma devices, for example, with a characteristic dimension (d) as small as 10 μm have been demonstrated, devices or groups of devices offer a spatial resolution that is desirable for a pixel in a display. In addition, the efficiency for generating, with a microcavity plasma device, the ultraviolet light at the heart of the plasma display panel (PDP) significantly exceeds that of the discharge structure currently used in plasma televisions.
Early microplasma devices were driven by direct current (DC) voltages and exhibited short lifetimes for several reasons, including sputtering damage to the metal electrodes. Improvements in device design and fabrication have extended lifetimes significantly, but minimizing the cost of materials and the manufacture of large arrays continue to be key considerations. Also, more recently-developed microplasma devices excited by a time-varying voltage are preferable when lifetime is of primary concern.
Research by the present inventors and colleagues at the University of Illinois has pioneered and advanced the state of microcavity plasma devices. This work has resulted in practical devices with one or more important features and structures. Most of these devices are able to operate continuously with power loadings of tens of kW-cm−3 to beyond 100 kW-cm−3. One such device that has been realized is a multi-segment linear array of microplasmas designed for pumping optical amplifiers and lasers. Also, the ability to interface a gas (or vapor) phase plasma with the electron-hole plasma in a semiconductor has been demonstrated. Fabrication processes developed largely by the semiconductor and microelectromechanical systems (MEMs) communities have been adopted for fabricating many of these microcavity plasma devices.
This research by present inventors and colleagues at the University of Illinois has resulted in exemplary practical devices. For example, semiconductor fabrication processes have been adopted to demonstrate densely packed arrays of microplasma devices exhibiting uniform emission characteristics. Arrays fabricated in silicon comprise as many as 250,000 microplasma devices in an active area of 25 cm2, each device in the array having an emitting aperture of typically 50 μm×50 μm. It has been demonstrated that such arrays can be used to excite phosphors in a manner analogous to plasma display panels, but with values of the luminous efficacy that are not presently achievable with conventional plasma display panels. Another important device is a microcavity plasma photodetector that exhibits high sensitivity. Phase locking of microplasmas dispersed in an array has also been demonstrated.
The following U.S. patents and patent applications describe microcavity plasma devices resulting from these research efforts. Published Applications: 20050148270-Microdischarge devices and arrays; 20040160162-Microdischarge devices and arrays; 20040100194-Microdischarge photodetectors; 20030132693-Microdischarge devices and arrays having tapered microcavities; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,867,548-Microdischarge devices and arrays; 6,828,730-Microdischarge photodetectors; 6,815,891-Method and apparatus for exciting a microdischarge; 6,695,664-Microdischarge devices and arrays; 6,563,257-Multilayer ceramic microdischarge device; 6,541,915-High pressure arc lamp assisted start up device and method; 6,194,833-Microdischarge lamp and array; 6,139,384-Microdischarge lamp formation process; and 6,016,027-Microdischarge lamp.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,541,915 discloses arrays of microcavity plasma devices in which the individual devices are mounted in an assembly that is machined from materials including ceramics. Metallic electrodes are exposed to the plasma medium which is generated within a microcavity and between the electrodes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,833 also discloses arrays of microcavity plasma devices, including arrays for which the substrate is ceramic and a silicon or metal film is formed on it. Electrodes formed at the tops and bottoms of cavities, as well as the silicon, ceramic (or glass) microcavities themselves, contact the plasma medium. U.S. Published Patent Application 2003/0230983 discloses microcavity plasmas produced in low temperature ceramic structures. The stacked ceramic layers are arranged and micromachined so as to form cavities and intervening conductor layers excite the plasma medium. U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0036461 discloses hollow cathode discharge devices in which electrodes contact the plasma/discharge medium.
The development of microcavity plasma devices continues, with an emphasis on the display market. The ultimate utility of microcavity plasma devices in displays will hinge on several critical factors, including efficacy (discussed earlier), lifetime and addressability. Addressability, in particular, is vital in most display applications. For example, for a group of microcavity discharges to comprise a pixel, each microplasma device must be individually addressable.
Current flat panel display solutions suffer from a number of drawbacks. Flat panel display technologies that have been widely adopted include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and plasma display panels. These technologies have been widely adopted for large screen formats such as televisions. LCDs are also used in computer displays. Compact electronic devices also have a need for high contrast, bright, high resolution displays. For example, personal digital systems (PDA) and cellular handsets benefit from high contrast, high resolution, and bright displays.
Efficiency is a concern, particularly in applications that utilize portable power sources such as battery powered handheld devices. Since the operational lifetime of a battery-powered display is inversely proportional to power consumption, improvements in the efficiency of the display impact directly the lifetime of the power source. However, efficiency is also an issue with large, non-portable displays. Conventional plasma display panels, for example, normally operate at a low efficiency, typically converting about 1% of the electrical power delivered to the pixel into visible light. Improvement in this efficiency is a priority with the display industry, but increasing the efficiency of a conventional plasma display may require a rise in the already significant sustaining voltage necessary for operation. Current research is focused upon increasing the xenon content in the plasma display panel gas mixture, which will likely require an accompanying rise in the sustaining voltage and have an adverse impact on the cost of the driving electronics for the display. Plasma display panels and liquid crystal display panels also tend to be heavy from their use of glass to seal the displays, and can be somewhat fragile.
Practical designs that would permit the use of microcavity plasma devices would likely alter the landscape of the flat panel display industry. Compared to standard flat panel display technologies, microplasma devices offer the potential of smaller pixel sizes, for example. Small pixel sizes correlate directly with higher spatial resolution. In addition, tests have shown that microplasma devices convert electrical energy to visible light at a higher efficiency than that available with conventional pixel structures in plasma display panels.

Addressable microplasma devices and arrays with buried electrodes in ceramic

The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois


Methods and systems for enabling discussions among people about physical objects are provided. Each physical object, of a plurality of physical objects, is associated with a unique corresponding identifier and with at least one person interested in the physical object. When an input including a unique identifier is received that input identifies one of the plurality of physical objects as a specific physical object of interest. A conversational element about the specific physical object of interest is eventually captured. This conversational element is likely produced by a person located at or near the specific physical object of interest. At this point at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest is identified. This can be based on associations that were produced and the input received. The conversational element about the specific physical object of interest can then be provided to the at least one person interested in the specific physical object of interest.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods and systems for enabling conversations among people about task-centric physical objects.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many systems support synchronous and asynchronous communications between non-collocated individuals. Examples are telecommunication devices with voicemail/voice messaging and computer mediated communication such as text and audio chat with email and file sharing.
However, a common problem with most communication tools is that conversations tend to be separated from, and have no connection or relationship to, the shared artifacts (i.e. physical object) of interest being discussed. A somewhat unusual linkage between conversation and artifact is illustrated in FIG. 1. This shows a work situation in which a car is being repaired and a wax marker is used to communicate the next steps in the repair procedure for the car. The object of the discussion (i.e., the car) is being used to communication information about itself asynchronously.
In general, this object-conversation separation is a problem for certain kinds of collaborations, namely, those characterized as "tightly" coupled. Tightly coupled collaborations often involve problem solving with others through conversations over shared artifacts (e.g. documents, tools, work products, shared resources, etc). Such "object laden" conversations depend on shared context, i.e. that collaborators have visual access to the artifact or representation to that artifact (i.e., picture, description), either all at once or each at separate times. At the other end of the continuum, loosely coupled collaborations often involve elaborative conversations. Elaborative conversations are relatively independent of the material world and include instances of narration, argument and application.
Evidence suggests that elaborative conversations are easy to achieve, but that object-laden conversations are not. For example, interviews with collaborators who use virtual environments suggest that in chat spaces users will paste text into the shared chat window or find some other means for sharing the specific content over which they wish to converse. However, such pasting can have the side-effect of taking the pasted-in material out of its context. In collaborative virtual environments (CVE), people and artifacts are represented as avatars and shared objects, each requiring work to construct and maintain. Objects in CVEs can be hyperlinked, thereby facilitating discussion about objects in context to other settings. In voice conversation, descriptions maybe constructed on the fly through deictic references, explanation, or props (e.g., a picture of the physical objects, statements like "the red car in the back of the lot next to the silver sedan we just brought in", and formally kept descriptive maintenance logs). In video teleconferencing content sharing must be prearranged (e.g., putting documentation in repositories, bringing objects to discuss to the conferencing center).
There is a need for methods and systems that provide more effective and efficient object-laden conversations between people that are not collocated. Further, there is a need for methods and systems that enable improved communications about physical objects of interest that are not regarded as communication devices themselves.

Methods and systems for enabling conversations about task-centric physical objects


A process for producing a nonwoven fabric having the steps of: bonding polypropylene long-fibers constituting main fibers of the web to one another to produce a raw nonwoven fabric; and uniaxially drawing the raw nonwoven fabric at certain draw temperatures and draw magnifications to produce a final nonwoven fabric.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for producing a nonwoven fabric.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, there have been increased the kinds of machined production, such as bags and diapers, as products of nonwoven fabric. Accordingly, the machinability of a nonwoven fabric needed to be improved in order to increase the productivity of such products of nonwoven fabric. When speeds of processing machines for products of nonwoven fabric are increased, a tension in a nonwoven fabric must be increased so that the nonwoven fabric can stably run. However, when a high tension is applied to a poorly machinable nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric has an increased elongation, so that the running nonwoven fabric largely fluctuates and operations of the processing machines are unstable. Accordingly, properties of products of such poorly machinable nonwoven fabric are poor.
Conventionally, 1) a method of strongly drawing a thread during spinning and 2) a method of arranging more threads in the direction of the flow of a nonwoven fabric than in the transverse direction during the spreading of fibers are employed in order to increase the fiber strength of the nonwoven fabric in the direction of the flow (hereinafter referred to as MD direction) relating to the machinability of the nonwoven fabric.
In the method of 1), thread breakage can occur during drawing. In addition, since a high fusion temperature is required when a web produced by the method of 1) is thermally embossed to the nonwoven fabric, a production speed of the nonwoven fabric must be reduced for the complete fusion of the web and, on the other hand, the fusion of the web must be incomplete so that the high-speed production of a nonwoven fabric is maintained.
The method of 2) has a drawback in that the productivity of the method is poor since the mechanical structure for achieving the method is complicated.
On the other hand, there have been proposed a process in which a web made of continuous long-fibers is drawn in the direction of the flow of the web to produce a high-strength nonwoven fabric (see Japanese unexamined patent application publication HEI.1-321962) and a process for improving the dimensional stability of a nonwoven web comprising the steps of entangling filaments of the nonwoven web by means of a liquid flow and subsequently drawing the nonwoven web in a predetermined range in at least one direction (see Japanese unexamined patent application publication SHO.59-204960).
In the process of Japanese unexamined patent application publication HEI.1-321962, a problem that the nonwoven fabric winds about a roller may occur since the drawing temperature is high.
In the process of Japanese unexamined patent application publication SHO.59-204960, there is a problem in that the productivity is poor since the step of entangling filaments by means of the liquid flow is required.
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a nonwoven fabric of a superior machinability.


M-ary angle modulation is used to record digital data at high density on a disk. In one embodiment, data symbols are encoded by assigning each data symbol a phase representation in terms of a carrier signal, the disk is physically altered in such a manner as to represent the carrier signal, and, at defined intervals, a phase angle of the carrier signal is changed by one of M of possible phase increments, where M equals two to the power of a number of data bits in a data symbol. M data bits are therefore recorded per each of the defined intervals. In another embodiment, a frequency of the carrier signal is changed to have one of M possible frequencies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the storage of digital data and more particularly to high density storage of digital data using a capacitive electronic disc (CED).
2. State of the Art
In the early 1980's, RCA commercialized a relatively low-cost video disc system using capacitance pick up technology to detect video and audio signals placed in grooves on a capacitive electronic disc (CED). Although the CED bears a superficial similarity to a vinyl LP record in that the signal information is placed in grooves, striking differences distinguish the CED from an audio disk. For example, whereas a typical audio disk has a groove width of approximately 0.004 inches, a CED has a groove width of approximately 0.0001 inches such that 40 video disc grooves may be accommodated in the same space as a single audio disk groove. A relatively simple stylus contacts the video disc surface and tracks in the grooves, picking up capacitance variations associated with sub-micron features in the grooves. More particularly, video and audio carriers are FM-modulated and placed on the disc by varying the depth of the groove with the carrier signals. Because of the very small size of the groove (only 2.5 .mu.m wide), the modulation of the groove depth is also necessarily very small, approximately 850 .ANG. peak-to-peak maximum for video. In FIG. 1,, modulation of the groove depth of a CED 12 is represented by dashed lines. FIG. 1 represents a radial cross section of the CED. A stylus 10 is shown tracking in a groove in contact with the disc surface.
The length of the stylus 10 is several times greater than the longest recorded wavelength on the video disc. Therefore, as the stylus travels over the modulation in the groove, its vertical position remains constant. A thin metalized electrode is placed on the trailing surface of the stylus and acts as one plate of a "capacitor" formed by the electrode and the surface of the video disc. The video disc is made of a conductive plastic and acts as the other plate of the capacitor. As the disc rotates,, the distance between the bottom edge of the stylus electrode and the modulation in the groove varies as a function of the modulation. The distance between the plates of the capacitor therefore varies at the frequency of the modulation, changing the capacitance between the stylus and the disc.
The video signal recorded on the disc is a frequency-modulated 5 MHz video carrier. A black level of the video signal is represented by a frequency of 5 MHz, and a white level is represented by deviation of the video carrier signal to 6.3 MHz. Furthermore, synchronization signals cause the video carrier frequency to deviate to 4.3 MHz.
In the RCA VideoDisc system, the vertical blanking intervals of each field are aligned radially on the disc. Recorded on the disc during each vertical blanking interval is a DAXI (digital auxiliary information) code used to uniquely identify each field in a video program. Using "stylus kicker" coils, the stylus may be caused to skip between grooves of the video disc to provide rapid access and visual search modes of operation.
Despite the VideoDisc system's convenience of operation and technical superiority in terms of signal quality, the introduction of VCRs featuring full-function recording by the user prevented the Video disc system from achieving commercial success. Production of the RCA VideoDisc system continued for only a few years.
The RCA VideoDisc recording/playback signaling channel has been thoroughly studied as detailed in the following references:
1) "Capacitive Pickup and the Buried Subcarrier Encoding System for the RCA VideoDisc", J. K. Clemens, RCA Review, Mar. 1978, Vol. 39, No. 1, p. 33. PA0 2) "The Influence of Carrier-to-Noise Ratio and Stylus Life on the RCA VideoDisc System Parameters", M. D. Ross, J. K. Clemens, and R. C. Palmer, RCA Review, Sep. 1981, Vol. 42, No. 3, p. 394. PA0 3) "An Analysis of the Signal and Noise Transfer Properties of Capacitive Styli for the RCA VideoDisc System", J. J. Gibson, Technical Report PRRL-85-TR-017, David Sarnoff Research Center.
The channel can be described as signal plus white Gaussian noise, but with non-linearities. The signal is nonlinear in amplitude and has a linear roll off at shorter wavelengths, which is accentuated when the stylus is lifted off the surface. In addition, there is a small fixed phase shift that can vary under stylus displacement. There is also a small amount of multiplicative noise. Since the additive white Gaussian noise dominates the perturbations of the signal, however, the signal system must be chosen correctly to optimize the final signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of the non-linearities. An angle modulation system, FM, was chosen and optimized for the VideoDisc system.
There will always be a market demand for increasing the volume of random access information available in the portable or mobile computing environment, or as part of the solution to high density packaging constraints in stationary equipment. The present invention enables realization of digital data density that is superior to that available today, and offers the potential to advance beyond the theoretical limit of other systems.
The present invention capitalizes on existing technology in analog capacitive video disc recording (CED) by developing new techniques to provide digital data storage having theoretical storage density that is unsurpassed by all other disk media including optical and magnetic technology. The capacitive disc technology provides a combination of benefits including high density data storage and rapid access.


An information processing system includes an operation part that receives an operation performed by a user; and a body part that operates based on a request from the operation part. The operation part includes a power control part that, when receiving a power turning off instruction from the body part, reboots the operation part and causes the operation part to stand by in a power saving state in which some of operations are stopped, and, when receiving a start up notification from the body part, causes the operation part to return from the power saving state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus and a start up control method.
2. Description of the Related Art
An image forming apparatus is known in which when a copy mode is selected in a sleep mode, a fixing part enters a standby state from a sleep state. Then, a thermal fixing process can be carried out only by heating the fixing part from the standby state to a fixing state. Thus, it is possible to carry out a copy operation rapidly (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2007-4053).

Information processing system, information processing apparatus and start up control method


An apparatus and associated method for measuring transmitted optical distortion in a glass sheet includes a glass stand which receives a glass sheet for mounting between a background screen which includes a matrix of spaced apart dots, and a digital camera which captures (1) an image of the glass sheet surface, and (2) an image of the dot matrix transmitted through the glass sheet. The captured images are downloaded to a computer that is suitably programmed to analyze the image data to (1) determine the presence of any markings or elements on the surface of the glass sheet that should be isolated from the dot matrix image, (2) modify the background image to eliminate the image data corresponding to any such surface markings or elements from the image, and (3) determine characteristics indicative of optical distortion in the modified image of the dot matrix background transmitted through the glass sheet.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring transmitted optical distortion in glass sheets.
2. Background Art
Manufacturers of glass sheets, particularly glass sheets formed into various curved shapes for use as automotive windshields and backlites, are interested in measuring and evaluating the amount of optical distortion in the formed sheets that might be perceived by a human observer, such as the operator or passenger in a vehicle in which the glass may be mounted as the windshield or backlite. One of the problems associated with evaluating the glass sheets is that surface markings or elements, such as the metal heating/defrosting element typically affixed to backlites, may complicate or even corrupt the distortion analysis if the marking/element is not identified and isolated from the distortion analysis.

Method and apparatus for measuring transmitted optical distortion in glass sheets


A wheeled vehicle for small children with a steering wheel on a long steering column that extends upward and backward to about waist level of a child walking behind the vehicle. The child propels and steers the vehicle by pushing on the steering wheel and turning the steering wheel. The steering column extends below the vehicle to operate a front steering frame on which are mounted the front wheels. The steering frame is centrally pivotally mounted to the vehicle chassis at the front end of the vehicle. Inexpensive steering transmission and linkage is provided by a flexible cable, cord, or chain wrapped around the lower end of the steering column below the vehicle and spanning to the left and right sides of the steering frame.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to steering and propulsion systems for wheeled movable toy vehicles.
2. Description of Prior Art
Inexpensive toy vehicles for young children are made to be pushed and dragged along the floor by hand or at the end of a cord or a stick with no sense of control or direction. Riding toys such as tricycles and pedal-powered vehicles with car bodies are more expensive, bulky, and hazardous for young children than are the types of pre-riding vehicles addressed by this invention. Radio-controlled toy vehicles provide control, but are expensive and too advanced for small children, and are too passive. They provide no exercise, and steering is done with buttons and levers, which is not similar to steering a car, so it does not provide training for steering a car.
Prior U.S patents disclose various mechanisms for steering the front wheels of a toy vehicle. These include U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,380 (Magers), U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,451 (Clark), U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,743 (Beaulieu), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,946 (Roux). These mechanisms are sometimes fragile, intricate, and complex, with many interlocking rigid parts. This makes them expensive to manufacture, unreliable, impractical to adjust and maintain. What is needed for commercial success is simplicity, practicality, sturdiness, and low production cost.

Steering system for movable toy vehicles


Disclosed is an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, which comprises a CeZr-based composite oxide capable of maintaining a hollow structure to ensure an oxygen absorbing/releasing capability, even after being exposed to high-temperature exhaust gas. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises a honeycomb-shaped substrate, and a catalyst layer formed on a surface of the substrate. The catalyst layer contains a composite oxide which includes cerium (Ce) and zirconium (Zr) and has a hollow structure, and a catalytic metal supported by the composite oxide. The composite oxide having the hollow structure includes, in a state after being subjected to a thermal aging in Air at 1000° C. for 24 hours, a particle with a shape having an outer diameter of 750 to 1000 nm and a shell thickness of 80 to 120 nm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying catalyst adapted, for example, to be mounted in an exhaust pipe of a vehicle, and more specifically to an exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprising a catalyst layer formed on a surface of a honeycomb-shaped substrate in a manner that it contains a composite oxide which includes cerium (Ce) and zirconium (Zr) and has a hollow structure, and a catalytic metal supported by the composite oxide.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is commonly known, an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from an engine is varied depending on engine operation states, such as acceleration, deceleration and steady states, and, in general, hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas can be simultaneously converted only in a certain limited range around a theoretical air-fuel ratio of 14.7. As one technique of allowing an air-fuel ratio during acceleration or deceleration to fall with the purifying range, there has been known a technique of incorporating an oxygen-absorbing material into an exhaust gas purifying catalyst. This oxygen-absorbing material is operable, when oxygen in exhaust gas is in an excess state (lean air-fuel ratio), to absorb and store oxygen, and, when oxygen in exhaust gas is in a deficient state (rich air-fuel ratio), to release the oxygen stored therein, so as to allow the lean and rich air-fuel ratios to fall within the conversion range.
CeO2 (ceria) is known as one of the oxygen-absorbing materials. If CeO2 is used by itself, a specific surface area thereof is reduced when being exposed to heat of exhaust gas, and an oxygen absorbing/releasing capability will deteriorate due to change in properties thereof. For this reason, a composite oxide, such as CeZr-based composite oxide containing ZrO2 (zirconia), is known, and a catalytic metal is often supported by a carrier made of such a composite oxide.
As with the oxygen-absorbing material, it is also known to employ alumina as an oxide carrier for supporting a catalytic metal. Alumina is known as an oxide carrier generally having a higher thermal resistance and a larger specific surface area than those of the oxygen-absorbing material. While alumina has no oxygen absorbing/releasing capability, it excels in being able to support a catalytic metal in a highly dispersed state. With a view to further increasing the specific surface area of alumina having the above properties, a technique of forming alumina to have a hollow structure is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 11-314035 and 2001-347167. Specifically, the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 11-314035 discloses a technique of spraying a water/oil (W/O) emulsion solution comprising a primary component of aluminum (Al) and containing an element belonging to Groups IIa to VIIa and IIb in the periodic table, into a furnace chamber, and burning it therein at 900° C. or less to obtain an oxide carrier with a hollow structure having an outer diameter of 20 to 2000 nm and a shell thickness of several ten nm. The Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-347167 discloses a technique of spraying a W/O emulsion solution comprising a primary component of Al and containing a rear-earth metal, and burning it at 1000° C. or less (preferably in the range of 650 to 950° C.) to obtain an oxide carrier with a hollow structure having an outer diameter of 20 to 2000 nm and a shell thickness of 50 nm or less.
As mentioned above, alumina has no oxygen absorbing/releasing capability. Thus, even if cerium (Ce) as rare earth metal is combined with alumina, a sufficient oxygen absorbing/releasing capability cannot be obtained. Form this point of view, the inventors conceived a CeZr composite oxide having a hollow structure without containing alumina. However, the CeZr composite oxide originally has a relatively small specific surface area and poor thermal resistance. Thus, even if the CeZr composite oxide is formed to have a hollow structure, the hollow structure will be destroyed after being exposed to heat of exhaust gas, to cause a problem about a significant decrease in specific surface area and a difficulty in ensuring adequate conversion performance.


The ionophore and polymer membrane selective for aluminum (III) ion provide an ionophore that is selective for aluminum (III) ion [Al3+].

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrode sensors, and particularly to an ionophore and a polymer membrane selective for aluminum (III) ion.
2. Description of the Related Art
Potentiometric sensors typically use an ion selective electrode (ISE). The voltage between a reference electrode and the ISE exposed to an analyte solution can be measured, and since this voltage is related to the activity of the analyte by the Nernst equation, the unknown concentration of the analyte can be computed. There are several different types and configurations of ion selective electrodes, with and without internal reference solutions. The ISE usually uses a semipermeable membrane or selectively permeable membrane that is selective for the cation or anion of interest. One type of membrane used in an ion selective electrode is a polymer membrane. The polymer membrane includes a polymer matrix, often of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), that is doped with an ionophore (an organic ion exchange agent). The membrane also may include a plasticizer to keep the polymer soft and amorphous so that the ion of interest can be transported between the aqueous analyte solution and the ionophore embedded in the polymer matrix. The plasticizer may also affect the dielectric constant of the polymer membrane. Plasticized polymers used for ISE membranes are sometimes described as viscous liquids and referred to in the literature as liquid membranes.
Wastewater often contains aluminum ions (Al3+). However, conventional aluminum sensors for detecting and measuring such contamination suffer from a wide variety of limitations, such as cost and difficulty in use. Thus, an ionophore and polymer membrane selective for aluminum (III) ion solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

Ionophore and polymer membrane selective for aluminum (III) ion

Abstract: The ionophore may be used as a dopant in a polymer membrane formed from a polymer matrix, e.g., poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), and that may also include a plasticizer, such as dioctylphthalate (DOP) and o-nitrophenylloctyl ether (o-NPOE). The polymer membrane may be incorporated into an ion selective electrode (ISE) that can be used as a potentiometric sensor for the detection of Al3+ ions in wastewater. The ionophore is diethyl (2-azobenzoic acid) malonate, which has the structure:


A water-inflow prevention device is provided by installing a closing lid 6 for blocking a duct 2 of an air pressure regulating valve 1, which regulates air pressure inside a cabin 101. A buoyant body 9 is attached to the disc-shaped closing lid 6 installed to the duct 2 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 7. The buoyant body 9 receives a buoyant force from water when immersed in the water. Since the side of the closing lid 6 in which the buoyant body 9 is attached is thereby floated in the water, the closing lid 6 automatically rotates around the rotation shaft 7 so as to close a ventilation port 2a.

Technical Field
The present invention relates to a device for preventing water inflow into an aircraft through an air pressure regulating valve in the occasion of emergency landing on water.
Related Art
An aircraft is equipped with an air pressure regulating valve, and the air pressure inside the aircraft during flight is regulated by controlling the opening of the valve. The air pressure regulating valve is usually installed in the lower portion of an aircraft body and the valve opening is maintained to be large when the altitude is low. There is therefore a possibility that sea water flows into the aircraft through the air pressure regulating valve when, for example, the aircraft lands on sea in the event of an emergency accident.
It is possible for a pilot to execute the operation of closing the air pressure regulating valve in the occasion of emergency landing on water. It is, however, supposed that the operation of closing the air pressure regulating valve would not be executed at once since the pilot has to execute other operations of higher priority than the operation of closing the valve in order to manage the emergency situation. In that case, the aircraft suffers a flood through the air pressure regulating valve having a large opening maintained, and it becomes difficult to secure the time for the passengers and crews to safely escape.
To cope with the above problem, it is proposed in Japanese Utility Model, publication No. 03-67296 to provide a buoyant force to an aircraft in the occasion of emergency landing on water by installing bag-like cushion seats and gas supply devices for supplying gas to the cushion seats. The cushion seats and gas supply devices are provided in the lower portion of the body and also on the underside of the wings of the aircraft.

Water-inflow prevention device of aircraft, air pressure regulating valve for aircraft, and aircraft


A method and system for switching backend devices in a virtual machine system based on features of the backend devices. In one embodiment, a computer system includes at least a first device and a second device that function as a backend device. The first device is currently used by a guest of the computer system as the backend device. A hypervisor of the computer system receives an indication from the guest to use a feature of the backend device. The hypervisor determines whether the use of the feature of the backend device triggers a switching condition. In response to a determination that the switching condition is triggered, the guest is switched to use the second device as the backend device. The switching operation can be transparent to the guest.

Virtualization allows multiplexing of an underlying host machine between different virtual machines. The host computer allocates a certain amount of its resources to each of the virtual machines. Each virtual machine is then able to use the allocated resources to execute applications, including operating systems (referred to as guest operating systems). The software layer providing the virtualization is commonly referred to as a hypervisor and is also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), a kernel-based hypervisor, or a host operating system. The hypervisor emulates the underlying hardware of the host computer, making the use of the virtual machine transparent to the guest operating system and the user of the computer.
A virtual machine system generally includes multiple backend devices. A backend device is a communication end point with which guest software on a virtual machine interacts. Examples of a backend device include network interface cards (NICs), disks, graphics cards, sound cards, video cards, modems, bridges, etc.
A virtual machine system can include more than one of the same kinds of a backend device. For example, a virtual machine system can include multiple NIC cards that have different features (e.g., different power consumption, speed, costs, number of concurrent users allowed). One of the NIC cards allows the guest to change its media access control (MAC) address and the others do not. During operation, the guest may need to change its MAC address but the NIC card it is currently using does not allow MAC address change. One current approach is to rely on a system administrator to command the hypervisor to initiate backend device switching for the guest. For example, a system administrator can hotplug remove a currently-installed backend device and hotplug add a new backend device. However, relying on a system administrator to detect the guest's needs and to issue appropriate commands can be cumbersome and inefficient. Further, hotplug operations are not transparent to the guest.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges comprises a lower sheet; an upper cushion portion adhered upon the lower sheet; the upper cushion portion including at least one air inflation cell; each air inflation cell having an approximate rectangular cross section and being supported by four helical edges for enhancing the structure of the cell; upper ends of the helical edges being formed as rectangular upper planes; the four helical edges dividing the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces; a lower portion of each lateral surface being formed with a convex cambered protrusion; and an air tap at one of the cells and extending from one of the helical edges. The air inflation cushion is made of black rubber. The cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another.

Referring to FIG. 4, a prior art air inflation cushion is illustrated. The air inflation cushion includes the following elements. A lower sheet is included. An upper cushion portion is adhered upon the lower sheet. The upper cushion portion includes at least one air inflation cell. Each air inflation cell has an approximate rectangular cross section and is supported by four cambered edges for enhancing the structure of the cell. The four edges divide the air inflation cell into four lateral surfaces. If the number of the cell is greater than two, then the cell is extended with a communication trench which causes two adjacent cells are communicated to one another. An air tap is at one of the cells and extends from one of the helical edges. Preferably the air tap is inclined to a lower seat of the upper cushion portion and the opening of the air tap faces upwards.
However, in the above mentioned prior art, in venting air, the cambered edges can not make air within the cushion completely vent out due to the design of the cambered edges. When the cells are inflated, the cells are expanded so that the cells are in contact with each other and thus airflow is low and the skin of the body can not be cleaned effectively. Thus for a long time, the user easily gets bedsore, or other skin diseases. Furthermore the cambered edges of the cells make the cushion being soft and thus the user's pose is affected, even the user will feel unstably as sits or lies upon the cushion. As the cushion is used for a long time, the circulation of blood is not good and thus the health of the user will be affected.

Air inflation cushion with cells having helical edges


Charged-particle beam lithography apparatus are disclosed that form a demagnified image of a sub-field of a reticle on a sensitized substrate. The charged-particle beam is shaped by a field stop and the field stop is demagnified onto the reticle. A blanking deflector is provided that deflects the charged-particle beam. If the charged-particle beam is sufficiently deflected by the blanking deflector, a blanking aperture blocks the charged-particle-beam while maintaining uniform irradiation of the field stop. After transmission by the reticle, projection lenses project the charged-particle beam onto a sensitized substrate. The charged-particle beam is converging at the field stop so that scattering of the beam and heating of the field stop are reduced.

In charged-particle-beam (CPB) lithography using an electron-beam, an electron beam emitted by an electron gun is collimated with a condenser lens and then deflected by a deflector to irradiate a selected sub-field of a reticle. The selected sub-field defines a pattern to be projected and transferred to a corresponding location on a sensitized substrate. The substrate is typically a semiconductor wafer that has been coated with a resist sensitive to the electrons. The electron beam is shaped by a field stop before irradiating the reticle so that only the selected sub-field is irradiated. Because the edge of the field stop scatters or reflects a portion of the electron beam, electrons are also incident on unselected locations of the reticle. These electrons generally reach the sensitized substrate, reducing the contrast of the projected images and improperly exposing unselected regions of the sensitized substrate. To reduce scattering from the edge of the field stop, conventional apparatus use field stops that have edges tapered or thinned to resemble knife-edges.
In a conventional apparatus, a condenser lens is placed between the reticle and the electron gun and a projection lens is placed downstream of the reticle. The condenser lens and the projection lens are generally similar lenses. As a result, the distance between the condenser lens and the reticle is large, causing the image of the field stop projected on the reticle to be a magnified (enlarged) image.
Such an apparatus has several disadvantages. In systems in which the field stop is magnified onto the reticle, the current density of the electron beam is larger at the field stop than at the reticle. Because the edge of the field stop is tapered or thinned to reduce scattering, the combination of a high current density and a high beam-acceleration voltage heat the field stop edge sufficiently to melt it.
If a single condenser lens is used between the field stop and the reticle, then the image of the field stop on the reticle varies as the image of the field stop is directed to various reticle sub-fields. In some cases, the magnification of the image of the field stop on the reticle changes if the numerical aperture of the electron beam changes. In such cases, the size of the field stop must be changed whenever the magnification is changed so that the image of the field stop remains a constant size.
When sequentially irradiating sub-fields of the reticle, the electron beam is blocked ("blanked") by a blanking aperture as the beam is directed to the next sub-field. In a conventional apparatus, the irradiation of the sub-fields does not remain uniform as the electron beam is in a transition to a blanked condition, even if the irradiation by the unblanked beam is uniform. In addition, the irradiation of sub-fields that are not situated along the optical axis ("off-axis") is non-uniform because of distortion in the image of the field stop.

Demagnifying charged-particle lithography apparatus


Apparatuses for supporting medical equipment are provided. Some apparatuses provide a support arm comprising a resilient assembly. The resilient assembly preferably comprises a detent and receives force imparted upon the support arm. Essentially, the assembly limits stress imparted upon the support arm and any other structure that the support arm is operatively connected to thereby making the apparatuses more durable. Another apparatus provides a collet for preventing a support arm from sliding from a housing. Yet another apparatus provides spacers than can be used to virtually extend the length of a support arm. Methods of adjusting a support arm are also provided.

The present invention relates to a support device for the support of medical equipment, and to methods of use for the support device.
Space is a commodity. This has never been truer for medical environments, where desks are cluttered, offices are cramped, and floor space is scant. Specifically in radiology suites, once the patient table, chairs, cabinets, and various large equipment such as a scanner is placed in the room, there is little room for the patients, radiologists, and doctors to move around. Despite the fact that floor space is scarce, ceiling space and wall space is often abundant. As a result, many firms have produced a variety of different structures to support medical equipment that are capable of connecting to a ceiling or wall.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,268, filed on Jun. 29, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, provides a ceiling mount having two vertical supports, one for a microscope and the other for a control system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,468, filed on Mar. 27, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, provides an apparatus for supporting a service column from a ceiling.
It is not necessary, however, to mount these support devices on a ceiling, as walls are often preferable. In general, there is a tradeoff between wall and ceiling mounted support devices. Ceiling mounted devices are more difficult to service, repair and adjust, whereas wall mounted devices are more likely to obstruct a person moving around the room. A wall mounted support device is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,389, filed on Nov. 17, 1982, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In medical institutions and radiology suites, one of the most common pieces of medical equipment that is hung from a support device is an injector head, similar to the injector head disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. An injector delivers fluid to a patient, and injectors are used in a wide variety of medical procedures. To save space in hospital rooms, operating rooms, and radiology suites, many medical institutions use support devices that can either be wall or ceiling mounted to suspend injector heads.
Furthermore, these support devices can be either electronically controlled or manually controlled. For example, the position of the support device disclosed in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,468 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,268 is controlled electronically by a control system. U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,577, filed on Dec. 15, 1999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, on the other hand, discloses a manually controlled articulated support arm to support a computer monitor.
In terms of supporting medical equipment, there are several factors to take into consideration. First of all, the support device must be able to adequately support the load of the medical equipment that the device intends to support. For an injector, a typical piece of medical equipment, the standard load is generally in the range of 10 to 50 pounds. The support device must not only be able to adequately support the device, but must also be able to withstand the rigors of everyday use while bearing such a load. For example, the support device must not be susceptible to vertical, horizontal, or torsional force if the support device is inadvertently bumped or moved while bearing the medical equipment.
Furthermore, the support device must be able to freely move the piece of medical equipment to a position in which it will not interfere with standard operation in the room if the medical equipment is not to be used. In addition, the support device must be able to move the piece of equipment to a position in which the piece of medical equipment can be efficiently utilized without the support device interfering with the medical procedure.
The support device must also provide relatively stable placement of the medical equipment once it is moved into desired position.
Yet another consideration is control. There is generally a tradeoff between manual and electronic control of the support device. Electronic control of the support device typically results in more accurate placement of the support device, while manual control of the support device is typically more time-efficient.
As of yet, these issues have not been completely met by the prior art. Mavig's Counterpoise Systems Installation and Service Manual, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses standard medical equipment bearing support device. The device is a manually controlled support device that has an adjustable ceiling mount along with a system of three support arms. While this device is clearly a step in the right direction, all of the aforementioned issues have not yet been met by the current technology.
In fact, one of the most significant obstacles to overcome in designing an effective support device is the question of durability. Specifically with regard to many manual support devices, there is a high rate of failure of the devices after only a short period. In general, many of these devices simply cannot withstand the rigors of everyday use as the joints of the support devices regularly falter.
Finally, but not any less significantly, these devices are difficult to install and operate. In many cases, it requires multiple people to effectively install a support device. With the medical industry overworked and understaffed as it is, ease of use is a priority for all modern support devices.
Clearly the current technology for supporting medical equipment through the use of a support device in medical procedures imposes undue costs, and promotes inefficiency in medical institutions with regard to medical procedures.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for new apparatuses, systems, and methods, for supporting medical equipment through the use of a support device in medical procedures.

Apparatuses for supporting medical equipment and methods of adjusting support devices


A proximity sensing apparatus comprising a capacitor and means for detecting the change in capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises two capacitive elements that are insulated from each other and are relatively movable. With at least one of the capacitive elements formed from an electrically conducting liquid. The capacitance detecting means operate as a switch in response to the change in capacitance producing a binary output. This output being combined with a series of other outputs from a series of such proximity sensors to form an apparatus to determine position of an object, particularly a liquid level.

An apparatus using an array of sensing switches to measure a liquid level is well known and one example is described in UK patent application No. 9208749.3, which has been published as PCT/GB92/01601. The apparatus described employs a vertical array of magnetic switches which are operated by means of a magnet carried by a float. Such switches have an on-off operation so that they provide stepped measurements of the liquid level, which is not necessarily a disadvantage if the steps are sufficiently small. The use of a magnetic float arrangement in some circumstances may not be desirable and so a different method is required.
Another apparatus including a capacitance sensing arrangement, which does not use a floating magnet, is also well known. These arrangements generally do not operate in a switching stepped method. Instead they measure the changes in the total capacitance of a suitable probe as it varies with the fluid level. This arrangement has the disadvantage that the capacitance measured varies with such parameters as dissolved chemical concentration, tank shape and temperature conditions. Additionally this arrangement does not produce a linear relationship and requires frequent calibration.


Provided is a sputtering target containing SiO2 for a magnetic recording film, wherein a ratio of the peak intensity of cristobalites, which are crystallized SiO2, to the background intensity (cristobalite peak intensity/background intensity) in an X-ray diffraction is 1.40 or less. The present invention aims to obtain a sputtering target for a magnetic recording film capable of inhibiting the formation of cristobalites in the target which cause the generation of particles during sputtering, and shortening the burn-in time.

The present invention relates to a sputtering target for a magnetic recording film, which is used in the deposition of a magnetic thin film of a magnetic recording medium, and particularly a magnetic recording layer of a hard disk adopting the perpendicular magnetic recording system; and to a sputtering target capable of inhibiting the formation of cristobalites that cause the generation of particles during sputtering, and shortening the time required from the start of sputtering to deposition (hereinafter referred to as the "burn-in time").
In the field of magnetic recording as represented with hard disk drives, a material based on Co, Fe or Ni as ferromagnetic metals is used as the material of the magnetic thin film being responsible for the recording. For example, Co—Cr-based or Co—Cr—Pt-based ferromagnetic alloys having Co as its main component are used for the recording layer of hard disks adopting the longitudinal magnetic recording system.
Moreover, composite materials of a Co—Cr—Pt-based ferromagnetic alloy having Co as its main component and a nonmagnetic inorganic material are often used for the recording layer of hard disks adopting the perpendicular magnetic recording system which was recently put into practical application.
A magnetic thin film of a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk is often produced by sputtering a target of ferromagnetic material having the foregoing materials as its components in light of its high productivity. Moreover, SiO2 is sometimes added to such a sputtering target for a magnetic recording film in order to magnetically separate the alloy phase.
As a method of manufacturing a ferromagnetic sputtering target, the melting method or powder metallurgy may be considered. It is not necessarily appropriate to suggest which method is better since it will depend on the demanded characteristics, but a sputtering target composed of ferromagnetic alloys and nonmagnetic inorganic grains, which is used for forming the recording layer of hard disks based on the perpendicular magnetic recording system, is generally manufactured with powder metallurgy. This is because the inorganic grains such as SiO2 need to be uniformly dispersed within the alloy basis material and this is difficult to achieve with the melting method.
For example, proposed is a method of: mechanically-alloying an alloy powder having an alloy phase prepared by the rapid solidification method, and a powder configuring the ceramic phase, so that the powder configuring the ceramic phase is to be uniformly dispersed within the alloy powder; and performing hot press molding thereto in order to obtain a sputtering target for use in a magnetic recording medium (Patent Document 1).
The target structure in the foregoing case appears to be such that the base metal is bonded in a milt (cod roe) shape and surrounded with SiO2 (ceramics) (FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1), or SiO2 is dispersed in a thin string shape (FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1). While it is blurred in the other diagrams, the target structure in such other diagrams is also assumed to be of the same structure. This kind of structure entails the problems described later, and it cannot be said that this kind of structure is a preferred sputtering target for a magnetic recording medium. Note that the spherical substance shown in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1 is mechanical alloying powder, and is not a structure of the target.
Moreover, without using the alloy powder prepared by the rapid solidification method, it is also possible to produce a ferromagnetic sputtering target by preparing commercially available raw powders for the respective components configuring the target, weighing these raw powders to achieve the intended composition, mixing the raw powders with a known method such as ball milling, and molding and sintering the mixed powder via hot press.
There are various types of sputtering devices, but a magnetron sputtering device comprising a DC power source is broadly used in light of its high productivity for the deposition of the foregoing magnetic recording films. This sputtering method is to place a positive-electrode substrate and a negative-electrode target opposite each other, and generate an electric field by applying high voltage between the substrate and the target under an inert gas atmosphere.
Here, inert gas is ionized, plasma composed of electrons and positive ions is formed, the positive ions in the plasma collide with the target (negative electrode) surface to discharge the constituent atoms of the target, and the extruded atoms adhere to the opposing substrate surface to form a film. The sputtering method employs a principle where the material configuring the target is deposited on the substrate as a result of performing the sequential process described above.
As described above, the sputtering target for a magnetic recording film is sometimes doped with SiO2 in order to magnetically separate the alloy phase. When SiO2 is added to the magnetic metal material, there is a problem in that micro cracks are generated in the target and the generation of particles during sputtering increases.
Moreover, with a SiO2-doped magnetic material target, there is an additional drawback in that the burn-in time becomes longer in comparison to a magnetic material target that is not doped with SiO2.
While there was some debate as to whether this was due to problems related to the SiO2 itself, or due to the transformation of SiO2, or due to problems related to the interaction with other magnetic metals or additive materials; the fundamental cause had not been clarified. In most cases, the foregoing problems were considered inevitable and were quietly condoned or overlooked. Nevertheless, it is necessary to maintain the characteristics of magnetic films at a high level based on current demands, and the further characteristic improvement of sputtered film is being demanded.
With conventional technologies, certain documents describe the technique of adding SiO2 to a sputtering target using a magnetic material. Patent Document 2 discloses a target including a metal phase as a matrix, a ceramic phase that is dispersed in the matrix phase, and an interfacial reaction phase between the metal phase and the ceramic phase, wherein the relative density is 99% or more. While SiO2 is included as an option as the ceramic phase, Patent Document 2 has no recognition of the foregoing problems and fails to propose any solution to such problems.
Patent Document 3 proposes, upon producing a CoCrPt—SiO2 sputtering target, calcining Pt powder and SiO2 powder, mixing Cr powder and Co powder to the obtained calcined powder, and performing pressure sintering thereof. Nevertheless, Patent Document 3 has no recognition of the foregoing problems and fails to propose any solution to such problems.
Patent Document 4 discloses a sputtering target including a metal phase containing Co, a ceramic phase having a grain size of 10 μm or less, and an interfacial reaction phase between the metal phase and the ceramic phase, wherein the ceramic phase is scattered in the metal phase; and proposes that SiO2 is included as an option as the ceramic phase. Nevertheless, Patent Document 4 has no recognition of the foregoing problems and fails to propose any solution to such problems.
Patent Document 5 proposes a sputtering target containing non-magnetic oxide in an amount of 0.5 to 15 mol, Cr in an amount of 4 to 20 mol, Pt in an amount of 5 to 25 mol, B in an amount of 0.5 to 8 mol, and remainder being Co. While SiO2 is included as an option as the non-magnetic oxide, Patent Document 5 has no recognition of the foregoing problems and fails to propose any solution to such problems.
Note that Patent Document 6 is also listed as a reference, and this document discloses technology of producing cristobalite grains as filler of sealants for semiconductor elements such as memories. While Patent Document 6 is technology that is unrelated to a sputtering target, it relates to SiO2 cristobalites.
Patent Document 7 relates to a carrier core material for use as a electrophotographic developer. While Patent Document 7 is technology that is unrelated to a sputtering target, it relates to the types of crystals related to SiO2. One type is SiO2 quartz crystals, and the other type is cristobalite crystals.
While Patent Document 8 is technology that is unrelated to a sputtering target, it explains that cristobalite is a material that impairs the oxidative protection function of silicon carbide.
Patent Document 9 describes a sputtering target for forming a protection film of an optical recording medium having a structure where patternless SiO2 is dispersed in the zinc chalcogenide base metal. Here, the transverse rupture strength of the target comprising zinc chalcogenide-SiO2 and the generation of cracks during sputtering with such target are affected by the form and shape of SiO2, and Patent Document 9 discloses that when the SiO2 is patternless (amorphous), the target will not crack during sputtering, even with high-power sputtering.
While this is a suggestion in some ways, Patent Document 9 consistently relates to a sputtering target, using zinc chalcogenide, for forming a protection film of an optical recording medium, and it is totally unknown as to whether it can resolve the problems of a magnetic material having a different matrix material.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H10-88333    [Patent Document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-45587    [Patent Document 3] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-176808    [Patent Document 4] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-179900    [Patent Document 5] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-1861    [Patent Document 6] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-162849    [Patent Document 7] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-80348    [Patent Document 8] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H10-158097    [Patent Document 9] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-178726

Sputtering target for magnetic recording film, and process for producing same


Bone replacement parts consisting of glass ionomer cement are superior to those made of ceramics especially since they may easily be produced and machined using common grinding and milling tools. The required prosthesis part may therefore be formed of freshly mixed glass ionomer cement during the respective operation, or an industrially prefabricated formed body approximating the idealized shape of the bone part to be replaced may be adapted to the anatomic conditions given.

Bone structures or bone parts in the human body may be destroyed due to inflammatory processes, malignant tumors or traumatic events; they may be replaced by suitable prostheses. Apart from metals, which are used to replace highly strained bone structures, ceramic prostheses serve for replacing less strained bone structures, such as in the region of the head. Ceramic materials are used in this region for reconstructing, e.g., parts of the auditory ossicle chain, of the auditory walls or even of the jaw.
Prosthetic parts must be adapted to the given individual dimensions and conditions. This is difficult to be done with ceramic prostheses due to their complicated workability. Consequently, dimensional adjustability is a chief requirement in the design of ceramic protheses, whereas given natural anatomic conditions can take into account only to a minor extent. A single-piece middle ear prosthesis designed according to this concept is described, e.g., in German Patent Specification 2,905,183.
Heterologous bone grafts, which are equally employed, are not always available and have proven to be problematic in view of possible HIV infections.

Bone replacement part made of glass ionomer cement

THERA Patent GmbH & Co. KG, Gesellschaft fur industrielle Schutzrechte


A switch driving circuit has: a switch signal generator adapted to generate switch signals to complementarily turn on and off switches connected in parallel between a node to which an input voltage is applied and a node to which a ground voltage is applied; drivers adapted to generate gate signals in response to the switch signals; and a dead time setter adapted to set dead times during which the switches are both kept off. At least one of the drivers includes a slew rate setter adapted to vary the slew rate of the gate signals according to a slew rate setting signal. The dead time setter controls to vary at least one of the dead times according to at least one of the slew rate setting signal and the input voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a switch driving circuit.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a switch driving circuit, which complementarily turns on/off a first switch and a second switch connected in series between two different electric potential points, has a dead time (concurrent turning-on prevention period) for turning off both switches as a purpose for preventing a through-current when switching on/off states of each switch (e.g., see JP-A-2010-178437).
Besides, conventionally, also an output driver circuit, which can adjust a slew rate of a gate signal for turning on/off a switch, is disclosed (e.g., see JP-A-2006-325256).
Because an electric current flows in a body diode parasitic in a switch (MOSFET [metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor] and IGBT [insulated gate bipolar transistor]) during the dead time, power loss caused by a forward drop voltage occurs. Accordingly, in light of efficiency increase (power consumption reduction), it is desirable that the dead time is as short as possible. However, if the dead time is set too short, the first switch and the second switch become likely to be easily turned on concurrently; there is a high risk that a through-current occurs. Because of this, it becomes important to set the dead time at an appropriate length considering both efficiency increase and safety securing.
In the meantime, the shortest possible dead time necessary for preventing the through-current changes depending on various circuit conditions (slew rate, input voltage and the like). However, in the conventional switch driving circuit, the dead time is set fixedly under a circuit condition expected in advance. Because of this, there is a risk that if the circuit condition changes, the dead time becomes unnecessarily long or short.


Events are securely packaged and transmitted from peripherals of terminals and from secure input/out modules (SIOMs) of terminals. The events are collected and mined in real time for security risk patterns and dynamic remedial actions are pushed back down to the terminals, peripherals, and SIOMs.

Online or electronic security is a major issue in the industry. It seems a month does not go by without news of some major business having a security breach. Such breaches include government agencies, retail outlets, social media companies, and even major banks.
Whenever an enterprise believes that a secure fix to remedy a breach has been deployed, hackers quickly figure out a new way to breach their systems. In some cases, the breaches are not even within the systems of the enterprise; rather, the breaches can occur over network transmission lines that enter or exit the enterprise systems; the hackers use sniffing techniques to acquire copies of data packets being transmitted over the network lines and find a way to break any encryption being used (assuming encryption was being used).
The problem of security is particularly problematic with financial transactions where a consumers identity information, banking, and credit card details are at risk of being compromised.
For example, a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal or an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) includes a variety of independent internal peripheral devices that interact with a main processing unit, such as a printer, an encrypted pin pad, a scanner, a touch screen, a magnetic card reader, and the like. Each of these may be integrated within the main processing unit through a variety of connections, such as through Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, and others. Each of these peripheral devices have processing capabilities and have the ability to be compromised and once compromised each peripheral can compromise other peripherals, the main processing unit, or even infiltrate the network and spread to other POS terminals, other ATMs, or backend servers.
Enterprises have spent and continue to spend large sums of capital resources and human resources to improve security of their systems and all the devices and connections of those devices to their systems. This is an ongoing process always trying to stay one step ahead of hackers and yet it seems enterprises are always one step behind the hackers.
Therefore, there is a need for a more proactive, adaptable, and dynamical remedial approach to improving security of enterprise systems.

Enterprise intrusion detection and remediation


The present invention provides a phase-change storage unit containing a TiSiN material layer and a method for preparing the same. The phase-change storage unit includes a phase-change material layer and a lower electrode located there below, the phase-change material layer and the lower electrode are connected by a TiSiN material layer, the lower electrode includes a bottom and a sheet side connected to the bottom, the sheet side is perpendicular to the bottom to form a blade structure, and the top of the sheet side contacts the TiSiN material layer. The present invention adopts annealing to increase the grain size of the electrode so as to reduce the overall resistance of the device and form a TiSiN material layer on the top of the lower electrode so as to reduce the effective operation region. The phase-change storage unit of the present invention is applied to a phase-change memory to achieve the advantages such as low power consumption, high density and high data retention performance.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention belongs to the field of microelectronics technologies, and relates to a low-power consumption phase-change storage unit and a method for preparing the same, and specifically to a phase-change storage unit containing a TiSiN material layer and a method for preparing the same.
2. Description of Related Arts
The phase-change memory technology is established based on the concept that a phase-change film is applicable to a phase-change storage medium proposed by Ovshinsky during the late 60s (Phys. Rev. Lett., 21, 1450˜1453, 1968) and early 70s (Appl. Phys. Lett., 18, 254˜257, 1971) in the 20th century and provides an inexpensive storage device with stable performance. A phase-change memory is capable of being fabricated on a silicon chip substrate, and the research focuses on the key materials such as recordable phase-change films, heating electrode materials, thermal insulation materials and lead-out electrode materials are carried out about the device techniques: the physical mechanism researches of devices including how to reduce device materials. The basic principle of the phase-change memory is to apply an electrical pulse signal on a device unit to cause reversible phase changes between an amorphous state and a polycrystalline state for a phase-change material, and by means of distinguishing the high resistance in the amorphous state and the low resistance in the polycrystalline state, the operations of writing, erasing and reading information are implemented.
As a phase-change memory has the advantages such as high-speed read, large number of erasable times, being nonvolatile, small component size, low power consumption, resistance to strong vibrations and resistance to radiations, the International Semiconductor Industry Association believes that the phase-change memory is the device that is most likely to become the mainstream memory products in the future in place of the current flash memory and is the earliest to become commercially available products.
The read, write, erase operations on a phase-change memory are to apply, on a device unit, voltage or current pulse signals with different widths and heights: an erase operation (RESET), in which a short and strong pulse signal is applied to increase the temperature of the phase-change material in the device unit to a value above a melting temperature and fast cooling is then performed to implement the conversion of the phase-change material from a polycrystalline state into an amorphous state, namely, the conversion from state "1" into state "0"; an write operation (SET), in which a long and middle-strength pulse signal is applied to increase the temperature of the phase-change material to a value below the melting temperature and above the crystallization temperature, the temperature is kept for a period of time to urge the crystal nucleus to grow so as to implement the conversion from the amorphous state into the polycrystalline state, namely, the conversion from state "0" to state "1"; and a read operation, in which a very weak pulse signal that does not influence the state of the phase-change material is applied, the state of a device unit is read by measuring the resistance value thereof.
A lot of work has been done to reduce the power consumption of a device, including the proposal of various improved structures such as an annular electrode (Ahn, S. J. et al., Highly reliable 50 nm contact cell technology for 256 Mb PRAM, Symposium on VLSI Technology, 2005. Page 98-99), or the phase-change material and the transversal electrode size of a heating electrode are controlled within one same nanometer range; for example, phase-change nanometer points whose growth diameter and height may be controlled at about 50 nm; for example, the phase-change material is filled with electrical insulation and thermal insulation materials or is directly made into an annular phase-change material structure; for example, through the extrusion of the thermal insulating layer, the size of a region where a phase change occurs is about in the range of 2 nm to 200 nm; or the phase-change material layer is directly made into a shape in which the two ends are wider than the middle portion, and the upper and lower electrodes and alloy may be corroded through corrosive liquids with different corrosion rates; nan scale phase-change storage units in a shape of an "inverted tower" may also be fabricated, and phase-change materials and electrode materials may be filled in the inverted tower in a cavity array; or a transversal device structure may be adopted, a phase-change material is deposited on the carbon nanotube, and the transversal diameter may be controlled at 100 nm; or a thermal insulating layer with the heating layer made of a material such as ZrO2, HfO2, Ta2O5, TiO2, or Ti may be added; the work has effectively reduced the power consumption of the operations of a device.
In the document "Phase change memory line concept for embedded memory applications" published by NXP-TSMC, a blade structure was mentioned, and also in a patent (METHOD FOR PREPARING NANOMETER HEATING ELECTRODE OF PHASE-CHANGE MEMORY) of Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the preparation by using a micrometer/nanometer processing technology was mentioned, which has implemented the method for preparing small holes on the basis of using large nanometer heating electrodes. However, in these researches, a method for silicon implantation through an ion beam was not mentioned, in which a TiN electrode is made into TiSiN, and the thickness of the TiSiN material layer is controlled by controlling the implantation amount of silicon; by means of a high-resistance transition layer of TiSiN, the effective operation region of the phase-change material is close to the electrodes, and the effective operation region is reduced; at the same time of enhancing the heating efficiency, the operating current is reduced, and especially, the operating current during the conversion from a polycrystalline state into an amorphous state is reduced, thereby implementing the high-density 1D1R integration and reducing the power consumption of a device.
In view of this, it is necessary to design a new phase-change memory unit structure with a TiSiN material to implement the low power consumption, high density and high stability of a device.

Phase-change storage unit containing TiSiN material layer and method for preparing the same

SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF MICROSYSTEM AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES


Provided herein are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of preparing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions in treating diseases or disorders in a subject where the subject is in need of an inhibitor of MEK where the Compound is according to Formula (I):

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) occurs in approximately 1:3,500 births, and is one of the most common autosomal dominant single-gene disorders affecting neurological function in humans. Clinically, NF1 disease is characterized by the presence of benign peripheral nerve tumors, called neurofibromas, involving Schwann cells with biallelic mutations in the NF1 gene, as well as other tumor and non-tumor manifestations. (Jousma et al. Pediatr. Blood Cancer 62: 1709-1716, 2015). NF1 is associated with several dermal disorders, including dermal neurofibromas or cutaneous neurofibromas; plexiform neurofibromas; café au lait spots; and axillary and inguinal freckling. Dermal neurofibromas or cutaneous neurofibromas occur in over 95% of NF1 patients, can appear anywhere on the body, causing itching, irritation, infection, physical pain, and disfigurement. Moreover, dermal neurofibromas or cutaneous neurofibromas are associated with social isolation and anxiety.
NF1 is caused by one or more germ line mutations in NF1, a gene that inactivates the RAS pathway. Because the NF1 gene encodes a Ras-GAP protein, NF1 loss results in high Ras-GTP. Therefore, NF1 research has focused intensively on testing inhibitors in the Ras signaling pathway, including the Ras-MAPK cascade. (Jousma et al. Pediatr. Blood Cancer 62: 1709-1716, 2015). Four distinct MAPK cascades have been identified and named according to their MAPK module. (Akinleye et al. Journal of Hematology & Oncology 6:27, 2013). MEK proteins belong to a family of enzymes that lie upstream to their specific MAPK targets in each of the four MAP kinase signaling pathways. Two of these MEK proteins, MEK1 and MEK2, are closely related and participate in this signaling pathway cascade. Inhibitors of MEK1 and MEK2 have been shown to effectively inhibit MEK signaling downstream of Ras, and thus provide a rationale for targeting MEK in the treatment of NF1. (Rice et al. Medicinal Chemistry Letters 3:416-421, 2012).
Currently available MEK inhibitors are designed to have oral bioavailability for systemic delivery, and are associated with significant side effects including decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, elevated creatine phosphokinase, pneumonitis, renal failure, diarrhea, infection, uticaria, and maculo-papular rash, all of which are dose limiting or require permanent discontinuation. Moreover, clinical trials have shown side effects with prolonged high-dose administration of MEK inhibitors. (Huang et al. J. Ocul. Pharmacol. Ther. 25:519-530, 2009). For example, PD0325901, a clinically-tested MEK inhibitor, has exhibited neurological side effects associated with ataxia, confusion, and syncope. In addition, a number of other side effects have been observed with systemic exposure to MEK inhibitors including: acneiform rash, CPK elevation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Thus, there is a need for therapies that inhibit MEK to treat NF1 associated dermal neurofibromas or cutaneous neurofibromas, which limit one or more of these serious side effects.

Fused heteroaromatic-aniline compounds for treatment of dermal disorders

Abstract: where X, R1, R2, R2a, R3, R3a, and R3b are as described herein.


A state monitoring device for a plate spring mounted on a railcar bogie is configured to monitor a state of the plate spring, the plate spring including fiber-reinforced resin containing electrically conductive reinforced fibers containing reinforced fibers extending in a longitudinal direction of the plate spring. The state monitoring device includes: an electrode pair provided at both width direction side end surfaces of the plate spring and sandwiching the plate spring, a width direction of the plate spring being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate spring and a thickness direction of the plate spring; and a measuring unit electrically connected to the electrode pair and configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the plate spring.

As disclosed in PTL 1, proposed is a railcar bogie from which side sills are omitted in such a manner that: each of plate springs extends between front and rear axle boxes; and longitudinal direction middle portions of the plate springs support a cross beam. To be specific, in this bogie, the plate spring achieves the function of a suspension and the function of a conventional side sill. To reduce the weight of the bogie, the plate springs are formed by using fiber-reinforced resin.
While the bogie is traveling, loads are repeatedly applied to the plate springs. Therefore, regarding the plate springs that have been used for a long period of time, attention to strength deterioration by fatigue is necessary. Here, realizing simple monitoring of the state of the plate spring itself is useful for an improvement of maintenance efficiency of the bogie. For example, PTL 2 discloses a technique in which: a plurality of electrodes are arranged at predetermined intervals on one of main surfaces of a composite material made of CFRP; and delamination of the composite material is detected from a change in electrical resistance measured based on current flowing between the electrodes. Further, PTL 3 discloses a technique in which: a pair of connectors are fixed to both longitudinal direction ends of a plate spring made of CFRP; and cutting of carbon fibers having electrical conductivity is detected from a change in electrical resistance measured based on current flowing between the connectors.

State monitoring device for plate spring of railcar bogie


A substantially ring shaped resistor unit and an conductor unit with a certain space therebetween are provided under an operating unit having a substantially disc shape or a substantially ring shape. When an operating unit is depressed, the resistor unit and the conductor unit are contacted with each other at a position at which the depression is provided. Based on the contact, a controlling part detects the position at which the depression is provided, and a transmitting part transmits a remote control signal corresponding to the position at which the depression is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a remote control transmitter used for controlling remotely various electronic devices such as TV, video recorder, or air conditioner and so on. The present invention also relates to a transmitting and receiving device using the remote control transmitter.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, various electronic devices such as TV, video recorder, or air conditioner have become more functional and diversified. Therefore, remote control transmitters for remotely controlling such devices are also required easy operation and diversified multi-functional control.
Such a conventional remote control transmitter is described with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the conventional remote control transmitter. In FIG. 4, a plurality of operation keys 2A and 2B made of insulating resin are disposed on the upper face of a housing 1 made of insulating resin. The upper parts of the operation keys 2A and 2B are protruded from the upper surface of the housing 1 so as to be moved vertically.
In the housing 1, a wiring board (not shown) having a plurality of conductive patterns on its upper and lower faces is installed. On the upper face of this wiring board, a plurality of switch contacts (not shown) for performing electrical connection and disconnection by depressing the operation keys 2A or 2B are formed.
Furthermore, electronic components (not shown) such as a microcomputer or a light-emitting diode are mounted on this wiring board. These electronic components are electrically connected to the plurality of switch contacts. In this way, a controlling part 3 for inputting and outputting certain electric signals and a transmitting part 4 for transmitting a remote control signal in response to this electric signal are formed, so that the remote control transmitter is constructed.
As the configuration discussed above, when this remote control transmitter is directed to an electronic device (e.g., TV, video recorder) and a key of the plurality of operation keys 2A (e.g., key for channel selection or volume control) is depressed, a switch contact under this depressed operation key performs electrical connection or disconnection. Then, the controlling part 3 detects this depressed operation key, and a corresponding infrared remote control signal is transmitted from the transmitting part 4 to the electronic device.
By receiving this remote control signal at a reception part (not shown) of the electronic device, channel selection or volume control of the electronic device is executed.
Besides, the operation keys 2B are used for selecting operation using a menu screen, for example. That is, a display part (not shown) of the electronic device (e.g., cathode-ray tube, liquid crystal display element) displays a plurality of menus such as image quality adjustment. In this state, when one of the plurality of operation keys 2B is depressed, then a cursor (not shown) or the like displayed on the display part is moved in a direction corresponding to the depressed operation key. Menu selection or menu determination is executed by such operation described above, so that adjustment of image quality or the like is remotely controlled.
The conventional remote control transmitter has been configured described above.
Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-320789 is known as a prior art document related to this invention.
However, according to the above conventional remote control transmitter, in order to provide remote control that adapts to electronic devices having higher performance and diversified functions, a great number of operation keys having different shapes and displays corresponding to various functions have been required. In addition, a great number of switch contacts corresponding to the each functions have been also required. Therefore, the number of components increases and operation of the conventional remote control transmitter becomes more complicated.

Remote control transmitter and transmitting and receiving device using the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A system for testing abrasion resistance of a test specimen made of refractory material, wherein the system includes an insulated furnace with a first chamber having a refractory lining, a second chamber disposed within the first chamber, a tube for flowing pressurized air into the second chamber, a conduit for flowing heated air from a burner operating on a fuel to the second chamber, for mixing with the pressurized air, and an air gun for mixing an abrading material into the pressurized air prior to introduction to the test specimen.

A need exists for a system for testing abrasion resistance of a test specimen by preheating a test specimen without preheating the abrasive material prior to introducing the abrasive material to the heated test specimen to qualify material of test specimens and compare test specimen properties.
The present embodiments meet this need.
The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.


Assemblies, features, and techniques for pulse jet air cleaner assemblies and their operation are described. In general, the techniques relate to: providing for advantageous dust egress arrangement from the housing; and, preferred pulse control logic. This can be advantageous in field operation.

The present disclosure relates to air cleaner arrangements used for example, in vehicles and other equipment. It particularly concerns air cleaners with pulse jet systems, allowing for selected pulse jet cleaning of serviceable filter cartridges therein. This allows for extended service life of filter cartridges and operating life for the vehicle or other equipment before servicing as needed.
A variety of systems for pulse jet air cleaning are known. Examples described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,401,285; 5,575,826; 5,683,479, are pulse jet air cleaning systems for vehicles such as the M1 tank. Others described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,676,721; 6,872,237; and 6,908,494, are pulse jet air cleaners for a media pack usable in heavy duty equipment such as mining equipment or ore haulers. Each of the previously identified six U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference.
Further examples of pulse jet arrangements are described in PCT/US2007/014187, filed Jun. 18, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The PCT application PCT/US2007/014187 (published as WO 2007/149388, on Dec. 27, 2007, incorporated herein by reference) was filed with priority claims to each of three previously filed U.S. provisional applications: No. 60/814,744, filed Jun. 19, 2006; No. 60/848,320, filed Sep. 29, 2006; and No. 60/921,173, filed Mar. 30, 2007. Each of these three provisional applications is also incorporated herein by reference.
Another example of pulse jet air cleaner systems is depicted in U.S. publication 2009/0308034 incorporated herein by reference. The system depicted in U.S. publication 2009/0308034 includes certain improvements to arrangements of WO 2007/149388 in that a modified form of evacuator valve arrangement is provided.
In general terms, some pulse jet air cleaner arrangements such as those described in PCT/US2007/014187 have an evacuation valve assembly or arrangement thereon. The evacuation valve arrangement allows for evacuation of dust, water and/or air pressure from an interior of the air cleaner assembly, during a pulse jet cleaning operation. The present application, in part, relates to improvements in such evacuation valve arrangements and their use.
The present disclosure also relates to improvements in air cleaner systems and components that may use pulse jet cleaning system and/or evacuation valve arrangements as characterized herein. Further, related methods of assembly and use are described.

Pulse jet air cleaner systems; evacuation valve arrangements; air cleaner components; and, methods


There is described a system comprising mechanical equipment and an apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling the mechanical equipment. The mechanical equipment vibrates at a frequency fvibration in use, and the apparatus is attached to the mechanical equipment such that the apparatus also vibrates when the mechanical equipment is in use. The apparatus comprises an electronics module and a resonant electric generator. The resonant electric generator has a resonant frequency f0 comparable to the vibrational frequency fvibration of the mechanical equipment. The resonant electric generator comprises a magnet having an associated a magnetic field, a coil electrically coupled to the electronics module, and a resilient member. The resilient member is configured, when the apparatus is vibrated at or around the resonant frequency f0, to cause relative oscillation of the coil and the magnet so as to induce an electric current in the coil to thereby power the electronics module.

Smaller pieces of mechanical equipment (e.g. mechanical compactors, diesel powered hand tools, and small construction equipment) are often rented to customers, and used on job sites. It would be useful for rental companies to be able to track and monitor such equipment. For example, it would be useful to track how many hours the customer has used the equipment, and possibly shut down the equipment if the contract terms are exceeded. Knowing the location of the rented equipment would allow the rental companies to pick up the equipment when the rental term is complete. Additionally, such equipment is easily misplaced on a large construction site, or even stolen, so tracking of the equipment location would aid in speedy recovery of the equipment.
Tracking and communication technology is often used to monitor and control remote systems through mobile phone applications, or over the internet. However, such technology generally requires an electrical power source, and many pieces of mechanical equipment do not have an onboard electrical power source that could be used to power such technology. For example, small diesel engines with pull start have no electronics on board, and have no electrical components of any kind in the system, so power is not available for add-on tracking and communication technology. An example of this type of equipment is a DPS 1850H plate compactor from WackerNeuson (see https://www.wackerneuson.de/en/products/compaction/vibratory-plates/single-direction-vibratory-plates/model/dps-range-18-kn/).
The present invention seeks to provide a powered apparatus suitable for tracking and control of this type of mechanical equipment.

Apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling mechanical equipment

Abstract: The present application also relates to the apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling the mechanical equipment, and to a method of use of the apparatus with mechanical equipment.