A logic module design is disclosed which incorporates an unencapsulated wafer section or sections. The disclosed module is an improvement over previous designs in that it is less expensive and easier to manufacture due to the reduced number of components and the complexity of the components, is faster and consumes less power because of its shorter trace lengths and smaller size, and is more reliable as a result of its greatly reduced number of interconnects.

Memory for computers has evolved continually, both in form and density, since computers have become a consumer electronic product. The personal computer market started about the time that the 16 kilobit (K) dynamic random access memory (DRAM) was the largest selling memory chip. Computers at that time were sold usually with 32 16K chips for 64 kilobytes (KLB) of memory, which was soldered to the computer's motherboard. There was not usually much of a path for adding more memory to the motherboard. There were no provisions for taking out the soldered memory when the next generation chip, the 64K, was developed, as the prevailing thought in the industry was that the average computer user would not require more than 64 KB of memory.
As the 64K DRAM became the chip of choice for computer manufacturers, it was common to add several 64K DRAMs. Computers often were populated with 16 DRAMs for 128 KB of memory, or 32 DRAMs for 256 KB of memory. This memory was also soldered in, and there was no way to add more memory to the motherboard of the computer, as, again, few thought that computer users would need more than 256 KB of memory. When it became necessary to have more memory, computer users were forced to purchase memory expansion boards which fit into a slot in the computer. These expansion boards were expensive since, in addition to purchasing the memory, users had to pay for other logic components, connectors, sockets, and a printed circuit board (PCB) so the slot memory would function. This slot memory was not only more expensive than motherboard memory, it was slower because it used a bank switching method of memory access rather than being accessed directly by the central processing unit (CPU), as memory on the motherboard is accessed. In addition, the board memory often used the same port addresses as other add-ons such as modem cards and graphics cards. This resulted in multiple types of boards answering calls to the port by the computer, thereby rendering the two boards incompatible and causing the computer to operate unreliably.
The problems caused by soldering memory to the motherboard lead to the development of more flexible ways to add memory to computers so that the needs of different types of computer users could be met. The SIMM was developed to fulfill this need. SIMMs are not soldered to the computer's motherboard, but are inserted into a slot on the motherboard. A single SIMM can hold several DRAMs and often comes with 256 KB of memory. Several slots are usually available on the motherboard so computer users can buy additional memory as they need it. To further enhance the flexibility, some computers have provisions for replacing 256 KB SIMMs with one megabyte (MB) SIMMs, even though when the SIMMs first came out, 1 MB SIMMs were not available.
In addition to its ease of installation, the SIMM also provides a means for packing a large amount of memory into a relatively small area of the computer, since the RAMs on a SIMM are inserted vertically into the computer. RAM manufacturers also profit from the SIMM style of packaging, since it adds more value to the RAMs than it costs to produce. Due to its flexibility and ease of installation, the SIMM has become the standard for personal computer memory in the industry. This form of packaging memory has gone from a means for packaging DRAMs, to also include read-only memory (ROM) and static random access memory (SRAM). While the SIMM has many advantages for the computer user, it requires several manufacturing process operations. A typical 1 MB SIMM has nine 1-megabit (Meg) DRAMs and nine decoupling capacitors, which serve to make the power to the DRAMs more uniform. With 20 pins per DRAM, and two pins to each of the capacitors, there are 198 solder points required to connect the components to the PCB. There are also approximately 20 die to wire connections (typically aluminum to gold wire bonds) and 20 wire to leadframe connections (typically gold wire to gold- or silver-plated lead frame) required for each 1 Meg DRAM to connect the silicon die to the leads of the DRAM package, thereby making a minimum of 558 solder and wire bond connections on a typical 1 MB SIMM comprising nine 1 Meg DRAMs. Additionally, there are some double bonds required for V.sub.CC and V.sub.SS, as well as connections for grounding the substrate.
With the number of solder and wire bond connections on the typical SIMM, it becomes imperative to have an extremely low connection failure rate. Given the number of connections on the average SIMM, a solder joint/wire bond failure rate of just 0.001 percent means that over 50 percent of SIMMs would fail due to a poor solder joint. Making a reliable connection between two surfaces by soldering varies with many factors. Temperature of the solder, temperature of the surfaces to be joined, residue or oxidation on the surfaces that are to be joined (intermetallic compounds or IMC), contaminated solder, and other factors all affect the success of joining two surfaces by soldering.
Solder joints can be inadvertently broken before the SIMM is shipped, for example due to assembly stresses. While those failures occurring during assembly will most often be caught during a functional test before the product is shipped, they cause expensive rework and scrap. Even if a product passes the most rigorous functional testing, it can fail in the field because of a poor solder connection. Shipping itself stresses the part, and the stress that a customer induces on the SIMM while installing it in the computer can cause a poor but functional solder joint to fail. Sometimes a part will operate at room temperature, but will fail at the elevated temperatures found inside the cabinet of a computer. This failure is sometimes due to a wire bond which makes adequate contact at room temperature, but, at elevated temperatures, lifts up off the contact due to a difference of thermal expansion between the two adjoining surfaces.
The electrical characteristics of a SIMM can also be a concern. The nine 20-pin DRAMs and the nine decoupling capacitors on a typical 1 MB SIMM require many traces, the actual number depending on the PCB layout. In any case, the large number of traces on a standard sized PCB requires minimal spacing between the traces. As the output drivers within the DRAMs create intermittent current flow on associated conductive traces, the traces behave as inducters, creating voltage surges which have the potential for creating logic errors. With the addition of radio frequency and electromagnetic interferences occurring within the cabinet of the average personal computer, the myriad of potentially logic-damaging transient voltages is compounded. The relatively long traces that connect the DRAM with the edge connector pins on the PCB also slow the memory access times significantly.
A SIMM has an edge connector on the PCB which has several contact pads that are inserted into a socket in a computer, thereby allowing the transfer of data between the module and the computer. This type of connection is just one of many commonly used on memory and logic modules. Single in-line package (SIP) memory modules are similar to SIMMs, but they have metal leads soldered to the edge connectors on the PCB. The leads are either soldered to the computer's motherboard, or inserted into a socket on the motherboard.

Packaging for semiconductor logic devices


A transfer cleaning station for an electrostatic marking system is provided. In this station, the upper surface of a movable transfer belt is cleaned by a rotating electrostatic cleaning brush (ESB). To improve cleaning performance and conserve space, a grounded conductive brush is placed below an inside surface of the belt so that an electrostatic cleaning field is created between it and the ESB. The grounded conductive brush is located in a previously unused space between two upper rollers in the station.

Generally, in a commercial electrostatographic reproduction apparatus (such as copier/duplicators, printers, or the like), a latent image charge pattern is formed on a uniformly charged photoconductive or dielectric member. Pigmented marking particles (toner) are attracted to the latent image charge pattern to develop such image on the dielectric member. A receiver member, such as paper, is then brought into contact with the dielectric member and an electric field applied to transfer the marking particle developed image to the receiver member from the dielectric member. After transfer, the receiver member bearing the transferred image is transported away from the dielectric member and the image is fixed or fused to the receiver member by heat and/or pressure to form a permanent reproduction thereon.
It is a common practice with an image forming apparatus to use an image transferring device of the type electrostatically transferring a toner image formed on an image carrier, or photoconductive element, to a sheet carried on a transfer belt to which an electric field opposite in polarity to the toner image is applied, and a separating device for separating the sheet from the photoconductive element. The devices of the type described usually include an arrangement for applying a transfer bias to the transfer belt. For example, an electrode member is connected to a high-tension power source and held in contact with the rear of the belt at an image transfer position. Such an arrangement, or so-called contact type transfer and separation arrangement, is advantageous over one which relies on a corona charge since it does not produce harmful ozone and can operate with a low voltage.
Electrostatic brush (ESB) cleaners have successfully cleaned belt photoreceptors with a combination of mechanical and electrostatic forces. Electrostatic forces are generated when charged particles enter an electric field created between the biased brush fibers and the grounded conductive layer within, the photoreceptor belt. It is desired to clean other surfaces, such as transfer belts, that do not have a conductive layer that can be grounded. In order to clean such surfaces, the belt is typically wrapped around a conductive roller. The size of the roller and the amount of wrap must be such that the entire brush interference to the belt is located over the roller. This requirement for creation of the electric field results in space limitations due to large rollers and belt tracking issues if multiple brushes and backer rollers are needed.
Today, in electrostatic marking systems, the marking apparatus is often smaller and more compact. Any size reduction in components is desirable since less space is occupied in component crammed apparatuses. When transfer belts are used in lieu of corotron transfer means, large conductive grounded rollers upon which these belts travel have been used. These rollers, while necessary and efficient, take up a large amount of space and add significant cost to the system.

Conductive backer brush for electrostatic brush cleaning of a belt without a ground layer


In a gamma voltage generator and gamma voltage generating method that can tune the gamma voltages individually, several gamma currents of a same magnitude are generated for each to flow through a variable resistive element to generate a variable common voltage and several variable voltages, from which a common gamma voltage and several first gamma voltages are generated. By use of the symmetric property of the gamma curve corresponding to those gamma voltages to be generated, several voltages are generated by mapping the first gamma voltages with the common gamma voltage as the center axis, and from which several second gamma voltages are derived. The common gamma voltage and the first and second gamma voltages are provided for those gamma voltages corresponding to the gamma curve.

Thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) requires gamma voltage generator to generate gamma voltages corresponding to a gamma curve related to the characteristics of the TFT-LCD to adjust its display effect. Specifically, the gamma curve is typically symmetric in the manner that it has a central gamma voltage and two groups of gamma voltages symmetric to each other with the central gamma voltage as the symmetric center thereof. FIG. 1 shows a conventional gamma voltage generator 10, which comprises a voltage divider 12 connected between a supply voltage VS and ground GND, and the voltage divider 12 is composed of several resistors R1, R2, R3, . . . , Rk+1 connected in series, so as to divide the supply voltage VS to be several voltages VR1, VR2, VR3, . . . , VRk that are further buffered by respective operational amplifiers AMP1, AMP2, AMP3, . . . , AMPk to output the gamma voltages VG1, VG2, VG3, . . . , VGk. Since the gamma voltage generator 10 generates the gamma voltages by the voltage divider 12 composed of several resistors connected in series, whenever any one among these resistors in the voltage divider 12 is adjusted to tune the corresponding gamma voltage, all the other gamma voltages are also altered in the same time. In order to keep the other gamma voltages correct, any tuning among these gamma voltages requires the overall change of the resistors, and which is time-consuming and inconvenient in use.
To improve the above disadvantage, another gamma voltage generator 20 is proposed, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the gamma voltages VG1, VG2, VG3, . . . , VGk are generated from a supply voltage VS divided by resistor pairs [R10, R12], [R20, R22], [R30, R32], . . . , [Rk0, Rk2], respectively. When the gamma voltage generator 20 is desired to be adjusted with any one of the gamma voltages VG1, VG2, VG3, . . . , VGk, only the corresponding resistor pair is changed. Even though the gamma voltage generator 20 can be adjusted with its gamma voltages individually, the number of the resistors that are external to the chip they are connected is twice of that required by the gamma voltage generator 10, and as a result, the circuit of the gamma voltage generator 20 becomes more complex. Moreover, the chip using such gamma voltage generators is required to prepare more pins for the generated gamma voltages.
Therefore, it is desired a gamma voltage generator that requires less pins when it is used and is able to individually tune the gamma voltages it generates.

Gamma voltage generator and method thereof for generating individually tunable gamma voltages


An ink-jet method and apparatus employing an ink comprising a dye and a liquid medium for dissolving or dispersing a dye, wherein the liquid medium comprises an alkyl alcohol having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, in which at least one of the hydrogen atoms is substituted by a halogen atom.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink suitable for ink-jet recording and also to a recording method and apparatus using the same. In particular, the present invention relates to an ink that is capable of achieving highly detailed and high image quality recording not only on coated paper specially prepared for ink-jet recording, but also on non-coated and plain paper, such as paper for copying, paper for reporting, notepaper, letter paper, and bond paper or continuous slip paper, that is commonly used in offices and homes, and also to a recording method and apparatus using the same.
2. Related Background
Inks with greatly varying compositions have been hitherto reported with respect to inks for ink-jet recording. In particular, in recent years, detailed research and developments have been made from various approaches such as composition and physical properties so that a good record can be made even on a plain paper, such as paper for copying, paper for reporting, notepaper, letter paper, bond paper or continuous slip paper, as commonly used in offices. Such ink generally comprises an organic solvent with a high boiling point, such as glycols, for the purpose of anti-dryness and anti-clogging. However, in a case where a record can be made on a plain paper with high sizing degree using such an ink, ink cannot easily permeate into paper and the recorded portion cannot dry quickly. Therefore, there has been a problem in ink-fixing property such that hands become dirty when the recorded matter is touched, and letters are rubbed to become dirty.
Under such circumstances, in order to increase the permeation of ink into paper, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-29546 proposes a method in which a large amount of a surfactant is added in ink. In such an instance, the following problems have been caused: feathering occurs very frequently on some kinds of paper; when filled in an ink-jet recording head, the ink recedes from the orifice surface depending on the structural conditions of the head, resulting in no ejection of ink, or on the other hand, the whole of the orifice surface becomes wet, also resulting in no ejection of ink.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-57862 proposes a method in which the pH of the ink is adjusted to the alkaline side. In this instance, however, there are disadvantages such that the ink is harmful when touched by hand or good results cannot be obtained in view of both feathering and drying performance when the ink is used on a paper that contains a certain kind of sizing agent, e.g., a neutralized paper. Besides the foregoing, various improvements have been attempted. Up to the present, however, no ink is known which can satisfactorily settle all the above problems with respect to feathering, drying performance and safety of ink, and also the problem of clogging.

Ink-jet recording method and apparatus employing ink containing halogenated alkanol with 2 to 4 carbon atoms


A method for preparation of 1 m3 of fresh concrete includes mixing 1000 to 2000 kg of aggregate in a forced circulation mixer, wherein 40% to 100% by weight of the aggregate is recyclate made from inert construction and demolition waste. Microsilica is added to the mixture under constant mixing, and the mixture is then mixed for 40 to 80 seconds, whereby the microsilica covers particles of the recyclate and fills up pores in the recyclate. Then under constant mixing, cement or cement and at least one substituent of cement is added to the mixture in a total amount of 135 to 600 kg, and the mixture is further mixed while sprinkling or spraying the mixture with 135 to 250 kg of mixing water for under constant mixing such that a surface of the cement is gradually wetted and a cementing compound being formed gradually adheres to the particles of the recyclate already coated with the microsilica. The mixture is continued to be mixed for 80 to 160 seconds, wherein fresh concrete is prepared.

According to qualified estimates, approximately 6.5 billion tonnes of inert construction and demolition waste is produced worldwide every year. A substantial majority of this waste accumulates in landfills and dumps, and only a relatively small part is used or processed—most often, however, in a way that does not exploit the full potential of this material, when it serves as a matter of fact merely to fill up empty space. Crushed or ground inert construction and demolition waste is used mainly for packs and backfills of utility lines (a substitute for sorted gravel), as a sub-base for parking lots, roads, concrete structures of floors of buildings and halls, backfills of forefields of bridges, for consolidation and levelling of forest and field roads (a substitute for a crusher-run material), or as a sub-base filler of ground bodies of driveways and roads, trackbeds, flood protection barriers (a substitute for soil), etc.
In addition, processes for the preparation of concrete in which crushed or ground inert construction and demolition waste is used as replacement of part of aggregate are also known. A common disadvantage of these processes, typical of which is, for example, the process described in CN 105036660, and which are based on standard procedures for the preparation of standard concretes, is that the concrete being prepared either does not achieve the required mechanical and physical parameters or these parameters are achieved only at the cost of large cement additions (and the resulting increase in production costs).
It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a method for the preparation of concrete with replacement of the largest possible part of aggregate with recyclate formed by grinding or crushing inert construction and demolition waste, which would enable to prepare concrete with mechanical and physical parameters comparable to conventional concretes and, at the same time, would not require above-standard additions of cement or any other component.
In addition, the aim of the invention is also to provide such concretes and dry mixtures prepared by this method.

Concrete, a dry mixture for the preparation of this concrete, and a method for the preparation of this concrete


An intranet online dissemination system that facilitates real time automated communication of event information to a particular user's profile. The system comprises a communication medium including a host interface for creating, categorizing, and timing the event's information. A digital repository is provided for storing the event information. Additionally, a processing module is coupled to the repository and the host interface for queuing and disseminating the event information to a user interface. An information module is provided for identifying a user and a user's profile to the system at the user interface. The processing module selectively communicates the event information via the communication medium to the user based upon the user's profile.

The present invention relates to online information dissemination system, and more particularly, to a system for intranet online communication of, for example, sales events, product recalls, product promotions, customer policies, etc.
Currently in the marketplace, there typically involves an arrangement where an individual store comprises a single component in a multi-store retail chain. The individual store may be just one outlet, franchise, location, etc., representing one component of the multi-store chain. Due to the wide geographical distribution of the individual retail stores, it has been difficult to distribute time critical event information (e.g. a last minute sale for specific retail items at specific stores) in a timely fashion. Even though the event information may have been centrally available, its prompt distribution to the appropriate store personnel at the appropriate location has been extremely difficult. Conventional methods for distributing time critical event information has involved either distribution in hard copy (printing or faxing at last minute) or by word of mouth, either on the telephone or voice mail. As an example of one extreme situation, without advance notice of an event, the store personnel have to retrieve local newspapers or advertisement publications in order to ascertain what events are taking place in their respective store, (e.g. what items are on sale and at what price). When such communication is to be handled in writing, by telephone, or in person by a manager or supervisor, the time consumption and associated cost for such personal handling can present cost and servicing problems which need to be minimized. Any way that a retailer or franchiser can reduce personnel involvement in communicating, for example, sales events, product recalls, product promotions, and customer policies, is a way that can improve efficiency and service while at the same time reducing costs.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved event dissemination system and method for communicating changes in a retail sales environment whereby the appropriate store personnel receive the event information online at the appropriate location at the appropriate time. The present invention also includes the use of a communication network or communication medium. A communication network typically comprises a group of computers and associated devices that are connected by a communication facility, link, or medium. Network connections can be of a permanent nature, such as via cables, or can be of a temporary nature, such as connections made through telephone or other communication links. Networks vary in size from a point-to-point connection, to a wide area network, such as an internet network. The present invention contemplates the integration of an intranet, which involves a plurality of computers that are geographically dispersed and centrally controlled. As used in this application, the term "intranet" means a computer information system network which allows real time push of information through the system, whereby interfaces to the network are centrally controlled. The intranet network, or communication network, allows the computers connected on the network to communicate with each other while at the same time restricting access from outside of the network.

Just-in-time (JIT) event information for retail industry


A method for transferring data packets in a network of user stations is described, the data packets being transferred over a set of channels with the frequency-hopping method and the channels being in this context selected for data transfer in accordance with a frequency-hopping pattern in temporally successive time slots. Time slots in which a user station is authorized to transmit are assigned to it as needed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for transferring data packets in a network of user stations, the data packets being transferred over a set of channels with the frequency-hopping method and the channels being in this context selected for data transfer in accordance with a frequency-hopping pattern in temporally successive time slots, and there being assigned to a user station time slots in which it is authorized to transmit.
2. Related Art
A method of this kind is known from DE 44 07 544 A1.
The known method is used to transfer data packets in an auxiliary network which transmits via frequency channels that are at least in part already used in an existing basic network for digital data and/or voice transfer. With this method, in a first step a frequency channel not currently occupied by the basic network is identified, whereupon in a second step a data packet is transferred over the identified frequency channel. These steps are repeated, using frequency-hopping technology, until all the data packets of a transmission have been transferred.
With the known method, by using frequency-hopping technology it is possible to utilize existing channels better without disturbing the respective basic network.
As is common in frequency-hopping technology, the individual data packets are transferred, in accordance with a frequency-hopping pattern, in temporally staggered time slots over various frequency channels, the load being evenly distributed among the available channels.
The underlying frequency-hopping table is in this instance generated pseudo-randomly, the target address being incorporated into the channel calculation. In a specific time slot, only one specific user station is addressed over the particular channel, the assignment of the channels to the user stations being thereby predefined.
With this method, the selection of a frequency channel not currently occupied by the basic network takes place in such a way that one of the multiple frequency channels is first selected, whereupon this selected channel is then listened in on to check whether the basic network is currently transmitting on that frequency channel. If no signal is received during this listening-in process, it is assumed that this channel can be used by the auxiliary network.
If it is found, however, that the selected channel is currently being used by a primary user, the time slot elapses unused, i.e. no data packet is transferred over the selected channel so as not to disrupt the primary user.
It is apparent from the above that with the known method, transmission authorization is permanently allocated to the user stations, so that the number of user stations governs how often a user station can transmit within a specific time span. If some of the user stations have no need to transmit, data throughput with the known method can therefore be greatly reduced due to the unused elapsed time slots.
The assignment of the individual channels of the frequency-hopping pattern to the respective user stations therefore depends on the number of user stations. If their number increases or decreases, the data throughput of an individual user station rises or falls correspondingly.
In addition to the non-optimum data throughput already mentioned above which occurs under certain network conditions, the known method thus has the further disadvantage that data transfer is not always possible in real time. The time intervals in which a user station can transfer its data packets depend greatly on the configuration of the network of user stations.


A pumping unit, particularly for water supply in remote areas of the world, comprising a pump, control valve and tipping bucket mechanism enclosed in a single housing. The pumping unit is double-acting and, does not demand the presence of a drive pipe. The pump and the automatic control valve are powered by the potential energy of the supply and an independent power source is not necessary or required. The frequency at which the unit operates may be varied by adjustment of the supply of water to the tipping bucket.

This invention relates to a compact integral reciprocating double-acting pump and automatic control valve forming a pumping unit which is powered only by the potential energy of the supply. The pumping unit does not require the installation of a drive pipe for operation.
Similar devices are known but suffer from disadvantage that they require a drive pipe to be installed which needs additional space on site.
An object of this invention is to pump water for domestic use, irrigation, watering stock and other purposes in remote situations when electrical power is not available and the use of fossil-fueled generated power is to be avoided for economic or environmental reasons. Optionally, this type of pump may also be used for water supply wherever an appropriate source of natural energy is available as an alternative to incurring the capital, running, maintenance and depreciation costs of an independent power source.
Accordingly, this invention provides a pumping unit consisting of two high pressure cylinders and a double-acting low pressure cylinder all in-line and an automatic five-port control valve, which can be of the rotary, slide or spool type, operated by a tipping bucket. The tipping bucket is served by a small flow of water bled from the main supply. The power required to operate the pump unit is derived solely from the source of supply water situated at a small elevation above the pump unit.
The frequency of operation of the control valve and thus of the pump may be varied by adjusting the rate of flow of water into the tipping bucket.
The compact unit is enclosed in a single housing and does not require a drive pipe.
The delivery pressure and delivery flow provided by the pump unit is dependent only upon its size and geometry. The operation is automatic and quiet.
Preferably the pumping unit is made of metal or a combination of metal and plastics.

Dept. of Civil Engineering, PNG University of Technology


An air cleaner including a thermoelectric module includes a blowing fan, a filter, and a thermoelectric module, so it is possible to generate cold air or hot air and perform air purification.

Recently, an environmental contamination problem such as particulate matter has had a large influence on life. When particulate matter is intense outside, it is difficult to ventilate the interior, and even if the interior is ventilated, the external particulate matter enters the inside and threatens the health of people. Accordingly, products such as air cleaners have been continuously developed.
In general, air cleaners that are on the market have relatively large capacity and are configured to be placed in a room or a dining room and purify the air in the entire rooms. However, even though an air cleaner is operated, there are some places that the air cleaner does not reach, such as a room that is slightly isolated or a small dining room in an interior. Accordingly, there is a burden in that an installation of a separate air cleaner in such an isolated room or a small dining room is required.
Meanwhile, when a person sits on a chair and studies at a desk, the height of respiratory organ of the person is about 1 m or more from the floor. Accordingly, when an air cleaner is placed and operated on the floor, the air purification may be weak at the height corresponding to the person's respiratory organ.

Air cleaner including thermoelectric module


A battery includes a battery monitoring system for performing a battery self test. The battery monitoring system is integrated into the battery and configured to monitor a first health of the battery. The battery monitoring system is configured to receive an input signal from a wired interface or a wireless interface. The input signal is configured to instruct the battery monitoring system to provide feedback regarding the first health of the battery and/or a second health of the battery monitoring system. The wired interface consists of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery.

The invention relates generally to batteries, and more particularly, to a vehicle battery monitoring system.
Motor vehicles generally include a battery configured to provide power for starting the vehicle, and to provide power for an electrical system of the vehicle. Over time, a health of the vehicle battery may change. For example, after a number of years, a vehicle battery may not be able to properly hold a charge. Certain batteries may include a battery monitoring system for monitoring the health of the battery. Accordingly, the battery monitoring system may monitor various parameters of the battery. For example, the battery monitoring system of the battery may be configured to measure one or more voltages of the battery.
Battery monitoring systems may only provide feedback regarding the health of the battery after the health has degraded. Other battery monitoring systems may consistently provide feedback regarding the health of the battery, but the feedback may only change when there is a change in the health of the battery (e.g., the health of the battery has deteriorated). With limited feedback from the battery monitoring system, a user may be concerned about whether the battery monitoring system is operating properly. Furthermore, in batteries where the battery monitoring system is integrated inside the battery, the user may not receive feedback regarding whether the battery monitoring system is operating properly.


An electrode production system is configured so that a metal foil is folded back a plurality of times and conveyed by a plurality of rollers that are disposed for a coating device, a drying device and a pressing device. A coating process, a drying process and a pressing process are serially performed by the coating device, the drying device and the pressing device, respectively, by using the rollers. This makes it possible to unwind the rolled metal foil and convey the metal foil in the up-and-down direction. The coating device, the drying device and the pressing device can be integrated and thus the size of the electrode production system can be reduced. Furthermore, since a small-size electrode production system can be configured, it is easy to install the electrode production system in a clean and dry environment.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a system that produces an electrode for use in a battery.
2. Discussion of Background
Batteries, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, are widely used as electric power supplies for driving or activating electric vehicles, electronic appliances, and the like. A system that produces an electrode for use in such a battery (an electrode production apparatus or an electrode production method) is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-67507 (JP 2010-67507 A). An electrode production system described in this publication is generally configured to include a kneading device (kneading process) that kneads an electrode material and a solvent, a coating device (coating process) that coats a metal foil with the kneaded electrode material containing the solvent, a drying device (drying process) that dries the solvent-containing electrode material with which the metal foil is coated, and a pressing device (pressing process) that presses the dried electrode material. In the electrode production system configured in this manner, the metal foil in the form of a roll is unwound from the roll and conveyed in a horizontal direction, and then the coating process is performed by the coating device, the drying process is performed by the drying device and the pressing process is performed by the pressing device.
In general, a drying device in a conventional electrode production system has a production line that is as long as several ten meters because the drying device performs drying by using hot air and therefore the drying process is a time-consuming process. Therefore, the electrode production system is divided into devices, that is, the electrode production system is configured to include a kneading device, a coating and drying device, and a pressing device. Since an electrode material for a positive electrode and an electrode material for a negative electrode are required for producing a battery, a positive-electrode production system and a negative-electrode production system are separately provided. Furthermore, the electrode production system needs to be installed in a clean and dry environment in order to prevent impurities, such as dust, dirt, and moisture, from being mixed into the electrode material during a production process. Hence, the conventional electrode production system is large in size and high in cost.


An apparatus for preventing proliferation of dust during mixing of material, including a semi-dome shaped element configured for placement over a top opening of a mixing container, a fastener extending along a bottom circumference of the semi-dome shaped element, such that the fastener is configured to couple to the top brim of the mixing container, and an opening in the semi-dome shaped element, the opening configured to accept a vacuum hose.

The dust produced when mixing substances like concrete and thinset has long been known to cause issues for those frequently coming into contact with it. It is a well-known fact amongst those in industries requiring the mixing and use of said materials that the inhalation or skin contact with the dust produced by these materials can be detrimental to health. Irritation of the nose, eyes, throat, and upper-respiratory system are amongst the most commonly felt symptoms associated with the inhalation of or skin and eye contact with the dust. Regular, repeated contact along with short-term excessive contact with the dust can directly lead to burns on the skin, at times as severe as third-degree burns, or skin ulcers, depending on the level and duration of contact. In addition, many see allergies develop after prolonged or regular exposure to the chemicals and substances found in the dust, leading to injuries similar to those discussed above but with increased intensity. The inhalation of said dust can also lead to choking and difficulty breathing, and in some cases be the cause of the disabling, and often fatal, lung disease called silicosis.
While health concerns are perhaps the most salient issues felt by those engaging in the above-stated activities, other issues exist. The spread of composite material dust is often considered a nuisance on work sites, many blaming it for less productive workdays due to excessive cleaning efforts as well as the costs that arise therefrom. Tool performance and maintenance issues are also known to also rise as a result of the buildup of said dust within, on, or around worksite tools.
Considering the health risks associated with mixing composite materials as well as the inconvenience caused by the dust, many have sought out to reduce the proliferation of the dust that results from such activities. While options exist for those cutting or otherwise engaging with concrete or like materials after it has hardened, few effective options exist for earlier stages of the concrete-making process such as batch mixing. Those that do exist for use at this stage are typically targeted towards collecting dust from large, sophisticated machinery such as trucks, concrete batchers, and silos. These options are not only costly and difficult to ship and install, but also require large areas for installation and generally consume large amounts of energy. As a result, these options are virtually useless for indoor projects, less sophisticated parties like individuals doing DIY projects, and smaller construction teams that use buckets, wheelbarrows, or like tools.
As a result of at least the aforementioned shortfalls, a need exists for a dustless mixing system that easily controls or eliminates the spread of concrete and other composite material dust from the workspace while mixing said materials.


A hydraulic cushioning apparatus for a press having an upper and a lower die assembly (3, 9) for forming a sheet-like workpiece (6), including hydraulic cylinders (54) incorporated in one of the upper and lower die assemblies, and pressure pins (52) linked with the respective hydraulic cylinders. The pressure pins are reciprocable to apply a cushioning force (F) to the workpiece, in a pressing action of said die assemblies on the workpiece, so as to force the workpiece against the other die assembly. The apparatus is equipped with a hydraulic power supply device (72, 100, 117, 272) for delivering a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic cylinders (54). The power supply device is capable of changing an initial hydraulic pressure (P.sub.0) of the fluid to be applied to the hydraulic cylinders before the pressing action of said die assemblies.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a hydraulic cushioning apparatus for a press, which has hydraulic cylinders linked with pressure pins, and more particularly, to such a cushioning apparatus which is capable of applying a cushioning force to a workpiece uniformly through the pressure pins, over a wide range of the cushioning force.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A drawing press, for example, is equipped with a hydraulic cushioning apparatus, which includes a pressure pad or ring that is operated by a plurality of pressure pins, to force a portion of the workpiece against a die or punch, for preventing wrinkling of the workpiece and assuring high surface quality of the formed or drawn piece. While the required cushioning force is transmitted to the pressure pad through the pressure pins, the force or load acting on one pressure pin may differ from that acting on the other pressure pins, due to a slight difference in the length of the pins, variations or errors in the relative positions of the other components (e.g., cushion platen) of the cushioning apparatus, and wearing of the components. For instance, the different lengths of the pressure pins cause different contacting pressures of the pins with respect to the pressure pad, and/or a spacing between the ends of some of the pins and the facing surface of the pressure pad, which spacing results in the failure of those pins to transmit any cushioning force. Thus, the cushioning force may be unevenly distributed to the pressure pins.
To avoid such uneven distribution of the cushioning force to the pressure pins, the pressure pins are linked, at their ends remote from the pressure pad, to the pistons of respective hydraulic cylinders, as disclosed in laid-open Publications Nos. 1-60721 and 2-39622 of unexamined Japanese Utility Model Applications. The hydraulic cylinders function to absorb the dimensional and/or positional variations or errors associated with the pressure pins indicated above, so that substantially the same cushioning force is transmitted through each of the pressure pins, so as to assure uniform cushioning pressure acting on the surface of the pressure pad over the entire working surface.
It is necessary to consider the conditions in which all the pressure pins are correctly operable to transmit substantially the same cushioning force to the pressure pad, for uniform cushioning pressure on the pressure pad. Generally, an average operating stroke Xav of the hydraulic cylinders (pressure pins) is represented by the following equation (1): EQU Xav=(F-nSP.sub.0)V.sub.0 /(n.sup.2 S.sup.2 K) (1)
where,
P.sub.0 : initial hydraulic pressure to be applied to the hydraulic cylinders; PA1 F: required cushioning force F to be applied to the pressure pad; PA1 S: cross sectional area of the piston of each hydraulic cylinder; PA1 n: number of the hydraulic cylinders (pins); PA1 K: volume modulus of elasticity of the working fluid
According to the above equation (1), a relationship among the cushioning force F, number n of the pressure pins and average operating stroke Xav of the hydraulic cylinders is represented by a graph as shown in FIG. 9, in which the cushioning force F is taken along the horizontal axis while the number n of the pressure pins is taken along the vertical axis.
If the average operating stroke Xav of the hydraulic cylinders is too small, the relatively short pressure pins may not function to transmit the cushioning force, due to the spacing between the upper ends of those short pressure pins and the pressure pad. If the average operating stroke Xav is too large, on the other hand, some of the pressure pins may be bottomed with their lower ends reaching the lower stroke end, namely, the pistons of the corresponding hydraulic cylinders are bottomed, when the speed of downward movement of the upper movable die (press slide) is too high at the time when the movable die collides with the workpiece to force the workpiece against the pressure pad. Thus, the cushioning force cannot be evenly distributed to the pressure pins, or the pressure pad cannot be uniformly pressed against the workpiece by the pressure pins, if the average operating stroke of the hydraulic cylinders (pressure pins) is too large or too small.
For the above reason, the average operating stroke Xav should be held within an optimum range R between a certain lower limit and a certain upper limit, for example, between Xb(mm) and Xd(mm), as indicated by a hatched area in FIG. 9.
It will be understood from the above equation (1) that the optimum range R changes with the initial hydraulic pressure P.sub.0 to be applied to the hydraulic cylinders, a total amount V.sub.0 of the fluid in the hydraulic cylinders, the cross sectional area S of each hydraulic cylinder, and the volume modulus K of the fluid.
However, the known hydraulic cushioning apparatus is not capable of changing the initial hydraulic pressure P.sub.0. Further, the fluid volume V.sub.0 and cross sectional area S of the hydraulic cylinders, and the volume modulus K of elasticity of the fluid are fixed. Therefore, the optimum range R is fixed, and cannot be changed. Usually, the number n of the pressure pins is fixed, but the required cushioning force F is changed to meet the particular material and thickness of the workpiece, or changed in steps for the purpose of finding out the optimum pressing condition, in a test pressing operation. Accordingly, the initially selected cushioning force F which falls within the optimum range R may be changed to a value outside the optimum range R.
To perform pressing operations with the suitable cushioning force F within the optimum range R, the number n of the pressure pins or the structure of the die assembly of the press should be changed. This requires considerable labor and time, and is not practically possible.
Moreover, the uneven distribution of the cushioning force F to the pressure pins, or the bottoming of the cylinder pistons, cannot be detected until a pressing operation on the workpiece is finished. Namely, those defects of the cushioning apparatus can be detected only after the finding of the formed or drawn pieces having poor quality due to the defects of the cushioning apparatus.

Hydraulic cushioning system for press, having hydraulic power supply including means for adjusting initial pressure to be applied to pressure-pin cylinders


Chemical strengthening treatment is performed by first providing a granular chemical strengthening salt so as to prevent spread in atmosphere at the time of introduction of chemical strengthening salt in a treating vessel, introducing the chemical strengthening salt in a treating vessel, melting the chemical strengthening salt into molten chemical strengthening salt and bringing a glass disc into contact with the molten chemical strengthening salt. The granular chemical strengthening salt is, for example, one obtained by forming of a powdery chemical strengthening salt material into grains. A chemically strengthened glass substrate for magnetic disk can be obtained through the process of carrying out chemical strengthening treatment of magnetic disk glass substrates. A magnetic disk can be obtained by forming at least a magnetic layer on the chemically strengthened glass substrate for magnetic disk.

In recent years, a rapid increase in recording density has been achieved in magnetic recording devices such as HDDs. An information recording medium adapted to be mounted in the HDD is a magnetic disk and is manufactured by forming a magnetic layer and so on on a substrate such as an aluminum-based alloy substrate or a glass substrate. In the HDD, a magnetic head records an information signal on the magnetic layer as a magnetized pattern or reproduces it while flying over the magnetic disk rotating at a high speed.
Recently, attention has been paid particularly to a glass substrate as a magnetic disk substrate suitable for increasing the recording density. Since the glass substrate can achieve a smooth surface, it is suitable for a magnetic head with low flying height and is a substrate suitable for improving the S/N ratio of a recording signal and increasing the recording density. That is, the glass substrate can be said to be a substrate excellent in adaptation to the low flying height of the magnetic head. However, the glass substrate is a high-strength and high-rigidity material on the one hand but is a fragile material on the other. Therefore, various strengthening methods have been attempted. As a glass strengthening method normally used, there is a crystallization method or a chemical strengthening method. As a chemical strengthening method of a glass substrate for an information recording medium such as a magnetic disk, there is known, for example, a technique of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-203888) or a technique of Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-72444).

Chemical strengthening treatment method of magnetic disk glass substrate


A method for preparing an electrokinetic element is provided and generally includes providing a porous membrane adapted for use in an electrokinetic pump and encapsulating the porous membrane within a polymer substrate to yield an electrokinetic element base member having the porous membrane encapsulated by the polymer. In one embodiment, the method can include laminating the porous membrane between opposed sheets of a polymer before the step of encapsulating. The method can also include cutting the electrokinetic element base member into a plurality of slices and assembling an electrokinetic infusion pump by inserting a slice into a chamber of the pump.

Electrokinetic pumps provide for liquid displacement by applying an electric potential across a porous dielectric media that is filled with an ion-containing electrokinetic solution. Properties of the porous dielectric media and ion-containing solution (e.g., permittivity of the ion-containing solution and zeta potential of the solid-liquid interface between the porous dielectric media and the ion-containing solution) are predetermined such that an electrical double-layer is formed at the solid-liquid interface. Thereafter, ions of the electrokinetic solution within the electrical double-layer migrate in response to the electric potential, transporting the bulk electrokinetic solution with them via viscous interaction. The resulting electrokinetic flow (also known as electroosmotic flow) of the bulk electrokinetic solution is employed to displace (i.e., "pump") a liquid.
The electrokinetic element, which generally includes the porous dielectric media or electrokinetic material laminated in a polymer, is a key component of the electrokinetic pump. The electrokinetic element is bonded within a chamber of the pump and separates the pump body into two chambers. If the electrokinetic material is charged, pressure and fluid flow can be generated by applying a voltage at the two sides of the electrokinetic element. It is critical to the operation of the electrokinetic pump that the electrokinetic solution flow through the electrokinetic element without leaking around the exterior of the electrokinetic element or between the electrokinetic material and the laminate. One known approach to making the electrokinetic element is by laminating electrokinetic material between two pieces of plastic using a temperature sensitive adhesive. There are various drawbacks to this technique. For example, the adhesive often flows into the inlet and outlet ports of the electrokinetic element and must be manually removed. In addition, several layers of adhesive must be used, increasing the complexity and cost of the process. The quality of the adhesive bond also depends on time, temperature, pressure, and geometry, making the lamination process difficult to control.
Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods for preparing an electrokinetic element.

Method for preparing an electrokinetic element


A transmission includes a main section substantially enclosed by a main case and an auxiliary section substantially enclosed by an auxiliary case. An intermediate plate is removably secured to the main case and to the auxiliary case. The intermediate plate includes bearings for supporting the main shaft and countershafts. The main section and auxiliary sections can each be accessed and serviced without disturbing the other.

The present invention relates generally to a transmission having a main section and an auxiliary section and more particularly to a transmission in which the main section and auxiliary, section can each be removed and serviced independently of the other.
The present invention relates to those transmissions having main sections connected in series with auxiliary sections. Generally a main shaft is rotatably mounted along with one or more main countershafts in a main case. The main case generally comprises a generally cylindrical sidewall having a removable front wall and an integral intermediate wall opposite the front wall. The auxiliary section includes an auxiliary shaft and one or more auxiliary countershafts mounted in an auxiliary case having a generally cylindrical sidewall integral with a rear wall. The auxiliary case is removably secured to the main case adjacent the intermediate wall. Bearings in the intermediate wall support the main shaft and countershafts.
Assembly of the known transmission is difficult. Shafts and gears must be loaded through the front cover opening. The bearings are difficult to install and are easily damaged during the assembly process. Timing of the main shaft with the countershafts is difficult because the countershafts must be supported while assembling the main shaft. Service of the main section in the known transmission is also difficult. In order to access the main section of the transmission, the auxiliary case must also be removed. Further, some bearings must be removed before the main section can be disassembled.
The present invention provides a transmission having an intermediate plate between the main case and the auxiliary case which is removably mounted to the main case and the auxiliary case. The intermediate plate also supports the bearings for the countershafts and the main shaft. As a result, each of the main case and auxiliary case can be removed from the intermediate plate without disturbing the other.
Preferably, the main case and the auxiliary case each include a flange adjacent the intermediate plate. A plurality of long bolts are inserted through apertures in the flange of the auxiliary case, apertures through the intermediate plate and threaded into threaded bores in the flange of the main case. Further, a plurality of short bolts are inserted through apertures through the flange in the main case and threaded into bores in the intermediate plate. Similarly, short bolts are inserted through apertures in the flange of the auxiliary case and threaded into threaded bores in the intermediate plate. Preferably, the threaded bores in the intermediate plate extending from the front surface are coaxial with those extending from the rear surface. During disassembly, all of the long bolts are removed. Then, only half of the short bolts are removed, i.e. either those short bolts securing the main case to the intermediate plate or those short bolts securing the auxiliary case to the intermediate plate. Therefore, the main case or the auxiliary case can be removed while the other case is retained by the remaining short bolts.

Transmission with independently separable main and auxiliary sections


An integrated circuit may include an operation amplifier, a first capacitor, a plurality of second capacitors, and/or a switching circuit. The operational amplifier may have a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and/or an output terminal. The first capacitor may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal of the first capacitor may be connected to the first input terminal of the operational amplifier. The plurality of second capacitors may each have a first terminal and a second terminal. The second terminal of each of the second capacitors may be connected to the second input terminal of the operational amplifier. The switching circuit may include a plurality of switches configured to switch in response to a plurality of switching signals. The switching circuit may be configured to transmit a reference voltage to the first terminal of the first capacitor and the first terminals of the second capacitors and/or connect the first input terminal of the operational amplifier to the output terminal of the operational amplifier during a first period. The switching circuit may be configured to isolate the first terminal of the first capacitor from the reference voltage, transmit a voltage selected from at least two selection voltages to the first terminals of the second capacitors, and/or connect the first terminal of the first capacitor to the output terminal of the operational amplifier during a second period.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and for example, to a DAC of a source driver circuit driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) device.
2. Description of Related Art
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is a core block of a source driver circuit driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. A resistor-based DAC (R-DAC) is typically used in the source driver circuit.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional R-DAC 100. The R-DAC 100 includes a resistor array 110, a decoder 120, and an operational amplifier (OP AMP) 130. The resistor array 110 includes a plurality of resistors 1st R through 2nth R connected in series between a first node receiving a first reference voltage Vref1 and a second node receiving a second reference voltage Vref2 (where Vref2<Vref1) to generate a plurality of voltages. The decoder 120 selects one voltage from the plurality of voltages in response to a digital signal for displaying full gray scale and outputs the selected voltage as a selection voltage DECO. For example, the decoder 120 selects one voltage line from a plurality of voltage lines 1st line through 2nth line (e.g., metals) corresponding to the plurality of resistors 1st R through 2nth R.
An 8-bit DAC converting 8-bit digital data into an analog signal requires 28 (i.e., 256) resistors and voltage lines. The decoder 120 is implemented by a 256-to-1 decoder selecting one from 256 voltages.
As the number of bits in the digital data increases, the number of resistors and voltage lines increases by geometric progression. For example, if the digital data is 10 bits, 1024 (i.e., 210) resistors and voltage lines and a 1024-to-1 decoder are required. Accordingly, the size of a DAC increases.
In order to reduce the size of a DAC, a sample and hold circuit using a switched capacitor has been suggested as a DAC. DACs using the switched capacitor may be divided into linear DACs and nonlinear DACs. Because linear DACs have linear output characteristics, properly representing a gamma curve of LCD panels is more difficult. Accordingly, nonlinear DACs are more suitable for representing the gamma curve of LCD panels.
In order to implement switched capacitor DACs, two reference voltages may be divided into a plurality of gray scale voltages, or voltages applied to capacitors may be converted based on a reference voltage and the converted voltages may be output. However, conventional switched capacitor DACs occupy a larger area due to a more complicated structure of capacitors and switches, and/or the conventional switched capacitor DACs degrade picture quality due to an interchannel offset caused by an offset of a reference voltage.

Digital-to-analog converter and method thereof


Methods and system for waste collection and transport systems are provided. Systems of the present disclosure comprise at least one of a loading station and a chute providing a point of ingress for materials into a larger system. A plurality of vertical risers or branches are provided. The system and related methods generate a priority order of emptying loading stations based at least in part on loading stations that are provided on the same riser.

Vacuum waste collection systems and similar systems (hereafter "systems") are useful for safely and efficiently transporting materials. Such systems are known to be used for transporting materials such as waste, linens, recycling, and other objects from point to point. The systems typically convey materials between different locations in a building, a development, or other interconnected space.
In various systems including, but not limited to vacuum waste collection and transport systems, entry points or "loading stations" are provided as a means of ingress for materials into the system. In some embodiments, loading stations are connected to and feed material to a storage chamber or chute. The storage chamber or chute receives, and occasionally stores materials prior to delivery of the materials into a transport pipe. Vacuum collection systems and chutes are commonly used in commercial buildings like hospitals, apartments, etc. to transport waste, recycling and/or dirty linens.
Systems with risers may comprise air movers and related equipment including, for example, a fan, damper, and/or valve associated with each riser. Such equipment and hardware is often specific to each riser and generic to all stations provided on the riser. In other words, the air moving components and system of each riser must be activated regardless of whether a single loading station on a riser is to be emptied, or if a plurality of loading stations on a single riser are to be emptied. Additionally, the activation and initiation of such air moving features comprises time and energy. However, known systems are not concerned with system efficiencies associated with activating riser features with a prioritized transaction order to minimize spooling up and down of system components.

Methods and systems for operation of a vacuum transport system


An integrated third-party API data visualization process (ITPDVP) provides the ability to gather information from multiple different sources into a single view without a user of the device having to navigate to each source from which information is gathered. ITPDVP is a process that allows a user to visualize data from one or more third party API sources from within a context view client.

Apps or applications that could be anything including web based, mobile, or stand-alone applications may be tailored to very specific functions. Users may use hundreds of different applications, each operating on data tailored to the specific function the corresponding app is designed for. Users may find occasions where they need data from multiple different apps. It can be very cumbersome navigating between the apps to find the data needed for such occasions and remembering the data during such navigation.
One such occasion may involve looking at an invoice for a customer in a first application while needing information from a customer relationship manager application.

Integrated visualization of multiple app data


A system for processing encrypted SSL sessions includes a web application, a secure sockets layer socket, a TCP/IP stack network layer device. The secure sockets layer socket is coupled between the web application and the TCP/IP stack network layer device. The system also includes an Ethernet device. The TCP/IP stack network layer device is coupled to the Ethernet device. The system also includes a SSL kernel, a kernel SSL interface coupled between the kernel SSL module and the TCP/IP stack network layer device and a crypto subsystem coupled to the kernel SSL module. A method for processing encrypted SSL sessions is also described.

The present invention relates generally to computer data transactions, and more particularly, to methods and systems for secure sockets layer data transactions.
Secure sockets layer (SSL) is a well known method and system for encrypting and decrypting data that can be exchanged between a first computer and a second computer. The SSL can thereby ensure the security and the integrity of the data exchanged between the first computer and the second computer. This is especially useful if the first computer and the second computer are connected via an unsecured data link (e.g., the Internet, wireless data link, etc.)

Programming interface for a kernel level SSL proxy


According to an aspect of the invention, in a set of male dental components, such as abutment screws, each male dental component has a threaded portion with different core diameter. Each male dental component is to be connected to a mating female dental component, such as an abutment. The smaller core diameter a threaded portion has, the higher friction is provided when the male dental component is finally tightened to its mating female dental component, even though the same insertion torque is applied to all male dental components.

A frequent way today to restore a damaged or lost tooth is to install a dental implant comprising a fixture in the adjacent jawbone tissue (maxilla or mandible) and replace the damaged or lost tooth with a dental prosthesis. A superstructure, such as an abutment, may be used as a connection between the dental prosthesis and the installed fixture.
An abutment may have an externally threaded portion formed in one piece with a prosthesis-supporting portion. The abutment is by means of its threaded portion screwed into the fixture which has an internal bore with a corresponding threaded portion. Thus, in this case, the abutment is a male dental component and the fixture is a female dental component.
An alternative to the one-piece abutment, is an abutment having a separate abutment screw. The abutment screw has an externally threaded portion and a screw head. When fastening the abutment to the fixture, the abutment is first mated to the fixture and then the abutment screw is inserted into a through-hole of the abutment so that the threaded portion of the abutment screw engages the internal threading of the fixture and the screw head is seated on a seat in the through-hole of the abutment. In this case the abutment screw may be regarded as a male dental component which is inserted into a female dental component in the form of an abutment.
Other examples of male/female dental components are bridge screws/bridge supports, guide pins, impression components and cylinders.
Manufacturers of dental components generally recommend a certain torque (normally in the region of 15-35 Ncm) to be used when the male dental component is finally tightened to the female dental component. For instance, a manufacturer may for a certain abutment screw recommend a torque of 25 Ncm when finally tightened to the abutment, typically when the screw head has touched the seat of the abutment.
If the applied torque is too low, the male dental component is not tightened adequately to the female dental component, which may lead to loosening of the male dental component. If loosened, the male dental component may in turn cause fractures in the female dental component.
On the other hand, if the applied torque is too high, the axially directed tensile stress becomes so high that the male dental component will break, the weakest point usually being below the first coronal revolution of the thread. The female dental component may also become damaged.
Unfortunately, dentists do not always use the recommended torque, but sometimes use a higher or a lower torque. Furthermore, a manufacturer may recommend different torques for different dental components or for different sizes of the same type of dental component. Thus, there is a risk of the dentist inadvertently applying a non-recommended torque.
An object of the invention is therefore to reduce the risk of dentists applying too low torques which may cause loosening of the male dental component and potentially ensuing fracturing of the female dental component, and also to reduce the risk of dentists applying too high torques with may cause the male dental component to break and potentially also damage the female dental component. This and other objects which will become apparent in the following, are accomplished by the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.


A truck (1) for a railroad rehabilitation machine comprises a railway truck (3) and a tank (2) resting on the railway truck (3) in a removable manner. The tank (2) comprises a holding structure (5) extending along a predetermined direction (X), at least one first conveyor (8) mounted within the holding structure (5) to transport incoherent material along the predetermined direction (X) internally of the holding structure (5), and an element (22) for laying the holding structure (5) on the truck (3) for railway transport. A process for making a truck for a railway rehabilitation machine comprises the steps of arranging a railway truck (3) having a support platform (4), arranging a tank (2) for trucks of railroad rehabilitation machines in accordance with the invention and laying the tank (2) on the platform (4) of the railway truck (3) in a removable manner.

For the purpose of renewing long track sections, the operations to be carried out are, as known, removal of the incoherent material interposed between the sleepers, typically crushed stones and gravel, and replacement of same with new material. This operation relies on known machines for ballast restoration or rehabilitation machines that, running at low speed on the track to be rehabilitated, continuously remove the crushed stones and gravel therefrom and discharge them into suitable trucks coupled up to the rehabilitation machine itself. Associated with each rehabilitation machine is a plurality of trucks, usually about twenty, forming a true train. Each truck for railroad rehabilitation machines of known type comprises a tank provided with wheels with rail gauge corresponding to the track to be rehabilitated. Installed on the tank bottom is a conveyor belt formed of mutually hinged rigid plates capable of supporting the weight of the debris gathered by the rehabilitation machine. The conveyor belt of the truck that is the closest to the rehabilitation machine receives the gravel and carries it, by means of the conveyor belt, to the subsequent truck so that the last truck in the row is filled the first and then all the other trucks in succession are filled. To carry out gravel discharge from a tank to another, each truck further comprises an auxiliary conveyor belt projecting in cantilevered fashion from the rear region of each tank. The auxiliary conveyor belt receives the gravel from the conveyor belt contained in the tank and lifts it until it lets the gravel fall into the subsequent truck.
Disadvantageously, the trucks of the above described type must be built to size, based on the gauge of the track to be rehabilitated. Therefore, each of the firms performing the rehabilitation operations referred to above must have at its disposal the same number of sets of trucks, each formed of about twenty elements, as the types of tracks on which each firm usually works. The cost of each truck that is already very high by itself because it also comprises the actuating unit of said truck defined by the bogies and possibly by a motor, multiplied by the number of the necessary trucks gives rise to a very high investment for the concerned firms.
In addition, due to the very high weight and bulkiness, the known trucks when not in use must be left on rented track sections the cost of which are to be added to those for purchase and servicing.
Finally, since the auxiliary conveyor belt keeps stationary and projects behind the last truck of the train, the presence of a safety railway truck is necessary which must be provided with the platform alone and coupled up behind the last truck for the rehabilitation machine. The safety truck prevents accidental impacts of other means running on rails, such as railway working machines or trains, against the projecting portion of the last truck for the rehabilitation machine. The presence of the safety truck makes the working times longer because, when the last truck is to be uncoupled from the fully loaded train it is also necessary to detach the safety truck and temporarily park it on an auxiliary track, to enable moving away of the filled truck.
Under this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a tank for trucks of railroad rehabilitation machines, a truck for railroad rehabilitation machines and a process for making said truck which are able to obviate the mentioned drawbacks.
In particular it is an aim of the present invention to devise a tank for trucks of railroad rehabilitation machines that can be used on tracks with different gauges.
Another aim of the invention is also to propose a tank for trucks of railroad rehabilitation machines that can be stored in relatively reduced spaces and without involving renting and occupation of expensive track sections.
It is a further aim of the present invention to propose a tank for trucks of railroad rehabilitation machines that can also enable easy road transport, as well as transport by sea or by air.
Finally, it is an aim of the present invention to make available a truck for railroad rehabilitation machines and a method of making the same involving very reduced manufacturing and servicing costs as compared with those of the trucks of the known art.

Tanks for railway trucks to transport crushed stones, gravel and other materials, particularly for railroad ballast restoring machines, trucks for railroad ballast restoring machines comprising said tanks and process for obtaining said trucks


A hook-ended steel wire netting includes a first cross rail having a row of first sockets on its outer portion in a line along an axial direction; a second cross rail having a row of second sockets on its outer portion in a line along an axial direction; one or more longitudinal steel wires, both ends of which are hooks, a first end hook of each steel wire encloses a part of the outer portion of one of the cross rails and is secured by being inserted into one of the first sockets, and a second end hook of each steel wire encloses a part of the outer portion of one of the cross rails and is secured by being inserted into one of the second sockets. A first longitudinal rail has both ends separately secured to the first end of the first cross rail and the first end of the second cross rail; a second longitudinal rail has both ends separately secured to the second end of the first cross rail and the second end of the second cross rail; and wherein the first longitudinal rail and the second longitudinal rail tense the steel wires to form a steel wire netting.

Steel furniture is appreciated because of its easy assembly, modern types etc., particularly furniture which combines steel with fabric, such as sofas, folding sofa beds, steel camp beds, etc. The steel wire netting on conventional steel furniture, e.g., the net mattress of a camp bed, is made of a steel wire netting with a frame. The steel wires are connected to the frame using dot welding. However, this leads to disadvantages that the steel wire netting may easily distend and deform, and it is difficult to maintain the tension in the netting.
In order to enable a camp bed to maintain tension in the netting, patent No CN 97238776 describes a composite steel wire camp bed in which the steel wires are tensed by a frame. The frame includes two cross rails and four longitudinal rails. Longitudinal rails are secured to each other by connection shafts and cross rails are secured to longitudinal rails by right connection braces at the four corners where longitudinal rails and cross rails intersect. Camp beds of this type can maintain tension in the wire netting, and flexible bearings can be installed underneath, which allows users to lie in comfort and prevents the surface of the bed from distending downwards. However, this structure includes too many components and the connection structure is complex. In addition, the production process is complex, which increases the cost. Therefore, it is difficult to use the above structure widely in sofas, sofa beds and the like.


A hermetic compressor assembly includes a compressor housing having a quantity of liquid lubricant therein. A compressor mechanism is provided within the compressor housing and a drive shaft is selectively rotatable and operably connected to the compressor mechanism. A liquid lubricant displacement element is engaged to the drive shaft and a support member is attached to the compressor housing. A pivotable magnetic member is provided between the liquid lubricant displacement element and the support member and includes a suction port provided therein. The liquid lubricant displacement element is in fluid communication with the quantity of liquid lubricant through the suction port in the magnetic member. At least a portion of any ferrous particles contained in the liquid lubricant are attracted to and retained by the magnetic member as the liquid lubricant is passed through the suction port of the magnetic member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hermetic compressors having positive displacement liquid lubricant pumps to supply liquid lubricant to bearing surfaces. More specifically, the present invention relates to compressors including liquid lubricant pumps having cavities disposed within the pump and drive shaft to trap debris by magnetic and centrifugal force.
2. Description of the Related Art
Compressor lubrication systems often include a positive displacement lubrication pump to supply liquid lubricant to bearing surfaces within the compressor. Liquid lubricant, or oil, often contains debris in the form of metallic particles circulating throughout the lubrication system. The particles detrimentally affect bearing surfaces by causing premature wear, and consequently, compressor performance is compromised. It is known to provide cartridge type or screen filters to capture debris, however an inherent disadvantage of cartridge and screen filters is that they clog and consequently block circulation of oil to bearing surfaces which significantly shortens the life of the compressor. Responsive to this clogged filter effect, compressor assemblies have been adapted with bypass valving, for example, which routes the oil around the filter when the filter becomes clogged to effectively maintain an adequate oil supply to the bearing surfaces. However, the circulating oil remains debris-laden which may cause an abrasive attack on the bearing surfaces resulting in bearing seizure and imminent failure of the compression mechanism.
Hermetic compressor assemblies are susceptible to oil-entrained debris, the most destructive being the fine powdered debris, which may not be captured by standard cartridge and filtering methods. The fine powders entrained in the oil are often composed of ferrous material which is attracted to a magnet. While previous compressor assemblies have utilized magnets to attract entrained metallic particles, these compressors have proven to do so inefficiently. Typically, magnets are randomly placed within the interior of the compressor housing, producing marginal particle accumulation performance. Therefore, the marginal benefits provided by these types of compressors, in view of the substantial costs associated with installing magnets to attract ferrous particles, have limited their practicality.
Further, with evolving and more demanding environmental standards, the hydrocarbon based oils and refrigerants traditionally used are yielding to environmental friendly substitutes. However, it is not fully understood whether these substitute lubricants are equally effective in providing comparable levels of lubrication and durability to the compressor mechanism. Thus, improving the ability to remove foreign particles from liquid lubricant, without a substantial compressor assembly cost increase, would be highly desirable.
Yet another problem associated with the use of impeller type pumps in compressor assemblies is one of drive shaft misalignment, relative to the pump housing, during the assembly process. Traditionally, misalignment of the drive shaft and pump housing was avoided by providing the pump housing, compressor mechanism assembly and impeller pump assembly with precise tolerances. A significant labor and handling cost is associated with parts having precise tolerances. What is desired is an impeller type pump assembly structure which requires significantly less labor to manufacture and assemble compared to previously employed structures.
An inexpensive oil pump assembly which includes the ability to trap debris suspended in the oil while continuously providing an ample supply of oil to bearing surfaces is highly desired. Further, an oil pump assembly which provides further cost reduction attributable to avoiding precise part tolerances in preventing drive shaft and pump housing misalignment is desired.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior compressor assemblies by providing a hermetic compressor assembly which includes a compressor housing including a quantity of liquid lubricant therein, a compressor mechanism provided within the compressor housing, a drive shaft selectively rotatable and operably connected to the compressor mechanism, a liquid lubricant displacement element engaged to the drive shaft and a support member attached to the compressor housing, a pivotable magnetic member provided between the liquid lubricant displacement element and the support member provided with a suction port therein. The liquid lubricant displacement element is in fluid communication with the quantity of liquid lubricant through the suction port in the magnetic member. At least a portion of any ferrous particles contained in the liquid lubricant are attracted to and retained by the magnetic member as the liquid lubricant is passed through the suction port of the magnetic member.
The present invention further provides a hermetic compressor assembly including a compressor mechanism and a quantity of liquid lubricant provided in a compressor housing, a selectively operable drive shaft driveably connected to the compressor mechanism, a liquid lubricant displacement element supported by a support member and engaged to the drive shaft. The compression mechanism and the liquid lubricant displacement element are in fluid communication through a passage provided in the drive shaft. A centrifugal particle trap cavity is defined by a wall of the passage within the drive shaft and a portion of the liquid lubricant displacement element. A magnetic member is pivotably supported by the support member and a thrust member is superposed with the magnetic member. A magnetic particle trap cavity is provided within a lateral face of the thrust member and is partially enclosed by a lateral surface of the magnetic member. The liquid lubricant is urged from the sump to the compression mechanism through the passage in the drive shaft and any debris in the liquid lubricant is successively retained by the magnetic particle trap cavity and the centrifugal particle trap cavity prior to the lubricants introduction to the compression mechanism.

Lubricant pump with magnetic and centrifugal traps


Radially expandable endoprostheses or stents are provided, as well as their method of manufacture. These stents include a plurality of adjacent generally circumferential sections that are substantially axially positioned with respect to each other. Included are generally circumferentially disposed expandable segments that impart circumferential and radial expandability to the stents. The terminal portions of the end circumferential sections are welded directly to a portion of a generally adjacent circumferential section, and the welding preferably is carried out within an inert gas environment in a manner that minimizes crack formation at the weld locations.

The present invention generally relates to endoprosthesis devices, to procedures for making them, and to the use thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to endoprostheses having a generally tubular shape and a generally helical construction that includes end turnings which are welded to adjacent turnings of the structure. Preferably, the welding procedure is carried out in an environment that promotes the formation of welds which are essentially crack-free and provide a welded attachment that is less susceptible to possible failure during operation of the endoprosthesis.
Endoprostheses incorporating the invention are radially expandable between a generally unexpanded insertion circumference and an expanded implantation circumference which is greater than the unexpanded insertion circumference. Included are a plurality of generally circumferential sections of the substantially helically shaped endoprosthesis, and at least some of these sections include one or more expandable segments that are bendable members which are generally collapsed when the endoprosthesis is in its generally expanded insertion orientation and which are generally opened when the endoprosthesis is in its expanded implantation orientation.
In general, endoprostheses are known for treating stenoses, stricture, aneurysm conditions, and the like. Endoprosthesis devices of this type, which are at times referred to as stents, are typically placed or implanted by a mechanical transluminal procedure. Often, these devices are percutaneously implanted within the vascular system to reinforce collapsing, partially occluded, weakened, or abnormally dilated localized sections of a blood vessel or the like. Stents of this type can also be used in the urinary tract, the bile ducts, the intestinal tract and the like. When endoprostheses or stents are used to treat a stenosis condition, typically this is done in association with a dilation element such as an angioplasty balloon. In this instance, the dilation element or balloon device opens the constriction, and the stent or the like is positioned thereat in order to prevent or at least substantially slow re-formation of the stenosis.
Various currently known stent products have structures that are essentially coiled springs. When this type of spring stent is tightly coiled, its diameter is reduced for insertion through a blood vessel or the like. When the coil is sprung or coiled more loosely, the stent assumes its expanded, implantation configuration. Maass et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,545 is illustrative of this type of coiled spring stent or endoprosthesis. Multi-helix or braided stents are also known. Stents of this general type suffer from poor maneuverability, and they are relatively thick walled and three-dimensional. They are also difficult to remove once implanted, and they may exhibit numerous exposed, relatively sharp or jagged ends. Palmaz U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,665 is representative of an expandable stent of this general type. Gianturco U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,568 illustrates a percutaneous endovascular stent formed of stainless steel wire that is arranged in a closed zig-zag pattern somewhat in the nature of a bookbinder spring. Such a structure is somewhat unsymmetrical, and it may be subject to reocclusion due to the very large open space that is typically present between the wires of this t e of device. Another type of stent is known as a Schatz stent, and it includes a hypodermic tube with longitudinal slots etched into its body. While such a device has a high ratio of unexpanded to expanded diameter, it is a comparatively rigid, sharp-edged device which is difficult to maneuver through a tortuous path and is not easily remove in a transluminal manner.
Wiktor U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,062 illustrates a generally helical endoprosthesis having a zig-zag pattern that can be expanded by an angioplasty balloon, the general helix shape having two free ends that present loose portions of the stent. In at least one other approach, means are provided for engaging free ends of a generally helically shaped endoprosthesis in order to avoid the presentation of loose ends.
With many of these currently developed or proposed stent structures, the axial length of the stent decreases as the circumference of the stent increases, which can be a disadvantage. For example, any such length reduction must be taken into consideration in selecting proper stent sizing for a particular implantation procedure. Also, this attribute of many prior stents requires the passage through the blood vessel or the like of a stent which is longer than the length actually needed for the implantation procedure being performed. This is a particularly difficult problem for procedures in which the stent must be passed through a pathway having twists or turns, especially for a stent structure that is not easily bendable. Other stents have design features which can decrease patency or which do not secure components together in a manner that reduces the possibility of cracking at securement locations.
The present invention avoids the various deficiencies of these types of prior art structures and provides important and advantageous features of endoprostheses or stents and the use thereof, including the following attributes which are believed to be important and advantageous for stents.
One important desirable attribute of the present stent is that it is radially compressible and expandable in a controllable manner. It provides a cylindrical supporting surface that remains free of portions which either project into the passageway defined within the cylinder or form an outward projection that could damage a vessel wall. The stent can easily pass through a blood vessel or the like when collapsed and expand to its implanted size in a substantially predictable manner after the stenosis, aneurysm or the like has been reached to provide a stent exhibiting excellent patency. It is constructed to minimize any possibility of damage to the vessel within which it is deployed.
Another desirable feature is that the stent is generally flexible throughout its length so that it is easily maneuverable through bends, branches and curves of the blood vessel or the like. The stent or endoprosthesis has a substantial amount of open space so as to allow for endothelialization along its length to minimize interference with collateral blood vessels and the like. The stent or endoprosthesis can be lodged securely into place at the desired location, while still being removable through a transluminal percutaneous procedure, should removal be needed.
In summary, the endoprosthesis of this invention includes a plurality of generally circumferential sections that are generally adjacent to one other along their respective opposing generally circumferential edges. At least one of these sections has an expandable segment that imparts radial expandability to the section. The expandable segment is an elbow-like member which is bendable between a generally collapsed or closed orientation and a generally opened orientation and is capable of assuming bending orientations between one that is fully closed and one that is fully opened. By this structure, the endoprosthesis or stent has an unexpanded insertion circumference and an expanded implantation circumference which is greater than the insertion circumference. The stent is made by a procedure that includes welding free ends to attach same to another portion of the stent, this preferably being carried out in a manner which minimizes cracking and possible subsequent welded attachment, while providing a stent that can be easily reduced in radial size and transluminally explanted if necessary.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved radially expandable, axially extending endoprosthesis of enhanced patency and durability.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved endoprosthesis or stent that can be constructed to have very well-controlled radial expansion capabilities.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved radially expandable axially extending endoprosthesis that is extremely maneuverable and capable of moving through a tortuous path.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved radially expandable axially extending endoprosthesis that can, if desired, be transluminally explanted by means of, for example, a snare lead or catheter device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved radially expandable axially extending endoprosthesis which has no unattached free ends.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved axially extending endoprosthesis and procedure for securing otherwise free ends thereof to generally adjacent portions of the endoprosthesis.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved procedure for making an axially extending and/or generally tubular endoprosthesis that is radially expandable and that has portions secured together.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved procedure and stent made thereby by which securement of an otherwise free end of a stent to another portion of the stent is carried out in a manner to minimize or virtually eliminate cracking at the attachment location.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved radially expandable endoprosthesis that substantially avoids the presentation of any unattached edges or ends which might damage a medical device balloon or otherwise present portions which project beyond the generally cylindrical sheath structure of the endoprosthesis.
These and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be clearly understood through a consideration of the following detailed description.

Welded radially expandable endoprosthesis and the like


An autonomous floor cleaner includes a base that is movable over a surface to be cleaned, a top plate coupled with the base, a collection chamber, at least one dirt inlet in communication with the collection chamber, and at least one sweeping element for sweeping dirt on the surface to be cleaned toward the collection chamber.

Autonomous or robotic floor cleaners can move without the assistance of a user or operator in order to clean a floor surface. For example, the floor cleaner can be configured to sweep dirt (including dust, hair, and other debris) into a collection bin carried on the floor cleaner and/or to sweep dirt using a cloth which collects the dirt. The floor cleaner can move randomly about a surface while cleaning the floor surface.


A system for fastening cooling elements to a component includes a base device with rows of heating elements to support a bottom side of the component, and a gripping device arranged on the base device and including a corresponding number of rows with rail elements configured to temporarily hold the cooling elements on the gripping device and arranged such that an nth row of heating elements is congruent with an nth row of rail elements. An adhesive joint is applied onto a component topside in strips congruent with the rows of heating elements. The gripping device arranges the cooling elements on the strips of the adhesive joint and presses them against the topside of the component, wherein the heating elements heat the adhesive joint between the cooling elements and the component topside to a temperature which is at least as high as a curing temperature of the adhesive joint.

The invention relates to a system for fastening cooling elements to a component and to a method for fastening cooling elements to a component.
A vehicle can have a battery which stores electrical energy for driving the vehicle. It is hereby necessary to cool the battery with an appropriate cooling system which, however, needs to be fastened to the battery.
Document DE 10 2014 004 742 A1 discloses a battery system with a thermally conductive battery casing and a heat dissipation system. The heat dissipation system is hereby adhesively bonded to the battery casing.
Document DE 10 2014 204 263 A1 discloses a battery cooling system which includes a cooling plate comprised of several plastic parts that are adhesively bonded together.
A device for cooling a battery is described in document DE 20 2012 101 076 U1 and includes a cooling plate with which heat transfer means are adhesively bonded.
Against this background, it was an object to provide a casing of a battery with cooling elements.

G.H. Induction Deutschland Induktions-ErwäRmungs-Anlagen GmbH