A lift station maintenance device having as its essential features, a circular housing constructed from bars, interleaving self-centering augers for lifting flushable wipes through the system, spring snap options for retaining the bar in slots in top and base plates, and capability to remove large flushable wipes or equivalent materials from liquid sewage systems without clogging. Also disclosed is a lift station maintenance system.

So called "flushable wipes" are creating maintenance issues at small lift stations in conventional sewage systems. A simple screening device could save labor and parts. There are thousands of lift stations across the country which could benefit from such devices. Existing technologies are elaborate and expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
Prior devices discovered by the inventors herein consist of U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,110, which issued to Frommann, et al. on Aug. 15, 2000 in which there is described a screening apparatus for sewage wherein separating is the essence of the invention. The device requires bringing in raw sewage, separating it and conveying the result to a disposal.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,398, which issued to Huber, et al. on Jun. 24, 1997 deals with a device for removing floating and suspended debris from a liquid flow. The material is separated by a separator.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,524 issued Jan. 26, 1987 deals with a device for removing screened or sifted material from a liquid flowing in a gutter. The separation phase is described as being handled by a separator.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,810, which issued to Lindl, et al. on Oct. 21, 2008 deals with a sieve device which consists of a screened sieve for removing material from a liquid stream.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,637 which issued Mar. 18, 2008 to Frommann deals with an apparatus that removes fine material from wastewater. The device uses a mesh sieve for such separation.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,081 which issued Feb. 19, 2008 to Harms, et al deals with a filter device for clarification of contaminated liquids using mounting rods that are attached to and extend generally perpendicular from a carrying disk. The rods are spaced a certain distance apart for separation purposes. The mounting rods are mounted on a carrying disk. The ends of the filter modules circumscribe a cavity within the vessel having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the rotation axis of the carrying disk. The cavity is configured such that a cleaning fluid medium from within the cavity flows radially out from said cavity and between the filter elements to clean the filter elements.
U.S. Patent Publication 2016/0288023 deals with an apparatus and method for treatment of food process wastewater. A screen decanter is used in a tank for the separation. The screen has a porosity of about 50 micrometers. Also shown as FIG. 10, is a slitted panel for separation purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,264 which issued Sep. 19, 2017 to Peterson, et al. deals with a ballast water treatment system in which there is a screen filter for separation.
None of the prior art devices or systems anticipate or make obvious the instant invention.


Disclosed is a supercharging device for a vehicle engine, for use in construction machines, etc., that has high acceleration performance, that is compactly made but provides high output, and that provides good engine braking efficiency, and a method for controlling such a supercharging device. A vehicle engine of the present invention, on which is mounted a mechanical supercharger that is driven by mechanical means using an output of the engine, comprises: a differential planetary gear device (10), which is connected to the vehicle engine (1) and which has differential limiting means (L) for distributing power that is produced by the vehicle engine for driving a mechanical supercharger (40) and for driving; and the mechanical supercharger (40), which is to be driven by the differential planetary gear device (10). When the vehicle is at a halt and when the vehicle is to move, a brake (36) is applied to a power transmission system (20) of the vehicle to increase total power output by the engine (1) by using the differential planetary gear device (10); the power output is directed to the mechanical supercharger (40) to rotate the mechanical supercharger (40); the brake (36) is released upon receipt of a start command; the engine power output is distributed by the differential planetary gear device (10) for driving the mechanical supercharger (40) and for propelling the vehicle; and the vehicle is propelled and accelerated.

Conventionally, supercharging devices are employed for vehicle engines that are used in cars, trucks, wheel loaders, wheel cranes, etc., that run on wheels, so that a high power output with a compact size can be provided while obtaining the acceleration. As such supercharging devices (superchargers), there are a mechanical supercharging system, which employs a part of an engine's output or power from another mechanism, and a turbocharger system that employs exhaust gas. In the mechanical supercharging system, a compressor, such as a Roots blower supercharger, which is commonly employed, is mechanically driven by an engine via a belt, etc.
In a conventional mechanical supercharging system, however, meaningless supercharging at a predetermined level or higher is performed within a high-speed and low-load range, even though it is not necessary. The mechanical power loss due to the supercharger is thus increased, and the overall efficiency of the engine is degraded. In a supercharging system that uses a turbocharger, the acceleration for the vehicle is inferior when the engine acceleration is begun at a low idle rotational state. Since the exhaust energy provided by the engine is low and the rotation of the turbocharger is reduced accordingly, the volume of the pressurized air that is charged to the engine in this state is small, and a high torque can not be generated. As a result, turbo lag occurs, there is a slight delay before the vehicle begins to accelerate, and the operator feels that the vehicle is not responding well. In addition, when a high output engine that provides little exhaust is adapted for use with a supercharger, engine braking efficiency is reduced.

Supercharging device for a vehicle engine and method for controlling the same


A monitoring system for physically challenged clients can have a base hub unit, one or more sensor units, one or more repeater units, and a mobile unit for a client to wear in a residential setting. In an institutional setting, a mobile repeater can be used for monitoring outside premises. A three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect falls and to monitor for other life activities, such as sleeping.

Monitoring systems of the type used for elderly clients or other challenged clients should give caregivers or other family members peace of mind. Systems that rely on a wearer to push a panic button fall short of providing that comfort. A client could be unconscious or unable to press a panic button due to sudden accident or illness. An emergency situation could be overlooked, and consequently, a person's health or well-being could deteriorate more rapidly than if immediate medical attention was administered.


Robot apparatus has a robot 1, a controller 2 for controlling the aforementioned robot 1 to perform working, and a plurality of external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 to be controlled by the aforementioned controller 2. The aforementioned external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 are provided with power switches 4b, 5b and 6b to be operated by an operator 9 so as to turn on/off power supplies thereto, and power supply circuits 4a, 5a and 6a to be operated from the aforementioned controller 2 so as to turn on/off the power supplies. Priority is given to operation using the aforementioned power switches 4b, 5b and 6b over operation from the aforementioned controller 2 as to turning off the power supplies to the external axis devices 4, 5 and 6.

An industrial robot such as an arm-type robot is designed to work interlocking with external devices controlling the posture and the like of a work piece to be worked. When there is a possibility that a worker will approach these external devices, the worker makes a decision to cut the power supplies to the external devices so as to secure the worker's safety.
In addition, in some systems, a robot and a plurality of external devices such as external axis devices are divided into desired groups, and means for on/off controlling power supplies is provided in a controller for each divided control group, so that the safety of a worker can be secured simply. (For example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. JP-A-11-90880/(1999))
However, in the aforementioned method in which the power supplies are turned on/off in accordance with the user's decision, there is no means for securing the safety when the worker operates in error. On the other hand, in the method in which the means for on/off controlling the power supplies is provided in the controller for each divided control group, there has been a problem that the method is inconvenient because it cannot follow the change or the like of the work sequence of the worker.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 90880/1999


The invention relates to an operating material supply device for hydrodynamic components, for example, hydrodynamic switching elements for use in starting units, retarder assemblies or gearing assemblies. The material supply device includes an operating material reservoir arranged in the housing of the starting unit, retarder unit, or gearing assembly and comprises an operating material sump with at least one filling line that connects the operating material sump to the hydrodynamic component. The operating material sump may be closed in a pressure-tight manner.

Hydrodynamic components for use in starting units, retarder units or gearing assemblies may be switchable, and these components may be filled and emptied. Rapid chilling may be required. For example, when hydrodynamic constructional units form hydrodynamic retarders, very short filling times may be required for safety to achieve a rapid braking action or a regulated torque profile that, for example, may cause a certain speed profile when starting an engine. According to general designs known in the prior art, the filling occurs with the aid of operating material reservoir devices, which use external auxiliary power from the vehicle or from their own force to accelerate the filling process when hydrodynamic elements are being filled. In this case, piston-type reservoirs, which are actuated by spring force or compressed air from the compressed air system of the vehicle, may be used. The entire housing space may be set under pressure, which causes operating material to exit the oil sump into the corresponding, hydrodynamic component. Corresponding pump devices may also be employed to aid filling.
However, it is believed that the designs according to the prior art disadvantageously consume power with respect to the conversion and presupposing of special equipment.


Disclosed are a novel tactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus sakei Probio-65, and the use thereof. The L. sakei Probio-65 strain has acid tolerance, bile acid tolerance and antibiotic resistance, inhibits the growth of harmful pathogenic microorganisms in the body and the intestine of animals, and has immunuenhancing activity. In particular, the novel strain inhibits the growth of Staphylocccus aureus, which is known to be a factor aggravating atopic dermatitis. Thus, the novel strain is useful for preventing or treating atopic dermatitis and allergy-related disorders. Also, the novel strain stabilizes intestinal microflors by inhibiting the abnormal proliferation of harmful microorganisms in the intestine. The L. sakei Probio-65 strain or a culture thereof is useful in pharmaceutical, feed, food, and cosmetic compositions.

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease, which is characterized by severe itching and eczematous skin lesions and mainly affects infants and children. In particular, in chronic instances, atopic dermatitis often recurs in the winter. Such developed atopic dermatitis often progresses to bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis, and it occasionally recurs in adults. The severe itching afflicting atopic dermatitis patients may cause a reduction in ability to adapt new environments, physical activity and work efficiency, insomnia, and emotional disturbance. Eczematous skin lesions accompanied by pigmentation bring about an ugly appearance, which may hinder normal personal relationships and social activity. Also, dry and irritant-sensitive skin often develops irritant contact dermatitis, which may be a limiting factor in looking for a job. In recent years, the incidence of atopic dermatitis is increasing worldwide, and is also increasing in South Korea along with the rapid increase in allergic diseases. According to a survey conducted by the Korean Academy of Allergy and Respiratory Disease with a total of 43,045 elementary school and junior high school students nationwide in 2000, 24.9% of elementary school students and 12.8% of junior high school students were diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis. In South Korea, the incidence of atopic dermatitis has increased by 50% for the past ten years, this increase rate being much higher among older people. That is, atopic dermatitis was observed at a high incidence of about 17% in adults.
Atopic dermatitis is thought to result from an interaction between genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. The genetic factors include atopy-associated genes, which are mostly immunological genes. The atopy-associated genes identified so far include human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and chromosome 6p, T cell receptor (TCR) and chromosome 7p, IgE high-affinity receptor (FcεRI-β) and chromosome 11q, and IL-4 and chromosome 5q. The environmental factors may be household mites, household dust, fungi, harmful substances, such as formalin and methylbenzene, released from building materials or paint into the air, or chemical substances used as food additives or food itself.
As an environmental factor, Staphylococcus aureus is a secondary cause of the worsening of apotic dermatitis. S. aureus colonization is found in 80-100% of the eczematous lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis. This is much higher than its occurrence at about 5-30% in the healthy skin. S. aureus makes atopic dermatitis skin lesions worse, for example, by increasing impetigo, and spreads to other individuals, thereby making them susceptible to infections leading to atopic dermatitis. There has been evidence supporting the notion that exotoxins produced by S. aureus act as superantigens in the worsening of atopic dermatitis. Such exotoxins include staphylococcal enterotoxins A-D (SEA-D) and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), which increase IgE production about eight times.
Atopic dermatitis patients have commonly been treated using antibiotic therapy, antihistamine therapy, steroid therapy, immunological therapy, and the like. Antibiotic therapy is used to block secondary microbial infections with such as S. aureus, as described above. However, antibiotic therapy is problematic because antibiotics are administered unsuitably, and antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus have recently tended to increase. Major antibiotic-resistant strains worldwide include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and methicillin-resistant-coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus (MRCNS). Thus, owing to a worldwide tendency to avoid the abuse of antibiotics, side effects of the antibiotics, and the emergence of resistant strains, there is an urgent need for the development of materials substituting for antibiotics and other drugs.
In addition, a variety of microorganisms, known as intestinal microflora, inhabit the intestine of humans and animals. Some microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, are known to be beneficial to host animals, and other microorganisms, such as E. coli, Salmonella or Staphylococcus, have direct or potential harmful effects on hosts. In humans and animals, increased stress, infection with harmful bacteria and changes in the external environment may destroy the balance of intestinal microflora, leading to the rapid growth of harmful microorganisms. In this case, the health states of host animals are worsened. Such a change in intestinal microflora brings about allergic diseases. As described above, therapy with antibiotic administration for a long period of time imparts antibiotic resistance to the harmful microorganisms, thereby making effective treatment impossible.
As an alternative regimen of such antibiotic therapy, probiotics are currently receiving increasing interest. Probiotics are prepared by isolating beneficial microorganisms inhabiting the intestine of humans or animals and formulating them into a dosage form. Aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts are used, lactic acid bacteria being mainly used. Lactic acid bacteria have various applications in traditional food fermentation and processing. Lactic acid bacteria have also been known to be safe for a long time, and some strains thereof are listed as "generally recognized as safe (GRAS)" by the American FDA. Thus, probiotics prepared with lactic acid bacteria have various advantages as follows. They do not have side effects caused by the abuse of antibiotics, and maintain stable intestinal flora by inhibiting the abnormal fermentation of harmful intestinal microorganisms. Also, probiotics reduce diseases caused by infection with harmful microorganisms, and prevent or treat allergic diseases by enhancing the immune system. Among lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus species, which are lactobacilli carrying out homolactic or heterolactic fermentation, are naturally found in the intestinal tract of animals, including humans, and during the fermentation of dairy products and vegetables. Lactobacillus species create an acidic environment in the intestine, which helps inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Clostridium, relieve diarrhea and constipation, and, as well, offer other health benefits, including enhancement of the immune system, vitamin synthesis, protection against cancer, and serum cholesterol level reduction. Acidophillin, produced by lactobacilli, has been found to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as Shigella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Also, acidophillin functions to stop diarrhea by inhibiting the proliferation of diarrhea-causing bacteria and normalizing intestinal flora.
Recently, research has been actively conducted to develop probiotics and animal feed using the aforementioned features of Lactobacillus species. Bacterial diarrhea causes reduced body weight gain and death of domestic and farm animals. To prevent the bacterial diarrhea and increase the productivity of farm animals, animal feed has been typically supplemented with antibiotic substances. However, due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and residual antibiotics in livestock products, current regulations in many countries restrict the use of antibiotics in animal feed, and organic feeding programs have been emphasized. At present, the use of probiotics as a substitute method for the use of antibiotics is strongly recommended. European Pat. No. 0861905 discloses a novel Lactobacillus sp. strain, and a pharmaceutical composition and a dairy product for treating gastrointestinal disorders, comprising the novel strain. International Pat. Publication No. WO99/29833 discloses Lactobacillus paracasei, which is a bacterial strain useful as probiotics in food and naturopathic medicines. Korean Pat. Laid-open Publication No. 1998-78353 discloses a novel acid-tolerant microorganism belonging to the genus Lactobacillus, having inhibitory activity on harmful microorganisms, and a probiotic for livestock comprising the novel microorganism.


A pusher provided in an autohandler presses a semiconductor device toward a socket to allow the electrodes thereof to contact the socket pins of the socket during testing the electric characteristics of the semiconductor device. The pusher includes a rigid pusher body and a balloon receiving therein fluid and provided on the front end of the pusher body. The pressure inside the balloon is controlled to allow the balloon to press the semiconductor device with a uniform pressure.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a pusher in an autohandler for pressing a semiconductor device and, more particularly, to a pressing device used in an autohandler for pressing a semiconductor device to allow electrodes of the semiconductor device to contact respective pins of a socket during testing the electric characteristics of the semiconductor device.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Measurement of electric characteristics of a semiconductor device, or semiconductor integrated circuit, is performed using an autohandler and a socket having a plurality of socket pins. The autohandler includes a pusher for pressing the semiconductor device from the top surface thereof toward the socket to allow the electrodes of the semiconductor chip to mechanically and electrically contact the socket pins, for measurement of the electric characteristics of the semiconductor device.
FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing the locational relationship between the autohandler and the semiconductor device.
The autohandler 60 shown in FIG. 7 includes a pusher 61 and an inserter 62, and handles a packaged semiconductor device 63 for measurement of the electric characteristics thereof. The semiconductor device 63 carried by the inserter 62 is pushed or pressed in the direction "A" by the pusher 61 toward the socket 65, thereby allowing the bottom electrodes 64 of the semiconductor device 63 to contact the respective socket pins 66 of the socket 65.
The requirements for the pusher 61 of the autohandler 60 include a uniform pressure being applied onto the top surface of the chip of the semiconductor device 63, i.e., device under test (DUT). The techniques for applying a uniform pressure onto the surface of the semiconductor chip include one used in the field of mechanical polishing of the semiconductor chip by using a polishing head. In this technique, an elastic pressure film is interposed between the chip and the polishing head, and a fluid pressure is applied via the elastic pressure film onto the semiconductor chip in order to press the chip toward a table. This technique utilizes the principle that the elastic pressure film expands under the fluid pressure. Such a technique is described in JP-A-2001-113457, for example.
The structure of the pusher 61 shown in FIG. 7 suffers from a problem as described hereinafter. If the semiconductor device 63 shown in FIG. 7 is a hybrid semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor chips, such as including DRAM and SOC chips, and thus has a significant step difference on the top surface thereof, the pusher 61 should have a shape adapted to the step difference. This may be achieved, as shown in FIG. 8, by designing a new pusher 61A having a front surface adapted to the step difference formed between the chip 65a and the chip 65b of the semiconductor device 63. However, such semiconductor devices may have a range of variation in the step difference, and thus render the pressure applied to the semiconductor device by the new designed pusher 61A to be ununiform as a whole.
In addition, since there are differences in the chip size between the types of devices, e.g., between the all-purpose semiconductor device such as a TSOP (thin small out-line package) device and the BGA (ball grid array) device or CSP (chip size package) device, a dedicated pusher is generally used for each of the respective types of the devices. This increases the man power for design and manufacture of the pusher, thereby increasing the TAT and cost of the semiconductor devices.
With reference to FIG. 9, there is shown that another autohandler 60A is used to measure the electric characteristics of a plurality of semiconductor chips 66a to 66c of the same type, however, having different thicknesses due to variation of the thickness. In such a case, since the pushers 61a to 61b advance a constant distance for pressing the semiconductor chips 66a to 66c, the loads applied to the semiconductor chips 66a to 66c differ from one another depending on the difference in the thickness of the chips 66a to 66c.
In the technique described in the above patent publication, it is not considered to apply a uniform load to a plurality of types of semiconductor chips having different thicknesses. Thus, the described technique cannot apply a uniform load onto the semiconductor device having thereon a step difference due to different thicknesses of the chips. In particular, since the elastic pressure film has suction holes thereon, the described technique cannot be applied to a pusher for pressing the semiconductor device including a plurality of chips having different thicknesses.

Pusher in an autohandler for pressing a semiconductor device


A cutting tool includes a substrate and a diamond layer that covers the substrate. The diamond layer includes a rake face and a flank continuous to the rake face. A ridgeline between the rake face and the flank forms a cutting edge. The substrate includes a top surface opposed to the rake face. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface, the rake face includes a plurality of protrusions. In a cross-section perpendicular to a direction of extension of the cutting edge, each of the plurality of protrusions includes an inclined portion and a curvature portion continuous to the inclined portion. In the cross-section, a height of the inclined portion in the direction perpendicular to the top surface increases as a distance from the cutting edge increases.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2011-101910 describes a diamond-coated cutting tool including a substrate and a diamond layer that covers a surface of the substrate. A surface of the diamond layer at a cutting edge of the diamond-coated cutting tool has arithmetic mean roughness not smaller than 0.1 μm and not greater than 5 μm. At the cutting edge, an average thickness of the diamond layer on a flank is larger than an average thickness of the diamond layer on a rake face.

Cutting tool and method of manufacturing the same


In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes: a laser source is provided that producing a laser beam that diverges in a first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a lens positioned to receive the laser beam from the laser source and provide a magnified laser beam; and an opaque screen having an elongated aperture having a longitudinal axis aligned substantially parallel to the first direction, the aperture being positioned to intercept the magnified laser beam such that a projected laser beam from the aperture is focused into an elongated illumination spot, the elongated illumination spot having a longitudinal axis aligned substantially parallel to the second direction.

Barcodes are essential to modern commerce. Virtually any commercially available item receives a barcode identification. Consumers, manufacturers, and retailers all benefit from their use because it is the least expensive yet most reliable way of providing machine-readable information. Given how pervasive barcoding has become for modern commerce, various "barcode verification" schemes have been developed to characterize the quality of a given barcode label. For example, with regard to one-dimensional barcodes, the Uniform Code Council (UCC) has promulgated nine separate categories of barcode quality. To ascertain the quality in these categories, a barcode verifier scans a laser beam across a barcode.
In a conventional barcode verifier, the laser beam is focused into a generally circular illumination spot on the barcode. This illumination spot scans across a "slice" of the barcode during the verification in a direction generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the bars in the barcode. As the illumination spot is scanned, it will cross the unprinted media between the bars. This is problematic because the coherent nature of the laser beam makes it susceptible to specular reflections from the unprinted media. In other words, a given slice of unprinted media between barcode bars may have a spot that strongly reflects the laser light as compared to other unprinted slices of the media. In turn, this specular reflection makes the measurement of contrast between the unprinted media and the bars noisy and unreliable because the increased reflectance diminishes the contrast for the barcode bars on either side of the shiny unprinted media slice. These barcode bars may be printed with acceptable quality yet be deemed unacceptable due to the specular return from the unprinted media.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved barcode verifiers that are less susceptible to specular reflection noise but also retain a small effective aperture size.

Beam-forming aperture for barcode applications


An accessory for measuring temperature in solidified products such as frozen meats and frozen food in general, adapted to pierce the frozen product. The accessory comprises a cavity enclosing a thermometry element suitable for such purpose and is defined by a body made of a thermo-conducting material. The accessory comprises a tubular portion that can be inserted into the product which temperature needs to be measured, and an operator handle for the accessory. A cavity enclosing a temperature sensing element extends along the tubular portion to the proximity of its distal end, which has a pointed end. The distal section of the tubular portion comprises at least one helical cutting edge for cutting the frozen product, which allows the insertion of the accessory when being turned. The operator handle is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular portion, and comprises a hole that connects with the cavity that contains the temperature sensing element.

Temperature control is an important factor in products which proper state of conservation for subsequent consumption or use, depends on their being kept at a given temperature. This is the case, for example, of the food industry of frozen products and, particularly, of the meat industry. In this sense, it is well known that meat conservation at the adequate temperature is one of the main conditions required to prevent the development of bacteria and microorganisms posing a health risk both to human beings and animals consuming such meats. This applies to food storage and transport as well as to cooking.
The international organizations which establish food conservation standards recommend that temperature measurement be made taken both on the surface and the inside of food products. Undoubtedly, measuring the inner temperature is difficult in the case of frozen foods, because the penetration probes used for this purpose, usually called meat probes, cannot penetrate the food product due to molecule crystallization and subsequent hardening of the product.
In the prior art on the subject matter several devices and methods are known for piercing frozen foods and measuring their inner temperature. One of the most rudimentary forms is to pierce them using a nail and hammer so to make a hole which allows introducing a measuring probe, but the problem is that the fact of "hammering" a frozen piece poses the risk of damaging or fracturing the piece of food. It is also possible to use an electric drill to do the piercing, but this method considerably increases the temperature of the frozen food because of the friction generated by the drill bit and, besides, it is not always possible to use this method in places where the temperature of frozen products is controlled on a regular basis, such as cold storage chambers, refrigerated trucks, storage warehouses and transport, etc.
Another well-known device consists of a stainless steel probe with a "bit brace" type end containing a thermistor or thermocouple therein, where the probe usually has a plug connecting to some kind of digital thermometer or, else, can include a digital indicator or display head. This device solves the main disadvantages of the previously mentioned devices, since penetration is done smoothly, without any risk of damaging the piece to be measured and without friction that would modify its temperature, while requiring little physical effort from the operator. For this reason these devices are widely used in the market. Nevertheless, one of their main disadvantages is their high cost, plus the fact that they need frequent replacement because the head is generally made of plastic and, therefore, is easily damaged by use.
Contrarily to the devices previously mentioned as prior art examples, the instant accessory for measuring temperatures in solidified products, such as frozen meats and frozen food in general, provides easy piercing of the frozen products and taking a correct temperature measurement therein, as it will be clearly evidenced in the detailed description, which makes reference to the drawings shown according to a preferred embodiment to be put into practice.
The advantages of the proposed accessory include its "universal" nature, i.e., its capacity to adapt to most of the meat probe thermometers known, so it can be used even with thermometers which are not adapted to pierce hard substances such as frozen products. On the other hand, by avoiding mechanical efforts on the structure of the meat probe thermometer, this accessory extends its useful life and allows using fragile thermometers without damaging them even after repeated use. Due to its structural sturdiness, as it is made of stainless steel, normally this accessory is not likely to break and needs no replacement of pieces because it will not wear out in continuous use.
Another advantage lies in its bit brace end which allows smooth penetration without damaging the piece or generating temperature increases induced by friction.
A further advantage of the accessory of the invention is that the response of the probe, the temperature sensor or the thermometer being used is virtually as fast as if it were directly in contact with the product which temperature is being measured. This is because the temperature-sensitive end is located inside the accessory only a few millimeters away from the outer surface, and this reduces considerably the thermal lag.
Still another advantage of this accessory is that it features a fixed or removable traverse operator handle, providing the operator with added torque to pierce the frozen food with minimum effort.
An additional advantage of the accessory of the invention is that it can also be used to measure higher temperatures, such as those occurring in cooked food, which inner temperature needs to be precisely controlled.

Accessory for measuring temperatures in solidified products such as frozen meats and frozen food in general


In order to make continuous lamp operation in a failsafe lamp, particularly a lamp for medical applications, having a discharge lamp possible even When changing over between a power supply system (low voltage supply system of, for example, 24 V) and an additional safety power supply (ZSV), a buffer store is discharged in the event of a fault in the power supply for a supply unit for the lamp by changing over to a standby power source, or, once the fault has been elitinated, from the standby power source back to the normal power supply, the buffer store outputting electrical energy to operate the discharge lamp. The electrical energy supplied to the supply unit (EVG) first passes through a full-wave rectifier and is then supplied to a voltage converter containig the buffer store. The discharge lamp is subsequently supplied with the electrical energy via a power-regulated inverter. Thus, it is ensured that, even for changeover procedures with different current typesxe2x80x94e.g. from alternating current to direct currentxe2x80x94the power regulation of the discharge lamp permits unimpaired, continuous discharge lamp operation. In the event of a fault in the operation of the discharge lamp or its energy supply, a circuit for operating a halogen incandescent lamp as a reserve lamp is completed.

1. Field of the Invention
the invention relates to a method for operating a lamp, particularly a lamp for medical applications, having at least one discharge lamp which is connected to a supply unit (EVG) which receives electrical energy from a power supply system having an additional safety power supply (ZSV), the emergency power function prompting a changeover to a standby power source in the event of a fault in the power supply, and, after elimination of the fault, prompting a changeover to the power supply for normal operation. In addition, the invention relates to a failsafe lamp, particularly a lamp for medical applications.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A power supply system having an additional safety power supply (ZSV) is defined in VDE Regulation VDE 0107; besides the customary mains power supply, the power supply system comprises a standby power source, which is usually supported by a storage battery.
German reference DE 38 07 585 A1 discloses a surgical lamp which has a high-pressure gas discharge lamp as a light source. This lamp is connected to a supply circuit having an emergency power function, whose input can be connected to a DC voltage source having a lower voltage than the operating voltage of the discharge lamp. It comprises a plurality of first voltage converters for transforming the input voltage into the operating voltage of the discharge lamp, whose inputs are connected in parallel and whose outputs are selectively connected in parallel or in series. The multiplicity of voltage converters means that this is a relatively complex desing.
ln addition. German reference DE 195 05 925 A1 (according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,628) discloses a medical lamp, particularly a surgical lamp, which has at least one halogen incandescent lamp and one discharge lamp (halogen metal vapor high-pressure lamp) in its housing. In the event of a failure or fault in the static power supply provided for operating the lamp, the supply of power to the lamp is changed over to a standby power source supported by a storage battery, The radiation from the halogen incandescent lamps is available virtually without interruption on account of the thermal inertia of their coil, whereas the discharge lamp is not available for renewed ignition and startup until after a certain cooling phase over a period of several minutes.
The object of the present invention is to provide a lamp of relatively simple design in which continuous discharge lamp operation is possible even during changeover procedures or in the event of brief voltage drops or voltage failures without renewed ignition procedures. In particular, the intention is to provide a practically failsafe lamp.
Pursuant to this object, and others which will become apparent hereafter, one aspect of the present invention resides in a method in which, if a fault occurs during changeover to the standby power source, a buffer store outputs electrical energy to operate the discharge lamp.
Besides changing over in the case of pure DC voltage operation or pure AC voltage operation for the power supply system and the additional safety power supply, it is also possible to change over between different current typesxe2x80x94e.g. from AC voltage to DC voltage or from DC voltage to AC voltagexe2x80x94without impairing the lamp operation, particularly the operating parameters of the discharge lamp.
The buffer store provided is advantageously an electrical capacitor which is at least partly discharged during changeover.
This means that, in the case of a fault during changeover or during a brief voltage drop, the buffer store outputs electrical energy for continuous operation of the discharge lamp.
It is found to be advantageous that, even in the event of brief interruptions, continuous lamp operation is possible without interim ignition operations for the discharge lamp. This means that no inconvenient ignition attempts are made for the discharge lamp during operation. Furthermore, the normal lighting values are quickly restored after the occurrence and elimination of faults. A further advantage can be seen in that the useful life of the lamp is improved on account of reduced loading due to fewer ignition procedures.
In one preferred embodiment of the method, the electrical energy supplied to the supply unit (EVG) first passes through a full-wave rectifier and subsequently a voltage converter containing the buffer store. Energy is subsequently supplied to the discharge lamp via a power-regulated inverter as the output stage.
It is found to be particularly advantageous that the power regulation results in a changeover both from alternating current to direct current and from direct current to alternating current having no effect on the operation of the discharge lamp.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, while the buffer store is discharging, the discharge lamp is operated in the lower power range for stable illumination (simmer operation). Furthernore, even in the event of a failure in the region of the discharge lamp, at least a certain level of safety should be providedxe2x80x94e.g. in the case of medical application or in the course of a surgical procedurexe2x80x94by virtue of at least standby illumination being ensured by at least one halogen incandescent lamp after an operating fault in the discharge lamp circuit. In the event of a fault in the operation of the discharge lamp or its energy supply, the supply unit (EVG) is used to complete a circuit for operating at least one halogen incandescent lamp. In this context, it is found to be advantageous that an automatic changeover occurs without any significant interruption in the lamp operation.
In addition, in one preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating parameters of the lampxe2x80x94such as starting procedures or illumination time of the discharge lampxe2x80x94are determined using a digital computer and are possibly indicated for monitoring purposes. It is found to be advantageous that the user may actually be referred ahead of time to any relevant measures for reliable operation of the lamp.
Another aspect of the invention resides in the supply unit (EVG) having a buffer store which, in the event of a fault occurring or in the event of a fault being eliminated, is provided for outputting electrical energy for operating the discharge lamp during changeover to the standby power source or during changeover to the power supply for normal operation.
The buffer store used is advantageously an electrical capacitor, so that, in the case of a fault during changeover or during a brief voltage drop, the capacitor outputs electrical energy for continuous operation of the discharge lamp.
It is found to be advantageous that, even in the event of brief interruptions, continuous lamp operation is possible without interim ignition operations for the discharge lamp, and no inconvenient ignition attempts are made for the discharge lamp during operation.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a full-wave rectifier is provided at the input of the supply unit for the lamp. The output of the full-wave rectifier is connected to a power-regulated inverter via a voltage converter in order to supply the discharge lamp.
It is found to be particularly advantageous that due to the power regulation of the inverter means, changing over the current type (e.g, alternating currentxe2x80x94direct current) does not result in any impairment of the operation of the discharge lamp.
To maximize its stored energy, the capacitor is preferably arranged in a DC voltage intermediate circuit of the supply unit. The intermediate circuit operates at an operating voltage in the range from 300 to 400 V and forms, together with a step-down converter connected downstream, a DC voltage converter which is connected via the power-regulated inverter to the discharge lamp for the purpose of supplying energy thereto. In terms of its own energy supply, the DC voltage intermediate circuit is connected to the power supply system via a mains filter, a synchronous rectifier connected upstreain of the filter as a full-wave rectifier and via a safety switch. A particular advantage is found to be low-loss operation of the circuit through synchronous rectification and regulation of the power factor.
In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the lamp, an internal auxiliary power supply is provided, with any faults in the external power supply system being detected by a voltage sensor in the region of the mains filter. The voltage sensor preferably has a comparator for detecting faults. In one preferred embodiment, the auxiliary power supply is fed from the buffer store over time.
For its part, the internal auxiliary power supply is connected to the DC voltage converter (step-down converter), to the inverter (output stage) and to a control unit and a data interface. For its part, the control unit is connected to the voltage sensor, to the DC voltage converter (step-down converter), to the data interface and to a reserve lamp controller, in order to be able to change to at least one halogen incandescent lamp in the event of a fault in the operation of the discharge lamp. The halogen incandescent lamp then being connected to the power supply system, including the additional safety power supply (ZSV), and being supplied directly from there.
In one preferred embodiment of the lamp, the discharge lamp is held in a holder which forms, with an inter for the lamp, a structural unit having a universal electrical connection between the igniter and the holder without any internal detachable connecting elements for the lamp. The result of this is, advantageous, low susceptibility to faults.
It is found to be advantageous that symmetrical ignition pulses mean that these ignition pulses travel outwards to the discharge lamp largely without losses and without any electromagnetic interference radiation, despite their large amplitude. Hence, there is also good electromagnetic compatibility in respect of electronic devices in the lamp""s surroundings (EMC).
Advantageously, the structural unit comprising the igniter and the lamp is in the form of a lamp handle or support bracket connected to the holder of the discharge lamp. This refinement makes it possible to achieve a largely compact, easy to maintain design for the complete lamp.
In addition, a useful life indicator is advantageously provided for the discharge lamp, covering illumination duration and the number of ignition procedures.
An operating unit for adjusting and indicating lamp functions can be connected to the data interface connected to the control unit, so that optimum information is ensured.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the lamp according to the invention is provided with an inclination switch. It is found to be advantageous that any inclination into unwanted operating positions results in the lamp immediately being switched off, preventing thermal overloading of components.
A further advantage can be seen in that the surgeon can, if necessaryxe2x80x94e.g. in the case of a minimally invasive or endoscopic method of treatmentxe2x80x94, switch off the lamp by means of sterile operation on the handle (which is sterile anyway) using the inclination switch, where the bright light would interfere with the surgical lamp.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Method for operating a lamp, particularly for medical applications, and a lamp having a discharge lamp


An axle bearing apparatus includes a hub shaft including a wheel-mounting flange formed at its outer end portion, and a cylindrical portion formed on an inner side surface of the flange, a bearing portion press-fitted on the cylindrical portion of the hub shaft and including an inner ring, an outer ring and rolling elements disposed between the inner and outer rings, and a slinger having a through hole formed through its central portion. The through hole is fitted on the cylindrical portion such that an outer diameter of the slinger is generally equal to an outer diameter of the flange, and the slinger is press-clamped to the inner side surface of the flange by bolts press-fitted respectively in a plurality of bolt holes formed in the flange. O-rings are interposed between the flange and the slinger.

This invention relates to an axle bearing apparatus, and more particularly to an axle bearing apparatus having muddy water intrusion prevention means for preventing muddy water from intruding into a bearing portion.
Recently, unit-type axle bearing apparatuses have increasingly been used even in a pickup truck, etc., and therefore these bearing apparatuses are required to have a higher muddy water-proof ability.
There is known an axle bearing apparatus having such a muddy water-proof ability, in which a seal ring comprising a metal core and a seal member is fixed to an outer end portion of an outer ring of a bearing portion, and a slinger is fixed to an axial inner side surface of a rotary flange, and is held in sliding contact with the seal ring, thereby closing an opening of the bearing portion (see, for example, JP-A-2005-233287).
In the axle bearing apparatus of JP-A-2005-233287, an annular portion of the slinger is not disposed in intimate contact with the axial inner side surface of the rotary flange, and extends merely to a region disposed radially inwardly of a circle of bolt holes formed in the rotary flange. Therefore, there has been a fear that muddy water might intrude into the bearing portion from the outside of the rotary flange and the bolt holes through a clearance between the rotary flange and the annular portion of the slinger.

Seal assembly for hub flange and slinger


A positioning rod structure for a single-pull reel which will be positioned upon pulling out of cord from the reel and will restore to its original position if the cord is pulled for a second time. When the cord is pulled for one round, a positioning of the cord is done, and the pulling of the cord provides multi control of the cord, accordingly, the pulling of cord is precisely controlled.

(a) Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reel, and in particular, a reel which allows single positioning of a cord or multiple positioning of a cord.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Conventional type of positioning a cord within a reel is the application of steel beads. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the reel A10 comprises a front cover A1, a spiral spring A2, a sliding seat A3, a transmission cord A4, a positioning steel bead A5 and a rear cover A6. In this conventional structure, the sliding seat A3 contains the spiral spring to restore the transmission cord A4 to its original position. The steel bead A5 slides within the sliding seat A3 so as to position the cord A4. The bottom section of the sliding seat A3 has a passage A31 so that the steel bead A5 could roll, engage and disengage within the passage A31.
The drawbacks of the conventional reel are as follows:
1. The constant engagement, disengagement and high speed rolling of the steel bead causes wear to the passage. When a gap forms between the passage and the steel bead, the function for engagement is lost.
2. In view of the above, noise will occur when the gap is widened. The precision of engagement and disengagement is depending on the precision of the gap formed between the steel bead and the passage. Due to wear of the passage, precision control may not be possible.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a positioning rod structure for a reel which could mitigate the above-mentioned drawback.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Positioning structure of a single-pull reel


Disclosed is an apparatus for decoding a key press. The apparatus includes an interface that performs conversion between parallel data and serial data and generates an interrupt when a key is pressed. The interface includes an output port, an input port, and a register. The apparatus also includes a key input unit, including a plurality of keys, that connects the output port to the input port, and a controller that determines which of the plurality of keys is pressed by receiving an interrupt signal from the interface via an interrupt pin, accessing the register via a plurality of address pins, and receiving serial data from the interface via a data pin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to key input units, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for decoding a key press.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 illustrates the construction of a general apparatus for decoding a key press.
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional apparatus for decoding a key press includes a controller 10 having an output unit with a certain number of output pins (KBC_0-KBC_4) for outputting a signal and an input unit with a certain number of input pins (KBR_0-KBR_4) for receiving a signal, and a key input unit 20 for connecting one of the output pins to one of the input pins when a key is pressed by a user.
The output pins and the input pins connect to the key input unit 20 in a matrix arrangement. The key input unit 20 includes a plurality of switches, corresponding to keys or push-buttons, which connect the output pins to the input pins.
The key press decoding apparatus constructed as described above operates as follows.
The controller 10 outputs signals through the output pins (KBC_0-KBC_4) of the output unit. In a condition in which no keys are pressed, no output signals are connected to any of the input pins (KBR_0-KBR_4) of the input unit, and a low level signal is applied to each of the input pins.
When a key of the key input unit 20 is pressed, a corresponding switch connects one of the output pins to one of the input pins. This pulls the output signal of the output pin connected to the pressed key to a low level, which causes an interrupt to be generated by the controller. When the interrupt is generated, the controller 10 determines which of the output pins is at the low level, in order to determine which of the output pins connects to the pressed key.
The controller 10 then determines which input pin is connected to the pressed key, by determining which input pin connects to the determined output pin. To do this, the controller changes the signal of each input pin, one by one, and determines which input pin causes a signal of the determined output pin to change. Since there are five input pins (KBR_0-KBR_4) and five output pins (KBC_0-KBC_4), this requires the controller 10 to examine up to 25 combinations of pins.
If the key input unit 20 includes 25 keys arranged in a 5×5 matrix, the controller 10 must have 10 pins (five input pins and five output pins). However, if one expands the number of keys, more controller pins are required. For example, if a key input unit 20 include 64 keys arranged in a 8×8 matrix, the controller 10 must have 16 pins (eight input pins and eight output pins).
As technology advances, many electronic devices, such as mobile terminals, are being provided with a greater number of features, and there is a corresponding need to increase the number of keys, or buttons, on these electronic devices. As discussed above, expanding the number of keys of a key input unit requires more controller pins. However, increasing the number of pins on a controller carries with it degraded performance of the controller. Further, if more pins of a controller are allocated for a key input unit, this takes away from the number of pins available for other functions.

Apparatus and method for decoding a key press


A Braun tube for use in a TV receiver or the like, in which its screen does not need high resolution, but the brightness of the screen is important. The Braun tube has a panel with a flat outer surface, an electron gun arranged in an in-line manner and a phosphor screen whose phosphors are arranged in a delta pattern, and the horizontal pitch of a shadow mask can be varied in the direction of the Y-axis. The mechanical strength of the shadow mask is improved by making the curvature of the shadow mask larger than the curvature of the inner surface of the panel in the direction of the vertical axis of the screen.

Flattening the outer panel surface of a color Braun tube (color cathode ray tube) makes it possible to improve the viewability of on-screen picture images. However, in a shadow mask type of Braun tube, it is necessary for the effective surface section of the shadow mask to have a curvature in order to maintain the mechanical strength of the shadow mask. It is also important to maintain a uniform distance between the shadow mask and the phosphor screen on the inner surface of the panel. To this end, a scheme is known for giving a curvature to the inner surface of the panel opposing the shadow mask, while at the same time flattening the outer surface of the panel. However, if the glass thickness at the periphery of the panel is larger than that at the center of the panel, the following problems would occur: (1) the brightness of the screen is degraded in the periphery of the screen; and (2) the panel is difficult to manufacture. Accordingly, in cases where the outer surface of the panel is flat, it is impossible to extremely increase the curvature of the inner surface of the panel. In this case, it is impossible to give a sufficient curvature to the shadow mask, so that the strength of the shadow mask becomes a problem.
As a method of improving the strength of a shadow mask having, a small curvature (large radius of curvature), a technique for forming beads or irregular bent/curved portions within the effective surface area of the shadow mask is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,466. This technique has the problem that the beads and the irregular bent/curved portions of the shadow mask are projected onto the phosphor screen.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,300 discloses the idea of giving a curvature to the shadow mask by varying the pitch of the shadow mask with respect to a panel having flat inner and outer surfaces. However, this patent has no disclosure of a construction which includes an in-line type electron gun and a dot-type phosphor screen. In addition, this document describes a method of forming a curvature on a shadow mask in the case where the inner surface of the panel is flat and the shadow mask includes slots, but the document includes no description of practical problems and constructions.
A technique for changing electron beam spacing (so-called S-size) together with the deflection angle of an electron beam in order to allow the curvature of the shadow mask to be larger than that of the panel inner surface is described in the International Display Workship (IDW) 1998 at pp. 413-416. This technique requires an electromagnetic quadrupole for varying the S-size together with the deflection angle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,068 describes a technique for enlarging the vertical pitch of the apertures of a shadow mask to improve color purity tolerances and electron beam transmissivities in a Braun tube which has an in-line type of electron gun and a dot-type of phosphor screen. However, this document has no description of a shadow mask having a curved surface of the strength thereof.
The present invention relates to a color picture tube, such as that used in a TV broadcasting receiver set, of the type in which the outer surface of the panel is flat and no high resolution is needed, but in which the brightness of the screen is important. Specifically, the color picture tube according to the present invention includes a panel having an outer surface whose equivalent radius of curvature is 10,000 mm or more and a press-formed type of shadow mask, and the horizontal pitch of apertures in the center of the shadow mask is 0.6 mm or more. The structure of the phosphor screen is not a stripe-type, but is a delta type, and an electron gun is arranged in the color picture tube in an in-line manner. This construction makes it possible to easily vary the pitch of the shadow mask in the direction of the Y-axis, while enjoying the benefit of self-convergence of the in-line type electron gun, thereby realizing the required curvature of the shadow mask.
According to the present invention, in the above-described construction, in order that the required landing tolerance can be ensured and the required luminance of the phosphor screen can be ensured, the delta shape of the arrangement of the shadow mask apertures is made vertically long to prevent degradation of landing tolerances, other than the horizontal landing tolerance. In addition, the shape of each of the shadow mask apertures is made vertically long to ensure sufficient luminance, as required.

Braun color cathode ray tube having shadow mask horizontal pitch novelty


A vestibule block or interior furnace wall utilized in a diffusion furnace for manufacturing semi-conductors, integrated circuits and the like, and which is made of refractory or ceramic material, is treated on its surface with a suspension of fine particulate of a glass frit composition comprising an alkali earth metal alumino silicate, and is thereafter heated above the transition temperature of the alkali earth metal alumino silicate. Vestibule blocks and interior surface walls which have been treated in the above-described manner are highly abrasion resistant on their surface, generate virtually no particulate matter under conditions of ordinary use in the semi-conductor manufacturing processes, and generate significantly less particulate matter when tested in an abrasion test against vestibule blocks of the prior art.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the field directed to components of furnaces used for manufacturing semi-conductors, integrated circuits and the like. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a vestibule block which is surface treated so as to generate virtually no particulate matter during normal use, and to the process of making such a surface treated vestibule block.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The process of manufacturing semi-conductors integrated circuits and the like includes one or more steps where wafers of silicon are heated in a furnace while exposed to certain gases which bring about desired chemical/and physical transformation on the surface of the wafers. For example, certain gases which contain boron or arsenic are admixed with a suitable inert gas and are introduced into the furnace where they decompose and deposit certain desired elements (such as elemental boron or arsenic) on the surface of the wafers. As is well known in the art, the presence of trivalent boron or pentavalent arsenic in the tetravalent silicon material is principally responsible for the desired electrical characteristics of these devices. During the above-mentioned and like manufacturing processes (such as oxidation, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon deposition and the like) the silicon wafers are deposited and held in a suitable quartz tube, which is commonly called "diffusion tube" in the trade. Walls of the furnace are usually made of refractory or ceramic material. Typically, holes or openings are provided in two oppositely disposed walls of the furnace, and a substantially cylindrical body having a step down section, is inserted into these holes. The substantially cylindrical body having the step down section is known in the art as a "vestibule block". The vestibule block itself has an inner annulus into which the diffusion tube is placed. For a long time it was the practice in the prior art to place packing material of rock wool or glass wool around the diffusion tube to close the gap between the annulus of the vestibule block and the diffusion tube and to align the diffusion tube within a heating coil which is in the furnace. A serious disadvantage of this practice was that rock wook or glass wool generates dust (particles), which has a deletorious effect on the manufacturing process.
More specifically, as is well known in the art, the semi-conductor manufacturing process must be performed in as particle-free environment as possible. This is because the semi-conductors and integrated circuits which have been contaminated by inadvertent deposit of particles on the silicon wafers during the manufacturing process are usually defective. This disadvantage of using rock wool or glass wool for packing material has been overcome by my invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,422, in accordance with which a heat withstanding support collar is placed around the diffusion tube and within the opening of the vestibule block. Thus, the above-mentioned diffusion tube support collar of U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,422 represented a major success in the industry's efforts to reduce defects due to dust or particles in the semi-conductor manufacturing process. The state-of-the-art nonetheless continues to experience problems with dust or particulate matter which abrades from the vestibule block and/or the ceramic or refractory walls of the furnace itself. In other words, particles generated by abrasion of the vestibule blocks and/or of the walls of the furnace during the manufacturing process still cause a certain number of defective semi-conductors. The present invention is intended to eliminate or at least minimize the just-noted problem.
As still further background to the present invention the following U.S. Pat. Nos., which are directed to the composition, construction or treatment of furnaces and furnace walls, are of interest: 4,943,234, 4,656,146, 4,279,845, 4,253,417, 4,191,528, 4,105,492, 3,878,005, 3,669,640, 3,449,084, 2,438,559.

Surface treated vestibule block and process of making the same


A method and system for monitoring respiratory rate of a patient is provided. An example system includes a wearable device configured to be disposed around a wrist of the patient. The wearable device may include a gyroscope to measure a gyroscope signal indicative of a motion of the patient. The system may further include a processor communicatively coupled to the gyroscope. The processor can be configured to perform a spectral analysis of the gyroscope signal to obtain a spectrum in a pre-determined range. The pre-determined range may cover a normal respiratory rate range. The processor can be further configured to determine a position of a peak in the spectrum to obtain a value for the respiratory rate. The processor can be further configured to provide, based on the value of the respiratory rate, a message regarding a health status of the patient.

It should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.
Monitoring chronic diseases, which includes measuring medical parameters, is central to providing appropriate and timely treatment to patients suffering from such chronic diseases as chronic heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and diabetes. Traditionally, monitoring is carried out and measurements are taken while a patient is hospitalized or in other clinical settings. Appropriate treatment regimens can be based on these measurements, and thus it is highly beneficial to monitor medical parameters of the patient after the patient is released from the hospital. Therefore, the patient can be asked to visit the hospital or clinic periodically for monitoring and adjustment of treatment, if necessary.
However, most often, no measurements are carried out between visits, usually due to the need for trained examiners and medical devices. This is unfortunate, because, between visits, the chronic disease from which the patient suffers can worsen and result in emergency treatment and hospitalization. Furthermore, after receiving repeated courses of emergency hospital treatment, the patient's health condition may degrade and never return to the pre-hospitalization level. Therefore, a technology that allows for at-home measurements of medical parameters can be essential to managing chronic diseases or even saving a patient's life. Early warnings of worsening conditions associated with chronic diseases may prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by providing a preventive treatment and, as a result, reduce financial and human costs of the hospitalization and treatment.

System and method for monitoring respiratory rate and oxygen saturation


A guiding device for a freshly printed sheet has a sheet-guiding surface, which is located at a distance from an imaginary conveying surface. The sheet has a leading edge, which sweeps over the imaginary conveying surface along a sheet transport direction perpendicular to the leading edge of the sheet. The sheet-guiding surface is formed on a guide-plate arrangement and has blast-air openings. The sheet-guiding surface includes blast-air nozzles of a first nozzle configuration and of at least a second nozzle configuration. The blast-air nozzles of the first nozzle configuration produce air-jets that sweep over the sheets and are aligned with respect to the sheet transport direction. The blast-air nozzles of the second nozzle configuration produce rotational flows sweeping over the sheets.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a guiding device for a freshly printed sheet, the leading edge of which sweeps over an imaginary conducting surface along a sheet travel direction perpendicular to the leading edge of the printed sheet, with a sheet-guiding surface following the conducting surface and located at a distance therefrom, the sheet-guiding surface being formed on a guide-plate arrangement and having blast-air openings distributed thereover and terminating therein; the invention relates further to a sheet-fed printing press with such a guiding device.
A guiding device of the aforementioned general type has become known heretofore, for example, from the published German Patent Document DE 43 08 276 A1, wherein blast-air nozzles are fitted into penetrations formed in a guide plate, the blast-air nozzles emitting during operation a blast-air jet out of flow channels which are disposed at an inclination to the sheet-guiding surface and leading into or terminating in the sheet-guiding surface. According to an exemplary embodiment of the thus known guiding device, the flow channels are aligned in the sheet travel direction and the blast-air nozzles are distributed over the sheet-guiding surface. The blast air escaping during operation from the flow channels produces an air flow between the sheet and the sheet-guiding surface, the intention being that the air flow should prevent contact between the sheet and the sheet-guiding surface.
A guiding device for sheets has become known heretofore from the published European Patent Document EP 0 502 417 A1, the guiding device being composed of a plurality of nozzle tubes extending in the sheet travel direction below the conducting surface which is swept by the leading edge of a sheet. Leading into or terminating at the upper side of these nozzle tubes are blast-air openings of blast-air nozzles which are inserted into the nozzle tubes, turbulent flows sweeping over the sheets being producible thereby.

Guiding device for a freshly printed sheet


A water pump comprises a pump body, a cylindrical supporting portion, a pulley, a shaft portion, an impeller, a seal member, a pulley cylinder portion, a wall portion, a through-hole formed, a cover covering the wall portion and the pulley cylinder portion of the pulley from one side of the pulley, and the cover formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom portion and including a reservoir for receiving fluid that has leaked through the seal member.

A known water pump, disclosed in, for example JP2003-314491A, includes a pulley, a shaft portion, an impeller, a body, a bearing, a mechanical seal and a cover. Specifically, the shaft portion rotates integrally with the pulley, the impeller rotates integrally with the shaft portion, the body includes an approximate cylindrical supporting portion into which the shaft penetrates, the bearing is provided between an outer peripheral surface of the supporting portion and an inner peripheral surface of the pulley so as to rotatably support the pulley, the mechanical seal seals a space formed between an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and an inner peripheral surface of the supporting portion at one end of the space.
Further, a drain hole is formed on a front wall of the pulley in order to drain vaporized coolant or micro-stillformed coolant, which has leaked through the mechanical seal, to an atmosphere side. The cover, being cylindrical having a bottom, is fixed to a front surface of the pulley so as to cover the front wall of the pulley.
According to such the known water pump, vaporized coolant or micro-stillformed coolant has leaked through the mechanical seal, passed through a drain hole and been drained into the cover, and then the coolant gelates and adheres to an inner peripheral surface of the cover so as to prevent the coolant from being spattered. Further, by use of the cover, it can be prevented that foreign objects come into shaft portion.
However, in such the configurations, because the gelated coolant cannot stay inside the cover, the gelated coolant may flow outside the cover, and further, ethylene glycol, which has been colored and included in the antifreezing fluid mixed into the coolant, may be adhere to the front surface of the pulley, as a result, the mechanical seal may be recognized as being damaged, in addition, level of the outer appearance of the water pump can be decreased.
Thus, a need exists for providing a water pump in which fluid leaked through a seal member can be prevented from flowing out of a cover.


A system for reading and erasing data on a chip card is disclosed. At least one set of data associated to at least one issuer is stored on the chip card and the sets of data associated to different issuers are mutually separated. The device has substantially flat, hand-held housing, a current supply arranged in the housing, a read/erase device arranged in the housing, a slot in one of the narrow sides of the housing for inserting the chip card into the housing in the area of the read/erase device, a control device for controling the device and a display linked to the read/erase device to display as a page at least one set of data stored on the chip card.

Chip cards having a storage component illustratively in the form of a microchip or a magnetic strip are widely known. They are used for many purposes, for instance as telephone cards, health insurance cards, check cards, credit cards, user identification or the like. The chip cards are issued to the user by the particular issuer of the data stored on the card, that is the post office, a health insurance, a credit institution or the like.
A read and/or write apparatus is required to read the data stored on the chip card or to write data into the chip card, and as a rule said apparatus is stationary, for instance in a cardphone or in an automatic teller.
Accordingly a card user can access the chip card data for purposes of reading and/or writing only at the locally fixed apparatus. Moreover such locally fixed read and/or write apparatus are costly and cumbersome. As a result the applicability of chip cards is restricted.
Apparatus with which to individually mark passes and the like in electronic manner is known from the German patent document 40 18 772 A1 and comprises a housing receiving a power supply and a write device to write data formed by a short code onto the chip card. A slot to insert a chip card into the housing and into the zone of the write device is present at one of the n arrow sides of the housing. The apparatus comprises an operating device in the form of a keyboard. The apparatus also is fitted with a line display. This known apparatus is used to feed a short code, for instance a PIN (personal identification number), through the keyboard panel and to store it in a read/write memory of a chip card. The known apparatus serving exclusively to write data on a chip card and the line display swerving exclusively to monitor the applied code, reading and displaying of data stored on a chip card is precluded by the known apparatus.
A chip card called a "multifunction card" is known from the European patent document 0 385 290 A1 and comprises a memory allowing storing a predetermined number of different data sets. The chip card comprises several display panels and also a keyboard. Several data sets are stored in the operative known chip card, each data set representing the data stored on a particular credit card. The particular data sets are selected by means of the keyboard and the data represented by the data sets, for instance name of credit card owner, credit card numeral or signature of credit card owner, can be displayed in the display panels. Modifying the data stored on the multifunction card is both undesired and precluded.

System for reading and erasing data on a chip card


Apparatus, system, and method for controlling a desired torque output on a hydromechanical transmission. Controlling torque output of a hydromechanical transmission provides improved operator feel and control. A control module determines a desired torque output and determines a pressure necessary to influence the displacement of the variable displacement pump to output the desired torque output. A pressure-controlling valve applies that amount of pressure to an actuator, which moves in response thereto, to change the displacement of the variable displacement pump. When the motor speed changes, the control module adjusts the pressure applied to the actuator to provide the desired torque output.

Hydromechanical, split torque, or parallel path powertrains provide many advantages over the typical mechanical transmissions used in earth-working machines, such as tractors, bulldozers, and wheel loaders. Specifically, hydromechanical transmissions provide continuous speed control, control of acceleration and deceleration, and management of engine speed with fewer losses.
Current industry practice with hydromechanical transmissions is to control speed by controlling pump displacement. This practice requires a servo-feedback control on a pump actuator to force the pump actuator to a specific position. Industry has had a measure of success with speed control systems in the agricultural industry but no known successes in the earth-moving industry. The lack of force (torque) control put the earth-working machines with hydromechanical powertrains at a disadvantage when compared to conventional powertrains, particularly when the machine was pushing against massive objects, or digging. Similarly, it was found that because earth-working machines are often employed on rapidly changing surface conditions and compromised stability, it was inherently harder to make smooth speed transitions with the traditional speed control system.
One type of system for controlling speed is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,636 to Smith. Smith teaches a method for controlling speed using an electrical signal applied to a solenoid to change the pump's displacement. On generally level surfaces, this method has been successful, however, as discussed above, on uneven surfaces, an operator, or machine experiences undesirable accelerations as the controls hunt for the desired speed.
The inability to determine the correct pump displacement under rapidly changing surface conditions has resulted in the unsuccessful use of the speed control system in the earth-moving industry. Any error in the displacement showed up as lugs and lurches and generally unfamiliar machine behavior when compared to the precedent established by past generations of successful earthmoving machines.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.


A system and method for providing a predictive outcome in the form of a predictive best instruction for a therapeutic ophthalmic correction of a patient's vision defects. The predictive best instruction is derived from prospective therapeutic-outcome-influencing, new information that is analyzed in conjunction with optimized, historical therapeutic-outcome information. The instruction is preferably an optimized, custom, photoablative algorithm for driving a photoablative, excimer laser. The instruction can be provided on a fee basis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to technology and business solutions directed to the correction of ophthalmic defects. In particular, the invention describes systems, instructions, and methods directed to providing a predictive outcome for therapeutic ophthalmic correction of vision disorders. The invention is intended to provide a higher degree of patient vision quality resulting from vision correction procedures.
2. Description of Related Art
A large percentage of the population have vision defects that are commonly referred to as myopia (near-sightedness) and hyperopia (far-sightedness), sometimes with an accompanying defect know as astigmatism. Myopia and hyperopia are the result of a lower-order optical aberration called defocus. Simple astigmatism is also a lower-order aberration. Briefly, a perfectly myopic eye brings all incoming parallel light to a focal point in front of the retina; a perfectly hyperopic eye brings all incoming parallel light to a focal point behind the retina; and a simply astigmatic eye focuses some of the light in a horizontal line and some of the light in a vertical line at some separation distances from the retina.
For a long time, practitioners have attempted to accurately measure these defects and correct them with spectacles, contact lenses, and other devices and/or procedures. Popular therapeutic procedures were, and continue to be, developed that use a suitable laser beam (typically, an excimer laser having a wavelength of 193 nm) to photoablate volumetric portions of an exposed corneal surface, thus modifying the shape of the cornea to refocus the incoming light. Photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) are examples of photoablative refractive surgeries to correct the optical defects mentioned above.
We can now also accurately measure what are known as higher-order optical aberrations with advanced diagnostic technology such as, e.g., a wavefront sensor. These higher-order aberrations come from defects within the overall optical system of the eye (not just a misshapen corneal surface) and contribute to poor vision quality by reducing acuity and/or contrast sensitivity, causing glare, poor low-light vision, and in other ways. Not surprisingly, device manufacturers and practitioners have responded with techniques, instrumentation and devices, and therapeutic procedures that attempt to correct vision to the theoretical limit of 20/8 (known as supervision) or, practically, to optimize vision quality by eliminating, minimizing, or balancing these aberrations, or otherwise directing their attention to the higher-order defects.
For a variety of known and yet undiscovered reasons, the intended results of customized photoablative refractive surgery and customized lens applications including contacts, inlays, onlays, and IOL′', for example, have been elusive. Investigators have focused on the structure and physiology, and sophisticated modeling, of the eye to better understand the dynamics of correcting vision defects. The interested reader is directed to an article by Cynthia Roberts, Ph.D., The cornea is not apiece of plastic, Jour. Ref. Surg., 16, pp 407–413 (July/August 2000). Dr. Roberts hypothesized that if the cornea were similar to a homogeneous piece of plastic, a procedure known as radial keratotomy (RK) would not have worked because a biomechanical response to the structure altering incisions would not have occurred. (RK is a surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness by flattening the cornea with a series of incisions that resemble the spokes of a wheel). There is an increasing confidence among persons skilled in the art of refractive vision correction that the biomechanics (the biodynamic response of the eye to an invasive stimulus) of the eye, specifically of the cornea, significantly affects the outcomes of laser vision correction. Roberts, id, reports changes in anterior corneal geometry due merely to the keratectomy (flap cut) prior to laser ablation. The biomechanical corneal response to an invasive stimulus such as a keratectomy prior to LASIK or the severing of corneal lamellae by the laser in a PRK procedure can be explained, according to Roberts, by conceiving the cornea not as a piece of plastic, but rather as a series of stacked rubber bands (lamellae) with sponges between each layer (interlamellar spaces filled with extracellular matrix). The rubber bands are hypothesized to be in tension, since there is intraocular pressure pushing on them from underneath, and the ends are held tightly by the limbus. The water content of each sponge depends upon how each rubber band is stretched. Greater tension squeezes more water out of the sponges so the interlamellar spacing decreases; i.e., the cornea gets flatter. Thus the act of laser surgery itself to reshape the cornea may alter the corneal bio-structure with the effect that what you see is not what you get. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2002/0103479A1 to Sarver discusses optimizing the predictability of a vision correction method using surgical outcomes in an iterative analysis to create an optimized treatment outcome. Published PCT application WO 00/45759 discusses the interaction between the photoablative laser system used and the wound healing response of the eye and concludes that correction factors ("fudge factors") in the range of ±1000× must be inserted in the sum of Zernike coefficients and Zernike polynomials to account for the eye's healing response. Published U.S. patent application Ser. No. US 2002/0007176A1 discusses a radially dependent ablation efficiency in the form of a modifying polynomial based on the optical path difference between a plane wave and a measured wavefront from a patient's eye. In many instances, surgeons will modify the manufactures' treatment profiles by their personal nomograms, which typically only provide a power shift correction. This type of personal modification, however, is generally based upon a relatively small sample of patients and procedures, thus general applicability and optimization may not be achieved. U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,131 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Automated Simulation and Design of Corneal Refractive Procedures" describes a computerized finite element method for simulating patient-specific corneal deformation in response to corneal incisions and/or corneal ablation procedures. The patent provides a general framework for this type of approach but does not appear to have solved the problem of optimized predictive analysis. A comprehensive review of finite element methods for simulating refractive surgical procedures on the human cornea is set forth in a 1994 dissertation by Datye which concludes that further work needs to refine the analysis and include other effects and phenomena which may be important in corneal modeling. All of these efforts highlight the attempts by manufacturers and practitioners to modify and customize ablation algorithms or nomograms to more accurately predict and achieve desired refractive outcomes. It is apparent, however, that the puzzle representing perfect vision, supervision, emmetropia, or optimum vision quality, by whatever name, still has missing pieces. For example, induced spherical aberration and other higher-order aberrations are known conventional post-LASIK effects that cause residual vision defects and sub-optimum visual quality. However, the cause and elimination of these treatment induced aberrations continue to challenge manufacturers and practitioners alike.
In view of the aforementioned developments, the inventors have recognized a need for hardware, software, and methods that will facilitate optimum outcomes of therapeutic ophthalmic procedures, in particular, photoablative refractive vision correction and, alternatively, customized ophthalmic optics, that result in optimum vision quality and greater patient satisfaction.

System and method for predictive ophthalmic correction