The developer composition for electrostatic latent images includes a toner and a carrier, the toner including (a) a binder resin comprising a polyester resin having an acid value of from 0 to 10 KOH mg/g; (b) a wax; and (c) a colorant. In the developer composition, the wax is dispersed in the toner with a length to diameter ratio of from 2 to 15.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a developer composition for electrostatic latent images employed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording, electrostatic printing, etc. More specifically, the present invention relates to a two-component developer composition utilized in magnetic brush development showing high performance even under low-temperature, low-humidity conditions and high-temperature, high-humidity conditions.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The chargeability of the toners usable in development of electrostatic latent images in electrophotography, etc. is an important factor for giving good image quality. This chargeability is variable by temperature and humidity conditions, and hence is susceptible to undergo environmental changes, the chargeability of the toners being increased under low-temperature, low-humidity conditions, and decreased under high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, thereby resulting in the deterioration of the image quality.
The binder resins usable in the toners for development of electrostatic latent images generally include various resins, such as homopolymers or copolymers of styrenic monomers, such as polystyrene, styrene-butadiene copolymers, and styrene-(meth)acrylic acid ester copolymers; homopolymers or copolymers of ethylenic monomers, such as polyethylenes and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; polyester resins; epoxy resins; and polyamide resins. However, the chargeability of the toners is liable to undergo substantial changes by the environmental conditions, though they may have some differences depending on the kinds of the binder resins used. Particularly, when the resulting toners are used under high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, the deterioration of the formed images is liable to take place. Particularly in a case where a polyester resin is used as a binder resin, it has been pointed out that since the polyester resin is obtainable by condensation polymerization of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, a large number of carboxyl groups, which are hydrophilic groups, are present in the resin. Therefore, hydrogen bonds are formed between the carboxyl groups and water molecules, which result in the lowering of the chargeability of the toners, and thereby the deterioration of the formed images under high-temperature, high-humidity conditions is liable to take place.
However, in the field of electrophotography, the polyesters resins are widely used as binder resins for toners owing to their excellent fixing ability and high negative chargeability. Particularly in cases for producing color toners, the superiority of the polyester resins is well supported when compared with other resins in transparency as well as in the fixing ability and the negative chargeability. From the above facts, the development of a developer having little influence to environmental changes, while sufficiently utilizing the properties inherently owned by the polyester resins, is in demand.
Recently, in view of the above, various proposals have been made in the preparation of polyester resin-based toners, including methods for adjusting acid values of polyester resins (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 55-40407 and 56-65147); methods for adjusting a total amount of acid values and hydroxyl values of polyester resins (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-163564); methods for substituting a nitrogen-containing functional group for a carboxyl group of polyester resins; methods for increasing hydrophobicity of polyester resin-based toners by subjecting the toners with low acid values and low hydroxyl values to a surface treatment.
Among the methods mentioned above, the methods for controlling the acid values of the polyester resins to a range lower than those of conventional polyester resins, for instance from 0 to 10 KOH mg/g, are known to sufficiently prevent the lowering of the chargeability particularly under high-temperature, high-humidity conditions, so that the deterioration of the formed images can be prevented.
On the other hand, the electrophotograhic techniques recently have a tendency of digitization. For instance, by employing image-treatment techniques or A.I. techniques, digitized copy machines and color digitized copy machines having high reliability document-producing or image-producing functions have been appeared. In these digitized methods, since the toning of the formed images is controlled by dotted areal toning utilizing dotted images, the image densities of the dotted images have to be maintained at high levels even when developed at a low development voltage region. Therefore, the toners usable for digitized methods are required to have distinctive properties, i.e. the properties of providing high image densities even at a low development voltage, which are different from those usable for image-forming processes utilizing analog optical methods whose image toning changes depending upon the levels of the development voltage.
However, in the toners comprising polyester resins having low acid values mentioned above, the resulting formed images normally can have only low image densities at a low development voltage, and hence their image densities at low development voltages must be further increased in order to use these toners with such excellent environmental properties for digitized methods.

Developer composition for electrostatic latent images


Novel formulations combining a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as flunixin, with a fluorinated chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol derivative antibiotic such as florfenicol are disclosed. Methods for using such formulations in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of bovines and swine, including bovine respiratory disease and swine respiratory disease, are also disclosed.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) occurs in both dairy and beef cattle and is one of the leading causes of economic loss to the cattle industry throughout the world. These economic losses are due to excessive mortality, reduced weight gains as well as treatment and prevention costs. BRD is often referred to as the "bovine respiratory diseases complex" due to the multifactorial etiology.
The cost of death losses due to respiratory diseases vary around the world. Death losses in the U.S. are estimated to approach $1 billion annually. Losses in various European countries range from $75 to $120 million. Cattle with clinical or sub-clinical BRD do not gain weight or produce milk as well as healthy animals. Beef cattle with BRD gain less weight, have reduced feed efficiency and often produce a lower grade carcass at slaughter. Perino L. J., Apley M., Bovine Respiratory Disease, in CURRENT VETERINARY THERAPY 4 (FOOD ANIMAL PRACTICE), 4TH ED. 446-455 (Howard J. L., Smith R. A., eds., 1999). A direct correlation between pulmonary lesions observed at slaughter and reduced weight gains has been established in cattle with sub-clinical infections. Whittem T. E. et al., J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 209:814-818 (1996).
In addition to the production losses associated with mortality and morbidity, significant costs are associated with the treatment of BRD due to the costs of various therapeutic agents and the labor required to administer these agents, along with the extra labor to isolate and observe these animals.
The pathogenesis of BRD is thought to be due to the interaction of environmental and physiological stresses coupled with infectious agents. Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Haemophilus somnus are considered part of the normal flora of the bovine upper respiratory tract. When environmental and physiological stress factors reduce the natural resistance and inhibit the pulmonary defense mechanisms these organisms proliferate and colonize the lower respiratory tract. In addition, various bovine viruses such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3) are known to have immunosuppressive effects in the lung.
Similarly, swine respiratory disease (SRD) also has a multifactional etiology. Bacterial infections caused by P. multocida, H. parasuis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, Salmonella cholerasuis and Mycoplasma sp. can result in respiratory disease in swine, resulting in significant economic losses. Stresses such as crowding, mixing and moving of pigs and transient viral infections can contribute to the intensification of the disease.
These organisms can stimulate an excessive inflammatory process in the lungs by producing various toxins that stimulate the release of various cytokines, which up-regulate the inflammatory process. M. haemolytica, considered the most virulent of these organisms, also produces a leukotoxin that inhibits phagocytosis by leukocytes thus further enhancing its ability to colonize the lower respiratory tract. This process often results in a bacterial bronchopneumonia.
The pulmonary damage that results in death or morbidity is due to the excessive inflammatory response to the invading pathogens. Damage to host tissues occur as neutrophils, pulmonary alveolar macrophages and natural killer cells destroy infected cells. As cell membranes are damaged, arachidonic acid is released. Arachidonic acid is the substrate for the formation of various prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. The release of these biological active substances is critical to driving the inflammatory response that results in pulmonary lesions. Mosier D. A., Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Animal Prac., 13:483-493 (1997).
In general, therapy for BRD should be directed at achieving the following goals:
1. Controlling the infection—In animals where the infectious process is halted early, the need for repeat treatment is significantly reduced (see Apley M. D. & Fajt V. R., Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Prac., 14:291-313 (1998). The selection of the appropriate antimicrobial compound should be based on the antimicrobial sensitivity of the organism involved, the levels of the antimicrobial agent in the respiratory tract, ease of administration, the potential for injection site tissue damage and a dosing regime that minimizes the pain and stress associated with treatment.
2. Minimize the pulmonary damage—As the level of inflammation and subsequent pulmonary damage increases, the probability of repeat therapy increases and the rate of weight gain decreases. Lekeux P., Bovine Practitioner, 29:71-75 (1995); Scott P. R., J. Dairy Sci., 76(2):414-420 (1993).
3. Reduce pyrexia—Controlling the infection and reducing the inflammation will reduce the pyrexia (fever) thus increasing the potential for recovery. The feeling of well-being that accompanies the reduction of pyrexia may also improve the intake of nutrients by suppressing inappetence associated with disease and pyrexia.
For years antimicrobial therapy has been the mainstay of BRD therapy. There are many effective microbial agents currently available for the treatment of BRD. NUFLOR, an injectable formulation of the broad spectrum antibiotic florfenicol, has emerged as one of the leading antibiotics on a global basis. It is indicated for the treatment and control of BRD associated with M. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somnus as well as for the prevention of respiratory disease in cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with these bacteria. NUFLOR is also indicated for the treatment of bovine interdigital phlegmon (footrot, acute interdigital necrobacillosis, infectious pododermatitis) associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. NUFLOR may be administered subcutaneously as well as intramuscularly.
The pathogenesis of BRD involves the development of a significant inflammatory process in the lungs and the subsequent development of pulmonary lesions, often leading to pulmonary consolidation. The degree of this inflammatory process can determine whether the disease results in mortality, a chronic "poor doer" or the animal recovers uneventfully. Various anti-inflammatory agents have been investigated regarding their ability to reduce the pyrexia, lung consolidation and weight loss associated with BRD.
The use of corticosteroids is generally contraindicated as ancillary therapy for BRD due to their ability to cause serious immunosuppression. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in conjunction with antibiotics, however, has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of bovine respiratory disease. The nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory agent flunixin meglumine has been demonstrated to be effective in rapidly reducing pyrexia associated with BRD. Flunixin has also been demonstrated to reduce pulmonary consolidation and the need for re-treatment with antibiotics.
Flunixin meglumine is the active ingredient in FINADYNE and BANAMINE (both available from Schering-Plough Animal Health Corporation, Union, N.J.). It has emerged as one of the leading NSAIDs for adjunctive therapy of BRD.
Flunixin meglumine has been studied extensively in regard to its use in conjunction with antibiotics for the treatment of BRD. While it is widely used for this indication, it has not been used in combination in the same formulation with florfenicol because the primary route of administration of flunixin is intravenous and florfenicol is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Moreover, florfenicol formulations have been designed to provide prolonged blood levels of the antibiotic and flunixin would not be expected to have adequate bioavailability in such formulations. In addition, there have been concerns as to whether florfenicol and flunixin would be compatible in such formulations.
Flunixin meglumine has been used in conjunction with oxytetracycline, and products containing both flunixin meglumine and oxytetracycline are commercially available in Europe. However, such combination products require once per day administration for 3 to 5 days. Furthermore, resistance to the antibiotic oxytetracycline has become commonplace in regard to bacterial pathogens, including those commonly associated with BRD.
Accordingly, there is a need for conveniently administered, stable compositions that can control and prevent the infection and minimize the inflammation associated with bovine respiratory disease and other infectious diseases, while minimizing the pain and stress to the animal associated with treatment and the potential for injection site tissue damage.

Compositions and method for treating infection in cattle and swine


A trailer brake module includes a brake output driver configured to be connected to a power supply, a flyback diode, and a MOSFET arranged between the power supply and the flyback diode. The MOSFET is in series with the flyback diode.

The present disclosure relates to a trailer brake module.
Trailers are usually unpowered vehicles that are pulled by a powered tow vehicle. A trailer may be a utility trailer, a popup camper, a travel trailer, livestock trailer, flatbed trailer, enclosed car hauler, and boat trailer, among others. The tow vehicle may be a car, a crossover, a truck, a van, a sports-utility-vehicle (SUV), a recreational vehicle (RV), or any other vehicle configured to attach to the trailer and pull the trailer. The trailer may be attached to a powered vehicle using a trailer hitch. In addition to the mechanical connection between the trailer and the powered vehicle, in some examples, the trailer is electrically connected to the tow vehicle. As such, the electrical connection allows the trailer to take the feed from the powered vehicle's rear light circuit, allowing the trailer to have taillights, turn signals, and brake lights that are in sync with the powered vehicle's lights.
For some larger trailers, the trailer also may include a trailer brake system, which utilizes electronic brakes for the trailer. Trailer brake systems typically include a trailer brake module arranged on the tow vehicle that controls the current to the trailer brakes. These trailer brake systems often also have a separate battery installed in the trailer. If the trailer ever becomes detached from the tow vehicle, the battery powers the trailer brake system in order to safely slow and stop the trailer.

Trailer battery reverse connection protection


An adaptive measurement system measures a transition rate associated with an output of a device. An input signal that is characteristic of the output of the device is received by an input signal-to-frequency converter, which changes state based upon a characteristic of the input signal. The input signal-to-frequency converter provides a second signal, which reflects the state changes of the input signal-to-frequency converter. The second signal is sampled over a sample period and an instance of average transition rate is determined. A control subsystem may use the instance of average transition rate for regulating the device.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure is generally related to the systems and methods of regulating an output of a device, and more particularly, related to systems and methods of regulating an output of a device using a transition rate of a quantized signal, where the transition rate is proportional to an output of the device, for example an LED backlight.
2. Description of the Related Art
Control systems for regulating a device are well known. Typically, control systems regulate devices by employing a feedback loop. However, when the device has a wide dynamic response range, it may become difficult to rapidly and accurately regulate the device over the response range, especially at the extrema of the response range.
As a non-limiting example, the output of a multi-color LED (light emitting diode) backlight is regulated to provide color and luminance control. Currently, one type of control system for a multi-color LED backlight may include photo sensors with color filters, linear or log amplifiers, and analog to digital converters. This sort of control system has several disadvantages. One disadvantage, among others, is that multi-color LED backlights are frequently intended to be used in relatively small spaces, and such a control system takes up too much of the available space. Another disadvantage is cost and the number of components in such a control system. The more components in a control system, the higher the chance that at least one of the components will malfunction.
Some control systems for a multi-color LED backlight may include a single unfiltered photo sensor for luminance measurement and a "color correction mode" where each color of LED source is cycled through and measured individually. However, this type of control system may require periodic maintenance activity for color correction and does not provide feedback to correct for dynamic amplitude, temperature and supply variations.
Thus, there exists a need for a control system for regulating devices such as backlights and other devices such as rotary motors that have a wide range of dynamic response. It is desired that such a control system provide fast measurement of an output from the regulated device and transient control of the regulated device. It is further desired that such a control system can be made to dynamically track with the sample speed of data related to the output of the regulated device. In addition, it is desired that such a control system be economical and be fault tolerant to timing errors.

System and method for adaptively determining the transition rate of a quantized signal


A cover system for covering an open topped compartment, such as a truck trailer, that may contain a quantity of particulate material extending in a heap above the sides of the compartment. A sheet of flexible material is rolled at one compartment end for pulling across and covering the compartment. A transverse tube is secured to the cover leading edge. A roller assembly is mounted by brackets to the tube so that as the cover is moved over the heap of material the roller will engage the heap and rotate so that the brackets raise the leading edge above the roller, which rides along the heap. The cover is then fastened in the covering position. When the cover is retracted to uncover the compartment, the roller trails behind the leading edge, permitting the cover to be rolled up easily.

Open topped compartments, such as truck trailers, dump trucks, storage bins and the like used for hauling or storing particulate material such as grain, ash, lime or the like are subject to having the material fall or blow out onto the roadway. Exposure to rain, excessive sunlight, etc., is often damaging to materials being hauled or stored. With materials such as gravel, aggregate or similar materials, having portions of a load fall onto a roadway is undesirable both from the point of view of littering and the danger of the material striking a following vehicle, possibly breaking a windshield or causing an accident. Where heated materials, such as asphalt, are being stored or carried, retention of heat within the container is very desirable.
Many localities now have laws requiring that all open topped vehicle compartments be covered when containing loose or lightweight material. Often, the loads are simply covered with a tarpaulin that is tied to the edges of the open top at intervals around the opening. While sometimes effective, such tarpaulins are difficult for one person to put into place, especially in windy conditions. Often, it is necessary for the operator to climb on the vehicle or bin sides or across the load to secure the tarpaulin, at considerable personal danger. Installation is time consuming and must be carefully done to prevent an edge of the cover from loosening, allowing spillage of part of the load.
Attempts have been made to provide more convenient covers that are rolled or folded at one end of the compartment and can be unrolled or unfolded to cover the load. These arrangements are generally difficult to deploy and do not adequately secure the sides of the cover to the container sides.
Where a container is filled or overfilled with a granular material, such as dirt or gravel, to the point where the material extends above the container walls, moving a cover over the container surface, typically along and generally parallel with the container upper wall edges, is difficult. The cover edge moving along the container edges tends to dig into the material. Forcing the cover edge through the material is difficult, often impossible for a single operator. In addition, some of the material may be spilled or end up on top of the cover, defeating the purpose of the cover, since spilled or loose material on the cover will fall to the roadway, endangering other vehicles and violating laws and regulations governing covered loads.
Thus, there is a continuing need for improvements in deployable covers for open topped compartments and systems for installing them that will fully and uniformly restrain material loaded in the compartment along both the ends and sides of the compartment, can be easily moved into and out of the covering position by one person standing on the ground, will fully cover material that extends above the compartment sides and will avoid forcing heaped material over the compartment side or onto the cover upper surface from which it can fall to the roadway.


To transfer a memory module between controllers, an external power source is connected to a memory module mounted to a first controller. The memory module is removed from the first controller with the external power source connected to the memory module to maintain data stored in volatile memory of the memory module. The memory module is mounted to a second controller.

Memory devices are used in many different types of systems, including computers, storage systems, portable devices, and so forth. Certain types of memory devices are volatile; in other words, such memory devices when disconnected electrically from a power source lose data stored in the memory devices.
In one example implementation, volatile memory devices can be provided on storage controllers such as RAID (redundant arrays of inexpensive disks) controllers in storage array systems for use as cache memory. The cache memory used by a storage controller provides increased read and write throughput, since the cache memory typically has faster access speeds than persistent storage devices in storage systems.
For example, in response to a read request from a host, if the requested data happens to be in the cache memory, then the read request can be satisfied relatively quickly. Similarly, posted write or write caching operations can be performed in which data is written to the cache memory in response to a write request, and the host is notified that the write request is complete once the data is written to the cache memory, even though the storage controller has not yet written the data to persistent storage.
However, an issue associated with using cache memory is that if the storage controller were to fail, then data contained in the cache memory of the failed storage controller may be lost. This is undesirable in scenarios where write data in the cache memory has not yet been written back to the persistent storage.
Conventionally, to preserve data in cache memory devices of a failed storage controller, cache memory devices are transferred (physically moved) from the failed storage controller to a functional storage controller. During the transfer, batteries or capacitors can be provided on the cache memory devices to allow the cache memory devices to maintain stored data during transfer from the failed storage controller to the functional storage controller. An issue associated with using batteries or capacitors on cache memory devices is that batteries or capacitors can take up valuable circuit board space. Moreover, batteries have a finite shelf life, such that older batteries may not function properly after some amount of time, and would have to be disposed. Also, because batteries contain hazardous materials, they are subject to special disposal procedures. Moreover, charging and/or monitoring circuits often have to be provided on cache memory devices if batteries are used, which also take up valuable circuit board space. In addition, since batteries or capacitors provide power for only a small amount of time, data in cache memory devices may still be lost if the transfer of the cache memory devices is not completed prior to expiration of the batteries or capacitors.

Maintaining data stored in a memory module when transferring the memory module from a first controller to a second controller

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A method for making a grooved-end pipe fitting from standard pipe includes the steps of bending length of pipe on a press mandrel to form a curved pipe segment with an oval cross section and further working the curved pipe segment in a die to produce tangent end portions. The die cavity is shaped with a central curved portion and tangent end portions. The inner and outer radii of curvature of the central curved portion are greater than the inner and outer radii of the curved pipe segment, and are greater than the corresponding radii of curvature of a conventional cast fitting. As a result, the curved pipe segment can be shaped to conform to the shape of the cavity without buckling or bowing of the inner radius wall of the pipe. The tangent ends of the die shaped pipe are grooved in a subsequent step.

In grooved-end mechanical pipe joining systems, pipes and pipe fittings are joined by a collar that engages grooves in the ends of the pipes and pipe fittings. This type of mechanical joining system is commonly used, for example, in piping for automatic fire protection systems. FIG. 1 is a drawing of a pipe elbow 5 for grooved-end mechanical joining as may be formed by a casting process, as further described below. The pipe elbow 5 includes a central curved portion 6 that defines an elbow bend and tangential end portions, or tangents 7, 8, extending linearly from the ends of the curved portion 6. The tangents 7, 8 serve as the fastening joints. To fit in a system, the elbow 5 is formed within geometrical constraints including a specified distance S from the axial centerline of one tangent end to the end face of the opposite tangent end. In addition, a tangent axial length T and a diameter D of the elbow are chosen so that the elbow can mate with pipes in piping system.
The tangents 7, 8 are each provided with a circumferential groove 9, 10. In a connecting pipe, a groove is also provided. FIG. 2 shows in part section a cast elbow joint or fitting 11 attached to a grooved pipe end 12. When the fitting 11 is butted against the pipe 12, the groove 16 on the pipe elbow is parallel to the groove 18 on the pipe end. A fastening collar 14 engages the grooves 16, 18 in the abutting ends of the elbow and pipe to fasten the elbow 11 and pipe 12.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the inner radius R1 bend of the conventional pipe elbow 5 presents difficulties for manufacturing, particularly in light wall pipe as is used in fire protection systems. To form a smooth curve, the radius R1 is typically taken from a center of curvature C1 determined by the intersection of the inner margins 7a, 8a of the tangents 7, 8 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Bending the pipe to form the central curved portion does not form the tangents, however, which must be shaped in a separate step. When the pipe is further worked to form the tangents, for example in a die, the work typically creates unwanted distortion in the inner radius wall. If the radius is too small, buckling of the inner radius occurs. If the radius is too large, bulging occurs.
As a result of these problems, elbows fittings for grooved-end systems are usually produced as a casting or by welding together pipe segments to avoid the bending-related problems.
Casting techniques, however, are limited to forming parts that typically have a minimum wall thickness that exceeds the thickness of light-wall pipes used in fire protection systems. FIG. 2 illustrates a cast pipe fitting 11 connected to a light wall pipe 12, in which the difference in wall thickness between the fitting 11 and the pipe 12, and the resulting difference in internal diameters, may be seen. The change in flow passage area caused by a cast pipe fitting in a system adds flow resistance and pumping losses to the system, which increases the installation and operating costs of such systems.
A fabricated elbow fitting 20, shown in FIG. 3, is welded from straight pipe segments. The welded fitting 20 is formed with a groove 22 that is connected by a collar 14 to the pipe. Because of the shape transitions and irregular corners, a weld fabricated elbow introduces even greater flow restrictions and pumping losses in a pipe system than a cast fitting.
In addition, both casting and weld fabrication elbows are costly to produce, and add expense to the piping system.

Method and apparatus for making pipe line steel grooved-end fittings


Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for processing a data packet in a packet forwarding device. A data packet is received. A virtual local area network destination is determined for the received data packet, and a set of rules associated with the virtual local area network destination is identified. The rules are applied to the data packet. If a virtual local area network destination has been determined for the received data packet, the data packet is output to the destination, using the result from the application of the rules. If no destination has been determined, the data packet is dropped. A security system for partitioning security system resources into a plurality of separate security domains that are configurable to enforce one or more policies and to allocate security system resources to the one or more security domains, is also described.

The invention relates to an Internet security system. The growth of the Internet and high-traffic web sites that require high performance and high bandwidth networks have resulted in an increased number of so-called service providers, including Internet data centers, application service and security service providers. A service provider, including an Internet data center, provides network resources, one or more dedicated servers and, in some cases, physical space, to host services for a number of customers, usually for a fee. Conventionally, service providers must install and configure one or more dedicated servers to support each customer and will likely require complex networks to manage separate services for the service provider's customer base. In this environment, the customer typically has some administrative control of the servers and control of the content residing on the servers. An Internet data center typically provides the network, network access, hardware, software and infrastructure needed to power the service, including web site, managed security, and so on.
An exemplary view of the organization of a conventional Internet data center is shown in FIG. 1. In the present example, the Internet data center (100) has a number of customers A, B, C, D. The Internet data center (100) shown in FIG. 1 is set up for four customers only, while in reality a data center may host hundreds or potentially thousands of users. Each customer has one or more dedicated servers (105), a dedicated firewall (110) and one or more switches (115) that are all connected and form a subnet (120) for that particular customer. The subnets (120) are coupled together in the core switch fabric (125), which in turn forms an interface to the Internet.
The conventional model for organizing an Internet data center requires that a separate firewall device be deployed every time a new customer joins the Internet data center, which may require network re-configuration, and be a labor intensive and costly task. In this environment, the staff at the Internet data center must separately configure, upgrade, manage and support each firewall device separately. The conventional way for organizing Internet data centers also requires a heavy need for physical rack space to accommodate the physical installation of separate firewall and other networking devices upon which the provider's services are hosted. As a result of the large amount of separate equipment, the wiring and related switching and routing infrastructure becomes complex. If a firewall fails, it will be costly to repair or replace and the down time the client experiences before his or her firewall has been repaired or replaced may be considerable. The down time can be reduced if redundant boxes are provided, but this solution leads in turn to increased cost, space, maintenance and wiring problems, and is therefore not a desirable solution.


Methods and systems for segmentation of digital mixed-content documents. Segmentation processes may include identification of text and background regions and identification of contone regions outside the text and background regions. Further analysis may be performed to identify additional text and background regions within the contone regions thereby identifying verified contone regions, which may then be divided into contone sub-regions.

Digital documents can be ameliorated through document processing that enhances the color, contrast and other attributes of the document. Different processing methods are used to enhance different content types. In some cases, processing that enhances one content type will degrade another content type. For example, a process that enhances the legibility of text may degrade attributes of a continuous-tone (contone) image, such as a digital photograph. In mixed-content documents, different content types must be segmented in order to provide optimum document processing. Content types include contone images, halftone images, text and others. Some document types can be further delineated for more optimal processing. For example, contone regions can be separated into pictorial and non-pictorial regions.
The identification and delineation of document areas by content type is an essential part of segmentation for document processing. Once each document region is segmented, each region can be processed separately according to the specific needs of the content type.

Methods and systems for automatic detection of continuous-tone regions in document images


An optical network is configured so as to dedicate a first portion of lightpaths to high priority traffic and leave a second portion of lightpaths available for low priority traffic. The high priority traffic entering the high priority lightpaths is monitored. In case of detection of a burst in high priority traffic, at least one of the low priority lightpaths is torn down, so as to make available network resources within the network. Then, a new temporary lightpath is set up using the available network resources, and high priority traffic is routed on the temporary lightpath.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and a method for an automatic set-up and tear down of switched circuits based on the monitoring and/or forecasting of the ingress packet traffic in nodes of a telecommunications network.
2. Description of the Related Art
TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) transport networks (e.g. SDH) have been basically designed for voice and leased line services. In the last years many network operators have largely deployed SDH transport platforms in both long haul and metropolitan/regional networks. However, today it is widely recognized that traffic on transport networks will be progressively dominated by data traffic (especially Internet-based), with respect to traditional voice traffic, due to a progressive migration of many applications and services over the Internet Protocol (IP), and thanks to the introduction of high-speed access technology. The introduction of WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) or DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) optical point-to-point systems is already providing high capacity links in order to cope with the growing of the traffic demands. On the other hand, the statistical characteristics of this growing data traffic (especially IP traffic) are rather different from those of traditional voice traffic. As a whole, IP traffic is not easily predictable and stable as the traditional voice traffic. In turn, IP traffic may show unpredictable traffic bursts. Consequently, main requirements for new-generation transport networks include flexibility and ability to react to traffic demand changes with time. Another key issue relates to the fact that even though the data traffic (especially Internet traffic) is becoming dominant, it does not generate revenue as do valuable voice services. Practically, this means that if a network was upgraded by adding bandwidth and expanding infrastructure in proportion to the amount of data traffic increase, the revenues would be smaller than the overall costs. For this reasons, network operators are seeking both to accommodate increasing bandwidth demands for data traffic and to dynamically provide optical connections, trying to make an optimal use of the available network resources and saving operating costs. For example, simply dimensioning a transport network to cope with data traffic bursts could be inefficient and expensive.
Traffic engineering (TE) is the process to control traffic flows in a network in order to optimize resource use and network performance. Practically, this means choosing routes taking into account traffic load, network state, and user requirements such as Quality of Service (QoS) or bandwidth, and moving traffic from more congested paths to less congested ones.
In order to achieve TE in an Internet network context, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has introduced MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching). The MPLS scheme is based on the encapsulation of IP packets into labeled packets that are forwarded in a MPLS domain along a virtual connection called label switched path (LSP). MPLS routers are called label switched routers (LSRs), and the LSRs at the ingress and egress of a MPLS domain are called edge LSRs (E-LSRs). Each LSP can be set up at the ingress LSR by means of ordered control before packet forwarding. This LSP can be forced to follow a route that is calculated a priori thanks to the explicit routing function. Moreover, MPLS allows the possibility to reserve network resources on a specific path by means of suitable signaling protocols. In particular, each LSP can be set up, torn down, rerouted if needed, and modified by means of the variation of some of its attributes. Furthermore, preemption mechanisms on LSPs can also be used in order to favor higher-priority data flows at the expense of lower-priority ones, while avoiding congestion in the network.
To extend the features of the MPLS technique, a generalized version of the same has also been proposed, known as GMPLS. GMPLS encompasses time-division (e.g. SONET/SDH, PDH, G.709), wavelength, and spatial switching (e.g. incoming port or fiber to outgoing port or fiber). The establishment of LSPs that span only Packet Switch Capable (PSC) or Layer-2 Switch Capable (L2SC) interfaces is defined for the MPLS and/or MPLS-TE control planes. GMPLS extends these control planes to support all the interfaces (i.e. layers): Packet Switch Capable (PSC) interfaces, Layer-2 Switch Capable (L2SC) interfaces, Time-Division Multiplex Capable (TDM) interfaces, λ-Switch Capable (LSC) interfaces, Fiber-Switch Capable (FSC) interfaces. According to current standards, the GMPLS control plane can support three models: overlay, augmented and a peer (integrated) models. These models are differentiated based on the amount of routing/topological information exchanged between the layer networks.
P. Iovanna, R. Sabella, M. Settembre, in the article "A Traffic Engineering System for Multilayer Networks Based on the GMPLS Paradigm", IEEE Network, March-April 2003, pag. 28-35, propose a traffic engineering system able to dynamically react to traffic changes while at the same time fulfilling QoS requirements for different classes of service. The solution by the authors consists of a hybrid routing approach, based on both offline methods and online methods, and a bandwidth management system that handles priority, preemption mechanisms, and traffic rerouting in order to concurrently accommodate the largest amount of traffic and fulfill QoS requirements. More specifically, the TE system invokes an offline procedure to achieve global optimization of path calculation, according to an expected traffic matrix, while invoking an online routing procedure to dynamically accommodate, sequentially, actual traffic requests, allowing reaction to traffic changes. The building blocks of the TE system are: a path provisioning module, a dynamic provisioning module, a bandwidth engineering module. The path provisioning module calculates offline the routes for all foreseen connections, according to a traffic matrix that describes the traffic relationships between each network node pair, on the basis of the physical topology of the network and information about network resources (e.g., presence of wavelength conversion inside optical cross connects, link capacity). The dynamic routing module evaluates the route for a single LSP request at a time, expressed in terms of source and destination nodes and bandwidth requirements. Basically, the dynamic routing algorithm finds a route aimed at better utilizing network resources by using less congested paths instead of shortest, but heavily loaded paths. The TE system is based on elastic use of bandwidth: the bandwidth can be temporary released by higher priority LPSs and put at disposal of all the lower priority LPSs. This can be done provided that the bandwidth is immediately given back to high priority traffic as soon as needed. When a higher priority LSP requires more bandwidth and at least one link on its path is congested, the bandwidth engineering module is invoked to make the required bandwidth available. The bandwidth engineering module can be represented by a preemption module that tears down all the LSPs whose priority level is lower than that of the LSP to be accommodated.
A. Gençata and B. Mukherjee, in the article "Virtual-Topology Adaptation for WDM Mesh Networks Under Dynamic Traffic", IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking, Vol. 11, No. 2, April 2003, pag. 236-247, propose an approach for the virtual-topology reconfiguration problem for a WDM based optical wide-area mesh network under dynamic traffic demand. The key idea of the authors' approach is to adapt the underlying optical connectivity by measuring the actual traffic load on lightpaths continuously (periodically based on a measurement period), and reacting promptly to the load imbalances caused by fluctuations on the traffic, by either adding or deleting one or more lightpaths at a time. When a load imbalance is encountered, it is corrected either by tearing down a lightpath that is lightly loaded or by setting up a new lightpath when congestion occurs.
U.S. patent application No. 2003/0067880 discloses a system and a method of implementing Routing Stability-Based Integrated Traffic Engineering for use in an MPLS/optical network. Incoming network traffic is classified as high priority, which can tolerate limited rerouting. In accordance with one embodiment, high priority traffic trunks are mapped onto direct light channels (or LSPs) and rerouted only in the event of a light channel tear down due to poor traffic utilization. According to the applicant of '880 patent application, a direct light channel, or LSP, is one that comprises a direct optical connection between an ingress/egress node pair via one or more OXCs. Low priority traffic trunks are mapped onto direct light channels if available; otherwise, they are mapped onto multi-hop LSPs with appropriate optical/electrical/optical conversions at the edge nodes serving as intermediate hops. According to the applicant of '880 patent application, a multi-hop light channel, or LSP, is one that constitutes more than one light channel and hence comprises an optical connection between an ingress/egress node pair via one or more OXCs and one or more edge nodes other than the ingress/egress nodes. The optical/electrical/optical conversions at the intermediate nodes may introduce packet delays for the traffic mapped onto multi-hop LSPs. Each such low priority traffic trunk is associated with a rerouting timer that is set at the time of rerouting, so as to prevent another rerouting of the trunk until the timer expires.

System and method for the automatic setup of switched circuits based on traffic prediction in a telecommunications network


A vessel holder for cups or the like, having a generally square or rectangular base portion for positioning on a flat surface such as the dashboard or a seat, a plurality of side members positionable from a storage position substantially horizontal against the upper face of the base, and movable to a substantially vertical position wherein a cup or a bottle may be placed within the space defined by the four upright members. It is further included a wire border which is a generally rectangular portion of wire positionable as a continuous border around the upper portions of the upright sides, in order to define a substantially continuous member in order to hold the side members in an upright position. Further, one of the ends of the upper border is somewhat truncated in order to define an opening in the sidewall so that a handle on the cup may extend therefrom. Further, each of the sides are defined by a continuous wire member including a means for inserting a portion of the upper border between the wire members in order to define the continuous sidewall.

1. Field Of The Invention:
The present invention relates to drinking vessels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a holder for a drinking vessel which is portable and includes a plurality of collapsible sides for serving as a vessel holder while the sides are in the upright position and can be stored in a confined area due to the collapsibility of the walls.
2. General Background
In the area of vessel holders, it has become quite common in vehicles and the like for modern day vehicles to include holders for cups, bottles or the like. In most instances, the holders are contained within a divider between car seats, or a holder which may extend outward from the dashboard of the automobile.
In addition, there are holders which may be placed upon the dashboard or the like, having a velcro sticking surface, in order to hold the vessel. These types of holders are quite common, but have the drawback in that they cannot be stored when not in use. For example, it would be useful in the art if there were a vessel holder which would have the ability to be stored within a confined space such as the glove compartment of the automobile, while not in use, would be able to be easily and efficiently assembled and placed on a dashboard or the seat next to the driver for use when needed.


A turbine, e.g., a high pressure (HP) turbine, has a conventional drum-type structure with reaction turbine stages. A preceding or following turbine, e.g. an intermediate pressure (IP) turbine, on a common axis and on the same steam path, has rotor drum which carries an annular row of moving blades having root portions held within a slot in the periphery of the drum. A turbine casing surrounds the drum and carries a static blade assembly with an annular row of static blades which, together with the annular row of moving blades, constitutes a modified turbine stage. The static blade assembly has a radially inner static ring with a radially inner side confronting the periphery of the drum. A seal acts between the inner static ring and the rotor. The static blade assembly has an outer static ring which has a substantially greater thermal inertia and stiffness then the inner static ring and which is capable of sufficient sliding relative to the casing in a radial sense to accommodate relative thermal expansion and contraction of the outer static ring and the turbine casing.

Steam is supplied to a turbine at high pressure and temperature from a boiler and the energy in the steam is converted into mechanical work by expansion through the turbine. The expansion of the steam takes place through a series of static blades or nozzles and moving blades. An annular row of static blades or nozzles and its associated annular row of moving blades is referred to as a turbine stage. After the steam has been expanded in a high pressure (HP) turbine, it is conventional to return it to the boiler for re-heating and then to return the steam to an intermediate pressure (IP) turbine, from which the steam exhausts through one or more low pressure (LP) turbines. Usually the turbines are arranged on a common shaft, but sometimes turbine assemblies are designed in which the HP and IP or LP turbines rotate at different speeds, either by using a gearbox or by connecting two shaft lines to different generators.
An impulse turbine stage is one in which all or most of the stage pressure drop takes place in the row of static blades. The steam jet produced does work on the rotor of the turbine by impinging on the following row of moving blades. In practice, impulse stages are designed with a small pressure drop over the moving blades (e.g. 5-20% degree of reaction, which is the percentage of the stage enthalpy drop taken over the moving blades).
A reaction turbine stage is one in which a substantial part (e.g. roughly half or more) of the stage pressure drop takes place over the row of moving blades. For example, reaction blading may be designed with a 50% degree of reaction, which gives approximately equal pressure ratios over the static and moving rows.
In a turbine with impulse blading, it is conventional to use a disc-type rotor, the static blade assemblies constituting diaphragms that extend into chambers between the rotor discs. The diaphragms extend radially inwards to a small diameter, for efficient sealing against the rotor due to the smaller leakage flow area.
In a turbine with reaction blading, the pressure drop over the static blade assembly is considerably less than over the static blade assembly of an impulse stage, and it is conventional to use a drum-type rotor. An outer static ring of the static blade assembly is radially keyed to the turbine casing so as to move with the casing. The moving blades have root portions carried within slots in the periphery of the rotor drum.
FIGS. 1 and 1A of the accompanying drawings show a known type of disc and diaphragm arrangement. A turbine rotor 1 comprises a series of discs 2 with annular chambers 3 between them. Each disc 2 carries an annular row of moving blades 4, each having a root 6 fixed to the disc 2 by pins 7. The static blade assembly or diaphragm 8 which is immediately upstream of the disc 2 (with respect to the steam flow direction indicated by the arrows 9) comprises an annular row of static blades 11 extending between a radially outer static ring 12 and a radially inner static ring 13. The outer ring 12 is housed in and axially located by the turbine casing 14 and has an axial extension 16 carrying a fin-type labyrinth seal co-operating with the shrouds 18 of the moving blades 4. In this instance, the labyrinth seal comprises an axial series of circumferentially extending strips 17 whose hooked ends are caulked into an axial extension 16 of the outer static ring. The inner ring 13 (which is more massive than the outer ring 12) is accommodated in the chamber 3 between two discs 2 and carries a fin-type labyrinth seal 19 restricting the leakage flow (indicated by arrows 21) past the diaphragm 8. In this instance, the labyrinth seal 19 comprises an axial series of circumferentially extending, alternately longer and shorter triangular- or knife-section fins that extend from the seal carrier towards sealing lands on the rotor surface. The seal carrier itself is segmented to allow the seal 19 to have a limited degree of self-adjustment in the radial direction.
FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows a known type of turbine with a drum-type rotor 22, the diameter of the periphery 23 being substantially constant. Each annular row of moving blades 24 has the root portions 26 of the blades fixed in circumferentially extending slots in the rotor 22. As in FIG. 1, the shrouds 27 of the moving blades 24 are again sealed to the turbine casing 28 by fin-type labyrinth seals. In each annular row of static blades 29, an outer shroud portion 31 of each blade is individually mounted in a circumferential slot in the casing 28 as shown. Their inner shroud portions 32 are provided with surfaces which are adjacent to fin-type labyrinth seals mounted on the periphery 23 of the rotor 22. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the outer shroud portions 31 move with the casing 28 as it expands and contracts.


An apparatus includes an object formed of a quasi-1D crystalline material that is capable of supporting a free sliding density wave state. The apparatus also includes first and second input terminals that connect across a portion of the object and first and second output terminals that connect across the same portion of the object.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to circuits using non-linear electronic devices and, more particularly, to electronic voltage regulators.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
One conventional electronic circuit for regulating output voltages is a clipper. The clipper is a 4-terminal circuit that includes a diode and a resistor. The clipper comes in both a series configuration and a parallel configuration. In the series configuration, the diode is in series with an output load, and the resistor is in parallel with the output load. In the parallel configuration, the diode is in parallel with the output load and the resistor is in series with the output load. In both configurations, the clipper clips off input voltages located to one side of a fixed voltage threshold. The clipper also produces output voltages approximately equal to input voltage if the input voltage is located on the other side of the voltage threshold.
By clipping off voltages that are located to one side of the fixed voltage threshold, clippers function as simple voltage regulators. While many circuit designs for voltage regulators are known, new designs for voltage regulators are always desirable if the new designs offer improved operation and/or greater flexibility.


A sheet delivery device is provided that allows for high output and accurate operation during changing of the main stack. The device includes two secondary stack carriers which are normally disposed on opposite sides of the main stack in a first lateral waiting position. The secondary stack carriers are reciprocally moveable between the first lateral waiting position and an operative position. In the operative position, the secondary stack carriers accumulate a secondary stack while the main stack is being changed. This secondary stack is later deposited on the new main stack. Cooperating with the secondary stack carriers are separating elements normally disposed above the secondary stack carriers in a second lateral waiting position. The separating elements are reciprocally moveable between the second lateral waiting position and a separating position. In the separating position, the elements accumulate a temporary stack to form an entry gap above the main stack. The secondary stack carriers, which are plate-like enter this entry gap to arrive at the operating position. The separating elements thereafter deposit the temporary stack on the secondary stack carriers to form the secondary stack.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a sheet delivery device for sheet-fed machines, and more particularly concerns a sheet stacking device for use in printing presses.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of sheet delivery devices are known in the art. Generally, these include a stack-receiving tray or pallet for receiving a stack of sheets. The stack-receiving pallet is lowered until the stack reaches a predetermined height. The stack-receiving pallet is then removed, and an empty one substituted. To avoid having to stop sheet-feeding during this change, a secondary stack-receiving device is generally provided. This secondary stack-receiving device accumulates sheets until the new stack-receiving pallet is in place, whereupon these sheets are deposited on the stack and normal operation continues. An arrangement of this kind is known from DE-PS 1 231721 wherein the secondary stack-receiving device is in the form of a roller shutter which is unwindable from a winding shaft disposed near the back of the delivery mechanism and whose side edges run in stationary horizontal guides. The roller shutter has a relatively large mass and, therefore, can move only comparatively slowly. Consequently, the output rate of the sheet-fed machine has to be reduced upon activation of the secondary stack-receiving device. However, it is inevitable that a number of sheets arrive before termination of the entry operation of the roller shutter so that there are bound to be relative movements between the shutter and the bottom sheet and, therefore, relative movement between the sheets above the bottom sheet, with the risk of damage to the sheets and the freshly printed image. This disadvantage is further heightened in the known arrangement because the roller shutter is required to bridge substantially the whole length of the stack, so that the required entry time is quite long. Another disadvantage of the known arrangement is that when the shutter withdraws, the secondary stack thereon may be skewed because of friction. Also, the shutter is in the form of a bulky coil when wound and may hinder access to the delivery mechanism from the front thereof.

Sheet delivery device for continuously receiving sheets during stack removal


A sash lock for a sash window assembly is disclosed. The sash window assembly includes an upper sash window and a lower sash window. Each of the sash windows is mounted within opposed guide rails on a master frame. At least one of the sash windows is slidable within the frame relative to the other sash window. The sash lock comprises either a keeper, with a keeper opening, for mounting on a rail of one of the sash windows or a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash. The sash lock disclosed herein includes a housing having a hole, an actuator arm, and a cam having a cam element for receipt into the keeper opening or the recess. The locking assembly also includes a shaft extending through the housing hole and operably coupling the actuator arm to the cam.

Sash locks for double hung window assemblies are commonly known in the art. A double hung window assembly generally has an upper sash window and a lower sash window within a master frame. Typical sash locks draw opposed frame members of the sash windows together and lock the sashes preventing them from sliding within the master frame.
This invention relates to a sash lock, particularly to a sash lock having a means to rotate a locking cam to within a recess in the lower rail of the upper sash or into an opening of a keeper mounted to the upper surface of the lower rail of the upper sash.

Sash lock capable of bi-directional engagement


A sunroof apparatus includes a first panel, a second panel, a front holding member provided at a front end portion of the first panel, a center link bringing the first panel that is in a fully closed state to be raised in a height direction of the vehicle by engaging with the first panel and moving in a rear direction of the vehicle along with the first panel while maintaining the first panel in the raised state, the center link thereafter disengaging from the first panel, and a rear link arranged at a lower side of the second panel to be engageable and disengageable relative to the first panel, the rear link engaging with the first panel to maintain the first panel in the raised state after the first panel and the center link move in the rear direction and moving in the rear direction along with the first panel.

A known sunroof apparatus is disclosed, for example, in JP2005-153803A which will be hereinafter referred to as Reference 1. The sunroof apparatus disclosed in Reference 1, which is a so-called outer sliding sunroof, includes a pair of driving shoes disposed to face each other in a front-rear direction of a vehicle in a state where a movable panel is fully closed (i.e., in a fully closed state). The pair of driving shoes moves in a rear direction of the vehicle along a guide rail so that a tip end of a lifting link rotatably connected to the guide rail is lifted up together with a rear end portion of the movable panel to thereby bring the movable panel to a tilt-up state. In a case where the pair of driving shoes moves further rearward along the guide rail while the movable panel is being tilted up (i.e., in the tilt-up state), a front end portion of the movable panel slides on the guide rail in a state where the lifting link is guided by the movable panel. The movable panel moves in the rear direction of the vehicle in a state where the movable panel is tilted up so as to be brought to a fully open state.
According to the sunroof apparatus disclosed in Reference 1, the lifting link is immovable relative to the guide rail in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Thus, in a case where the movable panel moves in the rear direction during an opening operation of the movable panel, a distance in the front-rear direction between a position (holding position) where the front end portion of the movable panel is held by the guide rail and a position (holding position) where the movable panel is held by the lifting link decreases. Therefore, in the fully open state of the movable panel, the movable panel is virtually supported in a cantilever manner by the lifting link, which may cause a reduction of holding rigidity of the movable panel.
On the other hand, in a case where the distance between the holding position where the front end portion of the movable panel is held by the guide rail and the holding position where the movable panel is held by the lifting link is appropriately secured so as to ensure the holding rigidity of the movable panel in the fully open state thereof, a reduction in moving amount of the movable panel in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, i.e., a reduction in opening amount of the movable panel, may be inevitable.
In order to ensure both the holding rigidity and the opening amount of the movable panel, it is proposed to provide the lifting link that is movable in the front-rear direction. Even in such case, however, a possible obstacle such as a peripheral component on a moving locus of the lifting link may restrict the movement of the lifting link. Thus, ensuring both the holding rigidity and the opening amount of the movable panel may be limited.
A need thus exists for a sunroof apparatus which is not susceptible to the drawback mentioned above.


A reference light generator that is capable of switching the scan plane of a laser beam between the horizontal and the vertical simply by changing the installation position of the reference light generator.. A laser beam is emitted from a laser diode 1. A half mirror 3 guides the laser beam to transparent containers 5 and 7. When the reference light generator is used to determine the degree of horizontality, it is installed so that the transparent container 5 is positioned at the top. In this case, a movable light shielding plate 4 blocks the laser beam that travels toward the transparent container 7. The prism effect of a silicon oil 71 inside the transparent container 5 corrects the inclination of the laser beam that passes through the silicon oil 71. A rotation-type pentagonal prism 9 emits only the inclination-corrected laser beam from the reference light generator. When the reference light generator is used to determine the degree of verticality, it is installed so that the transparent container 7 is positioned at the bottom. In this case, the movable light shielding plate 4 blocks the laser beam that travels toward the transparent container 5. The prism effect of a silicon oil 72 inside the transparent container 7 corrects the inclination of the laser beam that passes through the silicon oil 72. The rotation-type pentagonal prism 9 emits only the inclination-corrected laser beam from the reference light generator.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a reference light generator that is used primarily to determine the degree of horizontality and the degree of verticality at a construction site and the like.
2. Description of Related Art
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-222214 discloses a conventional reference light generator. It will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 (Prior Art) and 16 (Prior Art), the reference light generator according to the conventional art will be explained. FIG. 15 (Prior Art) is a cross-sectional view of the reference light generator. FIG. 16 (Prior Art) is similarly a cross-sectional view of the reference light generator, but in a state in which it is inclined at an angle .theta.1. The reference light generator is built in a main body 61. It includes a laser diode 1 serving as a light source, emits a visible light laser beam, a collimator lens 2, a sealed transparent container 63 in which silicon oils 71 and 72, or other suitable liquid are sealed. Silicon oils 71 and 72 having free liquid surfaces 71A and 72A, respectively, are sealed in the container 63, which is divided into two compartments. Light transmission parts 63A, 63B, and 63C of the container 63 are all parallel planes, and are installed so as to orthogonally intersect the optical axis of the laser beam. Light emitted from the laser diode 1 is transformed into a parallel light beam by the collimator lens 2, passes through the silicon oils 71 and 72 inside the sealed transparent container 63, and is guided downward through an aperture 61A at the bottom of the main body 61.
When the optical axis of the laser beam coincides with the direction of gravity, the free surfaces of the silicon oils 71 and 72 become parallel with respect to the light transmission parts 63A through 63C of the transparent container 63. In this case, the laser beam that is emitted from the laser diode 1 passes through the light transmission parts 63A through 63C of the transparent container 63. Then, the laser beam passes through parallel planes that are formed by the silicon oils 71 and 72, and finally is guided vertically downward along an optical path 1A without having its optical path bent.
A leveling device 62 is installed at the base of the reference light generator shown in FIG. 15 (Prior Art). Then, based on bubble pipe displays of leveling device 62, not shown in the drawing, the degree of horizontality is determined crudely so that the inclination of the reference light generator stays within a correctable angular range.
With reference to FIG. 16 (Prior Art), the operation of the reference light generator shown in FIG. 15 (Prior Art) when it is inclined by the angle .theta.1 will be explained. The free surfaces 71A and 72A of the silicon oils 71 and 72 maintain their level surfaces by the action of the gravitational force. Thus, as shown in FIG. 16 (Prior Art), the silicon oils 71 and 72 exhibit the shape of a wedge having an inclination angle .theta.1.
Then, the laser beam is bent by a deflection angle .theta.2 with respect to the optical path 1A along which the laser beam travels before passing through the transparent container 63. The prism effect of the wedge-shaped silicon oils 71 and 72 refracts the laser beam when it passes through the silicon oils 71 and 72. Then, the laser beam is bent by a deflection angle .theta.2 with respect to the optical path 1A along which the laser beam travels before passing through the transparent container 63. Finally, the laser beam is emitted along an optical path 1B out of the main body 61.
The refractive indices of the silicon oils 71 and 72 are denoted by n1 and n2. The relation between the inclination angle .theta.1 of the reference light generator and the deflection angle .theta.2 of the laser beam is expressed by EQU .theta.2=(n1+n2-2)..theta.1.
This equation yields the identity
.theta.2=.theta.1, when n1=n2=1.500.
In this way, the inclination of the reference light generator can be corrected, and the laser beam can always be emitted vertically downward.
The laser beam that has been guided vertically downward is reflected in an orthogonal direction by a pentagonal prism not shown in the drawing, and is transmitted in a horizontal direction. In addition, this pentagonal prism is rotated at a prescribed rotational speed so as to have the optical path 1A coincide with the rotation axis of the pentagonal prism. In this way, a laser beam that scans along a horizontal plane can be obtained. Then, the degree of horizontality at a construction site can be easily determined by illuminating a wall surface and the like with this laser beam and by marking the laser beam.
Although not shown in the drawing, a mechanical-type reference light generator is also known. The mechanical-type reference light generator mechanically corrects the emission direction of the light source based on the inclination angle information of the reference light generator to be obtained from an inclination angle sensor, instead of correcting the inclination of the reference light generator using liquids as discussed in the above.
However, the only laser beam scan plane obtainable with the reference light generator shown in FIGS. 15 (Prior Art) and 16 (Prior Art), or the mechanical-type reference light generator is a horizontal plane. Hence, when determining the degree of horizontality and the degree of verticality, two apparatuses must be prepared, namely, one for determining the degree of horizontality and another for determining the degree of verticality. Moreover, in the manufacturing process of a mechanical-type reference light generator, the emission position of the reference light generator requires precise adjustment. This requirement sometimes becomes a factor that increases the manufacturing cost. Moreover, when an intense shock is applied to the mechanical-type reference light generator, the accuracy of the reference light generator is lost, and the emission position of the reference light generator has to be re-adjusted.


A method for designing an optical system for providing reliable, robust and successful realization of a distortion variation function is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the proposed distortion variation optical system includes at least two non-symmetrical elements, which are moving in the transverse direction. The proposed freeform lens contains two transmissive refractive surfaces. The freeform elements designed with this method have preferably a flat surface and a non-symmetrical freeform surface. The two plano-surfaces are preferably made to face each other, so that a miniature camera can be offered. The value of the non-symmetrical freeform surface is used to produce variable optical power when the two freeform elements undergo a relative movement in the vertical direction. Using this method, an optical system with an active distortion, smaller form factor, and better imaging quality can be obtained.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of optical lenses and their design and, more particularly, to an optical architecture of an optical system and associated image processing software having at least one movable freeform optical element that can be laterally shifted for changing refractive power to realize a distortion variation function.
Optical image capturing systems are found in myriad applications from medical diagnostic instruments to entertainment, from scientific utilization to civilian use. In optical image capturing systems, spherical lenses or aspheric lenses are the typical components that are combined with complementary metal oxide semiconductor sensors for offering high performance image quality.
However, most existing optical image capturing systems commonly do not have the dynamic optical angular resolution function which is useful in many different application scenarios. Traditional optical image capturing systems using rotationally symmetric components have limited performance that cannot meet all current technology development demands. Benefiting from increasing manufacturing capabilities for non-symmetrical optical surfaces, optical components with freeform surfaces are now available as an alternative technique for image applications.
There has therefore been a long felt need for an optical image capturing system suitable for many application scenarios with the function of distortion variation in a small form factor.

Optical system with dynamic distortion using freeform elements


A catalytic combustor is configured to accelerate the combustion processing of anode off gas in the combustor to reduce the amount of unburned hydrogen discharged to the outside of the combustor. Anode off gas and cathode off gas discharged from the fuel cell are fed into the catalytic combustor and combusted with a catalyst. Ventilation air is supplied from inside of the fuel cell is also supplied to the catalytic combustor. A portion of the catalytic combustor located upstream of the catalyst inside is divided into an upper flow path and a lower flow path by a partitioning plate and a gas flow passage is provided upstream of the upper and lower flow paths. The cathode off gas is supplied to the gas flow passage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a catalytic combustor for mixing anode off gas discharged from an anode of a fuel cell with cathode off gas discharged from a cathode of the fuel cell and combusting the mixture.
2. Background Information
Catalytic combustors have been proposed for combusting off gas discharged from a fuel cell. One example of a catalytic combustor is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-95258 which describes an idea of preventing the temperature of the catalyst of a catalytic combustor from falling by providing a bypass flow passage through which the cathode off gas discharged from the cathode of a fuel cell can be made to bypass the catalyst, and thereby, preventing moisture contained in the cathode gas from condensing and sticking to the catalyst.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved catalytic combustor. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.


A method of manufacturing clad tubular product from a hollow carbon steel billet having an inner diameter and a hollow corrosion resistant alloy billet having an outer diameter, comprising the steps of: machining the inner diameter of the hollow carbon billet and the outer diameter of the hollow corrosion resistant alloy billet to result in an interference fit between the two billets at room temperature when the corrosion resistant billow is placed inside the carbon billet; heating the hollow carbon billet in a furnace until the carbon billet reaches a temperature in the range of approximately 400.degree. F. to about 850.degree. F.; inserting the corrosion resistant billet inside of the hollow carbon billet while the carbon billet is at a temperature in the range of approximately 400.degree. F. to about 850.degree. F., and the corrosion resistant alloy billet is at approximately room temperature, thereby forming a composite billet; cooling the composite billet to room temperature; welding the corrosion resistant alloy billet to the carbon billet at one end of the composite billet; preheating the composite billet with a heating element placed within the interior of the corrosion resistant alloy billet to a temperature in the range of approximately 400.degree. F. to about 800.degree. F.; globally heating the preheated composite billet to an extrusion temperature in the range of approximately 1850.degree. F. to about 2350.degree. F.; and, extruding the heated composite billet to produce the clad tubular product; and the product produced by the method.

There exists a need in industry for corrosion resistant-clad products, and, particularly, for clad pipes. These products are used in power plants, in processing plants, in downhole and line applications, in geothermal wells and high temperature, sour gas wells.
Clad pipes usually combine the required properties of a more expensive corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) on the inside with the excellent strength, ductility, weldability and low costs of a carbon steel outer shell or host. The two materials are joined to form a metallic bond. A good metallic bond insures high strength of the clad product and offers optimum corrosion resistance.
Several manufacturing processes are known in the art for the manufacture of clad metal pipes. In one method, roll-clad metal sheets are bent to form a pipe, which is then longitudinally seam welded. However, this process must be carefully monitored and for many applications engineers prefer to limit the number of welds as much as possible. In a second method, known as centrifugal casting, a molten CRA metal melt is cast into a molten steel metal pipe which is mounted on bearings in such a way as to be rotatable about its axis. The molten metal is distributed evenly along the length and across the circumference of the metal pipe during its rotation. In the method of internal-pressure plating, an internal thin-walled pipe, which forms the internal cladding, is inserted accurately to fit into a metal pipe, and, with the application of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, expanded onto the inner circumferential surface of the host pipe. (See, e.g., German Patent No. 4,406,188).
A more recent technique for manufacture to date has been to use an activator between the component layers. This initiates a liquid state diffusion between the corrosion resistant alloy and the host during extrusion, which is responsible for the metallurgical bond. Such a method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,660 (Turner). In this patented method, the internal surface of the host is plated with a low melting point bonding metal alloy. A cylindrical cladding member is placed inside the plated cylindrical host, and then circumferentially welded on one end to the host. The other end is then welded to a manifold with an evacuation tube and connected to a vacuum source. The annular space between the cladding member and the host is evacuated to remove water vapor and oxygen and sealed, which promotes diffusion across the interface during extrusion.
A similar method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,504 (Turner). Similar to the method described in the '660 patent described supra, in this patented method, the internal surface of the host is plated with a low melting point bonding metal alloy. A cylindrical cladding member is placed inside the plated cylindrical host, and then circumferentially welded on one end to the host. The other end is then welded to create a metallic gas reservoir. The annular space between the cladding member and the host is evacuated to remove water vapor and oxygen. The subassembly is heated to about 1650.degree. to about 2200.degree. F. to melt the bonding metal alloy. Finally, the subassembly is hot extruded to metallically bond the cladding member to the cylindrical host by means of liquid interface diffusion bonding. Unfortunately, the billet preparation for this process is fairly complicated due to the requirement for a very precise fit between the CRA and host components and the need to maintain a high level of vacuum between the layers which has to be maintained during heating up to extrusion temperature. The complexity of the method also makes it very expensive to implement. Variations and improvements on the patented Turner methods are further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,000,368; 4,790,471; 4,765,529; 4,754,911; 4,881,679; and 4,869,422.
What is needed, then, is an inexpensive, commercially viable method of producing a high-integrity clad tubular product for a wide range of materials and sizes.

Clad tubular product and method of manufacturing same


A method for generating an execution plan for updating and retrieving data from a database in a single process includes: receiving a statement by a server to update a database with a first set of data and to retrieve a second set of data from the database; building a first execution plan to update the database with the first set of data; building a second execution plan to retrieve the second set of data from the database; and building a single execution plan including a combination of the first and second execution plans. The single execution plan allows for the updating and retrieval of data with a single crossing of an interface between a client and the database. By performing both functions in this manner, the efficiency of performing such tasks on the database is significantly increased.

Distributed relational database management systems (RDMS) are well known in the art. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional RDMS. The system includes a client 101 running an application 102, where the client 101 is coupled to a server 104 via a network 103. The server 104 includes a database engine 105, which in turn includes a query processor 106 and a data manager 107. The server 104 manages access to the database 108 by the application 102 at the client 101. Typically, Structured Query Language (SQL) queries are used to issue task requests on the database 108. The query processor 106 processes and executes these queries or statements, accessing the database 108 via the data manager 107, utilizing application programming interfaces (API).
When data in the database 108 is to be updated, the application 102 sends one or more SQL statements across the network 103 to the server 104. For example, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements may be used. Data in one or more rows of the database 108 are then inserted, updated, or deleted. Sometimes, the database 108 generates values in one or more columns in the row(s) as well. For example, a row pertaining to a sale is inserted, with values in the customer name column, payment information column, and items purchased column. The database then also inserts a timestamp in a fourth column in the same row. The database updates additional columns based on the definition of columns in the table. Values updated by a user can also be modified due to database constraints or due to triggers on the database table.
For a user to know what values were actually written to disk, separate SQL statements must be issued to fetch the data in the updated row(s), such as a SELECT statement. This requires the building of a separate execution plan for each SQL statement, and requires multiple crossings of the data manager 107. As is known in the art, an execution plan outlines how a server's query processor will actually run a specific query or statement. The query processor 106 parses and optimizes the SQL statement and generates the execution plan. The plan is then executed, using the data manager 107 to manipulate the data. These multiple API crossings between the client 102, server 104, query processor 106, and data manager 107 are inefficient. In some eases, for example, when the database generates a primary key, the only unique value in the data is the generated value. In these cases, it is not possible to retrieve the data that had just been inserted into the table since the primary key is not known by the application.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a method for generating an execution plan for updating and retrieving data from a database in a single process. The method should allow a single statement to be issued for data to be updated and retrieved from the database. The execution plan for the statement should require a single API crossing between the client and the database. The present invention addresses such a need.

Method of returning data during insert statement processing

International Business Machines Corporation


Magnetic coupling structures for wireless power transfer include overlapping coils which are configured to provide improved flux patterns. Control methods are used to determine the variation in coupling factor relative to alignment between the primary magnetic coupling structures and energise one or more coils of the primary magnetic coupling structure dependent on the relative alignment of the coupling structures to maximise coupling.

An important aspect of IPT systems is the design of the magnetic structures which are magnetically coupled in use to enable power to be transferred. The shape, size and materials within the magnetic structures determine the magnetic coupling between the primary structure and the secondary structure and the leakage magnetic flux generated by the IPT system. For an IPT system, the magnetic coupling directly influences the power transfer capabilities. The leakage magnetic flux is the magnetic flux that does not contribute to the power transfer of the IPT system. In the absence of careful system design, people or surrounding objects can be exposed to leakage flux, so guidelines have been developed to regulate potential exposure. The leakage magnetic flux from an IPT system should not exceed 27 uT according to ICNIRP guidelines. The impact of the magnetic structure on the power transfer capabilities and leakage magnetic flux is amplified in the setting of electric vehicle (EV) charging where the secondary is not guaranteed to be perfectly aligned with the primary.
Magnetic coupling structures can take many different forms, and may be provided with one or more coils for coupling (whether generating or receiving) magnetic flux. In many applications, one of which is EV charging, the magnetic coupling structures may be provided as relatively flat modules which are sometimes referred to as pads. The structures which are provided on the primary side of a system are referred to in this document as IPT or wireless primary coupling apparatus, or primary pads, or ground pads (for EV charging applications). The magnetic structure provided on the secondary side of the system (provided for example in an EV which is receiving power for the purposes of its operation and/or to charge a battery provided in the vehicle) is referred to as a secondary coupling apparatus, or vehicle pad, or secondary pad. It will be understood by the reader that, while this document refers to some specific applications such as EV systems, the subject matter disclosed is also applicable to IPT or wireless power transfer systems in general.
One form of magnetic coupling structure is a pad that has a single "circular", oval or polygonal shaped coil, such as that disclosed in international patent publication No. WO2008140333. Such structures or topologies are referred to in this document as circular pads, or CP.
A magnetic coupling structure for IPT systems is described in International Patent Publications WO2011016737 and WO2012018269. This uses two mutually decoupled coils, and may be considered to be a bipolar magnetic structural topology. For convenience, bipolar magnetic topologies such as those disclosed in WO2011016737 and WO2012018269 are referred to in this document as bipolar pads, or BPP.
A magnetic coupling structure for IPT systems has been proposed in International patent publication No. WO2013122483 which consists of three or more partially overlapping coils. The three partially overlapping coils are mutually decoupled with each other. For ease of reference, this structure is referred to in this document as a tripolar pad (TPP). Energising any one of the mutually decoupled coils in the TPP has negligible current induced in adjacent coils so the three coils within the same TPP can be considered independent of each other. By exploiting the independency of the three TPP coils, the TPP coils can be driven by three individual power supplies, where each of the power supplies can set the driving currents at any magnitudes or phases independently without impacting the driving currents in adjacent coils.
As mentioned above, there is a continuing need to reduce leakage flux which is applicable to the TPP structure, but also to IPT magnetic coupling structures generally. Furthermore, the presence of another magnetic coupling structure can cause some mutual coupling between the coils in BPP and TPP structures, and this can be problematic for efficient system operation.
These problems, along with the problem of efficient power transfer, are exacerbated under conditions in which the magnetic coupling structures are misaligned.


Apparatus and process for curing conformal coatings on circuit boards being conveyed through a curing chamber within a UV oven. Warm air, exhausted from a lamp housing containing UV lamps for curing the coatings, is directed into a flash zone chamber through which the coated circuit boards are conveyed prior to entering the UV oven for flashing volatile constituents from the coatings and raising the temperature of the circuit boards.

Typically, printed circuit boards are protected from moisture, electric leakage and dust with a coating of a moisture proof insulative film, known as a conformal coating, such as an acrylic, polyurethane, silicone or epoxy synthetic resin. Since the coatings are often dissolved in volatile solvents, the coated circuit boards are usually transported through a flash chamber to flash off the volatile solvents prior to curing. Then, the coated circuit boards are transported through a curing chamber and subjected to ultra-violet ("UV") light to initiate the polymerization process for curing the conformal material. The UV lights, while necessary for curing the conformal coating material, have significant disadvantages, primarily relating to the considerable amount of heat which they emit.
In a high volume production process, such as typically used in manufacturing circuit boards, two or more UV lights are often employed to cure the conformal coating material. Because of the considerable heat that these lights generate, there are problems relating to the rate of temperature rise and the maximum temperature of the circuit boards within the curing chamber.
Concerning the rate of temperature rise, there is a chance that the electronic components mounted on the circuit board can be damaged. In particular, when the electronic components are surface mounted to the circuit boards, significant stresses can be generated in the solder joints mounting the components due to the rapid rise in temperature. These stresses often lead to fracture of the joints and sometimes cause components to pop off the board. Moreover, in some circumstances, these stresses can damage, e.g. fracture, the circuit board itself. Therefore, the maximum rate of temperature rise is typically specified to be about 2.degree. centigrade per second. However, the specific rate can vary depending upon the particular application and materials.
The other concern is to insure that the electric or electronic devices mounted to the circuit boards do not exceed a specified maximum temperature during manufacture. The temperature which the electronic devices attain relates to the temperature within the curing chamber and the amount of time that the circuit board stays within the curing chamber. If the temperature that the electronic devices reach is too high, typically above about 85.degree. centigrade, the electronic components can be damaged. Here again, the temperature limitations are dependent upon the specific materials and components forming the circuit board assemblies.
Another important factor to be considered in curing conformal coatings is the importance of driving off any volatile solvents before initiating the curing process. If solvents remain in the conformal material during the curing step, they can produce bubbles in the cured coating and degrade the electrical and insulative properties of the completed board. In some cases, the coated boards are simply stored until the solvents flash off, typically several minutes to several hours. To reduce the time required to flash off the volatiles, circuit boards are sometimes subjected to heat, generated by means such as electric heaters. However, this is costly and reduces the profit for each completed circuit board.
Another problem with the prior art systems is that the conformal coatings applied on printed circuit boards to protect them from moisture, electric leakage and dust often do not have a uniform thickness. For example, an uneven coating can result when the coating is applied by a spray gun of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,165, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Therefore, even when the volatile solvents, typically dissolved in the conformal coatings, are completely flashed off before curing, the final cured coating can still have poor performance because some areas are too thin and therefore unable to provide desired electrical and insulative properties. While simply increasing the thickness of the coating being applied can solve this problem, the cost of the additional conformal material and the impact on the environment from the release of the extra solvents makes this only a partial solution to the problem.

Ventilated curing oven and preheat flash zone system for curing coatings on circuit boards