A structured lacrosse shaft includes a head portion configured to be connected to a lacrosse head, an end portion configured to be capped by an end cap, and a middle portion. At least one of the head portion, the end portion, or the middle portion includes an interior portion and an outer layer on an outer surface of the interior portion. The outer layer comprises wood veneer.

The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment, and, more particularly, to lacrosse sticks.
Lacrosse is an ancient game that originated with the Native Americans in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States and Canada. Traditionally, lacrosse sticks were made of wood, usually hickory or ash, and were one integrated piece of equipment. The lacrosse sticks were handcrafted and varied in strength, weight, feel, and balance in the player's hands. These wooden handles were susceptible to breakage, were heavy, and had inconsistent quality, which proved disadvantageous in both playability and safety. Because the shafts and the lacrosse stick head were one integrated piece of equipment, if the shaft broke, the entire stick had to be replaced.
Molded plastic lacrosse stick head, developed in 1967, revolutionized the sport of lacrosse. Molded plastic (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,495) allowed lacrosse sticks to be mass produced with consistent quality and shape. Wood shafts continued to be used, although they were still susceptible to breakage and were heavy.
In the 1970s, shafts of metallic construction, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,037,841, were developed. These metal shafts, in large measure, replaced the wood shafts, particularly in the men's game. The advantage of such construction was that the metal shafts could be mass produced with uniform quality, strength and weight, and were generally stronger than wood shafts.
In lacrosse, hockey or other stick sports, players move and change their hand placement along the shaft to perform different skills. In lacrosse in particular, various combinations of hand placement are a critical part of the game, as it is essential for effective stick handling when cradling, scooping, throwing, or shooting the ball. In addition, when shooting or passing the ball, the player needs to have a firm grip on the shaft in order to maximize the force and torque, which produces a faster shot or pass.
Without a firm grip, a player can often lose control of the shaft and the shaft can slip in a player's grasp. This is particularly true given playing and weather conditions such as fatigue, perspiration, cold and hot temperatures, and/or wet weather. In addition, men's lacrosse and ice hockey require the players to use gloves that protect the hands but which reduce the player's feel and grip on the shaft.
Typically, manufacturers design handles for sports shafts that require variable hand placement without a grip as it makes the manufacturing process easier. To improve grip, players often use athletic tape on their shafts in locations that coincide with their hand placement in order to improve stick control, produce faster shots, serve as a tactile cue for hand placement when stick handling, and accommodate their individual playing style and preference.
Although these tape alterations may improve grip, it is difficult to build shapes out of the tape that complement hand placement. Furthermore, a tape rarely adheres well to the shaft and is susceptible to peeling and wearing off over time. Thus, players must constantly remove and replace the tape. Moreover, if the lacrosse shaft breaks, then the player must re-tape and re-customize his or her new shaft to try to replicate the grip design from the broken shaft.
Other efforts to provide improved grip and control of sticks or handles include separate sports grips applied over a straight shaft. U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,079 to Tucker, Sr., for example, teaches a variable hand placement sports equipment shaft or handle, such as a lacrosse stick, that includes a shaft and at least one overlay attached to the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement that contains ribs, grooves, hourglass and conical shapes. The overlays are preferably made of a material that is soft, pliable, deformable and tacky so as to provide the player with a better grip on the handle. Similar overlays are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,355 to Schulten, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,270 to Smith, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,868 to Ward.
Other modifications on Lacrosse shafts have also been developed for improved handling. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publications 2005/0130759 and 2005/0130773, both to Hayden et al., teach lacrosse sticks with an improved grip and feel due to expanded portions and contoured locations for users' hand(s). An inward tapered portion and expanded portion allegedly assist a player in controlling the shaft, cradling a ball, passing and shooting. Hayden et al. further disclose an outer surface of the shaft coated with a gripable material to improve the overall grip and feel characteristics of the shaft.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,031,161 to Hamel discloses bulbous portions adapted to more comfortably fit the shape of the human hand and grooves to provide inter-engaging portions into which a hand becomes partially molded. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0087395 to Manory discloses a hockey stick shaft having a concave/sided oval cross-sectional configuration. U.S. Design Pat. D475,425 S shows a cricket bat with a contoured handle, which may accommodate finger gripping. Other types of contoured shafts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,528 to Duplin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,730 to Brine, Jr. et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,918 to Lewis, Jr.
Although conventional Lacrosse sticks include features for accommodating players hand positions, there is therefore a need to further improve various performances for Lacrosse sticks such as optimized control of the shaft, increased shaft strength, more desirable tactile features, and higher flexibility. It is also desirable to provide Lacrosse sticks having improved grip, leverage, and torque for improved shot speed.


This system combines television and computer technology to permit one or more golfers to play a highly realistic round of golf from tees to greens. Each golf clubhead has color-coded bars on the rear lower and outer surfaces. As the clubhead approaches the ball it is multiply strobed and the images of the bars recorded on two color TV cameras perpendicular to each other and to the clubhead direction of travel. The resulting TV color images are digitized and transmitted to the computer. The stroke and club data implicit in the images are sufficient to permit computing the ball's total trajectory on the ground and cause it to be projected on the TV screen as the golfer would see it in actuality. The trajectory is superimposed on a TV view of the hole from the golfer's position. The ball's final position on a map of the hole is used to determine the TV view presented on the screen for his next stroke.

1. Field of Invention
My invention includes both television and computer technology. As a golf clubhead approaches a simulated golf ball, it is illuminated by three flashes of a stroboscope and the images are registered on two color TV cameras. The images are converted into digital data, analyzed by a computer, and used to control a light spot on a TV screen to simulate the ball's trajectory as seen by the golfer. The trajectory is superimposed on a view toward the hole from the golfer's position. When the player is next up the view changes to a view of the hole from approximately the ball's new position.
2. Description of Prior Art
The systems proposed in the two patents described below have some similarity to that described in this patent application. These patents are included by reference in this application.
Gobush et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,463: The intent is to measure the parameters of a golf stroke and to display the measurements to the stroker for his instruction. Since the system is portable, the system calibration unit of Gobush FIG. 6 must be used at every set-up to define the geometric relationship of the measurement system to the measurement volume immediately behind the ball. The clubhead calibration unit of Gobush FIG. 7 must then be employed to define the clubhead parameters of the club to be used. As shown in Gobush FIG. 5, the clubhead has at least two spots on its outer surface and one facing outward on the shaft perhaps 1 inch above the clubhead.
In Gobush FIG. 4, two TVs (18, 19), each with two flanking strobes (21, 22, 23, 24) are located perhaps 75 cm from the ball. The TV fields of view converge to form a measurement volume extending perhaps 15 cm behind the ball. A sensor is located behind the measurement volume to detect the onslaught of the club. The sensor detects the clubhead as it approaches the edge of the measurement volume. The strobes of both cameras are simultaneously triggered twice with the intent of producing in the TV cameras the images shown in Gobush FIG. 8. Since there is no provision for adjusting the timing of the initial strobe flash or the interval between it and the second, the range of measurement of the clubhead velocity and other clubhead parameters is limited by the resolution of the TV cameras. Within this limitation it is claimed that the two TV images may be used to compute stroke parameters.
Tonner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,121: Only this patent's display system has any relevance. As shown in Tonner FIGS. 10 and 11, a map of the hole is displayed on a TV screen. When a "ball" is hit, its ground track (apparently one of seven possible tracks as determined by the system's measurement of the ball's impact and direction), yardage and and final position are displayed. The final position is simply where it first impacts the terrain. Apparently there is one correct physical direction (e.g. one correct track), the same for all shots, in which the player should hit the ball. When hit, the ball's ground track is traced on the screen as determined by the measurement system. The foregoing has only a slight resemblance to the proposed system.


A steam turbine control device has first and second valves, first and second valve controllers, and a valve control adjuster. The first valve is provided in a first steam supply path connected to a steam turbine. The second valve is provided in a second steam supply path connected to a lower-pressure side of the steam turbine while bypassing the first valve from on the first steam supply path. The first valve controller controls an opening degree of the first valve based on flow rate information A designating a flow rate of steam to be sent to the steam turbine. The second valve controller controls an opening degree of the second valve based on the flow rate information A. The valve control adjuster adds adjustment to control of the opening degree of the second valve by the second valve controller.

A steam turbine power generating system is designed so that a linearity is maintained as a characteristic in a relation between an opening degree of a steam control valve provided in a main steam pipe which sends steam to a steam turbine and a flow rate of steam passing through the steam control valve.
However, in practice, directly before the opening degree of the steam control valve is made fully opened, it becomes difficult to make a supply amount of steam follow an increased amount of the opening degree of the steam control valve. Such a phenomenon is caused by a fact that an opening size of a flow path inside a pipe connected to a downstream side of the steam control valve becomes comparatively smaller than an opening size of a flow path inside the valve when the steam control valve is being opened.
Thus, a technique is suggested in which a bypass pipe provided with a steam overload valve is disposed, in consideration of an operation at a time of overload of a steam turbine. Such a bypass pipe is connected to a lower-pressure side of the steam turbine than a main steam pipe, while bypassing a steam control valve from on a main steam pipe, for example.
However, supplying steam from a bypass pipe to a low-pressure side of a steam turbine means decrease of a workload performed by steam to the steam turbine for a range from a steam discharge port of a main steam pipe to a steam discharge port of a bypass pipe, compared with a case where steam is supplied from the main steam pipe. Therefore, in order to operate the steam turbine efficiently, it is important to properly control action of a steam overload valve on the bypass pipe.


A plug-type safety coupling for pressures lines comprising a plug, a housing comprising a one-piece shaped part, a blocking element sealably mounted and secured within the housing, the blocking element being rotatable between a blocking position and a working position and having one of a cylindrical and a slightly conical shape. The blocking element is provided with a bore, which bore forms a bush for the plug, the bush comprising two sequential axial borings having different diameters. The material surrounding the smaller diameter axial boring forms an annular groove in communication with the larger diameter axial boring, the annular groove adapted to sealingly accommodate the plug, a seal between the plug and the bush being disposed between an outer surface of a nipple enclosed by the annular groove and an inner side surface of the plug. The blocking element is sealed against the housing by a loop seal disposed within a groove in the surface of the blocking element or a groove disposed in the inner surface of the housing.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a plug-type safety coupling for lines carrying high pressure media, said coupling having a coupling barrel with a locking element in its interior. The locking element is brought from a locking position to a working position or vice versa from a working position to a locking position by rotating it. The coupling may be used in lines handling compressible and non-compressible fluid media.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Plug-type security couplings are known in numerous variations and are commercially available, most such couplings having numerous individual components arranged axially, one behind the other, with respect to the line that is to be coupled and moveable in the direction of the axis. The operation of such plug-type couplings includes two elements that are functionally coupled: 1) the securing or blocking and un-blocking of the plug in the coupling barrel, and 2) the opening or closing of a valve that acts in an axially direction.
Despite costly solutions involving the most varied and complex components, known plug-type safety couplings still have dangerous aspects and are somewhat less than user-friendly. In many safety couplings, the plug is only locked in the coupling barrel once the blocking element has already opened, either partially or completely.
Thus, at that point the plug can be forcibly ejected from the coupling barrel.
In known safety couplings the operation of the plug-type coupling must be effected against the pressure exerted by the pressure media to be conveyed in order to move the blocking element in an axial direction and thus release or unblock the lines. Pressure lines having a large internal diameter can barely be coupled in this way at normal working pressures of 5 to 10 bar. The same is true for lines at corresponding negative pressures or vacuums. In these cases, one uses blocking valves which are disposed on both sides of the coupling and which remain independent of such coupling so that the coupling procedure its self is carried out when there is no pressure. In most cases, these blocking valves are automatic valves, mostly one-way valves. However, such valves limit the free flow of the medium to a considerable extent. For this reason, it is understandable that the pressure loss produced by such safety couplings can restrict the operation of the apparatuses and equipment which are to be operated and which are located at the end of the line.
In many compressed air couplings, a particularly dangerous situation occurs during the uncoupling procedure. In normal couplings, the line is blocked only shortly after the plug has been unlocked. If the line is not held with the plug securely in the hand, the plug can be forcibly ejected from the coupling by compressed air forces acting on it. Even in those cases in which, during the uncoupling procedure, the blocking element or the valve is closed and the unlocking is effected thereafter, the pressure of the compressed air which still remains in the uncoupled line cannot drop and the plug will be forcibly ejected from the coupling barrel.
Various proposals have been made in the past to solve these problems. The most elegant of these proposals incorporates a plug-type safety coupling that has, on one side, a plug which incorporates an enclosing, square cross-section bead, and, on the other side, a coupling barrel which is built up from a multi-part housing, in the interior of which is disposed a spherical blocking element to accommodate the plug. The blocking element is designed to be rotatable. The spherical blocking element has a continuous bore into which the plug can be inserted. The spherical blocking element can be pivoted into the operating position by a rotating movement of the plug which has been inserted. The plug is then secured in the housing in this working position by its bead and, thus, is secured against accidental withdrawal or against falling out. Rotation in the opposite direction moves the spherical blocking element into a locking position, the opening of the continuous bore passing over a release port through which any air which is still under pressure and remaining in the plug can escape, after which the plug can be withdrawn from the spherical blocking element in an unpressurized state. Because the blocking element in these couplings is a sphere or a ball, the housing of the coupling barrel must of necessity consist of a plurality of parts in order that the spherical blocking element can be sealed therein. In one embodiment, the housing consists of two halves having appropriately concave inner surfaces sealed together around the spherical blocking element. Connection of the two halves is effected by riveting.
In another embodiment, the housing consists of a shaped part in the interior of which the spherical blocking element is held by parts which are screwed into the shaped part. At one end, these parts are provided with a sealing element having a concave outer side which presses against the spherical blocking element. As previously discussed, the use of a sphere or a ball as a blocking element in these couplings requires that the housing of the coupling barrel be built from a plurality of parts. As a result, fabrication of this coupling involves a great deal of work and is correspondingly costly. The individual parts are relatively intricate and accordingly are costly to produce, and the assembly of the finished coupling involves a great deal of costly assembly labor due to the plurality of parts. In addition, from a technical point of view, supporting a sphere or ball against a seal is difficult. As a result, these known couplings have a tendency to leak under high pressures.

Plug-in safety coupling, in particular for compressed air lines

Hans Oetiker AG, Maschinen-und Apparatefabrik


The present invention provides a radiation generating tube which suppresses electrical charging of an inner wall of an insulating tube attributable to electron emission from a junction between the insulating tube and a cathode and which has improved voltage withstand capability. The radiation generating tube comprising: a hollow insulating tube; a cathode and an anode respectively bonded to both ends of the insulating tube; and an electron emission source provided on the cathode, the radiation generating tube having a vacuum interior space. The electron emission source includes an electron emitting portion in the interior space, and the insulating tube includes a protrusion that protrudes into the interior space.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radiation generating tube which uses a transmissive target and is applicable to a radiation generating apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A transmissive radiation generating tube generates radiation by accelerating electrons emitted from an electron emission source of a cathode with a high voltage applied between an anode and the cathode and irradiating a metallic target provided at the anode with the accelerated electrons, and is adopted in medical and industrial radiation generating apparatuses.
With such a radiation generating tube, voltage withstand capability have been an issue that makes downsizing and weight reduction difficult. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H09-180660 discloses improving voltage withstand capability of a transmissive radiation generating tube by using a structure in which a focusing electrode of an electron gun is sandwiched between and fixed by an insulating tube and a cathode and in which a gap is provided between a tube wall and the focusing electrode in order to increase an insulation creepage distance of the tube wall. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-019223 discloses a reflective radiation generating tube in which irregularities with an arithmetic-mean roughness of 1 to 10 μm are formed on a vacuum-side surface of a glass insulator that supports a conductor in a vacuum chamber over a certain range from an end position of the conductor.
The following problem arises when attempting to achieve higher voltage or further downsizing of a radiation generating tube.
With a radiation generating tube in which a cathode is bonded to an end edge of an insulating tube, there is a structural risk that unintended electron emission may occur from a junction (bonded interface) between the insulating tube and the cathode. When increasing voltage or reducing a size of the radiation generating tube, electrons emitted from the junction may increase due to an increase in field intensity in a vicinity of the junction. Such emitted electrodes may electrically charge an inner wall of the insulating tube and may potentially cause a discharge.


A new cultivar of Dianthus plant named ‘WATERLOO SUNSET’ that is characterized by compact habit, grey-green foliage, and double flowers that are deep magenta red with a deep port wine colored center. In combination these traits set ‘WATERLOO SUNSET’ apart from all other existing varieties of Dianthus known to the inventor.

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(f) of the earlier application for European Community Plant Breeders Rights, Application Number 2007/2059 filed Sep. 19, 2007.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Dianthus that is grown for use as a flowering plant for pots and containers and as a hardy perennial for the garden and landscape. The new cultivar is known botanically as Dianthus×hybrida and will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name 'WATERLOO SUNSET'.
'WATERLOO SUNSET' is a complex hybrid plant that is the product of a long term breeding program conducted in a greenhouse environment in Houndspool, Dawlish, Devon, United Kingdom. The primary focus of the breeding program is to produce new cultivars of Dianthus that exhibit unique growth habit and colors. The inventor selected 'WATERLOO SUNSET' in 2003 for its double flowers that are deep magenta red with a deep port wine colored center.
'WATERLOO SUNSET' resulted from the controlled pollination between an unreleased and unpatented Dianthus previously raised by the inventor and known by its code name Dianthus 'Whet12' as female parent plant, and an unknown Dianthus as male parent plant.
'WATERLOO SUNSET' is distinguishable from the female parent by plant habit and flower size. Whereas both 'Whet12' and 'WATERLOO SUNSET' exhibit deep red flowers, the plant habit of 'WATERLOO SUNSET' is more compact and the flowers of 'WATERLOO SUNSET' are more dense by virtue of the closer arrangement of the petals.
The variety of Dianthus which is considered by the inventor to most closely resemble 'WATERLOO SUNSET' is Dianthus 'Devon Wizard' (unpatented). Although 'Devon Wizard' and 'WATERLOO SUNSET' possess similar plant habits and flower forms, the flowers of 'Devon Wizard' are distinctly purple in overall color, being comprised of purple-red flowers with a slightly darker center, whereas the flowers of 'WATERLOO SUNSET' are deep magenta red with a very dark center.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar was first accomplished by the inventor in 2003 in a cultivated area of Houndspool, United Kingdom. The method of asexual propagation used was vegetative cuttings. Since that time the characteristics of the new cultivar have been determined stable and are reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A method for forming a pattern includes at least the following steps. A first material and a second material abutting the first material are provided. The first material and the second material have different radiation absorption rates. A blocking layer is formed over the first material and the second material. The blocking layer is globally irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation to allow part of the blocking layer to turn into a crosslinked portion. The remaining blocking layer forms a non-crosslinked portion. The non-crosslinked portion covers the second material. The non-crosslinked portion of the blocking layer is removed to expose the second material. A third material is formed over the exposed second material. The crosslinked portion of the blocking layer is removed.

Semiconductor devices and integrated circuits used in a variety of electronic apparatus, such as cell phones and other mobile electronic equipment, are typically manufactured on a single semiconductor wafer. The dies of the wafer may be processed and packaged with other semiconductor devices or dies at the wafer level, and various technologies have been developed for the wafer level packaging. For example, pattern forming technologies play significant roles in the wafer level packaging. How to ensure the quality of the patterns and the process simplicity have become a challenge in the field.

Method for forming pattern and manufacturing method of package

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


A cross for use in a universal joint includes a lubrication system for positively causing lubricant to flow into the region of the bearings contained within a bearing cup mounted on the trunnion. The lubrication system includes a pump that is disposed in the lubrication passageway formed in the trunnion of the cross. In a first embodiment, the pump is embodied as a reciprocating piston pump, including a hollow cylindrical housing having a piston slidably supported therein. When the cross is rotated during use, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing, thereby injecting a quantity of lubricant from the lubricant passageway into the region of the bearings. When the cross is ceased to be rotated, the piston is moved radially outwardly relative to the housing under the urging of a spring. In a second embodiment, the pump is embodied as a rotatable auger pump. When the bearing cup rotates back and forth relative to the trunnion during use, the auger is rotated relative to the housing, thereby causing lubricant to be pumped from the lubricant passageway into the region of the bearings.

This invention relates in general to universal joints, such as are commonly used in vehicular drive train systems. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for a cross for use in such a universal joint that includes a lubrication system for positively causing lubricant to flow from a central cavity through a lubrication passageway formed in a trunnion of the cross and into a region where bearings are contained within a bearing cup mounted on the trunnion.
Drive train systems are widely used for generating power from a source and for transferring such power from the source to a driven mechanism. Frequently, the source generates rotational power, and such rotational power is transferred from the source to a rotatably driven mechanism. For example, in most land vehicles in use today, an engine/transmission assembly generates rotational power, and such rotational power is transferred from an output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly through a driveshaft assembly to an input shaft of an axle assembly so as to rotatably drive the wheels of the vehicle. To accomplish this, a typical driveshaft assembly includes a hollow cylindrical driveshaft tube having a pair of end fittings, such as a pair of tube yokes, secured to the front and rear ends thereof. The front end fitting forms a portion of a front universal joint that connects the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly to the front end of the driveshaft tube. Similarly, the rear end fitting forms a portion of a rear universal joint that connects the rear end of the driveshaft tube to the input shaft of the axle assembly. The front and rear universal joints provide a rotational driving connection from the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly through the driveshaft tube to the input shaft of the axle assembly, while accommodating a limited amount of angular misalignment between the rotational axes of these three shafts.
Each of the universal joints typically includes a cross having a central body portion with four cylindrical trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. The trunnions are oriented in a single plane and extend at right angles relative to one another. A hollow cylindrical bearing cup is mounted on the end of each of the trunnions. Needle bearings or other friction-reducing structures are provided between the outer cylindrical surfaces of the trunnions and the inner cylindrical surfaces of the bearing cups to permit rotational movement of the bearing cups relative to the trunnions during operation of the universal joint. In the front universal joint of the above-described driveshaft assembly, the bearing cups supported on the first opposed pair of the trunnions on a front cross are connected to the front end fitting of the driveshaft assembly, while the bearing cups supported on the second opposed pair of the trunnions on the front cross are connected to an end fitting secured to the output shaft of the engine/transmission assembly. Similarly, in the rear universal joint of the above-described driveshaft assembly, the bearing cups supported on the first opposed pair of the trunnions on a rear cross are connected to the rear end fitting of the driveshaft assembly, while the bearing cups supported on the second opposed pair of the trunnions on the rear cross are connected to an end fitting secured to the input shaft of the axle assembly.
In order to insure proper operation of the universal joint, lubricant is usually provided in the regions where the bearings are provided between the outer cylindrical surfaces of the trunnions and the inner cylindrical surfaces of the bearing cups. To accomplish this, the central body portion of the cross can have an internal cavity formed therein that communicates with respective lubricant passageways that are formed through each of the trunnions. A lubricant fitting is provided on the central body portion of the cross to allow lubricant to be injected therethrough under pressure into the internal cavity. During this injection, the lubricant flows through the lubrication fitting into the cavity, radially outwardly from the cavity through each of the lubricant passageways, laterally around the ends of each of the trunnions, and radially inwardly into the regions of the bearings. A seal and dust guard assembly may be provided about the open end of each of the bearing cups to retain the lubricant in the regions of the bearings and to prevent the entry of dirt, water, and other contaminants therein.
Although this structure has been effective, it is a static lubrication system, and no mechanism is provided for positively causing the lubricant to flow through into the regions of the bearings after the initial injection. In many instances, this results in the need for periodic re-lubrication of the cross, even through a quantity of the lubricant may still be present within cavity and some or all of the lubricant passageways. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved structure for a cross for use in a universal joint that includes a lubrication system for positively causing lubricant to flow through from the cavity through the lubricant passageways and into the regions of the bearings.

Lubrication system for a universal joint cross


Technologies are disclosed herein for a thin heat exchanger through which coolant may be pumped. The heat exchanger may include an envelope and a heat conduction layer provided over the envelope. The envelope may include one or more channels formed therein. The channels formed between the envelope and the conduction layer may extend the length of the heat exchange layer and be configured to carry coolant therethrough. The heat exchange layer may include an inlet manifold on a first end and an outlet manifold on another end opposing the first end. The inlet manifold may allow the flow of coolant into the heat exchange layer and the outlet manifold may allow the removal of the coolant from the heat exchange layer. Coolant flow may be controlled by a suction pump operating under computer control based at least in part on sensor data.

Thermal energy is a needed and available, yet typically wasted, form of energy. For example, space and water heating account for >70% of home energy costs and cooling (e.g., air conditioning) accounts for >40% of industrial data center energy costs.
In some cases, such as refrigeration, energy is expended removing heat from one area, while at the same time, energy is expended to add heat to a nearby area, such as within a hot water tank. In other cases, waste heat from one surface of a building (e.g., roof exterior) is vented to the atmosphere, while fossil fuels are burned to add heat to the interior of the same building. In still other cases, energy is expended to cool a home in the afternoon while even more energy is used to heat the home and hot water tank the next morning.
These traditional heat transfer methods have limited efficiency and use for a number of reasons. Efficiency is limited because heat transfer efficiency (e.g., electricity flow) is inversely proportional to the distance heat will travel to get from the source (e.g., warm place) to the destination (e.g., cold place). In traditional radiator and collector cases, the heat will travel over many inches of metal to get to or from the water. This may lead to significant heat transfer losses that limit collection or radiation efficiency. Additionally, these traditional heat transfer methods require relatively heavy and expensive materials, such as metals, to collect heat and contain relatively large volumes of coolant (e.g., water) under pressure. To compensate for the aforementioned heat transfer inefficiency of metal fins and pipes, traditional systems need to maximize convection heat transfer. For water systems, such as systems where heat is transferred to or from water, this may be accomplished by pumping relatively large volumes of water at higher pressures through the system, and thus requiring bulkier systems with robust construction.
Higher pumping pressures and volumes require heavier pipes to withstand the greater pressures and more electrical power to operate the pumps, thereby increasing cost, weight, and size, while reducing efficiency. Additionally, any defects in traditional heat transfer apparatus may result in coolant leaks. For air systems, including systems where water-borne heat is transferred to air, convection is enabled by fans blowing air over heated metal fins and pipes. The associated fans and ducting result in greater electrical power demand, higher cost, greater weight and size, increased noise, and reduced efficiency.
Another side effect of relatively low heat transfer efficiency is heat loss to destinations other than the intended one. Heat typically travels in multiple directions at a rate directly proportional to temperature difference and heat transfer efficiency (i.e., conductivity) of each potential path. More heat will travel to the coldest destination with the highest heat conductivity path. For traditional solar hot water collectors, some solar heat will travel over the collector fins to collector pipes and water, and some heat will be dissipated to the surrounding air. The ratio of useful heat transferred to the water versus wasted heat dissipated to the surrounded air may be directly proportional to the heat conductivity of the solar collector to water, volume of water flow (i.e., convection) and ambient temperature of the surrounding air.
The ratio of useful heat transferred to coolant, such as water, versus wasted heat dissipated to the surrounded air may be inversely proportional to the heat conductivity of the solar collector to outside air, volume of air flow (i.e., wind speed) and temperature of the water circulated in the panel. On cold winter days, when heat collection is needed most, more solar heat is dissipated to the surrounding air versus collected by the circulating water. To offset this effect, traditional solar hot water collector panels add insulation between the collector elements and the outside air, thus reducing the heat conductivity of the collector to ambient air path.
It is with respect to these considerations and others that the disclosure made herein is provided.


A computer implemented method is used for determining a product build schedule for sequential fabrication steps. The computer implemented method comprises: receiving a routing of the sequential fabrication steps; assigning a raw process time to a fabrication step in the routing; generating a cycle time for the fabrication step; receiving a start date for the sequential fabrication steps; and computing a projected shipping date for the product.

The type of product does not limit the embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The following background art is an example of a product in which one embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, can be applied. One skilled in the art will recognize the multitude of products to which the embodiments of the present invention can be applied.
Direct access storage devices (DASD) have become part of every day life, and as such, expectations and demands continually increase for greater speed for manipulating data and for holding larger amounts of data. To meet these demands for increased performance, the mechanical assembly in a DASD device, specifically the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) has undergone many changes.
Shown in FIG. 1 is the relationship of components and sub-assemblies of HDD 110 and a representation of data tracks 136 recorded on disk surface 135. The cover is removed and not shown so that the inside of HDD 110 is visible. The components are assembled into base casting 113, which provides attachment and registration points for components and sub-assemblies. Data is recorded onto disk surface 135 in a pattern of concentric rings known as data tracks 136. Disk surface 135 is spun at fast revolutions by means of a motor-hub assembly 130. Data tracks 136 are recorded onto disk surface 135 by means of magnetic head 156, which typically resides at the end of slider 155. FIG. 1 being a plan view shows only one head and one disk surface combination. One skilled in the art understands that what is described for one head-disk combination applies to multiple head-disk combinations. The embodiment in accordance with the present invention is independent of number of head-disk combinations. Slider 155 and consequently head 156 are incorporated into head gimbal assembly (HGA) 150. HGA 150 is incorporated into actuator 140, which is comprised of at least one arm 146, pivot bearing 145, and voice coil 143. Arm 146 supports HGA 150 over disk surface 135. Pivot bearing 145 allows for smooth and precise rotation of actuator 140. Actuator 140 precisely moves HGA 150 over disk surface 135 by means of electro-motive force (emf) produced between voice coil 143 and magnets 125. Emf is a force that is produced when a current is passed through voice coil 143 and is in close proximity to magnets 125. Only bottom magnet 125 is shown. Top and bottom magnets 125 are joined as pole piece assembly 120. Pole piece assembly 120 in conjunction with voice coil 143 constitutes a voice coil motor (VCM). The VCM positions head 156 via actuator 140 by producing a controlled emf. Current is passed through voice coil 143 from controller 117. The required amount of current from controller 117, to produce the desired amount of emf, is determined by location information (stored in other electronic components not shown in FIG. 1) for data tracks 136 and location information stored in data tracks 136. Electronic commands for accessing data tracks 136 pass from controller 117 through flex cable 118 and into voice coil 143. Small corrections to the position of head 156 are determined from retrieved information from data tracks 136. This retrieved information is sent back to controller 117 so that small corrections can be made to the location and the appropriate current can be sent from controller 117 to voice coil 143. Once the desired data track is located, data is either retrieved or manipulated by means of electronic signals that pass through connector 111 and through flex cable 118. Connector 111 is the electronic interface that allows data to be transferred in and out of HDD 110.
The above cited art is exemplary of a product with components and process steps that must be coordinated into a build schedule to produce a final product. The given example of an HDD, in no way limits the embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, from being applied to any product requiring a product build schedule. One of the challenges for determining a product build schedule is the coordination of the fabrication, delivery, and assembly of the many components involved so that a final product can be produced in a timely and effective manner. Challenges become greater when a prototype part or process is introduced as a change to the final product. The scheduling of vendors, parts and support personnel to effectively produce the final product becomes a large challenge. Engineering judgment, which has been used in the past for estimating a build schedule for producing a final part, does not accurately predict the arrival time of a product in a manufacturing environment.

Method for projecting build progression for a product in a manufacturing environment

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.


An applicator for insertion and lubrication of a body lumen is disclosed having an elongate, hollow, cylindrical outer sheath including a receiving cup at a distal end for receiving a lubrication capsule; and a plunger slidingly received within the elongate, hollow cylindrical outer sheath, the plunger including a piercing element at a distal end adapted to extend into the receiving cup. A liquid-filled soft gel capsule is placed in the receiving cup, and the piercing element is used to puncture the capsule located in the receiving cup prior to insertion of the applicator into the body lumen, and wherein the plunger can be depressed once the applicator is inserted into the body lumen to eject the pierced capsule into the body lumen.

Sexual intercourse is a rewarding part of a healthy and active adult life. In the case of vaginal intercourse, the female physiology is particularly suited to facilitate the act through various changes that take place in the female reproductive system, including lengthening of the vaginal canal, contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina, and secretions of several glands at the back of the vagina, secretions (sweating) directly from the interior vaginal wall, and secretion of the Bartholins glands at the entrance of the vagina, which secrete relatively minute amounts of fluid (one or two droplets of fluid when the female is sexually aroused). These minute droplets of fluid for lubrication were once believed to be important for lubricating the vagina, but research from Masters and Johnson demonstrated that vaginal lubrication comes primarily from deep within the vagina. The (Bartholins gland) fluid may slightly moisten the labial opening of the vagina, serving to make contact with this sensitive area more comfortable for the woman. Given the vast array of commercially available lubricants for external application, it is clear that for a variety of reasons, some herein discussed, the naturally secreted minor lubrication from the labial opening, is insufficient in many cases, to provide adequate lubrication, with the vast majority of secretions coming from deep within the vagina. All of these changes take place in a healthy female and promote a pleasurable experience for each participant.
While these changes in a woman's body occur during intercourse, many women complain about insufficient secretions causing vaginal discomfort and irritation during or after intercourse. In addition to the absence of the frequent vulvo-vaginal inflammatory-infectious conditions, and of the dryness and hypotrophy of these organs resulting from the post-menopausal estrogen fall, one of the causes for this vaginal irritation during and after intercourse, is vaginal penetration before women are adequately aroused. Considering that the first reaction of the female genitals to sexual excitement is vaginal lubrication, if a woman is penetrated without being properly aroused and, therefore, without the occurrence of the necessary physiological vaginal lubrication, several symptoms of vulvo-vaginal discomfort may occur. In addition, even when adequately aroused, many women suffer from insufficient lubrication for a variety of reasons, some of which have already been mentioned. Insufficient lubrication may also cause a degree of discomfort and irritation to the male penis.
Transudation is the process resulting in vaginal lubrication. When a female is sexually aroused, blood flows into the area surrounding the walls of the vagina in a process called vasocongestion. The pressure of the increased blood causes a seepage of moisture from the spaces between the cells. This moisture cresses the vaginal lining, first appearing as tiny droplets. Eventually, the fluid builds up in sufficient quantity to moisten the entire inner walls of the vagina. In the excitement phase, blood flow to the vagina increases which, in turn, pushes fluid into the vaginal canal. This lubricating process allows for comfortable penile insertion, and repetitive insertions during intercourse.
Natural cyclic hormonal alterations, stress, and the use of combined or progestin-only hormonal contraceptives, if applicable, affect the amount and the consistency of vaginal lubrication during normal daily activities and during sexual arousal. Many medications that women use to treat other conditions can adversely affect vaginal lubrication. These medications include antihistamines, anticholinergics, antihypertensives, and most psychoactive agents, particularly SSRIs and benzodiazepines. Women of any age have various reasons for augmenting their natural vaginal secretions with lubricants or moisturizers to facilitate comfort before, during, and after sexual activity. Additionally, repetitive penetration during intercourse may cause the drying out of the lubrication prior to the completion of the activity. Many men, as well as women, also prefer additional lubrication during sexual activity to increase both their and their partner's enjoyment of sexuality.
One problem with traditional methods and products for augmenting the body's natural lubrication system is that the lubricant is applied at the entrance to the vaginal (or anal) opening. This is unsatisfactory for several reasons. The female body's natural lubrication system secretes lubricant from deep inside the body lumen, where the act of intercourse spreads the lubricant along the walls of the vagina. If the lubricant is applied either to the penis or the entrance of the vagina, the large majority of the lubricant is sheared, and wiped off by the penetrating motion of the penis, greatly diminishing the lubricant's usefulness. Existing commercial products to augment a woman's natural lubrication system are applied, at or close to the vaginal opening, and cannot reproduce the body's design to lubricate from well within the body lumen. The present invention is intended to overcome this shortcoming.

Device and method for inserting lubricating capsule


In an inspection method and apparatus, when thermal image data with respect to cap sealing of a particular container is analyzed and a low confidence score is obtained, products are classified into a user check product by a rejection-process of separating the products, without determining the products to be good products or not good products.

Induction sealing, which is known as cap sealing, is a non-contact method of heating a metallic disk to hermetically seal the top of plastic and glass containers. This sealing process takes place after the container has been filled, for example, tablets, and capped. A closure is supplied to a bottler with an aluminum foil liner already inserted. A typical induction liner is multilayered. The top layer spaced apart from an opening of the container is generally a paper pulp that is generally spot-glued to the cap. The next layer is wax that is used to bond a layer of aluminum foil to the pulp. The bottom layer is a polymer film laminated to the foil. In existing capping technologies, after the cap or closure is applied to the opening of container, the container passes under an induction coil that emits an oscillating electromagnetic field. As the container passes under the induction coil, the conductive aluminum foil liner begins to heat. The heat melts the wax, which is absorbed into the pulp backing and releases the foil from the cap. The polymer film also heats and flows onto the lip of the container. When cooled, the polymer creates a bond with the container resulting in a hermetically sealed product. While neither the container nor its contents are negatively affected, this process is performed within a few seconds or faster. It is possible to overheat the foil causing damage to the seal layer or any protective barriers. This could result in faulty seals, even weeks after the initial sealing process,
In order to detect a defect in sealing, various thermography based systems have been suggested and the systems are most based on processing of thermal image data of cap sealing photographed by an infrared (IR) camera or IR imaging camera.
An existing cap sealing inspection system classifies products into only good products and not good products. However, in an actual inspection, a confidence score is generated in an inspection using a machine learning technique, and even when an ambiguous result having a low confidence score is generated, whether a product is a good product or a not good product is forcedly determined with the low confidence score, which may be problematic. Furthermore, while a defect is simply determined, no information about the type of a defect is provided.
Furthermore, there are two typical problems in the inspection system using machine vision or machine learning. The first problem is that, even when the same inspection algorithm is used, performance of an inspection varies according to the quality or uniformity of a sub-material. As the uniformity of a sub-material is worse, the number of overkills that is a case in which a product is recognized to be not good when the product is actually good and the number of underkills that is a case in which a product is recognized to be good when the product is actually not good increase, or probability of those cases increases. The second problem is that accuracy or accuracy tendency of an inspection remains unknown until an actual inspection is performed. Accordingly, when a new inspection product is to be input, a customer or a user may check inspection accuracy only after a main inspection is performed, which may cause dissatisfaction on the inspection result.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The present invention comprises systems and methods, and computer readable media comprising the methods, for installing software components. A user's need for a software component may be determined prior to installation. The systems and methods of the present invention provide automation and flexibility to the installation process. In an embodiment, processor usage and network usage are monitored and software installation are initiated and/or continued during periods where processor and/or network usage are low. The installation process may be halted when the processor and/or network connection are called upon for other uses. Processor and/or network usage may also be throttled, for example limiting the bandwidth available for the installation to maintain sufficient processor share and/or bandwidth for other tasks. Adverse impact on a computer user is minimized.

A typical software product, such as a database, word processor, spreadsheet, utility may be organized into a group or "suite" of individual component programs, or "components." A suite may include several distinct software products, each having its own components and possibly sharing one or more components with other products in the suite.
Many of the components of a software suite may not be required for use of other components or the suite as a whole, but may, instead, be included as enhancements or options. A user of the software, and/or the developer of the software, may desire that some of the components be installed when the software suite is being used for certain tasks. For example, if the software suite is installed on a computer system that is a part of a multi-location network, a user or the suite developer may desire that more networking components be installed than in a stand-alone scenario. As another example, a user that frequently uses a certain file type, for example a "pdf" file, may desire that the software function with pdf files whereas a user that infrequently uses pdf files may not deem such functionality important.
Some components may be desirable regardless of the scenario in which the suite is being used. For example, the suite developer may periodically introduce updates and patches to various components in the form of so-called "service packs" and "hot fixes." It may be desirable to make service packs and hot fixes mandatory components that get installed regardless of the scenario for which the suite is being used.
Computer networks provide a channel for software installation.
In one current method for installing software a small installer application is transferred from one computing device to a second computing device, for example from a server to a client computer. Execution of the installer application begins the installation process and the installer application obtains/transfers the remainder of application suite from the first computing device and installs suite components on the second computing device. During download and installation the computing device(s) may be "locked" from performing other tasks and a substantial portion or all of the available network bandwidth may be devoted to the file transfer. Further, applications already running on the computing device may need to be closed and/or the computing device rebooted (shut down and re-started).
In another current method of installing software an entire application suite, in compressed or uncompressed form, is transferred from one computing device to a second computing device, for example in the form of a disk image. An installer application transferred with the suite proceeds to install suite components. Again, during download and installation the computing device(s) may be "locked" from performing other tasks and a substantial portion or all of the available network bandwidth may be devoted to the file transfer. Also, applications running on the computing device may need to be closed and/or the computing device rebooted.
As will be appreciated, both of the foregoing described methods for installing software create inefficiencies in computer processor usage, network usage, file access and/or computer memory space. Further, the installation of complete software application suites by the foregoing methods may result in installation of software components that a user does not desire and that may create incompatibilities with other software desirable to the user. The unused components may also use valuable storage space and/or memory on the computer.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have new and improved methods for installing software.

Systems and methods for providing and installing software


A communication system is described which enables efficient delivery of asymmetrical bandwidth signals over a communication network. The system includes a virtual circuit switch having a space switch coupled thereto for distributing downstream signals from a backbone network to subscribers in a cost effective manner.

Multimedia communication requires the simultaneous delivery of time synchronized voice, video and data signals. A Multimedia Access Network has the task of delivering such signals to and from a switching entity and the multiple subscriber premises which it services. The switching entity acts as a gateway to the rest of the world and allows the subscribers access to the multiple backbone networks terminating on it. For this reason the switching entity can be called an Access Gateway (AGW). At the subscriber's premises, a Residential Gateway (RGW) terminates the multimedia signals from the switching entity AGW and regenerates the communication services being consumed at the premises.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/269,370 filed Jun. 30, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,244 and entitled "Scalable Multimedia Network" (incorporated herein in its entirety by reference), is concerned with many of the problems associated with the suitability of multimedia communication services on an AGW.
The AGW must communicate with the RGW over some type of physical media. This media may be wireless or wireline. Multimedia wireless communication is a topic undergoing much research and is an emerging technology. The most common wireline media currently deployed uses Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) drops for broadcast video services and twisted pair copper drops for Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).
HFC drop networks are being deployed by CATV operators and have an advantage in that they are based on broadband physical media. However, HFC networks are deployed as shared media whereby hundreds (even thousands) of subscribers tap onto one run of cable. Such an architecture is highly cost-effective for downstream broadcast services, but creates a difficult multiple access problem when the RGWs at the subscriber try to communicate upstream with the AGW.
Current, or second generation, so-called Fiber-To-The-Curb (FTTC) access networks are being deployed by access network providers to deliver broadband services. In such FTTC networks, optical fibers connect the AGW to multiple Optical Network Units (ONUs) located in the outside plant. From each ONU, coaxial cable and pre-existing copper pairs are used to provide POTS and broadband services to the subscriber. Such ONUs provide broadband distribution, but because they are essentially multiplexing entities and not switches, they typically can serve only a limited number (e.g., 16 to 32) of subscribers and therefore, are difficult to justify economically.
Virtual circuit switches, generally ATM-based, are being deployed for the AGW function. However, the per port cost of a virtual circuit switch today does not justify dedicating a port to each subscriber, and therefore, virtual circuit switching functionality is not found typically located in the access network near subscribers.
Multimedia services tend to be asymmetrical, i.e., the "downstream" services to subscribers require greater bandwidth than the "upstream" services from subscribers. Because the downstream services also tend to be broadcast or multicast, providing a port per subscriber on a virtual circuit switch is expensive and wasteful of scarce network resources.
A need exists for a FTTC architecture that can allow access network providers to offer broadband services to a large number of users economically.

Broadband communication system having a virtual circuit space switch


A communication system and method enable the dynamic use of multiple access technologies and multiple standards using a software functionality approach. An access device configured to communicate dynamically using multiple access technologies and multiple standards has a network interface, a central core, and a service hub with a premises interface. The network interface is configured to transmit communications to, and/or receive communications from, a network using multiple network access technologies. The service hub with the premises interface is configured to transmit communications to, and/or receive communications from, a premises device using multiple premises access technologies. The central core is configured to format communications received or to be transmitted for multiple access technologies and multiple standards and to control the interface from which the communication will be transmitted.

Current access devices in communication systems typically are configured to access a communication system or network using a single access technology, such as only asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) technologies for access to a network and services. Other technologies and protocols are used. However, typically only a single access technology is selected for the access device. Thus, an access device is needed for use in a communication system that can communicate using multiple access technologies, both for network access and for premises access.
Furthermore, the standards used for novel access technologies are constantly being updated, and the onus of supporting equipment that complies with multiple standards essentially falls upon the service provider. Thus, an access device is needed that can be configured to support one or more multiple access technology standards. Such access devices are especially useful for service provider networks that are designed to provide a convergence of traditionally separate services, such as voice and data services. One such network is an integrated on-demand network (ION), an example of which is discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/826,641, filed Apr. 4, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,339, entitled Telecommunications System, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The ION system is a single service architecture that enables customers to obtain a full range of local and long distance voice, data, video, and internet services and benefit from consolidated access through a single provider. The ION system uses an access device, such as an integrated services hub (ISH), that uses a single access technology, such as a leased line or an xDSL line. One such ISH is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/226,575, filed Jan. 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,553, entitled Multi-Services Communications Device, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The ISH is a highly-modular, standalone system with plain old telephone service POTS and Ethernet or digital service level 1 (DS1) interfaces on the premises side and xDSL or leased line interfaces on the network side.

System and method for communicating using multiple access technologies and multiple standards


Systems and methods for hierarchical reference counting via sibling trees are provided. The hierarchical data structure, together with its associated operations, can efficiently maintain reference counts and significantly reduce input/output (IO) operations compared to traditional techniques. The data structure presented here is applicable to any directed acyclic graph (DAG-type) structure where reference counts are used. Various embodiments of the present invention use a data structure to maintain a “sibling pointer” (pointing to the sibling node as a way to avoid reference count updates) and a “sibling count.” When nodes in the tree diverge, the sibling pointer and sibling count are updated as opposed to directly manipulating the reference counts of the children of the diverging nodes. Various other embodiments can use additional entries or fields that allow for improved efficiency and advantages.

A storage server is a computer that provides storage services relating to the organization of data on writable, storage media, such as non-volatile memories and disks. A storage server may be configured to operate according to a client/server model of information delivery to enable many clients (e.g., applications) to access the data served by the system. A storage server can employ a storage architecture that serves the data with both random and streaming access patterns at either a file level, as in network attached storage (NAS) environments, or at the block level, as in a storage area network (SAN). Storage servers store data on various types of non-volatile storage media such as, for example, relatively high latency (i.e., longer access times) hard disk drive devices (HDDs) and relatively low latency (i.e., shorter access times) solid-state devices (SSDs) such as flash memory or DRAM.
A network storage system may be a monolithic, non-distributed storage server, or it may be distributed across two or more physical platforms. Furthermore, a network storage system can operate as one of multiple storage servers in a storage server cluster, to provide increased scalability. A client may execute an application, such as a database application, that "connects" to the storage system over a computer network, such as a point-to-point link, shared local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or virtual private network (VPN) implemented over a public network such as the Internet. Each client may request the data services of the storage system by issuing access requests (read/write requests) as file-based and block-based protocol messages (in the form of packets) to the system over the network.
Some network storage systems use hierarchical (tree-shaped) data structures to organize the data and metadata that they store. The data and metadata may be stored and managed in units called "blocks," where each block is a node in the hierarchical data structure. The hierarchical data structure can have internal nodes that reference other nodes within the data structure and leaf nodes which do not reference other nodes. The metadata may include reference counts associated with the nodes/blocks. A reference count indicates the number of references (e.g., pointers) to a particular node.
A reference count is an important parameter to track in a storage system in which nodes can be shared by two or more entities, such as files, logical units, etc. Nodes may be shared as a result of, for example, creating snapshots or clones of a file or a file system. When a node is shared by two or more entities (e.g., files), there will generally be multiple references to that node, e.g., one reference for each file that includes the data associated with the node. The reference counts can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for determining when a node is no longer referenced and therefore can be deleted or for identifying inaccessible nodes.
Some storage systems store the reference counts in the hierarchical data structure along with the nodes to which the reference counts correspond; this approach is sometimes called "hierarchical reference counting." However, the traditional implementations of reference counts using a hierarchical structure suffer from significant drawbacks that make them unsuitable for use in many scenarios. For example, upon modification of data after cloning, the ability of multiple objects to reference a particular node may be broken. As a result, the explicit references and reference counts in the lower levels of the reference counting hierarchy (e.g., to the modified node's children) have to be updated. Consequently, small data modifications can produce a large number of reference count updates (i.e., an update "storm") when the reference counts in lower levels of the reference counting hierarchy are updated. As a result, the traditional hierarchical reference counting schemes utilize a significant portion of the storage system resources such as input/output (IO) utilization, CPU cycles, and memory resources. As such, there are a number of challenges and inefficiencies found in network storage servers that use traditional hierarchical reference counting.


A motor drive device includes: a position command generator which generates a position command; a damping filter unit which includes one or more stages of damping filters which reduce vibration of a device including a load and a motor, applies, to a position command, a damping filter determined based on a model parameter corresponding to a model of the device, and outputs a filtered position command to which the damping filter has been applied; a servo controller which gives a torque command to the motor based on the filtered position command; a low-pass filter unit; a parameter estimation unit which estimates the model parameter from the rotational speed and the torque command of the motor which have passed through the low-pass filter unit; and a vibration determination unit which determines presence or absence of vibration in the model.

A conventional motor drive device has a basic function, such as position, speed, and electric current control for driving a servo motor according to an external command. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which a function called a damping filter which removes vibration of a device as a load to be driven is mounted in a motor drive device (for example, Patent Literature (PTL) 1). The damping filter disclosed in PTL 1 removes the vibration based on model parameters, such as the resonance frequency, antiresonance frequency, and inertia of the device as the load. In order for such a damping filter to precisely function, each model parameter of the motor drive device has to be accurately estimated.
As the techniques related to this type of model parameter estimation method, for example, the techniques disclosed in PTL 2 and PTL 3 are known. PTL 2 discloses a technique in which a torque command including a number of frequency components is given to a motor control device, frequency characteristics are generated from the torque command and the actual motor speed, and model parameters of a device as a load are estimated based on the frequency characteristics.
PTL 3 discloses a technique in which a torque command and a motor rotational speed are measured in a state where a device as a load is performing a normal positioning operation, and model parameters are estimated based on the data.

Motor drive device and servo adjustment method

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A computer system having dual paths for controlling a peripheral device electrically associated with a host computer. The peripheral device is electrically connected to the host computer and to an independent control circuit. Control inputs for the peripheral device and data and/or control inputs for the host computer are generated by a keyboard or other input device and transmitted to an input controller which directs certain data and/or control inputs to the host computer for processing and directs certain peripheral device control inputs to a state machine for the generation of peripheral device control signals. In such a manner, the independent control circuit provides for the control of the peripheral device while the host computer may process data unrelated to the control of the peripheral device. In one aspect, control of the peripheral device may be effected by both the host computer and the independent control circuit. Accordingly, in this aspect, the independent control circuit further comprises an arbitrator which resolves any control conflicts that arise between the host computer and the independent control circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer control system and, more particularly, to a dual path computer control system for regulating the operation of a peripheral device associated with a computer system.
2. Description of Related Art
Computer users have long recognized the need for controlling peripheral devices associated with a computer system. Prior control systems were limited, however, due to certain limitations inherent to computer systems. Computer systems have traditionally been designed as single task systems. In such systems, the computer queues jobs to be performed and processes the queued jobs in the order received. If a higher priority job arises, the computer will suspend operations associated with the current job to process the higher priority job. For this reason, computer system control of peripheral devices was often avoided because, in order to exercise control of the peripheral device, other operations such as data processing had to be suspended. This suspension of processing produces lower efficiency in computer processing power and, thus, longer processing time.
Furthermore, computer system control of peripheral devices has typically required software implementation. Such software routines most commonly arise with in connection with keyboard inputs where an operator programs the computer to accept a single keystroke in substitution for a series of key strokes, which series of key strokes orders the computer to perform a predetermined task. The key designated to substitute for this programmed series of steps is often dubbed a "hot key." Several deficiencies accompany the use of the pre-programmed hot key. The first liability associated with the use of the hot key arises in the step requiring the operator to program the machine to accept the single key stroke as a substitute for the series of key commands. While computers have evolved into an almost essential element of modern society, few users have achieved a level of proficiency that would enable them to draft such a program. The second liability associated with the use of the hot key lies in the fact that the computer must process the program initiated by the hot key rather than process a utility program in use at the time the hot key program was initiated. Initiation of the hot key program, therefore, may cause deterioration of the computer's efficiency similar to that associated with suspensions of operations resulting from computer system control of peripheral devices. A third liability associated with use of the hot key program relates to program compatibility. Hot key program are often referred to as "terminate and stay resident programs" because they are loaded into random access memory (or "RAM"). Problems arise when other, non-compatible, software, is loaded into the machine and interferes with the "terminate and stay resident program." While a hot key created out of hardware may avoid many of these liabilities, thus far, a "hardware hot key" has not been developed.
To avoid these problems, many computer systems provided for the control of peripheral devices through an independent interface. A leading example would be the technique in which audio speakers are incorporated into a computer system. Audio speakers are typically utilized to resonate sound signals generated by the computer system. In incorporating an audio speaker into the computer system, manufacturers have either neglected to provide any type of volume control for the audio speaker or have provided a manually operated electro-mechanical volume controller, for example, a potentiometer, which interfaces directly with the audio speaker for the control thereof. However, the use of such electro-mechanical volume controllers tend to increase the cost of the computer system associated therewith since the incorporation of mechanical components into the design of an electronic device tends to increase manufacturing expenses. The use of such volume controllers may also result in reduced efficiency in operating the associated computer system To operate the volume controller, a computer user must physically discontinue data input or other ongoing activities and manually adjust the volume, thereby suspending or delaying other operations in order to operate the volume controller.
Also, such volume controllers lack feedback signals to indicate to the user that proper volume adjustment has been achieved. For example, the computer system may only active the audio speaker periodically. If the user adjusts the audio speaker during an inactive period, no feedback will be received until the next activation of the speaker.


A contact via to a surface of a semiconductor material is provided, the contact via having a sidewall which is produced by anisotropically etching a dielectric layer which is placed on via openings. A protective layer is provided on the surface of the semiconductor material. To protect the substrate, an initial etch through an interlayer dielectric is performed to create an initial via which extends toward, but not into the substrate. At least a portion of the protective layer is retained on the substrate. In another step, the final contact via is created. During this step the protective layer is penetrated to open a via to the surface of the semiconductor material.

In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, it is desirable to provide relatively small diameter openings to contact areas of the device. One limitation in doing this is the diameter of openings utilized in photomasks to expose areas of photoresist covering the materials to be etched. It is desirable to produce openings which are smaller than those otherwise available using the photomask along with a light exposing the photoresist. This has been achieved in a prior art by after exposing the photoresist with a photomask, etching a via down to the surface to be contacted. Next a liner material is applied to the via and the surface to be contacted. After deposition of the liner material, an anisotropic etch is performed. Because of the nature of anisotropic etching, the liner material at the bottom of the aperture is etched and removed, while a portion of the liner material is retained during this etch process. The surface to be contacted at the bottom of the via is thus etched once again, damaging the substrate material which will ultimately be contacted by an electrical connection.
Thus it will be appreciated that in the prior art technique, the first etch opens the via down to the surface to be contacted and this is followed by the application of the liner of material and subjecting the liner material to anisotropic etching. Using this prior art process results in a double etch of the material at the base of the opening, thus unnecessarily damaging that material in advance of providing a contact to the material at the base of the via.
Thus what is needed is a process by which only a single etch is utilized to open the contact area at the base of the via while concurrently establish a liner covering the interior walls of the via.

Method of providing contact via to a surface