A semiconductor switch circuit is connected to a primary winding of a transformer having a secondary winding connected to a load. The semiconductor switch circuit has switches controlled by PWM to provide a controlled constant current. In the inventive inverter, constant current control is performed by PWM operation of the switches of the semiconductor switch circuit. The inverter cuts off electricity to the control circuit when putting the control circuit into a standby state if a run-stop signal gains a logical stop-state. At the same time as the run-stop signal gaining the stop-state, switch drive signals enabling the switches of the semiconductor switch circuit are turned off. Thus, over-current can be prevented from flowing in the load when the control circuit is put into the standby state.

A cold cathode fluorescent light (CCFL) has been increasingly used as a backlight source of a liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor of a notebook PC and of an LCD for use with a TV set. Such CCFL has substantially the same high efficiency and long life as a usual hot cathode fluorescent light, without using a filament implemented in the hot cathode fluorescent light.
The CCFL requires a high startup voltage and a high operating voltage. For example, a startup voltage of about 1000 V and an operating voltage of about 600 V are required. These high ac voltages are generated from a dc power supply of, for example, a notebook PC and a liquid crystal TV set, using an inverter.
Conventionally, a Royer circuit has been used as an inverter for the CCFL. The Royer circuit comprises a saturable magnetic core transformer and a control transistor, and is adapted to undergo a self-sustaining oscillation because of nonlinear permeability of the saturable magnetic core and nonlinear current gain characteristic of the control transistor. The Royer circuit itself requires no external clock or driver circuit.
However, a Royer circuit is basically a constant voltage inverter, which cannot provide a constant output voltage if the input voltage thereto and/or the load current thereof varies. Hence, in order to maintain a constant input voltage to the Royer circuit, a regulator for supplying electric power to the Royer circuit is required. For this reason, besides the inverter utilizing a Royer circuit has low power inversion efficiency, it is difficult to miniaturize such inverter.
A CCFL inverter having improved power conversion efficiency has been disclosed (see for example Japanese Patent Early Publication H10-50489). This inverter comprises a first semiconductor switch connected in series with the primary winding of a transformer, a second semiconductor switch and a capacitor which are connected in series with each other and in parallel with the primary winding, and a coupling capacitor is connected in series with the secondary winding of the transformer and with the load. The primary current of the transformer is fed back to a control circuit for comparison with a reference voltage to establish a control signal, which signal is used to control on-off operation of a first and a second semiconductor switches to provide a predetermined ac power to the load.
A full bridge type CCFL inverter (also called H bridge type inverter) utilizing four semiconductor switches has been also proposed (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,615). This inverter utilizes a transformer having a primary winding connected to the output terminal of the H bridge via a resonant capacitor connected in series with the primary winding. The load is connected to the secondary winding of the transformer. Of the four semiconductor switches constituting the H bridge, a first set of two semiconductor switches establishes a current path in a first direction to the primary winding of the transformer and a second set of two semiconductor switches establishes a current path in a second direction to the primary winding. By feeding the secondary current back to a control circuit for comparison of the voltage indicative of the current with a reference voltage, a control signal having a fixed pulse-width and controlled relative pulse position is generated. The control signal is provided to the semiconductor switches of the H bridge to thereby regulate the power supplied to the load. Further, the voltage across the secondary winding of the transformer is detected to secure over-voltage protection.
In conventional inverters, when the CCFL is temporarily stopped, electricity to the control circuit is generally cut off by a run-stop signal, putting the control circuit into a standby state.
In the standby state, drive signals to the semiconductor switches of the inverter are stopped as the power to the control circuit is cut off. However, the gates of the semiconductor switches receiving the drive signals have capacitances, that prevent the semiconductor switches from being turned off instantly if the drive signals were stopped, thereby causing the current to continue to flow for a while. This current continues to flow until the electric charge on the capacitive gate of each semiconductor switch is completely discharged through a pull-down (or pull-up) resistor. Consequently, the magnitude of the resultant current can be a few times as large as the normal load current.
This excessively large load current flows through the CCFL every time the CCFL is stopped, imposing a strong stress on the CCFL and shortening the life of the CCFL.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an inverter having a semiconductor switch circuit in the primary winding of a transformer, the inverter capable of performing constant current control of a load through pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of the switches of the semiconductor switch circuit and of preventing over-current from flowing in the load when the inverter is put into a standby state. It is a still another object of the invention to provide a controller IC for use with such inverter.

DC-AC converter and controller IC therefor


A method and apparatus for managing source and derivative data is disclosed. Source data, typically image data, is centralized in a database and derivative data sets are formed from the source data. When it is desired to modify a derivative data, the source data can be accessed and modified to form a new derivative data set instead of modifying the already derived data set. In this way source data integrity is maintained. Derivative data sets are identified and tags are associated with new derivative images. The tag can be embedded in the derivative data or associated with the image as an attached element. The tag identifies information such as the server that generated the derivative image, the source image and any tasks or transformations that were applied to the source image to generate the derivative data. Users of source data can be given access to a central source data repository and access privileges can be assigned. In this way a number of users can access the source files and globally modify all derivative images by changes in the source file.

The Internet is the largest network of computers. Large corporations and educational institutions may have their own networks of computers, which may themselves be part of, or apart from, the Internet. Digital data, stored on one or more computers (called "Source Data"), may be accessed by one or more other computers and altered by such other computer(s) to generate "Derivative Data". Often times, the source data is typically modified by a computer other than the computer that is requesting the derivative data. The Derivative Data may be stored on one or more other computers, which may include all or some of the computers on which the Source Data were stored and all or some of the computers that altered the Source Data. When the Source Data is representative of an image, it is called Source Image Data and the altered data is called Derivative Image Data.
There are many well-known methods of creating Derivative Image Data ("DID") from Source Image Data ("SID"). Many of these methods consist of applying one or more transformations, T(1), T(2), . . . T(n) to the SID. These transformations may act on one or more SID sets and produce one or more DID sets. For example, if the SID is a digital image with an even number of pixels in each row and an even number of rows, T(1) may be a transformation that "crops the source image to create a new image consisting of the upper right hand quarter of the source image". If the SID is a digital image where each pixel consists of three 8 bit numbers, R, B, G, that indicate the red, blue and green intensity values, respectively, for each pixel, T(2) may be a transformation which "interchanges the R and B intensity values". A derivative image may be created from a source image by performing T(1) and then T(2) and then T(1) on the SID. Other examples of image transformations are the rotation, scaling, filtering and image processing operations contained in Adobe's Photoshop software. Such methods are known as deterministically computable methods. Such methods generate a DID set from a specific set of SID sets by applying a specific set of completely defined transformations in a specific order. For example, if the SID set consisted of numbers and a transformation S was "multiply every other number by a random number generated by the local computer", then this method would not be deterministically computable unless the method of computing the random number was also specified and reproducible.
There are many standard and proprietary formats for image data. Some data formats do not contain information that describes how the data are to be interpreted. For example, consider a data set D consisting of 512×512×8 bits of data. This data set D may represent a gray scale image with 256 gray levels at each of the 512×512 pixel sites or the same data set D may represent balances in bank accounts. Other formats of data include meta-data (that is data about the data) that enables proper interpretation of the data. For example, there may be a header (another data set) which is appended to the header of D, which is text and reads "the data following this text consists of 512×512 bytes of data, each byte of which represents an 8 bit gray level pixel value and the pixels are arranged in an array of 512 rows and 512 columns of pixels with the first pixel value being located at the upper left-hand corner of the image and the subsequent pixels filling the array across rows and down columns." An alternative is to append a file name extension, such as .jpg, or .gif, which indicates that the data in the named file has a standard, well documented format either known to the public, or in the case of proprietary formats, to authorized users of the format. Many image formats use a combination of the file name extension and header data to provide interpretative information. For example, the jpg format includes a header structure and the header structure has a field in which users may insert data, such as a comment, which provides even more meta-data. Some fields of header data may be necessary for the format to conform to its specification and other fields may be optional.
When an application program is written, such as a program to display a .jpg image on a computer screen, the program may be written to ignore optional data in a header. An application program may still properly display the .jpg image, even if it does not use the optional data to display the image. Image data formats, which include header field(s) for data not required for use by an application program so it generates an image that conforms to the format specifications are termed herein as "commentable formats". The element of commentable formats that is important for the present invention is that it provides a mechanism for a program to insert and make use of reasonably large data strings without interfering with the proper interpretation of the formatted data by another, independent program which cannot parse or use the data strings. Although only image data is discussed herein, those skilled in the art will immediately understand that the appended header may be replaced by any mechanism which provides a documented place for meta-data and that such formats include formats for video and audio data, 3-dimensional data such as for CAT-scans, computer graphic data, virtual reality data and such other forms of data that have commentable formats.
There are many methods that relate to the use of source and derivative images. For example, the Open Prepress Interface ("OPI") specifies a mechanism for a user of a reduced size version (derivative) of a high quality original digital image (source) within compliant document creation programs to move the derivative around in the document (for example, for placement purposes) and then send the document, which includes a file pointer to the source image, to a printer. The printer then replaces the derivative image with the source image in the printed output. However, such methods do not include information as to how the derivative image was generated from the source image and the file pointer is not universal but specific to a particular file system.
There are many well known aspects to the management of digital data. One task may be to erase all digital data that has not been read or altered for a year and such tasks may be done efficiently. However, there are many valuable image management tasks which relate to the relationship of source and derivative images and that cannot now be done efficiently. For example, one of the most popular methods of generating images for the World Wide Web involves the use of Adobe's Photoshop program. Inside Photoshop, images are created in layers with, for example, one layer being a background photo (layer 1), another layer being an inset photo of a sports star (layer 2), another layer being a marketing brand icon (layer 3), another layer being a photo of a product (layer 4) and another layer being text (layer 5). A photo appearing on the Internet may consist of all layers superimposed on the previous one. One source-derivative data management task may be, for example, to replace all old brand icons appearing on such web images with new brand icons. Currently, except for looking (whether it is done by a person or by a computer image processing program) at every image on every web site (this approach is called the method of exhaustive search), there is no method for completing such a data management task. The method of exhaustive search, carried out by humans, is feasible only on small networks. However, there are not enough people to carry out an exhaustive search on the Internet within a time period that renders such a search useful to people and corporations. The method of exhaustive search, as carried out by computers, is only feasible when one imposes very restrictive conditions on the derivative data sets. For example, when brand images are arbitrarily rotated, scaled and filtered, even if such transformations are limited to those enabled by the Photoshop program only, no known computer program can identify such transformed brand images as being derived from source brand images.
What is needed is a system and method for identifying the source sets used to generate derivative images and the transformations used for generating such images.

Management of source and derivative image data


A refresh period generating circuit which generates a refresh period in refreshing a DRAM cell, comprising: an oscillation circuit which oscillates at a frequency with temperature dependence on ambient temperature; a dividing circuit which divides an oscillation output of the oscillation circuit; a temperature detector which detects the ambient temperature; and a selector which switches and selects among division outputs with respective frequencies from the dividing circuit based on an output of the temperature detector, and outputs a signal as a reference of the refresh period. The temperature dependence in the oscillation circuit includes a positive temperature coefficient in a predetermined temperature range, and does not include a positive temperature coefficient out of the predetermined temperature range. The selector switches the division outputs out of the predetermined temperature range.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a refresh period generating circuit for generating a refresh period in a DRAM product (for example, including general-purpose DRAM, SDRAM, pseudo SRAM, and system LSI installed with DRAM) having the auto refresh function on a memory cell (hereinafter, referred to as a DRAM cell) of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
2. Related Art
A DRAM cell is comprised of a capacitor that stores an electrical charge as data and a transistor that switches between input and output of the data. The data retention characteristics of the DRAM cell have extremely large temperature dependence as compared with electrical characteristics of other structural elements such as, for example, a MOS transistor. The electrical characteristics of other structural elements are generally dependent on the temperature dependence of the mobility of electrons. It is known that an increase in temperature by 10° C. makes delay of about 5% in characteristics. Meanwhile, the data retention characteristics of the DRAM cell are principally dependent on junction leakage between a N-type diffusion layer and P-type diffusion layer constituting part of the DRAM cell. It is known that the data retention characteristics (data retention time) become about half as the temperature increases by 10° C.
In recent years, it has become general that widespread portable devices are miniaturized and configured to enable backup by battery. Therefore, the portable devices facilitate their portability. With respect to DRAM products for use in such a type of portable device, self refresh to automatically perform refresh is introduced, and the load on the system can thereby be reduced. As a configuration to perform self refresh, a refresh timer is provided for the DRAM product to perform periodic refresh, an address (word-line address) and clock for refresh is internally generated at the designated time, and refresh is performed automatically.
Particularly at the self refresh time, the portable device usually does not operate, thereby does not exhibit heating, and in consideration of carrying the device, it is assumed that the actual use temperature or the ambient temperature is about room temperature. Therefore, since the data retention time is long at room temperature (at low temperatures), the self refresh period is made longer than that at high temperatures, and thus, the device is provided with the temperature compensation function for refresh to reduce power consumption due to refresh operation.
As the temperature compensation function for refresh, various methods are described in JP 2002-215258 (however, this document discloses compensation examples to eliminate the temperature dependence). FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of a conventional analog-system refresh period generating circuit as an oscillation circuit for varying the oscillation period in analog form by high magnification corresponding to temperature. The configuration of FIG. 9 is suitable for, particularly, temperature compensation for the refresh period with the large temperature dependence. A refresh period generating circuit 100 as shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a band-gap type reference voltage generating circuit (VREF0) 011, a comparative voltage generating circuit (VREF1) 012, a current control signal generating circuit (CSGEN) 013 with positive temperature dependence, and a ring oscillator (R-OSC) 014 as an oscillator.
In the aforementioned configuration, the band-gap type reference voltage generating circuit 011 outputs voltage VBGR with no temperature dependence and voltage VBE with temperature dependence. The comparative voltage generating circuit 012 receives as its input the voltage VBGR with no temperature dependence, and based on the voltage VBGR, generates comparative voltage VRTR0 with no temperature dependence suitable for comparison. The current control signal generating circuit 013 receives the voltage VBE and comparative voltage VRTR0 to compare, generates current control signals OSCBP and OSCBN, and inputs both the signals to the ring oscillator 014. The ring oscillator 014 is configured to control the oscillating frequency using the current control signals OSCBP and OSCBN and output a refresh reference signal REFRQ. The signal REFRQ works as a control signal for refresh.
In addition, assuming that the refresh period is Tref, a minimum cycle allowing refresh is Trcyc, a current flowing when refresh is continued successively at the minimum cycle is Iref, and a standby current is Istb, a current Iself at the self refresh time is expressed as follows:Iself=(Iref)×(Trcyc/Tref)+IstbThus, the level is of the order of 250 μA in terms of the capability of the DRAM product. It is necessary to limit the standby current Istb to substantially 20 to 25 μA, and power consumption in refresh period generating circuit 100 is thereby restricted.
FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the relationship between temperature and refresh period in the analog-system refresh period generating circuit 100 as shown in FIG. 9. In the graph of FIG. 10, the horizontal axis represents temperature, while the vertical axis represents normalized period. In the graph of FIG. 10, a line 021 shows the temperature dependence of the data retention characteristics (refresh period required for data retention) in a typical DRAM cell, while a curve 022 shows the temperature dependence of the refresh period in the refresh period generating circuit 100 as shown in FIG. 9. As can be seen from the curve 022, the temperature dependence decreases and becomes saturated at high temperatures and low temperatures. This is because the control current (described later) in the ring oscillator 014 becomes a constant value and does not vary at upper limit or lower limit. To vary the refresh period in analog form, it is possible to set the temperature such that the temperature dependence becomes saturated at high temperatures or low temperatures at an arbitrary temperature to some extent by design.
However, in the configuration of the analog-system refresh period generating circuit 100, since the oscillating frequency is varied by only a few times at the maximum, the—temperature range that can be covered is narrowed. In other words, in the case of considering 0.5 times/10° C. as the temperature dependence of the data retention time of the DRAM cell, the temperature range that can be covered is only from 20° C. to 30° C., and it is difficult to sufficiently reduce the current consumption at low temperatures. Moreover, to further reduce AC operation part (dynamic current) of current consumption at low temperatures in half, it is required to further reduce a variation range of the oscillating frequency to lower frequencies particularly at low temperatures, but such reduction is difficult. Thus, the conventional analog-system refresh period generating circuit 100 has problems in terms of power reduction of the DRAM product for use in the portable device.
Meanwhile, instead of varying the refresh period in analog form as described above, a configuration is known that varies the refresh period in digital form. An example of the digital-system refresh period generating circuit with such a configuration is disclosed in JP H05-307882.
FIG. 11 shows a configuration example of a conventional digital-system refresh period generating circuit as an oscillation circuit that varies the oscillation period in digital form corresponding to temperature. A refresh period generating circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 11 is comprised of a ring oscillator (R-OSC) 014, a dividing circuit (DIVIDER) 015, a temperature sensor (TEMP-SENSOR) 016 and a frequency selector (SELECTOR) 017.
In the aforementioned configuration, an oscillation output of the ring oscillator 014 is input to the dividing circuit 015, and the frequency selector 017 selects among divided frequencies (division outputs) using a signal to identify the temperature obtained in the temperature sensor 016, and outputs a refresh reference signal REFRQ.
For example, such a constitution is considered that the dividing circuit 015 is a binary counter, and temperature detection is carried out in steps of 10° C., the most significant bit of the binary counter is selected at the minimum detection temperature, and then, lower bit of the binary counter is selected sequentially whenever the temperature increases by one step. Such a constitution reduces the refresh period in half whenever the temperature increases by 10° C., corresponds to that the data retention time of the DRAM cell is reduced in half with a 10° C. increase in temperature as described previously, and thus is convenient. However, to vary in what temperature step is dependent on the performance the temperature selector and a processing method of the divided signal, and is selected by design.
FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the relationship between temperature and refresh in the digital-system refresh period generating circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 11. In the graph of FIG. 12, the horizontal axis represents temperature, while the vertical axis represents normalized period. In the graph of FIG. 12, a line 021 shows the temperature dependence of the data retention characteristics in a typical DRAM cell, while a solid line 023 shows the temperature dependence of the refresh period in the refresh period generating circuit 200 as shown in FIG. 11. Assuming that the refresh period is designed to vary by one-fourth times every 20° C., since the frequency is the reciprocal of the period, the refresh frequency varies by four times every 20° C. Further, a broken line 024 shows a range of fluctuations of the oscillating frequency or period due to fluctuations of accuracy in frequency switching in the temperature sensor 016, fluctuations in manufacturing process and the like.
It is generally known that in an integrated circuit a relative value is obtained with relatively high accuracy, but an absolute value greatly varies depending on manufacturing conditions. For example, detecting the temperature in steps of 10° C. or making the frequency two times or half is of relative value, and can be implemented with high accuracy. In contrast thereto, for example, detecting 70° C. or outputting a frequency of 100 kHz is of absolute value, and may cause fluctuations of 20% to 30%. In particular, since the idea of varying the refresh period originates from reduction in current consumption when the temperature is low, it is useless trading off an increase in current consumption for suppression of fluctuations.
In other words, a region indicated by the broken line 024 in FIG. 12 represents a range of variations in the characteristics due to process fluctuations, and is close to the limit of data retention characteristics of the line 021 at a switching portion of the refresh period, i.e. a corner portion of the stepwise waveform of the line 023. Accordingly, when effects are considered such as variations in design value, manufacturing parameter and the like, the possibility is assumed that the refresh period is increased exceeding the limit of the data retention characteristics, and data of the DRAM cell is lost. In order to deal with such a phenomenon, it is necessary to secure a wide operation margin in refresh. Such a margin increases the number of refresh times, and current consumption increases.
As described above, in the conventional refresh period generating circuits, when decreasing the frequency of refresh to reduce power consumption, particularly power consumption at low temperatures in self refresh of the DRAM product, there have been defects that a variation amount of the frequency is small in the analog system that provides the frequency with temperature dependence, and that the digital system that provides a large variation in frequency with temperature causes the possibility that the refresh period exceeds a required value at a corner portion of the frequency switching or the like, and to prevent such a possibility, requires a wide operation margin.


A fluid sensor assembly for sensing a fluid contained in a fluid tank of a vehicle includes a housing unit having a base plate, a sample suction line, and a sample return line. The fluid sensor assembly includes a header assembly having a header housing separably coupled to the housing unit. The header housing is located exterior of the fluid tank of the vehicle. The header assembly has a sample tank in fluid communication with the sample suction line and the sample return line. The sample tank receives fluid from the fluid tank and a fluid quality sensor senses a quality characteristic of the fluid in the sample tank for quality sampling of the fluid at a location remote from an interior of the fluid tank.

The subject matter herein relates generally to fluid sensor assemblies.
In some applications, e.g. in a fueling system of an engine, or a DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) delivery system of a SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) apparatus, fluid level needs to be maintained above a certain level, and fluid quality issues, such as impure fluid or diluted fluid, need to be detected for avoiding deterioration in system performance and damages to the system. In these applications, normally a fluid level sensor and a fluid quality sensor are used for measuring fluid level and monitoring fluid quality. For example, the fluid level sensor is a reed switch sensor in various systems and the fluid quality sensor includes an ultrasound sensor. The fluid level sensor and the fluid quality sensor are typically held by a fluid sensor housing in the fluid tank. Monitoring fluid quality in the fluid tank is difficult and may lead to inaccurate quality measurements. Additionally, the fluid sensors are integrated into a common sensor unit. Repair or replacement requires removing of the sensor unit and replacing the entire sensing unit. A need remains for a robust and cost effective fluid sensor assembly.


The present disclosure generally provides ionization methods and devices for use in mass spectrometry. In some embodiments, the ionization methods and devices employ short laser pulses (e.g., pulses having pulsewidths in a range of about 2 fs to about 1 ps) at a high intensity (e.g., an intensity in a range of about 1 TW/cm2 to about 1000 TW/cm2) to ionize an analyte an ambient pressure greater than about 10−5 Torr (e.g., an ambient pressure in a range of about 1 atmosphere to about 100 atmospheres).

A variety of ionization techniques are employed in mass spectrometry. Some examples of such ionization techniques include Electrospray Ionization (ESI), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI), and Electron Impact (EI) ionization, among others. The known ionization methods can be characterized by their ionization efficiency, the tendency to cause fragmentation ("softness" of ionization) and the degree of their universality (their ability to ionize a wide range of compounds efficiently). The known ionization methods suffer from a number of shortcomings. For example, EI ionization, though universal, is not "soft" and has a relatively low efficiency. ESI is "soft" but it is not universal (e.g., it is not suitable for ionizing non-polar compounds). Accordingly, there is a need for enhanced ionization methods and devices, and for such methods and devices that can be utilized in a mass spectrometer.

Ionization with femtosecond lasers at elevated pressure


A blower device includes a housing including an intake chamber, an accommodation chamber communicating with the intake chamber, and an exhaust port, a motor provided in the accommodation chamber and including a coil, a fan provided on a rotating shaft of the motor, a sealing member configured to seal up the intake chamber, and a flow path of the air which is introduced into a gap between a first surface of the fan and the housing, is returned from a flow path hole provided in the housing and communicating with the intake chamber to an opening, and is introduced to a second surface of the fan opposed to the first surface by an air-blowing operation of the fan.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Among blower devices configured to discharge air taken in from an intake port to an exhaust port, there is a blower device or the like provided with an air dynamic pressure bearing in which at the time of, for example, rotation, the rotor and stator are not in contact with each other (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
A blower device provided with an air dynamic pressure bearing has a longer operating life and lower noise than a blower device or the like which is provided with ball bearings and in which the rotor and stator are in direct contact with each other. Accordingly, a blower device provided with an air dynamic pressure bearing is utilized as a blower device for an artificial respirator.
However, in a blower device provided with the air dynamic pressure bearing, a pressure difference occurs between top surfaces and undersurfaces of fan blades, the fan are moved from the predetermined position in the thrust direction due to the occurred pressure difference, and there is a possibility of the fan being brought into contact with the housing which is the case body in the worst case.
Moreover, in the case of a blower system in which a plurality of blower devices are connected in series (cascade-connected) for the purpose of enhancing the pressure, the above-mentioned problem becomes more conspicuous. More specifically, in the blower system, the pressure of the blower devices on the lower-stages, i.e., on the second and subsequent stages becomes higher than the pressure of the blower device on the upper-stage side, and hence an imbalance between the pressure applied to the top surface and undersurface of the fan of each of the blower devices on the lower-stage side becomes more obvious. Accordingly, as the air flow path advances toward the lower-stage side, the pressure difference occurring between the top surface and undersurface of the fan becomes greater, thus the possibility of the fan and housing being brought into contact with each other also becomes greater, and hence there is a limit to the pressure enhancement based on the cascade connection.

Blower device and blower system equipped with blower device


A packet data service node is formed to establish an “always on” connection with a mobile terminal by way of a packet control function card or device with the ability to determine when a mobile terminal no longer requires a previously established point-to-point protocol communication link. More specifically, the PDSN formed according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes an inactivity timer and corresponding logic to prompt it to generate an LCP Echo Request to the mobile terminal after expiration of the inactivity timer. Each time data or control signals are received from the mobile terminal, the inactivity timer is reset. Upon expiration of the timer, the PDSN generates the LCP Echo Request. In one embodiment of the invention, the LCP Echo Request is generated at least once and a total of three times prior to the release of network resources responsive to not receiving an LCP Echo Reply from the mobile terminal, which it should have generated had it received the LCP Echo Request generated by the PDSN. Logic defined by the PDSN and its corresponding method of operation facilitates the release of resources being wasted by a mobile terminal that no longer needs as determined by failure of the mobile terminal to respond with an LCP Echo Reply.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to mobile communication devices and, more particularly, the present invention relates to mobile terminals capable of communicating in a data-only mode with a data network, as well as mobile terminals capable of communicating in voice and data modes.
2. Related Art
Wireless communication service providers, as well as Internet service providers, face some difficult challenges as the various networks are increasingly modified to work together to provide seamless end-to-end call connectivity across the various platforms. Ever-increasing residential dial-up subscribers demand available modem (or ISDN) ports, or threaten to take their business elsewhere. To meet this demand, Internet service providers are deploying a large number of complex, port-dense network access servers (NAS) to handle thousands of individual dial-up connections. As such, small and large, as well as private and public, wireless data networks are being created to seamlessly interact with large wire line networks to enable users to establish point-to-point connections independent of terminal type and location. Traditionally, however, voice networks have paved the way for the creation of data networks as users loaded the voice networks trying to transmit data, including streaming data (video and voice). Initially, traditional Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) were used for data transmissions but have been largely supplanted by data packet networks, including various versions of the "Internet".
The wireless domain has had a parallel history. Initial voice networks, including AMPS, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) including North American TDMA and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), were used to conduct data in a limited capacity. These networks are being replaced, however, by newer wireless data-only networks, as well as data and voice networks.
The structure and operation of wireless communication systems are generally known. Examples of such wireless communication systems include cellular systems and wireless local area networks, among others. Equipment that is deployed in these communication systems is typically built to support standardized operations, i.e., operating standards. These operating standards prescribe particular carrier frequencies, modulation types, baud rates, physical layer frame structures, MAC layer operations, link layer operations, etc. By complying with these operating standards, equipment interoperability is achieved.
In a cellular system, a regulatory body typically licenses a frequency spectrum for a corresponding geographic area (service area) that is used by a licensed system operator to provide wireless service within the service area. Based upon the licensed spectrum and the operating standards employed for the service area, the system operator deploys a plurality of carrier frequencies (channels) within the frequency spectrum that support the subscriber units within the service area. Typically, these channels are equally spaced across the licensed spectrum. The separation between adjacent carriers is defined by the operating standards and is selected to maximize the capacity supported within the licensed spectrum without excessive interference. In most cases, severe limitations are placed upon the amount of co-channel and adjacent channel interference that may be caused by transmissions on a particular channel.
In cellular systems, a plurality of base stations is distributed across the service area. Each base station services wireless communications within a respective cell. Each cell may be further subdivided into a plurality of sectors. In many cellular systems, e.g., GSM cellular systems, each base station supports forward link communications (from the base station to subscriber units) on a first set of carrier frequencies, and reverse link communications (from subscriber units to the base station) on a second set of carrier frequencies. The first set and second set of carrier frequencies supported by the base station are a subset of all of the carriers within the licensed frequency spectrum. In most, if not all, cellular systems, carrier frequencies are reused so that interference between base stations using the same carrier frequencies is minimized and system capacity is increased. Typically, base stations using the same carrier frequencies are geographically separated so that minimal interference results.
Traditional wireless mobile networks include Mobile Station Controllers (MSCs), Base Station Controllers (BSCs) and Base Transceiver Station (BTS) systems that jointly operate to communicate with mobile stations over a wireless communication link. Examples of common networks include the GSM networks, North American TDMA networks and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks. Extensive infrastructures (e.g., ANSI-41 or MAP-based networks) exist in the cellular wireless networks for tracking mobility, distributing subscriber profiles, and authenticating physical devices.
To establish a wireless communication link in traditional wireless voice networks, an MSC communicates with a BSC to prompt the BTS (collectively "Base Station" or "BS") to generate paging signals to a specified mobile station within a defined service area typically known as a cell or sector (a cell portion). The mobile station, upon receiving the page request, responds to indicate that it is present and available to accept an incoming call. Thereafter, the BS, upon receiving a page response from the mobile station, communicates with the MSC to advise it of the same. The call is then routed through the BS to the mobile station as the call setup is completed and the communication link is created. Alternatively, to establish a call, a mobile station generates call setup signals that are processed by various network elements in a synchronized manner to authenticate the user as a part of placing the call. The authentication process includes, for example, communicating with a Home Location Register (HLR) to obtain user and terminal profile information.
The next generation of cellular networks presently being developed are being modified from traditional systems to create the ability for mobile stations to receive and transmit data in a manner that provides greatly increased throughput rates. For example, many new mobile stations, often referred to as mobile terminals or access terminals, are being developed to enable a user to surf the web or send and receive e-mail messages through the wireless mobile terminal, as well as to be able to receive continuous bit rate data, including so called "streaming data". Accordingly, different systems and networks are being developed to expand such capabilities and to improve their operational characteristics.
One example of a system that is presently being deployed with voice and data capabilities is the CDMA2000 network. The CDMA2000 network, however, is developed from the IS-95 networks that were optimized for voice transmissions and therefore is not optimized for transmitting data even though its data transport capability is significantly improved from prior art networks and systems. More formally, the 1×RTT standard defines CDMA operation for data transmissions.
One data-only network that is being developed is defined by the 1×EVDO standard. The 1×EVDO standard defines a time burst system utilizing a 1.25 MHz carrier that is set at a carrier frequency that is adjacent to the frequencies used by the voice networks. In one particular network, a 1.67 millisecond (mS) burst is used for the forward link in a 1×EVDO network. Typical 1×EVDO networks include a Packet Data Service Node (PDSN) for performing routing and switching for a data packet or data packet stream, an Access Network Controller (ANC) that establishes and manages the wireless communication link with the mobile terminal, and a Packet Control Function (PCF) that is largely an interface device for converting signals between the packet domain and a wireless network that will be used for the communication link.
The 1×EVDO network is optimized for forward link data applications. The next generation of 1×RTT networks that are being deployed can communicate with voice and data networks but do not process data as efficiently as the networks formed according to the 1×EVDO standard. Newer networks are also being designed and have evolved from the 1×EVDO standard, including 1×EVDV, which is for transmitting data as well as voice.
The 1×EVDO networks that have been previously described are not formed, however, to interact seamlessly between the voice and data networks. For example, the 1×EVDO networks do not have or fully utilize Signaling System Number 7 (SS7) type network components to assist with call setup, user and mobile station authentication, call routing, and feature delivery. The 1×EVDO networks are formed to carry data only and do not include the full functionality and capabilities of wireless voice networks. The infrastructure of the 1×EVDO network is different and simpler than SS7-based voice networks (wire line or wireless).
1×EVDO does not provide all hand-off capabilities and functionality of typical voice networks. Accordingly, present mobile terminals only provide some of these traditional voice network features and, in some cases, only in a rudimentary way. For example, the designs in the 1×EVDO standard only provide for user authentication, not terminal authentication. Because traditional SS7-type network components are not fully available in 1×EVDO networks, compatibility and control problems are readily noticeable.
One problem that has been identified in some packet data networks, including 1×EVDO and 1×RTT networks is that a connected mobile terminal in a dormant state may be geographically moved to a new cell area in a manner that a serving network element from an original cell area is not aware that the mobile terminal has moved and thus continues to allocate and reserve resources to the mobile terminal thereby wasting network resources. One approach to solving this problem is to merely tear down a connection after a period of time. While this approach would reclaim the unused resources for a dormant and migrating mobile terminal, it flies against a basic desire to create a system that supports an "always connected" mode of operation for wireless terminals similar to the same type of feature for wireline user terminals that are connected to the Internet or other data packet networks through a broadband connection such as DSL or cable modem. What is needed, therefore, is an efficient way of reclaiming network resources without obliterating the concept of having an always connected wireless mobile terminal.

Identification of unused resources in a packet data network


An electrostatic discharge protection apparatus disposed in an optical disk drive includes a spindle motor and a feeding mechanism for driving a pick-up head. The mechanism includes a sled motor for driving the pick-up head. A traverse is disposed in a casing of the optical disk drive for disposing the motor and the mechanism. The electrostatic discharge protection apparatus is an elastic sheet disposed at one end of the spindle motor adjacent to the sled motor and includes a main body and several strips extending from the main body. The main body is connected with a metal fixing plate of the spindle motor. One strip contacts the sled motor, another strip contacts the guide bar, and another obliquely protruding strip penetrates and contacts a base plate and presses against the casing. A big electrostatic discharge sink is formed to buffer the transient impact caused by high electrostatic charges.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to an electrostatic discharge protection apparatus, and more particularly to an electrostatic discharge protection apparatus of an optical disk drive for preventing damage to delicate electronic components from electrostatic discharge.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrostatic charges accumulate on the surface of human body and can be as high as several thousands of voltages. When a user touches an electronic product by hand, electrostatic charges suddenly flow to the electronic product. As a result, IC chips on a circuit board inside the electronic product are damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD), which causes malfunction of the electronic product.
As shown in FIG. 1, a metal plate 2 is disposed on the back of the panel 3 in a conventional optical disk drive 1 for preventing the damage caused by electrostatic discharge. The metal plate 2 closely surrounds an eject button 4 on a panel 3. The panel 3 is disposed on the front of a tray 5, so that the metal plate 2 contacts the front side of a metal base plate (not shown in FIG. 1) under the tray 5. The metal base plate contacts a spindle motor 6 disposed on the tray 5. A cable 7 providing electricity and signals connects the spindle motor 6 with a main board 8. The main board 8 is disposed on the back of a casing 9 of the optical disk drive 1 and contacts the casing 9. The main board 8 and the casing 9 provide a grounding path for dissipating electrostatic charges. A signal line of the cable 7 is grounded through the main board 8 and the casing 9. When the eject bottom 4 is pushed by a user manually, electrostatic charges from the human body is directed by the metal plate 2 toward the spindle motor 6 through the base plate. Then, electrostatic charges are dissipated to the ground through the signal line 7, the main board 8 and the casing 9. Therefore, electrostatic charges do not flow to electronic components on the tray 5, and the delicate electronic components are not damaged by electrostatic charges.
However, the signal line of the cable 7 is a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) cable, and the diameter of the signal line is limited. Generally, electrostatic charges can be dissipated through the signal line, but electrostatic charges with thousands of voltages can not be dissipated through the signal line in time due to the relatively small diameter of the signal line. As a result, electrostatic charges accumulate on the metal plate 2 and the base plate, which increases the possibility of damaging the delicate electronic components by electrostatic charges. Moreover, for reducing the cost and weight of the optical disk drive, not only is the tray 5 integrally formed by plastic, but also a frame of a traverse 10 disposed on the tray 5 is formed integrally by plastic. Therefore, the metal components on the tray 5 are not electrically connected with each other, and electrostatic charge accumulation can not be dissipated. Especially when the tray 5 is ejected from the optical disk drive, an object with electrostatic charges may also contact areas other than the eject bottom 4. Thus, the possibility of the delicate electronic components being damaged by electrostatic charges is increased enormously. Therefore, there are still issues regarding electrostatic discharge protection of optical disk drives that need to be solved.

Electrostatic discharge protection apparatus


An apparatus and method for testing thermal fatigue resistance. The apparatus utilizes a unified heating device and cooling device so that the apparatus is smaller and simpler and a more even temperature distribution can be obtained. The apparatus has at least one gas duct facing the test unit and a device for supplying the duct with a compressed gas flow. A plurality of gas ducts may be used which face plural points on the test unit from plural directions. Thermocouples are placed on several points on the test unit and the temperatures of the points measured. Swift and precise testing of thermal fatigue resistance can be performed by a feedback control of each heating device based on the measured temperature. Thermal strains are caused in certain parts of the test unit due to differences of thermal expansion between members of the test unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to an apparatus and a method for testing thermal fatigue resistance, and belongs to the engineering field of testing thermal fatigue resistance.
2. Description of the Related Art
A technique for testing thermal fatigue resistance is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (KOKAI) No.7-020031. It is a testing technique in which a test piece is put between two pieces of a holder with thermal expansion coefficient different from the coefficient of the test piece, and the test unit consisting of the test piece and the holder is heated up and cooled down. The difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between the test piece and the holder is used to cause the required strain on the test piece, so that thermal fatigue test is performed.
In the testing technique described above, any actuators are not necessary to cause the mechanical strain in the test piece, so the technique has some advantage in the cost of the testing facility. The technique, however, was still to be improved because the facility was not compact enough nor simple enough, as it needed both means for heating and means for cooling separately. Also, heating and cooling of the whole test unit caused nonuniform temperature distribution due to difference of thermal capacity in every part of the test unit and made it difficult to give a required temperature distribution intentionally to the test piece.
Thus, the purpose of the invention is to provide an apparatus for testing thermal fatigue resistance which has unified means for heating and cooling and can provide a smaller and simpler set up, and to provide a method for testing thermal fatigue resistance by which required temperature distribution on the test unit can be obtained intentionally.

Apparatus and method for testing thermal fatigue resistance


An integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method of use for producing edentulous dentures, each including a lower dental tray having a removable modular contact plate with an upwardly extending shoulder surrounding a tapered opening, a ball nut retained in the tapered opening, and a post adjustably secured to the ball nut. A modular striking plate may be removably attached to an upper dental tray or an integrated striking sector on a bottom surface of the upper dental tray is utilized to accurately obtain an established occlusal vertical and centric relation positions. The contact plate and striking plate are each configured as snap-in components to the respective trays. Additionally, the contact plate may be utilized as a spacer between the dental trays once the post and ball nut are removed. Finally, the contact plate and striking plate may be removed for functional positioning and esthetic blue printing measurements.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for obtaining accurate measurements and calibrations in order to produce dentures for edentulous patients and a method of using the same, and more particularly to an integrated modular dental measuring apparatus, the use of which will reduce the number of visits required in order to obtain the required measurements and calibrations while not eliminating detail of records in order to produce a set of dentures, wherein the dental trays thereof may be converted to multiple uses.
2. Description of the Related Art
Treatment of patients that are missing teeth is often accomplished by complete dentures including an upper denture and a lower denture or accomplished by partial dentures. Prior to making new or replacement dentures, multiple measurements and calibrations are taken of the patient and the patient's mouth and any existing dental prostheses are recorded. Additionally, appropriate measurements are taken to verify the proper fit and relationships of the dental prostheses not only with the oral cavity but with each other.
Ideally, dentures should mate with the mouth and function with existing mouth tissue. Poor fitting dentures can cause mouth soreness and can negatively influence a patient's facial appearance and even a patient's diet. The production of accurate partial or complete dentures requires multiple measurements and multiple calibrations.
In existing practice, an impression is used to create an imprinted likeness of a jaw, any teeth and any implants, along with gingiva areas of the oral cavity. An upper tray and a lower tray are selected by size and filled with impression material, such as a resin. From this impression, an acrylic or stone cast is made. Additional measurements and calibrations include establishing the centric position or repeatable horizontal and vertical spacing. Identifying and measuring appropriate occlusal vertical dimensions and centric relation positions during treatment of edentulous patients is also necessary for predictable and successful application of dental prostheses.
Additional measurements include esthetic blue printing to accommodate the shape of the patient's upper lip and mouth. This imprint will guide the laboratory in both cosmetic and tooth set up. Additionally, a set of measurements known as "neutral zone technique" will accommodate measurement of the functional tongue, cheek and lip positioning of the patient. Finally, an articulator or other similar device is often utilized to determine the position of the arches with respect to the jaws of the patient.
It is therefore desirable to provide an integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method for dentures for obtaining a series of measurements and calibrations of a patient to reduce the number of visits that the patient is required to make to the dental professional.
It is further desirable to provide an integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method for dentures that enable multiple measurements and calibrations to be made in a single fitting in order to produce a set of dentures.
It is still further desirable to provide an integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method for dentures that reduce the required inventory of different types of dental trays which are necessary to produce a set of dentures.
It is yet further desirable to provide an integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method for dentures that is convertible in order to be used for different measurement and calibration functions.

Integrated modular dental measuring apparatus and method for dentures


A method for training a deep learning network based on artificial intelligence is provided. The method includes steps of: a learning device (a) inputting unlabeled data into an active learning network to acquire sub unlabeled data and inputting the sub unlabeled data into an auto labeling network to generate new labeled data; (b) allowing a continual learning network to sample the new labeled data and existing labeled data to generate a mini-batch, and train the existing learning network using the mini-batch to acquire a trained learning network, wherein part of the mini-batch are selected by referring to specific existing losses; and (c) (i) allowing an explainable analysis network to generate insightful results on validation data and transmit the insightful results to a human engineer to transmit an analysis of the trained learning network and (ii) modifying at least one of the active learning network and the continual learning network.

Recently, methods of performing object identification and the like making use of machine learning are being studied.
Deep learning, which is one type of the machine learning, uses a neural network with several hidden layers between an input layer and an output layer, and shows high performance in recognition.
And, the neural network using the deep learning generally is trained through backpropagation using losses.
In order to train such a deep learning network, conventionally, raw data is collected according to a data collection policy, and human labelers annotate the collected raw data to generate new training data. After that, the deep learning network is trained by using the new training data and existing training data. Then, human engineers modify and improve learning algorithms to be used for training the deep learning network, by referring to an analysis result on performance. In addition, the data collection policy is changed by referring to the analysis result, and re-examination is performed as to whether there is any wrong annotation, and modification is performed accordingly.
However, in the conventional method as such, as the performance of the deep learning network improves, hard example useful for training becomes scarce, and thus an effect of improving the performance of the deep learning network using the new training data is reduced, and return on investment on the data annotation by the human labelers is reduced.
In addition, in the conventional method, if the new training data annotated by the human labelers and the existing training data are used at a fixed ratio, then an amount of the existing training data gradually increases, and accordingly, the learning effect of the deep learning network using the new training data is gradually reduced.
Also, in the conventional method, it is impossible to know which part of the learning model, such as a learning algorithm, a data collection policy, training data, etc. causes problems and needs to be improved, only from results on the performance analysis by the human engineers. That is, an inefficient trial and error of comparing performance by changing a tiny element is required, or tracing each result of the trained deep learning network back to the cause to find out the root cause is required, therefore the experience and judgment of the costly human engineers are required.

Method for training deep learning network based on artificial intelligence and learning device using the same


An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device which can improve rotation performance, suppress a friction torque, and reduce power consumption of motor, and a recording and reproducing apparatus including the same. A shaft having a flange on one end and a hub on the other end is provided with a bearing of a sleeve so as to be rotatable. The sleeve includes a communication hole. A third gap between the hub and the sleeve end surface is a flow path, and is connected to the communication hole. Provided that a first gap between a thrust plate 4 and the flange 3 is S1, a second gap between the flange 3 and a lower end surface of the sleeve 1 is S2, and a third gap between the upper end surface of the sleeve 1 and the hub 7 is S3, widths of the gaps satisfy the relational expression, S3>(S1+S2).

In recent years, recording and reproducing apparatus and the like using discs to be rotated experience an increase in a memory capacity and an increase in a transfer rate for data. Thus, bearings used for such recording and reproducing apparatus are required to have high performance and high reliability to constantly rotate a disc load with a high accuracy. Accordingly, hydrodynamic bearings suitable for high-speed rotation are used for such rotary devices.
The hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device has a lubricant such as oil between a shaft and a sleeve, and generates a pumping pressure by hydrodynamic generating grooves during rotation. Thus, the shaft rotates in a non-contact state with respect to the sleeve. Since no mechanical friction is generated, the hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device is suitable for high-speed rotation.
Hereinafter, an example of conventional hydrodynamic bearing type rotary devices will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 through 13.
As shown in FIG. 11, a conventional hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device includes a sleeve 21, a shaft 22, a stopper 23, a bottom plate 24, oil 25, a hub 27, a base plate 28, a rotor magnet 29, a stator 30, and a disc 31.
The shaft 22 is integrated with the hub 27 by press fitting, adhering, press-fit adhering, or the like. The shaft 22 is inserted into a bearing hole 21A of the sleeve 21 so as to be rotatable. The stopper 23 is fixed to the shaft 22 by a screw or press fitting, and is accommodated within a step portion 21C of the sleeve 21. On at least one of an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve 21 and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft 22, radial hydrodynamic generating grooves 21B are formed to form a radial bearing surface. On a surface of the sleeve 21 facing the hub 27 on the rotor side, thrust hydrodynamic generating grooves 21D having a spiral pattern as shown in FIG. 12 are formed to form a thrust bearing surface. The bottom plate 24 shown in FIG. 11 is fixed to the sleeve 21. On an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve 21, a tapered portion 21E is provided. A seal portion 32 is provided between the tapered portion 21E and a circular protrusion 27A of the hub 27. A lubricant such as the oil 25 is sealed in the bearing cavity, and a gas-liquid boundary surface of the lubricant is formed near the seal portion 32. The sleeve 21 is processed so as to have a vent hole 21F which helps discharging air.
To the base plate 28, the sleeve 21 is fixed. The stator 30 is also fixed to the base plate 28 so as to oppose the rotor magnet 29. Magnetic centers of the rotor magnet 29 and the stator 30 in an axial direction are largely shifted, and thus, the rotor magnet can generate an attraction force in a direction indicated by arrow M in the figure. To the hub 27, the rotor magnet 29 and the disc 31 are fixed.
Operations of the conventional hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device having the above-described structure are as follow. In the conventional hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device shown in FIG. 11, when an electric current is supplied to the stator 30, a rotary magnetic field is generated, and a rotary force is applied to the rotor magnet 29. Thus, the rotor magnet 29 starts to rotate with the hub 27, the shaft 22, the stopper 23, and the disc 31. When these members rotate, the radial hydrodynamic generating grooves 21B gather the oil 25 filled in the radial gap, and a pumping pressure is generated between the shaft 22 and the sleeve 21. The thrust hydrodynamic generating grooves 21D gather the oil 25, and a pumping pressure is generated between the hub 27 and the sleeve 21. The shaft 22 and hub 27 float in a direction opposing the attraction force of the rotor magnet 29 which is indicated by arrow M in the figure, and starts to rotate in a non-contact state.
If there is air in the bearing cavity, the air probably passes through the vent hole 21F and is discharged from the gas-liquid boundary surface of the seal portion 32. The term "probably" is used because the air entered in bearing may go to the gas-liquid boundary surface or may go back to the bearing, and not necessarily discharged to the gas-liquid boundary surface.
As described above, the shaft 22 can rotate in a non-contact state with respect to the sleeve 21. With a magnetic head or an optical head (not shown), data can be recorded/reproduced to/from a rotating disc 31.


A NOX abatement system includes a first NOX adsorber capable of being disposed in-line and downstream of and in fluid communication with an engine. The NOX abatement system further includes a selective catalytic reduction catalyst disposed in-line and downstream of, and in direct fluid communication with, the first NOX adsorber. The selective catalytic reduction catalyst is capable of storing ammonia. An off-line reformer is disposed in selective communication with and upstream of the first NOX adsorber and the selective catalytic reduction catalyst. The reformer is capable of producing a reformate that includes primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

This disclosure relates generally to a method and system for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOX) and for regenerating particulate filters.
Generally, diesel engines release more undesirable NOX per kilometer into the atmosphere than gasoline engines. This is because diesel engines generally operate at higher flame temperatures in order that the diesel fuel might burn. Reduction of the flame temperatures can lead to significant increases in hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, soot, and engine power. For at least these reasons, the flame temperatures are generally not reduced, thereby producing the NOX. The reduction of NOX into nitrogen (N2) by an exhaust after treatment system is increasingly difficult as the air fuel ratio increases. The reduction of NOX, e.g., nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O), in exhaust fluid is a widely addressed problem as a result of environmental concerns and mandated government emissions regulations, particularly in the transportation industry.
One proposed solution for the reduction of NOX is the use of a three-way conversion catalyst, which can be employed to treat the exhaust fluids. Such three-way conversion catalysts, containing precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, can effectively use unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide as reducing agents for the chemical reduction of NOX in exhaust fluids, provided that the engine is operated around a balanced stoichiometry for combustion (also referred to as "combustion stoichiometry"). The stoichiometric point depends on the fuel. For example, the balanced combustion stoichiometry for gasoline and diesel is generally at an air to fuel ratio between about 14.4 to about 14.7. However, fuel economy and global carbon dioxide emission concerns have made engine operation under lean-burn conditions desirable in order to realize benefits in fuel economy. Under such lean-burn conditions, the air-to-fuel ratio may be greater than the balanced combustion stoichiometry, i.e., greater than about 14.7, and may be between about 19 to about 35. When lean-burn conditions are employed, three-way conversion catalysts are generally efficient in completely oxidizing the unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides into carbon dioxide and water. However, three-way conversion catalysts are generally inefficient in the reduction of NOX.
Another approach for treating NOX in exhaust fluids is to incorporate a NOX adsorber, also referred to as a "lean-NOX trap," in the exhaust lines. The NOX adsorber promotes the catalytic oxidation of NOX by utilizing catalytic metal components effective for such oxidation, such as precious metals. The formation of NO2 is generally followed by the formation of a nitrate when the NO2 is adsorbed onto the catalyst surface. The NO2 is thus "trapped", i.e., stored, on the catalyst surface in the nitrate form. The system can be periodically operated under fuel-rich combustion to regenerate the NOX adsorber. During this period of fuel-rich combustion, the absence of oxygen and the presence of reducing agents promote the reduction and subsequent release of the stored nitrogen oxides as nitrogen and water. However, this period of fuel-rich combustion may also result in a significant fuel penalty.
A more active approach, such as urea injection upon selective reduction catalyst (SCR), can also be used for NOX control. Urea selective catalyst reduction reduces the NOX emissions in diesel engines by atomizing and dispersing aqueous urea in the flowing exhaust fluid stream. In order to effectively reduce the NOX emissions, the urea selective catalyst reduction system contains components that accurately meter the aqueous urea into the exhaust fluid stream and that homogeneously disperse it in order to achieve maximum catalyst utilization. These components, in addition to the urea supplying components, however, add bulk and size to the device and thereby restrict its usage to heavy-duty applications. Further, the added complexity of the urea injection and the lack of a urea distribution infrastructure are significant detractors to using urea injection.
In addition, the urea selective catalyst reduction system is generally operated at elevated temperatures of greater than about 200° C., since urea can undergo polymerization and polymerized urea cannot be decomposed below 200° C. In some applications, such as stop and go city driving, the exhaust temperature does not even reach 200° C. Excess hydrocarbon must therefore be post-injected into the exhaust stream to elevate the exhaust temperature in order to decompose the polymerized urea. The use of such elevated temperatures generally causes an undesirable amount of additional fuel to be consumed in the operation of the selective catalyst reduction system.
In view of the aforementioned drawbacks with the three-way conversion catalyst, the lean-NOX trap, and the urea selective catalyst reduction system, it is desirable to have an onboard method and system of a size suitable for use in light duty diesel applications e.g., passenger cars, for purposes of reducing NOX emissions as well as for regenerating particulate filters.


A quick coupler for manually coupling a tool, such as a bucket, to an earth working machine. The latching mechanism of the quick coupler includes a pair of mounting plates, each having a pair of openings therein, affixed between two laterally spaced plates of the coupler, wherein one of the mounting plates include threaded openings therein. A latch bar which is slidably mounted between the plates. A pair of fasteners extending from the latch bar, wherein the fasteners include a first and second threaded region, separated by a non-threaded region. The threaded regions of the fasteners threadedly engage the threaded openings of the one mounting plate, while the non-threaded region bypasses the opening.

This invention relates generally to a quick coupler for attaching material handling tools to an earth working machine, and more particularly, to a latching mechanism for the quick coupler.
In recent years, quick couplers have become commonly used for detachably connecting work tools, for example, buckets, to earth working machines, such as backhoes, excavators and loaders. Such quick couplers are advantageous because they allow a machine operator to change from one work tool to another. Thus, the use of a quick coupler makes the machine much more versatile.
Manually actuated quick couplers typically include a latching mechanism that utilizes a threaded fastener. Since the threaded portion of the fastener typically extends the length of the fastener, the machine operator wastes a great deal of time and energy wrenching the fastener its entire length to engage or disengage the latching mechanism of the quick coupler. The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art.
One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for coupling a tool to a machine, comprising: a pair of plates, having a base mounted therebetween, pivotally connected to an extension of the machine; an opening within a first end of the pair of plates; and a latching mechanism partially disposed within the opening of the plates for securely fastening the machine to a bracket of the tool, wherein the latching mechanism further includes at least one fastener having a first and a second threaded region, and a non-threaded region between the first and second threaded regions. This aspect provides an earth working machine having a quick coupler adapted to quickly and efficiently engage or disengage a work tool. In particular, a latching mechanism secures the quick coupler to a pair of coupler receiving brackets of the work tool. The latching mechanism comprises of a pair of mounting plates securely fastened between the sides plates of the coupler, and a latch bar having a pair of jackscrew fasteners extending therefrom. The jackscrew fasteners include a first and second threaded region separated by a non-threaded region. The first and second threaded regions of the jackscrew fasteners threadedly engage the mounting plate of the coupler as the jackscrew and the latch bar traverse forward and backward within slots in the plates. The non-threaded region between the first and second threaded regions allow the operator to more quickly bias the jackscrew forward or backward by merely bypassing the small first or second threaded regions of the jackscrew fastener. In other words, the latching mechanism of the coupler may be engaged or disengaged without wrenching the fastener the entire length of the fastener, as is conventional.
The second general aspect of the present invention provides a latching mechanism of a coupling device for coupling a machine to a tool comprising: a mounting device affixed to a first end of a pair of plates of a coupling device; a latch bar slidably mounted within an opening of the pair of plates; and at least one fastener secured within at least one opening of the latch bar, adapted to threadedly engage the mounting device, wherein the fastener includes at least two threaded regions separated by a non-threaded region. This aspect provides a latching mechanism for the coupling device having similar advantages as those associated with the first general aspect.
The third general aspect of the present invention provides a fastener for a coupling device 20 for coupling a machine to a tool comprising: a first threaded region; a second threaded region; and a non-threaded region between the first and second threaded regions. This aspect provides a jackscrew fastener having similar advantages as those associated with the first general aspect.
The fourth general aspect of the present invention provides a machine comprising: a tool coupled to a coupling device of the machine, wherein the coupling device includes a fastener having a first and a second threaded region, separated by a non-threaded region. This aspect provides similar advantages as those associated with the first general aspect.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

Manually operated coupler for work tools


A method of and apparatus for telemetering both analog and digital data transcutaneously between an implantable medical device and an external receiver, such as between an external programmer and an implantable cardiac pacer. A damped carrier at 175 kilohertz is pulse position modulated by digital data. The data, along with synchronization and identification codes, are positioned into predefined ranges within predefined frames as measured by individual time periods. The data is uniquely identified by the position of a burst of the carrier within the predefined range. An automatically initiated hand shake protocol maintains the link over slight variations in programmer head position with an indicator notifying the operator when repositioning is required. Analog data may be transferred in digital form or alternatively transferred using phase modulation of the carrier bursts. A cyclic redundancy code is used for link error detection.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to implantable medical devices, and more particularly, pertains to telemetry for percutaneously transmitting analog and digital data between a programmer and an implantable medical device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The earliest implantable medical devices were designed to operate in a single mode and with no direct percutaneous communication. Later it became clinically desirable to vary certain of the operating parameters and change modes of operation. This was accomplished through the use of programmers and other external devices which transferred commands percutaneously to the implanted medical device.
The communication between the implant and the external world was at first primarily indirect. The operation of an implantable cardiac pacer could be observed, for example, in the electrocardiogram of the patient. Soon it became known that data could be sent from the implanted cardiac pacer by modulating the stimulation pulses in some manner. This can only provide a low band pass channel, of course, without interfering with the clinical application of the device. Change of the pacing rate to indicate battery condition was a commonly used application of this technique.
As implantable cardiac pacers became more complex, the desirability to transfer more data at higher speeds resulted in the percutaneous transmission of data using a radio frequency carrier. The data to be transmitted is of two basic types, namely, analog and digital. The analog information can include, for example, battery voltage, intracardiac electrocardiogram, sensor signals, output amplitude, output energy, output current, and lead impedance. The digital information can include, for example, statistics on performance, time markers, current values of programmable parameters, implant data, and patient and unit identifiers.
The earliest RF telemetry systems transmitted analog and digital information in separate formats, resulting in inefficient utilization of the available power/bandwidth. Also, these modulation schemes tended to be less than satisfactory in terms of battery consumption, and do not lend themselves to simultaneous transmission of differing data types.
Many types of RF telemetry systems are known to be used in connection with implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers. An example of a pulse interval modulation telemetry system used for transmitting analog and digital data, individually and serially, from an implanted pacemaker to a remote programmer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,063 issued to Thompson et al., herein incorporated by reference. An example of a modern pacemaker programmer for use with programmable cardiac pacemakers having RF telemetric capabilities is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,370 issued to Baker, herein incorporated by reference. A major difficulty in the use of such prior art systems is the need to maintain the communication link using continuous activation of the reed switch. This tends to place the radio frequency components in a less than optimal physical orientation. In addition to the bandwidth limitations found by the differing analog and digital formats, considerable bandwidth of digital channels tends to be consumed for forward error detection. Oftentimes, in previous systems this was accomplished by completely redundant separate transmissions.

Dual channel telemetry for implanted medical device


A tailgate assembly adapted to be mounted along an open edge of a vehicle's load-carrying bed includes a stamped sheet metal frame having a reinforced cross-sectional shape with an inner side facing an associated vehicle's load-carrying bed and an outer side opposite the inner side. The tailgate assembly further includes a skin attached to the outer side of the frame.

1. Filed of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tailgate for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual-mode tailgate having an improved frame structure. The present invention finds particular application as a tailgate for a pick-up truck and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention may relate to other similar environments and applications.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Dual-mode tailgates are generally known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,406 issued to Coker discloses a dual-mode tailgate for use on a station wagon. "Dual-mode" refers to the two directions or pivot axes along which a dual-mode tailgate is openable. More particularly, a dual-mode tailgate is selectively openable in a first, fold-down direction about an axis generally parallel with a bottom edge of the tailgate similar to a conventional pick-up truck tailgate. The dual-mode tailgate is also selectively openable in a second, side-to-side direction about an axis generally parallel with a lateral edge of the tailgate.
It has been proposed to include a dual-mode tailgate in a heavy duty vehicle designed to carry large loads and/or heavy load-bearing cargo. For example, a dual-mode tailgate could be employed in a pick-up truck, a hybrid vehicle that includes a pick-up style bed or other similar vehicle. However, heretofore, most dual-mode tailgates were only employed in light duty vehicles such as station wagons, traditional sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the like. Thus, the prior art dual-mode tailgates are generally not designed to accommodate large loads or load-bearing cargo and are unsuitable for use on vehicles intended to carry heavy loads.
More particularly, the prior art dual-mode tailgates generally do not have a structural strength sufficient for supporting a relatively heavy load without increasing the likelihood of damage to the tailgate or the vehicle carrying the tailgate, particularly when the tailgate is in its fold-down position. Accordingly, there is a need for a dual-mode tailgate having a relatively high structural strength compared to prior art dual-mode tailgates, particularly when the tailgate is used in its fold-down position.
Additionally, prior art dual-mode tailgates generally have a torsional stiffness and strength that is insufficient to meet the demands required of a tailgate employed in a heavy duty application. Likewise, conventional single-mode tailgates generally do not have sufficient torsional stiffness and strength due, at least in part, to their reliance on a pair of full-time support cables extending from the lateral ends of the tailgate. Thus, there is a further need for a dual mode tailgate that has an increased torsional stiffness and strength.
More particularly, dual-mode tailgates generally cannot have a pair of full-time support cables extending from the lateral sides of the tailgate because the dual-mode tailgate needs to be able to swing open. Thus, it is desirable for the dual-mode tailgate employed in a heavy duty vehicle to be sufficiently torsionally stiff and strong such that it could be optionally supported with only a single support cable when in the fold-down position.
The need for increased torsional stiffness and strength are necessitated by the possibility of one lateral edge of the dual-mode tailgate being unsupported away from a fold-down axis when the tailgate is in the fold-down position. For example, if any downward loading is applied near the distal end of the unsupported lateral edge, i.e., the outer corner of the tailgate adjacent the unsupported lateral edge, a relatively large torsional force or load will act across the tailgate. To absorb any such large torsional loads, the tailgate structure is desirably torsionally stiff and strong for purposes of preventing damage to the tailgate and/or the vehicle carrying the tailgate. It is further desirable, due to preferred design parameters, to provide a dual-mode tailgate with increased torsional stiffness and strength without unduly increasing the thickness of the tailgate. Additionally, any improvements that reduce manufacturing costs, increase manufacturing efficiency, decrease the overall weight of the tailgate while maintaining or improving the hem quality of the tailgate and the fit and finish of the overall vehicle and/or improve the reliability of the tailgate are also deemed desirable.


The laser cutting method for cutting a pair of plate materials, each of which has a different thickness and melting point, by irradiating them with a laser is provided with a plate material placement process for placing the pair of plate materials side by side so that, out of the pair of plate materials, an opposite surface of a laser irradiated surface of a plate material with a lower melting point protrudes more than an opposite surface of a laser irradiated surface of a plate material with a higher melting point, a focus adjustment process for aligning a focus position of the laser with an undersurface opposite the laser irradiated surface of the plate material with a higher melting point out of the pair of plate materials, and a plate material cutting process for cutting the pair of plate materials through irradiation with the laser according to a series of operations while sustaining a focus position of the laser to the pair of plate materials.

There has been known a laser cutting method for melting and cutting a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a condensed laser. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-176501 discloses a method for cutting an electrode of a laminated battery by a laser. According to the method, a workpiece is a collector which is coated with an active material on the surface and constitutes an electrode. In comparison with cutting by pressing, laser cutting makes it possible to suppress generation of a burr caused by friction due to a press die.


A multiple degrees of freedom vibration actuator capable of motion around multiple axes. The vibration actuator includes a vibration element having drive force output members, and a relative moving member having a curved surface. The curved surface contacts the drive force output member To generate relative motion of the relative moving member with respect to the vibration element. The vibration element includes a frame shaped elastic member having the drive force output members attached thereto, and having electromechanical converting elements contacting the elastic member. When the electromechanical converting elements are excited by a drive voltage, vibrations are generated in the elastic member to produce a drive force which is transmitted To the relative moving member via the drive force output members. The vibration element can be controlled to generate relative motion in various axis directions by selectively controlling the electromechanical converting elements which are excited by a drive voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibration actuator including a vibration element and a relative moving member which operate as a multiple degrees of freedom type of drive device, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a vibration actuator which is capable of generating motion around at least two axes with a frame shaped vibration element having a plurality of drive force output members.
2. Description of the Related Art
Rotary type drive devices are known, such as low torque electric motors, which generate high speed rotation to produce a drive force which is output to a driven object via a gear train speed reduction mechanism. However, the conventional rotary type drive devices are bulky and heavy, and have a complicated structure. Further, the speed reduction mechanism of the conventional rotary drive device includes plural gear wheels which generate substantial mechanical noise. Furthermore, play, inertia and the like arise between the gear wheels in the conventional rotary type drive device, resulting in poor accuracy of position determination and responsiveness.
Moreover, a multiple degrees of freedom rotary type drive device is known which generates rotary motion in independent multiple directions (i.e., in a three dimensional X-Y-Z coordinate system, a direction around the X-axis, a direction around the Y-axis, and direction around the Z-axis). However, the multiple degrees of freedom rotary type drive device requires complex transmission mechanisms resulting in increased size, weight, complexity and noisiness of the device.
To eliminate the complex transmission mechanisms of the conventional rotary type drive device, multiple degrees of freedom vibration actuators have been proposed which are small in size and produce a high torque. FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a prior art multiple degrees of freedom type vibration actuator.
As shown in FIG. 33, the known vibration actuator 200 includes a spherical rotor 201 and four annular stators 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d which support the rotor 201. Piezoelectric elements (not shown in the drawing) are adhered to each stator 202a-202d on the side facing the rotor 201. The piezoelectric elements are spatially polarized so as to produce cosine components and sine components in each half cycle of an alternating voltage impressed on the piezoelectric element. More specifically, by respectively impressing two high frequency voltages in the ultrasonic region on the piezoelectric elements, a time and phase advancing traveling wave is excited in the stators 202a-202d. A force which rotates the rotor 201 is transmitted from the stators 202a-202d to the rotor 201 by the contact between the wave front of the traveling wave and the contact portion of the rotor 201. Motion having two degrees of freedom is produced by the vibration actuator 200 shown in FIG. 33 in the two sets of mutually opposite stators 202a, 202b and 202c, 202d by the input of the same drive signal. The drive force of the vibration actuator 200 is output by the oscillating motion of an output member 203.
The prior art vibration actuator shown in FIG. 33 is small in size in comparison with a rotary drive device in which an electromagnetic motor is used. However, because four stators 202a-202d are necessary, a sufficiently small in size and light weight vibration actuator can not be achieved by the vibration actuator shown in FIG. 33. Moreover, the motion of the rotor 201 obtained with the prior art vibration actuator 200 has only two degrees of freedom, and motion around the Z-axis is not possible. Therefore, the number of applications and the types of application of the prior art vibration actuator 200 are limited.
Further, the four stators 202a-202d are affixed to the rotor 201. As a result, the rotating portion of the vibration actuator 200 becomes heavy and its inertia becomes large, resulting in large losses of drive efficiency. Still further, a drive force from the vibration actuator 200 shown in FIG. 33 is output only by the oscillating motion of an output member 203 which protrudes from an exterior surface of the rotor 201. Thus, the output can only be transmitted to a driven object by directly coupling the rotor 201 to the driven object.

Multiple degrees of freedom vibration actuator


A computing system including one or more processors configured to receive an audio input. The one or more processors may generate a text transcription of the audio input at a sequence-to-sequence speech recognition model, which may assign a respective plurality of external-model text tokens to a plurality of frames included in the audio input. Each external-model text token may have an external-model alignment within the audio input. Based on the audio input, the one or more processors may generate a plurality of hidden states. Based on the plurality of hidden states, the one or more processors may generate a plurality of output text tokens. Each output text token may have a corresponding output alignment within the audio input. For each output text token, a latency between the output alignment and the external-model alignment may be below a predetermined latency threshold. The one or more processors may output the text transcription.

In automatic speech recognition (ASR), a text transcription of a spoken input is generated at a computing device. This text transcription is frequently generated in real time as a user is speaking. When ASR is performed in real time, there is a delay between the time at which the user speaks the input and the time at which the computing device outputs the transcription. Long delays between the input and output may make an ASR application program slow and cumbersome to use.
In addition, previous attempts to reduce the latency of ASR have frequently led to increases in the word error rate (WER), the rate at which the ASR application program incorrectly identifies words included in the input. Thus, existing ASR methods have had a tradeoff between low latency and low WER.

Sequence-to-sequence speech recognition with latency threshold