A faucet wand assembly including a mode diverter and a rotational spray diverter positioned downstream from the mode diverter. The mode diverter is configured to switch between a spray mode and a stream mode, and the spray diverter is configured to change open water outlets in the spray mode.

The present invention relates generally to faucets and, more particularly, to kitchen faucet wands or sprayheads including diverter to vary operating modes.
Pull-out/pull-down faucet wands or sprayheads are known for use with kitchen faucets. Traditionally, such faucet wands include two functional modes, an aerate mode and a spray mode. In the spray mode, the force of water through the wand sprayface can vary significantly with changes in water pressure. The present invention is configured to allow user to effectively change or customize the force of water in the spray mode by altering the open flow area of the sprayface and, more particularly, the number of active or open outlets dispensing water.
According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet wand assembly includes a shell, and a waterway received within the shell, the waterway including an inlet and an outlet. A sprayface is in fluid communication with the waterway and includes a plurality of outlets. A mode diverter is operably coupled to the waterway and is configured to change the fluid flow through the sprayface from a stream mode to a spraymode. A spray diverter is operably coupled to the waterway downstream from the mode diverter and is configured to change the active water outlets in the spray mode.
According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a faucet wand assembly includes a shell, and a waterway received within the shell. The waterway includes an inlet and an interface member including a plurality of interface openings. A sprayface is fluidly coupled to the waterway. A rotational spray diverter is operably coupled to the waterway and includes a distribution member. The distribution member includes a plurality of distribution inlet ports, a plurality of distribution outlet ports, and a plurality of runners fluidly coupling the distribution inlet ports and the distribution outlet ports. The distribution member is configured to rotate relative to the interface member of the waterway, wherein the distribution inlet ports are selectively alignable with different interface openings as the distribution member rotates relative to the interface member.
According a further illustrative embodiment, a faucet wand assembly includes a waterway, mode diverter including a piston received within the waterway to toggle between a spray mode and a stream mode, and a rotational spray diverter positioned downstream of the mode diverter and rotatable relative to the waterway. In a first rotational orientation the spray diverter is in a first spray mode where a first set of water outlets in the sprayface are open, in a second rotational orientation the spry diverter is in a second spray mode where a second set of water outlets are open, and in a third rotational orientation the spray diverter is in a third spray mode where a third set of water outlets are open. The first set of water outlets is greater than the second set of water outlets, and the second set of water outlets is greater than the third set of water outlets.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.


The present invention provides a system (10) for humidification of a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a patient, the system comprising; a ventilator (12) for generating a pressurized flow of breathable gas; a patient circuit (14) in fluid communication with the ventilator and connectable to the respiratory system of a patient; and an aerosol generator (18). The patient circuit defines an internal space (26) for transporting the flow of breathable gas which internal space accommodates the outflow opening (20) of the aerosol generator. This enables to prevent so-called rainout and a relatively light weight portable system. The invention also relates to an insert (30) that is connectable to the patient circuit and that accommodates the aerosol generator.

Patients with invasive ventilation delivered for example through a patient's trachea experience the situation that if dry ventilated air is delivered to them via a ventilator, the airways are drying out. Drying out of the upper airways due to inhalation of dry air over some period, is uncomfortable for the patient and can have a severe health impact after longer exposure. Inhalation of dry air over a longer period results in a drying of mucus in the upper airways, causing it to become very viscous, impeding mucus removal from the patient's airway. Excess mucus in the upper airways negatively effects the breathing of the patients and thus their quality of life, and if not removed poses a risk of inflammations. To support patients with non-invasive ventilation, e.g. severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients or patients with neuromuscular disorders, next to the ventilator a humidifier is supplied that humidifies the ventilated air.
US20090235925 discloses a system for humidification of a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a patient having a ventilator, a patient circuit and an aerosol generator that is connected to the patient circuit by means of a connector. Such systems for humidification of a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a patient of this general type may, however, be further improved.

System for humidification of a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a patient


A door lock comprises: a spindle with projections; a bushing having grooves which mate with the projections of the spindle, and a key groove on one side thereof; an inside inner spindle with two fitting grooves, which is inserted into the spindle and rotates by an operation shaft of a key box; a locking spring which is inserted into the inside inner spindle; an inside outer spindle which is inserted, spaced a short distance from the inside inner spindle, having two guide apertures, a latch operation projection with an operation groove, and two fitting projections on its front end, which are fitted in the fitting grooves; a support washer which is inserted into the inside of the inside outer spindle; a spindle spring which is supported by the support washer; an operation disk with two guide projections which are inserted into the guide apertures of the inside outer spindle; and an operation key which is inserted into the key groove of the bushing so that its front end is inserted into the operation groove of the inside outer spindle. Accordingly the present invention can prevent damage to the door lock and its break downs that may occur when opening the secured door lock by force from the outside.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a door lock. More particularly, it relates to a door lock of which an outside lever does nothing but rotate at a specified angle as if the door lock is not secured, not letting a door be opened actually, when the outside lever is turned to open the door while the door lock is being secured, thereby preventing damage to the door lock and its break downs that may occur when opening the secured door lock by force from the outside.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In a conventional cylindrical door lock, once a locking button is pressed from the inside, its outside lever is not turned in a manner that the door is not opened from the outside. Frequently, we try to turn the lever, not knowing that the door is being locked, and as the lever does not move, we may turn the lever by force, misunderstanding that the door is not opened since the lever is not turned.
In case we try to open the door being locked without a key, we over and over again turn the lever to the right and left, though we know that the door is being locked. This causes internal devices to be either abraded and break down, or hang down, thus marring the external appearance of the door.
I also have a Korean Utility Model Application No. 94-27710 which has been already published, in which a small locking piece of a floating plate transmits force in case of operating the lever. This conventional door lock has a problem of early abrasion and break downs for lack of solidity of structure, and the complicated manufacturing process increases the overall production costs.


Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Solid oxide fuel cells, otherwise known as ceramic fuel cells, present an environmentally friendly alternative to mainstream electrical energy production processes involving the combustion of fossil fuels. Solid oxide fuel cells enable the catalytic conversion of chemical energy stored in hydrogen into electrical energy without the concomitant release of greenhouse gases. The generation of electrical current by a solid oxide fuel cell using a hydrogen fuel results in the production of water as opposed to the production carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and/or sulfur dioxides associated with the combustion of fossil fuels.
In addition to hydrogen, solid oxide fuel cells are operable to function on a wide variety of fuel sources. Fuel sources in addition to hydrogen include hydrocarbons such as methane, natural gas, and diesel fuel. Hydrocarbon fuel sources are reformed into hydrogen for use with solid oxide fuel cells. Hydrocarbon reforming can be administered prior to entry into the fuel electrode or can be administered at the fuel electrode of a solid oxide fuel cell. The ability to function on a wide variety of fuels distinguishes solid oxide fuel cells from other fuel cells which lack the ability to operate on various fuels. Furthermore, the ability of solid oxide fuel cells to administer hydrocarbon feedstock reformation frees such fuel cells from the limitations associated with hydrogen production and distribution.
Currently, solid oxide fuel cells operate at high temperatures ranging from about 800° C. to 1000° C. As a result of high operating temperatures, solid oxide fuel cells require the use of exotic materials which can withstand such operating temperatures. The need for exotic materials greatly increases the costs of solid oxide fuel cells, making their use in certain applications cost-prohibitive. High operating temperatures exacerbate stresses caused by differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between components of a solid oxide fuel cell. If the operating temperature could be lowered, numerous advantages could be realized. First, less expensive materials and production methods could be employed. Second, the lower operating temperature would allow greater use of the technology. Third, energy needed to heat and operate the fuel cell would be lower, increasing the overall energy efficiency. Significantly, the high operating temperature is required because of poor low temperature ion conductivity.
Proton exchange membrane ("PEM") fuel cells enjoy operational temperatures in the range 50-220° C. Typically relying on special polymer membranes to provide the electrolyte, PEM cells transmit protons across the electrolyte, rather than oxygen ions as in solid oxide fuel cells. However, high proton conductivity requires precise control of hydration in the electrolyte. If the electrolyte becomes too dry, proton conductivity and cell voltage drop. If the electrolyte becomes too wet, the cell becomes flooded. Electro-osmotic drag complicates hydration control: protons migrating across the electrolyte "drag" water molecules along, potentially causing dramatic differences in hydration across the electrolyte that inhibit cell operation. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to obtain the low operating temperatures of the PEM fuel cell without the need to maintain strict control over electrolyte hydration.
In certain circumstances, a solid oxide fuel cell can operate "in reverse" to electrolyze water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas by inputting electrical energy. In other circumstances, a solid oxide electrolyzer cell can be designed primarily for use as a hydrolyzer, generating hydrogen and oxygen for later use. In still other circumstances, an electrolyzer cell can be used for other purposes, such as extraction of metal from ore and electroplating. In conventional electrolyzers, electrical energy is lost in the electrolysis reaction driving the diffusion of ions through the electrolyte and across the distance between the electrodes. Also, the ability to conduct electrolysis at higher temperatures would improve the efficiency of the electrolysis. However, at higher temperatures, electrolyzers face similar thermal stresses and cracking caused by differences in coefficients of thermal expansion between components of the solid oxide electrolyzer cell. Accordingly, better matching of coefficients of thermal expansion and lower operating temperatures are desired for electrolyzer cells.
A lambda sensor is a device typically placed in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine to measure the concentration of oxygen. That measurement allows regulation of the richness or leanness of the fuel/air mixture flowing into the engine. If the fuel/air stream contains too much oxygen, the quantity A is greater than 1, and the mixture is too lean. If the fuel/air stream contains too little oxygen, then λ<1 and the mixture is too rich. λ equals 1, the ideal situation, when the mixture contains a stoichiometrically equivalent concentration of oxygen and hydrocarbon to allow for complete combustion. A lambda sensor positioned in the exhaust stream detects the amount of oxygen in the combustion products, thereby providing feedback regarding richness or leanness. Lambda sensors and other sensors rely on the diffusion of oxygen anions (O2−) and other ions through barrier materials in ways similar to the manner in which oxygen anions diffuse through a solid electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell. Moreover, given the high operating temperature of lambda sensors and similar devices, sensors face thermal stresses, cracking, and delamination issues similar to those facing fuel cells and electrolyzers. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide for improved sensor technology by addressing ionic conductivity and mismatching of coefficients of thermal expansion, among other reasons.
It has recently been reported that adjacent atomically flat layers of strontium titanate (STO) with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) produce an interface that has a dramatically higher ionic conductivity for oxygen anions. J. Garcia-Barriocanal et al., "Colossal Ionic Conductivity at Interfaces of Epitaxial ZrO2:Y2O3/SrTiO3 Heterostructures," 321 SCIENCE 676 (2008). Those authors concluded that growing thin epitaxial layers of YSZ on epitaxial STO caused the YSZ to conform under strain to the crystal structure of the STO, thereby creating voids in the YSZ crystal structure at the interface between the two materials. Those voids allowed an increase of oxygen ionic conductivity of approximately eight orders of magnitude relative to bulk YSZ at 500 K (227° C.).
In view of the foregoing problems and disadvantages associated with the high operating temperatures of solid oxide cells, it would be desirable to provide solid oxide cells that can demonstrate lower operating temperatures. In addition, providing solid oxide cells and components that better tolerate higher temperatures would be advantageous. Moreover, the efficiency losses due to the thickness of electrolytes make thinner electrolytes desirable. Furthermore, it is also desirable to construct metal oxide electrolytes having dramatically higher ionic conductivities. Large-scale production of metal oxide electrolytes would be facilitated if higher ionic conductivities could be achieved without requiring epitaxial growth of electrolyte materials.

Low temperature electrolytes for solid oxide cells having high ionic conductivity


A weighing system having excellent, quick response to control information and capable of easily adding and changing hardware. A weighing driving section 12 is provided on each weighing unit 11 forming a combination scale. The weighing driving section 12 is formed by a CPU board 13, motor drivers 14 and 15 for driving stepping motors 18 and 19, an A/D converter 16 for A/D converting a weighed value sent from a load cell 20, and a feeder driver 17 for driving a feeder 21. The CPU board 13 is connected to a LAN cable 23 through a LAN interface 22. A weighing control unit 26 for giving control information to the weighing driving section 12 of the weighing unit 11 is provided. The weighing control unit 26 is connected to the LAN cable 23 through a LAN board.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a weighing system, and more particularly to a weighing system in which a weighing driving section of each of a plurality of weighing units, a weighing control section for controlling the weighing driving section and the like are coupled through a LAN.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a weighing system which functions as a combination scale comprises a plurality of weighing units, each of which includes a hopper, a load cell and the like. Articles (e.g, potato chips) to be weighed are fed to these units and weighed. The weights of the articles in the units are then combined to form combination weights, as will be understood by those familiar with combination scales. A combination weight fully within an acceptable range of weights is selected and the articles in the corresponding weighing units are discharged for delivery to a packer, such as a vertical form-fill-seal machine which operates to pack the measured weight of articles into a bag made by the packer. Each weighing unit is controlled by a weighing control unit comprising a single CPU.
As the number of the weighing units forming the weighing system becomes larger, the number of possible combinations which can be calculated necessarily increases, which increases the load on the CPU. For this reason, a single CPU cannot completely perform in a sufficiently short time all the calculations in some cases. Therefore, a system in which a plurality of CPUs are provided to share the processing is sometimes employed. In some cases where the load is further increased, a weighing system is employed in which a weighing driving section formed by a single CPU is provided for each weighing unit. In a system wherein one weighing driving section is provided for each weighing unit, a weighing control unit having one CPU for controlling the whole combination scale is usually provided. The weighing control unit is connected, through an ordinary serial telecommunication line, to all the weighing driving sections provided on the weighing units.
In systems in which the number of weighing driving sections is predetermined and relatively small, the weighing driving sections are connected to the weighing control units through the serial telecommunication line as described above. However, if the number of the weighing units is increased or the packing speed of the packer is increased, it is impossible to quickly respond to data such as operating conditions or control information between the weighing control section of the weighing control unit and the weighing driving section of the weighing unit. Also, if a program to be executed by the weighing driving section is to be exchanged, updated or the like, it is necessary to exchange the program of all the weighing driving sections. Furthermore, abnormalities of the telecommunication line such as disconnection are found with difficulty if they are caused.


Jitter is stably reduced. An input clock signal (CLKi) is outputted as an output clock signal (CLKo) via a voltage controlled delay circuit (12), and in addition a delay amount in the voltage controlled delay circuit (12) is controlled based on a result of a phase comparison of the input clock signal (CLKi) and the output clock signal (CLKo). A phase comparison result judging circuit (15) adds up results of phase comparison of the input clock signal (CLKi) and the output clock signal (CLKo) over a prescribed time, and controls the delay amount based on a distribution of addition results.

In a DLL circuit, phases of a received clock signal CLKi (reference clock) and a signal obtained by feedback of a clock signal CLKo outputted by a variable delay circuit (voltage controlled delay line or the like) are compared by a phase comparison circuit (PD), and a comparison result is reflected in delay time of the variable delay circuit. Control is performed to advance or delay the phase of the clock signal CLKo, and an operation is performed so that finally the phases of the clock signal CLKo and the clock signal CLKi match (are locked).
In this type of DLL circuit, in a case where jitter is included in the clock signal CLKi, the jitter of the clock signal CLKi is reflected also in the clock signal CLKo. That is, since the phase comparison circuit (PD) detects phase difference due to jitter of the clock signal CLKi to perform phase adjustment, with regard to the jitter of the clock signal CLKo, phase change due to the phase adjustment is added to the jitter of the clock signal CLKi.
Accordingly, Patent Document 1 discloses a DLL circuit in which, in order to reduce the jitter of the clock signal CLKo, in a case where results of a plurality of phase comparisons all match, delay time of the variable delay circuit is adjusted based on the comparison results.
[Patent Document 1]
JP Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-P2001-290555A


A system for determining the position of an underground sonde transmitter is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system measures a set of complex electromagnetic field magnitude and phase strengths at one or more positions while traversing a target sonde path at any angle using one or more electromagnetic coil sensors, models a set of expected complex electromagnetic strengths of a hypothetical sonde at the positions for one or more of the electromagnetic coil sensors, the set of expected electromagnetic field values corresponding to a model for the target sonde, and estimates parameters related to the target sonde based on the residual error between the measured set of complex electromagnetic field values and the modeled set of expected complex electromagnetic field strengths. A final estimated parameter set is determined after the residual error has converged to a minimum tolerance to indicate the sonde transmitter position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a location of concealed dipole transmitters and, in particular, to the precise determination of the location and orientation of such transmitters without restriction on the geometrical relationship between a receiver and the transmitter.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Underground pipes and conduits are often buried and not readily accessible. It is often necessary to locate these concealed utility conduits in order to repair and replace them. It is also important to know the location of underground utilities so that excavators can avoid them while excavating an area. Further, it is often necessary to locate the position of a drill head of a directional boring machine capable of trenchless underground drilling during a boring operation. If the location of buried utilities and/or underground drill heads are not accurately known during excavation and/or boring, substantial destruction to property, serious physical harm to a person, or even death may occur.
There are various ways to locate underground utilities and underground drill heads and therefore mitigate the harmful results discussed above, for example, using electromagnetic (EM) locators. EM locators typically include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be a radiating underground conductor. In some systems, a radiating underground conductor can be a sonde, a battery operated cylindrical device having a length of a few centimeters to few decimeters. A typical sonde has a single coil oriented along the cylindrical axis (also known as the dipole axis), with an integrated tone transmitter that causes an induced EM field to emanate symmetrically from the sonde. An aboveground EM locating receiver detects and processes the signal, and presents transmitter location information to a user. In this manner, an underground conduit pipe can be traced aboveground as a sonde is pulled or pushed through from one end, or a trenchless underground boring tool can be guided from information derived from the position of the sonde. Conventional EM locators, however, do not provide for precise determination of the location and orientation of sondes and exhibit some practical use limitations relating to the geometric relationship between the EM locator receiver and the sonde transmitter.
Therefore, there is a need for refinement of underground sonde location systems to allow for more precise determination of the location and orientation of such sondes. The more precise a locating can be, the less likely that substantial destruction to property, serious physical harm to a person, or even death may occur.

System for determining a precise location and orientation of a concealed dipole transmitter


A compact portable instrument for determining the percentage concentration of a material in a solution such as the amount of concentrate in an output from an Aqueous Film Forming Foam generator used to extinguish fires. The instrument comprises a refractive index sensor with a reflective type refractometer prism having a measuring surface in contact with liquids placed in a sample holder formed by an opening through a retainer plate. The measuring surface of the prism covers that opening and presses the retainer plate towards an outer surface of the instrument, that outer surface having entrance and exit ports for sample liquids at that opening. The refractometer senses the refractive index of liquid in the sample holder and, when properly calibrated, provides an output to a digital display that directly indicates the percentage concentration of material in the liquid. A small thin sample size of about 100 microliters provides rapid thermal stabilization of the sample liquid and allows the percentage concentration to be quickly and accurately determined.

An aqueous solution containing a surfactant known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is often required when fighting fires of flammable liquid fuel. That foam forms an air-excluding vapour-suppressing aqueous film on the surface of the fuel. This foam is generated by pumping a concentrated solution of AFFF from reservoir tanks through a foam/liquid proportioner where it is mixed with water, either fresh or seawater, in a particular ratio. It is important that correct proportioning is maintained in making a foam that has a proper expansion to form a fire-resistant foam. If proper proportioning is not maintained, then the resulting foam may be ineffective in fighting a fire or more AFFF concentrate than actually required may be used. If more concentrate than required is used, then this would shorten the time before the amount of AFFF concentrate in the reservoirs is exhausted which reduces the effective fire fighting time.
Several methods are currently used to determine the concentrating of AFFF from the foam/liquid proportioner discharge. One method is by using a conductivity meter. However, differences in temperature may change conductivity of the solution. Thus, careful calibration and temperature compensation procedures are required for most of these meters. Furthermore, conductivity meters cannot be used when seawater is used for generating the fire fighting foam due to the conductivity that is already present in sea water.
On navy ships, the capability to effectively fight on-board fires caused by flammable liquids such as aviation turbine fuel, naval distillate fuel, lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids is provided through the use of AFFF concentrate. That AFFF concentrate is pumped, from reservoirs for the concentrate, through a foam/liquid proportioner where it is mixed with sea water in a predetermined ratio by injecting a metered amount of concentrate into the discharge stream from the foam/liquid pump. To generate an effective fire fighting foam, it is essential that the proper ratio of concentrate to sea water is maintained in the discharge from the pump.
A 6% foam solution is considered to be an optimum concentration for one type of AFFF to provide effective control of a liquid hydrocarbon fire. The resulting foam markedly increase the effective volume of the water and, by reducing the surface tension, the surfactant increases the ability of the water to wet other surfaces instead of beading. If the concentration of AFFF in the pump discharge drops below 6%, the ability of the foam to smother a fire is greatly reduced while the concentrate is used at an accelerated rate when the ratio raises above 6%. That accelerated rate will shorten the length of time before the supply of concentrate in their reservoirs is exhausted. This could create a serious problem on ships where a new supply of AFFF may not be readily available for a lengthy period of time. Therefore, it is essential to be able to determine the concentration of the liquid solution at a pump's discharge in order to provide proper adjustment of the foam/liquid proportioner and obtain an optimum fire fighting concentration in the discharge.
The use of a conductivity meter to determine the % concentration of AFFF at a pump's discharge is, as previously mentioned, not suitable when seawater is being used to generate the fire-fighting foam. Furthermore, naval proportioning systems are vulnerable to corrosion by seawater and are, as a result, the ones most in need of regular overhaul and monitoring. This frequently results in dockyard laboratories being requested to determine the concentration in the discharge from proportioning pumps when new pumps are installed or when pumps are overhauled or are being adjusted. One method that laboratories may use to determine the concentration is with a refractive index (RI) detector. This entails preparing varying standard sample solutions, ones containing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7% AFFF by volume concentrations, with their refractive indexes being determined using a flow through refractive index detector. The refractive index for the samples, measured in millivolts (MV) at the detector's output, are recorded by a strip chart recorder to provide a visual representation of the instruments response to the samples. Those visual representations are then plotted against the solution concentration of the standard solutions in order to obtain calibration curves for the instrument. The response of the instrument to a sample from a pump's discharge is then measured and that response compared with the previously prepared calibration curve. The % concentration at the output from the pump can be determined from where the measured output of the RI detector to that sample fits on the calibration curve. This is a time consuming and expensive procedure since it can only be carried out with the required accuracy in a laboratory using large non-portable instruments. This poses a logistical problem for ships, in particular, as well as for many fire departments and air bases since it can take several days to obtain results from the laboratory as to the percentage of AFFF in the foam being generated at the output of the pump.
A very low refractive index is exhibited by these liquid solutions with only a very small change in the refractive index occurring with a change in concentration of AFFF solutions (0.005 RI units over a 0% to 9% range). Bench top refractive index detectors, such a described above, are capable of detecting a 1 part in 10.sup.7 change in refractive index which is suitable for determining the % concentration in a sample solution at the required resolution. Handheld manual prism refractometers have been used to measure the refractive index and determine the % concentration. These hand-held refractometers also require the user to plot the refractive indices of prepared standards and unknowns versus concentration to determine the AFFF concentration which is a time consuming process. Tests have determined that these refractometers can, at best, measure changes in refractive index in the order of 1 part in 10.sup.3 (versus 1 part in 10.sup.7 for a benchtop refractor) and this is insufficient sensitivity to detect the very small changes in refractive index necessary to determine the % concentration of AFFF solutions at the pump's discharge with the required accuracy.

Portable instrument to determine concentration of AFFF in fresh and sea water solutions

Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence of Her Majesty's Canadian Government


A SATA-compatible storage controller that can be configured to allow computers assigned to multiple different computer domains connected by at least one switch fabric to share resources of a common set of storage devices. The storage controller includes a plurality of virtual storage controllers, each providing an interface to a respective computer domain connected to the switch fabric, a virtualization mechanism configured to implement link layer virtualization for the common set of storage devices, and a split serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) protocol stack, the processing of which is partitioned between the respective virtual storage controllers and the virtualization mechanism.

The present application relates generally to storage controllers, and more specifically to storage controllers having interfaces configured to allow computers assigned to multiple different computer domains connected by at least one switch fabric to share resources of a common set of storage devices. As employed herein, the term "computer domain" refers to a collection of central processing units (CPUs) whose memory addresses are under the same physical address spaces.
In a typical computer system, a group of computers assigned to a first computer domain can employ a storage controller to access an attached set of storage devices. For example, the set of storage devices may be a set of solid-state disks (SSDs) or magnetic hard disks (HDs). Further, the storage controller may be a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) controller employing an advanced host controller interface (AHCI) to implement a bus adapter between the computers within the first computer domain and the set of disks. The computers within the first computer domain can share a common memory addressing space in coherent memory, and can be connected to the SATA controller via an internal bus, employing a single instance of a software driver to communicate with the SATA controller.
In the typical computer system described above, the computers within the first computer domain can be connected to at least one other group of computers assigned to at least a second computer domain. The computers within the second computer domain can be configured to request assistance from the computers within the first computer domain to gain access to the attached set of disks. Further, such requests for assistance to access the set of disks may be made using known resource sharing technologies such as network file system (NFS) technology, fibre channel (FC) technology, network-attached storage (NAS) technology, or storage area network (SAN) technology. In this way, groups of computers within multiple different computer domains can access a common set of disks concurrently at runtime to share data stored on the respective disks.
The known multi-root I/O virtualization (MR-IOV) specification might also be used for sharing data stored on a common set of disks among computers within multiple different computer domains. For example, using the known MR-IOV specification in the typical computer system described above, the internal bus may be configured to conform to the known Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) specification, and a specialized bus adapter, known as the "MR-IOV aware device", may be used to support multiple non-coherent host computers.

Link layer virtualization in SATA controller


A circuit-component transferring apparatus including a sucker which holds a circuit component by applying a negative pressure thereto; a sucker moving device which supports the sucker such that the sucker is movable upward and downward relative thereto and which moves the sucker in a direction intersecting a direction of the upward and downward movements of the sucker; an elevating and lowering device which includes a drive member and which moves the sucker upward and downward by elevating and lowering the drive member; a pressure switching valve which is supported by the sucker moving device and which includes a movable switch member; and a valve control device which is actuated by the elevating and lowering device and which is selectively placed in one of a component-sucking control state in which, when the elevating and lowering device moves the sucker downward by lowering the drive member, the valve control device moves the switch member to a negative-pressure supplying position at which the switch valve permits a negative pressure to be supplied to the sucker and a component-releasing control state in which, when the elevating and lowering device moves the sucker downward by lowering the drive member, the valve control device moves the switch member to a negative-pressure removing position at which the switch valve permits a pressure not lower than an atmospheric pressure to be supplied to the sucker.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a circuit-component transferring apparatus which includes a component sucker for sucking and holding a circuit component, such as an electric-circuit or an electronic-circuit component, and which transfers the circuit component held by the component sucker, and particularly to the art of changing a pressure in the component sucker.
2. Related Art Statement
Japanese Patent Application laid open for inspection under Publication No. 6(1994)-342998 discloses a circuit-component ("CC") transferring device which includes a component sucker for sucking and holding a circuit component and which transfers the circuit component held by the component sucker. The CC transferring device is employed in a CC mounting system. The CC transferring device includes an intermittently rotatable body which is intermittently rotatable about an axis line thereof and which is equipped with a plurality of upward and downward movable members on a circle whose center rides on the axis line, such that the movable members are equiangularly spaced from each other about the axis line and such that each of the movable members is movable upward and downward. The plurality of movable members holds a plurality of component suckers, respectively. When the rotatable body is intermittently rotated, the component suckers are sequentially moved to a component sucking position, as one of a plurality of stop positions, where each of the component suckers is moved downward by downward movement of a corresponding one of the movable members so as to suck a CC. After the sucking of CC, each component sucker is moved by the intermittent rotation(s) of the rotatable body to a component mounting position as another stop position where each component sucker is moved downward by the downward movement of the corresponding movable member so as to mount the CC on a circuit substrate ("CS") such as a printed circuit board ("PCB").
When each component sucker sucks a CC, a negative pressure is supplied to each component sucker; and when each component sucker mounts the CC on a CS, the negative pressure is removed therefrom. The supplying and removing of negative pressure are performed for each one of the component suckers, independent of the other component suckers. To this end, each of the movable members is equipped with a pressure switching valve. At the component sucking position, each of the pressure switching valves is switched from its negative-pressure ("NP") removing state in which the switching valve removes a NP from the corresponding component sucker and causes the sucker to release a CC, to its NP supplying state in which the switching valve permits the NP to be supplied to the sucker and causes the sucker to suck a CC. This switching is carried out by a switching assisting member which is provided on the corresponding movable member, and a switching member which is provided at the component sucking position. More specifically described, when each of the movable members is moved downward, the corresponding switching assisting member moves the switching member, thereby causing the switching of the corresponding pressure switching valve. Meanwhile, at the component mounting position, each pressure switching valve is switched from its NP supplying state to its NP removing state. This switching is carried out by another or second switching member which is provided at the component mounting position. More specifically described, when each movable member is moved downward, the second switching member engages the corresponding pressure switching valve, thereby causing the switching of the same.
In this way, when each of the component suckers is moved downward, the corresponding pressure switching valve is switched between its two different states. Since the downward movement of each component sucker and the switching of the corresponding pressure switching valve are performed in mechanical synchronism with each other, the timing at which each component sucker is moved downward accurately coincides with the timing at which the NP is supplied to, or removed from, each component sucker. Thus, each component sucker is effectively prevented from failing to suck or mount a CC. In addition, since the upward and downward movements of each component sucker and the switching of the corresponding pressure switching valve can be performed by using a single drive source, the CC mounting system can be produced at reduced cost.
Thus, in the known CC mounting system, the switching of each pressure switching valve to its NP supplying state and the switching of the same to its NP removing state are performed at different positions, respectively, each in mechanical synchronism with the downward movement of the corresponding component sucker. However, there has been no CC transferring device which can switch, at the same position, a pressure switching valve to its NP supplying state and to its NP removing state, each in mechanical synchronism with the movement of a component sucker.


Fragments of cell membrane of erythrocyte are used as an antigen for insolubilization in enzyme immunoassay to provide a highly sensitive, excellent quantitative method for measuring anti-erythrocyte antibody. The cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte are the residual membrane fraction after removal of soluble cytoplasm proteins which interfere with the absorbance analysis of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte which are used as an antigen may be prepared by destroying the erythrocytes to obtain a cell membrane fragment fraction and a cytoplasm protein fraction. The two fractions may be separated or fractionated by gel filtration, ultrafiltration or centrifugation to isolate the cell membrane fragment fraction. A solution of the cell membrane fragments of erythrocyte is substantially transparent and is useful as an insolubilized antigen for ELISA. The antigen is shelf stable for extended periods when stored in a cool, dark location. An antigen which consists of erythrocyte membrane fragments can be prepared by simple operations and, therefore, it is possible to easily obtain large quantities of antigen for insolubilization.

A frequently used test system for developing drugs which control the immune system, such as immunosuppressive agents and immunopotentiators, and also for monitoring changes of the immune system, utilizes antibody production by animals as an index. In one method, erythrocyte is used as an antigen for inducing the antibody production. Erythrocytes of horse and sheep have been sold as a reagent since they are available in large quantities. Among them, sheep erythrocyte (sheep red blood cell: SRBC) is most widely used as an antigenic erythrocyte especially because of its easy storage and handling. In "Seikagaku Jiten (Dictionary of Biochemistry)" (second edition; published by Tokyo Kagaku Dojin), SRBC is explained as an independent lemma whereby it is apparent that SRBC has been widely used.
SRBC as an antigen can easily induce antibody production and cellular immunity by its sole administration without mixing with adjuvants (immunopotentiating substances) and, accordingly, it has been widely used, for example, in immunopharmacological and immunotoxicological studies. As a method of measuring anti-SRBC antibody in blood, a classic method utilizing agglutination is used mostly as a practical measuring method. However, the method has disadvantages in that it is discontinuous and is poor in terms of fine quantitativeness. Another disadvantage is the agglutination is confirmed by the naked eye, so there is no objectivity in the method. Accordingly, various attempts have been made for an objective and more quantitative measuring method, i.e. a method of measuring the anti-SRBC antibody by means of enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). However, the methods which utilize enzyme immunoassay up to now still have some problems to be solved, and are not very accurate, easy and convenient.
For example, a method by Mori et al. hit. J. Immuno-pharmac., Vol. 11, 597-606 (1989)! is a method in which SRBC per se is used as a granule antigen and is directly insolubilized on a plate by a special means. However, turbidity is poor and, moreover, the red color of erythrocytes remains in an insolubilized antigen. Therefore, the Mori, et al. method is not suitable for ELISA wherein the reaction product is measured by means of absorbance using a marker enzyme. In addition, there is a problem with the reproducibility of the Mori, et al. method.
There are other methods such as a method by Temple et al. Fundam. Appl. Toxicol., Vol. 21, 412-419 (1993)! and a method by Van Loveren et al. Int. J. Immunopharmac., Vol. 13, 689-695 (1991)! in which membrane protein of SRBC is solubilized under a specific condition and said soluble protein is used as an antigen for insolubilization. In the method of Van Loveren et al, membrane protein is solubilized by treating with potassium chloride of a high concentration. The substance which is used in those methods is thought to be a part of membrane protein which is solubilized. A problem still remains with respect to the difference in antigenicity between such partial membrane protein and the original SRBC. In addition, the solubilizing and separating operations require time and are troublesome. As such, no suitable insolubilized antigen is used in the methods which have been reported up to now and various problems remain for their practical application.
The present invention provides an enzyme immunoassay for anti-erythrocyte antibody which is objective, reproducible, practical, has excellent quantitativeness and may be performed continuously. The reaction product may be measured by means of absorbance using a marker enzyme. The present invention also provides an antigen for use in enzyme immunoassay which is insolubilized on a plate, has excellent transparency and essentially no turbidity. The antigen does not present the problem of a difference in antigenicity. It is shelf stable for extended periods of time when stored in a dark, cool environment.

Antigen and method for measuring anti-erythrocyte antibody


A method and apparatus of a supply module having a business object module to least one schema to describe the supply chain data, a XML-based language module to process the at least one schema and a SQL code generator module to sequence of SQL instructions to perform a query of a user where the user the query in the XML-based language.

An entity (e.g., a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, etc.) may provide goods and/or services to a large number of customers (e.g., end-users, other entities, manufacturers, the public, etc.). The entity, therefore, may need to maintain a large enough inventory (e.g., manufacture, process, store, produce, engineer, treat, package, test, quality control, etc.) in order to provide the goods and/or services for the large number of customers. Additionally, the entity may need to maintain a large enough workforce (e.g., laborers, mechanics, metal workers, factory workers, drivers, associates, managers, customer service representatives, sales representatives, officers, directors, engineers, scientists, doctors, financial experts, lawyers, accountants, tax preparers, marketing representatives, bankers, etc.) to create the goods and/or services, to research and develop new goods and/or services, and/or to provide ancillary services related to the goods and/or services (e.g., manufacture, process, store, produce, engineer, treat, package, test, quality control, etc.) for the large number of customers.
Therefore, in order to provide a large number of customers with a variety of new and current goods and/or services and/or ancillary services, the entity may need to build, maintain, and network an infrastructure (e.g., a supply chain) of a number of internal sites (e.g., warehouses, manufacturing plant, processing plant, headquarters, shipping ports, service centers, distribution centers, offices, refinery, research and development laboratories, etc.) and a number of external sites (e.g., contract manufacturers, VMI (vendor managed inventory) sites, service provides, content providers, vendors, suppliers, trading partners, consumers, etc.) in order to maintain a large enough inventory and direct a large enough workforce.
Management of the supply chain of the entity (e.g., management of planning, production, materials, purchasing, inventory, sales, logistics, marketing, finance, human resources related to the provision of goods and/or services to customers) may prove to be a difficult, time-consuming, and expensive task. The entity may use certain information systems (e.g., SCM (Supply Chain Management)) to optimize the achievement of objectives of the entity. The supply chain may have to adapt to constantly changing marketplaces for the supply of materials and the demand for goods and/or services. The supply chain may have to maintain, process, and analyze large amounts of data related to different aspects of the management of the supply chain. The Supply Chain Management information system and database may be updated, processed, and manipulated by information systems (e.g., MRP (Material Requirements Planning), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), etc.) of the entity and/or other related entities in the supply chain.
The Supply Chain Management information system may find it difficult to integrate and maintain databases and other systems associated with internal and external sites of the supply chain. Subsystems and machines of external and internal sites may have various descriptions of a supply chain data. The Supply Chain Management may only permit configuration and customization of the user interface and applications through the use of a technical programming language.
Poor supply chain management may result in disruptions and problems in the external and internal sites of the supply chain and provide inaccurate information and analysis of the internal and external sites of the supply chain. The supply chain management may be difficult for various users (e.g., employees, consultants, customers, etc.) of the entity to use, especially users with little or no technical experience. The complexities associated with supply chain management may to divert attention of users from more important matters germane to the entity. Poor supply chain management may increase the cost associated with the flow of materials in a supply chain.

Common semantic model of management of a supply chain


A frame for securely retaining a bundle of elongated members, as for example cigarettes, within a container is provided. The container includes a bottom box panel, a top lid box panel, opposing right and left side box panels, and opposing front and back box panels. The frame is inserted into the container and comprises: a front frame panel portion defined by a left side and a right side, and a top and bottom margin; a left side frame panel connected to the front panel along the left side of said front panel, said left side panel including a left side biasing portion formed therein; and a right side frame panel connected to the front frame panel along the right side of said front panel, said right side panel including a right side biasing portion formed thereupon. The frame is erected and inserted into the box so that the front fame panel is contiguous with the front box panel, the left frame panel is contiguous with the left side box panel, and the right frame panel is contiguous with the right side box panel.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus for securely packing cigarettes and other rod-like articles securely within a fixed size container.
2. Description of the Related Art
A typical cigarette package is usually designed to contain ten to twenty individual cigarettes in various packing configurations. Such a typical package is shown in FIG. 1 and includes an outer carton 10 having a conventional innerframe 20 surrounding, for example, ten individual cigarettes 15. Typically, cigarettes 15 are first wrapped in a foil package 12 on which conventional innerframe 20 is applied (See FIG. 3A), and foil package 12 with surrounding innerframe 20 is thereafter packaged in outer carton 10. A typical method for packaging cigarettes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,865 issued to Schmermund.
Conventional innerframe 20 is shown specifically in FIGS. 2A-2C. An innerframe blank 22 is manufactured from a flat sheet of formable material, such as cardboard, by forming perforations 14 and tabs 13 through a cutting or stamping process. Perforations 14 and tabs 13 form a central region 16 and two side regions 18. As shown in FIG. 2A, innerframe blank 22 is folded along perforation lines 14 such that sides 18 are arranged to be perpendicular to the plane defined by central portion 16 to resemble the cross-section shown in FIG. 2C. Conventional innerframe 20 is now suitable for placement around foil wrapped cigarette bundle 12 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Innerframe 20 is typically wrapped around foil wrapped cigarette bundle 12 which surrounds, for example, ten cigarettes (FIG. 3A). Conventional innerframe 20 is then adhesively secured to the inside of outer carton 10 which is generally referred to as a "hinged lid pack" to provide the structure shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.
Cigarettes and other types of rod-like articles come in myriad lengths and diameters. Using conventional innerframe 20, separate individual sizes of innerframes and outer cartons would be required for as many different packaging schemes and sizes of cigarettes as are desired to be packaged. Such customization would require a plethora of machinery and increased production costs for each different cigarette type or packaging arrangement.
Further, conventional innerframe 20 provides only a minimum amount of additional buffering or retention force on individual cigarettes within the outer carton 10. Specifically, innerframe 20 provides support for the upper portion of those cigarettes once near the front of the outer carton lid opening the lid is open as shown in FIG. 1A, and generally cigarettes 15 are packed quite tightly within the outer carton 10 to prevent damage during shipment.
It is desireable to maintain standardized outer carton sizes to simplify manufacture of both the innerframe and the outer carton. It is further desireable to maintain constant carton sizes for a wide variety of cigarette sizes. Further, it is desireable for the innerframe to provide support for the cigarettes within the carton to avoid damage during shipping and loss of cigarettes upon first opening the outer carton.

Innerframe and apparatus for producing an improved innerframe


In an apparatus for performing heating treatment of a structure composed of a substrate and a structure arranged on the front surface of the substrate, the latter structure having thermal capacity smaller than that of the substrate, heaters are arranged to be opposed to the front surface and the back surface of the substrate. A cooling body is arranged at a position opposed to the back surface of the substrate to sandwich the heater of the back surface between the cooling body and the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to thermal treatment equipment and a thermal treatment method for heating a substrate made of glass, ceramic or the like, and to a manufacturing method of an image display apparatus.
2. Related Background Art
Conventionally, image display apparatus include an image display apparatus for displaying an image on a screen by radiating electron beams on a phosphor, in addition to a liquid crystal display and a plasma display. The image display apparatus using the electron beams includes a face plate of a substrate on which the phosphor is formed, a back plate of a substrate on which surface conduction electron-emitting devices are formed as electron sources for generating the electron beams, and an outer frame for keeping a depressurized atmosphere between the two substrates. The image display apparatus using the electron beams accelerates and radiates the electron beams from the surface conduction electron-emitting devices to the phosphor in the depressurized atmosphere to make the phosphor emit light, and thereby the image display apparatus forms an image (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-251716). Incidentally, some image display apparatus are severally provided with thin plate-like spacers between the two substrates lest the two substrates should be distorted at the time of depressurizing the space enclosed by the face plate, the back plate and the outer frame.
Thermal treatment at a manufacturing process of the image display apparatus using the electron beams includes bake treatment for eliminating chemically absorbed water, in which water molecules are polarized to be mutually bonded with each other, from the surfaces of the substrates in addition to the treatment of fixing the face plate and the back plate with the outer frame put between them. When the face plate and the back plate are tried to be assembled in the depressurized atmosphere without performing the bake treatment, the pressure does not readily lower owing to the degassing of the chemical absorbed water, and then it takes a long time to reach a target degree of vacuum for assembling the face plate and the back plate.
If the bake treatment is performed to a back plate after the electric sources, wiring and the like have been formed thereon, or to a face plate after wiring and the phosphor have been formed thereon, it is better that the treatment time is shorter also for reducing a load of the thermal treatment to the devices and the wiring formed thereon. Moreover, because the bake treatment is performed a plurality of times at a manufacturing process, the treatment time at a time is desired to be shorter also for shortening a manufacturing period.
A thermal treatment apparatus for the bake treatment is equipped with a hot plate composed of a heating wire put between insulating materials in a treating chamber, and heats a substrate placed on the hot plate from the back surface of the substrate.
There has been a problem in which the temperature of a substrate does not readily rise at the time of the bake treatment because a hot plate having a large thermal capacity is used for the heating of the substrate in the thermal treatment equipment to be used for the bake treatment. In the case where a heating rate is set to be large for raising the temperature of the substrate rapidly when the bake treatment is performed after the spacers have been formed on the surface of the substrate of the back plate, the temperatures of the spacers on the surface of the substrate rise faster than the temperature of the substrate because the spacers have smaller thermal capacity in comparison with that of the substrate. Consequently, the spacers sometimes are broken owing to the temperature differences between the spacers and the substrate. Moreover, the temperature distribution of the substrate sometimes becomes uneven and the substrate sometimes becomes warped. On the other hand, when the heating rate is set to be slow for making the temperature distribution even, a problem in which the treatment time becomes longer is generated.

Thermal treatment equipment, thermal treatment method and manufacturing method of image display apparatus


A fuel tank cap with enhanced sealing property of a valve body of a positive pressure valve, which improves the pressure control ability of the fuel tank cap is disclosed. The positive pressure valve controls the pressure in a fuel tank by opening and closing a rubber valve body. The valve body is supported on its rear face by a valve support member, and is seated on and separated from a seat member. The valve body has a ring recess arranged in an outer circumferential portion thereof to form a thin-wall seating portion, which is seated on the seat member. The valve body is seated horizontally on the seat member, and is supported by the valve support member on both the inner circumferential side and the outer circumferential side of the ring recess.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cap of a fuel tank with a pressure control valve for controlling pressure in the fuel tank.
2. Description of the Prior Art
One known example of fuel tank caps is disclosed in JAPANESE UTILITY PATENT PUBLICATION GAZETTE No. 6-88606. FIG. 38 is a sectional view illustrating a fuel tank cap 300. As shown in FIG. 38, the fuel tank cap 300 includes a plastic casing body 302 screwed to a filler neck FN of a fuel tank (not shown), a cover member 330 attached to the casing body 302, and a negative pressure valve 340 received in a valve chamber 304 of the casing body 302 for controlling pressure in the fuel tank. The negative pressure valve 340 includes a rubber valve body 342, a valve supporting member 346 with a fitting aperture 346a for supporting the valve body 342, and a spring 348 for pressing the valve body 342. When the differential pressure between the tank pressure and the atmospheric pressure applied to the valve body 342 increases to or above a predetermined level, the negative pressure valve 340 opens to make the tank pressure approach atmospheric pressure.
In the negative pressure valve 340, when the pressure difference between the tank pressure and the atmospheric pressure becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined level, the valve body 342 temporarily opens to make the tank pressure approach atmospheric pressure. When the tank pressure becomes sufficiently close to the atmospheric pressure, the valve body 342 is closed to cause its lip element 342a to be seated on a seat member 306. In this state, the valve body 342 is deflected to eliminate a gap between the lip element 342a and the seat member 306 and enhance the sealing property.
It is desirable that the negative pressure valve 340 opens quickly to cancel the pressure difference when the pressure difference increases to or above the predetermined level. The circumferential portion of the valve body 342 is, however, bent and seated on the seat member 306. This extends the sealing point and may interfere with a smooth valve-opening action.


A softserve product refrigeration and dispensing machine having numerous novel features, including a beater of dasher which allows for increased strength, efficiency, and consistency of mixing of the food stuffs.

The present invention relates to improvements in semi-frozen, frozen food product or beverage refrigeration machines, and more specifically, relates to improved structures and methods for improving the quality, consistency, and efficiency of operation while improving product yields in the manufacture and dispensing of semi-frozen, frozen food products or beverages.
Once the mix and proper air mixture (discussed below) has been fed into the freezer, it is vital that the mix be moved or beaten so that a continuous folding or blending of the nearly frozen mixture occurs in the freezing cylinder or chamber in the evaporator, and that the material, as it freezes in the freezing cylinder is whisked or scraped off and dropped back into the mix for further blending and movement within the cylinder. Most beater designs have involved a framework of stainless steel bars and castings. In fabrication, these designs required a large amount of welding or brazing to complete the manufacture. Moreover, welding oftentimes proves to be less sanitary than desired and the brazing operation also lacks compatibility with highly acidic mixes. While there have been many designs recommended for beater construction (see Re. 32,159 of May 27, 1986, which utilizes insertable blades), and the design illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 512,002 (issued on Jan. 2, 1894), all of these designs require massive constructions and are difficult to fabricate in order to arrive at a strength sufficient to be able to properly fold or beat the softserve product. What is required in a properly constructed beater assembly is not only great strength (because the softserve product, such as a frozen confection e.g., softserve ice cream, is very stiff and offers high resistance to the rotation of the beater assembly or dasher) but also something that is easy to construct, will give better blending of the mix within the freezing chamber, and therefore give a consistently higher quality product at a higher throughput.
In order that the reader may better understand the nuances of the softserve refrigeration and freezing process, it is believed essential that an understanding of the entire machine operation must be understood. To that end, the following material is tendered, and directed towards various features of the copending applications set forth above.
Normally, semi-frozen, frozen confection food product or beverage (hereinafter xe2x80x9csoftserve productxe2x80x9d) is drawn from a freezing cylinder or chamber (evaporator) at intermittent times. However, the product must be in a proper state for serving when it is needed. Conventionally, to maintain product temperature and/or viscosity at an ideal state, the main refrigeration system is required to run quite frequently. Moreover, dependent upon the draw of the softserve product, additional quantities of product mix, usually kept at a refrigeration temperature below 41 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent spoilage, requires an increase draw of such mix, proper aeration or xe2x80x9coverrunxe2x80x9d, which of course, creates further cycling of the main refrigeration system.
Numerous attempts have been made to reduce this refrigeration system recycling so as to increase the efficiency of the system. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,709 (issued on Feb. 7, 1995), methods and apparatus are disclosed for incorporating thermal storage and other low temperature reservoirs with a secondary or retrofitable refrigerant circuit to increase the thermal operating capacity and efficiency by subcooling refrigerant condensate with subcoolers. However, auxiliary power equipment is required, once again lowering the overall system efficiency making it undesirable for softserve product dispensing refrigeration machines. In other systems, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,583 (issued on Feb. 17, 1987), a eutectic liquid is introduced into a space intermediate an inner metal vessel and an outer case. The purpose of the provision of a eutectic liquid is purportedly to maintain the vessel at a nearly constant temperature so as to ensure whisking (or commonly referred to as scraping) of the ice cream mixture within the cold storage container. But this system also requires a second refrigeration system in order to maintain the container at the whisking temperature.
During the transition from active freezing of the product to the Idle State of the refrigeration system, the temperature of the Evaporator must be raised to prevent xe2x80x9cstickingxe2x80x9d of the scraping or beater blades upon subsequent restarts. To accomplish this, the evaporation temperature should be preferably raised to within a few degrees of the product temperature. In this manner, xe2x80x9cstickingxe2x80x9d of the scrapers on the next restart does not occur. This is accomplished in the apparatus of the present invention by a novel method and means without necessitating a second refrigeration system.
It is well-known that it is essential for consistency of softserve product that an amount of gaseous matter such as air should be incorporated into the liquid ice cream mix at the time of freezing. xe2x80x9cOverrunxe2x80x9d, which is defined as a percentage, may be determined in a number of ways, one such way is:       (                            W          L                          W          P                    -      1        )    xc3x97  100
WL=Weight of volume (test) of raw liquid mix
WP=Weight og an equal volume of product (including air)
Overrun is accomplished either with a feed tube and air orifice in a gravity style freezer, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,720 (issued on Jan. 13, 1998) or a pump in a pressurized freezer. The feed tube method does not provide accurate control of overrun because the liquid fill rate is dependent upon the mix level in the hopper and the air flow rate is affected by xe2x80x9cbarrelxe2x80x9d pressure. Thus, when product is being dispensed from the freezer, a pressure drop is sensed in the barrel (the feed tube or conduit which supplies applying mix and air to the freezer unit) changing the overrun percentage. Thus, with this type of apparatus, at best, a limited overrun range is provided and it is difficult to control the percentage (%) of overrun.
In a pressurized freezer, a pump is employed which provides somewhat improved accuracy allowing for a greater range of overrun but requires physical component change to vary the overrun settings. Moreover, the pump also adds a degree of complexity to the freezer operation because of the number of components that must be cleaned, lubricated and reassembled. Once more, the control of overrun by the pump is effected by the draw rate of the softserve product. Since the pump is a positive displacement device for the liquid portion and a pressure sensitive device for the air portion, while the liquid mix flow rate is not affected by changes in barrel pressure, which can vary with the draw rate, the air flow rate, being pressure sensitive, will vary as the barrel pressure changes. Such a system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,876 (issued on Jul. 3, 1984). Once again, it would be desirable to provide a system which would allow control of overrun by an accurate setting of the overrun. Moreover, the system provided should be easily cleaned, preferably without removing or disassembling the system such as necessary with a pump system.
Another very important structure in a softserve product refrigeration machine is the dispensing door construction, which usually also carries with it the product dispensing valve mechanism utilized for removing product from the freezing cylinder. An ideal door would be one which minimizes condensation so that it does not have to be continuously attended to by an attendant; one that provides an excellent seal for the freezing cylinder when the door is closed; is designed so that the seal between the door and the freezing cylinder does not create an obstruction which catches the softserve product, or inhibits proper drainage of product/cleaning and/or sanitizing fluids therefrom when the freezing cylinder is being cleaned. Many designs have utilized a flat gasket between the door and freezer, such as the Clifford patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,960, issued on Aug. 28, 1962), which construction requires a high pressure being exerted to effect a proper seal. Other designs have utilized an O-ring captured inside the freezing cylinder and projecting or protruding from the interior surface of the freezing cylinder. While an O-ring eliminates the need for high forces, it obstructs the proper drainage of product from the freezing cylinder. In essence, the O-ring design requires that the product exit port be raised above the bottom edge of the freezing cylinder by an amount equal to the width of the O-ring seal. In this manner, it is difficult to provide proper drainage of product or cleaning and/or sanitizing fluids when cleaning both the door and the freezing cylinder. It should be mentioned that U.S. Pat. No. 2,916,044, issued on Dec. 8, 1959, does illustrate a cover and serving valve for freezers utilizing an insulation which is primarily for inhibiting condensation due to the capturing of the retard (or baffle) in the cover.
Another important aspect of a properly designed softserve product refrigeration machine is the dispensing valve mechanism. While valve mechanisms have varied, it is absolutely essential that the mechanism be easy to clean. That is, the valve mechanism must have no physical internals which allow for food product retention such that it can be easily cleaned by flushing with sanitizers. Valve designs which use a plunger with O-rings have small crevices between the moving parts where food product becomes lodged and is difficult to remove in the cleaning process. These designs, moreover, allow leakage of food product past the O-ring and this leakage of food product makes it incapable of effective cleaning in a clean-in-place process. Moreover, this kind of design must be lubricated, which usually requires disassembly. Another desirable feature of an ideal dispensing valve is that all product in the dispensing spout should be forced from the valve leaving no residual product to later melt and drip.
In an ideal softserve product refrigeration machine, it is desirable to provide a simple method for sensing the level of mix so that the equipment operator may be forewarned when the mix is almost depleted, as well as to inform him periodically as to how much mix is left in the product feed conduit to the freezing cylinder. Numerous prior art systems have been employed for level and/or amount sensing. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,503 (issued on Jun. 7, 1983), pressure differences are used to regulate the supply of liquid P2S5 which allows for measurement of the liquid level in the device with respective pressure differences being utilized for regulating the supply of the liquid P2S5 to the cooling device. In this manner, a predetermined liquid level may be maintained. Moreover, patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,774 (issued on Mar. 7, 1972) utilize pressure sensitive switches for measuring material levels, while patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,610 (issued on Nov. 29, 1983) utilize some kind of pressure sensor located up stream of an outlet valve for effectively adjusting a length of the opening time interval as a function of a variation of an average medium pressure between consecutive operations of operating cycles of the outlet valve arrangement.
Conventionally, softserve machines require daily cleaning and/or sanitizing to insure that undesired bacteria and the like are eliminated. Because of the intricate parts of such machines, traditionally the machines must be disassembled and each part that contacts food thoroughly decontaminated and cleaned. The machine is then reassembled. This process can require trained personnel and personal attention several hours a day. Moreover, this procedure usually occurs after normal operation hours requiring overtime or additional personnel. What has long been desired, is a machine design which allows for xe2x80x9cClean-In-Placexe2x80x9d and employs a method of cleaning that is reliable and safe, is quick and which does not require disassembly and reassembly of the machine while insuring cleanliness of the machine. That is accomplished by a softserve product refrigeration machine designed in accordance with the present invention. As will be seen, special machine construction allows for complete xe2x80x9cClean-In-Placexe2x80x9d operation without disassembly of the machine for cleaning.
A principal limitation of existing softserve product refrigeration machines is that they are setup xe2x80x9ctunedxe2x80x9d to run well under a typical set of environmental variables. Examples of these variables would be temperature, humidity, mix composition, power (electrical) quality, and the manner that the operator uses the machine. Whenever the machine is operated outside of the median point of these parameters (and others) the product quality suffers, in most cases not to a large degree but suffers none the less. In general the systems in use today must live with this loss. What is preferable, and what is accomplished with the machine of the present invention, is a fully integrated system of mechanical and refrigeration hardware, electronic hardware, and software. This full integration allows each portion of the machine to perform functions that are best suited to that particular technique.
In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides the advantages of a closed refrigeration system having a recirculating refrigerant path, the system including the conventional condenser having a liquid refrigerant output, a throttling expansion valve for changing the state of the refrigerant to a gas, and an evaporator serially connected in the refrigerant path.
A distinct advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is a new beater assembly design (commonly called a dasher in the softserve product refrigeration machine art). The advantages of high-strength and ease of construction while maintaining better blending and consistency of product as well as increased throughput all lend themselves to a more efficient machine for dispensing softserve product. To this end, the beater assembly comprises a foraminous tube without any welded parts. The front helical portion of the beater, which forces product out of the freezer through the dispensing valve (product pushing helical member), is preferably made of an easily cleaned plastic which is readily molded and inserted, as by key ways, into one end of the foraminous cylinder. The scraping elements of the dasher or beater are also preferably composed of a material, such as a plastic, for whisking or scraping the interior surface of the freezing cylinder. These scraping elements may be provided with a snap type fitting which allows them to be snapped into place in appropriate places on the cylinder. Preferably, the scraping elements should be biased toward the interior of the freezing cylinder to compensate for wear of the scraping elements due to rotation within the freezing cylinder. The driving portion of the foraminous cylinder includes a baffle rod for non-driving engagement at one end with a rotatable drive shaft (for effecting rotation of the foraminous cylinder) and at the forward end with the door assembly or other means to inhibit rotation of the baffle rod. The baffle rod is positioned within the cylindrical beater (foraminous cylinder), and is eccentric to the centerline of the beater, and mounted so as to be stationary with respect to beater rotation. The baffle rod may include foraminous hubs or elements through which mix is forced, helping to insure a good blending of the mix in the freezing cylinder.
A subcooler is placed intermediate the condenser and the throttling expansion valve, the subcooler having a primary and secondary side. The primary side of the subcooler is in the path of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser, and a path of gaseous refrigerant is supplied from the outlet of the evaporator to the secondary side of the subcooler, in heat exchange relation with the primary side. A heat sink in the subcooler is placed in heat exchange relation with both the primary and secondary sides of the subcooler. A tap on the liquid side of the refrigeration path, from the subcooler, forms a secondary refrigeration path for cooling a product mix container with a refrigeration coil therein so as to maintain the product mix at a predetermined temperature. The heat sink in the subcooler increases the efficiency of the system, reducing cycling of the refrigeration system, while having the ability to transfer heat out of the subcooler when the system is running and absorb heat so as to reduce the running cycle of the refrigeration system when the system is idle. This permits lengthening times or periods of passive cooling and advantageously eliminates the requirement of a separate active refrigeration system for the product mix cabinet.
Another advantage of the present invention is the ability to consistently provide a predetermined mixture of product mix and a gaseous medium (e.g., air) to a freezing chamber of a softserve product refrigeration machine. This is accomplished by providing a pressurized mix container which is connected to a source of pressurized gas (e.g., air) connected to the gas or air supply inlet of the pressurized mix container. A product mix outlet from the pressurized container, in the form of a conduit, connects the pressurized mix container to the freezing cylinder of the softserve product refrigeration machine. The pressurized gaseous matter, at the same pressure as applied to the mix container, is also applied to a gaseous matter (air) injection point in the conduit to affect mixing of gas (air) and product mix before entry of the mix into the freezing chamber. By introducing a pressure adjuster (e.g., a needle valve) in the line, the ratio of gas (air) to mix may be closely regulated so as to control xe2x80x9coverrun.xe2x80x9d
Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability to determine the amount of mix left in the pressurized mix container. This is provided, in accordance with the present invention, by including a gas/air pressure dump valve intermediate the source of pressurized gas/air and the gas/air supply inlet of the mix container. The dump valve is controlled to isolate the source of pressurized gas/air from the mix container and allows the dumping of gas/air from the mix container for predetermined periods of time. The change of pressure per predetermined time of the gas/air dump indicates the quantity of mix left in the mix cabinet.
Another advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that a simple instrument may be provided to determine when the mix is entirely gone from the pressurized mix container. To this end, an instrument, such as a thermal probe having a thermister or the like therein, may be placed at the injection point at the conduit. This means the probe is preferably placed in the mix line feeding the air/mix chamber or barrel. By forcing a small electric current through the thermister probe, as the thermister has an impedance, the current creates heating of the thermister. When mix is present, the liquid mix rapidly dissipates the heat of the thermister. But when all the mix is depleted, the thermal conductivity surrounding the probe is reduced and the thermister becomes warmer. This rise in temperature can be electrically sensed by the controls as the resistance of the thermister diminishes with rising temperature. In this manner, the control detects the presence or absence of a liquid mix.
Another advantage of the present invention is the novel dispensing door assembly for the freezing chamber or cylinder. To this end the assembly ensures tight closing of the freezing cylinder at the end thereof from which product egresses the freezing cylinder, and which, in conjunction with the novel cover design and interlocking dispensing valve design, ensures good locking action of and closing off of the freezing cylinder. Moreover, the advantage of the special cover design for the door not only ensures interlocking with the product dispenser to prevent inadvertent displacement of the door, but also inhibits condensation, which normally would occur because of the high temperature difference between the freezing cylinder and the atmosphere outside of the dispensing valve and door. To achieve these advantages, the freezing chamber includes a tube having a rim at one end thereof, the door assembly including a door, including alignment lugs on one of the door and the rim, and apertures, intended for reception of the lugs on the other of said door and rim, to ensure proper alignment of the door with the rim. An annular projection on one of the door and rim and an annular receptacle on the other of the door and rim, align when the door is in position in mating engagement with the rim. The inclusion of a cup shaped (in cross section) seal fittable in the receptacle (with a depending radial extending lip) serves to receive the annular projection, the cup providing a radial seal and the lip providing an axial seal therewith. The cover member has an exterior and interior portion, the interior portion having a door engagement portion to cause pressing engagement between the door and the rim. A locking collar on the exterior portion of the cover provides locking engagement with the rim of the freezing cylinder, the major portion of the interior portion of the cover being spaced from the door to form an insulating air space to inhibit condensation.
Yet another advantage of the present machine structure is the ability to maintain the cleanliness of both the freezing cylinder and the associated door, cover and dispensing valve. To this end, a passageway in the door receives product from the freezing cylinder for communication with a product outlet from the door. A receptacle for insertion into the door is in a path aligned with the product outlet and a product dispensing valve is disposed in the receptacle. An aperture in the cover is aligned with the receptacle and engageable thereby, in conjunction with the valve, to retain and lock the cover to the door. The structure of the dispensing valve facilitates cleaning in situ. To this end, the dispensing valve includes a piston and a seat for the piston in the door in the product outlet, and a rolling diaphragm carried by the piston seals the receptacle from product whether the piston is either in a position to dispense product or is sealing the product outlet. In this manner, as the dispensing valve is open for dispensing the softserve product from the refrigeration machine, the diaphragm connected to the head end rolls with the upward movement of the piston leaving no cracks or crevices for the retention of unwanted products. Additionally, the openings allow for cleaning in situ of both the passageway and the dispensing outlet from the door, facilitating the maintenance of cleanliness of the machine.
Another advantage of this kind of dispensing valve for the softserve product is that a rolling diaphragm valve neither requires lubrication to keep it active nor periodic disassembly to lubricate. Moreover, by providing a novel flush system, such hard to get parts and places, such as the drive attachment to the beater, may be cleaned in situ.
Still another feature of the present machine is the provision of a control for the machine which facilitates hands-off operation and adjusts the machine, regardless of the draw-down of the product, to insure the quality of the product.
Other advantages and features and a more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following specification and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Beater/dasher for semi-frozen, frozen food dispensing machines


In a method for producing output from an image record, the type of input unit supplying the image record is determined. The image record is classified into one of a predetermined plurality of different edit statuses. The classifying utilizes as input the determined type of input unit. The edit statuses are inclusive of unedited status and very-edited status. The image record is digitally enhanced. During the enhancing material alteration of the image record is constrained. The enhancing is more constrained when the edit status is very-edited and less when the edit status is other than very-edited. The image record is rendered to match a predetermined output unit. The resulting image record is output in viewable form.

Digital imaging has vastly increased consumers ability to produce viewable images from both professional and amateur image records on the same output system. The term "viewable image" is used herein to refer to images that can be visually perceived, such as light images produced by a display and hard copy images produced by a printer or press. The term "image record" is used herein to refer to a digital still image, video sequence, or multimedia record. Output systems sometimes provide minimal automated digital processing of the output image records. In other cases, "one-size-fits-all" processing is provided. These approaches work best with a narrow range of input and are not helpful for image records that do not fit that narrow range. Manual (user directed) digital processing is commonly available and is not particularly burdensome in some situations, such as editing and printing individual still images. On the other hand, manual digital processing can be very burdensome for editing video sequences. Manual processing is also not suitable for use during casual viewing. Output systems that display images, also referred to herein as "display systems", are, thus, particularly suitable for automated digital processing.
Examples of playback systems include home entertainment systems, televisions, and portable devices providing similar functions. Many playback systems now include subsystems that apply sophisticated image processing algorithms. Such algorithms can alter one or more of: noise, contrast, color balance, brightness, and other image quality parameters. Such algorithms can greatly improve consumer image records, particularly image records that have never been edited or have been captured using a camera lacking in sophisticated image processing. Such algorithms can also modify the "look" of professional image records. The term "look" is used herein in the same sense as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,190 to Morton and U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,828 to Bogdanowicz et al., which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. These patents disclose procedures for maintaining a desired "look" in a motion picture. "Look" includes such features of an image record as: sharpness, grain, tone scale, color saturation, image stabilization, and noise. These references teach modification of input image records of a known look to create an output image record of a different look. Unfortunately, in many cases, the look of the input record is not known or characterized.
Modifying the look of professionally prepared image records raises issues of whether artistic values have been compromised. It is a shortcoming of many playback systems that image records are all automatically modified. This is problematic if the look is changed.
It is known to modify the encoding/compression of TV images depending on the source, as explained in "Source-adaptive encoding options for HDTV and NTSC" by Parulski, et al, SMPTE Journal, October 1992, pages 674-683.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,405 to Savakis et al. teaches use of a Bayesian network or group of networks to provide an automatic ranking of consumer images in terms of their logical order based on an automatic assessment of emphasis and appeal, but the ranking of images is determined for automatic album page assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,405 describes a number of features that have been selected based on a ground truth study of the preference of human observers. These features include people related features: the presence or absence of people, the amount of skin or face area and the extent of close-up based on face size; objective features: the colorfulness and sharpness of the image; and subject related features: the size of main subject and the goodness of composition based on main subject mapping. The outputs of the feature extraction stage thus represent statistical evidence of the presence (or absence) of certain features; the outputs are then integrated by the classification stage to compute a value representative of the likelihood that the image is of the type the network is designed to detect.
It would thus be desirable to provide methods and systems that overcome these shortcomings.

Image digital processing based on edit status