A dial ball mount (34) for a trailer hitch (36) comprising a main frame (38) having a shank (40) that fits into a box end receiver (42) of the trailer hitch (36). A component (44) is for holding a first end of the shank (40) of the main frame (38) within the box end receiver (42) of the trailer hitch (36). A turret (46) is provided with a plurality of hitch balls (48) radially affixed onto the turret (46). An assembly (50) is for mounting the turret (46) in a rotatable manner to the main frame (38). A facility (52) is for retaining the turret (46) in a stationary manner on the main frame (38), so that any one of the hitch balls (48) can be aligned into position to receive a matching trailer coupler on a tow bar connected to a trailer.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to towing devices and more specifically it relates to a dial ball mount for a trailer hitch. The dial ball mount can be used with different types of trailer hitches for towing most boats, utility trailers and small or medium camping trailers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous towing devices have been provided in prior art that are each adapted to be used for towing one particular type of trailer at one time. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.


In a golf ball having dimples and lands other than the dimples formed on the surface thereof, dimples are arranged so that less than 40 lands are provided which contain a rectangle having a short side greater than 0.4 mm and an area greater than 0.8 mm.sup.2 and not including a part of the dimple or the whole thereof. A land having the greatest area of all lands is so small that a dimple having an area greater than the average area of all dimples cannot be formed therein.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf ball and more particularly to a golf ball having an improved flight performance because of dimples densely arranged on the surface thereof.
2. Description of the Related Arts
Normally, the golf ball has 280 to 540 dimples on the surface thereof. Dimples make air flow turbulent, thereby improving the aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball during its flight. Thus, the golf ball flies a long distance.
In view of the role of the dimple, the more densely dimples are arranged on the surface of the golf ball, the more turbulent air flow becomes and thus the golf ball has a longer flight distance. From this standpoint, various proposals of dimple arrangement have been made. For example, the present applicant made a proposal in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 62-192181. According to the proposal, a land does not allow the formation of dimples having an area greater than the average area of dimples on the surface of the golf ball. It is to be noted that the land is a region of the surface of the golf ball other than the region of entire dimples arranged thereon.
That is, the area of the land is reduced, i.e., dimples are densely arranged on the surface of the golf ball to increase the aerodynamic characteristic thereof. The golf ball having the above-described dimple arrangement is available on the market and popular among golfers because of its superiority of its flight performance.
There is a growing demand for a golf ball having a favorable flight performance partly because feminine golfers who generally have less muscular strength than male golfers are rapidly increasing in recent years.


According to some embodiments, a ping-pong buffer system has a buffer that stores a subset of data from a data source.

A data source may sequentially store blocks of data into a buffer. Moreover, a data requester may receive an entire set data from the buffer after the buffer is filled (e.g., the set of data may include multiple blocks). In some cases, the data source will continue to store blocks into the buffer before the set of data is provided to the data requestor (e.g. by storing a block in a first location in the buffer after a last location is filled). As a result, it is possible that the data source will overwrite a block of data before it is provided to the data requestor (and therefore the set of data may be incorrect).

Ping-pong buffer system having a buffer to store a subset of data from a data source


A hydraulic tensioning system for nuts on studbolts has a puller bar and a puller buddy, which are coupled to the studbolt, and a bridge around the nut. The puller bar is internally coupled to the studbolt (and may engage the nut before the tension is applied). The nut can comprise a cone nut, which cooperates with a complementary collar or shell with a conical inner face and a spherical base washer.

1. Field of the Invention
THIS INVENTION relates to hydraulic systems for tensioning fasteners; to nuts to be tensioned thereby; to tools to be used therewith; to washers and to other like type structures and accessories for use therewith.
2. Prior Art
Hydraulic nuts are known. The specification to Australian Patent No. 625495 (AU-B-25403/88), to the present applicant, describes such a nut. These nuts find applications in a variety of fields, for example in the assembly of turbine casings.
Power industry turbine casings are invariably in two halves, joined axially to make an essentially symmetric shell in which the turbine rotor operates. The joint between the casings must be clamped with sufficient force to withstand the massive forces of separation generated by the action of steam under pressure within, and with a high degree of consistency to prevent leakage or distortion of the casing. Steam turbines operate of necessity at high temperatures, so the nature of the material used in the bolts must resist creep (slow relaxation) under such conditions. This rules out using particularly high-strength heat treated alloy fasteners, so the engineering solution taken is that of using studbolts of large cross sectional area at reduced separation (bolt pitch). This reduced separation means that there is very little working room around the bolts. This creates problems in applying the high torque necessary to provide required tensile load in the member. Most turbine manufacturers have, therefore, opted to recommend a practice of heat induced elongation and subsequent shrinkage of the individual studs for casing bolt tensioning. This is an extremely costly method in the amount of time consumed, and it also has detrimental effects on the integrity of the fasteners.
There has been considerable pressure applied by power generation utility companies to the manufacturers of the turbines to improve the methods used in this area. An "outage" of a baseline generator, in a nuclear plant for example, can cost a considerable sum (in excess of four million dollars) per day. There are economic reasons to improve performance. The utility companies are of the opinion that permanently installed hydraulic fasteners are the ideal method of force application for these studbolts. However, there are design changes necessary to best fit such equipment requiring manufacturers and regulatory body approvals, so they have requested an interim step which would still allow the use of hydraulic tensioning without major design change. Ideally, they would use such equipment as tools which are removed after application, and which do not require replacement of the studbolts themselves.


Disclosed is a metal chelate dye which is composed of a metal ion and a ligand that is a methine dye having 2 or more bonding positions capable of coordinate bond to the metal ion at the bonding position. A thermal transfer recording material, an ink used for an ink jet image recording process and a color toner for electrostatic image recording process are also disclosed.

Dyes known as dyes or pigments are widely utilized in various applications including coloring materials for fibers, colorants for resins and paints, image forming materials in photography, printing, copying machines and printers and light-absorption materials for color filters. Recently, various image forming dyes for color hard-copies employing ink jet technology, electrophotography technology, silver salt photography technology and thermal transfer technology were disclosed. In addition, together with the accelerating progress of electronic imaging, demand for dyes for photorecording media utilizing a solid image pick-up tube, dyes for filters for color liquid crystal television and semiconductor lasers has been increased. Therefore, utilizing field of dyes have been extended.
Among the above-mentioned dyes, the thermal transfer recording has advantage in that operation and maintenance is easy, downsizing of the associated apparatus and further cost reduction is possible, and its running cost is inexpensive. In order to improve stability, specifically fixing property and light fastness, of an image obtained by the thermal transfer recording, a thermal recording material and an image forming method employing a chelatable thermo-diffusion dye (hereinafter, referred to as "chelate dye") have been reported. For example, they are reported in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection (hereinafter, referred to as Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publication) Nos. 78893/1984, 10349/1984 and 2398/1985. The chelate dyes disclosed in the above-mentioned patent applications are metal chelate dyes wherein azo dyes are bidentate- or tridentate-cordinated with metal ions as a ligand. An image formed by the use of the above-mentioned chelate dyes is excellent in terms of light fastness and fixing property. However, it is not satisfactory in terms of sensitivity of thermal transfer recording material nor of the storage stability of the material itself. Therefore, further improvement has been demanded. Since hue change of the azo dye and that of the chelate dye after chelating is formed are remarkable, undesired secondary absorption occurs when chelating reaction, when an image is formed, is insufficient. In addition, the formed chelate dye itself is irregularly absorbed. Accordingly, when a full color image is obtained, further improvement in terms of color reproduction is demanded.
In addition, when the above-mentioned dye is used as an ink for ink jet printing, there are the following requirements: (a) it must be compatible with various recording methods (including (1) a method wherein solution drops are pressed and emitted by means of electromechanical conversion by means of Piezo element, (2) a method wherein solution drops are pressed and emitted by generating bubbles by means of electricity-heat conversion and (3) a method wherein solution drops are suctioned and emitted by means of static electricity), (b) having high recording density and favorable color tone, (c) being excellent in terms of image fastness to light, heat and moisture, (d) fixing fastness on the recording medium so that no blotting occurs after recording, (e) being excellent in terms of storage stability as an ink, (f) there are no problems in terms of safety such as toxicity and impressing and (g) it is inexpensive. From the above-mentioned viewpoints, various solutions for ink jet method are disclosed and studied. However, recording solutions satisfying many of the above-mentioned requirements concurrently are extremely limited. In color image recording employing a yellow, magenta, cyan and black color, dyes and pigments having conventional C.I. numbers described in the C.I. index have widely been studied. Those employing xanthene-containing water-solubilizing dyes such as Acid Red 52 and azo-containing water-solubilizing dyes such as Direct Red are known. However, the former has problems in terms of fastness such as light fastness and the latter has problems in terms of spectral absorption properties regarding color reproducibility, for example, lacking color tone sharpness.
Further, a case when the above-mentioned dye is used in color toner will now be discussed. In a color copier or a color printer utilizing an electrophotographic system, toner wherein a colorant is dispersed in resin particles or toner in which colorant is adhered on the surface of resin particles is ordinarily employed. It is difficult to achieve excellent effects when a method wherein a colorant is adhered on the surface of resin since it is coloring only on the surface of the resin. In addition, since the colorant is removed from the resin, charging performance changes. In addition, another problem occurs in that the surface of the fixing rollers is contaminated. Therefore, toners in which the colorant is dispersed in side the particles are widely employed. As performances required for such color toners, color reproducibility, image penetrability and light fastness in an Over Head Projector (hereinafter, referred to as "OHP") are cited. Toners in which a pigment is dispersed inside particles as a colorant are disclosed in Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publications Nos. 157051/1987, 255956/1987 and 118715/1994. Though these toners are excellent in terms of light fastness, they easily coagulate since they are insoluble. Therefore, they result in reduction in transmissivity and hue change of transmitting colors. In addition, toners wherein a dye is used as a colorant are disclosed in Japanese Patent O.P.I. Publications Nos. 276161/1991, 207274/1990 and 207273/1990. To the contrary, these toners have transmissivity so that they have problems in terms of light fastness, though there is no hue change.
It is desired that the above-mentioned dyes commonly have the following characteristics. Namely, they have preferable hue in terms of color reproduction, they have the most suitable spectral absorption characteristics, their image fastness to light, heat and moisture and chemical fastness is favorable. Further, their mol light absorption coefficient is large.


A method and related apparatus for performing error checking-correcting (ECC). The method divides a memory space provided by a memory into an ECC range and a non-ECC range. When data is read or written, the method determines the address of data is within the ECC range or the non-ECC range so as to decide whether error checking-correcting is performed on the data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and related apparatus for performing error checking and correcting, and more particularly, to a method and related apparatus for determining whether an error checking-correcting function is performed on data based on an address of the data.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Computer systems are indispensable to the information society. With a computer system, it is convenient for users to calculate, access, and manage a large amount of information, data, and video at high speed. Therefore, information technology manufacturers have been devoted to improving the performance of computer systems to access data more precisely.
Generally, a computer system comprises a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling the operation of the computer system, a memory for storing data, and a control chip (such as a north bridge circuit or chipset) for managing data transmission between the CPU and the memory. Many error detection schemes have been used in computer systems to ensure that the CPU (and other circuits in the computer system) can access data from the memory precisely. Take an error checking-detecting (ECC) function for example. The ECC function can detect errors and correct errors simultaneously. A control chip can implement the ECC function.
When performing the ECC function, if a write command indicates to store data into the memory, the control chip processes data and generates a verifying ECC code accordingly. The data and the ECC code will be stored in the memory at the same time. Generally, a conventional algorithm of the ECC function generates an 8-bit verifying ECC code according to 64-bit data. When the data is read from the memory, the control chip reads the data and corresponding verifying ECC code simultaneously, and generates syndrome bits based on the data and the verifying ECC code for determining whether the read data is correct. The syndrome bits can indicate which bit of the data is incorrect, and the wrong bit will be corrected. If two bits are incorrect, the control chip reports an error message instead of correcting errors.
Since the conventional algorithm of the ECC function is for 64-bit data/8-bit verifying ECC code, a partial-write function might be performed on data, the partial-write function including read/modify/write commands. For instance, suppose that an 8 bits of data is being written into the memory. The ECC function is performed on 64 bits of data taken as integrated data for generating an 8-bit verifying ECC code. Therefore, a corresponding 56 bits of data (and verifying ECC code) must be read from the memory for integrating the 64 bits of data needed by the ECC function. Then data can be written in the memory.
In the prior art, when accessing data in the memory, the ECC function must be performed to ensure data precision. Thus, the computer system must consume more system resources for providing the ECC function, especially for the partial-write function. Therefore, the performance of the computer system is reduced. If the ECC function is not executed, the performance of the computer system is higher, but the accessed data might be incorrect. In other words, prior art computer systems do not have a good balance between performance and data precision.

Method and related apparatus for performing error checking-correcting


A method for analyzing predefined subject matter in a patent database being for use with a set of target patents, each target patent related to the predefined subject matter, the method comprising: creating a feature space based on frequently occurring terms found in the set of target patents; creating a partition taxonomy based on a clustered configuration of the feature space; editing the partition taxonomy using domain expertise to produce an edited partition taxonomy; creating a classification taxonomy based on structured features present in the edited partition taxonomy; creating a contingency table by comparing the edited partition taxonomy and the classification taxonomy to provide entries in the contingency table; and identifying all significant relationships in the contingency table to help determine the presence of any white space.

The present invention relates generally to the field of online analytic processing of data and, in particular, to patent and web-related analytics tools and methodologies for assisting in the identification of potential white space opportunities.
Modern business intelligence routinely makes extensive use of customer and transactional data obtained from databases stored in data warehouses. Such business intelligence may typically be obtained by posing an analytical search and/or query to one or more associated relational databases. Intellectual property (IP) intelligence, in particular, may be critical to the competitive advantage of a business entity. The business entity may seek to maximize the value of its IP by investigating and identifying areas of relevant patent "white space" in an industry, where white space is a term generally used to designate one or more technical fields in which little or no IP may exist.
In the current state of the art, however, the process of identifying white space can be time-consuming and ineffective. For example, conducting a search via the Internet may require multiple labor-intensive and time-consuming sessions. Moreover, the search results may require further manual processing to yield an output that may or may not be of value to the interested business entity.
As can be seen, there is a need for better methodologies and tools dedicated to the identification of potential white space opportunities.

Methodologies and analytics tools for identifying white space opportunities in a given industry

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a system for treating process fluids.
2. Background Art
When drilling or completing wells in earth formation, various fluids typically are used in the well for a variety of reasons. As used herein, such fluids will be referred to as "process fluids." Common uses for process fluids include: lubrication and cooling of drill bit cutting surfaces while drilling generally or drilling-in (i.e., drilling in a targeted petroleum bearing formation), transportation of "cuttings" (pieces of formation dislodged by the cutting action of the teeth on a drill bit) to the surface, controlling formation fluid pressure to prevent blowouts, maintaining well stability, suspending solids in the well, minimizing fluid loss into and stabilizing the formation through which the well is being drilled, fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the well, displacing the fluid within the well with another fluid, cleaning the well, testing the well, implacing a packer fluid, abandoning the well or preparing the well for abandonment, and otherwise treating the well or the formation.
In drilling some subterranean formations, and particularly those bearing oil or gas, hydrogen sulfide accumulations are frequently encountered. The drilling fluid brings the hydrogen sulfide to the surface. Such sulfide in the drilling fluid is problematic, as it can corrode the steel in the drilling apparatus and may be liberated into the atmosphere as toxic sulfide gas at the well surface. Further, oil from the drilling fluid (as well as any oil from the formation) maybe become associated with or absorbed to the surfaces of the cuttings that are removed from the formation being drilled. The cuttings may then be an environmentally hazardous material, making disposal a problem.
Generally, to protect the health of those working with the drilling fluid and those at the surface of the well, conditions should be maintained to ensure that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide above the fluid, emitted due to the partial pressure of the gas, is less than about 15 ppm. The partial pressure of hydrogen sulfide at ambient temperatures is a function of the concentration of sulfide ions in the fluid and the pH of the fluid. To ensure that the limit of 15 ppm is not exceeded even for the maximum sulfide concentration that may be encountered in a subterranean formation, the pH of the drilling fluid is typically maintained at a minimum of about 11.5. Also, to prevent the soluble sulfide concentration in the fluid from becoming excessive, action is routinely taken to remove sulfide from the fluid.
Dissolved gases cause many problems in the oil field. Gases and other fluids present in subterranean formations, collectively called reservoir fluids, are prone to enter a wellbore drilled through the formation. In many cases, dense drilling fluids, completion brines, fracturing fluids, and so forth are provided to maintain a countering pressure that restrains the reservoir fluids from entering the wellbore. However, there are many instances where the counter pressure is too low to restrain the reservoir fluids. This may be due to, for example, a mis-calculation of the fluid density needed to maintain a hydrostatic overbalance or a transient lowering of pressure due to movement of the drill string in the hole. Gasses may also enter the wellbore through molecular diffusion if there is insufficient flux of fluid from the wellbore to keep it swept away. Finally, reservoir fluids escape from the fragments of the formation that are being drilled up. The reservoir fluid that enters the well is then free to mix with the supplied well fluid and rise to the surface.
The hazards of un-restrained expansions of reservoir fluids in the wellbore are well known. A primary hazard is an avalanche effect of gas evolution and expansion, wherein gas bubbles rise in a liquid stream, expanding as they rise. As the bubbles expand, they expel dense fluid from the bore, and further reduce the hydrostatic pressure of the wellbore fluid. Such a progression may eventually lead to a 'blow out,' whereby so much restraining pressure has been lost that the high pressure reservoir can flow uncontrollably into the wellbore.
Less dramatic, but equally important, are chemical effects that formation fluids may have upon the circulating fluid, the structure of the well, and the associated personnel. These effects and risks may include, for example: methane gas liberated at the surface may ignite; carbon dioxide may become carbonic acid, a highly corrosive compound, when exposed to water; carbon dioxide gas is an asphyxiant; hydrogen sulfide can corrode ferrous metals, particularly in contact with water, and is more damaging than carbon dioxide because it can induce hydrogen embrittlement; embrittled tubulars may separate or break well under design stresses with catastrophic consequences; hydrogen sulfide gas is also toxic, with levels of 800 to 1000 ppm causing death in healthy individuals. Removing dissolved and entrained gases is thus vital to many aspects of successful drilling and exploitation.
Process fluids from wells are typically sent offsite for treatment and processing to remove hazardous materials from the process fluid. For example, gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, solids, for example amounts of earth formation, cuttings, debris, etc., and other fluids, for example oil, may be removed from the process fluid during such processing of the process fluid so that the process fluid may be safely disposed or re-circulated to the well. Sending process fluids offsite may be cumbersome and costly due to the potential risks involved, including health risks for personnel handling the transport of the process fluids and environmental risks of leakage or spillage of the process fluid during transportation.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a system and method for treating a process fluid, including facilitating the reduction of entrained and dissolved gases in the process fluid.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An imaging apparatus for endoscopes includes an endoscope relaying an object image through an observing optical system, and an imaging section removably mounted to the rearmost end of the endoscope, including a stop unit provided with a variable stop capable of changing an aperture size thereof, an imaging lens system, a focus lens system, and an image sensor. The relative positions of the variable stop, the imaging lens system, and the image sensor are constant, and the focus lens system can be moved along the optical axis of the imaging section. In this way, the imaging apparatus for endoscopes can be provided which is simple in structure, small in size, and low in cost.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an imaging apparatus for endoscopes which includes an endoscope and an imaging section having the function of a TV camera and allows an image derived from the endoscope to be observed through a TV monitor.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, where an image inside the human body which is derived from an endoscope is displayed on a TV monitor for observation, an imaging apparatus is used which has a TV camera removably mounted to the rear of an eyepiece section of the endoscope.
Imaging apparatuses for endoscopes of this type are various in optical arrangement. As an example, an imaging apparatus for endoscopes disclosed in Japanese Patent Preliminary Publication No. Hei 7-234365 may be cited. FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of this imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus includes an adapter 13 removably mounted to the eyepiece section of an endoscope 11, having a focus lens 12 for changing the degree of convergence or divergence of a beam of light emerging from the eyepiece section, and a TV camera 17 of watertight structure which is removably mounted to the adapter 13 and has a variable stop 14, an imaging lens system 15, and an image sensor 16. In this way, the imaging apparatus is designed so that when the TV camera 17 is attached through the adapter 13 to the eyepiece section of the endoscope 11, a distance between the adapter 13 and the TV camera 17 is changed and thereby a focusing operation is performed.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show arrangements of conventional imaging apparatuses for endoscopes. Each of these imaging apparatuses is equipped with an endoscope 21 and a TV camera head 25 which has an imaging lens system 22 for re-forming an object image relayed, as a final image, by the endoscope 21, stop means 23 variable in aperture size, and an image sensor 24. The relative positions of at least one of lenses constituting the imaging lens system 22 and the stop means 23 are kept constant with respect to the optical axis. In FIG. 2A, the imaging lens system 22 and the variable stop 23 are moved along the optical axis, while in FIG. 2B, the image sensor 24 is moved. In either case, an axial distance between the one lens of the imaging lens system 22 and the image sensor 24 is changed and thereby the focusing operation is performed.
FIG. 3 depicts the arrangement of a TV photographic adapter constituting a conventional imaging apparatus for endoscopes. A TV photographic adapter 31 includes an imaging lens system 32, a variable stop 33, a power supply 34 for actuating the variable stop 33, a light-receiving element 35 for controlling the variable stop 33, and a variable stop control device 36. This adapter is hermetically sealed through sapphire glass covers 37. Although the TV photographic adapter 31, when used, is connected, together with a TV camera, not shown, to the endoscope, the focusing operation is performed by means of the same mechanism as in FIG. 1.
In the imaging apparatus for endoscopes, it is desirable that the stop is placed close to the exit pupil of the endoscope. This is because if the stop is disposed farther away from the exit pupil, a light beam passing through the stop will give rise to vignetting, and the quality of a resultant image will be deteriorated.
With the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1, when the focusing operation is performed, the position of the stop in the imaging apparatus for endoscopes is varied, and hence a chief ray passing through the lens system is shifted from the position where the optimum condition is obtained, that is, aberrations are most favorably corrected. Consequently, an image may suffer deterioration in quality, which is not favorable. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus provides the adapter 13 with a focusing function and thus requires a large number of parts. This fact is disadvantageous to costs.
The imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 2A, which is constructed so that the stop means 23 is moved, together with the imaging lens system 22, along the optical axis, is unfavorable for use because the relative positions of the stop means 23 and the exit pupil of the endoscope 21 are shifted to thereby cause variations of aberrations as in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1. In order to drive the stop means 23 directly, the imaging apparatus requires a multiple frame structure (at least two frames, one for fixing the stop means 23 and the imaging lens system 22 and the other for the focusing operation), with a resulting increase in manufacturing cost. Moreover, since the stop means 23 is moved, together with a unit holding the stop means 23, along the optical axis, there is the fear that a signal line, not shown, is broken which is connected to the stop means 23 to transmit a signal for controlling the aperture size thereof.
On the other hand, the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 2B, which is such that the image sensor 24 is moved along the optical axis in the focusing operation, requires a length of fit or a unit including the imaging lens system 22 to be increased to some extent so that optical misalignment of the entire lens system is obviated. This brings about an unfavorable shape for the imaging apparatus for endoscopes requiring lightweight and compact design. Additionally, by moving the image sensor 34, an unnecessary load is applied to a flexible printed circuit board provided at the rear end thereof, and hence there is the possibility that the flexible printed circuit board will be damaged.
The TV photographic adapter 31 of the imaging apparatus for endoscopes shown in FIG. 3 is equipped with the power supply 34 for actuating the variable stop 33 and the control device 36, which form the key elements that prevent lightweight and compact design required for the imaging apparatus for endoscopes. Thus, this arrangement is unfavorable. The focusing means of this apparatus has the same problem as that of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.


A gene which encodes a murine leukocyte α(1,3)fucosyltransferase capable of synthesizing the sialyl Lewis x determinant has been cloned.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferases, Fuc-TVII, DNA encoding such a murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII, plasmids containing such DNA, cells transformed with such a plasmid, a method for producing a murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII by culturing such cells, monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to a murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII, and immunoassays for detecting a murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII using such monoclonal antibodies.
2. Discussion of the Background
Cell adhesion events between leukocytes and endothelial cells operate to facilitate the exit of blood leukocytes from the vascular tree. The selectin family of cell adhesion molecules, and their counter-receptors, function early in this process, mediating transient adhesive contacts between leukocytes and the endothelial cell monolayer. These selectin-dependent adhesive contacts, together with shear forces impinging upon the leukocyte, cause the leukocyte to "roll" along the endothelial monolayer. Leukocyte rolling, in turn, facilitates subsequent events that include leukocyte activation, firm leukocyte-endothelial cell attachment, and transendothelial migration (T. A. Springer, Cell, vol. 76, pp. 301-314 (1994); R. P. McEver et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 270, pp. 11025-11028 (1995)).
E- and P-selectin, expressed by activated vascular endothelial cells, recognize glycoprotein counter-receptors displayed by leukocytes. Each of these selectins can operate to mediate leukocyte rolling in the context of inflammation. L-selectin has also been implicated in mediating leukocyte adhesion to activated vascular endothelium, through interactions with an as yet poorly understood endothelial cell ligand (M. L. Arbones et al, Immunity, vol. 1, pp. 247-260 (1994); K. Ley et al, J. Exp. Med., vol. 181, pp. 669-675 (1995)). By contrast, lymphocyte L-selectin recognizes glycoprotein counter-receptors displayed by specialized cuboidal endothelial cells that line high endothelial venules (HEV) within lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. L-selectin-dependent adhesive interactions in this context operate to facilitate trafficking of lymphocytes (lymphocyte "homing") to such lymphoid aggregates.
The NH2-terminal C-type mammalian lectin domain common to each of the three selectin family members mediates cell adhesion through calcium dependent interactions with specific oligosaccharide ligands, displayed by leukocytes (E- and P-selectin ligands) (R. P. McEver et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 270, pp. 11025-11028 (1995); A. Varki, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., vol. 91, pp. 7390-7397 (1994)), or by HEV (L-selectin) (S. D. Rosen et al, Curr. Opin. Cell Biol., vol. 6, pp. 663-673 (1994)). Physiological ligand activity for E- and P-selectins is critically dependent on the expression of a non-reducing terminal tetrasaccharide termed sialyl Lewis x (sLex) [NeuNAcα2,3Galβ1,4(Fucα1,3)GlcNAc-R] (A. Varki, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., vol. 91, pp. 7390-7397 (1994)), and/or its difucosylated variant (T. P. Patel et al, Biochemistry, vol. 33, pp. 14815-14824 (1994)). However, E- and P-selectins recognize this oligosaccharide in different contexts. P-selectin-dependent cell adhesion is optimal when sLex is displayed by serine and threonine-linked oligosaccharides residing on a specific protein termed P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1(PSGL-1) (K. L. Moore et al, J. Cell. Biol., vol. 188, pp. 445-456 (1992); D. Sako et al, Cell, vol. 75, pp. 1179-1186 (1993)). sLex-modified PSGL-1 also appears to represent a high affinity counter-receptor for E-selectin (D. Asa et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 270, pp. 11662-11670 (1995); K. D. Patel et al, J. Clin. Invest., vol. 96, pp. 1887-1896 (1995)). A distinct leukocyte glycoprotein termed E-selectin ligand 1 (ESL-1) (M. Steegmaler et al, Nature, vol. 373, pp. 615-620 (1995)), and its α(1,3)fucosylated, asparagine-linked oligosaccharides, may also function as an E-selectin counter-receptor.
Physiological L-selectin counter-receptors on HEV are represented by the glycoproteins, GlyCAM-1 (L. A. Lasky et al, Cell, vol. 69, pp. 927-938 (1992)), CD34 (S. Baumhueter et al, Science, vol. 262, pp. 436-438 (1993)), and MadCAM-1 (E. L. Berg et al, Nature, vol. 366, pp. 695-698 (1993)). Biochemical studies indicate that L-selectin ligand activity of these molecules is also critically dependent upon post-translational modification by glycosylation. Early studies documented a requirement for sialylation and sulfation (Y. Imai et al, J. Cell Biol., vol. 113, pp. 1213-1221 (1991)), implied a requirement for α(1,3)fucosylation, and indicated that these modifications are components of serine and/or threonine-linked glycans. More recent oligosaccharide structural analyses extend this work, and imply that high affinity L-selectin ligand activity depends upon the sulfated variant of the sLex determinant, NeuNAcα2,3(SO46)Galβ1,4(Fucα1,3)GlcNAc-R (S. Hemmerich et al, Biochemistry, vol. 33, pp. 4820-4829 (1994); S. Hemmerich et al, Biochemistry, vol. 33, pp. 4830-4835 (1994); S. Hemmerich et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 270, pp. 12035-12047 (1995)).
Expression of sLex is determined by cell lineage-specific expression of one or more α(1,3)fucosyltransferases (S. Natsuka et al, Curr. Opin. Struc. Biol., vol. 4, pp. 683-691 (1994)). These enzymes utilize the donor substrate GDP-fucose, and catalyze a transglycosylation reaction involving the addition of α1,3-linked fucose to a common 3′-sialyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine precursor. It can be presumed that expression of the sulfated variant of sLex also depends upon lineage-specific expression of α(1,3)fucosyltransferase activities operating on sulfate-modified 3′-sialyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine precursors, or that create sLex moieties modified subsequently by sulfation.
The identity of the α(1,3)fucosyltransferase(s) responsible for selectin ligand expression in leukocytes is not well-defined, and HEV-specific α(1,3)fucosyltransferases have not been described. To date, five different human α(1,3)fucosyltransferases have been cloned (J. F. Kukowska-Latallo et al, Genes & Dev., vol. 4, pp. 1288-1303 (1990); B. W. Weston et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 267, pp. 24575-24584 (1992); B. W. Weston et al., J. Biol. Chem., vol. 267, pp. 4152-4160 (1992); J. B. Lowe et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 17467-17477 (1991); S. E. Goelz et al, Cell, vol. 63, pp. 1349-1356 (1990); R. Kumar et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 21777-21783 (1991); S. Natsuka et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 16789-16794 (1994); K. Sasaki et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 14730-14737 (1994)). Northern blot and molecular cloning analyses imply that two of these, termed Fuc-TIV (J. B. Lowe et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 17467-17477 (1991); S. E. Goelz et al, Cell, vol. 63, pp. 1349-1356 (1990); R. Kumar et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 21777-21783 (1991)) and Fuc-TVII (S. Natsuka et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 16789-16794 (1994); K. Sasaki et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 14730-14737 (1994)), are expressed in leukocyte cells, and represent candidates for critical participation in selectin ligand expression. The role of Fuc-TIV (also known as ELAM-1 Ligand Fucosyl Transferase, or ELFT) in this process is not clear, however. While Fuc-TIV/ELFT is able to efficiently utilize non-sialylated N-acetyl-lactosamine precursors to direct expression of the Lex moiety (J. B. Lowe et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 17467-17477 (1991); R. Kumar et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 266, pp. 21777-21783 (1991)), this enzyme cannot determine Lex expression in all cellular contexts (S. Goelz et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 1033-1040 (1994)), and its ability to do so in leukocytes, or in leukocyte progenitors, has not been demonstrated. By contrast, Fuc-TVII is apparently able to determine sLex expression in all mammalian cellular contexts examined, where sLex synthesis is biochemically possible (S. Natsuka et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 16789-16794 (1994); K. Sasaki et al, J. Biol. Chem., vol. 269, pp. 14730-14737 (1994)). Neither enzyme has been tested for its ability to participate in the synthesis of L-selectin ligands represented by the sulfated sLex determinant.
Thus, there remains a need for additional α(1,3)fucosyltransferases and methods, cells, plasmids, and DNA useful for preparing the same. There also remains a need for antibodies and immunoassays useful for detecting such α(1,3)fucosyltransferases.

Murine α (1,3) fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII, DNA encoding the same, method for preparing the same, antibodies recognizing the same, immunoassays for detecting the same, plasmids containing such DNA, and cells containing such a plasmid


A laser array for determining the concentrations of gases. A simply acting device and a corresponding process are provided, which make possible a high signal resolution by reducing the interferences without prolonging the measurement time. The interferences occurring in the laser array are reduced by the laser source being set to perform longitudinal oscillations in the direction of the optical axis. These oscillations preferably have a sinus or sawtooth shape, and a frequency in the range of 10 to 1,000 Hz that does not otherwise occur in the laser array and an oscillation amplitude corresponding to one fourth to a multiple of the wavelength of the radiation of the laser source.

Such measuring arrays, e.g., in the form of a sensor, are used to determine the concentration of a gas, e.g., oxygen, in a mixture with other gases based on the radiation absorption, which is characteristic of the particular substance and is concentration-dependent. Such an optical measuring array contains as its essential elements one or more laser sources, optical elements for guiding the beam, as well as a measured gas sample holder and one or more radiation detectors.
Interferences, which markedly limit the sensitivity of such an optical measuring array, are generated by multiple reflections of the laser beam on surfaces positioned between laser sources and radiation detectors. It has been known that this adverse effect can be markedly reduced by obliquely positioning the optical elements in the beam path. However, this measure is insufficient for improving the signal resolution in the case of a high-resolution system with weak absorptions, such as that of oxygen. In addition, a lengthy averaging of the signals, which would also reduce the effect of the interferences, is not possible in the field of medicine, because rapid signal rise times are desirable for measurements that are resolved for individual breaths.
Various suggestions have been made to improve the sensitivity of sensors and the resolution of the measured signal. One prior-art solution is to increase the length of the absorption path. To nevertheless prevent an impairment in the time resolution, the volume of the gas sample holder must be maintained, i.e., the diameter of the sample holder must be markedly reduced. This leads to problems in focusing and guiding the laser beam.
An array for averaging out the interferences has become known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,816. The essential component of this prior-art array is an active optical element, which is arranged in the course of the beam path and oscillates along the optical path. The drawback of this prior-art array is the technical effort needed to achieve the tightness of the absorption cell with the oscillating optical element, on the one hand, and additional transmission losses which due to the necessary multiple deflections of the laser beam, on the other hand.


The magnification of an image is set. The distance between the positions of two designated points on the image is measured. On the basis of the set magnification set and a measurement value, an actual measurement value on the object corresponding to the measurement value of the distance between the positions of the two designated points on the image is calculated. The set magnification, the measurement value, and the calculated actual measurement value are simultaneously displayed.

Conventionally, radiodignosis in the medical field means observation of a film image on a viewing screen upon obtaining the film image by radiation exposure. A radiographic image is obtained as an image larger than the actual object size because radiation generated from a tube (radiation generator) is projected on a film through the object.
The distance between two arbitrary points on a film image is conventionally measured by placing a ruler directly on the film. The enlarged magnification must be calculated manually on the basis of the distance from the cassette (film) to the tube.
In recent years, radiographic devices using solid-state image sensing elements have been developed so that digital radiography using a computer is executed. An image obtained by digital radiography is displayed on a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display and used for diagnosis. In this case, to measure the distance between two points on the image, a scale is superposed on the screen to measure the length of a region to be diagnosed (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-54628).
A technique has also been proposed in which the distance from the radiation irradiator to the object and the distance from the object to the radiographic image conversion panel to calculate the radiographic magnification of the object. Accordingly, the distance between two arbitrary points on a radiographed image is accurately measured and displayed (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-253429).
When digital X-ray imaging is executed, an image is displayed on a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display and used for diagnosis. In this case, the distance between two points on the image is measured by using a distance measurement tool or the like as an accessory of the X-ray image display system (e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-132667).
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-54628, the value measured using the scale is the measurement value of an image formed on the sensor which receives radiation that has passed through the object, as described above. Hence, the value is larger by the magnification than the actual object size. Hence, the actual object size cannot be grasped.
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-253429, only a value corrected by the magnification, i.e., only the actual object size is displayed as the measurement value. Hence, it is difficult to compare the measurement value on the image with the actual object size or grasp the relationship to the magnification.
In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-132667, the value measured using the distance measurement tool indicates the distance on the sensor which receives X-rays that have passed through the object, as described above. Hence, the value is larger than the actual object size, and the actual object size cannot be obtained. In addition, when only two points on the image are designated, no positions in the direction of depth of the object can be designated. Hence, the distance between two points at different depths cannot be obtained.

Image display apparatus, image display method, and program


An apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable a caller to specify one or both of (i) the content of a ringback signal that is generated when placing a call, and (ii) one or more properties of the ringback signal. In the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a “far” data-processing system that is closer to the called terminal than to the calling terminal (e.g., a terminating switch, an edge switch that is close to the terminating switch, etc.) generates a ringback signal based on preferences or rules of the caller that are stored in a database. In the second illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a “near” data-processing system that is closer to the calling terminal than to the called terminal (e.g., an originating switch, an edge switch that is close to the originating switch, etc.) generates a ringback signal based on caller rules and preferences.

FIG. 1 depicts telecommunications system 100 comprising originating telecommunications terminal 101 (e.g., a wireless telephone, a wireline telephone, a personal digital assistant [PDA], etc.), terminating telecommunications terminal 105, data-processing system 102 (e.g., a switch, a router, a private branch exchange [PBX], etc.), data-processing system 104, and network 103 (e.g., the Public Switched Telephone Network [PSTN], the Internet, a cellular wireless network, etc.) in accordance with the prior art. Telecommunications terminal 101 is capable of placing calls (e.g., voice calls, video calls, text messaging sessions, etc.) to other telecommunications terminals, and telecommunications terminal 105 is capable of receiving calls from other telecommunications terminals. When telecommunications terminal 101 places a call to telecommunications terminal 105, the call is set up via data-processing system 102, network 103, and data-processing system 104, as described below and with respect to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 depicts a message-flow diagram for the placing of a call from telecommunications terminal 101 to telecommunications terminal 105. In this call scenario, telecommunications terminal 101 is known as the originating terminal, and telecommunications terminal 105 is known as the terminating terminal. Similarly, data-processing system 102 is known as the originating data-processing system, and data-processing system 104 is known as the terminating data-processing system.
At event 201, originating terminal 101 transmits a call-origination signal to originating data-processing system 102 via network 103.
At event 202, originating data-processing system 102 receives the call origination signal.
At event 203, originating data-processing system 102 allocates one or more resources for the call. For example, if originating data-processing system 102 is a router, it might allocate a route in its route table and associate the route with the call. If originating data-processing system 102 is a switch, it might allocate a trunk, and associate the trunk with the call.
At event 204, originating data-processing system 102 transmits a call-setup signal to terminating data-processing system 104 via network 103.
At event 205, terminating data-processing system 104 receives the call-setup signal.
At event 206, terminating data-processing system 104 allocates one or more resources for the call.
At event 207, terminating data-processing system 104 transmits an acknowledgment to originating data-processing system 102 via network 103.
At event 208, originating data-processing system 102 receives the acknowledgment transmitted at event 207.
At event 209, terminating data-processing system 104 generates a ringback signal. The ringback is intended to let the user of originating terminal 101 know that terminating terminal 105 is alerting its user of the incoming call (i.e., that terminal 105 is "ringing").
At event 210, terminating data-processing system 104 transmits the ringback signal to originating data-processing system 102 via network 103.
At task 211, originating data-processing system 102 receives the ringback signal.
At task 212, originating data-processing system 102 transmits the ringback signal to originating terminal 101, which receives the ringback at task 213. The ringback signal is typically a periodic "ringing" sound. The ringback signal continues to "ring" until the call is answered (e.g., when the user of terminal 105 answers the call, when a voice mail system answers the call, etc.) or until the user of originating terminal 101 decides to end the attempted call (i.e., "hangs up").
In parallel with tasks 211 and 212, terminating data-processing system 104 transmits at task 214 a ringtone to terminating terminal 105, and terminating terminal 105 receives the ringtone at task 215. The ringtone notifies the user of terminal 105 of the arrival of a call (e.g., via a "ringing" sound, via a tune, etc.).
Some wireless telecommunications service providers offer a premium ringback service to their subscribers, in which the subscriber can associate with their phone a particular ringback (e.g., a song, a sequence of tones, etc.) that will be played to the calling party whenever the subscriber is called on the associated phone. As an option, the subscriber can also associate a different ringback with each of several calling party numbers that the subscriber identifies when programming the ringback service.
Customizable ringbacks have become a popular feature with teenagers in some countries (e.g., Republic of Korea, etc.) because of its "cool factor" and because it enables subscribers to express their individuality. Telecommunications service providers also find such ringback services desirable because they are able to collect additional fees for the service, and they can lure customers away from service providers that do not offer the service. Furthermore, customizable ringbacks can potentially improve what callers experience while waiting for the called subscribers to answer the calls.


The present disclosure relates to devices and processes for fabricating a multi-component optical system. A device is an integral mold comprising an attachment portion and a cup portion having a cavity, and the mold further comprises a first optical component. The cavity of the mold contains additional optical components to form a multi-component optical system blank. Another device is a multi-component optical system blank. A process for fabricating a multi-component optical system blank comprises providing an integral mold comprising a first optical component, adding at least a second optical component, shaping the mold after addition of an optical component, and shaping the resultant blank into an optical system. A further device is a multi-component optical system produced in a process disclosed herein.

To manufacture hybrid or multi-component optical systems using traditional methods, each component part or shape may need to be manufactured from rods or blanks that are processed by cutting into various shapes using a variety of techniques, for example, lathing or milling, and subsequently assembled by joining the components, for example, by using an adhesive assembly process. This type of assembly process can be problematic, as it may cause optical distortions in the assembled system through formation of optical inhomogeneities (such as bubbles, de-adhesion and retraction, stress birefringence, schlieren, and the like) in the adhesive layers, adhesive imperfections which may cause the assembly to exhibit adhesive failure, alignment problems, and distortions detrimental to the optical performance of the system, to list several examples.
As described above, current processes for manufacturing multi-component optical systems are not commercially attractive due to high rates of adhesive failure and alignment problems that may be detrimental to optical performance. Accordingly, the increasingly stringent optical precision requirements of evolving miniature multi-component optical systems require improved manufacturing processes and devices to facilitate such improved processes.

Devices and processes for fabricating multi-component optical systems


A vertically moveable immobilizing sow chute to allow hoisting and holding horizontally of a sow for foot treatment is described. The unit avoids the use of slings, can be operated electrically, and has numerous fail safe features as well as mobility and stability.

Lifting devices for animals are generally known. In the most general sense, they often incorporate a winch having a cable attached thereto and some form of sling lifted by the winch to cradle the animal inside of the sling apparatus. While such lifting devices are generally described and known, there is a need for a very specific purpose lifting device, designed especially for sows to allow for foot inspection and treatment. Such a device presents unique problems. For example, an effective immobilizing sow chute must be 'sow friendly'. That is to say, the chute must be easy to enter, easy to exit, and causes no harm or alarm to the sow when she is restrained. An effective chute must prevent the sow from fighting, squealing, and kicking while her feet are inspected and/or treated. And the unit must be stable and safe when in the raised position.
Another special problem with sows is they are very heavy and that the hoist must allow hoisting of the animal in a manner that does not risk injury either to the animal's legs, shoulders, hips, or cause other internal injuries. Furthermore, the chute must present the sow in a manner which is safe for persons to inspect/treat the sow's feet. One way of avoiding injuries to the animal is to provide adequate support through the use of a sling, while maintaining the animal in a standing position during lifting. But slings per se have disadvantages such as difficulty in securing all four animal legs into the sling, danger of injury for workers while adjusting feet of the animal into the sling, agitation of some animals while harnessing the sling, risk of strap/apron failure, and danger of tangling with other parts of the device. They also require several workers to successfully operate.
Finally, an effective device to immobilize sows for foot examination must be one which can be operated by a single operator, because many times no one else is around. My earlier referred to application related to slings. As stated in some instances, it is desirable to avoid slings altogether.
While I have used slings successfully in the past for raising animals for foot inspection, they have some disadvantages as earlier mentioned and are disliked by some users. It would therefore be desirable to provide a non-sling option.
Another problem to be overcome by a successful chute is that it must have both mobility and stability. That is to say the unit must be easily moveable from place to place and at the same time, with the considerable weight of a sow within it when it is in up position it must be extremely stable.
Another problem with prior art chute units that have tried to go 100% electrical power is that they fail to have a backup system operable when there is an electric failure. This may be essential to getting a raised animal down.
Yet an additional problem with chute units which raise sows is that in the event of an electrical failure, there must be a stop system which will allow the operator to make sure that the animal does not fall from the elevated position to a lower position.
Finally, a special need for such units is that they must operate to provide maximum animal comfort and safety and the least amount of animal stress.
It is a primary object of the above invention to provide an immobilizing sow chute which can be entered from either end, which avoids the use of a sling, and which provides comfort, stability, and safety.
Another object of this invention is to provide an immobilizing sow chute which fulfills all of the above needs earlier described and which allows efficient operation by a single operator.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a unit which has safety brakes to prevent the fall of a raised chute in the event of an electrical failure or hoist cable failure.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a sow chute not only capable of entry from either end but which has contoured sidewalls to help support the animal's body for soft and relaxed holding of the sow.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a highly mobile unit and a padded center pipe which the animal straddles until comfortably lifted off the ground.
The method and means of accomplishing each of the above objectives as well as others will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows.


A method and apparatus for human face shape and motion estimation based on integrating optical flow and deformable models is disclosed. The optical flow, constraint equation provides a non-holonomic constraint on the motion of the deformable model. Forces computed from edges and optical flow are used simultaneously. When this dynamic system is solved, a model-based least-squares solution for the optical flow is obtained and improved estimation results are achieved. The use of a 3-D model reduces or eliminates problems associated with optical flow computation. This approach instantiates a general methodology for treating visual cues as constraints on deformable models. The model uses a small number of parameters to describe a rich variety of face shapes and facial expressions.

The present invention relates to human face shape and motion estimation. More particularly, the present invention relates to such estimation based on integrating optical flow and deformable models.
A wide variety of face models have been used in the extraction and recognition of facial expressions in image sequences. Several 2-D face models based on splines or deformable templates have been developed which track the contours of a face in an image sequence. Terzopoulos and Waters (xe2x80x9cAnalysis and synthesis of facial image sequences using physical and anatomical models,xe2x80x9d IEEE Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 15(6):569-579, 1993) and Essa and Pentland (xe2x80x9cFacial expression recognition using a dynamic model and motion energy,xe2x80x9d in Proceedings ICCV ""95, pages 360-367, 1995) use a physics-based 3-D mesh with many degrees of freedom, where face motion is measured in terms of muscle activations. Edge forces from snakes are used in the former, while in the latter, the face model is used to xe2x80x98clean upxe2x80x99 an optical flow field that is used in expression recognition.
Another approach is to directly use the optical flow field from face images. Yacoob and Davis (xe2x80x9cComputing spatio-temporal representations of human faces,xe2x80x9d Proceedings CVPR ""94, pages 70-75, 1994) use statistical properties of the flow for expression recognition. Black and Yacoob (xe2x80x9cTracking and recognizing rigid and non-rigid facial motions using local parametric models of image motion,xe2x80x9d Proceedings ICCV ""95, pages 374-381, 1995) parameterize the flow field based on the structure of the face under projection. Addressing the problem of image coding, Li, et al. (xe2x80x9c3-D motion estimation in model-based facial image coding,xe2x80x9d PAMI, 15(6):545-555, Jun. 1993) estimate face motion using a simple 3-D model by a combination of prediction and a model-based least-squares solution to the optical flow constraint equation. A render-feedback loop is used to combat error accumulation in tracking.
However, none of these approaches permits large head rotations due to the use of a 2-D model or the inability to handle self-occlusion. Also, none of the previous work makes a serious attempt in extracting the 3-D shape of the face from an image sequence. At best, the boundary of face parts are located to align the model with an image. Finally, none of the previous face tracking work integrates multiple cues in the tracking of the face.
Accordingly, a system is desired which uses a 3-D model and allows the tracking of large rotations by using self-occlusion information from the model. A system is also desired which extracts the shape of the face using a combination of edge forces and anthropometry information. Moreover, a system is desired which can easily augment the optical flow solution with additional information to improve such solution and which permits the use of a small number of image points to sample the optical flow field, as well as the computation of edge forces to prevent error accumulation in the motion. The present invention has been developed to meet these needs in the art.
The present invention satisfies the aforementioned needs by providing a method and apparatus for human face shape and motion estimation based on integrating optical flow and deformable models. The optical flow, constraint equation provides a non-holonomic constraint on the motion of the deformable model. Forces computed from edges and optical flow are used simultaneously. When this dynamic system is solved, a model-based least-squares solution for the optical flow is obtained and improved estimation results are achieved. The use of a 3-D model reduces or eliminates problems associated with optical flow computation. This approach instantiates a general methodology for treating visual cues as constraints on deformable models. The model, which applied to human face shape and motion estimation, uses a small number of parameters to describe a rich variety of face shapes and facial expressions.

Method for human face shape and motion estimation based on integrating optical flow and deformable models

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania


A linear cartridge heater has a cylindrical heater element and an integral, concentrically-mounted current collector element positioned within a fire retardant chlorinated PVC enclosure. The enclosure includes a unitarily-molded mounting flange for sealingly mounting the cartridge heater, a unitarily-molded special "tee" section interconnected with the mounting flange, and an alignment bushing. The alignment bushing is interconnected with the special "tee" section by a pipe section to form a fluid flow path between the alignment bushing and the special "tee" section. The special "tee" section provides an outlet for discharging heated water and a mounting place for a first thermistor temperature sensor. The alignment bushing mounts a second thermistor sensor and concentrically positions the heater element within the enclosure, such that the water flow rate past the heater element is substantially increased by the change from circular pipe flow into the alignment bushing to annular flow about the heater element.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates generally to heating apparatus and, more particularly, to an improved heating system particularly suited for portable spa applications.
2. Description of Related Art
Prior art approaches for heating the water of portable spas have typically employed so-called "tubular heaters" enclosed within a large reservoir-like metal enclosure or housing. The metal enclosure provides a current collector, typically a U. L. required function in such applications. Such systems exhibit a number of drawbacks impairing their reliability and maintainability.
Tubular heating design consists of three major components: a metal tube, known as a sheath, an electrical resistance wire placed approximately in the center of the sheath, and magnesium oxide (MgO) electrical insulation which has been shaken and packed inside the sheath. Although the MgO is an electrical insulator, it is a relatively good conductor of thermal energy. This characteristic allows heat generated by the resistance wire to move outward to the sheath, which ultimately heats the surrounding water. The heater components are initially assembled into a long, straight sheath, which is typically bent into various shapes such as coils or "bow ties," the ends of which are then welded to a mounting plate or housing.
Each bend and weld provides an opportunity for failure of the sheath, resistance wire, and MgO. Sheath material stretches, thins, and becomes metallurgically inferior and susceptible to corrosion. The electrical and mechanical properties of the resistance wire degrade. MgO placement and compaction changes, jeopardizing electrical and thermal performance. Over the typical range of operation, heater resistance wire life is approximately inversely proportional to resistance wire temperature or, more simply, lower operating temperature implies longer life.
As noted above, previous spa heater system designs have used large, reservoir-like metal enclosures. These enclosures have caused reliability problems and added significant cost. The major deficiency of these enclosures is the slow water velocity through them. Water velocity is critical to proper cooling of the heater element. Without adequate velocity, the water adjacent to the sheath may actually boil. When this happens, scale and sediment will be left behind which may cause clogging of filters, ozone injectors, and the heater itself. If the heater sheath develops scale, it may burn out due to resistance wire overheating or fail due to corrosion in the scale area.
Servicing of conventional spa heaters can also require draining of the spa and removing components and other cumbersome procedures.


By pulling up an ingot in consideration of deformation of a crucible, generation of the defective ingot is prevented and a plurality of ingots having equivalent quality with the first ingot are pulled up in a multiple pull-up. Firstly, a deformation amount of a crucible for experiment (34) upon melting a silicon raw material and a history of supply power to a heater for experiment (38) are measured to calculate deformation tendency of a crucible for mass production (14). Next, the size of the crucible for mass production is measured, the silicon raw material of the amount equivalent to the amount supplied to the crucible for experiment is melted with a heater for mass production (18), and an initial crucible external position with a predetermined gap (X) is measured before initiating pull-up. Moreover, the deformation amount of the crucible for mass production upon melting the silicon raw material is predicted based on such as a relation between the deformation tendency of the crucible for experiment and the initial crucible external position, an initial crucible internal position when the predetermined gap is provided is predicted based on the deformation amount of the crucible for mass production, and an optimal pulling-up speed of the ingot is derived from predictive calculation to initiate the pull-up of the ingot at the optimal pulling-up speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a defect-free silicon single crystal ingot, namely, the single crystal ingot of pure silicon, by pulling up the ingot using the Czochralski method (hereinafter, the CZ method).
2. Description of the Related Art
Factors which reduce a yield of a device, due to extreme-miniaturization of semiconductor integrated circuits in recent years, include a crystal originated particle (hereinafter, referred to as the COP) originating from a crystal, a minute defect of an oxygen precipitate which is to be a nucleus of an oxidation induced stacking fault (hereinafter, referred to as the OSF), or presence of an interstitial-type large dislocation (hereinafter, referred to as L/D).
The COP is a pit, which appears on a wafer surface when a mirror-ground silicon wafer is washed with a mixed solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. When this wafer is measured by a particle counter, this pit is detected as the particle. This pit originates from the crystal The COP would be a factor to degrade a time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) of an oxide film, a time zero dielectric breakdown (TZDB) of the oxide film, or the like. In addition, if the COP is present on the wafer surface, a step may be produced upon wiring process of the device, causing disconnection. It may also cause leakage or the like at a device isolation portion, degrading the yield of a product.
Minute oxygen precipitate nuclei are introduced into the silicon single crystal while the crystal being grown. The OSF is a defect formed by actualizing the nuclei at thermal oxidation process or the like upon manufacturing a semiconductor device. This OSF causes a failure such as leakage current of the device being increased. The L/D is also referred to as a dislocation cluster or a dislocation pit, because the pit is generated when the defective silicon wafer is immersed in a selective etching liquid including fluoric acid as a major component. This L/D also causes the degradation in electrical properties, e.g., a leak property, an isolation property, or the like. From the above, it is necessary to reduce the COP, the OSF, and the L/D in the silicon wafer used to manufacture the semiconductor integrated circuit.
A method for manufacturing the defect-free silicon single crystal wafer, which does not have the COP, the OSF, and the L/D, is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The method for manufacturing the defect-free silicon single crystal wafer comprises a step of pulling up the ingot from a silicon melt in a hot zone furnace at a pulling-up speed profile, which is high enough so as to prevent interstitial bulk (agglomerates of an interstitial silicon type point defect) and low enough so as to limit vacancy bulk (agglomerates of an vacancy type point defect) within a vacancy-rich region along the axial direction of the ingot. For this reason, where the pulling-up speed of the ingot is V (mm/min.) and a temperature gradient in the axial direction near a solid-liquid interface of the silicon melt and the ingot is G (° C./mm), a plurality of wafers constituted of a defect-free region, in which the agglomerates of the vacancy type point defect and the agglomerates of the interstitial silicon type point defect are not present, can be manufactured from one ingot by precisely controlling V/G.
From the described above, it can be understood that the defect-free ingot is made within a range of V/G (mm2/min. ° C.), where the OSF (P band), which is generated in a ring form when the thermal oxidation is performed, disappears at the center of the wafer and the L/D (B band) is not generated. In order to improve the productivity, the yield, or the like of the defect-free ingot, it is required to expand a width of the pulling-up speed of the ingot, namely, a pure margin, for producing the defect-free region in the pulling-up direction and radial direction of the ingot. The pure margin is considered to have some correlation with a shape of the solid-liquid interface upon pulling up the ingot
Thus, methods of using the shape of the solid-liquid interface as a control factor for manufacturing the defect-free ingot have been studied, and a method for manufacturing the defect-free ingot by considering the shape of the solid-liquid interface of the silicon melt and the silicon single crystal ingot is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). In the method for manufacturing the defect-free ingot, the defect-free ingot can be manufactured with stability and sufficient repeatability by appropriately adjusting the relation between the shape of the solid-liquid interface, which is the interface between the silicon melt and the silicon single crystal ingot, and temperature distribution on a side of the ingot being pulled up.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-1393 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,610 (claim 1, paragraph [0116])
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-261495 (claim 1, paragraph [0148])
However, in the conventional methods described above, namely, the method for manufacturing the defect-free silicon single crystal wafer described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-1393 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,610 or the method for manufacturing the defect-free ingot described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-261495, deformation of a crucible storing the silicon melt is not taken into consideration, so that there has been a failure that a defective portion is generated inside the ingot even when a gap between the surface of the silicon melt and a bottom end of a thermal shield member encircling the ingot being pulled up is set to a predetermined value. Specifically, since the crucible is deformed when silicon material supplied to the crucible is melted with a heater, causing a peripheral wall of the crucible becoming thinner and a height thereof becoming low as well as a bottom wall of the crucible becoming thick, a position of the crucible in the vertical direction with respect to the heater is displaced even when the gap between the surface of the silicon melt and the bottom end of the thermal shield member is set to the predetermined value. For this reason, the temperature gradient G near the solid-liquid interface between the silicon melt and the ingot is changed and thus V/G is shifted from the condition for pulling up the defect-free ingot when the pulling-up speed V of the ingot is fixed, so that there has been a problem that a defective portion is generated inside the ingot.
Meanwhile, in order to reduce the manufacture cost of the silicon single crystal ingot, a so-called multiple pull-up method, wherein a plurality of ingots are pulled up using the same crucible, may be adopted. In the multiple pull-up method, the deformation of the crucible becomes larger as the number of the pulled up ingots increases, so that there has been a problem that the defective portion generated inside the ingot increases whenever the number of the pulled up ingots increases

Method for manufacturing silicon single crystal


A power supply device comprises: a DC power supply section that outputs a DC voltage; a voltage conversion section that supplies a DC power to a load by ON/OFF drive of a switching element; a resistor; a control section that performs the ON/OFF drive of the switching element; and an auxiliary winding. The control section comprises: a calculation section that calculates a drive period of the switching element; a count section compares a calculation result obtained in the calculation section with an upper limit value of the drive period; and a flip-flop. When the calculation result is shorter than the upper limit value, the flip-flop sets the drive period, using the calculation result. When the calculation result is longer than the upper limit value, the flip-flop sets the drive period, using the upper limit value.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a power supply device, and a lighting device and a lighting fixture using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In power supply devices used for various purposes including illumination, a chopper control method is generally known as a control method for taking out the required power. By using the chopper control method, the power supply devices have relatively little energy loss. Then, control circuit, which can achieve the chopper control method comparatively easily, is made as an integrated circuit and is commercially available from various manufacturers.
In the chopper control, turning on and off a current is repeated with high frequency, and desired electric power can be obtained. Then, a control for making an output voltage higher than an input voltage is called a boost chopper control, and a control for making an output voltage lower than an input voltage is called a step-down chopper control.
In regard to operating modes of the chopper control, there are a continuous mode, a critical mode and an intermittent (discontinuous) mode which are categorized according to whether a current that flows through an inductor constituting a chopper control circuit is continuous or intermittent. Each operating mode has advantages and disadvantages. The continuous mode is generally suitable for use in a device for outputting high electrical power, and high noise is generated from a switching element constituting the chopper control circuit, and an inductance value of the inductor also becomes large. As a result, the continuous mode has a feature that the inductor easily increases in size. The critical mode and the intermittent mode are suitable for use in a device for outputting low electrical power, and relatively-low noise is generated from the switching element, and the inductor can be reduced relatively in size. Furthermore, it is known that these two modes have relatively high efficiency compared with the continuous mode. In regard to a difference between the critical mode and the intermittent mode, when the same electric energy is taken out, the intermittent mode has a tendency to have a peak value of a switching current higher than the critical mode. Then, the intermittent mode has a feature that a ripple component of a switching period is generated easily in an outputted voltage waveform.
Further, there has been a power supply device which performs the step-down chopper control so that an output voltage becomes constant and operates to switch between the continuous mode and the critical mode (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-240114). The power supply device operates in the continuous mode when supplying high electrical power, and operates in the critical mode when supplying low electrical power.
First, the critical mode is explained using FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A is a waveform chart of a current flowing through a switching element. FIG. 10B is a waveform chart of an inductor current flowing through an inductor.
When the switching element is turned on, the inductor current is increased along a slope that is determined by an inductance value of the inductor, and energy is stored in the inductor. Then, after the elapse of an ON period Ton1 that is set previously in a control circuit, the switching element is turned off so that a detected supply voltage becomes a desired voltage. At this time, the energy stored in the inductor is supplied to an output side via a smoothing capacitor, and an average current Iout1 is outputted.
When all of the energy stored in the inductor is supplied, a polarity of a voltage generated in an auxiliary winding of the inductor is reversed. The control circuit detects the voltage polarity reversal generated in the auxiliary winding, and the switching element is turned on again with a timing of when the control circuit detects the voltage polarity reversal. Thereby, the power supply device operates in the critical mode.
Next, the continuous mode is explained using FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 11A is a waveform chart of a current flowing through the switching element. FIG. 11B is a waveform chart of an inductor current flowing through the inductor.
When a supply power is high, an ON period of the switching element is lengthened so that a detected supply voltage becomes a constant voltage. The ON period becomes Ton2 (>Ton1). The inductor current is increased along a slope that is determined by an inductance value of the inductor, like the case where the supply power is low.
When the switching element is turned off after the elapse of the ON period Ton2, energy stored in the inductor is supplied to an output side, and an average current Iout2 is outputted. In this case, a voltage generated in an auxiliary winding of the inductor is inputted to a timer circuit. In the timer circuit, an upper limit value Toff1 of an OFF period is set. When time that has elapsed since the switching element is turned off exceeds the upper limit value Toff1, the switching element is turned on before the polarity reversal of the voltage is generated in the auxiliary winding. Thereby, the power supply device operates in the continuous mode.
That is, when the supply power is increased gradually, the OFF period of the switching element that is controlled in the critical mode is lengthened gradually. Therefore, when the time exceeds the upper limit value Toff1 set in the timer circuit, the OFF period of the switching element is fixed at the upper limit value Toff1.
Here, when the abovementioned power supply device operates in the continuous mode, the OFF period of the switching element is fixed at the upper limit value Toff1, but the ON period is not fixed. As a result, when the supply power is increased, the ON period is lengthened and then a drive period of the switching element is also lengthened. In other words, a drive frequency of the switching element is reduced. Then, the drive frequency is reduced to a zone of audibility, and therefore, there is a possibility that noise is generated or the drive frequency interferes in a frequency used in an infrared remote control.

Power supply device and lighting device and lighting fixture using the same

Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.


The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved steering apparatus for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved steering apparatus have multiple safety, vehicle function control, vehicle accessory control, and information display enhancements.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known that in operating a vehicle, if vehicle controls are within easy reach of the vehicle operator and preferably are adapted to facilitate use of such controls while a vehicle operators hands remain on or in the very near vicinity of a vehicle steering wheel or like steering device, then safety and convenience are increased considerably. To that end, a number of inventions have been disclosed in attempts to improve vehicle operation safety and convenience. Such inventions, while individually advancing the state of the art with respect to their various disclosures, have failed to combine in a single convenient easy to use form, the steering wheel of the subject invention.


A multi-use asphalt paving tractor with frame raise capability and a blind-mateable connector to facilitate quick connection with interchangeable attachments for performing the functions of a paver, a mix transfer conveyor and road widener.

In the past, road paving equipment designers have endeavored to improve the functionality of road pavers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,272 is an example of an improved paver with mixing capabilities. While such improvements have been made to remixing capabilities of pavers, they remain a single use machine. Most paving contractors will have a paver, a road widener and some means for transferring the mix to the paver and road widener, all of which are independent machines.
While these approaches of using independent pavers, road wideners and mix transfer machines, etc. have been used extensively in the past, they do have some drawbacks. First of all, they require significant investment. Secondly, they require considerable space for storage and transportation.
Consequently, there exists a need for improved methods and systems for deploying multiple paving equipment tools.

Frame raising multi-use paving tractor with blind mateable quick connecting tool attachments


A mechanism and method for externally adjusting the mid-valve stiffness is described and enables adjustment of a mid-valve functionality without disassembly of a suspension system incorporating the invention. The effect of this adjustment on the damping curve is far greater than either low-speed compression adjusters or conventional high-speed compression adjusters. The apparatus combines the valve-stiffening system of a high speed compression adjuster with the sensitivity of the mid-valve. Externally accessible adjustment members are operatively coupled to the mid-valve components located internally in a fork so that manipulation of the adjustment members causes adjustment of the mid-valve and the damping force created by the mid-valve. The apparatus may be utilized in closed cartridge suspension forks (CCSF) and open cartridge suspension forks (OCSF) and other shocks or suspension dampers.

A suspension system is composed of a spring and a damper. The spring supports the load, and the damper dissipates energy from bumps. Modern suspension components generate damping, or resistance to movement, through a system of valves that regulate the flow of oil within the damper. As the suspension compresses and extends, pressure differences between chambers in the damper forces oil to flow through valves from the high pressure chamber to the low pressure chamber. The valves are partially blocked by a stack of flexible steel washers called "shims," which help maintain the pressure differential, but allow a metered amount of oil to flow through. As pressure differential builds up across the valve, the outer edge of the shims begin to bend away from the valve face, enabling oil to flow through. Oil flow characteristics are determined by the number and shape of ports through the valve bodies, and the stiffness of the shims covering the ports. The greater the restriction to oil flow, the more damping force is generated.
Modern performance suspension dampers can be extremely complex. The paragraph above describes a simple suspension damper.

External damping adjustment apparatus and method for suspension system


The invention is directed to techniques for receiving an event message, identifying event information required to process event data based on the event message, based on the event information, determining if existing event information is accessible to process the event data and if the existing event information is not accessible, providing an event rejection indicating missing event information and receiving the missing event information identified in the event rejection but if the existing event information is not accessible, providing an event rejection indicating missing event information and receiving the missing event information identified in the event rejection.

Computers and computer networks are often multi-component systems that are subject to a variety of hardware and software events such as errors or failures of different origins. In such systems, it is often desirable to be able to monitor or collect events that occur in order to be able to diagnose problems associated with systems. In particular, many computer network systems may be very complex and may include both hardware and software components for which events are to be monitored. As an example, the computer systems and network components may be critical to important operational functions of high reliability systems. These and other situations have resulted in the development of tools and techniques for monitoring events such as system or component failures. Two of such conventional mechanisms for monitoring events are the simple network management protocol (SNMP) and phone home event reporting systems.
The simple network management protocol (SNMP) is a software system and protocol that uses SNMP agent software operating on one or more computerized devices to identify certain computer and/or network related events and report these events to a network management server computer system operated by support technicians or other individuals for problem resolution. In particular, SNMP can report hardware and software events such as errors, problems, and pre-determined operational characteristics, etc. to the management server. The SNMP agent runs on each system component that is to be monitored in order to collect data regarding that system component. An SNMP server collects data provided by the agents about the computer systems, networks, software, etc. being monitored and can provide simple commands back to the SNMP agent in order to adjust operational characteristics of the system component. The data to be collected is identified and stored in a management information base (MIB).
Another system for reporting hardware and software events, is referred to as a "phone home" system. This type of system allows a computer system experiencing a problem to dial out over a telephone line to a support server in order to communicate event-related information regarding the problem. The support server can be monitored by support personnel in order to diagnose the problem reported using the phone home technique.

Methods and apparatus for event handling


The inclination of a reflecting surface of a mirror is adjusted such that light outputted from an input optical fiber is reflected by the mirror so as to be fed into an output optical fiber. The normal direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror vibrates about a predetermined direction at a predetermined frequency. A part of the light propagating through the output optical fiber is taken out by a light-branching part, so as to be received by a photodiode, whereby an electric signal having a value corresponding to thus received quantity of light is outputted from a detection circuit. Whether or not the electric signal includes a component of the predetermined frequency or whether the component is strong or weak is detected, whereby whether or not there is optical coupling from the input optical fiber to the output optical fiber or the extent thereof is determined.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling optical device in which light emitted from an input optical waveguide is reflected by an inclinable reflecting surface so as to be made incident on an output optical waveguide.
2. Related Background of the Invention
Known as an example of optical device including a mirror having an inclinable reflecting surface is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002/0076136). This optical device is an optical switch including a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports, and can optically couple any input port selected from the plurality of input ports to any output port selected from the plurality of output ports. Here, the input and output ports to be optically coupled to each other are selected by adjusting the inclination of the reflecting surface of the mirror. Such a mirror having an inclinable reflecting surface is made by MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, for example. In such a MEMS mirror, the inclination of the reflecting surface is set according to the applied voltage value.
In order for such an optical device to carry out its operations at a high accuracy, it is important that the inclination of the reflecting surface of the mirror be controlled with a high accuracy. Therefore, in the optical device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, an optical multiplexer and an optical demultiplexer are disposed in an optical path from the plurality of input ports to the plurality of output ports. The optical multiplexer inserts pilot light into the optical path. The pilot light is reflected by the mirror, and is taken out from the optical demultiplexer. Thus taken pilot light is detected by a sensor, so that the state of inclination of the reflecting surface of the mirror is detected, whereby its inclination is controlled.

Optical device control apparatus and optical device control method


A zipper assembly includes a pair of zipper tapes and a slider movable along the zipper tapes. A closure member and a zipper pull are connected to the slider. A cover for the zipper pull includes a housing having an aperture formed therein. A plunger rod having a first end and a second end is connected to the zipper pull, with its first end extending outwardly through the aperture. A biasing member biases the plunger rod outwardly from the aperture in a static condition.

Articles of apparel, luggage, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items use closure assemblies, such as drawstrings, straps, cords, etc., to tighten or otherwise adjust a portion of the article. For example, hooded coats and sweatshirts often incorporate a drawstring to tighten the hood about the user's face and head. However, drawstrings can create safety concerns when near the neck of a wearer.
To address this issue and other concerns, zippers have been developed that incorporate a hidden closure assembly, such as a drawstring, beneath the zipper tape. The zipper stays sealed on either side of the zipper pull, thereby covering the drawstring or other closure assembly at all times.
Typical zipper pulls for invisible zippers are thin planar plastic or metal members, which are pivotally secured to a slider. To operate the zipper, the user grasps the pull between the thumb and forefinger and pivots it outwardly away from the slider. The user can then operate the zipper to open or close the device to which the zipper is attached. The zipper pull, however, may present sharp edges.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a covered zipper pull that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.