Network appliances for use in combination with a network based full service, multi-media surveillance system provide a wide range of monitoring techniques utilizing digital network architecture. The appliances may be connected to the surveillance system for transmitting event data, video and/or image monitoring information, audio signals and other data over significant distances using digital data transmission over networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network such as the Internet for other networks, permitting remote manual and/or automatic assessment and response. The wireless LAN connectivity permits local distribution of sensor information audio, video and image data with relatively high bandwidth without requirement of a license and without relying on a common carrier and the fees associated therewith. The surveillance system may be interfaced with a WAN (wide area network) such as frame relay or the Internet for providing a worldwide, low cost surveillance system with virtually unlimited geographic application. Multiple sensors and appliances may be accommodated, as required. The topology of the network will be established by the geographic situation of the specific installation. Appropriate firewalls may be set up as desired to protect unauthorized access to the system or collected data. The server based system permits a security provider to have access to the appliance, related sensor and surveillance data or to configure or reconfigure the system from any station on the Intranet or Internet. The use of power supplied over LAN wiring to various configurations of security network appliances provides an important simplification and cost reduction of the installation of various alarm and security system devices, such as card readers and scanners, audible devices, strobe enunciators, keypads, motion detectors, and the like. The use of networked sensors in the form of network appliances allows various servers and monitors to share common sensors, further reducing installation costs and greatly increased flexibility.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention is generally related to sensor, monitor and control appliance devices generally utilized in monitoring and surveillance systems and is specifically directed to a network adaptation of such appliances.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Security of public facilities such as schools, banks, airports, arenas and the like is a topic of increasing concern in recent years. Over the past few years, a number of violent incidents including bombings, shootings, arson, and hostage situations have occurred. In addition, agencies responsible for public security in these facilities must cope with more commonplace crimes, such as drug dealing, vandalism, theft and the like.
Such facilities frequently employ monitoring and surveillance systems and access control systems to enhance security. This has been common practice for a number of years. Such systems generally have a centralized monitoring console, usually attended by a guard or dispatcher. A variety of sensors are located throughout the facility, such as smoke detectors, fire detectors, motion sensors, glass breakage detectors, badge readers at various access points, and sometimes, video cameras and/or microphones. Other sensors and transducers are utilized to lock and unlock doors.
There are numerous devices utilized to collect information at remote locations and initiate a local alarm, store the information for later retrieval or forward the information to a remote location for storage and/or near real time review. Examples include fire alarms, security cameras, motion sensors, proximity switches, heat sensors, smoke and fire sensors, and the like. Almost all of these appliances can be used in some form of configuration where one or more sensors may be used in combination to provide a surveillance scheme over an area to be monitored. In prior art systems, the signal generated by each type of device was used locally, or if part of a network, was sent over a dedicated connection to a remote collection point for that type of device.
These prior-art devices often use technologies that not 'intelligent' in the modern sense; they merely provide an 'ON/OFF' indication to the centralized monitoring system. The appliances also are not 'networked' in the modern sense; they are generally hard-wired to the centralized monitoring system via a 'current loop' or similar arrangement, and do not provide situational data other than their ON/OFF status.

Multimedia network appliances for security and surveillance applications


A facsimile apparatus which is easy to use is provided. Control is performed so that a CPU (central processing unit) registers a sub-address signal and a communication specification so as to correspond to a memory box, selects start of ring-type multiple-address transmission, and selects transfer of ring-type multiple-address reception. When start of ring-type multiple-address transmission has been selected, transmitter information is added. When transferring ring-type multiple-address reception, transmitter information is not added.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus capable of performing ring-type multiple-address transmission.
2. Description of the Related Art
A description will now be provided of a conventional facsimile apparatus, serving as a communication apparatus capable of performing ring-type multiple-address transmission. This facsimile apparatus includes selection means for selecting whether or not transmitter information is to be transmitted in a transmission operation. When it has been selected to add the transmitter information, the transmitter information is added in any of an ordinary transmission, a memory multiple-address transmission, a memory transmission, and a transfer. On the other hand, when it has been selected not to add the transmitter information, the transmitter information is not added in any of an ordinary transmission, a memory multiple-address transmission, a memory transmission, and a transfer.
In the above-described conventional approach, however, if ring-type multiple-address transmission is executed in a state in which transmission of transmitter information is selected, for example, if transmission is executed from FAX (facsimile) A to FAX B, from FAX B to FAX C, from FAX C to FAX D, from FAX D to FAX E, and from FAX E to FAX A, when FAX E receives ring-type multiple-address reception information, information relating to four transmitters is added. If information from an original is sufficient enough to be recorded, for example, from the uppermost portion to the lowermost portion of a cut recording sheet, the received information is recorded in a state of being divided into two pages.

Communication apparatus for ring-type multiple address transmission/reception


A device (10) for processing electrocardiogram signals and marker signals includes an input interface (30) for receiving electrocardiogram signals and marker signals detected by an implantable medical device; an analyzer unit (32) connected to the input interface (30) for processing the electrocardiogram signals and marker signals, and an output interface (34) connected to the analyzer unit (32) for output of data representing an analytical report to a playback unit. The analyzer unit (32) is designed to analyze electrocardiogram signals and marker signals in combination, such that the analyzer unit (32) detects relevant particular features on the basis of predefined criteria; assigns a priority to a detected particular feature; and generates an analytical report containing at least a listing of the detected particular features.

Implants such as implantable heart pacemakers, ICDs or monitoring devices, which record intracardiac electrocardiograms and obtain marker signals, are essentially known. Intracardiac electrocardiograms (IEGM) are typically in the form of a chronological series of values representing a time-scanned, originally analog signal. Such an electrocardiogram has various typical and periodically recurring signal features representing cardiac events such as contractions of the right or left ventricle, or contractions of the right or left atrium. Signal features representing contractions of the right or left atrium are typically denoted as P waves, while signal features associated with contraction of the ventricle are reflected in a so-called R wave. On the basis of such an electrocardiogram, the implant generates marker signals, which mark the chronological occurrence of detected cardiac events by the fact that the implant detects P waves and R waves, e.g., through a suitable comparison of threshold values. To do so, an intraatrial cardiogram is typically sent to an atrial sensing unit of the implant; the intraatrial electrocardiogram signals thereby picked up are constantly compared to a threshold value; and a marker signal reflecting an atrial event, i.e., contraction of the atrium, is generated when the threshold value is exceeded. Similarly, an intraventricular electrocardiogram is regularly compared with a threshold value by a ventricular sensing unit, and when this threshold value is exceeded, a ventricular marker signal is generated, marking the contraction of the corresponding ventricle. Other typical marker signals contain information about the evaluation and reaction (e.g., treatment) of the implant.
The background is that the contraction of an atrium or a ventricle is associated with depolarization of the respective myocardium (heart muscle tissue), leading to detectable potentials that can be picked up by intraatrial or intraventricular electrodes and ultimately lead to the corresponding signals in the intraatrial and intraventricular electrogram.
Via a corresponding interface for wireless data transmission, such implants are capable of transmitting recorded electrograms by telemetry in the form of electrocardiogram signals as well as marker signals derived from the electrocardiograms to an external device.


A controlled leakage seal assembly having a first stationary portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a source of drilling fluid and a second portion adapted to be connected in substantially fluid-tight relation to a rotary portion including a washpipe. The seal includes a first housing and a stack of radially inwardly extending, spaced apart annular stators, and a second seal housing and stack of spaced apart radially outwardly extending annular rotors interleaved with one another. The seal assembly, a cartridge, permits the first and second housings to rotate relative to each other in substantially fluid-tight relation except for the drilling fluid entering an outlet region at greatly reduced pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is held by a sleeve that permits the cartridge to be removed and replaced while the fluid connections to the sleeve remains.

This is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 11/174,687, filed Jul. 5, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates generally to so-called washpipe seals and more particularly, to a washpipe seal which is adapted to permit controlled leakage of a small portion of high pressure drilling fluid which largely passes into the so-called washpipe and into the drill string which is attached thereto. In the oil field industry particularly, a so-called swivel assembly incorporates a seal at the washpipe to confine the major portion of the drilling fluid to the washpipe. This drilling fluid is sometimes colloquially referred to as "drilling mud" or simply "mud."
In the drilling system, there are high pressure abrasive fluids which are sent down to the bore hole through the washpipe and the drill string, and ultimately to the drill motor which is held at the bottom of the drill string. This abrasive fluid is supplied to the motor which drives the cutting tools under very high pressure, e.g. 5,000 PSI to 7,500 PSI or even 10,000 PSI or more. A seal is necessary between the non-rotary upper connection assembly and the rotary lower connection assembly to prevent undue leakage of this drilling fluid to the outside. As a rule, the drilling fluid leakage is taken from the vicinity of the washpipe back to a remote container where it is again picked up and supplied to the drill string. The joint in question is between the upper connection assembly, which includes a housing for the stator assembly and the lower connection assembly which includes the rotor assembly and which is affixed to and rotates with the drill string. The rotor and housing are sometimes collectively referred to as a "cartridge."
According to one embodiment of the invention, the leakage of the drilling fluid, which is operated from 5,000 PSI up to perhaps 10,000 PSI or more for example, is led through a labyrinth between alternating rotor/stator discs, which preferably include lands and grooves in each rotor/stator disc. As the flow moves along between each rotor/stator it moves a radial distance about equal to the radial extent of each stator and rotor and an axial distance approximately equal to the thickness of each rotor and stator unit.
As a consequence of passing through this labyrinth of discs, the drilling fluid in one embodiment gradually is subject to a reduced pressure and ultimately achieves a low pressure and passes to an outlet, where it is led via a conduit back to the source of drilling fluid. Here, the drilling fluid passes back into the washpipe and undergoes a repetition of the cycle. According to the invention, only a very small portion of the drilling fluid escapes through the labyrinth seal compared to the portion of drilling fluid directed down the drill string, and the seal of the invention may thus be considered a controlled leakage seal.
In another embodiment, the force of the controlled leakage drilling fluid is opposed by grease within the labyrinth, whereby the grease fills most or all of the labyrinth and is present at what, in another embodiment, would be the inlet for the drilling fluid. The grease thus passes backwardly through the labyrinth of rotors and stators up to the approximate point of entry of the drilling fluid. In this embodiment, the drilling fluid is sealed at the top rather than at the bottom of the labyrinth, and the grease extends back and totally fills the labyrinth defined by the rotors and stators.
In either of these embodiments, it is possible and in fact probable that the cartridge, comprising the housing, or the fixed portion of the cartridges, the rotor and its included portions will need to be replaced or serviced, often fairly frequently, during the continuation of their operation. In the past the manner in which the fixed housing and the rotor have been hooked up is such that, in order to maintain it or replace parts, the system would have to be disabled, and the parts taken apart by unscrewing them on one or both sides. Thereafter, removing them would be extremely difficult because of the structure surrounding the washpipe unit. In other words, a structure that could permit the ready removal of the housing and rotor, sometimes collectively called the cartridge, and permit replacement of them with very little or no difficulty, would be highly desirable. This is done by providing a master coupling with at least one opening and preferably by attaching the cartridges with flanges which are clamped together and easily taken apart.
One of the features of the present invention is that the stator discs and the rotor discs are interleaved and arranged with very small clearance spaces between them. Consequently, in the stator unit there are a plurality of spacers, with a stator disc between each set of spacers. Also, there are a plurality of rotors, each one in turn separated by spacers. Consequently, there is an alternating stack of interleaved rotors and spacers which maintain the desired clearance. Each disc, in one embodiment, has a plurality of grooves of perhaps 0.005 to 0.050 inches, as well as a large plurality of lands which extend into the grooves, perhaps 0.005 to 0.040 inches by way of example. Each of the stator spacers and the rotor spacers is preferably held snugly in the desired configuration of a stack by Belleville washers or other similar units, and each of the spacers includes an O-ring or similar packing to ensure the correct alignment and spacing and to insure that there is no leakage through a secondary route. Thus, the spacers are held snugly in place by Belleville washer and the o-rings under compression. In addition, the rotor disks and the stators are held onto the inner and outer housings by keyways having locking pins associated with them, as will appear.
At the top of one embodiment of the novel rotor/stator assembly of the invention, is an annular space between sections of the housing and above the labyrinth. The drilling fluid pressure at this point is perhaps 5,000 to 10,000 PSI, but by reason of passing through the extended labyrinth with perhaps 16 to 20 reversals of radial direction and 16 to 20 axial movements as the drilling fluid moves along a tortuous path, the pressure confining the axial fluid gradually lowers until the fluid reaches the outlet, where it is under relatively low pressure and relatively low flow.
In one preferred embodiment, there is a flow meter in series relation with the drilling fluid escaping from the outlet. In this way, if there is an unexpected or sudden increase in flow, indicative of failure, steps may be taken to promptly rectify any malfunction.
In one embodiment of the prior art, there have been a series of seals, each seeing the highest pressure, and these seals would then fail, one at a time, until there remained only the final seal. This solution was not satisfactory, especially because of a projected seal life of only 50 to 300 hours. The present invention overcomes the difficulties with such seal designs by allowing the pressure to gradually bleed off rather than completely fail in a series of steps, each of which would see all of the pressure.
Because the fluid to be sealed is highly abrasive, the washpipe and the housing are preferably made from an oil field grade of steel and the rotor and stator its associated parts are made from tungsten carbide or other wear-resistant alloys, or other materials with wear-resistant coatings which are also used to provide radial and thrust bearings where the washpipe meets the upper housing. Such parts could also be made from ceramics or other like material. These bushings or bearings are greased through one or more fittings and grease passages which are provided for that purpose.
A known type of seal or packing is used between the lowermost portion of the washpipe and the stator and rotor housings, but this seal or packing sees only the reduced or lowermost pressure which is sensed at the outlet for the drilling fluid and accordingly, such seal is not exposed to high pressure in use.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved seal for washpipes and similar applications, in oil fields and elsewhere.
A further object of the invention is to provide a washpipe seal wherein the high pressure drilling fluid moves gradually from a region of very high pressure, to a low outlet pressure from where it preferably is returned to the storage point for reuse.
Another object is to provide a seal which includes a housing for a plurality of stators and a housing for a plurality of rotors, with the stators and rotors being of annular disc form and being interleaved with one another.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a plurality of stators and rotors having interleaved portions and wherein each stator and rotor preferably includes a plurality of lands and grooves or other formations to retard the flow of drilling fluid as it works it way from the inlet chamber of the seal assembly to the outlet at the bottom portion thereof.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a plurality of alternating rotors and stators of annular form in which each includes a seal or packing that prevents leakage between the two sets of stators and rotors.
Another object of the invention is to provide a seal with a housing having a lower end member disposed in opposed relation to another housing member, the two being separated by thrust bearings and/or radial bearings each able to be greased, and maintaining such respective housings in closely spaced apart relation.
A further object is to provide a plurality of stators and rotors, each of which is held in place by a spacer, with the array of spacers being held in fixed position under a compressive load provided by spring means such as Belleville washers, for example.
Another object is to provide a construction wherein the stators are located for anti-rotation and the rotors are located for rotation by means of keyways and locking pins positioned on the outside diameter of the stator disks and the inside diameter of the rotor disks. Belleville washers are used to provide a small preload to the rotor and stator stack and the clamping of the total assembly compresses the stator and rotor spacers to fix the final position, while also providing an adequate seal between the components.
Another object of the invention is to provide radially inner and outer housings, each having a plurality of associated discs, with the inner housing including disks of annular form and defining a cylindrical region on the interior, able to accommodate a high volume of drilling fluid, while passing a small amount of drilling fluid to the annular headspace or chamber between the two housings.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a seal with controlled leakage, which includes an upper connection assembly and a housing attached thereto as well as a lower connection assembly that rotates with the washpipe in the use of the seal assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a washpipe seal which may be readily removed and replaced without altering the axial distance between the two connectors, that is, those at the top and the bottom of the assembly.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a system which will hold two parts of the wash pipe seal in snug, non-leaking relation but which can be readily radially removed so that the cartridge can be taken out of the system and replaced with another cartridge, with very little or no difficulty, and no changing of the ultimate distance between the upper and lower pipe flanges or connectors.
Another object is to provide a pair of clamps which can be separated by removing two fasteners on each end and removing the clamps, thereby enabling the cartridge to be removed radially and replaced with very little difficulty.
A still further object is to provide a pair of clamps which act radially and not only permit ease of removal, but also provide inherent alignment and clamping forces which prevent any possible leakage when the clamps are secured.


A method for aligning a truck chassis with a required position relative to a crane, in which the truck is scanned by a sensor means. The laser scanner is located on the crane in such a way that it will be able to scan at least one of a plurality of loading/unloading lanes. The truck is scanned when it enters into one of the loading/unloading lanes in order to detect/identify at least one edge of the truck. The distance between the identified edge of the truck and a fixed point on the crane is measured. A signal is generated that enables a truck driver to drive the truck into a required position in the loading/unloading lane for accurately receiving or delivering a container.

A vast amount of freight is shipped around the world in standard shipping containers. At each point of transfer from one transport means to another, for example in ports and harbours, there is a tremendous number of containers that must be unloaded, transferred to a temporary stack, and later loaded on to another ship or to another form of transport. To achieve the shortest unloading and loading times container handling equipment has to be partly and/or preferably completely automated in normal operation.
The technical demands of handling containers are great. The tare weight of containers is usually consistent, but the gross weight varies considerably. The width of shipping containers is standardised at 8 ft, but the height varies between from 8 and 9.5 ft. The most common standard lengths are 20 ft and 40 ft long. The 40 ft container is very common today and even longer containers up to 53 ft long are also in use.
A container may be handled by a crane, a crane moving on rails, a self-propelled container handling apparatus, or a lift or winch of any type all of which are referred to herein as a crane. Each crane has a lifting device usually incorporating a spreader of some kind that directly contacts a container, to grip it, lift it, lower it and release it. In this description the term spreader is used to denote a part of a lifting device that is in direct contact with a container. Spreaders are normally designed to handle more than one size of container, typically 20–40 ft or 20–40–45 ft long containers. Cranes and other automatic container handling apparatuses and systems are used to speed up the process of loading and unloading containers transferred from one point to another.
The point of transfer of a container between a crane and a truck can be a source of delay. Usually a crane is positioned over one or more parallel loading/unloading lanes on which a truck or other vehicle, hereafter called a truck chassis, stands to receive a load from or unload a container to the crane. The crane is usually arranged such that it has limited freedom to move the spreader in the direction parallel to the long axis of the loading/unloading lanes and it is important that the truck driver positions the truck chassis accurately under the crane. Inaccurate positioning of the truck chassis leads to delay in the process of transferring containers.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,658 describes a container chassis positioning system. The system uses a video camera to capture images of a truck chassis which are then compared by a computer to stored templates corresponding to known parts of known types of truck. The images are processed as gray scale images and matched using methods of statistical probability to determine a close match. A relative position of the truck and the container is determined and the exact stopping point is signaled to the driver of the truck. The signaling is carried out by means of a number of lamps in a system that light up progressively to indicate as the truck has drives up to the correct position.
However, processing of video images and gray scale images require. substantial computer processing power to process such images quickly. Moreover it can be difficult in practice to recognize a truck chassis using video imaging based on graphic images such as gray scale. The color intensity of chassis parts photographed against a background of asphalt varies according to degree of sunlight and shade, color of truck chassis, and color contrast between them. It can be difficult, especially in poor light or adverse weather conditions, to recognize a truck chassis using video based images of that type without resorting in addition to fixing lamps or highly reflective signs or markers to the chassis to be obtain a fast and certain recognition.


Methods for partial reconfiguration compatibility detection in an integrated circuit device are disclosed. A disclosed method includes storing a unique identifier that identifies a partial reconfiguration region of the integrated circuit device in a storage circuit. A control circuit may receive an input partial reconfiguration data that activates the operations of the partial reconfiguration region. The method further includes comparing the input partial reconfiguration data to the stored unique identifier prior to activating the operations of the partial reconfiguration region of the integrated circuit device. The input partial reconfiguration data may contain an associated identifier that is derived from the unique identifier during a design compilation operation of the integrated circuit device.

A programmable integrated circuit has programmable elements that are loaded with full configuration data. The full configuration data in the programmable elements is used to configure or reconfigure programmable logic on the circuit to store data or perform a custom logic function. Partial reconfiguration (PR) enables a user to define and constraint different PR regions in an integrated circuit device during design creation and to reconfigure the different PR regions during user mode. When a PR region is defined in a user design, PR bit streams (or PR data) are generated along with the full configuration data. The generated PR bit streams may then be used to reconfigure the defined PR regions during user mode. Regions that are non-reconfigurable in user mode (also referred collectively as a static region) are configured during device configuration before entering user mode (i.e., before the device enters normal operational mode).
However, the flexibility and ease of reconfiguring a PR region may be error prone as the user may accidentally reconfigure a PR region with incompatible PR data (e.g., PR bit streams). For example, when a user design is updated and recompiled, new full configuration data may be generated to replace the previous full configuration data. If the updated user design includes a modified PR region, a new set of PR data may also be generated along with the new full configuration data. When PR data from a previous compilation of the user design is mistakenly used to reconfigure the PR region in the integrated circuit device (which has since been updated with the new full configuration data), the existing user design on the integrated circuit device may be corrupted and may damage the integrated circuit device.

Partial reconfiguration compatibility detection in an integrated circuit device


There has been invented an apparatus for acceleration of a plasma having coaxially positioned, constant diameter, cylindrical electrodes which are modified to converge (for a positive polarity inner electrode and a negatively charged outer electrode) at the plasma output end of the annulus between the electrodes to achieve improved particle flux per unit of power.

This invention relates to plasma acceleration.
Various plasma accelerators that take advantage of the Hall effect have been disclosed in U.S. Patents including, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,493 (Yashnov et al., Dec. 8, 1998), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,113 (Yashnov et al., May 12, 1998), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,880 (Petrosov et al., Dec. 8, 1998), with different distributions of the magnetic field.
Other configurations for plasma acceleration devices have been disclosed in a number of U.S. Patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,396 (Ress and Nolde, Mar. 1, 1977), U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,030 (Reynolds, Apr. 3, 1990); U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,734 (Sohnly, Mar. 8, 1994); U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,329 (Arkhipov, Apr. 6, 1999); U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,155 (Morozov et al., Dec. 3, 1996); U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,428 (Fruchtman, Jan. 12, 1999); U.S. Pat. No. 5,798,602 (Gopanchuk and Sorokin, Aug. 25, 1998); U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,900 (Gorokhovsky, Jul. 25, 1995); U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,195 (Ouderkirk et al., Feb. 14, 1995); U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,806 (Cann, Dec. 13, 1994); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,176 (Bruel, Jan. 25, 1983) which disclose various positions and directions for the magnetic fields and electrical fields, channel configurations, inductor arrangements, and vacuum insulator/isolator structures.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,205 (Shashkovsky et al., May 12, 1998) discloses an erosion type coaxial plasma accelerator for application of surface treatments on metallic substrates. U.S. Pat. No. 5,773,787 (Turchi, Jun. 30, 1998) discloses use of a pulsed plasma flow to displace magnetic flux, thereby inducing high voltages across multi-turn coils placed near the end of a coaxial gun.
However, there is still a need for plasma accelerators with higher particle flux per unit of power and which are more efficient while using electrical potentials to achieve a steady-state or pulsed acceleration of the plasma.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a plasma accelerator and a method of accelerating plasma particles.
It is another object of this invention to provide a plasma accelerator with higher particle flux per unit of power.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a plasma accelerator which allows axial acceleration of plasma mass by different electrical potentials.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a plasma accelerator which can provide steady-state or pulsed acceleration of a plasma.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there has been invented an apparatus for acceleration of a plasma having coaxially disposed cylindrical electrodes which have output end or nose additions of mesh screen shaped to converge (for a positive polarity inner electrode) or diverge (for a negative polarity inner electrode) to achieve improved particle flux per unit of power.

The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy


An aspect of the invention provides a sliding component in which a phase made of liquid and a phase made of gas, which are formed in a sliding portion, are stabilized. A sliding component constitutes one of two sliding components that rotate relatively, and planar end faces of the two sliding component slide on each other. In the sliding component, a plurality of dimples is arrayed in a sliding surface such that, in a phase made of liquid and a phase made of gas, the phase made of the gas is positioned when the two components rotate relatively. The phase made of the liquid and the phase made of the gas are formed so as to revolve about rotation centers of sliding portions of the two components.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sliding component that is used in, for example, a mechanical seal.
2. Description of the Related Art
A sealing device (for example, mechanical seal) including relatively rotating two components in which planar end faces slide on each other has been known as a sealing device that prevents (suppresses) leakage of sealed fluid. In such sealing devices, in order to maintain a good sealed state for long periods, it is necessary that a fluid lubricating film be formed between sliding surfaces of the two components by the sealed fluid. Therefore, abrasion or roughened surface can be prevented (suppressed). In order to maintain a sealing property for long periods, it is necessary to balance contradictory conditions of "sealing" and "lubrication".
Recently, for the purpose of environmental measures, a demand for low friction arises in order that a mechanical loss is reduced while the leakage of the sealed fluid is prevented.
When the sliding surfaces of the two components are formed with a smooth surface like a general mechanical seal, it has been known that not only a film of the sealed fluid but also a phase by cavitation generated in the fluid are formed between the sliding surfaces (see Hamilton, Walowit, Allen: A. S. M. E. Paper No. 65-Lub-11 (1965)). That is, a phase (hereinafter referred to as liquid phase) made of the liquid (sealed fluid) and a phase (hereinafter referred to as gas phase) made of gas are formed between the sliding surfaces.
It is confirmed that the phases formed between the sliding surfaces express an extremely unstable behavior even if the relative rotation of the two components is steady. The cavitation that is of a factor of forming the gas phase is generated by minute irregularity of the sliding surface. The cavitation is generated in a random position, and the behavior of the cavitation is unstable after the generation. Therefore, the behavior of the liquid phase and the gas phase become unstable. The unstable behavior of the two phases will be described with reference to FIGS. 21A to 21D. FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrate an example of the behavior of the liquid phase and the gas phase that are produced between the sliding surfaces of the two components that rotate relatively at a constant speed.
In FIGS. 21A to 21D, the meshed portions indicate liquid phases, and the portions that are not meshed indicate gas phases. In FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrate different timing states while the two components rotate relatively at a constant speed (one of the two components rotate while the other stands still).
As can be seen from FIGS. 21A to 21D, the mixed state of the liquid phase and the gas phase changes complicated with time. It is also confirmed an increase in friction coefficient in which the sliding surfaces comes into direct contact with each other while the whole sliding surface is instantaneously covered with the gas phase. The phenomenon is attributed to the fact that the sliding surface formed with the smooth surface does not have a mechanism or a structure that retains and stabilizes the film (phase) made of the liquid between the sliding surfaces.
There has been also known a sliding component in which micro holes or dimples are made on the sliding surface to improve lubricating property (see Japanese Patent No. 3026252).
FIG. 22 is a plan view partially illustrating a sliding surface of a sliding component according to a conventional example. As illustrated in FIG. 22, a plurality of dimples 501 is provided in a sliding surface of a sliding component 500. A hydrodynamic lubricating film (film formed with the sealed fluid) is formed according to the shapes and array of the dimples 501. A lubricating liquid (sealed fluid) is supplied from the dimple 501. Conventionally, the film of the lubricating liquid (sealed fluid) is stably formed in the sliding surface by providing the dimples 501 in the sliding surface of the sliding component 500, thereby aiming to improve the suppressing effect of the sliding abrasion.
However, the sealing performance is degraded when the sealed fluid is supplied to the sliding surface by the micro holes such as dimples to encourage film formation of the sealed fluid. Therefore, there is a risk of losing the original function of the seal. In order to maintain the sealing performance, it is necessary to block out a leakage direction, that is, a flow of the sealed fluid in a radial direction of the sliding surface. However, the conventional sliding component does not include the mechanism or structure that blocks out the flow of the sealed fluid in the radial direction.


A preferred embodiment of a convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle includes a convertible roof that covers the vehicle essentially from a front header to a rearmost body panel. A further aspect of the present invention provides a forward top stack linkage mechanism, which when actuated, moves a forwardmost roof bow in such a manner that a surface of the roof bow faces upwardly when the top stack is positioned in an extended position and in a retracted position.

The present invention relates generally to automotive roof systems, and more particularly, to a convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle.
Automotive vehicles, such as sport utility vehicles ("SUVs"), have experienced a substantial increase in popularity in recent years. With the increase in popularity has come an increased demand for many of the amenities that were generally only found on other types automotive vehicles, such as convertible roof systems. Convertible roof systems designed for other automotive vehicles, such as passenger cars, are not, however, readily adaptable for use with SUVs because of the significant design differences between the two types of vehicles. For example, many SUVs have a rear storage compartment that is an extension of and accessible from the passenger compartment, whereas in passenger cars the storage compartment is typically separate from the passenger compartment. This connected passenger and storage compartment, however, provides a large roof area. Furthermore, conventional Jeep® brand vehicles present a challenge as to how and where to store the manually retractable convertible top when the top is fully retracted without unnecessarily using up valuable storage and seating space, and they detract from the aesthetic qualities of the vehicle when retracted.
Various convertible roof systems for use with SUVs have been recently developed that attempt to address these and other problems associated with adapting a convertible roof system for use with an SUV. Examples of previously designed SUV convertible roof systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,589 entitled "Vehicle And Folding Top For A Vehicle", which issued to Kinnanen et al. on Aug. 1, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,767 entitled "Convertible Top For A Vehicle Having A Rear Egress", which issued to Harrison et al. on Aug. 15, 1996; both of which are incorporated by reference herein. While some of these patents have improved the art, a demand still exists to further simply the operation, improve the functionality and enhance the appearance of convertible roof systems for SUVs.
In accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle includes a convertible roof that covers the vehicle essentially from a front header to a rearmost body panel. A further aspect of the present invention provides a forward top stack linkage mechanism, which when actuated, moves a forwardmost roof bow in such a manner that a surface of the roof bow faces upwardly when the top stack is positioned in an extended position and in a retracted position. Another aspect of the present invention provides a backlite linkage mechanism that collapses a rear backlite for compact storage within a vehicle storage compartment located behind a rear passenger seat of the vehicle. In yet another aspect of the present invention, operation of a rear backlite linkage mechanism is synchronized with the operation of the forward top stack linkage mechanism.
The automotive vehicle roof system of the present invention is advantageous over previous designs in that the present invention provides a forward top stack and backlite linkage mechanism that utilizes an optimum number of components so as to minimize both the weight and cost of the complete roof system while covering a larger vehicle area than is typical. The invention also provides a novel linkage mechanism for retracting the vehicle's rear backlite that is operated without the need for a separate drive system. The present invention allows for access of the storage compartment from inside the vehicle and from outside the vehicle through a tailgate, when the roof is raised. Furthermore, the present invention is self covering and flush with the vehicle beltline when stowed thereby significantly enhancing the appearance and aerodynamics of the vehicle without the need for a separate tonneau cover or boot. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Soft-top convertible roof system for an automotive vehicle


An infusion pump comprising a substance and pushing fluid inlet, a substance outlet, a central chamber communicating with said inlet and said outlet, and injecting means for injecting a substance into a biological object, wherein the infusion pump further includes a pushing fluid outlet in communication with the central chamber in such a way as to allow a pushing fluid to exhaust the pump. The outlet of the infusion pump is advantageously connected to the proximal end of a catheter, the distal end being inserted into the biological object. A sensor, e.g., an optical device, is preferably placed at the outlet of the infusion pump and checks that the outlet is free of gas. The infusion pump is preferably remotely controlled so that it can be placed in limited access locations. It is also preferably computer controlled.

When using imaging, tomography or spectroscopy techniques such as magnetic resonance (MR), it is very useful and sometimes necessary to inject a liquid or a colloidal suspension into a tissue, an organ, an animal or a human before, during or after an experiment or an examination. The delay between the preparation and the infusion of the liquid or the colloidal suspension into a tissue, an organ, an animal or a human located inside the imaging, tomography or spectroscopy apparatus is a critical issue when the liquid or the colloidal suspension has short-lasting physical or chemical properties.
A first approach to infuse a liquid or a colloidal suspension with short-lasting physical or chemical properties is to collect the liquid or the colloidal suspension in a syringe and to quickly administrate it into the biological object. This is the way proposed for instance by J. H. Ardenkjaer-Larsen et al. to infuse hyperpolarized liquids for MR investigations (see WO 02/37132). WO 99/35508 very superficially discusses an idea of applying pressure to carry hyperpolarized material from a container to a patient undergoing MR examination. Practically such a procedure is difficult to implement because it requires at least three conditions, namely: a) a high-speed transfer of the material from the preparation apparatus to the imaging, tomography or spectroscopy apparatus (due to the short-lasting physical or chemical properties of the material), b) a relatively slow infusion speed (in order to avoid damage in the biological object), and c) an absence of gas in the infusion line (which could harm the biological object under examination). It should also be noted that if the biological object is placed in a location with limited access such as in a narrow bore MR magnet, a direct infusion with a syringe is hardly possible. WO 99/35508 does not discuss and consequently does not offer a solution to this complex procedure.
An objective of the present invention is to meet the above cited three conditions.

Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPPL)


A welded, steel apparatus consisting of multiple receiver tubes (A) reinforced by collars (B) separated and attached to the spacer bar (C), with a mounting tube (D) which can be inserted into a slide-in type vehicle receiver hitch. Into which is inserted the assembly consisting of the deck plate (E), mounted to and supported by bar (F), reinforced by gusset (G), attached to and spaced from the mounting tube (I) by the riser bar (H). Thus permitting the use of multiple trailer hitch accessories at the same time; including the attachment of a portable hand crank or powered winch unit.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to motorized vehicles using a frame or similarly mounted, receiver type hitch; specifically used when towing a trailer and also needing the receiver portion of the hitch assembly to perform an additional function such as pulling a heavy load onto the trailer at the same time.
2. Description of Prior Art
Many automotive vehicles sold are offered with a towing package which includes a frame mounted hitch receiver consisting of an assembly whereby the trailer ball used to attach the towed unit to the towing vehicle is mounted on a separate slide-in tongue affixed with a pin. While not restricted to new sales of automotive vehicles, this type of hitch receiver has also been used on older cars, trucks, tractors, and other types of motorized vehicles to pull heavy loads, a trailer or camper, and more recently to attach accessory items such as bike racks, ski racks, and trailer decks.
Whereas, the automotive winch industry has somewhat limited their field with the winch assembly to: a rigidly attached, front or rear mounted unit, affixed to the bumper or frame; the boating or marine industry uses a winch, either band crank or powered, normally attached to the front trailer extension.
In each application, the trailer ball tongue or the winch can only be used in a single application at any one time: i.e. if the receiver hitch is used for a bike rack attachment, it can not be used to tow a trailer; and if the winch is mounted to a boat trailer, it can not be used to pull a car on a car trailer or switched to another vehicle.
Typical attachment of hitch accessory is by means of a hitch pin inserted through the holes of the accessory and the hitch and retained by a spring clip. Unless a locking type hitch pin is used to attach any of the trailer hitch accessory items or the trailer ball tongue to the receiver; or the winch is permanently attached to the vehicle or trailer by a method such as welding or one-way bolts; all are subject to potential theft. Even the locking type pins can be cut off with a torch if the thief is desperate enough to steal a particular item. In any case, the theft of automotive and marine accessories constitutes a large economic loss to the public.
The closest item, incorporating the concept of making the winch removal, to this invention, is a powered winch, mounted to a notched plate which slips over the trailer hitch ball. This makes the winch removable, but restricts its use and limits the use of the hitch, to using only the winch, there is no provision for trailing or other accessories to be attached at the same time.
This invention reduces the potential for theft of attached accessories because it is easily removed and allows the end user to utilize the trailer hitch for multiple purposes, including, but not limited to: a removable winch for pulling out their own vehicle when stuck or pulling items on trailers.
Objects and Advantages
With the dual receiver hitch with top winch plate, the consumer is able to gain multiple uses from the trailer hitch receiver at the same time and is able to remove the attachments for safe storage in a truck, cab, or other area of safe keeping, as well as use the same items on multiple vehicles, specifically it can be used to:
(a) provide a means to pull a trailer or camper and attach a bike or ski rack to the hitch receiver; PA1 (b) provide for a means for the accessories such as the bike and ski racks to be interchanged without unhooking the trailer; PA1 (c) provide a way to use a winch on any car, truck or tractor with a slide-in type receiver without permanent attachment to the vehicle; whereas the winch can now be used to pull a car, boat, tractor, anything that may need to be moved on a trailer or just pulled, such as a stuck vehicle; PA1 (d) assist senior citizens or physically restricted people, by providing a means to lift a boat trailer tongue or any other such item onto the trailer ball or in pulling it to the towing vehicle by installing a lift or pull ring on the towed item; PA1 (e) provide a benefit to public safety organizations, no longer requiring a dedicated vehicle set up to pull a rescue boat or other life saving equipment; because trailer and winch can be switched from vehicle to vehicle as needed, without the additional expense of individual units or vehicles being set up to handle a winch and/or a trailer; PA1 (f) provide a reduction in the theft of items such as boat winches, accessory racks, etc., because they can be easily removed for safe storage; PA1 (g) provides an individual the opportunity, to remove a stranded vehicle from the side of the road by being able to pull the disabled vehicle onto a auto-trailer without the need of gathering several people needed to push the vehicle up the ramps; PA1 (h) permits the average person to remove a winch from the trunk of their car and pull themselves out of snow or mud without having to abandon the vehicle to get another tow vehicle thus reducing potential theft of the abandoned vehicle or creating additional safety hazards; PA1 (i) provide a hunter or sportsman the means of safely lifting a "prize kill" onto a trailer by using a winch cable over a tree limb, etc, and lowering his "trophy" onto a trailer for transport PA1 (j) provide an accessory, in the form of, but not limited to, a winch, mounted to the plate that can be used on other motorized units such as farm tractors, lawn and garden tractors, or any other similar equipment where a slide-in hitch receiver tube can be mounted; the top winch plate can be used to mount a variety of items, small compressors, welders, winches, or any other item that may be conveyed by a vehicle and/or may require attachment to different vehicles; PA1 (k) allow a winch to be removed in inclement weather, providing additional years of service yet be handy enough to be used on a regular basis, and PA1 (l) when used in conjunction with a front mounted receiver tube, such as can be found on some vehicles with front step bumpers or grille protector bars (safari or bush bars), the winch can now be transferred from rear to front for additional pulling options.
There are potentially many other uses that can be found for the dual receiver hitch with top winch plate that have yet to be considered and tried, but the advantages listed above make this item a considerable asset to the consumer that uses his/her vehicle for business, recreation, public safety, etc. A working unit has been fabricated and tested in actual operation.

Dual receiver hitch with top winch plate


A wakeboard binding which includes a single piece, adjustable, binding overlay elastomeric sheet material, with a pair of spaced apart extended arms, the binding adapted to be secured over the top surface of a heel and toe receptacle which form a boot-like enclosure.

Wakeboard bindings are foot bindings which are adapted and designed to be employed on a wakeboards, wherein the wakeboard is a recreational sport board, so that the person riding on the wakeboard can be towed behind a boat or jet ski. Wakeboard bindings are generally mounted transversely on a wakeboard, similar to bindings mounted on a snowboard. One wakeboard binding is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,291, issued Apr. 29, 1997.
It is therefore desirable to provide for a new and improved wakeboard bindings and wakeboard system containing the bindings, which wakeboard bindings and system provides certain advantages over the prior art in regard to performance, use, and structure.

Integral overlay wakeboard binding and system


An elongate member for positioning transverse to a fluid flow includes a curved outer surface. A first elongate flow transition inducing structure is positioned on and extends along a substantial length of the outer surface of the elongate member transverse to the fluid flow between about 50.degree. and 80.degree. away from the fluid flow for reducing fluid flow resistance on the elongate member.

Vehicles such as trucks, bicycles or motorcycles, often have cylindrically shaped members which are exposed to transverse air flow during travel creating a certain amount of drag force on the vehicles. In bicycles and motorcycles, an example of such cylindrical members are the handle bars as well as portions of the frame. In trucks, an example of such cylindrical members are the exhaust stacks, air filter housings and rear view mirror mounts.

Cylindrical member with reduced air flow resistance


A fan includes a fan frame, a motor and an impeller. The motor is disposed in the frame. The impeller is connected with the motor and driven by the motor. The impeller includes a hub, an inner blade and an outer blade. The hub has a first surface facing the motor and a second surface facing away from the motor. The inner blade is disposed on the first surface, and the outer blade is disposed on the second surface.

1. Field of Invention
The invention relates to a fan and, in particular, to a waterproof fan.
2. Related Art
For a conventional fan, the adhesive material is usually used to cover and seal the components disposed in the fan to protect them, thereby achieving the waterproof function. FIG. 1 is a sectional side-view diagram of a conventional fan with the waterproof function. Referring to FIG. 1, the fan 1 includes an adhesive 11, a casing 12, a plurality of outer blades 13, a fan frame 14, a circuit board 15 and a stator structure 16. The adhesive 11 is disposed to cover the circuit board 15 and the stator structure 16, and the outer blades 13 are connected onto the outer surface of the casing 12 and disposed in the fan frame 14.
Accordingly, a great quantity of adhesive 11 needs to be used to fill in for protecting the components, thus not only increasing the production cost and time, but also causing the pollution to the environment. Besides, because the adhesive 11 completely seals or covers the circuit board 15, the heat generated by the circuit board 15 is not easily dissipated, thus causing the overheated circuit board 15 to be burned out and considerably decreasing the operation efficiency of the fan. In addition, the electronic components of the circuit board 15 may be damaged due to the high temperature or internal stress generated during the process of solidifying the adhesive.
Therefore, it is an important subject to provide a fan that has a waterproof function and higher heat-dissipation capacity so as to enhance the efficiency of the fan and the motor.


A method for increasing the load-sustaining capability of structural elements in soil, wherein metallic rostrums are positioned in a hole in the soil and subsequently extruded telescopically to force them to penetrate into the surrounding soil at a desired depth and inclination. Mortars or consolidation mixes may be injected through the rostrums to fill a volume in the soil to form reinforcement bulbs.

In particular soils (incoherent sands or silts, peat layers, plastic clays etc.), it is difficult to transfer compression and/or tension loads; it becomes therefore necessary to intervene with technical solutions, for instance using alternative expensive systems of foundation (jet grouting, tubfix micropiles, etc.).
These systems have the tendency to create in one or more points of the pile, of the tie rod and of the foundation wall or of the masonry chain, some bulbs that improve the possibility to transfer loads from the superstructure to the soil or to another structure or alternatively to oppose to the loads themselves.
Another way consists of assigning to the structure of foundation minimum bearing capacity because of the soil's very low strength parameters.
In some cases it is necessary to perform repeated injections of cement mixing to improve the soil characteristics, with very expensive costs.
In the case of tie rods—with harmonic steel reinforcement section, or steel bars with elevated tensile limit to anchor to the ground, for instance, walls of support, radio antennas, etc.—it can happen that the performance is not successful due to the poor mechanical characteristics of the soil, incapable to resist to tensile forces. Consequently necessary reconstruction works are requested or, alternatively, new tie rods with lower tensile capabilities.
The same can be said for foundation piles, where low strength parameters compel the design engineer to reduce the unit load by increasing the total number of pile for the overall foundation.
Another problem is related to the execution of the works of improvement of the soil, that requires full skill and ability of the operator strictly coming from his experience, the perfect functionality of the operative equipments and homogeneity of the soil complex; all these things are not always verifiable.

Method to increase a capability of soil to sustain loads


A method for affixing the optics of a laser to the laser tube, comprising: providing a substrate seat, coupling a substrate to the seat, coating the substrate with a multilayer thin film coating, and securing the substrate seat to the laser tube. In a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a resonant cavity is disclosed, the method comprising: providing a laser tube having first and second ends, securing a substrate mount, having a coated output coupler secured thereto, into one end of the laser tube, securing a substrate mount, having a coated reflecting mirror secured thereto, into the other end of the laser tube, and sealing the laser tube.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a resonant cavity for laser.
2. Description of the Related Art
The conventional ion laser includes two reflecting optical elements placed at either end of a laser tube. In general, the optical elements are coupled directly to the laser tube; that is, the mirrors are mounted to the ends of the tube, with a glass frit, or solder glass joining the reflective portion of the element directly to the end of the laser tube. During the glass frit process, temperatures can reach up to 450.degree. C. U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,314, inventors Shull, et al., assigned to Spectra-Physics, Inc., shows a mounting alternative wherein the laser optics are placed on an internal mount. A mirror seat is inserted into the interior of the laser tube and the optical element is mounted on the mirror seat with the reflective portion of the element on the opposite side of the mounting area.
Optical elements for a laser resonator may be manufactured by coating a substrate, made of a material such as glass, with a series of dielectric films to develop the desired reflectance/transmittance of the mirror, depending on whether the mirror is to be used as a high reflectance mirror or as an output coupler. As is well known, such coatings are generally comprised of a plurality of layers of dielectric material alternating between materials with high and low indices of refraction having optical thicknesses of .lambda./2 or .lambda./4, thereby defining a reflective surface based on the classic Fabrey-Perot interferometer. The number, index of refraction, and optical thickness of the layers is determined by the desired reflectivity or transmittance of the optical element.
Lasers utilizing resonator optics mounted directly to the laser tube are generally incompatible for use with dielectric coatings having high indices of refraction. This is due to the fact that the coated side of the substrate must be coupled directly to the tube. Exposure of high index material to the 450.degree. C. frit temperature renders the coating useless. Coatings with high index dielectrics are preferable for making broad band or "white light" visible laser optics, and some ultra-violet laser applications because of the ease with which broadband reflectors may be manufactured. In a broad band or "white light" laser, the optical elements are required to reflect and transmit energy over a relatively large bandwidth encompassing red, green and blue regions of the visible spectrum. In a conventional laser tube having tube mounted laser optics, a large number of dielectric layers are required to achieve the desired reflective/transmissive characteristics over a broad waveband, since materials having sufficiently high thermal coefficients to be used in such coatings have lower indices of refraction generating lower interference effects. Optical elements with large numbers of layers tend to be extremely lossy due to the fact that diffraction and interference takes place at each individual layer interface.
One way to reduce the number of layers is to use materials with high indices of refraction to increase the ratio between the respective indices of refraction of the high index layers and the low index spacer material. However, while many materials having higher indices of refraction are available, such materials have low thermal coefficients of expansion, therefore making them susceptible to damage during the high temperature frit process as they are coupled to the laser tube. Thus, coatings utilizing a large high/low index ratio would have a tendency to craze due to the varying thermal gradients between the high index layers and the low index, or "spacer" layers and the laser mirror substrate material.
Another problem with conventional coatings stems from exposure damage from the internal environment of the completed resonant cavity. Ultraviolet radiation, generated by arc discharge within the laser tube, tends to deteriorate the coatings over time, reducing their effectiveness. In addition, the vacuum environment itself has a deleterious effect on the coating.
Thus, it is desireable to produce a laser resonant cavity through a method which avoids exposure of the finished optical elements to high temperature frit processing, and which has optical elements suitable for use over a wide bandwidth.

Method for manufacturing resonant cavity for laser


A particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine including a particulate trap, microwave-absorbing materials located in the particulate trap, and a NOx catalyst located in said particulate trap.

Increased regulation has reduced the allowable levels of particulates and NOx components generated by diesel engines and similar internal combustion engines. Particulates can generally be characterized as a soot that may be captured and oxidized by particulate filters or traps. Present particulate filters or traps contain a separation medium with tiny pores that capture particles. As trapped material accumulates in the particulate trap, resistance to flow in the particulate trap increases, generating back pressure. The particulate trap must then be regenerated to burn off the particulates/soot in the particulate trap to eliminate the back pressure and allow air flow through the particulate trap. Past practices of regenerating a particulate trap utilized an energy source such as a burner or electric heater to generate combustion in the particulates. Particulate combustion in a diesel particulate trap by these past practices has been found to be difficult to control and may result in an excessive temperature rise.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Catalyst temperature control via microwave-induced particle oxidation


This invention is a skipping rope comprising a flexible cord and a pair of handles secured on the cord and defining there between an effective cord length wherein at least one of the said handles on the cord is an interference fit in the opening of the handle so the effective cord length is adjusted by moving the handle assembly along the cord member and is maintained by the interference fit between the cord and the opening in the handle. Movement of the handle is performed simply by applying tension between the cord and the handle so the user, by moving the handle in one direction or the other, may find an effective working cord length that most suits them.

The skipping rope is among the oldest and simplest devices used for maintaining fitness and co-ordination. Maintaining fitness is now considered very important and desirable by many people.
Although skipping ropes for exercise have been developed to offer improved speed, comfort and durability, users still experience problems such as kinking and tangling of the rope, especially when the rope is packed tight in packaging or a container.
It is important that a skipping rope be of a length suited to each individual user, and therefore it is desirable to provide for precise, easy and reliable adjustability.
The skipping rope provided by the present invention addresses these problems.


A semiconductor device includes a trench provided in a semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed in the trench through a gate dielectric film, and a diffusion layer formed in the vicinity of the trench. The trench includes an opening portion provided in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a recess curved surface portion including a cross-sectional contour having a substantially circular arc shape, and a connection curved surface portion connecting the recess curved surface portion and the opening portion. The connection curved surface portion includes a continuous curved surface between the opening portion and the recess curved surface portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same.
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-257021, filed Sep. 22, 2006 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-217162, filed Aug. 23, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of the Related Art
Semiconductor devices are known in which an n-type diffusion layer, a gate dielectric film, and a gate electrode are formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of a conventional semiconductor device provided with a gate electrode embedded in a trench. In a semiconductor device 101 shown in FIG. 16, a transistor structure T is formed between a pair of trench isolation sections 102. Specifically, an n-type diffusion layer 104 having a source region and a drain region is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate 103 having a p-type well layer 103a and a channel doped layer 103b. A trench 105 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 103 and the n-type diffusion layer 104. The source region and the drain region of the n-type diffusion layer 104 are separated by the trench 105. A gate dielectric film 106 is formed on an inner surface of the trench 105 as well as the n-type diffusion layer 104 and the trench isolation sections 102. A gate electrode 107 is embedded in the trench 105 through the gate dielectric film 106. Thus, the gate electrode 107 is formed between the source region and the drain region of the n-type diffusion layer 104 through the gate dielectric film 106. Electrodes 108 and 109 are respectively formed on the source region and the drain region. A silicon oxide film 110 is formed on the gate dielectric film 106. The electrodes 108 and 109 and the gate electrode 107 are embedded in the silicon oxide film 110.
In the semiconductor device 101 shown in FIG. 16, since the gate electrode 107 is embedded in the trench 105, an effective channel length may be controlled in accordance with the depth of the trench, and a higher threshold voltage Vth may be achieved in comparison with that of a conventional planar-type semiconductor device.
In terms of such a trench-embedded semiconductor device, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H04-306881 discloses an insulated gate semiconductor device which includes one conductive-type (i.e., p-type (or n-type)) semiconductor substrate, a trench provided in the semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric film in which the thickness thereof at a bottom surface portion of the trench is smaller than that at a side portion of the trench, a gate electrode provided in the trench through the gate dielectric film, another conductive-type (i.e., n-type (or p-type)) low concentration diffusion layer provided in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the trench so as to be deeper than the trench, and the other conductive-type (i.e., n-type (or p-type)) high concentration diffusion layer provided in the low concentration diffusion layer adjacent to the gate electrode so as to be shallower than the trench.
In a single electronic tunnel element disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H08-306904, a U-shaped trench is formed in a silicon fine line, the thickness of an oxide film becomes uneven as a result of thermal oxidation because the oxidation rate in the vicinity of a bottom central portion of the U-shaped trench, to which a stress is applied, is less than that in the vicinity of a sidewall of the trench, a gate electrode is formed on the oxide film and a positive gate voltage is applied thereto, thereby electrons are accumulated in the bottom central portion of the U-shaped trench where the oxide film is thin, and a tunnel barrier is formed in the vicinity of the sidewall of the trench where the oxide film is thick.
However, it is difficult to achieve a desired threshold voltage Vth even in such a trench embedded semiconductor device when a wiring is further miniaturized.
On the other hand, a semiconductor device 201 as shown in FIG. 17 has been proposed in which a gate electrode 207 is embedded in a trench 205 through a gate dielectric film 206, and the shape of the trench 205 is formed so that the cross section of an upper portion 205a is rectangular and the cross section of a lower portion 205b is substantially round. Components as shown in FIG. 17 identical to those as shown in FIG. 16 are denoted by the same reference symbols as those of FIG. 16 and their descriptions are omitted. Hereinafter, the semiconductor device 201 as shown in FIG. 17 is referred to as a round-bottom type. The round-bottom type semiconductor device is disclosed, for example, in a literature entitled "S-RCAT (Sphere-shaped-Recess-Channel-Array-Transistor) Technology for 70 nm DRAM feature size and beyond", J. Y. Kim et al., 2005 Symposium on VLSI Technology Digest of Technical Papers, 2005, pp. 34-35. In accordance with the semiconductor device disclosed in this literature, an effective channel length may be longer than that of a conventional trench-embedded transistor by processing a lower portion of a trench in which a gate electrode is embedded such that its cross section is formed in a round shape. Accordingly, a desired threshold voltage may be achieved even when the transistor is miniaturized. Since the bottom of the trench has a bend portion, an electric field received from the gate electrode may increase in this portion and a sub-threshold factor may decrease, and thus there is an advantage in that it is possible to increase an ON current, i.e., a current flowing through the transistor during the transistor is turned on.
However, in the conventional round-bottom type semiconductor device 201 as shown in FIG. 17, a boundary portion of the upper portion 205a and the lower portion 205b of the trench 205 have a shape of a ridge line protruding to an inner side of the trench 205 at an acute angle. As a result, an electric field is concentrated to the gate dielectric film 206 of the boundary portion, thereby increasing leakage. Accordingly, reliability of the gate dielectric film 206 is lowered.

Semiconductor device including a trench with a curved surface portion and method of manufacturing the same


A portable electronic device connected over a network to a server is used to guide a person using the device to return to a location he chooses and to find one or more selected items within a facility, with the location of the device being tracked using radio frequency signals generated within the facility or GPS signals from satellites. The process of connecting to the server may be started when a bar code is photographed using a camera within the device, or when an RFID tag is read by a reader within the device. Location processes are provided for finding a vehicle left in a parking area, and for locating items that are additionally described in messages displayed on the electronic device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a portable electronic device used for personal navigation.
2. Summary of the Background Information
A modern smartphone is typically provided with a conventional GPS receivers and with a transceiver for sending and receiving radio-frequency signals through an access point that sends and receives data over the Internet. It is known that a conventional GPS receiver does not function properly in many indoor areas because of the attenuation of satellite signals by the walls and roofs of structures and because many elements within buildings cause reflections of the satellite signals. While the conventional GPS system was not designed for use in indoor areas, a number of current attempts to modify the GPS system to provide indoor capabilities are now being made.
It is additionally known that WiFi signals from access points presently located within many buildings can be used to locate a modern smartphone at an accuracy within 2.5 meters, and that the internal compass and accelerometers within a conventional smart phone can additionally used to generate location data. Positioning data to be used in developing a mobile app for use within a specific indoor environment can now be generated by a server from data generated in the actual indoor environment with a smartphone receiving WiFi signals received therein.
A modern smartphone is typically provided with a camera, and many users of smartphones have downloaded an app for reading QR codes (a trademark taken from "quick response"), which are of a particular type of matrix (two-dimensional) bar code, originally used to track vehicles during assembly, and now widely used for advertising purposes. Such an app contacts the Internet through the communication capabilities of the smartphone and connects the smartphone with a web site identified by data stored within a QR code that has been photographed using the camera within the smartphone. For example, a QR code placed near a product displayed within a retail store may be used to connect the smartphone with a website providing additional information about the product including video demonstrations, etc.
RFID (radio frequency identification) tags have also been used to provide indoor, as well as outdoor, location information. For example, a visitor to a museum may be given a portable device including an RFID reader and an audio player having a number of stored audio messages describing exhibits within the museum, each of which is played when the portable device is brought into proximity with an RFID tag identifying the corresponding exhibit. Alternatively, the portable device is provided with communications capabilities allowing a server to be connected, with the server then providing audio and/or video information describing the exhibit identified by the RFID tag.

System and method for returning to a selected location and for finding forms in a facility


A method of producing an electroluminescence apparatus, an electroluminescence apparatus, and an electronic device having excellent light-emitting properties and light-emitting life are provided. A suitable electron injection layer can be formed using a liquid-phase method while a light-emitting layer is prevented from dissolution by a composition ink. Also provided are a method of producing an electroluminescence apparatus, an electroluminescence apparatus, and an electronic device in which formation of the electron injection layer can be simplified. The method of producing an electroluminescence apparatus having a plurality of light-emitting layers that emit light with different colors can include the step of forming an electron injection layer by a liquid discharge method or a printing method when predetermined types of the light-emitting layers are formed. A material for forming the electron injection layer can be a liquid material containing an organic metal compound.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method of producing an electroluminescence device, an electroluminescence apparatus and an electronic device.
2. Description of Related Art
A typical light-emitting apparatus including a light-emitting layer is an electroluminescence apparatus having organic electroluminescence elements utilizing an organic semiconductor as a light-emitting layer. Generally, an organic functional layer containing the light-emitting layer can be disposed between a pair of electrodes facing each other. The electroluminescence apparatus for a color display has a plurality of light-emitting layers that have light-emitting wavelength bands corresponding to red (R), green (G) and blue (B), respectively. The light-emitting layers corresponding to respective colors are disposed on a substrate in a predetermined arrangement.
In the electroluminescence apparatus, an electron injection layer may be formed to promote electron injection from an electrode to the light-emitting layer, in order to improve light-emitting properties such as intensity, light-emitting efficiencies and the like. The electron injection layer is generally formed by a vapor deposition method. For example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-160487 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-182782.

Method of producing electroluminescence apparatus, electroluminescence apparatus and electronic device


A polyfluoroalkyl silicone having the general formula: EQU M.sub.a M'.sub.b D.sub.c D'.sub.d T.sub.e T'.sub.f Q.sub.g ;. where. M=R.sup.1.sub.u R.sup.2.sub.v R.sup.3.sub.w SiO.sub.1/2 with the sum of the subscripts u+v+w being 3 and the subscripts v and w are each independently 0 or 1; PA1 M'=R.sup.4 R.sup.5 R.sup.6 SiO.sub.1/2 ; PA1 D=R.sup.7.sub.x R.sup.8.sub.y SiO.sub.2/2 with the sum of the subscripts x+y being 2 and y is 0 or 1; PA1 D'=R.sup.9 R.sup.10 SiO.sub.2/2 ; PA1 T=R.sup.11.sub.z SiO.sub.3/2 with the subscript z being 1; PA1 T'=R.sup.12 SiO.sub.3/2 ; and PA1 Q=SiO.sub.4/2 ; PA1 1) a+b.gtoreq.2; PA1 2) a+c+e.gtoreq.1; and PA1 a(u)+c(x)+e(z) .gtoreq.2 as a carrier fluid for electro-active materials thereby providing for an electro-viscous fluid.. where the substituent groups R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, and R.sup.12 are each independently selected from the group of one to forty carbon atom monovalent hydrocarbon radicals, the subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are zero or positive integers with the substituent groups, R.sup.1, R.sup.7, and R.sup.11, each independently selected from the group of consisting of monovalent polyfluoroalkyl groups having the formula CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.n (CH.sub.2).sub.m and monovalent polyfluoroalkyl groups having the formula CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.n J(CH.sub.2).sub.m where the subscript n is an integer that ranges from about 3 to about 20, the subscript m is an integer that ranges from about 2 to about 20, J is a divalent methylene group (CH.sub.2), divalent sulfur (S), or oxygen (O); subject to the following limitations on the stoichiometric subscripts a, b, c, and e:

Electro-rheological or electro-viscous fluids are dispersions of finely divided solids in hydrophobic, electrically non-conductive oils wherein the viscosity of the fluid increases rapidly and reversibly from a low viscosity fluid to a highly viscous, plastic or solid state under the imposition of a sufficiently powerful electric field. Usually the increase in viscosity of the electro-viscous fluid is proportional to the applied voltage. The materials respond both to direct and alternating current, but it is required that there be very little flow of current through the electro-viscous fluid. These fluids are useful for the transmission of large forces while requiring only a very small amount of electric power. Devices employing electro-viscous fluids include among others clutches, hydraulic valves, shock absorbers, vibrators or devices for positioning and fixing workpieces, computer output devices that create a voltage dependent resistance such as used in virtual reality simulations (e.g. virtual reality simulations of medical surgery), and computer output devices that simulate a surface having a controllable texture such as a refreshable touch pad for reading Braille text.
The non-aqueous liquids useful as a dispersion medium for electro-viscous fluids may be, for example, hydrocarbons such as paraffins, olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons, Silicone oils such as polydimethylsiloxanes and liquid methyl phenyl siloxanes are also used. These may be used singly or as combinations of two or more types. The liquid dispersing medium is selected or formulated so that it is liquid over a fairly wide temperature ranges, usually at least -30.degree. C. (243.degree. K) to 150.degree. C. (423.degree. K). The viscosity of the dispersing medium is selected to be as low as praticable without excessive volatility because this enables a lower basic viscosity of the electro-viscous fluid. To avoid sedimentation of the dispersed phase, the dispersing medium and the dispersant should have a density that is approximately equal to each other. When this condition is not fulfilled either the dispersant floats to the surface of the fluid because it is less dense or it settles to the bottom of the fluid because it is more dense.
In many known electro-viscous fluids the disperse phase consists of inorganic solids such as silica gel, zeolites, alumina, titania, spherical particles obtained by the hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides, polymers, substituted silicone resins and composite particles obtained by the condensation of ionic polymers with certain silicon compounds. In general, the effects of an electric field dependent viscosity is believed to be due to the presence of adsorbed water on the particles of the dispersed phase. Ions present in the adsorbed water thus align with the field and thus the particles repel one another with a force proportional to the applied electric field.
In addition to the density considerations required for the disperse phase of an electro-viscous material the particle size and the particle size distribution have an effect on the electro-viscous effect. Generally particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 to 30 micrometers and a particle distribution relative half-width value below 0.8. The relative half width value is usually defined to be the absolute half-width value of the distribution divided by the average particle diameter.


A hand-held power tool including a housing (1) having a handle (7), and a holding device (3) having a catch element (9) with a free end (9a) for suspending the power tool, with the free end (9a) having a main axis (K) intersecting a normal live (N) that extends transverse to the tool plane which is defined by the plane of the handle and the operational direction of the tool, and passes through the center of gravity (S) of the tool.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hand-held power tool having a housing with a handle, and at least one holding device having a catch element with a free end for suspending the power tool.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Hand-held power tools of the type described above include power tools such as screw driving tools, combustion-engined setting tools, drilling tools, chiseling tools, electrically driven saws, and the like. Often, the hand-held tools have a holding device with a catch element for suspending the tool, e.g., from a belt of a user. The free end of the catch element engages, e.g., a belt, which is tightened on a user, with the tool being suspended from the belt and retained under its own belt.
German Publication DE-4233239 discloses, e.g., a hand-held power tool with a housing and a holding device having a catch member. The hook-shaped holding device, which is formed of a steel plate, is elastically deformable and has holding elements engaging corresponding recesses provided in the housing for releasably connecting the holding device with the housing.
A drawback of the known power tool consists in that the suspended tool has no defined position and can pivot into a position in which a user can take hold of the tool only with much difficulty. In particular in applications in which the user needs one hand for holding an object, this circumstance, i.e., the absence of a definite position of the tool in its suspended position, have very negative repercussions on the handling of the hand-held power tool.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hand held power tool with a holding device which can be economically produced and which would occupy, in a suspended condition, a definite position.

Hand-held power tool with a holding device


A substrate to be processed in a high temperature processing chamber is preheated to avoid the problems associated with thermal shock when the substrate is dropped onto a heated susceptor. Preheating is effected by holding the substrate over a susceptor maintained at or near the processing temperature until the temperature of the substrate approaches the processing temperature. Thus, wafer warping and breakage are greatly reduced, and wafer throughput is improved because of time saved in maintaining the susceptor at constant temperature without cool down and reheat periods.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to substrate transport into processing chambers such as semiconductor chemical vapor deposition reactors, and, more particularly, to a method for increasing substrate throughput and reducing loss of product by reducing thermal shock to the substrate, which can cause breakage and poor quality of the deposited film.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the manufacture of integrated circuits, semiconductor substrates, or wafers, are often processed by chemical vapor deposition. Components of chemical vapor deposition systems include a reaction chamber that is configured to facilitate the controlled flow of a reactant gas and a wafer holder, which is commonly referred to in the art as a "susceptor," for supporting and heating the wafer during processing. To facilitate automated processing, a robotic arm with a wafer handler, or end effector, on the end is employed to place a wafer onto the susceptor for processing and to remove it from the reactor after processing.
In high temperature film deposition or annealing processes, a wafer must be heated to a predetermined temperature after it is introduced into a processing chamber. For example, in epitaxy processes, the temperature is typically around 1090° C. to 1190° C. This wafer heating can be effected by conduction through direct contact with a heated susceptor, or by radiation through the use of heating lamps.
In current chemical vapor deposition epitaxial reactors, the wafer is typically at room temperature when it is loaded into the process chamber, which is still at a much higher temperature, perhaps as high as 900° C. When the substrate is dropped onto the susceptor, both substrate and susceptor experience thermal shock. As its mass is so much less than the susceptor's, the substrate's shock is more significant. The thermal effect experienced by the substrate usually varies throughout the extent of the substrate, that is to say that there are large thermal gradients, which may be difficult to mitigate. This can lead to substrate warping and breakage and also to poor uniformity and quality of deposited films.
The susceptor also experiences thermal shock, which is repeated with wafer after wafer, and can ultimately reduce the working lifetime of the susceptor. Usually the susceptor is prepared to receive a wafer by cooling to a temperature much less than the process temperature in order to reduce the thermal shock. Then, once the wafer is in place, the susceptor must be reheated to the process temperature before processing can proceed. This repeated temperature cycling, solely for the purpose of wafer transfer, slows wafer throughput, so most manufacturers compromise by making only small temperature reductions during wafer transfer. This results in less thermal shock but does not completely solve the problem.
There has been some experimentation in the past by customers of the assignee of the present invention in which the heaters for the susceptors were de-energized while a wafer was held above the susceptor for a short interval, before being deposited on the susceptor. While this pre-heating of the wafer reduced shock to the wafer, there was still some warpage of the wafer and the susceptor temperature was dropping during the delay. The temperature when the handler was introduced to the process chamber was probably in the range of about 850° C. to about 900° C., the temperature of the susceptor and the wafer was probably below 850° C. when the wafer was deposited on the susceptor. Also, heat damage to the handler construction limited the temperature that could be maintained.
There is a clear need for a method of wafer exchange in high temperature process chambers that reduces the thermal shock experienced by both the wafer and the susceptor without adversely affecting process throughput, and instead enhancing throughput.

High temperature drop-off of a substrate


A test apparatus and method for use, in situ, to identify leaks in individual tubes in an air-cooled heat exchanger includes a pressurizing component and a pressure retaining component that are secured in the opposite ends of an individual tube by engagement of a lock member in the threaded opening in the respective adjacent headers from which the access port covers have been removed. A pressurized test liquid, e.g., water, is admitted via the test apparatus pressurizing component to fill the tube by initially venting and then closing a drain valve on the pressure retaining component and controllably increasing the hydrostatic pressure on the tube to a predetermined value and monitoring a gauge in the pressurizing component for any loss of the final test pressure, thereby confirming a leak, after which the tube is drained and sealed to remove it from service.

Air cooled heat exchangers are comprised of an array of parallel heat exchange tubes that are fitted with fins to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange of the process liquid with an ambient air stream that is passed through the fins by cooling fans that are located below the tube cell, or array. The array can consist of 100 tubes. The ACHE support structure is typically constructed in close proximity to the source of the processing units from which the liquid is passed via piping into the upper portion of the receiving header via an inlet flange, through an upper set of the tubes into a return header at the opposite end of the apparatus, and passed through a lower set of tubes to the lower portion of the receiving header and discharged via an outlet flange.
The exterior of the finned tubes are exposed to local weather conditions and often to wide variations in ambient temperatures, including that of the process fluids which pass through the apparatus for cooling. The internal surface of the tubes is likewise subjected to a variety of process fluids which can include both liquids and vapors, some of which may adversely affect the metallurgy of the interior of the tubes. These adverse effects can eventually lead to leaks where the tubes join the headers, or anywhere along the interior surface of the individual tubes.
Because of the size of the ACHE and the close proximity of the tubes to each other forming the array, the identification of the source of any given leak can be difficult for maintenance personnel to determine. Typically, the leak will appear in the area below the tube array, although forced air flow created by the cooling fan(s) can have the effect of dispersing small amounts of leaking liquids, and/or causing them to flow along one or more of the exterior surfaces of the finned tubes to appear below at a location that is remote from the actual source. Because of potential hazards for the local environment associated with a process liquid spill, it is important to be able to identify the source of the leak(s) and remove damaged tube(s) from service promptly to avoid the accumulation of process liquids on the ground in the vicinity of the ACHE.
One prior art method for testing for leaks in the tubes of an ACHE includes introducing a high pressure liquid into the system under static conditions for the purpose of maximizing the flow rate of the test fluid through any damaged sections of the tube and/or leaking joints. Such hyper-pressure testing can lead to damage of other components of the ACHE which can result in increase maintenance costs for repairs that might not otherwise have been required until after some prolonged period of service of the unit.
It would be desirable to have an improved method of testing the ACHE tubes for leaks that would not risk damaging other components in the ACHE, or accelerating the possible failure of parts which might otherwise have an extended useful service life.