A stator for a two rotor single stator type electric motor is described. The electric motor has inner and outer rotors that are rotated independently within and around a stator upon application of current to the stator. The stator comprises a stator core including a plurality of stator teeth that are circumferentially arranged around a common axis. Each stator tooth includes a plurality of flat magnetic steel plates that are aligned along the common axis while intimately and closely contacting to one another. The stator further comprises at least one connecting ring plate that is coaxially installed in the stator core in such a manner that the ring plate is intimately put between adjacent two of the flat magnetic steel plates of each stator tooth. The ring plate is of an endless annular member.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates in general to electric motors, and more particularly to electric motors of a two rotor single stator type which comprises outer and inner rotors which rotate around and within a common stator. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a stator for the two rotor single stator type electric motor.
2. Description of Related Art
One electric motor of the above-mentioned type is shown in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application (Tokkai) 2000-14086. In the electric motor of this published application, upon feeding a compound electric current to a common stator, two rotors, that is, inner and outer rotors are rotated relatively around and within the common stator. By controlling the compound electric current fed to the stator, rotation of the inner rotor and that of the outer rotor are individually controlled.
Usually, the stator used for such two rotor type motor is of a cantilever type wherein a torque produced by each rotor is received by only one axial end of the stator that is secured to a case that constitutes a structural base. Thus, under operation of the motor, the torque produced by each rotor causes generation of a certain torsional stress applied to the stator in a direction to induce a deformation of the same. Thus, if the stress is great, the stator is subjected to a deformation.
FIGS. 11A and 11B of the accompanying drawings schematically show the stator 301 that is disclosed by the published application. That is, as is seen from FIG. 11A, the stator 301 comprises a stator core that includes a plurality of stator teeth SP that are circumferentially arranged around a common axis of the motor at evenly spaced intervals. Each stator tooth SP has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a plurality of pressed flat magnetic steel plates that are closely aligned along the common axis intimately and closely contacting to one another. Thus, upon assembly, the stator core has a waterwheel shape that has a plurality of stator teeth SP circumferentially arranged about the common axis. Each stator tooth SP has a coil that is put therearound making round-trips in a direction parallel with the common axis. The stator core thus assembled is sandwiched between two axially spaced supporting brackets 303A and 303B and tightened by a plurality of bolts 304 and nuts 305. Although not well shown in the drawings, finally, two supporting brackets 303A and 303B, bolts 304 and nuts 305 are all embedded in a molded plastic to constitute the cylindrical stator 301.
As is seen from FIG. 11B, under rotation of the outer and inner rotors, a certain torque is inevitably applied to the stator 301 in a direction to induce a deformation or inclination of the stator teeth SP for the reason as is mentioned hereinabove.

Stator of two rotor single stator type electric motor


A testing pad is connected to an EEPROM through a wiring layer of a security circuit and a test circuit, while a testing pad is connected to the EEPROM through a wiring different from the wiring layer and the test circuit. A polysilicon pattern is connected to the wiring layer, and an n-type diffusion region is connected to the wiring. A tunnel insulation film having a thickness of about 100 .ANG. is formed between the polysilicon pattern and the n-type diffusion region. After a test for the function and stored information of the EEPROM is completed, a voltage, which is not lower than a predetermined voltage applied during the test, is applied between the testing pads to break the tunnel insulation film, thereby making the polysilicon pattern and n-type diffusion region conductive.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device mounted on an IC card and, more particularly, to a semiconductor device having a security circuit for preventing illegal access to the device.
An IC card incorporating a semiconductor device (hereinafter referred to as a chip) has recently been popularized rapidly. In a financial world, the demand for such a card is growing to use it as an electronic wallet in which user's information such as an ID number and a balance is recorded.
A semiconductor circuit is formed in the chip of the IC card. The chip includes circuit blocks of a microprocessor (MPU) and a semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM, a ROM and a RAM. The information such as the user's ID number and balance is read out of the semiconductor memory, chiefly the EEPROM through the MPU or it is written thereto. The IC card is operated as an electronic wallet by reading/writing such information from/to the chip.
The above-described chip is usually provided with a test circuit for testing the EEPROM storing the information and a test pad connected to the test circuit. Using the test pad, the circuit operation and stored information of the EEPROM are tested.
Since, however, information can be read out of/written to the EEPROM relatively easily using the test pad, it is likely that security information such as an ID number and a balance, stored in the EEPROM, will be illegally decrypted or written through the test pad. Such an illegality may cause great damage to a user or make problems.

Semiconductor device having a security circuit for preventing illegal access


A marker navigation device for determining and/or tracking a location of a marker device is provided. The marker device is attachable to an object, said marker device including a plurality of markers having known dimensions and being in a known positional relationship relative to each other. The marker navigation device includes: a detection device operative to detect signals emitted by or reflected from the plurality of markers, wherein the detection device is formed such that in first locations of the detection device relative to the marker device, detection of signals from one marker of the plurality of markers is restricted or impossible due to a location of another marker of the plurality of markers. In second locations of the detection device relative to the marker device, the plurality of markers are detectable by the detection device. The navigation device also includes a processing device communicatively coupled to the detection device and configured to calculate the first locations based on the relative locations of individual markers of the plurality of markers and based on the known dimensions of the plurality of markers, and calculate an actual location of the marker device relative to the detection device based on detected signals from at least one marker of the plurality of markers, the known locations of the plurality of markers relative to each other, and the known dimensions of the plurality of markers. The processing device also can determines whether the actual location of the marker device is one of the first locations. A warning device is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operative to output a warning signal when the actual relative location is one of the first relative locations.

Currently, marker means are detected via a detection means (e.g., a camera or ultrasound detector). The marker means typically include three markers that are arranged in a fixed and predetermined location relative to each other and are in particular mechanically connected to each other. The markers attached to the marker means can be passive or active markers, wherein passive markers reflect waves and/or radiation emitted in their direction, and active markers are themselves the origin of the radiation and/or waves. The signals emitted from the (active or passive) markers, which can be wave signals or radiation signals, are detected by a detection device (e.g., a camera).
In order to establish an initial position of the marker means relative to the detection means, the marker means may be moved to provide the detection means with different views of the marker means. On this basis, the location of the marker means relative to the detection means can be determined in a known way, in particular in a spatial reference system. Reference is made in this respect to DE 196 39 615 A1 and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,659, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
As noted above, a marker means typically has three markers, although it may have more or less than three markers. It can then transpire that, from the perspective of the detection means, one of the markers obscures another of the markers such that the one marker can no longer be detected or can only be partially detected by the detection means, e.g., as viewed from the detection means a second marker lies in an optical shadow of a first marker or is partially covered by said optical shadow.
For a marker means that has three markers, only one marker can be obscured by another marker when all three markers are situated in one plane. If one of the markers is obscured by another marker, the accuracy with which the location of the marker means is detected can suffer significantly and detection can become unreliable. In the medical context, such obscuring should be brought to the attention of the medical personnel and/or the current location of the marker means should not be displayed.


A method for determining the concentration of a substance in a gaseous medium using a chemical sensor is disclosed. To ensure that the concentration is within the nominal measuring range of the sensor, the sample gas stream is mixed with a diluting gas stream in a mixing device to form a measured gas stream. This mixing process involves setting an adjustable dilution ratio and alternately supplying the sample gas stream and diluting gas stream to the mixing device. By adjusting the amount of time each gas is supplied to the mixing device the dilution ration can be varied to thereby maintain the concentration of the substance detected by chemical sensor within the nominal measuring range of the sensor. Calculation of the concentration of the substance is thus simplified since the dilution ration is automatically a known quantity since the sample gas stream and diluting gas stream are supplied cyclically alternately and in succession with a definite volume flow to measuring device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method for determining the concentration of a substance, and more particularly relates to a method for determining the concentration of a substance in a gaseous medium with a chemical sensor that has a nominal measuring range for the concentration of the substance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Chemical or electrochemical sensors for determining the concentration of substances in gaseous media have a nominal measuring range in which measurement is possible with a certain accuracy. If measurement is attempted outside of this range the sensor will operate inaccurately. If extreme deviations from the nominal measuring range are encountered, the sensor may also be damaged.
Sensors of this type are therefore suitable for such concentration measurements in gaseous media only when the anticipated concentration of the substance to be measured is expected to fall within the nominal measuring range. For a number of applications the nominal measuring range of the sensor makes it impossible to directly measure the concentration of the gaseous media since at least a portion of the anticipated concentration values exceeds that of the nominal measuring range of the sensor.
One known way to overcome this problem is to feed a measured dilution gas stream to the chemical sensor to thereby dilute the concentration of the substance in question to within the nominal measuring range of the sensor. Thus the actual value of the concentration of the substance in the gaseous medium can be determined by calculation from the meter reading using the dilution factor.
Specifically, therefore, a sample gas stream is first removed from the gaseous medium and mixed in a mixing device with a diluting gas stream, especially a stream of air obtained from the environment, to form a measured gas stream. The dilution ratio can be modified by varying the amounts of sample gas stream and diluting gas stream. The measured gas stream thus obtained is fed to the chemical sensor, which generates a detection signal as a measure of the concentration of the substance. As soon as the detected concentration falls outside the nominal measuring range, the concentration in the sample gas stream is corrected by adjusting the dilution ratio. The concentration of the substance in the gaseous medium is then calculated by evaluating the detection signal, taking the dilution ratio into account.
In this connection, knowledge, as exact as possible, of the dilution ratio takes on particular significance, since it directly determines the accuracy of the measurement result. For this purpose, the concentration of an (additional) substance component is measured before and after dilution and the dilution ratio is determined from this. This requires that this (additional) substance component be known and constant in one of the two positions, in other words before or after mixing. One possible solution referred to as being preferable consists in using an air-gas mixture as the diluting gas stream that is drawn from the environment. For example, oxygen can be used as a substance component that is known and is available in constant quantity before mixing with the sample gas stream. The dilution ratio can be determined reliably from the ratios of the oxygen concentration before and after mixing.
One disadvantage to this solution is that it is a relatively expensive way to determine the dilution ratio because it is necessary to provide an additional sensor, especially to evaluate its detection signal. The software expense involved is also not inconsiderable, especially when the dilution ratio must be adjusted in the event of dynamic processes, for example fluctuations in the concentration of the substance to be measured.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to improve a method and a device for determining the concentration of a substance in a gaseous medium which can achieve high accuracy at a comparatively low cost. In particular, the nominal measuring range of the chemical sensor, even with concentration values of the substance of the gaseous medium that fall outside this nominal range, must be maintained with the simplest possible design means and with the lowest possible software expense.

Method and device for determining the concentration of a substance in a gaseous medium


A method is disclosed for producing a computed tomography display of tissue structures by applying a contrast medium. A contrast medium is applied to a patient for better visualization of the tissue structure to be examined. An X-ray scan is performed during the presence of the one contrast medium, and computed tomography 2- or 3-dimensional pictures are subsequently reconstructed from the X-ray scan data obtained. In the method, absorption data are measured for at least two different energy spectra, a computed tomography intermediate image is reconstructed per energy spectrum, and the distribution of the one contrast medium in the tissue is determined from the different energy-specific absorption behavior between tissue and contrast medium.

It is known in principle in computed tomography to apply contrast medium in order to amplify an image contrast, in particular when representing vessel structures, and thereby to produce an improved image contrast such that the tissue structures or vessel structures that are of interest can be displayed pictorially with a higher contrast. As a rule, use is made here mostly of iodine-containing, liquid, chemical compounds that are not without problems with reference to their biological compatibility. As a rule, after such an application of contrast media, the liver values are still raised in the patients thus examined months after the application.

Method for producing a computed tomography display of tissue structures by applying a contrast medium


A low friction shielded bearing assembly for supporting a machine shaft, for example a spindle shaft of a food cutting machine, includes a rolling element radial and thrust bearing subassembly containing ball or roller elements supported between inner and outer relatively rotatable bearing races with seal elements for retaining lubricant within the bearing subassembly. A flanged, fretting and corrosion resistant sleeve is fixed within the inner race of the bearing subassembly with the flange of the sleeve shielding an adjacent bearing seal against direct impingement by sprayed cleaning fluids. The sleeve also transmits radial and thrust loads to the inner race. The bearing subassembly is retained within an annular retainer that is adjustably attached to a machine frame to permit adjustment of the location of the rotational axis of a shaft supported by the bearing and to permit adjustment of the bearing location axially along the shaft and relative to the machine frame. A secondary journal bearing may be provided as a backup to the ball or roller bearing subassembly in the event of a failure of the rolling element bearing and also to enable alignment of a shaft during assembly and disassembly of the shaft relative to the bearing assembly. The journal bearing normally does not contact the shaft during normal operation of the bearing assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a low friction radial and thrust bearing assembly for rotationally supporting machine shafts relative to side frames of, for example, a food cutting machine.
2. Related Technology
Food cutting machines of various types are utilized to cut, slice, dice and otherwise reduce the size of larger food products into smaller size pieces that can be utilized by the food processing industry or other end users. One type of food cutting machine utilizes rotary disk blades mounted on a spindle that in turn is supported by a drive shaft that extends through side frames of the machine between which the spindle carrying the cutting blades is located.
The rotary cutting blades may cooperate with fixed stripper teeth extending between the blades requiring the blades to be precisely aligned between the stripper teeth with a minimum of side play. Other rotary cutting blades may be mounted on a spindle assembly and supported by a shaft or shafts extending through machine side frames wherein the blades likewise must be supported between the machine side frames with a minimum of end play between the ends of the cutter blade spindles and the side frames.
During operation of the cutting blades, the spindles and drive shaft or shafts supporting the spindles must be supported relative to the side frames by bearing assemblies that must accommodate both radial and thrust loads. The radial loads are imposed on the bearing assembly by the forces imposed on the shafts while the thrust loads are imposed on the bearing assemblies axially along the shafts by thrust plates or elements connected to the shaft between the shaft and the spindle adjacent the end frames of the machine. In accordance with prior art cutting machines, bronze bearing assemblies were utilized to provide a sliding journal bearing for the spindle shafts and the bearing assemblies included a fixed annular thrust load receiving surface for reacting thrust loads axially along the shaft adjacent the machine frame that were imposed on the bearing due to axial movement of the shaft and its associated blade carrying spindle. High friction loading was imposed on the thrust load receiving surfaces of such bearings, leading to failure of the bearings.
While lubrication schedules were specified by the manufacturer of such machines to maintain the bearing assemblies lubricated, frequent cleanings of the food cutting machinery utilizing high pressure sprays of cleaning fluid tended to remove lubricant from the bearing area which also resulted in premature bearing failure.
The bronze bearing assemblies in accordance with the prior art also resulted in higher friction drag on the rotating drive shafts due to the nature of the journal bearing surfaces, particularly when lubricant was scarce. Due to the open nature of the bronze type journal bearings used in accordance with the prior art, careful lubrication procedures were required to minimize flow of lubricant into the food cutting area. Although food grade lubricant is utilized in such bearings, modern standards for food preparation equipment tend to require minimum presence of lubricant in the food cutting area of such machines.
Early attempts to substitute a ball bearing assembly for the bronze journal bearings proved unsuccessful for a number of reasons. Primarily, fretting and corrosion problems between the outer periphery of the shafts and the inner race of the ball bearings lead to seizure between the shafts and the bearings that prevented axial removal of the shafts from the bearing assemblies. In food cutting machinery constructed in accordance with the prior art, removal of the shafts axially from the bearing assemblies is required to permit disassembly of the shafts, spindles and cutting blades during maintenance and repair operations. Due to the seizure problems, direct driving engagement between the shafts and the inner races of the bearings was impractical and there still remained the matter of reacting axial thrust loads imposed on the shaft into the inner race of the bearing assembly.
When standard sealed ball bearing assemblies were utilized, it was observed that high pressure cleaning sprays still penetrated the bearing seals which tended to remove lubricant from the bearings in spite of the presence of the sealed elements.
Thus, it became desirable to provide a low friction, shielded, sealed bearing assembly that could react radial and thrust loads while preventing direct impingement of cleaning sprays against the seal elements while minimizing thrust load friction at the bearing, and while avoiding fretting, corrosion and seizure problems between the shaft and bearing.
It also became highly desirable to provide a bearing assembly that could be readily adjustable within the machine frames both axially and radially to accommodate different shaft positions within the side frames and to permit precise adjustment of end play or clearances between the bearing thrust surfaces during set up of the shafts, cutting blades and spindles of the cutting machine.


Described is a method of producing a beverage, including the steps of introducing a first portion of solvent into a container (11) stored with raw ingredients, the first portion of solvent having a first temperature; introducing a second portion of solvent into the container (11), the mixture of the first portion of solvent and the second portion of solvent having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; and grinding the raw ingredients together with the mixture of the first portion of solvent and the second portion of solvent to generate the beverage. Further described is a device (10) for producing a beverage, the device including a container (11) configured to receive raw ingredients; a solvent provider (12) arranged on the container (11) and configured to provide solvent to the raw ingredients in the container (11); a valve arranged (13) on the solvent provider (12) and configured to be controlled to open or close to allow the solvent from the solvent provider (12) to flow into the container (11) or to prevent the solvent from flowing into the container (11); a grinding mechanism (14) configured to grind the raw ingredients in the container (11) to generate the beverage; and a first heating unit (15) configured to heat the beverage.

Soy beverages, for example soy milk, have become more and more popular due to their high nutritional value, such as high protein value. In recent years, home soy milk makers have come to be widely used by people to prepare soy milk by themselves. Chinese patent application No. 200910041952.7 has disclosed a home soy milk maker that comprises a machine head, a motor arranged in the machine head, a control device, a soy milk container, a crushing device arranged on an output shaft of the motor, a heating device and a base.
With the existing home soy milk maker, soy milk can generally be prepared as follows.
First, soybeans (or soaked soybeans) and water are manually put into the soy milk container of the home soy milk maker.
Then, the home soy milk maker is started up. After the home soy milk maker has been started up, it begins to heat the water and the soybeans together to a predetermined temperature, for example 80° C.˜100° C., and then grinds the soybeans at the predetermined temperature to produce the soy milk. During the grinding process, the home soy milk maker continues to heat the soy milk to the boil.
Finally, the boiled soy milk is filtered manually to remove the residue and the thus filtered soy milk is ready for consumption.

Device and method for producing a beverage


A method for high-resolution image recording of at least one object with a microscope, includes the steps of: (a) positioning the object in a receptacle being arranged in the optical axis of the microscope, (b) generating at least two first data sets per object which represent intermediate images of the object with at least two different orientations relative to the optical axis of the microscope, wherein the different orientations of the object are provided by moving the object relative to the receptacle, and (c) evaluating the data sets for obtaining quantitative three dimensional information.

A) Microscopy—in Biological Research.
The development of fluorescent bio-molecular probes—especially fluorescent proteins enabling the observation of sub-cellular process and structure inside living cells, has come to pass as a renaissance in light microscopy. Now a variety of evolving bio-chemical techniques incorporate and/or are based upon combining fluorescent molecular probes and light microscopy. They provide both qualitative and quantitative visualization of specific molecular dynamics underlying live cellular activities. However, inasmuch as it is now clear that these biological processes depend upon spatio-temporal compartmentalization, the major focus for development in light microscopy, is to overcome certain systematic problems that obstruct our ability to render simple, yet quantitatively accurate three-dimensional mapping of fluorescent signals inside living cells (viz. 3-D microscopy).
Three Major Systematic Problems in 3-D Microscopy
The ability to render three-dimensional maps of fluorescent signals from micro objects visualized by light microscopy is limited mainly by three systematic artifacts.
a) Axial Aberration—the Elongation Effect
A central issue in light microscopy arises from limitations due to the spatial resolution of images. This is dependent upon the objective lens used and the geometry of the light focused by the lens. In general, microscope objectives with a high magnification and a high numerical aperture are used for achieving the best resolution (e.g. 63×; 100×/N.A. 1.4 oil immersion). However, there exist physical limitations for light collection through the glass lens of any objective. In particular, the xy resolution is always (at least two times) greater than in the z-axis (a.k.a "optical" axis). Specifically, x,y plane resolution is around 100-150 nm, whereas the resolution along the z-axis is much lower (around 300 to 500 nm), and this fact results in a major systematic artifact of light microscopy—i.e. "axial aberration", whereby a spherical object at the focus of a microscope objective in fact appears to be elliptic in shape, with its largest extension along the z-axis, i.e. the light path. A schematic representation of this type of optical aberration (the "elongation" effect) is shown in FIG. 9. The axes of the microscope optics are x (9.1), y (9.2) and z (9.3). A feature 9.4 which is originally circular in reality appears to be elongated 9.5 due to optical aberration, and this problem is one of the major obstacles to overcome in 3 dimensional imaging microscopy.
b) Chromatic Aberration—Axial Misalignment of Multiple Wavelengths.
In addition to the problems of optical aberration and diminished axial resolution that reduce the ability to visualize in 3-D on a light microscope, another problem is referred to as "chromatic aberration" or "axial chromatic aberration". Chromatic aberration occurs in applications where multi color images are acquired (Beyer). When performing z-scans at different wavelengths the light diffraction at the glass-to-medium-interface and within the whole microscope set-up depends upon the wavelength. As a consequence the focus for different wavelengths varies as a function of the z-axis displacement. Various types of correction are used to overcome chromatic aberration, for example, in confocal-microscopy (see below) a calibration of the "zero" position (unique to just one z-axis position) for all colors can be performed by an alignment of the light paths for the different wavelengths using multi colored (artificial) spatial-calibration samples (so-called "Focal Check Microparticles"). However, inasmuch as the calibration is unique to just one z-axis focal position, if a shift in focus occurs a systematic misalignment will again persist.
c) Out of Focus Light, and Diffraction Effects.
The third problem of three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy is that the micro-object itself comprises a complex three-dimensional form, and as such interferes with image visualization from the focal plane. This fact gives rise to a host of related problems for which there is no single general solution. Nonetheless, these problems are inextricably linked and must be considered critically in order to achieve true three-dimensional rendering. In general, these problems stem from light distortion caused by both the object itself, and the non-linear characteristics of light diffusion between different focal planes. These sorts of problem become critical in fluorescence microscopy where so-called "out-of-focus-light", (light from parts of an object laying outside the focal plane) contribute to what is observed at the focal plane. This light compromises the crispness of the image, inasmuch as it introduces an out-of-focus "haze" into the image focal plane.
There are two ways of eliminating or reducing out-of-focus haze: i) confocal microscopy (see below), and ii) deconvolution. The latter is a calculation-intensive, algorithm-based mathematical method for sharpening images (from any source) that contain out-of-focus light. In general, the method requires that an axial stack of images be collected from the sample, at small (e.g. 50-500 nm) steps. The axial stack may then be processed using special algorithms that take into account a variety of optical parameters including the objective lens, and excitation/emission wavelengths. The corrected stack of images is then converted into a three-dimensional model of the object by either removing or reassigning the identified out-of-focus light (Egner, Markham). Using adequate graphics computing power, this three-dimensional model may then be rendered into animations allowing the object to be observed from any arbitrary viewing point.
Disadvantages of this approach are that it is calculation intensive (which costs time and processing power), and that it suffers inaccuracies and artifacts due to its extensive dependence upon calculation-based assumptions and/or corrections that must be applied at multiple stages during the processing procedure. It must also be noted that the best types of deconvolution algorithm rely upon prior measurement of a so-called PSF (Point-Spread-Function) specific to any given optical configuration (ie the microscope set-up). Put simply, the PSF is a measure of light diffusion from a sub-resolution point within a given focal plane, and can therefore be used to "re-map" out-of-focus light back into its appropriate 3-D voxel. However, a major problem with applied algorithms using PSF, is that it is extremely difficult to measure a "good" PSF. In particular, a major problem arises from the fact that the PSF in any given sample is itself altered as a function of the axial distance through the sample (Sedat). This fact results in any single PSF being representative only of a single focal plane, and therefore distorts reconstructions based upon z-axis stacks where clearly the z-axis is deflected in order to scan throughout the volume of a given sample. Finally, in addition to out-of-focus light, the sample (as stated above) alters the diffusion of light through its own volume by diffraction. This gives rise to a further group of problems, whereby light emission from the focal plane is deteriorated due to shading or diffraction do light by optically dense regions within the object itself (e.g. cell) that lay in between the microscope lens and the fluorescent features being imaged.
Advanced Techniques for Improved 3-D Fluorescence Microscopy
Three-dimensional imaging of micro objects requires that the above problems be addressed, and this may in part be achieved using numerous types of novel approach. Herein, a brief description summarises some of the advanced microscope techniques at the cutting edge of what is currently available. However, it should be noted that all will be improved substantially by the utility of the invention described herein. On this point, as for conventional fluorescence microscopy, all these techniques (without exception) achieve 3-D rendering by mechanically scanning the focus through multiple z-axis acquisitions at small (nm) intervals, collected from the sample volume. As such the micro object must, therefore, be immobilized by adherence to an optically transparent surface substrate (normally a 150 micron thick glass cover-slip). The resulting image "z-stack" must then be treated by calculation-intensive processing to yield 3-D rendering.
Single-photon excitation confocal fluorescence microscopy uses focused laser light for fluorescence excitation and, in general, a pinhole in the path of fluorescence emission, which allows in focus light derived from the x,y image plane to pass, but effectively rejects out-of-focus light. Fluorescence light measured using pinhole systems is detected using photo-multipliers and a scanning device. By way of an alternative, some commercial confocal systems use a so-called "Spinning-Disc" (Nipkow disk) system that achieves much the same result by rejecting out-of-focus light. However, the detection system differs inasmuch as it comprises a CCD camera, affording greater speed of acquisition. Either way, the advantage of confocal microscopy is that out-of-focus haze is greatly reduced, and by performing a z-scan, stacks of confocal images can be generated from a sample volume, in order to build a three-dimensional rendering of the imaged volume. Note that this approach still suffers from chromatic and axial aberration problems.
Multi-Photon Excitation Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy
A method for improving resolution in fluorescence microscopy is based upon the use of multi photon laser excitation. Fluorescence excitation of a fluorophore occurs at a certain wavelength λ nominally determined by its specific excitation absorption maxima. Efficient absorption of a single photon at this wavelength results in excitation and emission of fluorescent light (conventional fluorescence microscopy). However, excitation may also be achieved by simultaneous absorption of two photons of lower energy, displaying wavelengths approximately half the excitation maxima. This mode of so-called "multiphoton" excitation is considered to be "biphotonic or two-photon" induced fluorescence, and is made possible by grace of high energy pulsed lasers. In general this mode of excitation can be considered a means to excite fluorescence from, for example, a blue-green absorbing fluorophore using multi-photon excitation from a near-infra-red laser emitting sub-microsecond pulses of light. Inasmuch as the two photons of near-IR light are aligned and collide only at the focal plane of the optical set-up, the energy density of this multi photon excitation is concentrated solely at a single femtoliter volume within the microscope's focal plane. As such, multi-photon excitation is intrinsically confocal by nature. In effect this approach gives a pure, and efficient image free from "out of focus" fluorescence. The disadvantage of multi photon fluorescence microscopy is the requirement for high energy pulsed lasers to be attached to the microscope, resulting in high cost and large, difficult to manage equipment assemblage, maintenance and application.
4Pi Confocal (Theta) Microscopy, Standing-Wave Microscope (SWM), Incoherent Illumination Interference Image Interference Microscopy (I5M)
The generation of higher resolved three-dimensional images of cells can be improved by a combination of the techniques mentioned above and modifications of the optomechanic set-up. The use of two separate objective lenses for excitation and collection of fluorescence emission light leads to a smaller detection volume element and an equilateral resolution some 4 times higher than for conventional fluorescence microscopy (Egner). This technique is used in combination with multi photon fluorescence microscopy. In a 4Pi confocal fluorescence microscope two opposing microscope objective lenses are used to illuminate a fluorescent object from both sides and to collect the fluorescent emissions on both sides. Constructive interference of either the illumination wave fronts in the common focus or the detection wave fronts in the common detector pinhole results in an axial resolution approximately four times higher than in a confocal fluorescence microscope (Hell). The excitation/observation volume can be considerably decreased when the detection axis is rotated by an angle Theta (e.g. 90°) relative to the illumination axis as in Theta Microscopy (Lindek). Both methods bring along substantial limitations for the sample carrier and the microscope objective, which can be used. In addition there is a huge effort involved when aligning the two focal volumes of the objective lenses, which has to be done with sub-micrometer precision.
B) Micro Electrode/Fluidics Chamber(s) for Three Dimensional Manipulation of Micro Objects
Holding and lifting micro objects by negative dielectrophoresis in a well defined electric field minimum has been described since 1992 (Fuhr, G. et al. "Biochim. Biophys. Acta" 1108, 1992, 215-223). First, planar two-dimensional arrangements of micro electrodes have been used. They contained for example four electrodes with a tip-to-tip distance of 100 to 200 micrometers. Holding and lifting objects in these so-called "field traps" was only possible using alternating fields. Rotational fields had only limited trapping efficiency and were very sensitive to hydrodynamic streaming (Schnelle, Th. et al. "J. Electrostatics" 46, 1993, 13-28, Schnelle, Th. et al. "J. Electrostatics" 50, 2000, 17-29, Schnelle, Th. et al. "Appl. Phys. B" 70, 2000, 267-274, Reichle, Ch. et al. "Biochim. Biophys. Acta" 1459, 2000, 218-229). The development of so-called CellProcessors—three-dimensional electrode arrangements led to "field cages" consisting of eight electrodes and building up closed electric field cages (Schnelle, Th. et al., 1993, see above, Müller, Th. et al. "Biosensors & Bioelectronics" 14, 1999, 247-256, Reichle, Ch. et al. "Electrophoresis" 22/2, 2001, 272-282). "Cell Processors" containing dielectric field cages (DFCs) have been used in combination with a variety of high resolution optical techniques applied to micro objects, such as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS, Schnelle, Th. et al. "Electrophoresis" 21, 2000, 66-73), force measurements using laser tweezers (Fuhr et al. "Appl. Phys. A." 67, 1998, 385-390), electro-rotation (Schnelle et al., see above), measurement of ligand-receptor binding forces (Reichle et al. 2001, see above) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (Müller, Th. et al. "European Biophysics Journal" 29/4-5, 2000, 12D-3 (Poster); Wissel, H. et al. "American Journal of Physiology Lung Cell Mol. Physiol." 281, 2001, L345-L360).

Method and device for 3 dimensional imaging of suspended micro-objects providing high-resolution microscopy

PerkinElmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbH


A method for automatic calibration of a camshaft sensor for a motor vehicle. The sensor includes a processing module configured to generate, from a raw signal indicative of the variations in a magnetic field which are caused by the rotation of a toothed target and measured by a cell, an output signal indicative of the moments at which the teeth pass past the cell. The calibration method makes it possible, for each tooth, to determine a switching threshold not only as a function of a local minimum and of a local maximum for the tooth during the preceding revolution of the target, but also as a function of a corrective value calculated from a local maximum and/or a local minimum of the raw signal during the passage of a preceding tooth past the cell during a new revolution.

A camshaft sensor is, for example, used in a motor vehicle to determine which stroke of the combustion cycle is taking place in a cylinder of the engine (admission stroke, compression stroke, combustion stroke, or exhaust stroke). Such information for example allows a computer to determine at what moment and into what cylinder fuel is to be injected.
A camshaft sensor generally comprises a target (for example a metal disk, the periphery of which is toothed), a magnetic-field generator (for example a permanent magnet), a magnetic-field measurement cell (for example a Hall-effect cell or a magneto-resistive cell) and an electronic signal-processing module.
The teeth of the target are generally all of the same height, but may have spacings (spaces) and lengths that are not all identical, so as to code the angular position of the target.
Thus, the rotation of the target and the passing of the various teeth past the magnetic-field generator will generate variations in the magnetic field measured by the measurement cell, which variations can be analyzed in order to recognize the various teeth of the target and to decode the angular position of the target and, ultimately, the angular position of the camshaft rigidly connected to the target.
The measurement cell supplies the processing module with a raw signal indicative of the intensity of the magnetic field measured. The processing module then generates, from this raw signal, an output signal indicative of the moment at which the various teeth of the target pass past the measurement cell.
This output signal is, for example, an electrical signal comprising a succession of square waveforms. The high part of each square form corresponds to the passage of a tooth past the measurement cell. The low part of each square form corresponds to the passage of a space past the measurement cell. Each high part of a square form comprises a rising front and a falling front corresponding more or less to the passing of the mechanical fronts of the tooth past the measurement cell.
In general, each rising and falling front of the output signal (namely each transition of the electrical signal) is determined from a switching threshold that is predefined for the raw signal. In other words, the output signal exhibits a rising front when the raw signal passes above the switching threshold, and the output signal exhibits a falling front when the raw signal passes below the switching threshold. Conventionally, a switching threshold corresponding to approximately 75% of the amplitude of the raw signal is used (what is meant by the "amplitude of the raw signal" is the difference between a maximum value and a minimum value observed for said raw signal).
It is possible, for example, to define a fixed switching threshold which does not change value during operation of the sensor. However, such a solution is particularly imprecise insofar as the minimum and maximum values of the raw signal may change significantly during the operation of the sensor, notably as a function of temperature.
It is therefore known practice in the prior art to update the value of the switching threshold for each new revolution of the target, as a function of the minimum and maximum values of the raw signal which are observed during said revolution of the target. The updated value of the switching threshold is then used for the next revolution of the target. Such a solution improves the precision of the sensor.
However, the precision of the sensor is generally also impacted by deficiencies in the geometry of the target (for example if the teeth do not all have exactly the same height). The consequence of such deficiencies is that the magnitude of the gap between the measurement cell and a tooth of the target is not the same for each tooth. The raw signal then adopts different maximum and minimum values for each tooth, and a switching threshold that is defined as optimal for one of the teeth may prove to be entirely inappropriate for another tooth.
It is therefore known practice in the prior art to determine a different switching threshold for each tooth of the target. Each switching threshold for each tooth of the target may be updated for each new revolution of the target in order to be used for the next revolution of the target. Such a solution improves the precision of the sensor still further.
Nevertheless, the various solutions of the prior art are not always able to achieve the precision required by certain motor vehicle manufacturers for a camshaft sensor.

Method for automatically calibrating a camshaft sensor in order to correct a gap jump


Provided is an LED lamp for AC power. The LED lamp for the AC power can replace a related art halogen lamp. Since the bottom of an LED substrate for AC power is allowed to directly contact an inner upper surface serving as a substrate base of a main body with a built-in heatsink where heatsink pins are formed in an entire outer peripheral surface, so that heatsink operation of heat generated while the LED for the AC power operates is maximized. A reflection funnel whose inner surface is entirely chrome-deposited extends on the upper end of the main body with the built-in heatsink to reflect light while the LED for the AC power is lit, so that the intensity of illumination can be enhanced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lamp, and more particularly, to a light emitting diode (LED) lamp for alternating current (AC) power that can replace a halogen lamp widely used for local lighting.
2. Description of the Related Art
A halogen lamp wieldy used for local lighting in general is used for lighting local places such as an exhibition hall, a store, a display stand, and a worktable at high intensity of illumination.
FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an embodiment of a mirror type halogen lamp of a related art widely used for local lighting and also called a multi-mirrored reflector (MR) lamp or a dichroic halogen lamp. The halogen lamp 10 includes a glass sphere 13, an insulating member 14, and a mirror 16. A halogen gas is injected into the glass sphere 13, and an electrode terminal 12 is connected to a filament 11 inside the glass sphere 13 and protrudes to the outside of the lower end of the glass sphere 13. The insulating member 14 surrounds the lower end of the glass sphere 13. The mirror 16 surrounds the insulating member 14 and reflects light emitted from the glass sphere 13. The upper opening of the mirror 16 is covered by a cap 15.
Like a general incandescent electric lamp, the mirror type halogen lamp having the above construction emits light generated by emission of the filament 11. The mirror 16 refracts or concentrates light emitted from the glass sphere 13 to reflect the light, thereby enhancing the intensity of illumination and making spot-lighting possible.
The halogen gas inside the glass sphere 13 prevents tungsten particles of the filament 11 from evaporating and being deposited inside the glass sphere 13, and repeats a halogen cycle of combining with an evaporating tungsten particle to put the tungsten particle back onto the filament 11, thereby extending life of the lamp and maintaining uniform brightness.

Lamp with light emitting diodes using alternating current


A data processing system includes an operating system, a graphical user interface and a plurality of applications programs. The graphical user interface generates a window relating to an executing application programs. Menu items relating to an application program may be represented by an icon. A selected group of objects is defined over a portion of the menu and represented by a metaphor. The graphic metaphor, here an icon ring is displayed on a display device. The icon ring is evocative of an ordered arrangement of items of the selected group, includes the icon for a particular object open to selection, and is subject to direct manipulation for reordering of the underlying selected group.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a method for representing a group of menu items for a data processing system in a single graphical metaphor and more particularly, methods for enhancing access by an operator of the data processing system to each menu item available for selection. Still more particularly, the invention relates to a method for identifying a group of objects within a group, defining and ordering of that group, and displaying on a video display device a visual metaphor for an arrangement of items, indicating that the metaphor does not represent a single object.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The utility of personal computers has been enhanced in recent years through the use of graphical metaphors to represent menu selections on the computer. Graphical metaphors are graphic constructs imaged on a computer display screen. The metaphors are images of things of common use with a relation to an action to be performed, to an object, or to the characteristics of an object defined on the computer. For example, a trash can image might be used to represent a program for deleting files. A stack of sheets of paper might be a metaphor indicating occurrence of a word processing document. Where an operator moves (or drags) the graphical metaphor of the document to the image of the trash can and then selects the trash can, the operator deletes the document. In effect the operator has constructed the equivalent of an operating system command to delete a file. Graphical metaphors, or "icons" as they are commonly called, are to be viewed and manipulated in manners analogous to the physical objects which they emulate.
Icons are generated by graphical user interfaces (G.U.I.). A graphical user interface provides direct manipulation mechanisms for handling icons, graphics for the construction of icons and windows which divide a display screen into areas in which programs executing concurrently can each display information. Application programs interact with the graphical user interface to display information in a common format. A segment of the window can be a name bar which will include icons used for the manipulation of the window. Another defined space in most windows is the menu bar, where required for an application program.
In most window applications, highlighting an item from the menu bar results in generation of what is known as a pull-down menu. Where a large number of objects are part of the menu, the pull-down window or menu can be quite large. The sheer size of the pull-down menu may subtract from its convenience and result in an operator missing potential options from the list. Frequently, options are still expressed in highly abstract or arbitrary form. The menu items might be listed in strings of arbitrary letters and numbers having no clear or conventional meaning.

Method of representing a set of computer menu selections in a single graphical metaphor

International Business Machines Corporation


A micromechanical component is described as having a mounting support, an actuator plate having a coil, situated on and/or in the actuator plate, which is connected to the mounting support via at least one supply line spring. A mirror element and/or filter element is connected to the mounting support via the actuator plate and the at least one supply line spring. A spacer has a first end that contacts an inner side of the mirror element and/or the filter element that is directed away from an incident light surface of the mirror element and/or the filter element. The spacer has a second end that contacts a carrier side of the actuator plate that is aligned towards the mirror element and/or the filter element. Also described is a method for producing a micromechanical component.

European Published Patent Application No. 0 838 285 describes an electromagnetic actuator developed on a mirror device. The mirror device includes an outer actuator plate that is framed by a mounting support and an inner actuator plate that is framed by the outer actuator plate, which are each connected via two supply line springs to the skirting unit. Coils are developed on the actuator plates which are able to be supplied with current in such a way that the respective actuator plate is able to be adjusted with reference to the surrounding unit, based on a Lorenz force, about a respective rotational axis. In this way, a mirror situated on the inner actuator plate is supposed to be adjustable about two axes of rotation.

Micromechanical component and method for producing a micromechanical component


A device including, and a method for producing, an electric insulator made of plastic, the insulator having a centrally arranged core made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, and having a plurality of insulation screens arranged coaxially around the core in an offset manner in an axial direction of the core. The method steps include: positioning a casting mold in an axial position around a vertically arranged core; producing a sealing connection between the core and the casting mold; injecting a liquid plastic material under pressure into an axial area of the casting mold; curing the liquid plastic material in the casting mold, thereby creating an insulation screen; deactivating the sealing connection; displacing the casting mold axially in a downward direction along a defined displacement path; and repeating the above steps until an insulator is produced having a desired number of insulation screens.

The present disclosure relates to a device including, and a method for producing, an electric insulator which is made of plastic and has a centrally arranged core or hollow core. The insulator may be made of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and may have a plurality of insulation screens which are arranged coaxially around the core in an offset manner in the axial direction of the core.
A method as well as a pertaining device for producing a plastic insulator are known from German Patent Document DE-AS 2044179 and a counterpart British Patent No. 1,316,059. There, a casting mold, which is open at the top, is arranged coaxially around a centrally arranged and vertically positioned core. This casting mold is then filled by pouring in a liquid silicone mass. In this case, with respect to its cavity, the mold has a contour which corresponds to the desired insulation screen. After the hardening of the silicone mass, the casting mold is moved axially downward, specifically by the amount which corresponds to the desired axial spacing of two insulation screens. The individual insulation screens are cast in this manner.
A problem of the known method is that the silicone mass, from which the insulation screens are cast, should have a relatively low viscosity, particularly equal to or lower than 25,000 mPa*s. In order to obtain a surface of the insulation screens which is favorable with respect to the insulation, filling materials can be added to the silicone mass only to a very limited degree. This increases the costs of the material of the insulator considerably.

Method and device for producing an electric insulator made from plastic


The present inventions relate to improved apparatus and methods for radially expanding tubulars, such as tubing, casing and sand-control screen assemblies in a subterranean oil or gas well, and more specifically, to a variable diameter expansion tool for expanding downhole tubulars to varying diameters. In general, the inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular, such as pipe, tubing, screen or screen assembly, deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An automatically infinitely variable-diameter expansion cone tool is provided. A variable-diameter cone is provided, movable between an expanded position and a retracted position. The cone is enlarged to its expanded position and advanced through expandable components until a restriction is reached. At the restriction, the variable-diameter cone automatically retracts enough to allow the tool to continue advancing through the wellbore. When the restriction is past, the variable-diameter cone enlarges again to its expanded position.

It is common in modern oil field operations and completions to place expandable tubular components 2 downhole in a subterranean well 20, such as that seen in FIG. 1. The expandable components 2 include expandable tubulars and expandable devices which are placed downhole and, once in place, expanded to a desired size. The expandable components can be casing 4, tubing 6, sand-control screen assemblies 8 and other expandable tubulars known in the art. The tubulars can be perforated, slotted or blank (un-slotted) smooth bore. Expandable sand-control screens can include base pipes or other support tubulars. The expandable tubulars can be used to provide mechanical support to the borehole 21 wall to prevent cave-ins or collapses. Multiple layers of expandable tubulars can be employed in a single borehole section. For example, an expandable sand-control screen assembly 8 can be expanded inside an already-expanded casing 4. The expandable tubulars and devices can be employed in cased 4 or uncased 12 wellbores. Additionally, expandable devices, such as seals, annular barriers 31, hangers, packers 32 and other tools as are known in the art, may be employed, either alone or in conjunction with each other and other expandable components. Other tools, such as hangers, packers, barriers, valves, etc., which are not designed to be expanded, may be employed. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
It is also common in modern wells to have a multi-zone completion, that is, an oil, gas or combination well 20 which passes through a number of zones, some of which are of interest and others of which are not. Production zones 22 can be separated by non-production zones 23, from which flow is not desired or which should be isolated. The production zones 22 are completed with one or more tubulars which preferably allow flow between the borehole or subterranean zone and the interior of the tubulars. Such tubulars include perforated casing, slotted tubing and sand screen assemblies. The casing may be pre-perforated or perforated in place and is typically cemented in place. The non-production zones 23 are completed with tubulars which do not allow such flow, such as blank or smooth bore casing or tubing 28. Consequently, a single borehole may have alternating areas of production and non-production tubulars. The zones of production 22 are often isolated from the non-production zones 23 by isolation tools or barriers 30 such as are known in the industry, including annular barriers 31, packers 32, seal assemblies and other known devices.
In any completion, but particularly in such multi-zone completions, lengths of tubulars to be expanded may be separated by lengths of tubulars which are not to be expanded. Further, completions may employ seal bores or fixed diameter tubular sections, such as for installation of isolation devices. There may also be other areas along the wellbore which do not readily expand, are designed not to expand or will not expand to the same inner diameter as other sections of tubulars, such as at areas where the borehole is narrow or has collapsed and will not readily allow for expansion, at joints where tubular sections are joined together, at seal bores, where selected isolation devices are deployed, at annular barrier tools, blank pipe, smooth bore pipe sections, restrictions, swollen or narrow borehole areas, where debris, junk or trash is encountered or any other area or section which will not or is not designed to expand, readily expand or expand to the same degree as other tubular sections. These areas, restrictions or "upsets" can include areas which will expand to some degree, but, by design or due to factors beyond the control of the operator, will not readily expand to the same degree as other areas of the expandable tubulars. In such a case, it is desirable to expand the area to an inner diameter greater than its original diameter, but to a size smaller than the expanded inner diameter of the fully expandable sections of tubulars.
Radially expandable components are typically expanded by drawing a mechanical expansion tool through the tubular. The mechanical expansion tool can be pushed or pulled through the component; that is, the component can be expanded from the top downward or from the bottom upward. There are several problems attendant with the apparatus and methods known in the art. Expansion tools are typically in the form of a rigid mandrel introduced into the component to be expanded. The mandrel is dragged or pushed through the component, causing radial expansion by the application of brute force. The expansion cone or tool may have a run-in position, in which the cone is collapsed or retracted to a smaller size to allow passage through the as yet unexpanded components, and then enlarged to a run position to facilitate expansion of the components as the tool is dragged through the components.
Many expansion tools known in the art are of a fixed diameter or are designed to have a single expanded diameter for use in expansion. Commonly, the fixed-diameter expansion tool is introduced into the wellbore and positioned downhole, below the targeted production zone of the formation. The expandable component is then positioned adjacent to the targeted production zone, above the expansion tool, which is then drawn through the component to cause radial expansion. In such an operation, the fixed diameter of the expansion tool is required to be approximately equal to the desired size of the expanded tubular or device. This requirement often presents difficulties in positioning the tool. Some radially expandable expansion tools, known in the art, are designed for introduction into the wellbore in a contracted state, then expanded for use. However, these attempted solutions are not satisfactory for use along component sections having restrictions, upsets, seal bores, blank tubular sections or other areas designed not to expand or which will not expand completely. There is therefore a need for a new expansion tool improving upon the art.
Further problems characteristic of downhole tubular expansion known in the art include tearing of the tubular from over-expansion, under-expansion resulting in lack of contact between the expanded tubular and the wall of the borehole and/or packing materials, and the expansion tool becoming lodged in the borehole. Thus, there is a need for expansion tools and methods providing adjustable expansion capabilities according to downhole conditions.
Further, expansion tools which are available in the industry which can be contracted to a smaller diameter often require a connection to the surface such that the tool can be expanded or contracted manually at the surface by the operator. That is, prior art expansion tools do not automatically respond to downhole conditions to retract from their expanded position to a smaller diameter to pass fixed inner diameter pipe of other restrictions or upsets. Downhole tubular expansion systems known in the art often require one or more surface connections to facilitate powering or controlling expansion apparatus or methods. Surface connections often pose problems associated with the need to pass restrictions in borehole diameter. There is therefore a need for downhole expansion tools and methods which automatically respond to downhole conditions.

Variable diameter expansion tool and expansion methods


An offshore methane hydrate production assembly (1), having a tubing (41) extending into a subsea well (5) that extends down to a methane hydrate formation (7) below the seabed (3). A submersible pump (45) is arranged in the tubing (41). A methane conduit (35,35) extends down from a surface installation (49). A well control package (15) landed on a wellhead (13) is positioned at the upper end of the subsea well (5). Moreover, an emergency disconnection package (25) is arranged between the methane conduit (35,135) and the well control package (15). The tubing (41) is suspended from the well control package (15). Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Vast amounts of naturally occurring methane hydrates, sometimes referred to as methane clathrate, exist. Typical areas of such formations are in the permafrost regions and below the seabed where there is a certain pressure. Within the oil and gas field, methane hydrate is a well-known substance, as it tends to form within hydrocarbon-conducting flow pipes, and thereby block such pipes.
Below a certain temperature and/or above a certain pressure, methane hydrate stays as a solid. By increasing temperature and/or by reducing pressure, it will dissolve into methane and water. Another way to dissolve it, is to inject inhibitors such as methanol, to shift the pressure-temperature equilibrium. International patent application publication WO2012061027 gives an introduction to this topic.
Being a possible energy resource for many countries, research has been performed to investigate how to produce methane from subsea formations. Methane is a significant greenhouse gas. Thus, the methane must be prevented from escaping into the atmosphere. Also, compared to the well-known production from oil and gas formations, producing methane from a solid state may require a different approach.
One known manner to produce methane from such formations, is to lower the pressure in the formation, thereby making the hydrate split into methane and water.
An object of the present invention is to provide a solution for production of methane from a subsea methane hydrate formation in an efficient manner, preferably both with respect to time and costs.


A bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus includes an upper tube telescopically received in a lower tube. A plurality of compressive members are positioned inside the upper tube. A socket bolt member having a socket portion and a rod portion is mounted on a mount member of the lower tube by its rod portion while allowing its socket portion to be slidably received in a lower portion of the upper tube and to contact against a bottom one of the compressive members. When the bicycle receives a shock from an uneven terrain, the upper tube slides downward inside the lower tube while the compressive members therein will be compressed, thereby absorbing the shock.

This invention relates to a bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus, and more particularly, to an apparatus that utilizes elastomer polymers instead of springs or the like to absorb a shock from a uneven terrain.
A conventional bicycle does not have any shock-absorbing apparatus attached to either the front or rear wheel axle. Therefore, a biker will feel discomfort when passing over an uneven terrain. In addition, long term use on an uneven terrain will damage the bicycle. With the above drawbacks, the bicycle needs to be improved to have better performance.
An off-road bicycle (or a mountain bicycle) is popularly used for sport and leisure. Therefore, a safe and trouble-free bicycle is a basic requirement for off- road use. A number of front fork designs have been disclosed for off-road motorcycles. However, a bicycle is quite different to a motorcycle in many ways, such as the momentum of a motorcycle is much greater than that of a bicycle under normal use, as a motorcycle has a greater mass and is used at higher speeds than those of a bicycle. Therefore, simply adapting a current motorcycle shock-absorbing apparatus onto a bicycle is not feasible.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,344, teaches a bicycle with a front fork wheel suspension that utilizes a pair of telescoping tubes and a spring-loaded valve, so that the latter can regulate the flow of fluid between the pair of telescoping tubes and thus absorb shock from an impact.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,324, which belongs to the present inventor, also discloses a bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus comprising an inner tube, a valve device, and an outer tube cooperating with a pair of springs and damping oil loops therein for absorbing the shock impact from an uneven terrain.
Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,705, which also belongs to the present inventor, discloses a bicycle shock-absorbing apparatus comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. An upper spring socket and an lower spring socket are disposed in the inner tube and the outer tube separately. A compression spring is disposed between the spring sockets, oil being filled between the spring sockets. The inner tube is fixedly attached to the upper spring socket and corelatedly actuated with the spring to achieve a shock absorbing effect.
However, the above disclosures utilize springs which are apt to loose elasticity in use over a long time. The change of the spring(s) is cumbersome because the spring has to be linked with corelated socket(s) and the damping oil will cause trouble when changing the spring.


A drive system for driving a screen in a fluid screening system comprises an electric gear motor equipped with a mechanical torque limited coupling. The system is sized to provide the torque required to drive the screen throughout the desired speed range, as well as providing additional torque as required to free lodged solids from the screen field. The mechanical torque limited coupling provides overload protection when lodged solids block the rotating rake bar. The coupling operates up to a predetermined torque value before the overload protection is activated. The drive system may be operated in either a manual mode or an automatic mode.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to an improved drive system in a fluid screening operation and, in particular, to an improved system, method, and apparatus for mechanically driving a fluid screening system as well as sensing and correcting an overload in the fluid screening system.
2. Background of the Invention
Bar screens are used for screening solids and debris from flowing liquid streams. An example of such a bar screen system can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,862. In such systems, a series of rakes pass over parallel screen bars, which make up a bar screen field and remove the debris collected from the flowing stream. Occasionally, large pieces of debris can clog and even damage the bar screen field by either bending or breaking one or more bars within the bar screen field. Furthermore, such blockage can cause the fluid to overflow the filter system. When damage does occur, the screen system must be repaired by typically cutting out the affected bars and welding new bars in their place. These repairs are time consuming, potentially hazardous, and expensive. The screen system is typically taken out of service for a relatively long period of time in order to make such repairs, which also adds significantly to the costs of the repairs.
Some prior art systems have tried to address this problem by using nozzles to spray the debris off of the rakes and screen, or either reversing the direction of travel for the rakes until the impediment has been removed from the screen. However, these attempts are not always successful at clearing the screen enough to continue operation of the system, especially when the debris is relatively large size. Thus, a need exists for an improved screen system, and preferably one that can prevent or avoid such extensive damage and repairs. Ideally, such a system should be capable of being adapted to the specific fluid applications and also be able to be used on existing screen system equipment with minimal modification.

Torque-limited drive system, method, and apparatus for a fluid screening system


A display device includes: a frame to be mounted on a head of an observer; and an image display device attached to the frame. The image display device includes: an image forming device; a light guide plate; a support substrate; a first deflection unit; a second deflection unit; and an optical member attached to the support substrate, in which light from the image forming device is deflected at the first deflection unit, propagated inside the light guide plate by total reflection, deflected at the second deflection unit, and incident on the optical member, and the optical member emits the incident light toward a pupil of an observer. The display device further includes a movement device that moves the support substrate with respect to the light guide plate in order to change a relative positional relation between the second deflection unit and the optical member.

There is a known a virtual image display device (image display device) disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-042654 in order to make an observer observe, by using a virtual image optical system, a two-dimensional image as an enlarged image formed by an image forming device.
As illustrated in a conceptual diagram of FIG. 29, an image display device 1100 basically includes: an image forming device 1110 that displays an image; a lens system 1115; and an optical unit 1120 that receives incident light displayed on the image forming device 1110 and guides the incident light to a pupil 21 of an observer 20. Here, the optical unit 1120 includes: a light guide plate 1121; and a first diffraction grating member 1131 and a second diffraction grating member 1132 each of which includes a reflective volume hologram diffraction grating provided on the light guide plate 1121. Then, light emitted from each pixel of the image forming device 1110 is made incident on the lens system 1115, parallel light is generated therefrom by the lens system 1115, and the parallel light is made incident on the light guide plate 1121 from a first surface 1122 of the light guide plate 1121, and then emitted from the first surface 1122. The first diffraction grating member 1131 and the second diffraction grating member 1132 are attached to a second surface 1123 of the light guide plate 1121 that is parallel to the first surface 1122 of the light guide plate 1121.
The image forming device 1110 includes: a light source 1111; a collimate optical system 1112 that converts light emitted from the light source 1111 into parallel light; and a scanning unit 1114 that scans the parallel light emitted from the collimate optical system 1112. Note that the entire image forming device 1110 is housed inside a casing 1116 (indicated by an alternate long and short dash line). The light source 1111 includes a light-emitting element that emits white light, and the light emitted from the light source 1111 is incident on the collimate optical system 1112 having positive optical power as a whole, and is emitted as the parallel light. Then, the parallel light is reflected at a total reflection mirror 1113, and the light from the light source 1111 is subject to horizontal scanning and vertical scanning by the scanning unit 1114 including a MEMS mirror in which a micro mirror can be freely rotated in a two-dimensional direction and can two-dimensionally scan the incident parallel light, thereby forming a kind of two-dimensional image.
Furthermore, the image display device disclosed in this patent publication further includes a movement device that relatively moves an optical axis of the image forming device 1110 and an optical axis of the lens system 1115 in the horizontal direction. Additionally, a convergence angle is adjusted by relatively moving the optical axis of the image forming device and the optical axis of the optical system in the horizontal direction by the movement device.
There is a known head-mounted display of a direct drawing type, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-004956, in which an image is directly drawn on a pupil of an observer.

Image display device, display device, and adjustment method for display device


An assembly for a vehicle door, the assembly including a housing containing a back-up camera and at least one of an exterior light and a manually operable release operative to effect the opening of the vehicle door.

Some vehicles, and more particularly automobiles, include a camera positioned on or proximate the rear of the vehicle in order to provide images of the environment immediately behind the vehicle to a monitor positioned within the vehicle in view of the driver. The images seen by the driver are horizontally flipped from those taken by the backup camera so as to make the images orientation consistent with the images the driver sees in the rearview and side-view mirrors.
These cameras, commonly referred to as "backup cameras," are becoming more and more prevalent as they greatly aid safely driving the vehicle in reverse. Indeed, the National Highways Transportation and Safety Administration is calling for regulations to make backup cameras a mandatory feature in all automobiles sold in the United States beginning in 2014.
Conventionally, backup cameras are discretely and unobtrusively positioned on or adjacent the rear of the vehicle where they provide a good view of the environment immediately behind the vehicle. Typically, this is on or near a trim component provided across at least part of the rear of a vehicle's trunk or tailgate.


A specialized processing block in a programmable integrated circuit device is configurable to perform floating-point arithmetic operations at selectable different precisions. The specialized processing block includes a plurality of different respective types of floating-point arithmetic operator structures. For each respective type of floating-point arithmetic operator structure, respective control circuitry for partitions the respective type of floating-point arithmetic operator structure to select between a first precision for which the respective type of floating-point arithmetic operator structure is not partitioned, and at least a second precision, less than the first precision, for which the respective type of floating-point arithmetic operator structure is partitioned into at least two smaller ones of the respective type of floating-point arithmetic operator structure.

This invention relates to specialized processing block for a programmable integrated circuit device such as, e.g., a programmable logic device (PLD), which can be configured for different levels of arithmetic precision.
As applications for which PLDs are used increase in complexity, it has become more common to design PLDs to include specialized processing blocks in addition to blocks of generic programmable logic resources. Such specialized processing blocks may include a concentration of circuitry on a PLD that has been partly or fully hardwired to perform one or more specific tasks, such as a logical or a mathematical operation. A specialized processing block may also contain one or more specialized structures, such as an array of configurable memory elements. Examples of structures that are commonly implemented in such specialized processing blocks include: multipliers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), barrel-shifters, various memory elements (such as FIFO/LIFO/SIPO/RAM/ROM/CAM blocks and register files), AND/NAND/OR/NOR arrays, etc., or combinations thereof.
One particularly useful type of specialized processing block that has been provided on PLDs is a digital signal processing (DSP) block, which may be used to process, e.g., audio signals. Such blocks are frequently also referred to as multiply-accumulate ("MAC") blocks, because they include structures to perform multiplication operations, and sums and/or accumulations of multiplication operations.
For example, PLDs sold by Altera Corporation, of San Jose, Calif., as part of the STRATIX® family, include DSP blocks, each of which may include four 18-by-18 multipliers. Each of those DSP blocks also may include adders and registers, as well as programmable connectors (e.g., multiplexers) that allow the various components to be configured in different ways. In each such block, the multipliers can be configured not only as four individual 18-by-18 multipliers, but also as four smaller multipliers, or as one larger (36-by-36) multiplier. In addition, one 18-by-18 complex multiplication (which decomposes into two 18-by-18 multiplication operations for each of the real and imaginary parts) can be performed.
Such processing blocks have heretofore supported single-precision floating-point arithmetic operations (e.g., according to the IEEE754-1985 standard for floating-point arithmetic operations). Users who required higher levels of precision (the IEEE754-1985 standard provides for double-precision and quadruple-precision operations) have been required to configure higher-precision operations using general-purpose programmable resources of the programmable devices, possibly in conjunction with the single-precision processing blocks.

Multiple-precision processing block in a programmable integrated circuit device


Integrated circuits for sensing biological molecules are disclosed. The integrated circuits can be used to measure the impedance of a biological sample under test. The integrated circuits can be used to sequence polynucleotides using a cell array.

Platforms for measuring the properties of biological molecules can include large arrays of individual cells that facilitate high throughput and parallel processing and analysis. Such arrays can be used, for example, in sequencing of polynucleotides and proteins. To accommodate fast measurement times, reduce power consumption, and achieve highly accurate and sensitive measurement, the measurement circuitry can be integrated with the cell array used to process the biological samples. Circuits for improving the accuracy, sensitivity and speed of the measurements is desired.

Integrated circuits for analyzing biological systems


A cephem compound (particularly its crystal) represented by the formula [I], wherein X is CH3COOH, CH3CH2COOH or CH3CN, and n is 0 to 5, is useful as an antibacterial agent (particularly anti-MRSA agent) and shows superior quality such as high solid stability, possible long-term stable preservation and the like.

JP-A-11-255772 discloses phosphonocephem compounds having a superior antibacterial activity, wherein a lyophilized product of 7β-[2(Z)-ethoxyimino-2-(5-phosphonoamino-1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl)acetamido]-3-[4-(1-methyl-4-pyridinio)-2-thiazolylthio]-3-cephem-4-carboxylate represented by the formula:
is described as one of the specific examples thereof.
In general, pharmaceutical agents are desired to be superior in quality such as absorbability, solubility, purity, stability, preservability, tractability and the like. Thus, the problem of the present invention is to provide an antibacterial agent (particularly anti-MRSA agent) having such quality as sufficiently satisfactory as a pharmaceutical product.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A photographic film scanner which includes: a carrier receiver section for receiving one of: (a) the first film carrier having an accommodation section, for accommodating a cartridge in which a rolled film is enclosed, and a conveying mechanism, for conveying the rolled film; and (b) the second film carrier for holding a film. The photographic film scanner further includes a scanner for reading image information from one of the rolled film, accommodated in the cartridge, and the film, held by the second film carrier; a detector for detecting a load of the first film carrier and the second film carrier into the carrier receiver; a contact point for electrically connecting the carrier receiver section and the first film carrier; and a discrimination circuit for automatically discriminating between the first film carrier and the second film carrier by sending electric signals through the contact point when the detector detects the load of one of the first film carrier and the second film carrier.

The present invention relates to a photographic image processing apparatus wherein image information recorded on a film is read by a film scanner and is displayed.
Recently, there has been used a photographic image processing system wherein an image obtained by a camera through photographing is converted into an electronic digital image data. In many of such a system, a film that is subjected to photographing by a camera and then is developed is read by a film scanner, and then is converted into digital image data to be stored.
On the other hand, developed films are in various forms, and the most common form, for example, is a J 135 negative film which is returned from a photofinishing laboratory in a form of a film strip containing 6 frames (hereinafter referred to as a piece film), or is a J 135 reversal film wherein each frame is usually mounted on a holder (hereinafter referred to as a mounted film). Further, in the advanced photographic system announced recently, a developed film is returned from a photofinishing laboratory in a form of a film rewound entirely into a cartridge (hereinafter referred to as am IX-240 long film), resulting in a diversified film types.
Heretofore, discrimination of film types has been done by an operator who has inputted through a key board for the discrimination. In this case, there has been a problem that an erroneous operation of an operator has resulted in a wrong film type. Further, even in the case of designating a frame to be pre-scanned, an operator had to designate, through a key board, a frame to be pre-scanned. Therefore, even in the case of a photographic image processing apparatus which is one of the photographic image processing system mentioned above, there is a demand for an apparatus which complies with requests of a user to be easy to operate and to provide an image screen that is easy to see, while accepting various types of photographic films.


This invention pertains to perfluoropolyethers and perhalogenated chlorofluoroether polymers that can be prepared by fluorinating polymers made by the polymerization of acetals, ketals, polyacetals, polyketals and orthoesters with elemental fluorine.

Perfluoropolyethers are highly regarded in the specialty lubricant field because of their wide liquid ranges, low vapor pressures and high thermal and oxidative stabilities. Because of these properties (many of which are unique to fluorocarbons), they are excellent high performance lubricants, superior base stocks for greases, excellent lubricating oils, and heat transfer fluids. In addition, because of these uniquely outstanding properties, saturated perfluoropolyethers are of current interest as specialty sealants, elastomers and plastics.
In spite of their unlimited potential, only three perfluoropolyethers are commercially available to date because of the lack of fluorocarbon intermediates which are suitable for preparing the polymers. They are:
1. DuPont's Krytox.TM. fluid which is made by polymerizing hexafluoropropylene oxide. PA0 2. Demnum.TM. fluid, a product of Daikin Industries, is obtained by ring opening polymerization of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorooxetane using a catalyst with subsequent treatment of the highly fluorinated polyether with fluorine gas to give a perfluorinated product. PA0 3. Montedison's Fomblin Z.TM. and Fomblin Y.TM. fluids which are prepared by photooxidizing tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene oxide, respectively, in the presence of oxygen.
A process has been described for preparing perfluoropolyethers by reaction of a hydrocarbon polyether with elemental fluorine in the presence of a hydrogen fluoride scavenger. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,567.

Fluorination of acetals, ketals and orthoesters


An extensible handle assembly has a base seat, two outer pipes, two inner pipes, a press button, a grip, a cover plate, a positioning seat, two inner seats, two gears, two springs, two slide blocks, and two racks. Two sleeves are disposed in the positioning seat. Each sleeve receives the inner pipe. Each inner pipes is inserted in the outer pipe. Two link plate are disposed in the grip. The cover plate is disposed on the grip. A connection rod is inserted in the inner pipe. The connection rod has an upper end hooks the link plate. Each inner pipe has a lower through hole and a bottom slot. Each inner seat is inserted in the inner pipe to receive the gear, and the slide block. Each inner seat has a recess and a channel. Each gear has a center shaft inserted in the recess. Each slide block has a bottom notch engaging with the gear and an upper end hooked by a lower end of the connection rod. Each slide block receives a spring. Each rack is disposed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe.

The present invention relates to an extensible handle assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to an extensible handle assembly for a suitcase.
A conventional handle device of a suitcase can be extended or retracted. However, the positioning device may not position the conventional handle device stably after the conventional handle device is extended or retracted. After a long period of usage, the positioning device may be worn out. Furthermore, the springs of the positioning device may lose its elasticity to decrease the function of the positioning device.


An image forming apparatus and method for determining whether a toner refill apparatus is available are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a print engine to carry out a print job using a toner from a toner cartridge, a communication apparatus to communicate with a memory chip attached to a toner refill apparatus for refilling a toner in the toner cartridge, and a processor to identify whether the toner refill apparatus is available based on information stored in the memory chip of the toner refill apparatus.

An image forming apparatus generally operates to print out print data generated at a terminal, such as a computer, onto a printing paper. Examples of an image forming apparatus may include a copier, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP) in which the above functions are combined and implemented in one apparatus.
An image forming apparatus employing a laser printing method uses a toner to print an image. Toner is used every time an image forming operation is made and exhausted when used for a predetermined period of time or more.
Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, parts, components, and structures and thus, a repeated description thereof may be omitted.

Toner refill control of image forming apparatus

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The invention relates to an applicator for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty coating medium onto a traveling material web, notably of paper or cardboard, including at least one adjustable coating edge delimiting apparatus for adjustment of a coating width on an applicator roll, backing roll and/or a traveling material web. The coating edge delimiting apparatus is arranged so as to be movable stepwise or continuously in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the material web.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an applicator and method for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty coating medium onto a traveling material web, notably of paper or cardboard.
2. Description of the Related Art
Applicators of the type described above are used in conjunction with so-called coaters to provide one or both sides of a traveling material web consisting, e.g., of paper, cardboard or textile material, with one or several layers of a coating medium, for example, dye, starch, impregnating fluid or the like.
In the so-called direct application, the liquid or pasty coating medium is applied by an applicating apparatus directly onto the surface of the traveling material web, which during application is carried on a revolving backing surface, for example, an endless belt or a backing roll. In the indirect application of the medium, in contrast, the liquid or pasty applicating medium is first applied onto a substrate surface, e.g., the surface of a backing roll fashioned as an applicator roll, and is transferred there, in a nip through which the material is passed, from the applicator roll to the material web.
Categorical applicators are known from DE-PS-4425137, DE-OS-3438181 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,847 and include a backing roll, on which travels a material web to be provided with a liquid or pasty coating medium. Also included are an applicating apparatus opposing the backing roll and serving to apply the coating medium, and a doctor element following the applicating apparatus and extending across the entire machine width, for example, a doctor blade, which removes surplus applied coating medium. Furthermore, such applicators include at least one adjustable coating edge delimiting apparatus for setting the coating width on an applicator roll, backing roll or the traveling material web.
The applicator according DE-PS 4425137 possesses as applicating apparatus a coating chamber formed between a slice and the doctor element, which chamber is sideways sealed by sealing blocks. Employed as coating edge delimiting apparatus are two deckle plates which are coordinated with the side edges of the traveling material web and each retained by a deckle plate holder joined to the respective sealing block. A coating edge delimiting element formed thereby, for adjustment of the coating format, is movable by means of a sliding element in a direction transverse to the traveling direction of the material web, and remains during the operation of the applicator in the position once set.
The applicator according to DE-OS 3438181 resembles substantially that of DE-PS-4425137, but possesses coating edge delimiting apparatus elements that are provided separately from the lateral deckle blocks or deckle plates of the coating chamber and allow setting and locking relative to the backing roll. More exactly, these coating edge delimiting elements are so-called edge scrapers, which, analogously to the deckle plate according to DE-PS 4425137, remain during the operation of the applicator in the position once set.
The applicator according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,847 also corresponds substantially to those pursuant to DE-OS-3438181 and DE-PS-4425137. But it possesses as coating edge delimiting apparatus two deckle slides that are each associated with a side edge of the traveling material web. The deckle slides seal, sideways, a gap formed between two opposing walls. Each deckle slide is for adjustment within the gap of the coating width on the traveling material web in a direction transverse to the traveling direction of the material web. Each deckle slide can be fixed and remains during the operation of the applicator in the position once set.
These prior applicators have various disadvantages, which will be more fully explained now with reference to the attached FIG. 3. Shown in FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a prior-art applicator in the area of the doctor element and of the material web edge, with the doctor element, here, a doctor blade 14, folded over in the plane of the material web, for better illustration. Already coated with a liquid or pasty coating medium 4 by means of a not illustrated applicating apparatus, the material web 6 with a width B.sub.M is carried on a backing roll 2 having a width B.sub.W. The areas of the material web 6 coated with the pasty coating medium 4 are illustrated stippled in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a faster and greater local wear 24 of doctor element 14 and sort of a scoring effect occurs at the transition between the coated B.sub.G and uncoated (edge) area B.sub.R. The service life of doctor element 14 is considerably reduced thereby, requiring more frequent replacement of this component, greater cumulative downtime of the applicator, and, consequently, higher operating costs. Due to the aforementioned point of wear 24, doctor element 14 is normally no longer usable even with a format adjustment modified relative to the original setting, that is, with a modified coating width B.sub.G, since wear point 24 may lead to an undesirable coating irregularity and quality impairment of the finished product. Hence, doctor element 14 normally must be replaced by another. When the transition between coated B.sub.G, and uncoated edge area B.sub.R is located not on the applicator roll or backing roll 2, but on material web 4 itself, considerable problems in winding, unwinding or rewinding of material web 4 may additionally occur, due to the abrupt thickness difference of material web 4 resulting therefrom, i.e., the thickness difference between the coated B.sub.G, and uncoated B.sub.R material web section.

Applicator and method for direct or indirect application of a liquid or pasty coating medium onto a traveling material web