A protection circuit is provided for protecting sensitive electrical field instruments from a transient voltage strike and for ensuring that the instruments will meet safety approval during high potential voltage testing. The first and second wires of a two-wire circuit are connected to a first and second terminal respectively. A first surge arrestor electrically couples a first path between the first and second terminal. An impedance and a transient suppressor are connected in series and electrically couple a second path between the first and second terminal. The second path is coupled in parallel with the first path between the first and second terminal and is coupled closer to the internal components of the electrical instruments to be protected than is the first path. A second surge arrestor is electrically coupled between the second terminal and ground, and has a higher voltage breakdown potential than the first surge arrestor.

This invention relates to an apparatus for protecting solid state electrical circuits in a grounded enclosure from transients induced on lines coming into the enclosure when there is a lightning strike, while also maintaining low leakage electrical isolation when a high test potential ("hi-pot test") is applied between the electrical circuits and the grounded enclosure.
Known protection circuits couple between each line and the grounded enclosure. Each protection circuit includes a gas filled surge arrestor coupled between two conductors (line to enclosure). A current limiting impedance, such as a resistor or inductor, in series with a solid state transient suppressor, such as a metal oxide varistor (MOV), are also coupled between the two conductors. This impedance limits current to the transient suppressor and allows sufficient voltage to build up to fire the surge arrestor.
The surge arrestor shunts large currents (many thousands of amps); however, it is slow to fire or turn on. The transient suppressor responds more rapidly; however, it can shunt only lower levels of current.
When there is an induced transient, the transient suppressor will conduct before the gas filled surge arrestor and limit the potential applied to the protected circuit to a level compatible with the maximum rating of the protected circuit. The potential drop across the impedance allows enough potential across the surge arrestor to fire it, which then shunts larger currents.
To avoid undesired circulation of ground currents in circuit conductors and avoid coupling energized circuit conductors to the enclosure, electrical isolation is desired between the circuitry and the enclosure. This isolation is tested by connecting all circuit lines together and imposing a high potential, typically 500 VAC or 700 VDC, between the lines and the enclosure which is normally grounded. Leakage current is measured with the high potential applied and is required to be at a low level, typically 5 milliamperes (mA) or less.
When the hi-pot voltage test is applied to a field mounted instrument having circuitry which includes protective components, these protective components will conduct and shunt current to the enclosure. Therefore, the leakage will exceed the 5 mA leakage current specification. In the past, hi-pot tests were done on instruments with the lightning protection circuits disconnected, and then the lightning protection circuits were reconnected before placing the instrument in service. New test methods require that the lightning protection circuits remain connected while the hi-pot test is performed. The existing lightning protection circuits, however, produce too much leakage through the transient suppressor, and the instrument does not meet the leakage standard.
Thus, there is a need for protection circuitry which will not only better protect the field mounted instruments from an induced transient, but will also ensure that the field mounted instruments will meet leakage limits during high potential voltage testing.

Lightning protection for field mounted instruments


A method of forming a photoresist pattern, capable of improving an adhesion property of the photoresist pattern formed on a substrate, includes forming a photocatalytic layer on a substrate, forming a negative-type photoresist layer on the photocatalytic layer, exposing the photoresist layer to ultraviolet rays, heat-treating the photoresist layer, and developing the photoresist layer to form the photoresist pattern. Thereby, applying the photocatalytic layer formed on various substrates, the photoresist pattern has excellent adhesion property and is capable of ensuring a high aspect ratio.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method for forming a photoresist pattern, and more particularly, to a method for forming a photoresist pattern capable of improving adhesion strength of the photoresist pattern formed on a substrate.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Recently, the field of pathology and/or biotechnology related to disease diagnosis or efficacy evaluation of chemotherapy, respectively, has been increasingly studied as future technology. A biochip has been employed as one of the methods of accelerating these studies. Applications considered as a biochip include a cell binding chip or an electrolysis chip.
In the cell binding chip, it is useful to increase a surface area of a microstructure to which a cell is bound in order to increase cell binding efficiency. The electrolysis chip is used to extract deoxyribo nucleic acid ("DNA") in a cell bound to the microstructure.
If an SU-8 photoresist, commercially available from Microchem Company, is applied as a negative-type photoresist in order to form a microstructure, the microstructure can be formed by a single process of forming a photoresist pattern without additional processes, and thus the SU-8 photoresist is widely used to form various microstructures.
The biochip sometimes requires microstructures having a high aspect ratio on various substrates. For example, a photoresist pattern formed on a silicon substrate using the SU-8 photoresist has an excellent adhesion property on the silicon substrate, and thus it is possible to form the SU-8 microstructures having a high aspect ratio of 10 or more.
However, it is often difficult to steadily maintain the adhesion properties between the microstructure and substrate when various substrates are used. Hence, it is essential to ensure excellent adhesion strength in various substrates in order to form a stable microstructure having a high aspect ratio.
In particular, it is necessary to improve the adhesion property of the microstructure formed on a substrate of glass, metal and metal oxide on which the adhesion strength is found to be weak.
A method of improving the adhesion strength of the photoresist pattern formed on various substrates is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,819 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0214098. The U.S. patent and published patent application show methods including coating a polyimide layer as an adhesion layer before a photoresist layer is formed on a substrate or adding a material to the photoresist solution for improving adhesion strength.
In the case of coating a polyimide layer in order to improve the adhesion property of SU-8 photoresist, the organic polyimide layer can have an influence on the photoresist pattern, or is sometimes not suitable to be used for the existing microstructure. In the case of adding a material to the photoresist solution to improve the adhesion property in the SU-8 photoresist, it is difficult to produce a suitable SU-8 photoresist solution, and thus is not substantially suitable for direct use.
Further, adhesion layers such as a self-assembled monolayer ("SAM"), hexamethyldisilazane ("HMDS") and OmniCoat (commercially available from Microchem Company) can be applied to improve the adhesion strength of the SU-8 microstructures on the glass substrate.
In spite of forming the photoresist pattern on the glass substrate using these methods, the generated SU-8 microstructures separate from the glass substrate due to insufficient adhesion strength.
FIG. 1 is a top plan view photograph showing the SU-8 microstructures formed on a silicon substrate according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a photograph showing the SU-8 microstructures formed by a conventional method for forming the SU-8 microstructures on a glass substrate, in which the SU-8 microstructures are stripped off in part.
It can be found from the photograph of FIG. 1 that the SU-8 microstructures formed on the silicon substrate maintain a clear pattern due to excellent adhesion properties. In contrast, in FIG. 2, the SU-8 microstructures formed on the glass substrate are stripped off from the glass substrate due to insufficient adhesion strength, and thus fail to maintain a clear pattern. Further, the same result of the SU-8 microstructures being stripped off without improving adhesion strength was obtained, in spite of applying the above-described method for improving adhesion strength.
Therefore, as these results indicate, it is essential to form the photoresist layer having excellent adhesion on various substrates in order to allow the microstructures formed from the photoresist layer to be effectively used.


An explosive powder charge operated setting tool includes an axially extending driving piston (2) slidably guided in a piston guide (1). The piston guide (1) has a trailing or rear end base part (3) penetrated axially by a through channel (4) which opens in the driving direction of the setting tool into a recess (7) in the base part (3). The trailing end face of the driving piston (2) facing the base part (3) has a centrally arranged annular-shaped depression (10). In axial section the depression (10) is semicircularly-shaped. Depression (10) and recess (7) serve to reverse and direct unburned portions of the explosive powder charge into a hot zone in the base part (3) so that the unburned portions are subsequently ignited and do not foul the setting tool.

The present invention is directed to an explosive powder charge operated setting tool including a driving piston guided in the piston guide closed at its trailing end by a base part. The base part is penetrated by a centrally arranged channel opening to a powder charge chamber and with the trailing end face of the driving piston facing the base part having a depression.
Explosive charge operated setting tools, where the charge is usually ignited by percussion or a blow and the driving piston is accelerated by the high pressure generated due to the combustion of the powder charge, are especially used where a high volume of fastening elements are driven in a series arrangement. The explosive powder charges can be sleeveless cartridges formed of a powder stamping, or cartridges consisting of a metal housing, a plastic housing or a combination of the two with a conventional explosive powder filling the housing.
A specific power output of the setting tool is required depending upon the particular application. The output depends upon the pressure acting on the driving piston and this pressure is a function of the quantity of the powder used. Further, the pressure depends also on design features of the setting tool parts, such as gas tightness, swept volume, weight relationships and the like.
Experience has shown that the combustion of the explosive powder in the charge occurs extraordinarily quickly at the commencement of ignition. As a result, the portion of the powder located in the immediate vicinity of a detonator, usually located in the base region of the cartridge, is ignited immediately, so that the pressure generated in this region propels the adjoining powder portion in an unignited state. After the explosive powder charges are ignited in the usual manner by a priming arrangement acting upon the detonator from an end facing away from the setting direction, the unignited portion of the powder is propelled in the setting direction, that is, in the direction of the driving piston and the piston guide. Accordingly, the unburned portions of the powder propelled in the setting direction lead to fouling of the tool parts, particularly the piston guide and the driving piston, and result in functional or operating problems.
To eliminate these disadvantages it has been attempted to provide a space for receiving the unburned portion of the powder, so that it cannot penetrate into the guidance gaps between the driving piston and the piston guide and thus foul these parts. The trailing end face of the driving piston is available for forming such a space as disclosed in CH-PS 3 666 007.
In this known apparatus, as it is disclosed in the above-mentioned patent publication, the problems involving the fouling or contamination of the tool parts can be eliminated to a great extent, since the unburned portion of the powder reaches the centrally disposed depression in the end face of the driving piston. This depression has the particular effect that pressure is relieved, so that the unburned portion of the powder enters the guidance gap of the setting tool. This improvement, however, is counterbalanced by another disadvantage, that is, the pressure relief due to the depression results in a loss of output. Such loss of output depends on the volume of the depression, wherein if the depression volume is too small it would be less damaging to the loss of output, this, however, leads to the disadvantage that the pressure relief becomes too small, so that the unburned portion of the powder can penetrate into the guidance gap.

Explosive powder charge operated setting tool


A photosensitive polymer containing a repeating unit represented by the following formula (I) and having a logarithmic viscosity number of from 0.1 to 5 dl/g as measured in a solvent at a temperature of 30.+-.0.01.degree. C. at a concentration of 0.5 g/dl: ##STR1## (wherein R.sup.1 is a trivalent or tetravalent carbocyclic aromatic group or heterocyclic group, R.sup.2 is an aliphatic group having at least two carbon atoms, an alicyclic group, an aromatic aliphatic group, a carbocyclic aromatic group, a heterocyclic group or a polysiloxane group, R.sup.3 is a divalent organic group, R.sup.4 is ##STR2## a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, R.sup.5 is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group, m is independently 1 or 2, n is independently 0 or 1, and m and n meet 1.ltoreq.m+n.ltoreq.2); a method for preparing the above-mentioned photosensitive polymer; a photosensitive polymer composition containing the above-mentioned photosensitive polymer; and a method for preparing a poly(amide)imide film.

(i) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel photosensitive heat-resistant polymer and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, it relates to a novel high-sensitivity photosensitive poly(amide)imide precursor having an excellent shelf stability, a method for preparing the same, a photosensitive polymer composition containing the same, and a method for forming a patterned poly(amide)imide film by the use of the same.
(ii) Description of the Related
Photosensitive polyimides which are heat-resistant photosensitive materials have been widely used as insulating films and passivation films for semiconductors, but these polyimides have various problems.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 54-145794 suggests a method for mixing a compound containing a double bond and an amino group or its quaternary salt with a polyamic acid, but the change in the viscosity of the resultant solution inconveniently increases with time, since the compound containing a large amount of the amino group or its quaternary salt is added to the unstable polyamic acid solution. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 55-45746 and 60-100143 suggest methods for reacting an unsaturated epoxy compound or an isocyanate compound having a double bond with the carboxyl group of various polyamic acids. However, when the photosensitive unsaturated group-containing compound is reacted with the carboxyl group of the polyamic acid, a part of the polyamic acid, for example, decomposes, so that the viscosity of the solution changes inconveniently. In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 55-41422, there is suggested a polymer obtained by introducing an active functional group such as a double bond into the ester side chain of the polyamic acid, but when an acid chloride is reacted with a diamine, the chloride remains as an impurity, and the removal of this impurity is troublesome. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 60-6729 suggests that a diamine having a double bond is previously synthesized and a polyimide is then synthesized by using the diamine, but a process for introducing the photosensitive functional group is intricate and a large cost is required.
As is apparent from the foregoing, conventional techniques have various problems, and it is desired to develop a photosensitive material by which the above-mentioned problems can be solved.

Method of forming a pattern from a photosensitive heat-resistant poly(amide)imide having hydroxyphenyl groups


A beverage container holder to be removably attached to an armrest of a chair includes an arm member and a receptacle on one end of the arm member to receive and support a beverage container in a stable manner. A flexible, generally U-shaped retainer is on the opposite end of the arm member and is configured to engage the armrest to secure the beverage container holder to the armrest. The receptacle includes a base, at least one upright wall extending generally about the periphery of the base and a slot provided in the upright wall. The slot extends downwardly from an upper rim of the upright wall to the base and also extends partially across the base.

Beverage container holders for both beer and pop cans which are attachable to the armrest of a chair are well known in the art. Examples of such beverage container holders are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,701 to Wray, U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,128 to Willeby et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,650 to Brandt and U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,107 to Sinohuiz.
Unfortunately, these prior art beverage container holders are complex in construction and are not easily and quickly attachable to the chair. In addition, these prior art beverage container holders only allow certain types of beverage containers such as flat bottomed cans, cups and glasses to be supported in a stable manner. Beverage containers having stems or handles either cannot be supported at all or can only be supported in an unstable manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,678 to Luebke discloses a beverage cup holder having an arm to overlie the armrest of a chair. A small flange is at one end of the arm and bears against the inside edge of the chair armrest. At the other end of the arm is a depending flange extending to a cup holding ring. Hook and loop fabric is provided on top of the arm and a binding strap is secured to the undersurface of the arm. The binding strap encircles the armrest and engages the hook and loop fabric on the top of the arm to secure the beverage cup holder to the armrest. Although the Luebke beverage cup holder provides for a simple means of attaching the beverage cup holder to the armrest, only beverage containers in the form of cups can be supported. Accordingly, versatile beverage container holders which can be quickly and easily attached to the armrest of a chair are desired.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel beverage container holder.


A steel pipe is prepared, which contains, by mass, at most 0.009% C, at most 1.0% Mn, at most 1.0% Si, at most 0.04% P, at most 0.005% S, 0.01 to 0.2% Ti, 0.01 to 0.10% V, 0.001 to 0.1% Al, at most 0.1% N, 4.0 to 8.0% Ni, 9.0 to 15.0% Cr, and 1.5 to 7.0% Mo, the balance being Fe and impurities. The prepared steel pipe is bent into a bend pipe. The bend pipe is quenched at a quenching temperature lower than 950° C. The quenched bend pipe is tempered. Accordingly, the bend pipe in accordance with the present invention has excellent SSC resistance.

A pipeline transports oil and natural gas produced from an oil well and a gas well. Conventionally, a carbon steel has been used mainly for a steel pipe (line pipe) constituting a pipeline.
In recent years, however, as the well depth increases, portions known as a gathering line and a flow line of the line pipe are likely to be exposed to a corrosive environment having higher temperature and pressure than the conventional environment. Also, these portions must transport a produced fluid containing corrosive gases such as hydrogen sulfide gas and carbonic-acid gas. Therefore, the line pipe used for the gathering line and flow line is increasingly required to have excellent carbonic-acid gas corrosion resistance and sulfide stress-corrosion cracking resistance (hereinafter, sulfide stress-corrosion cracking is referred to as SSC).
In this situation, a martensitic stainless steel pipe for a line pipe has been developed as a steel pipe that meets the above-described requirement. The martensitic stainless steel pipe for a line pipe has been disclosed, for example, in JP3156170B.
The martensitic stainless steel pipe for a line pipe is provided with excellent carbonic-acid gas corrosion resistance and SSC resistance by forming a passivation film on the surface thereof by the addition of Mo and making the C content lower than 0.01%. Also, by containing a large amount of Ni as an austenite forming element substituting for C, the micro-structure can be kept martensitic even if the C content is low. Further, since the C content is low, work hardening is less liable to occur at the time of welding, and excellent weldability is demonstrated. Therefore, the martensitic stainless steel pipe for a line pipe is suitable to the use for the gathering line and flow line.
The pipeline includes not only a straight line pipe (so called a straight pipe) but also a line pipe having a curved portion, that is, a bend pipe according to the geographical features of the ground on which the pipeline is laid.
A general process for producing a bend pipe consisting of carbon steel, which has been used for the conventional pipeline, is described below. First, a straight pipe is bent at a high temperature into a bend pipe. Subsequently, the bend pipe is quenched and tempered. Since the mechanical properties such as strength and toughness of the bend pipe are deteriorated by the bending at a high temperature, the mechanical properties are improved by quench and temper.
As the well depth increases in recent years as described above, the martensitic stainless steel for a line pipe has begun to be used for the gathering line and flow line in place of carbon steel. Therefore, in place of the conventional bend pipe consisting of carbon steel, demand emerges for the bend pipe consisting of the martensitic stainless steel for a line pipe.
However, in the case where the bend pipe consisting of the martensitic stainless steel for a line pipe is produced in the same producing condition as that of the conventional bend pipe consisting of carbon steel, the SSC resistance of the produced bend pipe is sometimes low.

Process for producing bent pipe for line pipe


The invention provides extreme convenience and flexibility in providing for cooled beverages at inconvenient places and times. This flexibility is provided by the invention's use of a cooling process which is not dependent on chemicals or power sources, that is, the evaporative process which can utilize any type of water: potable, non-potable, brackish, salt, etc. etc. This provides conservation of valuable potable water in locations where potable water is scarce, i.e., hiking and camping trips. In one embodiment, the container structure has holes in the outer wall to facilitate the evaporative process and the to be cooled beverage contained in a standard can is elevated off the container structure floor to also facilitate the evaporative process.

This invention relates to beverage coolers, and in particular describes a self cooling beverage container.
Beverage Containers which keep liquids cool are well known. Portable beverage coolers/holders are used in conjunction with many different recreational activities such as camping, boating, cycling, hiking etc. etc. For most people it is desirable in all these situations to have a cold beverage to drink, as it refreshes and provides added enjoyment to all recreational activities. The problem is that most normal beverage coolers, such as those designed for cyclists, do not have any practical method for cooling beverages inside cans or containers.
Up to now, the method of cooling usually involves an outside energy source to drive a compressor, or requires the container to be pre-cooled or frozen in a conventional cooling source (such as a refrigerator or freezer) and then removed and used. Once the useful cooling life of the pre-cooled container is over, it must be returned to a conventional cooling source in order for it to be once again useful as a cooling container.


A static random-access memory is disclosed which utilizes bit line pairs for each column of memory cells for communication of data between external data terminals and the memory cells. A precharge transistor is connected between each bit line and a precharge voltage, for example V.sub.cc, and an equilibration transistor is connected between the bit lines in each bit line pair. The precharge and equilibration transistors are controlled according to selection of the column, so that all columns which are not selected by the column address are precharged and equilibrated, including the unselected columns in the same sub-array as the selected columns. In an additional embodiment of the invention, a data transition detection circuit also controls the precharge and equilibration transistors, so that the precharge and equilibration transistors for the selected columns are turned on responsive to an input data transition during a write operation; this assists the write drivers in more quickly writing the new data onto the bit lines.

Conventional memory circuits which utilize static memory cells, such circuits including static random access memories (SRAMs), FIFOs, dual-port memories, and microprocessors and other logic devices with such memory embedded therein, are generally organized in rows and columns. In these conventional memories, a row select line, generally decoded from a row address value, connects each of a number of memory cells associated with the row address value to a pair of bit lines; each pair of bit lines are associated with a column of memory cells. During a read operation, the bit line pair communicates, to a sense amplifier or other output circuitry, a differential signal corresponding to the data state stored in the memory cell in its associated column which is also in the selected row. Conversely, during a write operation, the bit line pair communicates a differential signal from input circuitry to the memory cell in its associated column which is in the selected row.
An important factor in the performance of a particular memory circuit is the speed at which such read and write operations can be reliably performed. The reliability of such operations is improved where the differential signal communicated by the bit lines is as large as possible. For a read operation, the sense amplifier or other circuit can more accurately read the data state where the differential voltage between the bit lines is large. Especially where the memory cells are fabricated conventionally as cross-coupled inverters with resistive loads (the value of the resistors in the loads being as high as possible, for example on the order of Teraohms), noise immunity of the cell is improved by presentation of a large differential voltage on the bit lines during the write operation. Accordingly, the voltage swing of the bit lines in such memories is preferably as large as possible, occurring in as short a time as possible.
Conventional techniques for controlling the bit lines of such memory circuits to quickly accomplish voltage swings thereon include the precharging and equilibration (also referred to as equalization) of each bit line pair to a known voltage prior to each operation. The precharging and equilibration in such conventional techniques is performed by a clocked signal, which causes the precharge and equilibration for all bit lines at the same time, as described in as described in Minato, et al., "A 20 ns 64K CMOS SRAM", Digest of Technical Papers, 1984 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (IEEE, 1984), pp. 222-23. In this way, the bit lines will not have to make a full transition from one differential state to the other in successive cycles, significantly improving the performance of the circuit. Conventionally, the bit lines are precharged to a high voltage, such as the .sub.cc supply, and a transistor connected between the two bit lines in each pair is turned on to equilibrate the two bit lines, ensuring that they are precharged to the same voltage.
For a read operation in a static memory circuit as described hereinabove, it is desirable to precharge and equilibrate the bit lines to V.sub.cc, and then release the bit lines to respond to the memory cell in the selected row. The memory cell in the selected row will present a differential signal on the bit lines in the bit line pair, to communicate its stored data state. Release of the bit lines after precharge and equilibration allows the selected memory cell to establish this differential voltage without opposition from the precharge and equilibration of the bit lines. A conventional write operation is performed by a write circuit discharging one of the precharged bit lines in the bit line pair to ground. This is also preferably done after release of the precharge and equilibration of the bit lines, so that the write circuit also does not have to discharge a bit line in opposition to a static load attempting to pull the discharging bit line toward the precharge voltage.
An important write cycle timing parameter, particularly for static RAMs, is the time that valid input data must be present prior to the end of the write enable pulse; this parameter is commonly referred to as the data setup time. This timing parameter commonly affects the performance of the system incorporating the memories, as the data bus connected to the inputs of the memories will often not only carry input data thereto but will also carry data from the memories, or communicate data between other circuits in the system. As a result, system performance and flexibility is improved with short data setup times for the memory devices.
However, in many memories such as conventional SRAMs, significant parasitic resistance and capacitance may exist in the write paths between the external terminals of the device and the columns to which data is to be written. The effect of the parasitic impedance is, of course, to delay switching of nodes responsive to data applied thereto, such switching occurring as a result of change of data at the external terminals of the device Since the write operation is controlled by the end of the write enable pulse, valid input data must be present at all necessary internal nodes at such time as the end of the write enable pulse is communicated internally. Parasitic impedance in the write path thus affects the important parameter of data setup time, since the data setup time specification must account for the internal delay caused by parasitic impedance in the write path.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a circuit which reduces the data setup time during a write operation.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a circuit which allows for late change of input data in a write operation.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such a circuit which operates in cooperation with column precharge and equilibration control in the memory.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having reference to the following specification together with the drawings.

Semiconductor memory with column equilibrate on change of data during a write cycle


A computer-implemented visual interface for identifying and revealing objects from video-based media provides visual cues to enable users to interact with video-based media. Objects in videos are inferred and identified based upon automatic interpretations of the video and/or audio that is associated with the video. The automatic interpretations may be performed by a computer-implemented neural network. The computer-implemented visual interface is integrated with the video to enable users to interact with the identified objects. User interactions with the visual interface may be through either touch or non-touch means. Information is delivered to users that is based upon the identified objects, including in augmented or virtual reality-based form, responsive to user interactions with the computer-implemented visual interface.

Video images can be found in virtually every aspect of daily life. There are videos for entertainment, social media, education, business, communication, news media, and public information. Videos contain significant amounts of information in visual and audio formats. Each moment of video information passes before our attention and then it is gone to be replaced by the next moment of video information. We may recognize many objects in the video in the viewing moment but retain relatively few long-term. Other objects in the video stream may pass unrecognized because our attention was drawn elsewhere, or the amount of information is just too much to take it all in moment by moment.
Certain objects in the video stream may be more important to the viewer, or the video creator may want to emphasize certain objects in the video stream. The user may not recognize the important objects, or the objects intended to be emphasized, due to placement, distinguishing features, time on the video, or other distractions. Even if the user recognizes something of interest, the transition of the interest to real-time information content is difficult to coordinate. Whatever the object of interest may have momentarily been to the user, gathering further information on the object from the video stream has been lost.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Computer-implemented interfaces for identifying and revealing selected objects from video


A hose cartridge for a peristaltic pump comprises a cartridge housing provided with a lateral recess. The recess is delimited at least partially by an element having essentially the shape of a segment of a circle. A roller wheel of the peristaltic pump can engage that recess once the cartridge is attached to the peristaltic pump. The cartridge housing is provided with two support arms, and a groove extends from one of the support arm along three outer side faces of the cartridge housing to the other support arm. The ends of the support arms are provided each with a hose take-up member for retaining stoppers attached to a hose section. Such a hose cartridge is of very compact design ensures an easy handling.

The present invention refers to a hose cartridge for a peristaltic pump equipped with a roller wheel and means for attaching the hose cartridge. The hose cartridge comprises a cartridge housing provided with a lateral recess. The recess is adapted to receive the roller wheel of the peristaltic pump when the hose cartridge is attached to the peristaltic pump. The cartridge housing is provided with means cooperating with the means for attaching the hose cartridge provided on the peristaltic pump.
By means of such a hose cartridge, it is to be ensured that a hose section containing the medium to be conveyed can be attached to the peristaltic pump easily and quickly. Since such hose cartridges are basically known in the prior art, in the following, only the characteristics of the hose cartridge are discussed that are relevant or related to the present invention.
In order to be in a position to fix the hose or hose section to a hose cartridge quickly, easily and with a defined bias, embodiments of hoses are known that are provided with two so-called stoppers. The distance between these two stoppers is standardized to a great extent and usually amounts to about 140 mm. Generally, it is not a problem to attach such a hose or hose section to a hose cartridge known in the prior art because those hose cartridges usually are of such a physically large dimension that the hose section can be attached to the cartridge with one stopper at one end of the cartridge and the other stopper at the other end of the cartridge.


A device for connecting bus bars of a bus bar system with connectors of a piece of electric installation equipment using connecting pieces, which are cut, angled and/or bent from a rectangular flat material. The cost for different bar elements for the connection can be reduced without a need to surrender adaptation to the transmission of current strenghts of different sizes because the connecting pieces are respectively formed by several identical bar elements which are held, vertically with respect to their width, at a distance from each other which corresponds to a thickness of the flat material. The bar elements are maintained apart by a packaging holder which has alternating spacers and holding plates perpendicular with respect to a broad side of the bar elements. The holding plates delimit receivers for the bar elements on both sides of the packaging holders.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device for connecting bus bars of a bus bar system with connectors of a piece of electric installation equipment using connecting pieces which are cut, angled and/or bent from a rectangular flat material.
2. Description of Related Art
In connection with known devices of this type, the connecting pieces are produced from flat materials which have cross sections of different sizes, depending on the current strength to be transmitted. This requires the availability of a plurality of different bar elements for a current range to be covered. The bar pieces can be embodied as flat bar sections, as Z-shaped angle cleats or as connecting elbows in order to be able to provide a connection between the connecting planes of the bus bars and the connectors of the piece of electric installation equipment by lining up different bar pieces, or by bending or beveling flat bar elements.
It is one object of this invention to provide a device of the type mentioned above but depending on the size of the current strength to be transmitted, the connecting pieces comprise several identical bar pieces which, for being interlockingly lined up with each other, are securely held in the connecting piece at a preselected distance defined by a thickness of the flat material used.
In accordance with this invention this object is achieved with connecting pieces that are respectively formed by several identical bar elements which are held, vertically with respect to their width, at a distance from each other, which corresponds to a thickness of the flat material. The bar elements are kept apart by means of a packaging holder, which has alternating spacers and holding plates perpendicular with respect to the broad side of the bar elements. The holding plates delimit receivers for the bar elements on both sides of the packaging holders.
It is possible with this embodiment of the device to transmit current of different strengths via the connecting piece, depending on the number of the bar elements used per connecting pieces. Thus the same bar elements can always be used for the current strength areas in the connecting piece where only their number changes. It is possible to directly line up bar elements of the same or different design, which are held at a distance in this way, so that they are interlocked with each other.
An additional fastening of the connecting pieces, for example in a switchgear cabinet, is possible because the packaging holders are fastened on a C-profiled fastening rail with fastening screws passed through bores of the spacers and through the holding plates and with sliding nuts pushed into the C-profiled fastening rail. A spacer of the packaging holder can be pushed into a C-profiled fastening rail or can be inserted in an insertion position and fastened by being rotated, wherein the packaging holders can be fastened by a fastening screw pushed through bores in the spacers and the holding plates so they cannot be displaced in the C-profiled fastening rail. Here, the C-profiled fastening rails can be fastened on the rack of the switchgear cabinet or on mounting rails, which are connected with the rack of the switchgear cabinet. As already mentioned, the bar elements can be laid out in different designs. Thus, flat bar sections, L-shaped angled connecting pieces and Z-shaped angle cleats can be used.
The lining-up of connecting pieces with several bar elements is simplified because the bar elements have fastening bores at least in the end areas.
In connection with the design of the packaging holders, the packaging holders are assembled from individual spacers and individual holding plates. The holding plates can be combined into a one-piece packaging holder.
The packaging holders are designed so that they have a number of holding plates and receptacles for bar elements which corresponds to the number of bar elements in the connecting piece.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the connection of the packaging holders with the C-profiled fastening rail can also be provided so that the bar elements are designed as angle cleats or connecting elbows, and at least one leg is held at the prescribed distance by packaging holders.

Device for connecting bus bars of a bus bar system with the connectors of a piece of electric installation equipment


A vehicle control system is comprised of a controller which is arranged to select an optimal mode adapted to a driving point of a vehicle from an optimal mode map of defining a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, to detect a generation of a mode transition in the optimal mode map, and to hold a current running mode selected before the transition for a holding time period when the generation of the mode transition is detected.

The present invention relates to a vehicle control system of selecting an optimal mode from a plurality of running modes and switching a current mode to an optimal mode, and more particularly to a control system of a hybrid vehicle, which system is arranged to select an optimal mode from a three-dimensional mode map.
Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2003-34153 discloses a hybrid vehicle equipped with a power train system which is arranged such that a brake is attached to one of rotating elements except for a rotating element connected to a driveline output of a two-degree-of-freedom planetary gearset mechanism. This hybrid vehicle is arranged to be capable of selecting a mode from an EV mode of producing a continuously variable transmission ratio only by two motors, an EV-LB mode of driving the two motors under a fixed transmission ratio produced by engaging a brake, an EIVT mode of producing a continuously variable transmission ratio by driving an internal combustion engine and the two motors and by engaging an engine clutch, and an LB mode of producing a fixed transmission ratio by driving the engine and the two motors and by engaging the engine clutch and the brake, which modes have been stored in a mode map, according to a vehicle running condition.


Provided are a decorative glass panel having a three-dimensional metal design and a manufacturing method for the decorative glass panel, the method exhibiting enhanced productivity. A decorative glass panel 10 includes: a glass substrate 15; an adhesive layer 11 formed on the glass substrate 15; a non-uniform pattern layer 12 formed on the adhesive layer 11; and a vapor-deposited metal layer 13 formed on the non-uniform pattern layer 12. In the glass substrate 15, a section that is a portion of a back surface of the glass substrate 15 and that is bent from a flat surface section 30 to an upright section 31 forms a curved surface 32. The non-uniform pattern layer 12 has, in a surface facing the vapor-deposited metal layer 13, which is a top surface thereof, a non-uniform pattern formed by depressions 40 and protrusions 41.

There exists a glass product decorated with a vapor-deposited metal layer. A method of using a decorative sheet (see patent document 1) and a method of directly performing metal vapor deposition on a glass substrate (see patent document 2) are used as methods for manufacturing such a glass product. In the method of using a decorative sheet, a decorative sheet in which a vapor-deposited metal layer is provided on a base sheet serving as a support is used. In addition, in the case of a three-dimensional metal design, a non-uniform pattern layer is further provided between the base sheet and the vapor-deposited metal layer. A glass product having a three-dimensional metal design is manufactured by bonding the decorative sheet to a glass substrate or by transferring the vapor-deposited metal layer and the non-uniform pattern layer in the decorative sheet from the base sheet to a glass substrate. In the method of directly performing metal vapor deposition on a glass substrate, a glass product having a three-dimensional metal design is manufactured by placing the glass substrate in a vacuum vapor deposition chamber and forming, by a vacuum vapor deposition method, a vapor-deposited metal layer formed of metals, oxides or the like.

Decorative glass panel and manufacturing method therefor


The display device includes a pair of insulating substrates arranged so as to be opposed, a bonding layer, and a strain suppressing plate. The bonding layer is provided on the outer surface side of one insulating substrate. The strain suppressing plate has rigidity higher than that of the insulating substrate to suppress the strain caused by curving the insulating substrate. The strain suppressing plate is fixed to the insulating substrate by the bonding layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device and a method of producing the same and, more particularly, to a display device and a method of producing the same in which reliability, durability, yield and the like are improved by preventing a strain and a crack from being generated in a substrate.
2. Description of the Background Art
Flat display devices represented by a liquid crystal display device (LCD) are used in various kinds of field because of characteristics such as light in weight, thin, and low power consumption. Among them, the liquid crystal display device is widely used in information devices represented by a personal computer. In addition, recently, the liquid crystal display device is widely used as a TV component and a conventional Braun tube is being replaced with it.
Moreover, a display device having a self-luminous light element in a display area, an electroluminescent (EL) display device, for example has been also used as a next-generation thin type display device. The EL display device has the characteristics such as wide viewing angle, high contrast, and high-speed response along with a moving image.
For example, many liquid crystal display devices are produced on a so-called mother glass substrate at once by multi-panel producing technology, in some cases. More specifically, a plurality of structures (cell structures) of the liquid crystal display devices are formed on the mother glass substrate larger than a glass substrate as a completed product, and the mother glass substrates are attached and bonded together. The bonded mother glass substrates are cut to provide an individual liquid crystal display device.
Recently, the substrate is required to be thin to reduce its weight in the display device. In addition, since a screen can be curved when the thin substrate is used, the substrate is required to be thin in view of the above point.
One of measures to satisfy the request of thinning is such that a thin glass substrate is used from the beginning of the production. However, a glass substrate having a thickness less than 0.5 mm is difficult to handle at the time of production because it is bent under its own weight or a crack is easily generated. Thus, a production yield deteriorates.
In addition, using a resin film and the like instead of the glass substrate is one idea. However, since the upper temperature limit of the resin film substrate is 200° C., there are constraints in view of a film forming temperature, etc.
In addition, a production method is disclosed in which a relatively thick glass substrate is used when the production process begins, and the glass substrate is etched away to be thinned during the production process (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2004-46115 and 2005-84228, for example). According to this production method, the above-described difficulty in handling can be reduced. In addition, the substrate can be thinner than 0.15 mm by etching, and can be curved so as to have a curvature radius of 200 mm. When an electric signal is applied while the substrate is curved, an image can be displayed on a curved screen.
The liquid crystal display of above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-84228 includes a flexible substrate having at least one reinforcing part.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-94102 discloses a liquid crystal display device having flexible substrates which can be curved.
According to the liquid crystal display device produced by using the thin glass substrate from the beginning of the production, or thinning the glass substrate during the production, the problem is that the thin glass substrate is distorted. More specifically, according to the liquid crystal display device having the structure in which the thin glass substrates are bonded at their peripheries, when the screen is curved according to a design, or when the screen is curved for some reasons, the glass substrate is strained. Since the gap between the substrates, that is, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer at the distorted part differs from that of the other part, or since the opposed substrates are displaced, the image quality deteriorates.
In addition, according to the production method for producing many devices at once, the problem is that a fine crack (microscopic crack) is generated at the cut part, that is, the cut end part of the substrate. The microscopic crack could be a large crack when the substrate is curbed, for example. In addition, it is reported that the crack becomes large rapidly when water enters into the microscopic crack. Since the microscopic crack cannot be discovered by visual inspection or even by microscopic inspection in some cases, it could be a large crack while the liquid crystal display device is used. In addition, not only the microscopic crack generated when the substrate is cut, but also a crack generated at the end part of the substrate caused by various reasons during the production process could be a larger crack.
Here, the above problems could arise in a display device other than the liquid crystal display device, and in a substrate formed of a material other than a glass material.

Display device and method of producing the same


A cooler for holding two cans, particular beverage cans containing beer, soft drinks or the like, in a stacked or tandem arrangement. The cooler holds the cans snuggly, keeping them safe from bumps and the like, and also insulates the cans to preserve cold or hot temperature of can contents as long as practicable. The cooler has a cylindrical configuration including a body with an open top, a closed bottom, and as interior space. The body has a cylindrical sleeve and a bottom, which is either in the form of a separate panel or unitary with the sleeve. The bottom has an aperture for preventing or reducing vacuum on the inside of the cooler. A method of using the cooler is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, generally, to beverage can holding and cooling systems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, the invention relates to a novel can cooler.
2. Background Information
Existing technology in this field is believed to have significant limitations and shortcomings. For this and other reasons, a need exists for the present invention.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a cooler for holding two cans, particular beverage cans containing beer, soft drinks or the like, in a stacked or tandem arrangement. The cooler holds the cans snuggly, keeping them safe from bumps and the like, and also insulates the cans to preserve cold or hot temperature of can contents as long as practicable. The cooler has a cylindrical configuration including a body with an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior space. The body has a cylindrical sleeve and a bottom, which is either in the form of a separate panel or unitary with the sleeve. The bottom has an aperture for preventing or reducing vacuum on the inside of the cooler caused by tight fitting cans.
All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Beverage can holder and cooler technology


A light emitting diode (LED) light element includes a support portion, and a LED assembly mounted to the support portion. The LED assembly includes a plurality of LEDs mounted thereto and conductors extending therefrom. A lens is configured to engage the support portion and cover the LEDs. A pair of end caps are configured to cover ends of the support portion and lens. Each end cap includes first portions configured to enclose its respective support portion and lens ends. Each end cap includes a second portion having a periphery that is smaller than a periphery of the first portion. Each end cap has a pair of pins extending therefrom that are in electrical communication with the LED assembly via the conductors.

Lighting systems of many different types are known. One very common type of lighting system for office, commercial, light industrial facilities and the like is the well-recognized fluorescent lighting fixture.
Fluorescent fixtures are available in many different types and designs. One commonly used fixture for office, commercial and industrial settings is a 48 inch long tubular bulb mounted in a fixture that accommodates from one to four bulbs. The bulbs can be, for example, of the T5, T8 or T12 designation (T5 is ⅝ inch diameter, T8 is 1 inch diameter and T12 is 1½ inch diameter).
The bulbs, which have two pin type connectors extending from each end, fit into a fixture that includes a pair of sockets for receiving the pins. The sockets are of a size such that they accommodate the pins (and the bulb diameter), without much additional space available.
It will be appreciated that many of these fixtures are quite expensive. There is a considerable amount of material, including support assemblies, reflector surfaces and the like. Many such fixtures, such as troffers are also highly engineered products adding to the cost of the fixture.
While fluorescent lighting has become the standard in many facilities due to the lower energy costs compared to incandescent lighting, there are still drawbacks. One such drawback is the energy cost, especially when compared to currently available light emitting diode (LED) systems. Moreover, the internal components of fluorescent lighting fixtures (e.g., ballasts) can be quite costly and may require periodic replacement.
Some currently known fixtures include reflectors and aesthetic panels that are sized to accommodate a specific size or type of bulb. For example, some fixtures are designed to accommodate a T5 bulb and include an opening in the fixture panels through which only a T5 bulb will fit and a socket that will accommodate only the pins for the T5 bulb.
Accordingly, there is a need for a LED replacement system for known fluorescent lighting systems and fixtures. Desirably, such a replacement system provides at least as much, if not more, light or illumination than the lighting elements that are replaced. More desirably still, such a system allows for installing an LED light element directly into known fluorescent fixtures with minimal modifications to the fluorescent fixture.


A ventilation device for a hydraulic cylinder providing a housing having a fluid passageway with an inlet and an outlet, and a closure member disposed in said passageway displaceable in obstructing relation with such inlet upon application of a first fluid force in such inlet, obstructing relation with such outlet upon application of a second fluid force on such inlet and in nonobstructing relation with either of such inlet and outlet upon application of a third fluid force between such first and second fluid forces.

Ventilation devices of the type addressed herein are used in connection with hydraulic actuator chambers, in particular hydraulic cylinders, in order to be able to ventilate the hydraulic actuating circuit in the direction of the tank of the hydraulic medium. The objective is to provide a stable hydraulic line when the actuator is actuated. The said ventilation devices are used, in particular, in dual clutch transmissions, even more particularly in clutch cylinders of dual clutch transmissions. Such clutch cylinders serve to engage or release the clutches of a dual clutch transmission. Preferably, the said ventilation devices can also be used in connection with the gear actuating cylinders of a dual clutch transmission. The ventilation devices known from the prior art have a flow channel that has an inlet and an outlet and passes through the ventilation device. There is a closing element that is pushed typically by the force of gravity into a first functional position, in which the outlet is released. At the same time, the closing element can be entrained by the medium flowing by and can be pushed into a second functional position in which it closes the outlet. If a hydraulic cylinder, assigned to the ventilation device, is ventilated, then the air or rather the expelled gaseous medium flows through the inlet into the ventilation device, past the closing element, and through the outlet out of the ventilation device. The viscosity of the gaseous medium is not adequate enough to entrain the closing element and to push it in a sealing manner against the outlet. As soon as the ventilation process has been completed, the hydraulic medium flows into the inlet of the ventilation device and from there to the outlet. The hydraulic medium exhibits a significantly higher viscosity than the medium expelled during the ventilation process, so that said hydraulic medium can entrain the closing element when it flows around the same. In this way, the closing element is pushed against the outlet and closes it in a sealing manner. An additional increase in the hydraulic pressure pushes the closing element with greater force against the outlet so that the sealing effect increases as the pressure increases. Therefore, no hydraulic medium can flow out through the outlet while the hydraulic cylinder is pressurized.
The drawback with the known ventilation devices is that in the depressurized state of the hydraulic cylinder, that is, in the first functional position of the closing element, both the inlet and the outlet are released. If, therefore, smaller quantities of hydraulic medium were to find their way to the ventilation device, they could escape through the released flow channel. In addition, the closing element, around which the hydraulic medium flows, possesses a certain degree of inertia, so that the hydraulic medium can escape through the outlet before the closing element is reliably pushed into a second functional position. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a ventilation device for a hydraulic cylinder, in particular a dual clutch transmission, so that this ventilation device does not exhibit the aforementioned drawbacks.

Ventilation device for a hydraulic cylinder


A method of processing image data for an image, the image data including colour data expressed in a first colour space, transforms the colour data to a luminance-normalised colour space, and performs one or more image processing operations on the transformed colour data to generate processed image data.

Digital images can be represented using colour data describing the colours of the image. The data may take the form of a set of colour values, where each colour value is used to specify a colour for a region of the image. In order to display the image on a screen, colour values may need to be determined for each pixel forming the image. However, in some circumstances (e.g. for storage or transmission of the image data), the colour data may be compressed so that colour values are stored for larger regions of the image (e.g. blocks of pixels). Thus, the colour data may contain colour values for regions of the image such as pixels, blocks etc.
The mapping between a colour value and the colour it represents is governed by the colour space in which the colour value is expressed. Example colour spaces include RGB, YUV, YCbCr etc. Thus, for example, a colour value expressed in RGB colour space contains a red component, a green component and a blue component; a colour value expressed in YCbCr contains a luminance component (Y), and two chrominance components (Cb and Cr).
A schematic illustration of the relationship between the RGB colour space and the YCbCr colour space is shown in FIG. 1. The range of possible colours that can be represented in the RGB colour space, referred to as the RGB gamut, is shown at 102. It can be seen with reference to FIG. 1 that a single colour can be represented by different colour values if the colour is described using different colour spaces. For example, colour value 104 may have different colour values when expressed in RGB colour space compared to when the colour is expressed in YCbCr space.
During digital image processing, the colour values describing the colours of the image may be manipulated depending on the type of processing operation being performed. Example processing operations include changing the luminance of the image (e.g. in a linear operation or non-linear operation such as Gamma correction) or filtering the image. A difficulty with digital image processing is that the manipulation of colour values to achieve a desired affect can sometimes lead to unwanted colour distortions.
For instance, changing the luminance values can lead to a loss of colour saturation when the colour data is expressed in certain colour spaces, such as RGB and YCbCr. Referring to FIG. 1, for example, it will be appreciated that altering the luminance value Y causes the colour value (e.g. value 104) to move within the RGB colour space, potentially altering the colour for the corresponding region of the image.
Distortions may also arise from filtering an image. One type of filter used to filter images is a median filter. In one example of median filtering, a window is moved pixel-by-pixel through an image, with the value of the pixel being replaced with the median value of the pixels within the window. Applying a median filter to the R, G and B channels of an RGB image (i.e. an image having colour data expressed in RGB space) can lead to a large loss of the brightness information in the image. This is because the RGB colour space does not provide a way to separate the brightness of an image from its chrominance. Applying a median filter to the chrominance channels of a YCbCr image enables the brightness information to be preserved, but may result in darker colours of the image becoming oversaturated and lighter colours being under-saturated.
Certain colour spaces do enable the colour saturation of an image to be preserved during changes of the luminance. Examples of such colour spaces include HSL (hue, saturation, luminance), and HSV (hue, saturation, value). However, these colour spaces express colour values in polar coordinates. This can make filtering operations difficult, typically involving a conversion to a rectilinear colour space (such as RGB).


A bracket includes a planar body portion having an edge and a surface, a flange extending generally perpendicularly from the edge, the flange including a plurality of mounting openings, and at least one finger projecting from the flange and along and spaced from the body portion surface. Also a method of using the bracket and an assembly including the bracket and a rack.

It is well known to mount computer, electrical and telecommunications equipment or modules in racks. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, such racks may include spaced vertical posts 200 having generally parallel front walls 202 each having a plurality of openings 204. Modules 206 to be mounted in the rack include mounting brackets 208 projecting from opposite sides 210 thereof which mounting brackets 208 include a plurality of aligned openings 212. To mount the module 206 in the rack, the module 206 is lifted to an appropriate height relative to the rack, inserted between the vertical posts 200 until the mounting brackets 208 contact the posts 200, and positioned so the openings 212 in the mounting brackets 208 are aligned with the openings 204 in the front walls 202 of the rack. While being held in this position, screws, bolts or similar fasteners 214 are passed thought the aligned openings in the brackets 208 and posts 200 to secure the module 206 to the rack. Optionally, the openings in the rack and/or mounting bracket may be threaded to allow for the mounting of the objects without the use of nuts.
Installing equipment in such a rack, especially heavy equipment, is generally a two-person job. This is because it can be difficult for one person to hold the piece of equipment at a proper height and keep the various openings on the rack and module in alignment while inserting fasteners through the aligned openings and tightening them to secure the module to the rack.
Various holding devices, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,137 to Johnson, have been developed to lift and hold heavy rack-mountable equipment to allow one person to install the equipment. However, devices such as the Johnson lift are somewhat cumbersome and will not always be available when it become necessary to install or remove a piece of equipment from a rack.

Bracket and method of mounting an object in a rack using same


A shuttle valve is described which comprises a valve housing having an inlet and a plurality of outlets. An inner valve assembly is located within an internal cavity which is actuated by a shaft which extends from the internal cavity to a point external from the valve housing. The inner valve assembly comprises a valve disk having a surface which is spherical, at least in part, and a flow elbow, which is located 180.degree. away from the face of the valve disk. The valve disk and the flow elbow are connected to one another and to the shaft. The valve disk is further articulatable. The point which defines the axis of rotation of the shaft and the center point of a phantom sphere defined by the spherical surface of the valve disk, are eccentric, or displaced from one another. Upon the rotation of the valve disk and its contact with a seating surface adjacent the flow passage to be shut off or closed, the eccentricity of the shaft axis and the center point of the phantom sphere creates a torque, upon the continued rotation of the shaft, which is applied to the valve disk and which serves to increase the seating load of the valve disk so as to perfect the seating of the valve disk against the spherical seating surfaces adjacent the flow passage.

Shuttle valves are known from the prior art wherein the flow of a fluid or a gas may be selectively controlled so as to direct the flow of same in various directions through a valve or a valve housing. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are exemplary of shuttle valves which are known from the prior art. Such shuttle valves make possible the change of the direction of the flow of a fluid or a gas from one flow passage or channel to another so as to selectively direct the flow of the fluid or gas through the shuttle valve.
In FIG. 1, a prior art shuttle valve 10 is illustrated which comprises a valve housing 16, having an inlet 14 and outlets 16 and 18. The inlets and outlets are connected in a flow-through arrangement so as to facilitate the flow of a fluid or gas through the shuttle valve. The direction of flow of the fluid or gas depends on the position of a valve slide 20 which is located within the valve housing. The valve slide 20 is actuated by an external means such as by a hand wheel 22. The valve slide 20, under the control of the hand wheel 22, can be shuttled between the valve seating 24 which is associated with flow passage 50 and the valve seating 26 which is associated with flow passage 60 so as to selectively direct the flow of a medium through the shuttle valve 10.
The prior art shuttle valve of FIG. 1 is undesirable as the sharp turn of the flow of the fluid or gas, which results from the design of said valve, creates a high flow resistance which results in considerable pressure losses in the flow pressure of the fluid or gas. Another disadvantage of the shuttle valve of FIG. 1 lies in the fact that turbulent flows may also result. Further, if the valve is used improperly, the valve slide could assume an intermediate position whereby a fluid or gas flow would exist through both flow passages. The prior art shuttle valve of FIG. 1 may also require numerous and tedious turns of the hand wheel 22 which may further prevent a completely synchronous operation with other shuttle valves.
FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art shuttle valve 10 wherein a rotatable valve arrangement requires the actuation of a locking device 28, which typically needs to be rotated. A shaft 22, which is further connected to an inner housing part 30 and a valve slide 40, can be rotated and the flow of a fluid or gas can be directed from flow passage 60 to flow passage 50 or vice versa. In the prior art shuttle valve of FIG. 2, the equivalent of two 45.degree. elbows are placed back to back in order to complete a flow channel. While this arrangement results in low pressure losses, the actuation of the rotatable valve arrangement is quite complicated. In order to change the direction of the flow of a fluid or gas from flow passage 50 to flow passage 60, or vice versa, the locking device must be actuated in order to move the shaft 22 downwards which, due to the mechanical connection between the shaft and the inner housing part 30 and valve slide 40, must be moved downward in order to move the inner housing part 30 and the valve slide 40 downward and away from the valve seats adjacent the flow passages.
The valve slide 40 is connected to the inner housing part 30 and closes off the opposite flow passage. The inner housing part 30 and valve slide 40 arrangement are rotated by the rotation of shaft 22 so as to align these elements with their respective flow passages upon which time the shaft 22 and the inner housing part 30 and valve slide 40 arrangement are then moved upwardly by the rotation of the locking device 28 so as to cause the inner housing 30 and the valve slide 40 to be seated against the seating surfaces of their respective flow passages. The downward movement of the inner housing 30 and valve disk 40 arrangement is required so that this rotation can be facilitated.
The prior art shuttle valve 10 of FIG. 2 is disadvantageous because an actuation means is required to actuate the locking device 28 in order to move the shaft 22 and the inner housing 30 and valve slide 40 arrangement downwards and away from the valve seats. Further, a second actuation means is necessary to rotate the shaft 22 so as to rotate the inner housing 30 and valve slide 40 each from one flow passage to the opposite flow passage. It is most difficult to automate this above described double actuation operation and for this reason, the shuttle valve of FIG. 2 is undesirable. Further, the inner valve, which comprises inner housing 30 and valve slide 40, is comprised of several components which requires costly assembly and maintenance procedures.
FIG. 3 illustrates yet another prior art shuttle valve 10 which is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,435. In the prior art shuttle valve 10 of FIG. 3, a shaft 22, having a square head 240 is utilized to rotate bushings 98 and 100. The portion of shaft 22 carrying bushings 98 and 100 is eccentric to the upper centerline of shaft 22 so that the rotation of the bushing 98 will also be eccentric. A lever 82 is connected to the bushing 98 and has connected thereto a valve disk 20. The lever 82 can rotate on the bushing 98. In order to keep the lever 82 from rotating too easily, belleville washers 136 are utilized which act as a spring and which are tightened by nut 142 on shaft 22.
As the nut is tightened, the belleville washers are compressed and squeeze bushings 98 and 100 on lever 81. This action causes the shaft 22 to turn lever 82 and therefore causes the valve disk 20 connected thereto to rotate. Once the valve disk 20 is rotated so as to align with the valve seat corresponding to the flow passage to be shut off, the eccentric portion of the shaft 22 serves to push the valve disk 20 up against the valve seat corresponding to the flow passage. The shuttle valve of FIG. 3 requires rotation of the shaft 22 by approximately 270.degree., which includes an approximately 180.degree. rotation from alignment with one flow passage to the opposite flow passage and the further rotation of the shaft so as to facilitate valve disk seating and unseating.
The shuttle valve 10 of FIG. 3 is disadvantageous as actuators for the 270.degree. rotation are not commonly available and further because the presence of the moving parts of the inner assembly in the flow path results in undesirable flow resistance and increased flow losses. The shuttle valve of FIG. 3 is also undesirable as it requires travel stops to aid in the alignment of the valve disk 20 with the flow passage and further because no positive linkage exists between the shaft 22 and the valve disk 20 linkage.
The shuttle valve of the present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art shuttle valves described herein and provides a shuttle valve which can operate with more commonly available actuators such as 180.degree. actuators or actuators that require less rotation while at the same time providing a means by which to provide a positive linkage between the actuator shaft and the inner valve assembly part while at the same time providing a shuttle valve having reduced pressure losses and reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs.

KWW Gesellschaft fur Verfahrenstechnik mbH


In a steering apparatus for a vehicle, a target sub steering angle θSREF is set by a target-sub-steering-angle setting unit on the basis of an output θH of a steering-wheel-angle detection unit and a transmission characteristic f(θH) of a transmission-characteristic setting unit, and a target current IREF is set by a target-current setting unit on the basis of the target sub steering angle θSREF and an output θS of the sub-steering-angle detection unit. Current control unit controls a current which flows through an electric motor of a sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism, so that the target current IREF and a current IS of current detection unit may agree.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a vehicular steering apparatus wherein wheels are turned in such a way that a sub steering angle which is electrically controllable by a sub steering mechanism is mechanically added to the steering angle of a steering wheel manipulated by a driver.
2. Description of the Related Art
Heretofore, there have been known a large number of steering apparatuses in each of which a sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism is mounted between a steering wheel and steered wheels, and the transmission characteristic of the turning angle of the steered wheels versus the steering angle of the steering wheel manipulated by a driver is changed in accordance with the traveling state of a vehicle. (Refer to, for example, JP-A-2005-41363 which shall be termed "Patent Document 1" below.)
In the steering apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that a PWM duty is calculated from the deviation between the target revolution angle of an electric motor for driving the sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism and a detected revolution angle, whereupon the electric motor is driven and controlled on the basis of the PWM duty.
Besides, in JP-A-11-208499 (termed "Patent Document 2" below), it is disclosed that the followup delay of the sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism is detected from the deviation between the target steered angle of the steered wheels, which has been calculated from the steering angle of the steering wheel and the transmission characteristic, and a detected steered angle, whereupon the transmission characteristic or the target steered angle is corrected so as to decrease the deviation.
In the steering apparatus of Patent Document 1, the PWM duty is calculated from the deviation between the target revolution angle of the electric motor for driving the sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism and the detected revolution angle, and the revolution angle of the electric motor is feedback-controlled. However, the PWM duty and a current which flows through the electric motor are not uniquely determined on account of an induced voltage ascribable to the revolution of the electric motor, etc. It is therefore difficult to generate by the electric motor, a torque which agrees with a necessary torque obtained from the deviation of the revolution angles. That is, there has been the problem that the setting of control constants for use in the calculation for obtaining the PWM duty from the deviation of the revolution angles is difficult.
Besides, in Patent Document 2, the followup delay of the sub-steering-angle superposition mechanism is detected from the deviation between the target steered angle and the detected steered angle, and hence, there has been the problem that the followup delay has already been involved at the stage of the detection.


An automated flushing system removes stagnant water and the micro-organisms it contains from dental unit waterlines when a dental chair is not in use. The system prevents the exponential replication of micro-organisms in dental waterlines and can be used to increase the contact time of disinfectants with adherent biofilms in waterlines.

Since the installation in dental handpieces and dental air/water syringes of anti-retraction valves to prevent back-contamination by patients' saliva, the main source of microbial contamination of dental waterlines is in the source water. Most jurisdictions provide mains tap water with less than the American Dental Association guideline of 200 CFUs/mL, but the low flow rates of water used in most dental procedures and the small bores of dental unit waterlines allow the build up of biofilm in dental waterlines. Thus counts of 10,000-100,000 CFU/mL are not uncommon in water leaving the cooling water nozzle of high-speed dental drills and from dental air/water syringes. Even when sterile water is delivered to bottled-water-fed dental units, it is not unusual for stray contaminating bacteria to enter the waterlines and multiply exponentially with the result of CFU counts the same as in tap-water-fed dental units. In some circumstances, bacteria are able to replicate every 20 minutes, which means one bacterium left in a waterline after the last treatment at, for instance 5:00 pm could have multiplied to over 2 million by midnight.
Even though the potential flow-rate of water through most dental unit waterlines to the high-speed drill is in the order of 60 mL per minute, most drilling operations require flow-rates much below this for adequate cooling and only a small portion of each patient's treatment actually involves drilling. Thus, ample opportunity occurs for bacterial accumulation even during office hours and very little actual flushing occurs. This means that even if water treatment devices such as the ozonizer described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,125 are installed, the contact time between ozone and the harmful biofilm is limited and restricted to office hours. Ozone in water decays to oxygen within 20-30 minutes and so any bacteria surviving the brief contact time and ozone decay have ample time to replicate.
The system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,370 attempts to address this problem by installing a tee piece at the end of the waterline closest to the dental instrument (such as high-speed drill or air/water syringe) attached to a return tube that recirculates ozonized water back to the ozonizer. Unfortunately, such a tee piece and return tube constitute a considerable modification to hardware and plumbing of existing dental chairs and waterlines. In addition, during recirculation of the ozonized water, the ozonized water is not fed through the delivery structure for the dental instrument and any residual bacteria have the opportunity to multiply and contaminate the delivery structure so that when a freshly sterilized dental instrument is coupled to the dental water line, it too becomes contaminated. Meanwhile, while the recirculating ozonized water may kill bacteria, their toxic remains such as lipopolysaccharide (lps) are not purged from the system until a dental instrument is connected.
The present invention has been developed to alleviate these drawbacks.

Method for sanitation of dental water lines


Provided are a video processing apparatus and a video processing method thereof. The video processing apparatus includes: an input unit which receives a broadcasting signal which may include zoom-in information having regional information on a part of a video image; a video processor which processes the inputted broadcasting signal; and a controller which controls the video processor to zoom in the part of the video image based on the regional information of the zoom-in information if the broadcasting signal includes the zoom-in information.

1. Field of Invention
Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present invention relate to a video processing apparatus and a video processing method thereof, and more particularly, to a video processing apparatus which zooms in a part of a video image, and a video processing method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
A video processing apparatus such as a TV or a set-top box may have a zoom-in function to zoom in a part of a video image. If a small object is displayed as a video image, a viewer may not easily recognize it and may feel inconvenient. Thus, the video processing apparatus provides the zoom-in function to zoom in a part of the video image and provides convenience to a viewer.
The zoom-in function of a conventional video processing apparatus may zoom in a region selected by a user. For example, if a user selects or inputs a particular region of the image, the video processing apparatus may zoom in the concerned region at a predetermined zoom-in ratio.
However, a user should select the region of the video image individually to use the zoom-in function in the conventional video processing apparatus. Also, if a video image such as a sports scene that changes very quickly, has small objects and a lot of motion, is displayed, a user may not properly select the region to be zoomed in.

Video processing apparatus and video processing method thereof


An exhaust gas purifying device for an engine comprises an exhaust gas purifying catalyst with an electric heater arranged in the exhaust passage capable of temporarily adsorbing NO.sub.X in the inflowing exhaust gas therein. A NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst becomes larger when a temperature of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst becomes higher. The heater is turned on and is turned off alternately and repeatedly to thereby increase and reduce the catalyst temperature. NO.sub.X in the inflowing exhaust gas is adsorbed in the exhaust gas purifying catalyst when the catalyst temperature falls, and the adsorbed NO.sub.X is desorbed from the exhaust gas purifying catalyst and reduced when the catalyst temperature increases. The catalyst temperature is controlled to increase to a first upper threshold temperature, at which the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is substantially zero, and is controlled to fall to a first lower threshold temperature, at which the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is substantially a maximum.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas purifying device for an engine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-175416 discloses an exhaust gas purifying device for an engine provided with a catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the engine, composed of zeolite carrying a transition metal or a precious metal thereon, which is so-called a zeolite catalyst, and a catalyst temperature control device for controlling a temperature of the zeolite catalyst to increase and lower the catalyst temperature alternately and repeatedly in a so-called temperature window of the zeolite catalyst.
On the other hand, the inventors of the present invention have found that the zeolite catalyst has a NO.sub.X adsorbing function in which the catalyst temporarily adsorbs the nitrogen oxides NO.sub.X in the inflowing exhaust gas therein, and that the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the zeolite catalyst becomes lower when the catalyst temperature becomes lower. Thus, lowering the catalyst temperature increases the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the zeolite catalyst, and therefore, the zeolite catalyst temporarily adsorbs NO.sub.X in the inflowing exhaust gas. Contrarily, increasing the catalyst temperature decreases the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the zeolite catalyst, and therefore, the zeolite catalyst desorbs the adsorbed NO.sub.X. Namely, increasing and lowering the catalyst temperature alternately and repeatedly causes the zeolite catalyst to perform the NO.sub.X adsorption and the NO.sub.X desorption and purification, alternately and repeatedly.
Further, the inventors of the present invention have also found that, if the inflowing exhaust gas includes a reducing agent, such as hydrocarbon (HC), almost all of NO.sub.X desorbed from the zeolite catalyst is reduced and purified in an oxidizing atmosphere by the reducing agent. Thus, it is preferable for purifying NO.sub.X sufficiently in the exhaust gas by the zeolite catalyst, to make the NO.sub.X amount adsorbed in the zeolite catalyst as large as possible when the catalyst temperature drops. It is also preferable, for making the adsorbed NO.sub.X amount as large as possible when the catalyst temperature drops, to make the NO.sub.X amount desorbed from the zeolite catalyst as large as possible when the catalyst temperature rises.
As described before, the inventors of the present invention have found that the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity of the zeolite catalyst becomes larger when the catalyst temperature becomes lower. In other words, the NO.sub.X amount to be adsorbed in the zeolite catalyst becomes larger as the catalyst temperature becomes lower, when the catalyst temperature drops. The NO.sub.X amount to be desorbed from the zeolite catalyst becomes larger as the catalyst temperature becomes higher, when the catalyst temperature rises. Namely, it is most effective for a sufficient NO.sub.X purification to lower the catalyst temperature to a temperature at which the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity almost becomes a maximum, and increase the catalyst temperature to a temperature at which the NO.sub.X adsorbing capacity almost becomes zero.


Coated ferromagnetic particles are provided which are useful as radar absorbing material (RAM). In particular, ferromagnetic particles such as iron, carbonyl iron, cobalt, nickel, and alloys thereof are provided that have been coated with a protective non-conducting material such as silicon, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and the like. The ferromagnetic particles are coated in a rotating retort containing a gaseous composition that deposits onto or diffuses into the particle. The coated particles of the present invention are particularly suitable for incorporation into RAM coating compositions intended for use in corrosive atmospheres.

This invention generally relates to radar absorbing material (RAM). More specifically, the present invention relates to particulate RAM formed from a ferromagnetic core surrounded by a protective shell that shields the core from oxidation. The invention further relates to methods by which to produce such particulate RAM.
Powders formed from ferromagnetic particles are widely used in radar absorbing applications. In particular, ferromagnetic materials characterized by poor conductivity (also referred to as lossy-dielectrics) are known for their ability to absorb microwave energy. Typically, such ferromagnetic particulates are incorporated into attenuating coating compositions that are spray painted onto the surface of a substrate to reduce its electromagnetic signature. It is known in the art that more efficient radar absorbing coating compositions approach the density provided by solid ferromagnetic materials, such as iron. Therefore, it is considered beneficial to employ the minimum amount of resin possible to provide cohesion to the coating and yet maintain separation among the ferromagnetic particles. It is important that the particles within the radar absorbing coating composition be kept separate because agglomerates of ferromagnetic particles become increasingly conductive, thus diminishing the ability of the coating composition to absorb microwave energy. Therefore, ferromagnetic particles having a non-conductive coating and which are further characterized by a uniform particle size distribution would be highly beneficial for use in radar absorbing coating compositions.
Iron has been used extensively as a ferromagnetic material in radar absorbing materials (RAMs), primarily because it provides both adequate shielding properties and is cost effective. However, the use of iron in either its pure or carbonyl form is generally considered problematic due to iron""s tendency to form rust under normal environmental conditions. Rust causes the iron particles to lose their magnetic properties, and is therefore detrimental to shielding properties. Protective binders have been used to prevent rust, but most are not effective in protecting the RAM against the aggressive environments commonly encountered during use, such as salt spray environments and temperature extremes.
In alternative efforts to increase corrosion resistance, iron silicide alloys have been produced in powdered forms and used as RAM. Iron silicide powders do have improved corrosion resistance; however, their radar absorbing performance per weight and amount of iron is substantially less than that of either pure iron or carbonyl iron powders. Iron silicide coatings are noted in U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,361, in which conductive coatings are applied to iron particulates. Further, hybrid iron silicide particles, formed by diffusing silicon into carbonyl iron particulates, are also known, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,273, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, the magnetic properties of carbonyl iron are superior to those of the bulk iron silicide particles provided by such hybrid structures. Further, the method used to produce such hybrid iron silicide particles forms a sintered mass that requires grinding prior to incorporation into coatings and the like. In addition to the added expense incurred by grinding, iron silicide is a more brittle material than pure or carbonyl iron, and thus the a mass of ground particles would be expected to provide a less uniform particle distribution.
Therefore, there remains a need in the art for ferromagnetic particles, in particular iron particles, having non-conductive coatings, particularly nonconductive coatings that further provide corrosion resistance. There is also a continuing need in the art for coated ferromagnetic particles having a uniform particle distribution which are additionally cost effective.
The present invention provides ferromagnetic particles having a non-conductive coating, for use in electromagnetic shielding applications and the like. In particular, the present invention provides ferromagnetic particles having a protective coating that provides both insulating properties and corrosion resistance to the particle without sacrificing the electromagnetic characteristics of the ferromagnetic material. As a result of the insulating characteristics imparted by the non-conductive coatings of the present invention, the robustness of RAM coating compositions employing conventional quantities of ferromagnetic filler is improved. Further, the non-conductive coatings of the present invention allow the use of higher loadings of ferromagnetic particles in RAM coating compositions, without inducing the conductivity issues normally encountered at comparable loadings of conventional ferromagnetic particles. The ferromagnetic particles of the present invention are further characterized by a uniform particle distribution and are produced without the need for additional grinding processes. This is particularly advantageous because it preserves the shape of the core particle. Thus, coated particles of the present invention may be provided in a variety of useful shapes, such as spheres, flakes, and fibers.
In one particularly advantageous embodiment, a coated particle capable of withstanding corrosive environments is provided which comprises a core formed from one or more layers of ferromagnetic material surrounded by a protective shell formed from one or more layers of a non-conducting material. In this advantageous embodiment, the protective shell is deposited onto the outer surface area of the core such that the protective shell shields the core from oxidation and further forms a substantially continuous non-conducting layer. The core may be comprised of a variety of ferromagnetic materials, including iron, carbonyl iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The protective shell may likewise be comprised of a variety of non-conducting materials, e.g. materials having a resistivity of grater than 2500 ohm-cm, including silicon, silicon oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide, and mixtures thereof. Further, in advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the particulate core is substantially free of the non-conducting material that forms the protective shell, thereby providing a coated ferromagnetic particle whose shielding properties are comparable to an uncoated particle formed from the same ferromagnetic material. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the protective shell has a thickness ranging from about 0.05 to about 20 microns. Coating compositions incorporating the coated particle of the present invention are also provided.
In additional advantageous aspects, the protective coating may be applied to the ferromagnetic particles of the present invention using a retort mounted about a generally horizontal axis of rotation. In such an advantageous embodiment, the retort is partially filled by placing a sufficient quantity of ferromagnetic particles into the empty retort, which is subsequently placed under vacuum. Following evacuation of the retort, a gaseous composition comprising one or more active elements to be deposited onto the surface of the ferromagnetic particles is introduced into the retort. In one preferred embodiment, the active elements contained within the gaseous composition are selected from the group consisting of silicon, chromium, aluminum, and oxygen. The use of a combination of silicon and oxygen as active elements is particularly advantageous because the silicon dioxide coating produced by such a combination has a low dielectric constant. Gases containing a combination of silicon and oxygen may be derived from, for example, silanes such as triethoxysilane, trimethoxysilane, and the like. Alternatively, in an additional beneficial embodiment, a further chemical treatment, such as an oxidation step or other chemical sealing step, may be applied to the coated particles to provide the desired continuous non-conductive coating. During and subsequent to introduction of the gaseous composition, the retort is rotated at a speed sufficient to fluidize the ferromagnetic particles and the temperature within the retort is elevated sufficiently to effect the deposition of the active element onto the ferromagnetic particles.
The present invention thus provides ferromagnetic particles coated with a protective shell. The protective shell is non-conductive, and thus provides insulative properties to the particle. In addition, the protective shell may impart corrosion resistance to the coated particle, without sacrifice to its radar shielding properties. The present invention further provides methods by which such coated ferromagnetic particles are formed.
Further understanding of the processes and systems of the present invention will be understood with reference to the brief description of the drawings and detailed description which follows herein.

Chemically modified radar absorbing materials and an associated fabrication method