Inferring building metadata from distributed sensors is described. In an embodiment multiple sensors are situated at various locations in a building detecting physical quantities (e.g. light, heat, motion). The data from at least one sensor is analyzed in order to detect events occurring in proximity to the sensor. Data about an event detected at a first sensor is compared with events detected at other sensors in order to identify correlated events from which connections between the sensor locations can be inferred and a building layout generated. In some embodiments a threshold may be applied to the data in order to filter out false events. In some embodiments the building layout may be used as part of a building control system. In some embodiments the sensor data may be used to determine if the sensor has been moved.

There are many reasons why users may want to locate sensors around a building, for example, to control the temperature or lighting of one or more rooms. In some examples, the control may be implemented within a room, e.g. a motion sensor in a room linked to the lights within the same room. In other examples there may be a number of sensors placed around the building and monitoring one or more parameters where the sensor data is transmitted to a central controller and can be used for central control of devices e.g. for security or fire alarm systems.
Where multiple sensors are used around a building, the controller requires significant amounts of information about the location and orientation of the sensors, the building floor plan, etc in order to accurately function. Entry of this data is time consuming and prone to human error and will become out of date if sensors are moved or new sensors added.
The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations which solve any or all of the disadvantages of known distributed sensor networks.


Organo(poly)siloxanes composed of units of the formula [R.sub.a R.sup.1.sub.3-a SiO.sub.1/2 ], [R.sub.b R.sup.1.sub.2-b SiO.sub.2/2 ] and [R.sup.1 SiO.sub.3/2 ], in which R can be the same or different and represents a monovalent organic radical which is free from aliphatic carbon-carbon multiple bonding, R.sup.1 can be the same or different and represents a monovalent organic radical which has at least one aliphatic carbon-carbon multiple bond, a is 0, 1 or 2 and b is 0 or 1.

Alkenyl group-containing organo(poly)siloxanes have already been disclosed. For example, DE-B-1 023 463 (Union Carbide Corp., published Jan. 30, 1958), DE-A-24 55 502 (General Electric Co., published Jul. 3, 1975) and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 3,846,464 (issued Nov. 5, 1974) disclose cyclic siloxanes which have a SiC-bonded vinyl group on each silicon atom. Straight-chain methylvinylsiloxanes are described in DE-B-1 011 147 (General Electric Co., published Jun. 27, 1957) and DE-A-1 745 342 (Rhone-Poulenc S. A., published Nov. 18, 1971) and the corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 3,498,945, issued Mar. 3, 1970. In addition, the preparation of vinyl-containing organopolysiloxane resins by hydrolysis of vinyltriacetoxylsilane is disclosed in GB-A-752 371 (Dow Corning Ltd., published Jul. 11, 1956).
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide organo(poly)siloxanes having at least one carbon-carbon multiple bond linked to each silicon atom Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing organo(poly)siloxanes having at least one carbon-carbon multiple bond linked to each silicon atom.


Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media that may be used to provide an adaptive user interface with a reduced data transmission payload are provided. One method includes identifying a plurality of data files available for transmission to a client device, each of the plurality of data files transmitted as a set of data packets having a payload comprising an amount of data, each of the plurality of data files having different payloads and causing the client device to display a respective user interface component within a user interface on the client device. The method further includes determining a property of the client device and/or a user associated with the client device and selecting a data file from among the plurality of data files in response to the property. The method further includes causing the selected data file to be transmitted to the client device.

It is sometimes desirable to provide an enhanced interface to users that can provide an improved user experience. However, data items for implementing such an improved interface often utilize a larger payload, or amount of transmitted data, than other data items that do not include the enhanced features. When scaled over the transmission of a large number of data items to various devices over communication networks, the total increased payload can be substantial. Thus, indiscriminately transmitting the larger data items to all users reduces available bandwidth on the network and adversely impacts network efficiency. Additionally, the increased data transmitted to client devices on the network requires and uses computing resources (e.g., memory resources) on the client devices.

Adaptive user interface with reduced payload


An assembly for ensuring a correct lateral positioning of an elongated material conveyed along a feeder system and prior to a forming operation. The elongated material is fed from such as an unreeling coil and includes first and second lateral edges. First and second bodies are located along the feeder system and in communication with at least one of the lateral edges associated with the elongated material. Each of the bodies includes a fixed component secured to a rail extending laterally above the feeder system. A laterally displaceable component is biasingly secured to the fixed component and includes a roller in communication with a selected lateral edge of the elongated material. The bodies are laterally displaced, upon misalignment of the elongated material relative to the biasingly engaged roller. A sensor associated with each of the bodies causes an alarm signal to be issued to a processor, indicating the misalignment condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to alarm and shutdown mechanisms in use with progressive die machines and the like. In particular, the present invention discloses a slide adjustable assembly, typically mounted at both of opposing side edges of a feeder system and corresponding in placement with a widthwise feed direction of an elongated band, such as of steel, within the feeder system. The slide assembly detects lateral misalignment of the traveling steel band, such as is progressively unwound from a large coil, and warns an operator and/or automatically shuts down a progressive die operation, in order to prevent the incidence of scrap resulting from incorrect pre-positioning of the steel within the die.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art is documented with examples of apparatuses for determining misalignment of a workpiece being fed into a machine. Among these in particular are mechanisms for monitoring a correct feed of an elongated, or strip, article into a designated type of bending, stamping, forming or other conventional machinery.
Ogawa, U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,279, teaches a control method for strip travel during a rolling process. Of note, a lateral position measuring device is disclosed and which detects the lateral position of the rolled work. The lateral position of the rolled work at the position of the rolled work tension measuring device is detected directly or estimated from an output of the lateral position measuring device.
Linsenbardt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,945, teaches a billet deforming (opening) apparatus positioned prior to a die. The metal from each billet merges in the die opening and exits in the form of a slit tube. The tube is then opened and flattened to form a flat strip by advancing the slit tube over a forming member having a progressively increasing width. An alignment system maintains the tube in a centered position and includes a light source disposed within the tube and two arrays of photo transistors arranged to receive light from the light source. Of note, Linsenbardt teaches that the amount of light sensed by each array is a function of the position of the slit in the tube relative to a desired position. Any difference noted results in a steering roll which is in contact with the outer surface of the tube, and which is pivoted in a direction which will bring the tube back into alignment.
Narishima, U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,284, teaches a method of guiding a strip of material, e.g. steel, between a pair of spaced guide members, through pinch rolls and optionally on to a winder to be coiled. When the strip passes the upstream end of the guide members, the members are moved inwardly to narrow the gap between them to a predetermined size greater than the width of the strip and, when the leading end of the strip enters the pinch rolls, in a further stage, the members move together to further narrow the gap between them. Of note, the second stage may be governed in response to the output from sensors which detect the width of the strip and the position of its center. In this manner, the positions of the guide members may be continuously varied to accommodate the varying width of the strip and to produce a coil having a uniformly wound portion affording a flat surface.
Kawai, U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,173, teaches a method for controlling a web feeding device comprising a pair of center blocks, disposed upon predetermined movable members so as to oppose each other with their axis being aligned, to perform loading and unloading of a web roll by moving closer to or farther away from each other. A lifter is disposed adjacent to the movable members and vertically driven so as to elevate the web roll loaded thereon. Of note, a sensor detects alignment of the pair of center blocks with the core tube of the web roll, the alignment of which is detected by the sensor so as to instantaneously stop the ascending motion of the lifter.
Japanese Publication JP2000254721 teaches a device with conveying table rollers for conveying a steel sheet in a longitudinal direction. Included is a means for moving the steel sheet in a width direction and which includes movable stoppers installed in the longitudinal direction of the steel sheet and movable in the width direction by individual controllers.
Japanese Publication JP55149030 teaches a strip plate detection device which includes gap sensors for shape detection. Of note, the roller and respective sensors change according to the distribution of the tension in the width direction and the detection signals of the spacing changes are input from the sensors to an operator, by which the true tension distribution value after the correction of the deflection of a shaft is obtained.
Finally, EP 0 086 270 to Krauth teaches a device for controlling the run-off of a continuously drawn web, such as in particular a web of sheeting, textile fabric, or knitted fabric with a fluctuating web width. Krauth includes a turning mechanism, which may be driven with a movement correcting the run-off and with a signal emitting sensor located at each lateral edge. The sensors are mounted at their respective interspacing for synchronous adjustment transversely to the direction of the web run-off. A change in distance between the sensors results is indicated by signals emitted by each, the superimposition of which results in a corrected signal being issued to the (drive) turning mechanism.

Slide adjustable assembly for monitoring widthwise travel of an uncoiling steel band through a feeder system associated with a progressive die


A virtual-reality system provides a full-body, digitally programmed, kinesthetic display in the form of a foot-haptic system incorporating a pair of footpads, one associated with each foot of a user, and a multi-axis electromechanical interface responsive to user position and orientation. A computer, in communication with the electromechanical interface, permits the user to interact with a virtual terrain, vertical features, or other users. In a preferred physical realization, the system includes three major components: a locomotion simulator, a ground plane 104, and a vertical feature emulator. A head-mounted display provides all visual clues. The system may be operated in a first mode of operation, wherein the user's feet and the footpads remain in constant contact with each other, or an alternative mode of operation, wherein the user makes and breaks contact with the footpads in a cyclical manner.

The basic function of a locomotion simulation device is to apply forces to an operator's body without having the body move. This allows the system to present the illusion of motion activities while maintaining a net body acceleration of zero. Another function is to take energy out of the operator This should be done in a manner that extracts a realistic amount of energy (as compared to performing the task in a real, as opposed to a virtual, environment). For training applications, there is an additional requirement that the activity is performed so as to realize positive training transfer. A preferred implementation might also include the following activities: moving naturally, moving across large areas, simulating ground features, simulating terrain features, climbing stairs, moving with assured safety, assuming alternative postures, climbing over/through obstacles, manipulating gear and interacting with vertical features.
Given these sets of requirements, there exists three categories of devices that can be employed for locomotion simulation: treadmills, whole-body exoskeletons and foot-haptic devices. The approach described herein is the foot-haptic approach, since the other approaches have significant shortcomings which limit their viability.
The selection analysis presented can be succinctly summarized, as shown in Table 1, below:
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Ability to Satisfy System Ease of Type of Device Requirement Implementation ______________________________________ Treadmill Low High Foot Haptic Medium Medium Exoskeleton High Low ______________________________________
Treadmill concepts, for instance, lack the ability to simulate terrain and ground features. Since it is difficult to modulate the surface of the treadmill, they cannot exert a downward force on the soldiers feet, and the presentation of terrain features, such as stairs, is problematical. Treadmills are also not as adept at presenting vertical features to the operator, as compared to the exoskeleton and foot-haptic approaches. The primary reasons for this is that the exact location of the operator is not known precisely, thus increasing the risk of accidentally impacting the operator. Also, the distance the vertical features need to be moved in order to be brought into position is typically large, thus higher speeds would be required to move them into place in a given period of time.
The ability to support on-ground activities, such as crawling and rolling is limited by two factors: the size of the available surface, and safety considerations. The foot-haptic display does not support rolling as well as treadmills because the available surface is somewhat limited. However, since rolling is typically not carried out for an extended period under most conceivable scenarios, this is not a significant limitation. Although treadmills would seem to excel at providing this capability, certain designs are inadequate due to high force and mechanical closing gaps that pose a considerable risk of injury to the operator during on-ground activities.
Certain treadmill concepts are also excessively expensive, while others do not satisfy certain safety criteria, such as minimizing kinetic energies and closing gaps. Other concepts impart unwanted high-speed motion to the operator, possibly causing motion sickness and certainly not modeling reality. Certain treadmill designs require a very large area, on the order of 30 meters in diameter. A number of concepts are also technically unfeasible, due to material limitations, high power requirements, and other factors.
One device that comes close to satisfying the requirements for a whole-body kinesthetic display is a gimbal-mounted exoskeleton. However, such a device cannot be currently manufactured due to certain fundamental limitations (such as motor power to weight ratios) and certain programmatic considerations. For these reasons, no device of this complexity has ever been built and/or controlled). While it may be possible build and control such devices in the future, they would certainly be very costly, due to the high number of actuated degrees of freedom required. There are also safety concerns, since many of the actuators would need to be capable of suspending the mass of the body within the gimbal, which implies that they would be equally capable of exerting sufficient force to injure the operator.


The present invention is a container rack that locks down the containers to prevent shock and vibration damage to the containers. The device consists of a rack structure, a trombone means which is used to pull the containers forward, a lock down means to hold the containers in place and a closing means which is used to close the lock down means in place.

This invention relates to a method and a device for locking down containers/cargo and more particular the locking down of containers for safer transporting.
1. Background
There is a large demand for bottled water with an increased concern about the purity and potability of municipally provided water supplies. The commercially provided bottled water is said to be purer and better tasting than what comes out of the tap.
Drinking beverages, such as spring water and others, is typically sold commercially in a plurality of different bottle sizes. An economical way to sell bottled water is to put it in large containers of 5 gallons or more.
The most common type of commercially available bottled water dispensers are of an inverted bottle type construction wherein the bottle is turned upside down into an open receptacle or well which is on top of the cooler dispenser. The most common bottle receptacle of these re-usable polymeric bottles is a standard 5-gallon plastic jug having a narrow mouth and a flat bottom portion. These 5-gallon jugs have two or more annular rims extending outwardly from the bottle side wall to facilitate carrying of the jugs and to provide rolling surfaces when the jugs are rolled on their sides. Such size gallon bottled water containers are commercially available from a number of sources and are typically returned by the user when the water has been consumed there from. The jugs must be transported to and from the filling plant and are typically sterilized before refilling.
These bottled water jugs are normally delivered by delivery trucks. These trucks have a rack that places them horizontally. This horizontal position facilitates movement and storage of the container while on the delivery truck.
At the top of the list of every major analysis of bottle mortality is transit damage in racks. The shock and vibration during over the road transportation cause both hairline and catastrophic damage to full bottles. Many routes have such poor roads (and the resulting elevated damage and claims) that they are financially untenable for bottling companies and service is not offered.
Bottle designers have traditionally been restricted in the features used in water bottles because convenience features reduce bottle life. Designs that do not maintain a continuous round perimeter, i.e. handled bottles, are structurally unable to dissipate the dynamic stresses of the rack and the bottles crack or break near the handle.
During delivery, the driver is most vulnerable when unloading bottles from the upper tiers of the rack. Full bottles weigh upwards of 40 lbs., and reaching to the back cavity of the rack requires pulling a full bottle forward and assuming the weight while in a vulnerable position. At elevated heights, the opportunity to lose balance, lose control of the bottle or even drop it from 10 feet or more increases dramatically.
There is still room for improvement in the art.

Container/cargo rack with integrated lock down and indexing slide


A method of producing a digital image with improved performance characteristics including capturing at least two photographic film images of a scene and digitizing the at least two photographic film images of a scene. The method further includes combining and processing the at least two digitized photographic film images to produce another digital image with improved performance characteristics.

It is well known to use a camera with photographic film to capture a photographic record of a scene. Films can be designed to capture a black and white (B&W) record, capture a full color (separate red, green and blue light sensitive records), or capture a special purpose light sensitive record (such as XRAYS, infrared, etc.).
It is also well known that multiple records of the same scene can be captured on photographic film, or any other light sensitive image capturing media, and then subsequently combined to achieve improved performance characteristics. Early experiments with color photography were done with color separations. Examples of commercial applications of combining color separations include the technicolor motion picture process (described in The History of Movie Photography by Brian Coe, pp. 133). This process featured the simultaneous capture of multiple images, through a single lens pointing to the scene, to produce color separations. These color separations are formed by passing the light from this single lens through a subsequent image beam splitter that divides the light into separate red, green, and blue components. Advantages of this system are that a full color image can be recorded on non-color discriminating (such as B&W) film. Disadvantages are a bulky camera resulting from the addition of a beam splitter and numerous alignment problems that occur both during the capture step and in the subsequent combining and printing of the color separations required to produce a full color image for display.
Furthermore, it is also well known that multiple images can be captured through multiple lenses. A well known example of multiple images captured simultaneously through multiple lenses is stereo photography wherein a three dimensional representation of the scene can be rendered on display from at least two images purposefully taken from slightly different angles of view in order to emulate, in the display, the slightly different views that are seen by humans. Examples of such a stereo camera include the Kodak Stereo Realist camera. An example of a simultaneous two image capture lens camera (a non-stereo application) is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,509.
More recently, there have been various cameras introduced that feature multiple images captured, purposefully in a non-simultaneous manner, through multiple lenses. These systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,792, are designed to produce a temporal sequence of events representation of a scene, frequently being using to capture various time segments of a motion action.
With both of the above-mentioned systems featuring multiple images captured through multiple lenses, combining images to produce improved performance characteristics is difficult owing to the fact that these images are captured through different lenses that have a slightly different view of the scene. The images arc not fully identical and therefore, in general, can not be optically combined without errors. Indeed it is these very view differences that provide the depth information required to render the three dimensional display for the above-mentioned stereo camera.
Combining images to produce improved performance characteristics is also well known. The above-mention technicolor process requires image combination to process a color image from three black and white color separation images. Furthermore, it is well known that multiple records of the same scene can be combined to produce an images with improved performance characteristics. An example of this is the combination of two photographs of the same scene which are sequentially optically printed on to the same projected area of photographic paper. As the scene information is correlated and the noise of photographic grain is not correlated between the two images, the resulting combined image from this sequential optical printing process is one with reduced photographic noise or grain. In general, the noise can be reduced, using this method, by a factor of the square root of the number of same scene images sequentially printed on to the same projected area of photographic paper.
Most recently a system has been described, Kokai Patent Application No. HEI 7[1995]-336590, wherein a plurality of images have been formed onto a single frame of photographic film. By making many smaller images, it is possible to reduce the focal length of the lens and therefore provide a thinner camera. Reducing the lens focal length to reduce both image and camera size is featured in Kodak Disc film cameras and subminiature cameras, such as those introduced by Minox Corporation in the late 1930's. The above mentioned Kokai discloses a camera wherein multiple images are "almost simultaneously exposed on film." It further discloses both the digital and optical combination of these multiple images to produce an image with improved performance characteristics. However, as these images are captured through multiple lenses, each pointing to the scene, these images will not have recorded the same view of the scene. The differences amongst these multiple images are particularly apparent with scenes that feature objects at different relative distances from the camera. As noted above, these differences, also known as parallax errors, provide the depth information required to render the three dimensional display for the above-mentioned stereo camera. In addition, almost simultaneously exposing images on film will, unfortunately, yield additional differences owing to scene object movement amongst the multiple images. Another problem with non-simultaneous exposure is that given its very short time duration, a single electronic strobe flash cannot be used to illuminate the scene. Therefore, in the above-mentioned teaching of optical printing of images from such a multiple lens camera, improved performance only results when the scene objects were at the same relative distant point from the camera and were not in motion.
Through improved camera design it is possible to overcome one of the above mentioned problems. It is well known that it is possible to simultaneously capture multiple images through multiple lenses each pointing to the scene and producing a separate record of the scene. This can be achieved, for example, by utilizing a multiple lens camera, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,291 with a multiple lens shuttering means, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,504. The above referenced two lens camera, U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,509, also features simultaneous multiple lens scene capture.
The above-mentioned parallax problem resulting from having simultaneously captured multiple images formed from multiple lenses, each pointing to the scene, remains a problem, particularly for scenes where the scene objects are not at the same distance from the camera. The above-mentioned Kokai teaches a method to allow combination of some of the multiple images in order to produce a digital image with improved performance characteristics. The method disclosed is one wherein the multiple images of the scene are selected (based on analyzing the digitized data) and digitally combined to produce a digital image with improved performance characteristics. In order to address the problem resulting from parallax, they further teach averaging (a form of combining) "after microimages that have a level of correlation that is below a reference level have been extracted." A problem with this method of combination is that where the scene objects are at different distances from the camera, the resulting parallax errors can result in many or even all of the additional microimages, available for combination, being extracted and not utilized, therefore leaving the resulting "reaveraged" (combined) image having little or even no improved performance characteristics.

Method of producing digital image with improved performance characteristic


A generator for a wind turbine is disclosed. The generator comprises a rotor configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator arranged next to the rotor. Each stator comprises at least one flux-generating module facing the rotor but spaced therefrom, thereby forming an air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Each stator also comprises at least one bearing unit, each bearing unit comprising a body defining a cavity with an open end facing the rotor. The generator further comprises a source of pressurized fluid communicating with each bearing unit, and the body of each bearing unit directs the fluid towards the rotor to help maintain the air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Thereby the air gap between the rotor and the flux-generating modules is controlled by means of the fluid bearing units. The invention further provides a wind turbine comprising such a generator.

Generators normally comprise a rotor and a stator, the rotor being arranged rotatably relative to the stator with a small air gap there between. It is necessary to achieve and maintain a high precision in the air gap between the rotor and the stator since the air gap, also for very large generators, has to be quite small, and generally only a few millimetres. To this end the rotor and the stator have previously been designed very rigid and heavy.
Some manufacturers have attempted to overcome these design challenges by mounting roller elements to the stator. The roller elements help maintain the air gap so that the rotor and stator do not need to be as rigid and heavy. Despite these solutions, there remains significant room for improvement.

Wind turbine generator with fluid film bearing units


An image processing apparatus and method for analyzing a digital image and automatically generating a visually attractive frame for the image. A data set for the image is analyzed, preferably in color space, to determine one or more image components representing dominant colors in the image. The components are characterized individually, and then these individual component characterizations are used to characterize the image overall. Based on the overall image characteristics, the framing scheme parameters are determined and used in turn to generate the attributes of a visually attractive frame for the image. A data set for the framed image is then generated, which may be sent to an imaging device for display or printing, or simply stored as a new data set for later use. The user has the ability to modify the rules that determine the framing scheme parameters so as to adjust the framed image if desired.

In recent times, digital cameras capable of taking a digital photograph of a scene and recording a corresponding digital image file have come into widespread usage. The quality of such cameras has recently improved to the point where they are capable of capturing digital images with sufficiently high resolution and colorfulness that good quality digital photographic prints up to an 8 inch by 10 inch size, or even larger, can now be made when the digital image file is printed on a photographic-quality computer printer. In addition to digital cameras, scanners or multifunction printers can also generate digital image files of similar or better resolution by optically scanning a traditional photographic print.
Photographic prints are frequently intended for mounting in a picture frame. Typical plastic or wooden frames serve to provide a border around the print. The border can range from narrow to wide, and from simple to ornate. Frames typically also provide a transparent covering, typically glass or clear plastic, over the print. Before (or sometimes instead of) framing, some prints are matted, typically with one or more colored cardboard mats.
Picture frames of a given size come in a range of prices, with higher quality or more ornate frames typically being more expensive. Because of the border provided by the mat, a matted print needs a larger size frame than would be needed for the unmatted print. The mat boards themselves are an added cost. In addition, while pre-cut mat boards are available for standard-size prints (eg. 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, etc.), mat boards for either odd-size frames or odd-size prints must typically be cut by the user.
Since matted and framed prints are typically intended to be wall-mounted and displayed, for example, in a home or office, it is important that the combination of frame, mat, and print be a visually pleasing one. It is thus necessary for a person to choose a frame and mat having the proper colors to achieve such a visually pleasing result.
The cost and time involved with shopping for the proper frame, mat board, or both can be considerable. Also, determining which color frame and mat(s) will provide an aesthetically pleasing result can be confusing and/or time-consuming. In some cases, the ideal color or pattern may not be available at all.
Some computer graphics programs provide a predefined set of "digital frames" that can be combined with digital images prior to printing. Typically a variety of border styles and colors are provided for the user to select from. While such a program may reduce shopping time and cost associated with framing, it is still left up to the user to determine what color and style of border will provide a visually pleasing result. Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved image processing apparatus and method that frames a digital image in a visually pleasing manner without undue effort on the part of the user.

Automatic generation of frames for digital images

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A superstructure of a folding apparatus for feeding at least two webs of flat material to a cylinder unit of the folding apparatus. The superstructure including at least two take-off roller assemblies, each take-off roller assembly including a corresponding take-off roller rotatably mounted on the superstructure. At least one mantling is provided for mounting on an outer surface of each take-off roller in order to adjust a diameter of the corresponding take-off roller assembly. A drive assembly is provided for driving the at least two take-off roller assemblies, each of the at least two take-off roller assemblies having a respective circumferential velocity which is a function of the adjusted diameter of the take-off roller assembly.

Folding apparatuses are used in conjunction with rotary printing presses in order to fold webs (or ribbons) of printed material. Generally, a full width web of material is cut longitudinally into a number of ribbons by a slitter mechanism prior to folding in the folder apparatus. However, for purposes of this application, the term web encompasses the term ribbon as well.
A folding apparatus is generally coupled to one or more rotary printing presses. Each folding apparatus generally includes a superstructure through which two or more webs of flat printed material are passed before they reach a cylinder unit of the folding apparatus. The superstructure includes a take-off roller corresponding to each web for driving the webs into the cylinders of the folding apparatus. A problem which frequently arises is that the circumferential velocities at which the various take-off rollers must be driven are often different from one another.
Varying circumferential velocities are necessary in order to achieve an identical transport speed of the various webs. For example, it may be necessary to ensure that a predetermined position on the imprint of one web arrives at a cutting device at the same time that the imprint of another web arrives at that cutting device. The necessity for different circumferential velocities of the take-off rollers results, for example, from the different web lengths within a turning rod section of the folder or between a turning rod and a related take-off roller, and from the different tension conditions of the various webs which result from this.
The necessity for different circumferential velocities also results from the so-called radius effect, which occurs if several webs are passed over a single roller, i.e. one above the other. In this case, the webs which are passed over the outside of the roller (e.g. the outermost web) are pulled off more rapidly than the ones which pass over the inside of the roller (i.e. the web which directly contacts the roller), because of their greater distance from the center of the roller. If the webs which are passed further to the outside are now passed to the inside on a subsequent roller, in other words at a slower web velocity in comparison with the preceding roller, wrinkles and other undesirable irregularities of the web product can occur. In order to compensate for such radius effects, the circumferential speed of the subsequent roller is increased by utilizing complicated control mechanisms.
In addition to the technical effort of providing a separate control for each drive roller of a large drive roller assembly, adjustment and monitoring of the circumferential velocity of a large number of rollers can easily overburden the operating personnel. While it is possible to use step-down gears, or separate drives which allow precise velocity adjustment, these devices are cost-intensive and require careful installation. Such devices can also reduce the operational reliability of the system because they have a tendency to break-down.

Folding apparatus superstructure with replaceable mantlings for velocity adjustment


A liquid crystal display device capable of reducing a disclination region generated when an alignment layer is not normally rubbed due to physical interference between a pattern spacer formed on a substrate and fibers of a rubbing cloth in a rubbing process and a rubbing and fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel having two bonded substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween, alignment layers formed on the two substrates to align liquid crystal molecules in a predetermined direction, and a pattern spacer formed on any one substrate to maintain a distance between the substrates. The alignment layers are rubbed by a rubbing cloth having fibers inclined in a left or right direction with respect to a perpendicular direction of a rotation shaft of a rubbing roll, and the pattern spacer has an inclined surface parallel to the fibers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of rubbing an alignment layer of a liquid crystal display device capable of solving a problem that the alignment layer is not normally rubbed due to interference between a pattern spacer formed on a substrate and a rubbing cloth in a rubbing process.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The present invention relates to a rubbing method, and more particularly to a rubbing method capable of minimizing interference between a pattern spacer formed on a substrate and a rubbing cloth in a rubbing process.
Further, the present invention relates to a rubbing method, and more particularly to a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device using the rubbing method and a liquid crystal display device formed thereby. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of improving display quality by reducing a disclination region generated by height difference of the pattern spacer and a method of fabricating the same.
As an information-oriented society has been developed, various flat panel display devices are widely used instead of conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) to display visual information.
The flat panel display devices include a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display device (FED), a liquid crystal display device (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) and the like. Among those flat panel display devices, the LCD, which is widely used in various fields such as display screens of a mobile phone and a computer monitor and a display screen of a large-sized TV, is the most representative flat panel display device.
The liquid crystal display device produces an image using liquid crystal molecules having an intermediate property between a liquid phase having fluidity and a solid phase having a crystal state.
That is, the LCD produces a desired image by varying an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules according to the electric field to adjust light transmittance using anisotropy of the liquid crystal molecules in which an optical property and a dielectric constant are different according to minor and major axes.
Hereinafter, a conventional liquid crystal display device will be described in detail.
The conventional liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel formed of two substrates facing each other and bonded to each other while a liquid crystal layer is interposed therebetween.
The two substrates may include, for example, a color filter substrate and a thin film transistor substrate. A distance between the two substrates is maintained by a pattern spacer.
In a case shown in FIG. 1A, the pattern spacer is formed on the color filter substrate.
As shown in FIG. 1A, a substrate 100 includes a black matrix 110 arranged in a matrix on the substrate 100 to define pixel regions and color filters 120 formed on the pixel regions.
The pattern spacer is spaced from a neighboring pattern spacer of the black matrix by a specific distance.
The black matrix serves to prevent light from being transmitted through a region excluding the pixel regions in which the liquid crystal is normally operated. The black matrix may be formed of metal such as chromium or a double film of a chromium/chromium oxide film. Also, the black matrix may be formed of polymeric resin.
The pattern spacer may be formed of, for example, negative photoresist. As shown in FIG. 1B, the pattern spacer is formed in a circular, octagonal, or square shape.
Meanwhile, the liquid crystal molecules should be aligned in a predetermined direction to normally operate the liquid crystal interposed between the two substrates.
For this, after alignment layers are formed on the two substrates, a rubbing process is performed on the alignment layers to align the liquid crystal molecules.
FIG. 2 illustrates a rubbing process.
As shown in FIG. 2, a rubbing roll 310 wrapped with a rubbing cloth 330 is rotated around a central shaft 320. While the rubbing roll moves toward a substrate having an alignment layer (not shown), fibers 340 implanted into the rubbing cloth are in contact with the alignment layer to perform a rubbing process.
That is, the fibers of the rubbing cloth form microgrooves in the alignment layer. Side chains extended from a polymeric main chain forming the alignment layer are arranged in one direction along the microgrooves. The liquid crystal molecules are arranged in one direction along the side chains of the alignment layer.
Further, the substrate may move toward the rubbing roll without movement of the rubbing roll. The rubbing roll and the substrate may move simultaneously to perform a rubbing process.
However, during the rubbing process, the patterns having height difference formed on the substrate physically interfere with the fibers of the rubbing cloth. The physical interference causes difficulty when the alignment layer aligns the liquid crystal molecules.
When there is physical interference between the rubbing cloth and the various patterns, the alignment layer is not sufficiently rubbed, thereby reducing an alignment capability of the alignment layer which aligns the liquid crystal molecules. Accordingly, a disclination region, in which the liquid crystal is not normally operated, increases to reduce a contrast ratio.
FIGS. 3A to 3C are photographs obtained by observing a color filter substrate using a polarization microscope after a liquid crystal panel including a color filter substrate and a thin film transistor array substrate is completed and divided.
As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, in a region where the rubbing process is normally performed, the liquid crystal molecules are normally aligned to maintain a full black state. On the other hand, in a region where the rubbing process is not normally performed, the liquid crystal molecules may be not normally aligned as indicated by circles.
The region where the rubbing process is not normally performed seems to be brighter than other regions on the black screen due to a light leakage phenomenon.
Particularly, among various patterns having height difference, the pattern spacer for maintaining a cell gap between two substrates is relatively higher than other patterns. Accordingly, the interference between the pattern spacer and the rubbing cloth becomes a main factor which reduces an alignment capability of the alignment layer.

Rubbing method, method of fabricating liquid crystal display device using the same, and liquid crystal display device manufactured thereby


A mobile device receives wireless network information from a MIIS (Media Independent Information Server), and builds its own database of existing networks with their associated characteristics, appropriately mapped with GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) coordinates or other appropriate form of geographical location identifying information. Consequently, the mobile device becomes “smart” over time through the learning process of first attempting to utilize its own developed database and, only if such database information falls short, making a remote query to a MIIS to get required information for session continuity and performing handovers. The mobile device may store the information received from the MIIS in its own local database together with a time-stamp. Each time the mobile device needs to get updated or new information, it sends a request to the MIIS along with the time-stamp appended to the request. In this way, the mobile device is sent only the information that it does not already have stored in its database.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates generally to wireless networking, and more particularly to systems and methods for supporting the seamless handoff or transfer of mobile devices across different network access points of homogeneous or heterogeneous wireless networks, whereby such mobile devices may connect to different wireless networks and/or wireless network access points as needed to maintain session continuity.
2. General Background Discussion
Internet Protocol
IP is a connectionless protocol. The connection between end points during a communication is not continuous. When a user sends or receives data or messages, the data or messages are divided into components known as packets. Every packet is treated as an independent unit of data.
In order to standardize the transmission between points over the Internet or the like networks, an OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model was established. The OSI model separates the communications processes between two points in a network into seven stacked layers, with each layer adding its own set of functions. Each device handles a message so that there is a downward flow through each layer at a sending end point and an upward flow through the layers at a receiving end point. The programming and/or hardware that provides the seven layers of function is typically a combination of device operating systems, application software, TCP/IP and/or other transport and network protocols, and other software and hardware.
Typically, the top four layers are used when a message passes from or to a user and the bottom three layers are used when a message passes through a device (e.g., an IP host device). An IP host is any device on the network that is capable of transmitting and receiving IP packets, such as a server, a router or a workstation. Messages destined for some other host are not passed up to the upper layers but are forwarded to the other host. In the OSI and other similar models, IP is in Layer-3, the network layer. The layers of the OSI model are listed below.
Layer 7 (i.e., the application layer) is a layer at which, e.g., communication partners are identified, quality of service is identified, user authentication and privacy are considered, constraints on data syntax are identified, etc.
Layer 6 (i.e., the presentation layer) is a layer that, e.g., converts incoming and outgoing data from one presentation format to another, etc.
Layer 5 (i.e., the session layer) is a layer that, e.g., sets up, coordinates, and terminates conversations, exchanges and dialogs between the applications, etc.
Layer-4 (i.e., the transport layer) is a layer that, e.g., manages end-to-end control and error-checking, etc.
Layer-3 (i.e., the network layer) is a layer that, e.g., handles routing and forwarding, etc.
Layer-2 (i.e., the data-link layer) is a layer that, e.g., provides synchronization for the physical level, does bit-stuffing and furnishes transmission protocol knowledge and management, etc. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) sub-divides the data-link layer into two further sub-layers, the MAC (Media Access Control) layer that controls the data transfer to and from the physical layer and the LLC (Logical Link Control) layer that interfaces with the network layer and interprets commands and performs error recovery.
Layer 1 (i.e., the physical layer) is a layer that, e.g., conveys the bit stream through the network at the physical level. The IEEE sub-divides the physical layer into the PLCP (Physical Layer Convergence Procedure) sub-layer and the PMD (Physical Medium Dependent) sub-layer.
Typically, layers higher than layer-2 (such as layers including the network layer or layer-3 in the OSI model and the like) are referred to as the higher-layers.
Wireless Networks
Wireless networks can incorporate a variety of types of mobile devices, such as cellular and wireless telephones, PCs (personal computers), laptop computers, wearable computers, cordless phones, pagers, headsets, printers, PDAs, etc. For example, mobile devices may include digital systems to secure fast wireless transmissions of voice and/or data.
Wireless LANs (WLANs) in which a mobile user can connect to a local area network (LAN) through a wireless connection may be employed for wireless communications. Wireless communications can include communications that propagate via electromagnetic waves, such as light, infrared, radio, microwave. There are a variety of different WLAN standards that currently exist, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, and HomeRF.
For example, Bluetooth products may be used to provide links between mobile computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other mobile devices and connectivity to the Internet. Bluetooth is a computing and telecommunications industry specification that details how mobile devices can easily interconnect with each other and with non-mobile devices using a short-range wireless connection. Bluetooth creates a digital wireless protocol to address end-user problems arising from the proliferation of various mobile devices that need to keep data synchronized and consistent from one device to another, thereby allowing equipment from different vendors to work seamlessly together. Bluetooth devices may be named according to a common naming concept. For example, a Bluetooth device may possess a Bluetooth Device Name (BDN) or a name associated with a unique Bluetooth Device Address (BDA). Bluetooth devices may also participate in an Internet Protocol (IP) network. If a Bluetooth device functions on an IP network, it may be provided with an IP address and an IP (network) name. Thus, a Bluetooth Device configured to participate on an IP network may contain, e.g., a BDN, a BDA, an IP address and an IP name. The term "IP name" refers to a name corresponding to an IP address of an interface.
Similarly, IEEE 802.11 specifies technologies for wireless LANs and devices. Using 802.11, wireless networking may be accomplished with each single base station supporting several devices. In some examples, devices may come pre-equipped with wireless hardware or a user may install a separate piece of hardware, such as a card, that may include an antenna. By way of example, devices used in 802.11 typically include three notable elements, whether or not the device is an access point (AP), a mobile station (STA), a bridge, a PCMCIA card or another device: a radio transceiver; an antenna; and a MAC (Media Access Control) layer that controls packet flow between points in a network.
Wireless networks also may involve methods and protocols found in Mobile IP (Internet Protocol) systems, in PCS systems, and in other mobile network systems. With respect to Mobile IP, this involves a standard communications protocol created by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). With Mobile IP, mobile device users may move across networks while maintaining their IP Address assigned once. See Request for Comments (RFC) 3344. Mobile IP enhances Internet Protocol (IP) and adds means to forward Internet traffic to mobile devices when connecting outside their home network. Mobile IP assigns each mobile node a home address on its home network and a care-of-address (CoA) that identifies the current location of the device within a network and its subnets. When a device is moved to a different network, it receives a new care-of address. A mobility agent on the home network can associate each home address with its care-of address. The mobile node can send the home agent a binding update each time it changes its care-of address by using a protocol such as Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP).
In basic IP routing, routing mechanisms typically rely on the assumptions that each network node always has a constant attachment point to the Internet and that each node's IP address identifies the network link it is attached to. In this document, the terminology "node" includes a connection point, which can include a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions, and which can recognize, process and/or forward communications to other nodes. For example, Internet routers can look at an IP address prefix or the like identifying a device's network. Then, at a network level, routers can look at a set of bits identifying a particular subnet. Then, at a subnet level, routers can look at a set of bits identifying a particular device. With typical mobile IP communications, if a user disconnects a mobile device from the Internet and tries to reconnect it at a new subnet, then the device has to be reconfigured with a new IP address, a proper netmask and a default router. Otherwise, routing protocols would not be able to deliver the packets properly.
Handoffs of Mobile Devices
In the context of a mobile device with an IP-based wireless network interface, the mobile device needs to perform roaming or handoffs when it moves from one network to another network, or from one access point of a network to another, in order to maintain session continuity, thus making it imperative for a mobile device to find immediately an appropriate point of network attachment and remain connected to ensure session continuity. With existing handoff methodologies, handoff is typically accomplished by performing the following sequence of protocol layer specific handoffs:                First, handoff takes place at the physical layer. In this regard, the mobile device switches its radio channel to a wireless base station or wireless access point in the target network.        Second, handoff takes place at layer-2. In this regard, the mobile device switches its layer-2 (i.e., link-layer) connections to the target network. As explained above, the link layer or layer-2 refers to the protocol immediately below the IP-layer that carries user traffic. The mobile device performs layer-2 authentication with the target network if the target network requires such authentication.        Third, handoff takes place at the IP-layer. In this regard, the mobile device obtains a local IP address from the target network, performs IP-layer authentication if required by the target network, and then performs IP-layer location update so that IP packets destined to the mobile device can be routed by the IP network to the mobile device via the target network. In some instances, one way to support IP layer location update is to use Mobile IP defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).        Fourth, handoff takes place at the application-layer. The mobile device performs necessary steps at the application layer to ensure that its application traffic will flow correctly to the applications on the mobile device via the target network. For example, when the mobile device uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) defined by the IETF to manage its application-layer signaling, an application layer handoff can be achieved by the mobile device updating its current location with its home SIP server. The mobile device may also need to carry out application-layer authentication with the target network if required by the target network. This is the case, for example, when the mobile device is using the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) in a visited 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) wireless network, where the IMS is a SIP-based system supporting application-layer signaling and management for multimedia applications over 3GPP networks.
Media Independent Information Servers and Access Point/Network Handoffs
Network Discovery refers to the identification of an appropriate point of network attachment that meets the application requirements and the characteristics of the mobile device, in a timely, accurate and efficient manner. It is important for the mobile device to obtain this information before it becomes necessary to carry out a handoff or connectivity transfer operation. Network Discovery thus involves obtaining network information when a mobile device has IP connectivity. Network information is any information that is used by a mobile device for identifying networks, and seamlessly transitioning from one network connection to another. The network connections may be homogeneous (e.g., access points belonging to the same network) or heterogeneous (e.g., access points belonging to different networks). With the proliferation of wireless network service providers, seamless handover across heterogeneous networks is becoming as important as handover between homogeneous networks. However, heterogeneous handover requires the following key capabilities:                Real-Time Information Availability: To discover the most recent and accurate information of various network elements of available networks as that information becomes available.        Quick Network Discovery: To discover the existence of available networks and information regarding the networks to which the mobile device may connect in a handover operation.        Quick Selection of Candidate Networks: To quickly select one network that the mobile device will prefer to use, when multiple networks are available at the same time.        Proactive Handover Actions: To perform required handover actions before the mobile device is actually handed over to a target network to reduce delay and possible session discontinuity. For example, the mobile device may pre-acquire a local IP address and perform pre-authentication with a target network while still connected to a first network, so that when the time comes for the handover, the mobile is already assigned a valid IP address and already is authenticated with the target network.
Network Discovery and acquisition of a local IP address can be performed either by direct interaction of the mobile device with the candidate network(s), or through sending of queries to a Media Independent Information Server (MIIS), the location of which the mobile device is assumed to be aware. MIIS is a server that provides users with useful information for making effective handover decisions. The MIIS query is the latest approach in seamless wireless network handoff, being still in the research phase and extensively discussed among peers in the industry, such as the IEEE 802.21 Working Group. In its present state of development, the MIIS query is contemplated to be triggered by variations in radio signal strength. Thus, any perceived weakness in the radio signal quality will cause a query to be sent to the MIIS asking for the list of available neighborhood networks and their associated parameters.
However, the present inventors believe that the variation of radio signal strength could be reflective of an actual network deterioration necessitating the switching of a mobile device from one network to another, or it could be a false alarm because of inherent characteristics of network radio signals that result in transient variations. Consequently, where the perceived network deterioration because of signal strength variation is false, the mobile device will unnecessarily send MIIS queries and will repeatedly receive the same superfluous information. Further, a mobile device is likely to repeatedly traverse the same geographical area (e.g., an office employee will mostly travel from home to office and back). Consequently, repeatedly sending MIIS queries to get information pertaining to the same geographical coordinates will generate an unnecessary signaling burden. There thus exists a need in the art for improvement in the interactivity between mobile devices and MIIS apparatus.

IP network information database in mobile devices for use with media independent information server for enhanced network


The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of a variable speed drive (VSD) used to control an elevator by disconnecting the VSD from the AC power supply grid when the elevator is idle and reconnecting the VSD when the elevator becomes active. One embodiment of the invention includes an alternating current power supply grid, one or more variable speed drives, contactors connected between the alternating current power supply grid and the variable speed drive(s) that are used to connect or disconnect the variable speed drive(s) from the alternating current power supply grid, and, a control system that controls the contactors. The contactors may include a coil which is powered by the control system to either connect or disconnect the VSDs and the AC power supply grid.

Virtually all of the high speed elevators installed prior to 1975 used direct current (DC) motors. The source of the direct current was typically a motor-generator (MG) set. The alternating current (AC) motor of the MG set was connected to an AC supply grid powered by the three phase AC supply of the building.
Between 1975 and the early 1990's the majority of new high speed elevators were manufactured with DC motors supplied by a variable speed drive (VSD) that consisted of an isolation transformer, silicon controlled rectifiers, control electronics, and a ripple filter. This same VSD system was also used to modernize thousands of existing elevators. The existing DC motor was retained and the MG was replaced by the VSD.
The silicon controlled rectifier variable speed drive (SCR VSD) is considered to be much more energy efficient than the MG set because the MG set was turning even if the elevator was stopped. However, the SCR VSD wastes significant energy because the isolation transformer was always connected to the power supply grid. Additionally, the SCR VSD supplied standby power (approximately 50% of running current) to the motor field. This power was typically supplied 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The only time the VSD was not connected and consuming power was during maintenance.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator Capital Corporation


A method and system for tracking goods is provided wherein the system is a transnomic code system. The transnomic code system includes a prescriber interface, a pharmaceutical interface, a pharmacy interface and a management server that communicate via communication mediums, such as an electronic prescribing switch and the Internet. The transnomic code is a dynamic code that includes a tracking code and one or more information sets, wherein each information set includes a read header and extensible content. The transnomic code is assigned to a product, such as a pharmaceutical product. The system allows for adding information sets to the transnomic code at any point during the life-cycle of a product.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a system for tracking pharmaceuticals and implantable devices, and more particularly to a method and system for using a transnomic code to track pharmaceuticals and implantable devices throughout a life-cycle of the same.
2. State of the Art
Conventionally, there are various ways in which companies and systems operate to track inventory and/or a product's life-cycle. Some of these conventional systems utilize a code system, wherein the code is attached to the product and provides static information with regard to the product, but doesn't track movement from the manufacturer to the point of sale or distribution (i.e., through the entire product life cycle). With these static codes, there is a finite amount of information that can be included with the code, such information being added at the time the code is associated with the product. Further, the code used does not provide for the opportunity to add additional information with regard to the effects of use of the product. This is particularly the case with regard to pharmaceuticals. Conventionally, these codes include a product identification bar code, a quick response code or the like.
Accordingly, there is a need in the field of codes to track the entire product life-cycle, for a code that is dynamic and extensible.


It is possible to prolong service life of a discharge lamp of hot-cathode type and to reduce a diameter thereof. A discharge lamp 1 is provided with an electrode 3. The electrode 3 has a heater 4 made up a coil portion 4a, and a first lead wire portion 4b and a second lead wire portion 4c that respectively extend from rear ends of this coil portion 4a and applied by an electron emission material 3a. In the electrode 3, a first lead-in wires 6a is connected to the first lead wire portion 4b and a second lead-in wires 6b is connected to the second lead wire portion 4c, so that the coil portion 4a is arranged vertically along the tube axis of the glass tube 2. The electrode 3 is also provided a sleeve 7 covering surrounding of the coil portion 4a and having openings in the faces respectively opposite to the forward end and rear end of the coil portion 4a. An open end 7a of the sleeve 7 exceeds a forward end of the coil portion 4a, thereby protecting the coil portion 4a.

Conventionally, a discharge lamp has been used that employs a fluorescent substance as a light source. Among the discharge lamps, a discharge lamp of hot-cathode type has been used as a backlight of a liquid crystal display (LCD) as well as for lighting because discharge lamp of this type has a high level of luminous efficiency and hence a high degree of luminance.
The discharge lamp of hot-cathode type has a configuration in which its glass tube is equipped with an electrode at each of its two opposed ends, a rare gas such as argon and mercury are enclosed in an internal space of the glass tube, and a fluorescent substance is coated into an interior of the glass tube.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration of a conventional discharge lamp of hot-cathode type. A discharge lamp 51 is equipped with an electrode 53 at each of two opposed ends of its glass tube 52. A rare gas such as argon, and mercury are enclosed in an internal space of the glass tube 52, and a fluorescent substance 52a is coated into a predetermined region in an interior of the glass tube 52.
The electrode 53 includes a heater 54 having a coil portion 54a. To the heater 54, an electron emission material 53a such as barium oxide is applied. The heater 54 is stretched with tension between two lead-in wires 55 inserted through an end of the glass tube 52 and held in position thereby. Therefore, in the electrode 53, the coil portion 54a of the heater 54 is arranged sideways so as to be perpendicular to a tube axis of the glass tube 52.
The light emission principle of the discharge lamp 51 of hot-cathode type will be explained as follows: when a voltage is applied between the two electrodes 53 at a high frequency in a condition where, by means of energizing these electrodes 53 the heater 54 heats the electron emission material 53a, the electron emission material 53a emits electrons to cause to be generated arc discharge between the electrodes 53.
The electrons emitted from the electron emission material 53a and then accelerated collide with mercury atoms so as to excite them. The mercury atoms thus excited emit ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light is converted into visible light by the fluorescent substance 52a, thereby reducing the discharge lamp 51 luminiferous.
Conventional discharge lamps of hot-cathode type face a problem such that so-called ion sputtering in which any ions generated during discharge collide with electrodes so as to scatter the electron emission material occurs to a conspicuous degree. In other words, since the coil of the heater that constitutes the electrodes is arranged sideways so as to be perpendicular to the tube axis of the glass tube, the ions collide with a major portion of the coil. Therefore, ion sputtering occurs to a conspicuous degree. If ion sputtering occurs to a conspicuous degree over an entirety of the coil, the electron emission material is exhausted during discharge, and it is thus impossible to carry out any stable arc discharge over a long period of time. This results in a problem of a reduced service life of the electrodes.
Further, since the electrodes are stretched with tension at the heater, a problem has arisen that after use over a long period of time, they tend to become disconnected.
Thus, the electrodes have a short service life, so that another problem arises insofar that the discharge lamp itself has a shortened service life.
Moreover, since the heater extends perpendicularly to the tube axis, a problem has arisen that a diameter of the tube cannot be reduced.
Further, although a discharge lamp of cold-cathode type, which can be reduced in tube diameter, has a longer service life, it suffers from a large drop in voltage of a cathode, thus resulting in poor efficiency.
The present invention solves these problems and has an object to provide a discharge lamp with a short tube diameter, that is of a higher level of efficiency and longer in terms of service life, an electrode for use in the discharge lamp, a method for manufacturing the discharge lamp electrode, and a lighting system.

Discharge lamp, method for manufacturing the discharge lamp electrode, lighting system


A method of generating a code sequence in a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes recognizing a desired length of the code sequence, generating a code sequence having a length different from the desired length, and modifying the length of the generated code sequence to equal the desired length. Here, the step of modifying includes discarding at least one element of the generated code sequence or inserting at least one null element to the generated code sequence.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of generating and transmitting code sequence, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and transmitting code sequence in a wireless communication system.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Usually, a pilot signal or a preamble of a wireless communication system is referred to as a reference signal used for initial synchronization, cell search, and channel estimation. Further, the preamble is comprised of a code sequence, and the code sequence is further comprised of orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal which represent good correlation properties.
For example, a Hadamard matrix of 128×128 is used in a portable internet (PI) to insert the code sequence to the frequency domain. In so doing, 127 types of code sequences are used.
Although the Hadmard code sequence and a poly-phase Constant Amplitude Zero Auto-Correlation (CAZAC) code sequence are orthogonal codes, a number of codes used to maintain orthogonality is limited. For example, a number of N orthogonal codes in a N×N Hadamard matrix is N, and a number of N orthogonal codes that can be expressed by the CAZAC codes is N and a prime number smaller than N (David C. Chu, "Polyphase Codes with Good Periodic Correlation Properties," Information Theory IEEE Transaction on, vol. 18, issue 4, pp. 531-532, July 1972). With respect to CAZAC sequence types, GCL CAZAC and Zadoff-Chu CAZAC are often used.
If the code sequence is generated using the Hadamard codes, N number of sequence types corresponding to the entire length of the codes is generated. However, the if the code sequence is generated using the CAZAC codes, only half or N/2 number of sequence types are generated.

Method and apparatus for generating and transmitting code sequence in a wireless communication system


A customizable powder bed containment system for use with a direct metal laser melting (DMLM) system includes a plurality of interlinkable containment walls mechanically couplable on a build plate of the DMLM system as well as mechanically coupleable to another interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls, and at least one actuator mechanically coupled to at least one interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls. The at least one actuator is operable to selectively raise the at least one interlinkable containment wall of the plurality of interlinkable containment walls axially relative to a build surface of the build plate.

The field of disclosure relates generally to additive manufacturing, and more particularly, to customizable powder bed containment systems for use with direct metal laser melting ("DMLM") systems, in which a plurality of interlinkable containment walls are mounted on a build plate of the DMLM system and selectively interlinked to create a customized powder bed.
Additive manufacturing systems (also known as 3D printing systems) are used to create three-dimensional objects by forming such objects from successive layers of material. Typically, additive manufacturing systems operate under computer control (such as, for example, based upon a three-dimensional computer aided design and drafting ("CAD") model of an object to be manufactured). Build materials are wide-ranging and include, for example, materials such as metals, glasses, thermoplastics, inks, various construction materials, such as concrete, and the like.
Accordingly, in the realm of additive manufacturing systems, DMLM systems are those arranged to weld successive layers of a weldable powder, such as a metal powder, to create a desired three-dimensional object. Traditional DMLM systems include a build plate enclosed by a system of fixed powder bed containment walls. Powder is deposited on the build plate and welded, in successive layers, to construct the object. To accommodate each successive layer of powder (e.g., a deepening powder bed), the build plate is progressively lowered within the system of fixed containment walls.
Drawbacks associated with conventional DMLM systems include non-customizable powder bed containment walls and object size constraints. Other drawbacks may include powder waste, such as powder waste occurring as a result of the creation of disposable powder bed containment walls. For example, in some cases, powder bed containment walls are constructed from the weldable powder itself simultaneously with the construction of an object within the containment walls. On completion, the walls are simply discarded, resulting in wasted powder as well as increased cycle time.

Customizable powder bed containment systems for use with direct metal laser melting systems


An apparatus includes a controller. To control current through a motor winding, the controller monitors a magnitude of current supplied through the motor winding. The controller compares the magnitude of current to a threshold value. In response to detecting that the magnitude of current crosses the threshold value, the controller terminates a flow of the current through the motor winding. In one application, termination of the current through the motor winding supports more efficient use of energy to drive the motor winding. For example, via the controller, terminating the current through the motor winding to prevent the current from flowing in a reverse direction through the motor winding.

One of the most common trends in motor drive systems (such as robotics or servo drives and power tool brushless DC motor) is the reduction of the motor inductance (phase inductance). This is even more accentuated in 'slotless' motors (typically 25% of the inductance of a standard motor). Implementation of low inductance motor windings provide several benefits such as higher speed capability, better dynamics, and potentially more compact motor size.
The reduction of inductance in the motor winding however has the disadvantage that the so-called current ripple associated with driving the respective motor increases. In such an instance, such as especially when the motor load is low, this creates a situation in which the motor current through the respective winding reverses, becoming negative when a respective low side switch is activated (assuming high side and low side PWM are complementary with dead time insertion as most drives systems are).
During a condition in which the motor winding current reverses its direction as previously discussed, so does the corresponding generated magnetic flux. This temporary current reversal results in a so-called 'braking' effect, which has undesirable consequences. For example, reversal of motor winding current can result in motor braking, reduced motor speed, loss of control, ripple, and similar effects in torque and position.
Some motor manufacturers suggest including supplemental artificial inductance in series with a respective motor winding (motor phase) to prevent the braking effect. However, this defeats the advantages of a low inductance motor.

Motor winding monitoring and switching control


A lighting system includes a substrate of non-absorbent foam material having a first surface, an undercut groove formed in the first surface, and a light source disposed in the undercut groove. The lighting system can be used with various structures including, but not limited to spas, swimming pools, decks, marine products, and sheds.

Spas, swimming pools, pool decking, and boats typically have lights that enhance their aesthetics. In addition, the lights allow for safer use of spas, swimming pools, decking, boats and other marine products.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a lighting system that can be easily attached to or integrated with various structures.


In the process of hierarchical composition of software component types, the reusability of software component types is improved through the “promotion of features”. That is, a feature of an instance of a predetermined software component type may be promoted to a software component type containing instances of the predetermined software component type. The promoted feature may then be customized when the containing software component type is instantiated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to reusable software component types and, in particular, to the promotion of features from instances of such software component types to others of such software component types.
2. Description of the Related Art
Software systems are built from pieces of software that interact with each other to accomplish a common goal. These pieces of software have different names, which may depend on the programming language in which the pieces are written and the abstraction level that is being considered. Examples of pieces of software include "procedures", "objects", "blocks", "processes".
To ease the maintainability of code and to improve the efficiency of creating code, in the process of building software programs, programmers build software component types that are reused through a process called "instantiation". Through this process of instantiation, an instance (a software component) of a software component type is created . An instance of a given software component type has all the "features" of the given software component type and these features may be customized for that instance. For example, if the given software component type has a feature "color", then, in the instance, the feature "color" may be customized to a particular color, e.g., "red". In this document, we understand a feature to have a name and a value.
These pieces of software may be composed of instances of reusable software component types. A software component type, or a template, may be called a "Part". Specifically, example parts are a C++ class, a Java™ Class, a Flow in Flow Composition Builder ("FCB", marketed by IBM of Armonk, N.Y.) or a meta-level (say, M2) in Meta Object Facility. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, Meta Object Facility (MOF) is a standard from the Object Management Group (OMG) that builds on and extends the Extensible Markup Language (XML) and the Unified Modeling Language (UML). An instance of a reusable software component type (Part) may be called a "Sub-Part". Example Sub-Parts are a C++ object, a Java™ object, a FlowComponent in FCM or a meta-level (say, M1, where M1an instance of M2) in MOF.
A Part may be built by aggregating instances of other Parts. Instances are considered as being constituent Sub-Parts of the Part and a Part is considered as being an aggregation of Sub-Parts. Parts which are being composed of an aggregation of a set of instances of other, predetermined Parts are called "Parts under composition". "Visual hierarchical composition though aggregation" is a process, typically used in tools for writing software, used to compose Parts from Sub-Parts. The process can be described with the visualization of two levels, a "Level 2" containing Parts and a "Level 1" containing Sub-Parts. Each Sub-Part on "Level 1" is an instance of a Part from "Level 2", that is, the behavior and structure of each Sub-Part is defined by the Part from which the Sub-Part is instantiated. Every Part can have many instances in "Level 1". New Parts may be composed through the aggregation of instances (Sub-Parts) of predetermined Parts.
Classically, features of Parts are customized in the creation of Sub-Parts. Consider a predetermined Part constructed with a "color" feature. When a user creates an instance (Sub-Part) of the predetermined Part, the user sets the color feature to a value, e.g., red. A Part under composition may subsequently include the red instance of the predetermined Part. When the user creates an instance of the Part under composition, the user does not have the opportunity to set the value of the color feature to anything but red nor does the user have the opportunity to remove the "color" feature from that instance.
Where two instances of the original Part under composition are required, each with a different color, the user would have had to compose two new Parts instead of one. The first of these new Parts under composition would be aggregated from the same set of instances of the other, predetermined Parts. The second of these new Parts under composition would be aggregated from most of the instances of the other, predetermined Parts with the exception that a differently colored instance of the aforementioned predetermined Part is used. Subsequently, a Sub-Part would be instantiated from each of the two new Parts.
Clearly, there is a need for a mechanism to allow customization of features of Parts (reusable software component types) upon instantiation that does not require the composition of further Parts.

Promotion of features in reusable software component types

International Business Machines Corporation


A capacitive occupant sensor for a seat has a dielectric in the form of a fluid-filled elastomeric bladder, and the sensor includes a primary region that is subjected to occupant force and a secondary region that is shielded from occupant force. The secondary region includes an appendage of the bladder that is disposed beneath a back cushion of the seat, either in a cavity of the seat cushion or below a frame element that supports the seat cushion. A spring clamp normally biases fluid out of the appendage, but occupant-related force applied over a broad area of the seat produces a flow of bladder fluid into the appendage against the bias force of the spring clamp. A pair of auxiliary conductor plates is oppositely disposed about the bladder appendage, and the capacitance between the auxiliary conductor plates is measured as an indication of fluid pressure in the bladder.

Occupant detection and classification are frequently used in connection with air bags and other pyrotechnically deployed restraints for purposes of determining if the restraints should be deployed in the event of sufficiently severe crash. Various vehicle seat sensors have been devised for this purpose, such as disclosed, for example, in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,987,370 and 6,246,936 to Murphy et al., and the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,101,436 and 6,490,936 to Fortune et al., all of which are assigned to Delphi Technologies, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference. In general, occupant presence can be detected based on the overall force applied to the seat, while reliably classifying the occupant additionally requires information about the distribution of the applied force.
The information required for occupant classification can be acquired in a cost-effective manner with a capacitive sensor array having a set of conductor plates separated by a compressible dielectric material. An electronic controller detects changes in capacitance between the plates when the thickness of the intermediate dielectric material changes due to the forces applied to the seat by an occupant. See, for example, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,836,033 to Seitz; 5,878,620 to Gilbert et al.; 6,448,789 and 6,591,685 to Kraetzl et al.; and 6,499,359 to Washeleski et al. As shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,033, for example, the distribution of the applied force can be determined by configuring one of the main conductor plates as an array of individual charge plates, and measuring changes in capacitance between each of the individual charge plates and the other plate.
Ideally, the dielectric material of a capacitive sensor should be relatively thin and locally compressible, and should have a dielectric constant that is not significantly influenced by variations in ambient humidity or temperature. The aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,044 discloses a particularly advantageous capacitive sensor in which the dielectric is implemented with a fluid-filled elastomeric bladder. When occupant-related seat force is applied to the sensor, fluid in the loaded region of the bladder is displaced to another region where the bladder can expand to accommodate the displaced fluid. However, as the area over which the occupant force is applied increases, the area of the bladder that is able to expand decreases, disturbing the relationship between capacitance change and applied force.

Capacitive occupant sensor for a vehicle seat


Provided is a sputtering apparatus which is capable of suppressing a local temperature rise at an outer peripheral part of a to-be-processed substrate. The sputtering apparatus SM has: a vacuum chamber in which a target and the to-be-processed substrate Sw are disposed face-to-face with each other; a shield plate for enclosing a film forming space between the target and the to-be-processed substrate; and a cooling unit for cooling the shield plate. The shield plate has a first shield plate part which is disposed around the to-be-processed substrate and which has a first opening equivalent in contour to the to-be-processed substrate. The cooling unit includes a first coolant passage which is disposed in the first shield plate part and which has a passage portion extending all the way to the first shield plate part positioned around the first opening.

This kind of sputtering apparatus is known, e.g., in patent document 1. In this apparatus the shield plate is made up of a first shield plate part (lower part portion) which is disposed around the to-be-processed substrate and which has a first opening equivalent in contour to the to-be-processed substrate so as to allow the to-be-processed substrate to face the film forming space; a second shield plate part (upper part portion) which is disposed around a target and which has a second opening equivalent in contour to the target so as to allow the target to face the film forming space; and an intermediate shield plate part (cylindrical part main body) which connects the first shield plate part and the second shield plate part together. Then in the intermediate shield plate part, there is formed a coolant passage (heat transmission channel) which is a constituting element of a cooling unit. By circulating a coolant such as cooling water and the like through the coolant passage, it is so arranged that the shield plate can be cooled during film forming by sputtering the target. By the way the temperature of the coolant is ordinarily set to a predetermined temperature (i.e., the temperature of 20° C. to 25° C.) at which condensation can be prevented from occurring according to the room temperature.
Now, when the target is defined, e.g., to be made of aluminum, and an aluminum film is formed on the surface of the to-be-processed substrate by using the above-mentioned conventional sputtering apparatus, it has been found that the quality of the aluminum film in the in-plane direction of the to-be processed substrate becomes non-uniform. Then, the inventors of this invention have made strenuous efforts and have obtained the following findings as described hereinbelow. Even if an effort was made, as in the above-mentioned conventional example, to try to flow the coolant at the above-mentioned temperature, during film forming, through the coolant passage in the intermediate shield plate part so as to cool the entire shield plate through heat transmission, in the first shield plate part, the heat input from the plasma that was generated in the film forming space during film forming became predominant. As a result, the temperature of the first shield plate part rose to a relatively high temperature. Particularly that the peripheral part of the first opening which was the farthest from the intermediate shield plate part became the highest in temperature. Then, gases such as water molecules and oxygen molecules that were adsorbed in the surface of the first shield plate part were discharged therefrom. These discharged gases came to be easier to get captured into that outer peripheral part of the to-be-processed substrate which was positioned near the first opening. In addition thereto, as a result of local heating of the outer peripheral part of the to-be-processed substrate which was positioned near the first opening, the grain size locally increased in the outer peripheral part of the to-be-processed substrate. It was for these reasons that the film quality of the aluminum film became non-uniform.


Method for searching services, resources and/or functionalities in a network wherein the network comprises a multitude of nodes to which routable network addresses are assigned, and wherein the services, resources and/or functionalities which are to be searched, are specified by a source node (Q) that is characterized in that a corresponding direction is specified within the network by at least one destination node (Z) and/or nodes near to the destination node (Z), by which a routing path is defined between the source node (Q) and the corresponding destination node (Z), and characterized in that only pre-configurable nodes near to the routing path between source node (Q) and destination node (Z) are included in the search.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for searching services, resources and/or functionalities in a network wherein the network comprises a multitude of nodes to which routable network addresses are assigned, and wherein the services, resources and/or functionalities which are to be searched, are specified by a source node.
2. Description of the Related Art
Methods of the mentioned kind have been state of the art for some time. With reference to an increasing trend to provide special services, resources and/or functionalities such as, for example, firewalls, data storage, media cache, transcoder etc. more and more on the network side, such methods steadily gain a growing importance.
In the framework of a concrete generic method, it is common to register available services or resources at a commonly known directory service. (See E. Guttman, C. Perkins, J. Veizades, M. Day, Service Location Protocol, Version 2, Internet RFC2608, 1999, and J. Hodges, R. Morgan, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (v3): Technical Specification, Internet RFC3377.) Clients or nodes, respectively, searching for specific services/resources query directly this directory service. The disadvantage of this approach is that the continuous updating of the directory service is extremely cost-intensive. This is specifically the case in highly dynamic and/or mobile environments. The number of update requests that is necessary in order to keep the directory service up to date increases very much, in particular if the availability of a service or specific information needed for using a service changes often. The same is valid in case the node offering a service is a mobile node.
Another disadvantage going along with the use of a directory service is that a directory based service typically is not able to take into account topological aspects, i.e. in particular the location of a resource or a service within the network.
In another known approach, a "lookup" request is broadcasted into the network when looking for specific network-side services and/or resources. (See K. S. Lim, R. Stadler, "A Navigation Pattern for Scalable Internet Management", Seventh IFIP/IEEE International Symposium on Integrated Network Management (IM2001), Seattle, USA, May 2001, pp. 405-420). Nodes which are able and ready to provide the requested service or the requested resource, reply to this lookup request. This method is also called "flooding".
The significant disadvantage of this method is that it does not scale. In large networks the described approach causes an enormous amount of superfluous traffic and potentially a very high number of replies. Without a corresponding indication at which location within the network a requested service should be, such a search has impact on all the nodes of a network.