A telemetric contextually based spatial audio system is integrated into a mobile terminal including a headset and antenna. The headset includes an electronic compass which determines head orientation data for the user. The terminal's geographical position can either be determined locally (e.g. onboard GPS) or by network triangulation. The orientation and position data are sent to a server which overlays the position and head orientation data onto a locally stored “floor plan”, describing an object(s) of interest. The floor plan relates the user's viewpoint to a database of contextual audio clips. A regionally significant portion of the database and respective triggers are sent to the terminal. The terminal using the database information recalculates which audio clip(s) to play. The terminal then convolves the respective audio clip(s) via an impulse response function so as to be perceived by the user as emanating from the exact spatial position of the object specified by the system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to mobile information systems and methods of operation. More particularly, the invention relates to a telemetric contextually based spatial audio system integrated into a mobile terminal wireless system.
2. Description of Prior Art
Self-guided tours have long been used to enhance an individual's experience at art exhibits, industry trade shows, museums, cruise lines, historic sites and the like. In the past, self guided tours required the user to go from location to location and typically read written tags on each item or from a brochure. In many instances, this activity places too much of an imposition on the user and is slowly being replaced by localized audio broadcasts. Under this model, audio clips are played based on the proximity of the user to the specific item. Though easier for the individual, this model still lacks the animated and interactive experience desired in viewing items, exhibits and the like. Further, self-guided tours require the user to get within the proximity of the exhibit in order to find out what the exhibit is about, once again an imposition on the individual. In addition, once the user is at the location, the user must listen to the generalized audio even though they may only be interested, or may be particularly interested, in specific aspects of the location. Furthermore, the audio play-out has no method of directing the user's attention to particular features at the location other than to obtrusively give the user directions on where to look, which is particularly difficult since the system does not know the exact location, or the direction in which the user is facing. Finally, there is no way to personalize the audio of a particular exhibit to the individual user since the system has no ephemeral data on the user (e.g. knowing that a user has been present at a specified location, looking in a particular direction for a prolonged period of time can be construed as an area of interest) or a priori knowledge of the individual.
What is needed in the art is a system and method to animate the experience of a user relative to an item, exhibit; enable the user to hear about an item or exhibit based on their location and field of view; personalize the audio presentation based on specific interests of the individual; provide intuitive directional cues to bring attention to items of interest, and to guide the user to a desired location.
Prior art related to mobile communication systems, includes:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,202 issued Jan. 20, 1976 discloses an electronic tour guide system including means for suppressing objectionable crosstalk and noise. Crosstalk suppression is achieved by means of a compressor in the transmitter and an expander in the receiver. Objectionable noise between loops is eliminated by means of a squelch circuit, which reduces power drain whenever the received signal is below a certain threshold. The transmitter and receiver are designed to handle a plurality of information signals simultaneously. For example, a listener can select one of several different languages broadcast within an antenna loop. The transmitting loop antenna is matched in impedance to the output of the channel means in the transmitter so that maximum power transfer is obtained. Each receiver is further equipped with a gravity operated mercury switch which turns off power to the receiver when the receiver chassis is inverted. It is anticipated that this system will find application in museums, art galleries, archeological sites and the like where it is desirable to guide people from location to location and to address them in their respective languages.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,392 issued Feb. 10, 1998 discloses a position-responsive information presentation system and control. The system and control program automatically provides multimedia output that is responsive to a user's location, speed, acceleration, and directional orientation. Also disclosed is a system that receives position information from various systems, including satellite global position systems. As disclosed, the system and control program may provide video, audio and tactile outputs to users.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,388 issued Oct. 1, 2002 discloses a location database system provides information about nearby sites to a user. The system includes a processor configured to identify the present location of the system using the Global Positioning System. The processor is also associated with a clock providing real-time information. The clock may be the internal clock of a microprocessor serving as the processor of the system. The processor may also communicate with a remote database of sites using a wireless connection. The database includes relevant information about the sites, which may be of interest to a user of the system, such as locational information, imaging information and images, and/or tour-guide type information. A display provides a visual display of the relevant information to the user, and the system may provide setting information for the camera and also may provide travel directions to a particular site, based on a selected view as seen on a display.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,371 issued Jan. 30, 2001 discloses a head guide with a display is attitudinally controlled for guiding the head of a passive viewer wherein the display is for viewing images that are emulative of images viewed by a cameraman with head mounted cameras whose head attitude is monitored for controlling the head guide in synchronism with the images gathered by the cameras. Additionally, the viewer's eyes may be induced to follow a sequence of visual fixations at the same time as the passive viewer's head is induced to execute attitudinal movements consistent therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,045 issued Mar. 6, 2001 discloses a system for providing position-related information to a mobile user includes a mobile unit and a central site server. The mobile unit includes circuitry for determining present position information from position signals, which may emanate from, for example, GPS satellites. The mobile unit further includes circuitry for establishing a wireless bi-directional communications link with the central site server via a terrestrial network, which may be accessed via a cellular telephone network. The central site server includes circuitry for receiving the present position information from the mobile unit. A table stored at the central site server includes different response information in correspondence with possible positions of the mobile unit. The response information may further be in correspondence with user preferences. The central site server uses the received present position information to retrieve corresponding response information from the table, and sends the retrieved response information to the mobile unit via the bi-directional communications link. The mobile unit further includes circuitry, such as a loudspeaker, for supplying the response information to the mobile user. In another aspect of the invention, communications between the mobile unit and the central site server are encrypted. Furthermore, the mobile unit may include components for preventing position information from being supplied to the loudspeaker, thereby eliminating distracting noise from being presented to the user.
USP Application 0020091793 published Jul. 11, 2002 discloses a method and system for tourist guiding, including both navigation and narration, utilizing mobile computing devices such as electronic books, palm computers, smart cellular phones, and future wearable computers. Loaded with, or Internet-connected to a Digital Guidebook, the system navigates the tourist to and within tour sites using an invented Visual Navigation method, and provides detailed multimedia narrations on objects along the tour. The system also navigates the tourist to other tourist destinations such as hotels and restaurants. An additional preferred embodiment combines GPS and CPS navigation with Visual Navigation The system also creates a Digital Tour Album that captures the time and the places where the tourist has visited. The system also allows Armchair Touring and provides Tour Reviews on DVD. The Electronic Tourist Guide is based on latest mobile and wireless communication technologies and allows Internet channeling of live, timely information such as special events, latest prices and schedules. Digital Guidebooks can be downloaded to the tourist's device memory, or streamed to the tourist's device in real-time during the tour. The present invention entails two technologies: studio production and distribution of multimedia Digital Guidebooks, and use of mobile digital tourist guidebooks. The latter field entails mobile computing devices, wireless broadband Internet, and Geographic Information Systems.
None of the prior art discloses a system and method to animate the experience of a user S relative to an item, exhibit; thereby enabling the user to hear about an item or exhibit based on their field of view, and personalizing the audio presentation based on specific interests. None of the prior art discloses intuitive methods of using spatial directional audio to bring the user's attention to a specific aspect of the location.
Moreover, none of the prior art discloses a mobile terminal capable of dynamically creating spatial audio sounds by using a set of locally stored impulse-response functions emulating angular positions of a sound relative to the user's head. And to this end, convolving such sounds in real-time according to the individual's head position relative to the item (e.g. to give the user a perception that the audio sound is actually emanating from a point in the object viewed by the individual).
For clarity, we refer to the spatial location at which the audio appears to be emanating from, as the "audio emanation point" (AEP). The AEP may map to a physical object, can be used as a stimuli to draw or direct the user's attention to a specified direction, or to animate the users experience using other spatial audio effects.

Telemetric contextually based spatial audio system integrated into a mobile terminal wireless system


An integrated circuit includes a first switched capacitor element and a second switched capacitor element, which are coupled to form a bridge circuit, the first switched capacitor element being located in a first branch of the bridge circuit and the second switched capacitor element being located in a second branch of the bridge circuit. A detector circuit is coupled to the first branch and to the second branch of the bridge circuit. Switching signals of the first switched capacitor element and of the second switched capacitor element are generated on the basis of an input clock signal of the integrated circuit.

In some types of integrated circuits, such as integrated circuits used in communication applications, there may be a need to discriminate between different frequencies of an input clock signal supplied to the integrated circuit. In this respect, it is known to use programming, e-fuses, clock specific programs or specific signals which are supplied from the outside to the integrated circuit to indicate which frequency of the input clock signal is used. For example, a signal supplied to a dedicated input pin of the integrated circuit may be used to indicate which one of a high frequency and a low frequency is used. The integrated circuit may use this information to adjust its internal operations. However, this known approach has the problem of a low flexibility or of requiring additional processing so as to adopt the integrated circuit to the specific frequency of the input clock signal.

Method of detecting the frequency of an input clock signal of an integrated circuit and integrated circuit


The present invention is generally directed to providing drop volume normalization of the ink jet nozzles in an ink jet printing operation to alleviate and/or eliminate banding effects due to imprecise placement of ink drops on the printed sheet and variations in the volume of drops produced by different ink jet nozzles of the print device. Exemplary embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for controlling a print device having at least one ink jet nozzle by adjusting an offset control of a power supply used to control drop volume of the at least one ink jet nozzle. In a print device configured with piezoelectric ink jet nozzles, the output drop volume of the nozzle can be controlled within a predetermined range by adjusting the voltage supplied to the ink jet nozzle. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, this offset control of drop volume will result in a change to output ink velocity as well. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention further compensate a firing time of the at least one ink jet nozzle as a function of the offset control to account for a change in output ink velocity of the at least one ink jet nozzle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to control of a printing device, and more particularly, to provide drop volume normalization in an ink jet printing operation.
2. State of the Art
Printing devices, such as ink jet printing devices, are well known and available from such manufacturers as, for example, Hewlett Packard and NCAD. A typical ink jet printing device includes plural print heads, each of which includes a plurality of ink jet nozzles for printing in a given color of ink. Different print heads can be provided for different colors. The plural ink jet nozzles associated with a given color of printing ink can be displaced from one another in a vertical direction. As the printing device is repeatedly scanned back and forth across a printable medium, such as a paper sheet, the ink jet nozzles of the various print heads are activated to lay drops of ink on the sheet at precise locations. In typical color printing, between four and six different colors of ink are laid down over an area by successive heads, in successive scans across the sheet.
The ink jet nozzles of the print head or heads use very fine ink sprays to produce drops that collectively represent an image on a sheet being printed. Multiple print head arrangements, for producing multicolor images using such colors as cyan, magenta, yellow and black, are precision mounted relative to one another in the print device so that ink drops can be laid down on the sheet in precise locations. As mentioned previously, the print device is typically located on a movable carriage that scans back and forth above the sheet. Relative vertical movement between the print device and the sheet is provided between each scan, so that a different portion of the sheet can be printed during each scan. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the nozzles on each of the multiple print heads must be controlled to lay down ink drops in precise locations relative to drops laid down by the other print heads.
Ink jet printing devices are often used to produce high quality, high resolution images on wide webs of paper at fast printing rates. To maintain quality as high as possible, accurate control of paper feed and scanning speed are necessary. Further, to produce high resolution images which do not include visible horizontal differences, typically referred to in the industry as "banding" effects, it is important that all ink drops laid on the sheet by the print device be accurate placed in a predetermined location on the sheet. To address banding, it is further important to control the drop volume output by each ink jet nozzle so that all printed drops on the sheet are consistent in size.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to enhance the control of the ink jet nozzles in an ink jet print device to further alleviate banding effects, and thus enhance the quality and resolution of a reproduced image.

Method and apparatus for drop volume normalization in an ink jet printing operation


A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring substance in most hydrocarbon subterranean formations. Carbon dioxide may also be used for recovering or extracting oil and hydrocarbons from subterranean formations. One carbon dioxide based recovery process involves injecting carbon dioxide into an injection well and recovering heavy hydrocarbons and perhaps some of the carbon dioxide from at least one recovery well. Carbon dioxide reinjection process may also produce natural gas liquids (NGLs).

NGL recovery from a recycle stream having natural gas


An exemplary method is performed by a distributed unit of a base station. The base station further comprises a centralized unit. The method comprises: determining (1302) inactivity of one or more data radio bearers, established between the distributed unit and a user equipment, for carrying user data; determining (1304) a level of activity of one or more signalling radio bearers, established between the distributed unit and the user equipment, for carrying control data; and determining (1306), based on the level of activity of the one or more signalling radio bearers, whether to transmit, to the centralized unit, a report message comprising an indication of the activity of the one or more data radio bearers.

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.
The current 5G RAN (also known as Next Generation, or NG) architecture is shown in FIG. 1.
The NG architecture can be further described as follows:                The NG-RAN consists of a set of gNBs connected to the 5GC through the NG.        A gNB can support FDD mode, TDD mode or dual mode operation.        gNBs can be interconnected through the Xn.        A gNB may consist of a gNB-CU and one or more gNB-DUs.        A gNB-CU and a gNB-DU are connected via F1 logical interface.        One gNB-DU is connected to only one gNB-CU.
NG, Xn and F1 are logical interfaces. For NG-RAN, the NG and Xn-C interfaces for a gNB consisting of a gNB-CU and one or more gNB-DUs, terminate in the gNB-CU. For EN-DC, the S1-U and X2-C interfaces for a gNB consisting of a gNB-CU and gNB-DUs terminate in the gNB-CU. The gNB-CU and connected gNB-DUs are only visible to other gNBs and the 5GC as a gNB.
The NG-RAN is layered into a Radio Network Layer (RNL) and a Transport Network Layer (TNL). The NG-RAN architecture, i.e. the NG-RAN logical nodes and interfaces between them, is defined as part of the RNL. For each NG-RAN inter ace (NG, Xn, F1) the related TNL protocol and the functionality are specified. The TNL provides services for user plane transport and signalling transport. In NG-Flex configuration, each gNB is connected to all AMFs within an AMF Region. The AMF Region is defined in 3GPP TS 23.501, v 1.5.0.
The general principles for the specification of the F1 interface are as follows:                the F1 interface is be open;        the F1 interface supports the exchange of signalling information between the endpoints, in addition the interface shall support data transmission to the respective endpoints;        from a logical standpoint, the F1 is a point-to-point interface between the endpoints (a point-to-point logical interface should be feasible even in the absence of a physical direct connection between the endpoints);        the F1 interface supports control plane and user plane separation;        the F1 interface separates Radio Network Layer and Transport Network Layer;        the F1 interface enable exchanges of UE associated information and non-UE associated information;        the F1 interface is defined to be future proof to fulfil different new requirements, support new services and new functions;        one gNB-CU and a set of one or more gNB-DUs are visible to other logical nodes as a gNB. The gNB terminates X2, Xn, NG and S1-U interfaces;        the CU may be separated in control plane (CP) and user plane (UP).
There currently exist certain challenge(s). For example, in the 4G System (EPS), the eNB constantly monitors the UE activity on a per-bearer basis. The eNB determines when a bearer has been inactive for a given amount of time, and then takes action accordingly. For example, the eNB could decide to remove a bearer that has been inactive for a given amount of time. If all the bearers of a UE have been inactive for a given amount of time, the node controlling the UE's RRC state may decide to:                either change the UE state to RRC_IDLE, removing all UE specific resources in the RAN,        or, in LTE, suspend the UE connection, keeping a UE context in the RAN.
In the 5G System (5GS), a similar functionality is needed where, based on information of inactivity, an inactive data radio bearer could be removed, or, if all the DRBs of a UE have been inactive for a given amount of time, the node controlling the UE's RRC state can decide to                either change the UE state to RRC_IDLE, removing all UE specific control and user plane related resources from the RAN,        or send the UE to RRC_INACTIVE, while keeping necessary user and control plane related resources established in the RAN (e.g. stored in the gNB or another RAN node).
Note that, at a later point in time, RRC_INACTIVE equivalent function might be introduced into EPS as well.

Methods, apparatus and systems relating to data radio bearer inactivity


An illuminating panel has disposed thereon a plurality of linear light source units, and the linear light source units each include: a light emitter having a plurality of light emitting diodes linearly installed on a base; a first reflector formed of parabolic surfaces which are provided on a light emergence side of the light emitter in such a way as to correspond to the plurality of light emitting diodes, and light emitting faces of which fall in focal positions; and a second reflector having a pair of flat plate-like reflecting surfaces which, being arranged with the light emitting diodes sandwiched therebetween, farther to the light emergence side than the first reflector and parallel to an array direction of the light emitting diodes, reflect light from the light emitting diodes toward the light emergence side, wherein the linear light source units are annularly disposed on a module panel.

A hitherto known luminaire has used various types of illuminating light sources, such as a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp and a spot light, but there have been many limitations on its installation due to its illuminating light containing an ultraviolet component inducing a deterioration of an illuminated subject and to a heat generation of the illuminating light sources. Recently, since an LED light source having less heat generation and power consumption has attracted more attention, and a white LED having a high luminance has also been provided, there is an increasing number of luminaires for general lighting using the LED light source. An example of this kind of illuminating device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.
Also, to date, in a case of an illuminating device, in order to obtain a desired illuminance, individual luminaries have been disposed on a ceiling or the like at prescribed spaced intervals. Consequently, an operation to previously determine an attachment position of each luminaire has been carried out at an illuminating device installation site.
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2000-021209

Illuminating panel and illuminating device


Wet and dry film thickness can be measured non-invasively on structures, such as surfaces associated with vessels, aircraft and buildings, using calibrated microwave sensors. The film is measured by directing microwave energy toward the film. The microwave energy passes through the film and is reflected by a reflective or semi-reflective substrate surface below the film. Properties of the reflected wave are compared with properties of reflected waves that were passed through calibration samples of known thicknesses to determine the unknown thickness of the film. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the conductive/semi-conductive substrate for measurement, and in other embodiments, one or more sensors are maintained at a fixed altitude above the film. In one embodiment, sensors are associated with a coating applicator, with a first sensor preceding the applicator and a second sensor following the applicator to measure the thickness of the film applied by the applicator by comparing measurements before and after coating.

Coatings are used in a wide variety of applications to protect underlying structures from their environments. For example, coatings can be used to resist corrosion, to provide thermal insulation, to prevent mechanical damage, to reduce radar observability, or to protect from lightning strikes. Coatings include, for example, paint and polymer-based appliqués, which are being considered by military and commercial aviation operators as an alternative to paint.
For quality control, process monitoring, and cost control, it is desirable to have a method of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of coating thickness during manufacturing. Preferably, the coating thickness could be accurately measured after it dries or while still wet, so that the coating application can be adjusted in real time to control the process. It is also desirable to be able to rapidly and accurately measure coating thicknesses in the field. Particularly in critical applications, such as to measure the thickness of hi-tech coatings used in aircraft and spacecraft, fast, accurate measurements are critical. Hi-tech coating, such as low observable coatings used in stealth aircraft, can be very expensive. An extra few thousands of an inch of unnecessary coating thickness can add significant expense to the manufacturing process for an aircraft part. Excess paint can also mean unnecessary added weight, and when a lightning strike layer is present, increased lightning hit probability.
One method used in the automotive industry to measure paint coating thickness entails the use of magnetic fields to determine the total thickness of paint on a steel substrate. This method is limited to measuring the thickness of coatings on metallic surfaces. Ultrasonic measurement can be used to determine thicknesses of coating materials by transmitting high frequency sound pulses through the material, receiving echo pulses reflected from the substrate surface and interface layers, and measuring the time between pulses. An ultrasonic technique described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,702,931 for Falcoff is limited to measuring the thickness of wet paint. Ultrasonic measurements, such as the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,615 to Trulson, et al. for "Ultrasonic Multilayer Paint Thickness Measurement" typically require a liquid couplant, and measurement are limited in thick and coarse grained materials because of the high attenuation of the ultrasonic signal. Ultrasonic techniques typically lack sufficient accuracy for modern applications, such as low observable coatings, lightning strike grids, and metal oxide hull paints.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,833 to Bonnebat et al. for "Method And Device For Measuring The Thickness Of An Insulating Coating" describes a method for measuring paint thickness that entails using an inductive measuring technique, along with a second technique, such as an optical or capacitive technique. The method of Bonnebat et al. requires measuring the substrate both before and after coating, and such before-coating measurements are not always available.
Microwaves can be used to penetrate paint and other dielectric coatings to detect corrosion beneath the coating, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,674,292 to Bray et al. for "Microwave Corrosion Detection Systems and Methods," which is hereby incorporated by reference. Bray et al. describes directing relatively low power microwaves toward a coated substrate and measuring the reflected wave to determine the presence of corrosion under the coating. Bray et al. does not teach measuring thickness of the coating.
N. Qaddoumi et al. in "Microwave Detection and Depth Determination of Disbonds in Low-Permittivity and Low-Loss Thick Sandwich Composites," Research in Nondestructive Evaluation, 8:51-63 (1996) describes locating defects in a multilayer composite material by directing microwaves toward the material and measuring the phase of the reflected microwave. By varying the frequency and the standoff distance of the microwave transmitter, the phase of the reflected wave can identify characteristics of a defect in a specific layer. Calibration samples are fabricated by creating defects at different locations in each of the layers and measuring the phase of the wave reflected from each of the defects. When measuring an actual product, one can match the phase of the reflected wave to the calibration data to determine which layer, if any, is defective.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,003 to Zhoughi for "Microwaves Used for Determining Fatigue and Surface Crack Features on Metal Surface" teaches using microwaves to determine crack geometry under a paint layer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,322 to Zhoughi for "Calibrated Microwave Dielectric Coating Thickness Gauge" describes a method using microwaves to determine whether an automobile has been repainted by determining the number of paint coatings that have been applied. By comparing the output voltage of a microwave detector with the known output of typical paint layers, the detector can determine the number of paint layers. The method is useful for only a limited number and thickness of coatings, because the measured voltage has a one-to-one correspondence to layer thickness over only a limited range. Because the goal is to determine whether the automobile has been repainted, limited range and accuracy is acceptable.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,397 to Zhoughi for "Microwave Thickness Measurement and Apparatus," describes a method for measuring the thickness of rubber covering steel belts of a tire during a tire retreading process. A series of crystal detectors are mounted along a waveguide to measure a standing wave. By measuring the voltage at multiple points, the amplitude and phase of the standing wave can be calculated. The patent teaches determining the thickness from the standing wave based on a mathematical model, which derives reflected wave amplitude and phase using assumptions about the electrical properties of the coating and the resulting signals. The air gap is preferably selected so that the phase changes sign when the rubber layer approaches the desired thickness, thereby alerting operators to stop the buffing process when the phase changes and the desired thickness is reached. The method requires multiple sensors in different physical locations to characterize the standing wave, and the characterization depends on knowing the exact location of the each of the multiple sensors.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatuses and methods for nondestructive microwave measurement of dry and wet film thickness


A bicycle seat and a method of attaching same to a bicycle frame are provided wherein the seat includes an elongated, rounded triangular-shaped element having an upper face adapted for receiving a rider. The seat's underside has at least a portion that comprises a depression, and is surrounded by a lower edge. Depending from the underside adjacent a front and rear thereof are elements for affixing front and rear ends of seat rails thereto. The seat rails are recessed into the seat's underside depression, and do not protrude beneath the seat's lower edge. The seat is attached to the bicycle frame using a single-bolt post, by snapping the rails into the post's apertures, adjusting the seat along a longitudinal axis until a desired position is achieved, and tightening the post's bolt.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to bicycle seats, and, more particularly, to an attachment system and method for attaching bicycle seat to a post.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known to attach bicycle seats 50 to posts with the use of a pair of parallel rails 51 that protrude beneath the bottom edge 52 of the seat 50 (see FIG. 6). Bolts are used to attach the seat post to the rails, and the seat can be adjusted forward and backward depending upon the preference of the rider. This configuration, however, leaves the rails vulnerable to bending.
It is also known to provide a single-bolt attachment between a seat and post wherein the bolt is inserted along the post's longitudinal axis. This configuration can lead to bowing, and only provides for a single forward/backward attachment configuration for the rider.
A new type of post 10 has been introduced into the field that permits assembly with the use of a single bolt 11 (FIG. 1). The post 10 comprises a T-shaped device that can be affixed to a pair of substantially parallel seat rail elements 12 with a single bolt 11, and includes a pair of spaced-apart spring-loaded opposed inner 13 and outer plates 14 that comprise the cross-piece of the "T." The plates' inner surfaces define a substantially cylindrical aperture 15 dimensioned for admitting a seat rail 12. The arm of the "T" comprises a rod 16 for being affixed to the bicycle body. Typically the seat rail 12 comprises a strong material such as aluminum.


Methods, devices, and systems for point value change notification are described herein. One system (100) includes a message broker (108) to receive data from a data acquisition (DAQ) system, a first building management system (BMS) instance (104) connected to the message broker (108) to process a first portion of the DAQ data, a second BMS instance (104) connected to the message broker (108) to process a second portion of the DAQ data, and a web application (118) connected to the message broker (108) to generate a notification of a change in point value of a portion of the first portion or the second portion of the DAQ data, where the first BMS instance (104) and the second BMS instance (104) are provisioned with a plurality of computing resources deployed in a computing environment (102, 502) and are ultimately executed on hardware.

Building automation systems can be complex distributed systems. For example, a building automation system can include many different pieces of equipment. As a specific example, a building automation system can include different pieces of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment as well as other equipment such as lighting, sensors, operating panels, controllers, actuators, etc.
A building management system can be an effective way to monitor building automation systems in buildings. For example, a user can monitor a buildings HVAC, lighting, sensors, operating panels, controllers, actuators, power, fire, security, and/or other systems and equipment. In some examples, the user can monitor the buildings systems and equipment from a single location via a user interface.
In an example in which a building management system monitors multiple buildings and/or sites, many data points may have to be processed in order to provide real time information regarding the buildings' systems and equipment. For example, data from multiple buildings' HVAC, lighting, sensors, operating panels, controllers, actuators, power, fire, security, and/or other systems and equipment may have to be processed such that real time information regarding these buildings' systems and equipment can be monitored.


A collapsible container having a base with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of support members, legs attached to the base and configured to support a second collapsible container placed on a first collapsible container and a plurality of side panels, wherein at least one of the side panels is configured to lock in place in at least one position, wherein at least one of the side panels has both a foldable portion and a fixed portion and wherein the system provides for load bearing members for securing another collapsible container or device on top of a first collapsible container in either the folded or the extended configuration. Some embodiments of the collapsible container include an anchor member configured to anchor the collapsible container to a surface. Methods of stacking and methods of manufacturing the above embodiments are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to containers. More specifically, the invention relates to collapsible containers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Collapsible containers are used for shipping, hauling and/or storage of a variety of types of goods. Examples of collapsible containers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,273 to Hartwall, U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,632 to Kellogg, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,502 to Overholt, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,746 to Fortenberry.


An optical system is disclosed with which higher magnification can be easily achieved and aberrations can be favorably corrected, yet is compact. The optical system includes a plurality of optical surfaces including a first surface which has at least a reflective action, a second surface reflecting the light rays reflected by the first surface back toward the first surface, and a diffractive optical surface. The first surface reflects a central field-angle principal ray, which comes from the second surface and is again incident on the first surface, to the opposite side of the previous reflection with respect to a normal at a hit point of the central field-angle principal ray on the first surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to display optical systems which are used in head-mounted displays and projectors for enlarged display of an original image, an moreover to optical systems which are suitable for image-taking optical systems used in digital cameras or the like.
2. Description of Related Art
Head-mounted displays, which can be worn on one's head, are one type of image display apparatus using an image forming device, such as a CRT or an LCD, for an enlarged display, via an optical system, of an original image displayed on this image forming device.
Head-mounted displays are worn on the viewer's head, so that the overall apparatus must be particularly compact and light-weight. Considering weight balance and appearance, it is preferable that they are slim with respect to the viewer's visual axis (front-to-back direction). Furthermore, in order to make the enlarged image that is displayed attractive, the enlarged image should be as large as possible.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. H07 (1995)-333551 (corresponds to US Patent Application Publication No. 2001-0009478), H08 (1996)-50256 (corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001-0009478), H08 (1996)-160340, and H08 (1996)-179238 (corresponds to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001-0009478), for example, propose image display apparatuses striving for a thinner overall apparatus, which use an LCD (liquid crystal display) as the image forming device and a thin prism as the viewing optical system.
FIG. 17 shows the optical system (display optical system) of the image display apparatus proposed in H07 (1995)-333551. In this optical system, light emitted from an LCD 111 is incident on an incident surface 113 of a small decentered prism 112. The light is bent between a total reflective surface 114 and a reflective surface 115 of the prism 112, which are curved, and then the light emerges from the decentered prism 112 through the surface 114 and is guided to the viewer's eye E. Thus, a virtual image of an original image formed by the LCD 111 is formed, and the viewer views this virtual image.
The reflective surface 115 of the decentered prism 112 is made of a decentered rotationally asymmetric surface (a free-form surface in which the optical power depends on the azimuth angle).
Moreover, the display optical system in FIG. 18 is of a type with an image forming device 101 and using a coaxial concave mirror 103 and a half-mirror 102 that is tilted 45° with respect to the optical axis of the eyeball. In the image display apparatus shown in FIG. 17, it is easier than in the apparatus shown in FIG. 18 to make the overall apparatus thin and to achieve a broad field angle of the viewed visual field.
Furthermore, an image display apparatus of high image quality has been proposed, which produces chromatic aberration that is opposite to the chromatic aberration caused by the refraction optical system and suppresses the aberrations of the overall optical system by using a diffractive optical surface within the optical system.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-142025 proposes an optical system which arranges a diffractive optical surface on one surface of a prism made of three surfaces constituting an eyepiece optical system, and corrects decentration chromatic aberration while making the overall apparatus thinner.
Moreover, Japanese Patent 2705880 (corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,763) proposes an optical system in which an intermediate image is formed by a relay optical system on which a diffractive optical surface is arranged, an eyepiece optical system having a concave mirror is arranged and decentered, and an image formed by the image forming device is guided to the viewer.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-004955 proposes an optical system including a prism made of at least three surfaces, in which light emitted from a light source (LED or laser diode or the like) is scanned to project an image and form an intermediate image of that image using a relay optical system on which a diffractive optical surface is arranged, and the image is guided to the viewer by an eyepiece optical system having a concave mirror that is arranged and decentered.
In recent years, the structures of image forming devices, such as LCDs and the like, have-becoming ever finer, and image forming devices have been developed which are miniaturized while having a similar number of pixels as conventionally. Using such miniaturized image forming devices is advantageous for making systems smaller, but it causes the need to increase the magnification of the optical system in order to attain the same broad field angle as conventionally.
However, when an intermediate image is formed within the optical system in order to increase the magnification, then there is the problem that the optical path length becomes long and the apparatus becomes large.

Optical system, display optical system and image-taking optical system


A secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus using a field limiting method includes an optical system for primary ions, a sample chamber, and an optical system for secondary ions, and a total ion monitor (TIM) interposed between an electric sector and a magnetic sector of the optical system for secondary ions. A field-limited image (or TIM image) from the TIM can be observed or monitored continually by a CRT, thereby making it possible to grasp quantitatively the charging state of a sample surface. The apparatus may further include an adjuster for adjusting quantatively the charging state of the sample surface.

The present invention relates to a secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) apparatus, and more particularly to a secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus using a field limiting method in which only ions generated from a sample portion to be analyzed are introduced into a mass spectrometer portion of the apparatus, thereby making it possible to acquire analysis data having high reliability.
A secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus is one in which secondary ions emitted from a sample surface by irradiation thereof with a primary ion beam are introduced into a mass spectrometer portion of the apparatus to make mass-spectrometric analysis of the secondary ions. When the sample surface is scanned with the primary ion beam, constituent elements of the sample surface are etched with the lapse of time, thereby allowing an elemental or component analysis of the sample in a depth direction thereof. This is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,233.
In the case where a sample is a conductor, charges produced on a surface of the sample are dissipated through the conductor sample even if the reception and release of charges including the irradiation of the sample surface with a primary ion beam and the emission of secondary ions and secondary electrons from the sample surface are made at the sample surface. However, in the case where the sample is an insulator, charges produced on the sample surface residue (or are accumulated) thereat and hence the sample surface is charged. Therefore, the energy of secondary ions emitted from the sample surface changes depending upon the charges accumulated on the sample surface. When such secondary ions are introduced into a mass spectrometer portion, the accuracy of mass-spectrometric analysis of secondary ions is affected.
A method of avoiding the charging phenomenon at the sample surface affecting the mass-spectrometric analysis of secondary ions including an electron spray method disclosed by JP-B2-54-6912. When a sample surface is irradiated with a primary ion beam so that secondary ions and secondary electrons are emitted from the sample surface, the sample surface is generally charged with positive charges. According to the electron spray method, the sample surface is irradiated with electrons in order to neutralize the positive charges with which the samples surface will otherwise be charged.
Another method of avoiding the charging phenomenon at the surface of an insulator sample is an electron bombardment induced conductivity (EBIC) method disclosed by Y. Ikebe et al. Seventh Int. Conference on SIMS, (1989) pp. 891-894. In the EBIC method, the sample surface is irradiated with electrons on the basis of the same principle as the electron spray method to form an electrically conductive layer on the sample surface in order that charges accumulated on the sample surface are dissipated through the conductive layer.
The two methods mentioned above are effective to the secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus but involve the following problems.
In the electron spray method, though it is intended to avoid the charging of the surface of an insulator sample by irradiating the sample surface with electrons, it is not possible to sufficiently neutralize charges accumulated on the sample surface. Further, no means for confirming the degree of neutralization is provided.
In the EBIC method, the conductive layer formed by the EBIC method may be extinguished as the analysis of the sample surface for layers to be analyzed along a depth direction progresses with the lapse of time. As a result, a charging phenomenon may be generated again at the sample surface or the charging state of the sample surface may change. No means for quantitatively discriminating such a change of the charging state is provided.
Namely, in the above-mentioned insulator analysis methods used in the conventional SIMS apparatus, no consideration is taken for (1) the provision for confirming the avoidance of charging and (2) the provision for quantitatively discriminating the change in charging state. Accordingly, in the analysis of insulator by the prior art, it is not possible to quantitatively grasp the charging state and hence the reliability of data acquired is greatly questionable.
As a further prior art is known a secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus using a field limiting method disclosed by H. Tamura et al. "DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW FIELD LIMITING METHOD FOR SIMS", SIMS VII, (1989) pp. 903-906. In the case where the mass-spectrometric analysis of constituent elements of a sample surface is conducted by scanning the sample surface with a primary ion beam while deflecting the beam, the analysis progresses to the constituent elements of a more deep layer of the sample gradually with the lapse of time. Generally, in that case, secondary ions emitted from the vicinity of the edge portion of a sample surface scanning region of the primary ion beam originate from a layer shallower than a layer from which secondary ions are emitted from the vicinity of a central portion of the scanning region. Therefore, the accuracy of component analysis of each layer for the depth direction of the sample becomes poor. According to the field limiting method, secondary ions emitted at the edge portion of the sample surface scanning region of a primary ion beam are intercepted and only secondary ions emitted at the central portion of the scanning region are introduced into a mass spectrometer portion of the apparatus.

Secondary-ion mass spectrometry apparatus using field limiting method

Hitachi Instrument Engineering Co., Ltd.


A shoulder restraint attachment device for a motor vehicle (comprising a bolt, a mandrel, a cup and a nut) can be employed to deform a portion of the motor vehicle's roof in such a manner that a shoulder strap, such as those employed in three point restraint systems, can be securely and aesthetically mounted to the motor vehicle roof.

Automobile manufacturers have been charged with providing increasing levels of safety, especially over the past 40 years. One of the more dramatic improvements in their safety endeavors was introduction of devices that serve to restrain a vehicle user's movement in the event of a violent collision. The first such devices were lap-type seatbelts. They were eventually followed by introduction of three point restraint systems that, in addition to a lap belt, further comprised a second belt that served to restrain movement of the vehicle user's upper torso in the event of a violent collision. They are generally positioned above and behind the user's shoulder regions. Such devices are now commonly referred to as shoulder restraints, shoulder restraint belts, shoulder straps, etc. The standards covering their use and capabilities are found in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 208, 209 and 210.
Starting in 1968 three point restraint systems were mandated for all automobiles sold in the United States. Such restraint systems were not required in trucks until 1972. Be that as it may, this implies that pre-1968 automobiles have, by today's standards, inadequate restraint devices. This circumstance is usually exacerbated by a general lack of padding on the steering wheels and dashboards of these earlier automobiles. Thus, using only lap-type seatbelts, a pre-1968 automobile user's upper torso is unrestrained and, hence, in the event of a collision, subject to severe impacts. Consequently, various shoulder restraint retrofit assemblies have been suggested for use in pre-1968 autos. Their use often involved adding an anchor (i.e., a strong seat belt attachment point) to a vertical frame member (e.g., a door frame member) of the auto in positions that are generally located above and outboard of (i.e., to the side of) the auto seat being serviced by such a vertical frame mounted safety belt. It might also be noted here that use of such vertical frame member mounting locations is, in the opinion of some auto safety experts, less preferred (from a safety point of view) relative to anchoring such torso restraining safety belts more inboard (i.e., more directly behind the user's shoulder) as opposed to anchoring them more outboard of (i.e., to the side of) the user's shoulder e.g., mounting them on a vertical door frame member).
Consequently, other prior art three point restraint retrofits involved drilling a hole in the automobile roof more directly behind the restraint user's shoulder. A bolt was then passed through the hole in the vehicle's sheet metal roof to provide a reliable shoulder restraint anchor point. Again, these anchor points were located more directly to the rear of the user's shoulder (relative to mounting the anchor on the auto's door frame). However, the bolt head of such systems (and usually a washer placed behind that bolt head) is readily visible above the outside roof surface of the vehicle. This circumstance creates an aesthetically displeasing outside appearance of the roofline of the vehicle.
Another fairly common three point restraint system that was located more to the rear of the user's shoulder involved welding an anchor (e.g., a metal plate) to the inside of a motor vehicle roof at a more inboard location. This type of retrofit device has several drawbacks. For example, the heat required to weld an anchor piece to the roof of a vehicle will seriously discolor and/or blister the roofs outer paint finish over a relatively wide area. Moreover, since the headliner and roof insulation of such vehicles will often melt or burn when exposed to welding temperatures, use of this anchoring method implies that the roof will have to be relatively more extensively repaired and repainted. Moreover, when welding is employed, the vehicle's flammable headliner materials (e.g., insulation) must be removed and reinstalled, or completely replaced. Additionally the strength of many such anchor welds (especially when carried out by non-professional welders) have proven to be inadequate in some high impact collision situations.
Next, it should be noted that the patent literature discloses several devices and methods for forming a cavity in a sheet of metal. Some of these are employed in automotive applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,765 teaches a tie-down structure 10 having (1) a body member 12, (2) a plug 14 and (3) a threaded member such as a nut. The body member 12 has a top wall 12a, an outwardly flaring side wall 12b and an externally threaded stem 12c. An axial, internally threaded, portion 12d extends partly within the body member 12. The body member 12 also is provided with a cavity 12e below the top wall 12a for receiving a tightening tool head such as a hex wrench. The plug 14 has an unthreaded axial passageway 14a that opens into an outwardly flaring inner wall 14b. This wall 14b is complementary in shape to the outwardly flaring side wall 12b of the body number 12.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,818 B2 teaches an energy absorbing seat belt anchorage system wherein, as shown in FIG. 4, said system has a nut 24 that is pressed against a transverse wall 28 of a housing 18 by a retainer washer 86. A bolt 38 will be tightened to draw a tapered side 36 of the nut 24 into firm surface-to-surface contact with a tapered surface 30 of the transverse wall 28 of the housing 18. Crush ribs 68 overlie the head 44 of the bolt 38. A shoulder 48 of a collar 46 is closely adjacent to the abutment ring 32. In a crash situation, and specifically when a side collision occurs, the bolt is forced outwardly as depicted in FIG. 6. The shoulder 48 of the collar 46 deforms and bends the abutment ring 32 outwardly. The crush ribs 68 crush against the head 44 of the bolt 38. The resistance of the abutment ring 32 to bending absorbs energy. The crushing of the ribs 68 contributes to the absorption of energy.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,229 B1 teaches that a boss pulled into a socket hole in a wheel under the action of a bolt on stud on the nose of the boss can cause plastic deformation in a metal sheet (e.g., a sheet made of steel).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,873 teaches a self-attaching fastener and method for its attachment wherein an installation head 70 receives a fastener element for installation in a metal panel 60. The installation head includes a nose member 72 having a bore 73 that, in turn, receives a reciprocal plunger 74. A free end of the plunger is driven against a driven surface 42 of the fastener 20. This action drives the free end of a barrel portion 26 into the panel 60. The plunger 74 includes a cylindrical piercing bore 75 that receives a piercing end 77 that pierces the panel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,599 discloses a method for fastening a nut to a panel. The panel is deformed into a recess in the nut by advancing a punch against the panel. The punch is advanced into a tool receiving recess in the bottom of the recess beyond a panel edge.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,307,080 teaches a method of attaching panels to a framework. A panel to receive the fastening devices is provided with holes 4 that are counter-bored (see FIG. 7) to provide frusto-conical portions 5 and 6 for reception of a nut such as that shown in FIG. 11.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,053,300 teaches a fastener device wherein an anchor nut is mounted on a piece of sheet metal 30. A hole 32 is drilled in the sheet metal 30, and an annular shank 14 is inserted therein. A mounting tool is then used to deform the extremity 22 of the annular shank 14 over the periphery of the hole 32. This deforming step forces the lower surface of the periphery of the hole to conform to an underlying surface 16.


Spacecraft thrusters capable of dual-mode operation, and a method of applying propulsion to a spacecraft using a dual-mode thruster are provided. In one embodiment, the thrusters of the current invention can operate as a chemical motor to provide high thrust and low propellant exhaust velocity to achieve fast maneuverability, or as an electric propulsion thruster to provide low thrust and high exhaust velocity to perform maneuvers with a minimal amount of propellant.

Spacecraft propulsion generally falls into two classes—chemical and electric. Chemical propulsion thrusters (solid motors, liquid engines, or hybrids) have high thrust, which translates to fast maneuverability and short transit times at the expense of using a relatively large mass of propellant. Electric propulsion (EP) thrusters have high exhaust velocity and low thrust. EP thrusters have the advantage of using about 1/10th the propellant mass at the expense of relatively long transit times. The EP systems also provide a smaller impulse-bit than the chemical propulsion systems making them better suited for fine positioning spacecraft maneuvers.
In general it would seem that a spacecraft designer would always choose the EP system to take advantage of the propellant mass savings, however, for many spacecraft maneuvers the longer trip times of the EP system are unacceptable. In general EP is used for maneuvers where trip time is not an issue. These include north-south station-keeping (NSSK) for geosynchronous (GEO) satellites, east-west station-keeping (EWSK), attitude control, and drag make-up in low earth orbits (LEO). In contrast, chemical systems are used in applications such as orbit transfer, divert propulsion on interceptor satellites used in missile defense, and proximity operations for microsatellites performing maneuvers near other space objects, where time is of an essence.
To overcome the inherent disadvantages of both propulsion systems, it is common in spacecraft design to include multiple propulsion systems to independently provide high thrust and high exhaust velocity capability. For example, a Boeing 702 communications satellite contains two independent propulsion systems; a chemical rocket is used for a rapid orbit transfer from low orbit to a position near the final geosynchronous orbit, while an EP system is used to complete the orbit transfer using less propellant mass than the chemical rocket would have used. Once in a geosynchronous orbit the EP thrusters move to face north and south. For the 15 year lifetime of the satellite they will be fired for about 1 hour/week to perform NSSK orbit corrections.
One prospective example of the need for multiple propulsion systems on satellites is for use on microsatellites. One microsatellite mission is to act as a defensive escort for a high-value space asset such as the International Space Station, or an expensive communications satellite. These escort satellites would need EP to fly near the host satellite while consuming a minimum of propellant, however, if a threat to the host appears, the escort microsatellite will need high thrust chemical propulsion to quickly respond and intercept the threat. Alternatively, if a microsatellite was designed for inspection missions the microsatellite would need EP for precision pointing and drag make-up, however, near the target the microsatellite will need high-thrust chemical propulsion to circumnavigate the object at close range.
Despite the clear need for a multiple mode propulsion system, such systems are are inherently complex because of the need for multiple control systems and fuel sources. There are currently no propulsion systems that can operate in a chemical or electric mode using the same propellant for the two modes of operation.
Accordingly, a need exists for a propulsion system having both high thrust and high specific impulse propulsion capabilities

Dual-mode chemical-electric thrusters for spacecraft


A conductive surface layer, for example to form an electrode. For piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric components, as well as for piezoceramic components, the layer is formed of at least one electrically conductive hard product of at least one of the metals of at least the groups III to VIII of the periodic table of the elements.

The present invention relates to a conductive surface layer, for example to form an electrode.
Piezoelectric elements, for example oscillator crystals, are generally provided with two film or sheet-like, oppositely disposed electrodes that are essentially parallel to one another; up to now these electrodes have, for example, been made of such precious metals as gold, chromium, silver, or also from tungsten or the combination of various other metals. Furthermore, the electrodes can each also be formed from the aforementioned metallic materials in the form of individual superimposed layers. During the course of forming the film or sheet-like electrodes, in other words during the manufacture, for example by vapor deposition, it can happen that the thereby occurring thermal stress is so great that the respective curie temperature of the piezoelectric element is partially reached or exceeded, as a result of which a depolarization of the piezoelectric component can occur. Unfortunately, when the curie temperature is reached and exceeded, the piezoelectric component looses its specific piezoelectric properties, at least in part. The general rule is that the half curie temperature should not be exceeded.
A further drawback or problem encountered during the manufacture of piezoelectric components was that the generally metallic electrodes often exhibited an inadequate adhesive and wear strength over the entire surface or over portions thereof, and also exhibited an electrical conductivity of the electrode surfaces that varied over the course of time that up to now also varied over the entire electrode surface or portions thereof and varied with time. A further drawback of the heretofore known electrode formation on piezoelectric components consists in the relatively great mechanical damping of the oscillation characteristics of the component due to the thick metallizing (up to 2.times.10.sup.-2 mm for silver) and the inertia of the metal electrodes connected therewith.
A further drawback that occurs when stacking several piezoelectric components is the gap deflection that occurs with thick metal electrodes.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a conductive surface layer that avoids the aforementioned drawbacks, that is more economical to produce than was the case with heretofore known layers, so that, for example an improvement of the oscillation characteristics of an oscillator crystal are achieved and better resonant or oscillator circuit qualities can be achieved, and with which the aging rate is reduced in comparison to the heretofore known components.


A worksurface arrangement (12) includes a structural core (21) having an enlarged upper surface bounded by generally vertical edge surfaces. Upper and side surfaces of the core (21) are covered by a thin sheetlike laminate (31) which provides soft surfaces and edges. The laminate includes an outer thin layer (32) of a thermoplastic material disposed in overlying relationship to an inner layer (33) of resilient foam material. These two layers are preferably secured together, and the outer layer (32) has a thickness which is a small fraction of the thickness of the underlying resilient foam layer (33), which latter layer is itself relatively thin.

Worksurface (i.e. worktop) arrangements are extensively utilized, particularly in the office environment. Such worksurface arrangements are utilized in many forms and configurations, and in many office environments are supported on and project outwardly in a cantilevered manner from an upright space divider panel. In other usages the worksurface arrangement functions as the top of a freestanding table or desk.
The worksurface arrangement is conventionally constructed utilizing a structural core, often of particle board, having a hard plastic sheet adhesively secured to upper and vertical edge surfaces thereof. Such worksurface arrangements, while providing a hard and durable working surface, are nevertheless considered "unfriendly" to the user since they are extremely hard to the touch and can cause significant discomfort when the user rests bony protrusions such as an elbow or wrist thereon or accidentally impacts thereagainst. Further, these worksurface arrangements often have sharp corners or edges where the top and side surfaces join, and these corners are uncomfortable and, in fact, can be painful to the user under circumstances involving accidental impact and/or long-term contact with such surfaces, edges and corners.
In an attempt to improve the propeties of the worksurface arrangement, it is conventional to secure an edge strip around the core, which edge strip conventionally comprises an extruded element having limited resiliency. This edge strip is normally provided with a securing flange (such as a Christmas-tree type securing flange) which is inserted into an elongate groove formed in and extending around the peripheral edge of the core. While this provides a durable and somewhat resilient front edge and corner to the worksurface arrangement, nevertheless the use of this edge strip increases the manufacturing complexities and costs. Further, the edge strip often projects either slightly above or below the top surface of the worksurface and either interferes with use of the top surface or provides an unsightly appearance. Hence, even though these edge strips have been used for many years, they nevertheless do possess many well recognized disadvantages.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved worksurface arrangement which is more "user friendly", namely a worksurface arrangement having a soft and resilient surface so as to overcome the disadvantages associated with known worksurface arrangement.
According to the present invention, the "user friendly" worksurface arrangement has a resilient monolithic cover or shell which totally covers both the upper surface and all of the vertical edge surfaces so as to provide softness and resiliency for the upper and edge surfaces and also for the corners and edges, thereby providing improved user comfort when using the worksurface arrangement, while at the same time providing an upper working surface having enhanced properties or characteristics such as when used for writing.
Another desirable feature of the resilient monolithic cover is that it is flexible. This flexibility allows for worksurfaces that can articulate or bend positively or negatively along a given line or lines without introducing cracks or gaps in the surface and thus provide improved ergonomics by means of adding adjustabilities not possible with other surface construction methods.
The resilient underlayment provides a further advantage by means of acting as a separator between the core and the surface materials. As such both the core and the surface can expand and shrink at different rates due to temperatures and/or humidity changes without affecting each other through build up of excessive internal stresses which evidences itself as warpage. The resilient underlayment absorbs the minute dimensional differences between the core and the surface material through a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions and thereby significantly reduces the problem of warpage in the "user friendly" worksurface.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the worksurface arrangement includes an enlarged sheetlike structural core having a horizontally enlarged upper surface bounded by generally vertical edge surfaces, which structural core may be constructed of particle board or other suitable material. The upper and side surfaces of the core are covered by a thin sheetlike laminate which provides soft surfaces and edges so as to be more comfortable to the touch and the resting and support of forearms, but which also provides desirable impact wear and chemical resistance. The laminate includes an outer thin layer of a thermoplastic material disposed in overlying relationship to an inner layer of resilient foam material. These two layers are preferably secured together, as by an adhesive, and the upper thermoplastic layer has a thickness which is a small fraction of the thickness of the underlying resilient foam layer, which latter layer is itself relatively thin. The laminate is disposed so that it totally overlies the upper surface of the core with the resilient foam layer being disposed in direct contact with the upper surface of the core. The edges of the laminate are suitably deformed so as to effectively wrap around and snugly embrace the peripheral edge surfaces of the core.
In a preferred embodiment the thin thermoplastic layer preferably has a thickness in the range of about 0.020 inch to about 0.035 inch, and the resilient foam layer has a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Other structural and functional aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description.


A microscope device for inspecting structured objects, including: a camera; an optical imager capable of producing, on the camera, an image of the object according to a field of view, and including a distal lens arranged on the side of the object; and a low-coherence infrared interferometer including a measurement beam capable of producing measurements by means of interferences between retroreflections of the measurement beam and at least one separate optical reference. The device also includes coupler for injecting the measurement beam into the optical imaging means in such a way that the beam passes through the distal lens, and the low-coherence infrared interferometer is balanced in such a way that only the measurement beam retroreflections, taking place at optical distances close to the optical distance covered by the beam to the object, produce measurements.

Manufacturing techniques in microelectronics and in microsystems (MEMs, MOEMs) progress in particular towards making complex volume structures, capable of better volume integration of functions of these systems.
The development of these techniques generates a change in needs for measurement and dimensional control means, exactly to give greater consideration to this volume aspect.
Optical measurement techniques, in particular based on imaging and interferometry, are widely used because they can be integrated in industrial environments and they can provide accurate information in measurement ranges from a few millimeters to less than one nanometer. They also have the advantage to allow measurements without contact, without degradation nor preparation of the samples, with devices that remain affordable.
It is known in particular imaging techniques based on conventional microscopy, usually in reflection, which enable surfaces and patterns to be inspected and dimensional measurements to be performed by image analysis in a plane substantially perpendicular to the observation axis. These devices usually comprise a light source, a camera and an imaging optics with a suited magnification. Their lateral resolution, in the order of one micrometer, is essentially determined by the optical diffraction phenomenon, the magnification and the quality of optics. The measurements are usually made in the visible or near ultraviolet part of the light spectrum, which enables diffraction to be restricted, and cameras and optics at a reasonable cost to be used.
For the purpose of obtaining depth quantitative measurements (parallel to the observation axis), the imaging microscopy can be complemented by interferential measurements, according to interferometric microscopy techniques. The device is then complemented by an interferometer which enables light from the surface of the object to be measured (the measurement wave) and a reference light wave from the same source and reflected by a reference surface to be superimposed on the camera. Interferences are thus obtained between the measurement and reference waves which enable the topology of the surface to be measured with a depth resolution in the order of one nanometer. For implementation reasons similar to the case of imaging microscopy, measurements are usually made in the visible part of the light spectrum.
The interferometric microscopy enables, for example, topography measurements on a first surface, or thickness measurements of thin layers substantially transparent to the wavelengths used, to be effectively made. On the other hand, it can hardly make thickness measurements of materials higher than a few tens of microns without optical compensations delicate to implement, and of course it does not enable silicon thicknesses to be measured, given that this material is not transparent to visible wavelengths.
The issue in measuring thicknesses is effectively solved by interferometric measurement techniques, in particular based on low-coherence infrared interferometry. Indeed, a number of materials widely used in microelectronics and in microsystems such as silicon or gallium arsenide are substantially transparent for wavelengths in near infrared. These are generally point measurement systems, namely capable of measuring one or more heights or thicknesses (in the case of measurements on stacks of layers) at a point of the surface of the object.
Another issue in microsystems and in microelectronics is the measurement of heights of patterns having a high depth to width ratio (also called "aspect ratio"). These patterns, made in particular by deep plasma etching ("Deep RIE") can have, for example, the form of trenches or holes a few micrometers wide and a few tens of micrometers deep. The measurement of their depth is particularly difficult exactly because of the aspect ratio. All the techniques based on an optical measurement beam which has a high numerical aperture, which includes imaging based techniques, whether interferometric or not, and confocal techniques, are inoperative because the beam cannot reach the bottom of the structures under usable conditions.
Document FR 2 892 188 to Courteville describes a method and a device capable of measuring the height of patterns which have a high aspect ratio. The device includes a substantially punctual measurement beam, which covers a restricted region on the surface of the object. The height measurement of patterns covered by the beam is obtained by dividing the incident wave front between the high and low parts of patterns and interferometrically measuring phase shifts induced between these fractions of wave fronts after a modal filtering step. The device described in FR 2 892 188 can advantageously be implemented at infrared wavelengths to simultaneously measure thicknesses of layers of semi-conductor materials.
Characterizing elements in microelectronics or in microsystems often requires simultaneously topology measurements and height or thickness measurements performed in particular places. Locating these height or thickness measurements should sometimes be very accurate, for example in "chip level packaging" applications where apertures or vias a few micrometers wide spaced apart by several tens or hundreds of micrometers are pierced through the semi-conductor substrate. In other cases, height and thickness measurements should be performed in a region having a restricted range to take only some patterns into account. In all cases, the infrared measurement beam should thus be accurately adjusted in position and/or magnification on the surface of the object.
Document FR 2 718 231 to Canteloup et al. is known which describes a height or thickness measurement method using a point measurement beam the position of which is viewed on a camera. The measurement beam passes through the imaging optics of the camera such as to appear in the field being viewed. This device enables the measurement beam to be accurately positioned on the surface of the object. However, the wavelength of the interferometric measurement is in this case included in imaging wavelengths for which the imaging optics is optimized. This is a strong constraint in the implementation described in FR 2 718 231, related in particular to the fact that interferometric measurement techniques are mostly very sensitive to parasitic reflections, multiple optical paths and other aberrations of wave fronts which inevitably appear when an optics is not optimized for the operating wavelength. In particular, the method described in FR 2 718 231 is unsuitable for an interferometric measurement system in the infrared.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for inspecting structured objects, capable of simultaneously producing topography measurements, layer thickness and pattern height measurements.

Optical device and method for inspecting structured objects


A records filter filters database records based on general and/or specific filter criteria. The records filter is effectively utilized in the context of a mail merge process in a document editor, such as a word processor application. The records filter can be provided to a user in the form of a graphical user interface that allows the user to intuitively set and modify filters to process the database records from a database source file. The graphical user interface permits a user to implement general and specific filters to process the records of a database. Specific filters can be designed to exclude specific records from the list of database records. Specific record exclusion can be performed by enabling a user to select or de-select a checkbox associated with each database record. General database record filtration is performed by processing general filter criteria input from the user. The user can input general filter criteria by clicking on a criteria button to expose a criteria list containing all of the unique values in the column. By selecting a value in the criteria list, the user indicates that the record filter's output should include only records containing the selected value in the selected column.

Database users often filter database records by eliminating unnecessary records before using the records in reports, other documents, or for any other use. For example, a client mailing list database may be filtered to exclude out-of-state clients from a mass mailing. Such a filtered list could be used to send out mailings to only in-state clients to promote a local sale. Similarly, a direct-marketing campaign may be customized to exclude clients that would likely not be interested in a particular product.
Oftentimes, such database filtering is performed in the context of a mail merge. Generally stated, a mail merge is a process of using the records of a database to generate duplicates of a form or template. For example, a database source file, containing records of contact names and the mailing addresses for a list of prospective employers, might be used by a job seeker to generate form letters that could be used as cover letters for a resume. To effect a mail merge, the fields of each record in the database source file are typically associated with corresponding, special fields embedded in the form document. When the mail merge is performed, a reproduction of the form document is generated for each record in the database source file, each reproduction containing the information of a corresponding record. The collection of form document reproductions is referred to as the mail merge output.
Many mail merge users "filter" database records by deleting portions of the mail merge output (for example, within a word processor application) or by printing and discarding the reproduction documents containing the unnecessary database record information. These are very inefficient ways of filtering database records.
More sophisticated prior art database filters have proven to be difficult to use. For example, database management software, such as Structured Query Language (SQL), provide a standardized language for filtering database records. Unfortunately, such software is so complicated that only programmers and expert users can take advantage of its filtering capabilities. Other, less sophisticated database management tools have been integrated into document editor applications, such as word processors, that include mail merge capabilities. However, even these less sophisticated tools have been proven to be difficult for less-sophisticated users to operate effectively and efficiently. As a result, users have continued to resort to deleting or destroying merge documents. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a sophisticated database filter that is effective and efficient and can be readily operated by unsophisticated users.

System and method for filtering database records


An endpoint broker to provide application launch endpoints from multiple data centers having different tenancy sets. Upon accessing a request for an application launch endpoint connection for a user, the broker selects a data center, from amongst multiple data centers that have different tenancy sets, that is to provide an endpoint in satisfaction of the request. The endpoint broker identifies an endpoint from the selected data center, and then associates the identified endpoint with the user. The user is then provided access to the identified endpoint using the association. Thus, a user is not restricted to having an endpoint from a single data center. If there are concerns with providing an endpoint from one data center, an endpoint may be provided from another data center in a manner that is transparent to the user.

Desktops are platforms that may be used to launch other applications. In remote desktop environments, the desktop platform is provided at a remote location as compared to the client machine that is viewing the desktop. In this context, the remote desktop platform may be considered an application launch endpoint as the client connects to this endpoint in order to obtain the application launch capabilities provided by the desktop platform.
An example of an application launch endpoint is a virtual machine. A virtual machine runs the desktop logic remotely, but provides rendering instructions to the local client machine. The user may interact with the client machine to launch applications that will run in the context of the virtual machine. Another example of an application launch endpoint is a session managed by session management servers (also called a terminal server).
Conventionally, application launch endpoints are deployed in the "private cloud" meaning that the data center that supports the application launch endpoint is managed and maintained within an enterprise corresponding to the users the endpoints serve. More recently, application launch endpoints have been deployed in the "public cloud" in data centers that support multiple tenants, and that may perhaps be remotely located from the tenants that the data center(s) support.

Endpoint data centers of different tenancy sets


A separator assembly for a fuel cell includes a first separator having tunnel-shaped fastening parts formed on a plurality of points of an edge area thereof, and a second separator having insert parts formed at positions corresponding to each of the fastening parts of the first separator on an edge area thereof to be inserted into the fastening parts, wherein the insert parts of the second separator are inserted into the fastening parts of the first separator to assemble the first separator and the second separator.

A fuel cell is a kind of power generator that converts chemical energy of fuel into electric energy by electrochemically reacting the fuel in a stack. The fuel cell may not only supply driving power for industries, homes, and vehicles, but may also be used to supply power of a small electronic product such as a portable device. Recently, the use field of the fuel cell is being gradually expanded as a high-efficient clean energy source.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a general fuel cell stack.
As shown in FIG. 1, the general fuel cell stack has a membrane electrode assembly in an innermost portion. The membrane electrode assembly 10 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane ii that may migrate protons, and catalyst layers, i.e. an anode 12 and a cathode 13, which are coated on both sides of the electrolyte membrane to allow hydrogen and oxygen to react with each other.
Furthermore, a pair of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) 20 is stacked on an outer portion of the membrane electrode assembly 10, i.e. an outer portion in which the anode 12 and the cathode 13 are located. A pair of separators 30 defining a flow field is located on the outer portions of the gas diffusion layers 20 to supply fuel and discharge water produced by a reaction with a gasket 40 being interposed therebetween. An end plate 50 is coupled to the outermost portion to fixedly support the above-described components.
Here, the pair of separators 30 includes an anode separator 31 disposed on the anode, and a cathode separator 32 disposed on the cathode.
Meanwhile, the fuel cell stack is made by stacking multiple unit cells. Here, the anode separator 31 disposed on any one unit cell and the cathode separator 32 disposed on an adjacent unit cell are stacked to face each other.
Thus, in order to smoothly perform the process of stacking unit cells and maintain the alignment of the unit cells, the cathode separator 32 and the anode separator 31 of the adjacent unit cells, which are disposed to face each other, are integrated and then the unit cells are stacked.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating conventional separators which are integrated by welding.
As shown in FIG. 2, the conventional separator 30 includes on a central area thereof a reaction surface on which a membrane electrode assembly is disposed, with a plurality of inlet manifolds and outlet manifolds being formed on opposite areas of the reaction surface. Here, in order to seal the reaction surface, the inlet manifolds, and the outlet manifolds, an area in which the reaction surface, the inlet manifolds, and the outlet manifolds are formed is surrounded by the gasket 40.
Meanwhile, a method of integrating the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 of the adjacent unit cells adopts a method of spot-welding predetermined points on edge areas of the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 that face each other. Here, points where they are welded are denoted by welding points W.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating portion "A" of FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the pair of separators 30, i.e. the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 face each other, edges are spaced apart from each other by flow fields formed in the respective separators.
However, welding surfaces should be in close contact with each other, due to the characteristics of spot welding. Thus, in order to spot-weld the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, a welding surface 32a is bent to make the welding point of the cathode separator 32 come into contact with the anode separator 31.
Furthermore, since it is important to eliminate metal burrs which are inevitably generated in the process of manufacturing the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, a lot of time and cost are invested in managing a trimming process, and a washing process should be essentially performed before welding.
In addition, a spring-back phenomenon occurs in the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32 due to the characteristics of a press process. The unavoidable spring-back phenomenon increases the defective contact of the welding surface 32a.
Thus, in the process of joining the anode separator 31 and the cathode separator 32, a poor welding-surface contact phenomenon caused by the phenomenon such as metal burrs or spring back becomes a major factor in reducing the yield of the separator.
Furthermore, the welding is a technology that applies the principle of locally melting and attaching metal. Thus, when both a welding strength and a position are not adjusted, a phenomenon where a hole is formed in a corresponding portion due to the melting of the metal may occur. This causes poor air-tightness in the flow field of hydrogen, air, and coolant, which are mainly treated by the separator.
The foregoing is intended merely to aid in the understanding of the background of the present invention, and is not intended to mean that the present invention falls within the purview of the related art that is already known to those skilled in the art.

Separator assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell stack including same