The disclosure is directed to an apparatus comprising feedback-assisted control of the heating process in rapid discharge heating and forming of metallic glass articles.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,813 entitled "Forming of Metallic Glass by Rapid Capacitor Discharge" is directed, in certain aspects, to a rapid discharge heating and forming method (RDHF method), in which a metallic glass is rapidly heated and formed into an amorphous article by discharging an electrical energy through a metallic glass sample cross-section to rapidly heat the feedstock to a process temperature in the range between the glass transition temperature of the metallic glass and the equilibrium liquidus temperature of the glass-forming alloy (termed the "undercooled liquid region") and shaping and then cooling the sample to form an amorphous article.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,813 is also directed, in certain aspects, to a rapid discharge heating and forming apparatus (RDHF apparatus), which includes a metallic glass feedstock, a source of electrical energy, at least two electrodes interconnecting the source of electrical energy to the metallic glass feedstock, where the electrodes are attached to the feedstock such that connections are formed between the electrodes and the feedstock, and a shaping tool disposed in forming relation to the feedstock. In the disclosed apparatus, the source of electrical energy is capable of producing electrical energy uniformly through a sample such that the generated electrical current heats the entirety of the sample to a process temperature between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium liquidus temperature of the alloy, while the shaping tool is capable of applying a deformational force to form the heated sample to a net shape article.

Feedback-assisted rapid discharge heating and forming of metallic glasses


A dynamic diagnostic operational transducer fault detection system including a first logic network which is connected to a low level pressure offset circuit and to an operational transducer to transducer equivalence check circuit. The low level pressure offset circuit is connected to a second logic network. The operational transducer to transducer equivalance check circuit is connected to the first logic network and to an operational transducer to transducer comparison check circuit. The second logic network is connected to a pair of transducer offset test check circuits. The pair of transducer offset test check circuits are connected to a third logic network. The third logic network is connected to a pair of high level transducer fault detector circuits which differentiate between a transducer failure and a dragging and/or stuck brake condition.

It will be appreciated that in railroad and/or mass and rapid transit operations, it is essential to detect when a brake shoe is dragging on or stuck to the wheel tread or the flat steel disc on a moving railway car in order to prevent the occurrence of a hazardous condition which could cause a derailment and result in damage to equipment or lading and/or injury or death to operating personnel and/or passengers. Since separation of dragging or stuck brakes can result in undue delay in train movement, it is vital to distinguish between a valid and a false dragging and/or stuck brake condition. In the past, a faulty sensing transducer was capable of simulating a dragging and/or stuck brake condition, which caused a false alert and which resulted in unnecessary stopping of the train for inspection and/or examination of the brake rigging. The needless stopping of trains adversely effects the time of arrival and disrupts the scheduling, which is both costly and time-consuming, and causes disruption of the operations of the carrier.

Transducer operational fault determination system


The present invention relates to a device which supplies a field current to the field coil of an alternator for a vehicle in a gradually changing manner. In the device, a pulse voltage which has a pulse width corresponding to a phase difference between output signals of first and a second counters (15 and 16) is generated by a maximum duty ratio limiting circuit (19). When the alternator output voltage becomes higher than a reference voltage, the full-scale count time of the second counter is shortened relative to the full-scale count time of the first counter. On the other hand, when the output voltage becomes lower than the reference voltage, the same is elongated to thereby increase the phase difference. A switching transistor (12) is provided to control the field current supplied to the alternator field coil in response to the above pulse voltage.

Such a device is disclosed in Japanese patent unexamined publication Sho 62-64299 and its U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,706 to Bowman as one of the conventional power control devices of alternators.
However, the device disclosed in the above publication is equipped with an up-down counter (a binary counter which can count up and down) which is controlled according to a result of comparison of an output voltage of an alternator with a reference voltage and a PWM circuit (pulse width modulation circuit) which includes a down-counter and generates pulse signals having pulse width changing according to the number counted by the up-down counter to supply a field current to the alternator field coil. Therefore, many digital circuit elements are required and, consequently, the digital circuit becomes complicated.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple digital circuit which changes the field current gradually.
Another object of the present invention is to provide means for controlling the field-current switching means to have different conducting times between increasing the field current and decreasing the field current without difficulty.
A further object of the present invention is to provide means for controlling the field current switching means to synchronize an output timing of comparison between the alternator output voltage and a reference voltage with the switching timing of the field-current switching means so that the switching means can switch on or off steadily even under an abrupt output voltage change.

Power control device of alternator for vehicle


An integrated multi-layered microwave circuit includes a substrate which is constituted by dielectric layers and conductive layers laminated alternately. The conductive layer disposed at one major surface of the substrate forms a micro strip line which constitutes an antenna portion. The conductive layer disposed at the other major surface of the substrate forms a circuit pattern including a grounding line and a power source line, and then the circuit pattern forms a communication portion together with discrete parts incorporated in the circuit pattern. One of the intermediate conductive layers of the substrate constitutes a grounding layer and the other thereof constitutes a power source layer. In the substrate, a feeding via hole, a via hole for a power source, and a grounding via hole are formed so as to penetrate the substrate. Conductors are formed on the inner walls of the substrate forming the feeding via hole, the via hole for the power source, and the grounding via hole by the plating technique, respectively, whereby the antenna portion, the power source layer and the grounding layer are electrically connected to the communication portion, the power source line and the grounding line, respectively. The antenna portion is provided with a feeding land connected to the conductors of the feeding via hole, three radiators each having a circular configuration formed by the micro strip line, and a phase shifter formed by the micro strip line for connecting the respective radiators to the feeding land.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to integrated multi-layered microwave circuits used in a mobile radio communication system utilizing a radio wave of a microwave band such as a vehicle information and communication systems (VICS) and, more particularly, is directed to an integrated multi-layered microwave circuit and a method of fabricating it which is easily miniaturized and has less signal loss.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the VICS, a vehicle antenna receives various information such as a location of a vehicle or a road condition such as congestion which is transmitted from a terrestrial station such as a beacon provided on a road, and various devices mounted on the vehicle are controlled based on the received information. Further, it has been proposed to arrange the VICS so that the vehicle antenna transmits information from the various devices mounted on the vehicle to an external station such as the earth station or another vehicle. The thus constituted VICS has been put to practical use as an example of the mobile radio communication systems utilizing a radio wave of a microwave band. In particular, it has been an important problem to be solved to miniaturize and decrease weight in a radio communication terminal for a mobile station which is mounted in a movable body (mobile) or vehicle and processes a signal received by a vehicle antenna.
In a conventional circuit arrangement usable as the radio communication terminal for the mobile station of the mobile radio communication system, an antenna portion and a communication portion for processing a signal received by the antenna portion are provided separately, in general, in order to freely position the antenna portion. That is, in almost cases, the antenna portion and the communication portion are located at different portions. For example, in the prior art disclosed in JP-A-2-152304, an antenna for a mobile radio communication and a communication portion are located at different portions and are connected to each other through a coaxial cable.
Further, there has been proposed various circuits in each of which an antenna for a mobile communication for receiving a radio wave of a microwave band is constituted by a micro strip line and integrated with a communication portion for processing the received signal. One is a circuit in which an antenna portion and an integrated circuit constituting a communication portion are separately fabricated and then integrated as described in JP-A-63-316905. Another is a circuit in which an antenna constituted by a micro strip line and a communication portion constituted by a semiconductor circuit are formed on the same major surface of a substrate as described in JP-A-1-112827.
In the circuit described in JP-A-2-152304, since the coaxial cable is used to connect the antenna for the mobile communication and the communication portion, a radio frequency (RF) signal is attenuated due to a signal loss in the coaxial cable, thereby an efficiency of the communication portion degrades.
Further, the circuit described in JP-A-63-316905 has the disadvantage such that, since material of the communication portion, i.e., semiconductor material is different from material of the antenna portion, i.e., conductive material, it is required, in an integrating process of the materials, to provide a conductive layer at a rear surface of the communication portion and to-utilize an adhesive solder, thereby complicating an assembling process of the circuit.
The circuit described in JP-A-1-112827 is advantageous in that signal loss of an RF signal can be decreased and the circuit can be miniaturized and light-weighted since the antenna and the communication portion are integrally formed. However, this circuit has the disadvantage such that since both the antenna and the communication portion are located on the same surface, a radio wave having the same frequency of that from the antenna is transmitted from the communication portion and interferes with a radio wave transmitted from the antenna, so that this circuit can not be applied to one whose communication portion has a modulating function.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved integrated multi-layered microwave circuit in which the aforementioned shortcomings and disadvantages encountered with the prior art can be eliminated.
More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated multi-layered microwave circuit which can integrate an antenna portion and a communication portion by using a conventional fabricating process of a circuit substrate and which is small in size and weight, less in signal loss and high in efficiency.

Integrated multilayered microwave circuit

Hitachi Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd.


The present invention provides a vector processing computer system adapted for real-time I/O. The present invention combines a rotating priority interrupt scheme, dedicated real-time interrupt lines for each processor, and access to privileged communication/control modes of operation for processors operating in real-time to create a flexible hardware design adaptable for use in many different real-time applications.

Many computer applications arise which require a computer to respond to external events and to perform computations and control functions within specified, often very brief time limits. Systems of this type are referred to as response- or real-time-oriented systems. Two things must be accomplished in real-time. First, data must be transferred from the I/O subsystem to the processors in a timely fashion, and second the processors must complete their computations on that data in a timely fashion. In other words, there must be a predictable computation latency. The transfers and computations must occur in predictable time intervals in order to meet the concept of real-time operation. Depending upon the application, the time intervals involved may range from several microseconds to several seconds.
These time intervals can be termed "time slices". In a slice of time, the system will receive input data, process that data, and send any resulting data back out of the system. The time slice then, consists of an input time, a compute time, and finally an output time. To determine the minimum time slice (i.e. the fastest real-time response at which a computer system can perform), the input time, compute time and output time must be taken into account. The slowest of these dictates the minimum time slice available.
Historically, the slowest of these has been the compute time. Hence, the data is transferred into the processors while the processors are performing the previous computations, and then the data is sent out while the processors are performing the next computation such that the input, compute, and output time slices are overlapping. This process achieves data chaining. However, as systems develop more and more computational speed, the input times and output times become a limiting factor of the real-time response. Thus, any real-time system design must be cautious to ensure that the input and/or output times do not exceed the compute time.
Some applications require that an entire multiprocessing machine be dedicated real-time. One such dedicated real-time application is a jet simulator. In order for the simulator to accurately simulate the actions and responses of a real jet, the simulator's computer system must be capable of responding almost immediately to the input into the system (such input includes the pilot "steering" the simulator, operating the controls, changing "scenery", fuel status, mechanical problems, etc.). One drawback of existing real-time simulators is that the response lags behind the input so much that by the time the simulator responds, the simulated jet does not respond as a real jet would but rather feels sluggish. As a result, the simulator does not accurately reflect for the pilot the flying experience of an actual jet.
Another application of a real-time dedicated system are those applications involving a very large amount of data. Although these applications are not so concerned with an immediate response to changing input, they must make sure they can process all the data entering the system in a certain allotted time to be sure that no data is lost.
Other real-time applications do not require that an entire multiprocessing computer system be dedicated real time, but do need the system or portions thereof to be able to run real-time tasks when necessary. Thus, a system must be able to activate a certain number of its processors (this number will depend on the task to be accomplished) to real-time operation when necessary, and be able to return those processors to a normal mode of operation once the real-time job is completed.
Accordingly, it is readily seen that there is a need in the art for increasingly fast response real-time vector computer systems. There is also a need in the art for a real-time vector computer system which is easily adaptable to, and which can be used for, several different types of real-time application.

Real time I/O operation in a vector processing computer system by running designated processors in privileged mode and bypass the operating system


A composite layered sheet or composite layered film made from thermoplastics or thermoplastic mixtures comprises at least one substrate layer A) and at least one functional layer B) which comprises one or more blowing agents or nucleating agents, where the functional layer B) is thinner than the substrate layer A). A process for producing the sheet or film and a process for producing thermally insulating moldings are described.

The invention relates to a composite layered sheet or composite layered film made from thermoplastics or thermoplastic mixtures, comprising at least one substrate layer A) and at least one functional layer B) which comprises one or more blowing agents or nucleating agents, and to a process for producing the sheet or film, and also to a process for producing thermally insulating moldings.
Polystyrene sheets and polystyrene films applied to polyurethane foams frequently exhibit the problem known as blistering. Defects in the polyurethane foam give rise to accumulation and condensation of the blowing agents, which dissolve in the polystyrene layer. When the temperature changes, the dissolved blowing gas escapes from the polystyrene, forming blisters.
In refrigerator components, for example, the polystyrene wall is protected by introducing, between this and the polyurethane foam, a barrier film made from polyolefins (EP-A 0492886).
Composite layered sheets or composite layered films made from an unfoamed thermoplastic and a foamed plastic are known. However, the foam here is the principle component, and the unfoamed thermoplastic forms a protective layer.
NL-7216119, for example, describes moldings made from a closed-cell foam core and a smooth and glossy skin. The moldings are produced by extruding a thermoplastic which comprises a filler and a blowing agent. The surface of the extrusion die here is held at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the blowing agent.
DT 2821333 describes a tube made from a thermoplastic material and composed of a central foam layer between two outer layers. The tube is produced by coextrusion, and the material for the central layer comprises a blowing agent. This gives a tube which is light in weight but nevertheless stable.
EP-A 0084360 describes a shrink sheath made from a foamed and an unfoamed polystyrene layer. In order to achieve sufficient impact absorption the thickness of the foamed layer is from 0.1 to 1 mm. The thickness of the unfoamed layer is from 2 to 160 mm. It serves for printability. The shrink films are used as a protective layer for glass bottles.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,934 describes another shrink film made from an inner closed-cell foam layer made from polystyrene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and from an unfoamed outer layer made from polyethylene.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite layered sheet or composite layered film which is suitable in particular for producing refrigerator housings with polyurethane foam cores. Using the composite layered sheet it should be possible to produce refrigerator parts in a simple and advantageous manner, without the appearance of visible blisters.
A further object is to provide a composite layered sheet having improved adhesion to foam materials, especially polyurethane foam.
We have found that this object is achieved by means of a composite layered sheet or composite layered film made from thermoplastics or thermoplastic mixtures, comprising at least one substrate layer A) and at least one functional layer B) which comprises one or more blowing agents or nucleating agents, where the functional layer B) is thinner than the substrate layer A).
Examples of suitable thermoplastics for the substrate layer A) and for the functional layer B) are glass-clear polystyrene (GPPS), impact-modified polystyrene (HIPS), styrene copolymers, such as styrene-butadiene block copolymers, ASA, SAN, ABS, polyolefins, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, acrylates and methacrylates, such as PMMA, polycarbonates (PCs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and mixtures of these.
The substrate layer A) and the functional layer B) preferably comprise polystyrene. It is particularly preferable for the substrate layer A) to use an environmental-stress-cracking-resistant, impact-modified polystyrene. The functional layer B) is preferably composed of the same thermoplastics as the substrate layer A), or of a polystyrene/polyethylene blend. Other layers, in particular layers with a relatively high gloss, degree of coloration, environmental stress-cracking resistance, or resistance to chemicals or environmental effects, or with a different surface structure, may be applied to the substrate layer A). Particular preference is given to a gloss outer layer C) made from polystyrene.
The thickness of the functional layer B is not more than 40%, preferably from 1 to 40%, in particular from 2 to 10%, of the total thickness of the composite layered sheet. The thickness of the substrate layer is generally from 0.1 to 50 mm, preferably from 1 to 5 mm, and the thickness of the functional layer is generally from 0.04 to 2 mm, in particular from 0.1 to 2 mm. The thickness of the gloss outer layer C) is generally from 0.01 to 1 mm, in particular from 0.02 to 0.2 mm
The blowing agent or nucleating agents used for functional layer B) maybe the chemical or physical blowing agent or nucleating agents conventionally used for foaming thermoplastics. It is also possible to use one or more blowing agents or nucleating agents or mixtures of blowing agents and nucleating agents.
Examples of blowing agents are aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, neopentane, isopentane and hexane, alicyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclobutane, cyclopentane and cylohexane, and halogenated hydrocarbons, such as methyl chloride, methylene chloride, dichlorofluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane. Other blowing agents are sodium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogencarbonate, citric acid or citrates, such as sodium citrate, sodium glutaminate, phthalic anhydride, benzoic acid, benzoates, such as aluminum benzoate, azodicarbonamide, azoisobutyronitrile and dinitropentamethylene.
Examples of suitable nucleating agents are finely divided inorganic fillers, such as barium sulfate, barium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, lead sulfate, silicon dioxide, silicates, such as calcium silicate, talc, aluminum dioxide, aluminum silicates, sulfides, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, clay, carbon, metal powder, zinc oxide, asbestos and glass fibers. The particle sizes of the nucleating agents are generally from 0.005 to 10 xcexcm, preferably from 0.01 to 1 xcexcm.
The amount used of the blowing agent or nucleating agent is generally from 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 3% by weight, based on the functional layer B.
The composite layered sheets or composite layered films may, for example, be produced by coextruding the thermoplastics or the thermoplastic mixtures for the individual layers and/or by laminating the layers onto the substrate layer A). The gloss outer layer C) may, for example, be coextruded for surface-finishing, or laminated onto the substrate layer A) as a weathering-protection film (if desired with a decorative print).
The nucleating agents or blowing agents here may be added during the coextrusion or prepared and added as separate masterbatches in the form of pellets of thermoplastic.
If chemical blowing agents are used some or all of the foaming may take place straightaway during the coextrusion. If nucleating agents are used in the functional layer B), no bubbles form as a rule until changes in temperature take place and there is contact with polyurethane foams comprising blowing agent.
If the composite layered sheet or composite layered film is bonded with a polyurethane foam, using the side which has the functional layer B), there is a reduction in the concentration of the blowing agent escaping from the polyurethane foam as a result of a relatively high level of distribution in the functional layer B). Temperature variations therefore produce many small bubbles in the composite layered sheet instead of one large bubble. Bubble formation takes place preferentially in the functional layer B), and the substrate layer therefore remains essentially intact. The functional layer B) therefore acts as a xe2x80x9csacrificial layerxe2x80x9d.
In another embodiment, the functional layer may also be prefoamed and subsequently laminated onto the substrate layer.
As a result of the large surface area of the foam cells which form in the functional layer B), the adhesion to a polyurethane foam is also improved. Preferably, in the context of improved adhesion, the functional layer B) should form an open-celled foam structure. In this case the penetration of the PU foam, and mechanical interhooking, become possible. The open-celled character can be controlled through the choice of the metered addition of blowing agent and the choice of temperature.
The novel composite layered sheet or composite layered film is therefore particularly suitable for producing thermally insulating moldings, such as shipping crates, heat accumulators, refrigeration or freezer equipment or components, in particular refrigerator doors.

Composite layered sheet of film for refrigerators


The invention is directed to a cutterhead for a portable power planer. The cutterhead includes a cylindrical body having a substantially cylindrical surface and defining a rotational axis about which the cylindrical body rotates during normal operation of the power planer. A solid elongated cutting member is provided and has a channel formed therein to define at least two cutting edges. The cylindrical body has an elongated recess formed therein for holding the cutting member. The recess extends in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the cutterhead and defines a longitudinal aperture in the surface for accommodating one of the cutting edges. The recess has a recess wall extending inwardly away from the aperture to surround and hold the cutting member against the centrifugal forces acting thereupon during the rotation of the cylindrical body. Positioning pins arranged in the cylindrical body engage the cutting bar to angularly fix the cutting member so that the one cutting edge penetrates the aperture at a predetermined angle of elevation with respect to the surface of the cylindrical body. A screw mounted in the cylindrical body directly engages the cutting member to tightly seat the latter against the recess wall.

The invention relates to a cutterhead for a portable power planer. The cutterhead of a portable power planer is made up of a substantially cylindrical body rotatable about its longitudinal axis and capable of accommodating one or more cutting blades in such a way that the cutting edge of each blade projects from the cylindrical external surface of the cylindrical body substantially along a plane tangent to this surface.
As a rule, two blades are mounted at diametrically opposite positions within groove-like seats machined in the cylindrical body and extending inwardly from the cylindrical surface thereof. The two blades are part of cutting assemblies arranged in the groove-like seats and these cutting assemblies must satisfy well defined requirements.
Above all else and because of the high rotational speeds at which the cutterhead is driven, it must be possible to firmly fasten each blade to withstand the substantial workloads to which it is subjected.
In addition, because the cutting edge of each blade wears down with use, its position within its seat must be adjustable to cause the cutting edge of the blade to project above cylindrical surface of the cutterhead after each sharpening by the required amount while at the same time setting the blade so that its edge is parallel to this surface.
It is readily apparent that while the firm fastening of the blade does not constitute a significant problem, it is far more difficult to provide an arrangement for positioning the blade that is so simple as to be readily utilized even by persons who are not necessarily experts and who frequently use tools of this type. Further, it is desirable that the arrangement for positioning the cutting member be simple and economical. Also, the means for tightly seating the cutting member in the cylindrical body should be of simple configuration and easy to set.


A shoe heel support device including a ground contacting base portion and a resilient shoe heel engagement portion attached to the ground contacting base portion, the resilient shoe heel engagement portion including at least three lobe portions each having an inner surface together defining a bore for receiving a shoe heel therein, the dimension of the bore smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the shoe heel.

Devices similar to that of the present invention are available. One such device is described in International Patent to Publication No. WO 2007/124534 which also contains a useful description of the prior art to date. A section of the "Background of the Invention" portion of that document is as follows verbatim:
"It is well known that there is a large number of different types of footwear, including shoes that cater for different functions and fashions. Women's shoes, in particular, are often equipped with a raised or high heel. In many instances, the design of the heel is such that the heel is relatively narrow in width, with the heel essentially consisting of an elongate stem. An example of this is the known stiletto heel. However, there are many other different types of heel designs that generally consist of a stemmed shape or configuration. A problem that may be encountered by a person wearing shoes with such a heel is that the heel may sink into the ground that is being walked upon. This is a particular problem when the ground is soft, such as sand or grass. In these instances, it can become difficult for the person to walk upon such a surface, as the heel must often be pulled out of the ground with each step. A similar problem can be encountered when the ground is relatively unstable, such as when walking on a gravel road or path. In such an event, the narrow stein structure of the heel can sink in between rocks or pebbles that make up the ground. This may lead to general instability for the person walking thereon, thereby increasing the possibility of injury by, for example, falling and spraining or twisting an ankle. In addition, in such circumstances, there is also the capacity for causing damage to the shoe, in particular the heel. The likelihood of damage to the shoe is greater for those shoes that are manufactured from delicate materials, such as suede or fine fabrics. Unfortunately, it is often the case that such shoes are most often the most expensive to buy and their subsequent repair or replacement may come at significant expense to their owner.
Similar safety and shoe maintenance problems can also be encountered when high heeled shoes are worn whilst walking upon a surface that has numerous or significant gaps, for example, upon planks of a decking surface. The present, invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages and problems that may be encountered whilst wearing raised or high heeled shoes, particularly whilst standing or walking upon surfaces that are soft, unstable or generally uneven."
The above tract of discussion highlights the issues faced by a device of the general kind of that of the present invention.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.


An apparatus for assembling a prewind type camera having a film roll cheer with an open portion for containing an unexposed roll of film. According to the invention, a vacuum is applied to the interior of the film roll cheer at the time the prewound film roll is loaded into the film roll cheer through the open portion to maintain the film roll in a wound state after the roll is released. The vacuum remains applied until a lighttight cover is fixedly attached to the open portion of the film roll chamber thereby restraining the film roll.

In prewind-type cameras, a prewound filmstrip roll contained in a film supply chamber of a lighttight camera body is advanced in a frame-by-frame manner into a film cartridge separately contained in an adjacent chamber of the camera body. After all of the exposures of the filmstrip roll have been taken, the film cartridge can be removed from the camera body for processing without requiring a separate film rewind, required in conventional wind cameras. Examples of prewind cameras include the so-called single-use cameras manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company and Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,884,087, 4,954,857, and 4,972,649 among others.
A problem confronted in the assembly of prewind cameras is that the unexposed filmstrip roll must be preloaded into an open side of the film roll chamber and then the camera body must be made lighttight, such as by the attachment of a rear cover which covers the open side of the film roll chamber. Simply releasing the film roll once loaded in the chamber, however, causes clockspringing, an expansion or detensioning of the film roll which must be prevented prior to the assembly of the rear lighttight cover to the camera body.
Numerous attempts have been made to solve the problem of clockspringing. In one such attempt, the mouth of the film roll chamber is made smaller than the cavity portion of the chamber. Other attempts require the use of additional supporting parts which must be added to force constraining of the film roll at least until the cover can be assembled to the rear of the film roll chamber.

Film loading method and related apparatus


A RFID passive repeater system and apparatus comprising a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag and at least one passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive repeater member being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and the RFID tag to extend the redirect and/or extend the range of the magnetic flux field.

The present invention relates in general to radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, and more particularly to an RFID passive repeater system and apparatus.
RFID systems are well known in the art. Such systems include relatively large packages containing battery powered transmission/receiving circuitry, such as the identification system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,083, to passive systems in which the transceiver receives its power from the base station or interrogator, such as the identification system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,658.
A typical RFID system is made up of reusable tags fixed to or embedded in product carriers, antennas that interrogate the tags via a RF link and a controller. The host (or computer) system interfaces with the controller and directs the interrogation of the tags.
RFID tags provide effective means of identifying, monitoring and controlling materials in a closed loop process. In the factory, tags are employed as the transport mechanism between xe2x80x9cislands of automation,xe2x80x9d providing a record of each process which can be acted upon immediately or downloaded later for analysis.
The tags can be powered by an internal battery (i.e., an xe2x80x9cactivexe2x80x9d tag) or by inductive coupling (i.e., a xe2x80x9cpassivexe2x80x9d tag). Passive tags have zero maintenance and virtually unlimited life. The life span of an active tag is, however, limited by the lifetime of the battery, although some tags offer replaceable batteries. RFID tags also have limited applicability due to limitations on the operating range.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a passive repeater system and apparatus having a least one passive loop (i.e., antenna) that effectively and efficiently extends the operating range of a conventional RFID tag.
It is another object of the invention to provide passive repeater system and apparatus that reduces orientation sensitivity of a conventional RFID tag.
In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, the RFID passive repeater system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention preferably comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag and at least one passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and, tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment, the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the RFID passive repeater system comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag and at least one passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable wit respect to the RFID reader and tag to extend the range of the magnetic flux field.
The passive repeater xe2x80x9cproduct containerxe2x80x9d system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag disposed on at least one item contained in a product container, and at least one passive repeater member disposed on one of the product container panels having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.
In additional embodiments of the passive repeater xe2x80x9cproduct containerxe2x80x9d system, a passive loop is disposed directly on or embedded in at least one of the product container panels.
The passive repeater xe2x80x9cproduct carrierxe2x80x9d system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention comprises a RFID reader having a magnetic flux field, at least one RFID tag disposed on at least one product container or product contained in or disposed on a product carrier, and at least one passive repeater member, the passive repeater member having at least one substantially continuous passive loop, the passive loop being adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag to couple the reader and tag, the passive repeater member being further adapted and positionable with respect to the RFID reader and tag redirect the magnetic flux field. In an alternative embodiment, the passive repeater member also extends the range of the magnetic flux field.
In additional embodiments of the passive repeater xe2x80x9cproduct carrierxe2x80x9d system a plurality of passive repeater members are disposed in the product carrier. In yet another embodiment of the passive repeater xe2x80x9cproduct carrierxe2x80x9d system a second passive loop is disposed on a wall of the product carrier.


A fifth wheel hitch plate assembly adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame includes a hitch plate component coupled to the frame by a vertical lift component. In one implementation, the vertical lift component includes at least four linkages that are pivotally connected to the hitch plate component and pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, wherein the four linkages operate, together with one or actuating members, to elevate a fifth wheel hitch plate assembly in a vertical or substantially vertical path, i.e., a path substantially perpendicular to the vehicle frame.

Terminal tractors (also referred to as spotting tractors, shunt trucks, yard trucks, yard goats, yard jockeys, or mules) are shortened versions of a conventional fifth-wheel truck and have a hydraulic lift coupled to the fifth wheel that is controllable by the operator from the truck cab. The operator can couple the fifth wheel to a trailer and engage the hydraulic lift to raise a front stand of the trailer off the underlying surface to allow movement of the trailer. The ability to raise the front stand of the trailer off the underlying surface from the truck cab allows easier and faster movement of the trailers because the operator does not have to separately raise the front stand of the trailer after it is coupled to the fifth wheel of the terminal tractor.
The prior art describes devices for elevating a fifth wheel hitch assembly mounted to a towing vehicle to engage the fifth wheel hitch assembly with the mating structures on a trailer or other component to which the fifth wheel hitch assembly is to be mated. One design pivotally couples the fifth wheel hitch assembly to an arm coupled to the frame. An actuator raises and lowers the fifth wheel hitch assembly by pivoting the arm relative to the frame.
One disadvantage of fifth wheel hitch assemblies in the prior art is that they utilize lifts that move the fifth wheel hitch assembly in an arc-shaped lift path or other non-linear lift path, which results in stresses being exerted on the fifth wheel hitch assembly and the attached trailer or implement during the mating operation or otherwise complicates the mating operation.
There is an ongoing need for advancements relating to the attachment of a fifth wheel hitch assembly to the mating structures on a trailer or other device to be connected to the fifth wheel hitch assembly and, in particular, the development of devices and methods that place less strain on the tractor drivetrain and the trailer hitch components. The present disclosure addresses this need.

Methods and devices for vertically positioning a fifth wheel hitch assembly


A touch sensor unit includes a pressure-sensitive sensor and a support that supports the pressure-sensitive sensor. The support includes a first portion that is folded and overlapped with a second portion of the support to at least partially enclosed and support the sensor. One of the first portion and the second portion includes a groove, and the other of the first portion and the second portion includes a projection that projects toward the groove. The projection is fitted into the groove.

The present invention relates to a touch sensor unit coupled to an edge of a vehicle door or the like to detect contact with an obstacle.
As shown in FIG. 12, Japanese Patent No. 4828467 describes a touch sensor unit 90 that supports a cable-shaped pressure-sensitive sensor 91 with a support 92 and is coupled to a flange 80 arranged on an edge of a vehicle door.
The touch sensor unit 90 described in the above publication includes a portion where the pressure-sensitive sensor 91 is curved. As shown in FIG. 13, the folded support 92 is opened to place the curved portion of the pressure-sensitive sensor 91 between the overlapping portions of the folded support 92. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the support 92 is closed with the pressure-sensitive sensor 91 accommodated in the portion where the support is bent and folded.
When forming a hole for insertion of a pressure-sensitive sensor in advance, it will be difficult to form the hole if the hole is curved midway. Further, even if such a curved hole can be formed, it will be difficult to insert the pressure-sensitive sensor into the curved hole.
When enclosing the pressure-sensitive sensor in the folded support as described above, the pressure-sensitive sensor can be curved more easily than when forming a hole in the support for insertion of the pressure-sensitive sensor.
However, in the construction for enclosing the pressure-sensitive sensor in the folded support, when force acts to press the pressure-sensitive sensor 91 against the overlapping portions of the support 92 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12, force acts to separate the overlapping portions of the support 92 from each other. This may open the folded support 92 near the pressure-sensitive sensor 91. As a result, the pressure-sensitive sensor 91 may enter the open part and be supported at an inappropriate position. Such a problem may also occur when joining the overlapping portions of the support 92 with an adhesive or the like.


Method of treating endometriosis and related indications, comprising the administration of Pro-EGCG, a synthetic and derivative product of epigallocatechin-3-gallate [(−)-EGCG]. Use of Pro-EGCG in the manufacture of a medicament for treating endometriosis and related indications. Pro-EGCG for use in the treatment of endometriosis and related indications.

Angiogenesis (the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels) has an essential role in development, reproduction and repair. However, pathological angiogenesis occurs not only in tumor formation but also in a range of non-neoplastic diseases that could be classed together as "angiogenesis-dependent diseases" (Carmeliet P and Jain R K (200) Nature 407, 249-257; Simons M (2005) Circulation 111, 1556-1566).
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder characterized by the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Despite different hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis, it is widely accepted that endometriosis is an angiogenesis-dependent disorder and that angiogenesis plays an essential role in the growth and survival of endometriotic lesions (Taylor R N, et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 955:89-100).
Endometriotic lesions require new vessel formation to deliver the oxygen and nutrient supply that are essential to the development and progression of endometriosis (Groothuis P G, et al. Angiogenesis 2005; 8:147-56). Dense vascularization is a typical pathological feature of endometriosis. Numerous peritoneal blood vessels can be observed around the endometriotic lesions during laparoscopy, and ectopic endometrium is highly vascularized under histological examination (Nisolle M, et al. Fertil Steril 1993; 59:681-4).
Animal models have confirmed that angiogenesis occurs in endometriosis by demonstrating the development of adjacent blood vessels from the surrounding vasculature into the endometriotic implants (Becker C M, et al. Am J Pathol 2008; 172:534-44; Xu H, et al. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:608-18). Anti-angiogenesis therapy offers a new opportunity for the treatment of endometriosis (Hull M L, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2003; 88:2889-99).
Current treatments for endometriosis consists of various hormonal therapies aimed at interrupting the cycles of stimulation and bleeding of endometriotic lesion. However, this approach is deemed not very satisfactory (Rice V M. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 955:343-52).
Anti-angiogenesis for the treatment of endometriosis has the potential advantage of lower recurrence rates and less endocrine side effects compared to conventional surgical and hormonal therapies (Xu H. Wang C C. Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments. Mitchell L A Ed, Nova Science, New York, Chapter 1, pp, 1-40, 2010). Common angiostatic compounds, such as VEGF antibody, TNP-470, endostatin and anginex, have significantly decreased microvessel density in the established endometriosis lesions and significantly inhibited the growth and development of endometriosis (Nap A W, et al, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004; 89:1089-95; Dabrosin C, et al. Am J Pathol 2002; 161:909-18; Yagyu T, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:3017-21). To date, the only clinical trial that has been conducted was on thalidomide (Scarpellini F, et al. Fertil Steril 2002; 78:S87).
Although the results showed promising pain relief in endometriosis patients, thalidomide is a potential teratogen, which prohibits its use in women who want to become pregnant. Furthermore, anti-angiogenic agents could also serve to limit physiological angiogenesis, such as in ovulation and menstruation (Nyberg P, et al. Cancer Res 2005; 65:3967-79). These agents' possible adverse effects on reproductive functions and on offspring must be addressed in this vulnerable population (Klauber N, et al, AGM-1470. Nat Med 1997; 3:443-6; Becker C M, et al. Fertil Steril 2005; 84 Suppl 2:1144-55).
Certain compounds in Tea have been identified as having have various biological benefits. In particular, tea polyphenols are the main chemical constituents of green tea (Graham H N. Preventive Med. 1992; 21:334-50). Specifically, The polyphenols found in green tea which are composed of various kinds of catechin derivatives, mainly catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), gallocatechin-3-gallate (GCG) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and are found to have potent anti-oxidative, anti-mitotic and anti-angiogenic properties (Nagle D G, et al. Phytochemistry 2006; 67:1849-55).
In particular, EGCG is the most abundant catechin and has the most potent biological properties among the other catechins (Lea C H, et al. Chem Ind 1957; 1073-4). The anti-angiogenic activity of EGCG has been widely demonstrated in vitro and in vivo (Cao Y H, et al. Nature 1999; 398:381). In our laboratory, we demonstrated that EGCG suppressed the angiogenesis signaling pathway and inhibited neovascularization and the growth of experimental endometriosis in mice (Xu H, et al. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:608-18; Xu H, et al. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:1021-8).
However, EGCG is notably unstable under physiological conditions and is known to have poor bioavailablity (Chen Z, et al. J Agric Food Chem 2001; 49, 477-82), because it is (1) unstable in neutral or slightly alkaline conditions in the intestine and in body fluid; (2) poorly absorbed due to the high hydrophilicity of EGCG; and 3) modified through biotransformation reactions, including methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfate formation (Zhu Q Y, et al. J Agric Food Chem 1997; 45:4624-8).

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Prodrug of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (pro-EGCG) for use in the treatment of endometriosis


A computing system includes a semiconductor which sources current to load components within the system, a controllable load coupled to the semiconductor and having an on-state in which a predetermined current load is drawn from the semiconductor in addition to the load components, and a controller which couples the semiconductor and the controllable load. In this configuration, the controller senses the voltage across the semiconductor on at least three points in time. The controller activates the on-state of the controllable load during one of the three points in time and derives a first calculated voltage as a function of the three voltages sensed. The controller calculates the on-resistance of the semiconductor by dividing the first calculated voltage by the predetermined current.

This invention pertains to power conversion in computing systems and other systems which are able to benefit from accurate in-circuit device-resistance data and, more particularly, to a computer system having a power supply in which over-current and/or under-current trip points are adjusted based on FET on-resistance values which are derived while the power supply is actively supplying power to the components of the computer system.
In computer systems today it is common practice to measure the current on each voltage rail. These current measurements are used primarily to sense over-current conditions and other current conditions which require corresponding corrective action.
Sensing the current at the voltage rails typically involves the addition of a high precision resistor to sense the current that is flowing to the load components of the computer system. However, the addition of a precision resistor introduces two problems. First, precision resistors are expensive. Second, the precision resistor must be configured in series with the load in order to measure the current, and the resistor in the series configuration causes an additional undesirable voltage drop which generates undesirable heat in the system and derogates the efficiency of the system.
Some designs, notably certain PWM Controllers, have attempted to improve upon the above described series resistor design by eliminating the series resistor and instead utilizing the inherent resistance of the output device to measure the current. Unfortunately, this method has thus far remained relatively unreliable, imprecise, and inaccurate because the resistance changes with the age and type of output device. Thus, large margins must be designed-in to allow for these fluctuations and changes.

Apparatus having in-circuit FET on-resistance characterization

International Business Machines Corporation


Vehicle has wedge shaped frontal structure for urging the fluid through which it travels to pass solely along the vehicle side with minimal or zero turbulence. A visor on the structure further prevents the fluid contacting the front of the vehicle from flowing upwardly and across the vehicle's roof in turbulent fashion. The wedge may be placed above the driver enclosure, the forward vertical edge formed by the convergence of the wedge sides, being forwards of the driver enclosure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an energy-saving aerodynamic vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a vehicle having a structure which causes the fluid (gaseous;liquid) through which the vehicle moves to flow along the sides of the vehicle, and to minimize the flow of such fluid over the top of such vehicle.
The term "vehicle" as used herein is intended to include all types of vehicles which move on land, sea, air, amphibious type, and any other type of vehicle which moves through a fluid medium.
2. Description of Relevant Art
The prior art is replete with all types of attachments for vehicles which are intended to reduce air drag of the vehicle during movement. Such prior art is exemplified by the following:
Weems U.S. Pat. No. 452,741; PA1 Adams U.S. Pat. No. 490,057; PA1 Taylor U.S. Pat. No. 3,451,499; PA1 Edwards U.S. Pat. No. 3,797,879; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,948; PA1 Hobbensiefken U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,202; PA1 Servala et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,677; PA1 Ensor U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,835; PA1 Greene et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,715; PA1 Canning U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,354; PA1 Stone U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,423; PA1 Goize U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,253; PA1 Keedy U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,641; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,443; PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,269,444; PA1 Front U.S. Pat. No. 4,313,635; and PA1 Alford U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,834.
The prior art attempts to reduce air resistance and air drag and for streamlining the vehicle are, for the most part, complicated, uneconomical, unsightly and/or impractical.
The present invention effectively overcomes the foregoing problems and disadvantages attendant conventional techniques.


A heatable controlled deflection roll contains hydrostatic support elements, each of which is supported in a pressure chamber and displaceable in a predetermined support or pressing direction. Heating of the rotatable roll shell or jacket of the controlled deflection roll is accomplished by infeeding a heated hydraulic heat carrier medium to bearing pockets of the hydrostatic support elements. This infeed of the heated hydraulic heat carrier medium is effected operationally separate from the provision of the pressure chamber with hydraulic pressurized fluid medium colder than the heated hydraulic heat carrier medium. The infeed of the hydraulic heat carrier medium and the infeed of the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium are thus accomplished via separate lines without thermal stressing of associated regulating valves and pumps and without a viscosity reduction of the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium, such viscosity reduction resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressurized fluid medium. In one embodiment of the hydrostatic support elements there are provided cavities which can be supplied with the hydraulic heat carrier medium separate from the infeed of the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium. In another embodiment of the hydrostatic support elements the infeed of hydraulic heat carrier medium is accomplished through the pressure chamber by a tubular-shaped sleeve sealingly displaceable relative to the pressure chamber.

The present invention broadly relates to a controlled deflection roll or sag-compensating roll having hydrostatic support or pressure or carrier elements and, more specifically pertains to a new and improved construction of a heatable controlled deflection roll.
Generally speaking, the controlled deflection roll of the present invention comprises a stationary support or beam and a roll shell or jacket which is rotatable about the stationary support or beam. The rotatable roll shell or jacket is supported or braced in relation to the stationary support or beam by means of at least one hydrostatic support or carrier or pressure element. This at least one hydrostatic support or carrier or pressure element is displaceable in a pressure space or chamber in radial direction with respect to the stationary support or beam. First supply means are provided for the infeed of a hydraulic pressurized fluid medium to the pressure space or chamber. Furthermore, the at least one hydrostatic support or carrier or pressure element comprises a running surface for the rotatable roll shell or jacket, which running surface faces or confronts the inner side of the rotatable roll shell or jacket and at which running surface there is provided at least one hydrostatic bearing or stabilizing pocket. Second supply means are provided for the infeed of a hydraulic heat carrier medium to the at least one hydrostatic bearing or stabilizing pocket provided at the running surface of the at least one hydrostatic support or carrier or pressure element.
Such heatable or heated controlled deflection rolls, also known in the art as rolls with bending or sag compensation, are known, for example, from Swiss Patent No. 577,598 published July 15, 1976 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,639, granted Aug. 11, 1981 and are used, for instance, in smoothing calenders for treating paper webs and setting non-woven fabrics and in plastic material and elastomer calenders for pressure treatment of corresponding material webs at elevated temperatures.
In the controlled deflection roll disclosed in the aforementioned Swiss Patent No. 577,598 the hydrostatic bearing or stabilizing pockets of the hydrostatic support or pressure elements are connected with the pressure chamber of the associated hydrostatic support or pressure element by means of throttle bores or throttle passages. The hydrostatic bearing or stabilizing pockets are thus provided via the pressure chamber with the same hydraulic pressurized fluid medium which serves to generate the pressing force of the hydrostatic support or pressure element by way of the pressure chamber as well as to hydrostatically mount or support the tubular-shaped roll shell or jacket by means of the hydrostatic bearing or stabilizing pockets. For the purpose of heating the tubular-shaped roll shell or jacket, the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium can be heated to the required temperature prior to being supplied to the pressure chambers. In this manner, the tubular-shaped roll shell or jacket of a controlled deflection roll can be heated from within by means of only one single supply of hydraulic pressurized fluid medium to the individual hydrostatic support or pressure elements. However, this is disadvantageous in that the components or devices required for the supply of the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium, for example, pumps, valves or other control units, have to endure the necessarily high temperatures far above 100.degree. C., which temperatures they often cannot withstand. Furthermore, the normally used hydraulic pressurized fluid media, for instance pressure oils, assume such a low viscosity and thus become highly fluid at the required high temperatures, that undesired high leakage occurs.
To avoid the aforesaid disadvantage or shortcoming, efforts have been made to separate the heating of the inner side of the rotatable roll shell or jacket from the supporting, pressing or stabilizing function of the hydrostatic support or pressure element.
It is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,953, granted Dec. 21, 1976, to provide additional heat-control devices arranged in a row which extends in parallel relationship to the roll axis and is substantially remote from the hydrostatic support or pressure elements. Such heat-control devices guided in the manner of a piston in a borehole or bore are supplied with a heat-control liquid vehicle, while the actual hydrostatic support or pressure elements are supplied with a pressurized fluid medium at a normal temperature.
A controlled deflection roll disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,638, granted Aug. 11, 1981, is equipped with spraying devices arranged in the intermediate space between the stationary support or beam and the rotatable roll shell or jacket. These spraying devices have walls facing the inner surface or side of the rotatable roll shell or jacket. At these walls there are formed openings which, during operation, form liquid jets or streams which impact against the inner surface or side of the rotatable roll shell or jacket. The disadvantage of such heat transfer between the heated oil and the rotatable roll shell or jacket is seen in the fact that additional components and installations are required within the controlled deflection roll and that such components and installations take up space which is often not available, particularly in controlled deflection rolls for high pressing forces, such rolls requiring an especially stable and rigid stationary support or beam.
It is of course known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,691, granted Feb. 23, 1988 to separately supply the pressure chambers and the bearing or stabilizing pockets of a controlled deflection roll with hydraulic pressurized fluid medium. However, the same hydraulic pressurized fluid medium, typically pressure oil, and the same bearing pump are used to supply the pressure oil to the separate delivery or feed lines. Moreover, no heating and thus no heat control liquid vehicle is provided. Even if the hydraulic pressurized fluid medium were heated as known to the art for the purpose of heating the rotatable roll shell or jacket, the same problems, as described hereinbefore, would arise with respect to the sensitiveness to heat of the components as well as of the pressure oil.


A locking mechanism and system for a vehicle shifter in which the shifting lever is locked in a park lock position until the brakes of the automotive vehicle are applied and the steering lockout mechanism located in the steering column of the vehicle is released by the ignition key of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the invention, two electrical modules are operatively connected to the brake mechanism, the steering mechanism and the ignition key switch which controls the steering lockout mechanism, one of the two modules being controlled by a solid state switch. In other embodiments, a logic control circuit controls a solenoid driving circuit to control the modules.

This invention relates generally to a locking mechanism and system for controlling the shifting of a lever for an automotive transmission, and more particularly for such locking mechanism for locking the shift lever in a park position against rotation to other gear positions. More specifically, this invention relates to a locking mechanism and system which is responsive to the application of the brakes of the automotive vehicle and/or to a steering lockout mechanism located in the steering column of a vehicle controlled by the ignition key of the vehicle.

Lockout mechanism and system for vehicle shifter

Grand Haven Stamped Products Company, Div. of JSJ Corp.


An accessory such as, for example, a towel bar (30) includes a pair of spaced supports (54) and (56) which are mounted to a wall (58) and support therebetween a bar (60) for supporting a towel (not shown). Each of the support (54) and (56) include a flange (62), a sleeve or hub (64), a decorator ring (66) and an end-cover button (68). An insert (114) is positioned within a hole (106) formed in the side of sleeve (64) to facilitate support of bar (60) within the spaced sleeves.. Each of the supports (54) and (56) is mounted over and attached to a post (78) which is attached to and extends from a base (76) whereby the post and base form a wall mount (74). The wall mount (74) is attached to wall (58) to support the towel bar (30) with the bar (60) being positioned for utilization relative to the external support.. Other accessories such as a shelf (32), a soap dish (34), a tumbler/toothbrush holder (36), a shelf assembly (38), a robe hook (46), a towel ring (48), a soap dish stand (50) and a toilet paper holder (52) utilize similar supports and mounting facilities as those of towel bar (30).

This invention relates to accessories and mounting assemblies therefor and particularly relates to accessories for use in a room such as, for example, a bathroom and to the structures of various assemblies used to mount or support the accessories.
In various rooms of a house, accessories are added to the rooms to provide ready access to facilities which are unique to the particular rooms. For example, in the kitchen, there are many different accessories the availability of which enhances the utility of the kitchen. Such accessories include, but are not limited to wall mounted knife holders, under-the-counter appliances, timer clocks, can openers, knife sharpeners and many more accessories common to kitchen-oriented activities.
In the bathroom, such accessories could include, but are not limited to, wall-mounted shelves, wall-mounted soap dishes, wall-mounted tumbler/toothbrush holders, a combination of the of the three above-mentioned accessories, towel bars, robe hooks, towel rings, soap dish stands and toilet paper holders
The mounting of so many different accessories could present a tedious and time-consuming task, particularly when each accessory is mounted in a manner different from the other accessories. Therefore, there is a need for a mounting assembly which complements the structure of the accessory to facilitate ready and easy assembly and installation of the accessory in position for use. Further, there is a need for accessories which have a common theme in structure to further enhance the assembly and installation process.

Accessories and mounting assemblies therefor


A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate and a lid spaced apart from each other oppositely by a specific interval. A comb electrode and a pad electrode are provided to the piezoelectric substrate on a main surface on the lid side, and an external terminal is provided to the lid on a surface on the opposite side to the piezoelectric substrate. Further, the surface acoustic wave device includes a connection electrode that electrically connects the pad electrode and the external terminal, and an insulator interposed between at least one of the main surface of the piezoelectric substrate and the pad electrode and the lid.

I. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a surface acoustic wave device used in various mobile communication terminals or the like and to a method for manufacturing the same.
II. Description of Related Art
Hereinafter, a conventional surface acoustic wave device will be described.
Recently, a surface acoustic wave device has been used often in electronic equipment, such as various mobile communication terminals (for example, mobile phones), and there has been an increasing need to further reduce the surface acoustic wave device in size and in height to meet a size reduction of the equipment. To satisfy this need, it has been proposed to reduce the surface acoustic wave device in size and height by, as is shown in FIG. 6, flip-chip mounting an element 2 provided with a comb electrode 1 on a circuit board 3 with the use of a bump 4 and then covering the element 2 with a resin film 5.
The equipment, however, is now designed in modular form, and because molding is performed after the surface acoustic wave device is mounted on the board, a considerable force is applied to the element during molding, which raises a problem that the bump is broken in some cases.
As prior art document information relevant to the invention of the present application, there is JP-A-2001-176995.

Surface acoustic wave device and method for manufacturing the same


An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact portion including a fixed contact; a movable contact portion including a movable contact that contacts the fixed contact; and an electromagnetic device that operates the movable contact portion so that the movable contact contacts the fixed contact, and includes an armature that adsorbs to a magnetic core surface of the electromagnetic device and operates the movable contact portion by rotating with respect to a fulcrum, a hinge spring that pushes a part of the armature at an opposite side of the magnetic core surface while interposing the fulcrum therebetween so that the armature moves away from the magnetic core surface, and a fixed member that fixes an end portion of the hinge spring while having outside of a side surface of the armature as a fixed position, and wherein the fixed member is configured to fix the end portion of the hinge spring by moving the hinge spring from an upper side to a lower side of the armature, when attaching the hinge spring.

Electromagnetic relays in which a contact is opened and closed in accordance with an input of an electric signal are conventionally widely provided. Generally, the electromagnetic relays include a fixed contact portion, a movable contact portion that contacts the fixed contact portion, and an electromagnetic device that operates the movable contact portion. The electromagnetic device is further provided with an armature that is operated to rotate around an end portion of a yoke as a fulcrum. The armature is attached while being pushed in a predetermined direction by a hinge spring or the like, for example (see Patent Document 1).
Further, an arc-extinguishing function, that extinguishes ark discharge generated between the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion, is actualized in the electromagnetic relay by disposing permanent magnets at both sides of the fixed contact portion and the movable contact portion. Further, by disposing an arc-extinguishing yoke around the permanent magnets, magnetic force by the permanent magnets can be increased and the arc-extinguishing capability can be improved.


High molecular weight polyethyleneterephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing tire cord and in manufacturing trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave or convection ovens. In some applications polyester resins having ultra-high molecular weights are required. For example, some techniques for producing polyester yarn by solution spinning demand ultra-high molecular weight polyester. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique for preparing porous polyester beads which can be solid state polymerized very rapidly to ultra-high molecular weights. This invention more specifically discloses a process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyester resin which comprises: (1) dissolving a polyester prepolymer in a suitable organic solvent to produce a polyester prepolymer solution; (2) allowing droplets of the polyester prepolymer solution to drip into a coagulation bath to produce porous polyester beads; (3) recovering the porous polyester beads from the coagulation bath; (4) removing residual organic solvent from the porous beads; and (5) solid state polymerizing the porous polyester beads at an elevated temperature to produce the ultra-high molecular weight polyester resin.

There is a rapidly growing market for high molecular weight polyester resin. For instance, the market for polyethylene terephthalate bottle resin is rapidly expanding. There is also a large demand for polyethylene terephthalate having a high molecular weight for use in making reinforcements for rubber articles, such as tire cords. High molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate resin can also be used in manufacturing trays for frozen food which can be heated in either microwave ovens or convection ovens. There is a demand for higher and higher molecular weight resin in this application. For instance, there is a demand for polyethylene terephthalate tray resin which has an intrinsic viscosity of greater than 1.0 dl/g. However, polyethylene terephthalate resins having intrinsic viscosities of greater than 1.0 are not widely available due to technical difficulties associated with producing such resins utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. These difficulties consequently result in such resins which are produced utilizing standard commercial techniques being very expensive.
High molecular weight polyesters are commonly produced from low molecular weight polyesters of the same composition by solid state polymerization. The low molecular weight polyesters which are used in such solid state polymerizations can be prepared by conventional melt polymerizations. Solid state polymerization is generally considered advantageous in that the handling of high molecular weight ultra-high viscosity molten polymers is eliminated during the solid state polymerization phase. Thermal degradation during the solid state portion of the polymerization is also essentially avoided.
In melt polymerizations, molecular weight increases by esterification as well as transesterification. During the initial polymerization, esterification predominates. As the molecular weight increases, most of the carboxyl ends are consumed by esterification and water is eliminated. The final polycondensation occurs by transesterification and the elimination of glycol. The attainment of high molecular weight is hindered by reduced diffusion of the glycol polymerization by-product due to increased polymer viscosity.
In the solid state polymerization process for low surface area pellets or chips, polymerization proceeds primarily by esterification with the diffusion of water. The slower diffusion of glycol by-product makes transesterification difficult. However, polymerization of high surface area powders can proceed by transesterification due to the fact that there is a reduced mean free path for glycol removal.
The low molecular weight polyester prepolymers utilized in solid state polymerizations are generally in the form of pellets, chips, or finely divided powder. Such pellets can vary greatly in size; however, as a general rule, the smaller the size of the pellets of polyester prepolymer the faster the solid state polymerization with proceed. Such polyester prepolymers are generally converted from the amorphous to the crystalline state prior to solid state polymerization in order to raise their sticking temperature. This is done in order to keep the pellets or chips of polyester prepolymer from sticking together as a solid mass in the solid state polymerization reactor.
In the solid state polymerization of a polyester prepolymer, the polymerization is carried out at an elevated temperature which is below the melting point of the polyester resin. Such polymerizations are normally conducted in the presence of a stream of inert gas or under a vacuum. Solid state polymerizations are normally conducted on a commercial basis in the presence of a stream of inert gas since it serves to remove volatile reaction products and helps to heat the polyester.
Heretofore, the form of the polyester prepolymer has essentially dictated the type of solid state polymerization process which could be employed in order to convert the low molecular weight polyester prepolymer into high molecular weight polyester resin. For example, it has generally been accepted practice to use polyester prepolymer in the form of pellets or chips in vacuum and static bed processes and finely ground powder in fluidized bed processes. The reason for this is that experience has shown that finely ground powders tend to agglomerate in vacuum processes, resulting in slower polymerization rates and a need to regrind the high molecular weight polyester resin produced. Experience has also shown that, in static bed processes finely ground powders will channel or fissure, resulting in uneven polymerization and prolonged polymerization rates. On the other hand, the use of pellets or chips in fluidized bed processes is not economically feasible in view of the velocity and volume of inert gas needed to suspend the pellets or chips and the size of the equipment required to do so.
Polyester prepolymers which are in the form of finely divided powders solid state polymerize at faster rates than do polyester prepolymers which are in the form of pellets or chips. However, polyester prepolymers which are in powder form are difficult to handle and generally must be polymerized in fluidized bed processes. Additionally, the high molecular weight polyester resins which are made utilizing prepolymers which are in powder form are also in the form of powders which are more difficult to process into articles of manufacture. For these reasons polyester prepolymers in powder form have not been widely utilized in commercial solid state polymerization techniques.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,326 discloses a process for solid state polymerizing a polyester prepolymer into a high molecular weight polyester resin comprising heating the polyester prepolymer to a temperature of from about 1.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C. below its sticking temperature, wherein the polyester prepolymer is in the form of porous pills, wherein said porous pills were made by agglomerating or compacting a powder of the polyester prepolymer having a particle size of less than about 841 microns. These porous pills are reported to have a substantial volume of interstice which penetrates the porous pills and open to the outside; with the porous pills having a density which is within the range of about 70% to about 99% of the density of solid polyester pellets which are comprised of the same polyester prepolymer. U. S. Pat. No. 4,957,945 discloses a process for preparing ultra-high molecular weight polyester resin which comprises: (1) dissolving a polyester prepolymer in a suitable organic solvent; (2) recovering the polyester prepolymer from the organic solvent to produce a porous, fibrous mass of the polyester prepolymer; and (3) solid state polymerizing the porous, fibrous mass at an elevated temperature to produce the ultra-high molecular weight polyester resin. U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,945 also reveals a process for preparing porous pills which can be solid state polymerized at a very rapid rate into high molecular weight polyester resin which comprises: (1) dissolving a polyester prepolymer in a suitable organic solvent; (2) recovering the polyester prepolymer from the organic solvent to produce a porous, fibrous mass of the polyester prepolymer; and (3) compacting the porous, fibrous mass into the porous pills.


The inclination adjuster for motor vehicle seats having a seat carrier extending at lateral sides of the seat and being pivotable at its rear end about a pivot axle supported for rotation on a guiding track assembly, includes gear segments secured to the lateral sides of the track assembly; a transverse axle supported in horizontal guiding slots in the side walls of the seat carrier and each supporting for rotation a gear pinion; a holding bracket having a vertical cutout defining superposed recesses for receiving the shaft in a selected vertical position of the seat and a free vertical passage; and a hand-operated and spring-biased arresting linkage normally urging the transverse shaft into the selected recess and permitting the movement of the shaft in the guiding slot to adjust the vertical position of the seat when actuated.

This invention relates generally to position adjusters for seats, particularly motor vehicle seats of the type having a seat carrier secured to the upper sides of the seat proper and being pivotably supported at its rear part on a guiding track assembly secured to the floor of the vehicle; the front portion of the seat carrier is vertically adjustable by means of a guiding device including at each lateral side of the seat a pinion engaging a gear segment extending in vertical direction from the guiding track assembly whereby the front part of the seat is arrestable in predetermined vertical positions by a controllable arresting device.
In a known seat adjuster of the aforedescribed type there are provided angular pieces arranged at both sides of the seat and secured to the rear part of the seat carrier. The vertical arm of each angular piece is formed with oblong slots or recesses arranged one above the other and each extending in the horizontal direction. The vertical arms of the angular pieces rest, respectively, on an angular plate rigidly connected to corresponding runway rails of the guiding track assembly. The angular plate has two bores one of which can be selectively brought into alignment with one of the oblong slots in the vertical arm of the angular piece of the seat carrier. The other bore of the angular plate is coupled to an actuation rod having a bent pin adapted for passing both the oblong slot and the bore aligned with the latter and in the locking position, the seat can be tilted up and down about the pivot point formed in the oblong slot. In the front region of the seat carrier at both lateral sides of the seat is mounted a plate having an opening extending also in the vertical direction and being provided at one side with teeth. Another plate secured to the runway rail of the guiding track assembly extends parallel to the first mentioned plate and supports for rotation a pinion which engages the teeth of the first plate. The pinions at opposite lateral sides of the seat are arranged respectively on a splined pin and are connected for joint rotation with a shaft so that rotary movement from one pinion is transmitted to the other pinion. A bevel gear is rigidly connected to a plate supporting the pinion at one of the lateral sides of the seat. Another bevel gear is supported for joint rotation with the corresponding splined pin of the shaft interconnecting the pinions and is axially displaceable via a handle to engage the firstmentioned bevel gear on the plate. In this manner the pinion engaging the toothing in the opening of the plate connected to the seat carrier is arrested by the meshing bevel gears and the front part of the seat carrier can be vertically adjusted whereas its rear part is maintained at the level of its pivot point. The vertical adjustability of the front region of the seat takes place in steps corresponding to the tooth pitch of the bevel gears. Inasmuch as the vertical adjustment by means of oblong slots in the angular piece on the rear part of the seat carrier is also possible, the toothing of both front plates cannot extend along an arc since the arcuate shape can be related to one pivot point only and consequently the stepwise adjustment of other pivot points at the rear part could not take place. For this reason it is necessary to provide the oblong slots in the angular pieces in the rear portion of the seat carrier and the toothing in the plates in the front region of the seat carrier such as to extend along straight vertical lines. In a fixed position of the seat, however, this arrangement brings about a horizontal movability of the seat in the holding slots and this horizontal movement is unavoidable because of the play between the teeth of the bevel gears and between the vertical toothing in the plates and the meshing pinions. Such a horizontal movability of the seat is disadvantageous because during acceleration and braking deceleration of the vehicle the user of the seat experiences feelings of uncertainty and in addition the seat generates noises.

Device for adjusting inclined position of seats, particularly motor vehicle seats


A method for growing field oxides in a LOCOS technique, including steps of a) pushing a wafer into a furnace, b) causing the furnace in an N.sub.2 O atmosphere to grow a buffer oxide layer on the wafer, c) annealing the wafer, d) growing a silicon nitride layer on the buffer oxide layer, e) applying a photoresist layer on the silicon nitride layer, f) applying a desired mask to the wafer, g) etching undesired parts of the silicon nitride layer according to the mask, h) forming field oxides by an oxidation on where the undesired parts of the silicon nitride layer are etched, wherein the N.sub.2 O atmosphere allows a layer of N atoms piling up at an interface between the wafer and the buffer oxide layer for reducing a rate of the oxidation and, consequently a bird's beak effect thereof. Such method can effectively grow field oxides in the LOCOS technique, which will reduce the bird's beak effect.

In integrated circuits processes, the LOCOS (local oxidation of silicon) technique has been widely and mainly used for isolation between devices. This traditional technology normally causes a serious bird's beak effect and results in a larger required area for circuit components. Therefore, how to reduce the bird's beak effect is one of the main tasks in nowadays integrated circuits technique.
The conventional LOCOS technique includes the following steps:
1) pushing a wafer, which is first cleaned, into a furnace;
2) causing the furnace in an oxygen atmosphere at a temperature from about 900.degree. C. to about 1100.degree. C. to form a buffer oxide layer from about 100 .ANG. to about 300 .ANG.;
3) growing on the buffer oxide layer a silicon nitride layer having a thickness from about 1000 .ANG. to about 2000 .ANG. under a temperature from about 650.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C. by a low-pressure chemical vapor deposition;
4) applying a photoresist on the wafer;
5) applying a mask to the wafer;
6) etching undesired parts of the silicon nitride layer by a dry etch technique according to the mask;
7) forming the field oxides on where the undesired parts of the silicon nitride layer are etched by the wet oxidation technique at about 950.degree. C. to about 1100.degree. C. for about 1 hour to about 3 hours.
This conventional method has an advantage of being a simple procedure. Whereas, with the trend of the smaller and smaller size of the circuit component, this conventional method cannot meet our demand when the size of the circuit component is smaller than 0.5 .mu.m.
For example, the buffer oxide layer obtained by exposing the wafer to O.sub.2 has a thickness ranging from about 315 .ANG. to about 415 .ANG.. After the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer (about 1050 .ANG. to about 1300 .ANG.) is grown on the buffer oxide layer and then the field oxides (about 6000 .ANG. to about 7000 .ANG.) are grown in the wet oxygen atmosphere, as shown in FIG. 1, it is found that each side of the bird's beak according to this conventional LOCOS technique is about 5000 .ANG.. That is to say, the prearranged distance should be about 1.25 .mu.m to about 1.5 .mu.m so that the required area is enough.
For a further explanation, according to the conventional LOCOS technique, one wafer is first cleaned (having a diameter about 6 inches, a direction (100), and a resistance about 15 .OMEGA.-cm to about 25 .OMEGA.-cm; and being p-type), grow a buffer oxide layer about 100 .ANG. on the wafer at about 900.degree. C. at a 10% O.sub.2 and 90% N.sub.2 atmosphere in a furnace, and then a Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer about 1200 .ANG. is grown on the wafer. After the undesired parts of the Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer are removed, the wafer is pushed into a wet oxygen atmosphere at about 980.degree. C. for 80 minutes to form thereon the field oxides and then the final product is obtained.
FIG. 2 is the SEM photograph of the above-mentioned example according to the conventional LOCOS technique, and it is found that by the conventional LOCOS technique, the length of the bird's beak (i.e., X.sub.1) is 541.7 nm (5417 .ANG.). This is not so satisfactory.
For reducing the bird's beak effect, there are many researches centered on this subject, such as the Semi-Recessed Oxide LOCOS, the Fully-Recessed Oxide LOCOS, and the Poly Buffered LOCOS. These methods can more or less reduce the bird's beak effect, but they have a common disadvantage: these methods need many extra steps which increase costs. Besides, these steps are also relatively complicated and troublesome.
It is therefore attempted by the Applicant to deal with the above situation encountered by the prior art.

Method for growing field oxides in LOCOS technique