In the development of xerographic images wherein the latent image is in the form of a periodic charge pattern, polar or polarizable toner particles are employed. It is desirable to utilize a development system that will bring the polar or polarizable toner into contact with the periodic charge pattern without triboelectrically charging the particles. To achieve this aim, an apparatus and method are described for moving the polar or polarizable toner particles through a development zone at substantially the same speed and in the same direction as that of the imaging member.

This invention relates to electrostatography and more particularly to an apparatus and method of developing latent image nonuniform charge patterns on an imaging member.
Xerography as originally described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,297,691 to Carlson and later related patents generally includes the steps of charging a photoconductive insulating member to sensitize it and then subjecting the photoconductive member to a light image or other pattern of activating electromagnetic radiation which serves to dissipate charge in radiation struck areas, thus leaving a charge pattern or latent electrostatic image on the photoconductor conforming to the radiation pattern. This radiation pattern is generally referred to as a uniform or a homogeneous charge pattern because there is substantially no potential gradient between small discrete areas where the charge has not been dissipated by exposure to the actinic radiation. Thus, in areas having a uniform charge thereon the lines of force lie within the photoconductive material and do not extend out from the exposed surface of the photoconductive material except at the very edge of an imaging area where a discharged portion of the photoreceptor is adjacent to a charged portion. In this area, the lines of force are present in what has been referred to as a fringe field and extend above the exposed surface of the photoconductive imaging member.
While this uniform charge pattern in unexposed areas was difficult to develop in solid dark image areas, because of the nature of the field present, various techniques were employed. One particularly satifactory technique uses a development electrode, which permits the development of the solid large areas with the customary development materials, i.e. a two component developer including a carrier material and a toner material. In these systems the toner is triboelectrically charged by contact with the carrier particles, the charge being opposite in sign to that present on the photoconductive imaging member. A disadvantage of this type of development system is commonly referred to as "the starvation effect" because as large quantities of the toner material are deposited in image configuration the ratio of the toner to the carrier present in the developer mixture changes thus requiring constant addition of toner to prevent the depletion thereof accompanied by incomplete deposition in the reproduction subsequent in time.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,234,017 and 3,519,461 disclose techniques whereby a nonuniform or nonhomogeneous charge pattern in image configuration is produced on an imaging surface wherein small individual, discrete surface elements adjacent to each other within the imaging area are either oppositely charged or some discrete areas are charged and the adjacent areas discharged in order establish a potential gradient between adjacent discrete areas thus permitting the development thereof by utilizing polarizable minute uncharged toner particles. These particles are polarized in the fringe fields protruding above the surface of the imaging member and are thus attracted in image configuration to the imaging member. This system will, because of its nature, develop solid areas without the necessity for development electrodes as indicated above where uniform fields and two component developers are employed. In addition, no starvation effects are present because the developer is 100 percent toner.
Unfortunately, because of the nature of this system, several disadvantages are present which create problems in the handling and development of the latent image using single component uncharged toner particles. The strength of the fringe fields employed, that is, the forces which attract and hold the toner particles in image configuration to the imaging member are not as great as those present in electrostatographic systems wherein uniform charge patterns are present on the imaging member and the particles are attracted as a result of triboelectricity. Thus, it has been found that the raking action of a brush, even a soft fiber brush or a carrierless magnetic brush formed of magnetic toner only, utilizes forces greater than present in the system for holding the toner to the imaging member. In addition, since the toner particles should remain uncharged in order that they are capable of being polarized by the fringe fields present in the nonuniform charge pattern, care must be taken to prevent charging of the toner particles by contact with materials having a different relative position in the triboelectric series. A development system is required that exerts less force on the toner particles than that due to the nonuniform charge pattern in order to prevent removal of toner from desired image portions. Also, any unwanted charging of the toner particles will produce forces stronger than the forces due to the polarization of the particles in non-uniform fields and will produce unbalanced deposition of the toner particles in both types of discrete areas present within the charged pattern as well as excessive background in non-image areas.
While the advantages relative to the development of nonuniform charge pattern appear to be meritorious, the industry has not developed in this direction most likely because of the large commercial success of electrostatographic devices employing uniform charge patterns together with dual development systems wherein development electrodes of a various nature have been employed in order to permit the development of large dark areas. One extremely useful development device where both single component developer, that is, toner alone, and dual development, that is, where a carrier and a toner are employed, is the magnetic brush. These devices are well documented in the patent literature and are currently probably the most widely used means of developing electrostatographic images. Magnetic brushes have also been employed in single component development wherein the toner contains magnetic pigments. It can thus be seen that in such magnetic brush systems either a magnetic carrier material must be present which is also triboelectrically active with respect to the toner particles involved or else the toner particles themselves must be magnetic in order to be employed with a magnetic brush device. This is a serious handicap where reproductions other than black or brown images are desired since magnetic particles included in the toner particles are extremely dark by nature and make it substantially impossible to develop images in suitable colors other than black or brown. Further, as indicated above, problems are created because of the forces inherent in the magnetic development systems.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for developing nonuniform charge patterns on an imaging surface.
______________________________________ PRIOR ART STATEMENT INVENTORS U.S. PATENT ISSUE DATE ______________________________________ Heyl et al 3,234,017 February 8, 1966 Stowell 3,519,461 July 7, 1970 Raschke 4,048,921 September 20, 1977 Bean 4,103,994 August 1, 1979 ______________________________________
Heyl et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,234,017--A non-homogeneous charge pattern is produced by subjecting the photoconductive layer to an electric potential by means of a corona discharge large enough to cause the photoconductive layer to break down electrically at multiple closely spaced discrete locations and depositing uncharged toner to develop the image.
Stowell U.S. Pat. No. 3,519,461--A method of electrostatic printing is disclosed whereby electrical dipoles are established on a dielectric surface and developed with uncharged polarizable toner powder.
Raschke U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,921--An electrostatic charge pattern is established on a dielectric surface and this charge pattern is toned with an insulating fluid containing small particles of high dielectric constant which thereby obtain an induced dipole moment.
Bean U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,994--A recording member is disclosed including a photoconductive layer having embedded therein at least a pair of insulated conductive members. A potential difference is imposed across the pair of conductors to form an electrical field. The imaging member is exposed in image configuration and the latent image developed with uncharged insulating particles using a magnetic development system.


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for capturing a fingerprint and associated products. The method includes determining a first luminance based on a currently running application and controlling light-emitting units for a first area to emit light with the first luminance. The method further includes capturing the fingerprint when the light with the first luminance illuminates the first area.

Fingerprint recognition has become a standard configuration for smart phones. A fingerprint sensor is a key component for capturing a fingerprint. The fingerprint sensors may include optical fingerprint sensors, capacitance sensors, ultrasonic sensors and the like.
Sharpness of a fingerprint captured by the optical fingerprint sensor relates to luminance of light. The bigger the luminance is, the higher the sharpness is, and vice versa. At present, the light comes from a screen of the phone. However, the luminance of the screen is usually unchangeable.

Method for capturing fingerprint and associated products

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A swiping action between a touch sensor and a touchscreen of a computing device is identified. The identification includes determining, while the computing device is in a state that provides a first graphical display, that the touch sensor has been physically contacted by a user. The identification includes determining that the physical contact with the touch sensor has ended. The identification includes determining, within a predetermined time period of the end of the physical contact, that a dragging motion across the touchscreen has originated at a peripheral edge of the touchscreen. In response to the identifying, a predetermined computerized routine is invoked that replaces the first graphical display with a second graphical display, wherein user interaction with the touch sensor or touchscreen individually do not invoke the predetermined computerized routine.

The present disclosure generally relates to user interaction with computing devices. Mobile computing devices such as smartphones have become abundant and touchscreen displays are now used in place of many of the individual user input components previously found on smartphones. For example, some mobile telephones no longer include a physical keypad for the digits 0-9. Instead, a representation of the keypad (a "virtual" keypad) is displayed on a touchscreen. A user dials a number by pressing regions of the touchscreen that correspond to each displayed digit. Use of a touchscreen to receive user input enables different forms of user input to invoke different actions, depending on an invoked application. Still, mobile telephones may include buttons or touch sensors for receiving user input separately from the touchscreen. These other user input components sometimes share the face of the telephone with the touchscreen, limiting the size of touchscreen to an area smaller than the entire telephone face.

Touch sensor and touchscreen user input combination


An addressing machine has separator blocks which cooperate with feed rollers to insure proper one-at-a-time feeding of media elements (e.g. envelopes) to a printer within the machine housing. The optimum feed gap between the separator blocks and rollers corresponds to the thickness of the particular envelopes being handled, and is quickly and positively adjusted using a pivoted lever having first and second locking cam surfaces spaced from each other by a release cam surface, the lever pivoted to a mounting block fixed to a front face of the housing which the separator blocks slide with respect to in guided movement. The cam surfaces act through a spring plate which has an opening frictionally receiving the mounting block, and having upwardly tapered ends and a bulge in the middle for engaging the cam surfaces.

In conventional addressing machines which print addresses (outgoing and/or return addresses) on media elements (envelopes, labels, sheets of paper to be inserted in window elements, etc.), in order to insure proper feeding of the media elements to the printer within the machine housing, it is necessary to adjust the feed gap. If the feed gap is not properly adjusted, either the media elements will not feed smoothly, or they will not feed one at a time, but either often or intermittently more than one media element will pass into the machine at once, resulting in blank envelopes, clogging or other malfunction of the printer or downstream handling elements, or the like.
Typically, the adjustment of the feed gap in addressing machines is a time consuming and/or inexact process. Normally adjustment is accomplished by turning a plurality of threaded elements, either to traverse the separator blocks which cooperate with feed rollers to set the feed gap, or to clamp the separator blocks in position. Use of the threaded elements is not only time consuming, when they are associated with a clamping component, oftentimes there is slippage between the components to be clamped together that is introduced during the tightening process.
According to the present invention, an apparatus and method are provided which allows quick and accurate setting of the feed gap of an addressing machine. Even though according to the invention there are a plurality (e.g. six) of separator blocks cooperating with feed rolls so as to accommodate media elements of all different sizes and positively (when properly adjusted) provide one at a time feeding of the elements, adjustment can be done very quickly due to the quick release and engage accurately positionable holding means that are provided for holding the separator blocks with respect to a face of the addressing machine housing. In a matter of seconds the machine can be adjusted to receive an exemplary thickness media element, an exemplary media element can be placed in proper position with respect to the rest of the feed rollers, and all the separator blocks can be moved into accurate position with respect to the sample media element and locked in place.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a feeding mechanism for feeding media elements one by one from a stack to be further acted upon, comprising the following components: A housing for mounting the feeding mechanism, and including components for supporting in a stack media elements to be fed one at a time. A plurality of feed rollers each having a peripheral surface, and each mounted for rotation about a substantially common first axis, the roller peripheral surfaces for engaging media elements and feeding them. A plurality of separator blocks associated with at least two of the feed rollers, each separator block having a bottom termination for engaging an edge of a media element in a stack supported by the housing and preventing feeding of media elements engaged thereby. Means for mounting the separator blocks to the housing for adjustable linear movement toward and away from the feed rollers, so that bottom terminations may be moved toward and away from the feed rollers to adjust the Linear spacings between the peripheral surfaces of the feed rollers and the bottom terminations; and quick release and engage means for quickly holding the separator blocks to the housing in infinitely variable positions to which they have been adjusted and quickly releasing them from the positions.
The quick release and engage means preferably comprises a lever having at least one locking cam surface, and at least one release cam surface; and means for mounting the lever for pivotal movement about a second axis (typically parallel to the first axis, and above it) which remains substantially stationary with respect to the housing; the locking cam surfaces radially spaced further from the second axis than the release cam surfaces.
The quick release and engage means also preferably further comprises a spring plate: which is substantially stationary with respect to the housing disposed between the cam surfaces of the lever and a separator block, and wherein the means for mounting the lever for pivotal movement mounts the lever so that when it is in a locking position the at least one locking cam surface engages and applies a force to the spring plate, which force causes the spring plate to press the separator block and cause frictional engagement between the separator block and the housing so that the separator block cannot move with respect to the housing, and so that when it is in a release position the at least one release cam surface engages the spring plate but supplies insufficient force to the spring plate to provide frictional engagement between a the separator block and the housing, thereby allowing the separator block to move under the force of its own weight with respect to the housing.
The means for mounting the lever for pivotal movement preferably comprises the following elements: a mounting block, having a surface configuration for receiving the spring plate so that an opening in the spring plate surrounds the surface configuration and is held tightly thereto by friction; a pivot pin extending through the block and the lever along the second axis; and means for releasably mounting the block to the housing. The means for releasably mounting the block to the housing preferably comprises a locator pin fixed to and extending outwardly from the block in a plane substantially perpendicular to the second axis; means defining a through extending bore in the block parallel to the locator pin; a locator pin-receiving opening in the housing; a threaded opening in the housing adjacent the locator pin-receiving opening; and a threaded fastener for passing through the bore and into threaded engagement with the threaded opening in the housing. The block surface configuration typically comprises opposite side surfaces of the block extending outwardly at an angle of between about 10-30 degrees (e.g. about 20 degrees).
The spring plate preferably comprises a plate having first and second end edges, both the edges angled slightly upwardly from a plane passing through the plate, and a radiused bulge provided intermediate the first and second end edges and extending upwardly from the plane.
The at least one locking cain surface, in order to provide easy locking with two different orientations of the lever so that it is clear which levers have been finally adjusted and which have not, preferably comprises first and second locking cam surfaces separated by the release cam surface extending around a peripheral portion of the lever in an arc with the second axis as its center.
The mechanism according to the invention also preferably further comprising a common slide mechanism containing two of the separator blocks, and holding them together in spaced relationship so that the bottom terminations thereof are aligned with two of the rollers. For example, three of the common slide mechanisms are provided mounted to the housing, and the plurality of rollers includes six rollers, one for the bottom termination of each separator block associated with each of the three common slide mechanisms. Each common slide mechanism may comprise an injection molded plastic element, including means defining a plurality of cavities therein adjacent the bottom terminations of the separator blocks; and further comprising a plurality of weights having a density much greater than the density of the injection molded plastic, the weights frictionally received in at least some of the cavities.
The first and second axes are commonly both substantially horizontal, and the means for guiding movement of the separator blocks comprises means defining a vertically elongated opening in the common slide element having a vertical dimension significantly greater than the vertical dimension of the pivot block, a vertically elongated guide tab extending from a surface of the slide element engaging the housing, and a vertically elongated slot in the housing having a vertical dimension longer than the vertical extent of the guide tab, and receiving the guide tab therein.
As earlier described, the housing is typically a housing mechanism for a printer for automatically printing addresses on media fed thereto, the feed rollers feeding media from a stack supported by the housing to the printer.
According to another, more general, aspect of the present invention, there is provided a quick engage and release locking mechanism for applying a normal force to a movable surface to hold that movable surface to a substantially parallel stationary surface. This mechanism has the following components: A lever having at least one locking cam surface, and at least one release cam surface. Mounting means for mounting the lever for pivotal movement with respect thereto, the mounting means comprising a mounting block and a pivot pin connecting the lever to the block and defining a pivot axis of the cam surfaces with respect to the mounting block. The locking cam surfaces are radially spaced further from the pivot axis than the release cam surfaces. The mounting block have an exterior surface configuration. A spring plate having means defining a through extending opening therein generally corresponding to the exterior surface configuration of the mounting block; and the mounting block extends through the spring plate opening with the mounting block exterior surface configuration frictionally engaging the spring plate, and at least the locking cam engaging the spring plate as the lever pivots about the axis.
The mechanism also preferably further comprises a locator pin extending outwardly from the mounting block in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis; and means defining a through extending opening in the mounting block, for receipt of a fastener shaft, parallel to and adjacent the locator pin, and the exterior surface configuration may comprise a surface portion having opposite sides extending outwardly at an angle of about 10-30 degrees, the surface portion frictionally engaging the spring plate at the opening. Most desirably, the lever comprises first and second locking cam surfaces separated from each other by the release cam surface, and the spring plate comprises a plate having first and second end edges, both the edges angled slightly upwardly from a plane passing through the plate, and a radiused bulge provided intermediate the first and second end edges and extending upwardly from the plane, the bulge engaging the cam surfaces.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of adjusting the feed gap on an addressing machine is provided. The addressing machine has a plurality of separator blocks for engaging media elements in a stack and ensuring one at a time feeding of the media elements, cooperating with a plurality of feed rollers, the separator blocks having bottom terminations and mounted in engagement with a face of a housing, which face is substantially perpendicular to the direction of feed of media elements by the feed rollers, and quick release and engage locking elements associated with the separator blocks each including a lever having first and second locking cam surfaces separated by a release cam surface, a mounting block fixed to the housing face and extending through an opening in the separator block, a pivot pin defining a pivot axis about which the lever pivots with respect to the mounting block and housing, the locking cam surfaces spaced further distances from the pivot axis than the release cam surface, and a spring plate between the cam surfaces and the separator block and held stationary by the mounting block. The method comprising the steps of substantially sequentially:
(a) moving each of the levers to positions in which the release cam surfaces engage the spring plate;
(b) sliding each of the separator blocks to an upward position in which the bottom terminations are spaced a distance from a cooperating roller larger than the expected thickness of any media element to be handled by the addressing machine;
(c) pivoting each lever about its pivot axis to a position in which the second locking cam surface engages the spring plate and applies a force through the spring plate holding its associated separator block in the upward position;
(d) with the rollers not running, placing an exemplary thickness media element on the rollers, beneath the separator block bottom terminations;
(e) pivoting each of the levers to the positions of step (a), thereby releasing the force holding the separator blocks in their upward positions, so that the separator blocks fall of their own weight into downward positions in which the bottom terminations thereof engage the media element resting on the rollers; and
(f) pivoting each lever about its pivot axis to a position in which the first locking cam surface engages the spring plate and applies a force through the spring plate holding its associated separator block in the downward position, which defines a feed gap of approximately the thickness of each media element to be fed one at a time into the addressing machine by the feed rollers.
According to one particular procedure of the invention, six separator blocks are provided, mounted in pairs on three common slide elements, each common slide element having one of the levers associated therewith, and each of steps (a)-(f) is practiced for all three of the slide elements before any subsequent step is practiced for any of the slide elements.
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a quick and accurate apparatus and method for setting the feed gap for media elements, particularly to an addressing machine. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention, and from the appended claims.


A flexible and substantially crack resistant intumescent, non-intumescent, or hybrid mounting mat material for use in mounting fragile structures includes at least one intumescent, non-intumescent or hybrid layer containing inorganic fibers and reinforcing layer applied to the layer. Also provided is an exhaust gas treatment device including a housing, a fragile catalyst support structure mounted within the housing, and the crack resistant mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile catalyst support structure. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.

Exhaust gas treatment devices for treating exhaust gases of automotive engines are used to effect the oxidation of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and the reduction of oxides of nitrogen present in the exhaust gases.
An automotive catalytic converter generally includes an outer metallic housing and a fragile catalyst support structure that is held within the outer metallic housing by a mounting mat. The mounting mat is positioned between the inner surface of the outer metallic housing and the outer surface of the fragile catalyst support structure. The fragile catalyst support structure is commonly referred to in the art as a "monolith". The monolith may be made from a ceramic or metallic material. The mounting mat provides thermal insulation and a holding pressure sufficient for maintaining the fragile catalyst support structure in proper position during the operation of the catalytic converter.
A diesel particulate trap is used in automobiles that utilize diesel fuel. The diesel particulate trap generally includes an outer metallic housing and a fragile particulate filter structure that is held within the outer metallic housing by a mounting mat. The mounting mat is positioned between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the particulate filter. Like the catalytic converter, the mat provides thermal insulation and a holding pressure for maintaining the particulate filter in proper position within the outer metallic housing during operation of the diesel particulate filter.
As noted hereinabove, the catalyst support structure of the catalytic and the diesel particulate filter are often very fragile. In fact, these structures can be so fragile that even small shockloads or stresses are often sufficient to crack or crush them. In order to protect the fragile structures from thermal and mechanical shock and other stresses noted above, as well as to provide thermal insulation and a gas seal, and to hold the fragile structures in place within the housing, it is known to position at least one ply or layer of mounting or support material within the gap between the fragile structure and the housing. Thus, the mounting mats that are positioned between the outer housing and the fragile catalyst support structure or particulate filter in the automotive exhaust gas treatment device are capable of exhibiting high temperature resistance and are capable of exerting the requisite holding pressure to maintain the catalyst support structure or particulate filter in proper position during the operation of the device.
An exhaust gas treatment device is made by wrapping the mounting mat around at least a portion of the perimeter of the fragile catalyst support structure or diesel particulate filter and locating the wrapped structure within a housing. During the wrapping of the catalyst support structure or diesel particulate filter, the mounting mat must be bent around the fragile catalyst support structure. Tensile stresses are exerted on the mounting mat which can result in cracking or tearing of the mounting mat. For intumescent mats, flaking of the vermiculite in the mat may also occur. As can be appreciated, the problem is exacerbated when heavy basis weight mounting mats are used to wrap the fragile structures or when the wrap is around a tight radius, such as for oval-shaped structures. Consequently, there is a need for a mounting mat material which is flexible and substantially crack resistant, while still providing the desired thermal insulation and holding pressure performance.


A pipette device, including a container having a predetermined space therein, in one end of which a nozzle is formed and the other end of which is opened; a first fixing member whose one end is detachably coupled to the other end of the container; a second fixing member coupled to the other end of the first fixing member; and a pumping member that is inserted into the second fixing member such that an opened end portion faces the other end of the container and delivers internal air into the container by changing shape when it is pressed, wherein the opened end portion of the pumping member is fixed between the first fixing member and the second fixing member by coupling of the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

In order to collect a sample such as microorganisms, a sampler including a collecting member made of cotton and the like may be used. When a sample is collected from a specific surface using the above collecting member and is input to a sampler chamber, the sample collected by the collecting member may be mixed with a diluted solution stored in the sampler chamber. In order to use the sample collected in the sampler chamber, the diluted solution mixed with the sample should be discharged to the outside of the sampler chamber. In order to accurately know a dilution ratio of the sample, or in order to use an accurate amount of sample, it is important to know accurately an amount of a liquid discharged from the sampler chamber.
In order to discharge an accurate amount of liquid, a micropipette and the like may be used. In addition, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,632, a sampler may have a scale displayed in a chamber thereof, and may be deformable so that the sampler itself may be used as a pipette (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,632 (Date of Grant: Nov. 27, 2007)).
However, the above technique has the following problems.
Micropipettes in the related art need to be provided separately from a sampler, and are inconvenient to prepare, use, and maintain. In addition, when a user views a scale displayed in a sampler chamber and discharges a liquid, a relative height of a scale and a liquid may be changed according to a position from which a user views the scale. In addition, the user should adjust an amount of a liquid to be discharged by adjusting a degree of pressing the sampler chamber while viewing the scale. As a result, according to these operations, there is a problem in which an amount of a liquid discharged from the sampler is inaccurate.


A time-domain baseband measurement method measures modulated microwave signals typically used in communication systems by converting microwave signals to baseband before measurement for improved accuracy compared to direct measurement at the microwave frequency. A downconverting receiver is first characterized using a prior characterization method and then the modulated microwave signal is applied to the downconverting receiver and the response of the downconverting receiver is removed to provide an accurate characterization of the modulated microwave signal. Such an accurate measurement of the modulated microwave signal can be used for communications system performance verification as well as for characterizing communications devices and systems. One particular application is the measurement of input/output characteristics of nonlinear power amplifiers using such modulated microwave signals.

Modulated microwave signals are used to carry information in a wide variety of electronic communications systems. Examples include modulated microwave signals used to transmit voice and data or video signals from a ground transmitter through space to a satellite, and then back from the satellite to a ground receiver. Another example is a television transmitter, which transmits modulated signals that carry the picture and sound to television sets. Another example is a cellular base station, which transmits modulated microwave signals that carry the voice information to cellular phones. Such signals must be accurately measured for conformance to systems specifications and for accurate modeling of deviations from ideal performance.
It is also desirable to use such modulated microwave signals to characterize nonlinear devices, such as power amplifiers, used in communications systems, because these are the signals that the devices receive in operation. Nonlinear electronic devices are often the most difficult elements to model accurately in communications simulations. A recent example is the design and simulation of power amplifiers for use in digital cellular applications. In this case, the transmit power amplifier must be operated at or near saturation for high efficiency, and still meet stringent adjacent channel power requirements. This is an example where accurate, computationally efficient nonlinear models are required to make the proper design tradeoffs. Also known as black-box models, these models are computationally efficient because they transform an input waveform to the correct output waveform without resorting to the details of circuit operation. These models seek to characterize the nonlinear amplifier through the use of a selected set of probing signals. The degree of predictive fidelity of these simulation models must be checked with the class of operational signals expected, such as modulated microwave signals.
A prior procedure of measurement of modulated microwave signals is to record directly the radio frequency (RF) or microwave signal by means of a digital storage oscilloscope or other waveform recorder. For measurement of nonlinear devices, the RF or microwave frequency waveforms must be measured at the input and output of the device to find the input to output characteristic. These waveforms should be recorded at a number of input power levels throughout the operating range of the nonlinear device. Examples of such nonlinear components are a solid-state power amplifier or a traveling-wave tube amplifier. Time-domain instrumentation can record the waveform data digitally and store the data directly on a controlling computer.
Typical instruments used for recording waveform data are a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), a microwave transition analyzer (MTA), or a recently developed nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA). The accuracy of these instruments for measuring high frequency signals is limited by linear amplitude and phase distortion. The MTA and high bandwidth DSO have significant phase and amplitude distortion beginning at frequencies above about 15.0 GHz. The NVNA is based on an MTA, but the NVNA comes with calibration standards and an extensive calibration routine so that phase and amplitude distortion, and other errors, are analytically removed from the measurements. The Hewlett-Packard NVNA performs calibrated time-domain measurements of signals up to 50.0 GHz. This NVNA includes calibration standards and software that calibrates the sampling oscilloscope for analog and digital nonlinearity, and gain and phase responses over a frequency range. Hence, the NVNA can provide accurate waveforms up to 50.0 GHz. The NVNA calibration eliminates any inaccuracy associated with the gain and phase response of the sampling oscilloscope, however, the NVNA still has limitations imposed by a limited number of samples and phase noise errors. The NVNA is a very complex and expensive system, however, and the calibration process is cumbersome. Additionally, the NVNA cannot be used to characterize a modulator providing an arbitrary microwave waveform.
Another prior waveform measurement approach is to use an uncalibrated downconverter with separate I and Q output signals. These I and Q output signals are then recorded by means of a DSO. This technique also yields the time-domain baseband waveform, but is corrupted by the undesired distortions of the downconverter, including the I/Q imbalance between the I and Q signals. The unknown distortions are usually large enough to render the waveform data useless for any precision application such as communications system modeling.
A recent measurement approach measures the transmission response of a frequency translating device (FTD), such as a mixer, as disclosed in the related patent. The response of the FTD, including a downconverter, may be measured by means of the baseband-double-sideband-mixer FTD characterization method, as described in the related patent. In this FTD characterization method, three pair wise combinations of an upconverter referred to herein as a transmitter, a test mixer, and the downconverter referred to herein as a receiver, are measured. The transmission response of the downconverting receiver is then calculated from these measurements. The test configuration setup for this FTD characterization method consists of connecting an upconverting transmitter FTD to a downconverting receiver FTD with both using the same local oscillator (LO) but with a phase shifter in the downconverter LO path. A vector network analyzer (VNA) is used to measure this first paired combination at two relative LO phase settings 90.degree. apart. The additional test mixer is used in the second of these measurements as an upconverter and in the third of these measurements as a downconverter. The FTD characterization method requires that the test mixer have the same frequency response, that is a reciprocal frequency response, whether the test mixer is used as an upconverter or a downconverter. In practice, commonly available double-balanced mixers exhibit this reciprocal response if a low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is provided on all ports by use of fixed attenuators. These six measurements, for the three configurations with zero and with ninety degree phase shift, are sufficient to extract the frequency response of all three FTDs, including the downconverting receiver. By mathematically combining the six measurements provided by the three-setup configuration, with and without the 90.degree. phase shift, the lowpass equivalent (LPE) frequency response of the downconverting receiver may be obtained. This three-pair FTD characterization method has not been applied to the characterization of an arbitrary microwave signal. These and other disadvantages are solved or reduced using the invention.

Baseband time-domain waveform measurement method


The present invention concerns a clasp (4) for assembling first and second flexible strands (1, 2) including a buckle (6) attached to the first (1) of the two strands, while the second strand (2) penetrates the buckle (6), characterised in that the buckle (6) includes fixed catching means (14) which are caught in the second strand (2), and in that it includes an unlocking device (22) able to be actuated manually, this unlocking device (22) allowing the second strand (2) to be raised to release it from the catching means (14) and to slip it out of the buckle (6).

The present invention concerns a clasp for assembling two flexible strands, for example made of leather or a synthetic material. Such a clasp may be used, for example, for a watch strap or wristband, or a belt.
In known clasp devices for assembling flexible strands, the strands include holes provided to receive a tongue when they are assembled. This conventional construction has, however, the drawback that said strands break easily, generally where the hole receiving the tongue is located, because of the fatigue to which such strands are subjected.
Wristbands or bracelets, particularly those which are fitted to watches, need to be able to be closed on the wrist easily and without there being a risk that the watch can slip away when one tries to form the fastening loop. For this reason, the wristband can be continuous so that it remains securely on the wrist.
A first known solution relates to wristbands formed of contiguous metal segments which contain small springs which allow the wristband to be extended when it is pulled. In order to be able to work, such a solution however requires very small springs subject to fatigue and which have a limited life time.
In order to overcome this drawback, claps with multiple articulated hinges have been proposed, these claps being essentially mounted on metal bracelets with two articulated but non-extending segments. This more advantageous solution was obtained with continuous devices with segments which are rigid, articulated, folding, able to be superposed and caught on each other. A very large number of models exists.
A model with three rigid segments may be cited as an example, the first of which closes under the second, while the third, acting as a cover, engages on the second and locks onto the first.
These conventional clasps with unfolding buckles have the advantage of preventing, to a certain extent, the wristband surreptitiously passing over the hand if a pulling force is exerted on the wristband. However, this type of clasp is relatively complicated and implements numerous parts, which makes it quite expensive.
A considerable improvement was made by the device disclosed in Swiss Patent No. 530,189 which proposed a construction which, while proposing a more attractive appearance, also improved the facility of fastening.
This device is formed of a clasp secured to one of the strands of a wristband and provided with means gripping the other strand of the wristband. This second strand is gripped between the base of the clasp and an eccentric end of a lever pivoting on the base of the clasp. The base plate of this clasp carries a rib which engages in one of the grooves made on the invisible face of the wristband intended to be in contact with the wrist of the person wearing the watch. Said base plate also carries a pin which engages in one of said grooves made on the invisible face of the wristband.
One advantage of this clasp lies in the fact that, in the embodiment described hereinbefore, the second strand engages under the first strand, which gives the wristband a very attractive appearance.
Another advantage is the great simplicity of construction of the clasp which allows its manufacturing costs to be substantially reduced. This clasp also has the advantage of being able to be fitted to any type of flexible wristband, for example of the Milanese or woven type, or those made of plastic material.
The clasp disclosed in Swiss Patent No. 530,189 has, however, a certain number of drawbacks from among the most important of which can be cited the fact that the pivoting lever which, via its eccentric end, grips the second strand of the wristband against the base of the clasp does not ensure that the wristband is firmly secured to the wearer""s wrist. Indeed, an external pulling force can very easily cause the lever to pivot into the opening position and cause the wristband to pass over the hand without such action being desired by the wearer. This method thus reduces the confidence which this type of clasp can inspire.
On the other hand, as was described hereinbefore, the base plate of the clasp carries both a rib and a pin which each engage in one of the grooves made on the lower face of the wristband. Since there is nothing provided to raise the wristband in order to free the grooves from their grip with the rib and the pin, the wearer will encounter significant difficulties in slipping the second strand out of the clasp when he wishes to take the watch off. This operation is made all the more difficult by the fact that the wristband is engaged with the base plate, not at one point, but at two distinct points materialised by the rib and the pin.
Finally, by gripping the wristband against the base plate of the clasp, the eccentric lever has the effect of marking the surface of the wristband.
Swiss Patent No. 454,513 discloses a watch wristband including a clasp secured to one of the strands of the wristband and provided with means gripping the other strand of the wristband. The gripping means are formed by a slightly curved plate, having a bottom provided on each side, in the direction parallel to the length of the wristband, with a perpendicular edge. A bar fixed in the edges assures the connection of the clasp to one of the wristband strands. A cover is hinged on the gripping means and pivots about the same bar as that via which the clasp is connected to one of the strands. On each side, in the longitudinal direction to the length of the wristband, the cover has an edge. These edges are slightly inclined inwards, like the edges of the plate, so that when the cover is closed, a certain resistance has to be overcome, which prevents the cover being opened inadvertently. The plate has a projecting part directed upwards which is engaged in one of the grooves arranged in the invisible lower face of the second wristband strand. When the cover is open, the end of the second strand is engaged in an opening of the clasp. The second strand is then adjusted to the desired length, then the projecting part is engaged in one of the grooves. Finally, the cover is closed.
This embodiment has the major drawback of wearing out quickly and no longer assuring that the cover snap fits properly on the edges of the clasp plate. This is essentially due to a high snap fitting force and, therefor, rapid wear of the system. If the clasp cover is not closed properly, an external pulling force may very easily cause it to pivot, so that the user is liable to lose his watch.
On the other hand, there is nothing provided to raise the second wristband strand under the lower face of which are arranged the grooves in which the projecting part of the plate has to engage. The user is thus liable to experience great difficulty in sliding the two wristband strands in relation to each other, since one of the strands is liable to be held back by the projecting part engaged in the corresponding groove.
The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks in addition to others by proposing a clasp for assembling two flexible strands, able to be used for example for a watch wristband or a belt, this clasp being inexpensive to make and very easy and secure to use.
The present invention thus concerns a clasp for assembling a first and second flexible strands including a buckle attached to the first of the two strands while the second strand penetrates the buckle, characterised in that the buckle includes fixed catching means which are caught in the second strand, and in that it includes an unlocking device able to be actuated manually, this unlocking device allowing the second strand to be raised to release it from the catching means and to slip it out of the buckle.
As a result of these features, the present invention provides a clasp which is easy to use. Indeed, in order to assemble the flexible strands of the wristband or belt and to close the clasp, one need only engage the end of the second strand in the clasp, so that this end is placed above the catching means. The wristband strand is then adjusted to the desired length, then the catching means are caught on the strand. The wristband is thus securely held in place and is not liable to be opened inadvertently. In order to open the wristband, one need only actuate the locking device manually. On doing so, the unlocking device raises the second wristband strand to release it from the catching means, so that the wearer need only pull on this strand to slide it with respect to the first strand and release it from the buckle.
The clasp according to the invention also offers great operating security. Indeed, as described hereinbefore, when the catching means are caught in the second strand, it is impossible to pull the second strand backwards. The confidence which one can have in the clasp according to the invention is further increased by the fact that the clasp does not require any parts to grip or clamp the second wristband strand in order to immobilise it. Consequently, the user is not liable to lose his watch as is the case with clasps of the prior art provided with gripping or clamping parts which are able to open inadvertently at any time.
According to a complementary feature of the invention, the catching means include a tooth, and the unlocking device includes a lever mounted so as to move on the buckle and which is capable of raising the second strand.
The clasp according to the invention thus only includes two parts, namely the actual buckle which carries a tooth which catches in the second strand and which, if desired, may be made in a single piece with the buckle or constitute a separate part which will be fixed onto the buckle, and the unlocking device which allows the user to raise the strand in order to release it from the tooth. In addition to the fact that the clasp according to the invention is very simple to use, it also has the advantage of only using a small number of parts and thus being inexpensive to manufacture.

Clasp for assembling two flexible strands able to be used, in particular, for a watch wristband


An apparatus and method for producing expanded mesh sheets provides for forming fine slits in a metal sheet at a slit section by plate cutters, but excluding portions in a center and both sides in a widthwise direction of the metal sheet. The areas where the slits have been formed are drawn out at an expanding section thereby opening the slits and obtaining a mesh sheet which has solid portions in the central portion and on both sides. The mesh sheet is flattened at a rolling device to obtain the expanded mesh sheet. An electrode sheet is prepared by applying an active material onto mesh portions of the expanded mesh sheet, and collectors for a battery are cut out from the electrode sheet such that lead connecting portions thereof are located at the solid portion of the mesh sheet where there are no openings.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an expanded mesh sheet that is preferable for use as a battery collector, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an expanded mesh sheet with which a fine reticulated configuration can be formed in a thin metal sheet for realizing smaller, thinner, and higher capacity batteries, and to a battery using this expanded mesh sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
As portable instruments such as portable telephones have become smaller, thinner, and lighter in weight, the batteries used as a source of power by such instruments have been required to have higher capacities, as well as to be smaller and lighter. FIGS. 13 and 14 show the constitution of a polymer electrolyte secondary cell, a type of battery developed in response to these requirements. This battery comprises a laminated electrode 4, of positive electrode plates 1 and a negative electrode plate 2 laminated together with separators 3 therebetween, held within an outer case 7 comprising a laminated sheet. As shown in FIG. 14, which shows a cross sectional view of FIG. 13 at line XIV--XIV, the above-mentioned positive electrode plate 1 is formed of positive electrode active material 1b coated on a positive electrode collector 1a; the above-mentioned negative electrode plate 2 is formed of negative electrode active material 2b coated on a negative electrode collector 2a. The positive electrode plate 1 and negative electrode plate 2 are layered together with separators 3, consisting of solid electrolyte material therebetween, and sealed along with liquid electrolyte within an outer case 7, comprising a pair of laminated sheets heat fused along their perimeters at seal portions P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3. The positive electrode lead 8 is connected to the lead connecting portions 1c, 1c each formed on the two positive electrode collectors 1a, 1a and the negative electrode lead 9 is connected to the lead connecting portion 2c formed on the negative electrode collector 2a. The positive electrode lead 8 and negative electrode lead 9 are insulated from each other with an insulating sheet 6 and drawn out to the outside of the outer case 7 so as to be used as battery connection terminals for the positive and negative electrodes of the battery.
The above-mentioned positive electrode plate 1 and negative electrode plate 2 are manufactured as follows. The positive electrode active material, prepared as a paste, is applied on an expanded mesh sheet of aluminum that will constitute the positive electrode collector 1a, which is then dried and rolled to form a positive electrode sheet. The positive electrode place is cut to a prescribed form and size from this positive electrode sheet thus obtained wherein the positive electrode active material 1b is adhered to a prescribed thickness on the positive electrode collector 1a. Also, the negative electrode active material, prepared as a paste, is applied on both surfaces of an expanded mesh sheet of copper that will constitute the negative electrode collector 2a, which is then dried and rolled to form a negative electrode sheet. The negative electrode plate is cut to a prescribed form and size from this negative electrode sheet thus obtained wherein the negative electrode active material 2b is adhered to a prescribed thickness on both surfaces of the negative electrode collector 2a. As shown in FIG. 13, the positive electrode plate 1 and negative electrode plate 2 are cut from the positive electrode sheet and negative electrode sheet respectively, such that the lead connecting portion 1c protrudes from the positive electrode collector 1a at a position offset from the center line, and such that the lead connecting portion 2c protrudes from the negative electrode collector 2a at a position offset from the center line opposite from the lead connecting portion 1c of the positive electrode collector 1a. The aluminum positive electrode lead 8 is joined to the lead connecting portion 1c of the positive electrode collector 1a, and the copper negative electrode lead 9 is joined to the lead connecting portion 2c of the negative electrode collector 2a, respectively, at welding points S using resistance welding or ultrasonic welding.
In order to satisfy the requirement that a battery be small, light, and have higher capacity, the expanded mesh sheet used as a collector must be thin, with a fine mesh grid, and yet have the strength to withstand the tensile force applied during manufacture. Moreover, the mesh sheet must be superior in binding properties to the active material and collecting properties.
In the collector, the electrodes of same polarity are connected to each other at the lead connecting portions, and the lead is further connected thereto. Therefore, the lead connecting portions are required to have better welding properties as the number of laminated positive and negative electrodes increases. However, in collectors wherein an expanded mesh sheet with a high rate of openings is used, the lead connecting portions tend to have poor welding properties, and low bonding strength and conductivity between collectors and leads.
The above-mentioned expanded mesh sheet is manufactured by pulling a metal sheet, wherein slits have been formed in a zigzag pattern, in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the slits, thereby opening the slits to form a lozenge-shaped reticulated configuration.
In other words, as shown in FIG. 15A, a multiplicity of slits a are formed intermittently and parallel to each other in the direction in which the metal sheet A extends. The slits a are arranged in a zigzag pattern, with the parallel and adjacent positions being offset in the direction in which the metal sheet A extends; nodes b are formed between intermittent slits a, a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15B, bulges c are formed by plastic deformation at positions sandwiched between slits a, a juxtaposed in a widthwise direction, protruding from both surfaces of the metal sheet alternately in opposite directions. Such a metal sheet, wherein slits a, nodes b, and bulges c have been formed, is pulled widthwise as shown in FIG. 16 to attain an expanded mesh sheet having a mesh grid structure, wherein the slits a, a are opened thus forming lozenge-shaped openings surrounded by linear lattice bars d connected by nodes b.
Current methods for manufacturing this type of mesh sheet include those using a rotary system and those using a reciprocating system.
FIG. 17 shows an example of a rotary-type apparatus for manufacturing expanded mesh sheets. This apparatus includes a pair of rollers 100, 100 which is constructed such that a plurality of disk-shaped cutters 31, that are provided with raised portions 32 for forming the above-mentioned bulges c on the periphery, are superposed coaxially at intervals approximately equal to the thickness of the disk-shaped cutters 31. The rollers 100, 100 are disposed opposite to each other with their axes being parallel and their positions in the axial direction being offset by the thickness of the disk-shaped cutters 31. Blades for forming the slits a in the direction in which the metal sheet A is supplied and in an area between the disk-shaped cutters 31 of one roller 100 and the disk-shaped cutters 31 of the other roller 100, are formed on both edges of each disk shaped cutter 31. Recessed portions 33 for interrupting the formation of the slits a and for forming the nodes b are formed at a prescribed pitch on the blades in the direction of the circumference of the disk-shaped cutters 31. By supplying the metal sheet A between the rollers 100, 100 and rotating the rollers 100, 100 around their respective axes, the slits a connected with the nodes b are formed in the metal sheet A, as well as the bulges c protruding in mutually opposite directions are formed at positions where slits a, a, are juxtaposed with each other, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B.
One disadvantage of such rotary system is that the disk-shaped cutters 31 need to have at least a certain minimum thickness in order to ensure the strength of the disks, wherefore there are limits to the thinness and fineness of the cutters. For this reason, the above-mentioned reciprocating system is more appropriate for manufacturing expanded mesh sheets with a fine mesh grid.
In the method of manufacturing expanded mesh sheets with a reciprocating system, slits j are formed intermittently and widthwise in an elongated sheet 55 in such a manner that the slits j are arranged in a zigzag pattern offset in the direction of the orientation of the slits as shown in FIG. 19 by a pair of upper and lower plate cutters 53, 54 as shown in FIG. 18, one row at a time. The cutters 53, 54 include raised portions as part of slit forming blades, with which bulges k are formed at the same time that the slits j are formed. The elongated sheet 55, in which the slits j and bulges k have been formed in a zigzag pattern, is pulled in a direction lengthwise to the elongated sheet as shown in FIG. 19, whereupon the slits j and bulges k are spread out and an expanded mesh sheet having a lozenge-shape mesh is attained.
The above-described method for manufacturing expanded mesh sheets with a reciprocating system has problems of high costs, low productivity, and slow working speed because the slits j are made one row at a time. Also, it is preferable that the ends of the expanded mesh sheet include solid portions where a mesh is not formed in order to ensure the strength to withstand processes of applying active material to and rolling the thin expanded mesh sheet and in order to form lead connecting portions for connecting leads to the collectors. However, with the reciprocating system as shown in FIG. 18, a mesh structure has to be formed on the entire surface of the mesh sheet because of the specific expanding method, wherefore it was impossible to manufacture an expanded mesh sheet provided with solid portions which has no reticulated configuration.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing expanded mesh sheet and battery using this expanded mesh sheet

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A color film substrate, manufacturing method thereof and a display device are provided. The color film substrate includes: a basal substrate, a color film layer formed on the basal substrate, a transparent insulating layer formed on a light output surface of the color film layer, and a touch electrode wire pattern formed on a light output surface of the transparent insulating layer; the refractive index of the transparent insulating layer is consistent with the refractive index of the touch electrode wire pattern. The color film substrate provided effectively weakens the brightness difference line caused by the touch electrode wire pattern.

With the rapid progress of display technology, the display device with touch function has been more and more popular because of its advantages such as visualized operation. Based on the relative position of the touch panel and the display panel, the existing display device with touch function mainly comprises the on cell type touch panel and the in cell type touch panel.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a color film substrate in a typical on cell type touch panel in the prior art. The color film substrate comprises a basal substrate 1, a colorful film layer 2 formed on the lower surface of the basal substrate 1, and a touch electrode wire pattern 3 formed on the upper surface of the basal substrate 1. In the practical application, the touch electrode wire pattern 3 is typically manufactured with ITO material, of which the refractive index is 2. For this reason, the light passing through the ITO material will be shifted to the left, while the light without passing through the ITO material will be refracted directly, and will not be shifted to the left. Therefore, for the right region of the touch electrode wire pattern 3, the light passing through this region should be shifted to the left, while the light passing through the right periphery of this region should not be shifted to the left since it does not pass through the touch electrode wire pattern 3, thereby causing light loss in this region, forming a dark area as shown in the figure. Accordingly, the light passing through the left periphery of the left region of the touch electrode wire pattern 3 will not be shifted to the left, and will overlap with the light shifted to this position due to the touch electrode wire pattern 3, forming a bright area as shown in the figure. This will cause a brightness difference line in the display image.

Color film substrate, manufacturing method thereof and display device

HEFEI BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


The technology disclosed relates to an embeddable motion sensory control device that detects gestures in a three dimensional (3D) sensory space within a vehicle cabin, detecting a gesture in the 3D sensory space and interpreting the gesture as a command to a (sub) system of the vehicle under control, and issuing the command when appropriate.

The subject matter discussed in this section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in this section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in this section or associated with the subject matter provided as background should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in this section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
The first dashboard consisted of a board placed in front of the driver of a carriage to shield him from debris cast off the horses' hooves. As vehicles became more complex, and mechanical motive power supplanted the horse, controls for various systems (environmental, safety, entertainment and so forth) proliferated. The dashboard was retained as a convenient place for various controls. The operator's attention must be removed from the road (or runway, rail or sea-lane) to "hunt" for the knob or switch, hopefully labelled in his or her own language. In the 1970s, replacing English language labels with international symbols made the dashboard equally non-understandable to everyone everywhere. The need arose for a more simplified interface became apparent and joysticks, keyboards or keypads, glass cockpits, etc. have been pressed into service. But complexity—and confusion—still proliferated.
Some have looked to motion capture to provide the interface. Conventional motion capture approaches, however, rely on markers or sensors worn by the subject while executing activities and/or rely on the strategic placement of numerous bulky and/or complex equipment in specialized and rigid environments to capture subject movements. Unfortunately, such systems tend to be expensive to construct and impractical to use in the vehicle cabin. Markers or sensors worn by the operator can be cumbersome and interfere with natural movement. Optical based systems involve large numbers of cameras and tend not to operate in real time, due to the volume of data that needs to be analyzed and correlated. Changing and uncontrollable lighting situations, background objects, etc. pose further challenges to the use of optical components. To date, such considerations have limited the deployment and use of motion capture technology in the vehicle cabin to little more than non-functional pipe dreams.
Consequently, there is a need for providing the ability to interact with the vehicle control environment without having to fumble around for buttons, switches, joysticks and so forth in real time without fixed or difficult to configure sensors or markers.

Recognizing in-air gestures of a control object to control a vehicular control system


A circuit board system is adapted to check a DUT (Device Under Test) and a communication device on a DUT board, check the connection between DUT and communication device and check connections of parts mounted on DUT board. The system, which tests a circuit board used when a DUT is tested using a tester, has a socket into which DUT is removably inserted; a communication device mounted thereon; first wires electrically connecting first signal terminals of DUT and the tester; and second wires electrically connecting second signal terminals of DUT, which are not electrically connected to the first signal terminals, and signal terminals of the communication device. A shorting board is inserted into the socket in place of DUT when the circuit board is tested, the shorting board having short-circuit wires electrically connecting the first wires and the second wires.

The trend toward higher functionality, larger scale and faster speed in LSI (Large-Scale Integration) has been accompanied by greater difficulty in terms of verifying all of the functions of an LSI chip using just the functions of an LSI tester. Moreover, LSI testers are high in cost. Rather than enhancing the functionality of an LSI tester, therefore, it has been contemplated to lower testing cost by using a DUT (Device Under Test) board that makes it possible to insert a DUT between an LSI tester and a DUT such as an LSI chip. With regard to a DUT board of this kind, there are increasing instances where various communication devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory are mounted on the DUT board that electrically connects the LSI tester and the DUT, and the functions of the DUT are checked by causing the communication devices and DUT to communicate. Against this background, there are cases where the configuration of the DUT board is much more complicated than in the past. It should be noted that with an ordinary DUT board, the signal terminals of the DUT and the signal terminals of the LSI tester are just connected through wiring, and whether the connections are correct or not is determined using the measurement function of the LSI tester.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Kokai Publication JP-U-6-28766A
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Kokai Publication No. JP-H04-159752A

Circuit board test system and test method


A method for real-time monitoring of an operational state of a capacitive sensor capable of being mounted on a rotating machine, and connected to an electronic measuring module via a high frequency transmission line. The method includes generating, within the electronic module, a signal for compensating in capacitance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor, generating, within the electronic module, a signal for compensating in conductance parasitic effects from the transmission line and the sensor, extracting a signal representative of the capacitance compensation and of a signal representative of the conductance compensation so as to determine an operating point of the sensor and analyzing the operating point so as to check if it is located in a predetermined area.

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the operational state of a capacitive sensor. It can be applied particularly usefully, but not exclusively, in measuring the passes of blades in a rotating machine or a turbomachine such as a turboreactor or an airplane turboprop engine, or an electric generator turbine for example. The invention is broader in scope since it can also apply to any system using a capacitive sensor under very difficult environmental conditions.
During the operation of the turbomachine, it is known to mount a capacitive sensor on the housing. Document US2010268509 describes an electrode constituted by the rotor and a counterelectrode constituted by the housing, in particular the inner layer of the housing particularly constituted by multiple sheets.
In general, it is possible to measure the passes of the blades in a rotating machine or a turbomachine in real time in a non-intrusive manner in order to extract therefrom the clearance between the housing and the tip of the blade as well as the vibrations of the blade. These two items of information, the clearance and the vibrations, are key items of information on the state of health of the blade, i.e. its mechanical integrity. They can be monitored in real time throughout the entire operational period of the machine, in particular via blade health monitoring (BHM).
It is known that capacitive measurements under these conditions are substantially affected by electrical line losses, due to electrical impedance of the transmission line.
Document JP2006170797 is known as describing a principle for compensating the parasitic elements of the transmission line.
Document FR2784179 describes a system for compensating the leakage currents from the transmission line by producing feedback loops from signals representative of the capacitance and conductance compensation.
However, like its environment, motor housing, blade, path, the non-intrusive sensor used to measure the clearance and the vibrations evolves over time as a function of the thermal and mechanical loads which are applied to it during operation.

Method for real-time monitoring of the operational state of a capacitive sensor


A system and method for determining authorization of individuals at a premises is disclosed. The system (e.g. security system) includes interrogator devices such as mobile computing devices that are carried through the premises by an interrogator. The interrogator devices send challenge beacons for triggering responses from target user devices carried by users. A management system then confirms whether users of the target user devices are authorized users based on the responses received by the interrogator devices. Examples of target user devices include mobile computing devices such as smart phones/tablet devices, and auxiliary devices such as smart badges and wallets. In embodiments, the interrogator can also carry an auxiliary device having an integrated camera system that captures image data of the users, where the management system additionally confirms whether the users are authorized by comparing the image data along with information in the responses to stored records of authorized users.

Security systems are often installed within and around a premises such as commercial, residential, or governmental buildings. Examples of these buildings include offices, hospitals, multi dwelling units, warehouses, schools or universities, shopping malls, government offices, and casinos. The security systems typically include components such as security panels, motion sensors, access control systems, surveillance cameras, image analytics systems, and/or network video recorders (NVRs), to list a few examples.
Traditional access control systems in buildings are principally concerned with physical security and the selective access to, restriction of, and/or notification of access to a place or other resource. The main components of many access control systems are access readers and possibly door and elevator controllers. The access card readers are often installed to enable presentation of credentials to obtain access to restricted areas, such as buildings or areas of the buildings. The readers are installed near access points, such as interior and exterior doors, hallways, and/or elevators.
Typically, individuals interact with the access card readers of the access control systems by presenting an access badge at the reader. The access badge includes credentials (e.g. username and password) associated with a particular user and typically takes the form of a keycard or contactless smart card. For a keycard access badge, the user presents the keycard at the reader by "swiping" a magnetic strip of the keycard against the reader, while the smart card access badge is presented within range (approximately 2-3 inches or 5 centimeters) of the reader. The access card readers read the credential information of the access badge and validate the information possibly by reference to an ID management system that confirms the credentials and determines whether the individuals are authorized to access the restricted areas. If the individuals are authorized, then the access card readers might signal a door controller to unlock doors or not generate alarms, for example.
The access badges also have historically included a picture of the authorized user. The picture is often printed directly upon a face of the access badge and the user typically wears the access badge on their person with the picture displayed, such as attached to clothing of the user. This allows security personnel and other employees to have a cursory visual confirmation that the individual carrying the badge is, in fact, the person to whom the access badge was issued.
More recently, frictionless access control systems have been proposed. These security systems typically rely on individuals carrying wireless user devices. The wireless user devices might be dedicated fob devices and/or personal mobile computing devices such as tablet or smart phone computing devices. The wireless user devices communicate with access readers installed at access points. As the user with the wireless user device approaches the access points, user credentials are transmitted to the access card readers that validate the credentials and determine whether the user is authorized to pass through the access point. The access point, such as a door, can then be unlocked, for example.

Challenge and response system for identifying non-credentialed occupants and method


A reactor core coolant flow rate control system for a BWR type nuclear power plant in which electric power is generated by a turbine-driven generator driven by a steam turbine rotating under the work of a main steam generated from a cooling water recirculated through a boiling water reactor includes an internal pump driving unit comprised of an electric motor driven by an electric power generated by the turbine-driven generator, a fluid coupling for transmitting an output torque of the electric motor and a variable-frequency generator whose rotation number is changed in accordance with the torque transmitted by way of the fluid coupling, a fluid coupling control signal generating unit for generating a fluid coupling control signal for the fluid coupling in response to at least one of deviation in a load and a rotation speed of the turbine-driven generator and deviation in a rotation speed of the internal pumps, and a plurality of internal pumps for recirculating the cooling water. Each of the internal pumps is connected to the variable-frequency generator of the internal pump driving unit and driven by an output power of the variable-frequency generator. Rotation number of the internal pump changes in dependence on the rotation number of the variable-frequency generator. The fluid coupling changes a transmission efficiency for the torque transmitted to the variable-frequency generator from the driving motor in response to the fluid coupling control signal.

The present invention relates generally to a reactor core coolant flow rate control system for a boiling water reactor type nuclear power plant in which internal pumps (recirculation pumps) are adopted for forcively feeding or recirculating a coolant or cooling water through a reactor vessel containing a core including a fuel assembly for thereby generating a steam to rotate a steam turbine driving an electric generator.
As typical examples of the conventional reactor core coolant flow rate control system for the boiling water reactor type nuclear power plant (hereinafter referred to as the BWR type nuclear power plant) in which internal pumps are employed, there can be mentioned those disclosed, for example, in JP-A-3-77959 (hereinafter referred to as the literature #1), JP-A-5-18396 (hereinafter referred to as the literature #2) and a drawing FIG. 9, 4-3 annexed to "WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR ALTERATION OF KARIBA NUCLEAR POWER PLANT REACTOR INSTALLATION IN KASHIWAZAKI, JAPAN" (hereinafter referred to as the literature #3). As can be seen in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the reactor core coolant flow rate control which is system disclosed in the literature #3 is comprised of ten recirculation or internal pumps 3-1 to 3-10 provided in association with ten variable-frequency power supply units (inverter units) 423A-1 to 423A-5 and 423B-6 to 423B-10, respectively, four input transformers 421A, 422A, 421B and 422B, two AC motors 403A and 403B, two AC generators 405A and 405B, two plant or house transformers 20-1 and 20-2, and circuit breakers 412A, 424A, 412B and 424B. For convenience of the description, a combination of the motor 403A and the generator 405A as well as a combination of the motor 403B and the generator 405B will hereinafter simply be referred to as the motor/generator sets, respectively. Furthermore, a reference numeral 7 denotes an AC generator driven by a steam turbine which is rotating under the work of a steam generated within a BWR (nor shown).
The output power generated by the turbine-driven generator 7 undergoes a voltage transformation through is transformed by the house transformers 20-1 and 20-2 to be supplied to the motor/generator sets (403A/405A and 403B/405B) by way of the motor/generator set trip circuit breakers 412A and 412B, respectively, and to the input transformers 422A and 421B via the associated circuit breakers 424A and 424B, wherein the outputs from the motor/generator sets (403A/405A and 403B/405B) are inputted to the input transformers 421A and 422B, respectively. The powers outputted from the input transformers 421A, 422A, 421B and 422B are inputted to the inverter units 423A-1 to 423A-5 and 423B-6 to 423B-10, respectively, which serve to convert the frequency of the power supplied to the internal pumps 3-1 to 3-10, respectively, for controlling the rotation speeds (rpm) of these internal pumps.
By taking advantage of the fact that each of the motor/generator sets (403A/405A and 403B/405B) has a mechanical inertia, such an arrangement is adopted that even when the power supply for the reactor core coolant flow rate control system is subjected to external disturbance due to occurrence of a failure or fault in the power transmission system of the nuclear power plant, the power supply to the inverter units 423A-1 to 423A-5 and 423B-6 to 423B-10 can be maintained for a predetermined period in succession to the occurrence of such disturbance, for thereby allowing the reactor core to be continuously cooled. At this juncture, it should however be noted that each of the motor/generator sets 403A/405A and 403B/405B itself has neither the function nor capability for converting the frequency of the power supplied to the internal pumps 3-1 to 3-3 and 3-8 to 3-10. The frequency conversion is preformed by the variable-frequency power source units 423A-1 to 423-3 and 423B-8 to 423B-10 which are constituted by the inverter units, respectively, as mentioned previously. Parenthetically, the inverter unit can exhibit substantially no mechanical inertia. The circuit breakers 412A, 424A, 412B and 424B are installed for the purpose of protection of the machines and units disposed downstream thereof.

Reactor core coolant flow rate control system for a BWR type nuclear power plant


Vitamin D binding proteins (DBP), in particular truncated DBP and mutated, truncated DBP, as well as fusion proteins thereof, nucleic acid molecules encoding same, vectors, host cells, and methods, kits and solid supports for determining the total amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in a test sample.

Vitamin D is a group of prohormones. The two major forms of vitamin D are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D is metabolized to 25-hydroxy vitamin D (calcidiol) in the kidney and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) in the liver.
Vitamin D facilitates the flow of calcium into the bloodstream. The flow of calcium into the bloodstream is important for the mineralization of bone and the prevention of hypocalcemic tetany.
Vitamin D assays have become increasingly popular in North America. The development of highly specific anti-vitamin D monoclonal antibodies for vitamin D assays, however, has proven challenging. Various animal immunization protocols have been carried out in efforts to produce monoclonal antibodies specific for 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. The combined measurement of 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (collectively, 25-hydroxy vitamin D) is considered to be the best indicator of the total amount of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D hormones have essential roles in human health mediated by intracellular vitamin D receptors (VDR). For instance, the vitamin D hormones regulate blood calcium levels by controlling the absorption of dietary calcium by the small intestine and the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Excessive hormone levels can lead to abnormally elevated urine calcium (hypercalciuria), blood calcium (hypercalcemia) and blood phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia). Vitamin D hormones also participate in the regulation of cellular differentiation and growth, parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by the parathyroid glands, and normal bone formation and metabolism. Furthermore, vitamin D hormones are required for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal, immune and rennin/angiotensin systems. Numerous other roles for the vitamin D hormones have been identified and proposed based on the documented presence of intracellular VDR in nearly every human tissue.
Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is a triple-domain, monomeric glycoprotein that occurs naturally in mammals. It is a member of the albumin, α-fetoprotein, and α-albumin/afamin gene family. Initially, DBP was named group-specific component of serum (Gc-globulin). The majority of serum DBP is expressed and secreted from the liver. It binds, solubilizes, and transports vitamin D in blood with binding affinities ranging from about 2 nM to about 20 nM (White et al., Trends Endocrinol. Metab. 11: 320-327 (2000); and Cooke et al., "Vitamin D binding protein," In: Vitamin D, Feldman et al., eds., Academic Press (1997), pages 87-101). DBP also binds to G-actin (Speeckaert et al., Clinica Chimica Acta 372: 33-42 (2006)), which is released from cells to the blood upon injury, with a binding affinity of about 10 nM, and fatty acids (Calvo, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm 163: 14-17 (1989)). Human DBP has dominant alleles, namely GC1F, GC1S and GC2, and over 124 other alleles (Cleve et al., Vox Sang. 54: 215-225 (1988)). The normal adult level of DBP is 4-8 μM (200-400 mg/L), which is about 20-100 fold higher than its ligands, namely vitamin D and its metabolites (White et al. (2000), supra). Structural and biochemical characterization has revealed that domain I of DBP (amino acids 1-191) binds vitamin D (specifically amino acids 35-49 of domain I (confirmed by crystal structure)), whereas domain III (amino acids 379-458) binds G-actin (specifically amino acids 373-403 of domain III (crystal structure indicates actin interacts with distinct amino acid sequences in all of the three domains)) (Haddad et al., Biochemistry 31: 7174-7181 (1992); Swamy et al., Biochem. 36: 7432-7436 (1997); Verboven et al., Nature Structural Biology 9: 131-136 (2002); Swamy et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 402: 14-23 (2002); Head et al., Biochem. 41: 9015-9020 (2002); and Otterbein et al., PNAS USA 99: 8003-8008 (2002)). Human DBP has 458 amino acids (after cleavage of a 16-amino acid signal peptide), a high cysteine content (28 cysteines, all in disulfide form), and a molecular weight of 52 kD and migrates at 58 kD on an SDS-PAGE gel. Analysis of truncated proteins and overlapping peptides has indicated that cell binding is mediated by amino acids 150-172 of domain I and amino acids 379-402 of domain III (Zhang et al. Biochim Biophys. Acta 1803: 623-629 (2010)).
Competitive protein-binding assays for 25-hydroxy vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D were introduced more than three decades ago, and were based on assessing circulating 25-hydroxy vitamin D or 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D using the DBP or chick intestinal receptor, respectively, as the primary binding agents (Hollis, Nutrition Reviews 65(8): S87-S90 (August 2007 (II)). Both assays employed 3H-labeled compounds as reporters, and, while valid, they were cumbersome. Since then, assays for both metabolites have advanced and include the use of various methods, such as radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunoassay, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and random access automated assay based on chemiluminescence. U.S. Pat. No. 7,087,395 discloses the use of a releasing composition including cyclodextrin, sodium salicylate, and sodium hydroxide, 25-hydroxy vitamin D coupled to a solid phase, DBP, and labeled anti-DBP antibody, which produces a detectable signal in the presence of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, to determine the amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in a sample. U.S. Pat. No. 7,482,162 B discloses adding a non-competitive disaplacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-napthalene-sulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water-miscible solvent, to a serum or plasma sample to separate any vitamin D metabolite in the sample from protein to which the vitamin D metabolite is bound, such that any separated vitamin D metabolite can be captured, contacting the sample with a support having immobilized thereon a binding factor to capture any vitamin D metabolite separated from protein, and measuring the captured vitamin D metabolite.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a quantitative vitamin D assay using a mutated, truncated DBP fused to human IgG constant fragment (Fc) that binds specifically to 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. This and other objects and advantages, as well as inventive features, will become apparent from the detailed description provided herein.

Truncated human vitamin D binding protein and mutation and fusion thereof and related materials and methods of use


An image forming apparatus includes a function control processing unit, a clock oscillation unit, power supply control unit including a power supply control processing unit which starts as a power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on to control energization of constituent elements and control a startup operation of the function control processing unit. Further, the image forming apparatus has a warming-up operation mode in which when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned on, the power supply control processing unit starts up to make the clock oscillation unit start operating to transmit a clock signal to the function control processing unit, and in which the power supply control processing unit restarts itself and starts up the function control processing unit after a lapse of a predetermined standby time set beforehand, with the function control processing unit kept inactive.

Some of image forming apparatuses, such as a copier, a facsimile, a printer, and a multifunction peripheral equipped with functions of these apparatuses, are equipped with a function of restarting when a glitch that prevents proper operation is caused. An example of such image forming apparatuses is disclosed in Patent Literature 1 listed below.
The conventional image forming apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 includes detection means for detecting a glitch, restarting means for executing restarting when a glitch is detected, and a restart inhibiting means for inhibiting restarting when a particular kind of glitch is detected. In this image forming apparatus, power to the apparatus is shut down in the case of the particular kind of glitch to inhibit restarting of the apparatus. Thereby, restarting is executed only where no existing glitch is fatal, and this helps improve the reliability and safety of the image forming apparatus.


A light-tight canister for a roll of photosensitive media including an opaque tubular sleeve having outer ends, a pair of identical end caps with peripheral edges configured to engage and enclose the ends of the sleeve, and a tie bar extending through the sleeve and configured for locking engagement with the end caps. The tubular sleeve includes a media exit slot extending between the outer ends and a tapered notch on each end positioned with respect to the media exit slot. Each end cap includes a media exit slot accommodating structure and a tapered tab configured to mate with a notch in the sleeve. The tab is positioned with respect to the media exit slot accommodating structure so the media exit slot accommodating structure is aligned with the media exit slot of the sleeve when the end cap is engaged with the sleeve and the tab is mated with the notch. Sloping guide walls are radially positioned on the inside surface of the end cap about a location at which the tie bar is engaged with the end cap.

The present invention relates generally to containers for photosensitive media. In particular, the present invention is a roll film canister assembled from components having self-locating features.
Light-tight film canisters are generally known and disclosed, for example, in the Espy U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,409. The Espy canister is configured to hold rolls of photosensitive media such as microfilm used in reader/printers, and includes a tubular sleeve closed at both ends by opaque end caps. The end caps are lockingly interconnected by a rigid tie bar that extends between the end caps through the roll of film. Film is withdrawn from the canister through an elongated exit slot in the sleeve.
The tie bar includes a pair of resilient fingers on each of its opposite ends. During the assembly of the canister, the fingers are deformed under pressure and snapped into central apertures in the end caps. Overlapping strips of plush material such as felt or flocking extend from the opposite sides of the film exit slot to provide a light-tight seal that will not damage the film. The edges of the end caps have exit slot accommodating structures configured to mate with the film exit slot and plush material.
Film canisters of the type described above are typically assembled in red light or darkroom conditions to prevent damage to the film contained therein. These assembly procedures are described generally in the Espy Patent referred to above. Although all the components are press-fit and snapped together, the poor lighting conditions hamper the efficiency of the assembly operation. For example, the assembler will generally have to locate the position of the central aperture in the end cap by hand before snapping the tie rod into the end cap. Furthermore, unless the exit slot accommodating structure on the end cap is properly aligned with the slot on the sleeve, light can enter the canister and damage the film.
It is evident that there is a continuing need for improved film canisters. In particular, there is a need for film canisters that can be easily and accurately assembled under the low light conditions in which these assembly operations are typically performed. The canister must of course be relatively inexpensive to be commercially viable.

Film canister with self-locating assembly features

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company