Production data is managed to avoid leakage of sensitive data. One or more of a number of techniques can be employed to discover sensitive data amongst production data. In one instance, data specified about production data in a production application, for example by way of an attribute, can be used to identify sensitive data. Sensitive production data can subsequently be masked to conceal sensitive data from view. Furthermore, metadata regarding sensitive data can be maintained.

In production applications, such as real world web sites and web services, it is common for production data comprising an application's memory to contain sensitive data that could compromise the security or integrity of a user. Sensitive data can comprise, among other things, personally identifiable information (PII), which can be used to identify information about individual users. For instance, medical applications will likely contain doctors' notes about patients. Similarly, online store applications likely have credit card numbers of users in memory.
Since production data can include sensitive data, it is undesirable to make such production data accessible outside a production environment. Moreover, this may be required due to legal requirements and privacy agreements. The production data, however, is useful for diagnostic and other purposes. As a result, production data may be available for use within a production environment, if allowed. Otherwise, test data can be utilized in an attempt to replicate production application state.


The present invention relates to the technical field of the power semiconductor device relates to a reverse conducting insulated gate bipolar transistor (RC-IGBT). The RC-IGBT comprises a P-type region, an N-type emitter region, a P-type body contact region, a dielectric trench, a collector region, and an electrical filed cutting-off region. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that, when compared with traditional RC-IGBT, the IGBT of the present invention can eliminate negative resistance effect and effectively improve the performance of forward and reverse conduction.

The RC-IGBT was first fabricated and reported by Hideki Takahashi in the reference "1200V Reverse Conducting IGBT, 04 'ISPSD". The principle is that the antiparallel IGBT and the diode are integrated on a single chip to realize both forward and reverse conduction (as described in FIG. 1). The RC-IGBT has advantages of effectively preventing parasitic effects generated in packaging traditional IGBT and diode and lower manufacturing cost. For the RC-IGBT shown in FIG. 2, at the beginning of the forward conduction of the device, the current flowing through the drift region is the electron current. The electron current is collected by the N-type collector region. This conduction mode is MOSFET mode. When the voltage between the collector and emitter of the device is increased so that the PN junction of the collector region (PN junction formed by the P-type collector region and the N-type field cut-off region) is turned on, a large number of holes begin to inject into the drill region to conduct a conductance modulation effect. Therefore, the forward conduction voltage of the device is significantly reduced. This conduction mode is IGBT mode. Due to the conversion from the MOSFET mode to the IGBT mode, the output characteristic curve of the conventional RC-IGBT shows a negative resistance effect (also called voltage snapback phenomenon), as shown in FIG. 3.

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China


Disclosed are combinations of one or more cationic starch(es) and aluminum salts to produce a composition for detackifying paint at lower doses than those required using conventional treatments while providing improved handling and a more “green” environmental profile. The compositions may be utilized in methods of detackifying and dispersing solvent borne paints and/or coagulating/flocculating and dispersing waterborne paints during the treatment of paint spray booth water.

The invention is directed to a previously unknown combination of one or more cationic starch(es) and aluminum salts to produce a composition which can detackify paint at lower doses than those required using conventional treatments while providing improved handling and a more "green" environmental profile.
Methods and compositions for detackifying and dispersing, and coagulating/flocculating and dispersing solvent borne and waterborne paints, respectively, in paint spray booth waters are disclosed. An aqueous composition of water soluble cationic starch polymer, is used in conjunction with an aluminum compound to treat the paint spray booth waters.
In the automotive and related coatings industries, it is estimated that between 20 to 40% of the total volume of paint sprayed is overspray. In the application of organic paints such as epoxy resins, high solids enamel paints and the like, it is necessary to trap the oversprayed paint. In large industrial applications such as auto body coating, this is accomplished by the use of water curtains on the interior booth walls, whereby the oversprayed coating material is incorporated into the water as it cascades down the walls of the booth into a reservoir.
Typically, this water is recirculated back to the booth by means of recirculating pumps. The agglomeration and accumulation of live coating material in the water of the paint spray booth results in serious problems such as blockage of the pipes and circulating pumps as well as an accumulation of paint on the walls of the paint spray booth behind the water curtain. As more and more coating material is sprayed in the booth, the overspray material removed from the air builds up in the water in the form of tar-like coherent sludge which in a short time can foul the pumps and lines which circulate the booth's water. Furthermore, this sludge is extremely difficult to remove from the pump, lines, reservoir, and other internal surfaces of the system with which it comes in contact. The accumulation of raw paint masses in the water reservoir also creates serious maintenance problems when the system is periodically cleaned out, requiring much effort to remove the heavy build-up of coating material from the reservoir.
It is desirable, to treat the water in the paint booth in such a way as to render the over-sprayed coating material free of stickiness and tackiness so that it readily separates from the water, does not adhere to the spray booth walls, pipes, pumps; or other surfaces and internal components of the spray booth system, and maintains a floating, detackified condition.

Composition and system for treating paint spray booth water


A skate blade angle controlling device fastened to a lower face of a fixing plate having a rectangular, integral projection part. A fastening bolt is screw-fastened through the fixing plate to a fastening nut onto a connection flat provided on an upper face of the skate blade. A pivotally moving part has an open upper face closed by a lower part of the projection part and has one side pivotally mounted on the projection part on a hinge axle. A concave flute of a concave shape is formed in a lower part of the projection part positioned away from the hinge axle. A controlling plate having a fastening hole is inserted into the concave flute. A controlling screw is fastened in the fastening hole from the top to control the pivoting angle of the pivotally moving part by an upward and downward movement of the controlling plate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a skate blade angle controlling device for skates used on a short track, and more particularly, to a skate blade angle controlling device for skates used on a short track, which is capable of enhancing a contacting force between the skate blade and an ice surface and preventing a user from sliding as a result of centrifugal force, to thereby gain maximum safety for cornering by the user, by optionally controlling at any time an angle of a skate blade fastened to a lower surface of a fixing plate so as to match a physical condition of the user so by maintaining a maximum vertical state of the skate blade against the ice surface even under a state where the user leans his body at a maximum angle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, a short track is a scoring game requiring skating at a most rapid speed on a frozen ice track within an indoor narrow track. Due to a characteristic of the narrow track, an inclined angle of a cornering portion on the ice track is relatively severe. Thus in the construction of skates for use on a short track, the skate blade is not positioned at a center of a skate shoe but is formed in an outward eccentric state comparatively to conventional skates, so as to safely skate on a cornering portion of the track having a severe inclined angle, particularly at a rapid skating speed.
In such conventional skates for a short track, a fixing plate made of metal is combined with respective front and back surfaces of a skate bottom, and is provided with a fastening bolt directed to a lower direction on one side of the fixing plate. This fastening bolt extends through a bracket combined with a holder holding a skate blade and, in such a state, the fastening bolt is fastened and fixed by a nut.
In such construction for skates used on a short track, the skate blade is positioned to maintain the eccentric state towards the outward direction of the skate, namely, an outer side of the track under rapid skating, instead of a position at a center of the skate, so that the user may rapidly skate on a corner of the track with maintenance of rapid speed in a safe manner and with maximum maintenance of safety in an inner side thereof while cornering.
However, in such skates for the short track, the skate blade in a lower part of the skate is provided at the outward eccentric state instead of the central position of the skate, to perform safe cornering without sliding dangerously outwardly even in a rapid skating state when skating on a corner of the track. It is thus constructed that the skate blade is slanted according to an inclined angle so that the upper body of the user inclines to the inside direction of the track when cornering, since the skate blade maintains its vertical state against the skate shoe, that is, a contacting force between the skate blade and the ice surface is lessened and a sliding action to the outer direction occurs often by centrifugal force. At this time, the user/player reduces his skating speed for safety while cornering, which makes it difficult obtain a good score in a game. In the event the user rapidly skates without speed reduction while cornering to obtain a good score in the game, he/she may be injured in an accident owing to his/her sliding and falling-down outwardly since the contacting force between the skate blade and the frozen surface drops.
To overcome such shortcoming the Korean Opening Utility Model Publication Opening No. 98-26579 had been provided.
In this construction, a combination part slanted downwardly in a side direction thereof is formed on the lower face of the fixing plate affixed to a lower face of the skate shoe so the skate blade is slanted against the fixing plate, to thereby maintain a vertical state of the skate blade on the frozen surface through an inclined angle of the combination part, to maintain the contacting force of the skate blade with the frozen surface and to prevent a maximum sliding action outwardly for safe cornering even when the player inclines towards the cornering direction while cornering.
In such conventional construction, however, the combination part having a given inclined angle is provided in one body with the fixing plate causing an inconvenience to the user since the inclined angle of the combination part does not comply with the physical condition of the user.
Describing in detail, the physical condition or individual abilities of the players are different respectively. In other words, the players rapidly skate in a different state with respect to skating speed and angle while cornering. At this time, the inclined angle of the combination part is maintained at a constant state, which rather causes cornering under an unstable state.
That is to say, in a case of the player who has a t physical condition appropriate to the inclined angle of the combination part, he/she can stably skate while cornering on the track and obtain a good score. But in case that the physical condition is larger or smaller than the inclined angle, there is an inconvenience in its construction in that the inclined angle of the combination part is formed differently respectively according to the players individual physical conditions and abilities because the inclined angle of the combination part is not matched with these characteristics of the players. In cases where the players"" individual abilities are improved and they attempt to skate at more rapid speed while cornering, they should incline their bodies to a lower position in the cornering direction. At this time, when the player""s body inclines more than an angle of the inclined angle of the combination part, the skate blade does not stand vertically and quickly moves to some lying state to bring about a sliding action outwardly by centrifugal force. Accordingly, the contacting force between the skate blade and the frozen surface drops. To overcome such shortcomings, new skate shoes have a different inclined angle of the combination part and should be purchased every time the ability of the player improves, which causes the player an economic burden.
It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a skate blade angle controlling device for skates used on a short track, in which an inclined angle of skate blade can be freely controlled according to the physical condition and ability of a player who puts on his/her skates, thereby the player can rapidly skate on a cornering track in a safe manner by controlling the inclined angle in conformity with improvement of the player""s ability, with one pair of skates, to enable to obtain a good score in the game. And the player can reduce his economic burden in that the skates based on the inclined angle of the skate blade should be openly exchanged and purchased.

Skate blade angle controlling device of skates for short track


An apparatus according to the invention for suspending a submarine on a submerged structure and comprising a preshaped semi-rigid strap wound onto a drum disposed in a casing fixed to said submarine, whereby the strap when unwound adopts the shape of a generally circular loop so as to pass round one of the cross-members of the submerged structure and has at its free end means for cooperating with a locking device disposed on the path adopted by the strap with respect to the casing, whereby the locking device comprises safety means for bringing about the release thereof in the case of a defect to the locking system.

The present invention relates to a suspension apparatus for immobilizing a submarine on a submerged structure.
The technical field of the invention is that of equipment used in the field of underwater operations.
The inspection and maintenance of oil drilling platforms at sea require the use of divers for the positioning of measuring pick-up. In general, the divers are brought to their working location by diving bells which have a very considerable vertical mobility, but no horizontal mobility. However, the inspection of platforms requires the divers to have access not only to the exterior of the supporting structure, but also to its interior. In view of the dimensions involved, such an access is impossible from diving bells.
Means for suspending submarines on a submerged structure are known. Such a known apparatus comprises a system of hook-like ramps which surround a cross-member of the structure, thus ensuring the maintaining in a fixed position relative to the platform structure of the submarine.

Suspension apparatus for attaching a submarine to a submerged structure

S.A. Intersub - International Submarine Services


The present invention provides a system including: a protein having a domain that binds a membranal component; an inlet for sample flow, an Isotachophoresis (ITP) system and a flow generating means connected or coupled to the aqueous parts of the ITP. The invention also provides a method for detecting and or sorting cells with this system.

Isotachophoresis
Isotachophoresis ("ITP") is a variant of electrophoresis, characterized by the fact that separation is carried out in a discontinuous buffer system. Sample material to be separated is inserted between a "leading electrolyte" and a "terminating electrolyte" or mixed in any of these, the characteristic of these two buffers being that the leader has to have ions of net mobility higher than those of sample ions, while the terminator must have ions of net mobilities lower than those of sample ions. In such a system, sample components sort themselves according to decreasing mobilities from leader to terminator, in a complex pattern governed by the so-called Kohlrausch regulating function. The process has been described repeatedly, as for instance, Bier and Allgyer, Electrokinetic Separation Methods 443-69 (Elsevier/North-Holland 1979).
It is further characteristic of ITP that a steady state is eventually reached, where all components migrate at same velocity (hence the name) in sharply defined contiguous zones. Sample components can be separated in such a contiguous train of components by insertion of "spacers" with mobilities intermediary between those of the components one wishes to separate.
Isoelectric focusing ("IEF"), also sometimes called electrofocusing, is a powerful variant of electrophoresis. The principle of IEF is based on the fact that proteins and peptides, as well as most biomaterials, are amphoteric in nature, i.e., are positively charge in acid media and negatively charged in basic media. At a particular pH value, called the isoelectric point (PI), there is reversal of net charge polarity, the biomaterials acquiring zero net charge.
If such amphoteric materials are exposed to a d.c. current of proper polarity in a medium exhibiting a pH gradient, they will migrate, i.e., 'focus' toward the pH region of their PI, where they become virtually immobilized. Thus a stationary steady state is generated, where all components of the mixture have focused to their respective PIs.
The pH gradient is mostly generated 'naturally' i.e, through the electric current itself. Appropriate buffer systems have been developed for this purpose, containing amphoteric components which themselves focus to their respective PI values, thereby buffering the pH of the medium.
The two variants, IEF and ITP, differ in that IEF attains a stationary steady state whereas in ITP a migrating steady state is obtained. Thus, in IEF a finite length of migrating channel is always sufficient. In ITP, complete resolution may require longer migrating channels than is practical. In such case, the migrating components can be virtually immobilized by applying a counterflow, the rate of counterflow being matched to the rate of frontal migration of the sample ions. This is also known in the art.
IEF is most frequently carried out in polyacrylamide or agarose gels, where all fluid flow disturbances are minimized. ITP is most often carried out in capillaries. The sample is inserted at one end of the capillary, at the interface between leader and terminator, and the migration of separated components recorded by appropriate sensors at the other end of the capillary. Both such systems are used mainly for analytical or micro-preparative purposes.
ITP forms a sharp moving boundary between ions of like charge. The technique can be performed with anionic or cationic samples. The system quickly establishes a strong gradient in electric field at the ITP interface, due to the non-uniform conductivity profile. As per its name (from Greek, "isos" means "equal", "takhos" means "speed"), TE and LE ions travel at the same, uniform velocity, as a result of the non-uniform electric field and conservation of current (this is the so-called "ITP condition").
The ITP interface is self-sharpening: LE ions that diffuse into the TE zone experience a strong restoring flux and return to the leading zone (and vice versa for TE ions in the LE zone). Sample ions focus at this interface if their effective mobility in the TE zone is greater than those of the TE co-ions, and if their effective mobility in the LE zone is less than that of the LE co-ions. The self-sharpening and focusing properties of ITP contribute to the robustness of this technique and make ITP relatively insensitive to disturbances of the interface (e.g. due to pressure-driven flow or changes in geometry, such as contractions, expansions, and turns).
In peak mode ITP, sample ion concentrations are at all times significantly lower than LE and TE ion concentrations and therefore contribute negligibly to local conductivity. The distribution of sample ions is determined by the self-sharpening interface between neighboring zones (here the TE and LE) and the value of the sample effective mobility relative to these zones. Multiple sample ions focus within the same narrow ITP interface region as largely overlapping peaks.
Pathogen Detection
The conventional bacteria detection methods—e.g. sample cultivation, genotypic detection methods and immunoassays—are time consuming, comprise of several manual steps, and require highly trained personnel. In recent years, there has been significant interest in the use of microfluidic platforms for pathogen detection. Microfluidic technology enables the manipulation and analysis of small volumes of sample, typically on the order of several nl to several μl and can be leveraged toward rapid and highly sensitive analysis.
Oukacine et al. (Anal. Chem. 2011, 83, 4949-4954) used simultaneous electokinetic and hydrodynamic injection with UV detection and thus required no labeling. Prior to injection, sample was filtered and isolated from the original water matrix and then resuspended in a low conductivity electrolyte which was then used in the analysis. This method provided a limit of detection of 2×104 cfu/mL.
Another approach was explored by Phung et al. (Electrophoresis 2013, 34, 1657-1662) in order to improve the sensitivity of detection. Their assay involves a prelabeling step in which the sample was incubated with SYTO9 dye (a cell permeable nucleic acid stain) for approximately 30 min. This was followed by ITP focusing of bacteria from the sample and fluorescence detection of the formed peak. The assay was performed in a standard capillary electrophoresis apparatus and achieved a limit of detection of 135 cfu/mL. The authors have also demonstrated the detection of bacteria at a concentration of ˜104 cfu/mL from contaminated river water samples, after filtering the sample to remove particulates.
However, despite the many advantages of this technology, to date, most microfluidic assays cannot perform continuous analysis and are limited by their ability to analyze only a single and finite amount of sample, and are thus coupled to significant sample preparation, e.g. by filtration or centrifugation. This is in contrast to the need for continuous and real time monitoring in many pathogen detection applications. Thus, there is an unmet need for rapid, continuous, effective, portable and more accurate detection and identification of infectious disease-causing pathogens, with the potential of automation and standardization.

Continuous cell detection by isotachophoresis

Technion Research and Development Foundation Limited


A circuit element measuring apparatus for measuring a parameter of a device under test (DUT) includes a signal source, a voltmeter, a zero detection amplifier, and a compensation network all of which are coupled to the DUT by four shielded lines. The compensation network is also coupled to a range resistance. The compensation network provides two independent sets of correction data. One is based on the length of the shielded line and the other is based on the range resistance used. The parameter being measured can then be adjusted by the appropriate set of correction data to provide a more accurate measurement. A method of operating the circuit element measuring apparatus for measuring the parameter of the DUT by generating the two sets of correction data and adjusting the parameter accordingly.

Demands for high-precision measurements of a circuit element are increasing annually. The apparatus for such measurements is exemplified by the "Multi-Frequency LCR meter 4274A or 4275A" which is commercially available from Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard for use in four-terminal measurements. FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit element measuring apparatus for four-terminal pair measurements according to the prior art.
By means of four terminal lines CL.sub.1, CL.sub.2, CL.sub.3, and CL.sub.4 providing four terminal pairs, a circuit element to be measured (hereinafter referred to as a "DUT" or element Z.sub.x) is connected to a signal source SS, a volt meter VM, range resistance R.sub.r and zero detection amplifier A which together form a measuring apparatus. The impedance value of the element Z.sub.x shall also be referred to as Z.sub.x.
The lines CL.sub.1, CL.sub.2, CL.sub.3 and CL.sub.4 are generally made of coaxial cables although not limited thereto, and their outer conductor terminals g.sub.11, g.sub.21, g.sub.31 and g.sub.41 at one end thereof are connected to one another and held at the same potential. The terminals l.sub.11 and l.sub.21 of the center conductor of the lines CL.sub.1 and CL.sub.2 at the same end thereof are connected to one terminal of the element Z.sub.x. The terminals l.sub.31 and l.sub.41 of CL.sub.3 and CL.sub.4 are connected to the other terminal of the element Z.sub.x. The terminals of the center conductors of the lines CL.sub.1, CL.sub.2, CL.sub.3 and CL.sub.4 and the outer conductor at the opposite end (i.e. at the side on the meter) are respectively designated as l.sub.12, g.sub.12, l.sub.22, g.sub.22, l.sub.32, g.sub.32, l.sub.42 and g.sub.42.
Between the terminals l.sub.12 and g.sub.12, the signal source SS and a signal source resistance R.sub.s are connected in series. The volt meter VM is connected between the terminals l.sub.22 and g.sub.22. The terminals l.sub.22 and g.sub.32 are respectively connected to the inverted input terminal and non-inverted input terminal of the zero detection amplifier A. The feedback resistance R.sub.f is connected between the inverted input terminal and the output terminal of the zero detection amplifier A. The output of the zero detection amplifier A is introduced into a narrow-band amplification/phase compensation amplifier NBA. The output of the NBA is applied through the range resistance R.sub.r to the terminal l.sub.42. The NBA is similar to that used in the aforementioned meters 4272A and 4275A. The range resistance R.sub.r is placed between the terminal l.sub.42 and the NBA output, and the terminals g.sub.42 and g.sub.32 are also connected.
In the circuit of FIG. 1, an automatic control is performed on the voltage between the terminals l.sub.32 and g.sub.32, i.e., controlled such that the current flow through the terminal l.sub.32 may be substantially zero. As a result, a voltage V.sub.x to be applied to the element Z.sub.x is obtained as the indication of the volt meter VM. Moreover, a current I.sub.x to flow through the element Z.sub.x is obtained as an indication of the range resistance R.sub.x. Since a complex voltage and a complex current are measured at the volt meter VM and the range resistance R.sub.r with reference to the detected output of the signal source SS, the value Z.sub.x is determined in a complex value in accordance with the following equation: EQU Z.sub.x =V.sub.x /I.sub.x =V.sub.x R.sub.r /V.sub.i ( 0)
wherein V.sub.i is equal to the voltage generated across the R.sub.r and is expressed as EQU V.sub.i =I.sub.x R.sub.r.
In the above-equation, the term V.sub.x /V.sub.i is calculated by a well known vector voltage measuring circuit (referred to as "VRD") which is incorporated in the aforementioned meters 4274A and 4275A. The calibrations are accomplished by the well known method of shorting and opening elements lo (or by using a known third impedance) to replace the elements to be measured. However, due to a host of inaccuracies in the apparatus, the accurate value as expressed by the Equation (0) cannot always be obtained.
Specifically, the voltage V.sub.v measured by the volt meter VM is different from the voltage V.sub.x applied to the DUT. The voltage V.sub.i across the range resistor R.sub.x is also different from the product of the current I.sub.x through the DUT and the resistance R.sub.r. Moreover, the values V.sub.x and V.sub.v and the values I.sub.x and V.sub.i are respectively proportional to individual coefficients which are a function of angular frequency .omega., so that they can be expressed as follows: EQU V.sub.x =H(.omega.) V.sub.v ( 1); EQU and EQU I.sub.x =Y(.omega.) V.sub.i ( 2).
Hence, the impedance Z.sub.x of the DUT is expressed, as follows: ##EQU1##
The vector ratio of V.sub.v /V.sub.i can be accurately measured by the VRD. A known standard Z.sub.r is measured in advance in place of an unknown DUT, and the Z.sub.c (.omega.) is calculated as a correction data from the measured vector ratio (V.sub.v /V.sub.i) and the value Z.sub.R. The calculated value of Z.sub.c (.omega.) is stored in the apparatus. Thus, when the impedance Z.sub.x of an unknown DUT is to be measured, the vector ratio (V.sub.v /V.sub.i ) is measured and multiplied by the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.).
Incidentally, in order to measure the DUT remotely or in combination with another apparatus, the impedance measuring apparatus should be able to use various cable lengths l. In order to obtain the impedance of the DUT with an optimal signal to noise or S/N ratio, a plurality of range resistors R.sub.r may be used.
From the standpoint of the S/N ratio, it is necessary to use the Z.sub.R having a value suited for the range resistance R.sub.r. It is also necessary to change the standard apparatus for each range resistance R.sub.r when the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.) is to be obtained. However, Z.sub.c (.omega.) is a function of cable length l and range resistor R.sub.r. Therefore, it is generally necessary to measure and store the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.) for all conceivable combinations of the value R.sub.r and l.
One conceivable solution is to determine the data Z.sub.c (.omega.) from separable and independent functions of the cable length l and the range resistance R.sub.r. The concept that the data Z.sub.c (.omega.) is determine for separable and independent functions of the cable length l and the range resistor R.sub.r means that the value Z.sub.c (.omega.) can be expressed in the form of the product of a function z1(l) of l and a function z2(R.sub.r), of R.sub.r by the following Equation: EQU Z.sub.c (l, R.sub.r, .omega.)=zl(l,.omega.)z2(R.sub.r,.omega.)(4)
The circuit measuring apparatus satisfying the above-specified definition has the following advantages:
(a) If the following three values are known for the cable lengths l.sub.1 and l.sub.2 and the range resistances R.sub.r 1 and R.sub.r 2, the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.) need not be measured for all combinations of l and R.sub.r : EQU Z.sub.c (l.sub.1, R.sub.r 1,.omega.); EQU Z.sub.c (l.sub.1, R.sub.r 2,.omega.); EQU and EQU Z.sub.c (l.sub.2, R.sub.r 1,.omega.),
Other correction data can be calculated in the following form: ##EQU2##
In other words, the combination of the correction data to be measured is reduced as follows:
from (the number of l).times.(the number of R.sub.r) when the value Z.sub.c is not separable; PA1 to (the number of l)+(the number of R.sub.r)-1, when the value Z.sub.c is separable. As a result, the time for measuring the correction data is substantially reduced.
(b) After the correction data have been measured for one cable length l and all the range resistances R.sub.r, a correction data is measured for a new cable length. In this case, the correction data is measured for only one range resistance R.sub.r, and can be calculated from the Equation (5) for the remaining range resistance, as described in the advantage (a). In other words, the measurement of the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.) for a new cable length may be only once by using one standard apparatus even if the range resistance R.sub.r is varied. Generally speaking, the reference resistance R.sub.R is used in the reference apparatus Z.sub.R. This means that the correction data can be easily calculated even when an arbitrary cable length l is used.
In order to achieve the advantages heretofore described, there may be several methods of making the Z.sub.c (.omega.) separable. The circuit shown in FIG. 1 satisfies the separation of the value Z.sub.c (.omega.) At point A in FIG. 1, the potential is substantially zero for a low measuring frequency signal. However, when the frequency is high, the potential at point A.sub.p in FIG. 1 is not substantially zero. In an extreme case, the potential at A.sub.p may become equal to the potential at B.sub.p in FIG. 1 as the measuring frequency or the measuring cable length l greatly increases. Whether or not the point A.sub.p reaches such a voltage depends upon the relation between the measuring cable length l and the wave length of the measurement frequency. That is, a different voltage is measured with a different cable length l even if the frequency remains the same. Assuming the separation of Z.sub.c (.omega.), the correctness of the calculated value depends upon the CMRR (i.e., Common Mode Rejection Ratio) of the differential amplifier for detecting the value V.sub.i. The accuracy of Z.sub.c (.omega. ) corresponds to a value substantially equal to the CMRR in the worst case. For example, this means a differential amplifier capable of a CMRR of 40 dB or more for 30 MHz for a circuit element measuring apparatus so that the correction data satisfies the separation of the values l and R.sub.r within an accuracy of 1% for 30 MHz. Since it is difficult to manufacture an amplifier having such an excellent CMRR, the correction data Z.sub.c (.omega.) must be measured for all the combinations of the cable length l and the range resistance R.sub.r and Z.sub.c (.omega.) is not independent.

Circuit element measuring apparatus and method for measuring a parameter of a DUT including a compensation network having an admittance characteristic


A motion video system and method for use with diagnostic imaging systems for combining the acquisition, display, and processing of digital video in real-time with physiological data indexing through the use of a mass storage device and digital motion video data compression/decompression, and for delivering video sequences of anatomy or graphical representations of physiological processes. The system comprises components or subsystems that operate to reduce the data content of the diagnostic video data using compression methods, assign physiological timing events, or physiological indexes, to pictures in sequence, create physiologically meaningful digital video loops, enhance visualization of the video data through spatial and temporal domain processing, as well as side-by-side real-time video displays, and archive compressed diagnostic video on a mass storage device.

Diagnostic advances in the field of medical imaging coupled with technological progress in digital storage media, digital processing of video, as well as audio data and Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) device manufacturing, are converging to make the display, archiving, and transmission of digital video economical in a wide variety of medical applications.
Buffering, storage, and transmission of digitized video is a desired and critical feature for most medical applications. Because uncompressed digital video requires large amounts of bandwidth, memory, and storage space, video image compression is vital in the design of economically feasible display and archiving systems.
Recent studies of compressed cardiac ultrasonic and X-ray still images suggest that compression techniques have the potential to offer a compromise between traditional image recording techniques and economics of real-time diagnostic video compression. The advances in lossless and lossy video compression algorithms will further improve the quality of compressed video in the future.
Unlike in ordinary video signals, medical applications require a precise correlation of every video frame in a video sequence to physiological events occurring in the imaged anatomies or processes, and further require an adaptive adjustment of the frame rate to suit these display requirements. It is therefore diagnostically advantageous to think of a diagnostic video as a sequence of digital video events, each corresponding to a physiological phenomenon such as a heart contraction or relaxation.
For example, the practice of ultrasonography requires video recording of patient data for diagnostic and record keeping purposes. A typical ultrasonographic study comprise a small number of still images and few minutes of full motion video recording. Also, in special applications, the simultaneous display of multiple cardiac cycles, such that side-by-side comparisons of previously recorded video sequences can be made with live video sequences, is required during an examination for diagnostic purposes.
Often times, access to patient records in the form of digital motion video is required so that physicians of various specialties located in different areas can participate in the diagnostic or review process concurrently.
Although most diagnostic imaging systems provide some sort of cine' loop review, they typically do not provide digital motion video recording, serial comparison, and display functions. Typically, the video recording is accomplished by professional grade video tape recorders using Super-VHS (S-VHS) format tapes attached to the diagnostic imaging system (DIS).
Diagnostic video is recorded at a constant frame rate (FR) (typically 30 frames per second or fps) onto the video tape, and bears no relevance to the physiological function of the imaged anatomy or process, such as cardiac cycles. A tedious manual process is required to search through the video tape to identify the appropriate video frames corresponding to the systole or diastole. The video taped echocardiographic examination data, such as patient name, identification number, machine settings, etc., are available only in a visual format. In other words, this information cannot be used for databasing applications.
On the whole, the diagnostic video review process is very time consuming and difficult due to the operational limitations of the video cassette recorder. Copies of originally recorded diagnostic video result in image resolution degradation which renders them more difficult to interpret accurately. Also, video tapes require a lot of storage space, and degrade further with time. Thus, video tapes are not an ideal media for medical record keeping.
In another example, angiographic coronary arteriography and ventriculography studies are performed either to diagnose the presence of heart disease or to aid in a procedure called Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).
Although digital motion video capture and visualization systems for X-ray angiography do exist, they are significantly different from the system to be described herein. The present day digital angiography systems do not utilize real-time video data compression, nor do they store routinely data from the completed studies to a removable mass storage media. Rather, the images are stored to a large random access memory (RAM) based image buffer for instant replay and visualization. Only selected still images of arteriograms and venriculograms are archived to an optical disk. The size of the buffer varies, but rarely exceeds 120 seconds worth of full motion video. The images are also simultaneously recorded on 35 mm cine' film for archiving. The digital angiography motion image review systems usually allow for repetitive visualization of single contrast injections, but do not allow for visual serial comparisons of selected cardiac cycles from different contrast injections.
More recent X-ray imaging equipment currently utilizes charge coupled devices (CCD) in place of traditional fluoroscopy, with full digital image archiving of uncompressed digital motion video to a high bandwidth video tape recorder. However, the high cost of such recorders limit their application to playback on dedicated workstations only, and does not allow for digital video image transmission, serial comparisons, and display in a multiple window fashion. The availability of multiple cardiac cycle display would be particularly useful during a PTCA procedure so that the progress of plaque removal from the arteries (called revascularization) can be monitored.
Furthermore, in the standard practice of coronary angiography, a 35 mm cine' film recording is always made, regardless of any digital image storage capability, due to the need for inexpensive means of image review and overreading by a referring physician. Thus, since the patient examination data is typically available only in the cine' film and the digital media format, it is impossible or very difficult to integrate all of the pertinent data into digital transmission networks.

Motion video transformation system and method


An automatic oil filter changer for changing the oil filter on a vehicle comprising an elongated handle; a tube for delivering pressure having a first end and a second end, the second end adapted to be coupled to a pressure delivery mechanism; a clamping mechanism coupled to the handle and tube, the clamping mechanism having a closed orientation for crimping the tube for preventing pressure from being delivered through the first end and an opened orientation for allowing pressure to be delivered through the first end; and a head mechanism coupled to the handle and first end of the tube, the head mechanism adapted to receive an oil filter therein, the head mechanism further adapted to receive pressure from the first end of the tube such that when the clamping mechanism is placed in an opened orientation, the head mechanism grips and rotates an oil filter positioned therein, and when the clamping mechanism is placed in a closed orientation, the head mechanism releases its grip of the oil filter.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a automatic oil filter changer and more particularly pertains to changing the oil filter on a vehicle with a automatic oil filter changer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of oil filter changing devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, oil filter changing devices heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of changing oil filters on vehicles are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,617 to Robbins discloses an oil filter tool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,570 to Bourgeois discloses an oil filter wrench apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,993 to Siekawitch discloses an adjustable oil filter wrench. U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,330 to Swinney et al. discloses an oil filter accessory. U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,274 to Schaub discloses an oil filter wrench.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a automatic oil filter changer that uses external pressure in a toroidal housing as a mechanism for screwing and unscrewing oil filters from vehicles.
In this respect, the automatic oil filter changer according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of changing the oil filter on a vehicle.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved automatic oil filter changer which can be used for changing the oil filter on a vehicle. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


A reinforced polyamide resin composition which involves 100 parts by weight of a polyamide and from 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of fluoromica-based mineral with swelling characteristics.. A process for producing the reinforced polyamide resin composition involving polymerizing a monomer in a state where from 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of fluoromica-based mineral with swelling characteristics is present per the monomer in an amount of forming 100 parts by weight of a polyamide.. The reinforced polyamide resin composition is excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, heat resistance and dimensional stability.

Resin compositions are widely known which have been obtained by reinforcing polyamides with fibrous materials such as glass fiber or carbon fiber or inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate. However, these reinforcing materials show poor compatibility with polyamides. As a result, there problems occur in that the toughness of the reinforced polyamide is deteriorated, although the mechanical strength and heat resistance thereof are improved, and a molded article formed of such a resin composition reinforced with such fibrous materials undergoes serious warpage. In addition, there is another problem in that the mechanical strength and heat resistance of a resin composition reinforced with such inorganic fillers cannot be improved unless the fillers are blended in a large amount.
In an attempt to overcome these disadvantages of reinforced polyamides, there have been proposed resin compositions comprising polyamides with clay minerals, a typical example of which is montmorillonite. This concept is directed to producing a composite material where polyamide chains are incorporated between layers of a clay mineral and thus finely and uniformly dispersed therein. For example, JP-A-62-74957, JP-A-1-301750, JP-A-2-866628 and JP-A-3-7729 each disclose a resin composition comprising a polyamide with montmorillonite and a process for producing the same (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application").
When montmorillonite is to be used for such a resin composition, however, it is essentially required to enlarge the interlayer distance of the montmorillonite by,contacting it with a swelling agent (such as an amino acid) prior to blending the montmorillonite with a polyamide or a monomer capable of forming a polyamide, as is described in the unexamined published patent applications cited above. Therefore, there has been a great need in the art to develop an inorganic filler whereby the disadvantages of conventional reinforced polyamide resins can be overcome without performing the above-mentioned treatment.

Reinforced polyamide resin composition and process for producing the same


A luminaire can comprise a top housing fastened to a bottom housing, the top housing comprising at least one rib, the luminaire further comprising a lightguide disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing, the rib securing the lightguide against a gasket, wherein the gasket is located between the lightguide and the bottom housing, and the luminaire further comprising a light source disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing and further disposed adjacent an edge of the lightguide. The bottom housing can define an opening through which light emitted by the lightguide exits the luminaire.

As compared to incandescent and fluorescent light sources, light emitting diodes (LEDs) offer substantial potential benefit associated with their energy efficiency, light quality, and compact size. However, to realize the full potential benefits offered by light emitting diodes, new technologies are needed.
For instance, there are needs in the art for technology to utilize light emitting diodes for illumination. Need exists for light-emitting-diode-based systems that can align light emitting diodes with an edge of a lightguide for illumination. Need also exists for LED-based luminaires that can be sealed for use in outdoor environments. A capability addressing one or more such needs, or some other related deficiency in the art, would support improved illumination and more widespread utilization of light emitting diodes in lighting applications.

Ribs for sealing and aligning an outdoor lightguide luminaire


A system for controlling gear changes in a vehicle. The system may include at least one primary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel and/or the steering column. The system also includes at least one auxiliary paddle shifter coupled to the steering wheel, the steering column and/or the at least one primary paddle shifter. The primary paddle shifter may engage a primary function, such as one sequential gear shift up or down and the auxiliary paddle shifter may engage a secondary function, such as an optimal gear shift up or down.

Paddle shifters are generally mounted behind or to a steering wheel (or a steering column) of a vehicle to allow the driver to make a manual single sequential gear shift up or down of the vehicle. Locating the paddle shifters near the steering wheel or the steering column makes it easier for the driver to make manual gear changes without having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel. This increases the driver's control of the vehicle while still allowing the driver to have an enjoyable driving experience.
A paddle shift equipped steering wheel generally has two paddle shifters—one on the right side of the steering wheel and one on the left side of the steering wheel. Each paddle shifter is actuated by either pushing a lever away from or pulling a lever towards the driver. Each paddle shifter is assigned to only one paddle actuation function. That is, depending on the vehicle make and model, one paddle shifter controls a single upshift in gear and one paddle shifter controls a single downshift in gear. In certain instances or situations, the driver may apply the paddle shifter in an inefficient manner and/or need to step multiple gears using a like number of multiple distinct actions to effect a desired gear change.

Automobile paddle shifters with secondary paddles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.


A transmission includes an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes one or more locking mechanisms that engage one or more of the plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms during a start/stop event.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.
A typical multiple speed transmission uses a combination of a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms, planetary gear arrangements and fixed interconnections to achieve a plurality of gear ratios. The number and physical arrangement of the planetary gear sets, generally, are dictated by packaging, cost and desired speed ratios. Generally, the transmission includes a hydraulic control system that, among other functions, is employed to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and to provide lubrication and cooling to the components of the transmission.
While current transmissions achieve their intended purpose, the need for new and improved transmission configurations which exhibit improved performance, especially from the standpoints of efficiency, responsiveness and smoothness and improved packaging, primarily reduced size and weight, is essentially constant. For example, to increase the fuel economy of motor vehicles, it is desirable to stop the engine during certain circumstances, such as when stopped at a red light or idling. However, during this automatic stop, a pump is no longer driven by the engine. Accordingly, hydraulic fluid pressure within the hydraulic control system drops. This leads to clutches and/or brakes within the transmission to be fully disengaged. As the engine restarts, these clutches and/or brakes may take time to reengage fully, thereby producing slippage and delay between engagement of the accelerator pedal or release of the brake and the movement of the motor vehicle. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an automatic transmission enabled for engine stop-start events such that the automatic start/stop event does not affect transmission operating performance.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Multi-speed transmission with an engine start/stop enabler


A spool case unit has a paired end walls arranged in both end sides of a film to be wound up onto a spool shaft in its width direction, a connecting member provided between the end walls so as to connect the end walls to each other, and facing a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the film on the spool shaft, and an elastic thin plate cooperating with the connecting member between the end walls to form a side wall for the spool case unit and to surround the outer circumferential surface of the film on the spool shaft, the thin plate having an area larger than that of the connecting member in the side wall. A camera using the spool case unit, includes a lens barrel unit, a cartridge case unit, the spool case unit, and a photographing opening unit to which the cartridge case unit and the spool case unit are connected. The opening unit has a photographing opening through which a light beam from the lens barrel unit passes and to which a film withdrawn from a film cartridge in the cartridge case unit towards the spool shaft in the spool case unit, crosses. The opening unit further has film guide rails for determining a position of the film to the photographing opining.

The present invention relates to a spool case unit which is provided for a camera using a long and narrow film, the spool case having a spool shaft housed therein for winding the film loaded from outside into the camera, and a camera having such a spool case unit.
In connection with the conventional spool case unit, the main structural elements are formed of a metal or synthetic resin material, as an integral unit, together with the frame of the camera which uses the spool case unit, by injection molding.
Recently, there is a great demand for the reduction of the size of the external dimension of the camera and its weight. However, with the conventional spool case unit which includes the main structural elements formed integrally with the frame of the camera as described above, it is very difficult to satisfy the above described demand. More specifically, there is a limitation in reducing the thickness of the main structural elements, under consideration of the flow of the molten metal or synthetic resin during the injection molding process. In order to reduce the external dimension of the camera and its weight further than the present level, the conventional method of manufacturing a spool case unit, must be changed.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 7-20565 discloses a technique in which a part of the side wall of the outer shell, the shell being a main structural element of the spool case unit, is made of an elastic thin plate. The part of the side wall is located adjacent to the lens barrel of the camera. This structure makes it possible to place the spool case unit slightly closer to the lens barrel than in the conventional camera, and contributes to the slight reduction of the weight of the spool case unit.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 4-340529 discloses a structure in which a motor is placed within the spool shaft of the spool case unit in order to reduce the size of the camera. According to the structure disclosed in this publication, the outer shell of the spool case unit is composed of two-divided upper and lower halves. In order to assemble the spool case unit, the motor is fixed with screws at a predetermined position in the upper half of the outer shell of the spool case unit, and then the lower half of the outer shell is fixed to the upper half while the center hole of the spool is rotatably fitted on the circumference of the motor. Thus, the structure of the spool case unit disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 4-340529 makes an assembly of the camera complicate. Further, this structure does not exhibit any weight reducing technique.
This invention is derived from the above described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a spool case unit for a camera, which has a simple structure, can be easily assembled, and enables a reduction of the external dimension of the camera and its weight, as well as a camera which includes the above described spool case unit.

Spool case unit for camera and camera including such spool case unit


A holographic light field imaging device and method of using the same. The holographic light field imaging device may optically compress the light field into a lower-dimensional, coded representation for algorithmic reconstruction by transforming the light field in a known, calculable way. The resulting wavefront may be optically compressed before capture, wherein the compression may later be reversed via software algorithm, recovering a representation of the original light field.

Traditional cameras only capture imagery from a single, fixed perspective—the location of the camera lens's entrance window, which is the image of the aperture through the front of the lens. Light enters the camera lens, passes through the aperture, and forms an image, generally on a light-sensitive medium that records the image. Each pixel or region in the resulting recorded image represents all the light collected at that point on the sensor or film, and creates an image from the perspective of the lens's aperture.
In order to serve multiple views (as required for virtual reality, augmented reality, or holographic displays), the source imagery must contain multiple perspectives. One approach to capturing multiple perspectives may be to utilize an array of cameras, for example, each capturing a single perspective. Interpolating the view between cameras, however, may produce errors and may fail to capture specularity and proper parallax. Importantly, any approach that utilizes multiple camera lenses will under-sample and alias the light field, because the cameras are not continuous and the lens's apertures block out some of the light. There is an unfortunate tradeoff between fidelity of the light field reconstruction and the number of cameras required to capture the light field, and holographic imaging with arrays of cameras is impractical with today's camera technology. Additionally, other drawbacks to array-based capture solutions include high data rates, the requirement to synchronize camera elements, and the like.
Thus, there is a need for a device and method for capturing a holographic light field. The device may be an imaging device that seeks to sample the entire light field—all or most of the light that strikes an extended surface—in order to recreate any possible view that may be seen through that surface. A light field generally represents a large amount of potential data, although the light field may be substantially redundant. Preferably, this imaging device may optically alter a light field in order to capture it with significantly less data and reconstruct it with little to no error while sampling the entire light field.

Holographic light field imaging device and method of using the same


An example switched-mode power supply includes an input for receiving an input voltage from a voltage source, an output for providing an output voltage to a load, and a transformer having a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a conductive shield disposed between the primary winding and the secondary winding. The power supply also includes a neutralization signal generator circuit coupled to the conductive shield to apply a neutralization signal to the conductive shield to reduce a common mode noise between the primary winding and the secondary winding of the transformer. The neutralization signal has an adjustable amplitude and/or phase. Other example power supplies and methods are also disclosed.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Switched-mode power supplies typically operate at high switching frequencies ranging from a few KHz to MHz range. There are typically periodic voltage changes on the terminals of a switched-mode power supply transformer and corresponding voltage swings on every winding layer of the transformer. Common mode noise coupling typically occurs as a result of voltage differences between one winding layer and its neighboring layers. The voltage differences drive AC current through the inter-winding capacitance of winding layers, causing coupled noise current. The net common mode noise current coupled between windings, and most importantly between primary and secondary windings, is typically non-zero for most power supply designs.
Common mode noise is typically electrical noise measured between a power supply and an earth ground reference point. Common mode noise may occur for a number of reasons, including the number of turns of neighboring windings being different, a phase relationship between neighboring windings being out of phase, a non-zero inter-winding capacitance between layers, mechanical alignment of layers, insulation thickness variation between layers, phase relationships of different topologies, etc.
Several techniques may be used to counter common mode noise, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters, differential and common mode inductors, block and bypass EMI components, etc. Circuit to earth capacitors (e.g., Y-capacitors) can provide local bypass of interference current and reduce externally measureable interference components. Transformer winding shields may be used to block and bypass inter-winding coupling components completely, partially, etc. EMI noise cancellation may also be used.
Common mode noise may be coupled through a transformer to a user device. The common mode noise may interfere with touch pad capacitive sensing, result in sluggish response in screen movement, etc. Smaller size and costs of some charger applications for smart phones, tablet computers, etc. may not allow for the use of conventional common mode filters for interference attenuation.

Power supplies and methods for reducing common mode noise


A holographic display apparatus has a display section including a back plate, on which a cold cathode device of the field emission type having a great number of fine emitter electrodes is arranged. The display section includes a transparent and conductive front plate, on which a great number of anode electrodes, which define pixels, are arranged respectively opposite the emitter electrodes. The emitter electrodes are selected so as to emit electrons by an input signal prepared in accordance with the interference pattern of a holographic diffraction figure. The anode electrodes are excited and induced by electron rays from the emitter electrodes to change their reflection coefficient. The interference pattern is displayed on the basis of the change in the reflection coefficient of the anode electrodes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a holographic display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A holographic display apparatus, which can refigure images or display moving images, has been researched to realize it, but has not yet been established. In order to reproduce a stereoscopic image within the visible region, it is necessary to display an interference pattern with a resolution corresponding to a spatial frequency of from 1000 /mm to 3000 /mm. Therefore, where an interference pattern of hologram is recorded and displayed with a photo-sensitive material, such as a photographic film or photographic dry plate, silver halide having a particle diameter of from 50 nm to 60 nm is used to increase the resolution of the pattern.
A method of displaying an interference pattern has been proposed, which utilizes a liquid crystal display device of the reflection type. A display device using liquid crystal has a pixel size as large as 10 .mu.m at least ("TV PICTURE OPTICS HANDBOOK", edited by TV Association, Ohm-Shya, 1980). Due to this, it is difficult to obtain a resolution sufficient to display an interference pattern necessary for reproducing a stereoscopic image within the visible region.
As described above, a fine pixel size has not yet been realized, which provides a display section with a sufficient resolution, in conventional tests to form a holographic display apparatus.


The present invention relates to a relay for an electric vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a relay for an electric vehicle where a permanent magnet is integrally formed with a housing formed of a ceramic chamber, and a method of manufacturing the same. The relay, capable of rapidly executing current interruption includes: a fixed contact; a movable contact formed to contact or to be separated from the fixed contact; a shaft connected to the movable contact, and configured to move the movable contact; a housing configured to accommodate therein the fixed contact and the movable contact; an actuator configured to drive the shaft; and a permanent magnet integrally formed with the housing, and configured to extend an arc generated between the fixed contact and the movable contact. The permanent magnet includes an alnico-based material or a neodymium-based material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a relay for an electric vehicle and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a relay which is for an electric vehicle and which has a permanent magnet integrally formed with a housing formed of a ceramic chamber, and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Background of the Invention
Generally, an electric vehicle uses a motor using a battery power as a power source, and a hybrid electric vehicle uses a motor using an internal combustion engine and a battery power as a power source. In the electric vehicle or the hybrid electric vehicle, a plurality of batteries are connected to each other in series or in series and in parallel according to a required capacity, and are mounted to the vehicle in the form of a battery set. The plurality of batteries supply a power to a motor of the electric vehicle, thereby making the electric vehicle move.
Such an electric vehicle requires a circuit switching device for supplying a battery power to a motor or for interrupting power supply. As the circuit switching device, a direct current relay is mainly used. The relay is a type of electric circuit switching device for executing a mechanical driving and transmitting a current signal by using an electromagnet principle. Such a relay is disposed in a battery system, and supplies power to a motor or various components of an electric vehicle or interrupts power supply by switching a battery.
However, in case of using the relay as a circuit switching device, the following problems may occur.
Generally, a relay is provided with a fixed contact and a movable contact, and supplies power or interrupts power supply as the movable contact operated by an electric signal contacts or is separated from the fixed contact.
A high voltage is applied to the relay, and an arc and heat are generated from a region close to the contacts by the high voltage when the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated from each other for power interruption. However, since the arc is a current flow and the fixed contact and the movable contact are connected to each other by the arc, current interruption is delayed by the arc even when the movable contact and the fixed contact are separated from each other.
Since current interruption is not rapidly executed, driving of the relay may not be precisely controlled. Further, the contacts are continuously abraded as the contacts repeatedly contact or are separated from each other. This may cause the lifespan of the relay to be shortened.


Systems, devices, media, and methods are presented for retrieving authentication credentials and decryption keys to access remotely stored user-generated content. The systems and methods receive a first authentication credential and access a second authentication credential based on receiving the first authentication credential. The system and methods generate an authentication token and an encryption token. Based on the authentication token, the system and methods access a set of encrypted content and an encrypted content key. The systems and methods decrypt the encrypted content key using the encryption token and decrypt the set of encrypted content using the decrypted content key. At least a portion of the content is presented at the user device.

Computing devices and applications can provide communication between multiple users using a variety of media, such as text, images, sound recordings, or video recording. Computing devices and applications can also provide access to user-generated content. Access to content generated by a specified user is often enabled based on a device association with the user. For example, video or audio content generated by a user of a computing device may be stored locally on the device. The locally stored content may be accessible to the user while interacting with the computing device.
Some computing devices and applications allow for remote storage of user-generated content, such as on a cloud computing device. These remote storage solutions often store content in association with a user account. A user attempting to access the user-generated content usually signs in to the account using user-generated information such as a login identification and a password or passphrase. Systems relying on user-generated passwords or passphrases are often vulnerable to attacks on the passwords or passphrases, compromising the user-generated content stored remotely from the computing device of the user. Accordingly, there is still a need in the art to improve storage of user-generated content which is independent of a user's computing device and accessible to the user alone. Further, there is a need in the art to improve remote storage of user-generated content using strong encryption while protecting against unauthorized access attempts against the user's computing device, user authentication credentials, and the stored user-generated content.
The headings provided herein are merely for convenience and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used.

Device independent encrypted content access system


An impact resistant marker for highway marking has facilities that cause it to deflect if struck by a vehicle. The marker has a base and a post. The post connects to the base by means of a flexible element. The post has a longitudinal hole through it. A stiffener core locates in this hole and extends part of the distance of the hole. The lower end of the stiffener core is spaced above the upper end of the mandrel by a clearance. If struck, the stiffener core causes the post to deflect at the elastomeric element.

1. Field of the invention:
This invention relates in general to highway signs or markers used to mark boundaries of the roadway, and in particular to a marker that is flexible so that it will deflect if struck by a vehicle.
2. Description of the Prior Art:
Highway departments use numerous markers alongside highways to mark the highway. One type of marker is a post that has a reflector mounted to it. Most of these markers are metal. Consequently if a vehicle veers off the road and strikes the post, substantial damage occurs. Also, if the marker is located on the grass area, the mowing of the grass is more difficult. It is time consuming to mow around the various markers.
Recently, flexible posts for markers have been introduced. If struck by a vehicle, the post will deflect. In the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,823, an elastomeric sleeve connects the base to the post. The post bends at the elastomeric sleeve to a horizontal position. The post will spring back. This not only avoids damage to the post and vehicle if struck by a vehicle, but also allows a mowing tractor to drive over the post without damage.
While the type shown in the above-mentioned patent is workable, there is a possibility that the post will be damaged if struck by a vehicle traveling at a high enough speed. The flexible element must be fairly stiff to stabilize the post in wind. Also, the post itself is tubular and of a plastic material. Consequently, if a vehicle bumper strikes the post it may damage the post, causing it to bend at a point other than at the flexible element.


This method for manufacturing a silicon wafer includes: a first heat treatment step of performing RTP treatment on the silicon wafer in an oxidizing atmosphere; a step of removing a region in the silicon wafer in which an oxygen concentration increases in the first heat treatment step; a second heat treatment step of performing, after performing this removing step, RTP treatment on the silicon wafer in a nitriding atmosphere or an Ar atmosphere; and a step of removing, after performing the second heat treatment step, a region in the silicon wafer in which an oxygen concentration decreases in the second heat treatment step. This method enables the manufacture of a silicon wafer in which latent defects such as OSF nuclei and oxygen precipitate nuclei existing in a PV region are destroyed or reduced, and that has a gettering site.

A silicon wafer used as a substrate of a semiconductor device is cut from a silicon single crystal ingot, which is typically grown by the Czochralski method (hereafter, also referred to as "the CZ method"), and is manufactured through steps such as polishing. The CZ method is a method in which a seed crystal is dipped into and pulled upward from melted silicon in a quartz crucible so as to grow a single crystal. Generally, a crystal grown by this method includes a crystal defect called a grown-in defect.
Given that the pulling speed of a silicon single crystal is denoted by V, and the temperature gradient in the single crystal in its growth direction immediately after the pulling is denoted by G, the type of a grown-in defect introduced into the silicon crystal depends on V/G.
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a pulled single crystal, schematically illustrating an example of the relation between a defect distribution and V/G. The temperature gradient G is considered to be generally constant based on the thermal property of a hot-zone structure in a CZ furnace, and thus it is possible to control V/G by adjusting the pulling speed V. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the results of observing, by X-ray topography, the cross section of a single crystal that is obtained by cutting the crystal along its central axis, applying Cu thereto, and performing heat treatment thereon, the crystal being grown with V/G gradually decreased (FIG. 2, which will be described later, is also made by the same technique). The defect distribution illustrated in FIG. 1 is that of the case of growing a single crystal under specified conditions. The defect distribution (boundaries between defect regions) changes due to the shape of the hot zone, the presence/absence of a magnetic field, and the like.
In FIG. 1, a Crystal Originated Particle (COP) region is a region including a COP, which is the aggregate of vacancies (a microvoid) that lack atoms that should have constituted a crystal lattice at the time of growing a single crystal. A dislocation cluster region is a region including a dislocation cluster, which is an aggregate of interstitial silicon atoms that are excessively taken in between lattices. In the COP region, the closer a COP is to an OSF region, the smaller the size of a COP.
A grown-in defect has an adverse effect on the properties of a semiconductor device. For example, in the case of forming a MOS-FET on a silicon wafer, thermal oxidation is performed on the surface of the wafer for the formation of a gate oxide film. At this point, if a COP in the vicinity of the surface is taken into the oxide film, the gate oxide integrity (GOI) property of a semiconductor element deteriorates. In addition, a dislocation cluster also becomes a cause of poor properties of the device. For this reason, researches and developments have been conducted to obtain silicon wafers without these grown-in defects contained.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a large V/G (a high pulling speed) results in excess vacancies, introducing a COP into a single crystal. A small V/G (a low pulling speed) results in excess interstitial silicon atoms, facilitating the occurrence of a dislocation cluster. In the growth of a silicon single crystal, in order to increase its productivity, the pulling speed is usually increased, making V/G large, and thus a wafer obtained from a pulled single crystal includes a COP.
A single crystal totally made up of a defect-free region, in which no COPs or dislocation clusters are included, is manufactured by performing crystal pulling while appropriately controlling the ratio (V/G) of the pulling speed V of the silicon single crystal to the temperature gradient G in the single crystal in its growth direction immediately after the pulling. That is, it is possible to preclude the introduction of a COP and a dislocation cluster into a crystal by controlling a pulling apparatus such that, in FIG. 1, V/G falls between a value equivalent to a position A and a value equivalent to a position B.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a crosscut of a pulled silicon single crystal. FIG. 2 illustrates a wafer obtained by cutting a single crystal that is grown by controlling V/G to a value equivalent to a position C illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an OSF region exists in the central part of the wafer, on the outside of which a PV region and a PI region exist in this order.
These regions are sandwiched between a region that includes a COP, which is an aggregate of vacancies, and a region that includes a dislocation cluster, which is an aggregate of interstitial silicon atoms, and are considered as defect-free regions, in which vacancies and interstitial silicon atoms balance out in terms of number and easily merge to disappear. The PV region is close to a region in which a COP occurs, and is a defect-free region in which a vacancy-type point defect is predominant. The PI region is adjacent to a region in which a dislocation cluster occurs, and is a defect-free region in which an interstitial-silicon-type point defect is predominant.
However, even such a wafer that consists of defect-free regions including no COPs or dislocation clusters is not always a perfect defect-free wafer. Although being a defect-free region, the OSF region is adjacent to a region in which COPs occur, and includes sheet-shaped oxygen precipitates (OSF nuclei) in an as-grown state. When the wafer is subjected to thermal oxidation treatment at a high temperature (generally from 1000° C. to 1200° C.), the OSF nuclei become obvious as an oxidation induced stacking fault (OSF).
The PV region includes oxygen precipitate nuclei in an as-grown state. When two-stage heat treatment is performed at a low temperature and a high temperature (e.g., at 800° C. and 1000° C.), an oxygen precipitate is prone to occur in the PV region. The PI region includes few oxygen precipitate nuclei in an as-grown state, and is a region in which an oxygen precipitate hardly occurs even heat treatment is performed thereon.
Defects existing in the OSF region and PV region described above are defects that become obvious when heat treatment or the like is performed under specific conditions. However, there is an increasingly unignorable influence on the yield of devices exerted by a microfine COP as well as an OSF region, which is not obvious in an as-grown state, and a defect existing in the PV region. For example, it is well-known that if an OSF occurring in the thermal oxidation at the high temperatures described above is generated and grown on the surface of a wafer, the OSF causes leakage current, leading to the deterioration in device properties. In addition, if oxygen precipitate nuclei included in the PV region forms oxygen precipitates in a heat treatment process in a manufacture process of a device, and the oxygen precipitates remain in an active layer of an element that constitutes a device, there is the risk of leakage current occurring in the device.
For this reason, it is important for a silicon wafer to have a reduced number of grown-in defects (including silicon oxides) in its outer-layer portion on which a device is to be formed.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal wafer in which a silicon single crystal wafer having a surface, in its radial direction, the entirety of which is an N region (a region in which vacancy-type point defects and interstitial-silicon-type point defect are in proper quantities) is subjected to a rapid thermal process in an oxidizing atmosphere and subjected to a rapid thermal process in a nitriding atmosphere, an Ar atmosphere, or a mixed atmosphere thereof after the removal of an oxide film formed by the rapid thermal process in the oxidizing atmosphere. Patent Literature 1 describes that this enables the manufacture of a silicon wafer including no COPs, having a low OSF density, and including a bulk micro defect (BMD) in its bulk portion.
A BMD is a grown oxygen precipitate nucleus included in a semiconductor substrate, functioning as a gettering site that takes heavy metals therein. In a manufacture step for a semiconductor device, a BMD captures heavy metals, whereby it is possible to avoid the properties of a device from deteriorating due to the contamination of a device formation region in a silicon wafer by the heavy metal.
The present inventors investigated, by experiment, what kind of defect occurs in a wafer by the manufacturing method described in Patent Literature 1. In the manufacturing method, a condition for "a rapid thermal process in an oxidizing atmosphere" was set to 1250° C.×10 seconds. It was confirmed that OSF defects can be inactivated by this manufacturing method.
However, when reactive ion etching (RIE) was performed on a wafer having been subjected to such a process, there were observed sheet-shaped oxygen precipitates (OSF nuclei) in an OSF region and oxygen precipitate nuclei in a PV region having sizes of 9 nm or more (hereafter, referred to as "grown-in defects with silicon oxides"), as projections on an etching surface. That is, it was found that grown-in defects with silicon oxides cannot be eliminated by the oxidizing heat treatment at 1250° C.×10 seconds. Therefore, such a wafer cannot meet the manufacture of finer devices in the future because defects become obvious through heat treatment process and the like in a device step (a device manufacture process) and may have an adverse effect on properties of a device.
When a temperature in the oxidizing heat treatment is further raised, it is possible to destroy OSF nuclei and oxygen precipitate nuclei in a PV region up to the inner part of a wafer, but grown-in defects with silicon oxides remain in the vicinity of a surface of the wafer (see Patent Literature 2).
In addition, the introduction of oxygen results in a region in which an oxygen concentration is prone to increase through heat treatment at a low temperature (e.g., 400 to 500° C.) in a device step, and an oxygen donor easily occurs, which may cause the resistivity of the region to vary. When the resistance varies, the operating voltage of a device shifts, which may cause a malfunction. In particular, in a device manufacture step of recent years, heat treatment has been performed at a lower temperature and for a shorter period with the progress of making finer devices. Therefore, some heat treatments in the device step hardly cause a change in an initial oxygen concentration distribution, which increases the risk that the influence of a variation in outer-layer oxygen concentration becomes obvious.
Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of Patent Literature 1, oxygen diffuses outward through "the rapid thermal process in a nitriding atmosphere, an Ar atmosphere, or a mixed atmosphere thereof" performed after "the rapid thermal process in an oxidizing atmosphere", which causes an oxygen concentration in a wafer outermost layer to decrease. If the oxygen concentration decreases, the mechanical strength of a portion with such an oxygen concentration decreases (see Patent Literature 3).
As seen from the above, the manufacturing method described in Patent Literature 1 can cause diverse problems due to the occurrence of regions with the increased and decreased oxygen concentrations.
Patent Literature 2 discloses "a method for manufacturing a silicon wafer, including a heat treatment step of performing rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment on the silicon wafer in an oxidizing atmosphere at 1250° C. or more and for 10 seconds or more, and a step of removing grown-in defects with silicon oxides region in the vicinity of an outer-layer portion of the wafer after the RTA treatment". Patent Literature 2 describes that "this method enables the manufacture of a silicon wafer that includes no COPs or dislocation clusters, and in which defects such as OSF nuclei, and oxygen precipitate nuclei existing in the PV region that do not become obvious in an as-grown state are destroyed or reduced".
However, this method cannot make the wafer include a BMD formed therein unless being further subjected to a predetermined process, and thus the wafer cannot be used in an environment where heavy metal pollution can occur.

Silicon wafer and method for manufacturing the same


The present invention includes an invertible and orthoscopic LCD projector having a LCD panel for providing display information that is projected toward a display screen to form a display image. In a preferred embodiment, a converging Fresnel lens is positioned to receive the display information from the LCD panel and form a display object corresponding to the display image. The converging Fresnel lens has an optical center offset from the optical center of the LCD panel in an elevation direction and defines a projection optical axis that extends toward the display screen along an elevation angle in the elevation direction. The Fresnel lens is tilted automatically about a tilt axis transverse to the projection optical axis and the elevation direction by an amount proportional to the elevation angle to cooperate with the offset of the Fresnel lens optical center to form an orthoscopic display image.

Image display projectors generate display images and project them onto display screens, typically for viewing by multiple persons or viewers. In a front-projection format, for example, the projector is positioned on the same side of the display screen as the viewers. The projector directs the display image to the display screen from which the image is reflected for viewing.
Some image display projectors, such as motion picture film projectors, typically are used in relatively large rooms, are positioned behind the viewers, and project the display image a relatively long distance to the display screen. Frequently, the display screen is positioned above the viewers and the projector directs the display images over the viewers at a relatively small downward elevation angle, which is defined as the angle of a central light ray from the projector relative to an axis that is normal or perpendicular to the center of the display screen. As a result of the relatively small elevation angle, the display image on the display screen appears generally rectangular and orthoscopic.
Other image display projectors, such as liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, frequently rare used in relatively small rooms and are positioned relatively close to the display screen; either in front of or otherwise near the viewers. A LCD projector includes one or more transmissive liquid crystal displays as "light valves" that control light from an illumination system to form display images that are directed to the display screen by projection optics. Many color LCD projectors typically have one color LCD, such as an active matrix or passive matrix (e.g., super-twisted nematic (STN)) liquid crystal display, that controls red, green and blue spectral components of light to form a display image.
LCD projectors frequently are positioned on a table, cart, or other flat surface below the viewers' line-of-sight to the display screen. Alternatively, LCD projectors are sometimes mounted above the display screen (e.g., to a room ceiling) to direct the display image downwardly toward the display screen from above the viewers' line-of-sight.
A LCD projector directs the display image a relatively short distance to a display screen and, therefore, at relatively wide projection angles and at elevation angles of relatively large absolute value (e.g., greater than about 8 degrees typically, and as much as 25 degrees if it were physically possible). The absolute value of the elevation angles is referred to because LCD projectors mounted above and below a display screen would typically have negative and positive elevation angles, respectively. As a consequence of such a large elevation angle, the display image on the display screen appears trapezoidal and not orthoscopic. This is sometimes referred to as keystone distortion, which is generally unacceptable in many image display applications including motion pictures and computer displays.
Keystone distortion in LCD projectors typically is corrected by tilting certain optical components relative to the optical axis. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,188 of Biles et al. fox Method and Apparatus for Distortion Correction in Optical Projectors. In this LCD projector, a Fresnel lens in the LCD projector is tilted to provide the projected display image with a differential magnification that offsets the keystone distortion. However, there is a limit to the degree that any lens may be tilted without causing image degradation due to the relatively poor imaging performance of lenses when used at steep off-axis angles. Another LCD projector in which keystone distortion is purportedly corrected by tilting certain optical components is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,450 of Shapiro et al.
A limitation of such corrections for keystone distortion is that the corrections are suited primarily for a single elevation angle between the LCD projector and the display screen. However, LCD projectors frequently are used under different circumstances resulting in different elevation angles.
More specifically, it is frequently necessary to adjust the picture height or projector elevation angle to reach a fixed (e.g., permanent) display screen or to adjust the height of the image for best unobstructed and comfortable viewing. Nearly all LCD projectors have elevation-adjusting legs or feet for this purpose. A conventional LCD projector with an elevation angle greater than the keystone-corrected angle will form a display image with "positive" keystone distortion (i.e., the top of the image is wider than the bottom). A conventional LCD projector with an elevation angle less than the keystone-corrected angle will form a display image with "negative" keystone distortion (i.e., the top of the image is narrower than the bottom).

Invertible and orthoscopic liquid crystal display projector


An electron beam welding apparatus is provided with a magnetic shielding pipe for preventing electron beams emitted from being deflected by stray magnetic fields, and a removing device for removing metal deposit accumulated on a tip portion of the magnetic shielding pipe, which tip portion faces to a weld formed by welding of materials to be welded. The removing device is provided with at least a pair of shutters which move along a tip face of the tip portion to prevent the metal deposit from accumulating on the tip portion. The pair of shutters provides in their central portion a hole for passing electron beams therethrough when they are closed so that welding can continue irrespectively of the movement of the shutters.

This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for electron beam welding which is carried out by electron beams passing through magnetic shielding means provided for an electron gun and more particularly to a method of and apparatus for electron beam welding which can be effected continuously without interruption when dissimilar metals are welded.
In general, an electron beam welding apparatus is provided with an electron gun and a driving table disposed in vacuum. The electron gun emits electron beams to an abutment between two metals, whereby the metals are melted and welded at the abutment. In application of the electron beam welding to dissimilar metals, there arise shortcomings in that weld beads formed are deflected and welds formed tend to include nonwelded spots for the following reasons. Upon welding of the dissimilar metals, there will be created a hot junction and a cold junction within the materials being welded and thus the resulting thermal electromotive force will bring about the flow of electron currents. The electric current thus produced then brings about a stray magnetic field, such that weld beams are deflected midway due to the interaction between the component of a magnetic field that is in the direction of a welding axis and electron beams. In case where the metals are thin in thickness, even if the electron beams are deflected so that they will be emitted to a portion deviated from the abutment by a little, there is only a little problem because the heat due to emission of the electron beams is transferred to the abutment. In case where the metals are thick in thickness, the above-mentioned serious shortcomings take place.
Hitherto, in order to prevent the electron beams from deflecting when the dissimilar metals are welded, the electron beam welding apparatus is provided at the end of the electron gun with a magnetic shielding pipe made of a high-permeability magnetic material to prevent magnetic fields outside the pipe from reaching the electron beams inside it, and welding is carried out by straight electron beams passing through the magnetic shielding pipe. This kind of the electron beam welding apparatus is shown in FIG. 1 of Japanese Laying-open of Patent Application No. 50-129445 (1975). In this apparatus, in order to prevent the stray magnetic fields from reaching the electron beam inside the magnetic shielding pipe, it is necessary that a distance between the end of the magnetic shielding pipe and the dissimilar metals to be welded is not large, for example within about 10 mm.
On the other hand, spatter and metal vapor expelled from the weld formed around the abutment of the dissimilar metals by electron beam welding deposits on an end surface of the magnetic shielding pipe. The deposition is gradually accumulated and finally contacts with the weld swelled from the surface of the metals to a height of about 4 mm so that further continuation of the welding can not be effected. Therefore, it is necessary to clean up the end of the magnetic shielding pipe on which the deposition is accumulated, with interruption being taken for 2 to 3 minutes in welding of thin members and for 4 to 5 minutes in welding of thick members. The interruption of welding makes welding quality poor because crater takes place in the welding portion. Additionally, the interruption makes welding operation time longer. Therefore, it is desired that welding of the materials to be welded is completed without interruption.

Electron beam welding method and apparatus therefor


Redundancy architectures for communications systems are provided. An example redundancy architecture includes a plurality of active radio-frequency (RF) hardware units, one or more RF signal splitters configured to couple a plurality of RF input signals to the plurality of active RF hardware units, and one or more RF signal combiners configured to couple RF signals processed by the plurality of active RF hardware units to a plurality of RF output paths. The one or more RF signal splitters are configured to split each RF input signal of the plurality of RF input signals into multiple copies of the RF input signal, and to provide each copy of the multiple copies of the RF input signal to a different one of the plurality of active RF hardware units. The one or more RF signal combiners are configured to combine the multiple copies of the RF input signals into RF output signals.

Many satellite communication systems are designed to operate for many years. In order to maintain reliability and prolong the working life of a satellite payload, the payload may be equipped with spare or redundant units that are designed to be switched into a signal path when an active unit fails. By way of example, a payload may include ten active low-noise amplifiers and two spare low-noise amplifiers. When one of the active low-noise amplifiers fails, one of the two spare low-noise amplifiers may be switched into a signal path of the failed low-noise amplifier.
Switching a spare unit into the signal path of a failed active unit may involve sending a radio-frequency (RF) command to an electromechanical switch. For instance, the electromechanical switch may have two positions: in a first position, the electromechanical switch may link an active unit to a signal path; and in a second position, the electromechanical switch may link a spare unit to the signal path. If the active unit fails, an RF command may be sent to the electromechanical switch, causing the switch to transition to the second position. Sending the RF command may involve operator intervention.
Moreover, when replacing a failed active hardware unit with a spare hardware unit, a disruption of service occurs. The length of the disruption of service spans between the time the failure of the active hardware unit occurs and the time it takes to switch in and activate the spare hardware unit, and re-initialize service. Improvements are therefore desired.

Reliable, maintenance-free radio-frequency hardware architecture