A fiber composite material component has fiber bundles and a matrix of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material. The fiber bundles are arranged such that they form a profile. Bracing structures are arranged between the fiber bundles. At least two fiber bundles are arranged in a skewed manner with respect to one another and at least one cavity is formed in the region of the intersection of the skewed fiber bundles. Furthermore, a method for producing a fiber composite material component having fiber bundles and a matrix of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material, is provided.

The present invention concerns a fiber composite material component, and a method for manufacturing a fiber composite material component.
It is known from the prior art how to arrange fiber bundles and/or scrims and/or textiles pre-impregnated with thermoplastic material in a sheet-like fashion in order to construct components. It is also known how to inject thermoplastic material with and without fibers around individual points of fiber-reinforced plastic. These methods serve to reinforce points with greater stress, especially points where force is applied, and thus improve the stability of the component.
Furthermore, it is known how to make components by injection molding. In this process, a textile fiber material (such as scrims, textiles, knitted fabrics, bundles or the like) is inserted in a mold and then extrusion coated with thermoplastic material with and without fibers. The aforementioned methods are used to make shells or hollow components with enclosed surfaces or the like.
DE 10 2006 040 784 A1, for example, discloses an injection molding method for fiber-reinforced motor vehicle parts made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics by injection molding.
However, the methods known in the prior art have drawbacks in that only two-dimensional or sheet-like fiber arrangements of the endless fibers are provided. At the same time, one finds himself here at the limits of lightweight construction and at the limits of what can be accomplished with a load-optimized fiber layer. Moreover, a large material input is necessary and the waste may be sizeable.
It would therefore be desirable to be able to construct lighter and more load-optimized items, with less material input and less waste. Furthermore, material clusters should be avoided as much as possible.
Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a fiber composite material component and a method for manufacturing a fiber composite material component of the above-mentioned kind, especially by enabling lighter construction, more load-optimized fiber layers, less input of material and also less waste.
This and other objects are achieved in accordance with embodiments of the invention. According to an exemplary embodiment, a fiber composite material component has fiber bundles and a matrix of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material. The fiber bundles are arranged so as to form a profile and bracing structures are arranged between the fiber bundles. At least two fiber bundles are arranged skewed with respect to one another. The run of at least two fiber bundles intersects one another and at least one cavity is formed in the region of the intersection of the skewed fiber bundles.
The invention is based on the basic notion of avoiding material clusters by means of at least one cavity in the region of the intersection of the two skewed fiber bundles. The use of skewed fiber bundles makes it possible to provide the structure of the fiber composite material component with nodes or intersections. These nodes or intersections stiffen the profile of the fiber composite material component. In this way, a very rigid fiber composite material component can be produced with relatively low weight, which can be used, for example, as a chassis component. The fiber composite material component according to the invention has the benefit, in particular, of enabling an overall lighter construction than is known in the prior art, and furthermore a three-dimensional arrangement of endless fibers is made possible and a more load-optimized fiber layer can be provided. In this way, less material input and less waste are also advantageously achieved.
The fiber composite material component can comprise at least two or more profiles. Each profile has at least two fiber bundles arranged skewed and intersecting with respect to each other, and at least one cavity is formed in the region of the intersection of the skewed fiber bundles.
The skewed and intersecting fiber bundles can be arranged perpendicular to each other. In this way, a stable truss-like structure can be provided simply in the profile.
Basically, it is also possible for the skewed and intersecting fiber bundles to subtend an acute angle.
Each fiber bundle together with the matrix can form a brace in the profile, which is part of the profile. Thanks to the formation of braces, it becomes possible advantageously to divert the loads in the profile and achieve a relatively high stability despite the lightweight construction. The braces can especially absorb tensile stresses and/or flexural stresses.
At least two skewed and intersecting fiber bundles can be embedded in the matrix in the region of their intersection such that the braces formed by the two skewed fiber bundles each have a broadening area in this region. Thanks to the broadening area, construction elements can be fastened in this region, which might otherwise influence or impair the stability of the brace.
The cavity can be formed or arranged in the broadening area.
At least one opening or hole can be provided in the region of the broadening area. Thanks to the broadening area, the stability of the brace and thus of the profile is nonetheless equally preserved or not diminished significantly or at all.
The opening can be connected to the cavity. This provides the benefit that the cavity becomes accessible through the opening and, for example, the opening and the cavity can be used to receive a fastening element such as a bolt or a screw. It is contemplated for several openings to be provided and connected to the cavity. These openings, for example, can be used to blow out melt from the cavity in the case when the cavity is formed by internal-pressure injection molding (see below).
Moreover, it is contemplated that at least one fiber bundle is a UD fiber bundle comprising several unidirectionally arranged fibers.
UD fiber bundles are bundles comprising several unidirectionally arranged fibers, i.e., fiber bundles not having any twisting of the fibers. The fibers can be carbon fibers, for example. It is also contemplated for the fibers to be glass fibers. However, basically fibers made of any other suitable material can also be chosen.
Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one fiber bundle consists exclusively of unidirectionally arranged fibers in the direction of the run of the fiber bundles. This enables a simple construction of the fiber composite material component.
Moreover, it is contemplated that at least one fiber bundle comprises first unidirectionally arranged fibers in the direction of the run of the fiber bundles and second unidirectionally arranged fibers with which the first fibers are interwoven. In this way, the stability of the fiber bundle can be improved.
It is possible for at least one fiber bundle to be arranged at one edge of the profile of the fiber composite material component and/or for the fiber bundles and the bracing structures to form a three-dimensional profile.
It is contemplated to provide at least three fiber bundles and/or for the fiber bundles to be arranged three-dimensionally.
The fiber composite material component can be a chassis component or the like. For example, it is contemplated for the fiber composite material component to be a roof cross connection element, such as the cowl (i.e., the roof cross connection in the region between the two A-columns of the motor vehicle) of a vehicle.
By means of the fiber bundles with endless fibers, it is possible to provide three-dimensional arrangements. Thanks to the corresponding arrangement with bracing structures, rigid and stable profiles can be provided, so that significantly lighter construction is possible. Consequently, a very great lightweight potential is provided and made possible. Furthermore, any desired profile geometries can be created, which is of particular advantage in the case of components with a large portion of freeform surfaces.
Furthermore, it is possible that the fibers are arranged such that they absorb or can absorb flexural stresses and/or tensile stresses and/or compressive stresses. This provides the benefit of load-optimized construction being possible, wherein in particular fiber composite material components can be provided which are configured to be load-optimized for the flexural stresses and/or tensile stresses and/or compressive stresses which are applied to them.
Moreover, it is contemplated for the bracing structures to be arranged such that they transmit and/or absorb and/or can absorb torsional forces and/or shear forces. This provides the benefit that torsional forces or shear forces which occur in addition to the flexural stresses, tensile stresses, or compressive stresses are absorbed not by the fiber bundles, but by the bracing structures provided for this purpose. This increases the overall stability of the fiber composite material component, since individual elements are provided for the particular loads occurring, namely, for example, the fiber bundles for the flexural stress and/or tensile stress and/or compressive stress and the bracing structures for the torsional forces and/or shear forces. This accomplishes a very stable structure, yet at the same time the weight need not be significantly increased.
Furthermore, it is possible for at least one fiber bundle to have at least one exposed segment, where no bracing structures are arranged, wherein preferably it is provided that the fiber bundles have exposed segments at regular or irregular intervals and/or that the exposed segment is at least partly curved or straight. The exposed segments make it possible to tension the fiber bundles directly in the die during the manufacture. This prevents the fiber bundle from being shifted during the injection of the thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material, which is undesirable. This increases the manufacturing precision of the fiber composite material component. At the same time, weight is also spared, because less thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material is used and only mass of material that is necessary is used. The fact that the fiber bundles have exposed segments at regular or irregular intervals is furthermore advantageous because the fiber bundles can be well secured in the die at these points.
Moreover, it can be provided that the bracing structures are formed from shear surfaces and/or that the bracing structures are formed by injecting of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material or by fiber bundles. This provides the benefit that lightweight elements, which can easily be produced, can be used as bracing structures. This is economical and at the same time it allows a lightweight structure. The thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material can also be fiber-reinforced.
It is further contemplated that the fiber bundles are offset in the mold-stripping direction such that they can be removed from the molding die without a pusher. This simplifies the manufacturing and furthermore leads to a lowering of the manufacturing times, since the removal from the molding die is facilitated. Thanks to the elimination of the pusher, substantial cost savings are possible, because the required die is less complex and can be made more cheaply.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide the fiber bundle with straight regions and/or curved regions. This provides the benefit that the fiber bundles can approximately follow any given curve. It is contemplated that the bundles are designed so as to consist of straight regions and, for example, short curved regions. The fiber bundles, for example, do not need to be extrusion coated in the short curved regions in order to be able to be fixed in the die at this point. This allows an especially simple manufacturing of the profile. Furthermore, the manufacturing is simplified because no injecting is needed in the curved regions. Moreover, it is advantageous that such a bundling of straight and curved regions can follow approximately any desired curve, so that in this way essentially any given freeform surface can be created.
Furthermore, the present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a fiber composite material component. Accordingly, in a method for manufacturing a fiber composite material component with fiber bundles and with a matrix of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material, one proceeds in such a way that the fiber bundles are arranged so as to form a profile, wherein bracing structures are arranged between the fiber bundles, wherein at least two fiber bundles are arranged skewed with respect to one another, and wherein at least one cavity is formed in the region of the intersection of the skewed fiber bundles.
This provides the benefit according to the invention of an overall more lightweight construction than in the prior art being possible, and furthermore a three-dimensional arrangement of endless fibers is made possible and a more load-optimized fiber layer can be provided. Furthermore, this achieves that advantageously the material input can be decreased and there is less waste. The formation of the cavity can prevent material clustering.
The cavity can be formed by internal-pressure injection molding. Internal-pressure injection molding, also known as Fluid Injection Technique (FIT), is a specialized form of injection molding for the manufacture of hollow workpieces. After one traditional injection molding process step or after a defined partial filling of the casting mold, a temporary filler (water or inert gas, usually nitrogen) is injected into a partly-filled mold so that it acts as an internal molding piece (core). Thanks to the displacement of the melt from the middle, on the one hand, a cavity grows and on the other hand, the melt is forced onto or into the outer casting mold. After hardening of the melt, the fluid again escapes. The benefit of this technique is that an internal molding piece is not needed. Moreover, structures can be formed of such a kind that the removal of an internal molding piece or core would be very difficult.
The internal-pressure injection molding can be a gas internal-pressure injection molding. In gas internal-pressure injection molding, gas displaces the melt located in the injection mold and accomplishes the rest of the filling with pressures up to a maximum of 300 bar. The injecting can be done, for example, through the machine nozzle and thus through the gating system or through a separate injection needle directly into the molded part in the cavity. Another variant is the complete filling of the cavity with melt and subsequent blowing of melt into a secondary cavity or blowing back into the worm cylinder of the injection molding machine. Gas internal-pressure injection molding can be used especially advantageously when it is necessary to compensate for shrinkage and avoid mass clustering. It is also possible to realize very small channel cross sections. Gas internal-pressure injection molding is also used with preference when water cannot be removed from the component or the size of the injector is a critical factor.
The internal-pressure injection molding can be an internal-pressure injection molding by means of fluid injection technique. In particular, it may be a water internal-pressure injection molding. Here as well, similar to the above-described gas internal-pressure injection molding, the melt present in the injection mold is displaced by the fluid and the fluid accomplishes the rest of the filling.
Benefits resulting from the use of fluids such as water are the substantial reduction of the cycle time. This has to do, among other things, with the greater thermal capacity of fluids or liquids such as water as compared to gases. Furthermore, an improvement of the surface structure is also possible. Liquids like water automatically come into play when the cross sections and the channel lengths become too large for the gas injection technique, depending on the material, and when a smooth, enclosed surface is required in regions without fiber reinforcement. However, in general, besides the slight warpage, the likewise smaller achievable residual wall thickness also plays a central role. In terms of operation economy, the substantially shorter cycle times and the lack of gas expenses when water is used stand in the forefront. For large lot sizes, this can lead to a reduction in capital expenses of up to 50% (production lines cut in half due to boosted efficiency of each individual line).
Furthermore, it can be provided that the fiber bundles used for the manufacturing process are UD fiber bundles comprising several unidirectionally arranged fibers.
UD fiber bundles which can be used in the method are bundles comprising several unidirectionally arranged fibers, i.e., for example, fiber bundles which also have no twisting of the fibers. The fibers can be, for example, carbon fibers. It is also contemplated for the fibers to be glass fibers. However, basically fibers made of any other suitable material can also be chosen.
Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one fiber bundle consists exclusively of unidirectionally arranged fibers in the direction of the run of the fiber bundles. This enables an easy construction of the fiber composite material component.
Moreover, it is contemplated that at least one fiber bundle comprises first unidirectionally arranged fibers in the direction of the run of the fiber bundles and second unidirectionally arranged fibers with which the first fibers are interwoven. In this way, the stability of the fiber bundle can be improved.
It is contemplated that at least three fiber bundles are provided and/or that the fiber bundles are three-dimensionally arranged.
The fiber composite material component can be a chassis component or the like.
By means of the fiber bundles with endless fibers, three-dimensional arrangements can be provided. Thanks to the corresponding arrangement with bracing structures, rigid and stable profiles can be provided, so that significantly lighter construction is possible. Consequently, a very great lightweight potential is provided and made possible. Furthermore, any desired profile geometries can be created, which is of particular advantage in the case of components with a large portion of freeform surfaces.
The features and benefits described above in connection with the fiber composite material component according to the invention and the exemplary embodiments can be provided alone or in combination, likewise for the method according to the invention for the manufacture of a fiber composite material component or the exemplary embodiments of the method described below.
Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one fiber bundle is or has been arranged at one edge of the profile of the fiber composite material component and/or that the fiber bundles and the bracing structures form a three-dimensional profile.
Furthermore, it can be provided that the fibers are or have been arranged such that they absorb or can absorb flexural stresses and/or tensile stresses and/or compressive stresses. Furthermore, it can be provided that the bracing structures are or have been arranged such that they transmit and/or absorb and/or can transmit and/or absorb torsional forces and/or shear forces. As already described above, this facilitates a load-optimized design of the fiber composite material component and supports the effort for the most lightweight construction.
Moreover, it is possible for at least one fiber bundle to have at least one exposed segment, where no bracing structures are arranged, wherein preferably it is provided that the fiber bundles have exposed segments at regular or irregular intervals and/or that the exposed segment is at least partly curved or straight. As already explained in detail above, this provides the benefit that essentially any free form surface can be created. Moreover, the shaping precision can be improved, because the fiber bundles can be fixed directly in the die by corresponding recesses in the die, so that a slippage of the fiber bundles can be reliably prevented.
Moreover, it can be provided that the fiber bundles are used dry. In this way, for example, the inserting into the die can be facilitated. Applications are also contemplated such that it is not desirable to employ pre-impregnated fiber bundles.
Furthermore, however, it is likewise possible to employ the fiber bundles pre-impregnated. In this way, for example, it is possible to achieve a preliminary cross-linking and a better purchase and bonding with the surrounding material, if this should be required.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the fiber bundles are arranged offset in the mold-stripping direction, such that they can be removed from the molding die without a pusher. This simplifies the tooling of the molding die and can be realized substantially more cost-effectively.
Furthermore, it is possible for the bracing structures to be formed of braces and/or shear surfaces and/or for the bracing structures to be formed by injection of thermoplastic and/or thermosetting material or by fiber bundles. This provides the benefit that lightweight elements, which can be easily created, can be used as bracing structures. This is economical and at the same time, it enables a lightweight structure.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide fiber bundles with straight regions and/or curved regions. This provides the benefit that the fiber bundles can approximately follow any given curve. It is contemplated that the bundles are designed so as to consist of straight regions and, for example, short curved regions. The fiber bundles, for example, do not need to be extrusion coated in the short curved regions in order to be able to be fixed in the die at this point. This provides an especially simple manufacturing of the profile. Furthermore, the manufacturing is simplified because no injecting is needed in the curved regions. Moreover, it is advantageous that such a bundling of straight and curved regions can follow approximately any desired curve, so that in this way essentially any given freeform surface can be created.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fiber composite material component, and method for producing a fiber composite material component

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


In the case of a spinning machine comprising several spinning stations for the spinning of slivers fed in cans into yarns, drivable transport belts are provided which transport the slivers between the cans and the spinning stations. When bridging differences in height with respect to the horizontal line, the transport belts are arranged in such a sloped manner that the slivers rest on the transport belts because of their own weight. Lateral coverings against damaging air flows are preferably assigned to the transport belts.

This invention relates to a spinning machine comprising several spinning stations for the spinning of slivers fed in cans into yarns and comprising drivable transport belts for conveying the slivers between the cans and the spinning stations.
In the case of a spinning machine of this type (British Patent Document GB 10 15 780), which is constructed as a ring spinning machine, a second transport belt is assigned to each transport belt. Thus, transport belt pairs are formed which each receive one sliver between the belts and transport it. The slivers are withdrawn from the cans by means of rollers arranged above them, are transported vertically downward, are conveyed below the floor to the spinning machine and are guided from there diagonally upward approximately to the machine center and farther to the drafting units. Ring spinning machines of this type have not been accepted in practice. The expenditures for the synchronous drive of the two transport belts, which have to be deflected frequently, are very high.
It is an object of the invention to improve a spinning machine of the initially mentioned type with respect to the transport belts.
This object is achieved in that the transport belts, when bridging differences in height, are arranged with respect to the horizontal line in such a sloped manner that the slivers rest on the transport belts because of their own weight.
When vertical transport paths are avoided and the slope of the transport belt is not made to be excessive, no additional devices are required which press the sliver to be transported against the pertaining transport belt. This is possible particularly when the space requirement for the setting-up of the cans is not too important.
In the case of a corresponding selection of the angle of slope, fine slivers, thus slivers of sizes from Nm 0.3 to 0.8, may also be transported by means of the transport belt without any risk of faulty drafts during the transport. It is therefore possible to do without the machine, specifically the flyer, which is normally connected in front of the ring spinning machine. Furthermore, such fine slivers make it possible to obtain higher yarn qualities than previously possible. In addition, these fine slivers permit the use of three-cylinder drafting units which are generally customary without the need to carry out significant constructive changes on the three-cylinder drafting units.
The expenditures may be further reduced when the width of the transport belts is designed for several slivers arranged next to one another. By means of relatively wide transport belts, it is possible to jointly transport per transport belt, for example, eight or sixteen slivers.
Problems occur mainly with the respective outer slivers since, because of the always existing air movements, there is the danger that the slivers may be deflected laterally. The danger of the lateral deflections exists particularly because the slivers adhere to the pertaining transport belt virtually only because of their own weight. In a further development of the invention, it is therefore provided that the slivers are protected from laterally leaving the transport belts.
This type of a protection can be achieved by means of different further developments:
For example, it is possible to leave a larger safety distance between the slivers and the edges of the transport belts. The slivers are therefore advantageously constructed to be so wide that such a large distance will still exist from the edge of the transport belt that lateral movements do not result in the slivers falling off the transport belts.
In a particularly advantageous development, it may be provided that at least partially lateral deflections are assigned to the transport belts. The transport belts are therefore virtually embedded in a protective covering which keeps disturbing air movements away from the slivers so that the danger of lateral deflections of the slivers is reduced. In addition, the coverings may provide a centering of the slivers on the pertaining transport belt.
In the case of another development of the invention, a protection against damaging lateral air movements as well as a centering of the slivers on the transport belt can be achieved by the fact that the transport belts have a trough-shaped cross-section at least on part of their transport path.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Spinning machine with inclined driven sliver transport belt


Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media for facilitating manipulation of images in response to gestures. A user can provide a gesture to effectuate a desired rotation or scaling of an image region. In some implementations, a user might provide a rotation gesture (i.e., a circular pattern) to cause a rotation of an image region or a stroke gesture (i.e., a straight line pattern) to cause a scaling of an image region. Using intuitive gestures, such as touch gestures, the user can control the direction and magnitude of manipulation to accomplish a desired manipulation (e.g., rotation or scaling) of an image region.

Oftentimes, a user might desire to modify or edit an aspect(s) of an image. In this regard, a user may wish to control various features within an image, for example, due to user preference, flaw in the image, or the like. By way of example, in some cases, a user may desire to expand or contract a scale of a particular aspect of an image. As another example, a user may wish to adjust an orientation at which an aspect within the image appears. To assist in the editing of images, some tools, such as the ADOBE PHOTOSHOP tool, have been developed that provide mechanisms to edit images. Such tools enable a user to edit many aspects of an image as desired by the user. As such, a user can edit images in accordance with the user's preferences to obtain images commensurate with the user's expectations or desires.
To scale or rotate an aspect or feature within an image, however, conventional editing tools used in a non-touch enabled environment have an extensive user interface pane with many user interface elements to initiate such edits. With the rise of mobile device utilization, simplified touch interfaces for editing images has become desirable among users. Many current touch enabled environments, however, include utilization of sliders and buttons that may clutter the user interface, particularly on a mobile device. Further, multi-finger gestures are oftentimes reserved or utilized for various functions, such as scroll, pan, or the like.

Image manipulation based on touch gestures


A collapsible hood bumper for a vehicle having a hood generally includes a housing and a bumper head. The housing has a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, a base, and an opening defining an interior chamber. The bumper head has a main body, and is configured to receive a force from the hood of the vehicle. The bumper head is normally in an upright position in which the bumper head extends through the opening of the housing. However, the bumper head is collapsible from the upright position to a compressed position in which the bumper head is substantially disposed within the interior chamber of the housing. The bumper head is configured to be resettable from the compressed position to the upright position.

Vehicles with a hood covering the engine compartment often include hood bumpers. The hood bumpers may serve as protection for other parts of the vehicle in such situations as over-slamming of the hood. In addition, when the hood is in a closed position, the hood bumpers may allow for deformation of the hood when a significant force is applied on it.
For such situations, programs such as regional NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and Global Technical Regulation (GTR) have developed safety standards and criteria, including head impact criteria (HIC), that may require the hood to deform a sufficient distance to meet the criteria. To achieve this, some vehicles employ hood bumpers or brackets that break away when experiencing a significant amount of force, causing the hood to deform, and thereby providing a buffer before hitting hard components in the engine compartment.

Collapsible hood bumper with reset feature


A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.

This application discloses an invention which is related, generally and in various embodiments, to a system and method for providing information regarding a status of an item. The information may be provided for a variety of different items, and may relate to items being transported from a first location within an environment to a second location within the environment. For purposes of simplicity, the invention will be described in the context of providing information regarding a status of an item being transported within a hospital facility.
Hospitals are required and or desire to track various items that are delivered internally from their internal service departments to various areas of the hospital, including but not limited to, nursing units, patients, ancillary and support areas, surgical and emergency areas, outpatient areas and clinics. Typical examples of this would be the delivery of medication to nursing units, the picking up of lab specimens from nursing areas, the delivery or pick up of blood products from the blood bank, etc. Many of the deliveries may require tracking and security for regulatory purposes, such as the delivery and storage of controlled substances by the pharmacy or the delivery and storage of blood products from the blood bank. In other instances the tracking and security are highly desirable, such as the delivery of high cost or high alert (e.g., dangerous) medications.
Currently, hospital personnel who wish to accurately ascertain the status of a particular item have to place telephone calls, ask other personnel, walk the planned delivery route, etc. to accurately ascertain the status of the item. For example, to accurately ascertain the status of a medication package which has been sent out from the hospital pharmacy for delivery to a particular nursing unit, hospital personnel may first need to contact the nursing unit to confirm that the medication package was delivered. If the medication package has not yet been delivered, hospital personnel may need to contact the person who was making the delivery. If the person making the delivery is not responsive, hospital personnel may need to walk the planned delivery route to try to find the current location of the medication package.
Having to take the above-described actions to accurately ascertain the status of an item is labor intensive, relatively expensive, prone to inaccuracies, and thus less than optimal.

System and method for providing information regarding a status of an item


A memory region can durably self-identify as being faulty when read. Information that would have been assigned to the faulty memory region can be assigned to another of that sized region in memory using a replacement encoding technique. For phase change memory, at least two fault states can be provided for durably self-identifying a faulty memory region; one state at a highest resistance range and the other state at a lowest resistance range. Replacement cells can be used to shift or assign data when a self-identifying memory fault is present. A memory controller and memory module, alone or in combination may manage replacement cell use and facilitate driving a newly discovered faulty cell to a fault state if the faulty cell is not already at the fault state.

Memory wear-out, permanent errors generating "stuck-at" bits, and transient errors from bits that inappropriately flip states can plague memory devices. Error detection and error correction schemes may be incorporated in computing systems at various levels to insulate software and data stored on memory devices from experiencing soft and hard errors occurring at the physical memory. Soft errors refer to correctable errors, for example those errors that may be corrected by re-writing the data. Hard errors refer to permanent errors, for example those errors that may be due to a physical defect or other anomaly that corrupt bits in a repeatable manner. Sometimes when a block of memory has multiple soft errors, the memory block may be considered to have a hard error.
For certain memories that wear out, hard errors are typically detected during write operations, often via read-after-write, assuming non-destructive data. Because it is useful to know the location where a hard error occurs, some solutions for error correction involve recording information about the location of the faults in another memory location. However, if no information about the location of the faults is recorded during the write operation or a memory failure occurs at the location storing the information about the location of the faults, this information is lost. Thus, during a subsequent read or write operation, the faulty cells may not be identified.


A wireless telecommunications system is disclosed that mitigates multipath fading through an improvement in transmit diversity. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are well-suited for use with all forward channel multiplexing schemes (e.g., frequency-division multiplexing, time-division multiplexing, code-division multiplexing, etc.) and all modulation techniques (e.g., amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, etc.). An illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: a signal inverter for inverting and alternately not-inverting a first signal in accordance with a schedule to create a second signal; a first antenna for transmitting the first signal; and a second antenna for transmitting the second signal.

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a portion of a wireless telecommunications system in the prior art, which system provides wireless telecommunications service to a number of wireless terminals (e.g., wireless terminals 101-1 through 101-3) that are situated within a geographic region. The heart of a wireless telecommunications system is a wireless switching center ("WSC"), which also may be known as a mobile switching center or mobile telephone switching office. Typically, a wireless switching center (e.g., WSC 120) is connected to a plurality of base stations (e.g., base stations 103-1 through 103-5) that are dispersed throughout the geographic region serviced by the system and to the local and long-distance telephone and data networks (e.g., local-office 130, local-office 138 and toll-office 140). A wireless switching center is responsible for, among other things, establishing and maintaining a call between a first wireless terminal and a second wireless terminal or, alternatively, between a wireless terminal and a wireline terminal (e.g., wireline terminal 150), which is connected to the system via the local and/or long-distance networks.
The geographic region serviced by a wireless telecommunications system is partitioned into a number of spatially distinct areas called "cells." As depicted in FIG. 1, each cell is schematically represented by a hexagon. In practice, however, each cell has an irregular shape that depends on the topography of the terrain surrounding the cell. Typically, each cell contains a base station, which comprises the radios and antennas that the base station uses to communicate with the wireless terminals in that cell and also comprises the transmission equipment that the base station uses to communicate with the wireless switching center.
For example, when a user of wireless terminal 101-1 desires to transmit information to a user of wireless terminal 101-2, wireless terminal 101-1 transmits a data message bearing the user's information to base station 103-1. The data message is then relayed by base station 103-1 to wireless switching center 120 via wireline 102-1. Because wireless terminal 101-2 is in the cell serviced by base station 103-1, wireless switching center 120 returns the data message back to base station 103-1, which relays it to wireless terminal 101-2.
In a terrestrial wireless telecommunications system, in contrast to a satellite-based system, an empirical phenomenon known as multipath fading affects the ability of a base station and a wireless terminal to communicate. The cause of multipath fading and the factors that affect its severity are described below.
FIG. 2 depicts an illustration that aids in understanding the cause of multipath fading. When a base station transmits a signal to a wireless terminal with either a directional or an omni-directional antenna at least some images of the signal radiate in a direction other than directly at the wireless terminal. The result is that: (1)one image of the signal may be received by the wireless terminal in a direct, line-of-sight path, provided that one exists (e.g., image 202-3), (2)other images of the signal pass the wireless terminal and are never received (e.g., images 202-2 and 202-4), and (3)other images of the signal strike an object, such as a building, and are reflected or refracted towards the wireless terminal (e.g., images 202-1 and 202-5). The result is that an image of a transmitted signal can be received by a wireless terminal via a direct path and one or more indirect paths.
Furthermore, the signal quality (as measured by, for example, the signal-to-noise ratio, average power, absolute power, frame-error rate, bit-error rate, etc.) of each image varies as a function of the length of the path, whether the signal is reflected off or refracted through an object, the angle at which the signal is incident to the object, and the geometric and physical properties of the object.
Because each image travels at the same speed (i.e., the speed of light) over a different length path, each image arrives at the wireless terminal at a different time. This causes the various images to arrive out of phase with respect to each other, and thus, to interfere. When the interference is destructive, in contrast to constructive, the interference greatly hinders the ability of a wireless terminal to generate an acceptable estimate of the transmitted signal. The phenomenon of destructive interference by multiple phase-shifted images of a single transmitted signal is known as multipath fading.
The severity of multipath fading at a receive antenna is a function of three factors: (1)the location of the transmitting antenna with respect to the objects in the environment that reflect and refract the transmitted signal, (2)the location of the receive antenna with respect to the same objects, and (3)the wavelength of the transmitted signal. Because these factors are spatial in nature, multipath fading is a localized phenomenon. In other words, multipath fading occurs in isolated pockets called "fades" that are geographically dispersed. As an analogy, fades are isolated and dispersed throughout a geographic region like the holes are isolated and dispersed in Swiss cheese. Typically, the mean diameter of a fade equals one wavelength of the transmitted signal.
There are two techniques in the prior art for mitigating the effect of multipath fading and both are derived from an understanding that the phenomenon is localized in nature. The first technique, receive diversity, will be discussed first, and then the second technique, transmit diversity, will be discussed.
In accordance with receive diversity, a radio receiver employs two receive antennas that are positioned far from each other to receive a signal that is transmitted from only one antenna. Typically, the two receive antennas are positioned more than several wavelengths of the transmitted signal from each other. Because multipath fades are isolated and dispersed like the holes in Swiss cheese, roughly circular in shape and about one wavelength of the transmitted signal in diameter, it is unlikely that both receive antennas will be in a fade at the same time. In other words, if one antenna is in a fade, then it is unlikely that the other is also in a fade. Therefore, the radio receiver can operate with the confidence that the transmitted signal will be received with satisfactory quality at one of the receive antennas.
FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram that illustrates how receive diversity can be implemented in the wireless telecommunications system of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, base station 103-1 transmits a signal via one transmit antenna, Tx, to wireless terminal 101-1, which has two receive antennas Rx.sub.1 and Rx.sub.2 that are separated by several wavelengths of the transmitted signal. Although the arrangement in FIG. 3 mitigates the effect of multipath fading, it is generally impractical to mount two antennas on a wireless terminal when the antennas need to be more than a few inches apart. Furthermore, the need for two antennas on a wireless terminal greatly increases its cost. It is for these reasons that receive diversity is rarely implemented in wireless terminals.
Transmit diversity is a corollary of receive diversity. In accordance with transmit diversity, a radio transmitter employs two transmit antennas that are positioned far from each other to transmit one signal. The radio receiver only has one antenna. Typically, the two transmit antennas are positioned more than several wavelengths of the transmitted signal from each other. The radio transmitter outputs the signal of interest via one antenna in real-time, and delays an exact copy of the same signal before outputting it via the second antenna. Because the location of a multipath fade is dependent on the location of the transmitting antenna, each transmit antenna causes fades to occur in different places. Therefore, if a receive antenna is in a fade caused by the signal from one transmit antenna, it is likely that the receive antenna will be able to receive the signal from the other transmit antenna with satisfactory quality. In other words, it is unlikely that both transmit antennas will cause fades in the same place, and therefore, the radio receiver is likely to be able to receive the signal from at least one of the transmit antennas at any given location.
FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram that illustrates how transmit diversity can be implemented in the wireless telecommunications system of FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, base station 103-1 transmits a signal via one transmit antenna, T.sub.x1, in real-time, and delays an exact copy of the same signal before outputting it via a second antenna, T.sub.x2. Transmit diversity in the prior art is disadvantageous, however, because it creates, on average, twice as many images of the transmitted signal at the receiver than without transmit diversity. This requires that the wireless terminal be capable of distinguishing the two time shifted images, which significantly increases the complexity of the wireless terminal and also its cost.
Therefore, the need exists for a technique for mitigating the effect of multipath fading without some of the costs and disadvantages associated with the prior art.

Wireless telecommunications system that mitigates the effect of multipath fading


Methods for casting thin-walled structural elements made of alloy for automobile bodies using the diecasting, thixocasting, or thixoforming methods, as well as corresponding structural elements are described. In order to produce by these methods in particular body side wall parts including the A, B and C pillars, the castings are cast in several casting slices. The casting slices of a casting are cast, staggered timewise in succession using the same method and from the same alloy but in different casting molds or different parts of a casting mold. At the seams, the casting slices are cast together along a defined shapewise contour. The casting slices can be case together indirectly with interposition of a separate seam strip. However, they can also be cast onto one another, with an already cast first casting slice being placed in a second casting mold and cast together therein with the second casting slice. Complete body side wall parts are cast in three casting slices, with the seams being located in the roof and sill areas.

This application claims the priority of Germany application 196 39 052.4-24 filed in Germany on Sep. 24, 1997, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention is based on cast thin-walled structural elements and on a method for manufacturing thin-walled structural elements by casting from alloy for bodies utilizing casting techniques as known for example from a paper by W. Bovensmann, "Modern Diecasting Machinery for Precise High-Volume Diecastings" in the journal Gie.beta.erei-Praxis, No. 7, 1966, pages 115 to 119.
Although only diecasting is mentioned and described in detail in this literature reference from 1966, other casting methods of different types have recently been considered as well. Mention should be made in this connection of diecasting using an evacuated diecasting mold and thixocasting as well as thixoforming. In general, this refers to a creative forming method in which a quantity of metal adjusted for the size of the workpiece is placed in a shaping tool that can be opened and closed and is made of metal, and the mold is then filled with the flowable alloy and shaped under the influence of high pressure, after which the workpiece is left to set under the influence of this pressure until the workpiece can be handled, whereupon it is removed from the mold. All of the shaping methods that can be subsumed under this definition are covered here by the term "diecasting." In this connection, mention can be made for example of the special edition of the journals ATZ and MTZ in 1996 on the topic "Alloys in Automobile Construction" with papers by B. Wendiger and A. Mundl: "Thixocasting --A Shaping Technique with a Future," or G. Springe: "The Future of the Use of Aluminum in Automobile Construction." With the proper choice and pretreatment of the pre-product with globulitic structure and exact-temperature heating of the cylinder block to be used, the casting material behaves thixotropically, in other words it can be handled carefully as a solid but begins to flow under the influence of force. In thixocasting, the partially liquefied block is placed in a piston chamber connected with the casting mold by a feed channel, from which chamber the trixotropic metal is injected into the mold under high pressure, as in diecasting, by means of a piston. In thixoforming on the other hand, the partially liquefied block is placed directly in the mold which is still open and, as in drop forging, the impressions in the die are filled with partially liquefied metal by powerful and rapid closing of the halves of the mold.
There are natural limits in this method as to the size of the castings that can be produced. Firstly, because of the high pressure required, up to 1600 bars, and because of the projected area of the surfaces of the casting mold that are wetted by metal, very considerable forces act on the casting machinery and the mold which, because of the material elasticity of the steel according to Hook's law, lead to minor yet unavoidable deformations. With increasing size of the casting mold, despite increasing reinforcement of the machine and the mold, these deformations become so great that the mold can no longer be closed cleanly and free of flash. Another natural limit to the size of the castings, especially thin-walled castings, is the maximum possible flow distance of the metal, in other words, the maximum distance that the material can flow during filling of the mold before it hardens. Despite high flow rates, at least with narrow mold cross sections, due to contact with the mold walls, cooling occurs that increases with the length of the flow path. It should be considered in this connection that at high metal flow rates, the melt does not flow in the form of a cohesive stream of liquid but is atomized into many individual droplets that are then pressed together by the high mold-filling pressure. If the melt particles have flow paths that are too long, they cool off too much and lose their ability to adhere when pressed together, so that the casting becomes porous and brittle. In casting methods of the type described here, especially diecasting, thixocasting, and thixoforming, for the reasons given above, there are limits to the size of the castings that reflect the method used but cannot be expressed in units of length because they also depend on other factors, especially the type of casting, its shape, the wall thickness, and the accuracy requirements.
The goal of the invention is to improve the structural component produced according to the species or the manufacturing method in such a way that thin-walled cast structural elements can also be manufactured using the size limits associated with the method.
This goal is achieved on the basis of the species according to the invention by providing an automobile structural element which consists of a plurality of similarly cast casting slices which each extend over a partial area of the structural element, which casting slices are connected shapewise and materialwise along their facing seams. This goal is further achieved by using a method of casting thinwalled automobile body structural elements in which a quantity of metal adjusted for the size of the casting is placed centrally into a casting mold made of metal, the flowable alloy is shaped inside the mold under the action of high pressure, and the casting is then allowed to harden under this pressure until the workpiece can be handled and removed from the mold, wherein the castings are each cast in the form of several casting slices, with the casting slices of a casting being cast staggered timewise in succession, using the same method and an at least approximately identical alloy but using different casting molds or different sections of a casting mold, said slices being cast together at their opposing seams along a predefined shapewise contour.
According to the method, the castings are cast in several casting slices manufactured in succession with a time delay, with these slices being cast together at their opposite seams along a specified contour with an integral shape.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Thin-walled diecasting composed of alloy as a structural component for automobile bodies


A device in a power-driven tool, such as a motor saw, includes a handle (10) having a gas control (14) and a gas control catch (15). The gas control and the gas control catch have pivots (14a, 15a) adapted to be rotatably attached to the handle. In order to facilitate the assembly, the handle is provided with resilient bearing (11, 12) which allows the pivots to be mounted in the handle by a snap-in function.

The present invention relates to a device in a power-driven tool such as a motor saw, including a handle having a gas control rotatably attached thereto.
The gas control of a power-driven tool is used to control the speed of revolution of the engine, and in order to prevent unintentional actuation of the gas control a gas control catch is provided which catches the gas control in an unactuated position. Thus, before the gas control can be actuated, the catch must be released. The gas control and the gas control catch are provided with pivots journalled in complementary bearing cups in the handle. During assembly, the gas control and the gas control catch are mounted in their respective positions in the handle and a guide pin, usually made of steel, is subsequently inserted through a complementary bore in the gas control and the gas control catch, respectively. This bore must thus be accurately aligned with the bearing cup which means that the assembly will be relatively complicated and time consuming.


Sheet alignment and feeding apparatus including a sheet feed table for supporting a sheet to be fed, a side registration edge along one edge of the feed table, a sheet feed roll rotatably mounted in the feed table so that its top surface is in feeding engagement with a sheet to be fed, a cooperating pinch device in contact with the top of the feed roll, the feed roll being canted at an angle to the side registration edge to simultaneously drive a sheet against the registration edge and in a forward direction, and the feed roll having a relatively low coefficient of friction. The effects of contamination on the feed roll are minimized and a more effective and reliable feeding operation is achieved.

This invention relates to sheet aligning and feeding apparatus and in particular to aligning one edge of a sheet against a registration edge while simultaneously feeding the sheet in a forward direction parallel to the registration edge.
This invention is particularly adapted for use with automatic reproduction apparatus for producing multiple copies of original documents. With the introduction of automatic reproduction machines, various devices have been used to feed documents or sheets to be copied onto the platen or copying surface of the reproduction machine.
Many devices for feeding documents rely on the operator manually accurately aligning one edge of the document against a registration edge with the document handler, then automatically transporting the document in a direction parallel to the registration edge while maintaining the document in contact with the edge.
Other devices have been used which do not rely on the operator to manually align one edge of the sheet but rather which permits the operator to more casually approximate the feeding orientation of a sheet being fed relative to a side registration edge. Still other devices have more affirmatively taken control of a document and automatically oriented the document along one edge while feeding in a second direction.


The invention relates to a micro-heating conductor for a radiation source, wherein the micro-heating conductor is formed from a meandering heating conductor structure which has meandering protrusions and spans a heating conductor structure plane with a surface normal, wherein adjacent meandering protrusions are formed in the heating conductor structure plane and so as to face away from one another in opposite directions. The object of specifying a heating conductor geometry which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and can be integrated into compact infrared spectroscopic devices is achieved in that the micro-heating conductor comprises at least two heating conductor structures, wherein the heating conductor structures are arranged next to one another, wherein a surface normal of a heating conductor structure plane of a first heating conductor structure encloses an angle α with a surface normal of a second heating conductor structure plane of a second heating conductor structure and at least two meandering protrusions of the first heating conductor structure are connected to at least two meandering protrusions of the second heating conductor structure and are designed in an electrically interconnected manner, wherein the micro-heating conductor has a homogeneous thickness.

An ideal thermal radiator, a so-called blackbody radiator, emits the maximum amount of energy physically possible at every wavelength λ. The spectral, i.e., wavelength-dependent, specific emission of such a blackbody radiator is described by Planck's radiation law. In thermal infrared radiation sources, the broadband radiant power emitted from a radiating area A is of interest, which is obtained by integration of Planck's radiation law over all wavelengths. The equationPs=σAT4,applies for this radiant power Ps, which is known as the Stefan-Boltzmann law of the black body radiator and in which σ denotes the Stefan-Boltzmann constant.
Real radiators are not blackbody radiators. The emitted radiant power thereof is less than that of the blackbody radiator of equal radiating area A and temperature T. This is because the real thermal radiator does not emit the maximum possible amount of energy at every wavelength λ. The ratio of real emitted amount of energy and maximum amount of energy which can be emitted is referred to as the emissivity E, which is in the range between zero and one. The emissivity of a blackbody radiator therefore has the value of one and is wavelength-independent. The emissivity of a real radiator, in contrast, is wavelength-dependent and is less than one.
The emitted radiant power of real radiators is furthermore reduced in comparison to blackbody radiators in that the radiating area A is not heated through homogeneously at the temperature T, since the heating element is generally fastened on a colder point, for example, on the housing, and this connection dissipates thermal energy from the heating element to the housing as a result of heat conduction. In addition, heat is dissipated via the surrounding gas. A temperature distribution T(A) thus forms on the area A, wherein areas having a maximum and a minimum temperature form on the radiating area. As a result, the emitted radiant power is therefore dependent on the mean temperature of the area A, which results from the arithmetic mean of the temperature distribution T(A).
The radiant power PrS of a real thermal radiator may therefore be described by an adapted Stefan-Boltzmann lawPrS=σεAT4 wherein ε represents the arithmetic mean over the wavelength-dependent emissivity ε(A)
      ɛ    _    =            1      λ                          ∫        λ                                    ɛ                                (            λ            )                                                                    d                                                  λ            and T represents the arithmetic mean of the temperature distribution T(A) on the radiating area A
      T    _    =            1      A                          ∫        A                                    T                                (            A            )                                  dA
The radiant power is accordingly dependent on the fourth power of the mean temperature T and is directly proportional to the mean emissivity ε and the radiating area A. For a high radiant power, the radiating element accordingly has to have a high temperature and a high mean emissivity, which is as close as possible to one. In addition, a large radiating area A having homogeneous temperature distribution is necessary for a high radiant power. Many technical solutions exist for enhancing the emissivity, as described, for example, in the document DE 102012103662 B3.
All thermal radiators function according to the principle of Joule heating or also ohmic heating, i.e., when an electric current flows through a heating conductor, the electrical resistance of the heating conductor works against the current flow, whereby heat is generated. The heat thus resulting heats the heating conductor and is emitted from it via thermal radiation and heat conduction to the housing and/or to the surrounding gas. The heating conductor of an energy-efficient infrared radiator having high radiation yield emits a majority of the electrical energy generated by the applied voltage as thermal radiation again and therefore has to be designed so that the power loss as a result of the heat dissipation to the housing and/or to the surrounding gas is as small as possible.
The heat dissipation to the gas surrounding the radiating heating element or the radiating heating conductor, respectively, can be reduced by filling the housing of the infrared radiation source with an inert gas (for example, argon) and closing it gas-tight. Inert gases are distinguished by a substantially lower heat conductivity than that of air. The heat dissipation of a freestanding heating conductor to the housing of the infrared radiation source can be reduced by enhancing the heat resistance of the heating conductor. The heat resistance of a heating conductor is dependent on the material and its geometry. For typical heating conductor materials, for example, metals, it is proportional to the electrical resistance. A high electrical resistance is also to be considered very advantageous in circuitry, since, according to Ohm's law, lower currents flow in the case of an electrical voltage applied to the heating conductor than in the case of heating conductors having lower electrical resistance. It is described in Ott, T., et al: Efficient thermal infrared emitter with high radiant power, J. Sens. Sens Syst., 4, 313-319, doi:10.5194/jsss-4-313-2015, 2015 that an energy-efficient infrared radiation source has a freestanding heating conductor, which is ideally to be as long and thin as possible, to offer a high electrical resistance, a high heat resistance, and a large radiating area. Long freestanding heating conductors have the disadvantage, however, that they expand in an absolute manner more under thermal load than short ones. They are thus less mechanically stable than short heating conductors.
Thermal infrared radiation sources are primarily used in nondispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analysis. NDIR gas analysis is an optical method for determining the concentration of gases. The infrared radiation of the thermal emitter radiates through the cuvette having the fluid to be measured and is then incident on the sensitive area of the detector. To focus the highest possible share of the emitted infrared radiation of the radiation source onto the detector element, an additional optical unit is frequently integrated into the beam path. The radiating heating conductor therefore always has to be kept in the same position in relation to the optical unit at operating temperature, so that the focusing on the detector element is maintained. A further requirement for heating conductors is therefore mechanical stability. Typical heating conductor materials, for example, metals, expand under thermal load, which results in deformations in conjunction with the fastening thereof, for example, on the housing of the infrared radiator. The deformation is primarily dependent in this case on the temperature, the material used, and the heating conductor geometry.
Four different types of thermal infrared radiation sources have been used in applications up to this point in gas analysis: filament lamps, resistance coils, globars, and thin-film radiators.
Radiators having resistance coils and thin-film radiators are most frequently used in compact infrared-spectroscopy devices. In spite of the high emissivity thereof, globars are not suitable for use in compact infrared-spectroscopy devices, since they usually have to be operated with water cooling and may not be electrically modulated because of the large thermal mass thereof (DE 10 2012103 662 B3). Filament lamps, for example, incandescent lamps having tungsten coils, also do have a very high radiant power, since the temperature of the tungsten coils can be up to 3000° C. However, for this purpose they have to be operated in a protective gas atmosphere or in vacuum, for example, in a glass bulb. The glass is no longer sufficiently transparent for infrared radiation above 4.5 μm wavelength, however, so that this greatly restricts the field of use.
Radiators having resistance coils made of a thin, usually meandering structured metal heating conductor foil, for example, Kanthal or nickel-chromium (U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,726 A), display a broadband infrared spectrum. The radiating element is formed freestanding in this case and is fastened on several housing points, which hold the element in a fixed position and ensure the electrical contact. However, these radiators have the disadvantage that the radiating element has an excessively low electrical resistance because of its short length. Furthermore, the low heat resistance coupled to the low electrical resistance has the result that a majority of the electrical power is dissipated in the form of heat to the housing and is not emitted as desired thermal radiation. One advantage of this structure is the mechanical stability of the radiating element under temperature load, which results from the short heating conductor length. Furthermore, the radiation emitted on both sides can be used by a reflector integrated into the radiator housing.
The spiral heating conductors proposed in Ott, T., et al: Efficient thermal infrared emitter with high radiant power, J. Sens. Sens. Syst., 4, 313-319, doi:10.5194/jsss-4-313-2015, 2015 offer a sufficiently high electrical resistance and a homogeneous temperature distribution over the entire radiating area. The thickness thereof is in the range of several micrometers. These heating conductors are embodied as freestanding, so that the lower and upper sides of the radiating element can be used with a corresponding reflector installed into the housing. However, this heating conductor geometry has the disadvantage of the mechanical instability under thermal load resulting from the unsupported, i.e., freestanding long conductor length, which results in deformations of the radiating element under high temperatures.
In the case of thin-film radiators, for example, as known from DE 102004046705 A1, the radiator element is not formed freestanding, but rather is applied to a thin, nonconductive membrane. The lower side of the heating conductor layer thus cannot be used as a radiating area. Since the heating conductor metallization can be vapor-deposited in very thin form on the membrane, a high electrical resistance of the heating conductor results. In addition, the heating conductor is always held in one position and is thus mechanically dimensionally stable. Since the heat metallization and the nonconductive membrane consist of different materials, they expand differently under thermal load. The material which expands less strongly (generally the membrane), then obstructs the thermal expansion of the heat metallization. Since the radiators are generally operated pulsed, a compression of the heat metallization thus occurs cyclically, which results in cracks and decisively reduces the service life. The membrane radiators are thus limited in the operating temperature thereof, whereby they have a low radiant power. To produce the thin-film radiator, the radiating element consisting of a thin membrane and a heat metallization has to be fastened on a support frame, to be able to fasten it in the housing of the radiation source. This frame cannot be used as a radiating area and thus prevents the optimum utilization of the available installation space as a radiating area. A further disadvantage of thin-film radiators is the inhomogeneous throughheating (hotspot in the membrane center) of the heat metallization, since it is connected by the membrane directly to the heatsink (support frame), and heat is thus always dissipated.
Presently, there is no technical solution for an infrared radiation source having freestanding heating conductor, which operates energy efficiently due to a high electrical and thermal resistance and is distinguished by a high radiant power having long-term stability, which is ensured by a heating conductor, which only deforms slightly under thermal load and has a large radiating area having the most homogeneous possible temperature distribution.
It is therefore the object of the invention to specify a heating conductor geometry which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and may be integrated into compact infrared-spectroscopy devices.


This invention relates to a filter for the partial and at least temporary interruption of a vein, comprising a tube made of polytetrafluoroethylene presenting towards its distal end longitudinal notches distributed symmetrically over its periphery and defining flexible bands, and a conduit made of polytetrafluoroethylene inside the tube; the conduit and the tube are joined for example by thermo-welding by their distal ends. A ring made of a radio-opaque material is preferably included between the distal ends during thermo-welding. The flexible bands open out transversely by the conduit sliding in the tube. They have undergone a treatment of thermo-setting, memorizing in the polymeric structure of the tetrafluoroethylene the opened out form and/or a helical form.

Such temporary filters are known, particularly by Patent FR-A-2 580 504. They are fixed to the distal end of a catheter for introduction and their structure is such that, during introduction into the vein, the elements ensuring filtration are folded into a sheath extending the catheter, and, when the filter has been placed in the vein, said filtering elements open out according to remotely controlled means. In the filter of FR-A-2 580 504, the filtering means are legs which extend, at rest, approximately parallel to one another along the generatrix of a cylinder and the means for opening them out are reversible expansion means located inside the cylinder defined by the filtering legs; by deformation, the expansion means exert on the legs a thrust from the inside so as to open them out in the manner of the spokes of an umbrella, by a sufficient amplitude for each leg to be applied at least in its distal zone against the wall of the vein.
These known filters present two drawbacks: On the one hand, they necessitate a complementary sheath for protecting the filtering legs, arranged at the distal end of the catheter, and adapted to be withdrawn when the filter is opened out in the vein. On the other hand, they require complementary, complex expansion means for opening out the filtering elements, remotely controllable in reversible manner, for example an inflatable balloon with a conduit supplying the corresponding fluid. This renders the structure of the filter and catheter assembly complex and delicate.
In order to overcome the drawbacks set forth hereinabove, document FR-A-2 606 642 proposes a filtering element which is borne at the distal end of the catheter and which comprises a plurality of flexible legs; the opposite ends of these flexible legs are interposed between two members joined together by a means for modifying the relative positions thereof, with the result that approach of the two members along the longitudinal axis provokes the transverse expansion of the flexible legs.
One embodiment cited in document FR-A-2 606 642 provides that the flexible legs result from the cut-out of the tube constituting the distal part of the catheter, said distal part being fast with an inner conduit which may slide longitudinally inside the tube.
This embodiment is particularly simple.
However, Applicant has observed that the presence of such a filter-catheter in a vein might cause blood clots to appear, localized in the immediate proximity of said filter.
It is an object of the present invention to propose a filter-catheter of the type mentioned above, which overcomes the drawback observed.

Filter-catheter and method of manufacturing same


The present disclosure provides user-interface methods and systems for submitting search requests to search engines and presenting search results therefrom customized using content preferences learned about a user, comprising sending query information to at least two search engines, including a query identifying desired content, and user information, including context information describing the environment in which the query information is being sent, and a user signature representing content preferences learned about the user; receiving at least one set of a search result and auxiliary information from the at least one search engine in response to sending the query information, including information describing attributes of the search result that led to the search result being chosen by the at least one search engine; ordering the at least one search result based at least in part on the auxiliary information; and presenting the ordered search results to the user.

There is a proliferation of personal devices such as smartphones, tablets and other devices with relatively large amounts of flash memory paired with relatively small amounts of Random Access Memory (RAM). Such devices arc expected to outstrip the growth of devices such as desktop and notebook personal computers. Personal devices with large amounts of flash memory arc capable of locally storing large amounts of personal data, including but not limited to contact information, email, messages, applications, settings and utilities, documents, music, videos, images, etc.
However, in some implementations, accessing these large amounts of personal data using personal devices is significantly more tedious than on desktop and notebook personal computers because personal devices have small or constrained form-factors, and virtual and/or smaller and/or ambiguous keypads with which to input text. Inputting text to enter intent is almost always more tedious on personal devices than on desktop or notebook computers where user displays and input mechanisms are less constrained. However, systems enabling search and browse functionalities of the large amounts of content on personal devices are still based on those search and browse systems originally developed for desktop and notebook computers.
In view of the foregoing, in some embodiments, it is understood that there are significant problems and shortcomings with federated searching on personal devices based in part, on the difficulty of text input and constrained screen displays, coupled with small amounts of RAM, large amounts of flash memory, and large amounts of personal data.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of and system for conducting personalized federated search and presentation of results therefrom


While relatively transporting a wire to be inspected and a unit including a first light source for emitting a first beam, a second light source for emitting a second beam which intersects with said first beam at a predetermined reference position, and a photodetector for detecting reflection light of said first and second beams derived from said first and second light sources respectively, a relative position between said unit and said wire is detected as a first position when said first beam is reflected from said wire. Then, while relatively moving said unit and said wire, another relative position between said unit and said wire is detected as a second position when said second beam is reflected from said wire. Then, a height of said wire from said reference position is calculated based on an interval between said first and second positions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for inspecting an appearance of a bonding-wire. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for inspecting an appearance of a bonding-wire connecting between a semiconductor chip and a lead frame, for instance, suitably inspecting a height shift from a preset reference plane, and also a positional shift with a horizontal plane.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, semiconductor packages have a large number of pins and are made thinner. Such demands are made that pitches between pins should be narrowed and longer bonding-wires are required in the wire bonding techniques for connecting semiconductor chips with lead frames. As a consequence, severe managements are necessarily required as to the loop shapes of the bonding-wires, and therefore the appearance inspection of the bonding-wire status are very important.
Conventionally, these types of bonding-wires appearance inspecting apparatuses are disclosed in, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,956 issued on Oct. 17, 1989, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Applications Nos. Hei 4-273006 (Sep. 29, 1992) and Hei 5-175312 (Jul. 13, 1993). Then, this conventional bonding-wire appearance inspecting apparatus disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. Hei 5-175132 will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
In the bonding-wire appearance inspecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a bonding-wire 102 is illuminated by an illumination device 101, and the reflection/scattered light from the bonding-wire 102 is imaged by an imaging device 103 mounted above the bonding-wire 102 along the vertical direction. Based on the image signal obtained from the imaging device 103, the focusing coincidence degree of the image signal is processed to obtain the numeral value by the image processing device 104. The imaging device 103 is mounted on a focus controlling device 105 to control the height. Then, while changing the height of the imaging device 103, the bonding-wire 102 is imaged to calculate the focus coincidence degree of the resulting image signal. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of heights F1 to F5 are preset, and the imaging device 103 is transported to image the bonding-wire 102 in such a manner that a focusing element 103a in the imaging device 103 can be focused at the respective heights F1 to F5. Then, the three-dimensional shape of the bonding-wire 102 is calculated by the central processing unit 106 based upon the focus coincidence degree calculated by the image processing device 104 and the height information of the imaging device 103 obtained from the focus control device 105. This three-dimensional shape calculation of the bonding-wire 102 is performed for all of plural bonding-wires 102 on a X-Y stage 107 by transporting the X-Y. stage on which these bonding-wires, 102 are mounted. The information indicative of the calculated three-dimensional shape of this bonding-wire 102 is displayed on a display device 108.
In this conventional bonding-wire appearance inspecting apparatus, a plurality of images for the same bonding-wire must be acquired, while changing the focus positions of the imaging device 103. As a consequence, very lengthy time to input image data is required to detect the height of the bonding-wire 102. Also, since a large number of images must be processed, very complex image processing operations must be carried out.
Further, when the bonding-wire 102 is largely inclined, the reflection light from this inclined bonding-wire cannot be sufficiently detected by the imaging device 103. As a result, the appearance of the inclined bonding-wire 102 could not be inspected in high precision.
Moreover, since this conventional inspecting apparatus is equipped with no means for imaging two-dimensionally whole the semiconductor chip with the bonding-wire, the positional shift of the bonding-wire within the horizontal plane could not be inspected in high precision nor in high speed.

Method and apparatus inspecting bonding-wire status using a plurality of light sources


A data recovery circuit may include a data sampling unit suitable for sampling source data including an edge data using data clocks and an edge clock, a data extraction unit suitable for extracting the edge data from sampled data outputted from the data sampling unit, a control signal generation unit suitable for generating a phase control signal in response to the edge data, and a multi-clock control unit suitable for controlling phases of the data clocks and the edge clock in response to the phase control signal.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to semiconductor design technology, and more particularly, to a data recovery circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor apparatus including double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM) performs various operation in response to external data and a clock. The dock is used for various purposes within the semiconductor apparatus, but is specially used to synchronize data. Accordingly, a corresponding high-speed clock is necessary to process high-speed data. It is, however, very difficult to transmit the high-speed data and the high-speed clock from a transmission circuit to a reception circuit at the same time and to minutely control the timing. Thus, with advances in technology, only data is transmitted and recovered without transmitting both data and a clock. A circuit for enabling this transmission operation is a data recovery circuit.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are timing diagrams illustrating an overall operation of a typical data recovery circuit. An example that 10 data DAT is inputted as one set is described below, for purpose of description.
FIG. 1 shows 10 edge clocks CLK_E and 10 data docks CLK_D corresponding to the respective data DAT. The 10 edge clocks CLK_E are clocks to be placed at the points of time at which the respective data DAT shift, and the 10 data clock CLK_D are clocks to be placed in the middle of the respective data DAT.
The edge clocks CLK_E and the data clocks CLK_D that are internally generated may not be placed at the points of time at which the data DAT shifts and in the middles of the data DAT when being initially generated. Accordingly, the edge clocks CLK_E are first controlled through a locking operation so that the edge clocks CLK_E can be placed at the points of time at which the data DAT shifts. The locking operation means an operation of detecting points of time at which the data DAT shifts and controlling the edge clocks CLK_E to be placed at the points of time at which the data DAT shifts. Since the data clock CLK_D is generated to have a specific phase difference from the edge clock CLK_E, the data clocks CLK_D are naturally placed in the middles of the data DAT when the locking operation is completed. Accordingly, when the locking operation is completed, a data recovery circuit may sample the data DAT in response to the data clock CLK_D and perform a data recovery operation.
On the other hand, the data DAT does not always have a data value that continues to toggle/oscillate like a clock. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, sections {circle around (1)} and {circle around (2)} in which the same data value as a previous data value is maintained may be generated in the 10 data DAT. Accordingly, in the sections {circle around (1)} and {circle around (2)} in which the shift operation of the datum DAT is not performed, a locking operation, which is an operation of detecting a point of time at which the datum DAT shifts and an operation of controlling the phase of the edge clock CLK_E, is meaningless.
As described above, in order to recover the data DAT, a plurality of the edge clocks CLK_E and a plurality of the data clocks CLK_D are used. To this end, a clock generation circuit for generating the plurality of edge clocks CLK_E and the plurality of data clocks CLK_D is to be included in the data recovery circuit. However, since the clock generation circuit occupies a relatively wide area and consumes relatively great power, it may become a burden on circuit design of the data recovery circuit. Furthermore, an operation of controlling phases is to be performed on the plurality of edge clocks CLK_E and the plurality of data clocks CLK_D. Here, when taking into consideration the area of a circuit for the operation of controlling phases, a burden on the design of the data recovery circuit may inevitably increase.

Data recovery circuit and operating method thereof

Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University


A capillary system for a fluid indicator includes a fluid restrictor, and a capillary tube. The fluid restrictor has a small aperture formed therethrough. The capillary tube is adapted to receive a fluid. The fluid restrictor is sealingly affixed into at least one end of the capillary tube so that the small aperture communicates between the inside of the capillary tube and the outside of the capillary tube. The capillary tube is optionally treated so that an inner surface is oilophobic and hydrophobic. The system better controls the interface or meniscus 14 between the fluids contained in the capillary tube, preventing mixing.

This invention relates to hydraulic fluid systems, and in particular, hydraulic systems used in consumer products in which at least two fluids occupy a single container, and the level of the interface between the fluids is to be adjusted.
What is needed is a means of limiting fluid flow or restricting it to a controlled flow so that the fluids do not mix when a meniscus between the fluids is moved.

Capillary flow control system for fluid indicator


A jug or container is provided with a buckle and strap assembly which is removably attached to the jug. The jug includes an outer wall with a pair of recesses and a pair of upper and lower attaching lugs within each recess. A buckle is removably attached to each pair of lugs. Each buckle includes an elongated body with upper and lower latches which engage the attaching lugs. Three transverse slots are provided in the body between the latches. A strap is adjustably secured to the buckle by passing through the upper slot, the middle slot, the lower slot, and back through the upper slot.

This invention relates to containers such as jugs which are supported by a carrying strap. More particularly, the invention relates to a detachable buckle and strap assembly for a container.
The invention finds particular utility in a jug for holding liquid, and the specific embodiment described herein is a jug. However, it will be understood that the invention can also be used with other containers which are supported by a carrying strap.
Containers such as jugs are often equipped with a carrying strap so that the user can conveniently transport the container by slipping the strap over one shoulder or by holding the strap with one hand. The strap should be adjustable so that the length of the strap can be varied as desired. There may be times when the user does not need the strap, and it is advantageous if the strap can be removed easily.
The invention provides a detachable buckle and strap assembly which easily snaps on and off attaching lugs on the jug. The attaching lugs are located in recesses in the side wall of the jug so that when the buckles are attached, the buckles are substantially flush with the side wall. When the buckles are detached, the lugs do not protrude from the recess beyond the side wall. When the jug is used without the strap, there is little likelihood that the recessed lugs will snag on objects, and the jug has a pleasing appearance. The strap passes through slots in each buckle, and the length of the strap is readily adjustable.

Jug with detachable buckle and strap assembly