Techniques for generating 3D images using multi-resolution camera set are described. In one example embodiment, the method includes, disposing a set of multi-resolution cameras including a central camera, having a first resolution, and one or more multiple camera groups, having one or more resolutions that are different from the first resolution, that are positioned substantially surrounding the central camera. Images are then captured using the multi-resolution camera set. A low-resolution depth map is then generated by down scaling the captured higher resolution image to lower resolution image. Captured lower resolution images are then up-scaled. A high-resolution depth map is then generated using the captured image of the central camera, the up-scaled captured images of the one or more multiple camera groups, and the generated low-resolution depth map. The 3D image of the captured image is then generated using the generated high-resolution depth map and the captured images.

High quality, computationally-tractable 3D from images is a critical and essential enabler for many application markets. Two human eyes see a scene from different positions, thus giving us a sense of depth oldie scene. The differences between the two views of the scene, called binocular disparity, allow our brain to calculate the depth for every point, on the scene visible by the two eyes. A similar result could be achieved by using two cameras simultaneously capturing the scene and then comparing the two resulting images in order to compute depth information. This could be accomplished by moving individual pixels of one image to match pixels on another image. The degree of movement necessary, called disparity, depends on the distance from the cameras to the object resulting in the particular pixel pair, and also depends on the distance between the two cameras. The goal is to fine tune the best match of pixels from different cameras in order to calculate the most accurate depths.
There are several implementations using large number of cameras organized in two-dimensional arrays. One example implementation is Stanford Multi-Camera arrays. These arrays capture light fields defined as a set of two-dimensional (2D) images capturing light from different directions for the whole scene. Using a larger number of cameras increases the accuracy of the depth map obtained. Another example implementation of camera arrays is the Pelican Imaging system which uses set of low-resolution R, G, and B cameras positioned directly on top of image sensor chip. Both these systems are using lower resolution depth maps in order to obtain higher resolution RGB images, sometimes called super-resolution images.
For traditional cameras, depth of field depends on the so-called F ratio of the lens, which is the ratio of the focal length of the camera lens to the width of the lens aperture. Depending on the F ratio, there can be a particular range of distances from the camera on either side oldie focal plane in which the image is sharp. Because a camera set produces three-dimensional (3D) images, which includes 2D color images plus we can compute the depth for every pixel of the image which called depth map. Using depth map and color image closed to all-in-focus it is possible to generate all in focus image. It is also possible to produce images with different synthetic aperture (level of blurring outside of in focus area), and also to control areas of the image, which are in focus (synthetic depth of field). This could be accomplished at any selected depth after the image had been shut. This feature is being called dynamic refocusing. The maximum synthetic aperture could be defined by size of camera set, synthetic apertures of the individual cameras as well as the accuracy of the generated depth map.
Generally, camera arrays use multiple cameras of same resolution and as a set; camera arrays contain information that allows generating an output image at a resolution higher than the original cameras in the camera array, which is, typically, called as super-resolution images. Generation of super-resolution images by camera arrays have to overcome number of challenges. The most important challenges are: handling of occlusion areas, holes, accuracy and resolution of depth map, total number of computations to be performed (computational complexity), and/or occlusions.
Occlusions are one of the fundamental complications in generation of Super-resolution images using camera arrays are the occlusions. Occlusions are the areas which are seen by some of the cameras, but are not visible from the view of the other cameras because they are in the "shadow" of the other parts of the image (other objects in the image). Depth calculation requires at least two cameras seeing the same pixel. Special handling of occluded zones requires a determination of which cameras see a particular pixel and discarding information from the camera or cameras for which this pixel is occluded. It is possible that some of the pixels are seen by only one camera, and for such pixels depth cannot be determined.
Holes are parts of the image where it is not possible to determine depth map. An example is where there are flat areas in, the image that do not have discernible textures, so there is no specific information within this area that will allow matching of pixels from different cameras, and therefore depth cannot be determined. The other special area is related to some special occlusion cases where there could be pixels which are visible only by central camera. For both of these cases, generation of super-resolution images will tail for some areas of the image and will create holes, which could be filled later with some level of success by quite sophisticated heuristic interpolation methods.
Traditional camera array techniques include using one of the cameras as a reference camera and then for each pixel of reference camera perform parallax shift operation on other cameras in order to determine depth at this pixel. Parallax shift for any given pixel depends on actual 3D position of this pixel and the distance between the cameras. This process usually involves performing parallax shift for number of depths. Conceptually, parallax shift is performed for each of these depths for all participating cameras in the camera array and then so called "cost function" for this depth is being generated. Then the depth with the minimal cost function will be defined as the depth for this pixel. Different implementations are using number of additional techniques for final determination of pixel depth. One of the objectives of these techniques is to find absolute minimum of cost function and to avoid the use of local minimum of cost function as a final depth for given pixel.
Initial depth set could be selected to minimize computations and the final depth could be refined by repeating the depth search for the new set of depths close to initial pixel depth. At the end of this process final depth for every pixel at reference camera position (excluding holes) is being determined and depth map is being formed. The resolution of this final depth map is typically the resolution of the reference camera.
The importance of getting accurate depth map for the generation of super-resolution images cannot be overestimated. The depth map is used to superimpose all images from the camera array onto the super resolution grid. Any error in the depth map will cause the placement of pixels from other than the reference camera in the wrong position, causing image artifacts. Usually such artifacts are more visible for areas that are closer to the cameras, resulting in big disparities, because the parallax shift for pixels corresponding to them is larger. This can be especially true when a camera array consists of mono-color R, G and B cameras, because placing a color pixel at the wrong place can be highly visible to the human eye.
However, determining final depth map using existing techniques produce depth map having the same resolution of the cameras in the camera array, which is, typically, lower than the super-resolution of output image and such low-resolution depth maps may be computationally intensive and could be very expensive both in terms of the total number of parallax computations for a large number of depths, and also due to the fact that the large number of images horn different cameras being used simultaneously puts a lot of pressure on efficient memory use. Further, the use of high-resolution camera arrays may significantly increase hardware costs as well. Furthermore, existing techniques may require using laser or Time of Flight (TOF) systems that may be expensive, too big and may result m inflexible industrial design constraints.

Generating 3D images using multi-resolution camera set


A instrumentation system is disclosed for providing improved reliability when used in a vehicle. The vehicle instrumentation system includes a plurality electronic component units and a reference portion which functions as a platform. The electronic component units have connecting portions, while the reference portion has mounting portions that have a plug-in structure. The electronic component units are mounted to the reference portion via the mounting portions. The vehicle instrumentation system receives current through the connecting portion of one of the electronic component units and through the connector of the reference portion. Current through the reference portion is prevented from introducing noise through the connecting portions of the electronic component units because it passes directly from the vehicle battery through a fuse box.

In recent years, various electronic components and devices, such as an illuminated key entry system, a defogger timer, a seat belt warning system, a light turning-off reminding warning system, a key takeout reminding warning system, power door locks, and a keyless entry system, have been independently installed and distributed in a vehicle. These electronic components are electrically connected with a meter unit mounted in front of the driver's seat. The electronic components are controlled by system means such as a microcomputer incorporated in the meter unit. The state of the vehicle detected by the electronic components is displayed on the meter unit if necessary for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 203553/1995.)
Integration of the distributed, independent electronic components is considered as a means for achieving cost reduction. The combination of the required electronic components differs according to the vehicular specifications for specific climatic areas or the vehicle grade. Therefore, if electronic components are integrated simply according to the combination, then the number of variations increases. Consequently, large cost reduction cannot be expected.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 276571/1994 discloses a multiplexed transmission device for a vehicular electric system. This multiplexed transmission device is separate from electronic components, unlike the prior art device. Since these two kinds of systems can be separately developed and manufactured, it is possible to prevent the total number of components including both electronic components and multiplexed transmission device from increasing. Even with this structure, however, the number of variations described above cannot be sufficiently decreased.
Accordingly, the present applicant has proposed novel means in Japanese Patent Application Nos. 60601/1997 and 69497/1997. In particular, electronic components other than the meter unit are classified and integrated into plural electronic component units. Mounting means are provided to mount and detach the electronic component units to and from the meter unit. A control portion for controlling the electronic component units and a power-supply portion for supplying electric power to the electronic component units are mounted in the meter unit. The electronic component units are controlled and energized via the mounting means. The present invention is an improvement over this proposed instrumentation system. It is an object of the present invention to improve the reliability of instrumentation devices.


A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete. The apparatus includes a furnace, a housing around the furnace, a furnace exhaust in communication with the furnace, a housing exhaust in communication with the housing, means for drawing an airflow though the furnace and into the furnace exhaust, means for drawing a separate airflow though the housing and into the housing exhaust, and a junction between the exhausts that forms a common exhaust from the housing and the furnace.

Compositions formed of mixtures of asphalt and aggregates materials are one of the most widely used materials for paving roads and highways. Although the term "asphalt" is commonly used to refer to the road material, it more properly applies to the "tar" portion of a mixed composition of tar and aggregate. Thus, the asphalt is a dark brown or black cementitious material, which is solid or semi-solid in consistency, in which the predominating constituents are bitumens which occur in nature or are obtained as byproducts from petroleum refining. Asphalt is a mixture of paraffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen. Asphalt is also referred to as "petroleum asphalt," "Trinidad pitch," or "mineral pitch." Asphalt is a black solid or viscous liquid that has a flash point of about 450.degree. F. (232.degree. C.), an auto-ignition temperature of about 900.degree. F. (482.degree. C.), and softens from its solid or semi-solid state to a viscous liquid at approximately 93.degree. C. Other typical uses of asphalt include roofing, joint filling, special paints, adhesive and electrical laminates, and hot belt compositions, a dilutent in low-grade rubber products and a number of other applications. These and other properties and uses of asphalt are generally well known in the art and can be found, for example, in Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th Edition (1993).
In paving compositions, asphalt is typically present in an amount of about 5% by weight. With respect to such compositions, the percentage of asphalt and the nature and size of the aggregate material (typically rocks and sand) used to make the composition are important for the proper structure and characteristics of the final road structure. For example, typical roads are formed of three layers of asphalt and aggregate compositions. The bottom most layer includes rocks of one inch or greater average size, sand, and the asphalt. An intermediate layer generally includes a composition formed of somewhat smaller rocks, typically 0.5-1 inch in diameter, again with sand and asphalt. Finally, a top layer is usually applied which has the smallest rocks, typically 0.5 inches or less in diameter plus sand and tar.
Because the aggregate generally represents more than 90% of a hot asphalt mix, aggregate gradation (i.e., the different particle sizes that are present in the blend) profoundly influences the properties of the hot mix (such as air voids, workability, and the amount of asphalt binder required) and the resulting properties of the pavement (such as stiffness, stability, and durability) (e.g., Aljassar et al., Toward Automating Size-Gradation Analysis of Mineral Aggregate, Transportation Research Record, Issue Number: 1437, pp. 35-42 (1994)). In this regard, research on asphalt-aggregate compositions has become quite detailed, including for example quantifying the influence on resistance to rutting when rounded, smooth, sand-sized aggregate particles are replaced by rough, angular, porous particles while other aggregates and the total gradation remain unchanged (e.g., Perdomo, D. and Button, J. W., Identifying and Correcting Rut-Susceptible Asphalt Mixtures, Final Report, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University, Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp, Federal Highway Administration, Report Number: Fhwa/Tx-91/1121-2F;Res Rept 1121-2F;TTI: 2-8-87/91-1121, Pag: 164p), or evaluating the effect of the amount of soil binder (i.e., the smallest aggregate particles) on the engineering properties of asphalt-treated paving materials (Ping, and Kennedy, The Effects of Soil Binder and Moisture on Black Base Mixtures, Texas University, Center for Highway Research, Austin, Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp Report Number: FHWA/TX79/08+183-12 Intrm Rpt.;FCP 45C2-352 Pag: 127p (1997)). Aggregate gradation is frequently determined by the well-known and widely used sieve analysis method.
Accordingly, as these exemplary references indicate, depending upon the conditions under which a road is used (e.g., traffic patterns and weather conditions), the composition of any one or more of the asphalt layers must be carefully designed and monitored. Additionally, because the aggregate materials are typically taken from local quarries, and the manufacture of the composition is not an exact science, the asphalt and aggregate compositions must be frequently tested, both as they are being made and after they have been applied to a roadway, to make sure that they meet the appropriate requirements.
Thus, there exists a need for determining: (1) the weight percentage of asphalt; and (2) the aggregate size distribution in a given sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition. In one conventional method of analysis, the percentage of asphalt is determined by a solvent extraction technique which uses chlorinated hydrocarbons to separate the asphalt from the aggregate materials. Because the solvents are generally considered to raise a hazard to persons who are exposed to their vapors, the solvent testing is becoming more and more disfavored, and indeed is expected to eventually become prohibited under appropriate environmental regulation.
In a second conventional method, a weighed sample of the composition is placed into a furnace which is then heated until the asphalt in the composition ignites. The asphalt is then allowed to burn until it is entirely consumed after which the remaining aggregate is weighed. The difference between the starting and ending weight is a measure of the composition of asphalt in the composition.
There are, however, at least two problems with this conventional ignition technique. First, in conventional conduction and convection heating, the burning asphalt can carry the combustion to temperatures of up to 900.degree. C., i.e., a state which is somewhat out of control. These extreme temperatures can cause particular problems in the equipment or in handling the hot material or even confining the resulting fire.
Second, and perhaps just as important, the extreme temperatures tend to degrade the physical characteristics of the aggregate in the mixture, including its size. Thus, because the aggregate remaining after the asphalt has been burned off is typically measured to determine whether it is of the proper size, the size degradation resulting from the conventional ignition test leads to a certain inaccuracy in measuring the sizes of aggregate in any given sample.
As another problem, if the aggregate contains carbonate compounds, the excessive heat can drive off carbon dioxide, thus changing both the chemical and physical characteristics of the aggregate. Finally, the conventional ignition techniques tend to cause a loss of "fine" aggregates--literally blowing them away--so that such fines are neither sized nor weighed, further acerbating the accuracy problem.
Accordingly, the need exists for a method of determining the amount of asphalt in an asphalt-aggregate combination which avoids the use of environmentally disfavored solvents, which more carefully controls the combustion and which avoids the breakdown in the aggregate materials that tends to result in improper sizing following such testing.
In co-pending parent application Ser. No. 09/045,392 an improved technique for asphalt-aggregate analysis is disclosed that takes advantage of the properties of microwave radiation to provide improved methods and apparatus for the combustion-based analysis of asphalt-aggregate mixtures. It has now been discovered that such apparatus and methods can be enhanced--and the time required for analysis greatly reduced--by additional control of the appropriate airflows, and by incorporating improved structural elements.

Microwave apparatus and method for analysis of asphalt-aggregate compositions


A steam or reactant system is provided for a roller compactor to provide improved compaction or functional characteristic of powdered materials, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The steam or reactants can be added through conduits terminating in nozzles adjacent the nip zone of the compaction rollers. The injection nozzles can be directed tangentially from the above the rollers or laterally from the sides of the rollers. In one embodiment, the moisture is in the form of steam. The resulting compacting sheet has improved compaction characteristics and reduced compression variability.

Roller compactors are often used for densification and dry granulation of powdered material. The roller compactor compacts the powdered or granular material between two rollers under pressure to produce uniform sheets of compacted powder, with a desired hardness and density. The compacted sheets can then be used to manufacture granules for various purposes, such as free flowing granules for automatic packaging of products, high density granules for reduced product packaged sizes, and granules for high speed tableting or encapsulation, with consistent dust-free purity and size.
In a conventional roller compactor machine, powder material from a hopper is pre-compacted with a screw feeder that delivers the powder to the rollers. The screw feeder may be tapered straight, helical, or a combination tapered and straight screw, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,256.
Some types of material do not compress consistently. For example, some types of powdered active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) passed through a roller compactor product granule with varying compression results, resulting in tablets with variable characteristics due to particulate size variation, crystal morphology, reaction to heat or pressure, and/or chemical variability from differing suppliers.
Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved roller compactor which mitigates compression variability of powdered materials.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a roller compactor using steam treatment to enhance powdered material compression.
A further objective of the present invention is a provision of a roller compactor having steam added adjacent the nip zone to improve compaction of powdered material by the rollers.
Still another objective of the present invention is a provision of a method of producing a compressed product from powdered material using a roller compactor machine with steam.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved roller compaction machine for compacting powdered materials into sheets having consistent compression characteristics.
Another objective of the present inventions is the provision of an improved roller compaction machine which compacts powdered material which does not compact well in conventional roller compactor systems.
Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a compacted API product made by introducing moisture adjacent the nip zone of a roller compactor so as to minimize compression variability of the compacted product.
Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of a compacted API product made by introducing chemicals or reactants adjacent the nip zone of a roller compactor so as to minimize compression variability of the compacted product or to complete a reaction in the raw materials.
Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision is that the where steam or other reactants are introduced the compressed sheet produced does not increase significantly in moisture content.
These and other objectives have become apparent from the following description of the invention.


A display panel includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including a main sub-pixel and a secondary sub-pixel; a plurality of first scan lines, each of the first scan lines being coupled to main and secondary sub-pixels of a row of pixels; a plurality of second scan lines, each of the second scan lines being coupled to secondary sub-pixels of a row of pixels; a plurality of first data lines, each of the first data lines being coupled to main and secondary sub-pixels of (N+1)th and (N+2)th rows of pixels; a plurality of second data lines, each of the second data lines being coupled to main and secondary sub-pixels of (N+3)th and (N+4)th rows of pixels; a scan driver for turning on the main and secondary sub-pixels of the pixels; and a data driver for outputting data signals; wherein N is a multiple of 4, and N≧0.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display panel, and more particularly, to a display panel capable of improving image quality.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Because a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel has advantages of thin appearance, low power consumption, and low radiation, the liquid crystal display has been widely applied in various electronic products for panel displaying. The operation of the liquid crystal display panel is featured by varying voltage drops between opposite sides of a liquid crystal layer for twisting the angles of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer so that the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer can be controlled for illustrating images with the aid of light provided by a backlight module. In general, a liquid crystal display panel comprises a plurality of pixels, a scan driver, and a data driver. The data driver is configured to provide a plurality of data signals to the plurality of pixels via data lines. The scan driver is configured to output a plurality of scan signals to turn on corresponding pixels via scan lines.
When resolution of the liquid crystal display panel is higher, the scan driver needs to turn on the pixels at higher frequency, correspondingly, time for turning on the pixel is shorter. If time for turning on the pixel is insufficient, the data signals can not be written into the pixels completely, so as to affect images of the liquid crystal display panel. Especially, when the liquid crystal display panel is utilized to display 3D images, the scan driver needs to turn on the pixels at twice of the original frequency, such that time for turning on the pixel is decreased to a half of the original time. The liquid crystal display panel of the prior art may have bad image quality, or even can not display images correctly when displaying high resolution images or 3D images due to insufficient time for turning the pixels.

Display panel and driving method thereof


A method for routing data through a packet communications network including the steps of generating a concatenated data packet containing a plurality of messages for transmission to a plurality of radios in the network, appending a first set of assignment commands and destination codes to the concatenated data packet, and transmitting the concatenated data packet to a first set of radios of the plurality of radios in a single transmission. The method further includes the steps of extracting messages from the concatenated data packet for the first set of radios, appending a second set of assignment commands and destination codes to the concatenated data packet, and relaying the concatenated data packet to a second set of radios of the plurality of radios in a single transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptive protocol for packet communications network of the present invention forms the concatenated data packet in a headend radio. The data packet includes the set of codes for the first set of radios directly communicating with the headend radio. The data packet is transmitted to the first set of radios in a single transmission during each frame. Messages having a destination code for a radio of the first set of radios are extracted and sent to a host device serving the first set of radios. The data packet is reformatted to include the second set of codes and is retransmitted to the second set of radios in a single transmission.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communications systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for routing data packets through a packet communications network.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
2. Description of the Related Art
Packet communication networks are known in the art and can support a central control site that is used to control and monitor a plurality of remote sites. The central control site can be comprised of a computer to perform controlling and monitoring functions. The remote sites can include microprocessor based systems that perform monitoring and control of local equipment. An example of a system that is suitable for incorporating a packet communication network is a traffic light system. The control function of the central control site might be the coordinated timing of multiple traffic lights in an area while the control function of the remote site might be the control of a single traffic light.
The function of a packet communication network is to support the transmission of binary data or messages between computers. The messages are routed through a network where a network is defined as an arbitrary arrangement of radios. Routing of the messages is accomplished through available radio frequency (RF) links between points in the network. Each radio within the packet communication network maintains a data base that allows the radio to relay all received messages to a further destination along the most direct path. The routing of a message by a radio along the path serves as a relay since the message is received, processed and retransmitted to a further radio destination. This function is referred to as store and forward relaying and is accomplished by a method known as the Minimum Hop Approach. The Minimum Hop Approach involves an algorithm that is employed to determine the shortest path between two points, e.g., network radios. The Minimum Hop Approach and the associated algorithm are known in the art and can be found in a textbook entitled Telecommunication Networks by Mischa Schwartz published by Addison-Wesley, copyright 1987.
In general, packet communication networks are a form of data communications in which data packets are routed between central control and a remote station. Error checksum and receipt verification methods can also be incorporated. Several methods of data packet routing are known in the art. According to one method, the address in the header of the data packet is used as an index to a directory of packet routing lists. Packet routing lists must be prepared with knowledge about the location of each radio in the network. Each radio is identified by a header code or bit and a packet routing list consists of an ordered list of radio header bits or call signs. Directory-based routing techniques require continued maintenance and communication of the network interconnectivity information employed in the directory. Each of these functions drains the resources of the network and can become unmanageable in a large network.
Another basic technique of routing data packets through packet communication networks is nondirectory-based. In nondirectory-based routing, the complexities associated with routing techniques are avoided. The construction of the network is simplified since there is no connectivity information. However, nondirectory-based routing techniques do not permit network parameter optimization as do the directory-based routing techniques.
Two basic architectures of packet communication networks are known. In an earlier design, a central control computer transmitted data packets to and received monitoring information from the individual remote radios. A major problem associated with this network is time limitation. The data packet must be received and processed, the most direct path to a destination radio must be identified and then the data packet must be retransmitted to hundreds of remote radios at the rate of one message at a time once per second. Because of this delay, packet communication networks are unable to support rapid communications systems.
In a more current design, packet communication networks are optimized for communications in which any remote radio can communicate with any other remote radio. Further, current designs provide the ability to network communications over a large geographical area with line-of-sight remote radios. However, several disadvantages exist with the current design of packet communication networks. First, the radio design requires on the order of one second per relay hop to transmit a data packet from one remote radio to another. Second, each message of the data packet must be handled as a separate transaction, e.g., on a message-by-message basis. In support of the control and monitoring functions, each message from the central control computer must be handled independently from the other messages. Third, the radio is unable to concatenate multiple messages into a single packet where each message has a different destination.
Radio technology employed in the past exhibited very slow switching times when transferring between the receive and transmit modes. The switching times of analog components such as a transceiver were on the order of many milliseconds. Therefore, tens-to-hundreds of milliseconds of radio switching time were lost during the relaying of the data packets. Spread spectrum radio technology is now commercially available. This technology is provided with improved radio switching times on the order of one millisecond. Notwithstanding the faster switching times available in the advanced radio technology, the previously described problems continue to inhibit the performance of packet communication networks.
Thus, there is a need in the art for improvements in routing data packets through packet communication networks.

Adaptive protocol for packet communications network and method


A fastener delivery tube (1) is connected between a supply of fasteners, such as rivets (2), and the nose of a fastener setting machine. The delivery tube (1) is connected to an outlet tube (7) of a source of compressed air (3), the outlet tube (7) having an internal bore substantially equal in size to the internal bore of the delivery tube (1). The supply of fasteners is connected to the delivery tube via a feeder tube (9) and transfer gate (4). The transfer gate (4) is sealed so as to prevent leakage of air from the delivery tube (1). The arrangement reduces turbulence in the delivery tube (1) ensures that friction between the fastener (2) and the tube (1) is reduced and permits compressed air to be supplied at significantly lower pressure than has heretofore been possible.

The term "fastener" is used herein to describe rivets, screws, slugs or other types of fastening devices.
It is well known to distribute rivets or other fasteners (e.g. studs, nuts, bolts) between a supply and a setting tool of a riveting machine or setting tooling within a press by conveying them individually in delivery tubes by compressed air propulsion. A delivery tube of this kind typically has an internal passageway that is configured to conform closely to the shape of the fastener. Additional compressed air may be admitted into the tube at one or more locations along the length of the tube by means, for example, of T-junctions, branch tubes, or elbows connected between a supply of compressed air and the delivery tube, to propel the rivets along the length of the tube.
There are several problems associated with compressed air delivery tubes of the kind described above. First, there is a tendency for fasteners to jam in the tube. This renders the tube inoperable until steps have been taken to clear the blockage. It is often desirable to be able to transport a plurality of fasteners at once along a delivery tube but this significantly increases the tendency to jam. Secondly friction between the fasteners and the tubes causes tube wear. Delivery tubes have to be inspected at regular intervals for wear as a worn tube may be susceptible to blockages or slower feed rates causing increased cycle times. Moreover, wear often results in accumulation in the delivery tube of external dirt, dust or moisture or trace particles of the fastener, fastener coating or tube and they may also cause blockages and slower feed rates.
Compressed air pressure normally decreases along the length of the delivery tube owing to losses (such as for example leaks or friction losses). The desired pressure is generally maintained by supplying further air at booster points (in the form of T-junctions and branch tubes etc.) along the length of the tube and/or by increasing the pressure of the compressed air at source. The increase in air pressure and the addition of booster points increases air turbulence within the tube. If the flow of air is not as smooth as possible there is an increased tendency for fastener jams and the resultant scraping contact can in turn cause wear in the tube. The decreasing air-pressure owing to losses can also cause heavier fasteners to lose momentum so that they fail to reach the end of their journey with sufficient speed unless compressed air booster points are employed.
Existing delivery tubes are often lubricated to ensure that fasteners are transferred at acceptable speeds, and to reduce wear and friction. However, over a period of use the ingress of dirt can result in the tube becoming clogged by a paste comprising the combination of the dirt or trace particles and lubrication oil or moisture.
Known compressed air fastener delivery systems operate at an air pressure of between 5 and 6 bar. This pressure is normally required to ensure sufficient fastener momentum throughout the length of the delivery tube so that it reaches the desired destination despite friction losses or minor obstacles (dirt etc.) in the tube, and/or to accommodate air loss through leakages. A further disadvantage is that known systems may require the continuous application of such air pressure at 5–6 bar to maintain effective performance, as opposed to controlled blasts. Moreover, owing to the above limitations, known systems cannot reliably feed fasteners over long distances, the maximum possible tube lengths being typically 8 m–15 m.
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages and to provide for fastener delivery apparatus that operates at higher transportation speeds, greater distances (typically in excess of 100 m) and lower air pressures (and therefore lower air consumption rate and cost) than currently possible without the use of a lubricant.


The one or more processors of an electronic device execute program code. While executing the program code, measurements are performed on the electronic device to obtain first data. Further, execution of the program code is monitored to obtain second data, e.g., debug information. The measurements are coordinated with the monitoring of the execution of the program code.

In various technical fields, power saving and power efficiency is an important aspect of product design. While energy efficiency is generally desirable in view of costs associated with energy generation, it is also of particular relevance in the case of battery operated devices. In this case, a better energy efficiency can increase the time a device can be operated without recharging or changing the battery (also referred to as battery life).
One example of devices where energy efficiency is considered to be of high relevance are IoT (Internet of Things) devices, which are electronic devices equipped with communication functionalities which are utilized without specific user activity, e.g., sensors or actuators. The potential number of such devices is expected to be much higher (exceeding 50 Billion in the next few years) than in the case of conventional user operated communication devices (such as mobile phones), which means that these devices may also cause significant energy consumption.
In the case of battery operated devices, energy efficiency also has an impact on usability. For example, high energy consumption and associated poor battery life may adversely affect user experience and render a product unattractive to consumers.
During development of a product, it may however be a demanding task to identify problems causing excessive energy consumption and to solve such problems, specifically in view of the fact that such problems may arise from software running on the device, hardware running on the device, or from interaction of the software and hardware.
There are measurement equipment for current, power and energy measurements available that can be used in product development, ranging from simple measurement tools to advanced systems for power analysis. In many cases, expensive advanced systems as well as high levels of experience and expertise of developers are needed to identify and solve problems causing excessive energy consumption.

Measurement coordination by monitoring of program code execution


A hanger running tool includes a hanger-contacting segment configured to move radially to engage a corresponding groove formed in a hanger to couple the hanger running tool to the hanger. The tool also includes a piston assembly comprising a first piston configured to couple to a seal assembly. The hanger running tool is configured to run the hanger and the seal assembly simultaneously into a wellhead, and actuation of the first piston is configured to energize the seal assembly to seal an annular space between the hanger and the wellhead.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Natural resources, such as oil and gas, are used as fuel to power vehicles, heat homes, and generate electricity, in addition to a myriad of other uses. Once a desired resource is discovered below the surface of the earth, drilling and production systems are often employed to access and extract the resource. These systems may be located onshore or offshore depending on the location of a desired resource. Further, such systems generally include a wellhead through which the resource is extracted. These wellheads may have wellhead assemblies that include a wide variety of components and/or conduits, such as various casings, hangers, valves, fluid conduits, and the like, that control drilling and/or extraction operations. For example, a long pipe, such as a casing, may be lowered into the earth to enable access to the natural resource. Additional pipes and/or tubes may then be run through the casing to facilitate extraction of the resource.
In some instances, a casing hanger may be provided within the wellhead to support the casing. In some cases, a tool is utilized to facilitate running and lowering a seal into the wellhead to form a seal (e.g. annular seal) between the casing hanger and the wellhead. Some tools may lock the seal in place within the wellhead via rotational movement of the tool. However, rotating tools may increase wear on the wall of the wellhead and/or may increase the duration of the seal locking process.

Casing hanger running tool systems and methods


A navigation system having two sensors and two circuits. A travel sensor sends a pulse whenever a vehicle travels a predetermined distance. An angular velocity sensor outputs a voltage corresponding to an angular velocity of the vehicle. A correction circuit calculates the angular velocity from both a reference voltage that corresponds to an angular velocity of zero and an output voltage from the angular velocity sensor. A reference voltage resetting circuit monitors the pulse from the travel sensor; sets, as an effective sampling interval, at least a part of a interval from the end of a predetermined first cancellation interval after the pulse stops until the start of a second cancellation interval prior to a resumption of the pulse; calculates an average value of the output voltage of the angular velocity sensor, which has been periodically sampled during the effective sampling interval; and resets the reference voltage to the average value.

This invention relates to a navigation system to be mounted on a vehicle.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 61275/87 discloses a navigation system comprising a microcomputer, an angular velocity sensor, and a travel sensor. The angular velocity sensor outputs a voltage that corresponds to an angular velocity of a vehicle generated when the vehicle changes its direction. The output voltage from the angular velocity sensor is converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter. The travel sensor sends a pulse every time the vehicle travels a predetermined distance. The microcomputer receives the digital angular velocity; calculates, from the pulses coming from the travel sensor, the distance the vehicle has travelled; and then computes a current position of the vehicle from the angular velocity and distance travelled.
Even if the angular velocity of the vehicle is constant, the output of the angular velocity sensor varies slightly with temperature and other conditions. Thus the navigation system disclosed in the above publication requires a correction circuit. This correction circuit takes the output voltage of the angular velocity sensor when the vehicle is stopped as a reference voltage for zero angular velocity. And the correction circuit uses the reference voltage to correct the output of the analog-to-digital converter to a presumptively accurate angular velocity. The correction circuit works by monitoring the pulse from the travel sensor and resetting the reference voltage after a predetermined interval of no pulse. This procedure of resetting the reference voltage continues until immediately before the pulse from the travel sensor resumes.
However, the navigation system disclosed above has disadvantages. When the vehicle is moving slowly, the travel sensor may send a pulse later than when the vehicle actually starts to move. If the vehicle changes direction as it starts to move, before the pulse is sent, the correction circuit takes the output voltage of the angular sensor as the no-motion voltage and resets the reference voltage, even though the angular velocity of the vehicle is not zero. Because the correction circuit has reset the reference voltage to the output voltage when the angular velocity is not zero, it becomes practically impossible to determine the angular velocity accurately thereafter. Moreover, the reference voltage, reset to the output voltage from the angular velocity sensor immediately before the pulse is sent, may not be reliable, because a number of factors can cause the output voltage from the angular velocity sensor to vary.

Navigation system with accurate determination of angular velocity


A confectionery product having improved shelf life comprises one or more sensation producing ingredients having relatively high moisture absorbing characteristics; and confectionery having relatively low moisture absorbing properties; wherein the one or more sensation producing ingredients is at least substantially encased in the confectionery such that the confectionery serves as a moisture barrier to improve the shelf life of the confectionery product.

The present invention pertains to improved shelf life for confectionery products having a relatively high level of moisture absorbing ingredients, and more particularly pertains to sour confectionery products and methods for producing sour confectionery products to provide improved shelf life and consumer acceptance.
A wide variety of sour confectionery products have gained increased preference among consumers. In particular, there has been a recent trend toward increasingly sour tasting confectionery products, including gum products among others.
It is known to use citric acid, tartaric acid, and/or other food acids to provide confectionery products with a sour sensation. For imparting a conventional, low-level sourness to confectionery products, citric acid or other food acid is mixed in with the confectionery product. However, when attempting to provide high levels of sourness in confectionery products, e.g. when providing citric acid, tartaric acid, or other food acid in a ratio of approximately 3% food acid to confectionery by weight or greater, several shortcomings are realized. Principal amongst these shortcomings is that the hygroscopic characteristic of citric and other food acids results in an unacceptably large amount of water being absorbed by the product, thereby shortening its shelf life to an unacceptable level. Also, direct contact of high concentrations of citric and/or other food acids with the internal mouth surfaces and/or the tongue of the consumer may result in discomfort to the consumer.
Hence, there is a need for confectionery products and methods for producing confectionery products which allows for high levels of citric and/or other food acids to be provided for imparting the desired high-level sourness, while preventing the water absorption problems currently encountered with high-level citric acid or other food acid confectionery products. There is also a need for such high-level citric and/or other food acid confectionery products and methods for producing such confectionery products which do not cause discomfort to the consumer.
Additionally, there is a trend toward stronger xe2x80x9cburstsxe2x80x9d of sensations in confectionery products such as flavors, cooling agents, sweetness, and the like. This may be achieved by providing relatively high concentrations of the ingredients or agents which produce these sensations. Many of these ingredients have relatively high moisture absorbing properties. Such high concentrations of relatively high moisture absorbing ingredients in typical confectionery products results in them having unacceptably short shelf lives due to moisture absorption deteriorating the quality of the product.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a confectionery product having citric acid in it in an amount of 2% or greater of citric acid to confectionery product is provided, in which the citric acid is at least substantially entrapped and encased by the confectionery product.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an elongated strip of confectionery product is provided having an upper layer of confectionery product, a lower layer of confectionery product, and a layer of citric and/or other food acid encased between the upper and lower confectionery product layers wherein the citric and/or other food acids are present in a ratio of greater than 3% by weight of the overall confectionery product.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an elongated strand or strip of confectionery product is produced by extruding first and second sheets of confectionery, applying citric acid to one or more surfaces of the sheets of confectionery, and securing the first and second sheets of confectionery to one another to at least substantially encase the citric acid internally of the sheets of confectionery.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, high concentrations of sensation producing ingredients having relatively high moisture absorbing properties are encased in confectionery product having significantly lower moisture absorbing properties, to provide reduced moisture absorption of the product and extended shelf life.

Confectionery products having improved shelf life and methods for their production


The invention is directed to an extremely low-capacitance device for shaping an electron beam. The device is based on a ceramic body having a monolithic multi-layer structure. The manufacture of the ceramic body ensues with the assistance of LTCC technology, whereby this method is designationally modified. The body is constructed of pre-sintered ceramic layers whose lateral shrinkage is suppressed. The through apertures of the electrodes for the electron beam are thus arranged exactly coaxially, and the tolerances of the electrode dimensions are decoupled from the shrinkage during sintering. The electron beam of an electron gun is focused and the intensity thereof is modulated with the assistance of such a device.

Electron tubes are often employed in technology, thus, for example, in electron microscopes or monitors. The object of many developments in the field of electron tubes is to improve the resolution of the devices wherein these tubes are employed. The resolution of such a device is dependent on, among other things, the electron gun that is integrated in the electron tube of the device. The electron gun generates an electron beam. It comprises an electron source and a suitable arrangement of electrodes. For example, a heated cathode that emits electrons excited by thermal energy comes into consideration as electron source. The electrodes serve as diaphragms of the focussing, of the intensity modulation and, potentially, of the deflection of the electron beam.
According to the current state of the art, electron guns of high-resolution monitors contain the following structure: the cathode and a first grid electrode are combined in a metal pot that is fused into a glass mount of the electron tube. Two further grid electrodes that are likewise fused into the glass mount are attached in a propagation direction of the electron beam.
In order to achieve an extremely high resolution of the monitor, the extremely fine through apertures of the grid electrodes or, respectively, electrode plates for electron focusing must be exactly circular and arranged exactly coaxially relative to one another. Over and above this, an extremely low-capacitance structure of the electrode arrangement is a basic pre-requisite for achieving a.high signal bandwidth.
These demands have not yet been satisfactorily met by the conventional tube technology. For example, the coaxial alignment of the through apertures for the electron beam is possible to only a limited extent due to the separate fusing of the electrodes in glass.
An alternative solution proceeds from U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,363. The apparatus disclosed here for shaping an electron beam is a ceramic body in monolithic multi-layer structure having at least electrode ceramic layer that comprises at least one through aperture for the electron beam. The electrode ceramic layer is composed of ruthenium oxide, an electrically conductive ceramic material. The electrode ceramic layer itself is thereby an electrode with whose assistance the electron beam can be shaped. In one embodiment, a plurality of electrode ceramic layers and insulating ceramic layers for insulation of the electrode ceramic layers are arranged in alternation in the propagation direction of the electron beam. Since a whole electrode ceramic layers respectively forms an electrode, a low-capacitance apparatus is difficult to achieve.
An object of the invention is to provide a low-capacitance means for shaping an electron beam and a method for the manufacture thereof.
This object is achieved by an apparatus for shaping an electron beam, composed of a ceramic body in monolithic multi-layer structure having at least one electrode ceramic layer that comprises at least one through aperture for the electron beam and at least one electrode arranged at the through aperture, the electrode ceramic layer comprises glass ceramic and the electrode is composed of an elementary metal.
In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is annularly arranged around the through aperture. At least two electrodes are successively arranged along the propagation direction of the electron beam. The body may have at least one insulating ceramic layer that comprises a through aperture for the electron beam. A plurality of electrode ceramic layers and insulating ceramic layers of the body may be arranged in alternation along the propagation direction of the electron beam. In one example, one electrode is electrically insulated from at least one second electrode. Further, one electrode is electrically conductively connected to at least one second electrode. Specifically, the body comprises at least one electrical contacting composed of said metal. The metal comprises at least one substance from the group of gold, copper, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver and/or tungsten.
An exemplary embodiment provides that a plurality of electrodes and electrical contactings are arranged such that a capacitance arrangement is formed whose capacitances lie below 3 pF. The body is connected by glass solder to a cathode for generating the electron beam.
The invention also relates to employment of an apparatus according to the foregoing for the intensity modulation and focusing of the electron beam.
A method for the manufacture of an apparatus includes:
at least two ceramic layers each having at least one through aperture for the electron are fabricated from a green ceramic film containing a binding agent, whereby at least one of the ceramic layers is fashioned as electrode ceramic layer;
the ceramic layers are stacked such upon employment of a first stacking device that the through apertures are arranged above one another; and
the ceramic layers are sintered to form the body under single-axis pressure and the sintering temperature of the ceramic material employed.
Preferably, for fabricating the ceramic layer,
at least one through aperture is produced in the green ceramic film;
at least two green ceramic films are stacked such upon employment of a second stacking device that the through apertures are arranged above one another;
the stacked green ceramic films are laminated to form a composite;
the composite is freed of the binding agent at elevated temperatures; and
the composite is pre-sintered to a ceramic layer at a temperature that lies under the sintering temperature of the ceramic material employed.
The method for fabricating the ceramic layer includes the manufacture of an electrical through-contacting in the ceramic layer, whereby
at least one contacting opening is produced in at least one green ceramic film, said contacting opening being filled with electrically conductive material. In a preferred development, electrically conductive material is applied on a surface of the ceramic layer following the pre-sintering for fabricating an electrode ceramic layer. Specifically, electrically conductive material is applied on the surface of at least one green ceramic film for fabricating an electrode ceramic layer. Exemplary embodiments of the method provide that at least one substance from the group of gold, copper, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver and/or tungsten is selected as electrically conductive material. For manufacturing the ceramic layer,
the green ceramic films are stacked such on top of one another that the uppermost and the lowest green ceramic film of the composite comprise ceramic material whose sintering temperature lies above that of the ceramic material that the green ceramic films lying therebetween in the composite comprise; and
the ceramic material sintering at the higher temperature is removed after the pre-sintering. In one embodiment, a green ceramic film that comprises aluminum oxide is employed as the first and last green ceramic film in the stacking.
According to the first mentioned embodiment, an apparatus for shaping an electron beam composed of a ceramic body in a monolithic multi-layer structure having at least one electrode ceramic layer is provided that has at least one through aperture for the electron beam and at least one electrode arranged at the through aperture. This apparatus is characterized in that the electrode ceramic layer comprises glass ceramic and the electrode is composed of an elementary metal.
This apparatus, which is referred to below as an electrode arrangement as well, comprises, for example, three electrodes and serves the purpose of focusing the electron beam in an electron gun.
The ceramic body is preferably shaped as a flat, round cylinder and has at least one through aperture through which the electron beam can be guided.
The electron arrangement is monolithically constructed of a plurality of ceramic layers. The individual ceramic layers are preferably differently constructed and thus also assume different functions. Electrode ceramic layers comprise electrodes with appertaining electrical contactings, for example in the form of interconnects. The electrodes are thereby attached to the through aperture, preferably at the surface of the electrode ceramic layer. Insulating ceramic layers serve the purpose of insulating the electrode ceramic layers from one another and arranging these at a defined spacing from one another. Electrode ceramic layers and insulating. ceramic layers are preferably arranged in alternation in the propagation direction of the electron beam.
The electrical contactings enable the definition of the potential of the electrodes. The interconnects are preferably arranged in the inside of the ceramic body.
Each of the through apertures of the electrode ceramic layers is, in particular, exactly circular. Each electrode is preferably shaped as a ring of electrically conductive material. It is especially advantageous when the ring is closed. However, it can also be subdivided into individual electrodes. The inside diameter of the ring preferably corresponds to the diameter of the through aperture of the ceramic at the corresponding location. These diameters, however, can also deviate from one another. In particular, deviations from an exactly circular shape can be desired when distortions of the electron beam are compensated, these deriving from the overall structure of the electron tube in the electron beam generation. For example, the through aperture and the electrode ring of an electrode ceramic layer can be elliptically shaped.
The compensation of distortions that has been addressed also succeeds, for example, in that different potential is applied to two or more electrodes of a subdivided electrode ring of an electrode ceramic layer.
Sintering glass the ceramic particularly comes into consideration as ceramic material, this, for example, containing aluminum oxide, boron oxide or earth alkali oxide. The composition of the glass ceramic is thereby selected such that the ceramic becomes denser in the temperature range of the melting point of the metal employed. In order to inventively achieve an optimally low-capacitance structure of the electrode arrangement, the material of the ceramic bodyxe2x80x94over and above thisxe2x80x94must comprise an optimally low, relative dielectric constant (for example, 6xe2x89xa6xcex5xe2x89xa68).
The electrodes and the contactings are composed of molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver or tungsten. Other metals such as copper or gold are just as possible, as are alloys of said metals such as, for example, silver/palladium. The interconnects are preferably composed of the same material as the electrodes. Different material, however, is also conceivable.
It is especially advantageous when an electrode ceramic layer has a plurality of electrodes that are successively arranged in the propagation direction of the electron beam. These electrodes can be electrically conductively connected, to one another. In particular, the electrodes can also be electrically insulated from one another. As a result thereof, different potentials can be applied to the electrodes in the electron beam generating process. Such an arrangement replaces the desire of classic tube technology of using conical through apertures for the focusing and intensity modulation of the electron beam.
The electrode arrangement can comprise a plurality of through apertures through which a respective electron beam is conducted. Such an arrangement is used, for example, in color picture tubes having three beam systems. A separate electron beam is generated for each of the three primary colors (for example, blue, yellow, red).
For employment in electron tubes, it is especially advantageous when the electrode arrangement has electrical contactings available to it in the form of through-contactings. An electrical through-contacting, for example, penetrates one or more ceramic layers. For example, two electrodes of an electrode ceramic layer are electrically conductively connected to one another via an electrical through-contacting.
For example, the electrode potentials are defined with the electrical terminal locations that are arranged at the surface of the ceramic body and that are connected to the electrodes via interconnects and/or through-contactings. It is especially advantageous when the electrical through-contactings, interconnects and terminals are arranged such in and/or at the electrode arrangement that an optimally low-capacitance structure results. This means that the electrical contactings that are supplied with different potential are optimally decoupled.
Additional control functions of an electron gun can be integrated in an especially simple way in the ceramic electrode arrangement with the assistance of electrical terminal locations and/or contactings. For example, the drive of the cathode can ensue via such electrical connections. It is especially advantageous when, in this case, the cathode is connected to the electrode arrangement, for example via a ceramic base and with glass solder. As a result thereof, additional holes and lines in the housing of the cathode are superfluous. The manufacture of an electron gun is thereby substantially simplified. Moreover, possible leaks are avoided that could deteriorate the evacuation of the electron tube.
An electrode arrangement disclosed here can be integrated in glass in an electron gun by fusing in a traditional way. It serves the purpose of intensity modulation and focusing of the electron beam. It is especially advantageous when the electrode arrangement, as described above, is directly connected to the electron source.
Additionally, further component parts of an electron tube can be connected via glass solder to the electrode arrangement such as, for example, the principal lens of an electron tube.
The manufacture of a disclosed electrode arrangement in monolithic multi-layer structure preferably ensues in LTCC (low-temperature co-fired ceramic) technology. This technology is suitable for the manufacture of monolithic ceramic multi-layer systems with integrated, passive components (see, for example, D. L. Wilcox, Proc. 1997 ISHM Philadelphia, pages 17-23). This technology is particularly suited for ceramic component parts into which material such as gold, copper or silver having extremely good electrical conductivity is to be integrated.
The critical method steps of LTCC technology are:
Manufacture of a green ceramic film containing an organic binder, this comprising the glass ceramic.
Producing openings in the green ceramic film that are intended for contacts.
Filling the openings with electrically conductive material.
Printing the green ceramic film with electrical conductor structures.
Stacking the green ceramic films on top of one another and laminating them to form a composite.
Sintering the composite to form a body having monolithic multi-layer structure.
Due to the densification of the ceramic material during the sintering process, a volume decrease of 10-20% occurs. If the LTCC technology or a similar method were utilized in a known way for manufacturing an electrode arrangement, it would particularly be lateral tolerances that would have to be accepted, these being unacceptable in view of the demands made of a high-resolution monitor. The LTCC method is therefore modified.
Pre-sintered ceramic layers are stacked on top of one another and sintered together in the manufacture of the electrode arrangement. The pre-sintering ensues at a temperature that lies below the sintering temperature of the ceramic material employed. The shrinkage process of the ceramic is merely ended after the pre-sintering. As a result thereof, the influence of the shrinkage of the ceramic on the occurring tolerances is suppressed.
As a result of this modification of the LTCC technology, longitudinal tolerances of the electrode dimensions of xc2x15 xcexcm can be achieved. Over and above this, the coaxial alignment of the grids is considerably improved. However,it is particular an extremely low-capacitance structure of the focusing unit of up to 1 pF that can be realized with the assistance of this technology.
In addition to these advantages over the prior art, the invention, with the method on the basis of the LTCC technology, offers a cost-beneficial, easily modified and automated manufacturing process of the ceramic electrode arrangement. The LTCC technology can be very easily employed in a multi-up.
The manufacture of a green ceramic film ensues according to known methods. The green ceramic film is tailored to the desired shape by cutting or punching, this, for example, being potentially the direct shape of the electrode arrangement as employed, for example, in an electron tube. Or, the form is selected that is customized for further-processing of the green ceramic film (for example, in multi-up).
The apertures or, respectively, holes in the green ceramic film are produced by punching in an especially simple way. Other methods for structuring green ceramic films such as, for example, photolithography or the production of apertures with the assistance of laser emission can likewise be employed here.
In view of the electrode arrangement, at least one through opening is produced in the green ceramic film through which the electron beam is conducted in the electron beam generating process. A plurality of such through openings come into consideration when a plurality of electron beams are to be manipulated with the assistance of the electrode arrangement (for example, in electron tubes of color monitors).
Additional holes are produced in addition to this through opening that occurs in each green ceramic film. These are selected according to the specific functions that are to be integrated into the electrode arrangement with the corresponding green ceramic film. When, for example, a vertical electrical through-contacting is to be produced through a ceramic layer, all green ceramic films that are stacked on top of one another for the manufacture of the ceramic layer are given a hole at the same position. This hole is filled with metal in a further method step. The stencil printing method is thereby especially advantageous.
In addition to the openings on which the functionality of the electrode arrangement is based, it is especially advantageous to produce additional holes in the green ceramic films, the manufacture of the electrode arrangement being greatly simplified with their systems. Thus, for example, centering holes in the manufacturing process enable an exact superimposed stacking of the green ceramic films. It is especially advantageous to generate hole structures in the green ceramic films that correspond to the shape of the electrode arrangement to be manufactured. Individual, pre-sintered ceramic layers or the complete sintered electrode arrangement can be easily separated from one another with the assistance of these holes.
After the holes have been produced, electrically conductive material is applied onto the surface of the green ceramic film for producing the electrodes and interconnects, whereby green ceramic electrode films arise. The silk-screening method can be especially advantageously applied here. Other methods such as, for example, stencil printing are likewise conceivable. A metal paste is thereby attached to the through opening for the electron beam for the electrode. It is especially advantageous to shape the electrode as a ring, so that the opening and the inner clearance of the ring are arranged above one another. The outside diameter of the ring is selected as small as possible in order to obtain an optimally low-capacitance arrangement. It is especially advantageous to attach a respective electrode to the upper side and underside of the green ceramic film. During the course of the manufacturing method, the two electrodes can be electrically conductively connected or can remain insulated from one another.
The electrodes are connected by applying interconnects, for example with electrical through-contactings. An electrical connection from an electrode to a through-contacting, however, can be delayed until after a green ceramic film with a ring electrode and a ceramic film having a printed interconnect are stacked on top of one another and laminated.
In contrast to the traditional LTCC technology wherein all required green ceramic films are laminated and sintered in common, the green ceramic films here are stacked on top of one another to form smaller composites, are laminated, freed of organic binding agent and sintered to form individual ceramic layers. The sintering ensues at a temperature that lies under the sintering temperature Ts of the ceramic material employed. The temperature difference amounts, for example, to 100 K. In the second step, the pre-sintered ceramic layers wherein different functions are preferably integrated are stacked on top of one another and re-sintered under pressure at the sintering temperature Ts of the ceramic. The pressure that, for example, is produced with a weight load enables the ceramic layers to grow planarly together.
The decisive modification of the LTCC technology is the division of the sintering into two sintering processes. The shrinkage of the ceramic has been nearly ended after the pre-sintering. Accordingly, the ceramic becomes hardly any denser in the second sintering process. As a result thereof, hardly any distortions of the electrode arrangement that could be attributed to different densification of the ceramic occur in the second sintering process.
In addition to the indicated possibility, these distortions can be suppressed by applying a sintering technology that suppresses the lateral shrinkage of a ceramic during sintering. For example, green ceramic films that comprise different ceramic material are thereby sintered together. It is especially advantageous when the uppermost and the lowest green film of a laminated stack of green films contain a ceramic material that exhibits a higher sintering temperature than that of the green films in the inside of the stack. The laminated stack is sintered at the sintering temperature of the inner ceramic material, so that only this material densifies. The non-densifying, outer ceramic material prevents the lateral shrinkage of the inner ceramic material. The densification of the inner ceramic material occurs only perpendicularly relative to the foil planes. Let aluminum oxide be cited as an example for the ceramic material of the outer green ceramic films.
Another possibility of preventing lateral shrinkage is comprised in compelling an oriented densification of the ceramic with single-axis pressure.
After the sintering process, the ceramic layers may have to be post-processed under certain circumstances. Ceramic layers that comprise defined layer thicknesses and exactly planar surfaces are obtained by grinding and/or polishing the surfaces. This is important particularly in view of the coaxial alignment of the through apertures for the electron beam.
The grinding and/or polishing is particularly needed when the sintering technique being considered having the green films that contain different ceramic material is applied. The outer ceramic material must be removed from the surfaces of the ceramic layers before the ceramic layers are stacked on top of one another.
When the surfaces of the pre-sintered ceramic layers are ground, then electrically conductive material must be applied onto the ceramic layers after the grinding depending on the function of the ceramic layer.
The through apertures themselves must likewise be post-processed under certain circumstances in order to adhere to the prescribed tolerances of the electrode dimensions. The post-processing preferably ensues mechanically (for example, by grinding or laser drilling). Other methods such as, for example, photolithography or material erosion with a laser beam can likewise be utilized here.
The stacking of the green ceramic films and of the ceramic layers beneficially ensues in a respective stacking device. The stacking device, for example, is shaped such that the films or, respectively, layers can be arranged in the device with an exact fit. It is especially advantageous when the device has centering pins available to it that correspond to the centering holes of the ceramic bodies. The green ceramic films or, respectively, ceramic layers can be stacked exactly on top of one another with the assistance of the centering holes and pins. Moreover, this prevents individual layers from slipping laterally during the processing. The, centering of green ceramic films or, respectively, ceramic layers stacked exactly above one another is of critical significance for the coaxial alignment of the electrodes.
The material of which the stacking devices are composed is selected such that no adhesion arises between device and glass ceramic. Over and above this, the material must have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity so that no temperature gradient occurs during the course of the sintering. Silicon carbide is especially suited for this application. Other materials such as, for example, zirconium oxide are likewise conceivable.
A particular advantage derives in that the LTCC technology can be easily applied in multi-up. This means that a plurality of identical structures (for example, 2xc3x972) are produced in a green ceramic film. There are various possibilities for the further-processing: after the lamination of the green ceramic film multi-ups, the overall stack is divided, for example by cutting, into individual, identical sub-stacks that are subsequently sintered separately from one another. Alternatively thereto, the laminated, green ceramic film multi-up can be de-bonded and sintered, whereby the sub-stacks are separated from one another, for example by sawing, after the sintering.
The following procedure is especially advantageous in view of the manufacture of the electrode arrangement: additional hole structures are produced in the green ceramic film in the method step of producing holes. These hole structures are, for example, quadratically arranged on the green ceramic film. The above-described holes or, respectively, hole structures are located in the inside of each square.
The green ceramic film multi-ups are pre-sintered as described above to form a multi-up of ceramic layers. The hole structures make it possible to separate the ceramic layers, for example by breaking them out. The separated, pre-sintered ceramic layers are sintered together during the further course of the process as recited above.
Alternatively thereto, multi-ups of the pre-sintered ceramic layers can be sintered together. It lies at hand here to use the same stacking device that is employed for producing the ceramic layer multi-ups. The separation only ensues after the ceramic layers have been sintered together to form a monolithic ceramic body.
The sintering of detached ceramic layers, however, has the advantage that shrinkage tolerances and inhomogeneities can be intercepted significantly more easily. Moreover, it is possible to separate faulty parts out before the further-processing. A low reject rate and a high process dependability are connected therewith.

Device for shaping an electron beam, method for producing said device and use thereof


A bath mat comprises a base member made from a first elastomeric material and at least one contrast member differing from the base member but manufactured to be integral with the base member through an over-molding or co-molding process. The contrast member differs in color and/or hardness or feel from the base member providing improved aesthetics and functionality.

This invention relates to bath mats of the type to be removably placed in the bottom of a bath tub or shower and operable under wet conditions.
Bath mats are commonly used in households throughout the United States. The mats are often placed in a bath tub having a shower curtain and stood upon while one takes a shower. Such bath mats are often rectangular sheets of flexible polymeric material having uniform characteristics and color. Bath mats are sold through general merchandising channels of trade and are available from numerous sources. Available bath mats add only minimally to the appearance and functionality of a bathroom.

Integral bath mat with zoned characteristics and method of making a bath mat


A method, computer-readable medium, and a computer system for automatically generating sentiment data are disclosed. One or more portions of at least one document may be determined to be associated with at least one sentiment of one or more other portions of the at least one document. One or more scores associated with the at least one sentiment may be automatically determined based on at least one respective attribute of the one or more portions. The at least one respective attribute may include a positive category, a negative category, a neutral category, a degree associated with a positive sentiment, a degree associated with a negative sentiment, some combination thereof, etc. In this manner, data associated with sentiment of one or more portions of at least one document may be generated.

Conventional search engines commonly use keywords from a user-input search query to locate and display webpages. For example, if a user were interested in learning about which countries border the United States, the user may enter a search query of "country bordering United States." In response, a conventional search engine would typically return webpages with all or some of the four words "country," "bordering," "United," and "States."
Although conventional search engines may be used to locate webpages that contain certain words, it is difficult or impossible to determine sentiment using conventional search engines. For example, if a user wants to learn about people's opinions of the performance of the Toyota Land Cruiser, a search query may be input that includes the words "Toyota Land Cruiser" and "performance."However, such a query would typically cause a conventional search engine to return many irrelevant webpages which contain information other than the sentiment of the performance of the Toyota Land Cruiser. As such, a user must wade through a large number of search results to find the desired sentiment if at all. Thus, determining sentiment using a conventional search engine is difficult and inefficient.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method of sentiment data generation


A supervised start system for microprocessor based appliance controls and effective to prevent unwanted start operation of the associated appliance due to failure of a critical component of the starting system. The starting system requires a mechanical operation to effect starting of the associated appliance and the system tests all critical components thereof and failure of one component thereof will either render the associated appliance inoperative or cause an obvious but safe malfunction of the associated appliance.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to microprocessor based appliance controls and, more particularly, to an improved supervised start system for microprocessor based appliance controls.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, microprocessor based appliance controls have been utilized for controlling a wide variety of household appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, television sets and other appliances. Such microprocessor based appliance controls have become increasingly sophisticated as a result of the increasing versatility and capabilities of microprocessors which are programmed to perform a multitude of functions with integrated circuit components. However, age, environmental conditions and other factors sometimes cause critical components of the starting systems of the microprocessor based appliance controls, including the microprocessors themselves, to fail with the result that "phantom starts" may occur, i.e. a critical component of the starting circuitry of the microprocessor based appliance control may fail with the result that an unattended appliance, such as a microwave oven, may start and lock into a full power mode or other condition which is considered unsafe. By way of example, in a microwave oven, any unattended start of magnetron operation is considered unsafe.

Supervised start system for microprocessor based appliance controls


A variable-directivity microphone device comprises at least three microphones. First and second microphones spaced apart by specific distances and facing in the same direction and a third microphone facing in the opposite direction. A directivity varying control capable of undergoing displacement between at least three positions, a first mixer operating, while the control is between a first and a second position, to mix, in accordance with the position thereof, the third microphone signal with the first microphone signal and, while the control is between the second and third positions, to cause the third microphone output signal to be zero, and a second mixer operating, while the control is between the second and third positions, to mix the first and second microphone output signals with varied mixing quantity and, while the control is between the first and second positions, to cause the output signal of the second microphone to be zero. The directivity obtained from the first and third microphone output signals mixed through the first mixer in accordance with the displacement of the control between the first and second positions being varied between a state of non-directivity and a primary sound-pressure gradient unidirectivity. The directivity obtained from the output signals of the first and second microphones mixed through the second mixer in accordance with the displacement of the control between the second and third positions being varied between a primary sound-pressure gradient unidirectivity and a multiple-order sound-pressure gradient unidirectivity.

The present invention relates generally to variable-directivity microphone devices and more particularly to a variable-directivity microphone device in which at least three unidirective microphone units are combined in a specific arrangement, and the respective output signals of these microphone units are mixed with varied mixing ratios, whereby the directivity is varied widely, and zooming of the acoustic or sound image can be carried out with ample sense of distance change as sensed by the listener.
Heretofore, as a microphone device capable of varying directivity, there has been a microphone device of a constitutional arrangement wherein two unidirective microphones are disposed in opposition, and their outputs are mixed with varied mixing ratio. In this device, a final output signal is obtained by varying the mixing ratio thereby to make possible variation of the directivity of the microphone device, as a resultant effect, from a state of non-directivity, through bidirectivity, up to unidirectivity.
However, in this known microphone device, the range of variation of the directivity is narrow, whereby there is the drawback of insufficient acoustic image zooming effect with ample sense of distance change.


A magnetoresistive medium for sensing magnetic fields is formed by a metallic alloy that contains spinodally decomposed ferromagnetic particles having at least one thickness dimension equal to or less than approximately 0.01 .mu.m.

In prior art, a magnetoresistive sensor device ("magnetoresistive head") typically has comprised a piece of magnetoresistive material through which a constant current I was driven, while it was arranged in physical proximity to a magnetic medium, such as a ribbon or wire, in which bits of information data were stored. Each of the bits typically was manifested by a magnetic orientation or magnetic pole strength of a localized magnetized region of the medium. As magnetic medium was moved such that different regions in succession were in closest proximity to the piece of magnetoresistive material, a change in voltage V across the piece of magnetoresistive material is developed in accordance with the resulting succession of bits that had been stored (and remain stored) in the medium. In this way a magnetoresistive sensor device was formed, with the voltage V measured as a function of time t, thus indicating the spatial sequence of bits stored in the medium. The device thus (nondestructively) can read the information contained in the medium. The device was called a "magnetoresistive transducer" because it thus convened a stream of magnetic information into a stream of electrical resistance (=V/I) information.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,590 describes a magnetic sensor comprising a structure including a first and a second thin film layer of ferro-magnetic materials separated by an intermediate thin film layer of a non-magnetic metallic material. The first thin film layer is magnetically soft relative to the second thin film layer. However, although operative, such a structure involves complex and expensive processing of the layers.

Spinodally decomposed magnetoresistive devices