A telephone outlet simultaneously supporting both standard telephony and data communications over telephone wiring within a residence or other building. The outlet typically contains a low pass filter, connected between the telephone wiring and the telephone connector pins used for telephony (e.g. pins 2 and 3 in typical North-American RJ-11 connectors). In addition, a direct, unfiltered connection to the telephone wiring is supported via two other unused pins (e.g. pins 1 and 6 in typical North American RJ-11 6-pin connectors), thus allowing the connection of modems and high pass filters for access to the high frequency portion of the spectrum for data communications. Benefits include easy and direct connection of a telephone set or data devices to the same outlet, and elimination of the need to modify the telephone with low-pass filters or to provide an external module with a low-pass filter in series with the telephone. The direct, unfiltered connection to the telephone wiring also permits using a modified telephone having a low-pass filter, or an external module if so desired.

The present invention relates to the field of wired communication systems, and, more specifically, to the networking of devices over telephone wiring via outlet connections.
There is an ongoing trend toward using telephone wiring within a building as media for data communication. As part of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), telephone wiring is both common and widespread, and is typically configured for the voice spectrum to enable speech communication from one telephone to another. It is well-known in the art that such a system can be used for data communication as well as telephony by employing frequency domain/division multiplexing (FDM) which splits the bandwidth carried by a wire into a low-frequency band capable of carrying an analog telephony signal and a high-frequency band capable of carrying data communication or other signals. Such a mechanism is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,448 to Reichert et al. Using telephone wiring for both telephony and additional service is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,896 to Goodman et al. Also is common are xDSL systems, primarily Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL) systems. Recently, there has also been a trend for using telephone wiring for data networking simultaneously with telephony and ADSL signals. Such systems are described, for example, in WO 99/12330 to Foley, U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,899 to Foley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,443 to Dichter (hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cDichterxe2x80x9d), and others. FIG. 1 shows a graph 10 which shows the frequency spectrum for FDM. A POTS signal 11 occupies the 0 to 4 KHz bandwidth, while ADSL signals 12 usually span from 100 KHz to 1.5 MHz, and in-home data network signals 13 (and similar applications) occupy the 5-10 MHz band.
The term xe2x80x9canalog telephonyxe2x80x9d herein denotes traditional analog low-frequency audio voice signals typically under 3 KHz, sometimes referred to as xe2x80x9cPOTSxe2x80x9d (xe2x80x9cplain old telephone servicexe2x80x9d), whereas the term xe2x80x9ctelephonyxe2x80x9d in general denotes any kind of telephone service, including digital service such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). The term xe2x80x9chigh-frequencyxe2x80x9d herein denotes any frequency substantially above such analog telephony audio frequencies, such as that used for data. ISDN typically uses frequencies not exceeding 100 KHz (typically the energy is concentrated around 40 KHz). The term xe2x80x9ctelephone linexe2x80x9d herein denotes electrically-conducting lines which are intended primarily for the carrying and distribution of analog telephony, and includes, but is not limited to, such lines which may be pre-existing within a building and which may currently provide analog telephony service. The term xe2x80x9ctelephone devicexe2x80x9d herein denotes, without limitation, any apparatus for telephony (including both analog telephony and ISDN), as well as any device using telephony signals, such as fax, voice-modem, and so forth. The term xe2x80x9cData Terminal Equipmentxe2x80x9d (DTE) herein refers to any device or apparatus which can handle or process data, including, but not limited to, computers and controllers. The term xe2x80x9cdata communicationsxe2x80x9d herein refers to the sending and/or receiving of data between any devices or apparatus, including, but not limited to, network communications such as a local area network.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a prior-art in-home telephone wiring system 20. A junction box (not shown) is used to separate the in-home circuitry from the PSTN and is used as a test facility for troubleshooting as well as for wiring new telephone outlets in the home. A telephone set 26a connects to the telephone wiring, which is usually a wire pair 21a and 21b. Connection is done via a telephone outlet 22, of which there are commonly a number located at convenient places within the home, and which typically utilize a standard RJ-11 (xe2x80x9cRegistered Jackxe2x80x9d) connector, which employs either four or six contacts (pins). FIG. 2 illustrates the six-pin RJ-11 form, although the four-pin configuration is also common in North America. Telephone outlet 22 has a female RJ-11 connector 23 (usually referred to as the xe2x80x9cjackxe2x80x9d). Telephone set 26a may be connected to outlet 22 via a male RJ-11 connector 24 (often referred to as a xe2x80x9cplugxe2x80x9d). In most cases, the center pins 3 and 4 are used for making the connection. In the four-pin configuration (not shown), the center pins are numbered 2 and 3. The terms xe2x80x9cstandard connectorxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cstandard telephone connectorxe2x80x9d, and xe2x80x9cstandard data connectorxe2x80x9d are used in the description and appended claims to denote any connectors which are industry-standard or de facto standard connectors.
As suggested by the current trends, there is a widespread demand to use existing telephone wiring for both telephony and data networking. In this way, the task of establishing a new local area network in a home or other building is eased, because there are no additional wires to install. As previously noted, frequency domain/division multiplexing provides a means of simultaneously carrying an analog telephony signal and data communication or other signals.
In order to allow for both telephony and data networking without any mutual interference, a set of filters is commonly used. A Low Pass Filter (LPF) is connected in series with the telephone for passing the telephony signal (0-4 KHz band) and isolating the high frequency band. Similarly, a High Pass Filter (HPF) is connected in series with the modem used for the data communication. The term xe2x80x9clow pass filterxe2x80x9d herein denotes any device that passes signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band but blocks signals in the high-frequency (data) band. Conversely, the term xe2x80x9chigh pass filterxe2x80x9d herein denotes any device that passes signals in the high-frequency (data) band but blocks signals in the low-frequency (analog telephony) band. The term xe2x80x9cdata devicexe2x80x9d herein denotes any apparatus that handles digital data, including without limitation modems, transceivers, Data Communication Equipment, and Data Terminal Equipment.
FIG. 3 illustrates part of a prior-art network 30. Low pass filters 31a and 31b are connected to telephone sets 26a and 26b respectively. DTE""s 34a and 34b intercommunicate via modems 33a and 33b, respectively, which are connected to telephone line pair 21a and 21b via high pass filters 32a and 32b, respectively. Low pass filters such as 31a and 31b are also referred to as xe2x80x9cmicro-filtersxe2x80x9d.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a prior-art low pass filter 31. Inductors 41a and 41b are placed in series with the connections to pins 3 and 4, respectively, while capacitors 42a and 42b are connected in parallel between pins 3 and 4. LPF 31a is connected in series with telephone set 26a, as shown in FIG. 4. Capacitors 42a and 42b reduce noise produced by telephone 26a in the high-frequency data communication band, and also reduce degradation resulting from the addition of taps in the telephone connection, which are often not terminated properly.
High pass filters 32a and 32b (FIG. 3) are usually included within modems 33a and 32b. Furthermore, both modems 33a and 32b and high pass filters 32a and 32b are usually housed within DTE""s 34a and 34b. A typical example of DTE 34a is a personal computer with modem 33a and high pass filter 32a within a plug-in card (known as a xe2x80x9cNetwork Interface Cardxe2x80x9dxe2x80x94xe2x80x9cNICxe2x80x9d), installed in the computer housing. However, since it is not practical to change or modify telephones or telephone wiring, the low pass filter 31 must be an add-on module.
One common prior-art implementation of the low pass filter 31 is as a module having an RJ-11 plug and jack, for being connected externally between telephone set 26a and jack 23 within outlet 22 (FIG. 2). To an ordinary non-technically skilled user, however, the requirement for such a module might present difficulties. A casual user, such as a person in an office or a family member wishing to attach a telephone to an outlet, might not be aware that an additional piece of equipment is required, and thus could unknowingly omit an essential device, thus degrading the data communication performance. In addition, an externally-added plug-in module is vulnerable to being removed, either inadvertently by someone who does not realize the necessity of the device, or by someone who needs, but lacks, such a device for installation elsewhere. Moreover, such an external module is not aesthetic and is relatively expensive, requiring two RJ-11 connectors (plug and jack) and an individual housing in addition to the filter circuitry.
FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art outlet 51 that is adapted for isolating telephony from data communications. Outlet 51 has two RJ-11 telephone jacks 52 and 23. Connector 52 connects directly to the telephone wiring, and hence allows for connection to modem 33 and DTE 34 using high pass filter 32 (FIG. 3). Connector 23 connects to the telephone wiring via low pass filter 31a, which is housed within outlet 51. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art telephone wiring system 60 employing the outlet 51. Telephone 26a can directly connect to outlet 51 via a plug 24, eliminating the need for any additional hardware or devices. Similarly, modem 33 can directly connect to jack 52 via a high pass filter 32 and a plug 34. This solution does not require any additional modules, but has limitations. Since both connectors 52 and 23 are standard telephone jacks with no visible distinction, the user can easily confuse them and connect telephone 26a to jack 52 or connect modem 33 to jack 23. In either case, the performance of equipment connected to the telephone wiring will be unsatisfactory.
There is thus a widely-recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, easy-to-use apparatus for connecting ordinary telephone sets and data communication equipment to telephone wiring, so that telephony and data communications can operate simultaneously on the telephone wiring without interfering with each other, and in such a way that requires neither modification to the telephone sets, nor external modules or devices to be used therewith. This goal is met by the present invention.
The present invention provides apparatus for upgrading an existing telephone line wiring system within a residence or other building, to support both analog telephony service and local data communications in such a manner that a low-frequency band is allocated to regular telephone service (analog telephony), while a high-frequency band is allocated to the data communications. Regular telephone outlets are replaced with outlets according to the present invention, so that a standard telephone device connected to the outlet will be isolated from, and not interfere with, data communications over the telephone wiring.
An outlet according to the present invention contains a telephone connector (such as an RJ-11 connector) and a low pass filter for isolating telephony signals from data signals. The output of the low-pass filter goes to the pair of contacts in the connector which make connection with the pins of a telephone device plugged into the connector (for a 4-wire RJ-11 connector, these are typically pins 2 and 3, while for a 6-wire RJ-11 connector these are typically pins 3 and 4). The input to the low-pass filter is connected to a pair of contacts in the connector which is not normally used for a single-line telephone device (for a 4-wire RJ-11 connector, these are typically pins 1 and 4, while for a 6-wire RJ-11 connector these are typically pins 1 and 6). When the outlet is installed, the input to the low-pass filter is connected to the telephone wiring via a suitable attachment means, such as screw contacts or other system. With this connection in effect, the telephone wiring will be directly connected to the normally-unused contacts of the outlet""s telephone connector, and the telephone wiring will be connected through the low-pass filter to the connector""s contacts which provide standard telephony connection. This arrangement automatically isolates a plugged-in telephone device from any data communication taking place over the telephone wiring. At the same time, however, a data communication device can access the telephone wiring directly by connecting to the outlet via the contacts in the connector which are not used for telephony, thereby bypassing the low-pass filter. Such a data device will normally have a modem with a built-in high-pass filter, as previously noted. In this fashion, an outlet according to the present invention can serve both telephony and data communications.
Data Terminal Equipment as well as telephone devices can be readily connected to the outlets, thereby allowing a data communications network as well as a telephone system to be easily configured, such that both the data communications network and the telephone system can operate simultaneously without interference between one another.
It is to be noted that historically telephone connectors of the RJ-11 type have been provided with more contacts than are required in use. Thus, as noted above, 4-wire RJ-11 connectors typically utilize only pins 2 and 3, while 6-wire RJ-11 connectors typically utilize only pins 3 and 4. In either case, there is at least one spare pair of pins that is simply unused in the prior art and, so far as is known to the present applicant, no use has been suggested to use these pins. Certainly, it has not been proposed to exploit the redundancy of the spare pair of contacts for allowing both a telephone device and data equipment to be connected to the same outlet, each via respective pairs of contacts.
Accordingly, there is provided in accordance with a broad aspect of the invention a method for using a standard telephone outlet containing a connector having at least two first contacts intended for connecting a telephone device thereto and having at least two normally unused second contacts so as to allow said outlet to support both telephony and data communication over telephone wiring, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) using the second contacts to effect electrical connection to the telephone wiring,
(b) allowing data equipment to be connected to the outlet via a complementary connector having contacts for engaging the second contacts of the connector, and
(c) providing discrimination circuitry within the outlet for allowing distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
In accordance with the invention, a telephone outlet for supporting both telephony and data communication over telephone wiring comprises:
a telephone connector operative to connecting a telephone device having at least two connections, said telephone connector having at least two first contacts operative to establishing an electrical connection with said connections and at least two second normally unused contacts electrically distinct from said first contacts,
terminals coupled to the first contacts and to the second contacts for connecting the telephone wiring thereto, and
discrimination circuitry allowing for distinct connection of the first and second contacts to the telephone wiring.
A telephone device having an integral low pass filter may be connected to the first contacts so as not to receive interfering data, which having a high frequency is blocked by the low pass filter. Alternatively, a low pass filter may be integrally connected to the first contacts within the outlet.

Method and telephone outlet for allowing telephone and data equipment to be connected to a telephone line via a common connector


The present invention is directed to a dielectric ceramic composition composed of, 97.5 to 99.95 wt. % of main component represented by, {100-(a+b+c+d)} (Ba.sub.100-x Pb.sub.x) TiO.sub.3 +aZnO+bBi.sub.2 O.sub.3 +cNb.sub.2 O.sub.5 +dRe.sub.2 O.sub.3 (0.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.5, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.4.5, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.4.5, 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.5.5 and 0<x.ltoreq.6.0, and 0.05 to 2.5 wt. % of first by-component consisting of glass whose main component is SiO.sub.2. Also, the present invention is directed to a dielectric ceramic composition composed of main component represented by, {100-(a+b+c+d+e)} BaTiO.sub.3 +aZnO+bBi.sub.2 O.sub.3 +cMeO.sub.2 +dNb.sub.2 O.sub.5 +eRe.sub.2 O.sub.3 (0.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.5, 2.0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6.0, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.6.5, 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.4.5 and 0.5.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.5.5), and first by-component. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a dielectric ceramic composition composed of main component represented by, (100-(a+b+c+d+e+f)} BaTiO.sub.3 +aZnO +bBi.sub.2 O.sub.3+cNb.sub.2 O.sub.5 +dMaO+eMbO.sub.2 +fRe.sub. 2 O.sub.3 (0.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.5, 2.0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6.0, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.4.5, 0<d.ltoreq.4.0, 6.5.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.10.0 and 0.5.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.5.5) and first by-component. The above-mentioned three dielectric ceramic compositions may also be composed of, 97.0 to 99.94 wt. % of main component, 0.05 to 2.5 wt. % of first by-component, and 0.01 to 0.5 wt. % of second by-component consisting of at least one kind of oxides of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to dielectric ceramic compositions, and particularly to dielectric ceramic compositions used as materials of a ceramic laminated capacitor and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, as dielectric ceramic compositions having a small voltage dependency, a high ceramic strength and a flat dielectric temperature characteristic, those composed of, for example, BaTiO.sub.3 as a main component, to which bismuth compounds such as Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 -TiO.sub.2 -SnO.sub.2, Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 -ZrO.sub.2 and rare earth elements are added as by-components, are widely known.
While, separate from the dielectric ceramic compositions having the above-mentioned composition, those composed of BaTiO.sub.3 as a main component, to which Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, rare earth oxides and transition metal oxides of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni are added as by-components, have been proposed as the dielectric ceramic composition which has a flat dielectric temperature characteristic, irrespective of its high dielectric constant of 3000 or more.
Temperature characteristics of these dielectric ceramic compositions is that, X7R characteristics of the EIA standards is satisfied, or a capacitive change factor based on an electrostatic capacity at +25.degree. C. in a temperature range of -55.degree. C. to +125.degree. C. is within .+-.15%.
In recent years, ceramic laminated capacitors are used in ECC modules (electronic control devices of an engine) installed in an engine soon of an automobile. Since the device is designed for stable control of the engine, viewing from the temperature stability of circuitries, it is desirable to satisfy the R characteristics (capacitive change factor within .+-.15%) as the temperature characteristics of the capacitors being used.
While, in winter in cold districts, temperature goes down to around -20.degree. C. in the engine room of the automobile, and in summer, the temperature rises to around +130.degree. C. when the engine is started. Particularly, when the engine is over heated, the temperature easily goes up to around 150.degree. C. Thus, the conventional dielectric ceramic compositions which satisfy the X7R characteristics can not cope with the high engine room temperature any longer.
Since the laminated capacitors are for use in the automobile, when it breaks, while being mounted on the circuit board, the ECC modules can not function sufficiently, and in the worst case, there is the possibility of causing an accident, which must be avoided by all means. Furthermore, since vibration and stress are always exerted while the automobile is running, in order to avoid damages due to such vibration and stress, the ceramics must be sufficiently strong.
When the voltage dependency of the dielectric ceramic composition is large, the dielectric can not be processed into a thin film, thus the small-sized and large capacity ceramic laminated capacitor can not be manufactured, besides, it is also not preferable from a viewpoint of circuit stability.
Now, in some cases, the dielectric ceramic composition composed of BaTiO.sub.3 as a main component, to which Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, rare earth compounds and transition metal oxides of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni are added as by-components, was problematic in that, it is apt to break at the time of mounting to the circuit board because the ceramic strength is weak.
Since the voltage dependency of the dielectric ceramic composition having a large dielectric constant is large, it can not meet with the recent thin-film technique, thus the small-sized and large capacity ceramic laminated capacitor could not be manufactured.
Meanwhile, as stated above, though the dielectric ceramic compositions composed of BaTiO.sub.3 as the main component, to which bismuth compounds are added as the by-components, have a small voltage dependency and a high ceramic strength, when the dielectric constant is raised, a temperature change factor of the dielectric constant becomes larger. Also, in the case of ceramic laminated capacitor, when a baking temperature is raised to 1160.degree. C. of higher , an internal electrode must contain Pb by 30 wt. % or more. Hence, Pb and Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the internal electrode apt to react one another, furthermore, a cost of the internal electrode increases.


Brushes (20, 21) which come into slidable contact with slip rings (23, 24) having power feeding terminals (51, 53) electrically connected to a power feeding side include extending portions (32, 36) extending in the radial direction of a field core (3). These extending portions (32, 36) are bent in a direction away from a coil bobbin (12). The third bent portions (32c, 36c) located at the ends of the extending portions are electrically connected to the terminal portions (10d) of coil terminals. An outer diameter R1 of a mounting recess portion (3a) which stores a power feeding device (5) of the field core (3) is smaller than an inner diameter R2 of the coil bobbin (12). This makes it possible to position the mounting recess portion (3a) at a distance H from the coil bobbin (12) in the field core (3) in the arrow A direction, thereby reducing the size of the rotating coil type electromagnetic clutch (1) in the arrow A-B direction.

A conventional rotating coil type electromagnetic clutch is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-135367 (reference 1). The clutch disclosed in reference 1 includes an annular recess groove which opens on the armature side and around which an exciting coil is wound and a field core which opens on the side opposite to the armature and is provided with a mounting recess portion in which a power feeding device is mounted, and on which a rotating shaft is axially mounted. An electrode to which the winding start portion and winding end portion of the exciting coil are connected extends through between the annular recess groove and the mounting recess portion, from the annular recess groove, to face the interior of the mounting recess portion. This electrode is electrically connected to a terminal portion of a brush of the power feeding device. Feeding power from the power feeding device to the exciting coil will rotate the field core frictionally engaging with the armature.

Rotating coil type electromagnetic clutch


Disclosed is a method of predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) including measuring an operating current during a charging cycle and a discharging cycle of a battery, calculating a capacity fade of a plurality of cycles of the battery based on degradation parameters and the measured operating currents, and predicting an RUL of the battery based on the calculated capacity fade.

1. Field
The following description relates to a method and apparatus for predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) of a battery.
2. Description of Related Art
A battery is used as a rechargeable energy storage device because it provides a large amount of energy, has a high power density, and low costs are incurred as compared to other energy storage devices and applications. Due to inherent chemical reactions of the battery, the energy storage capacity of the battery may decrease as the battery is used and recharged. A rate of loss in capacity of the battery may depend on a temperature and the number of cycles of the battery.
Typical techniques of predicting a remaining useful life (RUL) of a battery relate to data-based techniques using regression-based approaches. The techniques may require a large quantity of data and a large onboard computation facility, which may also use a lame amount of time.

Method and apparatus for predicting remaining useful life (RUL) of battery


A polyisocyanate composition contains a modified product of xylylene diisocyanate and a modified product of pentamethylene diisocyanate, and/or a modified product of the xylylene diisocyanate and the pentamethylene diisocyanate. The ratio of the pentamethylene diisocyanate with respect to the total amount of the xylylene diisocyanate and the pentamethylene diisocyanate is 60 mol % or more and 95 mol % or less.

A polyurethane resin is usually produced by reaction of polyisocyanate with an active hydrogen group-containing compound, and is, for example, widely used in various industrial fields such as coating materials, coatings, adhesive materials, pressure-sensitive adhesive materials, and elastomers.
As the polyisocyanate used in the production of the polyurethane resin, for example, xylylene diisocyanate and a derivative thereof, and hexamethylene diisocyanate and a derivative thereof are known. It is also known to use a mixture of them.
The polyisocyanate is, for example, used as curing agents for coatings and adhesives. To be specific, for example, a curing agent containing a polyol modified product of xylylene diisocyanate of 30 to 90 weight %, and a biuret modified product and/or a trimer of hexamethylene diisocyanate of 10 to 70 weight % is proposed (ref: for example, Patent Document 1).
According to the curing agent, a two-component curable polyurethane composition having excellent adhesion properties, acid resistance/alkali resistance, solvent resistance, contamination resistance, and weather resistance can be obtained.

Polyisocyanate composition, polyurethane resin, two-component curable polyurethane composition, and coating material


Device for transferring reels grouped in stacks from a fixed supporting surface to a magazine for feeding a user machine; the magazine is arranged at a higher level than the fixed supporting surface, and the device is a lifting device provided with a lifting platform movable in a vertical direction between a loading position, which has an adjustable level and is adjacent to the fixed supporting surface, and an unloading position, wherein the platform forms an input portion of the magazine.

The present invention relates to a device for feeding reels to a user machine.
In particular, the present invention relates to a feeder device which can be advantageously used to transfer reels of material in tape form from a fixed supporting surface, on which the reels are superimposed one above the other so as to form one or more stacks, to a conveyor which normally forms an input magazine of a user machine and is arranged in a raised position with respect to said fixed supporting surface.
Known devices of the above described type generally comprise a lifting unit, which is arranged adjacent to said fixed supporting surface and is provided with a platform which can move between a lower loading station, in which said platform is arranged at a fixed level with respect to said supporting surface, and an upper station for feeding the spools to said conveyor.
Normally, the reels are transferred from the fixed supporting surface to said platform by an operator, who removes the reels manually and in succession from one of the stacks arranged on said fixed supporting surface and transfers them onto the platform, which is stationary in the lower loading station.
Known devices of the above described type have the drawback that they are scarcely ergonomic, since the reels, being stacked on the supporting surface, are transferred by an operator onto said platform starting from levels which vary progressively as the reels are removed from the related stacks and fed onto said platform. In other words, the movements that the operator performs to transfer a reel from the supporting surface to the platform constantly vary from one reel to the next and become relatively tiring in a short time.
Furthermore, in known devices of the above described type the transfer of the reels from said platform to said conveyor is generally difficult to perform.

Device for feeding reels to a user machine


An apparatus and method is provided for enclosing a non-sterile video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector such as a "C" mount for use of the camera in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile optical connector and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the camera. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler which provides a sterile barrier therebetween. A sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and is secured to a neck portion that joins the first and second ends of the coupler. The sterile drape is secured such that a fluid and airtight seal is formed between the ends of the coupler. Typically, the seal is formed by surgical tape or adhesive.

For many years, unsterile surgical cameras and optical connectors known in the art as "C" or "V" mount connectors have been used in surgery by placing them into a sterile plastic bag or drape that has a distal end including an opening for receiving the eyepiece of a sterile or disinfected endoscope. The act of coupling the sterile or disinfected endoscope through the opening in the drape to the unsterile optical connector can create contamination. That is, the interior of the drape that houses the unsterile camera and optical connector is exposed to the sterile environment of an operating room through the hole located at the distal end of the drape. When the eyepiece of the endoscope is inserted through this hole for connection to the optical connector, this hole often becomes enlarged thus enhancing the possibility of contamination travelling from the interior of the drape to the sterile operating room. The further acts of aligning the endoscope with the optical connector and sealing the distal end of the drape around the protruding distal portion of the endoscope can also result in further contamination.
My earlier U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,002 discloses a sterilizable video camera cover which has a connector including a guideway for receiving an unsterile video camera within it in a predetermined fixed orientation. One end of the video camera cover receives a sterile mount and endoscope in a fixed position with respect to the camera. An accordion-folded sleeve is positioned on the camera cover and is extended over the trailing cables of the camera to maintain the sterile environment within the operating room even though the camera and trailing cables are unsterile.
A sterile pouch for containing a standard still picture camera for use in an operating room is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,537,303 to Cobb, Jr. et al. However, there is no thought in this device of connecting the camera to other optical means. Other containers for protecting cameras in varying environments are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,026,784 to Byers, U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,759 to Vooght and U.S. Pat. No. 2,132,549 to Wenstrom. However, none of these references are intended for use in an operating room to maintain the environment within the operating room in a sterile condition when the camera is not sterile.
There are numerous references which disclose sterile drapes or covers for isolating an unsterile camera and its trailing cables from the sterile environment of an operating room. Examples of such references include U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,500 to Dunn, U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,483 to Herzberg, U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,894 to Hicks, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,846 to Szabo. While each of these references may be adequate for their intended purpose, none of these references disclose a device which allows endoscopes to be freely interchanged with a single camera setup and yet maintain the required sterility of an operating room.


A vacuum-control valve for milking systems, with a valve body that is positioned upright and moves axially inside a housing and has a conical projection extending into an air-intake, with the valve-body cross-section changing as it moves axially, whereby the air-intake communicates with a vacuumized line. An aerodynamic structure is positioned under the valve body and is connected to the valve body by way of a rod such that the air entering the air intake exerts a downward force on the valve body.

The invention concerns a vacuum-control valve for milking systems, with a valve body that is positioned upright and moves axially inside a housing and has a conical projection extending into an air-intake, with the valve-body cross-section changing as it moves axially, whereby the air-intake communicates with a vacuumized line.
A vacuum-control valve of this type is known from German Patent No. 2 363 125. It is a servo-controlled valve of the type predominantly employed in contemporary milking systems. Such valves have the advantage over spring-loaded or gravity-activated valves that the output of the pump that generates the vacuum can be completely exploited at an approximately constant operating vacuum. To achieve this control characteristic, the valves must be able to respond rapidly and sensitively as the consumption of air in the milking system fluctuates.
Feedback, contamination, incorrect installation, and normal aging of the rubber components, however, can cause the valve body to vibrate, leading to cyclical air intake and fluctuations in the vacuum in the lines, irritating the udders of the animals being milked.

Vacuum-control valve for milking systems


An improved method of forming a multicolor cathode-ray tube display screen to minimize phosphor contamination. A light-absorbing matrix is first formed on the inner surface of a CRT faceplate, preferably by photoetching of a substantially black metallic layer. Then, multiple color dot patterns are deposited in the matrix openings by (a) depositing a layer of positive photoresist on the matrix and any previously-deposited dot pattern; (b) exposing the resist through a shadow mask to light from a point source positioned to simulate an electron gun; (c) developing the resist to form an integral mask containing a pattern of holes aligned with the matrix openings for one color phosphor; (d) coating the developed resist layer with a photohardenable phosphor slurry; (e) exposing the slurry coating through the faceplate to light from a diffuse source; (f) developing the slurry to remove the unexposed portions, leaving a pattern of dots of one color; and (g) stripping away the photoresist masking layer. Steps (a) through (g) are then repeated to produce each additional color dot pattern.

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of display screens for cathode-ray tubes, and more particularly to an improved method for making multicolor CRT display screens having minimal phosphor contamination. The invention has particular utility in the production of phosphor dot screens for high resolution color display tubes of the shadow mask type, and especially to "black surround" versions of them. For that reason, the invention will be described primarily with reference to the manufacture of such screens.
A conventional dot screen type color display tube includes three electron guns arranged in a delta configuration. The three guns project a like number of electron beams through a shadow mask onto a display screen comprising a mosaic pattern of phosphor deposits arranged in a multiplicity of dot triads. Each triad includes a dot of a red-, a green-, and a blue-emitting phosphor. For improved display brightness, the screen may include a matrix layer of light-absorbing material that surrounds and separates the phosphor dot deposits. Such a screen, which has come to be known as a "black surround" screen, is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 3,146,368 to Fiore et al.
The mosaic phosphor dot pattern of a dot-screen tube normally is formed by a direct photoprinting process that proceeds substantially as follows: A screen area on the inner surface of the faceplate is first coated with a photosensitive slurry containing phosphor particles of one color. Next, the tube's shadow mask is mounted on the faceplate temporarily and the coating is exposed to ultravoilet light projected through the mask apertures from a source located at a position corresponding to that of the related electron gun. The shadow mask is then removed and the coating treated to remove the unexposed portions, leaving a pattern of dots of one phosphor color. These steps are repeated for each remaining color to deposit a triangular group of three phosphor dots--a red, a green, and a blue--on the faceplate opposite each mask aperture.
Normal practice is to make the individual phosphor dots smaller in size than the corresponding mask apertures. This is generally accomplished by exposing the dots through a shadow mask that has apertures of a temporarily smaller size. Then, after the phosphor dots are deposited, the mask is re-etched to enlarge the apertures to a final, larger size. Re-etching of shadow mask apertures is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,313 to Amdursky, for example. An alternative procedure is to reduce the diameter of the shadow mask holes temporarily by electroplating, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,231,380 to Law, or by electrophoretic coating with a non-metallic material, as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,441 to Schwartz. The size of the phosphor dots also can be made smaller without modifying the shadow mask by very careful control of the light exposure step. See, for example, previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,146,368.
Black surround screens have been made in a variety of ways, but the usual procedure is to form the light-absorbing matrix layer before depositing the phosphor dots. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,310 to Mayaud, the screen area of the faceplate is coated first with a photohardenable material, such as dichromate-sensitized polyvinyl alcohol (pva). With the shadow mask mounted in position, the coating is given three separate exposures, one from each electron gun position. The mask is then removed and the unexposed portions of the coating washed off, leaving a pattern of hardened pva dots. The dot pattern is covered with a light-absorbing coating of colloidal graphite, which is dried and then treated with a chemical agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, to remove the pva dots and the overlying portions of the graphite coating. This provides the screen area with a light-absorbing matrix layer having a pattern of openings for receiving the color phosphor dots, which are then deposited as previously described.
Screening methods of the prior art as described have a number of limitations, particularly when applied to the production of high resolution display screens and those requiring superior color quality. For example, to build a color CRT with double the resolution of a standard entertainment-type tube, phosphor dot density must be increased by a factor of four and dot size reduced accordingly. Decreasing phosphor dot size is not simply a matter of using a shadow mask with smaller apertures, however, Diffraction effects make it necessary to decrease aperture size more than a factor of two to achieve a 2.times. reduction in dot size using standard screening methods. Moreover, these effects increase with decreasing aperture size, so that it would be necessary to use extremely small apertures to facricate a screen with dots one-quarter the diameter of those in an equivalent size entertainment TV tube. The resulting dots would tend to be irregular and nonuniform in diameter because of the effects of edge diffraction on the pva exposure process.
Another limitation of prior art processes applicable to normal and high resolution screens alike is contamination of the various color phosphor deposits during processing. For example, as pointed out in U.S. Pat. No. 3,615,462 to Szegho et al., the phosphor dots may become contaminated by particles of light-absorbing pigment released from the black surround layer during the phosphor screening steps. That patent proposes the use of a clear, volatilizable protective overcoating on the pigmented layer to overcome the problem. While perhaps effective for the intended purpose (at a cost of increased process complexity) it does nothing to prevent cross-contamination of the phosphors themselves, a more serious problem when color purity is a paramount objective.
Still another limitation of conventional screening processes is that the phosphor dots are formed by a "front" exposure--i.e., by light directed onto the free surface of a photosensitive layer. Because the photopolymerization process begins at the side of the layer nearest the light source and proceeds through the layer to the support as the exposure continues, exposure and coating uniformity must be tightly controlled if well-adhered dots of uniform size are to be obtained. Underexposure or an overly-thick photosensitive layer may produce dots that fail to adhere to the faceplate. Overexposure (or a too-thin layer) causes overly-large dots with ragged edges. Light diffraction produced by exposure through small mask apertures greatly increases these problems. Thus, the resolution of large screen (.gtoreq.12 in. dia.) CRT screens is limited as a practical matter by conventional process technology to matrixes composed of 0.006 in. dia. dots on 0.012 in. centers.
A general object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved color display screening process that is free of the drawbacks enumerated above.
A more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel method for applying a pattern of uniform, well defined deposits on the faceplate of a cathode-ray tube.
Another significant object of the invention is to provide a method for screening shadow mask multicolor display CRT's that minimizes the possibility of contaminating the phosphor deposits.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing very high resolution multicolor CRT display screens.
A further object of the invention is to provide an improved screening method utilizing a through-the-faceplate exposure to form multicolor phosphor deposits in a black surround screen.

Method of making multicolor CRT display screen with minimal phosphor contamination


A solar energy system where the incident solar radiation evaporates a quantity of water in a distillation pond; the water vapor/air mixture rises buoyantly through a duct to a high elevation where it drives a wind turbine to produce electricity; the water is condensed out of the mixture and stored in a high elevation reservoir, where it is used to drive hydro-electric turbines; spent water is stored at a low elevation and is used for drinking, irrigation or recycling to the distillation pond.

This invention relates generally to a system for converting solar energy into electrical energy and more specifically, to a system that will utilize solar energy for multiple purposes including electrical energy and for the production of potable water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Solar radiation comes to the earth at an average rate of approximately 1.35 kilowatts per square meter. This is the so called solar constant, (frequently given as 1.94 cal/cm.sup.2 min).
The total solar radiation intercepted by the earth is 1.73.times.10.sup.17 watts which is equivalent to about 75,000 times the total power used in the United States during 1970. Stated in a different way, in 1970, the land area of the United States received from the sun about 1000 times as much energy as it consumed. In passing through the atmosphere a fraction of this radiation is scattered away from the earth. The fraction reaching the surface of the earth, however, is quite substantial. Since the potential benefits from extensive use of solar energy are so great it is imperative to explore the possibilities of using it on a large scale to meet the long range energy needs of the human race.
Various large scale schemes have been proposed for tapping this source of power which is practically of infinite duration (about 200 million human generations). By comparison the expected durations of some other sources of energy are
petroleum: 1-2 human generations PA1 coal: 15-20 human generations PA1 "atomoic fuel": 50-100 human generations
(1 human generation is considered to be about 30 years.)
A solar sea power scheme proposes to use the temperature difference between the ocean surface water and the bottom to run a thermal engine. Such installations would be located preferentially in deep tropical waters where the temperature differences are higher and less variable than elsewhere. The central tower solar farm concept proposes to use a large field of sun tracking mirrors which reflect the solar radiation to a boiler on top of a central tower. The concentrated solar power is used then to drive a thermal engine at relatively high temperatures. Although not stated by the proposers of this scheme, advantage may be taken of favorable terrain morphology. An example of such terrain is the North Panamint Valley in California where an isolated peak is in the middle of a valley which opens amphitheatrically to the south.
A third scheme for harnessing solar energy proposes to use satellites in geostationary orbit which collect the solar energy, convert it to electrical form and transmit it to earth with microwave beams. Each of the schemes offers the potential advantage of adding a substantial amount of available energy to the declining present resources. Furthermore, these proposals offer to high technology nations the possibility of becoming independent of fossil fuels. However, they all require the investment of substantial amount of new technology which postpones their actual development. In addition, they lack inherent provisions for energy storage to meet fluctuating demands.

System for the multipurpose utilization of solar energy


A television receiver includes structure for receiving video and audio signals in addition to a transmission section for converting a composite signal in which a video signal and a smell signal are mixed. The smell signal is generated at an amplifier of a TV camera. The television receiver includes a detection circuit for sensing the smell signal. Upon sensing the smell signal, the smell signal can be used for actuating a plurality of smells located in separate smell emitting devices. These emitting devices include, for example, a heating plate and a fan which upon actuation causes perfume in the emitting device to be emitted. This device is then defused into, for example, a room and the smell matches a picture shown on the CRT. This enables a viewer to not only hear and see the picture from a television but also to sense smell related to the contents of the displayed picture.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to television receivers, and more particularly to a smell emission control apparatus for a television receiver in which a smell is emitted from the television receiver corresponding to the contents of a picture which is displayed on a screen of the television receiver.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A conventional television receiver receives video and audio signals which are electrically transmitted from a broadcasting station and then restores the received video and audio signals to the original states. The restored video and audio signals are outputted through a Braun tube and a speaker of the television receiver, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of conventional television transmitter and receiver. As shown in this drawing, the conventional television transmitter comprises a camera 1 for providing a video signal, a mike 2 for providing an audio signal, an amplifier 3 for amplifying the video and audio signals from the camera 1 and the mike 2, and a transmitter 4 for converting the amplified video and audio signals from the amplifier 3 into electrical signals and transmitting the converted electrical signals.
The conventional television receiver comprises a tuner 6 for receiving the electrical signals transmitted from the transmitter 4 through an antenna 5, a detection circuit 7 for detecting video and audio intermediate frequency components from an output of the tuner 6 to extract the video and audio signals being placed on video and audio intermediate frequencies, respectively, an infrared-ray signal receiver 8 for receiving an infrared-ray signal from a remote controller 15 and outputting a mode signal corresponding to the received infrared-ray signal, and a key matrix unit 9 for outputting a mode signal according to a user's selection.
Also, the conventional television receiver comprises a microprocessor 10 for outputting a control signal to perform a mode corresponding to the mode signal from the infrared-ray receiver 8 or from the key matrix unit 9.
Audio signal amplification and output circuits 11 and 12 are adapted to amplify the audio signal from the detection circuit 7, wave-shape the amplified audio signal and output the resultant audio signal through a speaker SP in response to the control signal from the microprocessor 9.
Video signal processing and output circuits 13 and 14 are adapted to process the video signal from the detection circuit 7, wave-shape the processed video signal and output the resultant video signal through a Braun tube CRT in response to the control signal from the microprocessor 9.
The operation of the conventional television transmitter and receiver with the above-mentioned constructions will hereinafter be described.
In the television transmitter, the video and audio signals from the camera 1 and the mike 2 are amplified by the amplifier 3 and then converted into the electrical signals by the transmitter 4. The electrical signals from the transmitter 4 are transmitted by radio to the television receiver.
In the television receiver, in response to the mode signal from the infrared-ray receiver 8 or from the key matrix unit 9, the microprocessor 10 outputs the control signal to perform the corresponding mode. For example, upon receiving a channel select mode signal from the infrared-ray receiver 8 or from the key matrix unit 9, the microprocessor 10 applies the control signal to the tuner 6 to select a frequency signal corresponding to a channel selected by the user. The selected frequency signal from the tuner 6 is applied to the detection circuit 7.
The detection circuit 7 detects the video and audio intermediate frequency components from the frequency signal from the tuner 6 to extract the video and audio signals being placed on the video and audio intermediate frequencies, respectively. The extracted audio signal from the detection circuit 7 is amplified by the audio signal amplification circuit 11 and then wave-shaped by the audio signal output circuit 12 under the control of the microprocessor 10. As a result, the resultant audio signal from the audio signal output circuit 12 is outputted through the speaker SP.
In response to the control signal from the microprocessor 10, the video signal processing circuit 13 processes the extracted video signal from the detection circuit 7 to output a color difference signal. The color difference signal from the video signal processing circuit 11 is wave-shaped by the video signal output circuit 14. As a result, the resultant video signal from the video signal processing circuit 14 is outputted through the Braun tube CRT.
For example, upon receiving an on-screen display (OSD) mode signal from the infrared-ray receiver 8 or from the key matrix unit 9, the microprocessor 10 outputs the control signal to perform the corresponding mode. In response to the control signal from the microprocessor 10, the video signal processing circuit 13 switches the color difference signal to a red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color signal for the OSD mode. The R, G and B color signal from the video signal processing circuit 11 is wave-shaped by the video signal output circuit 14. As a result, the resultant video signal from the video signal processing circuit 14 is outputted through the Braun tube CRT.
However, the conventional television receiver is desirable to satisfy the sense of sight and the sense of hearing of the user by outputting the video and audio signals through the Braun tube and the speaker, but has the disadvantage that it cannot satisfy the sense of smell of the user. For this reason, the user cannot feel more actually the contents of a picture which is displayed on a screen of the Braun tube.

Smell emission control apparatus for television receiver


A photopolymerizable ink composition containing as essential ingredients (A) a high molecular diacrylate of epoxy resin made of bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin, (B) a urethane modified acrylate resin, (C) a urethane bond-free bifunctional photopolymerizable methacrylate monomer or oligomer, (D) a urethane bond-free polyfunctional photopolymerizable acrylate monomer or oligomer and (E) a photo-initiator, is curable upon short time exposure to ultra-violet irradiation and possesses the electrical, mechanical and chemical properties indispensable to a protective film for use in printed circuit boards.

(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a photopolymerizable screen printing ink composition which is very useful especially as a permanent protective film for use in printed circuit boards, in particular to a non-volatile ink composition which, even in a thick film state, is curable upon short time exposure to ultra-violet irradiation thereby to form a film which possesses, in abundance, various characteristics such as electric insulation, heat resistance, hardness, flexibility, adhesion and solvent resistance.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, much active study has been made, in many quarters, of photosensitive compositions as a means for achieving matters of social concern, such as absence of environmental pollution, economy of natural resources and energy economy and the produced photosensitive compositions have been put to practical use. Some of them have been applied to solder-masking inks for use in printed circuit boards, electric insulating inks, acid resisting inks, etc., and they are commercially available as ultra-violet curable type inks. The material for the formation of an ultra-violet curable type protective film for use in printed circuit boards is required to possess a number of practical characteristics. For instance, the solder mask formed selectively on a tin-lead plated circuit board made of epoxy-fiberglass composite is required to be characterized such by features that: it can attain a thickness sufficient to fully cover the circuit by the aid of screen printing and, even in a thick-film state; it is curable upon exposure to a short time ultra-violet irradiation; it has a film hardness suitable for masking purposes; it possesses heat resistance, flexibility and adhesion sufficient that the film can follow the fluidity of solder melted again at the time of soldering, thereby maintaining adhesion and the appearance of the film after soldering; and it possesses solvent resistance at the time of washing the flux residue, oil and so forth, and it possesses electric insulation and moisture-resistance required for the protective film and the like.
However, the fact is that it is difficult to obtain a composition capable of exhibiting the electrical, mechanical, thermal and chemical properties essential to the permanent protective film for use in printed circuit boards owing to the general defects resulting from the unevenness of the curing and the stress of the film that has been cured rapidly mainly by a light energy-utilizing radical reaction and in view of the circumstances where photosensitive compositions have hitherto been developed with the intention of being utilized as image forming materials, typically, for relief plates and intaglio plates and the like, as well as ornamental materials for wood, paper, plastic and the like.
Although various photosensitive compositions are well-known, only a small number have taken account the mechanical, chemical, physical and electric properties to such an extent as to make them applicable as a permanent protective film for use in printed circuit boards, and to meet the conditions for safety, sanitation and curability. Epoxy acrylate is utilized for various kinds of ink vehicles because it possesses superior characteristics such as photosensitivity, hardness, solvent resistance and heat resistance. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,772,062 and 4,014,771 disclose that improvements in curing speed, hardness, solvent resistance and so forth are achieved by the combination of a relatively low molecular epoxy acrylate with a monofunctional monomer or polyfunctional monomer, but not in the properties required for protective film materials for use in printed circuit boards, such as electric insulation, resistance, adhesion and so forth. Generally speaking, epoxy acrylate is defective in that it is inferior in respect of the properties such as flexibility and adhesion, and accordingly ingenuity should be exerted in overcoming this defect. It is well known that compounding of said monofunctional monomer in a large quantity is not preferable from the viewpoint of safety and sanitation, and it is apt to deteriorate the physical property of the coated film generally, with the exception of specific uses. U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,877 proposes a composition capable of functioning as protective film materials for use in printed circuit boards without utilizing a monofunctional monomer. However, said patent is silent as to improving the aforesaid defects inherent in the epoxy acrylate. It involves many difficulties to attain flexibility by the individual use of an epoxy acrylate-polyfunctional monomer system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,732 discloses the attainment of flexibility and coated film strength by the concurrent use of relatively high molecular weight bisphenol A type and novolak type epoxy acrylates, but said patent is different from the instant invention in view of employing the post-curing and organic solvent.
A urethane modified acrylate, generally speaking, is superior in the properties of flexibility and adhesion, but is inferior in heat resistance, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, hardness and ultra-violet curability as compared with said epoxy acrylate. Prior inventions are mostly directed toward improvements in this defect. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,770 is concerned with improvements in the mechanical properties of polyester urethane acrylate. However, this advantage is not developed to such an extent as to make it applicable to printed circuit boards. Further, it is difficult to attain a sufficient usability as the permanent protective film for use in printed circuit boards by the individual use of said urethane modified acrylate. In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,883,352 and 4,018,940 there are disclosed polyene-polythiol compositions which are relatively superior in coated film flexibility as well as superior in heat resistance and adhesion. However, polythiol type vehicles in general are defective in that they emit a strong foul odor.


A roller module for an input module includes a roller base, a roller element and an adjusting element. The roller element is pivotally coupled to the roller base. Moreover, at least one discontinuous protrusion structure is circumferentially arranged a bottom surface of a concave region of the roller element. A contacting part of the adjusting element is contacted with the at least one discontinuous protrusion structure. Consequently, a rotation of the roller element results in a tactile feel.

A mouse is used to control a cursor on a computer screen in order to operate the computer. A roller of the mouse is one kind of button that is frequently used by the user of the computer. For example, by rotating the roller, the function of browsing web pages or moving the cursor can be achieved. Alternatively, by pressing the roller, a middle button signal is generated or the function of switching to a different operation mode is achieved.
For increasing the convenience and comfort of operating the roller, a roller module of an input device is disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. 1448928. In the roller module, a recess or a hollow slot of the roller is equipped with one or two different toothed surfaces. When a swinging arm is contacted with one of the toothed surfaces, the rotation of the roller generates different tactile feels. Moreover, a hyper-fast roller module of a mouse is disclosed in Taiwanese Patent No. M498914. A tooth part and a stopping rod are installed in the roller module. In case that the stopping rod is pushed by a torsion spring, the stopping rod is in close contact with the tooth part. When a button linked with the stopping rod is operated by the user, the roller is switched between a hyper-fast scrolling mode and an ordinary scrolling mode. However, the conventional technologies still have some drawbacks. For example, since the mechanism for allowing the mouse to generate more tactile feels is usually very complicated, the layout of other components within the mouse is adversely affected and the yield of the mouse is reduced. Moreover, since only one or two tactile feels are provided, the conventional mouse cannot meet the user's requirements.
For meeting the requirements of different users, there is a need of providing a roller module with a simplified structure and capable of generating plural tactile feels.


A clamping device includes elongated first and second butt housings that are connected pivotally to each other and that have free ends, which are locked relative to each other by a releasable locking unit. Two aligned first large notches in two side walls of the first butt housing and two aligned second large notches in two side walls of the second butt housing constitute a confining hole unit that is adapted to permit extension of an article. Elastic first and second pressing elements are disposed respectively within the first and second butt housings, and are adapted to clamp the article therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a clamping device, and more particularly to a multi-purpose clamping device that can clamp a pair of eyeglasses, several sheets of paper, and a pen simultaneously.
2. Description of the Related Art
An eyeglass holder can be used to clamp a pair of eyeglasses, while a paper clip can be used to clamp a pen and several sheets of paper. However, in some cases, for example, a driver may need a pair of eyeglasses, several sheets of paper, and a pen in the driver compartment in a car. Therefore, a clamping device is required to have the functions of the eyeglass holder and a paper clip.


A quick release device for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles, having an axle unit and a clamping mechanism. The axle unit includes an axle extending in the axial direction, a locking device at the first end of the axle unit and a fastener at a second end of the axle unit. The clamping mechanism is suitable for mounting and demounting the axle unit to a two-wheeled vehicle. The clamping mechanism has an operating lever and a clamping component, the latter is non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit and is decoupled from the axle unit. The clamping mechanism has an intermediate device with an actuating unit, which ensures in a first position a non-rotatable connection of the clamping component and the operating lever, and in a second position, allows the operating lever to pivot relative to the clamping component while the clamping component is non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit.

The present invention relates to a quick release device, in particular for at least partially, and preferably primarily, muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles.
Many different types of quick release devices for attaching the wheels of bicycles have become known in the prior art. The wheels of racing bicycles are for example releasably attached by using quick release devices, wherein the required locking forces are generated by tilting over the quick release lever. In particular, in the case of mountain bikes and also in other bicycles, it has been shown that the rigidity generated by the applied retaining force can be improved further.
EP 1 801 005 B1 has disclosed a quick release for bicycles where the clamping force is not generated by tilting the quick release lever but is independent thereof. The quick release lever is connected with a screw thread so that the desired clamping force is applied by the number of rotations of the quick release lever. For placing the quick release lever in the desired rest position, the quick release lever can be pulled axially outwardly and can be freely rotated to the desired rest position. This quick release device works reliably and allows ease of operation. The drawbacks are the comparatively complicated mechanism of the quick release device and the comparatively high weight.
A quick release has become known in the market which is also described in the Italian patent application IT FI 2010 0089 A1 having the number 140057. This quick release interacts with a through axle. The through axle comprises a thread at one end of the through axle and at the other end, an insertion opening for a separate quick release lever. For the purpose of mounting, the insertion end of the quick release lever is inserted into the insertion opening of the through axle, wherein an external hexagon at the insertion end of the quick release lever comes into engagement with a corresponding internal hexagon in the through axle. Rotating the quick release lever will now also rotate the form-fittingly connected through axle so that an appropriate number of rotary motions of the quick release lever obtains the desired retaining force of the wheel. Since only one quick release lever needs to be provided for both the front wheel and the rear wheel, this already allows to save half the weight. Moreover, such a quick release can on the whole be designed so as to weigh less than a quick release according to EP 1 801 005 B1.
The insertion end of the quick release lever according to IT FI 2010 0089 A1 shows such a length that in mounting or demounting the quick release lever can be pulled out of the through axle a certain amount while the external hexagon still retains sufficient engagement with the internal hexagon of the through axle. In this way, there is no risk of the operator's finger being pinched between the bicycle frame and the quick release lever in one complete rotation of the quick release lever. When the desired clamping force is obtained, the quick release lever is pushed back in. Otherwise, the quick release lever can be briefly pulled out of the through axle, rotated to a preferred angular position, and then pushed back in. Both ease of operation and a low total weight are possible. The insertion part inserted into the through axle must consist of a strong material and have a length so that even when it is partially pulled out, the remaining contact surface with the through axle is sufficient without applying the required locking forces. This is why the total weight of the quick release is higher than it is actually required while not providing any increased functionality.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An extendable hinge is provided including a hinge base attachable to a vehicle, a panel bracket attachable to a vehicle body panel such as rear gate or trunk lid, and a hinge member pivotally attachable to the hinge base and slideably attachable to the panel bracket. The hinge base and the hinge member include a "camelback" bend for increased strength. The panel bracket is configured with a low profile and the hinge member is configured to slideably receive the panel bracket so that a minimum amount of space is consumed and further so that the panel bracket can be slideably moved within the hinge member from an extended position which facilitates painting to a retracted position which positions the vehicle body panel for optimal aesthetics. Flanges on the hinge member and the panel bracket define integral stops that engage to limit the panel movement at the extended and retracted positions.

The present invention concerns hinges, and in particular a vehicle hinge facilitating painting and assembly of the vehicle.
It is particularly advantageous to paint vehicle body panels simultaneously with the vehicle during assembly since this reduces or eliminates color mismatches and also provides assembly plant advantages such as reduced paint waste and labor. However, in modern vehicles, the body panels are positioned close to each other for improved appearance, reduced wind resistance and noise, and the like. Hence, some vehicle body panels are not positioned on the vehicle with enough clearance around the body panel edges to allow adequate painting of the body panel edges and the adjacent area on the vehicle. For example, in a sedan or minivan, the vehicle rear gate or trunk lid includes an edge adjacent the rear window upper sheet metal of the vehicle body, which edge and window lower sheet metal cannot be adequately painted if the rear gate is closed, but which edge shadows the rear window lower sheet metal if the rear gate is opened. Hence, present vehicle assembly techniques either include removing the rear gate lid, or include a special painting operation where the rear gate is painted in a first position and then painted again along the problem edge area with the rear gate held in a second position. A hinge such as that of the present invention can aid in such special painting operations.
Further, it is desirable to provide a hinge that is compact so that a minimum amount of space is used and so that optimal visual aesthetics are achieved, while still satisfying the necessary functional requirements of the hinge. Yet another desirable feature is a hinge made from parts that minimize the amount of scrap trimmed from raw blanks when making the hinge, thus minimizing material costs, and also that minimizes the amount of subassembly operations required for assembly.
Thus, a hinge is desired to facilitate improved painting and assembly of a vehicle, but which is compact, low in material cost and does not require multiple secondary forming operations.


A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device including writing and reading gate electrodes respectively on first and second active regions on a substrate, a first gate insulation pattern between the first active region and the writing gate electrode, a second gate insulation pattern between the second active region and the reading gate electrode, first and second source/drain junction regions in the first and second active regions at sides of the writing and reading gate electrodes, and a connection structure that connects the first and second source/drain junction regions. The first active region has the same conductivity type as the source/drain junction regions. The second active region has a different conductivity type from the source/drain junction regions.

The inventive concepts relate to a semiconductor device and/or to a semiconductor device including a one-time programmable device.
Non-volatile memory devices are classified into one-time programmable (OTP) device and multi-time programmable (MTP) device according to a limit on the number of programming times. The OTP device is referred to a memory that is one-time programmable only, i.e., where additional programming is not available, on a circuit. The OTP device includes fuse, anti-fuse, and e-fuse types. Since it is impossible to erase the programmed data without an additional apparatus, only one-time programming is available to the OTP device.
For the characteristics stated above, OTP devices are used as devices having an improved security function and high-performance, and OTP devices have been increasingly in demand.

Anti-fuse one-time programmable (OTP) device


An electronic circuit breaker may include a monitoring circuit configured to monitor and respond to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within the electronic circuit breaker. In some embodiments, the monitoring circuit may monitor a regulated DC voltage provided by the detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker. A response to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure may include interrupting current flow between an electrical power source and an electrical circuit protected by the electronic circuit breaker. Methods of monitoring and responding to a power supply and/or detection circuit failure within an electronic circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects.

Electronic circuit breakers may be used in some electrical systems to protect an electrical circuit coupled to an electrical power source from one or more fault conditions. One type of electronic circuit breaker may be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). GFCIs may be used to prevent electrical shock hazards and are typically used in electrical circuits adjacent to water, such as in bathrooms and/or kitchens. Another type of electronic circuit breaker may be an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI). AFCIs may interrupt power to an electrical circuit when an arcing condition within the electrical circuit is detected. GFCIs and AFCIs may also detect other fault conditions such as, e.g., persistent over current and/or short circuit fault conditions. A third type of electronic circuit breaker may be referred to as a dual function circuit breaker, which combines a GFCI and an AFCI. Upon sensing of a fault condition, a trip mechanism within the electronic circuit breaker may be activated to interrupt current flow from the electrical power source to the protected electrical circuit.
An electronic circuit breaker may include an internal power supply that may convert a large AC voltage (e.g., 120 VAC) received from an electrical power source into a low DC voltage. The low DC voltage may be used to power various circuits within the electronic circuit breaker. The various circuits may include integrated circuits (ICs) and/or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform, e.g., ground fault and/or arc fault detection. However, if a power supply or detection circuit within the electronic circuit breaker fails (because of, e.g., an electrostatic discharge (ESD), a power surge, or a latch-up condition), the fault detection capability of the electronic circuit breaker may be compromised. This may result in a dangerous situation wherein a fault condition may occur in an electrical circuit, but the electrical circuit may remain energized because the electronic circuit breaker may be unable to detect and respond to the fault condition.
To help avoid such a dangerous situation, some known electronic circuit breakers may include a manual test feature, wherein a push-to-test (PTT) button, usually located on the face of the device, can be manually pressed to check that the electronic circuit breaker is operating properly. However, because such manual testing may not be performed, other known electronic circuit breakers may employ an automatic self-test or monitoring feature. Such a feature may automatically check the functionality of the electronic circuit breaker every two or three hours, for example. But if the internal power supply fails, the automatic self-test or monitoring feature may also fail, again resulting in a dangerous situation wherein a fault condition may occur, but the electrical circuit may remain energized.
Accordingly, there is a need for apparatus and methods that monitor and respond to power supply and/or detection circuit failures within an electronic circuit breaker.

Apparatus and methods for monitoring and responding to power supply and/or detection circuit failures within an electronic circuit breaker


A hybrid wearable device comprising (A) a smart watch with at least a digital display, a general-purpose processor, an instruction and data memory, and a communications component, and (B) an alternate (mechanical, quartz, kinetic, or other) watch movement, that has these two components interact with each other and with the user.

Smart watches, also often referred to as "smartwatches", are portable electronic devices, worn like a wristwatch, or like a fashion accessory on a strap, or a belt, or some other fashion or jewelry contrivance. Smart watches are essentially small computers, as they include a processor, some memory, a display, a communication component, an ability to accept user input, and an ability to download and execute a variety of application software.
Like all electronic devices, smart watches depend for their functioning on having a built-in source of time, which enables them to perform the key function of a conventional timepiece: display the current time.
The ability of a smart watch to display the time is commonly seen as a cornerstone function of the device. A smart watch that does not function as a watch is usually seen as showing an unacceptable regression of its most basic function. Such device cannot be classified as a smart watch and would have to compete for space on the wrist of the user against a conventional watch that actually shows time and belongs on the wrist by custom and tradition.
In many human cultures, particularly the ones relying on the daily use of electronic devices, personal time management and thus immediate access to the current time are accepted as a common and essential utility. Various wristwatches with mechanical, quartz, kinetic, and other movements are commonly available and have established clear expectations of dependability.
Thus a need exists for an apparatus combining the benefits of the extensive functionality of smart watches with an ability to display time, similar in its dependability to traditional mechanical, quartz, and kinetic timepieces.

Hybrid smart watch multiple sources of time, multiple power sources, and multiple time indicator mechanisms


A static lubricant supply system within a gearbox that delivers lubricant to rotating gears. The lubricant supply system includes a stationary sleeve assembly for delivering the lubricant to a rotating receiver member, shaft, or flange. The sleeve assembly includes bearings, seals, jets, and plenums. The jets are skewed to deliver lubricant in the tangential direction of rotational motion of the receiver member, shaft, or flange. In the radial gap transfer configuration, the sleeve assembly circumscribes the receiver member or shaft. A race in the receiver member or shaft receives the lubricant. Channels within the receiver member, shaft, and gears deliver lubricant to the gears. In the axial gap transfer configuration, the sleeve assembly transfers lubricant to a flange attached to a receiver member. The flange has a race that receives the lubricant from the jets. Channels within the flange, receiver member, and gears deliver lubricant to the gears.

The field of the disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to a method and system for supplying lubricant to an integrated drive power gearbox.
Gas turbine engines typically include integrated drive power gearboxes that transfer energy from one shaft to another shaft. Planetary integrated drive power gearboxes are typically used in aircraft engines because of their compact design. However, high rotational speeds and torsional forces acting on the planetary shafts can heat the planetary gears to extremely high temperatures. Constant lubrication is used to maintain proper operating temperatures and reduce friction in the gearbox. Lubricant supply systems add weight to the aircraft and occupy valuable space. More efficient lubricant supply systems can occupy less space and reduce the weight of the aircraft, which tends to improve fuel efficiency.

Method and system for a planetary power gearbox static to rotating oil transfer supply


A method of operating a user equipment in a communications system including at least one cell that is controlled by a radio access node. The method includes maintaining current state information relating to the user equipment, the state information including at least one state information part associated with features for which state information reporting is configured in at least one cell, at least one state information part being associable with a plurality of different values, receiving an indication from the radio access node regarding state information held by the radio access node relating to the user equipment, determining whether to report current state information relating to the radio access node on the basis of the received indication, and reporting a current value associated with at least a given state information part to the radio access node.

Up to, and including, Release 10 (REL-10) of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification number TS 36.300 "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall Description; Stage 2", User Equipment (UE) reporting related to features such as Radio Link Failure (RLF) information availability, logged measurement information availability and proximity indication. It is expected that additional reporting will be introduced, for example regarding Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) interest and in-device interference, in later releases.
The UE repeats reporting of such information following every cell change in connected mode, in other words following every handover or connection re-establishment. Some such information, such as RLF information and logged measurement information, is contained in mobility-related messages. Other information is (expected to be) transferred by means of a separate, dedicated message. It is expected that the UE will need to provide the E-UTRAN with more and more up-to-date information. It is expected that reporting on the part of the UE will increase, particularly following a change in cell.


A method includes receiving, at a communication manager, information for a user from a plurality of computer systems. The user is capable of accessing each of the plurality of computer systems, and the communication manager is separate from the plurality of computer systems. The method also includes detecting the user accessing one of the plurality of computer systems. In addition, the method includes providing the information from the plurality of computer systems to the user after detecting the user accessing one of the plurality of computer systems.

Corporations, businesses, and other organizations typically provide various types of information to the general public or to a particular group of people. For example, public corporations often provide investment information to current or potential investors. Oftentimes, these people request information from multiple organizations, and many organizations attempt to track the people that request information. As an example, an organization typically requires that a person requesting information first register with the organization's computer system and establish a user account before the requested information is provided. Registration often involves collecting contact or other information (generally referred to as "account information"), such as a person's name, address, telephone number, electronic mail ("email") address, and password.
Conventional computer systems used by the organizations often suffer from one or more problems. For example, a user typically must register with each organization's computer system before receiving information from that organization. This forces the user to register multiple times before receiving desired information. Also, each organization typically communicates with the user through email, and these communications are only available to the user when the user accesses his or her email account.

Apparatus and method for building conjoined computer systems


A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a frame, a pair of spreader discs carried by the frame, and a material deflector. The spreader discs are generally horizontally arranged and rotatable in a counter rotating manner. The material deflector includes at least one deflector arm and a vertical pivoting mechanism interconnecting the at least one deflector arm with the frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to agricultural equipment, such as harvesters, and more specifically, to spreader arrangements on such harvesters for spreading agricultural material to a field.
2. Description of the Related Art
An agricultural harvester known as a "combine" is historically termed such because it combines multiple harvesting functions with a single harvesting unit, such as picking, threshing, separating and cleaning. A combine includes a header which removes the crop from a field, and a feeder housing which transports the crop matter into a threshing rotor. The threshing rotor rotates within a perforated housing, which may be in the form of adjustable concaves and performs a threshing operation on the crop to remove the grain. Once the grain is threshed, it falls through perforations in the concaves onto a grain pan. From the grain pan, the grain is cleaned using a cleaning system, and is then transported to a grain tank onboard the combine. A cleaning fan blows air through the sieves to discharge straw, chaff and other debris toward the rear of the combine.
During the process of harvesting, crop material other than grain is intended to be expelled from the combine. This material is usually derived from one of two areas, the threshing rotor or the cleaning system. The material expelled from the threshing rotor is generally referred to as straw and the material expelled from the cleaning system is generally referred to as chaff. This material or crop residue is typically dealt with by spreading or windrowing.
Spreading is accomplished using a mechanical device termed a spreader to distribute the straw and/or chaff substantially evenly from the rear of the combine. This spread material is usually chopped to as short a length as possible so that when it is spread it will break down as quickly as possible and not interfere with tillage or seeding operations.
Often, different field conditions require different apparatuses to spread the residue the full width of the head evenly. Many spreaders can adjust the speed of the spreading device to change the distance that material is spread. However, changing speed greatly affects the distribution of the spread. For instance, as the speed is slowed to spread to a narrower width, the material in the center increases without an adjustment point to change the distribution.
Conventional deflectors can be placed on the outside of the spreaders. These deflectors can pivot laterally to restrict the area in which that material can be spread, but they often cause an uneven spread. Moreover, material distribution fluctuates with the speed of the spreader. Some conventional designs incorporate a center mounted deflector that slides up and down to control the amount of material in the center of the spread while using deflectors in the center to influence the distance of the spread. Unfortunately, a sliding joint can also inadvertently accumulate crop material.

Spreader arrangement with vertically pivoting spread deflector


Disclosed is a centralized MPPT exiting method for a photovoltaic inverter comprising multiple DC chopper circuits and one inverter circuit. The method comprises: when the photovoltaic inverter is in a centralized MPPT mode, MPPT control is implemented independently for each photovoltaic cell in a photovoltaic component and the maximum power point for each photovoltaic cell is obtained; a reference value of the maximum power point for each photovoltaic cell is determined according to the type of the multiple DC chopper circuits; whether the voltage difference between the other maximum power points and the reference value goes beyond an allowable voltage difference is judged and the operation of the DC chopper circuits connecting to the photovoltaic cells with a voltage difference beyond the allowable voltage difference is recovered.

Photovoltaic inverter is the energy conversion device in a photovoltaic power generation system, with which direct current (DC) generated by the photovoltaic cells is converted into alternative current (AC) and then sent into the power grid. The topological structure diagram of most low-medium power photovoltaic inverters is shown in FIG. 1, including an inverting circuit and multiple DC chopper circuits connected in parallel, where multiple photovoltaic strings are connected to the DC bus via the multiple DC chopper circuits and outputted via the inverting circuit.
Under the circumstance that the bus voltage meets inversion requirements, the inverter control system stops some DC chopper circuits with a relatively low transformation ratio from working so that the photovoltaic strings, which are connected with these DC chopper circuits, are connected directly in parallel to the DC bus to improve conversion efficiency of the whole system; afterwards the inverter control system tracks the overall maximum power point of the photovoltaic strings (which are directly connected in parallel with the DC bus via DC chopper circuits stopping operating) as a whole by adjusting the voltage of the DC bus to improve photoelectric conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic strings, which is defined as the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) centralized modes of the photovoltaic inverter.
In practice, when illumination intensity changes, maximum power points of each of the photovoltaic strings will deviate from the overall maximum power point of the photovoltaic strings, which will result in a decrease in MPPT efficiency of the photovoltaic inverter so as to be unable to achieve both a high conversion efficiency of the whole system and a high MPPT efficiency.

Centralized MPPT exiting and switching method and application thereof


A current sense method comprises generating a voltage across a first current mirror of a current sense apparatus, the voltage being proportional to a current flowing through the current sense apparatus when the current is greater than a predetermined current value and applying a minimum drain-to-source voltage limiter to the first current mirror of the current sense apparatus when the current is less than the predetermined current value, wherein, as a result of applying the minimum drain-to-source voltage limiter to the first current mirror, the voltage across the first current mirror is clamped to a predetermined voltage value.

As technologies further advance, a variety of battery powered portable devices, such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, MP3 players and/or the like, have become popular. Each portable device may employ a plurality of rechargeable battery cells. The plurality of rechargeable battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel so as to form a rechargeable battery pack for storing electrical energy.
According to different combinations of electrode materials and electrolytes used in rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries may be divided into a variety of categories. The most common rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium-air batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries and the like.
As power consumption has become more important, there may be a need for accurately monitoring the charge and discharge currents flowing through a rechargeable battery so as to achieve fast, safe and complete charging of the rechargeable battery. Current mirror based battery monitoring devices have become the preferred choice for achieving high performance (e.g., accurate current measurement information) because current mirrors are capable of generating a replica proportional to the current flowing through the rechargeable battery. However, as the current flowing through the rechargeable battery goes lower, the accuracy of the current mirror has become a significant issue, which presents challenges to designers of battery charger systems.

Current sense apparatus for battery charger systems


An improved tooth profile for compressor screw rotors is disclosed. In the tooth profile, the following-side first curve of the male rotor is generated using a generation parameter of a quadratic function f(x)=a.sub.10 x.sup.2 +b.sub.10 x+c.sub.10 whose constants are optimized to meet specified constraint conditions. The above constraint conditions include an increased pressure angle for achieving good cutting condition of the rotors, a sealing surface suitable for minimizing the negative torque applied to a following rotor due to the gas pressure in the trapped pocket volume defined between the rotors, a large surface contact between the two rotors for improving the sealing effect as well as the durability of the rotors, and a minimized specific sliding at the driving force transmission part of the rotors for reducing the operational vibration and noise of the rotors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to compressor screw rotors for feeding compressible gas or fluid while compressing or expanding them and, more particularly, to an improvement in tooth profiles of helical or screw rotors having lands and grooves meshing each other in a compressor casing for improving the operational performance of the compressor. The rotor's tooth profiles are generated using a quadratic function with optimized constants as generation parameters.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, a gas compressor for feeding compressible gas or fluid while compressing or expanding them includes a pair of asymmetric screw rotors, that is, male and female screw rotors. The major portions of the female screw rotor are positioned in the inside of its pitch circle, while the major portions of the male screw rotor are positioned in the outside of its pitch circle.
More recently, the tooth profile of screw rotors for compressors have been actively studied. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,796 and U.K. Patent Nos. 1,197,432 and 2,092,676 disclose screw rotors suitable for improving the operational performance of the compressor.
That is, the above patents disclose use of asymmetric male and female screw rotors instead of conventional symmetric screw rotors and thereby improving the operational efficiency of the compressor. In the screw rotors disclosed in the above patents, the tooth profiles of the male and female screw rotors are asymmetric relative to the radial lines extending from the rotor's centers of rotation and passing through the lowest positions of the grooves.
However in the above male and female screw rotors, the deddendum of each groove of the male screw rotor is relatively larger than the outer diameter of the female screw rotor. Additionally, the addendum of each land of the female rotor is relatively larger than the outer diameter of the female screw rotor. Such larger deddendum and addendum of the male and female rotors provide advantage in that they not only increase the working space volume but also improve the drive conditions of the female rotor. However, the rotors having the above larger deddendum and addendum are problematic in that both the addendum and deddendum enlarge the blow hole and thereby reduce volume efficiency as well as adiabatic efficiency.
Additionally, the screw rotors disclosed in the U.K. Patent No. 1,197,432 have a portion with pressure angle of 0.degree.. This portion causes a bad cutting condition in a hob milling process for producing the rotors. In the screw rotors disclosed in either the U.K. Patent No. 1,197,432 or the U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,796, the tooth profile of the following rotor has a point-generated portion which is difficult to be precisely machined. Additionally, the above point-generated portion of the following rotor is severely abraded during operation of the rotors and thereby cause considerable damage to the tooth surface of the rotor. The point-generated portion also increases the trapped pocket volume.

Tooth profile for compressor screw rotors