The present invention relates to a modified surface capable of having bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity when it is light irradiated, thus converting the surface of the substrate into a bacteriostatic and a bactericidal surface as many times as it is desired, and for a long time. According to the invention, the modified surface upon light irradiation avoids the attachment of a microorganism to this surface, inhibits the formation of a biofilm on this surface and destroys an already formed biofilm on this surface. These effects can be achieved as many times as it is desired, and for indefinite time.

Organisms that adhere to, for example, the catheter surface maintain themselves by producing an "extracellular slime," a substance rich in exopolysaccharides, often referred to as fibrous glycocalyx or microbial biofilm. Microorganisms bind to the surface of host proteins, such as fibrin and fibronectin, to produce biofilm. The organisms embed themselves in the biofilm layer become more resistant to antimicrobial agents and therapies. The use of lumen flush solutions including a combination of antimicrobial agents as well as anti-coagulants is a known process for removing them.
Another strategy has been to impregnate the surfaces of said catheters with antimicrobial agents in order to prevent colonization and the formation of biofilm. An improved approach for prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections is desired.
A considerable amount of attention and study has been directed toward preventing colonization of bacterial and fungal organisms on the surfaces of orthopedic implants by the use of antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, bound to the surface of such devices. The objective of such attempts has been to produce a sufficient bacteriostatic or bactericidal action to prevent colonization. Various methods have previously been employed to coat the surfaces of medical devices with an antibiotic.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,133, invented by Greco et al., discloses a method to coat the surface of medical devices with antibiotics involving first coating the selected surfaces with benzalkonium chloride followed by ionic bonding of the antibiotic composition.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,135, invented by Greco et al., discloses surface modification of surgical implants by binding of drugs which, after implantation, are slowly released. More particularly, it relates to improved surgical implants having sustained, localized delivery of pharmacological agents such as extended antibiotic activity or reduced thrombogenicity, and methods for producing same. The surface modification of surgical implants by the adhesion thereto of pharmacological agents for the purpose of minimizing infection and prosthesis rejection is well-known and has generated broad interest for some time.
A biofilm is an accumulation of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses that are embedded in a polysaccharide matrix and adhere to solid biologic and non-biologic surfaces. Biofilms are medically important as they may account for a majority of microbial infections in the body. Biofilms account for many of the infections of the oral cavity, middle ear, indwelling catheters and tracheal and ventilator tubing.
Biofilms are remarkably resistant to treatment with conventional topical and intravenous antimicrobial agents. This is thought to be due to the antibiotic's inability to penetrate the polysaccharide coating of the biofilm.
Bacteria and other microorganisms embedded within biofilms are also resistant to both immunological and non-specific defense mechanisms of the body. Bacterial contact with a solid surface triggers the expression of a panel of bacterial enzymes that cause the formation of polysaccharides that promote colonization and protection of the bacteria.
The polysaccharide structure of biofilms is such that immune responses may be directed only at those antigens found on the outer surface of the biofilm and antibodies and other serum or salivary proteins often fail to penetrate into the biofilm.
Also, phagocytes may be effectively prevented from engulfing a bacterium growing within a complex polysaccharide matrix attached to a solid surface.
Many different medical devices may lead to infection when in contact with a body tissue or fluid. Exemplary of such devices are vascular access (arterial and venous) catheters, introducers, vascular grafts, urinary catheters and associated devices, such as drainage bags and connectors, and abdominal cavity drainage tubing, bags and connectors, and many others.
WO200289750 relates to a photodynamic therapy utilizing a pyrrolnitrin. In particularly, it relates to improved surgical implants having sustained, localized delivery of pharmacological agents such as extended antibiotic activity or reduced thrombogenicity, and methods for producing same. More particular, it discloses a method of photoeradication of cells and acellular organisms, such as during an in vitro or in vivo disinfection or sterilization procedure, or for cancer cell or acellular organism eradication. In one embodiment, the method utilizes a combination of a photosensitive material, pyrrolnitrin, and a chemical agent, such as a surfactant material, in a solution. In accordance with this international patent application, a photodynamic therapy utilizing a photosensitive material, such as methylene blue, methylene green, or toluidene blue, in combination with pyrrolnitrin, and a light emitting device, such as a light wand, light patch, light pad or shaped light-emitting or light-communicating article is described.
The nanoparticles are used widely at present, especially in the field of nanotechnology for biomedical treatment. These nanoparticles need to reach the pathological region and go through extremely small holes inside the body. For example, if it is necessary to transport the gold nanoparticles to malignant tumors through holes of approximately 100 nm formed at the connection branch points between the pre-existing blood vessels and the new blood vessels produced by those malignant tumors. The rod-shaped gold nanoparticles will encounter difficulties reaching the area of pathology due to their shape.
The European Patent No. EP2241394 discloses a gold nanoparticle composition that can pass through small holes in vivo more readily than a rod-shaped gold nanoparticle, and that can be utilized as a self-heating energy acceptor.
The International Patent Application No. WO2009/024636 relates to a photothermal treatment. More particularly, it discloses an encapsulated hybrid material. That encapsulation in silica is particularly advantageous in the measurement to control the textural parameters of the cover and at the same time offers many opportunities for functionalization. It is especially suitable for the incorporation of gold nanoparticles in a mesoporous silica matrix, which allow a high pore management with controllable pore size and high surface area. The hybrid material allows the anchor of a drug and/or biomarker on the surface of silica that forms the nanospheres. The hybrid material contains at least two components: gold nanoparticles, of size between 10 and 60 nm, within a matrix of an inorganic compound, preferably silicon. The light absorbed by the nanoparticles is rapidly converted into heat. The incorporation of two or more gold nanoparticles within a capsule involves the interaction between them against electromagnetic stimuli which allows their use as diagnostic tools, control of drug release or photothermal treatments.
The patent application US20130018299 discloses nano-constructs comprising nanoshells and methods of using the nano-constructs for treating or ameliorating a medical condition. More particularly, a method of forming degradable nanoshells on a polymeric core substrate is described. The nanoshells include a metal, carbon, or a conducting polymer. The nano-constructs can be administered to a target tissue of a subject, which can be human or an animal. An energy source can be applied to the nano-constructs. The nano-constructs absorb the energy and then translate the energy into heat, thereby providing therapy via delivering a drug contained into said nano-constructs to the subject. The light activates the drug delivery.
The International patent application WO2010/107720 describes a system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. The nanoparticle described is configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength λ1 of radiation, to generate a second wavelength λ2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength λ1. The system is designed for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. Furthermore, that system includes a receptor disposed in the medium in proximity to the nanoparticle which, upon activation by the second wavelength λ2, generates the photostimulated reaction. Therefore, again the emission light (Δ2) causes the activation of a determinate reaction. Thus, these particles are configured to convert the incident light into a different emitted light.
Therefore, it is still the need to provide a novel way of infection prevention, biofilm inhibiting and/or biofilm destroying which will be adequate for any type of substrate, which properties will be maintained for a long term, and specially without delivering an antimicrobial agent nor a pharmaceutical agent such as an antibiotic or a drug, respectively.

Modified surface capable of having bacteriostatic and bactericide activity, the method for obtaining it and use thereof

Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques

Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avancats


A latch for securing a compute sled into a chassis is provided. The latch includes a body with a user manipulable control, the body configured for mounting to a drawer of the compute sled, the user manipulable control configured for causing a slider to one of engage and disengage a deadbolt with a complimentary slot of a sleeve for containing the drawer, the latch further configured for engaging a retention element of the chassis.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to an information handling system and in particular to a sled secure latch for use within an information handling system.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the value and use of information continue to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes, thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
As the demand for computing equipment has grown, so has the need for efficient packaging of the equipment. Generally, high capacity computing systems include a variety of components that are mounted into a sled. The sled is stored within a chassis that is, in turn, disposed within a rack. Generally, use of rack units with configurable chassis has provided users with a great deal of flexibility in configuring and maintaining computing systems.
Unfortunately, with increasing costs, there is a need to be able to quickly reconfigure components within a chassis. That is, in order to make the most of available resources it is desirable to have systems that permit users to quickly remove sleds from chassis, thus permitting quick user access to components therein. Preferably, the methods and apparatus provide for consumption of very little space, and limit accidental removal from a chassis.

User interface enhanced storage sled handle with embedded security features


An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry causes an ultrasound probe to execute first ultrasound scanning to acquire blood flow information within a first scanning area and causes the ultrasound probe to execute second ultrasound scanning to acquire tissue shape information within a second scanning area. The processing circuitry receives an instruction for changing a flow-velocity value to be displayed in display of the blood flow information. When, because of a change of the flow-velocity value according to the instruction, a time for transmitting/receiving ultrasound per scanning line in the first ultrasound scanning exceeds a transmitting/receiving time before the change, the processing circuitry assigns a time corresponding to the excess to at least one of the first ultrasound scanning and the second ultrasound scanning.

Conventionally, ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses have a function of generating and displaying blood flow information from reflected waves of ultrasound by using the Doppler method based on the Doppler effect. Recently, there is a proposed technology of imaging the blood flow at a high rate, a high resolution, and a high frame rate to obtain blood flow information in which clutter components originating from slow-moving tissue that moves slowly are more substantially suppressed than by using the normal Doppler method.


An X-ray imaging guiding system for positioning a region of interest of a patient for X-ray image acquisition includes an X-ray detector arrangement, and graphical positioning information. The graphical positioning information includes a graphical target anatomy representation. The graphical target positioning information is provided in spatial relation with the X-ray detector arrangement. The graphical target anatomy representation indicates a target position of a respective anatomy of the patient for a determined X-ray image acquisition. Further, the graphical positioning information is adaptable in accordance with the determined X-ray image acquisition.

In X-ray imaging, patient positioning is a necessity, for example, for minimum dose requirements. A region of interest of a patient, for example a certain organ or a certain region of an extremity, such as a foot or a hand, is placed and thus positioned by a technician. The region of interest is arranged such that the X-radiation will cover a region of interest as much as possible on the one hand, and while avoiding to expose the patient to unnecessary radiation on the other hand, i.e. radiation which radiates through regions that do not belong to the region of interest. Therefore, a light projection, for example, indicates the central point of the X-ray radiation, wherein a projection device is mounted to the X-ray source to visualize the surface area of the object, for example the patient, that will be radiated or hit by X-ray radiation. Besides the central point, also collimation is projected such that the area, which will be radiated, is visible to the technician. The technician then positions the patient according to the particular needs. WO 2006/038165 A1 describes the planning of imaging parameters in an X-ray system, wherein an optical image of the patient positioned in front of the detector is generated and displayed overlaid with imaging parameters. The patient can then be repositioned according to the displayed overlay. However, it has been shown that patient positioning can be challenging for technicians and requires time, and also staff members, which have to move between the location of the X-ray imaging system, and the location where the control interface for the X-ray imaging system is located, usually a separate room having only visual contact to the patient.

X-ray imaging guiding system for positioning a patient


A needleless port system for depositing a sample of biological material into a vacuum container. The system comprises a generally dome-shaped or bell-shaped housing having an upper end and a bottom end, the latter being designed and configured to axially engage a vacuum container receivable therethrough. The system further includes at least one passageway, preferably disposed along a top portion thereof, for establishing fluid communication with a source of biological material. The system further preferably includes a hollow, generally spike-shaped member for depositing the biological sample into the vacuum container. Axially disposed within the housing and axially received about the generally spike-shaped member is a seal member designed and configured to penetrably and sealingly receive the distal tip of the spike member. The seal member is preferably designed and configured to selectively control the amount of biological material drawn into the vacuum container.

Containers for containing and storing biological samples, namely blood and other bodily fluids, are well-known to those skilled in the art. Most notable of such container devices are vacuum containers, i.e., containers formed to have a vacuum contained therein for facilitating the collection of blood and/or other bodily fluids. Generally, such vacuum containers or vacutainers are brought into fluid communication with the fluid sample to be collected, via a needle or catheter that is inserted through a septum formed on the container, wherein the vacuum disposed within the container provides means for drawing the fluid into the container. Additionally, such containers typically have amounts of an anti-coagulant, such as HEPARIN, present within the container to prevent coagulation of the sample once the sample has been collected.
While such vacuum containers offer great benefit as a means for containing and storing biological samples, current methods and systems for depositing biological samples into vacuum containers suffer from numerous drawbacks. Generally, such conventional vacuum containers utilize a dual needle system to establish fluid communication between the container and the source from which the biological sample is to be extracted. However, the use of needles to establish the necessary fluid communication is particularly disadvantageous due to the potential for a needle-stick experience to occur, which can thus increase the chances a healthcare worker could become infected with such blood-borne diseases as AIDS or Hepatitis-B.
In addition, conventional vacuum containers are generally accessed by means, such as needles, which may damage the septum formed on the vacuum container. As a result, these access or port systems may destroy the vacuum contained within the container or, alternatively, may cause the sample collected within the container to leak therefrom. Moreover, such port systems are generally ineffective in closing off the fluid communication established between the container and the source from which the biological sample is derived once a sufficient amount of sample has been collected. As such, excess biological material can spill about the container and cause contamination. Still further, these currently used systems generally may not be repeatedly used or, at best, may only be repeatedly used for a limited number of times due to the potential for such systems to become clogged or otherwise insufficiently allow a sample to be collected by the vacuum container.
Accordingly, it is apparent that there is a need in the art to provide a system through which biological samples may be collected in a vacuum container wherein the threat of a needle-stick experience is virtually eliminated. Additionally, there is a need in the art to provide a vacuum container port system through which a biological sample may be collected without the threat of the sample leaking from the system as well as a port system which may be repeatedly used and may be accessed by most conventional vacuum containers currently in use.


A high density, high performance circuit fabricated with a copper/epoxy structure. The circuit is well suited for an integrated circuit interconnect device. Fluorene-containing epoxy resins may be used to obtain certain material and processing advantages over copper/polyimide structures. The circuit structure resides on a substrate which may be ceramic, a semiconductor such as silicon, or, advantageously, a cured epoxy resin.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an interconnect structure utilizing copper conductive layer separated by a cured epoxy resin dielectric material, and more particularly to a high density circuit suitable for use as an interconnect device for integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Integrated circuit technology has advanced to where chip-to-chip interconnect delay and line density are limiting factors in the overall performance and size of an integrated module. A high density, high performance alternative to conventional printed circuit (PC) board interconnects is required to address certain deficiencies in printed circuit board chip-to-chip interconnect structures.
Conventional PC board interconnects have been constructed of laminated materials made from glass impregnated with epoxy resin, an example of which is designated "FR-4," a classification representing a flame retardant bisphenol-A-based epoxy resin with a glass transition temperature of 120-150.degree. C. after curing. The line density of a single layer PC board is limited by surface characteristics, such as pits and dents in the laminated foil, print-through of the fabric weave pattern in the foil, and bow and twist features of the overall laminate, to about 200 lines per inch per level. Plated through-holes consume large amounts of board area, severely reducing the board area available for interconnect lines. Copper/organic polymer type structures made with 1970's integrated circuit fabrication equipment and techniques can be fabricated with densities of over 500 lines per inch per level, reducing line lengths and signal propogation delay, and allowing higher packaging density.
Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC), an assignee of the present invention, has developed high density, high performance interconnect systems in which integrated circuit interconnect circuits fabricated from a copper/polyimide structure are utilized to significantly reduce delays and cross-talk or noise. Such systems are described in U.S. Ser. Nos. 07/102,172 and 07/158,172, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. Copper/polyimide interconnects may be fabricated with either stacked of staggered vias and may be in a set or predetermined circuit pattern or customizable. The copper/polyimide interconnects represent a significant advance over the prior technology. However, they suffer certain fabrication limitations based on the material characteristics of the polyimide. Polyimide is hygroscopic and therefore requires in-process dehydration bake steps during fabrication. Furthermore, copper conductors require an overcoat in order to prevent undesirable copper/polyimide interactions, for instance oxidation and/or corrosion of the copper, and loss of adhesion strength of the polyimide to the copper.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


Methods for producing heterologous proteins are disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure provides improved methods of producing desired proteins, including multi-subunit proteins such as antibodies, with a higher yield and improved purity. In exemplary embodiments, the transformed cells are a yeast, e.g., methylotrophic yeast such as Pichia pastoris.

Numerous recombinantly produced proteins have received regulatory approval for human therapeutic use. A growing number of these therapeutic proteins are produced in microbial expression systems. Indeed, according to a recent review, microbial expression systems are used for production of nearly half of the 151 protein-based recombinant pharmaceuticals licensed up to January 2009 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (Ferrer-Miralles et al., Microbial Cell Factories 2009, 8:17).
Among these recombinantly produced proteins are antibodies, which conventionally are tetrameric proteins composed of two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains. Hundreds of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently either on the market or under development. The production of functional antibodies generally involves the synthesis of the two polypeptide chains as well as a number of post-translational events, including proteolytic processing of the N-terminal secretion signal sequence; proper folding and assembly of the polypeptides into tetramers; formation of disulfide bonds; and typically includes a specific N-linked glycosylation.
Fungal hosts such as the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris have distinct advantages for therapeutic protein expression, including that they do not secrete high amounts of endogenous proteins, have strong inducible promoters available for producing heterologous proteins, can be grown in defined chemical media and without the use of animal sera, and can produce high titers of recombinant proteins (Cregg et al., FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 24: 45-66 (2000)). Prior work, including work conducted by the present inventors, has helped established P. pastoris as a cost-effective platform for producing functional antibodies that are suitable for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic use. See co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,927,863 and 7,935,340, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Methods are also known in the literature for design of P. pastoris fermentations for expression of recombinant proteins, with optimization having been described with respect to parameters including cell density, broth volume, pH, substrate feed rate, and the length of each phase of the reaction. See Zhang et al., "Rational Design and Optimization of Fed-Batch and Continuous Fermentations" in Cregg, J. M., Ed., 2007, Pichia Protocols (2nd edition), Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 389, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J., pgs. 43-63, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Additionally, prior work by the present applicants and others has described increasing production of proteins in yeast through methods including addition of a bolus of ethanol to the culture at or near the beginning of the production phase, and with respect to multi-subunit proteins such as antibodies, varying the number of gene copies and the copy number ratio between subunit genes. See US20130045888, entitled, Multi-Copy Strategy For High-Titer And High-Purity Production Of Multi-Subunit Proteins Such As Antibodies In Transformed Microbes Such As Pichia Pastoris; and US20120277408, entitled, High-Purity Production Of Multi-Subunit Proteins Such As Antibodies In Transformed Microbes Such As Pichia Pastoris.
Though the aforementioned Zhang et al. article makes some effort to describe a systematic approach to optimizing the aforementioned parameters and give a theoretical approach to understanding the interplay between some of these parameters, expression optimization remains a largely empirical process. Because of this interplay, it is generally insufficient to optimize each individual parameter while keeping all others constant. For example, optimal media composition may vary with culture density, strain background, feed rate, agitation, oxygenation, etc. Because of this complex interplay, the number of combinations of parameters that can be tested is potentially infinite, and even if an expression system has been extensively optimized there always remain a large number of untested conditions which could benefit yield and/or purity.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Temperature shift for high yield expression of polypeptides in yeast and other transformed cells


A start up check relay is energized whenever escalator motor motive power is interrupted. The start up check relay checks speed and non-speed-dependent safety circuit components to determine whether these safety circuit components have all come to an escalator start up state. When the start up condition of these safety circuit components has been verified the circuit allows power to be applied to the escalator motor. When power is applied to the escalator motor, a start up delay timer is energized and the start up check relay is de-energized. When speed-dependent components of the escalator have come to operating speeds, the start up delay timer will be de-energized, and the escalator will continue movement in its normal operating mode provided that all safety circuits are fully operational.

Escalators are provided with safety systems, each one of which is operable to stop movement of the escalator in the event that an unsafe operating condition is detected. Examples of such unsafe operating Conditions include: a missing step or a detached step on the escalator; a handrail which is moving at an improper speed; something becoming caught between adjacent steps or between the steps and the side skirts; a foreign object becoming lodged between the step treads and the combplate at the escalator exit landing; or the like. The safety system components used to detect unsafe escalator operating conditions include proximity sensors, switches, pressure sensors, or the like, which are able to detect unsafe escalator-operating conditions so long as the sensors and their associated circuitry remain operative. Present day escalators do not include any mechanism for determining the operability of the safety system detectors or their circuitry. It would be highly desirable to be able to detect safety circuit component failure prior to start up of the escalator. If a safety circuit component malfunction were detected, the escalator could be prevented from starting Up.

Detection of escalator safety circuit component operability


A coupling is mounted between a valve stem of a valve and a rod of a valve actuator. The rod includes an extension having a piston member at the end thereof which is received within a cylinder member mounted on the end of the valve stem. The extension and piston member thereof define with the cylinder member a chamber within the cylinder member. Force can be transmitted from the rod to the stem by full insertion of the piston member within the cylinder member. A pressurized gas is contained within the chamber to limit the force transmitted from the rod to the stem when the relative position of the rod with respect to the stem causes the piston member to be located intermediate of the cylinder member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device for coupling a pair of rod elements and, more specifically, to such a device which can be utilized to limit the amount of force applied to a stem of a valve during backseating when the rod of a valve actuator acts on the valve stem to open the valve.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There have heretofore been utilized a number of means for opening and closing large valves in the feedwater and steam systems of nuclear power plants. One such means which is frequently used is a valve actuator which incorporates a hydraulic cylinder and a gas accumulator. Hydraulic oil is directed to a piston within the hydraulic cylinder to open the valve in opposition to a precharged source of high pressure gas in an accumulator which gas acts on the other side of the piston. The high pressure gas maintained in the accumulator is of a sufficient quantity and pressure to act on the piston to rapidly close the valve when the hydraulic pressure is relieved. Some valve configurations require a hydraulic pressure which is significantly higher than that of the high pressure gas to provide enough force to initially lift the closure member from its seat. Employing the hydraulic pressure at such a high level could result in backseating damage if some means were not utilized to limit the force during backseating.
In other valve configurations where such a large force is not required to lift the closure member from the seat, pressure limiting means, such as a hydraulic accumulator, or a relief valve, on the hydraulic system which provides the hydraulic pressure for opening the valve, may be set at a level to properly backseat the valve when the piston is in an upward position. The resulting force acting on the stem, the difference between the hydraulic force upward and the gas force downward, is maintained to ensure proper backseating without damaging the valve. However, should a leak in or a rupture of the accumulator occur, the force generated by the hydraulic oil would no longer be opposed by the high pressure gas. Were this force to be transmitted to the backseat of the valve through the stem, permanent valve damage might occur. Although it is less likely to occur, the same detrimental results might be obtained with failure of the hydraulic pressure limiting means.
A concern for and a consideration of the amount of force applied to a valve during backseating has also affected the operation of other forms of valve actuators. Although they are not capable of closing this type of large valve as rapidly as can the accumulator described hereinabove, electric motor operators are frequently employed for valve operation in nuclear power plant systems. To close a valve with an electrical motor operator, a remote signal is sent to the motor to cause gear rotation in one direction to lower the rod. The motor gearing includes a torque limit switch which is contacted during a predetermined torque condition within the gearing so that when the rod has acted on the stem to fully seat the valve, motor power is discontinued by the torque limit switch. Motor operation is, therefore, automatically stopped when the valve is fully closed. It would seem that a similar torque limit switch could be employed in the motor gearing when the valve is opened. The motor would again stop when the valve is backseated as an increase in torque would again turn off the electrical motor. However, the level at which such a torque limit switch would be set to prevent damage during backseating would limit the torque throughout operation of the electrical motor operator while opening the valve. But it is often found that a significantly higher torque is needed simply to initially open the valve. A torque limit switch with such a setting would, therefore, prevent the valve from being opened by disconnecting the motor prior to any upward movement of the stem. Consequently, it is presently the practice in the operation of the electrical motor operator during opening of the valve to provide a position limit switch for stopping the motor just prior to backseating of the valve. A handwheel is provided for manually applying the proper torque to fully backseat the valve.
Last, but by no means least, there exist valve actuators which are operated by hydraulic oil which acts on both sides of a piston to position the valve. The use of hydraulic oil pressure to open the valve, without a controlled pressure on the other side of the piston in opposition thereto, has generally produced forces which are unsatisfactory for backseating the valve. Consequently, valves operated by a hydraulic actuator have not heretofore been provided with any simple, automatic means for backseating.
To provide some control of the forces being transmitted to a valve by an actuator during backseating, there has heretofore been disclosed a coupling of the type included in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 663,786, filed on Mar. 4, 1976 by Timothy Edward Kunkle and assigned to the assignee of this application. These couplings basically utilize a spring member to bias a pair of lost motion fittings mounted on the ends of the rod and the stem. Although these prior art devices can be properly employed for this purpose, the basic design employed requires one or more Belleville springs which are generally expensive to provide and lack a desired flexibility since specific springs may be required for each specific valve configuration.


An isolation and flow control valve in a furnace charging installation, installed in a discharge conduit of a storage hopper which may be alternately at ambient pressure for loading and furnace pressure for discharging, is characterized by a valve member which is caused to move serially in two directions during opening and closing. The movement is produced by an actuator mechanism including a pivot arm and a cam system and results in movement axially with respect to the conduit for seating and unseating and generally transverse to the conduit axis for controlling material flow through the conduit.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the charging of blast furnaces and particularly to the exercise of control over the flow of material from a pressurized storage hopper into a furnace. More specifically, this invention is directed to apparatus for performing the dual functions of establishing a hermetic seal in and controlling the flow of material through a conduit such as for, example, a channel via which particulate matter is delivered to the interior of a pressurized furnace. Accordingly, the general objects of the present invention are to provide novel and improved methods and apparatus of such character.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
While not limited thereto in its utility, the present invention is particularly well suited for use in a shaft furnace charging installation of the "bell-less" top type as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,812. In this type of charging installation the furnace is provided with one or more intermediate storage hoppers which may be alternately opened to the ambient atmosphere for loading material therefrom to the interior of the pressurized furnace via a tubular discharge channel. Such furnace charging installations, as exemplified by the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,835, employ a pair of serially arranged "valves" between the storage hopper and the furnace. The first or upper "valve" performs a material flow control or metering function, by increasing or reducing the area of the storage hopper discharge opening and thereby assists in the achievement of a desired distribution of material on the furnace hearth. The second or lower "valve" functions to establish the hermetic seal required to permit the alternate pressurizing and depressurizing of the storage hopper. In the prior art the metering "valve," by the very nature of its function, was designed to be moved in a substantially perpendicular direction in relation to the discharge channel and could not establish a hermetic seal. The sealing valve, on the other hand, was designed and actuated so that it could not perform a material flow control function.
The requirement for a pair of serially arranged "valves," as described above, increases the cost and complexity of a blast furnace charging installation. In some instances, particularly in the case of low and medium capacity furnaces, these additional costs are deemed significant. Accordingly, there has been a desire in the art to provide a single device which could perform the dual functions of metering the flow of granular material flowing through a conduit and establishing a hermetic seal across the conduit while maintaining the high degree of reliability which has characterized installations wherein these functions were performed by separate "valves."

Combined flow control and isolation valve


A carrier for mounting to an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold port, a fuel injector and a cylinder head port extending from a cylinder head. The carrier includes a central portion having an internal passageway for providing fuel to the fuel injector. An attachment portion extends from the central portion which is affixed between the cylinder head and the intake manifold ports. The carrier further includes a sleeve extending from the central portion for receiving the fuel injector, which is sealed by the sleeve and an O-ring. The fuel injector, port seals, injector O-ring, wiring harness, connector and fuel rail are integrated into a single carrier to provide sealing, electrical connectivity, and fuel delivery functions.

This invention relates to a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to an integrated carrier having a fuel injector assembly, fuel rail, wiring harness and connector which may be assembled to a motor vehicle intake manifold.
An air intake manifold distributes air to cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The manifold is typically mounted to a cylinder head of the engine. The manifold is in close proximity to various electrical components of the engine such as fuel injectors, electric throttle body, throttle position sensors and air and temperature sensors.
A conventional fuel injection system includes a plurality of fuel injectors mounted to an intake manifold. Fuel is supplied to each fuel injector through a fuel rail. Each fuel injector is selectively actuated to meter a desired amount of fuel into a combustion chamber. Electric signals for controlling the fuel injectors are typically communicated through a conventional wire harness. Such harnesses include a main connector that is attached to a controller and a plurality of wires that are routed to individual fuel injectors. Conventional wire harnesses are expensive to manufacture and assemble onto the vehicle engine. In addition, wire harnesses are bulky and subject to damage due to the hostile environment that exists within the vehicle engine compartment.
Conventional fuel injection systems include many components that must be assembled, which increases the likelihood of fuel permeating or leaking from the system. The fuel injectors may include an O-ring or other seal at opposing ends that are received in the fuel rail and intake manifold. For a six-cylinder engine, up to twelve seals may be needed solely for the fuel injectors.
Currently, there are very strict rules limiting the amount of hydrocarbons that may leak or permeate from a vehicle. Each connection between components presents a potential for leaking or permeation of fuel vapor. Furthermore, fuel injection systems are under relatively high pressures. As a result, there is an increased opportunity for fuel to leak or permeate past the seals. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an integrated assembly that reduces the number of connections that must be sealed and that incorporates several different functions such as sealing, electrical connectivity, and fuel delivery to provide for improved sealing and wiring protection along with decreased cost and assembly time.

Integrated carrier for vehicle intake manifold


A sloped-top portable desk having a semi-soft covered writing surface, rounded on the front edge, which opens from the front having a hinge on the back wall where a carrying handle is located for portability; inside there are compartments fitted to the needs of the calligrapher, with the bottom of said desk having four feet, the two rear feet are adjustable to varying heights which change the writing slope. A stabilizing strap is included to be used when a table is not available to set said desk upon. A narrow bracket is provided to attach to the top writing surface which converts the desk into a podium; said bracket can also be used to convert the desk into a table easel. The total unit is a desk to be used with or without a table for the scribe to work upon. When the desk's top lid is closed, all the supplies are secured in their compartments for portability.

It has long been a conventional practice for calligraphers to execute the art of writing, illuminating and lettering, at home on a slanted table top. This portable desk affords the scribe to do his or her work anywhere using just a chair if necessary. The essential calligraphers supplied are arranged in compartments. When the desk is set on any table, the writing slope can be raised to help control the flow of ink. The calligrapher can achieve the angle preferred by adjusting the two rear feet of the desk. He or she has easy access to the desk's contents by lifting the front sloped writing surface, which is rounded to avoid creasing the paper. In addition, a table easel/podium bracket is supplied to provide two functions, it facilitates the use of the desk as a table easel, and as a podium.


A unique electromagnetic brake which, when pulsed with a D.C. current, will latch and hold in either of two extreme positions; on position and off position. A continuous current is not necessary to maintain either position which eliminates power loss from a limited power supply and heat dissipation problems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electromagnetic brakes more particularly to an improved electromagnetic brake which will latch and hold in either of two extreme positions, on position and off position when pulsed with a D.C. current.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 2,421,751 deals with friction devices having relatively rotatable faces that are brought in gripping engagement electromagnetically.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,562,788 relates to electromagnetic brakes of the disk type.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,703,378 relates to an improvement in construction of a magnetic friction clutch disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,488,552 so as to facilitate accurate manufacture thereof by high production methods.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,251,444 deals with clutches and brakes in which an axial magnetic pull generated by suitable exciter coils is utilized to cause controlled engagement of the friction clutch members.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,162 relates to an electromagnetic braking mechanism for rapidly stopping a movable flat member or rotative disc.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,720 deals with a magnetic particle clutch or brake constituted by a stator surrounding a rotor assembly having an input member and an output member which are intercoupled when the stator coil is excited.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,317 relates to a new and improved magnetic coupling and more specifically to a magnetic coupling wherein one of the coupling members is formed of a material which is readily magnetized to different polarities to effect a movement of the coupling members between an engaged and disengaged position.

Electromagnetic pulse operated bi-stable brake


The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting an appliance at an opening in a wall, particularly for use with openings in the exterior walls of storage tanks and the like. The apparatus allows men and materials to be safely raised and lowered within the opening, can be moved away from the opening without completely removing the apparatus from the tank, and can be used to mount a variety or different appliances for use through the opening. The apparatus comprises grasping clamps for securing the apparatus to the opening of the wall, an appliance mounting member for connecting an appliance to the grasping clamps, and an appliance for maneuvering through the opening and performing a predetermined task within the tank.

When working through confined openings in walls such as those in storage tanks, or other large containers or rooms it is difficult and often dangerous for men to enter and leave through the opening. This is particularly true if the floor of the container or room is sloped or otherwise uneven or is located a distance below the opening. Under these circumstances it is important to be able to secure the men as they enter and leave the opening and also as they are working within the container or room. When moving equipment or materials through an opening of this type the difficulties are similar to those of handling the men.
In Olson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,013 Sep. 15, 1992 an apparatus is shown which mounts on a projection at the opening in a side wall of a storage tank. The apparatus has a plurality of arms which are arranged to be mounted on the interior of the tank at the opening for raising and lowering men and materials within the tank. The arms however block a portion of the opening from the inside and cannot be moved away from the opening without completely removing the apparatus from the tank. Furthermore the apparatus is configured to mount a hoist and a fall arresting device only and is not designed to mount different kinds of appliances at the opening.
An apparatus for mounting an appliance at an opening in a wall is needed which allows men and materials to be safely raised and lowered within the opening, can be moved away from the opening without completely removing the apparatus from the tank, and which can be used to mount a variety or different appliances for use through the opening.

Apparatus for mounting an appliance at an opening


An expansion device includes: a housing onto which an electronic device including a first connector is placed; a second connector, provided on the housing, configured to couple to the first connector; and a positioning member, including a projecting portion that projects from the housing, configured to displace, by a sliding operation with the electronic device being engaged, from a standby position in which the positioning member is restricted to sink into the housing to a coupling position in which the positioning member is allowed to sink into the housing and the first connector and the second connector are capable of coupling with each other.

Some electronic devices such as notebook personal computers include a stationary unit, and a movable unit that is coupled to the rear end portion of the stationary unit and opens and closes with respect to the stationary unit.
Related art is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-10658, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2005-182393, or Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-91622.

Expansion device and electronic apparatus


A purge apparatus and method are disclosed for automatically purging an absorption cooling system. Noncondensible gas is drawn out of the absorber of the absorption cooling system by an eductor. The eductor entrains the gas in the fluid flow to the high pressure side of the system. The gas is drawn out of the high pressure side by a separate purge refrigeration system. The evaporator of the purge refrigeration system is located in a purge tank that is in free flow communication with the condenser of the absorption cooling system. Refrigerant vapor and intermixed noncondensible gas flow into the purge tank and the refrigerant vapor condenses on the purge refrigeration system evaporator. The condensed absorption refrigerant is returned to the absorption cooling system. The noncondensible gas collects in the purge tank and blankets the evaporator of the purge refrigeration system, causing the temperature of the purge refrigerant to decrease. At a specified temperature, a temperature sensor initiates a pump out of the noncondensible gas in the purge tank.

An absorption cooling system uses an absorbent solution and an absorption refrigerant combination to produce the cooling effect of the system. A generator heats the absorbent solution to drive the refrigerant from the solution, producing a refrigerant vapor. The refrigerant vapor is then cooled in a condenser to condense the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then flows to an evaporator. In the evaporator, the pressure on the liquid refrigerant is relieved, allowing it to evaporate at a lower temperature. The refrigerant draws heat into the system as it evaporates to produce the cooling effect of the absorption cooling system.
The refrigerant vapor then flows to an absorber. In the absorber, the refrigerant vapor is absorbed into the absorbent solution from the generator. After the refrigerant is absorbed into the solution, the absorbent solution returns to the generator and the cycle repeats.
An absorption cooling system generator is typically powered by natural gas, oil, or steam. The system typically operates at subatmospheric pressure. At subatmospheric pressure, the generator requires less heat to drive the refrigerant from solution, the refrigerant will evaporate in the evaporator at a lower temperature, and the system requires less energy input to produce its cooling effect.
However, an absorption cooling system faces a formidable problem when operated at subatmospheric pressure--air may leak into the system. The main component of air, nitrogen, is not condensible. Another source of noncondensible gas is chemical reactions within the system. The components of the system react with the absorbent solution to produce hydrogen, a noncondensible gas.
Noncondensible gas, from any source, hinders the performance of the system. Noncondensible gas migrates to the lowest pressure point in the system in the absorber. There, the gas may blanket off a portion of the absorber heat transfer surface and prevent reabsorption of the refrigerant into solution. Also, noncondensible gas increases the pressure of the system. Typically, the evaporator and the absorber share a common housing and pressure. If noncondensible gas is allowed to accumulate, the evaporator pressure may increase to the point that the refrigerant will not evaporate at the desired temperature. Accordingly, noncondensible gas must be removed or "purged" from the system.
In the prior art, noncondensible gas has been removed from the system in a variety of ways. Noncondensible gas has been removed from the absorber by pumps, siphons, aspirators, and other devices. These methods often require a complex system of fall tubes or aspirators.
In many prior art systems, the system cannot purge noncondensible gas unless the system is running. Many prior art systems utilize a diverted flow of absorbent solution or cooling water to operate the purge system. In these systems, the purge system is inoperable without a flow of these fluids.
However, noncondensible gas may collect in the system when it is shut down. Absorption cooling systems are typically maintained at subatmospheric pressure when the system is shut down and noncondensible gas may leak into the system. The noncondensible gas impedes start up of the system and adversely affects performance of the system until the noncondensible gas is collected and purged.
In many prior art systems, the noncondensible gas is collected in a purge tank. Many tanks must be purged manually. In other systems, the purge system interrupts the normal operation of the absorption cooling system.
Some prior art absorption cooling systems remove noncondensible gas from the absorber and collect the gas at absorber pressure. The gas is often collected in a storage tank before purging. These systems require either a large storage tank or frequent purging because of the relatively low absorber pressure.
The systems that collect noncondensible gas from the absorber must also transfer noncondensible gas in the condenser to the absorber. Often, these systems simply employ a large orifice between the condenser and the evaporator so that both condensed refrigerant liquid and noncondensible gas flow to the evaporator and eventually the absorber. These systems, however, have difficulty maintaining the necessary pressure differential between the condenser and the evaporator. In other cases, the system must employ a complex system of siphons or fall tubes to transfer the noncondensible gas from the condenser to the evaporator.
In an absorption cooling system, noncondensible gas is typically intermixed with refrigerant vapor. Therefore, to prevent loss of the refrigerant from the system, the noncondensible gas must be separated from the refrigerant. In the prior art, the noncondensible gas and intermixed refrigerant vapor have been bubbled through the absorbent solution to absorb the refrigerant vapor. Alternatively, the refrigerant vapor has been condensed on a condensation surface and separated from the noncondensible gas, which does not condense. In some systems, the system coolant fluid is used as a heat sink to condense the refrigerant vapor and separate it from the noncondensible gas. In other systems, the atmosphere is used as a heat sink. For optimum performance, however, a purge refrigeration system may be provided to condense and separate the refrigerant vapor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,410, issued to Plzak, discloses a purge refrigeration system for a centrifugal chiller. In Plzak, the purge refrigeration system is a discrete refrigeration system that employs a refrigerant different from the main cooling system refrigerant. The purge refrigeration system evaporator is located in a purge tank. The purge tank is connected to the condenser of the main cooling system so that the refrigerant vapor and the noncondensible gas in the main cooling system may freely flow into the purge tank. In the purge tank, the refrigerant vapor is condensed on the evaporator of the purge refrigeration system and separated from the noncondensible gas. As the refrigerant vapor condenses, the purge refrigerant is warmed. The condensed refrigerant is returned to the main cooling system and the noncondensible gas is collected in the purge tank.
As the noncondensible gas collects in the purge tank, the noncondensible gas displaces the refrigerant vapor and blankets the purge refrigeration system evaporator. Accordingly, the purge refrigerant is no longer warmed by the refrigerant vapor. The purge refrigerant temperature is monitored by a temperature sensor. At a specified temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the noncondensible gas is pumped from the purge tank. The purge tank again fills with refrigerant vapor and the cycle repeats.
However, Plzak discloses a purge apparatus for use on a centrifugal chiller. A centrifugal chiller differs greatly from an absorption cooling system. For example, a centrifugal chiller uses a single refrigerant, such as R11, rather than a refrigerant and solution combination. A centrifugal chiller uses a compressor rather than a generator and an absorber. Also, a centrifugal chiller is typically powered by electricity rather than gas, oil, or steam. In addition, a centrifugal chiller operates at significantly higher pressures than an absorption cooling system. The condenser of an absorption cooling system operates at only approximately 1 p.s.i.a. (0.69 N/cm.sup.2). In contrast, the condenser in a centrifugal cooling system operates at approximately 20 p.s.i.a. (14 N/cm.sup.2). Accordingly, the challenges of purging a centrifugal chiller differ greatly from the challenges of purging an absorption cooling system.
First, as previously described, the noncondensible gas in an absorption cooling system must be transferred to a collection point. Also, the absorption cooling system operates at a significantly lower pressure. The lower pressure of the absorption cooling system makes it more difficult to draw noncondensible gas and absorption refrigerant vapor from the condenser to the purge tank. Also, when the absorption refrigerant is water, the temperature of the purge refrigerant may not be too low or the absorption refrigerant will freeze in the purge tank. To prevent freezing but still maintain the necessary temperature and pressure differential, the purge refrigerant must be maintained in a narrow temperature range.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a purge apparatus and method for removing noncondensible gas from an absorption cooling system that operates at subatmospheric pressure.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that draws noncondensible gas from an absorber, directs the gas to the condenser, and purges the gas from the higher pressure condenser so that the volume of noncondensible gas to be purged is reduced.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that separates noncondensible gas from intermixed refrigerant vapor by condensing the refrigerant vapor on the evaporator of a discrete purge refrigeration system.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that automatically senses when noncondensible gas should be purged from the system and automatically purges the gas.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that can track the purge rate so that air leaks in the system can be detected and corrected.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that operates when the system is either operating or shut down.
Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a purge apparatus and method that may be easily retrofitted to existing absorption cooling systems.

Apparatus and method for automatically purging an absorption cooling system


A dishwasher appliance with a tub that defines a wash chamber is provided. A bottom wall of the tub defines a volute. An impeller is positioned within the volute of the bottom wall, and a motor mounted to the tub at the bottom wall of the tub. The motor is coupled to the impeller such that the motor selectively rotates the impeller within the volute of the bottom wall. A related method for forming a unitary tub for a dishwasher appliance is also provided.

Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub and spray assemblies. The spray assemblies direct sprays of wash fluid onto articles within the tub during operation of the dishwasher appliance. To supply wash fluid to the spray assemblies, the dishwasher appliances include a pump.
Mounting the pump to the tub poses certain challenges. For example, the pump can extend downwardly from the tub and consume valuable space within a machine compartment below the tub. Also, efficiently directing wash fluid from the pump to the spray assemblies can be difficult. For example, hoses or pipes can extend from a sump of the tub to the spray assemblies. Due to an orientation and/or position of the pump, the hoses or pipes can require several bends, some as much as ninety degrees, to suitably direct wash fluid from the pump to the spray assemblies. Such bends can negatively affect performance of an associated dishwasher appliance by restricting fluid flow through the hoses or pipes.
Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance with features for assisting with mounting a pump to a tub of the dishwasher appliance while reducing a vertical space occupied by the pump below the tub would be useful. In addition, a dishwasher appliance with features for reducing restrictions on wash fluid flow from a pump to a spray assembly of the dishwasher appliance would be useful.

Dishwasher appliance and a method for forming a unitary tub


A component connection includes a first component, which is made of a material attractable by a magnet, and a second component which lies directly or indirectly adjacent to the first component and which has a hole. A magnetic element is provided which covers the hole and attracts the first component such that both components are clamped together.

The present invention relates to a component connection and to a method for producing a component connection.
It is already known to connect components to one another by means of "ball clamping connections". In this context, reference should be made by way of example to DE 10 2009 049 602 B3, DE 10 2010 030 964 A1, WO 2012 031 652 A1 or DE 10 2012 214 682 B3.
It is an object of the invention to provide a component connection which can be produced in a very simple and cost-effective manner, and to provide a corresponding method.
This and other objects are achieved by a component connection, comprising a first component which is composed of a material which can be attracted by a magnet; a second component which bears indirectly or directly against the first component and has a hole, wherein a magnetic element projects over the hole and attracts the first component such that the two components are clamped together. These objects are also achieved by a method for producing a component connection between a first component which is composed of a material which can be attracted by a magnet, and a second component having a hole, wherein the two components are positioned in such a manner that they bear indirectly or directly against each other, and a magnetic element is provided which projects over the hole and attracts the first component, as a result of which the two components are clamped together.
A starting point of the invention is a component connection comprising a first component and a second component which bears indirectly or directly against the first component and has a hole. The two components are clamped together. The first component is composed of a material which can be attracted by a magnet. As already indicated, the two components do not have to bear directly against each other. On the contrary, a single-layered or multi-layered intermediate layer can also be provided between the two components, or an intermediate part, such as, for example, an intermediate sheet, or the like can also be provided between the two components. The first component may be, for example, a steel sheet.
An aspect of the invention consists in the two components being clamped together by use of a magnetic element. The magnetic element projects over the hole provided in the second component and attracts the first component.
The magnetic element can be entirely or partially in the shape of a ball. For example, the magnetic element can be produced from steel. Steel balls are extremely favorable as mass produced products and can be magnetized in a simple manner.
The hole provided in the second component may be of circular design. However, this does not absolutely have to be the case. The hole could also be triangular, square or polygonal in another manner or else configured as an elongated hole. It is essential that the clear width or the diameter of the hole is smaller than the diameter of the ball, i.e. that it is ensured that the ball or the magnetic element cannot be passed through the hole.
The magnetic element preferably projects at least for a distance into the hole. As a result, a form-fitting connection is produced between the magnetic element and the second component. The magnetic element preferably projects at most into the hole provided in the second component to an extent such that the two components are still just clamped together, that is to say that the magnetic element at most bears "lightly" against the first component such that the two components cannot lift off each other.
According to a development of the invention, the first component has a "centering element" against which a portion of the magnetic element bears, the portion projecting through the hole, wherein the magnetic element is centered in a defined position with respect to the first component by the centering element. By this means, it is therefore ensured that the magnetic element produces a form-fitting connection between the two components or that there is a (certain) form-fitting connection between the magnetic element and each of the two components.
The centering element can be formed, for example, by a stamped structure provided in the first component. The stamped structure may be formed, for example, by a trough-like depression. The trough-like depression may be designed, for example, to be circular, elongate, triangular, square or polygonal in another manner.
As an alternative thereto, the centering element can also be formed by a hole which is provided in the first component and into which the magnetic element projects for a distance. It is also essential here that the clear width of the centering element—or, in the case of a hole, the diameter of the hole—is smaller than the clear width or diameter of the magnetic element such that it is ensured that the centering element actually acts in a centering manner with respect to the magnetic element.
The second component may likewise be composed of a material which can be attracted by a magnet. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. The second component may also be composed, for example, of a nonmagnetic material, such as, for example, of plastic.
According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that, in addition to the "magnetic connection", the two components are fixedly connected to each other permanently, for example by screwing, riveting, welding or adhesive bonding.
The invention is not restricted to a component connection, but also includes a method for producing a component connection or a method for connecting a first component which is composed of a material which can be attracted by a magnet, to a second component having a hole.
The method according to the invention consists in that the two components are positioned in such a manner that they bear indirectly or directly against each other and that a magnetic element is provided which projects over the hole and attracts the first component, wherein the two components are clamped together.
After the two components are clamped together, the magnetic element can be welded to the first component, as a result of which a nonreleasable form-fitting connection is produced between the two components.
If the second component is composed of a weldable material, the second component can also be welded to the magnetic element. Alternatively or additionally thereto, the two components may also be welded directly to each other.
If the magnetic element is a magnetic ball, a smooth weld seam can be produced that extends around the entire magnetic ball and via which the magnetic ball and the first component and/or the magnetic ball and the second component are welded to each other.
The welding can take place, for example, contactlessly by use of a laser welding device. The laser welding device can be guided here by a robot. If the magnetic element is a magnetic ball, the position of the ball can be determined in a very simple manner optoelectronically by way of a position detection device. The position data determined by the detection device (for example a center point of the ball) can be supplied to a robot guiding the welding device and used for controlling the welding robot.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Component connection and method for producing a component connection

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


A method of predicting the stability of a hydrocarbon process stream is disclosed and claimed. The method includes obtaining samples from one or more process streams and measuring the actual stability and the near infrared spectral absorbance of those samples. A classification model is initially developed to identify sample subsets and correlation model is created using the stability and absorbance data by inserting that data into a mathematical function. Online or offline measurements are then taken from the hydrocarbon process stream, the classification model is used initially to identify the subset and corresponding correlation model is used to predict the stability of the stream.

Crude oil typically contains several hundred thousand compounds. A common simplified analysis system classifies these compounds into four groups according to their solubility. This system is known as "SARA" analysis, where the groups are saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes. The least soluble of these groups are the asphaltenes, which can be stabilized by association with resins and/or aromatics but are destabilized by association with saturates. Asphaltenes typically exist as nano-scale stabilized dispersion in the resin, aromatics, and saturates mix. If the balance of these components is disturbed, as it can be during thermal cracking, conditions may arise where asphaltenes precipitate from solution. Among other problems, this thermal cracking can lead to coke formation at high temperatures and sludge in visbreaker tar residue.
Asphaltenes are of particular interest to the petroleum industry because of their depositional effect in production equipment. Asphaltenes also impart high viscosity to crude oils, negatively impacting production. Variable asphaltene concentration in crude oils within individual reservoirs creates a myriad of production problems. Refining of heavier crudes poses problems to petroleum producers and refiners. During production, unwanted asphaltene precipitation causes well plugging. During refining, asphaltenes cause refinery heat exchanger fouling, as well as catalyst poisoning by coking or binding of active sites with heavy metals.
Asphaltenes in crude oil, fuel oil, distillation residue, and the like are insoluble in heptane at its boiling point and soluble in benzene at its boiling point. They are typically black to dark brown solids having a molecular structure of polynuclear aromatic rings with alkyl side chains and heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. These solubility characteristics allow its indirect measurement.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,900 to Lambert discloses measurement of the flocculation threshold of a petroleum product containing asphaltenes by continuously adding a precipitant and measuring the near infrared radiation transmitted through a sample of the product in relation to the quantity of added precipitant. The method requires addition of both a solvent and precipitant to the asphaltene-containing product tested. U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,232 to Espinosa et al. discloses a method of determining properties and yield of a hydrocarbon conversion product from the NIR spectrum of the feedstock. Mid infrared has also been used to determine the functional groups in asphaltenes by methyl ratio, paraffinic and naphthenic carbons, and alkyl side chain length.
Current practice for determining the asphaltene stability of hydrocarbon process streams involves using some form of a heptane phase separation method. In that method, heptane is added to a sample from a hydrocarbon process stream, which dilutes the sample and decreases its absorbance. At the end point, the absorbance begins to increase due to asphaltene (or other condensed aromatic compound) precipitation. Asphaltene stability is than calculated based upon the absorbance readings. A typical method of this type is described in detail in "Standard Test Method for Determination of Intrinsic Stability of Asphaltene-Containing Residues, Heavy Fuel Oils, and Crude Oils (n-Heptane Phase Separation; Optical Detection), published by ASTM International in May 2005 under "Designation D7157-05)." In addition to being time-consuming, a disadvantage of this method is that it requires multiple dilutions of the sample, each then being titrated with the n-heptane solvent for evaluation. These methods also significantly limit the ability to optimize the cracking process, especially under conditions of frequent changes in the type of crude oil in the feedstream.
There thus exists an ongoing need for improved methods of determining stability in hydrocarbon process streams. A particular need exists for quickly and efficiently determining process stream stability with frequent changes in feed type.

Method for predicting hydrocarbon process stream stability using near infrared spectra


Systems and methods for prediction of activity session for mobile network use optimization and user experience enhancement are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system for enhancing user experience with a mobile application on a mobile device including, using user activity characteristics at a mobile device and server activity characteristics of a host server to anticipate a future activity session at the mobile device and transferring impending content from the host server the mobile device to pre-cache content on the mobile device to support predicted data activity for the future activity session that has been predicted.

When WCDMA was specified, there was little attention to requirements posed by applications whose functions are based on actions initiated by the network, in contrast to functions initiated by the user or by the device. Such applications include, for example, push email, instant messaging, visual voicemail and voice and video telephony, and others. Such applications typically require an always-on IP connection and frequent transmit of small bits of data. WCDMA networks are designed and optimized for high-throughput of large amounts of data, not for applications that require frequent, but low-throughput and/or small amounts of data. Each transaction puts the mobile device radio in a high power mode for considerable length of time—typically between 15-30 seconds. As the high power mode can consume as much as 100× the power as an idle mode, these network-initiated applications quickly drain battery in WCDMA networks. The issue has been exacerbated by the rapid increase of popularity of applications with network-initiated functionalities, such as push email.
Lack of proper support has prompted a number of vendors to provide documents to guide their operator partners and independent software vendors to configure their networks and applications to perform better in WCDMA networks. This guidance focuses on: configuring networks to go to stay on high-power radio mode as short as possible and making periodic keep alive messages that are used to maintain an always-on TCP/IP connection as infrequent as possible. Such solutions typically assume lack of coordination between the user, the application and the network.
Furthermore, application protocols may provide long-lived connections that allow servers to push updated data to a mobile device without the need of the client to periodically re-establish the connection or to periodically query for changes. However, the mobile device needs to be sure that the connection remains usable by periodically sending some data, often called a keep-alive message, to the server and making sure the server is receiving this data. While the amount of data sent for a single keep-alive is not a lot and the keep-alive interval for an individual application is not too short, the cumulative effect of multiple applications performing this individually will amount to small pieces of data being sent very frequently. Frequently sending bursts of data in a wireless network also result in high battery consumption due to the constant need of powering/re-powering the radio module.
Furthermore, in general, mobile application usage is sporadic in nature. For example, there can be periods of user inactivity (e.g., during working hours or when the user is sleeping) followed by periods of multiple application usage, such as where a user is updating their Facebook status, sending a Tweet, checking their email, and using other applications to get an update of their online information. This doesn't mean, however, that the mobile device is inactive during user inactivity: the device may be actively downloading new content such as advertisements, polling for email, and receiving push notifications for activities on the Internet, thus utilizing occupying network bandwidth and consuming device power even when the user is not interacting with the mobile device or otherwise expecting data.

Server having prioritized notifications for conserving resources on a mobile device


For a Tunneling Magnetoresistive (TMR) element, an electrode is used as a magnetic shield or vice versa. This can pose a problem in that noise from a heater source or electromagnetic induction has a direct influence on the TMR element, namely, on a read signal. According to one embodiment of the present invention, however, a thin film head portion has an insulating film, a heater, an electromagnetic shield, a read element, and a write element laminated in this order from the side of a slider. Insulating films isolate the constituent elements above from each other, and a protection film covers the group mentioned above. The heater is a thin film resistive element made of NiCr or the like, and is disposed above the insulating film. The electromagnetic shield is a magnetic film made of permalloy or the like, and covers the heater. The read element comprises a lower shield and electrode, a TMR element, and an upper shield and electrode. The write element comprises a lower magnetic pole piece, an upper magnetic pole piece, and a coil formed therebetween. The thin film head portion is formed with a common terminal.

A magnetic disk drive includes a rotating magnetic disk and a thin film magnetic head supported by a suspension and positioned in a radial direction of the magnetic disk. The magnetic head reads and writes magnetic data from and to the magnetic disk while relatively traveling over the magnetic disk. The slider of the magnetic head is designed to fly through the assistance of an air lubrication bearing, that is, an air wedge film effect, so that the slider does not come into direct contact with the magnetic disk. In order to realize higher recording density of a magnetic disk drive, and thereby increased capacity and reduced size thereof, it is effective to increase line recording density by reducing a distance between the slider and the magnetic disk, namely, the flying height of the slider.
The conventional design of flying height of a slide has allowed for a decrease in flying height resulting from machining variations, a temperature difference of usage environment, a difference in flying height between read and write and the like and has been provided with a flying height margin in order to prevent contact between the slider and the disk even under the worst conditions. If a slider is used having a capability of adjusting a flying height according to the use conditions for each thin magnetic head, it is possible to eliminate the margin mentioned above and thereby significantly reduce a flying height of a read/write element while preventing the contact between the slider and the disk. Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 2004-342151 ("Patent Document 1") proposes a slider structure in which a heater made of a thin film resistive element is provided in the vicinity of a write element and a read element, heats part of the slider as necessary to thermally expand for protrusion, thus adjusting a distance between the write element and the read element, and a magnetic recording medium.
However, if the heater is provided to adjust flying height, then the number of lines in the read and write elements and the number of terminals disposed on the rear end face of the head will be increased. Also the number of lines on the suspension connected to the terminals is increased, thus narrowing each spacing between the lines. This poses a problem of crosstalk from the write element lines to the read element lines during writing. In order to solve the problem of crosstalk, Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 2004-192742 ("Patent Document 2") discloses structures in which read element lines are disposed to be put between heater lines on a suspension and in which heater lines are disposed between write element lines and read element lines on the suspension.
As described in Patent Document 2, the structures in which read element lines are disposed between the heater lines and in which heater lines are disposed between write element lines and read element lines, can avoid an adverse affect of crosstalk current on the read element due to a high-frequency current of the write element or due to a heater current turned on and off. If a TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistive) element is used as read element, however, it uses an electrode as a magnetic shield or vice versa. This poses a problem in that noise applied to the heater lines due to noise from a heater source or electromagnetic induction, has a direct influence on the TMR element, namely, on a read signal.

Thin film magnetic head with flying height adjustment capability

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands BV


Techniques and technologies for protocols for accessing hosts are described. In at least some embodiments, a system includes a processing component, and a host protocol component. The host protocol component is configured to receive at a host a request from a client device, the request including a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) string locating at least one of a container or an ecosystem stored by the host; determine using at least a portion of the URL string whether the request is at least one of a container-related request or an ecosystem-related request; generate a response at the host including information responsive to the request, the information including the URL string locating the at least one of the container or the ecosystem, and at least one response parameter; and transmit the response from the host to the client device.

There is currently a trend toward enabling remote access to a wide variety of computer files and services available on a variety of hosts (e.g. servers) from one or more client devices via a network. For example, cloud-based computing systems may enable a user's files to be stored in a remote storage facility, and those files may then be remotely accessible on a limited basis via the Internet by the user using a suitable client device. Known protocols for performing such limited-access activities include those protocols disclosed, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 8,832,240 entitled "Interfacing Distinct Services for Providing Web Based Document Manipulation Access," U.S. Pat. No. 9,319,469 entitled "Host Agnostic Integration and Interoperation System," and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0080507 entitled "External Service Application Discovery Method." Although highly desirable results have been achieved using such conventional protocols, there is room for improvement.


A sealed bearing assembly which provides a grease flow path from the bearing area of the assembly through at least a part of the spindle and outwardly thereof to atmosphere for relieving pressure in the grease fitting and making it possible to repack the bearing without disassembling the structure.

This invention relates to bearing structures and more specifically to an improved bearing assembly for venting a wheel bearing used on boat trailers, conveyors and the like.
Prior art sealed bearings are packed in grease without adaquate pressure relief. Excessive pressure build-up in these bearings during outside temperature change as well as heat produced therein by friction during normal trailer operation causes expansion of the packing grease and the consequent compression of air trapped in the bearing chamber. Such excessive pressures are undesirable in that they force grease through the sealing surfaces of the bearings relieving pressure therein and they contribute to early failure of the bearing structure.
The towing of the boat trailer to the boat launching site also causes bearing and grease friction which generates heat within the wheel hub. This heat causes pressure to build up within the hub which in turn causes air and grease within the hub to escape through the rotating seal. Then, at the boat launching site, when the boat trailer is backed into the water to launch the boat, the submerged hub is suddenly cooled by the water. This cooling contracts the air inside the hub and creates a partial vacuum therein which causes water and silt to seep into the hub. The resulting rust and erosion inevitably causes bearing damage.


A method, device and computer program are detailed for modulating write light. For a plurality of pixel locations of an electro-optic layer of an optical write valve and across each of a plurality of consecutive frames, a set of pixel data bits is modulated across a first and a second pulse width period of the frame. The first and second pulse width periods, and adjacent pulse periods of sequential frames, are separated from one another by a pulse-off period that is at least equal to a response time of the electro-optic layer during which no bits are modulated. Separately in each frame, write light is output from each of the plurality of pixel locations according to the modulated pixel data bits in the frame. In an embodiment, the set of pixel data bits are modulated by applying a voltage at a pixel location of the electro-optic layer in synchronism with illuminating a light source that illuminates that pixel location.

Previous methods for modulating the polarization rotation characteristics (and thus the net optical transmission) of a liquid crystal micro display in a projection display system uses electronics integrated into the display to directly control the voltages on the pixel elements. In these micro displays, the nematic liquid crystal, the most commonly used type of LC, responds to the RMS (root mean squared) values of the pixel voltages. In order to achieve gray-scale control of these displays it is necessary to modulate the individual pixel voltages. Generally there are two approaches to implementing this modulation: Analog or Digital.
Analog modulation methods were commonly used with earlier micro displays. However they are poorly suited to very high-density displays due to the small pixel size and difficulty of storing accurate analog voltages. This difficulty often translates into poor device yields and pixel non-uniformity. Because of this, the micro display industry increasingly uses digital modulation methods.
Digital modulation usually takes the form of either pulse width modulation PWM or duty factor modulation DFM. PWM schemes involve applying a voltage pulse to the LCD that is of fixed amplitude and variable width, where typically the width ranges from 0 to the entire frame period, corresponding to gray level from 0 to full-scale. PWM schemes can produce excellent gray-scale results and are inherently monotonic and independent of LC turn on and turn off times. However, they are very complex to implement in actual display systems, they require significant amounts of system memory having very high data rates and they may require a large number of data latches in the pixel if used for color sequential operation. Alternate methods of achieving PWM can reduce the pixel circuit complexity but at the expense of requiring extremely high data rates. In practice, PWM schemes are generally too difficult or expensive for use in micro displays and are not widely encountered.
DFM schemes are the most widely used form of digital LC modulation. In DFM, fixed-amplitude voltage pulses for each gray level bit are applied to the LC. Depending on the particular gray level to be displayed, there are typically several voltage pulses for driving a pixel during the frame time. There can be up to one-half as many pulses as there are gray level bits, with the widths of the individual pulses corresponding to the binary weights of the individual bits. As the name implies, in DFM the total additive durations of the pulses divided by the total frame time determines the duty factor of the voltage. The problem with this scheme is that it does not take into account the finite rise and fall times of the LC and particularly of the fact that the rise and fall times are often different from each other. This causes the actual RMS voltage to differ from the theoretical duty-factor calculated from the voltage alone. More seriously, this error depends on how many sets of rising and falling edges there are, and thus on how many pulses there are, which changes drastically as a function of the desired gray level. The result is that DFM schemes are generally nonmonotonic at a number of gray levels, which is a serious problem. A number of schemes have been developed to attempt to correct this non-monotonic behavior. None of these schemes are fully satisfactory and most require substantial increases in cost, in complexity, and in data rate.
A co-owned application, incorporated by reference and entitled "An optically addressed gray scale electric charge accumulating spatial light modulator," U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/803,747, addresses several of the DFM issues. However, very fast LC switching speeds and pulsed illumination are required. In many display systems, very fast LC switching speeds and pulse illumination are not possible. There is a need for a LC driving method that is less complicated than PWM but overcomes the non monotonic behavior of most DFM driving method and doesn't require extremely fast LC response times.

Pulse width driving method using multiple pulse


A storage device for insertion within a cavity in a mannequin component, the storage device including a body having a receptacle for receiving items associated with said mannequin component, and a lid for closing the receptacle to enclose the items within the storage device.

Mannequins are typically made from fibreglass or may be moulded from plastic, and the components are generally hollow. To assist in the transport and dressing of mannequins, the mannequins typically comprise a number of components, with parting lines being provided at the waist, at least one leg, arms and neck. This creates a torso, hip section (either alone or with one leg), one or two legs, two arms and a head. At each of these parting points, fixing mechanisms are provided to join the components together, typically by press fit or rotation of the components, with a spigot and socket arrangement.
Damage can occur to mannequins during transportation or use, either whilst dressing or once positioned on the floor. Such damage may be fixing mechanism breakage, nicks and scratches, and dents. Many mannequin manufactures provide a service or repair kit with each mannequin, and may include such items as touch up paint, repair putty, tools and additional fixing mechanisms. These are typically provided in a small cardboard box to the buyer. Inevitably, such repair kits or their components become lost or misplaced, and are not available when required. This results in the mannequin purchaser having to purchase additional repair kits when needed. It is therefore an advantageous object of the present invention to provide a solution to such situations.
Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art.


Designs of pluggable optical passive devices are described. Such a pluggable optical passive device can be inserted into an existing configuration. According to one embodiment, the pluggable optical passive device is formed as an elongated enclosure with one or two first connectors on one side thereof and one or two second connectors on the other side thereof. The first connectors are provided to be coupled to female pluggers while the second connectors are provided to be coupled to male pluggers. Depending on implementation, the first and second connectors may be glued onto or skewed into the enclosure through holes, and may be further extended by a flexible pigtailed dual LC connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is generally related to the area of optical communications. In particular, the invention is related to pluggable optical passive devices.
2. The Background of Related Art
To meet the ever-increasing demands for high bandwidth and more flexibility in modern communication networks, utilizing optical fiber networks capable of transmitting multiplexed channel signals is becoming increasingly popular. Many optical devices have been designed to meet the demands. Among the optical devices, pluggable optical units are key elements in many applications of optical fiber communications. A cost-effective and reliable optical pluggable unit having low insertion loss and versatile function with flexibility is often required. FIG. 1 duplicates FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. D467,544 to show a small form-factor pluggable optical transceiver module.
Optical add/drop devices are those elements often used in optical systems and networks. For example, an exchanging of data signals involves the exchanging of matching wavelengths from two different sources within an optical network. In other words, the multi-channel signal would drop a wavelength while simultaneously adding a channel with a matching wavelength at the same network node. FIG. 2 duplicates FIG. 2 of US Pat. Pub. No.: 2006/0018593 A1 to show the concept of add/drop function in the optical add/drop devices.
Typically the add/drop function is realized with bulky LGX or rack modules and rarely in small form factor, although there are some configurations with multiple SFP form factor devices. One example is shown in FIG. 3 that duplicates FIG. 3 of US Pat. Pub. No.: 2009/0154930 A1.
Pluggable devices are widely available in electronic forms these days. A device that belongs to the pluggable category typically needs to be turned on and functioning as soon as it is inserted into an electrical connector receptacle or adaptor port. When it is unplugged from such a receptacle, neither the system that hosts the pluggable device nor the pluggable device itself will be damaged. Pluggable devices may be added or removed from a system without interrupting the synchronization between the devices and the system. Therefore, it is not required to have a power reset when replacing or upgrading such devices. Pluggable devices add on a good deal of system application upgrade flexibilities and are becoming more and more popular for electronics.
The advances in opto-electronics also allow people to expand communication transmitters and receivers or the so-called transceivers and transponders into the pluggable domain. Various formats for such devices are being proposed: Small Form Pluggable (SFP) is an example. Other examples that allow pluggable applications include XFP, I2C, RS-232, USB, Dual-port RAM, and Ethernet.
This invention disclosure intends to introduce a stand-alone small form factor device to fulfill the functionality of adding or dropping a channel signal and to be added into the pluggable application categories.