The installation enables an internal waterway to pass through a changing level by means of a water ramp connecting through a channel two water reaches respectively situated upstream and downstream and including basins for the storage of boats awaiting their turn before entering the water ramp. The upstream reach is provided with a tilting gate for the retention of the water, while a pusher provided with a transverse mask retaining a water-wedge on which the boat to be moved floats is movable along the channel to ensure the transfer of this boat from the downstream reach to the upstream reach and vice versa. The retaining gate for the upstream reach is located at a certain distance beyond the upstream end of the water ramp and a second retractable gate is arranged substantially at the end of the water ramp, these two gates bounding between themselves an intermediate horizontal reach, separating the upstream end of the water ramp and the upstream basin.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an installation enabling the passage through a water ramp by boats navigating a canal to be accelerated, this acceleration being obtainable at the level of the upstream end and/or of the downstream end of the water ramp.
The invention relates also to a method particularly applicable to the abovesaid installation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known that a water ramp is an engineering construction designed to replace locks when an inland waterway must pass through a considerable change in level.
The water ramp includes, between the downstream stretch or reach and the upstream reach--which is necessarily closed downstream by a gate--an inclined channel (also called a "trench"), with a substantially rectangular cross-section, whose walls (called "lock-walls") and bottom (also called "bed") are of masonry.
Along this channel, a pusher runs over runways driving a panel called a "mask" (or "shield") transversely obturating the channel. The mask constitutes a substantially fluid-tight closure of the channel, so that it can retain on its upstream surface a certain volume of water. By reason of the slope, the longitudinal vertical cross-section of this volume is triangular and the water mass is in the form of a wedge. A boat floating on this water-wedge, which thus constitutes a movable reach, is lifted or lowered therewith when the pusher is moved along the channel. By its to-and-fro movement, the movable reach ensures the transfer of boats from the downstream stretch to the upstream stretch and vice-versa.
It is particularly for the passage through a considerable change in level that the construction of a water ramp becomes more advantageous than that of a simple lock or a storage basin lock.
Consideration of the duration of the cycle is important, both as regards the lock and as regards the water ramp. It is known that this duration is that which runs between transits of a certain point by two boats or by two convoys navigating in the same direction.
In the case of a lock, the duration of the cycle is equal to the sum of the elementary times corresponding to the following operations, which must necessarily succeed one another:
at the downstream head, the exit of the descending boat and the entrance of the ascending boat, PA1 closing of the downstream gate, PA1 filling of the lock, PA1 opening of the upstream gate, PA1 at the upstream end, exit of the ascending boat and entrance of the descending boat, PA1 closing of the upstream gate, PA1 emptying of the lock, PA1 opening of the downstream gate. PA1 four gate operations, PA1 filling and emptying of the lock, PA1 exchanges of boats upstream and downstream.
In summary, the duration of the cycle of a lock comprises:
In the cycle of a water ramp, similar elements are again found.
The gate operations, which are rapid in the case of a lock, are still faster in the case of a water ramp. Their duration is not even to be reckoned separately, since they are carried out at the same time as the water flows.
The filling and emptying of the lock are replaced by the ascent and descent of the water-wedge. At the present time, the movement of this wedge at a higher speed than three meters per second is not contemplated. Especially for very high water ramps, these movements require more time than the filling and emptying of the lock, of which operations the speed is however limited by the necessity of not removing or of injecting, into the stretches situated upstream and downstream of the structure, flow rates higher than those which produce in said stretches currents acceptable by boats in movement or stationary.
The boat exchanges at the two heads correspond, in the case of locks, to a very large fraction of the duration of the cycle. As will be seen, these exchanges can be faster in the case of water ramps and it is a specific object of the present invention to accelerate these exchanges.
To reduce the duration of the cycle of water ramps, it is advantageous to exploit to the maximum this possibility of reducing the time of the exchanges. It will be noted particularly that, in the matter of locks, the movements of boats are necessarily rather slow, because they are carried out by using exclusively the own engines of these boats, whose power is small relative to the masses to be moved. In the matter of water ramps, it is indicated to use in addition, for these movements, the considerable power of the pusher.
The expulsion of the boat or of the convoy, which must emerge from the water-wedge, is relatively easy, whilst the operation of introduction is complicated by the fact that the waiting boat stands in a lateral position with respect to the axis of navigation, which coincides with the axis of the inclined channel. Now, this axis of navigation must, in the first stage, be reserved for the emerging boat. After its exit, a lateral movement of the waiting boat is necessary before the latter can be introduced into the water-wedge.
This necessity has been taken into account in French Pat. No. 73 33932 of Sept. 21, 1973 of Applicant.
This patent relates to arrangements of the water ramp and the method relating thereto applicable both to the upstream end and the downstream end of the water ramp. These arrangements will be recalled below to distinguish them well from the present invention, considering only, for simplification, the upstream end.
At the downstream end of the upstream stretch, immediately upstream of the tilting gate, there is provided on the right bank a boat storage basin. The latter is constituted by a wall of the bank of which the waiting boat hauls alongside. This wall is pierced with orifices, so that the water can pass from the channel into a tank situated on the other side of the wall, or conversely. The tank is extended by a branch ending just downstream of the tilting gate, a gate enabling communication to be established or suppressed.
A second tank is arranged on the left bank, opposite the first, or a little more downstream. It is limited by a wall pierced with orifices and it is also extended by a branch closed by a gate at its end. By opening said gate, water is removed to the outside of the structure.
These two tanks are utilized to create a rectilinear transverse water current moving the boat which is stationary in the basin, from the right hand bank towards the left hand bank, so that it may become positioned substantially on the axis of the trench. To do this, water is sent into the right bank pipe and the gate which closes that of the left hand bank is opened.
The water supply of the pipe of the right hand bank is obtained by causing the mask to advance upstream in the direction of the tilting gate, which has been lifted and locked in vertical position immediately after the exit of the ascending boat. This movement of the mask reduces the volume comprised between it and the tilting gate, so that the water escapes laterally into the branch.
When the positioning of the descending boat substantially on the axis of the trench has been accomplished, it remains to cause it to enter the latter. This second movement is obtained by closing the gates of the two branches, by opening the tilting gate and by moving the mask from upstream to downstream. In this way an aspiration is created which draws the boat, the latter using its engine simultaneously.
The experiment carried out at the Montech site, in France, showed Applicant that this method was effective, but that it was not fully satisfactory, if only by reason of the civil engineering costs involved in the construction of two tanks. On the other hand, it is difficult in the transverse movement of the boat which should be a simple translation, to avoid a certain rotation. The creation of the transverse current results also in a troublesome loss of water. Finally, the fact that the boat no longer has appreciable speed at the beginning of the withdrawal does not permit it to become engaged fast enough in the intermediate space situated downstream of the tilting gate.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome these drawbacks by a simple and relatively uncomplicated installation and by means of an easy method of operation, fully profiting from the capacity of the pusher driving the mask.
It is also an object of the invention to exploit the means thus provided to limit as much as possible the volume of the water-wedge transported, for given boat length and draft, whilst avoiding certain difficulties connected with the passage of the water-wedge from the top of the inclined channel to the horizontal upstream stretch.

Installation for accelerating navigation of a water ramp and method relating thereto


A packaging box includes at least two opposite side walls and a foldable handle member. The side walls have upper edges, and inner and outer cover plates connected hingeably and respectively to the upper edges. The outer cover plate overlies the inner cover plate, and has a slot formed therein. The foldable handle member is connected to the inner cover plate. The foldable handle member projects from a plane parallel to the inner cover plate when the foldable handle member is folded to an upright position. The foldable handle member is located in the plane parallel to the inner cover plate when the foldable handle member is unfolded. The foldable handle member projects through the slot in the outer cover plate when the foldable handle member is folded to the upright position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a packaging box, more particularly to a packaging box with a foldable handle member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional packaging box is shown to comprise a hollow body 10 made of a paperboard material. The hollow body 10 has a top opening 11, and two opposed pairs of side walls 100. The side walls 100 have two opposed side cover plates 12, an inner cover plate 13 and an outer cover plate 14 connected hingeably and respectively to upper edges thereof. An insertion slit 131 is formed along a folding line between the inner cover plate 13 and one of the side walls 100. A hingeable retaining plate 101 is formed adjacent to the slit 131 on one of the side walls 100. The outer cover plate 14 has an insertion plate 141 hinged to a distal edge thereof. A retaining slit 142 is formed along a folding line between the outer cover plate 14 and the insertion plate 141. To close the opening 11, the side cover plates 12 are turned inwardly and the inner cover plate 13 is then turned inwardly for folding over the side cover plates 12. Thereafter, the outer cover plate 14 is folded over the inner cover plate 13. Finally, the insertion plate 141 of the outer cover plate 14 is inserted into the insertion slit 131, and the retaining plate 101 is inserted into the retaining slit 142 in order to lock the inner and outer cover plates 13, 14 to one another. To carry the packaging box, a handle 15 formed from a plastic strip is connected to the outer cover plate 14. The handle 15 has two ends that are retained respectively in two holes 143 formed in the outer cover plate 14, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. As such, the user can grip the handle 15 for carrying purposes.
However, the aforementioned conventional packaging box suffers from the following disadvantages:
1. Since the handle 15 is made from a plastic material, the handle 15 does not easily decompose after being discarded, thereby resulting in an environmental problem. PA1 2. The handle 15 must be manufactured and assembled to the body 10 separately. Accordingly, the cost of the conventional packaging box is increased.

Packaging box with a foldable handle member


The problem of loss of strength in carboard along a line of fold due to stretching and breaking of fibres on the outside of the fold is overcome by providing a machine having a support surface against which the sheet of cardboard which is to be folded is held by an element which has a knife edge. The support surface is provided by a taut flexible sheet material which extends around a rotatable and movable roller. On operation of the machine, the roller is moved around the knife edge, its longitudinal axis being kept parallel to the knife edge, thereby making a fold in the sheet and the cardboard. The flexible sheet which contacts the cardboard has a high coefficient of friction with respect to cardboard. The restrains the cardboard fibres on the outerside of the cardboard as the fold is made preventing their stretching and breaking and thereby providing an unweakened fold.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to method and apparatus for folding a cardboard sheet along a straight fold line, and to a cardboard sheet folded by the method. Cardboard is also known as paperboard, but the former term will be used in this specification and claims.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In one known method of folding a cardboard sheet, a first surface of the sheet is located against a first element having a straight edge at the location where fold line is to be formed, the second surface of the cardboard sheet is located against a support surface and a second element pushed the second surface of the cardboard sheet so as to fold the sheet around the said edge, thereby forming the fold line in the sheet at said edge. Illustrative disclosures of this known process as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,283,159, 2,477,355, German Pat. No. 555,202 and Dutch published Pat. application No. 7,705,944.
This known process suffers from a major defect. When the cardboard sheet is folded around an edge, the fibres of the board on the outside of the fold are stretched and rupture, so that the cardboard loses strength considerably along the fold line.

Method and apparatus for folding a cardboard sheet along a straight fold line


An instruction for transformation processing of an image is detected. An instruction for specifying a targeted image which will be the object of transformation processing is detected. An instruction for specifying a fixed point of the image without changing the position thereof, independent of transformation processing, is detected. Then, the instructed transformation processing is executed on the targeted image. The targeted image is displayed such that the fixed points of the targeted image before/after image processing are matched.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a graphics processing unit, for example, a terminal including a human interface giving an instruction with a tablet and a stylus pen forming an I/O-integrated operation section, and to a method of graphics processing.
2. Description of the Related Art
The number of terminals having an I/O-integrated tablet is small. Such a terminal is often operated by using a mouse.
FIG. 1 shows a method of graphics processing in which a tablet is replaced by a mouse.
As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, a temporary holding area for graphic editing is secured by a mouse in the step S1. That is, this operation is executed by selecting a clip board command.
In the step S2, a mouse cursor is shifted so as to select the targeted graphic item.
In the step S3, a processing item (copy command) is selected by clicking a command icon (picture character) with a mouse button.
In the step S4, the targeted graphic item is copied to the temporary holding area and the page where the graphic item is to be transferred is specified. Then, the targeted graphic item is copied from the temporary holding area and is pasted on the place where it is to be transferred.
As described above, conventionally, a method of transferring a graphic item is generally employed as follows. A graphic item is transferred together with a mouse cursor while clicking a mouse in an operation referred to as dragging.
Although the operation of transferring a graphic item cannot be achieved in most terminals having an I/O-integrated tablet, some terminals can realize such an operation by using a mouse. Particularly, transferring, copying and pasting a graphic item can be achieved by using the mouse dragging operation as if a pen touches the graphic item.
Whether a mouse or a stylus pen is used, when a graphic item is transferred, for example, it is necessary to have a process for ensuring a temporarily escaping area on the screen. Thus, the handling is not always simple and might not be executed for a short time.

Graphics processing unit for use with a stylus pen and tablet, and method therefore


A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.

The present invention relates to modular link conveyor systems, and more particularly to a conveyor system including a side flexing belt comprised of links with one or more roller supports.
The use of side flexing modular link conveyors in the food processing industry enjoys increasing popularity. Particularly for conveying food articles or products, especially in packages or in semi-packaged form, the modular link conveyor represents the overwhelming choice of food processors. In the recent past, there have been significant advances in the development of such conveyors so as to provide more efficient handling of an even larger variety of food articles, packages and containers, as well as other types of articles and products.
One of the most popular types of modular link conveyor systems on the market today, if not the most popular, is The Designer System, manufactured and sold by the assignee of the present invention, and illustrated and claimed in prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,693, Sep. 4, 1990 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,757, issued Jul. 16, 1991. Since the time of these early patents in the art, the significant advances have been fast in coming to provide an even more efficient operation and better handling and transporting of articles and products.
One such advance is the provision of side mounted rollers for smoothly guiding the side flexing conveyor belt around curves, such as illustrated and claimed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/131,587, filed Aug. 10, 1998 entitled xe2x80x9cExternal Guide Assembly for Reducing Conveyor Belt Dragxe2x80x9d and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Specifically, stationary mounted spindles with idler rollers adjacent the curves have proven to be highly effective in reducing the side drag along the path. This advantageously serves to somewhat reduce the driving power requirements, as well as the modular link wear attributed to the lateral forces. Others have proposed providing openly mounted rollers carried on the modular links themselves, and acting against the inside of an upstanding rail in an attempt to accomplish the same result, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,480, issued Jul. 7, 1998.
There also exists in the prior art relating to chain conveyors, the provision for rollers for supporting the chain, as well as for lateral guiding action. Each chain link mounts the rollers in the open, and upper and lower guide tracks are provided, as set forth for example in a U.S. Patent No. to Clopton 5,076,422, issued Dec. 31, 1991. A similar, but much earlier arrangement providing both support and lateral guiding of a conveyor chain is shown in the Gaiotto et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,282 issued Apr. 20, 1971.
Thus, while support/guide rollers mounted on chain conveyors have been successfully tried for almost two decades, a need is identified for providing a successful arrangement for support rollers mounted on the conveyor belt in a modular link conveyor system. So far, such a solution has escaped those working in the conveyor technology. If such an advance in modular conveyors is to take place, it must compliment the effective guiding action achieved by the side rollers mounted along the guide rails, and thereby enhance the overall operation of the conveyor system.
In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved modular link conveyor system and a side flexing belt for transporting articles along a longitudinal path are provided. The belt may comprise a plurality of modular link sections that extend in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, with each unique link section including interengaging apex and leg portions. A transverse connector extends through matching apertures to provide the side flexing action. An extended support surface for the transported articles is provided on the upper side of the links. At least one, but preferably multiple, spaced support rollers are provided in an enclosure on the underside of at least one portion of a corresponding link section. Preferably, the enclosure is formed in at least one apex of the modular link section, but may also be formed in each apex present during molding to enhance the design flexibility. The roller may be aligned and specially adapted for rolling on a longitudinally extending support surface, such as a rail. The rail gives a very efficient support arrangement for the weight of the conveyor belt and transported articles. As a result, smooth, substantially friction free support of the belt is obtained, even when the number and weight of the articles being handled is significantly increased. This enhancement also advantageously serves to both minimize the power driving requirements and significantly reduce the wear on the link sections.
Because each roller is mounted in an enclosure, debris build up around the roller, such as inadvertent spillage from transported food products, is minimized. The enclosure in accordance with the preferred embodiment extends in close proximity to the two sides of the roller and along at least the upper roller face. For the greatest effectiveness, the enclosure forms a curved cap having a lip and depending skirt covering substantially 180xc2x0 of the rolling face of the roller.
In the case of a support rail, a support or wear strip fabricated of plastic is provided to create a smooth track surface for the support roller to roll on. Preferably, the modular link sections of the conveyor belt are molded of low cost, polypropylene plastic, whereas the roller and this support strip are formed of high strength, wear resistant plastic, such as acetyl or Nylon. An alternative to a support rail or the like is to merely provide a flat, plate-like support structure for engaging the roller(s).
At least one support roller may also be mounted in a modular side link section for assisting in guiding the conveyor belt. A depending arm and transverse tab are provided on each of these sections to engage the side and lower faces of the rail or other support structure so as to double for providing lateral guiding action of the belt. Preferably, at least two side by side, integral modular link sections form a composite link, which in turn establishes an extended upper support surface for the articles being transported. As a result, smaller items, such as bottle caps, are particularly adapted for transporting on the conveyor system. The extra smooth operation generated by the roller support feature, that thus eliminates any tendency for the support surface to vibrate and cause such small articles to move on the surface, adds to the desirability of the conveyor system of the present invention.
The transverse connector to form the belt is preferably a plastic or metal rod that extends through a slot or oversized opening in the apex portion and a hole in the leg portion. As should be appreciated, this arrangement allows for the desirable smooth, side flexing action. Lock elements carried by the side link sections may be used to couple the rod to the belt.

Modular conveyor system with side flexing belt having roller support


A locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle may include an actuating shaft that is mounted such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis, that is connected to an operative element of a clamping device, and that is coupled to a rotor of a rotational damper. The rotor may be mounted rotatably in a housing and may be capable of being driven rotationally about a rotor axis by the actuating shaft. A rotational movement of the rotor may be damped in at least one rotational direction. The rotor may have at least one blade that projects radially with regard to the rotor axis and that has a contact face that makes frictional contact with a contact track on an inner face of the housing. Such a locking device has an improved rotational damper, is less complicated to manufacture, and has high acceptance in automotive engineering.

Adjustable steering columns are known in the prior art, in the case of which adjustable steering columns a casing unit of a steering column, in which the steering spindle of a steering shaft is mounted rotatably, can be locked releasably between the two side cheeks of a bracket part which is attached fixedly to the vehicle body. The locking takes place by the side cheeks being moved against one another by way of the actuation of a locking or clamping device, with the result that substantially non-positive clamping of the casing unit takes place. If the locking device is released, the position of the casing unit and therefore of the steering wheel which is attached at the rear end of the steering shaft can be adjusted relative to the position of the driver.
In known locking devices, the actuation for locking and releasing takes place by way of rotation of an actuating shaft via an actuating lever which is attached thereto. A locking device of this type is described, for example, in DE 10 2011 055 410 A1, in which a first cam carrier is arranged fixedly on a side cheek so as to rotate with it, and a second cam carrier with cams which are directed counter to the first cam carrier is attached on the actuating shaft. The cam carriers are lifted up from one another by way of a rotation of the actuating shaft out of an angular position, in which the cams of the one cam carrier engage between the cams of the other cam carrier, into a relative angular position, in which the cam tips bear against one another. Said lift can be utilized to press said side cheeks of the bracket part against one another by way of support against an axial abutment of the actuating shaft, which axial abutment is arranged on the bracket part. As an alternative, other mechanisms can also be used which permit a conversion of the rotational movement of the actuating shaft into translational bracing of the side arms, for example wedge plate/cam systems or gravity lock clamping systems, as known from DE 44 00 306 A1, or the like.
By virtue of the fact that the parts which can be moved against one another for bracing purposes, for example the cam carriers, have mechanical play in the known clamping systems, the actuating lever can vibrate and generate undesired rattling noise. Moreover, a restoring force acts on the actuating lever during the release of the clamping action, which restoring force can lead to likewise undesired snapping back of the actuating lever. In DE 10 2011 055 410 A1, both undesired effects are counteracted by the actuating shaft being connected to a damping device which damps a rotation of the actuating shaft about its rotational axis in at least one rotational direction. As a result, vibrations and noise are reduced, and the result is an equalized, braked movement of the actuating lever.
In order to realize the damping device, DE 10 2011 055 410 A1 proposes the use of a rotary or rotational damper with a rotor which, during a rotation about its rotor axis, has mechanical rotational energy removed from it, that is to say is braked or damped. To this end, the rotor is mounted in a housing such that it can be rotated about its rotor axis, which housing is filled with a highly viscous damping fluid which is displaced during a rotation of the rotor and in the process brakes the rotational movement of the rotor by way of internal friction and interface friction.
The defined and reliable function is advantageous in the case of the known rotational damper. The relatively complicated design is disadvantageous, however, in the case of which design the housing and the rotor shaft have to be sealed against the liquid fluid. Moreover, the use of liquids in the vehicle interior is fundamentally to be avoided as far as possible.
Thus a need exits for a locking device with an improved rotational damper which is less complicated to manufacture and has a high acceptance in automotive engineering.

Locking device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle


An elongated, flexible tubular container providing neck support for users during travel. The interior of the container is accessible through one or more openings at one or both ends of the container. The openings can be secured with angled zipper closures. Clothing items are inserted into the interior of the container during packing, and during travel, the container can be bent or arranged in a horseshoe shape or C-shape around the users neck or other body parts. The ends of the container may be secured to each other to hold the container in place. When the clothing is removed, the container is collapsed.

Various non-luggage carriers exist for carrying, holding, supporting and storing objects. Such carriers include, by way of example, backpacks, duffel bags, fanny packs, satchels and purses. While such carriers are suitable for their intended purpose, their utility is limited, especially if used for travel. In most cases, these carriers constitute carry-on baggage, which modern airlines tend to limit in quantity and size. For example, backpacks and duffel bags tend to be cumbersome and must be stored in an overhead bin or beneath a seat during commercial airline travel.
In addition, many are too large or too small. Frequently, they lack attachments that are versatile enough to connect to other carriers and to be worn. They are unsuitable as neck and back pillows. They do not function independently as carrier straps. Fanny packs, small hands-free carriers with belts for wearing around users' waists, are suitable substitutes for a small purse and useful for carrying small items such as a wallet, keys and the like. However, fanny packs are generally inadequate for storing larger items such as garments. Satchels and purses must be carried by hand and frequently lack storage capacity suitable for garments. None of the aforementioned carriers easily attach to luggage without dragging or may function as a carrier strap. Furthermore, such carriers are not adaptable to be worn around one's neck or lumbar region as a travel pillow.
As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,703 to McKenna describes a carrier that attempts to fill a void left by conventional fanny pack carriers as described above. McKenna provides a torso-encircling carrier with a tubular body having a central closed tubular portion and tapered ends. The tubular body, which is "adapted to encircle the torso of the wearer," is intended to carry a coat. Longitudinal zipper closures are provided along the tapered ends and the central tubular portion. Such a carrier featuring a tubular body adapted to encircle the torso of a wearer is not configured and sized for wearing around one's neck. Additionally, the McKenna carrier lacks any provisions for functioning as a carrier strap. The end attachments of the McKenna carrier are not versatile enough to connect to other carriers. No provision is made for additional storage compartments. Furthermore, the longitudinal zipper closures of the McKenna carrier complicate loading and closure. Garments must be held in their folded state while the longitudinal zippers are pulled to a closed position. Otherwise, the garment would tend to unfold and become snagged by the zipper. Such longitudinal zippers are also more prone to failure, especially if the carrier is loaded with a thick garment.
Accordingly, what is needed is a carrier suitable for storing one or more items such as garments and configured to be attachable to other carriers or a removable strap, wearable around one's neck or waist, and usable as a lumbar or neck pillow. Additionally, the carrier should be easy to load.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A system for recalibrating a remote electronic control system, such as an engine control module (ECM), includes a computer maintaining a database of calibration upgrades and a history of recalibrations for specifically identified ECMs. Software routines determine whether the recalibration history includes the latest calibration upgrades, and if not, automatically downloads those upgrades to the ECM. The software also compares an access password for the ECM to entries in a library of acceptable passwords, and if a match therebetween is found access to the ECM is allowed for downloading recalibration information thereto. The system also contemplates a protocol for verifying the integrity of data downloaded from the ECM to the computer. Types of data susceptible to error are identified, and the downloaded information is evaluated to determine if the susceptible types of data are present. If so, and if correctable errors exist, the downloaded trip information is corrected.

The present invention relates to electronic control systems for devices, such as engine control modules for vehicles. More specifically, the invention concerns systems and methods for the re-calibration of the electronic control systems.
Electronic controls for remote devices are prevalent. In recent years, electronic controls have been applied to vehicles, and particularly to internal combustion engines used in a wide range of applications. The electronic control systems for the engine, or engine control modules (ECM), can monitor and control all functions of the engine.
To assist vehicle fleet owners in making the most economical use of their vehicles, the typical ECM includes a memory for recording the performance data for the engine operation. This data can then be extracted from the ECM by a diagnostic or service tool via a data uplink. In some cases, the service tool plugs directly into a port of the ECM and issues commands to the ECM to download data from the local memory. In other cases, an optical, infrared or RF port can be provided for remote transmission of the data to the service tool.
For some electronic control systems, a service tool can be used to reprogram the electronic controller, or in the case of a vehicle engine, the ECM. These field-programmable ECMs have enabled product enhancements to be made at a greatly reduced cost. For example, a single generic control module can be reprogrammed at various times for many different applications, without any changes to the physical configuration of the module. For instance, a truck may have a different engine rating for use as a long-haul vehicle versus use as a short-haul vehicle. These different ratings may require that the engine have different calibrations between the two applications. If the truck is changed from one use to the other, changes in engine settings can be transmitted to the ECM through the service tool directly by the tool operator. In other instances, the changes to the electronic control system, or ECM, can be downloaded to the service tool from an off-site location. This downloaded information can then be uploaded to the ECM at the location of the vehicle.
With these prior systems, a highly trained and knowledgeable service technician is required to recalibrate the electronic control system, depending on the desired application of the control system. The additional manpower required to perform recalibrations on an entire fleet of vehicles can be expensive. In addition, the manual recalibration process can be very time consuming; taking fleet vehicles out of commission for long periods of time. Consequently, there remains a need for a system and method that permits recalibration of remote electronic control systems, such as ECMs, that are more economical and efficient.
The present invention addresses the needs left unmet by prior recalibration systems and techniques. In one aspect of the invention, a fleet manager development tool, or computer, is provided with a data base containing information about the current calibration of existing electronic control systems. The fleet computer also maintains a database of new or updated calibrations for the electronic control system or the controlled component. In the case of a fleet of vehicles, the electronic control system can be an ECM that monitors and controls the operation of the vehicle engine.
In one feature of the invention, a vehicle can automatically initiate an upload/download sequence performed by the fleet computer. The sequence can be conducted with the aid of a separate recalibration tool that provides the data link between the fleet computer and the vehicle ECM. This upload/download sequence can be instituted when the vehicle enters a service area. A software routine resident on the fleet computer acknowledges the presence of the vehicle and commences routines for downloading data from the vehicle ECM and/or recalibrating the ECM and/or engine. A visual display in the service area directs the vehicle operator to perform a few simple acts to commence the upload/download process.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the software resident on the fleet computer can direct the upload of user-requested trip information from the vehicle ECM. If a recalibration is requested, either automatically or by the fleet manager, the software interrogates the ECM for the serial number of the associated controlled component, in this case the vehicle engine. This engine serial number is used to extract the recalibration history for the engine from a database contained in the fleet computer. The most recent calibration entry for the engine is identified and compared against a table of updated recalibration entries, also maintained by the fleet computer.
The table of recalibration entries can be obtained from a central site, such as the engine manufacturer. In one aspect of the invention, the engine manufacturer can make available updated calibrations for the engines that the manufacturer produces. These updated calibrations can be due to improvements in the engine control routines, the addition of new applications for existing engines, or the like. This updated calibration information can be downloaded by the fleet manager in a variety of ways and stored in memory for later reference.
If the extracted calibration history for the particular engine includes the most recent calibration update, no further recalibration is required. On the other hand, in accordance with the present invention, the absence of the manufacturer""s most recent calibration from the engine""s calibration history signals the fleet computer software to download the new calibration information to the electronic control system, or ECM. When the new information is downloaded, the calibration history for the engine is automatically updated and stored in the fleet computer database.
In a further feature of the invention, access to the ECM is limited to prevent unauthorized modifications to the engine control data or routines. Each ECM maintains a password in its local memory. At the fleet computer, a password library is maintained in memory that includes a series of acceptable passwords. In some embodiments, the password library can include a limited number of passwords used in chronological order. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the ECM password is compared to every password in the library, not just the most recently used password. If a match is found, access to the ECM is granted, otherwise the software issues an error message and abandons the recalibration process. When access is granted, the newest password is loaded into the ECM for future security checks.
A further feature of the invention addresses the integrity of data uploaded from the ECM. In some cases, data or program errors are known to exist in vehicle controllers that may not have been corrected. The present invention contemplates software executed by the fleet computer that evaluates certain suspect dataxe2x80x94i.e., data that is known to have the potential for being corrupt or erroneous. The suspect data is reviewed to determine if certain indicia are present that indicate the data to be corrupt. If the indicia are present, a further determination is made as to whether the data error is correctable. Again, it is known in advance what data errors can and cannot be fixed, as well as the appropriate fixes, if they exist. Correctable errors are address by the software and non-correctable errors can result in nulling the affected data. In one specific feature of the invention, to the extent that the corrupt data is a result of software errors, the affected software is updated or corrected to prevent future occurrences of the corrupt data.
The present invention contemplates a software-based system for recalibrating an electronic control system, such as an ECM, for performing security checks and for evaluating the integrity of data uploaded from the ECM. This same software can be accessed by the fleet manager to administer the database of calibration information used in other subroutines. For example, the fleet manager can select certain available calibrations to be assigned to particular ECMs in the vehicle fleet. In addition, the software allows the fleet manager to define and assign various adjustment sets to vehicles and engines in the fleet. The adjustment sets provided further flexibility in controlling the performance of the engine or vehicle, and tailor the nature of the trip information obtained from the vehicle. The adjustment set updates can be applied to the vehicle ECM using the same protocol as applied to the recalibration data.
It is one object of the present invention to provide a substantially automatic software-based system and method for recalibration of an electronic control system. A further object resides in aspects that verify security features associated with the control system to prevent unauthorized modification or tampering.
One benefit of the present invention is that highly skilled technicians or personnel are not required to effect recalibration of a control system, such as an ECM. A further benefit is attained by features of the invention that permit automatic updating of the necessary calibration and adjustment changes, as well as access passwords and data integrity information.
These and other objects and benefits can be discerned from the following written description of preferred embodiments of the invention, together with the accompanying figures.

Method and system for recalibration of an electronic control module


A programmable time-intervals generator comprising first and second digital counters, a memory, a digital divider and a digital adder. On the occurrence of a first event, the first counter starts counting, and on the occurrence of a second event, only the most significant bits of the number counted up to then are stored, thereby providing a division by truncation. From the stored number, at least two discrete fractions are obtained by the divider, whereafter said fractions are summed at the adder which operates on strings of bits. The second counter counts down the sum number and, on becoming cleared, generates a signal.

Programmable time-intervals generators are useful in a variety of applications, e.g. to generate delays in digital systems for DC controlling three-phase brushless motors incorporating no position sensors, referred to in the pertinent technical literature as DC brushless sensorless motors. Alternatively, generators of this kind may be used to directly generate signal-timing signals at predetermined time spacings, or control signals.
In all cases, time intervals ought to be generated with programmable duration, from a basic time interval (i.e. a counted coded number for clock periods) which separates two discrete events that may be of the same type.
In conventional time-intervals generation systems of the digital type, the time interval between two events is divided into a predetermined number of identical time subintervals, and in order to arrive at the programmed time spacing, the duration of one such time subinterval is multiplied a predetermined number of times.
It has been common practice to use for this operation a digital counter with base 2, e.g. sixteen-bit, which is cleared on the occurrence of an event and begins counting at a rate which is set by a clock signal.
A second event, which may obviously be of the same type as the first, will enable a memory to store some of the most significant bits of the coded number by the counter, e.g. the first eleven bits, thereby performing a truncation operation, in this case on the least significant five bits, which is the equivalent of dividing the counted number. Specifically in this example, the division is by 2 to a power of 5, namely by 32.
A decremental counter or down-counter then begins to count down the resultant coded number, and an additional counter is programmed to count the number of times that the down-counter must count the coded number. Thus, a time interval is obtained which is equal to the coded number count time multiplied a predetermined number of times.
However, this scheme has a drawback which may become serious in certain applications.
To improve the programmability of the actual durations of the time spacings generated and their accuracy, the time interval must be divided between the two control events into increasingly "finer", and hence more numerous, subintervals.
The consequent overall error, however, may even exceed in some cases that brought about by a coarser subdivision.
In fact, the subdivision of the interval between the two events is performed in a coded mode by truncation of a number, and the resultant error is, therefore, multiplied by the number of times that the subinterval thus obtained is repeated to arrive at the programmed time interval.


A method of using vacuum-cleaner filters includes mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Then air is drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Air flow is selectively drawn or pushed radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle is used to periodically spin the cartridge filter on the spindle to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. Preferably, a motor that can be run in either a forward direction or a reverse direction is used.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to canister vacuum cleaners with cartridge filters that need occasional cleaning.
2. Description of Related Art
The familiar canister vacuum cleaner, or shop vac, is a common appliance in many American homes and workshops. The most popular designs place a vacuum pump and electrical motor on top of a canister lid. A cartridge filter is held underneath the lid and the vacuum pump draws air through the filter and out to an exhaust. The whole assembly on the lid is then latched to the top of a canister bucket and a vacuum hose is attached to the side. Any debris that is drawn in through the hose drops inside the bucket and is prevented from passing through by the cartridge filter.
Fine particles which are not heavy enough to drop to the bottom of the bucket will lodge and cake on the filter. Such filters are typically made of pleated paper and a lot of the sweepings will trap between the pleats. The paper matrix itself will also clog. So, over time, the cartridge filter will eventually become so clogged that no vacuum air can be drawn through.
Users typically dump the contents of the canister bucket and shake the loose material out of the cartridge filter. This can be very messy and the filter does not really come very clean. Thus the filter cartridges need to be replaced frequently. Some users simply replace the filter on every cleaning to avoid the mess associated with beating or shaking the old filters free of dirt.
The present inventor, David E. Dudley, describes the cleaning of water filter cartridges in two previous patents by spinning the filter cartridges to take advantage of centrifugal force. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,419, issued Nov. 23, 1999, describes a spinner on which a dirty, removable pool filter can be mounted. A water jet from a hose is directed at the filter and it will spin on its own on the axle provided. The combination of the water jet and spinning of the filter causes filter cake to be washed and flung free. U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,213, issued Dec. 5, 2000, describes an in-situ spin-clean water filter. An enclosed filter is mounted on a pivot so it can easily spin but not allow internal water-bypass leakage. Strategically placed water jets inside can be turned on to cause the filter to be spun, e.g., after the enclosure has been drained. Both such Patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Briefly, a method embodiment of the present invention comprises mounting a cylindrical-shaped filter cartridge coaxially on a rotatable spindle. Air is then drawn radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge during normal operation, as in a vacuum cleaner. Periodically, the cartridge filter on the spindle is spun to dislodge any debris entrapped in the filter material by centrifugal force. An air flow control can be included to selectively draw or push air radially through a filter material wall of the filter cartridge. A clutch disposed between a motor and the spindle may be used to spin the cartridge filter.
An advantage of the present invention is a shop vac is provided that can be easily cleaned.
Another advantage of the present invention is that a filter system is provided that allows filter cartridges to be reused.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that a method is provided for automatically maintaining a vacuum cleaning system.
The above and still further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


In some implementations, a method for routing communication includes determining a binding interface for a communication session based on a forwarding information base (FIB) and a destination for the communication session. The communication session is from an application running on user equipment (UE), and the binding interface is included in a virtual private network (VPN) tunnel established through an Internet Protocol (IP) security (IPsec) interface. Whether to filter the communication session is determined based on which perimeter of the UE includes the binding interface and which perimeter of the UE includes the IPsec interface.

Generally, a virtual private network (VPN) is a network that uses a public telecommunication infrastructure (e.g., Internet) to create a secure virtual connection for communication between two or more entities. The secure connection may be accomplished through the use of a "tunnel" between the two or more entities. A VPN may utilize various protocols to establish the tunnel and to secure communications between the sender and recipient. For example, one protocol is Internet Protocol Security (IPsec). When implementing IPsec, each IP packet of a data stream is authenticated and encrypted to protect data flows in the VPN.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

Filtering network packets in multiple forwarding information base systems


A linear actuator includes a nut threaded onto a rotatable drive screw and adapted to be coupled to and uncoupled from an axially movable driven member by a selectively engageable and disengageable helical spring clutch and a friction clutch connected in series with the spring clutch. When the spring clutch is disengaged, the nut is permitted to rotate with the screw and thus the driven member remains stationary. When the spring clutch is engaged, it acts through the friction clutch to couple the nut to the driven member and prevent rotation of the nut so that the driven member advances along the screw. When the driven member reaches a limit position, a positive stop automatically releases the friction clutch to interrupt the drive to the driven member even though the spring clutch remains engaged.

This invention relates generally to a linear actuator and more particularly to a linear actuator of the type in which the linear motion is produced by rotating a drive screw to advance a nut axially along the screw. A driven member which is fixed against rotation is associated with the nut and will be advanced as long as the nut also is held against rotation.

Actuator having a drive screw and a selectively rotatable nut


A hinged connector for joining a first structural member to a second structural member in a support structure, comprising first and second metal connector members each having a base portion for attachment to a respective structural member and a tab integral with the base portion. Each base portion includes an integral upset gusset welded to the tab of the respective connector member to add support to the tab and add stiffness to the connector member.

The invention relates generally to a connector for joining structural members, and more particularly to a hinge connector enabling structural members to be joined at various angular orientations relative to one another.
A particular example of an application to which the invention relates concerns structures for supporting horizontally-extending pipe or conduit. One prior art support structure for such applications employs a plurality of prefabricated structural members comprising pairs of vertical members for suspending the support structure from an overhead beam or other structure, and horizontal channel members extending between the lower ends of each pair of vertical members. Pipes or conduits are clamped side-by-side to the upper surfaces of the horizontal channel members for support thereby. The pairs of vertical members and associated horizontal channel members are spaced at appropriate intervals to provide adequate support without unacceptably high stress on the structural components.
The rectangular geometry of this type of system has made such systems susceptible to swaying and consequent stresses of unacceptably great magnitude during seismic disturbances. Accordingly, support systems for use in areas at risk for seismic disturbances now may include diagonal braces extending obliquely upward from the ends of the horizontal members to an overhead beam or other structure.
There is a need for a connector to permit attachment of diagonal braces to adjacent structural members at various angular orientations, to enable prefabricated structural components to be assembled on-site in various configurations dictated by the varying spatial and strength requirements of particular applications.
It is an object of the invention to provide such a connector which may be manufactured inexpensively and which provides low deformation and relatively high strength commensurate with the strength of associated structural components.


Method for guiding a saw blade (1), in which method at least one guide stop (2) at least on one side of the blade is used to guide the blade. A layer of an intermediate agent (3) in a substantially solid state, such as a layer of ice, is formed on that surface of the guide stop (2) which faces the blade (1).

The present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for guiding a saw blade.
Saw blades such as circular saw blades or bandsaw blades are guided using so-called blade guides both in sawing machines with permanent settings and in sawing machines with variable settings. Solutions are known in which various metals and their mixtures are used as blade guides. A blade guide solution is presented in FI publication 67800. A drawback with prior-art solutions is that they need water or an emulsion of water and oil for lubrication. These are a source of problems especially when the temperature is below 0xc2x0 C. In addition, there are emulsions which have detrimental effects e.g. on the environment or health. A significant drawback is also the need for adjustment and maintenance due to wear.
The object of the present invention is to create a completely new type of method and apparatus for guiding a saw blade.
The invention is characterised by what is presented in the claims.
The method of the invention has numerous significant advantages. By forming a layer of ice as a guide surface, a very low friction coefficient is achieved, which substantially reduces the power loss and helps maintain a low blade temperature. The need for adjustment is diminished. The need for wearing parts is eliminated. The amount of water or emulsion consumed is substantially smaller than with prior-art blade guides. In a solution according to the method of the invention, the blade is cooled, with the result that, when a circular saw blade is used, a correct kind of stress state is generated in the blade.

Method and apparatus for guiding a saw blade


A pre-filter skimmer system that reduces the amount of debris and particles entering the water filter in order to increase the longevity of the water filter is disclosed. The pre-filter skimmer system includes a chamber including an inlet and an outlet, wherein the water enters via the inlet and exits via the outlet. The water enters a first collector that is positioned at least partially within the chamber, the first collector configured to capture particles of a first size carried by the water. From here, the water enters a second collector that is positioned downstream of the first collector, wherein the second collector is configured to capture particles of a second size smaller than the first size that passed through the first collector.

The present invention relates to systems for cleaning debris from swimming pool water, and more particularly to a skimmer for removing debris from the water in advance of the pump and filtration system.
All swimming pools, both smaller residential pools and larger public or institutional swimming pools, require a significant amount of maintenance in order to provide a safe, enjoyable, and hygienic swimming experience to the users of the pool. Swimming pool maintenance efforts primarily include the circulation and filtration of the water contained in the pool, and the maintenance of the proper levels of chemicals (such as chlorine) designed to eliminate the growth of bacteria, algae, and other undesirable organisms.
Most pool water circulation systems include some level of debris filtration. For example, pump systems include a filter. Also, skimmers typically include a basket to remove larger debris such as leaves, twigs, sticks, grass clippings, bits of paper, trash, or other material. Conventional skimmer baskets have orifices in the range of about ¼ inches. Accordingly, only the larger debris is caught by the basket. The remaining finer debris goes directly to the pump filter, requiring clean-up of the pump and main filter. What is needed is a more thorough debris removal system in advance of the pump and main filter.


Embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM) profile provisioning between proximate devices is described. In at least one example, a first device can broadcast expression data to one or more other devices. Based on determining a presence of a second device within a particular region, the first device can send a request for a profile associated with an eSIM of the second device to the second device. The second device can provision the profile to the first device via a direct connection with the first device. Based on receiving the profile from the second device, the first device can associate the profile with its eSIM and can access at least one service based at least in part on the profile.

Mobile devices can be associated with subscriber identity module (SIM) cards which store personal information of respective account holders. A SIM card can be a portable memory chip or an integrated memory chip. A SIM card associated with a mobile device can store data associated with a subscriber identity corresponding to an account holder associated with the mobile device, a phone number of the account holder, an address book of the account holder, text messages sent and received via the mobile device, and other data. Generally, when a consumer opens an account associated with a service provider, such as a telecommunication service provider, the service provider can activate a SIM card of a mobile device associated with the account. That is, each SIM card includes a unique number printed on the memory chip which requires activation by the service provider (e.g., via a website associated with the service provider, via a call to the service provider, via provisioning by the service provider, etc.). Following activation of an account by the service provider, the consumer, via the mobile device, can utilize various services offered by the service provider.
In some examples, for instance with an embedded (also called electronic or enhanced) subscriber identity module (eSIM), a profile (e.g., an eSIM profile) including a unique number (i.e., associated with a service provider) and other data (e.g., account information (e.g., subscription key, identity and/or service plan profiles, etc.), restrictions, etc.) can be downloaded by a mobile device, and no further activation is required to activate an account associated with the service provider and/or otherwise use services available from the service provider. For instance, a local profile assistant (e.g., computer-readable instructions) associated with a mobile device can download a profile from a service provider and install the profile on the mobile device. As a result, the eSIM of the mobile device can be associated with the downloaded profile provided by the service provider. General profile provisioning is defined in GSMA RSP (Remote SIM Provisioning) for consumer devices technical specification standard SGP.22, for example.
Proximity services are services that become available when a mobile device enters a specific area or nears another device. Proximity services enable device-to-device communication. That is, proximity services can enable two or more devices to communicate between one another without any network node involvement. Proximity services can be used for public safety applications, social network applications, home automation/networking applications, mobile advertisement applications, etc. Additional details associated with proximity services are described in standard 23.303 of the 3GPP specifications, for example.

eSIM profile provisioning between proximate devices


A refrigerator includes a main body, a receiving portion defined within the main body, a shelf disposed within the receiving portion having at least one auxiliary hinge portion disposed at a rear thereof, a storage tray slidably extractable from within the receiving portion and adjacent the shelf when the storage tray is received within the receiving portion, and a front cover disposed on a front surface of the storage tray to be rotated upward and opened when the storage tray is extracted from within the receiving portion and having at least one holder portion disposed on a rear surface thereof to be coupled to the at least one auxiliary hinge portion. By the configuration, the front cover is structurally reinforced, and it is possible to prevent the front cover from drooping and prevent a gap between the front cover and the upper shelf.

1. Field
The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a support portion and a holder portion to prevent a central portion of a front cover from drooping down when a storage tray is opened.
2. Description of the Related Art
A refrigerator is an apparatus to store food in a fresh state by heat exchange based on a temperature difference generated in a phase change of a coolant during the compression, condensation, and expansion of the coolant, such as Freon or methane, for example.
Generally, the refrigerator includes a main body serving as an external body, a freezing chamber and a cooling chamber which are disposed in the main body as storage chambers with open front surfaces, and doors hinge-coupled to a front portion of the main body to open and close the freezing chamber and the cooling chamber.
A plurality of shelves is respectively provided in the freezing chamber and the cooling chamber such that food can be stored on the shelves. Recently, a separate space maintained at a separate temperature range is disposed in the refrigerator to provide an optimal temperature range according to types of food.
For example, a vegetable compartment to store vegetables and fruits and a special cooling room to store food, such as fish that specially requires freshness, are installed in a drawer at a lower side of the cooling chamber.
Generally, in the refrigerator for home use, a user can control the temperature of the chambers such that the freezing chamber is maintained at a temperature range of about −12° C. to −24° C., for example, and the cooling chamber is maintained at a temperature range of about 0° C. to 7° C., for example.
Further, the vegetable compartment is maintained at a temperature range of about 5° C. to 10° C., for example, and the special cooling room is maintained at a temperature range of about 1° C. to 3° C., for example.
Generally, for the special cooling room of the refrigerator, a shelf to store food is loaded on a guide rail formed on an inner wall of the main body to form a separate space such that the shelf can slide and be extracted. A cover is installed at a front side of the shelf to prevent leakage of cool air from the space to form the special cooling room.
Meanwhile, along with a recent trend of a large-sized refrigerator, a width of the front cover is also enlarged. Since the front cover is vertically rotated by hinges provided at opposite sides, a central portion of the front cover tends to droop.
The drooping of the front cover makes it difficult to maintain the special cooling room at a proper temperature. The drooping of the front cover may cause deformation or detachment of the front cover in the long run. Further, the drooping of the front cover may degrade an appearance of the refrigerator.


A composite material for the realization of a component or a structural part, in particular for installation on-board a vehicle, adapted to integrate electrical devices and connections, includes a non-conductive polymeric matrix; a dispersed phase including at least one promoter of carbonization adapted to form carbonaceous conductive structures; and a reinforcing-fiber filler adapted to direct the distribution and orientation of the dispersed phase in the polymeric matrix.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the integration of electrical devices and connections in plastics, and in particular in components or structural parts which are made of non-conductive polymeric material and installed on-board a vehicle. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for the production of a component or a structural part on-board a vehicle that is adapted to integrate electrical devices and connections, and to a composite material for the realization of the component or structural part.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the automotive field, non-conductive polymeric materials are known in the art (for example, polyolefinic thermoplastic polymers which are commercially available as polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE)) for the realization of on-board components, including: fuel systems (tanks and other structural parts), internal finishing of the passenger compartment (dashboard, door panels), and external finishing of the vehicle body (bumpers, mouldings).
The on-board electrical or electronic devices which are installed in combination with these components (including sensors, devices for operating on-board systems, and devices for controlling the management of the functions in the passenger compartment) are typically made as discrete elements housed in seats obtained by moulding in the shape of the component. They are connected to remote power supply sources and to remote signal processing components by wiring laid along the chassis of the vehicle.
In order to avoid laying extensive lengths of wiring, different technological solutions have been developed for integrating the electrical connection lines in a plastic matrix, which forms a lining in the passenger compartment of a vehicle (or a structural component of the vehicle). A further development consists of the integration of the on-board electronic devices (for example, the devices for controlling the passenger compartment and bodywork functions) in the plastic components inside the passenger compartment (such as the dashboard and the door panels) where the devices may be embedded and touch-operated.
Published international patent WO 2007/096016 describes a lining for a vehicle in which regions, including switching, sensor, electrical, or electronic signal transmission functions, are formed. On-board functional devices, such as the sensor or control devices, are formed as discrete elements which are arranged in a mould for forming the lining prior to injection of the plastic, so as to surface at the side of the lining facing the passenger compartment, once moulding has been performed, and provide a touch-operation functionality. Flexible conductor strips are embedded in the plastic matrix during moulding for connecting the devices outside of the lining formed.
Published European patent EP 1,663,720 describes a touch-operated device that can be used on-board a vehicle and which includes a capacitive sensor arranged underneath a surface of an internal lining of the vehicle and which can be touch-operated by a person present inside the passenger compartment. Such a device may be integrated in the covering surface of an air-bag, inside a steering wheel, on a dashboard, within an armrest, in a control panel, or in any other surface of a vehicle which is suitable for interaction with on-board electronic devices.
Published German utility model DE 299 07 054 relates to an instrument dashboard, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a support made at least partially of plastic which includes display instruments and operating components that are powered by conductive tracks, in which the conductive tracks are made in electrically conductive plastic (for example, ULTRAFORM® produced by Basf or DURETHAN® and POCAN® produced by Bayer). The conductive tracks are preferably made in a flat form and combined with the support mechanically or chemically (for example, by an injection-moulding process).
Published international patent WO 2010/026000 describes a single-layer or multiple-layer lining for a vehicle, which has regions formed by a mixture of plastic and conductive material. The lining may be used as a part of the interior upholstery of a vehicle (for example, for dashboards or insides of doors). Predetermined areas are provided with conductive tracks for performing electrical conduction functions and more complex switching, sensor, or generally signal transmission functions, wherein the tracks are made of a mixture of plastic materials forming the lining and a conductive material (for example, carbon nanotubes).
A method for producing electrically conductive and/or piezo-resistive tracks on a non-conductive, composite, polymeric substrate including a matrix of commercially available polyolefinic thermoplastic polymers, with a dispersed-phase filler of carbonization promoters (such as carbon nanofibres or carbon nanotubes) is known from published international patent application WO 2012/055934, which teaches how to realize the conductive tracks by laser ablation and consequent localized pyrolysis of the substrate which results in the formation of carbonaceous conductive structures favoured by the promoters, which are able to participate in the conduction by concentration in the tracks.
However, although the aforementioned document suggests (in theory and in laboratory tests) using such a technology for the formation of electrical connections, and simple electrical devices (such as pushbuttons, sensors, antennas, etc.) are incorporated in polymeric substrates widely used in motor vehicles (such as polypropylene and polyethylene), it does not deal with the practical aspect of industrial application of this technology to the manufacture of the aforementioned elements in actual on-board components, nor the integration of the technology with the already established techniques for production of these components.
Components in the automotive field which benefit the most from integration with electrical devices (such as the dashboard or door panels) have particular forms which are determined by the ergonomic requirements associated with their use, or simply by their position in the passenger compartment. In such cases, their shaped forms are determined exclusively by the aesthetic appearance which the designer wishes to give to the passenger compartment of a vehicle, such that it may be distinguished from the design solutions of competitors. Moreover, the industrial technology of injection-moulding in the automotive field is nowadays optimized for the processing of polymeric compounds (which are commonly used for the production of these components), but the technology is not adapted to the processing of compounds with a dispersed-phase filler, the distribution of the filler affecting the electrical properties of the entire component and, even more specifically, the high electrical conductivity values which can be obtained by selective laser ablation of (bidimensional or tridimensional) regions of the component intended to integrate the designed electrical functions.
It is therefore desirable that the technology for the manufacturing of electrical devices and connections incorporated in non-conductive polymeric substrates should be improved for practical application thereof to specific on-board components of a vehicle and, vice versa, that the current technologies for moulding these components in the automotive field should be adapted to the new materials.
The main factors to be considered during the design of a motor-vehicle component using a polymeric material with a dispersed-phase filler having conductive properties which can be locally activated in a selective manner are strictly dependent on the suitability of the component to form conductive tracks with electrical conductivity properties which can be controlled depending on the desired design configurations. For this purpose, during the design of a component, the following parameters must be adjusted: the minimum distance between parallel conductive tracks, in order to prevent interference and short-circuits; the curvatures and plane variations of the conductive tracks, in order to avoid the formation of discontinuities therein; the geometrical configuration of the conductive tracks (length and cross-section) depending on the electrical characteristics of the signal, the polymeric material used and the foreseen electrical load; the geometrical configuration of the component made of polymeric material in the regions designed for an electrical device, in order to define controlled-deformation zones and realize control devices which can be activated by external deformation and pressure stimuli (based on the piezo-resistive effect of the conductive tracks); the geometrical configuration of the conductive tracks in the regions designed for an electrical device, in order to define capacitive proximity sensor zones and form control devices which can be operated by external touching actions, (based on the capacitive effect of the conductive tracks); and the technical solutions for connecting the component containing the conductive tracks to the on-board power supply and/or signal processing systems.

Method for the production of a component or a structural part on-board a vehicle adapted to integrate electrical devices and connections, and composite material for the realization of said component or structural part

PLASTIC COMPONENTS AND MUDULES AUTOMOTIVE S.p.A.


An ECU makes an opening degree of a throttle valve larger than an opening degree in an idle rotating state of an engine in a rotation drop period during which engine speed drops to zero after combustion of the engine is stopped. Further, the ECU determines that the engine speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range including at least a resonance range of the engine in the rotation drop period, and, in the case where it is determined that the engine speed is within the predetermined rotation speed range, the ECU performs rotation drop processing of temporarily increasing a drop rate of the engine speed.

Conventionally, a technique of implementing so-called idling stop control of automatically stopping an engine if predetermined automatic stop conditions are fulfilled, and, thereafter, restarting the engine if predetermined restart conditions are fulfilled, is known.
When an engine is automatically stopped, an opening degree of a throttle valve is made smaller than a predetermined opening degree, so that supply of air to a cylinder is restricted. However, in such a case, when the engine restarts, a sufficient amount of air cannot be secured for combustion, which may lead to worse restart.
In the technique disclosed in PTL 1, control is performed so that an opening degree of a throttle valve is made smaller than a predetermined opening degree when an engine is automatically stopped, and, if engine speed becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the throttle valve which has been closed is once opened to more than the predetermined opening degree, and then, is closed again. By this means, a minimum required amount of air for restarting the engine is secured, to alleviate delay when the engine restarts.


A securing device for securing two boards firmly to one another with a predetermined distance therebetween. The securing device is integrally formed of resin and comprises a resilient reverse retention member to support a first board, a rectangular linkage member, resilient legs provided on both sides of the linkage member to engage the first board, and a support base to support a second board thereon. Characteristically provided with recesses at the foot of both widthwide sides of the linkage member, the securing device of this invention is enabled to have the advantages of both having a rectangular-shaped linkage member and an improvement in strength.

The present invention relates to a securing device for securing two boards to one another in a spatial relationship.
Conventionally, securing devices have been used to secure chassis and printed boards of electrical equipment in electrical isolation. One such conventional securing device is mounted to a chassis by inserting its upper end portion into an aperture in the chassis and securing the printed board on the upper end portion thereof. The conventional securing device comprises a resilient reverse retention member, a linkage member and a pair of resilient legs. The resilient reverse retention member has a larger diameter than that of the chassis aperture for engaging with the outer surface of the chassis after the insertion. The linkage member extends from the center of the concave portion of the resilient reverse retention member and is inserted into the chassis aperture. Resilient legs are provided at both sides of the linkage member. These legs are resiliently deformed during insertion in the aperture and then abruptly allowed to return to their original positions engaging the chassis between the resilient legs and the resilient reverse retention member. When mounted to the chassis, the securing device secures the chassis between the resilient reverse retention member and the resilient legs. The resilient reverse retention member, snapped in place as explained above, is pressed onto the surface of the chassis and is elastically deformed. Therefore, the resilient reverse retention member can adjust to a certain range of thickness in the chassis when mounting the device securely onto the chassis. Furthermore, integrally formed on the upper portion of the linkage member is a structure for being slipped through an aperture in the printed board and supporting the printed board thereon.
The applicant invention is provided with a rectangular linkage member extending from the resilient reverse retention member so that the securing device is enabled to engage a substantially circular aperture in a chassis. In addition, the configurations of the resilient legs provided at both sides of the linkage member are substantially circular to engage a circular aperture. This coherence in shape of the linkage member and the resilient legs realizes strength equal to that of a linkage member having a large diameter. As a further advantage of applicant's invention, since the chassis has a circular aperture therein, the aperture is easy to manufacture and advantageous in the designing of circuit pattern and other boards. In contrast, the prior art securing device has a linkage member having a large circular diameter to increase strength. Since the resilient legs are provided on both sides of the large circular linkage member, an aperture in a chassis has to be elliptic, which is difficult to manufacture, and disadvantageous in designing a circuit pattern and other boards because the aperture is directional.
The prior art securing device has a substantially elliptic aperture and when vibrations are generated during transportation, the two boards (chassis and printed boards) move separately, and this has the tendency to snap the securing device out of the aperture In other cases, the prior art fails because a kinetic energy is generated intently at the base of the linkage member resulting in splits or breakage thereof Because the linkage member is different from the resilient reverse retention member in shape, the internal stress generated by resilient deformation of the resilient reverse retention member intensifies at the junction of the linkage member and the resilient reverse retention member. In addition, the vibration of the boards increases the internal stress beyond a yielding point causing failure.