There is provided a high-speed and stable robot apparatus realizing stable walking by surely grounding legs having wheels even on an irregular ground surface. The mobile robot includes a body having a control device and an inclination angle detecting device which detects an inclination angle and an angular velocity, and the plurality of legs each having a thigh part and a lower limb part. The thigh part is rotatable around an X-axis, which is a front direction with respect to the body, and around a Y-axis which is a side surface direction with respect to the body. The robot comprises wheels rotatable around the Y-axis and movable supporting parts rotatable around the Y-axis and capable of being grounded on a road surface, which are provided on lower portions of the lower limb parts. The robot switches its operation according to irregularities of the road surface between coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum control operation of moving with the wheels without grounding the movable supporting parts while maintaining the inversion and bipedal walking control operation of walking by controlling the grounding of the wheels and the movable supporting parts on the road surface.

The present invention relates to a leg-wheel type mobile robot having wheels at the tip of its leg and capable of moving on an irregular ground.
As a moving system of a robot, there are moving methods based on wheels and legs. In the moving method based on legs, walking is performed by controlling the attitude of the robot on the basis of a ZMP (Zero Moment Point) as standard. The ZMP is the center of reaction force at a grounding point, and is a point on the floor surface where the moment by the reaction force becomes zero. When the robot is made to walk, it is necessary to perform control of the walking in consideration of inertia force due to the movement of the robot itself, gravitational force applied to the robot, reaction force received from the floor, and the like. When a walking pattern is generated so as to make the ZMP settled within a convex support polygon of the foot sole of the robot, the robot can be made to walk without overturning.
As for the moving method based on wheels, there are known a moving method as represented by a motor vehicle, which has three grounding points or more and static stability, a method as used for a motorbike, which maintains lateral stability by using the angular momentum of a tire, and a method based on a wheeled inverted pendulum, for dynamically maintaining stability by feeding back an inclination angle and an angular velocity in an advancing direction of a movable body, as shown in JP-A-2005-288561.
The moving method based on wheels is characterized in that it is excellent in the moving efficiency and the moving speed, but has a large limitation on the environment, in which the robot can be moved, and low ground adaptability. Further, the moving method based on legs is inferior in the moving efficiency and the moving speed, but has high ground adaptability.
Thus, there is known a method, as described in JP-A-2005-288561, in which in order to utilize both the above advantages by the combination of wheels and legs, two-legged walking is realized by turning a wheel sideways and increasing the contact area of the sole, as needed. Similarly, there is known a method, as described in JP-A-2001-138272, in which in order to realize more dynamic and higher speed movement as compared with a normal walking operation, a leg-type mobile robot is made to perform roller-skating by being provided with roller-skating shoes.


In order to perform computation concerning a large sparse matrix of values, a computer stores in its memory the nonzero values of each row and as many null or preferably zero values as are required to make up a predetermined number of stored values for each row. Associated column indices are also stored. Storage in this format can be carried out by massively parallel processing using a graphics processing unit. The format is acceptable input for programs written to expect input in conventional compressed sparse row format yet avoids the constraints which enforce serial processing in order to store in that conventional format.

Embodiments of this invention are concerned with the construction and operation of computers handling a large sparse matrix of data values.
Parallel processing, in which a number of processors operate concurrently to carry out portions of an overall computation task can give a great increase in speed compared with a single processing unit carrying out these portions of the task serially, i.e., in sequence. The term "massively parallel computing" was originally used in the context of so-called supercomputers in which a large number of processors operate in parallel and the computer operation was carried out with fine granularity (i.e., with the overall task broken up into small amounts of computation carried out concurrently). The term "massively parallel" is now also applied to a somewhat similar approach carried out using multiple cores on a single chip. (The term "core" indicates a processor able to read and execute instructions). This arrangement with multiple cores on a single chip is characteristic of graphics processing units (GPUs) as used in computer games devices and on graphics cards for desktop computers. It is possible to program a computer equipped with a GPU so that the graphics processor on that card is used to carry out parallel computation. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for general purpose computation on GPUs have been published by manufacturers of graphics cards and the use of GPUs for general purpose computing is an area of active interest.
Parallel processing provides an advantage in computing speed and power, but requires additional organization in hardware and software, in particular to distribute portions of the task to different cores and to take account of the fact that the portions of the task carried out asynchronously by the different cores will not finish simultaneously nor even in a predetermined order.
There is a wide range of fields where it is desirable to carry out computer processing of a large sparse matrix of data. A sparse matrix is one where many values are zero.
Notably it may be desired to compute the solution to a problem in linear algebra of the general format:Ax=b where A is a large sparse matrix of values, x is a vector of unknown values and b is a vector of known values.
Because of the size of the matrices, an iterative approach is used to compute the solution to the problem. In order to avoid filling a vast amount of memory with zero values it is known to store a large sparse matrix in "compressed sparse row" (CSR) format in which the information is stored as three arrays, which are a vals array containing the non-zero data values, a cidx array containing the matrix column indices for the non-zero values and an ridx array of integers which are pointers to the position in the vals array (and also in the cidx array) at which each new row begins. The final value of the ridx array gives the total number of elements stored, equal to the length of the vals array. This format greatly reduces the memory requirements.
A number of software programs which provide functions to solve problems of this Ax=b form are available and are referred to as "linear solvers." The CSR format is the standard input format for these linear solvers. Many of these linear solvers are programs which perform the computing of data in a serial fashion. Linear solvers which operate on parallel processors such as GPUs have been described in the literature, notably by Buatois et al "Concurrent Number Cruncher: An Efficient Sparse Linear Solver on the GPU" Lecture Notes in Computer Science, year: 2007 pg: 358-371 and Wang et al. "Solving Sparse Linear Systems on NVIDIA Tesla GPUs" Lecture Notes in Computer Science year: 2009 pg: 864-873. A library of linear solver programs which operate on parallel processors is available under the trade name SpeedIT from Vratis Ltd, Wroclow, Poland (www.vratis.com).
As mentioned, the CSR format is a standard storage format for data from a large sparse matrix. There is also an equivalent "compressed sparse column" format which has an array of row indices and an array of pointers to the start of new columns.


A force measurement cell having a block-like mechanism unit includes a Roberval mechanism and a lever mechanism formed by cutting out a single piece of parent material. The Roberval mechanism has a fixed part and a movable part on which a measured force acts. A gapped part is formed on either the lever mechanism or the Roberval mechanism following the vertical direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the lever mechanism and the Roberval mechanism, respectively. In addition, a stopper for restricting displacement of either the lever mechanism or Roberval mechanism is fixed to the fixed part of the block-like mechanism unit facing opposite the gapped part with a prescribed gap opened in the axial direction of either the lever mechanism or the Roberval mechanism. Another embodiment, includes a recessed part sinking from a respective side surface of the block-like mechanism unit formed on both side surfaces.

The present invention relates to a force measurement cell, and in particular, to a force measurement cell suitable for use in an electromagnetic force balance type electronic balance.
An electromagnetic force balance type electronic balance generally has an electromagnetic force generator in which a movable coil is placed in a static electrical field generated by an electronic circuit, and the movable coil is attached to one end of a lever coupled with a tray. Also, the displacement of the lever due to a load to be measured on the tray is detected by a detector, the current flowing to the movable coil of the electromagnetic force generator is feedback-controlled such that the result of the detection always becomes zero, and the magnitude of the load to be measured is sought from the magnitude of the current necessary for zeroing the lever displacement.
The tray normally is supported by a Roberval mechanism which restricts displacement in the perpendicular direction in order to eliminate bias error. A Roberval mechanism has a structure in which a fixed part and a movable part are connected by two mutually parallel beams, above and below, each having flexible parts formed on both ends. The tray is attached to the movable part, and the movable part and the lever are connected by a flexible connecting member.
Among such electronic balances, one conventional type balance is constructed such that a block-like mechanism unit is formed by cutting out from a single piece of parent material a Roberval mechanism, a lever mechanism, and a connecting member connecting the Roberval mechanism and lever mechanism is used as a force measurement cell. The lever mechanism of the force measurement cell is connected to the movable coil of the electromagnetic force generator (see for example Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2525318, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1).
In an electronic balance having a Roberval mechanism and a lever mechanism, in order to protect the beams of the Roberval mechanism and the movable members, such as the lever mechanism, from vibrations during transport and impact loads during use, and the like, conventionally, as exemplified in FIG. 7, it is common practice to provide a stopper 73 for restricting displacement of a lever 72 in the vicinity of the electromagnetic force generator 71. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a structure is adopted, in which a perpendicular pin 74 is attached to lever 72, and a hole 73a having a slight gap with respect to the outer perimeter surface of pin 74 is formed on stopper 73. By the protective mechanism using such stopper 73, the displacement of lever 72 in the horizontal direction is restricted to the gap between pin 74 and hole 73a.
Also, among electronic balances using a force measurement cell consisting mainly of a block-like mechanism unit, there is known one which has a protective mechanism for preventing the lever mechanism, and the like, inside the force measurement cell itself from being damaged by vibrations and impact loads, in addition to a protective mechanism such as described immediately above (see for example Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H10-132643, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2).
The protective mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a structure in which a bolt (safety bolt) extending in the perpendicular direction is fixed to the fixed part of the block-like mechanism unit. In addition, a through-hole allowing passage having a minute gap interposed with respect to the outer perimeter surface of the bolt is formed on the lever being the movable part as well as on the beams, and is constructed such that displacement of the lever mechanism and the like can be restricted to the gap between the through-hole and the bolt even when under the action of vibrations during transport and impact loads during use, and the like.
While the protective mechanism having a stopper for restricting lever displacement in the vicinity of the electromagnetic force generator, which is commonly used in conventional electronic balances, functions effectively against comparatively small loads such as vibrations during transport, the protective mechanism may not function effectively against great impact loads, such as falling, because the displacement of the movable parts such as the lever is restricted in only one location.
In an electronic balance using a force measurement cell consisting mainly of a block-like mechanism unit, it is preferable that displacement of the movable parts, such as the lever mechanism, be restricted in two locations by providing a mechanism for protecting the movable parts inside the force measurement cell as disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 2, in addition to a protective mechanism provided in the vicinity of the electromagnetic force generator as described above.
However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 2, because a comparatively long bolt is screwed into the block-like mechanism unit and must be run through with a prescribed slight gap of about 0.1 mm with respect to through-holes formed on the lever mechanism and the beams of the Roberval mechanism in multiple locations in the longitudinal direction of the bolt, disadvantageously high precision machining is required both for the through-holes formed on the block-like mechanism unit and for the bolt. Further disadvantageously, higher precision machining increase the cost.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and the present invention is to provide the provision of a force measurement cell capable of restricting displacement of the movable parts inside the block-like mechanism unit based on an inexpensive construction.


Belt tensioners for a power transmission belt system are disclosed. The belt tensioners have a support member, an arm, a torsion spring operatively coupled therebetween, and an improved damping assembly. The arm includes a housing section pivotally mounted to the support member for rotation about the arm. This housing section has a rub surface against which the damper assembly is seated. The damper assembly has a body having a friction surface frictionally contacting the rub surface of the arm and a damper spring integrated with the body. The improvement of the damper assembly is that the rub surface of the arm includes a trough concentric about the axis of rotation and the friction surface of the body includes an annular protrusion seated in the trough.

The present invention is directed to a belt tensioner for a transmission belt system and, more specifically, to an improved damper assembly for the belt tensioner and a method for constructing the belt tensioner incorporating the improved damper assembly.
The main purpose of a belt tensioner that automatically responds to fluctuations in the movements of an endless belt is to prolong the life of the belt itself or of engine components such as accessories operating in conjunction with the belt. Such belt tensioners are typically used in/on front-end accessory drives in an automobile engine. A front-end accessory drive often includes pulley sheaves for each accessory the belt is required to power, such as the air conditioner, water pump, fan and alternator. Each of these accessories requires varying amounts of power at various times during operation. These power variations, or torsionals, create a slackening and tightening situation of each span of the belt. The belt tensioner is utilized to absorb these torsionals through use of an internally mounted torsion spring.
Various embodiments of belt tensioners include an arm pivotally mounted to a base housing or spring case, where a torsion spring is operatively coupled between the arm and the base housing so as to force the distal end of the arm against the drive belt and, in turn, to provide sufficient tension force on the drive belt as desired. The size of torsional loads experienced by the drive belt is sometimes large enough to significantly move the arm away from the belt, causing the tension in the belt to be temporarily reduced. This is not favorable above a certain degree and squealing and squeaking of the belt may result. Therefore, typical belt tensioners incorporate damping devices to slow the pivotal movement of the arm.
In the belt tensioners illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,860 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,797 an arm plate was included as a damping mechanism. The arm plate was deflectable or deformable to apply an axial force on other components of the tensioner, referred to herein as a deflection force. In these embodiments, when the arm plate deflection angle is less than the tapered angle of the sheath, the deflection force can only exist at the outer edge of the plate, and conversely when the arm plate deflection angle is greater than the tapered angle of the sheath, the deflection force can only exist at the edge of the plate's inner diameter. In either situation, when the sheath wears the deflection force either moves radially inward or outward, depending on where the force is applied. Since the location of the force is able to vary depending on the amount of deflection angle set during assembly and amount of wear, tensioner damping becomes increasingly difficult to manage.
An improved dampening device for belt tensioners is needed to solve these problems, especially a design where the deflection force does not move locations as the damping assembly wears over the life of the tensioner.

Belt tensioner for a power transmission belt system


Provided is a database system and method in which storage is partitioned in an unbalanced format for faster access. In one example, the method may include one or more of receiving a request to store a data record, identifying a partition from among a plurality of partitions of a database based on a shard identifier in the request, automatically determining a unique range of data identifiers designated to the partition from the plurality of partitions, respectively, based on an unbalanced partitioning, determining whether the data identifier is available within the unique range of data identifiers of the identified partition, and storing the data record at the identified partition in response to determining the data identifier is available. The unbalanced partitioning according to various embodiments reduces the partitions that need to be checked during a data insert/access operation of the database.

Databases typically implement a shared nothing architecture or a shared everything architecture. In a shared nothing architecture, each server (e.g., database node, etc.) operates independently, and controls its own memory and disk resources. Data is partitioned among the servers, and a workload is distributed such that each server operates on its own data, without sharing hardware resources with other servers in the grid. In contrast, in a shared everything environment, all servers access the same shared data store, and each workload has access to the data store, as well as the computing resources of all servers in the grid. Typically, a shared nothing environment focuses on maximizing performance while a shared everything environment focuses on maximizing resource utilization. One drawback of a shared everything architecture is that data stored at more than one node must be duplicated at both nodes which creates redundant storage in the overall database. Another drawback is the overhead required to maintain the database integrity in case duplicated data is modified or deleted.
Because of these drawbacks, applications that run on single-node database systems are difficult to scale. For example, if an application running on a single-node database needs to be scaled to run on a multi-node database within a shared nothing architecture, application data should be equally distributed over the multiple database nodes in order to permit unlimited scalability while preventing overload. Furthermore, the database is typically not aware of a relationship between the storage of master data of the client application and the storage of documents (or other data sources) which are used to provide representations of the master data of the client application. As a result, when a database looks to perform an operation based on both the master data and the document data (e.g., a join, etc.) the database must perform a search based on every possible combination of database partitions to search for the master data and the documents. This search consumes significant resources of the database system. Therefore, what is needed is a more effective way of partitioning data for a shared nothing architecture.
Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated or adjusted for clarity, illustration, and/or convenience.

Unbalanced partitioning of database for application data


A variable ram packer has an elastomeric body having a central semi-cylindrical recess and wings extending from opposite lateral sides of the recess. Inserts are positioned around the recess, each having an upper plate, a lower plate and a web joining the plates. Inserts at the junction with the wings have barrier plates between and parallel with the upper and lower plates. Upper and lower wing plates are located on upper and lower surfaces of the wings. An adhesive layer on an outer portion of each of the wing plates bonds the wing plates to the elastomer of the body. Each wing plate has an inner portion in abutment with the elastomer and free of the adhesive layer.

During oil and gas well drilling and workover operations, precautions must be taken to prevent high pressure from the earth formations from escaping. Blowout preventer assemblies often include pipe rams, each having a packer element within. When the rams are brought together, the force causes the elastomer in the packers to seal around the pipe.
Some rams are configured to seal around a particular diameter of pipe. Others are variable in inner diameter in order to seal around a range of pipe diameter sizes. A typical variable ram packer has a central elastomeric body with a semi-cylindrical recess for receiving a pipe. Wings may extend radially outward from the central body. Each wing has a flat face that abuts against the flat face of one of the wings of the packer in the other ram.
Metal inserts embedded in the elastomer extend around the cylindrical recess. Each insert typically has upper and lower plates joined by a web. Metal wing top plates bond to the upper side of each wing, and metal wing bottom plates bond to the lower side of each wing. In the prior art, the portion of each top and bottom wing plate in contact with the elastomer of the wing bonds to the elastomer. The bonding is caused by applying adhesive coatings to these surfaces before placing the top and bottom wing plates in the mold.
As the packers seal around a pipe, the elastomer deforms and the inserts move. The bonding of the top and bottom wing plates can cause considerable strain in the elastomer as the bonded portions are not free to move relative to the top and bottom wing plates.
Also, strain occurs to the wing faces after sealing engagement. The high pressure differential of the well bore fluid being sealed can tend to break down the elastomer at the wing faces. High temperatures can increase the break down. The well bore fluid being sealed tends to flow upward from the lower to the upper side of the packers if the pressure is higher below.

Variable ram packer with strain reduction features


A dual decorative assembly for a vehicle wheel combines an outer member and an inner member that are rotatably mounted on a rotatable wheel hub. Bearings carried on the inner and outer members support the members on the hub whereby the inner member may rotate in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction while the outer member employs weights so that the outer member remains stationary by gravitational force to downwardly depend from the bearings. The inner member includes a flared edging over-hanging the peripheral edge of the outer member. The outer member includes a variety of cut-outs and edge scalloping for decorative purposes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of automotive wheel accessories, and more particularly to a novel wheel assembly employing interchangeable bearing mounted decorative members which freely rotate or which remain or appear static as the wheel rotates.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In the past, the conventional aluminum vehicle wheel design has employed elaborate "center" decorations and designs which require removal of substantial material from the wheel itself in order to create the design. The most limiting factor to the creative expression or enhancement of the "center" of the wheel is the direct effect the design has on the strength of the wheel due to the metal removal necessary to create the design. Therefore, problems and difficulties have been encountered with employing conventional wheel design, which stem largely from the fact that the design enhancement is greatly limited due to the required removal of wheel material which then greatly weakens the strength of the wheel. Also, wheel center design appearance is generally unchangeable and requires the placement of new wheels with different designs to achieve design appearance change.
Furthermore, some prior centers for wheel visual enhancement are of an integral, non-changeable strength requiring structures fixedly secured to the wheel so as to rotate with the wheel as the vehicle mounting the wheels moves along a roadway. Thus, the variety of design and decorative options are greatly limited. For example, any wheel design center enhanced by static viewing cannot be read or understood as a wheel rotates since such indicia becomes blurred. A decorative member or cover fix to a wheel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,845,972 and 6,517,167.
Also, prior wheel covers do not utilize the combined visual effect of multiple design configurations that simultaneously display a composite effect.
Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel wheel design member or decorative member arrangement which will permit a variety of design configurations to be placed in the central area of the wheel and which may appear to be or is stationary while the wheel rotates. Strength of the wheel will not be adversely affected and interchange ability of different designs should be accommodated. The need is extended to a wheel assembly having at least one fully rotational member combined with a stationary appearing member.

Wheel cover assembly with dual decorative members


A printing unit prints an image based on print data. The printing unit has characteristics. An input-color-data storing portion stores input color data indicative of colors of inputted image data. The input color data have color component values of a first color group. A print-data generating portion converts the color component values of the first color group stored in the input-color-data storing portion into color component values of a second color group, thereby generating pre-correction print data having a predetermined bit width. A correcting portion converts the pre-correction print data into post-correction print data that is adapted to the characteristics of the printing unit. The correcting portion includes a bit-width correcting portion that generates the post-correction print data having a bit width greater than the predetermined bit width. The bit-width correcting portion selectively increases the bit width based on predetermined criteria.

Conventionally, color printing on a color printer is performed using print data generated on a personal computer, for example. The print data is formed of either color image data (input image) generated on the personal computer, or color image data inputted into the personal computer from an external source. The color image data is formed from RGB values, which are the three base colors red, green, and blue. Since the base color configuration for rendering colors is different depending on whether the colors are rendered with an optical system or a printing system, print data cannot be formed of RGB values. Accordingly, print data is created by converting the RGB values to a color system used in color printers, such as CMY values having the base colors cyan, magenta, and yellow or CMYK values having the base colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Generally, RGB values are converted to CMY values by referencing a look-up table storing correspondence relationships between these values.
The look-up table described above functions to convert R, G, and B values from the RGB color space to C, M, and Y values constituting the CMY color space. However, since a look-up table for converting 0-255 8-bit signals of the R value, G value, and B value to 0-255 8-bit C, M, and Y values would be considerably large, computers ordinarily use a look-up table storing CMY values corresponding to only representative points in the RGB values. CMY values corresponding, to RGB values other than the representative points are calculated through interpolation.
Since CMY values computed through interpolation are displayed in a finite number of digits (8 bits), digits in the computed numbers that are below the significant digits are either rounded up or rounded down, resulting in rounding errors. In other words, the calculated results often deviated from the correct values. As a result of this deviation, the color of the actual printed image (hue and tone) is different from the color of the inputted image, thereby reducing reproducibility of the inputted image. The drop in tone reproducibility in particular results in a noticeable drop in image quality. Therefore, when performing a conversion process using a look-up table to convert RGB values to CMY values, the generated CMY values are sometimes expressed with a greater number of bits (an increased number of effective digits), such as 10 or 12 bits, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,767 (corresponding to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-304773). This method can reduce error between the calculated result and the correct value and improve color (tone) reproducibility in the printed image, thereby forming printed images of a higher quality.

Image processing device that processes color image data


An example multilayered bus bar includes, among other things, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The second conductive layer is sandwiched between the first and third conductive layers. A polarity of the second conductive layer is different than a polarity of the first and third conductive layers.

This disclosure relates generally to a bus bar and, more particularly, to a multilayered bus bar. Many electrical systems utilize bus bars. For example, electrified vehicles may include a bus bar to exchange power with a battery that stores electrical power.
Generally, electric vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because electric vehicles selectively drive the vehicle using one or more battery-powered electric machines. Conventional motor vehicles, by contrast, rely exclusively on an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle. Electric vehicles may use electric machines instead of, or in addition to, to the internal combustion engine. Example electric vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEV's), plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's), and battery electric vehicles (BEV's).
Referring to a prior art FIG. 1, a power train of an example prior art electric vehicle can include a power converter system utilizing at least one bus bar 200 that exchanges electricity. The prior art bus bar 200 is greatly simplified in this example. The prior art bus bar 200 has two layers. One layer is positive and the other layer is negative. In the power converter systems of electric vehicles, the prior art bus bar 200 can have a relatively high AC resistance due to the skin effect and the proximity effect associated with high frequency switching. This can lead to power loss and undesirably high thermal energy levels.
Prior art FIG. 2 shows a plot 210 associated with the prior art bus bar 200. The plot 210 shows a first trace 220a of parasitic inductance verses frequency, and a second trace 220b of parasitic resistance verses frequency for the prior art bus bar 200. The frequency range in this plot 210 is from 0 to 100 kilohertz. As known, relatively high level of parasitic inductance and parasitic resistance are typically undesirable because the parasitic resistance causes extra power losses as described in the previous paragraph and the parasitic inductance can cause voltage spikes associated with power semiconductor device switching actions and lead to relatively poor utilization of the power semiconductor device rated voltage due to a relatively large required voltage margin.


Systems and methods for noise suppression are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an acoustic structure has a core that includes a plurality of cells. Each of the plurality of cells includes one or more engaging structures for positioning a septum relative to the cell. The acoustic structure further includes a plurality of septums positioned relative to the plurality of cells.

1. Field
This application generally relates to structural noise suppression systems.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Since the earliest days of commercial jet aircraft, great efforts have been expended in developing methods and structures for reducing engine noise. Many different sound absorbing linings have been applied to intake bypass ducts, compressor casings, and other components in aircraft turbine engines and turbine engine nacelles.


A method and system for communicating an event message from a server connected to at least one peripheral device and at least one client via a network between a peripheral device and at least one client operably connected via a network. The method includes the server sending a message to any available peripheral device, responding to an event message from at least one peripheral device, responding to an acknowledgment message from at least one client, and responding to an expired timeout.

The present invention generally relates to a server and a method for communicating an event message from the server connected to at least one peripheral device and at least one client via a network, and more particularly to a method for the server to respond to events from the peripheral device or the client computer.
Networks commonly contain peripheral devices, such as a printer and/or a scanner connected to the network. This arrangement allows a number of client computers attached to the network to share the services of the network printer and/or the scanner. A multifunction peripheral (MFP) may combine the functions of these peripherals into a single peripheral. These MFPs may also be connected to a network peripheral server. Because the MFP does not know about the network since that information is localized to the server, the server must relay the messages sent by the MFP to the correct network host in an efficient, timely and reliable manner. Typical events might include a user initiating a scan by the peripheral or delivering a received fax. It is important for the server to be able to relay the message to the correct host.
One problem the server faces is that event messages must be relayed only to the intended host(s) and no others. After receiving an event message, the server needs a way to identify the intended host(s) and be able to send that particular event message to that host(s).
Another problem is that since network communications are inherently unreliable, the messages are not always received. The messages can get lost and not recovered.
Still another problem arises when the server services more than one peripheral, because a peripheral does not know about the existence of other peripherals connected to the same server, and cannot distinguish itself from other peripherals when it communicates with the server.
One prior method involved a frequent polling of the peripheral for event status by all the network hosts. However, in order to provide timely responses, the poll requests had to be sent frequently to check for an event that occurs infrequently. As a result of the frequent polling for an infrequent event, network bandwidth was inefficiently used, which resulted in other communication on the network taking longer. In other words, it slowed down the functioning of the network hosts.
Another method involved using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap protocol to send events, but this protocol did not provide any means for detecting and recovering lost messages. This created the problem of losing the event before the finished execution since the event messages were never received.
Still another method involved the server broadcasting events to all the hosts connected to the network. The method was inefficient since it required some of the hosts to receive events that did not apply to them. Furthermore, it was insecure and unreliable because network communications are inherently unreliable.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for a server to relay an event message only to the intended host(s) on a network.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for achieving more reliable network communications of event messages.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for a server to achieving more efficient communications of event messages when servicing more than one peripheral device.
The present invention provides a server and a method for communicating an event message from the server connected to at least one peripheral device and at least one client via a network, and more particularly to a method for the server to respond to events from the peripheral device or the client computer. The server is entirely event driven.
In accordance with this invention, the server can send a message to any available peripheral, respond to an event message from a peripheral, respond to an acknowledgment message from a client and respond to an expired timeout.

Server and a method for communicating event messages from the server connected to a peripheral device and a client computer


A logical designing part includes a logical connectivity data storage that stores logical connectivity data, indicating a logical connectivity between plant equipments, including first end point connection data. A geometry data designing part includes a geometry data storage that stores geometry data that is graphical shape data in a three-dimensional space and includes second end point data. A data linking part includes: an automatic correspondence table generating part that compares first end point connection data with second end point data and generates a logical connection and geometry data table including correspondence data that links the geometry connection data and the geometry data of which first and second end point connection data are matched each other. A correspondence storage stores the logical connection and geometry data table. An editing part edits the logical connection and geometry data table on the basis of a user command.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a layout-design support system for supporting a layout design of, for example, equipments, pipes, and cable trays and a layout-design support program on a computer readable medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently in designing a plant, a layout of pipe components such as a straight pipe, an elbow, a valve, a reducer, and a tee is considered on a 3D-CAD (Three-Dimensional Computer Aided Drawing) as a technology of the 3D-CAD has been developed. In addition, as digitized layout design information has been widely used, there is a technology in which design information on drawings prepared on an upstream side of the design process is handled on a 3D-CAD as input data. For example, JP 10-11490 discloses that a two-dimensional connection drawing indicating a logical connection relation among equipments and pipe components is prepared by a 2D-CAD and the CAD data is used for 3D-pipe-modeling with a 3D-CAD system.

Layout-design support system and layout-design support program


An apparatus for dry-leaning dust-contaminated auxiliary objects for handling and storing semiconductor wafers is disclosed and comprises a housing having a receiving opening and a closable lid for closing the opening. The housing further includes a receiving space for receiving an auxiliary object and a collecting space spatially separated therefrom, gas inlet nozzles having corresponding gas outlet openings in the receiving space for injecting a cleaning gas into the receiving space, and a gas draw-off opening in the collecting space for receiving the injected cleaning gas flowing from the receiving space to the collecting space. As the injected cleaning gas flows over the auxiliary object from the receiving space to the collecting space, the dust particles are removed from the auxiliary object by the flow of injected cleaning gas over the auxiliary object and delivered to said gas draw-off opening for disposal.

In semiconductor technology, electronic devices are formed on semiconductor wafers in a sequence of process steps under clean-room conditions. To handle and store the wafers, auxiliary objects are necessary. To achieve a good yield in the fabrication of electronic devices and a good quality of the electronic devices, steps must be taken to ensure that no dust particles can reach the wafer surface. This requires that the auxiliary objects for handling and storing the wafers, which come into direct contact with the wafers, should also be free of dust particles, for dust particles on the auxiliary objects may be transferred by such contact to the wafers. A typical example of an auxiliary object for handling semiconductor wafers are the so-called carriers, which are formed from quartz glass for particular applications. Such carriers consist, for example, of four long, interconnected quartz rods which are provided with slits and are so arranged that several wafers can be received by one quartz carrier, the wafers standing in the slits in a fixed position. In such quartz carriers, the wafers are transported to a further apparatus, such as a furnace, for carrying out a given process step. Dust particles are transferred by the contact between the wafer and the carrier and between the carrier and further transport means. As a result, the auxiliary objects, i.e., the quartz carriers, must be cleaned to minimize dust particle transfer.
It is common practice to blow the auxiliary objects clean with a nitrogen gun. This process, however, has the disadvantage that the dust particles are blown into the surrounding space, where they can settle on and contaminate other auxiliary objects or wafers. In addition, the reliability of this process depends on the operator, so that the cleaning process is not easily reproducible. It is also common practice to subject auxiliary objects, particularly quartz objects, to a wet cleaning process. However, such a process is very time-consuming. Moreover, wet cleaning roughens the surfaces of quartz parts, so that recontamination by dust particles is easily possible. Consequently, an improved cleaning apparatus which overcomes the aforementioned problems while still providing a high degree of dust particle removal is greatly desired.

Apparatus for dry-cleaning dust-contaminated auxiliary objects for handling and storing semiconductor wafers


A control device for folding movement of a stroller includes a safety button, a control button, two upper locking members and two lower locking members. The safety button can move left and right along an elongated opening of a housing member connected to the handle. The control button can move up and down through a lower hole of the housing, and has two pivotal bars having upper holes pivoted to a pivotal rod passing through upright elongated holes of lateral protrusions of the control button. When the safety button is pushed sideways to disengage the tops of the lateral protrusions, the control button can be pushed up for inner bottom curved surface to force the pivotal bars to pivot towards a respective edge of the control button. Steel ropes connected to the lower ends of the bars are pulled by the bars to lift upper locking members, which are provided to engage lower locking members pivoted to the frame of the stroller. Thus, the upper members disengage the lower locking members for the stroller to be foldable.

The present invention relates to a control device for folding movement of a stroller, which can prevent the stroller from being accidentally folded to hurt the baby sitting in the stroller, and which can be operated very easily for making the stroller become foldable.
The safety of a stroller is regarded as an important matter by consumers besides the convenience and appearance. Safety standards of stroller are stipulated in many countries, and one of them is providing a safety means to a stroller so that the stroller won""t be accidentally folded to hurt the baby lying in it.
Therefore, it is main object of the present invention to provide a control device for folding movement of a stroller for preventing the stroller from being accidentally folded.
The control device of the present invention includes a housing member, an upper locking member and a lower locking member.
The housing member is connected to the handle of the stroller, and has a safety button movable along a horizontal elongated opening of an upper part of the housing. The safety button is biased to the center of the upper part by a spring, and has two downwards projecting stopping parts.
A control button is up and down movably passed through an opening of a lower part of the housing. The stopping parts will abut the tops of lateral protrusions of the control button to stop the control button from moving up when the safety button is moved to the center of the upper part by the spring.
The lateral protrusion each has an upright elongated hole. The control button has two pivotal bars having upper holes pivoted to a pivotal rod passing through the upright holes, and has a torsion spring associated with the upper portions of the pivotal bars for biasing same towards a middle ridge formed by two curved surfaces on an inner bottom of the control button. The curved surfaces push lower ends of the pivotal bars towards a respective edge of the control button when the control button is pushed up to an unlocking position under an disengage position of the safety button where the safety button separates from the tops of the lateral protrusions of the control button.
The upper unlocking members are movably connected to outer sides of the handle support rods of the stroller, and biased down by springs, and connected to a respective one of the lower ends of the pivotal bars by steel ropes. The lower locking members are pivoted to the rear support rods and the handle support rods of the stroller so that same can prevent the stroller from being folded when the upper locking members are biased down to engage the lower locking members. The upper locking members are lifted to disengage the lower locking members for the stroller to be folded when the control button is pushed up for the lower ends of the pivotal bars to pull the ropes.

Control device for folding movement of a stroller


A write barrier to stores into a partially relocated large or popular memory object facilitates bounded pause time implementations of relocating garbage collectors, including e.g., copying collectors, generational collectors, and collectors providing compaction. Such a write barrier allows a garbage collector implementation to interrupt relocation of large or popular memory objects so as to meet bounded pause time guarantees. A partially relocated object identifier store including "copy from" identifier storage accessible to write barrier logic allows the write barrier logic to maintain consistency between FromSpace and ToSpace instances of a partially relocated memory object. "Copy from" identifier storage allows the write barrier logic, or a trap handler responsive thereto, to broadcast a store-oriented memory access targeting the FromSpace instance to both FromSpace and ToSpace instances. Optional "How far" indication storage facilitates differentiation by the write barrier logic between a copied portion and an uncopied portion of the partially relocated memory object.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to garbage collection, and in particular, to methods and apparati for facilitating bounded pause time garbage collection.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, most programming languages have placed responsibility for dynamic allocation and deallocation of memory on the programmer. For example, in the C programming language, memory is allocated from the heap by the malloc procedure (or its variants). Given a pointer variable, p, execution of machine instructions corresponding to the statement p=malloc (sizeof (SomeStruct)) causes pointer variable p to point to newly allocated storage for a memory object of size necessary for representing a SomeStruct data structure. After use, the memory object identified by pointer variable p can be deallocated, or freed, by calling free (p). Pascal and C++ languages provide analogous facilities for explicit allocation and deallocation of memory.
Unfortunately, dynamically allocated storage may become unreachable if no reference, or pointer, to the storage remains in the set of root reference locations for a given computation. Memory objects that are no longer reachable, but have not been freed, are called garbage. Similarly, storage associated with a memory object can be deallocated while still referenced. In this case, a dangling reference has been created. In general, dynamic memory can be hard to manage correctly. In most programming languages, heap allocation is required for data structures that survive the procedure that created them. If these data structures are passed to further procedures or functions, it may be difficult or impossible for the programmer or compiler to determine the point at which it is safe to deallocate them.
Because of this difficulty, garbage collection, i.e., automatic reclamation of heap-allocated storage after its last use by a program, can be an attractive alternative model of dynamic memory management. Garbage collection is particularly attractive for functional languages, such as the JAVA.TM. language JAVA and JAVA-based trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries, Prolog, Lisp, Smalltalk, Scheme, Eiffel, Dylan, ML, Haskell, Miranda, Oberon, etc., which exhibit data sharing, delayed execution, and generally, less predictable execution orders than the procedural languages. See generally, Jones & Lins, Garbage Collection: Algorithms for Automatic Dynamic Memory Management, pp. 1-41, Wiley (1996) for a discussion of garbage collection and the classical algorithms therefor.
Three classical garbage collection methods are reference counting, mark-sweep, and copying storage reclamation. The first, reference counting, is based on maintaining a count of the number of references, e.g., pointers, to each memory object from active memory objects or root reference locations. When a new memory object is allocated and a pointer thereto is assigned, the memory object's reference count is set to one. Then, each time a pointer is set to refer to the memory object, the memory object's reference count is incremented. When a reference to the memory object is deleted or overwritten, the reference count is decremented. Memory objects with a reference count of zero are unreachable and can be collected as garbage. A reference counting garbage collector implementation typically includes an additional field, the reference count, in each memory object and includes incrementing and decrementing support as part of new object, delete object and update pointer functions.
In contrast, tracing collector methods involve traversal of reference chains through memory to identify live, i.e., referenceable, memory objects. One such tracing collector method is the mark-sweep method in which reference chains through memory are traversed to identify and mark live memory objects. Unmarked memory objects are garbage and are collected and returned to the free pool during a separate sweep phase. A mark-sweep garbage collector implementation typically includes an additional field, e.g., a mark bit, in each memory object. Mark-compact collectors add compaction to the traditional mark-sweep approach. Compaction relocates live objects to achieve beneficial reductions in fragmentation. Reference count methods may also employ compaction.
Another tracing method, copying collection, divides memory (or a portion thereof) into two semi-spaces, one containing current data and the other containing old data. Copying garbage collection begins by reversing the roles of the two semi-spaces. The copying collector then traverses the live objects in the old semi-space, FromSpace, copying reachable objects into the new semi-space, ToSpace. After all the live objects in FromSpace have been traversed and copied, a replica of the data structures exists in ToSpace. In essence, a copying collector scavenges live objects from amongst the garbage. A beneficial side effect of copying collection is that live objects are compacted into ToSpace, thereby reducing fragmentation.
Generational approaches build on the observations that (1) memory objects typically die young and that (2) tracing methods spend considerable resources traversing, copying, or relocating comparatively long-lived objects. Generational garbage collection schemes divide the heap into two or more generations, segregating objects by age, and concentrate collection efforts (or at least more vigorous collection efforts) on the younger generation(s). Since the youngest generation is small, garbage collection related pause times can, on average, be kept short. Garbage collection within a generation can be by either copying or mark-sweep collection. Promotion of memory objects from a younger to an older generation typically involves copying.
Because of the cost of copying large objects, some generational approaches have included large object areas. See e.g., Ungar and Jackson, Tenuring Policies for Generation-based Storage Reclamation, ACM SIGPLAN Notices, 23(11), pp. 1-17 (1988), Ungar and Jackson, An Adaptive Tenuring Policy for Generation Scavengers, ACM Transactions on Programming Languages and Systems, 14(1), pp. 1-17 (1992). Typically, the technique is to separate a large object into a header portion stored in the generational part of the heap and a body portion stored in the large object area. The header portions are scavenged like other objects, but resources are not expended to copy the body portions. Ungar and Jackson found that pause times could be reduced by a factor of four by allocating 330 Kbytes to a large object area.
For interactive or real-time applications, the shortness of garbage collection pauses is an important figure of merit. Traditional implementations of tracing garbage collectors periodically interrupt execution of application programs in order to traverse memory in search of memory regions that are no longer in use. Unfortunately, hard real-time systems require worst-case guarantees that results be computed on-time. Even in mere interactive systems, pause time should be bounded and short. So-called incremental garbage collection methods attempt to avoid lengthy pauses caused by start and stop reclamation and instead interleave collection with application program cycles. To achieve this goal, an incremental collector must coherently manage heap accesses by the collector and application program (often more generally referred to as a mutator). Concurrent collectors, e.g., in a multiprocessor, present similar, though more stringent fine grain synchronization requirements.
In general, interleaved or concurrent relocating collectors present multiple-readers, multiple writers synchronization problems. Both read and write barrier methods have been used to prevent a mutator from disrupting garbage collection by altering the connectivity of the memory object referencing graph in a way that interferes with the collector's traversal thereof. See e.g., Steele, Multiprocessing Compactifying Garbage Collection, Communications of the ACM, 18(9), pp. 495-508 (1975) (write barrier, mark-sweep-compact collection); Dijkstra et al., On-the-fly Garbage Collection: An Exercise in Cooperation, Communications of the ACM, 21(11), pp. 965-975 (1978) (write barrier); Kung & Song, An Efficient Parallel Garbage Collection System and its Correctness Proof, IEEE Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science, pp. 120-131 (1977) (write barrier); Baker, List Processing in Real-time on a Serial Computer, Communications of the ACM, 21(4), pp. 280-93 (1978) (read barrier, copying collector); Brooks, Trading Data Space for Reduced Time and Code Space in Real-time Garbage Collection on Stock Hardware, in Conference Record of the 1984 ACM Symposium on Lisp and Functional Programming, Austin, Tex., pp. 256-62 (1984) (write barrier, copying collector); and Dawson, Improved Effectiveness from a Real-time Lisp Garbage Collector, Conference Record of the 1992 ACM Symposium on Lisp and Functional Programming, San Fransisco, Calif., pp. 159-67 (1982) (write barrier, copying collector).
The Symbolics 3600 provided hardware read-barrier and write-barrier support for Baker style copying collection and for trapping intergenerational pointer stores. See Moon, Architecture of the Symbolics 3600, Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Symposium on Computer Architecture, pp. 76-83 (1985). The MIT Lisp machine and TI Explorer also provided hardware read-barrier support for Baker style copying collection. Nilsen and Schmidt describe a garbage collected memory module which implements hardware read- and write-barriers in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,003.
In addition to the fundamental challenge of managing mutator accesses to prevent alterations to the connectivity of the memory object referencing graph in a way that would interfere with the collector's traversal thereof, bounded pause time relocating collectors should address the substantial period of time required to relocate a large and/or popular memory object. A garbage collector can ensure that memory objects can be completely relocated within a bounded interval, by relegating large objects incompatible with the bounded interval to a large object area which may be collected by a non-relocating method (see e.g., Ungar and Jackson, Tenuring Policies for Generation-based Storage Reclamation, ACM SIGPLAN Notices, 23(11), pp. 1-17 (1988)) or may be uncollected. However, lazy or incremental copying approaches are preferable.
Baker's solution was to include an additional link word in the header of large objects. In a FromSpace instance of the object, the link word stored a forwarding address to a ToSpace instance of the object. In the ToSpace instance of the object, the link word stored a backward link to the FromSpace instance. After the forwarding and backward links are set, the object was copied incrementally. Like small objects, fields of the large object were copied and scanned for pointers back into FromSpace objects that had not yet been copied. Baker used the scanned/unscanned boundary, defined by a garbage collection variable, scan, to steer write accesses to the partially copied large object. The cost of Baker's scheme, apart from an additional header word was a software write-barrier to writes into the ToSpace instance of the large object. If the address was greater than scan, the write was performed in the OldSpace instance using the backward link; otherwise the write was performed in the NewSpace instance.
Nilsen and Schmidt presented a hardware solution based on Baker's copying collector. In particular, Nilsen and Schmidt provided a garbage collected memory module in which a hardware read-barrier maintains the illusion that collection is complete. A hardware arbiter in the garbage collected memory module provided a hardware Baker-type read-barrier, and in addition provided read and write barriers to accesses into an as yet uncopied portion of an object instance in ToSpace. The garbage collected memory module maintained memory address registers to indicate the beginning and end of the uncopied portion. Read and write accesses to the uncopied portion were directed to the FromSpace instance.

Bounded-pause time garbage collection system and method including write barrier associated with a source instance of a partially relocated object


The present invention relates to a kiosk that includes a unibody with a plurality of sidewalls defining at least one cage opening within the unibody. A cage system is positioned within a cage opening of the unibody and includes a cage panel with a module opening. A module is placed at least partly within the module opening of the cage system. A method for building such a kiosk is also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to kiosks.
2. Description of the Related Art
Kiosks are a common sight around the world in places such as malls, airports, libraries etc. Kiosks serve an important role of providing goods and information to users without the need for a human attendant. Utilizing increasingly complex modules, such as touchscreen operated computers, kiosks are able to provide more services to their users and become more valuable to their providers.
Kiosks are not only useful, but can be used for aesthetic purposes. Kiosks are often sized to be used by a standing person, giving the kiosk large surface areas that can be utilized for advertising purposes. To fulfill these design requirements, traditional kiosks were designed as box-like structures made out of metal or polymer.
Recently, the box-like structure has fallen out of favor due to its appearance; consumers are increasingly associating the box-like structure with outdated technology. To satisfy consumers, newer kiosks have been formed into shapes that utilize curves and rounded edges to appeal to consumers' aesthetic tastes. Due to the expense of creating metal molds, there is little variety in the shapes of newer kiosks which makes it difficult for kiosk providers to differentiate their kiosks.
What is needed in the art is a cheaper, aesthetically pleasing kiosk.

Multi-curved, unibody fiberglass touchscreen kiosk with interchangeable component cages


An outdoor unit of an HVAC system comprises a frame, at least one refrigerant coil mounted to the frame, a fan motor, a compressor, a controller, and a premises power source accessory panel. The fan motor is coupled to a fan which drives air through the refrigerant coil. The compressor is coupled to the refrigerant coil to drive refrigerant therethrough. The controller is coupled to the fan motor and compressor. The premises power source accessory panel is removably coupled to the frame and includes a bracket and circuit protection element. The bracket has at least one electrical conduit aperture. The circuit protection element is mounted to the bracket and coupleable to a premises power source. The premises power source is a renewable-energy power source located on a premises of the HVAC system. The bracket is removably coupleable to the outdoor unit in lieu of a conventional electrical conduit panel.

Mainstream media has extensively covered efforts to reduce reliance on fossil and nuclear fuels in favor of so-called renewable energy, chief among these being solar and wind energy. Residential and business electric power customers have taken steps to reduce their dependence on the commercial electric power distribution network (commonly called "the grid") and the electric power utilities that sell electric power through it.
The customers reduce net energy draw not only by reducing consumption by, for example, increasing thermal insulation, selecting more energy-efficient equipment (e.g., appliances) and using it more judiciously, but also by drawing at least some of the electric power they need from renewable-energy power sources, including wind turbines and photovoltaic ("solar") panels, they have installed on their own premises. Relatively few of these customers derive enough electric power from these premises power sources to go "off the grid." Instead, most customers remain "on the grid," using the premises power sources as much as possible and drawing the remaining electric power they need from the grid.
Most states have passed laws permitting distributed generation (DG), colloquially known as "grid-tying." DG is the coupling of premises power sources to the existing power grid such that the sources can synchronize with, and supply power to, the grid. To compensate customers having these sources for the power they provide to the grid, states have also passed laws that enable "net-billing" or "net-metering." Net-billing employs a second electric meter, separate from the usual one that measures power a customer takes from the grid, that measures the power that the customer's premises power sources generate. Net-metering uses a single, bidirectional electric meter that keeps track of net power flow to or from the grid.
In response to these opportunities, at least one manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has begun to integrate premises power sources into its equipment (e.g., the condensing, or "outdoor," units of HVAC or heat pump systems) such that grid-tying can occur when the power provided by the sources exceed that which their systems require.

Premises power source accessory panel for an outdoor unit and method of adapting an outdoor unit with the same


An image heating apparatus includes an endless belt configured to heat an image on a sheet at a nip potion, a heat generation device configured to cause the belt to generate heat, a nip forming member configured to form the nip portion between the nip forming member and the belt, and a pressing roller configured to press an inner surface of the belt toward the nip forming member, the pressing roller including an elastic porous layer containing a plurality of filler particles, wherein a thermal conductivity of the elastic porous layer in an axial direction of the pressing roller is in a range of 6 times to 900 times a thermal conductivity of the elastic porous layer in a radial direction of the pressing roller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a roller, a heating member, and an image heating apparatus equipped with the roller and the heating member, which are configured to heat an image on a sheet. The image heating apparatus is used in image forming apparatuses, such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction peripheral equipped with a plurality of functions including copying, printing, and facsimile. Further, the present disclosure is directed to preventing or reducing a partial increase in temperature of a belt and to preventing or reducing a partial increase in temperature of a heating member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image forming apparatuses, such as electrophotographic apparatuses and electrostatic recording apparatuses, are equipped with a fixing apparatus (image heating apparatus) as a unit for heating and fixing an image formed on a sheet. Also, in recent years, there have been proposed fixing apparatuses in which a heating element is provided in a fixing belt (heating rotary member) itself from the viewpoint of energy saving. Such fixing apparatuses, having a configuration with a low thermal capacity, do not require a long warming-up time and, therefore, can operate with reduced power.
In a fixing apparatus discussed in Japanese Patent application Laid-Open No. 2009-109997, an elastic roll is located inside a heating belt (heating rotary member) equipped with a resistance heat generation layer. This configuration enables a nip portion to be formed between the elastic roll and a pressure roll via the heating belt. In addition, Japanese Patent application Laid-Open No. 2009-109997 discusses such a configuration that the elastic roll is made of a foam material. This configuration enables a heat quantity of the resistance heat generation layer to be efficiently used for image fixation and thus can reduce a warming-up time.
However, the fixing apparatus discussed in Japanese Patent application Laid-Open No. 2009-109997 has an issue in that the use of a foam material for the elastic roll may decrease not only the thermal conductivity in a radial direction of the elastic roll but also the thermal conductivity in an axial direction thereof. In other words, in a case where the fixing apparatus continuously performs a fixing process using sheets with a size narrower than the width of the heating belt, regions of the heating belt outside the sheet width in the width direction may increase in temperature. Therefore, it is desirable that the fixing apparatus is configured to have a uniform thermal effect with the improved thermal conductivity in the axial direction of the elastic roll to reduce an increase in temperature of the above-mentioned regions.

Roller, heating member, and image heating apparatus equipped with roller and heating member


A capacitor having a pair of conductive electrodes separated by a dielectric layer and wherein at least one of the electrodes comprise Ti.sub.x Al.sub.1-x N, and wherein the variable "x" lies in a range of about 0.4 to about 0.8. The invention also contemplates a method for forming an electrically conductive diffusion barrier on a silicon substrate and which comprises providing a chemical vapor deposition reactor having a chamber; positioning the silicon substrate in the chemical vapor deposition reactor chamber; providing a source of gaseous titanium aluminum and nitrogen to the chemical vapor deposition reactor chamber; and providing temperature and pressure conditions in the chemical vapor deposition reactor chamber effective to deposit an electrically conductive diffusion barrier layer on the silicon substrate comprising Ti.sub.x Al.sub.1-x N, and wherein the variable "x" is in a range of about 0.4 to about 0.8.

In the processing of integrated circuits electrical contact must be made to active device regions formed within the wafer substrate typically comprising monocrystalline silicon. The active device regions are connected by highly conductive paths or lines which are fabricated above an insulator material, and which covers the substrate surface. To provide electrical connection between the conductive path and active device regions, an opening or contact is provided. Ultimately, an electrically conductive contact filling material is provided in the contact opening to make electrical contact to the underlying active device region.
It is desirable, during the processing of integrated circuits, to provide an intervening layer to prevent the intermixing of the contact filling materials with silicide and the underlying silicon. Accordingly, this intervening layer is typically provided to prevent the diffusion of the silicon and silicide with an associated plug filling metal and to effectively adhere a plug filling metal to the underlying substrate. Such material is accordingly also electrically conductive and commonly referred to as a "barrier layer" due to the anti-diffusion properties of same. U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,306, and pending application Ser. No. 08/631,235, filed on Apr. 11, 1996, and 08/643,420, filed on May 8, 1996, all assigned to the assignee of the present invention, are directed to the use and fabrication of such barrier layers. The teachings of the aforementioned patent, and pending applications are incorporated by reference herein.
In the formation of a stacked capacitor structure which is employed in a DRAM, a lower electrode is typically electrically connected to another substrate device by means of a polysilicon plug. Normally, a barrier layer separates the polysilicon plug from the lower electrode of the capacitor to prevent both silicon diffusion into the electrode and oxidation of the plug which may be occasioned by the continued processing of the integrated circuit. A DRAM storage node capacitor is formed when a dielectric, or ferroelectric layer is interposed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode. The capacitor is typically covered and protected by a planarized layer of silicon dioxide. The capacitor is accessed by connecting a bit line to the capacitor lower electrode through a word line transistor.
The above design is not without drawbacks. For example, to obtain useful electrical performance, the dielectric or ferroelectric layer is typically deposited or otherwise annealed at high temperature and in an oxygen ambient. Under these processing conditions, oxidation of the underlying barrier layer, polysilicon plug or active area may undesirably occur. If oxide forms, a parasitic capacitor will be created. This parasitic capacitor would be disposed in series with the storage node capacitor. The resulting parasitic capacitor will prevent the full application of voltage to the storage node. This, in turn, will result in a decrease in the amount of charge which can be stored by the capacitor.
To address this problem, semiconductor processors have typically utilized a layer of a noble metal or conductive oxide as the lower electrode of the storage node capacitor so that the electrode is conductive following dielectric deposition. In this physical arrangement, the electrode and barrier layer, in combination, protect the polysilicon plug from oxidation. Further, the underlying transistor is protected from oxygen by silicon dioxide and the polysilicon plug. Still further, the barrier layer also prevents silicon diffusion from the polysilicon plug to the lower electrode. It has been discovered that if silicon diffuses through the lower electrode to the dielectric layer, this diffusing silicon can subsequently oxidize thereby forming a parasitic silicon dioxide capacitor, or in the alternative, the silicon reacts with the dielectric and decreases the dielectric constant of the layer. This condition may also increase the leakage current.
It would be desirable, therefore, to improve upon the design of a capacitor electrode in a method for forming a capacitor electrode which achieves the benefits to be derived from prior fabrication techniques, but avoids the detriments individually associated therewith.

Capacitor, integrated circuitry, diffusion barriers, and method for forming an electrically conductive diffusion barrier


A seat support device for a riding animal or a pack animal, a saddle tree, and a saddle with such a saddle tree are disclosed. The seat support device comprises a right multi-linked lug arrangement with a first link section and at least a second link section and a left multi-linked lug arrangement with a first link section and at least a second link section. A pivoting device with a pivot axis is each formed case between two adjacent link sections, so that two adjacent link sections are pivotable towards one other around a pivot axis substantially within a pivot plane which penetrates the pivot axis substantially perpendicular.

Different types of saddles such as all-purpose saddles, dressage saddles and jumping saddles are used in equestrian sports, particularly in the English equestrian sports. An all-purpose saddle is a compromise of a jumping saddle and a dressage saddle, whose twist, i.e. lowest point, is substantially in the middle of the seat. The twist of the dressage saddle is also substantially in the middle of the seat, whereas the twist of the jumping saddle is a bit behind the middle of the seat.
The construction of saddles for riding animals has been virtually unchanged in the course of time. The most original form is the Bock saddle which was used as a transport saddle, load saddle or pack saddle. It was made of two shelves which were butted against the animal body on the left side and right side and connected together at the front and the back by means of girths. The Bock saddle has been padded with cushions and blankets in order to use it as a riding saddle. Since the 18th century, a saddle tree is used which serves as a support or frame for a saddle for sitting on the back of a riding animal or pack animal, such as horses, ponies or donkeys.
EP 2 159 187 A1 describes an exemplary saddle tree having a supporting side for applying to a back of a riding animal or pack animal, a top side facing away from the supporting side, a gullet for forming the gullet width of the saddle and a gullet plate for stabilizing the gullet running transverse to the length of the saddle tree along the gullet wherein the gullet plate is arranged at the top side. The material of the gullet plate has to meet high strength requirements as it is subject to high mechanical loads.
In order to achieve a great accuracy of fit of a saddle tree or a saddle, the saddle tree is being adapted as optimally as possible to the back of the riding animal or pack animal which shall be saddled, particularly to the form of its withers, the musculature of the animal, the animal variety, congenital abnormality, etc., taking into account the physical constitution of the rider, particularly the size and weight. Different styles of riding or purposes also require individual designed saddle trees in order to prevent or minimize harm to health of the rider and of the riding animal or pack animal.
In practice, saddle trees are offered in a large number of different sizes and different gullet widths. The gullet width of the saddle tree can be modified by adapting or replacing the gullet plate. The adaptation can be performed by bending up, respectively widening, or compressing, respectively narrowing, the gullet plate. The specialist or saddler usually uses an adjusting device to adjust the gullet plate. It is particularly costly in terms of labor and time-consuming to adapt or replace the gullet plate. Afterwards, the cushions of the saddle have to be adapted in many cases. The rigid and inflexible fork construction of the saddle head and of the gullet plate provide a secure hold for the rider only if there is an optimal fit of the saddle tree or saddle on the back of an animal.
In case that the saddle tree is made from a solid material, for example wood, the saddle tree has a saddle head made of a stable, rigid, and solid material and the adaption of the saddle tree to the horse back is achieved by adding or removal of saddle tree material, which is time consuming and costly.
A saddle tree or a saddle which does not fit or does wrongly sit may hinder the motion of the animal or injure the animal while riding. Furthermore, the saddle is not sufficiently fixed on the animal back whereby the rider is not able to establish an optimal connection to the animal and the saddle may slip.
In the equestrian field a rider usually purchases a custom-made saddle for each riding animal. This accounts for the fact that riding animals have a different anatomical physique particularly in the area of the saddle support. Riding animals such as horses often have an asymmetry which is commonly known as the good and the bad hand. The asymmetry of the riding animal can be, for example, birth-related, inherited or acquired. The birth-related asymmetry is generally the result of a lack of physical activity directly after the birth of the riding animal. The acquired asymmetry is often caused by insufficient exercise of the riding animal during the rearing phase or by injuries and afterwards a prolonged relieving posture. An asymmetry caused by riding may further occur due to a missing or incorrect gymnastic development of the riding animal or pack animal. The term gymnastic development refers to the work with a riding animal on the basis of scientific knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and psychology of the animal.
Different measuring systems are used to measure the back of the riding animal or pack animal particularly the area of the saddle support. The saddlers particularly determine the form of the trapezius to the left and right of the withers of the riding animal or pack animal, the shape of the back muscles particularly on the left and right of the spinal process, and the backrest form of the riding animal and pack animal i.e. whether the back is straight or curved. Furthermore, both the shoulder sections and gullet width of the riding animal or pack animal are measured. This procedure has the disadvantage that the individual manufactured saddle tree and saddle with such a saddle tree is suitable only for a specific riding animal or pack animal and in the event of a change of the anatomic shape of the back the costly made tailored saddle does not fit any more.
There is a need for the rider at the moment that a check and examination has to be carried out when a new saddle for a particular riding animal or pack animal is purchased and also afterwards in regular intervals to determine whether the saddle fits as optimally as possible on the back of the riding animal or pack animal. In practice, an adaptation of the saddle tree or the saddle must be carried out in case of a change of weight, musculature or age of the riding animal or pack animal.
The object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a seat support device suitable for a riding animal or a pack animal, a saddle tree and a saddle with such a saddle tree for a riding animal or a pack animal which enables a variety of industrial applications, which can be used on differently shaped back areas and withers without restricting or impeding the freedom of movement of the riding animal or pack animal, which enables a secure fixation of the saddle on the back of the riding animal or pack animal without producing partial pressure points, which provides an improved distribution of the forces acting on the riding animal or pack animal and with which the disadvantages of the state of the art can be overcome.

Seat support device for a riding animal or a pack animal


A medical connector adapted for placement between a catheter and a medical infusion or injection source includes a pair of interlocking half medical connector portions, one side of which attaches to the infusion source and the other side of which is coupled to the catheter connected to the patient and a locking mechanism for locking a medical connector portion to a medical fitting. The connection to the catheter and the infusion source can be via standard medical luer taper fittings, with or without specially designed locking mechanisms that prevent inadvertent disconnection. The medical connector itself is uniquely shaped and includes a raised surface feature and a recessed surface feature formed on the medical connector portions.

The present invention relates to fluid connectors, and more particularly to fluid connectors used in medical environments and designed to ensure the correct and appropriate administration of medicaments to a patient.
Errors in prescribing and delivering medications to patients are, unfortunately, common in medical practice. Many of these mistakes result in patient injury or death, and even if the patient recovers fully, the cost to society of induced and prolonged hospital stays and greater patient charges are staggering. It is estimated that at least 25,000 incidents involving drugs administered to a patient by the wrong route occur annually, all of which are the result of preventable human error. The most common cause of confusion in route of administration is the universal nature of medical connectors and injection sites. Most medical connectors and infusion/injection sites are universal couplers that are designed to mate with and therefore accept most syringes and other fluid delivering devices. The most common types of infusion sites are rubber septa designed to be pierced by a needle, and female luer connectors designed to be connected to a syringe or medical tubing with a male luer fitting, either by friction fit or threaded lock. Both types of sites are commonly included in intravenous infusion tubing, on the ends of heparin locks, in stopcocks in all types of intravenous, arterial, epidural, and other type connectors, and even in devices not designed for medication or fluid infusion at all, such as esophageal stethoscopes and urinary catheters. The universal employment of rubber septum injection ports and female luer connectors is directly coupled to thousands of errors in which a medication or fluid designed to be given by one route has inadvertently been given by another route, sometimes with disastrous consequences.
Several additional problems arise from use of current technology. The use of needles for connecting infusion lines and the administration of medicines has led to many cases of needlestick injury and transmission of blood borne infections, including hepatitis and AIDS. The infusion of proper fluids through the needle and coupler is also prone to inadvertent failure due to unwanted disconnection of the needle from the rubber septum. Moreover, repeated piercing of the coupler with the needle can taint the sterile fluid pathway.
The prior art has attempted to address the foregoing concerns by employing needleless systems and locking connectors, but they too are designed as universal connectors which are subject to route of administration errors. For example, a patient may be connected to multiple fluid delivering devices, hence forming multiple fluid pathways. The medical connectors are typically coupled to fluid delivering and receiving devices by universal type connectors, such as luer fittings. Hence, an attending person may accidentally apply a medicament to the wrong fluid pathway since the universal connector accepts or can be coupled to conventional fluid delivering devices.
It is an object of this invention to develop a needleless, relatively safe, locking connector system that is fluid path-specific. That is, the system should allow only infusions or injections of the proper type to be connected to the specific catheter or tubing type. In order to maintain efficiency and ease of locating the proper connectors, especially in an emergency, the types of connectors should be easily determinable by inspection.
Other general and more specific objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear from the drawings and description which follow.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Fastening mechanism for medical connectors


An awning system includes a housing connectable to a rear of a vehicle and an awning canopy extendable from and retractable into the housing. In an embodiment, a plurality of marker lights is integrated with the housing and oriented to project light in a rearward direction when the housing is attached to the rear of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a rear-facing camera is integrated with the housing and oriented to have a field of view covering an area rearward of the vehicle and below the canopy.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 requires certain vehicles having an overall width of 80 inches or more to include clearance and identification lights (sometimes referred to herein individually or collectively as marker lights) mounted on the rear of the vehicle as near as practicable to the top of the vehicle. Many recreational vehicles and trailers have an overall width of 80 inches or more and, therefore, are subject to the foregoing requirement.
Many recreational vehicles and trailers subject to the foregoing requirement include a rear ramp door that may be opened to a ramp configuration to facilitate loading and unloading of articles to and from the interior of the vehicle. In some instances, the ramp door also may be opened to a horizontal configuration in which the door may be used as a patio deck.
In order to minimize the angle of the door to the floor of the vehicle and to the ground when the door is opened to the ramp configuration, it may be desirable to make the door as long as possible. Similarly, in order to maximize the size of the patio deck when the door is in the horizontal configuration, it may be desirable to make the door as long as possible. As such, it may be desirable to extend the door as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle, leaving very little space for installation of marker lights.
Also, it may be desirable to provide an overhead canopy or awning to shade the patio deck when the door is in the horizontal configuration. Such an overhead canopy or awning, however, typically would be contained within and deployable from a housing that would need to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle header in the same space where the marker lights must be located.
As such, maximizing the door length may preclude installation of an awning, and installation of an awning may require compromising the door length.
Further, it is becoming more common for a recreational vehicle to be equipped with a rear-facing camera to better enable an operator to see behind the vehicle to facilitate reversing operations. Such cameras, however, typically are provided as discrete units that are mounted to the rear of the vehicle using brackets and the like. Such mountings, however, may be less than sturdy, and they may located such they may be readily impacted by activities about the vehicle, and inadvertently reoriented so that they no longer face the intended direction. Also, if the vehicle includes a ramp door, as discussed above, there may not be sufficient room to mount a camera on the rear of the vehicle other than on the door or above it. Further, such cameras often are placed where their fields of view are obstructed by articles, for example, bicycles, cargo carriers, and like carried on the rear of the vehicle.

Awning header with integral marker lights and/or camera


An applicator tip structure and method for applying a flexible sealant material on and around the heads of fasteners and on and around the surface surrounding the fastener head to prevent fluid passage between the fastener and the materials through which the fastener passes. The applicator tip has an outlet opening that is greater than the diameter of the sealant passageway in the applicator tip and that also is greater than the largest transverse dimension of the fastener, to provide an overlap area around the fastener head. In use the applicator tip is applied over the fastener head and is pressed into the surrounding surface around the fastener head to define an enclosure around the fastener head, into which enclosure the sealant material is injected to completely surround the fastener head and the adjacent surface to completely seal the fastener from fluid passage therearound.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sealing of the heads of fasteners, such as nails, bolts, and the like, to the surrounding surface into which the fastener extends, to prevent the passage of liquids under the fastener head and along the fastener body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sealant applicator tip structure and to a method of applying a resilient sealant compound over and around the head of a fastener to provide a fluid-tight seal between the fastener head and the surrounding surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flat headed fasteners, such as nails, screws, bolts, or the like, frequently work loose over time to cause the fastener head to be spaced from the surface of the material into which the fastener extends. For example, when roofing materials such as shingles, or other roofing materials is sheet form are applied by nailing the materials to a roof sub-surface, or to trusses or other structural members that support a roof, the periodic variation from the high temperatures of summer to the low temperatures of winter, and back to high temperatures again, as well as the temperature changes that occur over the course of a twenty-four hour period, can cause differential expansion and contraction of the roofing material and the underlying structural materials. The differential expansion and contraction tends to work loose the nails that were originally firmly driven into the underlying structure. Typically, the nails are pushed upwardly and outwardly from the nail hole, as a result of which the nail heads are separated from the surrounding surface and the nail holes become enlarged, leaving a gap so that rain can pass between the nail head and the surrounding surface, and can also pass between the nail shank and the nail hole to flow along the nail hole and along the loosened nail, and finally into the interior of the structure over which the roof extends. Other causes for nail loosening include earth and resulting foundation shifts and wind forces, all of which impose changing stresses on the structure, also tending to work the roofing nails loose. In addition to permitting rain leaks, the enlarged nail holes can become rotted after time, as a result of which the nails would no longer serve to securely hold the roofing material in place.
Various types of auxiliary connection arrangements have been proposed to overcome the separation and leakage problems of the type described above. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,417,262, which issued on Mar. 11, 1947, to E. M. Morehouse, there is disclosed a sealing nut including a preformed, jacket-like outer member formed of rubber or other flexible material to provide a fluid-tight seal.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,470,787, which issued on Oct. 7, 1969, to W. L. Mackie, there is disclosed a corrosion preventive device in the form of a dome-shaped cap defining a cavity that is filled with a sealing material, such as silicone rubber. A closure film is applied over the sealing material. In use, the closure film is removed from the cap, which is then manually pressed over the head of the fastener to prevent corrosion of the fastener head.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,329, which issued on May 28, 1991, to S. Riaz Hasan et al., a roofing fastener is disclosed wherein a roofing washer is placed against the lower face o a nail head and a molded thermoplastic insert is positioned between the nail head and the washer. The thermoplastic insert is softened by heating to heat weld the parts together.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sealing arrangement that does not require costly, separately formed molded parts, that permits sealing of new or existing fasteners quickly and without excessive labor, and that provides a long-lasting seal around a fastener head.

Sealant applicator and method for sealing headed fasteners