The present invention provides a sump pump control system. The system includes a mounting fixture fabricated from a corrosion resistant material, and an electrical control comprising solid state electrical components supported by the mounting fixture. The sump pump control system also includes a diving bell cover. The diving bell cover has an open bottom, and is dimensioned to cover the electrical components. The diving bell cover is releasably secured to a support surface of the mounting fixture. The electrical control controls the operation of a sump pump. Should water rise to a level of the electrical components due to failure of the sump pump or due to quickly rising water, the diving bell cover will prevent water from contacting the electrical components. A method of removing water from a subterranean vault is also provided herein.

Utility companies in urban areas frequently use underground substations. Each substation resides in a "vault" and includes one or more transformers. Some vaults are small and consist of only a single transformer, while other vaults are large and consist of several transformers. The substations also typically include wires, power panels, lights, receptacles and other components normally found in an electrical utility system.
Within urban areas, substations are connected to form a subterranean electrical power grid. For example, the City of Memphis, operating through Memphis Light, Gas & Water (or "MLG&W") uses a 115 kV underground "pipeline" that runs through parts of the city, particularly downtown, where surface utilities are impractical and unsightly. The utility's 115 kV pipeline system consists of 40 manholes for accessing the individual substations. The manholes generally reside at sidewalk or street level.
Because the vaults are underground, they are subject to water invasion when it rains. The presence of water in the vault creates a number of problems. For example, a wet floor can create a safety hazard to maintenance personnel. Also, the presence of water creates an environment of high humidity. This, in turn, contributes to rusting and pitting of the metal components in the substations. More seriously, the presence of water creates a potential for electrical shock and electrical outage of the system.
In order to reduce the presence of water, each vault is covered by a manhole cover or grate. In addition, each vault is commonly equipped with a sump pump. The pumps are controlled by a dielectric sump pump control mechanism. Each mechanism includes a first probe at ground level, and a second probe just above ground level. The control mechanism takes advantage of the conductivity of the water, and uses the water to complete the circuit formed by the probes and the pump. When the water contacts each of the probes, the pump is electrically activated. Then when the sump pump is activated, water is pumped out of the vault. Typically, the water is simply pumped into the street.
A problem arises when water invades the vault at a rate faster than the pump can remove it. When the vault floods, the controls that operate the sump pump are exposed to water. Conventional sump pump controls are normally damaged beyond repair once the vault is flooded with water. Of course, the presence of a high level of water also may damage the power panels, lights, receptacles, wiring, transformers, and protectors that make up the substation.
Another problem arises when oil leaks into a substation. Oil may be present when a transformer or other item of equipment begins to leak or lose containment of an insulating and/or heat-dissipating fluid. A sump pump that begins to pump oil will simply pump the oil into the street, creating an environmentally undesirable circumstance.
In light of the above problems and others, a need exists for an improved sump pump control. A need further exists for a sump pump control that is able to operate when a vault for a substation becomes flooded without being exposed to liquids. Still further, a need exists for a sump pump control that shuts off before oil is substantially pumped out of the vault.


A method and system of controlling access to a destination (17, 23, 24) in a data processing network where the destination is limited to a fixed number of requesters responds to a new request (50) for access from a given requestor (20) by determining whether the fixed number would be exceeded. If the fixed number would not be exceeded (51), the new request is granted by connecting (52) the given requester to the destination. If the fixed number would be exceeded, the liveness of the or each current connection to a respective requester is tested (55). If the liveness test succeeds, the new request is rejected but if the liveness test fails, the new request is granted (52).

Data processing networks exist in many forms from relatively small local distributed computing networks of computers to large remotely connected heterogeneous networks such as the Internet, which is a loose worldwide confederation of servers and browser clients. Connection and communication between points of a network takes place on several levels or layers, each with its own rules or protocols, ranging from the hardware level, through basic data transmission and transport levels, to the application level. Different multi-layer models have evolved, the best known being the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite, which has five layers. Another well-known model is the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, which has seven layers.
In networks conforming to TCP/IP, for example, when one party ceases to require a connection to another party, TCP/IP should explicitly transmit data to signal the end of a connection. This frees both parties after which reconnection or a new connection can be established. However, if an application ends suddenly, no "end of connection" information is transmitted and the process at the other end of the connection may not observe its peer has ended. Subsequent attempts to re-establish the connection by the failing application may be rejected by the process at the other end, which may believe it is still connected.
To mitigate the risk of connections remaining in this half ended state forever, TCP/IP provides a liveness checking mechanism which may, optionally, be enabled for all users of a particular TCP/IP implementation (usually this would be all processes run on a particular computer). This mechanism involves periodically asking the party at the other end of a TCP/IP connection if they are still there—and if they do not reply in a timely fashion, assuming the connection has ended. In the scenario described above, this is the mechanism by which the process would eventually notice that a connection had ended, and permit the application to re-establish its connection.
The drawback with the liveness checking used by TCP/IP is that it is performed relatively infrequently, so early attempts by one party to re-establish a connection can still be rejected. Liveness monitoring has previously been proposed for Publish/Subscribe systems. In particular, related U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/205439A1 and 2004/0250283A1 both entitled "Liveness Monitoring in a Publish/Subscribe Messaging System" describe the use of liveness monitoring of subscribers to ensure publication only takes place when there are live subscribers. These applications are silent on the problem stated herein of minimizing the prevention of reconnection (specifically resumption of a subscription) after a failure.
Liveness testing has also been employed outside the messaging environment as, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,990,668 B1 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Passively Monitoring Liveness of Jobs in a Clustered Computing Environment" and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0087985 entitled "Discovering Liveness Information in a Federation Infrastructure." Neither of these examples addresses the problem of denial of reconnection after a failure.

Controlling access to a destination in a data processing network

International Business Machines Corporation


A system for forming an anastomosis between first and second sections of a digestive tract includes Optical Scope Device (“OSD”) having a lumen extending therethrough and positioned at a first target site within the first section, OSD including an imaging component at a distal end thereof for viewing the first target site; First Endoscope (“FE”) including a working channel extending therethrough and positioned at a second target site within the second section; Capture Device (“CD”) extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a loop, CD extends through the lumen; First Flexible Element (“FFE”) extends through FE, FFE including a coupling element which passes through the loop to couple FFE to CD, connecting the first and second sections, the coupling element moving between insertion and locking configurations; and Stent having a lumen extending therethrough which provides fluid communication between the first and second sections.

Gastroenteral anastomoses have been performed to treat malnutrition associated with gastric outlet obstruction as well as other issues. A gastroenteral anastomosis may be created surgically, either laparoscopically or through an open surgical procedure. However, performing this procedure endoscopically entails many challenges including the need to endoscopically locate a desired position in the small bowel via the gastric lumen. Although ultrasound endoscopes have been used to provide images through the gastric and enteral walls, the small bowel is typically deflated and difficult to access in this manner.
Techniques for alleviating this targeting challenge have included using a tracking balloon passed through the pylorus deep into the duodenum or the proximal portion of the jejunum near the ligament of Trietz. The targeting balloon is then inflated with contrast medium or with water or air which provide clearer visualization by ultrasound endoscopy and/or fluoroscopy. A second method employs two similarly sized balloons axially separated from one another (i.e., along a longitudinal axis of the device) by approximately 200 mm. A space within the device extending between these balloons is then filled with dilute contrast medium creating a target for the puncture from the gastric lumen. An advantage of the two-balloon method is that the balloon itself is not punctured, as is the case with a single target balloon because the physician is puncturing between the balloons and not directly into either of them. Another method includes flooding the small bowel with diluted contrast to distend and visualize the small bowel. When the small bowel is pharmaceutically immobilized, a temporary target is created. But over time the fluid dissipates and needs to be reintroduced.
A second challenge posed by endoscopic gastroenterostomy is the potential to lose control of a distal portion of the tissue after the initial penetration has been made. This may become more serious if the initial puncture site has been dilated with either a balloon or electrocautery.

Systems, methods and devices for connecting non-adherent structures


The present invention relates to a device and method for ascertaining the steering angle (α3) of at least one steerable wheel of a set of steerable wheels of a machine that can be directionally controlled, which machine comprises at least said set of steerable wheels and at least one set of drivable wheels showing a specific wheelbase (a1) relative to said steerable wheels and spaced from one another by a specific track width (b1), wherein by means of an ascertained wheel velocity difference of the two driven wheels a yaw rate (ψ) and a real circle radius (r1) of the driven wheel on the inside of the curve are ascertained. It is then possible to ascertain the steering angle (α) from these values by way of the geometrical relationship of wheelbase (a1) and track width (b1) of the machine.

In the prior art, self-propelled machines that can be steered, or directionally controlled, more particularly, construction machines that are driven slowly, are controlled depending on the current steering angle of a set of steerable wheels.
It is known, for instance, to apply remote directional control to such a machine with the aid of appropriate navigational equipment and to transmit steering commands thereto, depending on the position of the machine and the required work route. Such control can only work precisely when the steering angles of the relevant steerable wheels used for directional control are known.
In this context, it is common practice to ascertain the steering angles during operation. Appropriate steering angle sensors can be, for example, potentiometers adapted to send different signals to a control or monitoring unit depending on the steering angle of the respective wheel.
It has been found that such steering angle sensors suffer from the drawback that they have a high tendency to failure. It has further been found that the results given by such steering angle sensors are not always unequivocal to a satisfactory degree.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a device and method for determining the steering angle of a steerable wheel of a set of steerable wheels of a machine that can be directionally controlled as described above, that make it possible to ascertain the steering angle of such a machine in a precise, inexpensive, and reliable manner.

Method and device for ascertaining the steering angle of a steerable machine


In one aspect, a method for managing documents or partial documents in an electronic document folder is provided. A validity indication, which is individual to the document or partial document and specifies a validity expiry time is assigned to a respective document, e.g. an e-mail, or a partial document, e.g. an e-mail attachment and is stored, the indication being assigned to an executable validity program. Once the validity expiry time has been reached, the executable validity program, assigned to the validity indication, is executed for the document or partial document with an assigned validity indication. The executable validity program comprises a deletion routine for deleting the document or partial document with the assigned validity indication in the electronic document folder.

Documents are organized in modern electronic document management systems mostly by means of electronic document folders. Thus, for example, e-mails arriving in e-mail systems are filed by users of said systems in document folders on a central e-mail server. There they remain until the respective e-mail system user either deletes an e-mail manually or manually moves it to a local document folder. Because especially e-mails having attachments or embedded objects, frequently also called OLE (OLE: Object Linking and Embedding) objects, require a large amount of memory, the filing of such e-mails requires large memory capacities in the document folders of the central e-mail server.

Method and arrangement for managing documents in electronic document folders


In a wireless transceiver device, a connector module has a coupling section with a first pivot part extending along a first pivot axis. A coupling base is formed with a first pivot hole that engages rotatably the first pivot part to permit relative rotation between the coupling base and the connector module about the first pivot axis, and a pair of second pivot holes aligned along a second pivot axis. A wireless transceiver module includes a casing formed with a pair of third pivot holes corresponding respectively to the second pivot holes, and a wire unit to connect electrically the wireless transceiver module to the connector module. The wire unit includes a pair of second pivot parts pivotally retained at aligned pairs of the second and third pivot holes to permit relative rotation between the wireless transceiver module and the coupling base about the second pivot axis.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a wireless transceiver device, more particularly to a rotatable wireless transceiver device that can facilitate mass production and that can prolong the service life of electrical wires therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a wireless local area network (WLAN), data can be accessed over the network through a plurality of WLAN access points. Users are permitted to download or upload data from and to the WLAN through the WLAN access points by installing a WLAN card into a host computer that is connected to the WLAN.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional wireless transceiver device 2 for WLAN applications is adapted to be connected to a socket 11 of a host computer 1, and includes a hollow coupling base 21, a connector module 22, a pivot module 23, a wireless transceiver module 24, and a cover 25 for covering the connector module 22.
The coupling base 21 includes first and second shell portions 211, 212 that are coupled together, and has opposite first and second end parts 213, 214. The second end part 214 is formed with a notched section 215, and a pair of first pivot holes 216 in opposite sides of the notched section 215.
The connector module 22, such as a universal serial bus (USB) connector module, has a connecting section 222 for connecting with the socket 11 of the host computer 1, and a coupling section 221 opposite to the connecting section 222 for coupling immovably with the coupling base 21.
The pivot module 23 includes first and second casing parts 231, 232 that are coupled together, and has a first pivot tube 233, and a second pivot tube 234 that extends transversely and outwardly from the first pivot tube 233. The first pivot tube 233 is disposed in the notched section 215, and has opposite first and second tube ends 2331, 2332 that engage rotatably and respectively the first pivot holes 216 of the coupling base 21. The second pivot tube 234 has a third tube end 2341.
The wireless transceiver module 24 includes a casing 241 and a transceiver circuit 242 disposed in the casing 241. The casing 241 is formed with a second pivot hole 2411 to engage rotatably the third tube end 2341 of the second pivot tube 234 of the pivot module 23. The transceiver circuit 242 includes a plurality of flexible wires 2421 that extend through the pivot module 23 and that are connected electrically to the connector module 22. The transceiver circuit 242 is thus able to transmit and receive data to and from the host computer 1.
In view of the above construction, the pivot module 23 is permitted to rotate in the notched section 215 of the coupling base 21 about the first pivot tube 233, as best shown in FIG. 3, thereby permitting movement of the wireless transceiver module 24 relative to the connector module 22 about a first pivot axis within a 180-degree range. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the casing 241 of the wireless transceiver module 24 is permitted to rotate about a second pivot axis, i.e., about the second pivot tube 234 of the pivot module 23, relative to the connector module 22. In order to avoid undesired excessive twisting of the wires 2421, the casing 241 is formed with a first limit member 2412 (see FIG. 2) proximate to the second pivot hole 2411, and the third tube end 2341 of the second pivot tube 234 is formed with a second limit member 2342 (see FIG. 2) that cooperates with the first limit member 2412 for limiting the extent of relative rotation between the wireless transceiver module 24 and the pivot module 23 within a 270-degree range.
While the aforesaid wireless transceiver device 2 permits adjustment of the wireless transceiver module 24 relative to the connector module 22 about two pivot axes for optimum signal transmission, aside from forming the shell portions 211, 212 of the coupling base 21, mass production of the wireless transceiver device 2 involves a separate step of assembling the coupling base 21 onto the connector module 22 and the pivot module 23, which ties up production time and which is inconvenient to conduct. In addition, the wires 2421 can come into direct contact with the pivot module 23 during adjustment of the wireless transceiver module 24 such that the wires 2421 are subjected to friction forces during adjustment of the wireless transceiver module 24, which results in a relatively short service life for the wires 2421.

Universal Scientific Industrial Co., LTD


A method to identify the wavelength of incoming light is disclosed. The method includes steps to measure a first photocurrent by setting the avalanche photodiode (APD) in a photodiode (PD) mode and a second photocurrent by setting the APD in the APD mode, and to compare a ratio of the two photocurrents with prepared references.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to a method to identify a wavelength of incoming light to an optical transceiver, and an optical transceiver implementing with the function to identity the wavelength of the incoming light.
2. Background Arts
Optical receivers installed within the WDM system have various types and configurations. An optical receiver typically includes an optical receiving unit and a unit to define a wavelength of received optical signal. Such an optical receiver receives light generally multiplexing a plurality of optical signals each having a wavelength specific thereto but different from others. The optical receiving unit receives such multiplexed light and generates a plurality of electric signals each corresponding to the optical signals. The unit to define the wavelength monitors the wavelengths of the multiplexed optical signal.
One type of optical transceivers, which is often called as a pluggable optical transceiver, is used to be plugged into a port provided in the host system. Not only physical dimensions but electrical specifications to communicate with the host system and optical specifications to communicate with another optical transceiver are precisely defined in a standard for such pluggable optical transceivers. One standard requests that the optical transceiver can receive an optical signal with optical power of −24 dBm. In order to receive such a faint optical signal, an optical transceiver sometimes installs an avalanche photodiode (hereafter denoted as APD) as a light-receiving device because an APD inherently has a function to amplify photo-carriers converted from the faint optical signal. Namely, an APD may generate one or more electron-hole pairs for a single photon. The number of the electron-hole pairs is called as the multiplication factor M, and the parameter M strongly depends on a bias supplied to the APD.

Method to identify wavelength of incoming light by avalanche photodiode, method to control optical transceiver, and optical transceiver performing the same

Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.


Methods and apparatus are provided in which a coating is deposited onto a substrate by a process which includes the following steps: depositing a precursor onto the substrate in a desired pattern; depositing an appropriate ligand onto the substrate; and applying sufficient energy to transfer electrons from the ligand to the precursor, thereby decomposing the precursor to form a precipitate. In one aspect of preferred embodiments, the precursor comprises a metallic salt, and the precipitate comprises a metal. Especially preferred salts are carboxylates, halides, nitrates, and pseudo halides. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the ligand comprises an amine, an amide, a phosphine, a sulfide, or any other ligand containing nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur or other donor atoms. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the energy is supplied at least partially as radiant heat. In another aspect of the preferred embodiments, the deposited material has a high purity of at least 80% by weight, a desired pattern is produced without removing from the substrate a substantial quantity of either the precursor or the deposited coating.

There are many applications which involve the deposition of a substance onto a substrate. Commercially important methods include common printing techniques such as lithography, photocopying, spray depositing, and silk screening. These methods are quite adequate for depositing toners, dyes and other colorants which are readily fluidized, but are quite inadequate for depositing other materials such as metals, catalysts and so forth where the fluid form of the compound being deposited exists only under high temperature or other difficult working conditions.
Deposition of metals onto substrates is also known, but all known techniques are either imprecise, or are difficult to execute. For example, on the extremely simple end of the scale it is known to employ hot-dipping to apply zinc to nails, beams and other metal structures to retard oxidation of the substrate. It is also known to apply a metal containing paint to a canvas, glass or other substrate. Other simple procedures involve spraying and powder coating, but in all of these instances the techniques are generally imprecise, both in the area covered and in thickness of the coating applied. The coating also generally contains undesired impurities, and is very likely to have an uneven or roughened surface. There are more sophisticated techniques such as vapor deposition which can produce very precise layering of compounds on a substrate, but such techniques cannot produce complex patterns such as circuits.
Focusing then on techniques which are capable of depositing complex and precise patterns of difficult-to-fluidize compounds such as metals, the field can be divided into electro-plating and electroless plating methods. In electro-plating an entire surface of a substrate is coated with a metal, and portions of the coating are then selectively removed by etching or other approaches. Such processes are cumbersome at best, and have little or no advantage over electroless plating methods when producing complex and precise patterns such as those found in circuit boards or decorations, particularly where the substrate is non-conducting.
Electroless plating occurs through chemical rather than electrical reactions. Electroless plating can be divided into immersion systems and non-immersion systems. In immersion systems, the substrate to be coated is generally immersed in a bath of a metal or other coating solution. In the case of metal containing solutions, the metal is then precipitated out of solution and deposited on the substrate by the introduction of energy. Depending on the metal being deposited, the energy acts either to add electrons to the metal ions to form the metal. The energy for such processes is often in the form of a laser, with the wavelength selected to be absorbed by one or more of the molecules involved in the reaction, or with a dye. Unfortunately, there are several problems inherent in immersion processes. One very significant problem is the overall complexity. Immersion systems require some sort of immersion tank, with accompanying relatively large quantities of often toxic fluids. Another problem is that intricate and precise patterns are inherently difficult to achieve due to dispersion of energy within the immersion liquid. Still another problem is that good quality coatings are often unobtainable due to nonuniformity in concentrations and temperatures within the bath. Circulation pumps have been employed to minimize this problem, but such pumps add even greater complexity.
Non-immersion coating techniques overcome some of the problems associated with immersion methods of coating, but only at the cost of introducing yet other problems. In typical non-immersion coating systems, a non-conducting substrate such as glass, glass fibers, paper or plastic is entirely coated with a coating substance. In the case of printed circuit boards, for example, the coating substance which forms the electrically conducting paths is usually a highly conductive metal such as copper, silver or gold. Once coating is completed, the coated surface is masked in some way with a resist, and the masked surface is etched to form the final pattern. The various resists can be made in numerous ways, including photographic processes, silk screening processes and even hand painting.
All such processes known to the art are subtractive processes. Essentially the entire surface is coated with a substance, and then most of the substance is removed to leave a desired pattern. Such processes are inherently cumbersome, difficult and wasteful. Even with expensive equipment and experienced production staff, the quality of the finished product is difficult to control, and there is considerable waste in both the masking agent (resist) and the non-used coating.
So called additive methods of coating are known, but these methods are only partially additive--they are still partially subtractive in that a substantial portion (at least 5% by weight) of either the coating substance or a precursor to the coating substance must be removed to form the final pattern. U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,837 to Kane et al. (September, 1986), for example, describes a partially subtractive method in which a finely divided metal powder is placed on a substrate, and then compacted using a heated die. Under sufficient temperature and pressure, and particularly if the substrate is heat deformable, the method is said to produce usable electrically conductive pathways. Unfortunately, while the Kane et al. method manages to eliminate the need for masking, it raises additional problems. One disadvantage is that the process requires finely ground metal powders. Such powders are expensive, difficult to produce uniformly, and likely to be oxidized during storage. Further, dust and other impurities may also affect the quality of the metal powders, which may in turn cause problems during compaction. Dust collection systems may also be required to safeguard the health of the operatives. Still further, expensive dies having the pattern of the desired circuit also need to be manufactured. Finally, equipment to compress the metal powder onto the board has to be provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,074 to Weigel et al. (November, 1996) describes another partially subtractive method. In that patent a solution is provided which contains a salt or other metal containing compound, along with an amine developer. The solution is homogenized, and a uniform coating of the homogenized solution is placed on a surface of a substrate. Laser radiation is then trained on the solution according to a desired pattern which reduces the compound to a metal.
The Weigel process continues the prior art concept of indiscriminately coating a surface with a substance, and then using a laser to cause a metal to precipitate out of solution in a desired pattern. Such processes are impractical from several perspectives. The use of a laser energy, for example, results in a relatively slow rate of production because only a small spot can be exposed at any given time, and a certain amount of energy is required to energize the necessary redox reaction(s). Low power lasers will thus take a very long time to produce a pattern of much complexity, while high power lasers may damage the substrate, and may cause other quality problems. For this reason, processes such as the Weigel process may be adequate for preparing one of a kind prototypes, but are inherently impractical for mass production. Still further, lasers having the necessary power are relatively cumbersome and dangerous to use.
Moving beyond the problems inherent in using lasers to effect precipitation, there may also be difficulties in controlling the quality of the finished product because the redox reaction rate is likely to be dependent upon numerous factors, including thickness of the chemical mixture layer on the substrate, the rate of heat absorption into the substrate, and the energy required to excite the molecules of the chemical mixture. Still further, residual amounts of radiation absorbing dye and metallic toner are very likely to vitiate the quality of the finished product. Even if processes such as the Weigel process were perfected, it is thought that such processes are inherently incapable of resolving certain problems such as producing electrically conductive vias. Such processes are also incapable of being used in conjunction with ordinary printing techniques, such as stamping and ink jet type spraying.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,508 to Castro (January, 1993) discloses yet another example of partially subtractive deposition in which a surface is coated with a substance, a laser beam is trained on the substance to cause a metal or other product to adhere to the substrate, and then the excess coating substance is washed away to produce the desired pattern. Once again the same disadvantages apply, resulting primarily from the fact that coating material is first added to, and then partially removed from the substrate.
Thus, there is a need to provide coating techniques and apparatus which are capable of depositing a metal or other substance in a precise pattern on a substrate, without requiring substantial removal of either a precursor or the deposited substance from the substrate.


An OLT controller makes each optical transceiver transmit a search signal at a prescribed time so that the search signals reach all ONU connection ends of an optical transmission path. In the case where an ONU connected to the ONU connection end of the optical transmission path is unregistered, when the ONU controller receives the search signal, the ONU controller tunes a wavelength of an optical transmitter of the ONU to a wavelength corresponding to the search signal and makes the optical transmitter transmit a response signal to an OLT.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to a bandwidth allocation device, which detects an ONU newly connected to an optical communication system, and a bandwidth allocation method.
2. Discussion of the Background Art
Along with the recent rapid spread of the Internet, an access system is required to be increased in capacity, advanced, and economized, and meanwhile, PON (Passive Optical Network) has been investigated as a means for realizing that. The PON is an optical communication system in which a center device and a portion of a transmission path are shared by users, using an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer using an optical passive element, to contribute to economization.
Currently, in Japan, an economic optical communication system, Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) Passive Optical Network (GE-PON) in which a transmission capacity of 1 Gbps is shared by up to 32 users with time division multiplexing (TDM) is mainly introduced, whereby an FTTH (Fiber To The Home) service is provided at a realistic price.
In order to respond to the needs of a larger capacity, 10G-EPON with a total band of 10 Gbps class has been investigated as a next-generation optical access system, and international standardization has been completed in 2009. This is an optical communication system in which an increase in capacity is realized by increasing the bit rate of a transceiver, while using a transmission path portion, such as an optical fiber, which is the same as that of the GE-PON.
In future, although it is considered that an ultra high definition video service, a ubiquitous service, and so on are required to have a large capacity of more than 10 Gbps class, when the bit rate of the transceiver is merely increased from 10 G class to 40/100 G class, there is a problem that the practical application is difficult due to an increase of cost required for system upgrade.
As a means for solving the above problem, there has been reported a wavelength tunable WDM/TDM-PON in which wavelength tunability is added to a transceiver in an OLT so that the number of the transceiver in an OLT can be increased in a stepwise manner, according to a bandwidth requirement, then time division multiplexing (TDM) and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques are combined effectively (for example, see Patent Literature 1 and Non-Patent Literature 1). However, a demand for economization is still under severe conditions. Thus, to fill the demand, it is considered that the solution is to connect more users are to a single OLT than the existing technique. Consequently, there can be expected improvement of network utilization efficiency due to a statistical multiplex effect and economical effects including that a device cost and power consumption can be reduced by making it possible to operating a relatively smaller number of the OLTs than the current technique.    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-154063

Bandwidth allocation device and bandwidth allocation method

NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION


A circuit board has a through hole extending from a front surface to a rear surface. A press-fit terminal is press-fitted from the front surface into the through hole and is connected to a land, which is formed on a wall surface of the through hole. A support member supports the rear surface of the circuit board when the press-fit terminal is press-fitted into the through hole. A housing has a bottom portion and an opening, which is on the opposite side of the bottom portion. The circuit board is affixed to the housing to cover both the opening and the support member. The support member is held and interposed between the rear surface and an inner surface of the bottom portion.

Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional electronic device including a printed circuit board (circuit board), a terminal (press-fit terminal), and a circuit board jig (support member). The printed circuit board has a through hole into which a press-fit terminal is press-fitted. The terminal is press-fitted from the front side of the printed circuit board into the through hole.
When the terminal is press-fitted into the through hole, the printed circuit board tends to be deformed. The circuit board jig supports the printed circuit board from the rear side, which is opposite to the front side, when the terminal is press-fitted into the through hole. The circuit board jig restricts the printed circuit board from being deformed.
(Patent Document 1)
Publication of Unexamined Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-342363
A configuration is assumable in which an electronic device includes a housing in order to, for example, protect the printed circuit board. The housing is in a box shape having one opening side, which is opposite to a bottom side. The opening side is covered with the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is affixed to the housing.
Specifically, the electronic device is manufactured by implementing the following assembling method. First, the printed circuit board is placed onto a rear surface of the circuit board jig. Subsequently, an external force is applied to urge the circuit board jig onto the printed circuit board. In the present state, the terminal is press-fitted from the front side into the through hole. Subsequently, the circuit board jig is removed from the printed circuit board. After the circuit board jig is removed, the printed circuit board is affixed to the housing. It is noted that, this assembling method requires to apply an external force to affix the circuit board jig onto the printed circuit board, when the terminal is press-fitted. Furthermore, this assembling method requires the process to remove the printed circuit board from the circuit board jig. Therefore, this assembling method requires an additional process to increase an assembling process.
It is further noted that another assumable assembling method for an electronic device, in which a circuit board jig need not be removed, may be employable. In this assembling method, the circuit board jig is affixed to the printed circuit board and/or the housing by using an adhesive material, a screw, and/or the like, such that the circuit board jig is not movable in the housing. Subsequently, the printed circuit board is affixed to the housing, and the terminal is press-fitted into the through hole. It is noted that, this assembling method requires a process to affix the circuit board jig to the printed circuit board and/or the housing by using an adhesive material, a screw, and/or the like. Therefore, this assembling method requires an additional process to increase an assembling process.


The yoke member of Cardan joint is made in one unitary part of one piece and includes a pivot fork including two pivot arm portions each comprising a crossing hole, the axis of which is the pivot axis of a cross-piece, and a connecting element for the motion transmission shaft and having two tightening portions connected via a junction portion. Each of the two tightening portions comprises a tightening hole. Four reinforcing appendices are arranged on the tightening portions and opposite one another in pairs to form together with the portions a housing for the motion transmission shaft. The yoke member is stamped in order to give it the desired thickness in highly stressed and lowly stressed regions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stamped yoke member of a Cardan joint, being more specifically used in steering columns of automotive vehicles, and more particularly in steering columns provided with an assistance device.
2. Description of the Related Art
The current steering column of an automotive vehicle comprises two portions: a top portion, which is connected to the steering wheel, and a middle portion which is connected to the gearbox that controls a steering rod for the steering wheels. The top portion and the middle portion are connected with each other by a homokinetic joint, called a Cardan joint.
The middle portion is also connected to the pinion of the gearbox through a homokinetic joint or a Cardan joint. Each of the two Cardan joints comprises a cross-piece arranged between two yoke members. As far as the Cardan joint of the top portion is concerned, one of the yoke members is connected to the top portion and the other one is connected to the middle portion.
As far as the Cardan joint of the steering pinion is concerned, one of the yoke members is connected to the middle portion, and the other one is connected to the steering pinion.
When the steering column comprises an assistance device, the latter can consist in an electric system or a hydraulic system.
For both systems, there are two types of assisted steering gear depending on the assistance device arrangement: either the assistance device is arranged on the top portion of the steering column, this is the column assisted steering gear, or the assistance device is arranged directly on the steering rack, this is the pinion assisted steering gear, referring to the steering pinion driving the rack.
In the case of an electric or hydraulic assisted steering gear, a high torque is to be transmitted at the assistance outlet, i.e. at the motion outlet in the top portion of the column.
The high torque is therefore to be transmitted upstream the middle portion of the column, i.e. upstream each of both transmission Cardan joints which are arranged at each end of the column middle portion, on the one hand, on the top portion side of the column and, on the other hand, on the steering pinion side. Since each transmission Cardan joint comprises two yoke members of Cardan joint, there are thus four yoke members of Cardan joint that should be able to transmit a high torque.
In the case of a pinion electric assisted steering gear and in the case of the pinion hydraulic assisted steering gear, the high torque is directly applied on the rack. The torque transmitted by the top portion of the column and by the middle portion of the column is thus relatively low. This is also true for all four yoke members of Cardan joint, which transmit a relatively low torque.
There are stamped yoke members of Cardan joint such as shown and designated by reference numeral 10 on FIG. 5, which is obtained through deforming a thick metal sheet without modifying the thickness. For this purpose, a blank is cut from the metal sheet, the thickness of which depends on its extending abilities so as to give it the final shape through stamping. The yoke member 10 of Cardan joint is mounted and immobilized on a non shown transmission shaft 5, the transmission axis of which is denoted 6. A tightening system is provided by a screw with a tightening axis 4, said tightening screw being mounted on two pliers 111 and 112 in order to bring them nearer one to the other so as to immobilize the yoke member 10 on the transmission shaft 5. In order to provide the pliers 111 and 112, the metal sheet is folded on itself. In the case where there is a high tightening torque and a high rotation torque on the transmission shaft, some sliding occurs between both portions one relative to the other on each of both pliers 111 and 112. Such a sliding results in the loosening of the tightening screw and in some play between the transmission shaft 5 and the yoke member 10. In the case of an excessively strong tightening, there is some contact between the pliers returns, resulting in a lack of tightening on the transmission shaft.

Stamped cardan joint yoke member for an automotive vehicle steering column


A mounting bracket for fixing an electronic device on television set includes a holding portion and a mounting portion. The holding portion includes a holding frame, a rotating frame and a connecting hinge. The mounting portion includes an adjusting strap, a plurality of hook portions, a pair of adjustable buckles, a pair of latch portions, a pair of latching hooks and a pair of adjustable screws. The latching hook can be fixed on the latch portion by inserting the adjusting screw through the round hole and the adjusting slot. The mounting bracket can be mounted on different positions by adjusting a relative position between the holding frame and the rotating frame or by securing the adjusting strap on different position of the buckling portion and by mating the hook portion with the tri-lobed hole.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a mounting bracket, and more particularly to an adjustable mounting bracket for attaching an electronic device on a television set under different mounting conditions.
2. Description of Related Art
Generally, it is very difficult to mount an electronic device (such as set-top box, DVD player etc) onto various television sets because of different thickness and structures from different makes and models of the electronic device and/or television sets. Mounting brackets are specifically designed for the electronic device with a specific holder. Therefore, the mounting bracket can only be mounted on the television set at the same position without an adjustable mounting position. If there are blocks protruding out from a backboard of the television set, it is difficult to mount the electronic devices stably due to the uneven structure. To mount the electronic device stably on a television set with blocks using the adjustable mounting position, the mounting bracket must be more universal for television sets with different makes and models.
Therefore, a need exists in the industry to overcome the described limitations.

Adjustable mounting bracket for electronic device


A low-shrinkage, stable print platform circular knitted fabric. The fabric is a two end fleece fabric having a weight of between about 8 to 12 oz. per sq.yd., a stitch density of between about 800 to 1000; and a face yarn count of said fabric is between about 16 to 20. In the preferred embodiment, the backing yarn count of said fabric is between about 7 to 12. The resulting fabric construction of the present invention has stretch of less than about 3% stretch in the width direction and less than about 3% stretch in the length direction when tested according to a standard stretch chart. In addition the fabric of the present invention has shrinkage in the range of less than 5% when tested according to a standard one wash cycle. The resulting fabric is an exceptionally stable print platform, circular knitted fabric.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to circular knitted fabric and, more particularly, to a two end fleece fabric having a weight of between about 8 to 12 oz. per sq.yd.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
The term circular knitting covers those weft knitting machines having needle beds arranged in circular cylinders and/or dials including latch, bearded and occasionally compound needle machinery. Such machines produce a wide variety of fabric structures, garments, hosiery and other articles and a variety of diameters and machine gauges. Such machines have the needles fixed in a revolving circle with the loop formation and knitting action being achieved by ancillary elements moving yarn and loops along the needle stems producing a fabric tube with the technical face facing backwards.
Large diameter circular knitting machines are generally used to produce either fleece or jersey fabrics as well as other fabric constructions. Because of the seasonal nature of these fabrics, it is usually necessary to maintain both fleece and jersey machines on the knitting floor or to move machines in and out as seasonal fabric demands change. Both approaches are capital and labor cost intensive.
One approach to solving this problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,375, issued to Renda et al., the entire disclosure hereby being incorporated by reference. This patent teaches a new and improved circular knitting machine having interchangeable section blocks and sinkers which allow the machine to be converted between producing two end fleece and 4 track jersey fabrics by simply replacing the section blocks, carrier ring, needles and sinkers without the need to strip the machine to its bed or to change the feeders or creel.
The following discussion is taken generally from Spencer, David J., Knitting Technology, (2d. ed. 1989), which is a general treatment of knitting technology.
Knitted fabrics are progressively built up by converting newly fed yarn into new loops in the needle hooks, the needles then draw these new loops head first through the old loops, which have been retained from the previous knitting cycle. The needles at the same time release, cast off or knock-over old loops so that they hang suspended by their heads from the feet of the new loops whose heads are still held in the hooks of the needles. A cohesive structure is thus produced by a combination of the intermeshed loops and the yarn joining those loops together through which it passes.
Knitted loops are arranged in rows and columns roughly equivalent to the warp and weft of woven structures termed "courses" and "wales" respectively. A course is a predominately horizontal row of loops (in an upright fabric) produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. A wale is a predominantly vertical column of needle loops produced by the same needle knitting at successive knitting cycles and thus intermeshing each new loop through the previous loop.
The term "stitch density" is frequently used in knitting instead of a linear measurement of courses and wales, it is the total number of needle loops in a square area measurement such as square inch. It is obtained by multiplying the number of courses per inch by the number of wales per inch. Stitch density tends to be a more accurate measurement because tension acting in one direction in the fabric may, for example, produce a low reading for the courses and a high reading for the wales, which when multiplied together cancel the effect out.
"Yarn count" indicates the linear density (yarn diameter or fineness) to which that particular yarn has been spun. The choice of yarn count is restricted by the type of knitting machine employed and the knitting construction. The yarn count, in turn, influences the cost, weight, opacity, handle and drapability of the resulting knitted structure. In general, staple spun yarns tend to be comparatively more expensive the finer their count, because finer fibers and a more exacting spinning process are necessary in order to prevent the yarn from showing an irregular appearance.
Historically, most systems are associated with particular yarn-spinning systems, for example, a yarn spun on the worsted system from acrylic fibers may be given a worsted count number. The worsted system is of the indirect type based on length per fixed unit mass, i.e., the higher the count number, the finer the yarn. The weight is fixed (1 lb.) and the length unit (number of 560-yard hanks) varies. 1/24's worsted (24.times.560-hank yards weighing 1 lb.) will be twice the cross-sectional area of 1/48's worsted (48.times.560-yard hanks weighing 1 lb.). 2/24's worsted indicates that the yarn contains two ends of 1/24's so that the resulting count is twice the cross-sectional area (24/2=12's).
Three end and two end, course cut (10 to 14), knitting techniques are conventionally used to produce knitted fleece with low stitch densities (600-700). Fabric with a higher stitch density is generally perceived to be a higher quality fabric because it has a lower shrinkage rate and a more stable print platform.
Two end, course cut knitting techniques are generally used to produce knitted fleece fabric with lower stitch density, which is generally perceived to be low quality fabric. Two end knitted fleece fabric constructions are typically less costly to produce compared to three end knitted fleece fabric constructions because of lower yarn material costs.
Both three end and two end course cut knitting techniques can be used to produce knitted fleece fabric having the same fabric weight and the same stitch density. However, because three end knitting uses three yarn ends, as opposed to two yarn ends used by two end knitting, a yarn having a finer yarn count, which is significantly more expensive, is necessary to produce knitted fleece fabric with the same fabric weight and same stitch density. Thus, it is much more costly to produce knitted fleece fabric of a given weight and stitch density using a three end knitting technique.
Thus, there remains a need for a new and improved knitted fleece fabric that can be produced economically, and which has a relatively high stitch density and correspondingly low shrinkage rate, and that has an extremely stable print platform. This has been found possible to achieve using a two end, fine cut (greater than about 14) knitting technique using more economical yarns than possible with three ends and a significantly higher stitch density.

Low-shrinkage stable print platform knitted fabric


In accordance with the present description, a device includes an internal defect detection and repair circuit which includes a self-test logic circuit built in within the device and a self-repair logic circuit also built in within the device. In one embodiment, the built in self-test logic circuit may be configured to automatically identify defective memory cells in a memory. Upon identifying one or more defective memory cells, the built in self-repair logic circuit may be configured to automatically repair the defective memory cells by replacing defective cells with spare cells within the memory.

Integrated circuit devices such as random access memories (RAMs) usually undergo device verification testing during manufacture. Typically, such verification tests are designed to detect both static and dynamic defects in a memory array. Static defects include, for example, open circuit and short circuit defects in the integrated circuit device. Dynamic defects include defects such as weak pull-up or pull-down transistors that create timing sensitive defects. Defects which have been identified in a memory may be repaired by issuing commands to the device to replace defective memory cells with spare memory cells placed on the device for that purpose. Such replacement is typically achieved by opening and closing fuses within the memory array.

Integrated circuit defect detection and repair


An insulating unitless window sash includes a sash frame made of four linear sash members having their mitered edges joined together. Each of the sash members in cross section includes a peripheral surface, a first and outer side walls and a first groove spaced from a second groove. Each of the grooves has a base and spaced walls. The base of the first groove is spaced a greater distance from the peripheral surface than the base of the second groove. Peripheral and marginal edges of a first sheet are in the first groove and peripheral and marginal edges of a second sheet are in the second groove. A shim is mounted on the sash frame adjacent the outer surface of the first sheet to give a balance configuration.

The present usual practice of fabricating an insulating window sash includes fabricating an insulating glazing unit and mounting sash members around the perimeter and marginal edges of the unit. The insulating unit may be made in any manner, for example, but not limited to the techniques disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,655,282; 5,675,944; 5,531,047; 5,617,699 and 5,720,836. The insulating units provide a dead gas space between adjacent sheets.
Although the present usual practice is acceptable, there are limitations. For example, one limitation is making the insulating glazing unit, and thereafter, mounting the sash members around the perimeter of the unit.
As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art of fabricating insulating window sashes, eliminating the manufacturing steps to make an insulating unit significantly reduces the cost of manufacturing the window. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a window sash that has the benefits of an insulating glazing unit without the limitations of mounting sash members around the perimeter of the insulating unit.

Abstract: A method of fabricating the insulating unitless sash is also disclosed.


A voltage regulator and method of voltage regulation for a power-on reset condition are described. Voltage regulation control signals responsive to the power-on reset condition are obtained. The control signals are generated with a first voltage to be associated with a second voltage to provide a first power-on-reset signal and a second power-on-reset signal which are opposite in state to one another. A portion of driver logic is tri-stated responsive to the control signals, and the second power-on-reset signal to at least impede supply to supply current leakage. Voltage is pulled up on a first output port and a second output port of the driver logic responsive to the first power-on-reset signal. A portion of a semiconductor substrate is electrically coupled to a higher one of a first voltage and a second voltage responsive to the pulling up to at least further impede the supply to supply current leakage.

Programmable logic devices ("PLDs") are a well-known type of integrated circuit that can be programmed to perform specified logic functions. One type of PLD, the field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), typically includes an array of programmable tiles. These programmable tiles can include, for example, input/output blocks ("IOBs"), configurable logic blocks ("CLBs"), dedicated random access memory blocks ("BRAMs"), multipliers, digital signal processing blocks ("DSPs"), processors, clock managers, delay lock loops ("DLLs"), and so forth. As used herein, "include" and "including" mean including without limitation.
Each programmable tile typically includes both programmable interconnect and programmable logic. The programmable interconnect typically includes a large number of interconnect lines of varying lengths interconnected by programmable interconnect points (PIPs). The programmable logic implements the logic of a user design using programmable elements that can include, for example, function generators, registers, arithmetic logic, and so forth.
The programmable interconnect and programmable logic are typically programmed by loading a stream of configuration data into internal configuration memory cells that define how the programmable elements are configured. The configuration data can be read from memory (e.g., from an external PROM) or written into the FPGA by an external device. The collective states of the individual memory cells then determine the function of the FPGA.
Another type of PLD is the Complex Programmable Logic Device, or CPLD. A CPLD includes two or more "function blocks" connected together and to input/output (I/O) resources by an interconnect switch matrix. Each function block of the CPLD includes a two-level AND/OR structure similar to those used in Programmable Logic Arrays (PLAs) and Programmable Array Logic (PAL) devices. In CPLDs, configuration data is typically stored on-chip in non-volatile memory. In some CPLDs, configuration data is stored on-chip in non-volatile memory, then downloaded to volatile memory as part of an initial configuration (programming) sequence.
For all of these programmable logic devices (PLDs), the functionality of the device is controlled by data bits provided to the device for that purpose. The data bits can be stored in volatile memory (e.g., static memory cells, as in FPGAs and some CPLDs), in non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH memory, as in some CPLDs), or in any other type of memory cell.
Other PLDs are programmed by applying a processing layer, such as a metal layer, that programmably interconnects the various elements on the device. These PLDs are known as mask programmable devices. PLDs can also be implemented in other ways, e.g., using fuse or antifuse technology. The terms "PLD" and "programmable logic device" include but are not limited to these exemplary devices, as well as encompassing devices that are only partially programmable. For example, one type of PLD includes a combination of hard-coded transistor logic and a programmable switch fabric that programmably interconnects the hard-coded transistor logic.
For all of these programmable logic devices (PLDs), the functionality of the device is controlled by data bits provided to the device for that purpose. The data bits can be stored in volatile memory (e.g., static memory cells, as in FPGAs and some CPLDs), in non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH memory, as in some CPLDs), or in any other type of memory cell.
Other PLDs are programmed by applying a processing layer, such as a metal layer, that programmably interconnects the various elements on the device. These PLDs are known as mask programmable devices. PLDs can also be implemented in other ways, e.g., using fuse or antifuse technology. The terms "PLD" and "programmable logic device" include but are not limited to these exemplary devices, as well as encompassing devices that are only partially programmable. For example, one type of PLD includes a combination of hard-coded transistor logic and a programmable switch fabric that programmably interconnects the hard-coded transistor logic.
PLDs, as well as other integrated circuits (ICs), may consume a significant amount of power in a fully operational mode, namely an "awake mode." More recently, PLDs have been configured with a dedicated low power mode of operation, namely a "suspend mode." With respect to PLDs, as well as other integrated circuits having volatile memory, information may be lost if power to such volatile memory is shut-off. Heretofore, for PLDs, power to such volatile memory associated with configuration memory was shut-off when using a suspend mode to conserve power. Thus, state of configuration of such configuration memory was lost due to conserving power by operating in a suspend mode. In order to maintain state of such configuration, a separate non-volatile memory may be used to store for example configuration information for configuring a PLD; however, a separate non-volatile memory adds cost and involves writing back the configuration state to configuration memory.
Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide means to have some reduction in power consumption as compared to operation in an awake mode without losing information stored in volatile memory when in a suspend mode.

Power-on reset circuit for a voltage regulator having multiple power supply voltages


A method and apparatus image a target in a SAL system. The method includes receiving on-board a platform a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the platform; homing the platform on a target responsive to the received target designation; imaging the target from the target designation; and aiming the platform at a point on the target selected from the image. The apparatus includes a receiver capable of receiving and imaging a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the apparatus; at least one flight control mechanism; and a controller. The controller is capable of processing a received target designation and issuing navigation control guidance commands to the flight control mechanism to: home the apparatus on a target responsive to a received target designation; and aim the apparatus at a point on the target selected from the image of the target.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to semi-active laser systems and, more particularly, to an imaging semi-active laser system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A need of great importance in military and some civilian remote sensing operations is the ability to quickly detect, locate, and/or identify objects, frequently referred to as "targets," in a "field of view" or in an "instantaneous field of view" within a "field of regard." In this sense, the field of view is the portion of the environment being remotely sensed at a particular moment. A field of regard is the total area being remotely sensed. A field of regard may comprise several fields of view.
Remote sensing techniques for the tasks mentioned above have existed for many years. For instance, in World War II, the British developed and utilized radio detection and ranging ("RADAR") systems for detecting and tracking the incoming planes of the German Luftwaffe. Sound navigation and ranging ("SONAR") has found similar utility and application in environments where signals propagate through water, as opposed to the atmosphere. While RADAR and SONAR have proven quite effective in many areas, they are inherently limited by a number of factors. For instance, RADAR is limited because of its use of radio frequency signals and the size of the resultant antennas used to transmit and receive such signals. Sonar suffers similar types of limitations. Thus, alternative technologies have been developed and deployed.
Some of these alternative technologies are optical in nature. One such alternative technology is laser detection and ranging ("LADAR"). Instead of radio or sound waves, LADAR systems transmit laser beams and receive reflections from targets. Because of the short wavelengths associated with laser beam transmissions, LADAR data can exhibit much greater resolution than RADAR data in the right contexts. LADAR systems have exhibited significant versatility, and can be used for automatic target recognition ("ATR"), targeting, direction finding, and other, similar tasks. Thus, there are many kinds of LADAR systems, and they may be categorized in a number of ways.
One useful categorization is whether the system is "active" or "semi-active", which centers on the point at which the detected laser signal is introduced into the field of regard. For instance, the laser signal may be introduced into the field of regard from on board the same platform from which its reflection is detected. Such systems are known as "active" systems. The laser signal may alternatively be introduced from a third party source off board the platform from which the reflection is detected. Such systems are known as "semi-active" laser ("SAL") systems.
Another useful categorization in active systems is whether the system is a "scanned" system or a "flash" system. In some systems, the laser is mounted on a gimbal, which is then used to scan the LADAR signal in azimuth and in elevation into the field of regard, which will comprise many instantaneous fields of view. The receipt of the reflection is synchronized with the transmission of the LADAR signal. This permits determination of the "flight time" for the LADAR signal, from which the range to the point of reflection can be determined. The reflected LADAR signal is also received as a function of the angle at which it impinges upon the platform. Thus, the received reflection can be mapped into a three-dimensional image of the field of view. A flash system works in much the same fashion, except there is no scanning, and so the image is of a field of view.
Note that SAL systems are distinguishable from active systems in at least one important respect. In both scanned and flash active systems, receipt can be synchronized with transmission since transmission occurs on-board. However, in SAL systems, there can be no synchronization since the laser signal originates off-board. An absolute range to the target therefore cannot be determined. Consequently, SAL systems are not used in imaging, which permits simplification of the receiver. SAL systems typically employ what are known as "quad cell detectors," which are optical detectors comprised of four cells. The apparatus including the SAL system is guided to maintain the receipt of the reflected laser signal in the center of the four cells.
These types of technological distinctions strongly influence the end use of the LADAR system. For instance, active systems can image, and so are used in conjunction with automatic target recognition systems such that they can automatically locate, identify, and home on a target without direct human intervention. This is not true of SAL systems, generally, because they cannot image. Typically, SAL systems are used in contexts where a target is spotted with a target designation for an off-board source and the apparatus including the SAL system follows the reflection to the target.
Each type of system has relative advantages and disadvantages. SAL systems require highly accurate pointing of the designator laser spot on the target. The weapon will hit the spot, but atmospherics and instability of the spot's position will vary the aim point for the weapon on the target. If too large of a portion of ground in front of the target is illuminated, and that ground has green foliage, then the SAL system will point low, such that the weapon might impact the ground in front of the target. Scanning LADAR systems require a high repetition rate laser that provides very accurate target information and an impressive ATR capability, but the entire system is destroyed when the weapon is destroyed—including the laser and ATR system. Flash LADAR provides a non-scanning system with a simpler optical path with the same ATR capability. However, flash LADAR is very limited because of the need from a very high power laser for scene illumination that is subsequently destroyed when the weapon hits the target.
The present invention is directed to resolving, or at least reducing, one or all of the problems mentioned above.


A fighting system comprising: a light harness; and a fiber optic light pipe having a body with an outer diameter, and a jacket that substantially covers the entire length thereof between a proximal and distal end about the outer diameter; where said proximal end is cooperatively connected to said light harness; said second end is cooperatively connected to a diverging lens yielding an output of light.

This invention relates to a lighting system, which is used in transportation, in particular, a lighting system which is used on a secondary vehicle which utilizes the primary vehicle's electrical light signal and/or light engine.
Historically, trailers for watercraft are backed into the body of water via a ramp thereby enabling the users thereof to launch the water craft, as well as when retrieving the water craft. In both cases, a substantial portion of the trailer is submerged, usually the lighting on the tail end of the trailer are as well. Moreover, there have been ongoing efforts to improve the integrity of the seal between the lens and the bulb so as to minimize, if not eliminate, a hot bulb from coming into contact with water much cooler in temperature than the bulb. First, to prevent the bulb from exploding, second so as to prevent corrosion, wherein the problem is exacerbated when the water happens to be salt water. Ultimately, the government sets minimum standards for lighting emissions and location based primarily on the safety of the drivers, passengers, and third parties that drive on the public's roads e.g., see 49 CFR §571.108. As such, the integrity of the system is key, in that performance of tail lights, and the other associated driving lights should be at the utmost level of reliability to ensure safety of all those on the road. Moreover, given the fact that these lights are required, and that they are exposed to the elements as set forth above, in addition to the elements when on land in general, it is key to provide a system and device that improves the standard of reliability of performance of such lighting systems, and hence improves or at least maintains the safety on the roads for all those who use them.


Systems and methods are described for rendering information to be embedded in media content at a first location and for embedding the rendered information into the media content at a second location. In many embodiments, the embedding process is less processor intensive than the rendering process and can be performed on a consumer electronics device such as a set top box, using existing processing mechanisms. One embodiment of the invention includes rendering the information into an image at a first location and embedding the image in the media at a second location in order to achieve efficient marking of the media content.

Digital representation, storage, distribution, and duplication of digital media have become very popular because they are inexpensive, easy to use, and maintain the quality of the media. These advantages however have enabled widespread, illegal distribution and use of copyrighted material, such as unauthorized distribution of digital images and videos over the Internet, for example. As a result, the rightful copyright owners are deprived of their revenues.
One group of technologies that can be deployed to control that unauthorized distribution involves embedding imperceptible information in a video. These technologies are often referred to as digital watermarking, forensic marking or video marking and these terms are used interchangeably in this text. The embedded information can be used to embed the identity of the copyright owner, distributor, or recipient of the media in a secure, imperceptible and robust fashion. The information can, for example, be embedded during playback or reception by an individual, and relate to the time of reception and the individual recipient by means of an identification number. If the copy is later found distributed illegally, the information can be retrieved and the original recipient, who is responsible for the illegal distribution can be identified. This technology can be used for tracking of individual media asset copies and enforcement of copyright laws. Content marking is an important component of digital media distribution and enables digital delivery of copyright protected content by limiting the risk of illegal distribution e.g., through peer to peer file sharing sites. Because the distribution can be tracked to the last legal recipient, the risk of being held responsible for copyright violations increases, as the person distributing the content can be identified.
While the tracking number can be embedded using obvious and visible modifications, they are less destructive to the content and better secured against removal, if applied in an invisible fashion.
In order to apply a robust mark (i.e., the mark remains readable after the content has been modified through compression, re-recording, filtering or other processes), changes to the content have to be applied that modify the actual video, image, or audio signal. For the mark to remain imperceptible, these modifications are applied in a hidden and slight manner.
In order to archive the required robustness, the modifications are typically applied in a distributed fashion, with numerous modifications spread over a large area of a video frame or time (i.e., over a number of frames), or both. Often, the manipulations are applied in a transformed domain, such as a frequency or wavelet transformation. These transformations allow for invisible marking modifications in a domain that remains largely intact after modifications to the video, and allows aggregation of modifications that are distributed over a number of frames when the media is observed. These transformations also enable a strong signal in a transformed domain to be embedded. The signal is largely imperceptible in the domain that is used to present the media to the user.
The number of modifications required for embedding the mark, and the number of calculations required to transform the content in the domain where the content can be marked, pose a challenge for processing in environments where fast and efficient embedding of a mark is required. An example of such an environment is an environment that employs streaming media, which delivers a media to a consumer electronics device via a network.
When embedding information about the recipient of the streaming/transmitted media, the information can be embedded at the receiving end, so that the sender is not burdened with marking and sending individual streams for every recipient. The sender delivers the identical media copy to all recipients and the media is marked at the time it is received at the recipient's end. Thereafter, each user is presented with a copy that is individually marked. In this scenario, the limitation of timely processing is even greater, since the machine on the receiving end often has very limited processing power available to apply the mark. This limitation of processing power makes it prohibitive to apply forensic marks that contain information about the recipient in media in most distribution environments in use today.

Efficient application of video marking technologies


In one embodiment, an ECL logic device uses a capacitor to couple a positive voltage to an output and reduce the rise time of the output signal.

The present invention relates, in general, to electronics, and more particularly, to methods of forming semiconductor devices and structure.
In the past, the electronics industry utilized various methods and structures to produce high speed ECL logic devices. ECL logic devices typically used a differential amplifier with a differential transistor pair that had the two transistors of the differential pair connected to a power supply through collector resistors. Thus, the differential amplifier had a passive pull-up and an active pull-down. As a result, the rising edge of the output signal was slower than the falling edge. The difference between the rise and fall times caused jitter and noise in the output signal of the logic device. In some applications, the jitter resulted in timing differences that slowed the operation of the system using the logic device.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a method of forming a logic device that provides more closely matched rise and fall times, that reduces jitter, and that facilitates increased system operating frequencies.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, and the same reference numbers in different figures denote the same elements. Additionally, descriptions and details of well-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of the description. As used herein current carrying electrode means an element of a device that carries current through the device such as a source or a drain of an MOS transistor or an emitter or a collector of a bipolar transistor or a cathode or anode of a diode, and a control electrode means an element of the device that controls current through the device such as a gate of an MOS transistor or a base of a bipolar transistor. Although the devices are explained herein as certain NPN devices, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that complementary devices are also possible in accordance with the present invention.

High slew ECL device and method therefor

Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C.


A device that is a lightweight, small, easily packable, hands-free accessory that improves how people carry shoulder bags is described. The device is a mechanism worn on the user's upper back that leaves the individual's hands free and enhances the ease of carrying shoulder bags. The device can be worn on bare shoulders, clothing and outerwear. The device helps to equalize the weight distribution of shoulder bags across the top of the trapezius muscle and allows for a less cumbersome commute via foot and public transportation.

A problem when traveling via foot and via public transportation is the absence of the ability to easily and safely manage shoulder bags. Such problems include accessing the bags, keeping bag straps in place, maintaining balance of bags, increasing awareness of postural alignment and overall ease of carrying bags by the user. This act of transporting multiple shoulder bags does not take advantage of the benefits of weight distribution.


A multiple layer suction holder is disclosed in which a lower attaching layer is made of a soft, flexible material having a neck extending therefrom. A shell is fitted on top of the lower attaching layer where the shell is made from a flexible material which is harder than the soft, flexible material of the lower attaching layer. The suction holder is further provided with connecting devices which force the shell against the lower attaching layer in order to provide an internal pressure in the lower attaching layer directed toward the mounting surface. Hence, air cannot readily pass under the lower attaching layer. The multiple layer suction holder provides maximum contact with the mounting surface and maximum memory that results in longer life of the suction holder.

Suction cups are generally comprised of a cup portion with a neck extending therefrom. The cup portion has an external convex surface and an internal concave gripping surface which is pressed against a window or other clean, smooth mounting surface for attachment thereto. When the suction cup is pressed against the mounting surface, air is forced from under the concave gripping surface. As the cup portion tries to return to its original shape, a vacuum is created which holds the suction cup against the mounting surface.
Usually suction cups are formed in a mold from a soft, pliable material such as rubber, PVC or various soft plastics having a durometer of 50 to 75. Suction cups made from these plastics work well, but have limited memory. After adhering to a mounting surface for a period of time, particularly a window exposed to light, the suction cups lose their memory and flatten out. When a suction cup has flattened out, there is little or no internal tension to hold the cup against the window. Because of this lack of memory in the perimeter of the suction cup, the perimeter of the suction cup tends to curl back. That allows air to enter the vacuum between the cup and the glass, causing the cup to release from the mounting surface. Such a loss of memory prevents reuse and the cup must be discarded.
Another conventional suction cup comprises a cup portion, a second layer which fits over the cup portion and a mechanism which when activated pulls the center of the suction cup away from the mounting surface toward the second layer in order to increase the degree of suction. The utilization of this mechanism makes this suction cup a complex and relatively expensive structure. Thus, there is a need for a suction cup which retains its memory longer and, therefore, has a longer period of use. Such a product should also be relatively inexpensive.


Certain volatile compounds naturally present in herring gull eggs are effective for repelling animals and birds, particularly canids, from the locus to which such compounds are applied. More particularly, the volatile compounds which are effective animal repellents include compounds exhibiting mint-like odors such as the compounds pulegone and piperitone. The invention relates to methods of using these compounds to repel animals, and to repellent compositions comprising effective repellent amounts of such compounds.

This invention relates to methods of repelling animals and birds, especially canines. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of volatile compounds exhibiting a mint-like odor, such as pulegone and piperitone, to repel animals and birds.
It is often advantageous to discourage animals from frequenting certain areas. Any homeowner who has ever had to pick up garbage strewn from a trash receptacle or bag by a neighborhood dog will attest to the desirability of discouraging the animal from such activity. It may also be desirable to keep animals away from certain areas such as ornamental or agricultural plantings, to which they can cause damage, or from areas in which the animals could themselves be injured. In addition, many domestic pets are injured or killed each year by accidental ingestion of harmful substances, such as the antifreeze which can leak from automobiles, and a way to prevent such accidents would be of great use.
Numerous chemical agents have been used over the years to discourage animals from approaching those areas from which mankind finds it desirable to exclude them. For obvious reason, such chemical agents should not only be effective for repelling the animals, but, if they are to be used in populated areas, should be acceptable to humans in terms of safety and odor.
The compounds undecanone-2, commonly known as methyl nonyl ketone, and 3-phenylpropenal (common names: cinnamaldehye or beta-phenylacrolein), have been disclosed as animal repellents, and their use together in a synergistic mixture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,898 (Haase et al.). U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,015 (Haase) discloses that the animal repellent methyl nonyl ketone has the ability of being applied to a comparatively small surface area of a plastic to migrate to a comparatively large area of a plastic surface even to the extent of migrating to the opposite surface of a plastic film. Thus, the compound may be applied to a comparatively small area of the inside surface of a plastic bag, after which the bag is folded upon itself at least once (e.g., when it is placed in a package of a plurality of such bags), and the repellent will migrate over comparatively large areas inside and outside of said bag.
A composition containing as its active ingredient an allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil) or the alkyl derivatives thereof, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,783 (Downing) as being useful for repelling animals such as raccoons, dogs and the like from garbage while at the same time being non-toxic and non-repellent to humans. Interestingly, this patent states (column 1, line 31) that peppermint oil has not been used effectively for repelling animals.
Animal control compositions comprising lemon oil and alpha-terpinyl methyl ether, taken alone or taken together with quinine or salts thereof, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,803 (Katz et al.).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,902 (De Long) discloses a method for repelling animals and birds consisting of applying to an area being protected a composition consisting essentially of an aqueous solution or dispersion of a carboxylated hydrophilic acrylic copolymer, a crosslinking agent for the carboxylated hydrophilic copolymer, a stabilizingly effective amount of an ultraviolet absorbing agent, and an animal or bird repelling compound.
A composition of matter for repelling animals comprising the mixture of a metallic metal, a quantity of a soil that has been extracted from the earth, a nutrient source and water is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,038 (Baugh).
A method for repelling animals from areas to be protected by use of a composition comprising a .delta.-n-alkyl-.delta.-butyrolactone and/or a .delta.-n-alkyl-.delta.-valerolactone is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,923,997 (Meuly).
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,534,976, 4,657,759 and 4,668,455 (Hansen et al.) disclose that particular steroids may be used as key ingredients in animal repellent compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,532 (Clayton) discloses that olfactory animal repellents can be effectively transported over surfaces by means of a vehicle comprising a liquid di(alkyl)adipate, i.e., esters of adipic acid, alone or in combination with a sodium di-C.sub.4 -C.sub.13 alkylsulfosuccinate. The animal repellents disclosed for use with such vehicles include cinnamic aldehylde, methyl nonyl ketone, essence of red pepper and quinine.

Naturally-occurring odoriferous animal repellent


The assemblable components of the golf bag include a full height corrugated organizer which, through snap-in-position tabs, lock to an upper retaining rack and a lower support base for subsequently receiving a wrap-around cover releasably secured to the rack and base.

A golf bag, in its most basic form, is an elongate, preferably cylindrical bag with a closed bottom and an open top. Such bags give substantially no protection to the clubs received therein, and merely provide a convenient means for carrying multiple clubs.
In order to provide better protection for the clubs and to arrange the clubs for easy access to selected clubs, a golf bag has become a rather elaborate construction including golf club organizers which segregate the clubs for the full length thereof, and both bases and upper end retaining racks for engaging and stabilizing the handle ends and the head ends of the clubs. Note, for example, applicant's prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,029,703, issued Jul. 9, 1991, and 5,255,781, issued Oct. 26, 1993.
While the noted club organizing components, preferably molded of a substantially rigid synthetic resinous material, will inherently tend to rigidify the bag construction upon insertion into a preformed fabric or leather bag cover, this is generally secondary to the main function of organizing and stabilizing the clubs within the bag.


The invention concerns a large-size rolling bearing which is in the form of a multi-row ball-bearing rotary joint for carrying axial loads, radial loads and tilting moments. The large-size rolling bearing has an outer race, an inner race, a first ball row and a second ball row. The first ball row and the second ball row are respectively arranged in axially mutually spaced relationship in a four-point bearing configuration, associated with the first ball row are four raceway portions and associated with the second ball row are four raceway portions. The invention concerns in particular a large-size rolling bearing in which a surface of a respective raceway portion provided in the inner race is larger than the surface of the respectively adjacent raceway portion provided in the inner race and equal to the surface of the respectively diametrally oppositely disposed raceway portion provided in the outer race.

Technical Field
The present invention concerns a large-size rolling bearing.
Description of the Related Art
Large-size rolling bearings are used in machine and plant production for providing a rotary connection in relation to high loads. The term large-size rolling bearings is used in particular in relation to running circle diameters of 300 mm and larger. Depending on the respective installation condition and in dependence on the forces to be carried, the running circle diameters of the large-size rolling bearings are certainly also several 1000 mm. In the case of bearings of that order of magnitude the large-size rolling bearings themselves are of a considerable inherent weight and require considerable fitment complication and expenditure.
With that background in mind it is desired to use integrated bearings which have a single unit which can be fitted in place and which are adapted to carry axial forces, radial forces and possibly tilting moments. For that reason rolling bearings of a multi-row structural configuration are primarily used, if there is a requirement to carry axial forces, radial forces and tilting moments. Inter alia the use of multi-row four-point bearings is known.
In terms of selecting the correct bearing, designers are faced with the conflicting aims of providing a bearing providing the highest possible load-bearing capability while involving a very small installation space and with the lowest possible complication and expenditure in placing it therein. In situations where, due to the structure involved, it is necessary to observe a predetermined limited structural space, or in (rare) cases involving retro-fitment of large-size rolling bearings in an existing environment with the aim of retro-fitting a bearing enjoying a higher load-bearing capability (in comparison with the one which was previously fitted there), there is the problem that higher stability with known bearing types is not readily achieved without affording a larger structural space in the axial or radial direction, that being linked to a high constructional burden.
The current state of the art attention is directed at this point generally to the following documents: DE 10 2008 049 813 A1, DE 10 2004 023 774 A1, DE 10 2004 051 054 A1, DD 46 126A5, DE 18 55 303 U and DE 10 2006 031 956 A1.


An amplifier circuit includes a pair of transistors amplifying differential signals of input signals to respective input terminals and outputting differential output signals to respective output terminals, and an impedance circuit provided in between sources of the pair of transistors, canceling a first cutoff characteristic on a high frequency side in frequency characteristics of the amplifier circuit constructed of the pair of transistors, and forming a second cutoff characteristic on a higher frequency side than the first cutoff characteristic.

An analog buffer circuit is given as one of applications of an amplifier circuit. One of characteristics of the analog buffer circuit can be exemplified by having a linear relation between amplitude of an input signal and amplitude of an output signal. Some analog buffer circuits, in which the amplitude of the output signal has a relation of an amplification degree "1" with respect to the amplitude of the input signal, are also utilized. In this case, the output signal becomes a signal into which the input signal is reproduced as it is. This type of amplifier circuit is used for the purpose of isolating the input side and the output side so that the input side and the output side do not affect each other. In this case, the amplifier circuit drives a heavy load and forms a high input impedance on the input side.
Circuits in, e.g., FIGS. 1 through 3 are known as amplifier circuits that provide this type of function. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a voltage follower using an operational amplifier. In the circuit in FIG. 1, in an idealistic state where a degree-of-amplification K is infinity and an input impedance is infinity, an output-to-input relation becomes Vout=Vin, and the output signal becomes a signal in which the input signal is reproduced with fidelity.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a source follower. The source follower is a circuit in which a drain is earthed, and a load is provided on the source side. In the circuit in FIG. 2, let Vgs be a voltage between the gate and the source, Vth be a threshold voltage of a transistor M1, β be an amplification factor of an electric current, ids be the current flowing to the drain from the source, Vi be an input voltage inputted to the gate, Vo be an output voltage output from a terminal on the source side and lout be an output current, and there are relations given in the following mathematical expressions 1-3.ids=β(Vgs−Vth)2   (Mathematical Expression 1)Vo=Vi−Vgs=Vi−Vth−(ids/β)1/2   (Mathematical Expression 2)ids=Ib−Iout   (Mathematical Expression 3)
FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a linear amplifier buffer. The linear amplifier buffer converts input voltages Vin+ and Vin− into the currents by use of a voltage/current converter. Then, the linear amplifier buffer linearly converts the thus-converted currents into the voltages by use of a resistance. In this case, a relation (which is termed a transfer function) between the input voltage Vin(=Vin+−Vin−) and the output voltage Vo(=Vout+−Vout−) can be expressed in the following mathematical expression 4. Herein, gm is a transconductance (mutual conductance) of the transistor. Further, if the transconductance gm is sufficiently large, an item of gm can be ignored with the denominator in the mathematical expression 4. As a result, it follows that the relation between the input voltage Vin and the output voltage Vo is determined by a resistance ratio Rload/Rd as in the mathematical expression 5.Vo=Vin×Rload/(Rd+2/gm)  (Mathematical Expression 4)Vo=Vin×Rload/Rd  (Mathematical Expression 5)
Note that a load capacity inserted in parallel with the resistance Rload and a parasitic capacitance parasitic to the output side are combined into Cload, at which time the relation between the input voltage Vin and the output voltage Vo can be expressed in the following mathematical expression 6. Herein, s is a complex variable.Vo=Vin×(Rload/Rd)/(1+s×Rload×Cload)  (Mathematical Expression 6)
[Patent document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2007-43654

Amplifier using impedance circuit for canceling cutoff