An explicit definition of a geometric object is converted into a level set which implicitly defines the geometric object. The explicit definition is converted to a form for efficient ray casting. Magnitude and sign values are assigned to a grid of voxels using ray casting in which the magnitude value represent a minimum distance from the voxel to the object and the sign value defines whether the voxel is inside or outside the object. The magnitude and sign values may be removed of discontinuities and smoothed before an accurate level set implicitly defining the object is achieved. Run length encoding may be applied to define a sparse level set in which consecutive voxels having identical values are compressed into a single value including a marker to indicate a quantity of the consecutive voxels.

The broad context of this invention is in bridging the gap between implicit and explicit representations of surfaces. Explicit representations are most commonly used in Computer Graphics, because they are convenient for rendering and easily controlled by artists. They are defined by explicitly specifying where the surfaces lie, such as via parametric functions mapping a 2D domain onto a 3D surface. Implicit surfaces have advantages in contexts where surface topology changes rapidly and when it is desirable for nearby objects to merge in a soft way rather than with a hard cracks at the intersections. They are specified as the root of a scalar function defined over 3D space.
Level sets are a very useful representation of forms commonly used in a quickly developing sub-field of computational fluid dynamics. In addition to having the obvious scientific and engineering applications, these simulations have significant potential for simulating fluid phenomena such as water, smoke, mist and fire at resolutions sufficient for use in the computer graphics industry. Moving from a significant amount of hand animation and noise maps towards physically based simulations has the potential for creating increasingly realistic Computer Graphics and animations.
Form Representations used in Computer Graphics
There are many ways of explicitly representing geometric objects. Polygons, NURBS, and Subdivision Surfaces are commonly used in the graphics industry. It is common for objects modeled as these primitives to have imperfections such that they do not represent a perfectly enclosed volume with a well defined inside and outside. There may be holes or cracks in the surface, and the normals may be pointing in the wrong direction on parts of the surface. In order for the method of the present invention to be useful in practice, it should be able to produce a high quality level set representation of the surface from most commonly used explicit geometric models.
Explicit Representations
A detailed description of techniques for using these geometric object representations can be found in most modern comprehensive graphics textbooks such as (Watt A. & Watt, M. 1996).
Ray Trace Operator
There are many different representations one could use for efficient ray tracing of a geometry model. We give a description of how a BSP tree can be used for this purpose. Other alternative representations that met the necessary requirements of efficient ray tracing can be found in a modern computer graphics textbook such as (Watt A. & Watt, M. 1996). For example, a nested hierarchy of bounding boxes can be used to efficiently ray trace a NURBS surface set, and a combination of techniques might be combined to handle significantly varied and complex geometry.
Binary Space Partition Tree
A BSP tree is a method of representing a set of planar polygons such that the process of "ray casting" is efficient. It is a, preferably balanced, binary tree data structure in which each node is associated with a plane and a set of polygons that lie within that plane.
A BSP tree can be created in a recursive fashion from the root node on down to its leaves by applying this procedure for each node:
Choose a plane that is coplanar with one of the polygons in the face set. It is best to pick a plane that will "split" the face set evenly (see the next step) as such will allow for more efficient BSP tree traversals during "ray casting."
Sort the set of faces into three new set: "in front", "coplanar" and "behind." A face whose vertices all lie within the chosen plane of the node will be placed in the "coplanar" set. A face whose vertices are all in front of the plane will be placed in the "in front" set. And a face whose vertices all lie behind the plane will be placed in the "behind" set. A face who's vertices lie both in front and behind the plane should be split into two faces, one who's vertices are completely in front of the plane and another who's vertices are completely behind the plane—these two newly created faces should then be placed into the "in front" set and the "behind" set respectively.
The "coplanar" set of faces is then associated with the current node. If the "in front" set of faces is not empty a "left-hand" child node should be created using the "in front" set as a starting point. The same logical also applies to the "behind" set and the "right-hand" child node.
Level Set
A comprehensive description of what is a level set and what can be done with one is given in the well-written textbook (Osher, S. & Fedkiw R. 2003.)
A level set is an n-dimensional scalar field which implicitly represents the interface between two regions in a domain. It represents such an interface as the zero-contour of the scalar field. A scalar field is defined mathematically by a function, φ(x), which associates a scalar value with each point in space. The zero contour of a scalar field (i.e. the interface represented by the level set), ┌, is the set of points in the domain whose image from applying φ is 0.
For the most part only 3D level sets are of real concern to us—although this method applies equally well in both 2D cases and in higher dimensional applications.
A level set also has the property that it is a signed distance field. This means that the magnitude of the scalar field at any point in the domain is the distance between that point and the nearest point on the interface. The sign of the scalar field function determines whether one is inside one region or the other—which sign denotes which region is arbitrary based on the chosen convention. The convention used in this document is for the interior of forms to have a positive sign.
Because of the limitations imposed by a finite computing architecture it is impossible to truly represent an arbitrary continuous scalar field over any unbounded domain. It is possible though to restrict the domain over which the scalar field is defined to a sub domain and then discretize the scalar field function within this sub domain into "voxels" of identical size within which the function result does not vary. For simplicity sake it is often convenient to restrict the sub domain to a quadrilateral (i.e. a 3D box.). FIG. 2 diagrams the voxel fields and associated terminology.
Each voxel of the discretized level set can now be represented by a single scalar. Conceptually the scalar associated with each voxel can be thought of as lying at its center. It is also not incorrect to view the scalars forming a uniform Cartesian grid over the sub domain of the now discretized level set.
                    Equation                                                  1                          :                                                          Discretized                                                  Level                                                  Set                                          ϕ                                (                          x              ⇀                        )                          =                  {                                                                                ϕ                                          u                      ,                      U                                                        =                                                            T                                              w                        =                                                  >                          r                                                                                (                                              x                        ⇀                                            )                                                                                if                                                                                x                      ⇀                                                        ∈                  Ω                                                                                undefined                                            otherwise                                                                            Equation                                                  2                          :                                                          world                          -                        to                          -                        discrete                                                  transform                                          T                      u            =                          >              w                                                        (                      x            ⇀                    )                                                  u          x                =                  [                                                    x                x                            -                              w                x                                                    Δ                                                                                c                                ]                                                  u          y                =                  [                                                    x                y                            -                              w                y                                                    Δ                                                                                c                                ]                                                  u          z                =                  [                                                    x                z                            -                              w                z                                                    Δ                                                                                c                                ]                                        Equation                                                  3                          :                                                          discrete                          -                        to                          -                        world                                                  transform                                          T                      u            ->            w                                            (                      x            _                    )                                                  x          x                =                              w            x                    +                                    u              x                                                                                Δ                                                                          c                                                            x          y                =                              w            y                    +                                    u              y                                    Δ                                                                          c                                                            x          z                =                              w            z                    +                                    u              z                                    Δ                                                                          c                              A minimalist level set data structure could consist simply of:    1. A vector represent the minimum extent of the level set's defined region of validity, w[min].    2. The dimensions of the level set in cubes/voxels: w, h, d    3. The side length of the cubes: Δc    4. The set of scalar values, each associated with a particle voxel of the level set: ψ(u)ψu∈, u∈ℑEquation 4: definition of ψTr→i(u)i=ux+uy·w+uz·w·hEquation 5: Discrete-to-ψ-index transformationExisting Mesh to Level Set Methods
There are three general approaches common in the literature for converting explicit surface representations into volumetric distance field representations: closest point, narrow band initialization with Eikonal extension, and full volume rasterization.
Closest point approaches to conversion tend to iterate over all or a subset of the voxels in a volume instead of iterating over the surfaces of the input mesh. Examples include [Payne and Toga 1992]. For each voxel the closest point on the explicit representation is calculated and the distance along with the relative direction of the surface normal at this location is used to set the voxel value. The more efficient closest point algorithms areO(logF). If one initializes the whole volume using this approach the efficiency is O(n3 logF). Narrow band initialization methods of converting meshes into level set focus on initializing the band of voxels immediate adjacent to the surface of the mesh to their correct values and then using this interface as the boundary condition of an Eikonal equation solver such that the solution can be extended throughout the volume (as described in [Sethian 1996]). One method to initialize the narrow band is through the 3D rasterization of the polygons composing the mesh in an analogous manner to how 2D polygons are rendered to a frame buffer. Sometimes the 3D rasterization is done such that the initial narrow band is initialized to subvoxel distance values, These approaches generally require O(F+n3) computations. [Breen et al. 1998], [Betelu et al. 2001].
Recently a full volume rasterization method, [Mauch 2000], has achieved xcellent efficiency, O(n3), by using polyhedral volumes extended from the input mesh surfaces to initialize into a correct distance field via rasterization large sections of the volume at once. The research with the most similarity to ours is work done by [Yngve and Turk 2002]. Yngve and Turk make use of a process of axis aligned ray casting in order to convert a mesh into an anti-aliased binary volume which in turn is converted into a signed distance field via a 3D Eikonal solver. The whole of this conversion process requires O(n3+n2 log f) computations assuming the fastest method are used.

Method for converting explicitly represented geometric surfaces into accurate level sets


In an optical atmospheric communication apparatus for transmitting desired information via an optical beam circulating in the atmosphere, the position of a transmitting object can be easily detected and thus the projecting position of an optical beam can be corrected, even in the case where the optical beam coming from the transmission object cannot be received. The projecting position of the optical beam is displaced within a prescribed range, and the light receiving area of the optical beam reflected at a corner cube reflector is detected in order that the projecting position of the optical beam is corrected based on the centroidal position of the light receiving area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an optical atmospheric communication system, and more particularly is suitably applied to a case of transmitting the desired information via a optical beam propagating through the atmosphere.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a conventional optical atmospheric communication apparatus, a device wherein a part of the optical beam to be outputted to the transmitting object is reflected and can be observed with an observation light to be received from the transmitting object has been proposed (Japanese Patent Applications No. 20916/1990 and No. 138120/1988).
According to this method, the projecting position of the optical beam can be confirmed depending on the optical beam reflected and position of transmitting object can be detected by observing with such as a telescope. The projecting position of the optical beam can be easily adjusted depending on the observation result.
Furthermore, after setting up the optical atmospheric communication apparatus receives the optical beam coming from the transmitting object by the position detecting sensor and thus detects the position of transmitting object.
Moreover, in the optical atmospheric communication apparatus, the reflected optical beam is received by the position detecting sensor and thus the projecting position of optical beam is detected.
With this arrangement, the projecting position of the optical beam is corrected in order that the position of the transmitting object coincides with the projecting position of the optical beam, and in the case where the optical atmospheric communication apparatus vibrates such as by wind, the optical beam can irradiate correctly the transmitting object (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 5,221,985).
Then, in this type of optical atmospheric communication apparatus, while the optical beam of transmitting object can be received, the projecting position of the optical beam can be corrected based on the optical beam.
Accordingly, in the optical atmospheric communication apparatus, while one side of the optical beam irradiates the other side of optical atmospheric communication apparatus, the projecting position of the optical beams can be corrected reciprocally and the information can be sent and received steadily.
However, in this type of optical atmospheric communication apparatus, if both beams discontinue irradiating the opposite transmitting objects, the position of the transmitting object can no longer be detected.
Therefore, in this type of optical atmospheric communication apparatus, there is a negative point wherein the projecting position of the optical beam cannot be corrected and, the projecting position adjusting work of the initial set up stage must be repeated.
Practically, the optical atmospheric communication apparatus vibrates for various reasons in the case where it is set up in the outdoors. There are occasions when the apparatus become incapable of irradiating the opposite transmitting objects with each other.
In this case, if the projecting position can be adjusted automatically, a complicated adjusting work can be omitted and thus the usability of this type of optical atmospheric communication apparatus can be improved.
Moreover, since the optical atmospheric communication apparatus can be set up in the places where the shocks are so severe that apparatuses are usually unable to irradiate the opposite transmitting objects frequently, the places for setting up the optical atmospheric communication apparatus can be expanded.

Optical atmospheric communication system


The invention provides a water blended fuel composition made by combining (i) a normally liquid hydrocarbon fuel; (ii) water; (iii) a nitrogen-free surfactant; and an acid having a pKa of up to about 6.

A major objective of using a water blended fuel is to lower NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions. In internal combustion engines, such as typical diesel engines for on-road vehicles, combustion temperatures usually approach about 2000° C. Under these conditions, the majority of the NOx produced is from oxidized atmospheric nitrogen that is pulled into the engine's manifold. On the other hand, combustion occurs at lower temperatures in open-flame burners such as in industrial boilers. At such lower temperatures, lower amounts of atmospheric N2 are oxidized and most of the NOx produced by such burners results from nitrogen introduced via the fuel and fuel additives.
Current commercial water blended fuel additive formulations, which are formulated for use in internal combustion engines contain on the order of 1000-1500 ppm nitrogen. The base fuel typically introduces about 100 to about 300 ppm nitrogen with the remainder coming from the additives. A significant portion of the nitrogen contributed to these fuels comes from surfactants which are used to stabilize the water blended fuels.
The problem, therefore, is to provide nitrogen-free surfactants for use in applications where nitrogen level is an issue, such as industrial boilers. Low nitrogen content may also become a factor in internal combustion engines as NOx emission levels are expected to be significantly lower by 2007.
This invention provides a solution to this problem by providing a water blended fuel composition containing a nitrogen-free surfactant. These fuels may be used advantageously in open-flame burners such as industrial boilers. These fuels are also useful in internal combustion engines.

Fuel composition having a normally liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, a high molecular weight emulsifier, and a nitrogen-free surfactant including a hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or a reaction product of the hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or reactive equivalent of such acid with an alcohol


A steering hanger assembly for a vehicle, the steering hanger assembly including a beam structure for supporting a steering column. The beam structure includes a first beam that extends from a right front pillar toward the center of the vehicle width, a second beam that extends from a left front pillar toward the center of the vehicle width and that overlaps the front end of the first beam, and left and right beam connection members that connect the front ends of the first and second beams together. The beam structure is connected by vehicle body connection members also to other vehicle body constituting members of the vehicle body, which are different from the left and right front pillars.

A steering hanger assembly for a vehicle is positioned at a rear part of a dashboard between left and right front pillars. Techniques relating to steering hanger assemblies are known from Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2.
The vehicular steering hanger assembly disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured so to be substantially crank-shaped in plan view by a first beam, a second beam, and a connecting member. Specifically, the passenger seat side of this assembly is offset from the driver seat side thereof.
The first beam extends toward the lateral center from a right front pillar. The second beam extends toward the lateral center from a left front pillar, and a distal-end part thereof on the center side is offset in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body in relation to a distal-end part of the first beam on the center side thereof. The connecting member connects the mutually offset distal-end parts of the first and second beams.
This assembly increases the degree of freedom of the positioning of the steering column, and of the arrangement of various accessories attached to an instrument panel, such as an audio device, a navigation device, and an air conditioner duct. The space inside a passenger compartment can therefore be efficiently utilized.
A steering hanger assembly generally serves to transmit an impulsive load (side collision load) that occurs during a collision with an obstacle from a side of the vehicle, i.e., a so-called lateral collision, to the opposite side from the collision side. In the assembly disclosed in Patent Literature 1, care must be taken to efficiently transmit a side collision load between the mutually offset first beam and second beam. Since stress is concentrated in the connected portion of the mutually offset distal-end parts of the first and second beams, there is a need to increase the strength and rigidity of the connected portion. However, since simply increasing strength and rigidity leads to increased weight of the vehicle body, there is room for improvement.
The vehicular steering hanger assembly disclosed in Patent Literature 2 employs steering hanger beams configured such that distal-end parts of a pair of beams comprising straight pipes having mutually different thicknesses are fit together. The steering hanger beams are provided between left and right front pillars. A thick beam is positioned on the driver-seat side, and a thin beam is positioned on the passenger-seat side. The strength and rigidity of the steering hanger beams therefore differ between the driver-seat side and the passenger-seat side.
However, in the assembly disclosed in Patent Literature 2, there is room for improvement with regard to increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of various accessories.


A positioning structure for a pivotal shaft comprises a positioning device for use in the pivotal shaft. The positioning structure is located between a base and a lid of an electronic product, wherein an inner sleeve is pivotally connected to an outer sleeve through an elastic device. The positioning device is composed of a rotation ring and a ring cover. A toothed ring is mounted on each side of the rotation ring, and a limit block is protrudent from the edge of the rotation ring. The ring cover has a locking trench, and the toothed rings are inserted into the locking trench. The elastic device is pre-rotated. When the push-button switch is separated from the buttonhole by pressing, the lid is lifted up by the anti-twist force and the lower edge of the lid is exactly stopped by the limit block for positioning the lid to a predetermined angle automatically.

For the purpose of being carried easily, the electronic products are gradually provided with foldable structure for reducing their sizes. Among these foldable electronic products, the electronic product with automatic liftable lid is always provided with no function about multi-directional positioning. For example, the lid of the common mobile phone can be rebounded to a fixed position once the lid is opened. Besides, the lid of the electronic product such as the mobile audio-visual player, the hand-held video game, etc., can be lifted up manually. Thereafter two gears or other locking devices are applied to engage with one another so as to achieve the function of pivotal rotation and multi-directional positioning.
Generally speaking, when the product property and the usage convenience are taken into consideration, the general electronic product is usually equipped with either the automatic liftable lid or the multi-directional positioning structure since these two structures are constructed of different devices. For example, if the hand-held audio-visual product is equipped with the automatic liftable lid, its convenience in usage is promoted, but the view angle between the user and the LCD panel must be kept in a predetermined range so as to view the LCD panel clearly. Therefore, there is still a need to enable the user to multi-directionally adjust the view angle of the electronic product. Consequently, one topic of the present invention is to integrate these two functions with one another.


A surgical system and associated method for fusing tissue are disclosed. The system has an electrosurgical generator capable of delivering electrosurgical power, a surgical instrument, and a power control circuit. The surgical instrument is electrically connected to the electrosurgical generator and adapted to transfer electrosurgical power from the electrosurgical generator to a distal end of the surgical instrument. The power control circuit controls the delivery of radio frequency energy to tissue in contact with the distal end of the surgical instrument. The surgical system is configured to deliver radio frequency energy at a non-pulsing power to the tissue for a period of time of 3 seconds or less. The non-pulsing power has no less than 7 Watts and no more than 35 Watts, and further causes the tissue to begin to desiccate and to fuse within the period of time.

The use of electrosurgical energy in vessel sealing surgical procedures is common and has been used in conjunction with a variety of surgical techniques for many years. In general, electrosurgical devices used in vessel sealing rely on a combination of pressure and high frequency electric energy applied to biological tissue as a way to cut, coagulate, desiccate or seal tissue, for example, blood vessels. In the case of vessel sealing, the electrosurgical energy acts to create collagen melting and tissue fusion. Most RF surgical devices on the market today and described in the prior art have power delivery systems and end effectors that are sized to accommodate a wide range of situations, tissue thicknesses, tissue volume, and end effector bite sizes. In particular, vessel sealing technology has always relied upon the use of relatively high current settings and large end effector sizes to create a seal in varying surgical situations. No one has been able to produce a reliable vessel sealing instrument that operates at currents below 2 Amps.
For coagulation or blood vessel sealing with known devices, the average power density delivered by the end effector is typically reduced below the threshold of cutting. In some cases (e.g. a monopolar coagulation instrument) a modulated sine wave is used with the overall effect being a slower heating process which causes tissue to coagulate rather than burn and/or char to the point of cutting. In some simple dual function coagulation/cutting devices, a lower duty cycle is used for a coagulation mode and a higher duty cycle is used for a cutting mode with the same equipment. Coagulation and in particular vessel sealing techniques present unique challenges in electrosurgery
While some modern electrosurgical generators provide modulated waveforms with power adjusted in real time based on changes of the tissue characteristics (e.g. impedance), none have been able to address the complexities and sensitivities that arise when dealing with blood vessels located in delicate surgical sites or other difficult to reach blood vessels. None of the prior art or products currently offered combine aspects of applied pressure, low-power energy delivery, waveform modulation, and instrument size/configuration to safely and effectively seal the blood vessels that are often presented in micro-surgical procedures, difficult to access anatomy or pediatric general surgery.
Recent advances in vessel sealing technology have specifically abandoned an attempt to address this specialized market and instead focus on larger devices and techniques for sealing larger vessels more commonly found in general surgery or on "one-size-fits all" devices. U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,271 describes how earlier attempts to seal vessels with electrosurgery were unsuccessful in part because they attempted to apply relatively low currents to the vessels. As a solution, the advances described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,271 relate to increasing the current applied to the blood vessel above a certain threshold. The prior art in this field is consistent in its recognition that a high current and high generator power output is required to seal vessels. None of the prior art addresses the unique circumstances presented with small caliber blood vessels that present during micro-surgical procedures, difficult to access anatomy or general surgery in pediatric patients. None of the art accounts for a technique or device that effectively and safely seals blood vessels with an instrument that is smaller in size (both in the shaft and entry point features) and configured to be more effective which working in smaller spaces and with smaller vessel calibers. None of the prior art recognizes the role of the surgical instrument size and end effector surface area in the development of effective vessel sealing techniques and energy delivery sequencing.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Low power tissue sealing device and method


According to embodiments of the invention, temperature, current, or other physical quantities associated with an integrated circuit, which can also include a processor, may be converted to a digital signal, and that digital signal used to choose a corresponding frequency offset that is added to any pre-established overclocking frequency. Embodiments of the invention allow a user to specify a dynamic range between which the frequency offset is bounded during overclocking of the integrated circuit. The programmable lower limit specifies the frequency where the integrated circuit begins to overclock. The programmable upper limit specifies the maximum overclocking frequency that is allowed. Setting the lower limit to be equal to the upper limit forces overclocking to occur at only the specified value.

1. Technical Field of the Invention
This disclosure relates in general to overclocking, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for dynamically changing the clock frequency of a CPU when the CPU is running in an overclocked mode.
2. Description of the Related Art
"Overclocking" is a term that is commonly used to refer to the process of resetting a processor-based system so that the processor runs faster than the speed specified by the manufacturer. Overclocking is possible because processor manufacturers typically label the speeds of their processors somewhat conservatively. For example, a processor that is advertised to have a speed of 166 MHz may in fact be successfully run in an overclocking mode at 200 MHz.
Overclocking is frequently accomplished by resetting the system bus speed to a slightly higher level. After the system bus is reset, the processor is often able to successfully adjust to the higher system bus speed.
In some cases the processor may also be overclocked by programming an I2C (Inter-IC) register interface after the system boots up. An example of this is illustrated with reference to FIG. 1 and Table 1.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating some components of a conventional clock synthesizer 100. The clock synthesizer 100 includes an M-counter 102, a Phase Frequency Detector (PFD)/Charge Pump (CP) 104, a Loop Filter (LF) 106, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) 108, an F-counter 110, and an N-counter 112.
The input frequency FREF is divided by the value in M-counter 102 before feeding into PFD/CP 104. Through the PFD/CP 104, the LF 106, and VCO 108, the frequency is multiplied by the value in N-counter 112. The output frequency FCPU is taken from the VCO 108 after being divided by the value in F-counter 110. Assuming that the clock synthesizer 100 achieves an initial output frequency FCPU of 100 MHz upon startup, a user may subsequently place the processor in an overclocking mode by setting the value of N-counter 112 to a value other than 200. In other words, FCPU may be calculated using the following equation:FCPU=(FREF*N-counter)/(M-counter*F-counter)  [EQ. 1]
Table I below lists example frequencies that can be achieved from VCO 108 and from F-counter 110 (FCPU) given a specific value of 60 for the M-counter 102, a specific value of 8 for the F-counter 110, a specific input frequency FREF of 240 MHz, and variable values of the N-counter 112.
TABLE IM-F-N-VCOFREFcountercountercounter108FCPUΔ FDAF(MHz)102110112(MHz)(MHz)(MHz)240608200800100024060820481610222406082128481066240608220880110102406082289121141424060823694411818240608250100012525
Thus, according to the above example, users are able to change the frequency of the processor in discrete steps between 100 and 125 MHz. This conventional method of placing the processor in an overclocking mode may be referred to as "dial-a-frequency," or DAF. The N-counter value of 200 in the first row of Table I represents the default value, since it was assumed that the processor achieves 100 MHz upon start up. Accordingly, when the N-counter value is 200, the additional frequency component ΔFDAF added to the default value of 100 MHz is zero.
One of the dangers of overclocking the processor according to the above example is thermal runaway. Thermal runaway occurs when the system generates heat faster than it can dissipate the generated heat. An overclocked processor typically generates more heat than one running at the manufacturer-specified speed, which makes thermal runaway more likely to occur. Accordingly, the user must be aware of the processor temperature, continuously monitoring the heat generated by the processor and ready to intervene when levels approaching thermal runaway are present. When the temperature approaches one that can put the processor in thermal runaway, the operator reduces the operating speed of the processor.
Currently, no technology exists to allow the system to dynamically change the CPU speed without user intervention while the processor is running in an overclocked mode. Embodiments of the invention address these and other disadvantages that are inherent in the above-described art.

Apparatus and method for dynamic overclocking


A method for correcting systematic errors in an optical measurement tool in which a first diffraction spectrum is measured from a standard substrate including a layer having a known refractive index and a known extinction coefficient by exposing the standard substrate to a spectrum of electromagnetic energy. A tool-perfect diffraction spectrum is calculated for the standard substrate. A hardware systematic error is calculated by comparing the measured diffraction spectrum to the calculated tool-perfect diffraction spectrum. A second diffraction spectrum from a workpiece is measured by exposing the workpiece to the spectrum of electromagnetic energy, and the measured second diffraction spectrum is corrected based on the calculated hardware systematic error to obtain a corrected diffraction spectrum.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates generally to optical measurement tools and, more particularly, to a method for correcting systematic error in such tools.
2. Description of the Related Art
Characteristics of semiconductor devices are directly dependent on the shapes and dimensions of one or more layers and/or features of a device. During a fabrication process, a drift in one or more process parameters can result in deviations on the device critical dimensions (CDs), potentially rendering the devices useless. Optical metrology has been traditionally employed to monitor semiconductor fabrication processes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been in the forefront in this area. Commonly referred to as CD-SEM (Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscopy), this form of optical metrology poses two major disadvantages. One is that the measurement process is destructive and the other is that it cannot be used in-situ, which prohibits its deployment in integrated metrology.
Optical digital profilometry (ODP) has emerged recently as a metrology system that overcomes the above mentioned short-comings of CD-SEM. The basis of ODP is that quantities resulting from a measurement of a layer, a series of stacked layers, or a device structure with a specific profile characterized by specific material properties, layer thicknesses, and/or CDs are unique to that profile. A library of profiles may be created to represent a set of layers and/or device structures, each with its own unique profile.
A library of films and/or profiles with corresponding predicted spectra can be generated using scatterometry. Scatterometry is an optical measurement technology based on an analysis of one or more wavelengths of light scattered from a layer or array of layers and/or device structures. The device structures may be a series of photoresist gratings or arrays of contact holes on a test sample. Scatterometry is a model-based metrology that determines measurement results by comparing measured light scatter against a model of theoretical spectra. A profile of the given test sample is extracted by searching the library for a match of the measured spectra with theoretical spectra in the library and once a match is found, the corresponding profile is taken to be the profile of the given sample.
The methodology of ODP is computer-intensive since it involves generation of one or more libraries of predicted spectra as well as searching of a master library, or one or more derivatives of the master library, for matching spectra. The size of the library generally governs the resolution of the final result. Generation of one or more libraries typically involves repeating a prediction process for a series of layers and/or profile shapes to create a series of corresponding scatterometry spectra. Prediction of scatterometry spectra is provided by a numerical solution of governing Maxwell's equations. Each layer, stacked layer, and/or profile is translated into a theoretical model that factors in physical parameters such as optical properties of the semiconductor materials. Maxwell's equations are applied with appropriate boundary conditions to form a system of equations that are numerically solved for example using Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RGWA).
Measurements taken of the same sample on multiple scatterometry tools or optical metrology systems yield different scatterometry spectra, since each tool is prone to tool specific systematic error sources. Each master library, and/or one or more derivatives of each master library, is hardware dependent because measured spectra for each profile are affected by the tool specific systematic error sources. As a result, the master library and/or derivatives of each master library needs to be regenerated for each metrology tool. Library regeneration is a time consuming process that may impact availability of a scatterometry tool in a manufacturing environment. In many cases, the scatterometry tool is used as in-situ process control for one or more semiconductor manufacturing processes, such as lithography or dry-etch. The manufacture of semiconductors is an extremely expensive process and a reduction in scatterometry tool availability is expensive, if not intolerable.

Method of correcting systematic error in a metrology system


A prosthesis socket casting device includes a base member on which an elongated annular molding bladder is mounted, the bladder peripherally enclosing a generally centrally located casting area and extendable when inflated from the forward side of the base. The bladder is formed of a pliable, air impermeable, relatively non-stretchable sheet material enclosing, in cooperation with the base, an air chamber peripherally surrounding the casting area. The casting area includes an open residual limb receiving end and extends from such end to the base, and an inflation system for the bladder is provided. The casting device may be used in conjunction with a prosthesis suction socket that includes a tension member at its distal end connectable to the base member during a casting procedure. Moldable and settable prosthesis socket or other moldable casting material is placed over the suction socket and is compression molded by the inflated bladder while the casting material cures. During the compression casting procedure, a tension force resulting from the bladder inflation pressure may be applied to the distal end of the suction socket to elongate and distend the distal area of the residual limb against which the casting material is formed under pressure. The bladder is rollable relative to the base member to provide ready access to the tension member connector carried by the base member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming or casting prosthesis or prosthetic sockets on residual limbs.
2. Background of Related Art
Residual limb sockets are formed in accordance with the prior art using various apparatus and methods, including molding thermosetting, thermoforming or other resinous materials to obtain a relatively rigid socket for connecting a residual limb to a prosthesis device without discomfort to the user. Such molded sockets without and with reinforcements are exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,163,965, granted Nov. 17, 1992, to Rasmusson and Fischel; and 5,263,990, granted Nov. 23, 1993, to Handal.
Prior art techniques include molding sockets of resinous materials using a male or positive mold of the residual limb that is formed from a plaster of paris female or negative casting sleeve that has been formed by molding the sleeve directly on the residual limb. It is also known to form the definitive socket using a pressure casting system exemplified by the ICECAST.RTM. system made by Ossur HF of Reykjavik, Iceland. The positive mold is then adjusted or "rectified" in accordance with well known techniques to provide relief for sensitive areas of the residual limb and to obtain a correctly sized socket that will properly fit the residual limb.
Other procedures for molding interim or definitive sockets have been described in the prior art, including a procedure whereby SCOTCHCAST.RTM. tape made by 3M Company of Minneapolis, Minn. has been utilized to produce an interim prosthesis socket for below-knee amputees.
Existing apparatus for forming prosthetic sockets on residual limbs tend to be bulky and somewhat complex. It is desirable to provide a simplified and compact prosthesis socket casting or forming system that not only facilitates pressure casting or molding of prosthesis socket or molding material directly on the distal end area of a residual limb but which also enables tension to be applied to the distal end area of the residual limb during the casting process to produce a better fitting socket.

Apparatus and process for forming prosthetic socket


A bonding tool comprises: a horn which transmits an ultrasonic vibration; a ultrasonic transducer which is provided on one end of the horn, and produces the ultrasonic vibration; a heater disposition part, in which a heater is disposed, which is provided between the one end of the horn and the other end of the horn; a bonding action part which is provided between the one end of the horn and the other end of the horn, holds an electronic component, and is heated by the heater; a first cooling part, through which a fluid flows, which is provided between the heater disposition part and the one end of the horn; and a second cooling part, through which a fluid flows, which is provided between the heater disposition part and the other end of the horn.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bonding tool, an electronic component mounting apparatus and an electronic component mounting method for mounting an electronic component on a circuit board or the like.
2. Related art of the Invention
There are many known bonding methods for bonding a bump electrode of an electronic component to an electrode on a printed circuit board.
For example, an ultrasonic bonding method, which is one of such bonding methods, is capable of bonding an electronic component to a circuit board in a short time.
Here, the ultrasonic bonding method is a bonding method that, while pressing an electronic component held on a bonding action part against the circuit board, makes the electronic component vibrate by ultrasonic vibration so as to bond electrically an electrode of the electronic component to an electrode of a circuit board at the atomic level by utilizing bonding caused by destruction and dispersion of the surface coating induced from local slip at the contact surface.
Referring to FIG. 16, a configuration and an operation of a conventional bonding tool using the above-mentioned ultrasonic bonding method will be described.
FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a conventional bonding tool 1000.
The conventional bonding tool 1000 is an apparatus for making an electronic component 1910 vibrate by an ultrasonic transducer 1400 so as to bond the electronic component 1910 to a circuit board 1920 (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-347505, for example).
The entire disclosure of the literature described above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
A horn 1200 is shaped like a prism with a longitudinal direction agreeing with the X direction, and an ultrasonic vibration, which is generated by the ultrasonic transducer 1400 provided at one end of the horn 1200 on the (−X) side, is transmitted through the horn 1200 in the X direction and applied to the electronic component 1910 via a bonding action part 1500.
The reliability of bonding of the electronic component 1910 to the circuit board 1920 is improved using a heater 1600 inserted from the (+X) side into a heater installation cavity part 1610 which penetrates the horn 1200 in the X direction in which the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted.
That is, heat produced by the heater 1600 is transmitted through the horn 1200 and then applied to the electronic component 1910 via the bonding action part 1500.
Lead lines 1810 and 1820 are lines for connecting the heater 1600 and a thermocouple 1700 to an external power supply (not shown), respectively, and are coupled to a bracket 1110 fastened to a lift block 1100.
The heat produced by the heater 1600 is also transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 1400 via the horn 1200.
In a consequence, concerning the heat-sensitive ultrasonic transducer 1400, there is some fear of a shortening of its life span, a change of its electrical characteristics, a variation of its vibration characteristics and so on.
Accordingly, a cooling part 1300 of four air holes is provided between the heater 1600 and the ultrasonic transducer 1400, the four air holes penetrating the horn 1200 in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction in which the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted with air being supplied via a suction pad 1310 to flow through the four air holes.
Thus, the heat which would otherwise be transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer 1400 is diffused by the air flowing through the air holes, and the adverse effect of the heat produced by the heater 1600 on the ultrasonic transducer 1400 is reduced.

Bonding tool, electronic component mounting apparatus and electronic component mounting method


A method for ranking a plurality of systems based on their susceptibility to a selected risk that is determined from a plurality of risk indicators, is described herein. The method includes obtaining benchmark values for at least one benchmark system with a predetermined level of the predetermined risk; obtaining measured risk indicator values of the predetermined plurality of risk indicators in each of the plurality of systems, the predetermined plurality of risk indicators are the same in all of the plurality of systems; comparing the measured risk indicator values of each of the plurality of systems with the benchmark values of the at least one benchmark system; and ranking the plurality of systems based on the comparing to indicate the susceptibility of each of the plurality of systems to the predetermined risk.

Corporations are in the business of managing risks for financial gain. Depending on the industry in which it operates, a corporation must manage risks including but not limited to: information technology (IT) security risks to safeguard its IT assets and access to such assets; financial risks to ensure that its capital investments will yield positive returns; and management risks to ensure honest, effective, and constructive management of its organization, especially in the aftermath of ENRON and WORLDCOM.
A corporation typically manages its risks through internal audits of its systems and organizations. Thus, each targeted system or organization is physically audited in isolation to determine the risk posed by such a system or organization. This process is manual, time consuming, and expensive. Furthermore, because each individual audit is performed in isolation and dependent on the target system or organization, the resulting risk assessments are inconsistent and do not provide a clear picture of the overall risk of the corporation. For example, current risk auditing tools typically present auditors and system owners with all risk indicators for a given system or organization. Thus, the metrics of one system may be overlaid graphically with the metrics of one or more other systems. However, there is no attempt by conventional risk auditing tools to combine all risk indicators and provide rankings among the various systems based on the same risk indicators or to automatically report or direct attention towards high risk areas of a given system. Consequently, it is left to the viewer of the graphs and data to determine which are the riskier systems or riskier areas within a system.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A symbol independent automatic frequency controller (100) includes a symbol correlator (110) for receiving a complex digital signal generated within a selective call receiver wherein the symbol correlator provides a real signal (114), an imaginary signal (116), and a magnitude signal (112), a discriminator (140) coupled to the symbol correlator for receiving and processing the real signal and the imaginary signal to provide a frequency error signal, a low pass filter (120) and comparison element (130) for filtering the magnitude signal and comparing the magnitude signal to a predetermined lock threshold signal that controls the bandwidth of the symbol correlator in the event the magnitude signal exceeds the lock threshold signal, and a feedback loop providing the imaginary signal (116) to an accumulator (170) and back to the symbol correlator wherein the accumulator provides the symbol correlator with an apriori-symbol phase feedback (172).

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus in a communication device, such as a selective call receiver, and more particularly to a communication device capable of eliminating a symbol phase and frequency difference between transmitted symbols and apriori symbols generated within a correlator.
The Maximum Likelihood Detector which is also known as the Optimum Noncoherent Detector (or correlation detector) for detecting frequency shifted keyed (FSK) signals in an additive white gaussian noise channel is well known. The performance of a correlation detector can also be achieved with other detector architectures such as a Matched Filter or a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). However, the ability of these detectors to achieve a significant sensitivity improvement (i.e., 4 dB) over that of discriminators for M-level orthogonal signaling (i.e. FLEX(copyright)) or up to 3 dB improvement for 4-level quasi-orthogonal signaling (i.e., ReFLEX(copyright)) depends greatly on the frequency offset between the transmitter and receiver. For example, acceptable performance of the correlation detector (in a FLEX receiver) requires the transmitter""s carrier frequency and receiver""s local oscillator frequency to match better than about 0.2 parts per million (ppm) at 900 MegaHertz. Stable frequency references accurate to this level of precision are not available at a reasonable cost. At least 5 to 10 ppm of residual frequency offset error is typical in today""s radios. Thus, what is needed is a correlation detector having an automatic frequency control (AFC) system capable of providing acceptable performance in terms of eliminating frequency offset error at very low cost.

Method and apparatus for symbol independent discriminator correlator automatic frequency control


A method for producing an optical recording medium, includes: filling a plurality of spaces with a liquid photosensitive material, wherein each of the plurality of spaces is surrounded by a surface of a sheet material and partition walls that are formed on the surface of the sheet material for separating a plurality of recording areas, and the surface of the sheet material has recessed parts at positions where the plurality of recording areas is to be formed, each of the recessed parts protruding and deformed to a back surface side of the sheet material so as to have a volume in relation to a volumetric shrinkage factor of the photosensitive material; and pressing a member having a substantially flat surface to a back surface of the sheet material to make the recessed parts substantially flat and heating and hardening the photosensitive material to form the plurality of recording areas.

(i) Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method for producing an optical recording medium.
(ii) Related Art
For instance, in the technique of a hologram recording, an optical recording medium including a recording area composed of a photosensitive material is irradiated with signal light corresponding to information desired to be recorded on the recording medium to generate a photo-reaction in the photosensitive material so that the information is recorded. The optical recording medium used in such a technique may occasionally have a plurality of recording areas mutually separated by partition walls. Thus, the plurality of recording areas can each independently record the information without receiving an influence of the photo-reaction arising in other recording areas.
When a liquid photosensitive material is hardened to form the recording areas, a volumetric shrinkage ordinarily arises in the photosensitive material to decrease its volume. Accordingly, even when the surface of the liquid photosensitive material is flat, the surfaces of the recording areas may not be possibly flattened due to the influence of the volumetric shrinkage when the photosensitive material is hardened. If irregularities are generated in the surfaces of the recording areas, when the recording areas irradiated with a light, the irradiation of the light may give an adverse effect to an accuracy for recording and reproducing information owing to a factor that the applied light is scattered.

Method for producing optical recording medium


A device for protecting a low voltage LED direct driver comprises a rectifying stage, a major string, a minor string, a high voltage NFE, a pull-up resistor, and an avalanche unit (zener diode or equivalent component). The high voltage NFET has a gate, a drain and a source. The drain of the high voltage NFET is connected to a bottom end of the major string, the source of the high voltage NFET is connected to a top of the minor string. The pull-up resistor is connected between the gate of the high voltage NFET. The avalanche unit has a first end and a second end. The first end of the avalanche unit is connected to the gate of the high voltage NFET and the pull-up resistor. High voltage NFET is placed just above the low voltage LED direct driver and biased, which provides excellent voltage protection for the low voltage LED direct driver.

Direct Drivers for LED lamps are popular for their low cost, low EMI and high efficiency. The general operating principle of these low voltage LED direct drivers is that they are able to reconfigure the overall number of LED diodes in a large LED string. The number of powered LED diodes, with a proper design, is always the optimal amount for any combination of input voltage, LED temperature, LED current and LED forward voltage variation.
However, problems always occur when the operating conditions are outside the normal window, for instance if a user plugs a 120 V LED lamp into a 220 V socket, the circuit inside the LED lamp may be damaged due to the over-voltage condition of the input voltage. Therefore, there is still a need to provide adequate safeguards to maintain product and user safety for operating under some abnormal conditions.

Device for protecting a low voltage LED direct driver

Song Fang Yuan, Shangdixili, Haidian Dist., Beijing

BEIJING EFFILED OPTO-ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD


Color image transform coding methods and apparatus which take advantage of redundant information which is normally present in the luminance and chrominance components of a color image are described. The transform coding method of the present invention, can normally provide increased compression and/or better image quality at a given coding data rate than conventional JPEG or JPEG 2000 coding which does not use the transform of the present invention as part of the color component coding process. These benefits are normally achieved without generating more coefficients than would be generated in the case of more conventional coding such as JPEG or JPEG 2000 coding. In fact, the transform of the present invention can be applied to increase the coding efficiency of coding systems which perform spatial transforms and modeling and entropy coding operations of the type normally used in JPEG and/or JPEG 2000 coding systems.

Many three-component color image coders follow the broad design shown in FIG. 1 which shows an exemplary known grayscale image coder 100. The known grayscale image coder 100 receives raw image data (l) and performs a forward spatial transform operation 102 thereon to produce coefficients 1t. Examples of forward spatial transforms which may be performed in step 102 include a forward discrete cosine transform, e.g., in the case of JPEG coding and a 9/7 or 5/3 forward wavelet transform, e.g., in the case of JPEG 2000 coding.
The coefficients lt generated by the forward spatial transform 102 are then subject to modeling and entropy coding in the next step 104 which generates the coded image data (lc). Step 104 may result in some data being discarded, e.g., in the case of lossy coding. Examples of operations performed in modeling and entropy coding step 104 include, e.g., in the case of JPEG coding, Quantization and Huffman coding and, in the case of JPEG 2000, Quantization, MQ-coder processing, elaborate modeling, and code-stream re-arrangement.
The know gray scale coding process shown in FIG. 1 is exemplary of both the original JPEG coding algorithm (wherein the spatial transform is a discrete cosine transform) and the JPEG 2000 standard for lossless or lossy coding. The color-component and spatial transforms share two important functions: decorrelating image data (thereby reducing entropy) and facilitating the visual weighting of various errors.
Decoding usually, but not always, involves performing the inverse of the various steps performed during encoding. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary known grayscale decoding process 200 for decoding images encoded using an encoder, e.g., standard JPEG or JPEG 2000 encoder, which operates in accordance with the process shown in FIG. 1. The decoding method 200 includes a modeling and entropy decoding step 202 which receives the coded image values lc as input values and generates the intermediate values lxt there from. Examples of operations performed in the modeling and entropy decoding step 202 include, e.g., Huffman decoding and dequantization in the case of JPEG. In the case of JPEG-2000 step 202 may include, e.g., Code-stream re-assembly, elaborate modeling, MQ decoder processing and dequantization. The lxt values are then subject to a reverse spatial transform in step 204 to produce the decoded image values lx. In the case of JPEG, the reverse spatial transform 204 is normally a reverse discrete cosine transform. In the case of JPEG-2000, the reverse spatial transform may be, e.g., a 9/7 or 5/3 reverse wavelet transform. The decoding process 200 normally produces a lossy decoded image since the coding and decoding process normally results in the loss of some image information, e.g., but with the advantage of reduced image data storage and/or transmission requirements thanks to the compression benefits obtained through the use of the coding process.
The grayscale coding process shown in FIG. 1, and decoding process shown in FIG. 2, are shown for a single image component, e.g., the luminance component. However, in the case of color images, each image normally has several components. Consider for example lossy JPEG 2000 method of coding an image, with red, green, and blue components as shown in FIG. 3. The first step in lossy coding process 300 is the irreversible color-component transform step 302 which converts the red, green, and blue (RGB) input components to a luminance component and two chrominance components. In the case of JPEG, the luminance component, indicated in FIG. 3 using L, is generally known as the Y component, while the first and second chrominance components are normally described as U and V components. Thus, in the case of JPEG, separate Y, U and V components are the output of step 302. In the case of JPEG 2000 coding, step 302 would convert an RGB input signal into a Y, Cb, Cr signal format. Thus, in the case of JPEG 2000 coding step 302 would output a separate luminance (Y) signal indicated using an L in FIG. 3, and first and second chrominance components Cb, Cr, respectively, correspond, respectively, to the values U and V output by step 302. Each of the separate luminance and chrominance components L, U, V generated in step 302 are then independently subjected to grayscale coding in steps 304, 306 and 308, respectively. The coded signaling components Lc, Uc and Vc generated by steps 304, 306 and 306 are then merged in step 310 to produce a set of coded image data (Ic) representing the image which is being coded. A noteworthy feature of the known color-component transform shown in FIG. 3 is that each pixel's three components (Y,U,V) or (Y,Cb,Cr) are transformed independently.
JPEG 2000's second lossy coding step, which is part of each of the grayscale image coding steps 304, 306, 308 in some JPEG 2000 coding systems, is the irreversible 9/7 wavelet transform. This transform removes redundancy between neighboring sample values of each component. Each transform step replaces the LL sub-band with a quartet of LL, HL, LH, and HH sub-bands (the original image component being considered an LL sub-band). Thus the resulting number N of sub-bands is N=3L+1, where L is the number of wavelet transform steps.
A noteworthy feature of the wavelet transform is that each component is transformed independently of the others. Moreover, in JPEG 2000 and similar color image coders the subsequent modeling and entropy coding steps operate on each image component independently of the others. This leaves a fair amount of redundancy across image components, e.g., luminance and chrominance components, even after the color-component transform.
Known color image decoding techniques generally involve performing the inverse of the operations performed to encode a color image. FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of an exemplary color image decoding operation 400. The decoding operation involves splitting the set of image data in step 402 into sets corresponding to the separate luminance and chrominance coefficients used to represent the image in an encoded format. Each of the separate luminance and chrominance components is then subject to an independent grayscale image decoding operation in steps 404, 406, 408 respectively. The grayscale decoding operation generates Y, U, and V signals in the case of JPEG and Y, Cb and Cr signals in the case of JPEG 2000. From grayscale image decoding steps 404, 406, 408 operation then proceeds to reverse color transform step 412 wherein the luminance and chrominance signals are subject to a reverse color transform operation which produces signal lx which is an RGB signal representing the lossily decoded image.
While image coding techniques have made significant advances over the years, there remains room for improvement in terms of coding efficiency. Coding efficiency may be expressed in terms of the quality of an image after decoding given a particular amount of data used to represent the image in encoded form. A higher coding efficiency is achieved if the same amount of coded image data provides a superior decoded image and/or if less coded image data is required to achieve the same decoded image quality as achieved by another coding technique that requires the use of more coded image data to achieve the same result.
In view of the above discussion, it is apparent that there is a need for improved coding methods and apparatus which can take advantage of redundancy which exists across color image components to achieve increased coding efficiency as compared to known coding techniques. Any new methods and apparatus should be relatively simple to implement. From an implementation standpoint, it is desirable that the number of coefficients generated as part of a new coding process not be significantly greater than the number of coefficients which would be generated, e.g., using the known process described with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, from an implementation standpoint, it is desirable that any coding changes from the known techniques should be relatively easy to implement from a computation and/or hardware perspective and not result in significant increases in encoder and/or decoder complexity over that of known systems.

Data transform for improved compression of multicomponent images


An anti-theft suspension device for socket including a main body, a socket holder, and a locking mechanism is provided. The socket holder includes a seat and a receiving member. The seat is disposed on the main body. The receiving member is rotatably disposed on the seat. The receiving member is rotatable between a locking position and a unlock position. The socket holder includes a positioning bump located on one of the seat and the receiving member. When the receiving member is rotated, the positioning bump is alternatively exposed outside the socket holder to buckle the socket or received in the socket holder to release the socket.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device, more especially o an anti-theft suspension device for socket.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional sockets for handtools are displayed for selling by some suspension devices. Specifically, most suspension devices for socket have anti-theft mechanisms to prevent from being stolen.
A conventional socket suspension device has an anti-theft mechanism including an elastic piece. The elastic piece is deformed and disposed in the socket to position the socket. However, to install the socket or to detach the socket, a user has to press the elastic piece, so operation of the suspension device is quite difficult.


The present invention includes methods and apparatus for easily adjusting a shock and strut assembly to modify the ride height of a vehicle by providing one or more spacers to be placed between the lower spring seat mount and the spring seat plate that rests upon it in order to raise the ride height of a vehicle. Embodiments include a unique location for a lower spring seat mount. The position of the lower spring seat mount may be lowered to reduce the ride height of the vehicle, and one or more spacers may be inserted above the lower spring seat mount to raise the ride height of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to automotive suspension technology, and more specifically to shock absorber and strut assemblies and methods for using such assemblies in aftermarket modification.
2. Description of the Related Art
Shock absorbers have been used as a part of suspension systems for automobiles for many years as a means to lessen vibration of driving on rough road surfaces and to increase ride quality. Most strut assemblies commonly used on automotive vehicles include a shock absorber (dampener) with a coil spring. These strut assemblies are attached to the underside of a body of a vehicle and connect to the suspension. The upper mounting unit of such a strut assembly has a spring mounting unit and shock absorber shaft connection point which secures to the underside of the vehicle. The upper end of the spring sits in the upper mounting unit and extends downward surrounding the shock absorber. The spring mounts to a lower spring seat which is fixed to the exterior of the shock absorber. The shock absorber continues downward and connects to a steering knuckle or other component of the vehicle suspension. The combination of the spring and shock absorber lessens the vibration created while driving, and further plays a significant role in ride height. The coil springs are a given length when compressed with the load of the vehicle. The spring raises the riding height of the vehicle based on the location of the lower spring seat on the shock absorber. Depending on the vehicle, such a distance has been calculated, and the lower spring seat is fixedly attached to the shock absorber in a location to effectuate the desired lift in the vehicle.
Aftermarket modification of vehicles, specifically of suspension components, is a popular and ever-growing market. Markets have arisen for both the raising and lowering of vehicle ride height for both aesthetic purposes and for performance. Many cars and trucks are lowered and have modified suspension systems for improved handling in street applications; and many vehicles, including trucks, sport utility vehicles, and jeeps have raised ride heights and stronger suspension components for off-road applications. Many times the shocks and springs of such vehicles are replaced to change the handling characteristics of the vehicle. Softer or firmer coil springs may replace factory units in order to effectuate the ride preference of the driver. In addition, many different types of shock absorbers can be used offering the driver different options. When aftermarket components are used, they do not necessarily meet the dimensions of the factory units, and adjustment of the suspension may be necessary to obtain the desired ride height.
Aftermarket modifications, especially those which raise or lower the chassis of a vehicle, create unique problems not usually encountered with an unmodified vehicle. For instance, many modifications can be combined, thereby different dimensions and tolerances within the suspension system can be created which are not normally encountered. Further, some modifications may affect ride height by interchanging different components of the suspension of a vehicle. When this occurs, it may be desired to modify the ride height, but there is no simple method to effectuate such a solution. To compound the issue, labor on suspension systems can be difficult and time consuming. Accordingly, many consumers may be discouraged to modify the suspension of a vehicle due to the effort or the expense in labor costs to hire someone to install and properly configure an aftermarket suspension.
An example of a strut assembly that may be adjusted to change the vehicle ride height is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,045. However, the adjustment assembly disclosed involves the use of a ring gear that is adjusted by way of an outwardly protruding knob. Such a system includes inherent problems with regard to locking the ring gear in place, unintentional adjustment of the ring gear by accidental contact with the outwardly protruding knob, and further the difficulty to make exact adjustments in height. Additionally, wear on the ring gear may lead to failure thereby endangering the passengers of the vehicle.
Another strut assembly that allows for the adjustment in ride height is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,780. The device described in this patent uses a system involving two springs to adjust the ride height. This design includes a greater number of components thereby increasing costs and allowing for more potential points of failure.
It is therefore desirable to provide a shock absorber and strut system that is capable of being easily adjusted to raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle without the need to adjust or replace other components of the suspension.

Leveling shock absorber and strut assembly


A rotary slide valve, in particular for speed-dependent power steering systems in motor vehicles, has a torsion bar, a rotary slide, and a control bushing. The control bushing is pressed onto a pinion and the torsion bar is inserted into a torsion bar bore of the pinion. The control bushing is connected rotation-fast to the pinion by shaping. The torsion bar has teeth that are pressed into the torsion bar bore of the pinion and that connect the torsion bar to the pinion rotation-fast.

The invention relates to a rotary slide valve, in particular for speed-dependent power steering systems in motor vehicles.
The invention also relates to a method for assembling a rotary slide valve.
Rotary slide valves, for instance the Servotronic 2 valve from ZF Lenksysteme GmbH, are known from the general prior art. The general manner in which rotary slide valves function has also been known from the prior art for some time, in particular its use in vehicle power steering systems.
The known rotary slide valves have a torsion bar, a rotary slide, and a control bushing. In this, it is provided that the control bushing is pressed onto a pinion and the torsion bar is placed or pushed into a torsion bar bore of the pinion. A bore is added to the control bushing, torsion bar, and pinion, into which bore a pin is then inserted that joins the pinion rotation-fast to the torsion bar and the control bushing.
In this it is disadvantageous that, due to the boring, boring chips occur that can later cause problems. Moreover, adding the bore and the subsequent addition of a pin entails corresponding complexity in assembly and logistics.


A hydraulic accumulator, in particular in the form of a piston accumulator, has an accumulator housing (10) and a separating element (20) arranged in the housing. The separating element is in the form of a piston, which separates a fluid side (22) from a gas side (24). At least the gas side (24) can be inspected, at least in part, by at least one sight glass (34, 36) that is fixed in the accumulator housing (10).

Accumulators, also called gas pressure accumulators, are also called piston accumulators, bladder accumulators, diaphragm accumulators and bellows accumulators, depending on the separating element used to separate a gas side from a liquid side in the accumulator housing. The hydraulic accumulators mentioned have, at least before they are connected to their respective fluid circuit, a pre-determinable pressure setpoint value on the gas side. The pressure setpoint value is also referred to as the accumulator gas preload.
If the separator element fails, liquid will transfer from the liquid side to the gas side of the accumulator, resulting in a loss of gas preload and regularly rendering the hydraulic accumulator unusable.
In order to detect this case of failure, DE 42 27 657 A1 proposes a device for checking a predeterminable setpoint position of a piston, which piston can be moved within the accumulator housing, as a separating element. The accumulator housing on one side of the separating element is filled with gas, and the other side can be connected to a fluid circuit. The setpoint position is related to the predeterminable gas preload. In the known solution, the separating piston has a testing body, to which a visible marking identifying the setpoint position of the separating element on the outside of the accumulator housing has been assigned. In relation to the marking, an ultrasonic testing device, provided for the respective testing body, can be placed on the accumulator. If, during subsequent operation and when checked again by the ultrasonic testing device, the current position of the separating piston deviates from the setpoint position of the separating piston, wherein the setpoint position matches a predeterminable gas preload, this deviation indicates that the hydraulic accumulator is no longer working properly.
A further monitoring device for hydraulic accumulators is known from DE 10 2014 001 283 A1. Whereas in the above-mentioned state of the art, the operating situation of the hydraulic accumulator can only be tested based on the interposition of a testing device having the appropriate sensor technology, the present monitoring device provides a visually recognizable display arranged on the accumulator for the checking. For this purpose, a viewing window is arranged on the wall of the housing as part of the monitoring device. Through this viewing window, an indicator can be observed. The indicator is connected to the gas chamber in a media-conveying manner. The optical properties of the indicator change recognizably when wetted with a liquid, which regularly happens when liquid is unintentionally transferred to the gas side because the separating element fails. By observing the indicator through a pressure-sealed closed viewing window, directly mounted to the accumulator housing, the function can be monitored particularly easily and safely from the outside during operation.
Both monitoring devices have in common that the transfer of liquid from the liquid side of the accumulator to the gas side of the accumulator in the event of a corresponding failure of the separating element is the only failure case that can be detected. However, other cases of damage cannot be detected that way. Neither can any other observation of the condition of the hydraulic accumulator be performed in this way.


A general purpose method to segment any kind of lesions in 3D images is provided. Based on a click or a stroke inside the lesion from the user, a distribution of intensity level properties is learned. The random walker segmentation method combines multiple 2D segmentation results to produce the final 3D segmentation of the lesion.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for image segmentation for separation of a foreground object from a background. In particular, it relates to interactive 3D segmentation of an object from a background.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States as half a million people die each year. For this reason, it is important to diagnose the disease as early as possible and monitor it carefully as it is being treated. In addition to primary tumors, physicians are also interested in secondary tumors that might have metastasized through the rest of the body. The main areas of concern are the liver (because many forms of cancer generate liver metastases) and lymph nodes (because cancers spread through the lymphatic system).
The current standards to measure lesions for cancer monitoring are the WHO and RECIST criteria. The first criterion was proposed in 1979 by the World Health Organization in its "WHO handbook for reporting results of cancer treatment," and measures a tumor in two dimensions by its maximum diameter in an axial image multiplied by its largest perpendicular diameter in the same image.
In 2000, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) in P. Therasse, S. G. Arbuck, E. A. Eisenhauer, J. Wanders, R. S. Kaplan, L. Rubinstein, J. Verweij, M. van Glabbeke, A. T. van Oosterom, M. C. Christian, and S. G. Gwyther, "New guidelines to evaluate the response to treatment in solid tumors," Journal of the National Cancer Institute, vol. 92, no. 3, pp. 205-216, 2000, stated that the maximum diameter in an axial image alone could be used to quantify tumor sizes. It has been shown, however, that volume measurements provide more accurate estimates of the lesion sizes than one- and two-dimensional criteria as described in L. van Hoe, E. van Cutsem, I. Vergote, A. L. Baert, E. Bellon, P. Dupont, and G. Marchal, "Size quantification of liver metastases in patients undergoing cancer treatment: reproducibility of one-, two-, and three-dimensional measurements determined with spiral CT," Radiology, vol. 202, no. 3, pp. 671-675, 1997.
A lesion may be characterized in size and/or shape by different characteristics. These characteristics may include: volume, RECIST diameter, orthogonal diameter, WHO criterion, maximum 3D diameter, Z-extent, eccentricity, mean Hounsfield Unit, standard deviation of the Hounsfield Unit. These characteristics may be determined from a 3D segmentation of a lesion in 3D image data. Other characteristics may also be used.
Unfortunately, there are no good tools available to measure lesion volumes and it is very time consuming to manually outline them in 3D. Accordingly, novel and improved methods and systems for segmentation which from a single click inside or a stroke through the lesion can produce a 3D segmentation are required.


An impedance matching switch circuit module includes a first switch device connected to first and second high-frequency input/output terminals, a second switch device connected between the first high-frequency input/output terminal and a first matching terminal, and a third switch device connected between the second high-frequency input/output terminal and a second matching terminal. Impedance matching elements having appropriately set element values (inductances or capacitances) are connected to the first and second high-frequency input/output terminals and the first and second matching terminals, and on/off control is performed for the first, second, and third switch devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to impedance matching circuit modules configured to perform impedance matching between an antenna and a high-frequency front end unit, and also relates to impedance matching switch circuit modules included in the impedance matching circuit modules.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wireless communication terminals, such as cellular phones, include an antenna for transmitting/receiving high-frequency signals to/from the outside and a high-frequency front end unit for performing transmission processing and reception processing for high-frequency signals. If impedance matching is not performed between the antenna and high-frequency front end unit in the frequency band of transmitted/received high-frequency signals, the high-frequency signals cannot be transmitted between the antenna and the high-frequency front end unit with a low loss. Thus, in general, an impedance matching circuit is arranged between the antenna and the high-frequency front end unit. In other words, the antenna is connected to the front end unit through the impedance matching circuit.
In recent years, the frequency band of an antenna and a high-frequency front end unit has been increasingly widened and the antenna and the high-frequency front end unit are capable of supporting a plurality of bands (communication frequency bands) within this wide frequency band. However, an impedance matching circuit defined by a fixed circuit pattern including only inductors and capacitors allows impedance matching to be performed in a limited frequency band and, thus, it is not easy to achieve low-loss transmission of high-frequency signals in the above-described plurality of bands.
Accordingly, in the high-frequency module (referred to as an antenna device in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-179426) disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-179426, an LC resonant circuit is connected to or disconnected from an antenna in accordance with a transmission/reception band, and low-loss transmission of high-frequency signals in two different bands is realized by selectively using this LC resonant circuit.
However, in the high-frequency module disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-179426, widening of a band cannot be achieved by using a single LC resonant circuit since there is an influence from the band pass characteristics of the LC resonant circuit. Thus, when the frequency bands are spaced apart from each other, an LC resonant circuit needs to be provided for each of the bands in which the antenna and the front end unit perform transmission and reception. The number of switching terminals varies in accordance with the number of the LC resonant circuits. Thus, when the number of utilized bands is increased due to widening of a band (wider frequency band), the number of the LC resonant circuits and the number of the switching terminals of the switches are increased, which results in an increase in the size of the high-frequency module. In other words, it is not easy to reduce a device size while still supporting a wide band. Further, the circuit constants of the LC circuit need to be adjusted in accordance with the utilized band whenever the utilized band changes and, thus, the specifications of the switch need to be changed, making it difficult to change the design.

Impedance matching switch circuit, impedance matching switch circuit module, and impedance matching circuit module


The present invention relates to a process for preparing a dispersion of high grade polyester copolymer resin in water comprising 1) combining a crude polyester copolymer resin, having particles of various sizes, with water; 2) heating and agitating the resin/water mixture; 3) cooling the mixture; 4) continuously filtering the mixture to remove the largest size resin particles; 5) allowing the mixture to stand undisturbed so that any undispersed particles settle out as a sediment; and 6) removing the sediment, leaving a dispersion of the smallest resin particles in water. By using a plurality of filters and sequentially finer filter mesh sizes, a high grade product is attained.

1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to processes for preparing a polyester copolymer resin and more specifically it relates to a process for dispersing a crude polyester copolymer resin and separating out, via continuous multi-stage filtration, the smallest size particles present in the crude starting material.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known in the art to utilize filter systems to separate polyester copolymer resin dispersions. Speaking generally, these methods use inert filter aides such as diatomaceous earth. The most common filter press design consists of alternate plates and frames hung on a rack and forced tightly together with a hydraulic closing mechanism. Feed slurry is then pumped to the press under pressure. As the filtration proceeds, filter cakes build up on the filter cloths until the cakes form a nearly solid mass, requiring that they be removed for further processing. With these processes, the finished product (the polyester resin) is obtained in the form of the filter cake removed from the filter press, and the filtrate solution is the by-product. In the instant invention, however, the filtrate is the desired product and the removed sediment is the by-product.

Continuous process for preparing polyester copolymer resin


A green tire forming apparatus including a belt forming mechanism, a transferring mechanism, a green tire forming mechanism, and bead setting mechanisms. The bead setting mechanisms function to carry beads to their designated positions on the green tire forming apparatus and to push ply turn-up bladders as the green tire is formed. The transferring mechanism transfers one of the beads and a belt assembly on the green tire forming apparatus thereby simplifying the device's structure. As a result, the number of elements required for forming a tire can be minimized.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming green tires. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improvement of an apparatus and method for forming green tires using transfer equipment which is positioned between a green tire former and a belt former that is moved therebetween. The apparatus a belt-tread assembly formed by the belt former to set assembly on a periphery of a green carcass to be toroidally shaped by the green tire former.
In a conventional green tire forming technique, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a belt-tread assembly is formed by a belt former 101 on one side. A green carcass is formed by a green tire former 102 on the other side. Beads are held by bead setting mechanisms 103A, 103B, respectively and moved to predetermined positions on the tire former 102 by air cylinders 104A, 104B. The beads are then fixed with the green carcass by extending the diameters of bead lock mechanisms integrated in first and second shoulder formers 106A, 106B. The belt-tread assembly formed by the belt former 101 is positioned on the periphery of the green carcass by a transferring mechanism 105. The green carcass is toroidally shaped by feeding shaping air inside the green carcass while moving both shoulder formers 106A, 106B inwardly toward each other using a driving mechanism (not shown). The belt-tread assembly is then attached to the green carcass. Both edges of the carcass ply are turned up around the beads by expanding ply turn-up bladders provided to the first and the second shoulder formers 106A, 106B. The ply turn-up bladders are further pressed from outside in both directions by expanding the pressing bladders (for example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 70548/1984) provided outside of the ply turn-up bladders. The turned-up portion and the side walls of the carcass ply are firmly fixed to the body of the carcass to complete a green tire.
A conventional apparatus employed in this kind of green tire forming technique is generally mechanically complicated as mentioned above. In a conventional apparatus, for example, the bead setting mechanisms (the bead setters 103A, 103B) for setting beads at predetermined positions on a green carcass arranged on a green tire former, and the pressing mechanisms (pressing bladders) for pressing ply turn-up bladders from sides thereof, are independently and separately provided.
Also, in the conventional tire forming apparatus, in order to hold and to release a belt-tread assembly, the transferring mechanism utilizes a plurality of segments forming an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the assembly, and a bladder or an air cylinder operated with air pressure for increasing or decreasing the inner diameter of an annular portion constituted by the segments, namely for extension or retraction of the segments. Accordingly, in holding the belt-tread assembly to position it at the periphery of the green carcass and combining the assembly with the green carcass which is shaped toroidally, the air is pressurized to retreat the segments when the belt-tread assembly is pushed outward by expansion force of the green carcass generated by inner pressure for shaping and the resulting pressurizing force is applied to the bladder or the air cylinder, the drive of the segments, via the segments. As a result, the outer diameter of the belt and tread are expanded undesirably, so that there arises a problem in that a defective tire is produced. Further, when the belt-tread assembly is combined with the green carcass, as illustrated inside the dotted circle C in FIG. 11, neither edge of the assembly is firmly adhered to the green carcass, making it necessary to press the edges by a stitcher afterward. As a result, there also arises a problem in that, when pressurizing, the breaker edge is deformed, or cords are snaked or separated whereby the uniformity of a tire is badly influenced.
Further, in order to remove a produced green tire from the tire former, an exclusive take-out mechanism is provided separately, or the segments of the transferring mechanism are utilized. However, there are such drawbacks that the apparatus becomes complicated when the take-out mechanism is separately provided, and it takes much time for taking out the produced green tire from the transferring mechanism when the segments are used.

Green tire forming apparatus with transfer mechanism


When a source program is, by a compiler, translated to an object program that can be executed by a computer, a diagnostic object generating portion provided as one function of the compiler generates a virus diagnosing portion in the object program. The virus diagnosing portion performs a verification of the program size, verification of a checksum, verification of revision information such as date of creation, verification of the disk address, verification of the object program and the verification of the object program using compression and decompression.

The present invention relates to a system for creating a virus diagnosing mechanism, a method of creating the same, a virus diagnosing apparatus and a method therefor arranged for the purpose of preventing computer virus infection, and more particularly to a system for creating a virus diagnosing mechanism acting as an antibody against an invading virus, a method of creating the same, a virus diagnosing apparatus and a method therefor.
In computer systems developed in recent years, generations of computer viruses raise a necessity of a function which is capable of preventing virus infection. Hitherto, if an abnormal phenomenon, such as breakage of a file, has taken place due to infection of an outside computer virus computer vaccines capable of the function of making the computer virus ineffective have been developed for the purpose of preventing the virus infection.
However, the conventional prevention against the virus infection by using the computer vaccine involves a long time to develop a vaccine effective to a virus of a new type. Therefore, there arises a risk of infection with the virus during the time required for the development. In addition, even if infection with a virus has taken place, damage of a degree that one file disappears cannot be found out and thus there arises a problem that the damage of the file breakage spreads critically until the virus infection is detected.

System for creating virus diagnosing mechanism, method of creating the same, virus diagnosing apparatus and method therefor