A lithium secondary battery provided by this invention has electrodes and configured in a structure in which active material layers, including active materials and binders, are held by collectors. The active material of at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrodes is formed from a metal compound which stores and releases lithium ions through conversion reactions. The lithium secondary battery includes a polyimide-base resin as a binder.

Lithium secondary batteries are anticipated to become high-output power sources suitable for installation in vehicles. As the negative electrode active material of such secondary batteries, typically graphite carbon, amorphous carbon or other carbon-base materials, lithium-transition metal oxides (Li4Ti5O12 and other lithium titanium oxides and similar), lithium-transition metal nitrides, and similar are used. Such active materials store and release lithium ions through intercalation reactions (that is, reactions to cause inclusion of different molecules and ions between inorganic crystalline layers). However, using such active materials, lithium storage capacity is limited by the crystal structure of the material, so that dramatic increases in capacity cannot be expected. For example, when graphite carbon is used as the negative electrode active material, one Li atom is intercalated per six carbon atoms, so that the charge/discharge capacity has an upper limit of 372 mAh/g. Hence various negative electrode materials which may realize charge/discharge capacities equal to or greater than those of current negative electrode materials (for example, 1000 mAh/g or higher) have been studied.
In recent years, it has been reported that Fe2O3, CoO and other transition metal oxides, as well as NiP2 and other phosphides, can function as active materials (for example, negative electrode active materials) with extremely high capacities (see for example Patent Reference 1). For example, in an electrode comprising Fe2O3 as an active material (an iron oxide-base electrode), a charge/discharge capacity of 1000 mAh/g or higher can be exhibited. Transition metal compounds such as the abovementioned have high capacities compared with conventional oxide-base materials (for example, Li4Ti5O12 and other lithium-transition metal compounds) using intercalation reactions, and can attain higher capacities through the use of reduction reactions from the compound state to a simple metal.
When the transition metal compounds are electrochemically reduced, the oxygen atoms (or phosphorus atoms) which had been bonded with the transition metal react with Li+ ions to form Li2O (or Li3P), and the transition metal element itself becomes a simple metal. Further, upon electrochemical oxidation the Li2O (or Li3P) is decomposed, returning to Li+ ions. Through such electrochemical reactions, the transition metal compounds make possible reversible electrode reactions. As an example of such electrode reactions, an electrode reaction of an oxide MxOy of a transition metal element M such as Fe, Co or similar is indicated in reaction equation (1) below. Reactions such as the abovementioned in which a transition metal compound (typically an oxide) and a lithium ion are replaced with the simple metal and lithium compounds are called conversion (type) reactions.MxOy+2yLi++2ye−←→xM+yLi2O  (1)

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Lithium secondary battery and method of manufacturing same


A motorcycle arrangement having a frame with an integral air inlet device that takes ram air and delivers it to the engine induction system. The frame air inlet device includes an enlarged portion that encircles components of the front wheel suspension so as to provide a large flow volume without interfering with the steering of the motorcycle.

This invention relates to a wind introducing system for a motorcycle and more particularly to an improved system for delivering cool ram air to the induction system of a motorcycle.
As is well known, the extremely compact nature of a motorcycle or motorcycle type of vehicle gives rise to a number of design problems. One of these problems is the supply of adequate cool atmospheric air to the engine for its combustion. This problem is made more acute when the engine of a motorcycle is wholly or partially water cooled. The reason for this is that the radiator should be positioned in a forward location so that it will receive adequate air for engine cooling. This normally positions the radiator to the front of the induction system for the engine. As a result, the air drawn into the induction system is heated by the radiator and the volumetric efficiency and performance of the engine can be deteriorated.
In addition, it is now the practice with many forms of motorcycles to provide at least partial cowling so as to improve the wind resistance of the motorcycle and also to offer added comfort to the rider. The addition of external cowling further complicates the problem of providing adequate cool air to the engine induction system.
A number of arrangements have been proposed for providing ram air ducts that will supply air to the engine induction system. These ram air ducts have forwardly placed air inlets for conveying air from a forward position under ram effect back to the engine induction system. However, by providing such separate ducting the construction of the motorcycle becomes more difficult and servicing can become a problem. In addition, such separate ducts frequently do not provide adequate volume so as to insure unrestricted air flow to the engine under all running conditions even if a ram effect is generated.
Arrangements have been provided where the cowling of the motorcycle itself forms an air duct for the induction system or wherein the frame is formed as an air duct for the induction system. Where these constructions are employed, however, either the shape of the cowling and/or the frame does not afford adequate air flow.
It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide an improved air inductions system for a motorcycle.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved air induction system for a motorcycle type of vehicle wherein adequate air flow can be provided and separate ducting is not required.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved motorcycle and air induction system.


A detachable electronic apparatus includes a tablet device and a base. The base includes a back plate and a rotatable supporting device pivoted on the back plate. The rotatable supporting device further includes a supporting bracket and a connector module floating connected to the supporting bracket. The connector module is protruded from an opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is against the back plate. The connector module is stored in the opening of the supporting bracket when the tablet device is separated from the back plate.

In recent years, due to the electronics changing with each passing day, the industry of manufacturing computer, communication, and consumer electronics products (3C products) have become the fastest growing up industry in the world.
Because the living space for the modern people is more limited, sometimes it cannot provide enough space to place a traditional desktop computer. Therefore, an integrated All-in-One computer is appeared, often referred to as the "AIO computer". The AIO computer fully integrates the hardware (e.g., CPU, motherboard, hard drive, monitor, speakers, video camera, etc.) in one body, especially the host is built in the screen.
The occupied space of AIO computer is similar to the occupied space of a liquid crystal display. In addition, the AIO computer can reduce the length of the electronic circuits for connecting the peripheral devices, and effectively save the space thereof. However, the AIO computer still needs a pedestal base to support the screen thereof, so that a user can only use the AIO computer at home, rather than easily carry out the AIO computer. Therefore, there is a need to have an AIO computer not only be operated at home and also be operated outside.


Methods and systems consistent with the present invention intercept and monitor signals of any type associated with a target telephone number in a communications network such that the interception and the monitoring are undetectable. Such methods and systems configure a network by provisioning a route to a collection node in the network, defining a first trigger for intercepting a signal associated with the target telephone number, and by defining a second trigger for routing the intercepted signal on the provisioned route to the collection node. The methods and systems then monitor the signal at the collection node by intercepting the signal based on the first trigger and routing the intercepted signal to the collection node based on the second trigger.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to intercepting and monitoring signals of any type in a communications network, and more particularly, to wiretapping signals of any type in a communications network.
2. Background of the Art
Telecommunication service providers are required under the federal and state law to assist law enforcement personnel in conducting court authorized electronic surveillance (or wiretapping) of target telephone numbers. Electronic surveillance of a target telephone number generally requires intercepting and monitoring signals associated with a target telephone number.
There are three known methods for conducting electronic surveillance of a target telephone number. The first method uses an analog bridge tap, which includes a wire extending from a local loop concentrator box that terminates the loop associated with the target telephone number. The wire connects to a listening device from which signals associated with incoming and outgoing calls directed to the target telephone number are monitored by law enforcement personnel. However, because the wire and the listening device introduce a significant amount of noise into the monitored signal, the analog bridge tap is generally detectable, and thus, is not an effective means for covert electronic surveillance.
The second method uses a loop extension to extend the loop associated with the target telephone number from a local concentrator box to another location such as, a covert government safe-house, which may be remote from the concentrator box. The loop extension extends from the local concentrator box to the safe-house and loops back to the controlling switching office for the target telephone number. At the safe-house, law enforcement personnel monitor signals associated with the target telephone number through a listening device. Like an analog bridge tap, the loop extension is also detectable because the loop and the listening device introduce significant amount of noise into the monitored signal. In addition, because the monitored signal has to travel the entire length of the loop extension, the loop extension may reduce the power of the monitored signal, and thus, may degrade the service provided to the target telephone number, increasing the likelihood of detection.
The third method intercepts and monitors signals associated with a target telephone number by using a monitoring port at a controlling switching office. Typically, law enforcement personnel use a listening device to monitor the intercepted signals at the controlling switching office or from a remote listening post. This method, however, has the disadvantage that the law enforcement personnel may not be able to exercise control over the controlling switching office during the entire duration of a surveillance, requiring the personnel at the controlling switching office to become a de facto agent of the law enforcement personnel.
Thus, it is desirable to have a method and system for monitoring and intercepting signals of any type in a network without the above-mentioned and other disadvantages of the prior art.
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention intercept and monitor signals of any type in a communications network such that the interception and the monitoring are undetectable. Such methods and systems may intercept and monitor a signal based on one or more items of information such as, a target telephone number, a credit card number, a virtual private network number (VPN), personal identification number (PIN), a prepaid card number, or a third party billing number associated with the signal.
Such methods and systems configure a communications network by provisioning a route to a collection node in the network, defining a first trigger for intercepting a signal associated with a target telephone number, and by defining a second trigger for routing the intercepted signal on the provisioned route to the collection node. The methods and systems then monitor the signal at the collection node by intercepting the signal based on the first trigger and routing the intercepted signal to the collection node based on the second trigger.
In one embodiment, such methods and systems provision a route between one or more switching nodes and a collection node in a communications network, define in the switching nodes a first set of triggers for detecting the signals, and define in a signaling node a second set of triggers for routing the detected signals on the provisioned route to the collection node. The communications network may be any type of network such as, a telecommunications network, a data network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) capable of supporting voice over Internet Protocol (IP), etc.
When a switching node detects a signal associated with a target telephone number, the switching node identifies a first predefined trigger associated with the target telephone number. The switching node executes the first predefined trigger, which identifies a call treatment tag for routing the detected signal. The switching node then sends via out-of-band signaling or in-band signaling the identified call treatment tag to the signaling node.
Based on the identified call treatment tag, the signaling node identifies a second predefined trigger. The signaling node then executes the second predefined trigger, which routes the detected signal on the provisioned route to the next switching node. Accordingly, for each call treatment tag that the signaling node receives, it executes a corresponding second predefined trigger, which routes the signal on the provisioned route to the next switching node.
After the signaling node routes the signal on the provisioned route to the collection node, the signaling node performs normal call routing steps to route the signal to a destination node. When the setup phase for the signal is completed, law enforcement personnel may monitor the contents of the signal at the collection node. When the detected signal terminates, the switching nodes and the signaling node perform normal call termination steps.
In another embodiment, methods and systems consistent with the present invention intercept and monitor signals of any type in a communications network by provisioning in a switching node a virtual loopback route that links an incoming port to a monitoring port in the switching node, defining in the switching node a first trigger for detecting the signals, and defining in a signaling node a second trigger for routing the detected signals through the provisioned route to a destination node in the network.
When the switching node detects a signal associated with a target telephone number, the switching node identifies the first predefined trigger associated with the target telephone number. The switching node executes the first predefined trigger, which identifies a call treatment tag for routing the detected signal. The switching node then sends via out-of-band signaling or in-band signaling the identified call treatment tag to the signaling node.
Based on the identified call treatment tag, the signaling node identifies a second predefined trigger. The signaling node then executes the second predefined trigger, which routes the detected signal on the virtual loopback route to the monitoring port.
After the signaling node routes the signal on the virtual loopback route to the monitoring port, the signaling node performs normal call routing steps to route the signal to a destination node. When the setup phase of the signal is completed, law enforcement personnel may monitor the contents of the signal at the monitoring port. When the detected signal terminates, the switching nodes and the signaling node perform normal call termination steps.

Method and system for intercepting and monitoring signals in a network

General Dynamics Government Systems Corporation


A method of conforming upper and lower detached edge portions of a label to upper and lower contoured sections of a container, includes moving the container along a travel path, and heating at least the upper and lower detached edge portions of the label to a sufficient temperature to achieve a sufficient degree of plasticity as the container moves along the travel path. The method also includes moving the container between a compression plate and a vertically oriented belt disposed about at least two rotatable drums, thereby applying pressure to at least a portion of the label. The method further includes applying pressure to the upper detached edge portion of the label with a first linear brush held in a rigid supporting structure, and applying pressure to the lower detached edge portion of the label with a second linear brush held in a rigid supporting structure.

It is well recognized that in certain applications, heat shrink labels provide a number of distinct advantages over paper and non-shrinkable plastic labels. For example, if the label or film is to be applied to a container or article having a curved, conical, or irregular surface underlying the label, the heat-shrink label can readily be shrunk to conform to the surface anomalies of the container. This conforming capability, in turn, provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the labeled container.
Prior known methods of closely forming film labels wrapped around containers utilize exclusively the application of heat impinging directly upon the film label causing the label's plastic film structure to shrink until the label closely conforms to the container's contours. Prior known methods and apparatuses utilize mainly heated air, or direct infrared irradiation, to initiate and complete the shrinking process of the laminated film labels to the containers. In most applications, the film label must be heated to a temperature of at least 470° F. in order to elevate the film's temperature sufficiently so that the film label will shrink enough to conform to the contour of the container.

Method of conforming a label to the contour of a container


A reverse idler gear mounting structure is easily and reliably assembled in a manual transmission. The transmission has a transmission case with an end wall and a side wall, input and main shafts extending in parallel in the transmission case and having rear ends directed toward the end wall, mutually engaged input and main gears operatively mounted on the input and main shafts respectively, synchronizing mechanisms operatively incorporated with the input and main gears to provide the transmission with a selected gear ratio, reverse input and main gears operatively disposed on the input and main shafts respectively, an idler shaft fixed to the rear wall and a reverse idler gear rotatably disposed on the idler shaft while meshing with both the reverse input and main gears. The reverse idler gear mounting structure comprises a first through bore formed in the rear wall, the first through bore extending in parallel with the input and main shafts and having a size to permit insertion of the idler shaft into the transmission case therethrough; a second through bore arranged coaxial with the first through bore and formed in an inner wall which extends inward from the side wall, the inner wall being spaced apart from the end wall so that a given space is left between the first and second through bores; and a parts-inserting opening formed in the side wall near the end wall, the parts-inserting opening being so sized as to permit insertion of the reverse idler gear into the given space therethrough. The idler shaft has axially opposed first and second end portions respectively received in the first and second through bores leaving a center shaft portion thereof in the given space. The center shaft portion has the reverse idler gear rotatably disposed thereon.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to manual transmissions for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to structures for mounting a reverse idler gear in the transmission.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For clarifying the task of the present invention, one conventional structure for mounting a reverse idler gear in a manual transmission will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
In FIG. 8, there is shown a manual transmission to which the conventional reverse idler gear mounting structure is practically applied. The transmission is of a type having five forward speeds and one reverse.
The transmission comprises a transmission case 2 in which an input shaft 6 and a main shaft 10 are arranged in parallel with each other. The input shaft 6 is rotatably held by bearing units 4a and 4b installed in the transmission case 2, and the main shaft 10 is rotatably held by bearing units 8a and 8b installed in the case 2.
The input shaft 6 has a front end (or right end in FIG. 8) exposed to an interior of a clutch housing 2a which constitutes part of the transmission case 2. Within the clutch housing 2a, there is arranged a clutch (not shown) to which the front end of the input shaft 6 is connected. That is, when the clutch is engaged, a power from an engine (not shown) is transmitted to the input shaft 6 through the clutch. While, when the clutch is disengaged, the power transmission from the engine to the input shaft 6 is intercepted.
The input shaft 6 has first, second and fifth speed input gears 6a, 6b and 6e and a reverse input gear 6f which are integral with or connected to the input shaft 6 to rotate therewith. As shown, the reverse input gear 6f is formed on the left end portion of the input shaft 6. The input shaft 6 has further third and fourth speed input gears 6c and 6d which are rotatably disposed thereon. As shown, the six input gears 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e and 6f are aligned in order.
The main shaft 10 is formed at its front portion with an output gear 11 which is engaged with a final gear 18a of a differential gear unit 18. The main shaft 10 has first, second, third, fourth and fifth speed main gears 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e which are respectively engaged with the first, second, third, fourth and fifth input gears 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 64 of the input shaft 6. The first, second and fifth speed main gears 10a, 10b and 10e are rotatably disposed about the main shaft 10, while the third and fourth speed main gears 10c and 10d are connected to the main shaft 10 to rotate therewith. Rotatably disposed about the rear end of the main shaft 10 is a reverse main gear 10f. The reverse main gear 10f is engaged with the reverse input gear 6f of the input shaft 6 through a reverse idler gear 20 which is rotatably held in the transmission case 2.
Around the main shaft 10 between the first and second speed main gears 10a and 10b, there is arranged a 1-2 synchronizing mechanism 12, around the main shaft 10 between the fifth speed main gear 10e and the reverse main gear 10f, there is arranged a 5-R synchronizing mechanism 14, and around the input shaft 6 between the third and fourth speed input gears 6c and 6d, there is arranged a 3-4 synchronizing mechanism 16.
When, due to operation of selected one of shift forks (not shown), the synchronizing mechanism 12, 14 or 16 is actuated to achieve a fixed connection of the main gear 10a, 10b, 10e or 10f to the main shaft 10 or a fixed connection of the input gear 6c or 6d to the input shaft 6, a certain gear train is established in the transmission. With this, the engine power is transmitted to a drive shaft of the differential gear unit 18 while being changed in rotation speed and in a certain case in rotation direction.
With the above-mentioned arrangement, the manual transmission can be constructed compact in size and light in weight. This is because the reverse idler gear 20 has no need to move axially and the reverse mechanism (that is, the mechanism including the reverse input gear 6f, the reverse main gear 10f and the reverse idler gear 20) can be operated by actuating the 5-R synchronizing mechanism 14 which serves also as means for establishing the fifth gear speed.
In the reverse mechanism, the reverse idler gear 20 is rotatably disposed about an idler shaft 22 through a bearing unit 24. The idler shaft 22 extends in parallel with the input and main shafts 6 and 10.
As is shown in FIG. 9, the idler shaft 22 comprises a center shaft portion 22a about which the bearing unit 24 is arranged, a smaller diameter end portion 22b which coaxially extends from one end of the center shaft portion 22a, a larger diameter discal end portion 22c which coaxially extends from the other end of the center shaft portion 22a and a sectoral block portion 22f which extends from the discal end portion 22c. As shown, the sectoral block portion 22f has a cylindrical outer surface 22d which is flush with a peripheral cylindrical surface of the discal end portion 22c. The sectoral block portion 22f is formed at the cylindrical surface 22d with a threaded bolt hole 22e.
As is shown in FIG. 8, an end wall 2b of the transmission case 2 is formed at its inner surface with a smaller circular recess 2c into which the smaller diameter end portion 22b of the idler shaft 22 is tightly received. A side wall 2d of the transmission case 2 is formed at its inner surface with a concave part 2d.sub.1 with which the cylindrical outer surface 22d of the idler shaft 22 intimately engages. The side wall 2d is formed at the concave part 2d.sub.1 with a bolt opening 28 through which a threaded bolt 30 inserts into and engages with the threaded bolt hole 22e of the idler shaft 22. As is mentioned hereinabove, the reverse idler gear 20 is rotatably disposed on the idler shaft 22 through the bearing unit 24. A washer 26 is disposed on the smaller diameter end portion 22b to operatively hold both the reverse idler gear 20 and the bearing unit 24 on the idler shaft 22.
Although not well shown in FIG. 8, the side wall 2d of the transmission case 2 is further formed near the concave part 2d.sub.1 with a parts-inserting opening whose axial length is denoted by reference "L.sub.1 " in the drawing. The axial length "L.sub.1 " is greater than the axial length of the idler shaft 22.
For mounting the reverse idler gear 20 to a right position in the transmission case 2, the following steps are taken.
First, at open space, a semi-assembled unit is prepared. That is, the bearing unit 24, the washer 26 and the reverse idler gear 20 are attached to the idler shaft 22 to constitute the semi-assembled unit. Then, the semi-assembled unit is inserted into the transmission case 2 through the parts-inserting opening of the same. Then, the semi-assembled unit is manually set, so that the smaller diameter end portion 22b of the idler shaft 22 is put in the recess 2c of the end wall 2b and the cylindrical outer surface 22d of the sectoral block portion 22f of the idler shaft 22 is intimately mated with the concave part 2d.sub.1 of the side wall 2d. After registering the threaded bolt hole 22e of the sectoral block portion 22f with the bolt opening 28 of the side wall 2d, the threaded bolt 30 is inserted into the registered holes and engaged with the threaded bolt hole 22e. With this, the semi-assembled unit is tightly held in the transmission case 2 as is shown in FIG. 8. Upon assemblage of the unit, the reverse idler gear 20 is arranged between the reverse input gear 6f and the reverse main gear 10f while properly meshing with them.
However, due to its inherent construction, the above-mentioned reverse idler gear mounting structure has failed to satisfy the users because of the following reasons.
First, due to the complicated shape of the idler shaft 22 (see FIG. 9), production of it needs a highly precise and time-consumed machining work, which inevitably induces increased cost of the shaft 22, and thus, that of the entire of the reverse idler gear mounting structure.
Second, it is difficult or at least troublesome to insert the semi-assembled unit into the right position in the transmission case 2 through the parts-inserting opening. In fact, the parts insertion work by using only one parts-inserting opening has its limit.

Structure for mounting reverse idler gear in manual transmission


An apparatus that functions as a glove. The apparatus includes a glove adapted to receive a human hand, with areas suitable to fit a plurality of human fingers and a human thumb. In one embodiment, an elastic band comprises the wrist area of the glove, and is fitted to hold an electric inverter, which powers an electroluminescent wire. The electroluminescent wire may be connected to an exterior perimeter of the glove.

Various devices and methods are used by municipal police and fire departments to direct traffic in the event of a traffic accident, natural catastrophe, or failed traffic signals. During the daytime, a police or traffic officer will typically use a whistle and hand signals with gloves to direct traffic. At nighttime when visibility is poorer, an officer will typically hold at least one flashlight to direct traffic while using hand signals with gloves.
From an officer's hand signals, drivers are often confused as to whether stop, slow down, or go through a particular intersection or segment of road. This same problem arises when officers are required to direct pedestrians. Further, if pedestrians are present and the officer is required to direct them in addition to traffic, the problem is compounded. Thus, there is a need to maximize transportation and pedestrian traffic direction by enhancing the visual and mental recognition of traffic instruction.


A management system including a network device provided in a customer environment, a monitoring apparatus, and a management server provided outside the customer environment is provided. When it is determined that an agreement has been obtained from a customer based on a customer status contained in status information acquired from the management server, the monitoring apparatus acquires setting information necessary for a monitoring operation from the management server to start the monitoring operation according to other content contained in the acquired status information. In one or more embodiments, the monitoring apparatus acquires the setting information only when it is determined that the agreement has been obtained from the customer.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique for collecting various kinds of operation information of network devices including an image forming apparatus (such as a printer or a copying machine) on a network, and managing the information.
Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, management systems for collecting operation information such as the number of printed sheets, job logs, and status information from image forming apparatuses to be managed such as copying machines, and managing the operating status of the image forming apparatuses have been provided.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-221799 discusses a technique in starting management of an image forming apparatus. Specifically, first, a communication test is performed between an image forming apparatus to be managed and a monitoring apparatus at the same location as the image forming apparatus, and between the monitoring apparatus and a remotely located central management server, respectively. After the communication test succeeds, the monitoring apparatus starts acquisition of data from the image forming apparatus, and transmission of the acquired data to the central management server.
Under present circumstances, in a customer network environment in which network devices including an image forming apparatus to be managed are provided, information about the network devices and the information about the customer needs to be handled with the greatest care. In recent years, security requirements for such information have become important especially in the field of the network device management.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-221799, when the installation of the monitoring apparatus in the customer network and the communication test have been successfully completed, the management of the operation information by the central management server can be started immediately. At the administrator's side, to immediately start the device management on the agreed start date after the customer agrees to a contract about various services of the device management, an operation for preparation such as installation of the monitoring apparatus in the customer network needs to be performed without waiting for the agreement.
However, in some cases, even though various services of the device management are ready to start, the customer may not have agreed to the contract with the administrator's side due to, for example, review of the contents and start date of the services, or the internal approval process of the services on the customer's side.

Management system and monitoring apparatus


An ultrasound probing device including: a box; a locating mechanism to provide a position of the box in relation to a reference frame associated with an object to be examined; a mechanism to determine a delay law based on focusing parameters, representing a desired position of a focal point in relation to a reference frame associated with the box; a controller to provide control signals based on the delay law; transducers attached to the box, to receive control signals and, in response, to transmit ultrasonic waves in the object respectively delayed according to the delay law to focus at the focal point defined by the focusing parameters; and a mechanism updating the focusing parameters based on predefined associations between positions on a desired path of the box in relation to the reference frame associated with the object and corresponding focusing parameter values and the position of the box.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ultrasound probing device, a method for controlling transducers of an ultrasound probe and a corresponding computer program.
The invention particularly applies to the field of medical imaging, and to non-destructive testing of mechanical parts, particularly parts having a complex shape.
2. Description of the Related Art
The following terminology will be used hereinafter in the description and in the claims.
An ultrasonic, or ultrasound, wave is a mechanical wave having frequencies greater than 20,000 Hertz propagating in a solid, liquid or gas medium.
The terms "position or orientation of an element X in relation to an element Y" signify "position or orientation of a reference frame associated with the element X in relation to a reference frame associated with the element Y".
The French patent published under the number FR 2 786 651 describes an ultrasound probing device comprising a box, locating means designed to provide a position PB/O of the box in relation to a reference frame associated with an object to be examined, means for determining a delay law on the basis of focusing parameters, referenced PF/B, representing a desired position of a focal point in relation to a reference frame associated with the box, control means designed to provide control signals on the basis of the delay law, and transducers attached to the box, designed to receive control signals and, in response, to transmit ultrasonic waves in the object which are delayed with respect to each other according to the delay law such that they focus at the focal point defined by the focusing parameters PF/B.
In this document, the transducers are attached in a movable manner to the box so as to be able to follow the geometry of the surface of the object to be examined. Means for determining the positions of the transducers at all times and for providing these positions to the means for determining the delay law are thus provided. In this way, the means for determining the delay law can account for the positions of the movable transducers to correct the delay law applied and retain the desired position of the focal point in relation to the box.
However, this flexibility has its limitations since a single desired position of the focal point in relation to the box, predetermined for the entire period of probing of the objects and directly integrated in the formulas applied by the means for determining the delay law, is envisaged.
It may thus be sought to provide an ultrasound probing device offering more flexibility in the use thereof, particularly for example by enabling complex focal point paths during the probing of the object.

Ultrasound probing device, method of controlling transducers of an ultrasound probe and corresponding computer program

Commissariat á l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives


In the floor base panel (40), an area on the support board (33) of the vibration proof support leg (30) is formed solid, and in the other area, a plurality of cavities (41) extending parallel to the floor surface are formed. Thereby, because the vibration energy propagated from the impact point of the floor base panel (40) is reflected on the boundary between the cavity formation area and the solid area, and repeatedly passes the cavity formation area, it is attenuated in a short time, and the vibration energy or sound energy transmitted to a slab (20) can be reduced.

The present invention relates to a floor structure arranged on a slab of a building such as a multiple dwelling house, and a floor base panel used for the floor structure.
As the floor structure of the building of the multiple dwelling houses such as an apartment house, generally, a dry type sound shielding double floor is used. Conventional dry type sound shielding double floor is structured in such a manner that a vibration-proof support leg is arranged on the slab which is a concrete floor, at a predetermined interval, each edge of the floor base panel constituted by a particle board or plywood is adhered and fixed on the support board of the vibration-proof support leg, and the finishing lining such as the flooring is conducted on the floor base panel.
Incidentally, in the conventional floor structure, there is a case where the sound shielding is not enough although the finishing lining is conducted on the floor base panel. The rubber mat is laid between the floor base panel and the finishing lining so that a countermeasure of the sound proof is conducted.
Further, in the conventional floor structure, when considering the strength of the floor base panel, because it is necessary to set the interval of the vibration proof support leg to 400 mm–600 mm, which is comparatively narrow, there is a problem that the number of use of the vibration proof support leg is many and the cost is increased, or the work such as the height adjustment of the floor base panel becomes troublesome.
Generally, as a method by which the interval of the vibration proof support leg is increased, it is considered that the strength is increased by increasing the thickness of the floor base panel, however, because the weight of the floor base panel is increased by the amount, a problem that conveying cost is increased, and the conveyance at the time of operation becomes troublesome, or a problem that it is not suited for the application to the floor of the very high building dwelling house, is generated.


An invention is provided for highly scalable data storage. The invention includes a logical storage device having a logical device queue, where the logical device queue includes a plurality of command slots for storing input/output commands. Also included is a plurality of I/O worker processes, each associated with a command slot of the logical device queue, and a logical device queue process which is associated with the logical storage device. When a command is placed in the logical device queue, the logical device queue process provides an index for the command to an I/O worker process associated with the command slot storing the command. The I/O worker process then obtains the command from the logical device queue and facilitates completion of the command.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to large scale storage systems, and more particularly to a highly scalable storage system for delivering high I/O operations per second (IOPS) via multiple I/O threads.
2. Description of the Related Art
Today's large companies and organizations require large-scale high technology computing environments. Such environments require equally large-scale data storage capabilities. In response, the industry of enterprise storage has formed to provide large scale data storage having high reliability, better fault tolerance, as well as a vast amount of available data storage.
Enterprise storage systems often rely on very large disk farms. Reliance upon these disk farms is based upon an assumption that the underlying individual storage components are low-performing, hence associated functionality (example: caching on RAID systems) is focused on alleviating the limitations that are imposed by having to maintain fault tolerance. However, access to such storage is still based on utilization of the operating system's driver stacks.
Although conventional enterprise storage architectures may utilize distributed clusters of storage and specialized high-performance applications, they all utilize the traditional operating system stacks and do not access the data storage directly. Because traditional operating system processes and threads are complicated and inefficient, conventional enterprise storage architectures do not support concurrency for I/O processing.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods that provide a highly scalable storage system for delivering high I/O operations per second (IOPS) via multiple I/O threads. As such, what is needed is an architecture that identifies concurrency in I/O processing for modules and processes at the architectural level to most efficiently utilize CPU power to achieve very high I/O operations per second (IOPS). The architecture should take into account multiple storage components in a system, and be scalable across multiple processing units. For easier maintainability, the system should be capable of operating within a traditional operating-system-based model.

Method and architecture for highly scalable data storage


A system and method of teaching the formulation of word problems is provided. The method provides for a series of steps that systematically build components related to each other through dimensional analysis. When this method is implemented using computer software, the identification and relationships of the components are revealed through hypertext links and associated schematic diagrams. Additional tools needed to formulate the problem are accessible to the student through a database of mathematical tools, including formulas, rules, theorems, and suggested mathematical phrases that represent typical word phrases.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems, methods and training aids for teaching the formulation of mathematical word problems, and more particularly relates to a method of sequentially constructing and displaying the mathematical components associated with a word problem.
2. The Prior State of the Art
The classic research of the famous mathematician George Polya (from Stanford University) characterizes the problem solving techniques used in current education literature. The strategies (or heuristics) identified by Polya include:
considering similar problems, PA1 introducing symbols or representations, PA1 drawing pictures and diagrams, PA1 work backwards from the desired results, PA1 reducing the gap between what is known and that which is not known, and PA1 breaking up complex problems into simpler ones. PA1 A `unit` is a single measurement or quantifiable entity, for example, ft, gallons, lbs, dollars ($), miles, etc. PA1 A `dimension` is a single unit or any combination (multiplied or divided) of units, for example, miles/hr, lbs/inch.sup.2, $/package, miles/gallon etc. (In the literature, units and dimensions are often used interchangeably.) PA1 A `primary component` is a single value or a single symbol representing a constant or a variable (unknown), for example, 15 miles/gallon, G gallons, etc. PA1 A `component` is a primary component or any combination (using mathematical operators) of primary components, for example, 15 G miles (which is the number of miles that can be traveled with G gallons. PA1 `Dimensional analysis` (i.e., `units analysis`) is the technique of verifying proper combining and relating of components through the cancellation of common units in the denominator and numerator when multiplying components and through the restriction of adding or comparing only those components with similar dimensions. PA1 A `schematic diagram` is a drawing that illustrates the relationship between a specific group of components. For example, the above components concerning gallons per mile could be illustrated on a map by placing hash marks every fifteen miles and numbering them in sequence. PA1 A `conversion component` is a known relationship between two or more units. For example: 5280 ft/mile, 16 oz/lb, etc. PA1 A `formula` is a known mathematical relationship between two or more entities. For example, the length C of the hypotenuse of a right triangle satisfies the formula C.sup.2 =A.sup.2 +B.sup.2 where A and B are the lengths of the other sides. PA1 The `tool box` is a collection of mathematical facts that the student has available to them to construct the components. Such facts include conversion components, formulas, axioms, theorems, rules, and hints on how certain words are translated into mathematical statements. PA1 A `functional relationship` is a mathematical expression that determines the relationship of one component to other components. Examples include equations, inequalities, probability distributions, etc. PA1 Identify a primary component in the word problem with its corresponding dimension and description. PA1 Identify a conversion component whose dimension contains a unit contained in the dimension of a previously defined component. PA1 Identify a (compound) component that can be constructed from previously defined components using mathematical operators. PA1 Identify a functional relationship between the components defined above using schematic diagrams and tools from the tool box.
These strategies are purposefully general to characterize various types of problems. The current state of the art is to apply these various strategies also to a subset of problems, called word problems. The traditional use of a word problem is to illustrate the abstract mathematical principles covered in the current material being studied, say, in the previous section or chapter. Students focus their attention on the abstract concepts and associate those concepts with the related words in the given problem. Very seldom does a student develop a structured approach to word problems in general, and unfortunately, most students develop a fear of word problems over the course of their education.
Various studies indicate successful problem solving depends not only on having various strategies at our disposal, but on the knowledge base of specific mathematical tools. Such tools are acquired gradually as the student develops a complex network of mathematical ideas and processes, in some sense, a tool box. The acquisition of these tools and the ability to formulate problems should be nurtured together. The importance of formulating word problems is emphasized by the fact that The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has cited problem solving as one of their major goals over the last couple of decades.
Dimensional analysis is a technique used primarily in the physical sciences to verify proper construction of quantitative expressions. The technique is based on the cancellation of common units in the denominator and numerator when multiplying components and through the restriction of adding and comparing only those components with similar dimensions. For example the gravitational constant g has the dimension of meters/sec.sup.2. So to find the velocity of a falling object after 10 seconds, one can express it as EQU (10 sec)(g meters/sec.sup.2)=10 g meters/sec
Notice, in particular, the sec in the numerator of the dimension of 10 canceled with one of the sec units in the denominator of dimension of g. The resulting dimension indeed reflects the nature of velocity.
Some authors have used the concept of dimensional analysis to help students understand "ratio problems". In U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,278 (Apparatus and Method of Playing an Educational Card Game), the inventor accurately stated that very few schools teach this technique. Existing products currently on the market (such as Mathcad from Mathsoft) emphasize the solutions, graphs, and computational aspects of mathematics. They use dimensional analysis only to verify mathematical expressions. Dimensional analysis has not been taught widely, because it is not been applied to the extent that this invention introduces.
As typified by the success of the World Wide Web (Web), hypertext has played a significant role in organizing information and creating an educational environment. In fact, the primary protocol on the Web is HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language. Due to the lack of a structured approach to formulating word problems, the use of hypertext techniques has not been applied systematically to the formulation of word problems.
In summary, there does not exist a comprehensive method used as the fundamental basis for identifying and constructing the various components of word problems. Therefore current educational institutions do not teach a single systematic framework to formulate such problems, and most students are frustrated with their ability to understand and formulate word problems. Dimensional analysis is used only in a limited way and a centralized accessible depository of mathematical facts for the student to effectively draw from when formulating word problems has not materialized. Finally, without a structured methodology, there is no training tools for the systematic formulation of word problems based on hypertext technologies.

Method of teaching the formulation of mathematical word problems


An ink-jet printing system having a fluid accumulator for the print head that changes the volume of the ink containment as the temperature of the ink changes so that the ink remains at substantially constant pressure for delivery to the print head.

The present invention relates generally to the field of ink-jet printing and, more particularly, to the delivery of ink and the control of ink pressures to ink-jet print heads.
Ink-jet technology is relatively well developed. The basics of this technology are described by W. J. Lloyd and H. T. Taub in "Ink-Jet Devices," Chapter 13 of Output Hardcopy Devices (Ed. R. C. Durbeck and S. Sherr, Academic Press, San Diego, 1988) and in various articles in the Hewlett-Packard Journal, Vol. 36, No. 5 (May 1985), Vol. 39, No. 4 (August 1988), Vol. 39, No. 5. (October 1988), Vol. 43, No. 4, (August 1992), Vol. 43, No.6 (December 1992) and Vol. 45. No. 1 (February 1994).
The typical thermal ink-jet print head has an array of precisely formed nozzles attached to a print head substrate that incorporates an array of firing chambers that receive liquid ink (i.e., colorants dissolved or dispersed in a solvent) from an ink reservoir. Each chamber has a thin-film resistor, known as a "firing resistor", located opposite the nozzle so ink can collect between it and the nozzle. When electric printing pulses heat the thermal ink-jet firing resistor, a small portion of the ink near it vaporizes and ejects a drop of ink from the print head. The nozzles are arranged in a matrix array. Properly sequencing the operation of each nozzle causes characters or images to form on the paper as the print head moves past the paper.
An ink delivery system delivers ink at a slight vacuum, known as a "back pressure", to the print head so that the ink does not leak out of the nozzles. Without such back pressure, the ink may leak or "drool" out of the nozzles and onto the printing medium or into the printer mechanism. This back pressure, however, must be small enough so that when the firing resistors are energized, the resistors can overcome the back pressure and eject ink droplets in a consistent and predictable manner. Typically, this vacuum is approximately two to three inches of water below atmospheric pressure or minus two to three inches. Back pressure regulation has become more critical in recent years because of the evolution in the design of print cartridges. The mass of the moving parts and the volume of ink in motion are being reduced so that simpler drive mechanisms can be used. This reduction in mass has decreased the capacity of the materials around the print head to absorb the heat generated by the firing resistors during operation. The result is that unless the transfer of heat from the firing resistors is carefully managed, the ink and the print head may be subjected to wide fluctuations in temperature. These fluctuations in temperature can also result in wide variations in back pressure as the ink heats and cools. The net result is that all of these changes have a degrading affect on print quality.
Accumulators are widely used in hydraulic systems to smooth out pressure fluctuations and to act as shock absorbers against propagating pressure waves. In these applications a compressible gas such as nitrogen or air is used, and the gas is alternately compressed and decompressed as needed. One such use in an ink-jet printing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,323 by Bader et al.
While such accumulators work well in those pressure ranges where the gas can be alternately compressed and decompressed, these systems have little effect where the gas is not compressed.

Fluid accumulator for ink-jet print heads


Transgenic plants that are resistant to Sclerotinia or Phoma lingam are described as well as methods for producing such tranagenic plants. The transgenic plants include nucleic acid constructs that encode a chitinase polypeptide, a β-1,3-glucanase polypeptide, an osmotin polypeptide, and a pathogenesis-related-1 polypeptide.

Fungal diseases are responsible for damage to many cultivated species. The amount of damage varies each year, depending on temperature, amount of rain, and quantity of inoculum present in fields. In some instances, fungal diseases can completely destroy fields, leading to an estimated average loss of yield of 20% on crops worldwide. Blackleg, one of the predominant fungal diseases in rape plants, typically results in losses of tens of millions of dollars annually. Sclerotinia, another predominant fungal disease of Cruciferae plants, which includes Brassica plants, as well as 400 other species of plants, including Compositae plants such as sunflower and leguminous plants such as pea, also can result in significant economic losses.
Blackleg disease is caused by an Ascomycetes fungus whose perfect or sexual form is Leptosphaeria maculans and whose imperfect or asexual form is Phoma lingam. The sexual form provides the primary inoculum each year and is responsible for the high variability of the fungus. L. maculans is in fact a complex of species, of which two main groups have been identified, TOX+ and TOX°. The TOX+ species is aggressive and produces two toxins, sirodesmin and phomalide. Within the TOX+ species, several strains or pathogenicity groups (PG) exist. In Europe, Australia, and Eastern Canada, PG3 and PG4 currently are the predominant strains of Phoma, while in Western Canada, PG2 currently is the predominate strain of Phoma. Damage to rape plants in Europe is typically limited to attack of the crown, but in North America, necrosis can occur both on the crown and the stem.
White rot or sclerotinia disease also is caused by an Ascomycetes fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. S. sclerotiorum is the sexual form of the fungus and provides the primary inoculum each year.
Strategies for limiting fungal damage include prophylactic measures such as crop rotations or burying of crop debris, fungicide use, and genetic improvement. Prophylactic measures, however, are not very effective as the fungus can survive for many years in the soil. Fungicides can be effective when applied at the appropriate time, but cost often is high compared with any gain in yield. Furthermore, genetic improvement in plants for resistance to S. sclerotiorum has been limited as only low tolerance to the fungus exists in various plant species. Varieties of rape plants that are tolerant to the PG3 strain of L. maculans, which contain a single resistance gene, have lost efficacy due to adaptation of the fungus or dilution of the tolerance factors in new rape plant genotypes. Thus, a need exists for plants that are resistant to such fungi as well as for methods of improving plant resistance to fungi.


A drive for a sheet-fed printing machine, in particular a sheet-fed offset printing machine is described, in which the individual cylinders and/or drums and the plate or form cylinders are driven by a common drive train. In order to allow automated operations to proceed simultaneously, clutches are arranged in the drive trains of the individual plate or form cylinders and, furthermore, the individual plate or form cylinders are assigned drive motors which can be controlled separately and by means of which the plate or form cylinders can be driven in the intended manner after corresponding disengagement.

In sheet-fed printing machines and, in particular, sheet-fed offset printing machines of the type which is nowadays widespread, the drive is usually effected by means of one or more controlled drive motors onto a common, continuous train of gears which connects together the cylinders in the individual printing units and the transfer drums arranged between the printing units. In this case, a longitudinal shaft may additionally also be provided to reinforce this transmission train, by means of which shaft the driving output is introduced into the train of gears at several points via corresponding transmissions. Drive systems of this type are distinguished by their high printing quality, which is due to the highly synchronous functioning of the various printing units of the printing machine resulting from the rigid interconnection provided by the drive train. In this case, the required high rigidity in the train of driving gears serves, in particular, to avoid the so-called ghosting which occurs particularly when the rotational speed is changed.
A disadvantage in sheet-fed offset printing machines, in which the individual cylinders and the transfer drums arranged between the printing units are driven together with one another by means of a common train of gears, is that any automated operations to be completed outside the printing operation have to be carried out one after another. Sheet-fed offset printing machines, in particular, are increasingly being fitted with automatic washing devices for the blanket cylinders and/or the back pressure cylinders. It is also possible for washing devices to be provided for the rollers of the inking and/or damping unit. In order to achieve optimum washing results in each case on the different cylinders or rollers, in particular with the furthest possible reduction in the consumption and waste of detergent, individual control of the respective washing operations is required (e.g., number of revolutions and direction of rotation of the cylinders) during a washing operation (i.e., engagement and disengagement of the washing device to and from the cylinder to be cleaned). Individualized control operations, particularly in washing operations, therefore require the individual processes (e.g., the preparation of a new print order or during the execution of a print order), to be carried out one after another. The exchange of the printing plates for the preparation of a new print order should also be mentioned, since movements determined by the machine or the plate or form cylinders in the individual printing units in the sense of moving to predetermined positions have to be carried out as well as displacement by predetermined paths or angles.
In view of the foregoing, for the preparation of a new print order or while an existing print order is being carried out, a specific number of machine revolutions at correspondingly predetermined rotational speeds is always required in order to be able to carry out the required operations. Owing to the number of machine revolutions which in some cases cancel each other out or directions of rotation which may also cancel each other out in specific processes, the operations can consequently only be carried out one after another, so that in total a correspondingly high number of machine revolutions occurs and the time required to carry out the processes becomes correspondingly long.
Furthermore, the changes in format or the exchange of the printing material in the feeder and deliverer of the sheet-fed offset printing machine should also be mentioned. The feeder of a sheet-fed offset printing machine usually has a controllable clutch, by means of which the movement of the members bringing about the pickup of the sheets from the top of the pile and the conveying of the sheets to the feeder can be disengaged. Furthermore, a clutch arranged on the feeder drum is also known from DE 4 412 047 A1, by means of which both the said drum and the entire sheet conveying and delivery device arranged downstream of the drum can be disengaged. Although these previously known devices make it possible for the machine to continue rotating during a pile exchange in the feeder and deliverer (e.g. for a washing operation), this does not result in any further flexibility in terms of processes to be carried out simultaneously.
Similar to the prior art cited above, it is known from DE 4 102 472 A1 to individually drive the assemblies (i.e., feeder, printing units, deliverer) by means of separate. This previously known rotary printing machine avoids the effects of load fluctuations caused by the different assemblies, which effects leave a negative impression in the printing result.
A drive for a printing machine is known from DE 4 241 807 A1, in which a first drive is provided solely for all the cylinders serving to convey the printing material and for the plate cylinders, and drives the said cylinders by means of a continuous train of gears. Furthermore, at least one further drive is provided for the elements which do not serve to convey the printing material, each drive containing at least one motor, and transmitters for the movement parameters being provided, which are connected to a control and regulation device. In this case, this previously known drive arrangement is intended to help reduce the de-synchronizing influence exerted by the drive train of the elements that do not convey the printing material. Even in this type of device, however, the cylinders within the individual printing units and the cylinders or drums between them are connected together by means of a common train of gears. Thus, the disadvantages mentioned above remain in terms of the automated washing or the exchange of printing plates.
It is furthermore known in sheet-fed offset printing machines to design the plate or form cylinders to be remotely adjustable, to adjust the circumferential registration, in relation to the blanket cylinder which interacts with the plate or form cylinder. Devices for adjusting the circumferential registration, however, only permit small adjustments of the cylinder. With such devices, it is not possible to rotate the cylinder freely in relation to the gear wheel assigned to it. The same applies to the positioning motors which are assigned to the devices for adjusting the circumferential registration and can likewise only rotate the plate or form cylinder by predetermined distances or angular amounts. Coarse setting devices for the circumferential registration allow the plate or form cylinder to be released from the gear wheel assigned to it by manual loosening of screws and relatively large angular rotatation relative to the gear wheel. These devices are intended, in particular, to make possible large corrections in the circumferential registration or such corrections to overcome an incorrect plate copy with respect to the feed edge of a print. Adjusting devices of this type, however, require manual handling for the loosening and tightening of the connection, which is secured against rotation, between the driving gear wheel and the cylinder body. Furthermore, the adjustment of the cylinder by the appropriate distance or angular amount also has to be carried out by hand, using a special tool.


A lubricating oil composition having improved antiwear and fuel economy properties which comprises a lubricating oil basestock and an alkoxylated amine salt of a dihydrocarbyldithiobenzoic acid of the formula ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a hydrocarbyl group having from 2 to 22 carbon atoms, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each independently hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms or a hydroxy group with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.2 to R.sup.5 is a hydrocarbyl group, and x and y are each independently integers of from 1 to 15 with the proviso that the sum of x+y is from 2 to 20.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lubricant composition containing an alkoxylated amine salt of a dihydrocarbyldithiobenzoic acid and its use to improve friction reduction in an internal combustion engine.
2. Description of the Related Art p In order to protect internal combustion engines from wear, engine lubricating oils have been provided with antiwear and antioxidant additives. The primary oil additive for the past 40 years for providing antiwear and antioxidant properties has been zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,945 discloses a lubricating oil composition containing an amine salt of a dithiobenzoic acid. The amines used to prepare salts are long chain hydrocarbyl amines.
Oil additive packages containing ZDDP have environmental drawbacks. ZDDP adds to engine deposits which can lead to increased oil consumption and emissions. Moreover, ZDDP is not ash-free and contain phosphorus which poisons the catalytic converters of cars. This results in increased emissions. Various ashless oil additive packages have been developed recently due to such environmental concerns.
It would be desirable to have a lubricating oil additive which provides excellent antiwear, fuel economy and environmentally beneficial (less fuel, less phosphorus, i.e., less exhaust emissions) properties.

Lubricant composition containing alkoxylated amine salt of a dihydrocarbyldithiobenzoic acid


A polyvinylbutyral-based thermoplastic composition which is useful for forming thermoadhesive films for adhering bases onto a glazing. The composition comprises a polyvinylbutyral resin with a hydroxyl group content of between 22 and 26% by weight, a plasticizer for the resin and an orthosubstituted phenolic antioxidizing agent. This composition is useful for forming a thermoadhesive film having good adhesion at the surface of the glass and good stability at high temperatures.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a plasticized, polyvinylbutyral-based (PVB), thermoplastic composition, and to a thermoadhesive film obtained by extrusion of said composition, which is useful for the adhesion of glazing bases on a glazing.
2. Discussion of the Background
It is known to use thermoplastic polymers, such as plasticized polyvinylbutyral, to adhere glazing bases onto a glazing. These bases can then serve to produce objects, such as rear-view mirrors.
Generally, a plasticized polyvinylbutyral resin film is applied using heat to the surface of a base which, for example, is made of metal. The assembly is then heated and the surface of the base bearing the polyvinylbutyral film is adhered to the glass surface by applying suitable pressure for a few seconds. The final adhesion is obtained in an autoclave. An object, such as a rear-view mirror, can then be fixed to the base.
These bases are frequently subjected to various mechanical stresses, due to the manipulation of the object which is fixed thereto, for example due to adjustment of a rear-view mirror. It can also be subjected to varied heat conditions, in particular high temperatures when the glazing is heated by the sun.
The thermoadhesive polyvinylbutyral film must therefore have certain properties, particularly good adhesion to the glass and to the material comprising the base, which is generally metallic, and good stability in high temperatures.
French Patent Application No. 87 04 620, filed Apr. 2, 1987, by applicant, describes a plasticized polyvinylbutyral resin having improved properties of adhesion to the glass and temperature stability, which is therefore useful for adhering bases onto glazings. The polymer is prepared from polyvinyl alcohol, having a rate of hydrolysis which is greater than 95% and a viscosity greater than 50 centipoises, and butyraldehyde in a sufficient amount that the amount of hydroxyl groups in the polymer is between 22 and 26% by weight relative to the polymer.
The polyvinylbutyral (PVB) described in this patent, which has a fairly high molecular weight (between 300,000 and 500,000 by weight) and a high proportion of hydroxyl groups, has good adhesion to the glass and provides an improvement in the resistance to high temperatures of films obtained from the polymer.
The polymers with a high molecular weight have the disadvantage of high rigidity which causes difficulties during their shaping. In addition, defects (formation of bubbles) are observed when, in particular, the thickness of the film is not uniform or when the glazing on which the film is adhered has a large curvature, which spoils the appearance of the glazing.
It is desirable, for the adhesion of the bases, to be able to use resins with a fairly high molecular weight, such as those described in the above-identified patent application, as well as resins with a lower molecular weight to overcome the disadvantages in shaping, all of which enable the formation of films having appropriate stability at high temperatures and cause no problems in appearance upon adhesion.

Polyvinylbutyral-based thermoplastic composition, useful for fixing bases on a glazing


A data communication system transports a sequence of digital data frames that convey client input data encoded with secondary data. The system can utilize known, proprietary, or future techniques for digital data encoding, digital watermarking, data encryption, or the like. The secondary data can be frame alignment data, private data intended only for certain destination devices, and/or other data types. In a practical embodiment, the data frames are compliant with optical transport networks.

The prior art is replete with digital data communication systems that convey data between system sections or system components. Some data communication systems, such as optical transport networks (OTNs), transmit frame delineated serial streams of digital data, while other systems may transmit format-independent data streams. Conventional SONET/SDH networks transport data frames formatted in accordance with internationally standardized protocols. Generally, a data frame includes a relatively small number of bytes devoted to system overhead (OH), a relatively small number of optional bytes devoted to forward error correction (FEC), and a relatively large number of bytes reserved for the actual client data payload. One specific data frame format utilized by OTNs is the Optical Transport Unit of rate k (OTUK) type set forth in ITU-T Recommendation G.709/Y.1331 (International Telecommunication Union, February 2001). This data frame format is informally referred to as the "digital wrapper" format.
Briefly, each digital wrapper frame contains 16,320 8-bit bytes, six of which form a defined frame alignment signal (FAS) that occurs at the beginning of each frame. Consequently, the FAS provides a periodic pattern of bits that, when detected by a destination component, serves to align the incoming frames. After the destination component establishes frame alignment, it can process the frame data content including the FEC information (when provided) to compensate for network and channel errors. Frame alignment at the signal destination, however, may be difficult or impossible to achieve if channel noise produces a substantial number of erred bits within the data stream (due to the relatively small number of bytes devoted to the FAS). If the destination component fails to achieve frame synchronization, then the FEC information is rendered useless and all system overhead and client data (erred or not) is relegated to an entirely indiscernible state.
The client data payload contained in a data frame structure may contain sensitive, private, or confidential information. For example, the client data may be encrypted at the data source using any number of conventional encryption techniques. The encrypted client data is then formatted in accordance with a particular data framing scheme (e.g., the digital wrapper format) and sent to the destination component, where the client data is decrypted in accordance with the chosen encryption algorithm. Such known techniques, however, are limited to the protection of the client data payload. Furthermore, conventional data frame transmission schemes do not provide for the covert processing of system overhead and/or frame delineation.

Digital information hiding techniques for use with data streams carried over a data communication network


Provided is a remote terminal device having an industrial versa module eurocard bus (VMEbus) structure and including a main module that receives control logic information of a field device from an input/output module, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) function module that receives the control logic information from the main module, performs a logic corresponding to the control logic information, and outputs a result of the performed logic. The PLC function module includes a dual port RAM including a plurality of memory areas, and a PLC chip that reads the control logic information written on one of the plurality of memory areas, performs the logic corresponding to the read control logic information, and outputs the result of the performed logic to another one of the plurality of memory areas.

The present disclosure relates to a remote terminal device and a method of operating the remote terminal device, and more particularly, to a remote terminal device, which includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) control device having an industrial versa module eurocard bus (VMEbus) structure, and a method of operating the remote terminal device.
Facility controllers provided in industrial plants (such as gas plants, water and sewage plants, power plants, or water resource plants) include various sensors and devices for driving motors, and such sensors and devices can be easily operated remotely or on-site by an automatic inspection/control system.
In addition, such sensors and devices need a PLC function, such as process control, sequence control, or group control between device groups, under specific conditions.
Remote terminal devices (remote terminal units (RTUs)) used in the industrial plants have a PLC function. Such a remote terminal device receives mechanical/electrical signal information from various field devices disposed in a site, and converts the mechanical/electrical signal information into digital data. Then, the remote terminal device may use the digital data as input information of a PLC control logic, and output information of the PLC control logic is output as control information for the field devices, thereby appropriately operating a plant device and facility.
However, a typical software type PLC function may be applied to a remote terminal device, thereby negatively affecting a process performance of a main processor of the remote terminal device. In addition, when an operation speed and a memory margin are insufficient, a high level main module is needed, which increases costs.

Remote terminal device and method of operating the same


In a method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate and a method of manufacturing a display substrate, the method includes forming a first coating layer on a base substrate on which is formed a first concave pattern having a first width. An intermediate substrate is also formed upon the first coating layer of the base substrate, the intermediate substrate having a pattern corresponding to the first concave pattern. An offset printing substrate is also formed upon the pattern of the intermediate substrate, the offset printing substrate having a second concave pattern is formed to correspond to the pattern of the intermediate substrate, and the second concave pattern has a second width smaller than the first width.

1. Field of the Invention
Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate and a method of manufacturing a corresponding display substrate. More particularly, example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate used for forming a fine pattern and a method of manufacturing a corresponding display substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
An offset printing may be used for forming a pattern on a substrate, and may employ a cliché and a blanket. The cliché is a substrate having a concave pattern. The blanket includes an elastic material and functions as an intermediate layer between the cliché and the substrate.
Two types of offset printing are gravure offset printing and reverse offset printing. In gravure offset printing, an ink is inserted into the concave pattern of the cliché, the cliché is contacted with, or pressed against, the blanket to transfer the ink onto the blanket, and the ink on the blanket is then transferred onto the substrate to form the pattern. In reverse offset printing, the ink is coated on the blanket, the blanket is pressed against the cliché to transfer the ink onto the non-concave portions of the cliché, and the ink remaining on the blanket is transferred onto the substrate again to form the pattern.
A cliché having a concave pattern is thus used in both gravure offset printing and reverse offset printing. The pattern is formed on the substrate according to the shape of the concave pattern of the cliché. For example, a width of the pattern formed on the substrate depends on that of the concave pattern of the cliché.
The cliché may be etched using a photo-resist pattern to form the concave pattern on the cliché. However, in etching the cliché, both those parts of the cliché corresponding to exposed photo-resist pattern and those adjacent to the exposed photo-resist pattern may be etched, and thus the concave pattern of the cliché may have a width larger than intended.

Method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate and method of manufacturing a display substrate using the same


A method of processing and sorting aggregate materials includes providing an aggregate material processing device which has aggregate material holding region having an opening over which may be pivotably and removably placed an aggregate material sorting device. The method involves causing the aggregate material processing device to engage with a supply of unsorted aggregate material such that the unsorted aggregate is forced over the aggregate material sorting device thereby causing some of the unsorted aggregate material to fall through the sorting device and into the aggregate material holding region while some of the unsorted aggregate material remains on a top region of the aggregate material sorting device. The aggregate material processing devices than displaced horizontally to a first position where the aggregate material holding device is displaced vertically and the aggregate material located on top of the storing device is allowed to fall into a first pile of sorted aggregate material whereby the aggregate material processing devices further move to a second location where the aggregate material holding device is further displaced vertically to cause the aggregate material sorting device to move away from the opening and any material located in the holding device falls into a second pile of sorted aggregate material.

It is quite common in the processing of aggregate material such as gravel, loam, sand, stones, and other earth material that the material must be sorted or processed according to the size of rocks or other debris which is found in the material. Prior art systems and methods have dealt extensively with this problem however, to date, no solution has been provided which provides a method of easily and quickly utilizing the normal digging action of aggregate material processing equipment such as an excavator or loader, to screen or processed the aggregate material.
For example, many prior art solutions have included providing a screen along the top or entrance portion of the aggregate processing equipment. Using this equipment and method, the aggregate processing equipment fills a hopper such as a loader or excavator with material to be processed. Next, a screen or other similar restriction is placed on top of the entrance to the excavation equipment. The aggregate equipment processor hopper is then tilted such that gravity causes the aggregate contained in the hopper to spill out of the hopper. Only that the aggregate material which is small enough to fit between and through the screen or other restriction placed on top of the entrance of the hopper escapes. What remains in the hopper is aggregate material which is larger than the screen or restriction. The aggregate processing equipment must then be moved to a different pile to empty what remains in the hopper.
Although in theory this system and method works, a significant amount of activity and movement of the excavation equipment hopper is required in order to force the smaller aggregate material past the larger aggregate material and through the screen or restriction placed at the entrance to the hopper. This takes a considerable amount of time and activity by the equipment operator. Moreover, the excavator must be modified and fitted with additional hydraulics including pipes, fittings, hoses, valves, cylinders, controls, etc. in order to use such equipment.
In another prior art system and method, a screen, forks or other similar aggregate sizing element is placed in the bottom of the hopper. The hopper is next filled with aggregate material to be processed. Subsequently, the screen or forks are moved mechanically through the entire contents of the aggregate material found in the hopper. Only material which is too large to pass through the screen or forks remains on top of the screen or forks. The operator of the aggregate processing equipment must then move the equipment in one location and carefully allow the larger aggregate to fall into one pot and then subsequently moved the equipment to another position to dump the contents of the hopper which has been screen.
Other various methods which combine the prior art techniques described above or our slight variations on these techniques have also been attempted. Unfortunately, such prior art attempts have fallen short of an ideal aggregate processing method in that they require multiple operator steps and at times require the operator to significantly shake or moves the excavation equipment for the sorting and processing to take place. The fact that the prior art methods take significant additional time and requires significantly more modification translates into significant additional costs for processing aggregate material since the cost of an equipment operator as well as the cost of an operating piece of equipment are not insubstantial.
Accordingly, a need exists for a quick and simple method for using a piece of excavation equipment to process and sort aggregate material.

Method of processing and sorting aggregate material


The invention relates to the examination of a dental prosthesis, wherein the dental prosthesis is examined with finite element methods. Furthermore, the invention relates to the automated manufacture of a dental prosthesis, wherein the shape of a remaining tooth area is directly determined on the basis of the remaining tooth area itself. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method, wherein manufacturing data (milling data) which have been created with a system for calculating manufacturing data (system for calculating milling data) are optionally forwarded to one or another manufacturing machine (milling machine) at different locations.

The invention relates to a method, a computer, a machine-readable medium, and a computer program with program code means by which a data record representing a dental prosthesis can be examined.
Further, the invention relates to a method and a system for the manufacture of a dental prosthesis, wherein a data record for a dental prosthesis is created and transmitted to a production system on the basis of a data record representing a remaining tooth area.
Furthermore, the invention relates to two methods and two systems for the manufacture of a dental prosthesis as well as a method for examining a dental prosthesis data record, a computer, a machine-readable medium, and a computer program concerning the examination of a dental prosthesis data record. These objects relate to the treatment of manufacturing data (e. g. milling data) as they are employed for the manufacture of dental prostheses.
Furthermore, the invention relates to two methods and two systems for creating dental prosthesis data records.
From WO 02/39056 A1, it is known to digitally detect the shapes of remaining tooth areas by means of patterns and to generate the shapes of dental prostheses on the basis thereof with the aid of software. In the process, data records representing a dental prosthesis are created which can subsequently be used when the dental prostheses are manufactured, for example by milling.

Method, computer-readable medium, and computer program, concerning the manufacture of dental prostheses after breakage of initial prostheses


A safety device (10) for a bearing arrangement of a rotor of a turbomachine, whereby the safety device (10) includes at least two support structures (12) between which at least one buckling structure (14) is arranged that is configured to collapse when a predetermined buckling load that acts on at least one of the support structures (12) is exceeded, thereby reducing the volume of the safety device (10). A method for the production of a safety device (10) for a bearing arrangement of a rotor of a turbomachine, as well as to a bearing arrangement of a rotor of a turbomachine having such a safety device (10).

In case of a blade failure in a turbine engine, for example, because of a bird strike or the like, high unbalances occur in the rotor which, in the worst-case scenario, can damage or even destroy the bearing arrangement of the rotor as well as other static structures, including the engine mount. In order to rule this out to the greatest extent possible, mechanical safety devices can be used that radially release the rotor when a limit force is exceeded, so that unbalance forces can no longer occur. A bearing arrangement with a safety device comprising a predetermined breaking point that intentionally breaks when certain radial limit forces are exceeded and that decouples the rotor from the bearing arrangement is known, for example, from European patent application EP 1 199 441 A2.
A main problem of these safety devices, however, is the configuration of the predetermined breaking points since, with such predetermined breaking points, the limit force can only be set very imprecisely because of the component tolerances, the scatter of the material properties and the scatter range of the rupture mechanics. Consequently, such safety devices cannot be used in environments in which there are only relatively small differences between impermissible unbalance forces and the forces that are present during the normal operation of a turbomachine.

Safety device for a bearing arrangement of a rotor of a turbomachine


A golf club head includes a striking face having a plurality of grooves formed therein. At least one groove includes a first curved side surface, a second curved side surface opposite to the first curved side surface, and a bottom surface connecting the first and the second curved side surfaces. As viewed in the longitudinal direction of the at least one groove, the first and the second curved surfaces respectively have first and second involute profiles. A distance measured between the first and the second curved surfaces continuously increases from the bottom surface to the striking face.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club head, and more particularly to a golf club head including at least one groove disposed on a striking face of the golf club head and having a specific profile.
2. Description of Related Art
During competitions, golfers generally select a particular golf club according to how far it is desired for a golf ball to travel after the golf ball is struck by the club. However, during competitions, the ball's travel distance is not only affected by the selected the golf club but also by what happens after the ball strikes the ground. After the ball strikes the ground, its movement is primarily affected by the amount of backspin imparted on the ball by the golf club. A ball having a greater amount of backspin after being struck will have less forward roll after it lands on the ground. In general, less forward roll provides precision landing of the golf ball on a golf green. Conversely, lack of sufficient backspin will create too much forward roll after landing on the ground, which can cause a golf ball to unmanageably roll either off of the green or in a direction away from a golf hole.
To gain backspin during striking, grooves are generally placed in and extended across the striking face of a golf club. The grooves can affect contact characteristic between the striking face and a golf ball during striking to control an amount of backspin of the ball after being struck. A variety of groove configurations have been proposed to increase the amount of backspin of a golf ball after being struck. For fairness of competition, the golf club heads used in the competition must meet the U.S. Golf Association ("USGA") rules of golf, e.g. rules regarding the width of grooves, the depth of grooves, or the distance between grooves.
Under the USGA rules, it is very difficult to fulfill the requirements of effective grooves that impart enough backspin to the struck ball. Grooves capable of providing a relatively large amount of backspin usually can't meet the USGA rules. In other words, the grooves allowed under the USGA rules usually provide a relatively small amount of backspin.
Accordingly, it is desired to have a novel golf club head that imparts increased backspin to the ball while meeting the USGA rules regarding the grooves in the striking face of the golf club head.


A composite of two components which are used for current conduction, includes: a through opening formed in a first component; and a connection section of a second component which is insertable into the through opening in an installation direction so that a friction-locked connection in the form of a press-fit connection is formed at least regionally between the through opening and the connection section. The connection section and a holding section of the second component protrude beyond the first component in the area of the through opening in the installation direction in the installed state, and the holding section has at least one area for an installation aid which is reduced in cross section in relation to the cross-sectional area of the through opening.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a component composite of two components used for current conduction, as well as to a method for manufacturing a component and the use of a component composite.
2. Description of the Related Art
A component composite known from Published German Patent Application document DE 10 2009 002 135 A1 is used for connecting two components, which are used for current conduction, with the aid of a press-fit connection. In the first component, for example, an electrical terminal lug or the like, a through opening is formed, into which a pin-shaped end of the second component is press-fitted. Such component composites have generally proven themselves in practice, in particular as long as the required press-fitting forces are not excessively high as a result of the dimensioning between the internal diameter of the through opening and the diameter of the second component in the connection section. However, if the press-fitting forces exceed a certain level, in the case of certain component geometries of the second component, it is often difficult to exert the required press-fitting forces on the first component. This is because the press-fitting in is carried out by applying a pressure force to the second component, and in the case of relatively thin or long second components, the risk exists of buckling of the second component or damage to the second component. In particular in the case of components which are composed of different materials and have different coefficients of thermal expansion, the problem additionally exists that to ensure sufficiently high connection forces or sufficiently low transfer resistances, relatively high compression forces must be generated over a large temperature range. Such components composed of different materials (for example, a material pair composed of copper and aluminum) occur in particular in the case of the electrical contacting of poles in lithium-ion batteries.

Component composite of two components used for current conduction, method for manufacturing a component composite, and use of a component composite


Systems and methods are provided for use in photolithography. In one embodiment, a reticle is provided that comprises a phase shift and transmission control layer, wherein a gap in the phase shift and transmission control layer defines a line. Adjacent to the phase shift and transmission control layer is an optically transparent material, comprising a groove located within the line, wherein the groove comprises a region of reduced thickness in the optically transparent material. The region of reduced thickness serves to shift the phase of light passing through the groove, as compared to light passing through other regions of the optically transparent material. Thus, the reticle has a clear feature comprising light of two different phases.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to photomasks or reticles for use in photolithography, and more particularly to reticles in which the clear feature comprises light of two different phases.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical systems are widely used in the microelectronics industry to manufacture semiconductor wafers by a process known as photolithography. Typically, a photolithography system comprises a light source configured to project light rays to a condenser lens. The condenser lens collimates the light rays towards a pellicle placed before (or after) a reticle, sometimes referred to as a photomask. Typically, the reticle includes an optically transparent substrate underlying an optically opaque layer in a pattern used to project an image onto a portion of a photoresist-coated wafer. The pellicle is a substantially thin, optically transparent film which seals off the reticle surface from airborne particulates and other forms of contamination. Typically, a projection lens is placed after the reticle to receive and focus the pattern of light rays onto an exposure field on a photoresist ("resist") layer overlying a wafer. Exposed or unexposed portions of the photoresist are then developed, replicating the reticle pattern in the photoresist layer.
Improved systems and methods of photolithography have permitted formation of line features in integrated circuits below 100 nm. In some such systems, dipole illumination is used as a light source. As recounted by Mark Eurlings et al. in their paper, "0.11 μm Imaging in KrF Lithography Using Dipole Illumination," Proc. of SPIE, Volume 4404 (April 2001p) pp. 266-278, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, dipole illumination advantageously enhances the exposure latitude and depth of focus for dense structures. However, the inventor has found using dipole illumination to be problematic for printing certain structures. In particular, when lines are oriented in the preferred direction of a dipole source, imperfections have been found in the interior of the line. These imperfections are called scumming, and they undesirably reduce the quality of the features formed on the integrated circuit. Features having a width substantially smaller than the space to the next feature being defined by the same mask, such as isolated trench lines, appear to be more susceptible to scumming than features printed in dense portions of the integrated circuit. For example, a dense array of lines may include parallel lines separated by a distance approximately equal to the width of the lines, while an isolated trench line may be separated from the next feature formed by the same mask by a distance greater than the width of the line, for example greater than or approximately equal to about five times the width of the trench line. Accordingly, a reticle is desired that reduces scumming and thereby enhances image quality on the integrated circuit.

Phase shift mask with two-phase clear feature