A method for operating an assistance system for a vehicle, including an object sensor device for determining an object characteristic value representative of coordinates of an object in the environment of the vehicle and a viewing sensor device for determining a direction characteristic value representative of a viewing direction of a driver of the vehicle and for determining a position characteristic value representative of a head position of the driver. According to the method, a projection characteristic value representative of a vector that connects the head position to the object is determined; a first region characteristic value representative of an estimated primary field of view of the driver is determined; an attention characteristic value representative of the probability that the object is at least partially in the field of view of the driver is determined; and a warning function of the vehicle is activated.

The invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system for a vehicle and to a corresponding assistance system, computer program and computer program product.
Vehicles today may comprise sensor units such as a camera sensor that captures a head pose, viewing direction and/or viewing position of a user based, for example, on facial features. On that basis the driver's level of fatigue, for example, can be ascertained.
An object on which the invention is based is to create a method for operating an assistance system for a vehicle and a corresponding assistance system that helps to precisely ascertain the attention of the driver.
The object is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous configurations are characterized in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an assistance system for a vehicle. The assistance system comprises an object sensor device for ascertaining an object characteristic value that is representative of coordinates of an object in the vicinity of the vehicle, and a gaze sensor device for ascertaining a direction characteristic value that is representative of a viewing direction of a driver of the vehicle, and for ascertaining a position characteristic value that is representative of a head position of the driver.
In the method, the object characteristic value, the direction characteristic value and the position characteristic value are ascertained; a projection characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the position characteristic value and the object characteristic value, the projection characteristic value being representative of a vector that connects the head position to the object; a first region characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the direction characteristic value and position characteristic value, the region characteristic value being representative of an estimated primary field of view of the driver; next, an attention characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the first region characteristic value and the projection characteristic value, the attention characteristic value being representative of a probability that the object is situated at least partially within the field of view of the driver, in particular in the estimated primary field of view of the driver; finally, a warning function of the vehicle is activated in dependence on the attention characteristic value.
Advantageously, this allows the warning function of the vehicle and corresponding warning time points to be adapted to the driver. In particular, the attention characteristic value can be used to indicate how well the driver can perceive individual objects in the vicinity, so it can be ensured that no unnecessary warnings are output or other warnings are output only too late.
The gaze sensor device can in particular be a camera. The direction characteristic value can describe or comprise a viewing direction vector. Alternatively or in addition, the direction characteristic value can describe a head pose of the driver. The head pose can comprise a rotation and/or inclination of the head. For example, the head pose can be described by way of a nose vector.
The object sensor device can likewise be a camera. Alternatively or in addition, the object sensor device can comprise a radar and/or lidar sensor unit or a similar sensor system. The object characteristic value can describe or comprise coordinates of a center of the object. Alternatively or in addition, the object characteristic value can also comprise coordinates of a contour of the object facing the vehicle or of the entire surface thereof that faces the vehicle. The object can be, for example, another vehicle, an obstacle, a road barrier or traffic signs. In particular, the object is an object that stands out from the street course and requires the attention of the driver. In this context, in particular other vehicles or road users should be mentioned, for example, cross traffic. The vicinity of the vehicle here and below describes the three-dimensional space external to the vehicle, in particular a partial region within the range of vision and/or viewing direction of the driver.
The estimated primary field of view of the driver corresponds, for example, to the base area of a circular cone or an elliptical cone around the nose vector. The opening angle of the cone can be, for example, between 0° and 90°, in particular between 0° and 2° for a region of the sharpest vision, between 5° and 10° for deciphering characters, between 5° and 30° for perceiving outlines, or between 30° and 60° for perceiving colors. The opening angle in the horizontal (yaw angle) with respect to the vehicle can differ from the opening angle in the vertical (pitch) with respect to the vehicle. For example, the opening angle in the horizontal is up to 90°, in the vertical on the other hand, for example, only up to 70°. The estimated primary field of view can also be referred to as the useful field of view. In particular, the estimated primary field of view can describe a region that the driver views over 90% of the driving time. The estimated primary field of view in other words describes a region in which the driver probably perceives objects.
Possible warning functions of the vehicle can be acoustic, haptic or visual notifications. By way of example, a visual notification can be projected into the field of view of the driver in a targeted fashion, such that the object is visibly highlighted.
In an advantageous configuration in accordance with the first aspect, an angle characteristic value that is representative of a smallest angle between the viewing direction and the vector that connects the head position to the object is ascertained in dependence on the direction characteristic value and the projection characteristic value. The attention characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the angle characteristic value.
The smallest angle in this context is understood to mean the angle between the viewing direction and the vector that connects the head position and those coordinates of the object that are closest to the region of the estimated primary field of view. In other words, the coordinates can thus describe a point of the contour of the object that is closest to the point of incidence of the viewing direction or nose vector in the plane of the object.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, the direction characteristic value is representative of a head pose of the driver. In particular, the direction characteristic value thus describes the nose vector, but not the actual viewing direction vector. In an advantageous manner, it is thus possible to dispense with a high-resolution camera as viewing sensor device. This contributes to a cost-effective production of the assistance system.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, the first region characteristic value is representative of a region around the viewing direction with a maximum horizontal deviation of 5° to 10° inclusive.
The viewing direction characteristic value is in this context in particular the nose vector. The first region characteristic value in particular describes the previously mentioned base area of the circular or elliptical cone with the deviation as (horizontal) opening angle.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, a second region characteristic value that is representative of an estimated peripheral field of view of the driver is ascertained in dependence on the direction and position characteristic value. The attention characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the second region characteristic value.
Advantageously, this makes a gradation in the estimation of how well the driver can perceive individual objects in the vicinity possible. In particular, this makes an improved adaptation of the warning function of the vehicle and corresponding warning time points to the driver possible. The (horizontal) opening angle of the cone around the nose vector for peripheral perception of the object can in this case be for example between 60° and 90°. The attention characteristic value can in this context in particular indicate a probability with which the object is located in the estimated primary field of view of the driver and a probability with which the object is located in the estimated peripheral field of view of the driver.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, the second region characteristic value is representative of a region around the viewing direction with a maximum horizontal deviation of 90°, inclusive and a maximum vertical deviation of 70°, inclusive.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, a third region characteristic value that is representative of a field of view that is not perceivable by the driver is ascertained in dependence on the direction and position characteristic value. The attention characteristic value is ascertained in dependence on the third region characteristic value.
Advantageously, this permits further gradation of the estimation of how well the driver can perceive individual objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. In particular, this makes improved adaptation of the warning function of the vehicle and corresponding warning time points to the driver possible. The third region characteristic value is here, for example, representative of a region around the nose vector with a horizontal deviation of over 90° and/or a vertical deviation of over 70°. The attention characteristic value can in this context indicate in particular a probability with which the object is located in the estimated primary field of view of the driver, a probability with which the object is located in the estimated peripheral field of view of the driver, and a probability with which the object is located outside the field of view of the driver.
In a further advantageous configuration of the first aspect,
a first state is assigned to the attention characteristic value in the case that the angle characteristic value is representative of an angle outside the second region;
a second state is assigned to the attention characteristic value in the case that the angle characteristic value is representative of an angle within the second region and outside the first region; and
a third state is assigned to the attention characteristic value in the case that the angle characteristic value is representative of an angle within the first region.
A warning function of the vehicle is activated in dependence on the state that is assigned to the attention characteristic value.
If the third state is assigned to the attention characteristic value, it is possible, for example, to dispense with the warning function. In this case it must be assumed that the driver has perceived the object. If the first state is assigned to the attention characteristic value, on the other hand, it must be assumed that the driver has not perceived the object. In this case, acoustic and/or haptic and/or visual notifications, for example, are output. If the second state is assigned to the attention characteristic value, it is assumed that the object has at least peripherally been perceived by the driver. A warning can be correspondingly weakened or suppressed. Advantageously, it is thus possible to avoid the driver being flooded with stimuli; in situations of danger or similar, it is thus possible to contribute to the driver reacting to the warnings of the vehicle.
In a further advantageous configuration according to the first aspect, the direction characteristic value is representative of a viewing direction vector of the driver. In particular, the direction characteristic value comprises the actual viewing direction vector. Moreover, the projection characteristic value is representative of a vector field that connects the head position to a contour of the object. Depending on the projection characteristic value and the direction characteristic value, a fourth state of the attention characteristic value is ascertained, which is representative of a probability that the viewing direction of the driver lies within the contour of the object. Depending on the projection characteristic value and the direction characteristic value, alternatively or in addition a fifth state of the attention characteristic value is ascertained, which is representative of a probability that the object is located at least partially within the peripheral field of view of the driver.
Advantageously, it is thus possible to make a precise statement regarding the attention of the driver.
The vector field comprises in particular one or more vectors. The fourth state describes, for example, the case that the viewing direction vector is incident on the surface of the object. In the case that the viewing direction vector is ascertained instead of the nose vector, the fourth state can provide a more accurate statement than the third state. The fifth state, for example, describes the case that the viewing direction vector is not incident on the surface of the object, but the object is located in a region of the peripheral perception around the viewing direction vector. In the case that the viewing direction vector is ascertained instead of the nose vector, the fifth state can provide a more accurate statement than the second state. In particular, the second and/or third state can in this case serve as optional fallback positions.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assistance system for a vehicle. The assistance system comprises an object sensor device for ascertaining an object characteristic value that is representative of coordinates of an object in the vicinity of the vehicle and a viewing sensor device for ascertaining a direction characteristic value that is representative of a viewing direction of a driver of the vehicle and for ascertaining a position characteristic value that is representative of a head position of the driver. The assistance system furthermore comprises a control unit that is set up to perform the method according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program for operating an assistance system. The computer program is configured to perform a method according to the first aspect upon execution thereof on a data processing apparatus.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable program code. The program code, upon execution by a data processing apparatus, performs the method according to the first aspect.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method for operating an assistance system for a vehicle and assistance system

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


The disclosed technology provides an antenna structure located in the metal casing of a computing device. A first open slot radiating structure radiates at a radiating wavelength and is located on a surface of the metal casing of the computing device. A second open slot radiating structure radiates at the radiating wavelength and is located on the surface of the metal casing of the computing device. At least one closed slot radiator element is located between the first open slot radiating structure and the second open slot radiating structure on the surface of the metal casing of the computing device. The closed slot radiator element is approximately half the length of the radiating wavelength.

As display size increases on computing devices such as tablets and smart phones, bezel size often decreases. Accordingly, antennas that have been traditionally placed in the bezel may be moved to the edge of a computing device. When antennas are moved to the edge of a computing device, slot antennas may be used in the place of other antenna structures. Traditional isolating elements may not provide adequate isolation for slot antennas.

Structural slot antenna with isolating element


A system located in a region to determine information about an unknown car relative to a moving train includes first and second satellite navigation receivers, first and second transceivers and first and second controllers. The moving train includes a first car, and the region includes the moving train and the unknown car. The region is defined by points at which radio communication with the first car is possible. The first satellite navigation receiver, located in the first car, provides first location data, and the second satellite navigation receiver, located in the unknown car, provides second location data. The first transceiver is located in the first car, and the second transceiver is located in the unknown car. The first controller, located in the first car, reads the first location data from the first satellite receiver at a first time and sends via the first transceiver a first request to the second transceiver at the first time. The second controller, located in the unknown car and responsive to the first request received via the second transceiver, reads the second location data from the second satellite receiver and sends via the second transceiver a first response to the first transceiver, the first response including the second location data, wherein the first controller receives via the first transceiver the response and calculates a first distance from a first difference between the first and second location data. Alternatively, the first controller polls the region for unknown cars. An unknown car responds with it identification number. The first controller has a Doppler receiver to determine whether the unknown and responding car is moving with respect to the first controller. From the Doppler indications of all responding cars, the first controller determines a train manifest, and then transmits the manifest and equipment status via satellite to a central station.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically generating a train manifest. In particular, the invention relates to method to use satellite navigation receivers or Doppler radio receivers to determine whether an unknown train is a member of a moving train.
2. Description Of Related Art
This invention solves the problem that is currently being experienced in the efficient management of railcars. Railroad companies are trying to find an automated means for tracking railcars, and being able to also generate a manifest for each train automatically. In general, they are looking for some type of radio solution.
Some of the problems they run into is how does a master radio unit which is attached to the locomotive figure out in the train yard which railcars has been attached to which locomotive. If radio equipped, most railcars in the yard would respond to a poll. Once that information has been determined, how does the information get sent back to their central office.
There is apparently no known method for automatically generating a manifest for a train. The manifest is currently done by hand. There were some attempts to put bar codes on cars and read them as they entered or left a yard, but this has not worked very well.

Method and apparatus to automatically generate a train manifest


A second-order Volterra filter has a quadratic section including a plurality of multiplication units that multiply a first input signal with a second input signal. One of the multiplication units employs a signal not delayed from the first input signal, as the second input signal. A remaining one of the multiplication units employs a signal delayed a preset time from the first input signal, as the second input signal. The one of the multiplication units includes a multiplier that multiplies the signal output from the one of the multiplication units and a signal output from each of one or more delay units, each with a preset coefficient. A step gain parameter for updating each preset coefficient of a multiplier of the remaining one of the multiplication units is twice a step gain parameter for updating each preset coefficient of the multiplier of the one of the multiplication units.

The storage device exploiting the magnetic recording technique or the optical recording technique, or the signal processing apparatus employed in a wireless communication apparatus, as well as the software algorithm, used therefor, is designed on the basis of a linear signal processing theory based on the assumed linear performance of input signals. In general, these input signals are not formed only of perfectly linear signal components, and also contain non-linear components. However, these non-linear components are usually sufficiently low in power and therefore may be approximated to linear signals. For this reason, the signal processing apparatus, based on the linearity theory, has so far been used sufficiently efficaciously.
However, with recent development in the storage technology and increase in the recording density, non-linear properties presented in the reproduced signals have become non-negligible. These non-linear properties account for deterioration in the performance of a phase locked loop (PLL), in the convergence properties of an adaptive equalizing filter or in the ultimate data error rate. Even though attempts have so far been made in increasing the recording density of a recording medium for further improving its recording capacity, non-linear signal distortion, caused by the use of a recording medium having a high recording capacity, or by the use of a detector exhibiting a high detection sensitivity but presenting a non-linear response to input or output signals, proves a significant factor deterrent to further performance improvement of the entire apparatus.
Representative of the causes of these non-linear distortions of the reproduced signals are non-linear properties ascribable to the signal reproducing side and those ascribable to the recording medium. Among the representative causes of the former type, there are a non-linear response and a base line shift of magnetic field-voltage transducing characteristics of an MR (Magneto Resistive) head, used as a reproducing head for magnetic recording, and also a non-linear response of a photodetector used for optical recording. Among the representative causes of the latter type, there are non-linear inter-symbol interference (NLISI) under the state of high recording density of both the magnetic recording medium and the optical recording medium, and vertical signal asymmetry, brought about by the non-linear performance of the reflectivity of the recording medium in the course of optical recording.
The causes for ultimate deterioration in the error rate will now be scrutinized further.
In a linear adaptive equalizing filter, employing an LMS (Least Mean Square) algorithm, as mounted on a customary signal processing apparatus, convergence to tap coefficients, which will give the smallest square error value, is assured by detecting an error signal between a target detection value conforming to a preset equalization system, represented by partial response (PR), and an actually detected signal, as long as an input signal is free of non-linear distortion. However, with the above filter, the non-linear distortion, represented by vertical asymmetry, cannot be corrected, because of its theoretical structure.
It is noted that, with the linear adaptive equalizing filter, in which, due to its algorithm, the tap coefficient which will simply minimize the square error obtained is searched, there unavoidably persists the probability of convergence of the tap coefficients to values different from the ideal values of convergence. This indicates the possibility of producing unforeseen new equalization errors, that is, non-linear equalization errors, due to the fact that, in case an input signal to a linear adaptive equalizing filter suffers from non-linear distortion, resort is had to an adaptive equalizing algorithm in which correction of such non-linear equalization error is intrinsically not presupposed. Such non-linear equalization error leads to deterioration in the ultimate data error rate.
In this consideration, such a technique implementing a polynominal filter as an adaptive equalization filter has been proposed as a method for non-linear equalization of a signal exhibiting non-linear distortion (for example, see Patent Publications 1 and 2). Researches into such polynominal filter, generally termed a Volterra filter, have so far been attempted in a variety of technological fields. With the Volterra filter, it is possible to update the tap coefficients in accordance with an adaptive equalization algorithm, such as LMS or RLS (Recursive Least Square) algorithm, by way of optimization insofar as the least square error is concerned. Detailed explanation on an adaptive equalization Volterra filter may be found in a reference material entitled "Adaptive Polynominal Filters" by V. John Matthews, IEEE SP Magazine, July 1991, pp. 10 to 26.
Meanwhile, a customary second-order Volterra filter is represented by the following equation (1):
                              y                                (            k            )                          =                                            ∑                              i                =                0                                                              M                  1                                -                1                                                                                h                                      (                    1                    )                                                                                (                  i                  )                                            ·                              x                                                  (                                      k                    -                    i                                    )                                                              +                                    ∑                                                i                  1                                =                0                                                              M                  2                                -                1                                                                                ∑                                                      i                    2                                    =                  0                                                                      M                    2                                    -                  1                                                                                h                                          (                      2                      )                                                                                (                                                                  i                        1                                            ,                                              i                        2                                                              )                                                  ·                                  x                                                        (                                          k                      -                                              i                        1                                                              )                                                  ·                                                      x                                                              (                                              k                        -                                                  i                          2                                                                    )                                                        .                                                                                (        1        )
In this equation (1), M1 denotes a tap length of a linear section, and M2 denotes a tap length of a quadratic section. Moreover, in this equation, y(k) denotes an output signal of the second-order Volterra filter, at time k, x(k) is an input signal to the second-order Volterra filter, at time k, h(1)(i) denotes tap coefficients of the linear section, where i=0, 1, . . . , M1−1 and h(2)(i1, i2) denotes tap coefficients of the quadratic section (i1=0, 1, . . . , M2−1; i2=0, 1, . . . , M2−1).
Meanwhile, the second-order Volterra filter can be mounted so that the number of filter taps will sequentially be optimized in accordance with an adaptive equalization algorithm. In addition, if the optimum values of the tap coefficients of the linear and quadratic sections of the second-order Volterra filter are known from the outset, the second-order Volterra filter may also be mounted as a filter of fixed tap coefficients.
For completing calculations of the right side of the equation (1) by one cycle for the input signal x(k), M1 multiplication operations and 2×M2×M2 multiplication operations are needed for the first and second terms of the right side, respectively. Moreover, a number of delay lines for holding the input signals x(k) for the quadratic section, corresponding to M2 clocks, are also needed in addition to the input signal delay line to the linear section of the filter
By exploiting known symmetry of the second-order Volterra filter, the tap coefficients of the quadratic section of the filter satisfy the relationship indicated by the following equation (2):h(2)(i1,i2)=h(2)(i2,i1)  (2)
By exploiting the relationship of this equation (2), the above equation (1) may be simplified to
                              y                                (            k            )                          =                                            ∑                              i                =                0                                                              M                  1                                -                1                                                                                h                                      (                    1                    )                                                                                (                  i                  )                                            ·                              x                                                  (                                      k                    -                    i                                    )                                                              +                                    ∑                              i                =                0                                                              M                  2                                -                1                                                                                h                                      (                    2                    )                                                                                (                                      i                    ,                    i                                    )                                            ·                                                x                  2                                                                  (                                      k                    -                    i                                    )                                                              +                      2                                                      ∑                                                      i                    1                                    =                  0                                                                      M                    2                                    -                  1                                                                                ∑                                                            i                      2                                        >                                          i                      1                                                                                M                      2                                        -                    1                                                                                h                                              (                        2                        )                                                                                (                                                                        i                          1                                                ,                                                  i                          2                                                                    )                                                        ·                                      x                                                              (                                              k                        -                                                  i                          1                                                                    )                                                        ·                                                            x                                                                    (                                                  k                          -                                                      i                            2                                                                          )                                                              .                                                                                (        3        )
It is noted that M1 multiplication operations, 2×M2 multiplication operations and M2×(M2−1) multiplication operations are needed for the first, second and third terms of the right side of the equation (3), respectively.
The results of comparison of the number of the multipliers of the quadratic section of the second-order Volterra filter, indicated by the equations (1) and (3), for variable numbers M2, are shown in FIG. 17 and in the following Table 1:
TABLE 1Number of multipliers ofNumber of multipliers ofM2quadratic term of equation (1)quadratic term of equation (2)1222863181243220550306724279856812872916290102001101124213212288156133381821439221015450240
As may be seen from FIG. 17 and Table 1, the larger the value of M2, the more outstanding is the effect of reducing the number of the multipliers by the equation (3). However, even with the configuration of the equation (3), as many as 240 multipliers are needed for the case of M2=15.
That is, even though the higher order Volterra filter is highly efficacious for equalizing an input signal exhibiting non-linear distortion, many multiplication operations are needed if the filter is to be implemented by hardware or software, thus presenting implementation difficulties because of cost.

Signal processing device and method, and signal decoding device and method


A child-resistant closure includes an inner cap threadable mountable to a container, and an outer cap attached to the inner cap and freely rotatable relative to the inner cap during a child-resistant mode, and interconnected with the inner cap for removal of the closure from the container when the closure is in a non-child-resistant mode. An intermediate member is rotatably mounted between the inner cap and the outer cap and movable between a first position prohibiting the inner and outer caps from being interconnected for removal from the container and a second position permitting the manipulation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap for interconnecting the inner and outer caps for removal of the closure from the container. The intermediate member includes a spring which axially biases the outer cap away from the inner cape and which additionally torsionally biases the outer cap to rotate the outer cap relative to the inner cap when the outer cap is released from interconnection with the inner cap to automatically return the closure to the child-resistant mode. While the closure is in the child-resistant mode, the outer cap is freely rotatable in a loosening direction of the closure. However, rotation of the outer cap in a tightening direction only serves to further tighten the inner cap on the container.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a child-resistant closure, and more specifically, to a closure having an inner cap and an outer cap which must be manipulated in a specific manner in order to remove the closure from a container to which the closure is attached.
2. Description of the Background Art
Various child-resistant closures are known in the art. For example, Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,787, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by references, discloses a condition indicating child-resistant closure assembly including an inner cap, an outer cap, and a bridge member located therebetween. The inner cap includes a top wall having a post extending therefrom which is extendable through an aperture in the top wall of the outer cap. The bridge member is positioned in a recess of the inner cap top wall and is freely rotatable on the post between a first position prohibiting the inner and outer caps from being interconnected for removal from the container, and a second position permitting the manipulation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap for interconnecting the inner and outer caps for removal of the closure from the container. The outer cap includes a plurality of flexible fingers extending from the inner surface of the top wall which are adapted to engage the bridge member for moving the bridge member alternately between these two positions Stop members are arranged on the top wall of the inner cap for limiting rotary movement of the bridge member between the two positions A coil spring is mounted in coaxial relationship with the post and is positioned between the bridge member and the inner surface of the top wall of the outer cap for biasing the outer cap outwardly relative to the inner cap.
Further, Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,632, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a child-resistant cap which includes an inner cap threadably mountable to a container, and an outer cap which includes a pair of spring legs which engage ramps extending upwardly from the inner cap. The free ends of the spring legs slide up the back sides of the ramps and over the lip portion of the ramp to hold the outer cap upwardly in spaced relation to the inner cap to maintain the closure in a child-resistant mode as the outer cap is continually rotated counter-clockwise. To interlock the inner and outer caps, the outer cap is rotated clockwise relative to the inner cap until the free ends of the spring legs engage the front sides of the ramps, thus stopping further clockwise rotation of the outer cap. At this position, a pair of lugs on the outer cap become aligned with respective inclined slots on the inner cap such that the outer cap may be moved axially toward the inner cap, and thereafter the outer cap is rotated counter-clockwise to thereby move the lugs into abutment with closed ends of the slots, whereby the inner and outer caps become interlocked in a non-child-resistant position and further counter-clockwise rotation allows the inner cap to be removed or unscrewed from the bottle or container.
While these arrangements are useful for providing a child-resistant closure, there exists a need for a closure which is extremely reliable and easy to manufacture, and having a minimum number of components to assemble. Further, there exists a need in the industry for a closure which automatically returns the closure to a child-resistant mode when the outer cap is released


A remote ordering device having a two-way wireless communications input device with a display for sending and receiving data and a data receiving station to send and receive data, process orders and keep track of accounts, inventory and retain other data as required. The receiving station can be in communication with other receiving stations to forward orders or data. The receiving station can provide instructions to a person or machine to fill orders at any desired location. A GPS, WAP or other location finding systems, may be used to identify the user's location. Bioelectronics, Caller I.D, pin numbers or other identification means can be used to verify the user for debiting accounts or credit cards. Users can remotely order tickets, meals, services, or control machines remotely and either arrange for pick up at a desired location or for delivery.

This invention relates to remote ordering systems in general.
The drive-through lanes in many restaurants have added a very beneficial feature for both the consumer and the proprietor. The drive-through allows the proprietor to remain open longer, while the restaurant is being cleaned for the next day. The drive-through also allows more efficient handling of customers with a reduction in staff count.
The customer gets the benefit of staying in his or her vehicle while being serviced. That is especially important to young families and to those with mobility problems, such as the aged or infirm.
Drive-through lanes have been around for quite some time. However, in the typical drive-through lane, a customer places an order by speaking into a microphone to an attendant. The quality of these microphones is generally poor, resulting in miscommunication and errors in the order. By the time the customer finds out about the error, he has already waited in line several minutes and must then wait several more minutes for a correct order to be filled. This results in the loss of customer goodwill.
A problem with previous drive-through ordering systems that do not use a microphone is that they require the customer to lean out of the vehicle to press a button on a menu or use a touch screen. This is awkward if not impossible for some people, such as very obese people. Also, this exposes the customer to rain, snow, etc., while the order is being placed. Generally speaking, there is no feedback as to the type, quantity, or total price of items ordered, and no capability to back up to correct an incorrectly entered item.
There is a need for a remote ordering system for a drive-through lane that addresses the above problems. Additionally, the system should provide a completely transportable, hand-held remote device that can be assigned to customers who order frequently from the restaurant. Optimally, the device will have a customer identification, which is transmitted with each order so that the restaurant can perform statistical analysis.
This application also relates to the use of a remote ordering device by wait staff within a restaurant, to place orders, determine the status of orders, and allow the customer to pay the bill either by cash or credit card.
There is a need for a hand held remote device on which a server in a restaurant enters each customer's food and beverage order and then electronically sends the information directly to the kitchen without the server having to personally take the order to the kitchen. Each server can then handle additional tables more efficiently, increasing their income, and saving the restaurant some portion of the staff salaries. The device can also have a credit card reader and signature "box" for the customer to complete the transaction at the table without having to wait in line at the cash register, or for the waitress to return with a credit slip to sign.
There is also a need for a generalized remote ordering device for customer use inside or outside a facility such as a restaurant, auto repair facility, retail store, grocery store, airport or other service facility. The remote ordering device is a handheld device that allows the customer to order and pay for products or services and access information.
The generalized remote ordering system may also have two way communications for seeing what is for sale and ordering on the two way communications device such as a computer, cell phone or a PDA either by a direct dial or over the internet, or by a Wi-Fi or other local communication connection such as infrared. With a two-way communications system a display may be used to point and click selections or make selections by a touch screen system or by entering data on a keyboard for selections seen on the display. The communications device can communicate with a computer at a store or restaurant or a service facility or with vending machines, ATMs, kiosks, vehicles. The device can be used for taxi services to order a taxi to come to your location, particularly when combined with a JPS system. The device can also be used to select items and pay for them from vending machines, gasoline pumps at gas stations, to buy airline tickets, insurance, rent cars, contact house appliances or open doors in homes hotels or other buildings.
The two-way communication feature allows for advertising or other information such as directions or product information to be displayed. Data entry to the communications device can be made by scanning information in, manually entering data, selection items on a screen by a point and click system or a touch screen system or by other means such as a radio frequency identification chip (RFIC) reading device.
The user of the communications device can be identified by biometric features of the user, such as fingerprints, voice recognition, retina identification, or by pin numbers, or chips such as RFIC in the user's possession implanted in the user.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A device for automatically closing an open toilet seat after an adjustable low-speed phase to permit the user to finish using the toilet. The seat then closes at a speed which is adjustable by the user separately from the initial low speed. A biasing member is used to urge the open seat toward the closed position. A pneumatic or hydraulic dampener is mechanically linked to the seat and slows the seat's descent. As the seat rotates toward the closed position it causes a reciprocating member to move inside the dampener. As the reciprocating member moves it forces a dampening fluid to flow from the main chamber of the dampener, through one or both of two openings, to a low pressure area within the dampener. During the low-speed phase, the reciprocating member blocks and prevents the flow of the dampening fluid through one of the openings. This heavily restricted flow allows the seat to move very slowly at first. After the reciprocating member passes and uncovers the second opening, the dampening fluid flows more easily. This permits the seat to travel at a faster speed until it comes to rest on the bowl.. The dampener includes valves to vary the size of the two openings to the low pressure area. In this manner the valves adjust the duration of the low-speed phase and the final descent speed of the seat.. The dampener also includes a check valve in the reciprocating member which permits the seat to be raised with no resistance from the dampener.

It is well-known that toilet seats can be a source of disputes in the home where men, after using the toilet as a urinal, leave the seat in the "up" position, which can anger women who must lower the seat before using the toilet. Even worse, a person inattentive to the seat's position might accidentally sit upon the bowl while the seat is up and injure himself. Finally, when the seat is left up, household pets have easy access to the water in the bowl and will frequently drink from it.
Many attempts have been made to alleviate these problems by automating the seat-closing function. However, many of the devices in this field consist of unattractive mechanisms, cords, or levers attached to the exterior of the toilet, or require installation of plumbing or mechanical elements inside the toilet tank behind the bowl. Some prior toilet seat closing mechanisms have employed electric motors which of course are dangerous to use near water.
Some recent toilet seat closing devices have managed to eliminate mechanisms visible on the exterior of the toilet, but have suffered from certain drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,000 to Mercier et al., and No. 5,388,281 to Wiklund et al., both disclose a seat closure mechanism which is self-contained within the seat hinge on the toilet. Both devices employ a hydraulic cylinder or dashpot to slow the descent of the seat to the bowl. The closing device in the Wiklund patent uses a coil spring to bias the seat toward the closed position and start the closing motion, whereas the Mercier device uses stops mounted on the seat hinge to prevent the seat from being raised to the full 90.degree. vertical position (stopping the seat a few degrees short), thus relying on gravity to pull the seat into motion after it is raised. Thus, the devices disclosed in the Wiklund and Mercier patents allow the seat to move slowly when it is in a vertical or near-vertical orientation, and then somewhat faster as the seat falls and the center of gravity moves laterally farther away from the hinge. However, both of these devices lack a means for adjusting the descent speed separately from the initial delay time. This arrangement makes a long delay phase (the period of slow seat motion during which the seat is sufficiently open to allow use of the toilet for urination) incompatible with a rapid descent speed. If the user "tightens" the dampening means to increase the time available to use the toilet, he necessarily slows the seat's descent over the entire range of motion, and any attempt to increase the descent speed will reduce the time available to use the toilet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,946 to Yoke et al. discloses a toilet seat closing mechanism which employs a hydraulic dampener to slow the descent of the seat and a timer to adjust the delay time without affecting the descent speed. However, in this device the descent speed is not adjustable at all, which can make the device difficult to adapt for use with a toilet seat that is extremely light or heavy, or difficult to simply tune its functioning according to the user's preference. The closer is also mechanically complex, requiring two separate hydraulic chambers for regulating delay time and descent speed. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the device requires substantial modification of the toilet seat to include mechanical elements for interrupting the progress of the timer under certain conditions.
Therefore, a need exists for a self-contained, compact toilet seat closing device which has a very slow initial rate of descent, providing a time delay, and a controlled final descent speed, each separately adjustable by the user, which is easily installed on a standard toilet with no addition of mechanical elements inside the tank or on the sides of the toilet, and which is as mechanically simple as possible.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for automatically closing a toilet seat after use.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a closing device which effectively delays the main closing action for a period easily adjustable by the user, and then closes the seat at a speed easily adjustable by the user separately from the delay duration adjustment.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a closing device which is easily installed on a standard flush toilet with little or no modification to, and no installation of mechanical elements in, the toilet tank, plumbing, seat, or lid.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a closing device which is compact with an unobtrusive, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
It is yet a further object of this invention to provide a closing device with the above-recited virtues which is as mechanically simple as possible.


A rotary die pipe bending apparatus comprising a bend die mounted for rotation about a bending axis and a clamp die for clamping a pipe to the bend die. The clamp die holds the pipe to be bent as the bend die and the clamp die rotate about the bending axis. A pressure die directed against an outer surface of the pipe for restraining a portion of the pipe spaced away from the bend to be formed in the pipe. A reverse die engaged with an inner surface of the pipe at a location spaced away from the clamp and bend dies and near the pressure die for resisting the bowing of the pipe in back of the bend die and for avoiding the formation of an indentation at the end of the bend.

The present invention relates in general to pipe bending and, in particular, to a new and useful rotary draw bending apparatus and method which avoids the formation of indentations or humps in the pipe at the end of the bend and resists the bowing of the pipe in back of the bend die, resulting from the application of excessive force on the pressure die.
The technique of rotary draw bending derives its name from the concept of a pipe or tube being clamped, held and rotated around a bend die. During the process, the pipe is pulled or drawn forward. This is different from the so-called compression bending where the pipe is stationary and is wrapped around a form. The minimum tools or dies required for rotary draw bending are a clamp die, a bend die, and a pressure die. The clamp die holds the pipe or tube against the bend die and rotates with the bend die. The pressure die holds back reaction forces to create the bend. All bending occurs within a narrow zone just prior to and slightly following the point where the pressure die is tangent to the bend die. It is within this range that the yield point of the pipe or tube material is exceeded thereby forming indentations or humps.
The machine operators are known to apply excessive force on the pressure die in an attempt to improve the ovality of the tube or pipe within the bend. The application of excessive force may cause the formation of indentations or humps in the pipe at the end of the bend and may cause the pressure die to over travel and actually bow the pipe in back of the bend die. The present invention avoids the formation of indentations or humps in the pipe at the end of the bend and resists the bowing of the pipe in back of the bend die, resulting from the application of excessive force on the pressure die.

Rotary draw bending apparatus and method


A detection apparatus for detecting electromagnetic waves that have passed through an object is provided which includes a transmission line for transmitting electromagnetic waves therethrough and a detector for detecting electromagnetic waves that have passed through an object, the transmission line having a gap for disposing the object therein.

In recent years, attention has been focused on a technique using so-called terahertz-waves. Spectral analysis using terahertz-waves, imaging using terahertz-waves, and the like have been expected for industrial applications.
For example, techniques now under development in application fields of terahertz-waves include an imaging technique using a safe fluoroscopic apparatus as an alternative to an X-ray apparatus, a spectral technique for obtaining an absorption spectrum or complex dielectric constant of a substance to examine a bonding state therein, a technique for analyzing biomolecules, and a technique for estimating a carrier concentration or mobility.
Of the techniques, as a method of spectroscopically analyzing a substance using terahertz-waves, there has been known a method of irradiating a substance to be analyzed with terahertz-waves to obtain a spectrum of transmitted or reflected terahertz-waves.
Meanwhile, water has regions of very strong absorption in the frequency range of 30 GHz to 30 THz. Therefore, terahertz-waves are almost blocked out by, for example, a container with a thickness of 1 mm containing liquid water. Thus, it is relatively difficult to obtain information about a substance contained in water by means of terahertz-waves that have passed through the water.
Therefore, as a method of determining an absorption spectrum or complex dielectric constant of a substance such as water having a strong absorption spectrum band within the terahertz range or molecules contained in such a substance, there has been known a method using an evanescent terahertz-wave which is generated in total reflection in a prism, as disclosed in "Extended Abstracts, The 51st Spring Meeting, 2004, The Japan Society of Applied Physics and Related Societies, 28p-YF-7". In this method, terahertz-waves emitted from a terahertz-wave generator are made incident on a first surface of a prism and totally reflected by a second surface of the prism. Then, terahertz-waves that have exited from a third surface of the prism are detected by a detector, and a sample is disposed on the second surface so as to interact with an evanescent terahertz-wave which is generated upon the total reflection of the terahertz-waves by the second surface, thereby spectroscopically analyzing the sample. According to this method, it is possible to analyze a sample in a form of solid, powder, liquid, or the like. However, because the method disclosed in "Extended Abstracts, The 51st Spring Meeting, 2004, The Japan Society of Applied Physics and Related Societies, 28p-YF-7" uses a spatial optical system, system size reduction as well as optical adjustment is difficult.

Detection apparatus for detecting electromagnetic wave passed through object


A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

A medical respiratory apparatus such as a nebuliser or humidifier commonly includes a transparent or translucent chamber, containing fluid, usually water or an aqueous solution of a medicament intended for inhalation. In use, the fluid is entrained in a flow of air or other gas which is inhaled by a patient. The level of the fluid in the chamber needs to be instantly visually identified, effectively and efficiently, by the human eye for reasons of efficient and effective operation of the apparatus and in some instances safety. For instance, it may be necessary to ensure that the level of the fluid does not fall below a prescribed minimum or rise above a prescribed maximum. However, such levels can often be indistinct or obscured due to the opaqueness of the chamber material, condensation of fluid on chamber walls, product graphics and labels, or the transparency of the fluid itself.
There have now been devised improvements to medical respiratory apparatus which overcome or substantially mitigate the above-mentioned or other disadvantages of the prior art.


Disclosed is a device for varying capacitance which pertains to the field of application of electronic devices and components. The technical essentials of the present invention lie in that: two dielectrics are disposed in parallel with an isolation layer interposed therebetween; the two dielectrics each are connected to an electrode at the same one end face thereof; the other end face of each of the two dielectrics is provided with an elastic conductive pad; a gasket is provided between the two dielectrics and the elastic conductive pads. The relative position and compressed area between the elastic conductive pads and the dielectrics vary according to the magnitude of the external force so that the capacitance between the electrodes of the dielectrics is varied accordingly within a certain range. Therefore, once the value and the variation of the capacitance between the electrodes are measured, the magnitude and the status of the external force which brings about the variation of the capacitance can be obtained. The device of the present invention has a simple structure and high sensitivity. Also, it has a definite zero initial value and a maximum value of the capacitance, and therefore is easy for handing and measurement.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for varying capacitance, and reflecting pressure-variation on it by means of the variation of the capacitance, which pertains to the field of the application of electronic devices and components.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the increasing improvement in the design of the consumptive electronic products as well as the increment of the demand of the user, there are more and more occasions in which a varying external physical quantity needs to be measured, controlled and responded. Pressure sensing techniques are examples adopted in such occasions, which are widely used in many technical fields, such as a handwriting pen in the input apparatus of a computer. When the writer uses the handwriting pen, a real time feedback to the pressure is required. That is, the variation of the magnitude of the acting force upon writing should be quickly and timely reflected on an apparatus or an application software and displayed on the computer screen so that a status of force applied by the user upon writing, for example, whether a light, heavy, quick, or slow writing is done, can be reflected.
In order to achieve the aforesaid purpose and effect, several solutions have been provided. In particular, the Japanese patent No. JP2001319831 provides a solution which relates to a pressure measurement device wherein a dielectric has two end faces with one end face having two electrodes and the other end face having one flexible electrode; a predetermined gap is provided between the flexible electrode and the other end face; While being applied with an external force, the flexible electrode can generate a relative variation with respect to the other end face; and when the relative variation is generated, a parameter associated with the applied external force can be obtained.
The above solution has obvious defects which are mainly represented as below: two electrodes are connected to one dielectric, which is equivalent to one porcelain dielectric capacitor. Therefore, there is an initial value of capacitance. When the flexible electrode is brought into contact with the dielectric and the contacting area varies, the amount of the variation of the capacitance is established on the basis of the initial capacitance value as the minimum capacitance value. In fact, the capacitance value when the flexible electrode just contacts the dielectric is identical to the initial capacitance value, and it is difficult to distinguish between variation value and the initial value, which causes inconvenience in the sensing and controlling operation. Therefore, the manufacturing level must be improved, and in particular, the requirement for manufacturing the devices tends to be much more stricter. In addition, the Japanese patent No. JP1990-0206774 is slightly different from the previous solution. Although there is a zero initial value, the structure of the latter Japanese patent is complicated and troublesome for manufacturing and production, and the reliability of the product is reduced.


An oil and water separator for separating oil from water collected in a bilge of a boat prior to discharging the water overboard. A reservoir is provided for receiving the mixture of oil and water from the bilge. The oil separates from the water and floats on top of the water. When only water is positioned between a pair of spaced electrical probes carried in the reservoir, such causes a drain valve to be opened to drain the water from the reservoir. As the water is drained from the reservoir, the oil floating on top of the water will come between the probes and close the valve, stopping the draining of water from the bottom of the reservoir. A mixture of oil and water is pumped from a tank carried in the bilge at an intermittent rate so that the mixture is allowed sufficient time to separate in the reservoir.

This invention relates to an oil and water separator and more particularly, to an oil and water separator for use in boats for separating oil and water collected in the bilge of a boat prior to discharging the water overboard.
It is important to keep the bilges of a boat dry of both water and oil while at the same time preventing pollution of the water surrounding the boat with the fuel or waste water which has accumulated in the bilge. Lubricating oil leaking from the motor and fuel dripping from leaking lines frequently collect and mix with sea water which has accumulated because of leaking cutlass bearings and hull fittings. There are products on the market now which are designed to absorb the oil from the water prior to the water being pumped overboard but none are efficient enough to prevent rainbows from forming on the surface of the water as a result of small amounts of oil or fuel being discharged with the water that has been separated from the oil and water collected from the bilge. As a result all of the separated oil as well as any water containing small amounts of oil or fuel must be collected and discarded without contaminating the sea or lake.
Federal regulations prohibit a discharge of oil or other pollutants or hazardous substance into the waterways of the United States through the enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Such regulations include the prohibitation of pumping, pouring or discharging any kind of oil including fuel oil, gasoline, lubricating oil or oil/water mixtures normally collected in the bilge of marine vessels.
There have been many attempts to separate the oil from the water collected in the bilges of vessels and some prior art devices developed use filtering systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,913,513 and 4,031,839. The inventions disclosed in these U. S. patents include the use of an oil filter for removing the oil pollutants from an oil/water mixture collected in the bilge of a boat wherein the filter has layers of different size expanded resin particles that are hydrophobic and olephilic. However, certain disadvantages are acknowledged to be associated with this type of filtering system which generally relate to the creation of back pressure caused by the filter to resist flow and hinder start-up of the bilge pump. Prior art systems of this type utilizing a filter also include inherent limitations in that a filter element commonly only absorbs approximately 50%-60% of the absorbent potential of the filter structure. Accordingly, the replacement or cleaning of the filter is a constant problem.
In an attempt to overcome the use of filters, oil separators such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,823 have been developed. In this particular type of oil separator, the oil and water mixture collected in the bilge of a marine craft is fed into containers wherein the oil and water are allowed to separate mechanically and the water is then drained off the bottom of the receptacle. One problem with such devices is that they are too large for small recreational boats.
Other patents have been located during a search of the records of the United States Patent Office which disclose oil and water separators. Such are U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,494,906, 4,802,978, 4,422,931, 2,428,927, 4,147,629, 2,541,491 and 4,960,513.

Oil and water separator for the bilge of a boat


Methods are disclosed for acquiring ontological knowledge using query logs. In one embodiment, query logs are first utilized as a basis for identifying important contexts associated with terms belonging to a semantic category. Then, those contexts are as a basis for identifying new terms belonging to the same category or, in another embodiment, as a basis for removing extraneous or obsolete terms identified as being in the same category.

At least for applications within the fields of computer science and information science, it is sometimes useful to utilize a listing of words and/or phrases that are grouped based on category. For example, a listing might be indicative of the fact that "Academy Award," "Turing award," and "Nobel prize" are all kinds of awards. Information in such a listing can be utilized for a wide variety of different purposes such as, but certainly not limited to, serving as a basis for improving Internet search processes and/or displaying search results more appropriately. Unfortunately, keeping a listing updated through consistent expansion to include new accurately grouped words and/or phrases is not typically a straightforward or efficient undertaking.
One option is to derive words and/or phrases from a large collection of regular text such as magazine articles, newspaper articles or any text available on the web. In such a case, it is possible to do some level of categorization based on characteristics of contextual words that occur on either or both sides of a candidate word or words. Unfortunately; however, within regular text, contextual words are somewhat likely to be limited in terms of their ability to serve as an effective basis for categorization. Determining which contextual words are appropriate to support categorization is a complicated undertaking.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Acquiring ontological knowledge from query logs


The invention relates to method of protecting a flooring surface and flooring materials by providing a hardcoat surface layer comprising a perfluororpolyether. The invention also relates to certain hardcoat compositions.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,132,861 (Kang et al. '861); 6,238,798 B1 (Kang et al. '798); 6,245,833 B1 (Kang et al. '833); 6,299,799 (Craig et al.) and Published PCT Application No. WO 99/57185 (Huang et al.) describes ceramer compositions containing blends of colloidal inorganic oxide particles, a curable binder precursor and certain fluorochemical compounds having at least two free-radically curable moieties. These compositions are described as providing stain and abrasion resistant hardcoats in a single layer coating.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,660,389 (Liu et al.) describes information display protectors for display devices having an information display area, comprising a stack of flexible substantially transparent sheets, the sheets having on one side thereof an adhesive layer and having on the other side thereof a hardcoat layer comprising inorganic oxide particles dispersed in a binder matrix and a low surface energy fluorinated compound, the stack being cut so that the sheets will fit the information display area. The low surface energy fluorinated compound can be part of the hardcoat layer or can be a separate layer atop the hardcoat layer. The protectors have very good scratch, smudge and glare resistance. The stack of protectors can be stored, for example, on a personal digital assistant or its cover or case.
Although various abrasion, soil and stain resistant coatings for various surfaces have been described, industry would find advantage in new compositions and new uses for such compositions.


A reciprocating cutting tool configured for orbital cutting, includes a housing, a power source disposed in the housing, a main linkage connected to the power source and to a blade for driving the blade in a vertically reciprocating motion, a foot plate connected to the housing and including a portion in operational relationship to the blade, a swivel bracket connected to the foot plate and disposed to exert an orbital force to a rear edge of the blade. A plunger is secured within the housing and connected to the linkage for reciprocal, pivotal and rotational movement, and has an end configured for receiving a blade. A selector mechanism for selecting at least between pivotal and rotational movement of the plunger, wherein the pivotal movement relates to orbital blade motion, and the rotational movement relates to scrolling blade motion.

The present invention relates generally to hand-held power tools employing reciprocating working action, such as jigsaws or saber saws, and particularly to jigsaws capable of orbital cutting action.
It is known to provide jigsaws with orbital motion, in which the normally vertically reciprocating blade exerts a forward or lateral component of the cutting stroke. This type of orbital motion has been known to provide more effective cutting action.
One design criterion of such saws is that the main plunger, the shaft-like component to which the blade is attached and which reciprocates to provide the cutting motion, is also permitted a specified degree of forward and rearward play to effect orbital motion.
It is also known to provide such tools with scroll cutting capability for making intricate designs and other projects involving tight cutting parameters. To date, tools that were capable of both scroll cutting or orbital cutting had a mechanism design such that control location of the orbital motion was at the top of the plunger. A drawback of this location is that insufficient mechanical force is applied to the rear of the blade to provide strong cutting action during the orbital stroke. In this manner, the potential cutting improvements of orbital cutting are not achieved.
Another drawback of this control location is that due to the relatively long length of the plungers, the provision of the pendulum-like orbital option often introduces flex and play in the operation of the plunger. This relatively large amount of flex makes it more difficult to accurately control the movement of the lower end of the plunger, which is also the attachment point of the blade. The result is cutting inefficiency and/or inaccuracy.
This relatively large amount of forward and backward flex in the plunger is caused by a swivel support typically fixed to the tool housing. The swivel support is rotated by an eccentric to exert a lateral biasing force on a rear or non-cutting edge of the blade. Additionally, the placement of the swivel support at the tool housing results in another drawback, the swivel support prevents the cutting device from being able to do scrolling and orbital cutting with the same tool through a selector switch.
Thus, there is a need for a jigsaw or similar cutting device which addresses the issue of support for the pendulum movement of the plunger for more accurate and effective orbital cutting and which can provide both scroll cutting and orbital cutting motion.

Reciprocating cutting tool with orbital action


An apparatus that is able to measure a viscosity and a density directly within a short time with a small amount of sample, which has been difficult for existing vibratory viscometer. The end part of an oscillator is formed in a shape, such as a sphere, whose resistance by a fluid can be logically derived, and the viscosity and the density of a fluid are calculated based on a predefined mechanical impedance and on an amplitude ratio and a phase difference of accelerations in the cases the oscillator is in the air and is in the fluid.

In the viscosity measuring system of a fluid such as liquid, there are capillary viscometers, falling ball viscometers, rotational viscometers, vibratory viscometers, and so on. Among these viscometers, the vibratory viscometers have many advantages such as a continuous measuring ability allowed by the quick response, a wide dynamic range, a capability of the measurement even with a small amount of the fluid, an easy operation, and a capability of the measurement even during the fluid flowing.
Because of above advantages, the vibratory viscometers have been widely used for measuring the viscosity of the fluid. The technical concept disclosed by Patent Document 1 is featured in that a tuning fork is used for cancelling the reaction by the oscillation of the oscillator. Since the oscillator is a flat plate, however, the real part and the imaginary part of the resistance affecting on the oscillator are of the same value. Therefore, a measured value can be obtained only by the product of the viscosity and the density. Thus, in order to obtain the viscosity, it is necessary to know the density in advance or to divide the above measured value by the density that has been separately measured by a density meter.
Patent Document 2 discloses that the characteristic oscillation period is measured by vibrating a measurement cell in which a sample fluid is filled, and that the density of the measured sample is calculated from the known densities of the pure water and the air. In this method, the sample fluid is required to be filled in the measurement cell, which makes the inline measurement difficult.

Oscillating type physical property measuring apparatus and method


A method for indicating availability of outbound RF resources (ORFRs) of peer base stations is provided that uses peer busy indicator (PBI) messages transmitted from one peer base station to other peer base stations.

Multi-site land mobile radio systems typically utilize leased communication lines to interconnect radio repeater infrastructure devices (e.g., fixed base stations) with a central call control server. The recurring costs of the leased communication lines, as well as the capital investment required to deploy multiple radio repeater infrastructure entities and a specialized call control server can result in relatively high system costs. Multi-site land mobile radio systems are primarily utilized to provide emergency communications to police officers, fire fighters and other emergency responders.
Professional and commercial entities, such as retail store chains, school systems, utilities companies, transportation companies and construction companies, can also benefit from the use of multi-site land mobile radio systems but, due to the recurring costs and the required capital investment, such entities generally do not deploy such systems. Companies who operate over large geographic areas or in different regions may require hundreds or even thousands of fixed radio repeater base stations to implement a suitable multi-site wide area land mobile radio system. Moreover, such a system would require multiple central call servers, which themselves would need to be connected over separate leased lines, thus creating significant additional operational expenses.
One alternative for enabling peer-to-peer communications between users of such entities are two-way radio dispatch systems designed to operate over a wide area network (WAN). The two-way radio dispatch system includes multiple sites distributed over a wide area. At each physical site a minimal complexity base station is provided. Each base station can locate and establish connections to other peer base stations deployed at other physical sites directly over the Internet (or other WAN). As such, the peer base stations can communicate with each other over an Internet Protocol (IP) network without communicating through a centralized call control center, such as a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), or public telephone network, etc. This greatly reduces the costs for the entities that purchase the base stations devices to set up a two-way radio dispatch system. Once the peer base stations have established a connection with one another other over the Internet, the infrastructure for setting up a two-way radio dispatch system is deployed, and wireless communication devices located at one particular physical site can then communicate (via the base station) with other wireless communication devices located at the other physical sites. Industries including transportation, education, construction, manufacturing, energy and utilities, private security, government, hospitality, retail, and many others are finding that these two-way radio systems are relatively easy and inexpensive to deploy, and that they can improve efficiency, worker productivity and responsiveness by allowing mobile teams to share business and customer information instantly.
In many cases, such two-way radio systems support group communication or "group call" functionality for allowing simultaneous communications to a group of mobile wireless communications devices (WCDs). However, problems can arise when the number of communication groups attempting to simultaneously communicate with a base station exceeds the maximum number of inbound radio frequency (RF) resources (IRFRs) available at the base station. For instance, base stations used in some two-way radio systems can only simultaneously support inbound communications of a small fixed number (e.g., two or four) of communication groups using different RF sub-channels or different time slots within of a particular RF sub-channel. Also base stations used in some two-way radio systems can only simultaneously support outbound communications of a small fixed number of communication groups using different RF sub-channels or different time slots within of a particular RF sub-channel. In such a system, if the number of simultaneous group communications exceeds the fixed number of outbound RF resources (ORFRs) at a site, then there will not be RF resources for at least one of the group communications and end-users might mistakenly believe that their group communications are sucessfully completed when there are not adequate RF resources to support them.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Indicating availability of RF resources at a peer base station in a two-way peer-to-peer communication system


A screwdriving spindle assembly comprising a spindle shaft provided with a holding device and secured to a gear wheel rotated by a drive assembly which comprises a pressurized fluid actuating cylinder having a piston rod secured to a transmission system, and a member for adjusting pressure disposed on a line for feeding fluid to the cylinder in the screw-tightening direction.

Known screwdriving spindle assemblies include an electric or pneumatic motor for rotating a shaft whose end is fitted with a chuck device for holding caps. The shaft is also driven with vertical motion enabling the cap to be put into contact with and screwed onto a threaded neck.
One of the concerns relating to such spindle assemblies lies in controlling the tightening torque applied to the cap. It is important for the torque to be large enough to ensure that the package is properly closed and to avoid any untimely loosening of the cap while it is keeping the package closed, but without thereby obliging the user to make use of a tool for opening the package. A torque limiter device must therefore be interposed between the motor and the spindle shaft in order to transmit a determined tightening torque.
Friction-based torque limiter devices are known, in particular from documents U.S. Pat. No 4,756,137 and EP 387 153, which devices comprise two plates pressed one against the other. However the friction between the two plates gives rise to significant wear, and to heating, thereby altering their coefficients of friction. The transmitted tightening torque is therefore not constant. There also exist magnetic torque limiting devices that avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks. However, those devices suffer likewise from problems of adjusting torque, in particular because the magnetic elements age, and when permanent magnets are used, chattering occurs on sliding.

Adjustable-torque screwdriving spindle assembly


A color cathode ray tube includes an evacuated envelope formed of a panel portion having a phosphor screen, a neck portion and a funnel portion connecting the panel portion and the neck portion, and an in-line electron gun housed in the neck portion. The in-line electron gun includes a main lens and an electrostatic quadrupole lens. The focus electrode of the electron gun has a single opening at one end thereof for passing the three electron beams and opposes an anode to form a main lens therebetween. The single opening has a diameter larger in a horizontal direction than a diameter thereof in a vertical direction. A distance from the main lens to the phosphor screen is not larger than 300 mm, an outer diameter T of the neck portion housing the in-line electron gun satisfies the following inequality: 23.2 mm.ltoreq.T.ltoreq.25.9 mm, and a value D of twice a distance from a center of a trajectory of a side electron beam of the three electron beams to a horizontal edge of the single opening satisfies the following inequality: 5.0 mm.ltoreq.D.ltoreq.6.5 mm.

The present invention relates to a cathode ray tube and particularly to a cathode ray tube having an in-line electron gun structured so as to project three electron beams in a horizontal plane toward the phosphor screen.
As a picture display means in a television receiver or a monitor terminal, a cathode ray tube having a plurality of in-line electron beams, that is, a color cathode ray tube is widely used.
A cathode ray tube of this kind comprises at least an evacuated envelope including a panel portion with a phosphor screen on its inner surface and a neck portion and a funnel portion connecting the panel portion and the neck portion, a deflection device mounted in the transition region between the funnel portion and the neck portion of the evacuated envelope, and an in-line electron gun structured so as to project three electron beams in a horizontal plane toward the phosphor screen and housed in the neck portion.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the electrode constitution of an in-line electron gun used for a cathode ray tube of this kind and FIGS. 9A and 9B are illustrations of the essential electrodes of the electron gun shown in FIG. 8. In the drawings, numeral 1 indicates a cathode, 2 a control electrode, 3 an accelerating electrode, 4 a first focus electrode, 4a an internal electrode placed in the first focus electrode 4, 5 a second focus electrode, 5a and 5b parallel electrodes for forming an electrostatic quadrupole lens, 6 a plate electrode placed in the second focus electrode 5, 7 an anode, and 8 a plate electrode placed in the anode 7.
FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view along the line 100--100 in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view along the line 101--101 in FIG. 8, and each same numeral as that shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to the same part.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the free ends of a pair of the parallel electrodes 5a and 5b attached to the second electrode 5 on the side of the first focus electrode 4 extend into the single opening formed in the first focus electrode 4 and sandwich vertically in non-touching fashion three in-line electron beam apertures 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, and 4.sub.3 formed in the internal electrode 4a placed in the first focus electrode 4.
In the plate electrode 6 placed in the second focus electrode 5, as shown in FIG. 9B, one elliptical aperture through which the center electron beam passes and semi-elliptical cutouts on both sides thereof are provided.
A cathode ray tube having an electron gun of the aforementioned constitution operates as follows:
Thermoelectrons emitted from the three cathodes heated by a heater are attracted toward the control electrode 2 by a positive voltage of 200 to 1000 V applied to the accelerating electrode 3 and form three electron beams.
The three electron beams pass through the apertures of the control electrode 2 and then the apertures of the accelerating electrode 3, and enters the main lens accelerated by the positive voltages applied to the first focus electrode 4, the second focus electrode 5, and the anode 7. Before the electron beams enter the main lens, a slight focusing action is exerted on them by a prefocus lens formed between the accelerating electrode 3 supplied with a low voltage of about 200 to 1000 V and the first focus electrode 4.
Furthermore, the second focus electrode 5 constituting the main lens is supplied with a low voltage of about 5 to 10 kV which is the same that of the first focus electrode 4, superposed with a dynamic voltage varying with an increase in the deflection angle of the electron beams and the anode 7 is supplied with a high voltage of about 20 to 35 kV.
An electrostatic quadrupole lens is formed on the opposing surfaces of the first focus electrode 4 and the second focus electrode 5 so as to correct for degradation of the focus characteristic at the screen corners caused by the deflection of the electron beams.
By the main lens formed by the potential difference between the second focus electrode 5 and the anode 7, the electron beams are focused on the phosphor screen and form beam spots on the screen.
The main causes for degradation of the focus characteristic which increases as the deflection angle of the electron beams increases are that firstly, since a self-converging deflection yoke is generally used to scan the electron beams on the phosphor screen, astigmatism is generated due to nonhomogeneity of its magnetic deflection field and secondly, since the distance from the main lens to the screen corners is longer than the distance from the main lens to the screen center, the electron beam focusing condition is different between the screen center and the screen corners.
Therefore, to solve the problem that the resolution deteriorates at the screen corners, an electron gun is structured to form an electrostatic quadrupole lens as shown in FIG. 9A and to receive a dynamic voltage varying with an increase in the deflection angle of the electron beams on the second focus electrode 5.
A prior art electron gun and a prior art cathode ray tube of this kind are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Sho 58-103752, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,560, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open 2-72546, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,741.

Color cathode ray tube having a small neck diameter


A button assembly comprises a cylindrical key top (132) loosely inserted into a hole (126) formed on a casing (10). The upper surface of the key top (132) is a pressed face (134). The assembly further comprises a deformation member (150) disposed below the key top (132) in the pressing direction. The deformation member (150) deforms to produce repulsive force when the key top (132) is pressed down. The assembly further comprises a conductive member (154) attached on the bottom of the deformation member (150), and switch contacts (166) which come into contact with the conductive member (154) and become conductive by the deformation of the deformation member (150). The central axis of the key top (132) and the central axis of the conductive member (154) are separated with certain spacing. The key top (132) has a hang-over member extending from the lower end of said key top over the central axis of the conductive member (154). The hang-over member (142) moves to the pressing direction with the key top (132) when the key top is pressed down, and the bottom of the hang-over member (142) presses the deformation member (150) in the pressing direction.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the structure of an electronic device, and more particularly, to the structure of a push button installed in the electronic device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, electronic devices such as a portable gaming machine, a personal digital assistance (PDA) and a cellular phone become widespread. Users can enjoy playing electronic game, sending an E-mail, or making a call with the electronic device anywhere. Most of these electronic devices have push buttons for operation.
Recently, both contents and graphic performance of electronic game has been improved. A larger liquid crystal display is installed on the portable electronic device. In some cases, operating devices such as push buttons need to be arranged adjacent to the liquid crystal display according to designer's request. Furthermore, because of advancement of the electronic devices such as gaming machines, packaging density of the casing has been increased. Therefore, in some cases, operation devices such as push buttons need to be positioned adjacent to some units such as a hard disk drive, a wireless communication unit, or a camera unit.
Generally, a molded part for a key top of the push button, a rubber member positioned below the molded part for producing repulsion of the button, and switch contacts need to be aligned coaxially. Therefore, it is difficult to position the rubber part and the switch contacts adjacent to other unit while reserving the size of the push button for not decreasing operability.

Button assembly and an electronic device


Cellulose triacetate film is produced by a solution casting process. Dope, which includes cellulose triacetate and mixed solvent with methyl acetate, is cast on a rotary drum in a form of bead by use of a flow casting die, to form gel film. When a self-supporting characteristic of the gel film becomes higher than one limit value, the gel film is stripped from the rotary drum by use of a stripping roller, to obtain the cellulose triacetate film. During the casting step, a surface of the rotary drum is cooled at −10° C. or lower.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a solution casting process for producing polymer film. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solution casting process in which polymer film can be produced at a high efficiency and stability.
2. Description Related to the Prior Art
Cellulose acylate film as polymer film, for example cellulose triacetate (TAC) film, is produced by a solution casting process, and widely used in a liquid crystal display panel, photosensitive material, and the like. Today, the liquid crystal display panel has been marketed more and more widely. So the production of the polymer film is required to have higher efficiency. For example, a casting speed of the solution casting process is desired to be higher. A thickness of the polymer film is desired to be smaller. To obtain the TAC film as the polymer film, at first the cellulose triacetate is dissolved in a mixed solvent of which a main component is dichloro methane, to prepare polymer solution or dope. The dope is cast on a support, to form gel film. The gel film is dried on the support to come to obtain a self-supporting characteristic, before the gel film is stripped from the support to obtain the polymer film. This is a widely known method of the solution casting process.
Due to social requirement, it is strongly suggested to reduce or suppress the use of dichloro methane as chlorine-containing solvent in particular in consideration of protection of environment. One suitable substitute is a mixed solvent including methyl acetate as a main composition because of considerably low influence to the environment. However, comparison according to experiments has resulted in somewhat difficulty in strengthening the cooled gel if the dope is prepared from the mixed solvent of the methyl acetate type in comparison with the dope prepared from the dichloro methane solvent. There arises a problem in that the gel film does not have a sufficient self-supporting characteristic even by casting of the dope on the support. JP-A 10-045917 and 2001-294667 suggest the solution casting process according to casting in a cooled manner in which the support is cooled to promote gelling of the gel film cast on the support, and stripping of the gel film is facilitated.
However, the casting process in the cooled manner still has a problem in a reduced strength of the polymer film sufficient for the stripping after the imparting of the self-supporting characteristic to the gel film according to casting and gelling on the support. This is typically because of rise in the casting speed and the reduction of the thickness of the polymer film. As the insufficiency occur in the strength of the polymer film upon stripping, non-stripped remainder of the gel film occurs on a surface of the support. Furthermore, an upper shift of a stripping line occurs to influence stability in the feeding. Also, dew condensation is likely to occur on the support due to forced cooling of the support. Gasified solvent in the air is changed to liquid again, and also deposits the support due to the cooling. Those problems are harmful to continuous operation for casting.

Solution casting process for producing polymer film