The systems and methods herein may include receiving a plurality of transactions for a plurality of consumers, wherein each respective transaction of the plurality of transactions is between a consumer of the plurality of consumers and a merchant of a plurality of merchants; automatically inputting the plurality of transactions into a neural network; automatically analyzing the plurality of transactions over a plurality of iterations, wherein an iteration of the plurality of iterations comprises cycling through a consumer transaction history associated with the consumer, wherein the consumer transaction history has a consumer transaction sequence associated with the consumer; and automatically updating over the plurality of iterations, a previous fraud detection variable associated with the consumer and/or the merchant to generate updated fraud detection variables, in response to the analyzing the plurality of transactions.

Transaction account issuers attempt to identify and reject fraudulent authorization requests in order to reduce fraud. Traditionally, a merchant submits an authorization request to the transaction account issuer to complete a transaction. The authorization request typically contained information that identifies the transaction account of a consumer (e.g., an account identifier) and the merchant (e.g., a merchant identifier).
To detect fraud, transaction account issuers may create fraud detection variables used for fraud detection based on the transaction history and/or transaction pattern of each consumer and/or each merchant. The fraud detection variables may be used to predict whether a transaction is fraudulent in response to an authorization request for a transaction being received from a merchant. The fraud detection variables must be updated periodically to increase their fraud detection effectiveness, and/or to reflect new transaction information between consumers and merchants received by the transaction account issuers. Updating the fraud detection variables may be completed manually, which may be an onerous process. As such, with updating fraud detection variables being traditionally difficult and time-consuming, the fraud detection variables may not be updated as often as would be optimal to create the most effective fraud detection variables, and to reflect the most current transaction history received by the transaction account issuers.

Applying multi-dimensional variables to determine fraud

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.


A method for encoding information bits to derive a cyclically encoded group of code bits from the information bits that were encoded, using a computer processor. A sequence of data states are generated that are the result of a series of exclusive OR operations of each of the code bits with each of the bits of a first generator word and bitwise ANDing each of the resultant bits with the results of the next previous such exclusive OR operations shifted in the direction of the least significant bit ("LSB") so as to generate a data state. The invention involves the following steps. First, an initial data state of zero is provided. Next, the LSB of the code bits is bitwise exclusive ORed with the current data state. Next, the result of the previous step is bitwise ANDed with the value n, where n is a selected binary value 2.sup.x -1, where x is any positive integer. Next, the current data state is changed to the next sequential data state by changing the data state to one of 2.sup.x predetermined data states, depending on the x LSBs of the result of the previous step. Then, both the code bits and the now current data state are shifted by x bits in the direction of the LSB; and, finally, the second through fifth of the foregoing steps are repeated until all code bits have been operated on.

The use of cyclic codes to add redundancy for error detection and correction is a well known and much used technique in digital processing. One of the reasons for the favor of the cyclic redundancy check is that the encoding and decoding process is efficient because little, if any, storage is required. This is because the code words are generated by shifting and exclusive ORing ("XORing").
Nonetheless, the speed of computation of prior art techniques for cyclic encoding in digital processors is limited by the need for three processor operations for each bit processed, that is, a shift, an XOR and a compare. As digital data transmission rates increase, with improvements in technology, cyclic encoding in real time is becoming a problem. Without real time cyclic encoding, such encoding must be deferred, requiring, potentially, large amounts of memory. Furthermore, in some applications real time encoding may be a necessity.
Thus, there is a need for an approach to cyclic encoding that improves the speed of such computations. The present invention provides such an approach.

Parallelized cyclical redundancy check method


A process for the production of moulded bodies from dealuminated Y-zeolite (SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 >20) in which the microporous system of the zeolites and its characteristic adsorption properties are preserved and a binder whose slurry in water does not exceed a pH of 10 used in quantities of from 2 to 40%, based on the quantity of zeolite mass put into the process.

Dealuminated zeolite Y in which the SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio is greater than 20 is known as a pulverulent substance. It is produced by treating zeolite Y in the sodium or hydrogen form with silicon tetrachloride at temperatures from 450.degree. to 600.degree. C. (WO 88/03437--Zeol; Beyer et al., Catalysis by zeolites, pages 203 et seq. (1980) Elsevier). It has a pronounced hydrophobic character due to its specific SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio and may therefore be used for the adsorption of organic compounds, for example solvents, from exhaust air and effluent.
The use of pulverulent dealuminated zeolite Y as adsorbent, for example in fixed bed adsorbers, has the disadvantage that owing to the high packing density an undesirably great pressure drop occurs in the fixed bed and hence a reduction in throughput. Difficulties also arise in a fluidised bed adsorber because the fine powder can only be transferred to the fluidised layer with difficulty. Another disadvantage is the large amount of dust produced when the zeolite powder is introduced into the fixed bed.

Molded bodies containing dealuminated zeolite Y and the process for their production


A powertrain system is provided that includes a prime mover and a change-gear transmission having an input, at least two gear ratios, and an output. The powertrain system also includes a power shunt configured to route power applied to the transmission by one of the input and the output to the other one of the input and the output. A transmission system and a method for facilitating shifting of a transmission system are also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
2. Description of the Related Art
Automated mechanical transmission systems not requiring a vehicle driver to operate a vehicle master clutch (so called "two-pedal systems"), are known in the art. When the master clutch is engaged and rotational torque is being transmitted from the vehicle engine to the transmission, there generally is a large torque load or "torque lock" holding the transmission gear engaging device in a particular position. This torque load makes it quite difficult, if not impossible, to shift the transmission to neutral or change gears without somehow significantly reducing the torque load. One way to relieve torque load is to disengage the master clutch; which breaks the coupling between the input member and the output member. Disengaging the master clutch permits the torque load to go to zero and allows the operator or automated transmission system to shift into neutral or change gears. However, shifting the transmission with the master clutch remaining engaged is preferred in many situations, as such shifts tend to be of a higher shift quality and/or cause less wear on the powertrain.
For these and other reasons, it is desirable to provide an improved system and method of facilitating a gear ratio change in an automated transmission.

Hybrid powertrain system including smooth shifting automated transmission


An intake air temperature TC of a cylinder is estimated from an equation of TC=TA+HEXGIN (TA-TA)+273.degree. K on the basis of a cylinder heat-transfer coefficient HEXGIN, an intake air temperature TA and a cooling water temperature TW. An operation of a first correction coefficient KTA is carried out on the basis of an equation KTA=TTC/TC with the use of an intake air temperature TTC estimated under reference environment. Next, an operation of a finally correction coefficient KTAHOS is carried out on the basis of an equation of KTAHOS=KTA.times.[1.0-{(KTA-1.0).times.KCHOS}] with the use of an air density fine adjustment coefficient KCHOS, and then, by taking advantage of the finally correction coefficient KTAHOS, a fuel injection quantity based on an intake air pressure is corrected.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling fuel injection of an internal combustion engine, and more particularly, to a technique of making correction on a fuel injection quantity in accordance with an intake air temperature (intake air density) in an internal combustion engine of controlling a fuel injection quantity on the basis of an intake air pressure.
(2) Related Art of the Invention
Conventionally, in an internal combustion engine of controlling a fuel injection quantity on the basis of an intake air pressure, a correction on fuel injection quantity has been carried out in accordance with a change of an intake air temperature (intake air density).
For example, Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-12217 discloses a construction such that an intake air temperature is detected by means of an intake air temperature sensor provided on the midway of an intake manifold; a correction value for correcting a fuel injection quantity is computed on the basis of the intake air temperature detected by the intake air temperature sensor; the correction value is corrected in accordance with an intake manifold temperature to calculate the final correction value; and a basic fuel injection quantity is corrected in accordance with an intake air pressure.
However, according to the aforesaid method disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 3-12217, in order to precisely make correction in accordance with an intake air temperature of a cylinder, a change ratio of the final correction value corresponding to the change of intake air temperature needs to be adapted for each temperature of the intake manifold. For this reason, there has arisen a problem that the number of additional adaptation processes is much required.

Apparatus and method for controlling fuel injection of an internal combustion engine


In particular embodiments, method, apparatus and system for receiving digital representations of the initial parameters of a dentition; simulating a first orthodontic treatment process on the digital representations of the initial parameters, displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, simulating a second orthodontic treatment process on the output results from the simulation of the first orthodontic treatment process, and displaying a set of output results from the simulation of the second orthodontic treatment process are provided.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of dentistry. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of virtual orthodontic treatment planning and visualization.
One main objective of orthodontics is to move a patient's teeth into an optimal target occlusion, or a position in which the teeth function optimally and are aesthetically pleasing to the patient. Conventionally, appliances such as braces, which are a bracket and arch wire system, are applied to the teeth of the patient by an orthodontist or other qualified dental professional. The brackets in the braces system are mounted on the surface of the teeth of a patient and the arch wire couples all the brackets on the same jaw to one another. The arch wire is incrementally tightened over time during office visits to the treating professional, exerting a continual force on the teeth, gradually moving them toward a desired target position.
Recently, a system for treating dental malocculsions has become available under the trade name Invisalign® System. The Invisalign® System has two components. The first component is called ClinCheck® and allows practitioners to simulate treatment of teeth by observing and modeling two-week stages of tooth movement. Based on the results of the ClinCheck® component, the second component comprises aligners which are thin, clear, plastic removable dental appliances that correspond to each treatment stage of the ClinCheck® simulation. The aligners are manufactured using advanced computer-controlled fabrication systems. Each aligner is worn by the patient for approximately two weeks before it is exchanged for a next stage aligner intended to further reposition the teeth. The Invisalign® System addresses many of the significant limitations of conventional braces. In particular, the Invisalign® System aligners are virtually invisible, and are therefore more ascetically pleasing for the patient. Second, the aligners are generally less painful and uncomfortable than are traditional braces. Additionally, the aligners can be removed to permit conventional oral hygiene, thus being more healthy for the patient's teeth.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for dental visualization


A system is provided that identifies a device associated with a person who does not satisfy a threshold age. The system scans the digital media content of a content data store associated with the device and estimates an age threshold value of the files of the digital media content. Based on the estimated age threshold value of the files, the system determines that the device is used by a person who does not satisfy a threshold age and applies one or more content rules to a presentation of the digital media content. The content rules cause an alteration of the presentation of the digital media content.

An increasing amount of digital media content is available to users electronically. While the available digital media content may be acceptable to adults, in many instances, some content is not appropriate for children or adolescents due to language, violence, dialogue, drug use, indecency, etc. In some circumstances, an adult may be willing to watch or listen to age inappropriate content so long as children are not nearby. For example, parents of a child may be willing to watch a PG-13 or R-rated movie after their child has gone to bed or so long as their child is not in the room.
However, despite an adult's desire to keep a child out of a room while watching a movie or listening to an audio book, it can be difficult to determine whether a child is nearby and whether the digital media content that is being presented should be edited. For example, an adult may repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, scan a room or look at the entrance to a room to ensure a child is not present. In addition, when the adult is not present the child can access the movie or audio book with age inappropriate content.
Furthermore, with the ubiquity of electronic devices, many children use electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc. In many instances, with the consent of an adult, the child may be allowed to download content that is age appropriate, such as songs, learning tools, games, movies, etc. However, in some circumstances, a child may inadvertently download or access digital media content with age inappropriate content that is stored in the electronic device, found in a digital media store, or accessed via a network. For example, in some instances, the digital media content may simply be mislabeled.

Identifying a device associated with a person who does not satisfy a threshold age


A multi-channel audio decoder provides a reduced complexity processing to reconstruct multi-channel audio from an encoded bitstream in which the multi-channel audio is represented as a coded subset of the channels along with a complex channel correlation matrix parameterization. The decoder translates the complex channel correlation matrix parameterization to a real transform that satisfies the magnitude of the complex channel correlation matrix. The multi-channel audio is derived from the coded subset of channels via channel extension processing using a real value effect signal and real number scaling.

Perceptual Transform Coding
The coding of audio utilizes coding techniques that exploit various perceptual models of human hearing. For example, many weaker tones near strong ones are masked so they do not need to be coded. In traditional perceptual audio coding, this is exploited as adaptive quantization of different frequency data. Perceptually important frequency data are allocated more bits and thus finer quantization and vice versa.
For example, transform coding is conventionally known as an efficient scheme for the compression of audio signals. In transform coding, a block of the input audio samples is transformed (e.g., via the Modified Discrete Cosine Transform or MDCT, which is the most widely used), processed, and quantized. The quantization of the transformed coefficients is performed based on the perceptual importance (e.g. masking effects and frequency sensitivity of human hearing), such as via a scalar quantizer.
When a scalar quantizer is used, the importance is mapped to relative weighting, and the quantizer resolution (step size) for each coefficient is derived from its weight and the global resolution. The global resolution can be determined from target quality, bit rate, etc. For a given step size, each coefficient is quantized into a level which is zero or non-zero integer value.
At lower bitrates, there are typically a lot more zero level coefficients than non-zero level coefficients. They can be coded with great efficiency using run-length coding. In run-length coding, all zero-level coefficients typically are represented by a value pair consisting of a zero run (i.e., length of a run of consecutive zero-level coefficients), and level of the non-zero coefficient following the zero run. The resulting sequence is R0,L0,R1,L1. . . , where R is zero run and L is non-zero level.
By exploiting the redundancies between R and L, it is possible to further improve the coding performance. Run-level Huffman coding is a reasonable approach to achieve it, in which R and L are combined into a 2-D array (R,L) and Huffman-coded. Because of memory restrictions, the entries in Huffman tables cannot cover all possible (R,L) combinations, which requires special handling of the outliers. A typical method used for the outliers is to embed an escape code into the Huffman tables, such that the outlier is coded by transmitting the escape code along with the independently quantized R and L.
When transform coding at low bit rates, a large number of the transform coefficients tend to be quantized to zero to achieve a high compression ratio. This could result in there being large missing portions of the spectral data in the compressed bitstream. After decoding and reconstruction of the audio, these missing spectral portions can produce an unnatural and annoying distortion in the audio. Moreover, the distortion in the audio worsens as the missing portions of spectral data become larger. Further, a lack of high frequencies due to quantization makes the decoded audio sound muffled and unpleasant.
Wide-Sense Perceptual Similarity
Perceptual coding also can be taken to a broader sense. For example, some parts of the spectrum can be coded with appropriately shaped noise. When taking this approach, the coded signal may not aim to render an exact or near exact version of the original. Rather the goal is to make it sound similar and pleasant when compared with the original. For example, a wide-sense perceptual similarity technique may code a portion of the spectrum as a scaled version of a code-vector, where the code vector may be chosen from either a fixed predetermined codebook (e.g., a noise codebook), or a codebook taken from a baseband portion of the spectrum (e.g., a baseband codebook).
All these perceptual effects can be used to reduce the bit-rate needed for coding of audio signals. This is because some frequency components do not need to be accurately represented as present in the original signal, but can be either not coded or replaced with something that gives the same perceptual effect as in the original.
In low bit rate coding, a recent trend is to exploit this wide-sense perceptual similarity and use a vector quantization (e.g., as a gain and shape code-vector) to represent the high frequency components with very few bits, e.g., 3 kbps. This can alleviate the distortion and unpleasant muffled effect from missing high frequencies and other spectral "holes." The transform coefficients of the "spectral holes" are encoded using the vector quantization scheme. It has been shown that this approach enhances the audio quality with a small increase of bit rate.
Multi-Channel Coding
Some audio encoder/decoders also provide the capability to encode multiple channel audio. Joint coding of audio channels involves coding information from more than one channel together to reduce bitrate. For example, mid/side coding (also called M/S coding or sum-difference coding) involves performing a matrix operation on left and right stereo channels at an encoder, and sending resulting "mid" and "side" channels (normalized sum and difference channels) to a decoder. The decoder reconstructs the actual physical channels from the "mid" and "side" channels. M/S coding is lossless, allowing perfect reconstruction if no other lossy techniques (e.g., quantization) are used in the encoding process.
Intensity stereo coding is an example of a lossy joint coding technique that can be used at low bitrates. Intensity stereo coding involves summing a left and right channel at an encoder and then scaling information from the sum channel at a decoder during reconstruction of the left and right channels. Typically, intensity stereo coding is performed at higher frequencies where the artifacts introduced by this lossy technique are less noticeable.
In one prior audio coding technique that combined joint channel coding with vector quantization coding, the encoder/decoder coded a multi-channel sound source by coding a subset of the channels, along with parameters from which the decoder can reproduce a normalized version of a channel correlation matrix. Using the channel correlation matrix, the decoder could reconstruct the remaining channels from the coded subset of the channels. In short summary, the decoder performed the following processing flow: decode parameters, produce a normalized complex channel correlation matrix from the parameters, derive a complex transform from the complex correlation matrix, perform complex scaling and rotation on complex spectral transform coefficients using values from the matrix, and perform complex post-processing using values from the matrix. However, this technique required a very high complexity decoder (in other words, very processing intensive operations, having high processor and memory resource load).
More specifically, the technique used a complex rotation in the modulated complex lapped transform (MCLT) domain, followed by post-processing to reconstruct the individual channels from the coded channel subset. Further, the reconstruction of the channels required the decoder to perform a forward and inverse complex transform, again adding to the processing complexity. In addition, in cases where other processing such as for vector quantization (which uses a real-only transform, such as the modulated lapped transform (MLT)) also is performed in the reconstruction domain, then the complexity of the decoder is even further increased. In such case, the decoder's processing flow (in short summary) becomes: apply inverse MLT to reconstruct base band, apply forward MLT, perform inverse vector quantization to reconstruct extension region, perform an MLT to MCLT conversion, perform the channel extension processing (as summarized briefly above), and apply the inverse MCLT. This processing flow adds the additional MLT to MCLT conversion. Further, the MCLT has roughly twice the processing complexity as the inverse MLT.

Low complexity decoder for complex transform coding of multi-channel sound


A power strip includes two or more spaced-apart sockets each having a set of terminal insertion holes for insertion of plug terminals of a power cable or the like and either at least one flexible joint that interconnects adjacent sockets or a flexible cover of substantially tubular shape that substantially covers and interconnects the sockets. The interconnection of the sockets by the flexible joints or the flexible cover. enables the spaces between adjacent sockets to be optimized for the types and numbers of plugs, AC adapters and the like to plugged into the sockets.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates a power strip for supplying commercial AC power to any of number of electrical devices such as a personal computer, television set or audio device, particularly to a power strip provided with multiple sockets whose spacing and positional relationship can be modified.
2. Description of Related Art
Power strips are used, for example, when the number of available wall sockets is insufficient or when the electrical device to be supplied with power is located at a distance from the wall socket. The power strip is particularly useful for personal computer users, who often simultaneously need to use a number of independently powered peripheral devices such as a printer, modem, hub, digital camera and the like. Such peripheral devices generally need to be supplied with electricity from an outlet that is near the computer unit. Use of a power strip having numerous sockets may become necessary. In some cases, two or more power strips may be needed.
Conventional power strips include, for instance, ones whose main unit is a block (rectangular solid) resembling a flat rod. The upper surface of the block is provided with a number of regularly spaced pairs of terminal insertion holes that are individually provided internally with socket elements. The socket elements are electrically connected to a connection cable provided inside the power strip main unit. The connection cable is connected to an electrical cord that passes out of power strip main unit and is formed at its extremity with a plug for insertion into a wall socket. After the plug has been inserted into a socket and the power strip main unit has been placed at the desired location, various electronic devices can be supplied with electric power by inserting the plugs of their power cables into the terminal insertion holes (sockets) of the power strip main unit.
The multiple sets of terminal insertion holes provided in the main unit of the conventional power strip are ordinarily formed at regular intervals. On the other hand, some computer peripheral devices use AC adapters that differ in shape and size from one device to another. When a large AC adapter is plugged into a pair of terminal insertion holes (a socket) of the conventional power strip, therefore, it is likely to obstruct one or both of the neighboring sockets. This may limit the number of AC adapters and plugs that can be plugged into the power strip.
An inconvenience may also arise when using multiple peripheral devices that do not require AC adapters and are equipped with power cables that end in an ordinary plug. Although such plugs do not obstruct adjacent sockets, they come to be plugged in very near each other (or an AC adapter) owing to the small intervals between neighboring sockets. The close spacing of the sockets therefore makes it difficult to insert and pull out the plugs.
The intervals between the multiple sockets of the power strip are set to the minimum required during use. The length of the power strip therefore tends to become long when a large number of sockets are provided. A power strip having more sockets than are actually used therefore takes up more space than required and may be impossible to install in the available space. Its excessive length may also make it inconvenient to carry when traveling.
A conventional power strip has the general shape of a flat rod-like block. This shape is not ideal for stable installation. When installed within a prescribed region on a desk or the like, the power strip may inadvertently fall off or cause other use-related problems.
In order to allow the power cable of a peripheral device to extend from the power strip in the desired direction, the cable may need to be forcibly bent for insertion into a power strip socket. The strain applied to the power cable or its plug in this case may cause wire breakage.
The present invention was accomplished in light of the foregoing circumstances and has as its object to provide a power strip that has a flexible structure enabling intervals between multiple sets of terminal insertion holes (sockets) to be expanded from a minimum length up to a prescribed limit length and to be bent or bowed, thereby enabling all sets of terminal insertion holes to be effectively utilized even when plugging in large AC adapters and also enabling plugs and the like to be inserted and pulled out with ease, and that even when provided with a large number of sets of terminal insertion holes is not inconvenient to install or carry but can be installed in a stable state to allow a power cable to extend in a desired direction without putting it under strain.


A system and method for measuring an item's dimensions using a time-of-flight dimensioning system is disclosed. The system and method mitigate multipath distortion and improve the accuracy of the measurements, especially in a mobile environment. To mitigate the multipath distortion, an imager captures an image of an item of interest. This image is processed to determine an illumination region corresponding item-of-interest's size, shape, and position. Using this information, an adjustable aperture's size, shape, and position are controlled so the light beam used in the time-of-flight analysis substantially illuminates the illumination region without first being reflected.

Generally speaking the physical size of objects (i.e., an object's dimensions) may be measured automatically and without contact with a dimensioning system. These dimensioning systems typically rely on a range sensor to determine the range of points on an item. The item's size may then be computed by comparing the range of the individual points on the item. The range sensor may use ultrasonic, radio-frequency (RF), or optical signals to detect range. One such optical range sensor employs time-of-flight (TOF) measurements to measure range.
The time-of-flight (TOF) sensors offer advantages over other optical range sensors (e.g., structured light or stereo vision). One advantage of the TOF sensor is its simplicity. There are no moving parts, and the entire system may be made compact, as there are no special geometries required for sensing range. Also, the sensing and calculation of the range is relatively straight forward and requires small amount of processing power compared to other sensors. This implies a reduced power requirement and could lead to a faster dimensioning result. These advantages make TOF dimensioning systems better suited for non-fixed (i.e., mobile or handheld) dimensioning applications.
The TOF dimensioning system is not without its limitations, however. For example, a TOF sensor senses the range of an item of interest by first illuminating a scene (i.e., field of view) with a beam of light. If the field of view is large compared to the item of interest, then the light beam may reach the item of interest along several different paths. Some paths, for example, may be experience one or more reflections prior to reaching the item of interest. This is known as multipath and leads to a distorting in the range measurement, which in turn leads to dimensioning errors. Light from a reflected path may suggest that the distance to the item of interest (i.e., range) is greater than the actual physical distance. Some means of controlling the multipath distortion is necessary.
Controlling the environment that an item of interest is measured in is one approach. Here, reflections from the background may be minimized and the placement of items may be carefully controlled. In addition, the size and shape of items may be constrained. While these measures might work for a fixed installation, it would not be practical for most mobile dimensioning applications (e.g., package delivery and pickup). In these applications, neither the environment (e.g., warehouse) nor the item of interest (e.g., the package) may be controlled.
A general need exists for a dimensioning system suitable for mobile environments. A time-of-flight (TOF) dimensioning system is suitable but may suffer from multipath distortion. A specific need, therefore, exists for a TOF dimensioning system with adaptable multipath interference suppression to facilitate the accurate dimensioning of a variety of items in a variety of environments.

Dimensioning system with multipath interference mitigation


A multi-board module provides high density electronic packaging in which multiple printed circuit boards are stacked. Electrical power, or signals, are conducted between the boards through a resilient contact. One end of the contact is located at a via in the lower circuit board and soldered to a pad near the via. The top surface of the contact rests against a via of the facing printed circuit board.

Minimizing overall package size is a key design consideration for electronics packaging. Integrated circuit technology has made impressive advances toward reducing the size of the on-chip circuits required for a given processing task. Associated electronics packaging has not kept pace with this rapid miniaturization. Advanced integrated circuit packages, including flatpack and surface mount devices, are known. However, printed circuit boards which hold the integrated circuits and other electronics components can significantly increase overall electronics package size. Even more space is used between boards when multiple circuit boards are arranged in a stack.
Current interconnect technology requires the circuit boards to be spaced relatively far apart. This space is needed, in part, to provide the electrical interconnections required between the two circuit boards. Electronic devices having several stacked printed circuit boards hence includes a large amount of empty space. This situation has stymied efforts to miniaturize a wide variety of electronic devices.
These space constraints are particularly acute in the aerospace industry. Size and weight restrictions sometimes allow very little space for avionics and other on-board electronic equipment.
In view of these problems, the inventors have recognized a strong need for an improved circuit board interconnection technique. The present inventors also recognize a need for interconnecting circuit boards in a closer spaced relationship.
One traditional way to interconnect multiple circuit boards is via the edge connector. In this approach, one edge of the circuit board is configured with a number of conductive pads. These pads are then plugged into a mating socket. Edge connectors provide mechanical mounting as well as electrical connection between adjacent circuit boards, or between circuit boards and other devices.
One problem with edge connectors is that they position circuit boards relatively wide apart. This is because the mounting sockets must be large and strong enough to support the weight of the board as well as provide electrical connections. The result is more wasted space and added weight.
The inventors have also recognized that these edge connectors require relatively long conductive paths. These paths must lead from components that are spaced throughout the board, to the edge of the board where the connector is located. The path then continues through cables from connector to connector. Longer signal paths decrease circuit speed and increase unwanted capacitance and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Poor conductivity can also be a problem with some of these connectors.
Other approaches, called three dimensional interconnect schemes, connect the boards in a more direct manner. One of these uses straight copper posts which extend through holes in the circuit boards. Metal spacers surrounding the posts maintain the boards in a predetermined spaced relationship. Reflow solder techniques electrically connect the copper posts in the plated-through holes.
When copper posts are used, the boards must be removed to make repairs. This requires the removal of all of the solder joints between the copper posts and the printed circuit boards. This is often a very time consuming and expensive procedure. Tight manufacturing tolerances are required in order to avoid misalignment of the plated-through holes in the boards which receive the copper posts. Also, precise board spacing can be difficult to maintain using copper posts.
Another approach to connecting printed circuit boards is the use of elastomeric connectors. These connectors are nonconductive resilient members with conductive strips applied to both sides. Elastomeric connectors are usually sandwiched between two circuit boards providing electrical contact and physical spacing therebetween. Because elastomeric connectors are not positively connected to the printed circuit board, they may easily become misaligned. Also, since only a small amount of metal can be deposited on the elastomeric member, they have correspondingly low current carrying capacity.
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages, and to provide a connector which allows an improved interconnection of multiple printed circuit with minimal signal path length. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a printed circuit board connection that is self aligning and that allows the system to be easily assembled and reassembled for servicing.
Specifically, the present invention defines a printed circuit board interconnect assembly that has the following components. A plurality of circuit boards are configured so that conductive areas on facing board surfaces are disposed adjacent to each other where it is desired to electrically connect the boards to each other. A contact is placed between the two circuit boards in electrical contact with the two adjacent conductive areas. The contact provides electrical connection between the two conductive areas. The boards are then fastened or compressed together by fasteners. This compresses the contact and improves electrical contact between the contact and the boards.
In one embodiment, the contact includes a curved laminar member having first and second surfaces, each in physical contact with one of the adjacent conductive areas. A resilient substance, such as an elastomeric material, is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The contact is used to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship between the boards. The first surface of the laminar member is physically coupled to the first printed circuit board area so as to physically restrict lateral motion therebetween.
The inventors have recognized that a resilient contact of this sort can be directly compressed between conductive pads on adjacent circuit boards. Proper placement of the pads can minimize signal path length as compared to conventional edge connectors. The result is shorter path length and faster circuit operation as compared to edge connectors. Furthermore, the present invention permits the boards to be stacked closer to each other than prior techniques. The spacing is limited only by the height of the components on the board. This significantly reduces the overall size of the electronic package.

Physically separating printed circuit boards with a resilient, conductive contact


Surface-emitting distributed feedback (SEDFB) lasers having a curved grating with a shape that produces good beam quality. A preferred shape is one for which the grating curves away from the center of the gain region of the laser. The use of the curved grating of the present invention produces good beam quality from broad area SEDFB lasers with high power and high efficiency. The present invention overcomes self-induced filament formation and dynamic instabilities that limit achievable beam quality. The present invention provides for a holographic method for fabricating curved gratings for the SEDFB lasers that is consistent with laser batch processing.

The present invention relates to distributed feedback lasers, and more particularly, to a surface-emitting distributed feedback (SEDFB) laser having curved gratings and a holographic method for fabricating such gratings that is consistent with batch processing of lasers.
The prior art for which the present invention is an improvement is a broad area surface-emitting distributed feedback (SEDFB) laser with chirped or straight gratings. Surface-emitting distributed feedback laser with chirped gratings are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,556, issued to Macomber et al. entitled "Chirped Grating Surface-Emitting Distributed feedback Lasers", and U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,531 issued to Macomber et al. entitled "Apparatus and Method for Fabricating a Chirped Grating in a Surface-Emitting Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Laser Diode Device", both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Surface-emitting distributed feedback laser with straight gratings are described in "Surface emitting distributed feedback semiconductor laser", by S. H. Macomber et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., vol. 51, pp. 472-474, 1987,"AlGaAs surface emitting distributed feedback semiconductor laser", by S. H. Macomber et al., Proc. SPIE, vol. 893, pp. 188-194, 1988, "Two-dimensional surface emitting distributed feedback laser arrays", IEEE Photon. Lett. vol. 1, pp. 202-204, 1989, by J. S. Mott et al., "Analysis of grating surface emitting lasers", IEEE J. Quant. Electron., vol. 26, pp. 456-465 (1990), by R. J. Noll et al., "Non-linear analysis of surface emitting lasers distributed feedback lasers", IEEE J. Quant. Electron., vol. 26, pp. 2065-2074, 1990, by S. H. Macomber et al., and Recent developments in surface-emitting distributed feedback arrays", Proc. SPIE, vol. 1219, pp. 228-232, 1990, by S. H. Macomber et al.
Although the prior art has demonstrated high power, high efficiency, and good longitudinal beam quality, the lateral beam quality is generally very poor. This problem has limited the usable range in imaging laser radar systems, limited the spot size and depth of focus in applications requiring focusing, and limited the minimum core size of fiber optics into which the laser can be coupled.
The maximum achievable power from a semiconductor laser can be increased by increasing the width of the stripe. However, it has long been known that the beam quality of wide stripe semiconductor lasers is usually many times the diffraction limit. This is described in "A GaAsAl.sub.x Ga.sub.1-x As double-heterostructure planar stripe laser", H. Yonezu et al., in Japan. J. Appl. Phys., vol. 12., pp. 1585-1592, 1973, for example. This problem is caused by self-induced waveguiding that arises from a combination of spatial hole burning and index antiguiding (i.e., the index of refraction of the medium tends to decrease when the local carrier density increases) forming self-guiding filaments. This is described in "Observation of self-focusing in stripe geometry semiconductor lasers and the development of a comprehensive model of their operation", by P. A. Kirby et al., IEEE J. Quant. Electron., vol. QE-13, pp. 705-719, 1977. An initially flat wavefront propagating along a uniform wide stripe tends to break up into self-perpetuating filaments that lead to poor beam quality. This is described in "Spatial evolution of filaments in broad area laser amplifiers", Appl. Phys. Lett., by R. J. Lang et al., vol. 62, pp. 1209-1211, 1993. This problem worsens as the drive current increases, usually with a progressively more aberrated output beam. In comparison, an expanding wavefront should be much less susceptible to this problem.
Unstable resonators have been used with a variety of high power lasers. They produce a high degree of lateral mode selectivity with a mode that fills a large gain region and are relatively insensitive to intracavity index aberrations. This is described in "Unstable optical resonators", by A. E. Siegman, in Appl. Opt., vol. 13, pp. 353-367, 1974. These characteristics combined with curved (expanding) internal wavefronts that can suppress filamentation makes the unstable resonator approach well-suited to the problem of lateral mode control in broad area semiconductor lasers. Unstable resonator Fabry-Perot devices have demonstrated good lateral beam quality. This is described in "High power, nearly diffraction limited output from a semiconductor laser with an unstable resonator", by M. L. Tilton et al., IEEE J. Quant. Electron., vol. QE-27, pp. 2098-2108, 1991, and "Fabrication of unstable resonator diode lasers", by C. Largent et al., Proc. SPIE, vol. 1418, pp. 40-45, 1991. However, fabrication of curved mirrors with required surface smoothness has been problematic.
Presently copending patent application Ser. No. 07/974,775, filed Nov. 12, 1992, entitled "Curved Grating Surface-Emitting Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Laser", assigned to the assignee of the present invention, generally describes curved grating SEDFB lasers. However, this invention only relates to a constant radius grating shape as an example. It was not clear at that time what the optimum shape would be since analysis was not yet available. In the present invention, a curved grating approach is described for achieving lateral mode control in wide stripe SEDFB lasers that is analogous to an unstable resonator. Furthermore, in a second copending patent application Ser. No. 07/975,303, filed Nov. 12, 1992, entitled "Apparatus and Method of Fabricating a Curved Grating in a Surface-Emitting Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Laser Diode Device", also assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a method is described for fabricating a constant radius grating using the Talbot effect but not the more general types of curved gratings described herein. U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,183 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,466 are incorporated herein.
Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide for a surface-emitting distributed feedback (SEDFB) laser having curved gratings that overcomes the problems associated with conventional surface-emitting distributed feedback lasers, and to provide for a holographic method for fabricating such gratings that is consistent with batch processing of lasers

Curved grating surface-emitting distributed feedback laser


A method and apparatus to improve memory performance in a computer bus system. Memory is divided into interleaved blocks and memory addresses are mapped into block identification numbers. Master devices keep track of which parts of memory are busy by storing memory block identification numbers in local queues whenever memory is accessed. Block identification numbers are removed from local queues when the memory transaction is complete. Master devices arbitrate for access to the bus for memory transactions only if the target memory block identification number is not in the local queue.

The present invention is part of a new and improved computer system, parts of which are described in other related applications. The computer system bus basic arbitration protocol is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/436,144 filed Nov. 13, 1989 by Ross M. Wille and Richard J. Carter entitled "Distributed Fair Arbitration Scheme for Providing Access to a Data Communication Bus", now U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,994.
The computer system incorporates a bus with four control states described in U.S. application No. 7,694,265 filed Apr. 29, 1991 by William Jaffe, Russell C. Brockmann and Leith Johnson entitled "Quadrature Bus Protocol for Carrying Out Transactions in a Computer System" (hereinafter called the Jaffe-1 application). The computer memory has a block interleaving scheme described in U.S. application Ser. No. 07/679,868 filed Apr. 3, 1991 by Russell C. Brockmann, William Jaffe and William Bryg entitled "Flexible N-way Memory Interleaving" (hereinafter called the Brockmann-1 application). Communication with slow devices is described in U.S. application No. 07/705/873 filed May 28, 1991 by Russell C. Brockmann, William Jaffe and Leith Johnson entitled "Method of Reducing Wasted Bus Bandwidth Due to Slow Responding Slaves in a Multiprocessor Computer System". All of these applications are specifically incorporated herein by reference for all that they teach. The present invention comprises improvements in memory system performance and design of the systems disclosed in these applications.
Modern computer systems often have a plurality of "intelligent" devices interconnected by a high speed communications link. Within a single computer, multiple processors may use an internal data bus to communicate with each other, with peripheral I/O devices and with shared memory subsystems. A transaction is a communication between two devices. A device requesting access to the bus is called a master. The target device of the transaction is called a slave. An arbitration method, also called an arbitration protocol, determines which requesting device gains access to the bus when multiple devices simultaneously contend for access.
In most computer systems, memory transactions comprise the overwhelming majority of transactions between devices. Processors send data to memory and retrieve data from memory. Peripheral I/O devices send data directly to memory or receive data directly from memory via direct memory access (DMA). Therefore, optimization of memory transactions is a critical element in obtaining good system performance. A typical memory transaction consists of a master device sending a memory address to a memory subsystem followed by the memory slave device sending data from that address to the requesting master device.
In the simplest systems, the entire system waits for the completion of a memory transaction before any other transactions can be initiated. In pipelined systems, multiple transactions can be in process simultaneously. For example, multiple requests for memory may be initiated before the first request is completed. In split protocol systems, sending the address and sending the data are separate transactions. In split protocol systems, the requesting master device arbitrates for access to the bus, sends the memory address and read command to the slave memory device, and then releases the bus. The memory device then processes the request, arbitrates for access to the bus, and sends the data back to the requesting master device. This split transaction frees the bus for other transactions during the memory latency period.
A particular memory subsystem may be the target of several consecutive or closely spaced memory transactions. In a split protocol system, memory systems typically employ a queue to store these requests. In any practical system, the depth of the queue is limited. If the input queue is full, the system must then provide a mechanism for the slave to notify the master that a requested transaction cannot be completed. On notification of a "busy" slave, the master will typically wait some defined amount of time and repeat the transaction. There is usually some companion strategy or rule to guarantee that the master will eventually complete its transaction.
In addition to a request queue, the memory controller may also employ an output queue. This allows the memory controller to place read data into a buffer pending successful arbitration of the bus. During this arbitration and eventual forwarding of data to the requesting master, the memory controller is free to begin processing the next request it may have in its request queue.
In the discussion above, the transaction involves a master device requesting data from memory. A memory transaction may instead entail a master device sending data to be stored into memory. In this case, the address is followed by data to be stored. The memory system typically needs an input queue for input data. The memory system then requires time to store received data before the memory system is available for another transaction.
In the system described above, masters will often gain access to the bus only to find that the target slave is busy. This "busy" transaction wastes time for the requesting master and ties up the bus, preventing useful access by other devices. Additionally, request queues, output queues, input queues and arbitration circuitry all add latency time, cost and complexity to memory subsystems. Hence, there is a need to improve performance by eliminating busy transactions and to improve the latency time of memory subsystems by elimination of queues. Also, there is a need to reduce the cost and complexity of memory subsystems by elimination of arbitration circuitry and queues.


In an image forming apparatus, a processor is configured to: determine whether prescribed criterion is met, the prescribed criterion indicating that a non agitation period of time, during which the agitator has not agitated the toner, has passed a predetermined period of time; perform a mark data generating process in which mark data is generated by forming a mark and reading the formed mark when the prescribed criterion is met; perform another mark data generating process in which another mark data is generated by forming another mark and reading the formed another mark after performing the mark data generating process; determine whether a difference between the mark data and the another mark data is within a prescribed range; and determine an adjustment value on a basis of at least one of the mark data and the another mark data when the difference is within the prescribed range.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus performs a correction process for suppressing displacement of an image or density unevenness. In a case of a displacement correction, for example, a mark for displacement correction is formed on a conveying belt before formation of a target image, and a displacement amount is acquired on the basis of a detection result of the mark. Then, an image forming timing is adjusted on the basis of the acquired displacement amount.
A conventional image forming apparatus forms an image using toner. In this image forming apparatus, the toner in a developing device is agitated before an image forming operation so as to stabilize a toner charge amount. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-128526 discloses that an agitation time is controlled according to a ratio between a toner supply amount and a carrier supply amount.

Image forming apparatus performing mark data generating processes twice and determining whether difference between two sets of data based on mark data generating processes is within prescribed range


A piston-cylinder unit includes a piston rod guided axially in a cylinder, a support disk fixed to the piston rod, a mounting element fixed to the support disk, and a protective sleeve which can be threaded over the mounting element. The protective sleeve has an end wall with an aperture profiled to receive the mounting element therethrough as the protective sleeve is fitted to the support disk, the protective sleeve being rotatable relative to the mounting element when fitted to the support disk, the mounting element having an axial support surface which can be positioned axially above the end wall to retain the protective sleeve.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to a piston-cylinder unit with a protective sleeve which can be fitted over a mounting unit on the end of the piston rod.
2. Description of the Related Art
A piston-cylinder unit in the form of a gas spring, for example, or a vibration damper, consists primarily of a cylinder with an end part and a piston rod with a piston at one end and a mounting element at the other end, as well as a piston rod guide between the two ends, which, when the two main components are assembled, are pushed into the cylinder and rolled, beaded, or screwed in the area of the piston rod guide
The piston rod assembly also includes a protective sleeve, which is intended to protect the piston rod against mechanical damage. The protective sleeve is often so long, that, when the piston rod is in its maximum outward-travel position, there is a slight overlap between the protective sleeve and the cylinder. As a result, it may not be possible to roll or bead the cylinder in the area of the piston rod guide. Another difficulty is that the cylinder cannot be painted until after the assembly process is complete. In DE 1 995 281 U and in DE 1 951 754 U, a support disk is attached to the piston rod, and the protective sleeve is attached to the disk. In the design according to DE 1 995 281 U, the protective sleeve can be pushed over the mounting element afterwards. This protective sleeve has no end part. The protective sleeve according to DE 1 951 754 U does not have an end part either. So that the protective sleeve can be aligned with the cylinder with sufficient precision in spite of this, the support disk is provided with a guide sleeve, but this sleeve must again be of sufficient length.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,991 also discloses a protective sleeve for a vibration damper. This sleeve is made of flat strip material and is mounted radially on a profiled retaining disk, after which the two edges are butt-welded together.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,216 pertains to a vibration damper with a protective sleeve, which can also be attached to support disk at the end of the assembly process. A radially split connecting ring, which has a guide bushing for the protective sleeve, can be pushed onto the support disk of the piston rod. The guide bushing has a circumferential groove, into which the protective sleeve can be pushed from the direction of the cylinder to secure the connecting ring in place. This design principle can be applied to conventional vibration dampers or gas springs, but it is often not possible to apply it to spring struts with wheel or axle mounts, because the radial dimension of the mounts is larger than the inside diameter of the protective sleeve, and thus the tube cannot be pushed over the cylinder toward the support disk.

Piston-cylinder unit with a protective sleeve


A hybrid counting device may include a number of tray channels, a number of detection channels in which each tray channel may be in communication with a detection channel, and a number of governors. Objects may be motivated from the tray channels and into a detection channel that each tray channel is in communication with. A detection unit may be in communication with each detection channel, and each detection channel may be in communication with one hybrid staging channel or with one supplement staging channel. A supplement staging channel may be in communication with at least one tray channel, and the exit of objects from each supplement staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor. A hybrid staging channel may be in communication with at least two tray channels, and the exit of objects from each hybrid staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor.

Counters for counting tablets, capsules, caplets, and other objects have been known to industry for some time. Generally, it is a common practice of such counters to feed a collection of objects in a manner which permits the objects to be counted as they move past a sensor, such as an optical sensor. For example, these counters may include a Counting and control computer (in short "controller") that will drive a linear vibrator feeder motor which in turn excites a linear vibrator tray (in short "vibrator"). The objects will move in a forward motion towards vertical product guide (in short "product guide"). The objects may pass the product detector, be counted by the controller, and then follow a downwards path through the product guide and a funnel into a container where all the counted objects are collected. A user sets the desired quantity of objects via the controller. Once this desired quantity of objects has been counted by controller, the controller will take action to prevent more objects from entering the container. This prevention is done by trapping the extra objects onto slides that were pushed forward by actuators. The quantity of trapped objects is memorized by the controller. Once the object that completed the desired quantity has entered the container, container is removed and a new empty container is placed underneath the funnel. At this time, the controller excites the actuators which pull the slides to their home positions so that the memorized objects and subsequent products can flow into the newly placed container until the desired quantity of objects is met again. This process repeats so that every container has the desired quantity of objects. It is common with existing counters that the number of channels on vibratory tray is equal to the number of slides (assuming 1 slide has been used per catching/trapping channel) and that the slides close after the desired quantity has been reached. These limitations govern the counting capacity, cost, size, and number of components that each counter requires.
Therefore a need exists for novel devices and methods for counting objects. A further need exists for novel devices and methods which provide for increasing capacity of conventional product counting machines without changing their overall dimensions. There is also a need for novel devices and methods for counting objects which are not limited to having the number of channels on vibratory tray being equal to the number of slides.


A system for and method of investigating changes in optical properties of a porous effective substrate surface related to, for instance, effective surface depth and refractive index, pore size, pore volume and pore size distribution at atmospheric pressure.

It is known to deposit thin films that contain known analytes onto a substrate from an analyte containing liquid. For instance, Patents to Pfeiffer et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,531,665, 8,493,565, 8,130,375 and 7,817,266 describe Small Cells into which analyte containing fluid is caused to flow, to the end that analyte present in said fluid deposits onto a substrate. Provision for an ellipsometer beam to be directed onto said thin analyte containing film is also present, and during use a polarized beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to interact with the thin film on said substrate and then enter a detector.
It is also known to characterize effective surfaces of substrates comprising pores, by transiently causing solvents to permeate thereinto long enough to allow ellipsometric investigation thereof, for a sequence of solvent values. Known relevant references are: Patents to Baklanov et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,008; 6,319,736, and 6,662,631; and papers by Boissire et al, titled "Porosity and Mechanical Properties of Mesoporous Thin Films Assessed by Environmental Ellipsometric Porosity", Langmuir 2005, 21, 12362-12371; by Xinxin and Vogt Titled "Carbon Dioxide Mediated Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Films: Tuning Properties using Pressure", Chem. Mater. Amer. Chem. Soc., Web Apr. 18, 2008. and by Vogt et al., titled "Characterization of Ordered Mesoporous Silica Films Using Small-Angle Neutron scattering and X-ray Porosimetry", Chem. Mater., 17, 1398-1408. Note that said references do not describe use at atmospheric pressure.
In further disclosure, Applicants know of no prior art systems which rely on direct measurement of partial pressure in an open (to the ambient) cell. Known prior art systems use closed cells and apply a feedback system to control a solvent flow rate into said open cell to set a desired partial pressure. In addition, known partial pressure monitors are suitable only when water is the solvent involved. As disclosed in the following in this Specification, the present invention applies open chambers in which partial pressures are developed. Further, as disclosed in the following, the present invention is not limited to using only water as a solvent.
What is, to the inventor's knowledge, not previously known is a system and method for investigating changes in optical properties of a porous effective substrate surface related to, for instance, effective surface depth and refractive index, pore size, pore volume and pore size distribution at atmospheric pressure, said system enabling the flowing of a gas that contains at least one solvent therein which is flowed over said substrate surface at a monitored temperature, over a sequence of different known solvent partial pressures. Such a system and method are disclosed herein.

System and method for investigating change in optical properties of a porous effective substrate surface as a function of a sequence of solvent partial pressures at atmospheric pressure


A stop valve for a gas tank is provided which achieves favorable sealing performance by inhibiting rotation of a sealing member attached to a valve element. A passage is formed inside a valve body, and a valve seat is provided in the passage. The valve element which is engaged and disengaged from the valve seat is slidably inserted to a sliding hole bored in the valve body. The annular sealing member is arranged in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve element and the inner peripheral surface of the sliding hole. A screw hole connecting to the sliding hole and coaxial thereto is provided in the valve body. A rotating operation member having a male screw is rotatably screwed into the screw hole from the outside of the valve body. One end of the rotating operation member is made to abut the valve body.

Heretofore, a stop valve has been provided in a passage connecting to a high-pressure gas tank. Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-210296 discloses an example of such a stop valve in which a male screw thread formed on a valve element is threadably screwed into a female screw thread formed inside a valve body. The valve element is exposed to the outside of the valve body and can be manually operated by a driving tool from the outside (i.e., external to the valve body). The valve element is driven back and forth in an axial direction by a rotating operation of the valve element. In addition to the movement, the rotating operation causes the valve element to be attached to and detached from a valve seat provided within a passage, thus opening and closing the passage. In order to prevent a leak of high-pressure gas, an annular sealing member, such as an O-ring made from an elastic material, is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the valve element. The sealing member is arranged to be brought into sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical shape located at a non-threaded portion inside the valve body.
In recent years, further increases in gas filling pressures, for example from 35 MPa to 70 MPa, have been desired when filling high-pressure hydrogen gas into the gas tank of a fuel cell vehicle. However, in the aforementioned conventional stop valve, the valve element is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise by the rotation caused by the male screw being threadably screwed into and out of the female screw thread inside of the valve body. Along with the rotation of the valve element, the sealing member is also rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in the same manner. Accordingly, sealing performance of the sealing member is deteriorated due to the distortion resulting from the rotation. In the case that the gas filling pressure is set to a higher level than before, there is a fear that a leak of hydrogen gas may occur.


Pistons and a method for their manufacture are described. The piston has at least one piston ring groove reinforcing member being annular in form and having, in cross-section, upper and lower, generally radially extending face portions and a radially inner, generally axially extending face portion between the two generally radially extending face portions, the generally axially extending face portion being coated with particulate material by a physical vapor deposition technique, to provide a porous adhesion assisting layer.

Pistons having a reinforcing member in the top piston ring groove position are well known. Such members are used to reduce mutual wear between the piston ring groove and the co-operating piston ring. Frequently, where aluminium alloy pistons are concerned, the reinforcing member is made from a cast-iron such as Ni-resist (trade mark) in order to minimise the difference in coefficient of linear thermal expansion between the piston material and the material of the reinforcing member. In piston production, the reinforcing member is usually positioned within a female die mould member and molten aluminium alloy poured around the member. If the piston is being gravity die cast or pressure cast, the member is frequently pretreated by the well known Alfin (trade mark) process whereby it is preheated in a bath of molten aluminium to produce a wetted layer which includes aluminium-iron intermetallic compounds at the interface. A problem with this is that the bond formed between the piston material and the reinforcing member is very brittle and in-service failures of the bond in highly rated diesel engines, for example, are not uncommon.
An improvement over the Alfin technique is disclosed in GB-A-2,221,176 wherein the reinforcing member is first coated with a layer such as a stainless steel powder by a physical vapour deposition process such as plasma spraying, for example. The technique described involves coating at least those faces of the member which are contained within the body of the cast piston. The casting technique employed is pressure casting such as by squeeze-casting, for example. A problem with this method is that each individual reinforcing member needs to be sprayed on at least three faces, when viewed in cross-section, the faces being upper and lower, axially spaced-apart, radially directed faces and a radially inner, generally, axially directed face joining the two radially directed faces. This technique requires either manipulation of the reinforcing member or of the plasma spraying equipment and is time and materials consuming and, therefore, relatively expensive.
However, the method described does give an increase in bond strength of up to 100% over the earlier Alfin technique and a consequent increase in in-service durability of the bond.
We have now discovered that it may not be necessary in every application to coat every face of the reinforcing member which is contained with the piston body. We have found that it may only be necessary to coat the generally axially directed face to secure a significant improvement in in-service durability of the bond between the member and the piston body, over that of the earlier Alfin technique.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a piston having therein at least one piston ring groove reinforcing member, the at least one reinforcing member being annular in form and having, in cross-section, upper and lower, generally radially extending face portions and a radially inner, generally axially extending face portion between the two generally radially extending face portions, the generally axially extending face portion initially being coated with particulate material by a physical vapour deposition technique to provide a porous adhesion assisting layer, subsequently piston body alloy being cast around the reinforcing member and infiltrating the porous layer.
For the purpose of definition, the term generally axially extending face portion is defined relative to the piston axis and, the face portion may, for example, be planar, curved or may have two or more facets and may be taken to include the area adjacent the junction with the two generally radially directed face portions. The reinforcing member may, for example, be rounded in cross-section and may not have clearly defined boundaries to the face portions. In this case, the face portions may comprise arcs of the rounded cross section periphery with no clearly defined boundary therebetween.
The reinforcing member may be of rounded cross section; and may be of such a form as to reinforce two piston ring grooves with a single member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a piston having at least one piston ring groove reinforcing member, the at least one reinforcing member having upper and lower, generally radially extending face portions and a generally axially extending face portion between the two generally radially extending face portions and radially inwardly of the piston outer diameter, the method comprising the steps of coating with particulate material the generally axially extending face portion by a physical vapour deposition technique to form a porous adhesion assisting layer, preheating the coated reinforcing member, placing the reinforcing member in a piston casting die, pouring molten piston body alloy around the reinforcing member, and allowing the molten alloy to solidify under an applied pressure causing the alloy to infiltrate the porous layer.
The thickness of the adhesion assisting layer may preferably lie in the range from 0.025 mm to 0.3 mm and more preferably from 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, but is not considered to be particularly critical. At greater thicknesses the cost of deposition increases unnecessarily for no gain in bond strength and at lower thicknesses the full potential bond strength may not be developed.
The upper and lower, generally radially extending face portions may be bonded to the cast part of the piston body by being provided, after the provision of the coating of particulate material, with a wetted layer which includes an aluminium-iron intermetallic compound at the interface therewith. In such circumstances, the two generally radially extending face portions are, in effect, being treated by the Alfin technique. Thus, before the coated reinforcing member is placed in the piston casting die, the reinforcing member is dipped into a bath of molten aluminium to wet the upper and lower generally radially extending face portions. The coated reinforcing member may be preheated before being placed in the piston casting die by being dipped in the bath of molten aluminium for a time sufficient for the reinforcing member to be brought to the temperature of the bath.
We have found that the Alfin type bond is, in most instances adequate in compression and tension but inferior in shear. Therefore, the radially directed faces may be Alfin bonded but the axially directed face needs an improved bonding technique of the type described in GB-A-2,221,176. It has been found that crack initiation at the bond usually occurs at the axially directed face and may propagate to the radially directed faces.
The particular material may be oxidation; and/or corrosion; resistant, for example, stainless steel, e.g. 316L type. The corrosion resistance may be necessitated if preheating in a bath of molten aluminium is employed.
The adhesion assisting layer may be of a porous ferrous material, for example, the porosity stemming from the method of deposition.
Methods of physical vapour depositing the coating may include arc spraying, or plasma spraying, or flame spaying, for example.
Preferably, two or more reinforcing members, which are generally in the form of annular rings, are held together in an axial stack and in such an assembly are coated on their radially inner, generally axially extending face portions. The coating of the generally axially directed face may be effected by traversing a plasma spray gun, for example, mutually axially with respect to the rings whilst the stack and plasma gun are mutually rotated. Since a stack of reinforcing members may be coated simultaneously, the cost and inconvenience of the coating step may be greatly reduced, thus making the cost of piston manufacture more economical.
In order that the present invention may be more fully understood, examples will now be described by way of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings.


An engine oil system for an internal combustion engine comprises an electronic control module, an oil viscosity sensor, am engine oil cooler, and an oil cooler flow control valve. The oil viscosity sensor is disposed in communication with the electronic control module. The electronic control module determines a viscosity of oil within the engine oil system based upon an output of the oil viscosity sensor. The oil cooler flow control valve is disposed in communication with the electronic control module. The oil cooler flow control valve is positionable between an open and closed position to regulate coolant flow to the engine oil cooler based upon an output of the electronic control module. The electronic control module moves the oil cooler flow control valve based upon the determined viscosity of the oil.

Engine oil, sometimes also referred to as engine lubrication oil or engine lube oil, is continuously fed from an oil rail, or oil gallery to engine parts needing lubrication. For example, it is typically necessary to lubricate parts such as crank shaft and connecting rod bearings, turbochargers and, in some engines, piston cooling jets. An engine oil system is additionally often provided with an engine oil cooler to control the temperature of the engine oil. As engine oil temperature increases, the viscosity of the engine oil decreases, that is the viscosity number of the engine oil decreases, and the engine oil becomes thinner. When the viscosity of the oil is lower, friction between lubricated parts is reduced, but engine durability may be reduced if the viscosity of engine oil becomes too low. Similarly, when the viscosity of the oil is higher, friction between lubricated parts is higher, but engine durability may be increased. Thus, an optimum engine oil viscosity may be determined based upon engine operating conditions that offers a proper balance of limiting friction between lubricated parts, and offering acceptable engine durability. Therefore, a need exists for an engine oil system that monitors engine oil viscosity, and controls the temperature of the engine oil to adjust the engine oil viscosity to a predetermined level based upon engine operating conditions.

Engine with engine oil viscosity control and method for controlling the same

International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.


Transistor packages in space-constrained applications are disclosed. An apparatus may comprise a first transistor package and a second transistor package, wherein the first transistor package is stacked upon the second transistor package. The apparatus may further comprise a cover coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) that is configured to cover at least a portion of the stacked first and second transistor packages. The first and second transistor package may be components in a power circuit that is configured to down-convert a received voltage from a first voltage level to a second, lower voltage level.

Marine seismic surveying is a technique for investigating geological features underneath bodies of water. As the market calls for more powerful systems, the transistors used typically as electronic switches become bigger in order to achieve the high voltage and low power dissipation requirements. Large transistor packages are difficult to integrate in space constrained applications such as seismic streamers. In the past, some of these real estate issues have been addressed by embedding some of this electronic functionality within canisters with larger dimensions than the streamer itself. This solution causes difficulties with handling and with the overall reliability of the system, including increasing the time to deploy and retrieve the streamer and also increasing the number of connections required in the system (thereby increasing the possible points of failure and water ingress). The use of canisters also increases the overall price of the system, making that solution even more unattractive.
Marine surveying may include, for example, seismic and/or electromagnetic surveying, among others. For example, this disclosure may have applications in marine surveying, in which one or more sources are used to generate wave-fields, and receivers—either towed or ocean bottom—receive a reflection of the energy generated by the sources, wherein the reflected energy is affected by the interaction of the generated wave-field with the subsurface formation. The receivers (or sensors) may be measuring devices that record various properties of the reflected energy, such as the strength of the energy. The receivers may also take various measurements over time, for example within a time period that may include when the energy is generated to when the receivers detect the reflected energy. These measurements may include one or more time periods for the energy to travel through the various layers in the earth's crust.
The receivers (or sensors) used in marine surveying may be located within streamers that may be towed behind a moving vessel. According to some embodiments, the vessel may include one or more energy generating sources (e.g., an airgun, a marine vibrator, etc.) and one or more streamers including the sensors. Each streamer may contain one or more sensors that detect (e.g., measure) reflections of energy generated by the source(s), as described above. The sensors of a streamer may extend along a length of the steamer so as to provide a number of sensors collecting data along a first spatial dimension (e.g., along the length of the streamer). Note that streamers may comprise a plurality of interconnected sections, wherein each section includes one or more sensors. The streamer sections may be modular, allowing a single section of a streamer comprising multiple interconnected sections to be replaced. Each streamer section may range from approximately 50 to 100 meters in length, although other lengths are contemplated. Streamers may vary in length, for example according to the requirements of the survey. Streamers may range from 3 to 12 kilometers in length, although streamers of different lengths (both shorter and longer) do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Note that a vessel may tow a plurality of streamers that extend in parallel (or parallel to within a tolerance, such as within 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, among others) behind the vessel so as to provide an increase in collected data as compared to a survey that includes a single streamer.
A streamer may include various components to aid in marine surveying. As noted above, a streamer may include a number of sensors that measure one or more metrics of interest to a surveying operation. For example, a streamer may include a hydrophone that measures the energy reflected by a subsurface formation, as described above. A hydrophone may be any sensor capable of detecting changes in pressure. The hydrophone and/or electronics coupled to the hydrophone may convert the detected pressure change to an electrical signal, which may then be transmitted to a computer on the vessel (e.g., for storage and/or analysis), such as computing device 1000. A streamer may include one or more motion sensors that measure acceleration in one or more dimensions. The motion sensor may be any sensor that measures motion or acceleration, such as a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer. According to some embodiments, measurements from motion sensor(s) may be analyzed with measurements from hydrophone(s), for example to achieve a higher signal to noise ratio.
A streamer may include one or more stress members that provide the mechanical strength that allows the streamer to be towed behind the vessel. The stress members may be made of any material that allows the streamer to be towed without breaking, such as steel or a synthetic material. A streamer may include an outer sheath, such as a skin, that houses the internal components of the streamer and provides a barrier for the protection of the internal components.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, including the appended claims. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.
It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include singular and plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the words "can" and "may" are used throughout this application in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, being able to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The terms "comprise" and "include," and derivations thereof, mean "including, but not limited to." The term "coupled" means directly or indirectly connected.
Within this disclosure, different entities (which may in some cases be referred to as "circuits" or other components) may be described or claimed as "configured" to perform one or more tasks or operations. This formulation—[entity] configured to [perform one or more tasks]—is used herein to refer to structure (i.e., something physical, such as an electronic circuit). More specifically, this formulation is used to indicate that this structure is arranged to perform the one or more tasks during operation. A structure can be said to be "configured to" perform some task even if the structure is not currently being operated. Thus, an entity described or recited as "configured to" perform some task refers to something physical, such as a device, circuit, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the task, etc. This phrase is not used herein to refer to something intangible.
Reciting in the appended claims that a structure is "configured to" perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for that claim element. Accordingly, none of the claims in this application as filed are intended to be interpreted as having means-plus-function elements. Should Applicant wish to invoke Section 112(f) during prosecution, it will recite claim elements using the "means for" [performing a function] construct.


In order to adjust the output voltage and output current of a galvanically isolated switched-mode power supply, on the primary side there is formed an auxiliary voltage (15) proportional to the secondary voltage, and said auxiliary voltage is studied by means of a window comparator, so that when the auxiliary voltage is within the reference window, there is applied fixed power adjustment, and when the auxiliary voltage falls outside the reference window (>max, <min), the quantity of electric power fed in by the isolation transformer of the primary side is restricted. Most advantageously the auxiliary voltage is formed by means of an auxiliary coil (12b) contained in the isolation transformer, and the reverse threshold voltages of two zener diodes represent the limit values of the reference window.

1. Technical Field
In general, the invention relates to the adjusting of the output features of a switched-mode power supply by means of a given control arrangement. In particular, the invention relates to a certain simple structure of the primary side of the switched-mode power supply, which structure helps to keep the secondary side voltage and current within desired limits.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Switched-mode power supplies are generally used in applications where the output voltage and output current of a device generating direct current should be controlled in an accurate and versatile manner. The principle of a switched-mode power supply is the feeding of electric power impulses to an inductive component, which has an energy-storing magnetic field. With a suitable discharge coupling, the stored energy is discharged into output voltage and output current, the values of which can be adjusted by altering the properties of the impulse supply. Electric safety often requires that there is no galvanic connection between the input and output pails of the switched-mode power supply. A common practice in this case is to use a isolation transformer, which in its simplest form consists of one primary coil and one secondary coil. The transformer divides the power supply into a primary side and a secondary side, so that the primary side connections feed electric power into the primary coil, the magnetic field of the transformer transmits the power to the secondary coil, and the secondary side connections discharge the power from the secondary coil into output voltage and output current.
The simplest adjusting method that can be used for affecting the value of the output voltage and output current of a galvanically isolated switched-mode power supply is a so-called fixed power adjustment, where the primary side always feeds the same electric power to the isolation transformer. With a sufficient accuracy it can be assumed that now also the output power of the power supply is constant. On the other hand, the output power is the product of the output current and output voltage, and therefore in a fixed power adjustment, the output voltage and output current are inversely proportional to each other, i.e. as the output voltage decreases, the output current grows, and vice versa. In more complicated adjusting systems, on the secondary side there are often provided separate measurement arrangements for the output voltage and output current, and the signal generated by these arrangements is transmitted as a response or feedback signal to the primary side through a opto-coupler or a small signal transformer.
In many applications, both the output voltage and the output current have a given allowed maximum value, so that the fixed power adjustment is not sufficient as such. By using adjusting systems that are based on measurements carried out on the secondary side, the output features of the power supply are easily restricted to fall under given maximum values, but the opto-coupler or signal transformer needed for conducting the response signal increases both the structural complexity of the power supply and the production costs. In the prior art there also are known systems where the adjusting arrangements provided on the primary side of the switched-mode power supply restrict the operation of the device, so that the output voltage and output current do not surpass the allowed maximum values. For instance, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,276 deals with a switched-mode power supply where the isolation transformer contains, in addition to the primary coil and secondary coil, also a third coil that generates a given auxiliary voltage to the primary side. The switching impulses of the switching transistor that keeps interrupting the primary current is adjusted by a reference voltage, generated by certain condensers and a zener diode, where the problem is particularly the dependence of the potential difference prevailing across the zener diode for the current passing therethrough. Among possible solutions, said U.S. Patent suggests the coupling of the fixed current supply in parallel to the zener diode, but the invention proper specified in the application is based on the fact that in order to generate a corrected reference voltage, into the voltage prevailing across the zener diode, there is added a compensating voltage which is formed according to the measured primary current. Thus the primary side includes a current measuring circuit. On the other hand, there also is used an additional coil for detecting the waveform of the secondary voltage and for imitating it on the primary side. The original reference voltage that feeds current through the zener diode at the switching transistor base is formed exactly by means of this additional coil.
From the Finnish patent application No. FI 952,571, there is known a system that adjusts the output voltage and output current of a switched-mode power supply in an extremely versatile and accurate manner on the basis of the operation of the primary side arrangements only. In the system of said application, an additional coil included in the isolation transformer forms an image voltage that in waveform corresponds to the secondary voltage. The image voltage is corrected by means of various correcting terms that compensate its distortions while the output features of the switched-mode power supply change. The pulse ratio of the switching pulses of the switching transistor is determined on the basis of the corrected image voltage. The switched-mode power supply according to said invention is meant to be used particularly in battery chargers, where the output current must be maintained nearly constant while the output voltage rises from a value corresponding to the terminal voltage of an empty battery to a value corresponding to the terminal voltage of a full battery, and thereafter the output voltage must remain below a given maximum value, although the fully charged battery does not receive a considerable amount of current anymore. The system according to said publication fulfils its objectives to a satisfactory degree, but is relatively complicated in structure, which increases the production costs.

Primary adjusted switched-mode power supply


A combine grain cleaning system having front and rear rollers, a conveyor belt having an upper surface extending from the front roller to the rear roller, a motor operatively connected to the conveyor belt and configured to drive the upper surface in a belt travel direction from the front roller to the rear roller, and a baffle located adjacent the rear roller. The baffle has a leading edge, a trailing edge located behind the leading edge with respect to the belt travel direction and below the leading edge with respect to a vertical direction, and a baffle surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. One or more sieves are located below the baffle, and a fan is provided to direct an airflow at least partially upwards in the vertical direction adjacent the rear roller. A method for separating grain is also provided.

Agricultural combines are machines that gather and thresh crop material to separate grain from other material. In a typical combine, a header gathers the crop material and feeds it to a thresher, and the thresher separates the grain from other material. A mixture of grain and some of the smaller remaining material (material other than grain, or "MOG") is then delivered to a cleaning system, which removes the bulk of the smaller MOG from the grain using a variety of sieves.
The majority of the grain and MOG usually falls out of the forward portion of the thresher, and the volume of this material may be too great to effectively sieve at one time. Thus, to address this large bulk of material, a typical combine has a main conveyance apparatus that collects the initial bulk of grain and MOG and distributes it in a more controlled manner to the sieves. Such apparatus can be an auger bed, a grain pan, a rattle chain, or the like. Such devices are often required to move the grain and MOG in an uphill direction to reach the sieves, which reduces the effectiveness of transport. Auger beds are more effective at moving material uphill, but they also mix the grain and MOG together, which makes downstream separation more difficult. Rattle chains are somewhat more effective than grain pans at moving material uphill, and maintain or encourage stratification of the grain and MOG, which assists with downstream separation, but still can be improved upon. Grain pans are good at moving material until the leading edge is tipped down, when its efficiency suffers as they are less capable of moving material uphill, but are advantageous in that they maintain stratification of the grain and MOG.
While such grain cleaning systems have been in use for many years, the inventor has determined that improvements and beneficial modifications can be made to the state of the art.
This description of the background is provided to assist with an understanding of the following explanations of exemplary embodiments, and is not an admission that any or all of this background information is necessarily prior art.


A toy bird capable of carrying out movement like a real bird. A body section is arranged so as to be longitudinally moved with respect to a leg section and a head section is arranged so as to be laterally moved with respect to the body section. In the body section is provided a driving unit for carrying out openable operation of a bill as well as the above-described movement of each of the body and head sections. Also, the toy body is constructed so as to generate sound like a song of a real bird. The toy bird can be actuated by an external stimulus sensor that can respond to sound, light, and the like.

This invention relates to a movable toy bird, and more particularly to a toy bird which is so constructed that body and head sections thereof are movable.
Conventionally, various kinds of toy birds have been proposed and put into practice. Also, a toy bird is recently proposed which is provided therein with a sound generating unit, so that a viewer may be impressed as if a bird twitters. Unfortunately, the conventional toy birds are substantially stationarily constructed. There has not been developed a movable toy bird which exhibits motion like a real bird.

Animated singing toy bird with external stimulus sensor