The present invention relates to a stabilizer composition containing at least one sterically hindered amine (HALS) in which the amino group carries a basicity-reducing substituent, at least one antioxidant containing one or more thioether groups and at least one liquid plasticizer containing carboxylate groups. The invention further relates to a polymer composition containing at least one sterically hindered amine (HALS) in which the amino group carries a basicity-reducing substituent, at least one antioxidant containing one or more thioether groups, at least one liquid plasticizer containing carboxylate groups and at least one silyl-terminated polymer, to the use of the stabilizer composition for stabilizing a silyl-terminated polymer or a sealant, adhesive, gasket, knifing filler or coating composition, especially a sealant, adhesive, gasket, knifing filler or coating composition containing a silyl-terminated polymer, against degradation by heat, light and/or oxygen, to the use of the polymer composition as or in a sealant, adhesive, liquid gasket, knifing filler or coating composition, and to a sealant composition or an adhesive composition, or a gasket composition, or a knifing filler composition or a coating composition comprising the polymer composition.

The present invention relates to a stabilizer composition containing at least one sterically hindered amine (HALS) in which the amino group carries a basicity-reducing substituent, at least one antioxidant containing one or more thioether groups and at least one liquid plasticizer containing carboxylate groups. The invention further relates to a polymer composition containing at least one sterically hindered amine (HALS) in which the amino group carries a basicity-reducing substituent, at least one antioxidant containing one or more thioether groups, at least one liquid plasticizer containing carboxylate groups and at least one silyl-terminated polymer, to the use of the stabilizer composition for stabilizing a silyl-terminated polymer or a sealant, adhesive, gasket, knifing filler or coating composition, especially a sealant, adhesive, gasket, knifing filler or coating composition containing a silyl-terminated polymer, against degradation by heat, light and/or oxygen, to the use of the polymer composition as or in a sealant, adhesive, liquid gasket, knifing filler or coating composition, and to a sealant composition or an adhesive composition, or a gasket composition, or a knifing filler composition or a coating composition comprising the polymer composition.
Moisture-crosslinkable polymer compositions based on silyl-terminated polymers (STPs) and their use in sealants, adhesives and coating compositions are known. In the presence of atmospheric moisture, STPs with hydrolyzable substituents, such as alkoxy groups, are capable of condensing with one another yet at room temperature; resulting thus in cured or crosslinked polymers. Depending on the content of silyl groups with hydrolysable substituents and the structure of these silyl groups, mainly long-chain polymers (thermoplastics), relatively wide-mesh, three-dimensional networks (elastomers) or highly crosslinked systems (thermosets) are formed during this process.
In the present invention, the terms "curing" and "crosslinking" are used interchangeably, referring to the toughening or hardening of a polymer material by cross-linking of polymer chains.
Sealing, adhesive and coating materials are used in a wide variety of applications and materials. If transparent materials, like glass, are part of the application, light, especially UV radiation, reaches the sealing, adhesive or coating material, which makes it prone to deterioration if it is not stabilized appropriately. Non-transparent applications or applications not exposed to light may also be prone to deterioration, for example if exposed to heat, like in flooring close to heat sources, or to deterioration caused by atmospheric oxygen.
Demands relating to the long-term temperature resistance of sealants, adhesives and coating compositions are becoming ever higher. The same holds true for UV resistance and resistance against oxidation. Thus, there is a continuing need for temperature- and/or UV- and/or oxidation-resistant compositions which are suitable for use as a sealant, adhesive and/or coating composition and which additionally have beneficial and indispensable properties that are required in the area of this type of application.
US 2013/197141 relates to moisture-curable adhesive, sealant and/or coating compositions based on silane-terminated polymers and containing a phenolic compound without thioether groups and a phenolic compound with thioether groups. The phenolic compounds are to improve the temperature stability of the composition.
Phenolic compounds containing thioether groups are very efficient antioxidants. Unfortunately, however, they are often not compatible with sterically hindered amines, especially with such HALS in which the amino group interacts with sulfonic acids which are formed by the oxidation of thioether and the like and thus deactivates the antioxidant effect. On the other side, it is very desirable to combine the efficient antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds containing thioether groups and the similarly efficient light-stabilizing properties of sterically hindered amines.
Another problem in context with phenolic antioxidants, especially with phenolic antioxidants containing thioether groups like Irganox® 1520 or Irganox® 1726, is a miscibility gap within cured or crosslinked apolar polymers, like STPs. After some time, such cured polymers and more polar or liquid components of the polymer composition, like said phenolic antioxidants, separate, which leads to the formation of an exudate or a white "blooming" or other esthetically and technically inacceptable manifestations.
WO 2016/184932 relates to a stabilized hot melt adhesive containing a hot melt adhesive material and two or three of the following components: (A) a specific monomeric sterically hindered amine; (B) a specific polymeric sterically hindered amine; (C) a specific sterically hindered phenol.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,219 relates to an electrodepositable primer composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of an ionic epoxy-based resin, a hindered amine light stabilizer and an antioxidant mixture comprising a phenolic antioxidant and a sulfur-containing antioxidant. The composition used in the examples moreover contains Paraplex WP-1, a plasticizer from Rohm and Haas. According to U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,189, Paraplex WP-1 is a propoxylated cresol.
US 2009/0118401 and US 2012/0316253 relate to a curable composition containing an organic polymer with a crosslinkable silyl group, a triazine-based UV absorber and a HALS. The composition of example 9 contains an acrylic polymer with terminal crosslinkable silyl groups, Tinuvin® 123 as HALS, 1577FF from Ciba Specialty Chemicals as triazine-based UV absorber, moreover AO-20 from Ashahi Denka Co., Ltd. as antioxidant and UP1000, which is an acrylic polymer from Toagosei Co., Ltd., as plasticizer. AO-20 is a phenolic antioxidant and does not contain any thioether groups.
US 2011/0028611 relates to a synthetic resin composition containing a HALS with an alkoxy group on the nitrogen atom and a sulfur-containing antioxidant.
The object of the present invention was to provide a stabilizer composition suitable to stabilize curable compositions to be used as or in sealants, adhesives and/or coating compositions, especially as or in sealant compositions, especially with respect to a good long-term temperature and/or UV and/or oxidation stability after curing. Moreover, the exudation of components of the stabilizer composition from cured polymers, especially from cured STPs, was to be avoided. In addition, the stabilized curable composition should also meet all other conventional requirements of a modern sealant, adhesive and/or coating composition.
Surprisingly it was found that the above-described disadvantages of combining antioxidants containing one or more thioether groups with HALS can be avoided if the amino group of the HALS carries a basicity-reducing substituent. It was moreover found that specific plasticizers can prevent or at least reduce exudation of stabilizer components from cured polymers.


An electrical connector assembly comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulation housing, a linking device located in a side of the insulation housing and a load plate linking with the linking device and covering the insulation housing. The load plate has two side arms and an opening between the side arms, an expanding width of the side arm is smaller than a half of a width of the opening, two adjacent side arms of two adjacent load plates in a same row are inserted into a same opening of an opposite load plate in the other row. The electrical connector assembly can save metal material and improve manufacture efficiency.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a method, and more particularly to a method of making a load plate from a metallic strip in a way that each of the load plates has its side arms interposed in an opening of two adjacent load plates so as to reduce the waste of the material.
2. Description of the prior art
Taiwanese Patent No. M336587 discloses a conventional electrical connector mounted to a printed circuit board for electrically contacting an IC package, the conventional electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, a stiffener surrounding the insulative housing, a load plate, a lever linking the load plate and cover together. The stiffener is stamped from a metal piece and substantially has an U-shape, a stiffener strip which provides the stiffener comprises two rows of stiffener, including a row of first stiffeners and a row of second stiffener, the first stiffener and the second stiffener have a same configuration, the first stiffener has a pair of opposite first sidewalls, and the second stiffener has a pair of opposite second sidewalls, the first stiffener and an adjacent second stiffener are oppositely arranged in a manner that a space between the first sidewalls of the first stiffener receives one second sidewall of the second stiffener, another sidewall of the second stiffener located outside the space. However, the stiffener strip of the conventional electrical connector assembly still wastes some metal material.
In view of the above, a new electrical connector assembly that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desired.

Apparatus and method for manufacturing load plates used on socket connector


An optical chromatic dispersion compensator (60) betters optical communication system performance. The dispersion compensator (60) includes a collimating means (61) that receives a spatially diverging beam of light from an end of an optical fiber (30). The collimating means (61) converts the spatially diverging beam into a mainly collimated beam that is emitted therefrom. An optical phaser (62) receives the mainly collimated beam from the collimating means (61) through an entrance window (63), and angularly disperses the beam in a banded pattern that is emitted from the optical phaser (61). A light-returning means (66) receives the angularly dispersed light and reflects it back through the optical phaser (62) to exit the optical phaser near the entrance window (63) thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the technical field of fiber optic communication, and, more particularly, to compensating for chromatic dispersion that accumulates as light propagates through a communication system's optical fiber.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Increasing demand for low-cost bandwidth in optical fiber communication systems provides motivation for increasing both bit-rate/transport-distance, and the number of wavelength-division multiplexed ("WDM") channels which an optical fiber carries. A principal limiting factor in high bit-rate, long-distance optical communication systems is chromatic dispersion which occurs as light propagates through an optical fiber. Chromatic dispersion causes a light wave at one particular wavelength to travel through an optical fiber at a velocity which differs from the propagation velocity of a light wave at a different wavelength. As a consequence of chromatic dispersion, optical pulses, which contain multiple wavelength components, become significantly distorted after traveling through a sufficiently long optical fiber. Distortion of optical pulses degrades and loses information carried by the optical signal.
Chromatic dispersion of optical fibers can be characterized by two (2) parameters:                1. a group velocity dispersion ("GVD") which is the rate of group velocity change with respect to wavelength; and        2. a dispersion slope which is the rate of dispersion change with respect to wavelength.For a typical optical fiber communication system carrying a broad range of wavelengths of light, such as a WDM system or systems with directly modulated lasers or Fabry-Perot lasers, it is necessary to compensate both for GVD and for dispersion slope across the entire range of wavelengths propagating through the optical fiber.
Over the years, several different types of optical fibers each of which exhibits different chromatic dispersion characteristics have been used in assembling optical communication systems. The dispersion characteristics exhibited by these different types of optical fibers depend on the length of an optical fiber, the type of optical fiber, as well as how the optical fiber was manufactured, cabling of the optical fiber, and other environmental conditions. Therefore, to compensate for chromatic dispersion exhibited by these various different types of optical fibers it is desirable to have a single type of chromatic dispersion compensating device which provides variable GVD and dispersion slope to thereby simplify inventory control and optical communication network management.
Several solutions have been proposed to mitigate chromatic dispersion in optical fiber communication systems. One technique used in compensating for chromatic dispersion, shown schematically in FIG. 1A, inserts a relatively short length of a special dispersion compensation optical fiber ("DCF") 31 in series with a conventional transmission optical fiber 30. The DCF 31 has special cross-section index profile and exhibits chromatic dispersion which opposes that of the optical fiber 30. Connected in this way, light, which in propagating through the optical fiber 30 undergoes chromatic dispersion, then propagates through the DCF 31 which cancels the chromatic dispersion due to propagation through the optical fiber 30. However to obtain chromatic dispersion which opposes that of the optical fiber 30, the DCF 31 has much smaller mode field diameter than that of the optical fiber 30, and therefore the DCF 31 is more susceptible to nonlinear effects. In addition, it is difficult to use a DCF 31 operating in its lowest spatial mode for complete cancellation both of GVD and of dispersion slope exhibited by two particular types of optical fibers, i.e. dispersion-shifted optical fibers ("DSF"), and non-zero dispersion shifted optical fibers ("NZDF").
An alternative inline chromatic dispersion compensation technique, shown schematically in FIG. 1B, inserts a first mode converter 33, which receives light that has propagated through a length of the first optical fiber 30, between the first optical fiber 30 and a high-mode DCF 34. After passing through the high-mode DCF 34, light then passes through a second mode converter 35 and into a second length of the optical fiber 30. Similar to the DCF 31 of FIG. 1A, the high-mode DCF 34 exhibits chromatic dispersion which opposes that of the optical fibers 30, while supporting a single higher order spatial mode than that supported by the DCF 31. The mode field diameter of high-mode DCF 34 for the higher order spatial mode is comparable to that of both optical fibers 30. Thus, the mode converter 33 converts light emitted from the first optical fiber 30 into the higher order spatial mode supported by the high-mode DCF 34, while the mode converter 35 reverses that conversion returning light from the higher order spatial mode emitted from the high-mode DCF 34 to a lower order spatial mode for coupling back into the second optical fiber 30. One problem exhibited by the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1B is that it is difficult to completely convert light from one spatial mode to another. Another problem is that it is also difficult to keep light traveling in a single higher order spatial mode. For this reason, integrity of a signal being compensated for chromatic dispersion by the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1B is susceptible to modal dispersion, caused by differing group velocities for light propagating in multiple different spatial modes.
Due to the difficulties in mode matching a DCF to various different types of optical fibers 30 in the field, it is impractical to adjust chromatic dispersion exhibited by DCF's to that required by a particular optical fiber 30. In addition, DCF's also exhibit high insertion loss. This loss of optical signal strength must be made up by optical amplifiers. Thus, compensating for chromatic dispersion using DCF's significantly increases the overall cost of an optical communication system.
A different technique, shown schematically in FIG. 2, uses a chirped fiber Bragg grating 42 to provide chromatic dispersion compensation. Differing wavelength components of a light pulse emitted from the optical fiber 30 enter the chirped grating 42 through a circulator 41 to be reflected back towards the circulator 41 from different sections of the chirped grating 42. A carefully designed chirped grating 42 can therefore compensate for chromatic dispersion accumulated in the optical fiber 30. The amount of chromatic dispersion provided by the chirped grating 42 can be adjusted by changing the stress and/or temperature of the grating fiber. Unfortunately, a Bragg grating reflects only a narrow band of the WDM spectrum. Multiple chirped gratings 42 can be cascaded to extend the spectral width. However, cascading multiple chirped gratings 42 results in an expensive chromatic dispersion compensation device.
Yet another technique, shown schematically in FIG. 3A, employs bulk diffraction gratings 50 for chromatic dispersion compensation. Specifically, light exiting-the transmission optical fiber 30 is first formed into a collimated beam 51. The bulk diffraction grating 50 is then used to generate angular dispersion (rate of diffraction angle change with respect to the wavelength) from the collimated beam 51. A light-returning device 52, which typically consists of a lens 53 followed by a mirror 54 placed at the focal plane of the lens 53, reflects the diffracted light back onto the diffraction grating 50. Reflection of the diffracted light back onto the diffraction grating 50 converts the angular dispersion into chromatic dispersion. A circulator inserted along the path of the collimated beam 51 may be used to separate chromatic dispersion compensated light leaving the diffraction grating 50 from the incoming collimated beam 51. In the apparatus depicted in FIG. 3a, the amount of chromatic dispersion may be adjusted by varying the distance between the diffraction grating 50 and the lens 53, and/or the curvature of the beam-folding mirror 54. However, the bulk diffraction grating 50 produces only a small angular dispersion. Consequently, using the apparatus depicted in FIG. 3A to compensate for the large chromatic dispersion which occurs in optical communication systems requires an apparatus that is impractically large.
An analogous chromatic dispersion compensation technique replaces the diffraction grating 50 with a virtually imaged phased array ("VIPA") such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,633 entitled "Optical Apparatus Which Uses a Virtually Imaged Phased Array to Produce Chromatic Dispersion" which issued May 21, 2002, on an application filed by Masataka Shirasaki and Simon Cao ("the '633 patent"). As illustrated in FIG. 3B, which reproduces FIG. 7 of the '633 patent, the VIPA includes a line-focusing element, such as a cylindrical lens 57, and a specially coated parallel plate 58. A collimated beam 51 enters the VIPA through the line-focusing cylindrical lens 57 at a small angle of incidence, and emerges from the VIPA with large angular dispersion. In combination with the light-returning device 52 illustrated in FIG. 3A, the VIPA can generate sufficient chromatic dispersion to compensate for dispersion occurring in an optical fiber transmission system. Unfortunately, the VIPA distributes the energy of the collimated beam 51 into multiple diffraction orders. Because of each diffraction order exhibits different dispersion characteristics, only one of the orders can be used in compensating for chromatic dispersion. Consequently, the VIPA exhibits high optical loss, and implementing dispersion slope compensation using a VIPA is both cumbersome and expensive. The VIPA also introduces high dispersion ripple, i.e., rapid variation of residue dispersion with respect to wavelength, which renders the VIPA unsuitable for inline chromatic dispersion compensation.
Another technique which may be used in compensating for chromatic dispersion is an all-pass filter. An all-pass filter is a device that exhibits a flat amplitude response and periodic phase response to an incoming optical signal. Since as known to those skilled in the art chromatic dispersion is the second derivative of phase delay, an all-pass filter may therefore be used in compensating for chromatic dispersion. Typical implementations of all-pass filters in compensating for chromatic dispersion are Gires-Tournois interferometers and loop mirrors. An article entitled "Optical All-Pass Filters for Phase Response Design with Applications for Dispersion Compensation" by C. Madsen and G. Lenz published in IEEE Photonic Technology Letters, Vol. 10, No. 7 at p. 944 (1998) discloses how all-pass filters may be used for compensating chromatic dispersion. Problems in using all-pass filters in compensating for chromatic dispersion include their introduction of high dispersion ripple, or an inability to produce sufficient dispersion compensation for practical applications. Consequently, all-pass filters are also unsuitable for inline chromatic dispersion compensation.
Because compensating for chromatic dispersion is so important in high-performance optical fiber communication systems, a simple adjustable dispersion compensator having low dispersion ripple, relatively low insertion loss, and which can compensate for various different types of chromatic dispersion exhibited by the various different types of optical fibers already deployed in fiber optic transmission systems would be highly advantageous for increasing both bit-rate/transport-distance, and the number of WDM channels carried by an optical fiber.

Compensating for chromatic dispersion in optical fibers


A liquid cooling apparatus for use with electronic equipment includes a frame adapted to fit in a chassis with electronic equipment. An inner container and outer container are attached to the frame. A liquid inlet is disposed in the frame and has an opening in liquid flow communication with the inner container. A liquid outlet is disposed in the frame and has an opening in liquid flow communication with the inner container. A vacuum outlet is disposed in the frame and coupled to a space between the inner container and the outer container. A detector is coupled to the vacuum outlet and configured to detect air and/or liquid escaping from the vacuum outlet. Advantages of the invention include the ability to cool electronic equipment while guarding against accidental leaks in the cooling apparatus. The invention is also applicable to any process or system where thermal transfer is needed and leaks are to be protected against. This includes, but is not limited to, heating, cooling, or stabilizing the temperature of chemical, biological, or physical processes in medical, scientific, testing or processing equipment.

Electronic devices are known to generate heat and often require cooling in order to be maintained at an optimum operating temperature. Conventional liquid cooling apparatus are known in the art. Reference is made to conventional apparatus described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,109,707; 4,938,279; 4,879,632; 4,997,032; 5,000,256; and 5,040,051. These apparatus typically use a plastic bag or some other type container in which a cooled liquid is circulated. When the container is close to the electronic equipment, the electronic equipment is cooled and can be maintained at an optimum operating temperature.
Electronic equipment, such as printed circuit boards, tends to have sharp protrusions including edges and soldered connections. Moreover, it is known that electronic equipment is very sensitive to liquids since liquids can serve to corrode or short out the electronic components. However, many of the conventional containers employ membranes such as thin plastic that can easily tear. In conventional apparatus, a physical inspection is required to determine whether a leak has occurred. Therefore, a limitation of known apparatus is that they do not offer adequate protection against liquid leaks in order to prevent damage from occurring to the electronic components.
A goal of the invention is to overcome the identified limitations and to provide an apparatus that combines the benefit of liquid cooling and also provides a technique for access to detecting a leak in the cooling apparatus, prior to damage taking place, and protecting electronic components from any leakage.

Liquid cooling apparatus for use with electronic equipment


A method for allowing a user to search for a file includes: a first step of, in response to an enlargement in the size of a window, enlarging a range for searching for a plurality of files displayable in the window; and a second step of, in response to a reduction in the size of a window, reducing the range for searching for the plurality of files displayable in the window.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing system such as a computer system.
2. Description of the Related Art
A computer system as an information processing apparatus is constructed so as to allow a user to create texts, tables, and the like. The user typically searches for and chooses one of a number of programs provided in the computer system to create such data.
However, in conventional information processing apparatuses such as computer systems, file names (including program file names and data file names) are displayed in a small and uniform size, making it difficult for the user to search for and choose among a number of such file names.

System for facilitating selection and searching for object files in a graphical window computer environment


The present invention discloses a wet wipe cover with convenient wipe drawing opening, which is used on a wet wipe packaging bag body. The wet wipe cover with convenient wipe drawing opening comprises a cover body and an upper cover, wherein the cover body is provided with a through hole in which an elastic sealing cover is arranged; and the elastic sealing cover is provided with a cutting groove from the bottom upwards, and the cutting groove does not penetrate through the upper surface of the elastic sealing cover. When the sealing cover is stressed, the elastic sealing cover bulges upwards or downwards, and a small-caliber wipe drawing opening is cracked on the upper surface of the sealing cover corresponding to the cutting groove; and when the cover is not stressed, the paper extraction opening recovers to a closed state under the action of the elastic force. When the application needs to be used, the cover is forced to open the wipe drawing opening, and the wet wipe can be ejected from the packaging bag; when it is not needed, the cover is not forced to close the wipe drawing opening, which is convenient and safe to use.

In present, a wet wipe cover is arranged on the wet wipe package, a wipe drawing opening is arranged in the middle of the wet wipe cover, and the wet wipe needs to be drawn out from the wipe drawing opening when being used.
In order to facilitate users to squeeze wet wipe with their fingers, the openings of the existing wipe drawing openings are relatively large. However, this kind of large-diameter wipe drawing opening is relatively easy to pinch, but it often brings out more wet wipe, and its moisture is easy to lose and pollute.
In consideration of the above problems, the design of post-paper-drawing port is developing towards small diameter. However, it is not easy to pinch wet paper towels for small-diameter paper outlets, and other tools are often needed, which is inconvenient to use. However, it is not easy to pinch wet wipe for small-diameter wipe drawing openings, and other tools are often needed, which is inconvenient to use.

Wet wipe cover with convenient wipe drawing opening


Header-equipped air diffusion devices includes, in the header, an air storage unit, on its lower end including inlet(s) for water to be treated, and air supply part(s) and air sending part(s) on the air storage unit upper section. The air diffusion device's air sending part and horizontal tube are connected, air sent from the header being diffused by the air diffusion device, and air sending in the air storage unit is above the air supply part's air supply port. The air storage portion's partition portion, with a 50+mm height, partitions the upper portion into an air supply and an air feeding portion side. The partition portion forms a cylindrical portion and an upper plate portion and the air storage portion's trunk portion serves as part of the air supply portion, and an opening end on a lower end side of the partition portion serves as the air supply port.

Industrial wastewater or domestic wastewater is subjected to a treatment for removing organic matter and the like contained in the wastewater, and then is reused as industrial water or is released to rivers or the like. An activated sludge method can be provided as an example of a method for treating industrial wastewater or the like. The activated sludge method is a method for decomposing organic matter and the like by aerobic microorganisms by performing aeration.
In addition, in recent years, a membrane bioreactor (MBR) method-based treatment which is a combination of an activated sludge method-based treatment and membrane filtration using a separation membrane module has been performed. In the MBR method-based treatment, as the membrane filtration is continued, organic matter and the like accumulates on a separation membrane surface, so that a decrease in filtration flow rate or an increase in transmembrane pressure difference may occur.
With regard to such a problem, in the MBR method-based treatment, the accumulation of organic matter on the membrane surface is prevented by an air diffusion device installed below the membrane module. Specifically, the accumulation of organic matter on the membrane surface is prevented by the impact generated when bubbles generated from an air diffusion pipe come into contact with the membrane surface, or the vibration of a membrane itself caused by a water flow resulting from the generation of bubbles.
In general, the vicinity of a blower which supplies air to the air diffusion device is not airtightly connected. For this reason, when the operation of the air diffusion device is stopped for the purpose of maintenance or the like, air in the air diffusion pipe flows backward to a blower side and target treatment water infiltrates into the air diffusion pipe from an air diffusion hole, and thus when the operation is resumed, sludge may be dried and hardened in the air diffusion pipe. When the operation and the stop of the air diffusion device are repeatedly performed, the amount of dry sludge increases gradually in the air diffusion pipe, so that the air diffusion pipe is clogged, which is a problem.
Therefore, Patent Literature 1 discloses a device in which a chamber (header) of which a lower end is open is provided upstream of an air diffusion pipe in a state where the chamber is immersed in target treatment water, and a pipe connected to a blower and a pipe connected to the air diffusion pipe are inserted and connected to the chamber. In the device, when the operation is stopped, the target treatment water flows into the chamber from a lower end opening portion of the chamber, so that the water level in the chamber rises. Then, in the chamber, an opening portion of each of the pipes connected to the air diffusion pipe and the blower is blocked by the risen water level. Accordingly, in a state where the operation is stopped, air remains in the air diffusion pipe; and thereby, the target treatment water containing sludge is prevented from infiltrating into the air diffusion pipe from an air diffusion hole.
However, also in the device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, it is difficult to sufficiently prevent sludge from infiltrating into the air diffusion pipe, and when the operation and the stop of the device are repeated, the air diffusion pipe may be clogged by the sludge.

Header-equipped air diffusion device, and membrane separation activated sludge device


A method of splicing the platen component of a linear stepper motor to extent its range of travel for various applications is disclosed. In a linear stepper motor the so-called forcer or armature component moves linearly along the platen or stator in the manner of a track assuming discrete locations in response to the state of the electrical current in the field windings of the forcer. Conventional machining equipment limits the maximum length of the platen that can be produced for such a motor. Because various industrial applications demand an extended length of the platen component, the splicing method enables two or more platen components to be arranged in an end-to-end relation while maintaining positional accuracy, preventing air loss from the air bearings typically utilized with such a motor, and maintaining the magnetic flux path necessary for proper operation of the forcer component of the motor. The splicing method utilizes conventional machining operations to provide an angular cut on the respective end portions of the two platens to be joined. Thereafter, a plurality of parallel teeth formed in the platen are axially aligned by the use of optical devices to ensure the continuity of the magnetic flux path which extends through the teeth of the platen during the operation of the motor.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to linear stepper motors and, more particularly, to a method of splicing the platen component of a linear stepper motor to increase its range of travel.
The linear stepper motor is well known in the prior art and operates upon established principles of magnetic theory. The stator or platen component of the linear stepper motor consists of an elongated, rectangular steel bar having a plurality of parallel teeth that extends over the distance to be traversed and functions in the manner of a track for the so-called forcer component of the motor.
The platen is entirely passive during operation of the motor and all magnets and electromagnets are incorporated into the forcer or armature component. The forcer moves bi-directionally along the platen assuming discrete locations in response to the state of the electrical current in its field windings.
Such a linear stepper motor can be utilized to perform various functions and is particularly well adapted for use as a precision linear measuring device over extended distances.
A problem arises in that the platens are manufactured in fixed lengths and because of the size limitations of the manufacturing equipment, the maximum size that can be produced by conventional methods is 144 inches. However, in many industrial applications it would be desirable to have a precision linear measurement device based on a linear motor which would perform accurately up to 300 inches or more.
Thus, the present invention has been developed to provide a method of splicing platen components together to extend their length while maintaining the positional accuracy of the motor and the integrity of the magnetic flux field necessary for proper operation of the forcer component of the motor.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
A printed publication entitled, LX Indexer/Drive User Guide prepared by the Compumotor Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation discloses the theory of operation for a linear stepping motor.

Method for splicing a linear stepper motor platen


Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. A heavily-doped region is formed within a first semiconductor material, and a second semiconductor material is epitaxially grown over the first semiconductor material. The second semiconductor material is patterned to form circuit components, and the heavily-doped region is patterned to form spaced-apart buried lines electrically coupling pluralities of the circuit components to one another. At least some of the patterning of the heavily-doped region occurs simultaneously with at least some of the patterning of the second semiconductor material.

Memory is one type of integrated circuitry, and is used in electronic systems for storing data. Integrated memory is usually fabricated in one or more arrays of individual memory cells. The memory cells are configured to retain or store memory in at least two different selectable states. In a binary system, the states are considered as either a "0"or a "1". In other systems, at least some individual memory cells may be configured to store more than two levels or states of information.
An example type of memory is dynamic random access memory (DRAM). A DRAM unit cell may comprise a transistor in combination with a capacitor. The capacitor may be considered to be a data storage device in that the charge state of the capacitor corresponds to a memory state of the memory cell.
Some memory comprises unit cells having programmable material between a pair of electrodes. The programmable material has two or more selectable resistive states to enable storing of information, and thus the memory unit cells are data storage devices. Examples of such memory cells are resistive RAM (RRAM) cells, phase change RAM (PCRAM) cells, and programmable metallization cells (PMCs)—which may be alternatively referred to as a conductive bridging RAM (CBRAM) cells, nanobridge memory cells, or electrolyte memory cells. The memory cell types are not mutually exclusive. For example, RRAM may be considered to encompass PCRAM and PMCs.
The unit cells comprising programmable material may be leaky, and accordingly select devices (i.e., access devices) may be provided to improve the control of current to and from the unit cells. The select devices may be any of numerous devices, including, for example, diodes, switches, field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), etc.
Difficulties may be encountered in the fabrication of integrated circuitry, such as memory. Accordingly, it is desired to develop new methods of forming integrated circuitry.

Methods of forming memory arrays and semiconductor constructions


In the method for controlling a movable tool, in particular a grinding tool, by means of a feed function that specifies the movement of the tool in time in at least one axis, an initial feed function in the form of at least one initial feed curve (29) is displayed on a monitor. From the initial feed function and from inputs effected by means of a pointing device, a feed function is calculated and displayed as a modified initial feed curve on the monitor. Control commands for moving the tool are produced from the feed function. The input of the feed function is simplified and rendered more flexible.

Machine tools that allow precise machining of a workpiece by moving the tool in a controlled manner are known. The position of the tool in time is defined here by the feed function, which is to be specified corresponding to the desired workpiece geometries. However, only relatively simple feed functions can be specified. In the case of grinding machines, for example, by turning potentiometers the operator is able to define values for different positions of the grinding wheel, such as contact position, where the grinding wheel meets the workpiece, changeover position, where the removal of material by semi-finishing commences, and final position, where the grinding wheel has reached the finished size, as well as values for the particular travel speed of the grinding wheel between two positions.
Furthermore, specification of the feed function is aggravated by the fact that errors may easily occur when entering values, and by the fact that the exact determination of the individual values requires the operator to have a certain level of experience in order to achieve the desired accuracies in the machined workpiece.

Method for controlling a movable tool, input device and machine tool


A method for displaying a computer-generated determination of the overall likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion. The method requires providing a digitized image of a mammogram, displaying the digitized image, and selecting a region of interest directly on the displayed digitized image. The digitized image is then processed so that classifier data of the lesion in the user-selected region of interest are generated and displayed. The overall likelihood of malignancy is generated from the classifier data and also displayed. A clinical recommendation for further assessing the lesion is derived from the overall evaluation of malignancy and presented to the user. A system for displaying a determination of the overall likelihood of malignancy in a mammogram lesion and for presenting a clinical recommendation to the user is also provided. A method for integrating the overall likelihood of malignancy with a physician's independent score for the lesion is discussed.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer afflicting Western society. It is estimated that the spread of the disease has risen in the United States, from one in twenty women being afflicted in 1940, to one in eight in 1995. The American Cancer Society estimated that 183,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported during 1995. In the United States, some 46,000 women die from the disease per year. Today, it is accepted that the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages is by annual mammography screening of women aged 40 and up.
The five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 93%. That rate drops to 72% if the cancer has spread regionally by the time of diagnosis. For patients with distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, the five-year survival rate is only 18%. Early diagnosis is thus of great importance to the cure. Since the interpretation of mammographic lesions is problematic, a need for advanced diagnostic tools is required.
The main mammographic findings that may indicate breast cancer are:                1. masses and densities        2. micro-calcifications
The characteristics used to determine whether or not masses are malignant are: a) shape (regularity versus irregularity), b) margins (distinct or non-distinct), c) spiculation (thin lines extending from the mass).
The characteristics distinguishing between malignant or benign micro-calcifications are: size, form, pleomorphism within the cluster, cluster shape (if linear or branch-like), spatial density (if crowded or spread out) and relationship to masses.
Today, radiologists generally interpret the mammogram visually, using a light box, and their analysis is largely subjective. Film masking is used to highlight additional detail. In many cases, the radiologist employs supplementary tools such as a magnifying glass and bright light sources to evaluate very dark regions. If the mammogram is not conclusive the radiologist must recall the patient for an additional mammogram using one or more of the following techniques:                1. adding a view with a different projection.        2. performing a magnification mammogram by changing the distance between the breast and the film.        3. locally compressing the breast in the area of suspected abnormality.The analysis, even after using the above techniques, still remains mainly subjective.
All the statistical data related to the conventional mammogram process were published in scientific literature and concern the U.S. population only. It is assumed that these data are also relevant outside the U.S.                1. Most professional organizations recommend that women over age 40 have a mammography examination once a year.        2. There is a recall rate of about 20%. This is the percentage of patients recalled to perform further examinations, essentially another mammogram.        3. About 3% of women who are evaluated by screening mammography are referred for a biopsy.        4. In screening mammography, about 60 malignancies are found in a sample of 10,000 cases.        5. The false negative rate of the mammographic screening process is difficult to estimate. It is generally accepted that 15% of the women who have ultimately been diagnosed with breast cancer and who had a mammogram performed during the previous 12 months were not originally diagnosed with cancer.        6. The false positive rate of the screening mammography process, i.e. the rate of negative results of biopsies performed due to the screening process, is about 80%.
In order to aid radiologists in reducing the false negative rate in mammographic screening, computer systems using specialized software and/or specialized hardware have been developed. These systems, often called computer-aided detection systems, have been known for many years and have been reported extensively. As noted below, their use in evaluating mammograms has been discussed at length in both the patent and professional literature.
Reading large numbers of mammograms is a difficult and tiring task. According to some literature reports as noted above, unacceptably high rates of false negative results occur. Using computer-aided detection systems provides an independent detection mechanism assisting radiologists in attaining higher malignancy detection rates, i.e. reducing false negative rates.
However, it is well known that computer-aided detection systems almost invariably indicate more suspected abnormalities than are detected by a trained radiologist. The number indicated is often significantly greater than can easily be reviewed. Therefore, a radiologist may have to examine, and must often dismiss, not only the suspected abnormalities that he detects from the radiological mammogram films but also the additional, typically greater number of, suspected abnormalities detected by the computer-aided detection system. Depending on how many more additional suspected abnormalities the computer-aided detection system detects and identifies on the display, the extra work in examining and dismissing these additional abnormalities can slow down the diagnostic process. Even with the use of confidence levels, which usually are insufficiently detailed and nuanced, the task of reviewing the many false locator markers displayed by the system may be more tiresome and troublesome than the benefits that accrue from looking more carefully into the individual suspected lesions.
Computer-aided detection and computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) mammography systems have been discussed extensively in many issued patents. An overview of the field can be obtained by reviewing U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,620 (Wang); U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,591 (Roehrig, et al); U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,774 (Wang); U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,851 (Bamberger, et al); U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,164 (Bamberger, et al); U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,879 (Roehrig, et al); U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,838 (Roehrig, et al); U.S. Pat. No. 6,266,435 (Wang); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,434,262 (Wang). These patents, including references cited therein, are hereby incorporated by reference in this specification as though fully set forth herein.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Display for computer-aided evaluation of medical images and for establishing clinical recommendation therefrom


A zipper system for a safety swimming pool cover provides a convenient method of navigating around any vertical obstacles that may be within the pool cover area, when installing the pool cover over the pool. When a vertically extending obstacle, such as an entrance stair hand rail extends above the surface of a swimming pool cover, the swimming pool cover is split in the area of the obstacle, the zipper enables the user to securely navigate around the obstacle without compromising the tight fit of the swimming pool cover. The zipper closes the split area around the obstacle quickly and neatly. The zipper also prevents the entrance of debris into the pool around the split area. The zipper alternatively provides access to a selected area of the pool, such as a spa area. The spa area, when not in use, can be zipped and covered.

Pool covers for in-ground pools are attached by taut straps at the periphery of the cover which are attached to anchors in the decking around the pool. The flexible cover is to lay taut over the edge of the pool roughly in a plane parallel to the water surface.
Unfortunately, obstructions which extend vertically over the level of the pool edge often interfere with the pool cover. These may be poles or columns supporting canopies or roofs close to the edge of the pool; other obstructions such as a handrail adjacent steps leading to the pool bottom may actually extend into the pool water region.
In these areas, the pool cover must be split to permit the cover to go around the obstacle so that it can again lay horizontally at the level of the decking or pool edge. The split area must be again attached to maintain the integrity of the pool cover.
Currently, a series of straps and buckles are used to re-join the edges of the split regions of the pool cover. These straps and buckles add weight to the pool cover in localized areas making installation and removal more cumbersome. They also aesthetically detract from an otherwise streamlined appearance. Extra personnel are sometimes required to handle the cover in the obstacle areas and also to detach and re-attach straps which are rather labor intensive.
The prior art shows the use of zippers attached to pool covers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,325 of Shuff describes an inflatable pool cover with integral weighted skirts which are usually submerged. By introducing pressurized air under the pool cover, it can be made to rise above the edge of the pool.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,926 of La Madeleine describes a swimming pool cover system wherein the pool cover is attached to the periphery of the pool, but the center is raised by a cable on a boom to form a type of tent canopy over the pool.
In both of these patents of Shuff '325 and La Madeleine '926, zippers in the pool cover are used to permit a sealable opening to admit swimmers to use the pool with the pool cover attached, to take advantage of the space provided between the pool surface and the pool cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,098 of Stern describes a pool cover with drainage and filter means, wherein the filter and drain region is attached to the central region of a pool cover by some mechanism, among which is a zipper.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,334 of St-Hilaire describes a swimming pool covering structure in two parts. In St-Hilaire '334, the zipper is an integral part of the actual covering of the pool. A flexible central section extends over the water area of the pool. A flexible anchoring section is attached to the edge of an above-ground pool or to the deck surface around an in-ground pool much like a frame. The central section is then attached to the anchoring section using a long zipper extending all the way around the edge of the pool.
None of the cited prior art patents make use of one or more sliding zipper elements to permit a pool cover to be fitted around vertical obstacles over the water or deck areas. None of the cited patents uses a zipper to make a certain part of the covered areas removable to gain access to an adjacent feature, such as a spa area.
Also, the prior art does not relate to safety pool covers which must comply with ASTM specifications.

Obstacle avoidance method for pool covers using zipper elements


An excavator wear assembly comprising a mounting nose having a rear bearing face, a forward bearing face, an upper bearing face disposed at an angle between the rear bearing face and the forward bearing face, a front face substantially perpendicular to the forward bearing face and a rib extending over at least part of the upper bearing face, forward bearing face and front face; and a wear member having a rearwardly opening socket adapted to receive the mounting nose, the socket being at least partially defined by a top wall and a front wall, the wear member having a recess formed in the top wall and front wall adapted to receive at least part of the rib.

Excavator tooth assemblies mounted to the cutting lip of excavator buckets and the like generally comprise a replaceable digging tooth and an adaptor which is secured by welding or the like to the cutting lip of a bucket or the like. The adaptor may in some instance comprise an adaptor body and an adaptor nose welded to the lip. The adaptor body has a socket-like recess at its rear end to receivably locate a spigot portion of the adaptor nose. The digging tooth is mounted to the front end of the adaptor body.
In use, excavator teeth and adaptors are subjected to extensive load forces along a longitudinal axis as well as in vertical and transverse directions. A snug fit is required between the digging point and the front portion of the adaptor and also between the adaptor socket and the nose spigot portion and their respective mounting pins to avoid premature wear between the components. As the various components wear, the locking pins can loosen thereby increasing the risk of loss of a digging point or an entire adaptor/tooth combination. This necessitates considerable downtime to replace the lost wear members and where items such as locking pins are not recovered, these can cause damage and/or further downtime in downstream operations such as ore crushing and the like.
The greatest loads experienced by excavator tooth assemblies are vertical loads which tend to generate large moment forces capable of rotating a tooth off the front of an adaptor and/or rotating the adaptor off the adaptor nose. In addition, sideways and twisting loads are frequently imposed on such tooth assemblies.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.


Switch apparatus is disclosed. The switch apparatus has an enclosure, having a openable cover, a switch disposed within the enclosure, a handle in operative communication with the switch, a spring in biasing communication with the handle, and interlocking members. The interlocking members, the handle, the biasing spring and the switch having positions relative to each other such that the interlocking members lock the cover in a closed position in response to the handle being biased toward an OFF position, and the switch contacts being closed. Further disclosed is a method for unlocking a closed cover of a switch apparatus. A spring biased handle is changed to an OFF biased position from an ON biased position passing through a non-biased position. Subsequent thereto, a switch being changed from a closed circuit to an open circuit position. Subsequent thereto, interlocking members are changed from an interlocked to a non-interlocked position.

This invention relates to an interlocking device for preventing the opening of a cover for an enclosure for a switch or circuit breaker, and more specifically it pertains to an interlock for preventing the cover from being opened while the switch is in the ON or closed circuit position.
Switch apparatus of various types such as circuit breakers have been contained within enclosures in a manner well known in the art. The enclosures are normally provided with handles that are operatively connected to the enclosed switch for actuating the switch to the OFF or open circuit position when the cover is to be opened. It is common for these handles to include a latch interlock feature that prevents the cover of the enclosure from being opened when the handle is rotated to its fully ON position. In some instances, however, it may be desirable to lock the cover when the handle is not in its full ON position. Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the art of switch enclosure interlocks.

Interlock apparatus and method for disconnect switches


An inlet air filtration system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a plurality of filter elements mounted inside the air plenum, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes, wherein an amount of current applied to the filter elements is about 0.1 μA/ft2 to about 15 μA/ft2.

The field of the invention relates generally to a filtration method and system for removing particulate matter from a gas turbine air intake, and more particularly, to a filtration method and system that includes filter elements and discharging electrostatic electrodes for removing particulate matter from the gas turbine air intake.
Fabric filtration is a common technique for separating out particulate matter in an air stream. Fabric filtration is often accomplished in a device known as a baghouse. Known baghouses include a housing that has an inlet for receiving dirty, particulate-containing air and an outlet through which clean air leaves the baghouse. The interior of the housing is divided by a tube sheet into a dirty air or upstream plenum and a clean air or downstream plenum, with the dirty air plenum in fluid communication with the inlet and the clean air plenum in fluid communication with the outlet. The tube sheet typically includes a number of apertures and supports a number of filter elements with each filter element covering one of the apertures.
Known filter elements can include a support structure and a fabric filter media. The support structure, which is also called a core, typically has a cylindrical shape and is hollow. The walls of the support structure may be similar to a screen or a cage, or may simply include a number of perforations, so that a fluid can pass through the support structure. The support structure has at least one end that is open and that is capable of being coupled to the tube sheet at an aperture. The support structure extends from the tube sheet into the dirty air plenum. There are several types of fabric filter media. A "bag" filter media is flexible and/or pliable and is shaped like a bag. A cartridge filter media is relatively rigid and pleated. The filter media is mounted around the exterior or outer portion of the support structure.
During use, as particulate matter accumulates or cakes on the filters, the flow rate of the air is reduced and the pressure drop across the filters increases. To restore the desired flow rate, a reverse pressure pulse is applied to the filters. The reverse pressure pulse separates the particulate matter from the filter media, which then falls to the lower portion of the dirty air plenum.
An electrostatic device, such as an electrostatic precipitator, can also be used for separating particulate matter from an air stream. In an electrostatic precipitator, particulate matter is electronically charged and then collected through the action of an electric field. An electrostatic precipitator includes a discharge electrode that is maintained at a high voltage and a non-discharge electrode that is maintained at a relatively lower voltage or at ground. As the particulate-containing air steam flows past the electrodes, the electric field present between the electrodes operates to charge a percentage of the passing particles and causes them to collect on the non-discharge electrode.

Apparatus for filtering gas turbine inlet air


An ultrasonic sensor for performing sensing a spatial area and/or measuring ontactless a distance has at least one ultrasonic transducer for sending ultrasonic impulses and/or receiving the echo of the ultrasonic impulses. A device for concentrating the energy of the ultrasonic impulses onto a spatial area to be sensed and for concentrating the energy of the echo of the ultrasonic impulses onto the at least one ultrasonic transducer is provided. The device for concentrating the energy has a reflector with a reflective surface. The reflective surface has parabolic surfaces of second order. The reflector comprises reflector segments that are rigidly or movably connected to one another. A first and second reflector segments are outer segments having reflective surfaces that are paraboloid segments of 50.degree. to 120.degree. of a paraboloid of revolution with a first focal point. The paraboloid of revolution is generated by a rotation of a first parabola about an axis of symmetry thereof by an angle of rotation .alpha.. A straight line intercepting the axis of symmetry of the first parabola at the first focal point contacts the parabola at a second focal point that is a vertical projection of the first focal point. A third reflector segment is a first inner segment having a reflective surface embodied as a parabolic surface.

The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor for sensing a spatial area and/or for contact-free distance measuring with at least one ultrasonic transducer for sending ultrasonic impulses and/or receiving the echo of ultrasonic impulses and a device for concentrating the energy of the ultrasonic impulses onto the spatial area to be sensed, respectively, of the energy of the echo of the ultrasonic impulses onto the ultrasonic transducer or transducers.
An ultrasonic sensor comprises, for example, at least one ultrasonic transducer which transforms electrical energy into sound and, in reverse, sound into electrical energy, a housing enclosing the ultrasonic transducer or transducers, an electrical connection and, optionally, an electronic circuit for signal processing also enclosed in the housing.
In order to sense a spatial area, respectively, to measure the distance between two points, conventionally an ultrasonic sensor is positioned at a suitable point and is directed onto the corresponding spatial area which is to be sensed, respectively, in which a body to be detected is present the distance of which to a reference point is to be determined. The ultrasonic sensor comprises an ultrasonic transducer which emits ultrasonic impulses and, optionally, receives the echo of the ultrasonic impulses reflected at the body. In the case of receiving an echo, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the body positioned within the spatial area that has been detected is determined with a computing circuit (echo propagation time measurement). Instead of an ultrasonic transducer a plurality of such ultrasonic transducers can be used whereby the function of the respective ultrasonic transducer may be limited to emitting the ultrasonic impulses, respectively, to receiving the echo of the ultrasonic impulses.
An ultrasonic sensor is known from German Patent Application 42 18 041 A1. An ultrasonic sensor for distance measurement comprises at least one ultrasonic transducer for sending a working sound impulse and for receiving the echo. The ultrasonic transducer is surrounded by a sound deflecting surface onto which the ultrasonic impulses of the ultrasonic transducer are impinged. In the sound reflecting surface a further ultrasonic transducer is arranged. It, in connection with a computing unit arranged downstream, has the task to monitor the ultrasonic transducer with respect to its proper function. In the disclosed sound deflecting surface the sound field is substantially only deflected. However, the sound field is not shaped and oriented in a defined manner.
Conventional ultrasound sensors have for certain applications the disadvantage that their sound field is of radial symmetry. Such ultrasonic sensors are, for example, mounted in or at the rearward bumper of a passenger car in order to indicate to the driver, when backing up, possible obstacles behind the vehicle. For this purpose, the ultrasonic sensors are, in general, controlled by a central control device which controls the sensors and processes the echo signals. Depending on the measured distance, an optical and/or acoustic signal is delivered to the driver. The ultrasonic sensors are designed to sense gap-free the area behind the vehicle across the entire vehicle width up to a distance of, for example, 180 cm. Since however low curbs or rough street surfaces should not deliver a signal, a plurality of ultrasonic sensors are required due to the radial-symmetrical sound fields of conventional ultrasonic sensors.
In order to provide for the best possible ground clearance, it would be necessary to employ a plurality of ultrasonic sensors with sound cones as narrow as possible. However, this is disadvantageous because of the high cost for the ultrasonic sensors and detrimental to the visual impression of the vehicle. Today's solutions provide a comprise of gap-free sensing with sufficient ground clearance and number of ultrasonic sensors required therefore.
In order to define the requirements in regard to such a parking aid, also called maneuvering warning device, the German Institute of Standards e.V. DIN has produced a standard suggestion for use with payload vehicles. In the standard proposal DIN 75 031 of May 1993 especially the requirements for the spatial area to be monitored behind the vehicle were determined. To this date, no ultrasonic sensors are available on the market which fulfill the requirements disclosed therein.
It is an object of the invention to provide an ultrasonic sensor with defined asymmetric radiation characteristic and a device for monitoring the proper function of the ultrasonic sensors as well as to suggest suitable applications of the ultrasonic sensors.
It is desired that the sending and receiving characteristic have sharp contours. It is also desired that the emitted sound field of the ultrasonic sensors in the case of spatial monitoring at vehicles, especially for exterior space monitoring, be embodied such that the detection range at the side facing the ground surface is substantially parallel and allows enough ground clearance. At the same time, the ultrasonic transducer should be small in size in order to allow the mounting at different locations, without requiring retrofitting or considerable adaptations of the location to the ultrasonic sensor as has been conventionally necessary.

Microsonic Gesellschaft fur Mikroelektronik und Ultraschalltechnik mbH


A distributed software development system includes an apparatus for managing subsystem development in at least one development device. The management apparatus includes a system information file for storing information indicative of a correspondence between a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of specifications. The contents of the specifications are stored in a specification information file. When a subsystem is revised, a subsystem extracting device extracts from these files information regarding the subsystem to be revised. The extracted information is sent to the development device. After being revised by the development device, the extracted information is sent back to the management apparatus. An updating device receives the information and updates the subsystem information file and the specification information file according to the information received.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for managing distributed software development, and more particularly to an apparatus for managing a plurality of versions of a software system.
In distributed software development, a software system is divided into subsystems and the subsystems are developed separately.
The function of each subsystem is stated in a document called a program specification (hereinafter referred to as a "specification"). The specification is described in a format that is easy to understand such as a tabular format. Programmers produce source programs in accordance with the specifications. The source programs are compiled and linked together to produce an object program.
The specifications are saved after the system is released and referred to for debugging or upgrading of the system.
Typically, software manufacturers revise a software system frequently and produce many versions of the systems. Many versions of the specification are also produced to describe the function of the corresponding version of the system.
When the difference between first and second versions of a system is examined, the specification of the first version is compared with that of the second version. Therefore, it is essential to keep records of the correspondence between a specific version of the system and the specifications describing this system.
However, in a distributed development system, it is difficult to keep such a record because the subsystems are revised often separately at different times by different programmers.

Distributed software development management system having subsystem information file for storing information indicating a correspondence between subsystems and specifications


A Successive Approximation Register (SAR) analog-to-digital converting apparatus includes a reference voltage supply unit suitable for supplying different reference voltages depending on bits of a pixel output signal to be converted, an N bit SAR analog-to-digital conversion unit suitable for sequentially converting upper N−1 bits and lower N bits of the pixel output signal by selectively using the reference voltages supplied from the reference voltage supply unit, where N is a natural number, and an error correction unit suitable for calculating an error correction value based on a difference between conversion results of the lower N bits, and outputting a 2N−2 bit analog-to-digital conversion result by combining converted upper N−1 bits and converted lower N bits and correcting an error of the reference voltages using the error correction value in the combining.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an image sensor (IS), and more particularly, to a successive approximation analog-to-digital converting apparatus having a high definition property while occupying a small area, an operating method thereof, and a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor including the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional single-slop analog-to-digital convertor (ADC) has low definition properties and long analog-to-digital conversion time when used in a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor of a column parallel readout scheme Therefore, a Successive Approximation Register (SAR) analog-to-digital converting apparatus is being researched and developed.
The SAR analog-to-digital converting apparatus has a simple circuit configuration including a capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a comparator, and an SAR logic unit, and thus it consumes less power. The SAR logic unit may include a Successive Approximation Register (SAM.
In the SA analog-to-digital converting apparatus, however, the area of the capacitor DAC is doubled, as the number of bits to be converted is increased by one bit. To reduce the area of the capacitor DAC when the high-definition SAR analog-to-digital converting apparatus is designed, a method of controlling the level of a reference voltage is suggested.
In the method of controlling the level of the reference voltage, a high level of accuracy for the reference voltage is required to protect an output signal of the SAR analog-to-digital converting apparatus from a nonlinear error.

SAR analog-to-digital converting apparatus and operating method thereof and CMOS image sensor including the same

Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University


A push-pull slipsheet handler is attachable to a conventional forklift truck and includes a push-plate assembly mounted to slide over a platen. A push-plate mounted to the assembly may be raised and lowered so that its lower edge may capture and grip a slipsheet edge with a lower leading edge of the push-plate assembly. A single motor mounted to the assembly engages a chain fixed at each of its ends to a base end and free end of the platen, respectively. The apparatus is mounted to a forklift with the forks below the platen for support, and with L-shaped locks attached to the platen and extending behind the fork uprights to secure the apparatus.

Slipsheets are used as an alternative to conventional wooden pallets for carrying and transporting loads of stacked boxed packages. Slipsheets are employed to reduce the cost of transporting the substantial weight and volume of wooden pallets. Slipsheets also cost less and are more readily returned for reuse. While a conventional pallet provides a rigid base and may be lifted by the forks of a conventional forklift vehicle, a slipsheeted load requires a lifting vehicle having a rigid, flat platen with sufficient area to support the entire load.
A slipsheet handler also picks up a slip-sheeted load differently than a conventional forklift truck that picks up a palleted load. Because the slip-sheeted load rests directly on the ground, the platen may not easily be slipped underneath the load without pushing or toppling the load. Therefore, conventional slipsheet handlers such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,414 to Brudi use a gripping jaw that is extendable to the leading edge of the platen to grip a peripheral edge tab of the slipsheet. The gripping jaw may be forcefully closed and withdrawn to pull the load onto the platen for transporting.
To unload the slipsheeted load from the platen, an extendable and retractable vertical push-plate (to which the gripping jaw is generally attached) pushes the load off the platen.
Conventional slipsheet handling apparatus have several disadvantages. First, the large push-plate necessarily employed limits the visibility of the operator, reducing safety and efficiency. As shown in the prior art, the push-plate is actuated by a hydraulically-driven pantograph having pantograph arms with lengths proportionate to the horizontal travel of the push-plate. The pantograph arms extend to a substantial height when the push-plate is retracted, partially obscuring the operator's view. In addition, because the pantograph arms must attach to the push-plate, the push-plate itself must extend to a substantial height, further impairing visibility.
A second disadvantage of the prior art apparatus is that the push-plate tends to damage the load it is pushing. The lower edge of the push-plate is spaced above the platen, and tends to cut into the sides of boxed loads. The gap between the platen and the push-plate is necessary to receive the slipsheet edge tab for proper gripping jaw operation. When pushing a load from the platen, the lower push-plate edge remains spaced above the platen, where it may cause undesirable creasing or rupture of delicate boxed loads.
A third disadvantage of the prior art apparatus is the substantial cost, weight and power loss associated with the several hydraulic cylinders and required sequencer to control the operation of the cylinders, as well as the overall size of the structural components required.


A connecting device includes a plug connector receivable into a receiving space of a mating connector. In a connection position, a latching arm of the plug connector is engaged with a latch receiver of the mating connector. The plug connector has a securing unit for locking and releasing the latching arm. The mating connector has a counterstop element which, when the plug connector is introduced into the receiving space, strikes a deflection chamfer of the securing unit and deflects a securing arm of the securing unit perpendicularly to the direction of insertion and in parallel to a base side of the plug connector so that, in the connection position, a stop surface of the securing unit is arranged at an offset from a stopper element of the securing unit, and the securing unit is movable into a locked position.

Plug connector arrangements are generally used for releasably connecting cables, in particular coaxial cables, to an electrical component. Plug connector arrangements normally have contact parts which are connected to the conductive components of the cable in order to establish an electrical connection between the cable and the component to be connected. Furthermore, a plug connector arrangement typically has a housing part for each connection partner. The housing part is mechanically connected either to the component or the cable or to the contact parts. In addition, the housing parts of the connection partners may be releasably connected to one another in order to create an additional connection which, for one thing, protects the conductive connection of the contact parts and the connection of the connection partners becomes more stable and resistant to external influences. If the housing parts are connected by means of a positive fit, for example by means of snap-fit connections, a so-called plug connector position securing system may be necessary, which prevents an undesired or unintentional release of the snap-fit connection. Such plug connector position securing systems are known, for example, from patent specifications U.S. Pat. No. 9,054,458 B1, U.S. Ser. No. 10/355,414 B1 and DE 11 2017 001 349 T5.
However, the plug connector arrangements known from the prior art have the disadvantage that they are very complex in order to meet the demands placed on the plug-in connection.

Connecting device having a plug connector and a mating connector


The invention relates to a method for updating software in an embedded device (1), said software being stored in an EEPROM memory (12) of the embedded device, the method comprising the steps of: c) executing an update management program code, this execution step comprising:—erasing the memory area storing the former software and storing at least an update instruction at the beginning of the memory area, the execution of this update instruction leading to an access to the update management program code;—the writing of the updated software in the erased memory area; d) deleting the update instruction so that the updated software is executed at startup.

The present invention generally relates to a software update in an embedded device.
An embedded system is a specialized computer system, including both hardware and software, which forms a part of a larger system or machine. Furthermore, the larger system or machine may have a plurality of embedded systems. Typically, each of the embedded systems is housed on a single microprocessor board with firmware stored as object code within a non-volatile memory device.
The larger system or machine that generally utilizes the embedded system may include a wide variety of systems, ranging from telephones, to mass storage devices, to digital satellite receivers, and the like. The embedded systems commonly utilize software, among which firmware that provides an operating system managing the low level functions of the embedded system.
Typically, an embedded system provides for a code update process to support new features or to fix problems in the firmware (i.e., firmware upgrade). In many cases, the firmware upgrade will take the larger system or machine out of service for some period of time during which the firmware upgrade is performed.
To provide a firmware updating feature, the embedded system usually includes Flash memory to store the firmware. The firmware usually comprises both a bootloader and a main firmware stored in a boot sector of the Flash memory. The bootloader is placed at the first memory address of the Flash memory and is executed at boot-up time. The bootloader is utilized as failsafe firmware in case the main firmware is corrupted. The bootloader is executed at boot up time, in turn testing the integrity of the main firmware (preferably by computing a checksum and comparing it with a stored result or predetermined value) before the main firmware is actually executed. The bootloader may further diagnose whether the main firmware is corrupt and enable an update of a corrupt main firmware. If the bootloader does not detect an integrity error, it either branches the microprocessor on the first address of the main firmware or performs its loading. If the bootloader detects an integrity error, it can use an I/O interface to receive a main firmware replacement code. Alternatively, a backup main firmware may be provided so that a failed integrity test results in the execution of the backup main firmware.
In practice, some systems already in use may require an improved security level, like access cards or smartphones. Indeed, a known attack for bypassing the security features of the main firmware consists in changing the address of the main firmware recited in the bootloader program. A fake main firmware can thereby be executed by the system. The bootloader can also be attacked in order to download a fake main firmware update and trigger its execution.
There is thus a need for a convenient software updating process, that can be carried out by users during the life cycle of the system. The updating process can thereby fix some security issues during the life cycle of the system.
In the specific case of a bootloader updating process, as a system deprived of a valid bootloader can become unrecoverable, the bootloader updating process must be particularly safe.

Software updating process for an embedded device


The apparatus comprises a cage (rotatable in one direction) formed by roller brushes (rotatable in the opposite direction) radially arranged about a axis to define a sloped chamber. A fender is located along one side of each roller brush. A stationary tube, closed at both ends and having a motor-driven rotatable auger therein, extends through the chamber. The tube has four openings (proceeding from the high to the low end of the chamber): a top (supply) opening; a bottom (feed) opening; a top (recovery) opening; and a bottom (discharge) opening. Unhulled nuts from the supply opening are fed through the feed opening by the auger and form a single layer against the chamber wall and advance through the sloped chamber. During cage and roller rotation, each nut is trapped between a fender and the bristles in the outgoing quadrant of the adjacent roller brush and the hull is removed. Fully-hulled nuts, when they reach the 3 o'clock to 1:30 o'clock position of the rotating cage, fall through the recovery opening into the tube and are expelled from the tube through the discharge opening by the auger.

1. Field of Use
This invention relates generally to apparatus for waterless hulling of small-diameter fruit and vegetable products such as nuts, corn kernels, grains and the like.
In particular, it relates to improved means for introducing and removing products from the apparatus and, furthermore, to improved means for controlling hull removal while in the apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art apparatus for cleaning and peeling fruit and vegetable products, such as potatoes, carrots, and the like, typically employs rotatable roller brushes in various arrangements to abrade the outer layer of skin from the product. The following U.S. Pat. Nos. illustrate the state of the art: 4,258,069; 4,230,034; 3,811,000 and 2,355,810.
In some prior art arrangements a plurality of rotatable roller brushes are arranged in radially spaced-apart relationship about a horizontal main axis to define a rotatable roller cage having a product-receiving chamber therewithin. Typically, a rotatable auger or other means within the chamber is employed to do two things: first, advance the product axially therethrough and, two, force the product to engage the roller brushes so that the brushes can clean and peel the product. Furthermore, water is injected or sprayed into the chamber and onto the product to enable or facilitate the cleaning and peeling process.
However, the use of such augers or similar devices to force the product against the brushes substantially reduces the volumetric capacity of the chamber and limits the amount of product that can be processed at a given time. Furthermore, such forcing can inflict physical damage on the product being processed thereby causing waste and adding to the cost and complexity of the apparatus. The use of water during processing can adversely affect the texture and moisture content of the finished product, can cause a sludge-like mixture of peelings and dirt to accumulate within the chamber and on the product which adversely affects the quality of the finished product and which can, in some cases, actually interfere with and inhibit the cleaning/peeling process.
My U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,641 issued Apr. 21, 1992 entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WATERLESS ROTARY CLEANING AND PEELING FOOD PRODUCTS AND THE LIKE provides improved apparatus and method for using rotatable abrading rollers to clean and peel products, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, kernels and the like, without the need for augers or the like to move and direct the product against the roller brushes and without the use of water during processing.
The improved apparatus in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,641 broadly comprises a plurality of rotatable roller brushes arranged to define a rotatable roller cage having a product-receiving chamber therewithin with a main axis which is sloped slightly downwardly from horizontal. Means are provided to rotate the roller cage in one direction and to rotate each roller brush in the opposite direction. Each roller brush comprises bristles around its circumference. Means are provided to feed the product into the high inlet end of the chamber and to impart rotational movement to the product as it is being fed into the chamber.
In accordance with my U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,641, the rotational speed of the roller cage, the rate at which product is fed into the chamber and the initial rotational speed of the product entering the chamber are regulated, taking into account the size, shape and weight of the product, so that substantially only one layer of product is disposed against the majority of roller brushes defining the wall of the chamber. As each piece of product nears the top of the chamber, assuming counter-clockwise cage rotation, gravity causes the piece to disengage the rollers near the 1 o'clock position, travel across the top of the chamber, and reengage the rollers near the 11 o'clock position.
Each roller has abrasive means, such as bristles or abrasive material, around its entire circumference. At any given moment, half of the abrasive means confront the chamber. During roller rotation, the abrasive means confronting the chamber move arcuately through a first (incoming) quadrant toward the chamber and then through a second (outgoing) quadrant away from the chamber. Therefore, an unhulled nut deposited between adjacent rollers by centrifugal force is subjected to two opposing forces. More specifically, as the abrasive means in the outgoing quadrant of one roller tends to draw the nut into the space between the rollers, the abrasive means in the incoming quadrant of the other roller tends to push the nut out of the space between the rollers. Furthermore, some of the hull scraped therefrom is flung outwardly of the chamber (which is desirable) and some is flung inwardly (which is undesirable).
In operation, the pieces of product entering the chamber are flung against the chamber wall and are held thereagainst in a single layer by centrifugal force as the cage rotates, except in the region near the top of the chamber, as explained above. At the same time, the bristles of the rotating roller brushes clean and peel the product. As explained above, the bristles cause most peelings to be flung outwardly of the chamber, but some are flung inwardly. The slope of the chamber causes the product to advance toward and exit through the outlet opening at the low end of the chamber. The amount of centrifugal force employed to keep a layer of product against the roller brushes is kept at a minimum so, assuming that the cage rotates counterclockwise and that the highest point of cage rotation is at "12 o'clock", a piece of product can be raised to near the 1 o'clock position whereat it becomes airborne until it reaches the 11 o'clock position. The product pieces tumble and rotate as they are engaged by the bristles and this ensures that all of the outer surface of each piece of product is cleaned and peeled by the time it passes through the chamber.
The apparatus in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,641 is very well-suited for its intended purposes, but it is desirable to improve its efficiency.

Apparatus for waterless hulling of nuts and the like


The present invention relates to a developing unit including a developer bearing member configured to bear a developer, the axis of the developer bearing member being inclined with respect to the axis of an image bearing member. The developing unit includes a developer accommodating chamber that accommodates the developer; and a conveying member provided in the developer accommodating chamber and supplying the developer from the developer accommodating chamber to the developer bearing member by rotation. The axis of the conveying member is inclined with respect to the axis of the developer bearing member. The developer conveying force of the conveying member differs depending on the position in the axial direction thereof and increases as the distance from the axis of the conveying member to the surface of the developer bearing member increases.

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, such as a copying machine and a laser beam printer, emit light corresponding to image data to an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) to form an electrostatic image (latent image). Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses supplies toner or developer, which is a recording material, from a developing unit to the electrostatic image to form a toner image. This toner image is transferred from the photosensitive member to a recording medium, such as recording paper, with a transfer unit. The toner image is fixed on the recording medium by a fixing unit to form a recorded image.
For developing units using a dry one-component developing method, various apparatuses are proposed. One example is as follows: A one-component developer (toner) is placed on a developing sleeve (developing roller) serving as a developer bearing member to form a uniform toner layer by using a layer-thickness controlling member. This developing sleeve is brought into contact with a photosensitive drum serving as an image bearing member. Then, a developing bias voltage composed of, for example, a direct-current component, is applied to the developing sleeve to cause a potential difference between an electrostatic image on the photosensitive member and the developing sleeve. Thus, the toner is transferred to the electrostatic image to form a visible image.
If a developing unit is reduced in size to make the apparatus compact, also the diameter of the developer bearing member need to be decreased. Thus, decreasing the diameter of the developer bearing member may deflect the developer bearing member to cause variations in print density between the ends and the center of paper. Furthermore, the deflection of the developer bearing member will cause a greater pushing force at the ends than the center, and thus, the ends of the image bearing member in contact with the developer bearing member may be significantly worn out.
Thus, a configuration in which the central axis of the developer bearing member is inclined with respect to the central axis of the image bearing member is proposed as a measure against such deformation of the developer bearing member, as disclosed in PTL 1. This configuration allows the developer bearing member to be kept contact with the image bearing member along the longitudinal direction thereof even if the developer bearing member deflects.


A print server includes: a storing part for storing a printing rule defining an output condition for printing; a notifying part for notifying an information processing device of the printing rule and a setting change process which can be changed by a user through user operation to select corresponding to the printing rule; and a job converting part for changing a print setting of the print job based on the setting change process selected by the user thereby converting the print job to the print job matching the printing rule. The information processing device includes: an acquiring part for acquiring the printing rule and information relating to the setting change process; and a setting changing part for changing the setting change process performed by the job converting part to a different process within a range matching the printing rule.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a printing system, a print server, an information processing device and an image forming device. The present invention more specifically relates to a technique of controlling printing process performed based on a printing rule.
2. Description of the Background Art
For producing a printed output such as a document, a rule which is registered in advance is conventionally applied based on information included in a print job and the printed output is produced in accordance with a result of application of the printing rule. The printing rule defining print settings for each print purpose is registered in advance with a printer. This known technique is introduced for example in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JP 2006-338237 A. According to this known technique, in response to receiving the print job, the printer specifies the print purpose based on template information included in the received print job. The printer applies the printing rule corresponding to the specified print purpose and configures the print settings such as printing double sided and/or printing multiple pages on a single sheet, thereby producing the printed output. According to the conventional known technique, the printing rule applied at production of the printed output is set for reducing the number of printed sheets, resulting in lower printing costs.
When producing the printed output by forcibly applying the printing rule to the print job, the printed output is sometimes produced in a way a user does not intend. It is assumed, for instance, that the conventional printing rule is applied to the print job as described above to automatically configure settings to print double sided and two pages on a single sheet. In this case, even though the user intends to have multiple pages in the document printed on both sides of each printing sheet to cause the printed outputs arranged according to page number for binding, the document is printed double sided of each printing sheet in order from front page of the document to back. In such a case, the printed output is not produced in a way the user intends. Therefore, the printed output may be wasted, and printing costs cannot be reduced.
In the future, by having a rule to produce the printed output with a black toner even for the job to print a document in color, for instance, as the printing rule, it is considered to control the amount of consumed color toners, thereby reducing the printing costs. In such a case, however, even when a user sets a variety of colors with character strings that he or she wants to highlight at document creation, the printing rule may be applied at printing. The character strings with which the variety of colors are set are printed in black, which is the same as the other character strings. As a result, the printed output which does not make difference between the character strings the user wants to highlight and the others is produced. In such a case, the printed output is not produced in a way the user intends. Therefore, also in this case, the printed output may be wasted, and the printing costs cannot be reduced.

Printing system, print server, information processing device, and image forming device