Polymeric composites are described that can be formed into articles of construction to replace similar articles formed of wood and concrete. The composites comprise a polymer component comprising polyolefins preferably obtained as waste or recycle; a rubbery polymeric component preferably obtained from disposed tires; and a reinforcing filler component comprising mica. The mica is preferably of the expanded variety to allow for a reduction in density over similar composites containing traditional mica. The evaporation of volatile compounds initially contained within the different components, primarily the rubbery polymeric component, allows for the production of articles of construction having a foamed inner core in which the foamed cell structure has not been achieved through the use of traditional CO.sub.2 generating foaming agents. Processes for forming the articles of construction are provided that include both extrusion and molding techniques.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to the field of polymeric composites that can be used as construction materials. Specifically, the invention relates to polymeric composites having a polymeric component that is preferably olefin and preferably recycled, a rubbery polymeric component, and a reinforcing filler component containing mica.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of polymeric materials in commerce has increased steadily since the introduction of some of the first synthetic polymers such as Bakelite. On a volume basis, polyolefins, including notably polyethylene and polypropylene, are one of the most widely produced families of polymers. Their use pervades numerous industries, including both thin and thick walled packaging, containers, toys, wire and cable jacketing, automotive parts, and medical supplies.
One of the benefits of the use of plastic or polymeric materials is the unique combination of light weight and strength available with them. The chemical, electrical, physical, and other properties of polymeric materials can be somewhat modified to meet the performance criteria for different products. Another benefit to plastic materials is their ease of manufacture by both molding and extrusion processes.
Polymeric materials are additionally not readily biodegradable. Because of this, consumer and industrial articles formed from polymers can have a much longer effective lifespan than comparable natural materials. A majority of polymeric material will often contain various stabilizers including both antioxidants and UV stabilizers to further extend their useful life. This long lifespan is however also one of the more negative aspects incumbent with the use of polymers. The fact that a very large proportion of polymers and in particular polyolefins are used in disposable or short-lived applications necessitates that a considerable amount of waste polymer is generated shortly after it is produced. Until recently a very large proportion of this waste plastic found its way into landfills. The use of these waste plastics as a recycled component in products has recently led to marginal reductions in the amount of waste plastic; however, the waste material used in this manner is often incorporated into articles which themselves have a relatively short lifespan. A more effective long term solution to the growing volume of waste polymer, particularly polyolefins, would be to utilize the waste plastic as a component in construction materials that require a relatively long lifespan. Exemplary long use construction materials would include railroad ties, parking curbs, marine pilings, decking or other structures in docks, and numerous others. When polymers are used for these purposes, they are typically combined with various other ingredients, such as reinforcing fillers. Polymeric compositions containing a reinforcing filler and which may contain other components are commonly referred to as composites.
These composite materials can be particularly beneficial when they are used to replace wood. For example wood based railroad ties are particularly susceptible to wear and deterioration due to processes such as erosion. In environments in which the railroad tie is subjected to numerous cycles from freezing to non-freezing conditions, the tie will crack as water which has penetrated the tie freezes and expands. Additionally wooden ties are subject to insect attack when creosote treatment is not optimal or when the creosote leaches out of the tie. Conversely, comparable materials formed of polymer containing composites are not as susceptible to water penetration. Additionally, the composite can more effectively distribute the stress resulting from that water that does penetrate, freeze, and expand. The ability to distribute the stress results in less cracking and warpage. The composite railroad ties are also not susceptible to insect attack.
The waste polyolefins which are typically utilized in these construction materials or other rigid structural members may contain high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), other polyethylenes, polypropylene including both homopolymer and copolymer variations (e.g., propylene- ethylene copolymers), and combinations of these polymers. Unlike virgin polymers, these waste polymers have been subjected to at least one heat processing step and often usually have been exposed to environmental conditions, often for extended periods of time. Because of this, these waste polymers have very different properties than their virgin counterparts. The waste polymers will typically have lower flexural and tensile strength and lower thermal stability than virgin materials.
The waste polyolefin component of construction materials may often additionally contain minor amounts, typically less than about 20%, of various other polymers including polyvinyl chloride (PVC); chlorinated polyethylene (CPE); chloro-sulfonated polyethylene; various compounded polymers; polystyrene; and various engineering thermoplastics such as polyamides, polycarbonates, thermoplastic polyesters, and ABS.
Construction materials (or articles) formed of composites containing these waste polymers will typically contain a rubbery, typically polymeric, material to add impact strength and flexibility to the construction article. Any number of polymeric materials may be utilized for this rubbery component, including natural rubber, EPDM, styrene butadiene rubber, and styrene butadiene styrene rubber. However, in keeping with the goal of reducing the volume of waste deposited in landfills, a convenient source of the rubbery component is tires. Tires typically contain rubber; steel; and polyester or other strands or fibers. Various machines known in the art can be utilized to cut, grind or shred tires into tiny fragments that can then be utilized in processes which can form the desired composite material.
Another component that is typically found in these composite articles is a foaming agent which is used to control the density of the composite article. A typical foaming agent system will contain a Group I metal (alkali) bicarbonate and a bicarbonate salt of a saturated fatty acid. Alkali metal salts employed include sodium and potassium bicarbonate, while suitable saturated fatty acids include those having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms. The two compounds react together releasing CO.sub.2 which forms voids in the solidified composite. The voids reduce the density of the final composite article, thus reducing the amount of raw materials required for a given volume of article, while at the same time increasing the strength to weight ratio of the composite article. The use of these foaming agents can however dramatically increase the cost of the composites. Additionally, because these foaming agents are utilized in such small amounts, typically less than about 2.0% of the total composite mass, a homogeneous distribution of the foaming agent is difficult to achieve. As a result, a uniform distribution of the voids within the composite article is difficult to achieve. The non-uniform distribution of voids results in a non-uniform distribution of weight within the article and non-uniform physical properties.
Finally, the addition to the composite of a reinforcing filler, depending upon its morphology and other properties, may enhance the tensile strength, impact strength, stiffness, and heat distortion properties of the composite. The reinforcing fillers are often used in conjunction with coupling agents, such as silanes and titanates, to effectuate the incorporation of the filler into the polymer matrix. Reinforcing fillers that have been used for these purposes in various composite structures include fiberglass, asbestos, wollastonite, whiskers, carbon filaments, talc, kaolin and other clays, mica, calcium carbonate, fly ash, and ceramics. Filamentous fillers such as glass fibers typically provide the greatest impact and tensile strength properties while the addition of more platy structures like talc and mica typically result in increased stiffness and heat distortion. A single filler or multiple fillers may be used depending upon the desired properties. Glass fibers are in particular commonly used as a reinforcing filler in composites because it is known that the glass fiber will generally improve stiffness without significantly reducing impact properties or increasing density. However, glass fibers are typically the most cost prohibitive reinforcing filler and additionally result in significant wear to processing equipment. As a result, less expensive fillers, such as talc and mica, have been used to replace either part or all of the glass fibers in a composite. Unfortunately, these fillers usually have a much higher density which has heretofore resulted in heavier composites article than those employing glass fibers. It would be beneficial if composites containing these or other inorganic fillers rather than or as a substitution for a significant portion of glass fiber could be devised that did not have the density concerns previously indicated.
In addition to the above described components, composites may contain other additives depending upon the intended use of the article. Compatibilizers are often use to effectuate the mixing (i.e., compatibility) of two or more polymers which might comprise the source of polymer used in the composite. These compatibilizers will typically have reactive groups that upon heating and shearing will react with the polymers via free radical or ionic mechanisms. Compatibilizers which have been employed include the various maleic anhydride copolymers and ionomers, acrylate copolymers, and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers. The composite may additionally contain antioxidants, UV stabilizers, lubricants, antifungal agents, and colorants. These various additives may be added during fabrication of the construction article or may be present in one of the initial polymeric components.

Polymeric compositions and methods for making construction materials from them


An amplifier circuit with internal zeros provides a second pole in addition to a first pole and two zeros such that the second pole can prevent excessive gain at high frequency, so as to have high-frequency noise under control.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,841 to Wrathall, closed loop negative feedback systems are commonly employed in linear integrated circuits. For instance, switching regulators use a feedback loop to monitor the output voltages in order to provide regulation. To ensure stability in any closed loop system, the Nyquist Criterion must be met. The Nyquist Criterion states that a closed loop system is stable if the phase shift around the loop is less than 180 degrees at unity gain. Typically, a compensation circuit is added to a feedback loop to modulate the phase shift of the feedback loop to obtain stability. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a traditional switching regulator 100 comprises a controller 102 and an LC filter 104. In the controller 102, an output control logic 108 drives a switching transistor 106 according to an input voltage VIN and an output of a comparator 114, in order to generate a switching voltage VSW for the LC filter 104 to further generate a regulated output voltage VOUT. The output voltage VOUT is divided by voltage divider composed of resistors R1 and R2 to produce a voltage VR, and an error amplifier 112 compares the divided voltage VR with a reference voltage VRef so as to produce an error output for the comparator 114. The feedback control loop of the controller 102 operates to regulate the output voltage VOUT based on the error output of the error amplifier 112 so that the divided voltage VR equals the reference voltage VRef. The frequency response of a linear circuit can be characterized by the presence of "poles" and "zeros". Generally speaking, a pole provides a phase shift of −90 degrees and a zero provides a phase shift of +90 degrees. Any person skilled in the art should understand that the error amplifier 112 in the switching regulator 100 has a pole and a zero, and the LC filter 104 provides double-pole. FIG. 2 is a plot of the loop gain magnitude vs. frequency in log scale for the switching regulator 100 of FIG. 1 without any compensation. As shown in FIG. 2, without compensation, the effect of the double-pole in the LC filter 104 causes a large loss in the loop gain such that the phase shift at unity gain is equal to or greater than 180 degrees. Therefore, the feedback control loop of the uncompensated switching regulator 100 of FIG. 1 is unstable unless the gain is substantially reduced.
As shown in FIG. 1, to compensate the double-pole of the LC filter 104 for a stable switching regulator 100, conventionally, a capacitor 110 (typically referred to as a "zero capacitor") is connected in parallel to the resistor R1 of the voltage divider. The capacitor 110 introduces a zero-pole pair in the feedback loop, and the location (or frequency) of the zero-pole pair is determined by the resistance of the voltage divider and the capacitance of the zero capacitor 110. Here, the operation of the zero capacitor 110 ensures that the phase shift is less than 180 degrees near unity gain. FIG. 3 is a plot of the loop gain magnitude vs. frequency in log scale for the switching regulator 100 of FIG. 1 incorporating the zero capacitor 110. From the circuit shown in FIG. 1, it is known that the capacitor 110 provides the zeroZero=1/(C×R1),  [Eq-1]where C is the capacitance of the zero capacitor 110, and the LC filter 104 has the polePole=[1/(C×R1)]×(VOUT/VR).  [Eq-2]Thereupon, the ratio of the pole to zero is limited to VOUT/VR.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,841 to Wrathall provides a zero generating circuit, which uses a gain amplifier to improve the ratio of the pole to zero.
There has been also proposed an amplifier circuit with internal zeros to compensate the double-pole of the LC filter 104 in the switching regulator 100 of FIG. 1. For example, a conventional amplifier circuit 200 with internal zeros is shown in FIG. 4, which comprises a differential input pair composed of voltage-controlled current sources 210 and 212 to generate currents I1 and I2 according to input voltages VN and VP, two current mirrors 202 and 204 to mirror the currents I1 and I2 to generate currents I3=N×I1 and I4=P×I2 respectively, and a further current mirror 206 to mirror the current I3 to determine a current I5=M×I3=N×M×I1, where N×M=P. In the case of VN=VP, there will have the result of I1=I2, and therefore I4=I5. In this case, no current is sourcing to or sinking from the load circuit which is represented by serially connected resistor Rcomp and capacitor Ccomp. In the case of VN≠VP, resulting in a difference between the currents I4 and I5, a non-zero voltage Vout is generated. The network of the resistor Rcomp and the capacitor Ccomp provides a polePole1=1/(2×π×ro×Ccomp),  [Eq-3]where ro is the output impedance of the amplifier circuit 200, and a zeroZero1=1/(2×π×Rcomp×Ccomp).  [Eq-4]Moreover, a zero generating circuit 208 is connected between the voltage-controlled current sources 210, 212 and a bias current source 214 to further provide a zero. The zero generating circuit 208 comprises a zero resistor Rzero1 connected between the voltage-controlled current source 210 and the bias current source 214, another zero resistor Rzero2 connected between the voltage-controlled current source 212 and the bias current source 214, and a zero capacitor Czero connected between the voltage-controlled current sources 210 and 212. Assuming that the resistance Rzero1 is equal to the resistance Rzero2, the network of the zero capacitor Czero and the zero resistors Rzero1 and Rzero2 provides a second zeroZero2=1/(2×π×Rzero1×2×Czero).  [Eq-5]FIG. 5 shows the frequency response of the amplifier circuit 200 with the parameters Rcomp=100 KΩ, Rzero1=Rzero2=230 KΩ, Ccomp=1 nF, and Czero=20 pF. In FIG. 5, the curve 216 represents the gain and the curve 218 represents the phase. As the curve 216 indicates, at the pole Pole1, i.e. 10 Hz, the gain begins to decrease, and until 1 KHz, the zero Zero1 counteracts the pole Pole1 such that the gain becomes stable. Then, at 10 KHz, due to the zero Zero2, the gain begins to increase. Though a switching regulator employing such amplifier circuit 200 eliminates the need of extra components to compensate the double-pole of the LC filter, the amplifier circuit 200 will bring significantly increased gain at high frequency and is therefore disadvantageous in controlling high-frequency noise.
Hence, a need exists for an amplifier circuit with internal zeros to facilitate controlling high-frequency noise.


A clock signal generating system of the present invention is provided for recording information on a disc. The disc has a plurality of recording tracks wobbled by a wobble signal having a predetermined frequency and a plurality of prepits disposed at positions having a predetermined phase relation with respect to a phase of the wobble signal. A clock signal is generated based on the wobble signal. A prepit signal is produced from the prepit. The phase of the wobble signal is compared with a phase of the prepit signal, thereby generating a phase adjusting signal. The phase of the clock signal is adjusted based on the phase adjusting signal. A recording clock signal for recording the information is produced by an adjusted clock signal.

The present invention relates to a system for generating a clock signal used when recording data on an optical disc, and more particularly to a generating system wherein the clock signal is extracted from wobble signal which is generated when a wobbled recording groove tracks formed on the disc is read out.
There has been known a Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R) disc which is a write-once optical disc. The CD-R disc has a plurality of recording groove tracks in which data are recorded. The groove tracks are slightly wobbled in the radial direction of the disc by a wobble signal which is modulated with a frequency modulation. Therefore, when the CD-R disc is rotated, there is generated the wobble signal having a predetermined frequency (22.05 KHz). The carrier wave carries prerecorded information such as position information of the tracks.
In order to generate the wobble signal, a light beam is radiated on the groove tracks. The reflected beam is applied to a photodetector divided into two portions by a line optically parallel with a tangent of the groove tracks. A difference signal dependent on the difference between the outputs of the two portions is then applied to a band pass filter (BPF) having a transmitting range, the intermediate frequency of which corresponds to the predetermined frequency, that is 22.05 KHz. The rotation of the disc is controlled so that the average frequency of the extracted wobble signal becomes 22.05 KHz.
The extracted wobble signal is further used as a reference signal for producing a clock signal used at the recording. Namely, the wobble signal is a continuous signal having a frequency component which is synchronous with the rotation of the disc. When the phase of the clock signal is synchronous with that of the continuous signal, the clock signal accurately synchronizes with the rotation of the disc.
Meanwhile, the research and development of a write-once Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable (DVD-R) are much in progress. The recording capacity of the DVD disc is increased about 7 times as much as that of the CD-R disc. In order to increase the recording density, the distance between tracks of the DVD-R disc is decreased to substantially half of that of the CD-R disc. As a result, a part of the light beam applied on one groove track radiates the adjacent groove track, thereby causing a so-called crosstalk which cannot be ignored. When there occurs the crosstalk caused by the adjacent right and left groove tracks, the extracted wobble signal is interfered by the wobble component of the adjacent groove tracks so that the amplitude and the phase thereof deviate. In particular, when the phase is deviated, jitters inevitably occur, so that a clock signal which is accurately synchronous with the rotation of the disc cannot be generated.
More particularly, the crosstalk causes a deviation in a disc rotation control signal because of a phase difference between the reference clock signal and the extracted wobble signal. Accordingly, there occurs a difference in the period of time necessary for the rotation controlling operation dependent on the deviated rotation control signal to be effected, and a period of time it takes a phase-locked loop to generate the clock signal. Due to the inertia of the disc, it usually takes much longer time for the rotation control system to respond than the phase-locked loop. As a result, the phase of the clock signal is deviated from the phase of the rotation of the disc. Such a deviation causes the recording pits to be inaccurately formed in the groove track at recording as regards to the length thereof. Therefore, error occurs at reproduction of the disc.
An object of the present invention is to provide a clock signal generating system wherein the generated clock signal used at the recording of information is accurately synchronized with the rotation of the disc even if there occurs a crosstalk between adjacent groove tracks.
According to the present invention, there is provided a clock signal generating system for recording information on a disc which has a plurality of recording tracks wobbled by a wobble signal having a predetermined frequency and a plurality of prepits disposed at positions having a predetermined phase relation with respect to a phase of the wobble signal.
The system comprises generator means for generating a clock signal, extractor means for extracting the wobble signal, detector means for detecting the prepit and for producing a prepit signal, phase adjusting signal generator means for comparing the phase of the wobble signal with a phase of the prepit signal and for generating a phase adjusting signal, adjusting means for adjusting a phase of the clock signal based on the phase adjusting signal, and recording clock signal generator for generating a recording clock signal by an adjusted clock signal adjusted by the adjusting means.
The adjusting means comprises a phase shifter for shifting the phase of the clock signal.
The generator means comprises a PLL circuit for generating a clock signal in synchronism with the phase of the wobble signal.
In another aspect of the present invention, the generator means comprises a phase comparator for producing a phase difference signal representing a phase difference between the clock signal and the wobble signal and a PLL circuit having an oscillator for generating a clock signal based on the phase difference signal, the adjusting means comprises an adder disposed between phase difference comparing means and the oscillator in the PLL circuit, for adding the phase difference signal and the phase adjusting signal.
In a further aspect, the generator means comprises first phase comparator means for comparing a phase of the clock signal with a phase of reference clock signal and for producing a first phase difference signal, and a PLL circuit having an oscillator for generating the clock signal based on the first phase difference signal, the adjusting means comprises a phase shifter for shifting the phase of an extracted wobble signal, second phase comparator means for comparing a phase of the extracted wobble signal with a phase of the reference clock signal and for producing a second phase difference signal, and an adder disposed between the first phase comparator means and the oscillator in the PLL circuit, for adding the first phase difference signal and the second phase difference signal.
The generator means may have a voltage controlled oscillator for changing a frequency of the clock signal in accordance with a control voltage signal, the adjusting means may have a phase shifter for shifting a phase of an extracted wobble signal in accordance with the phase difference signal, control voltage generator means for generating the control voltage signal based on a phase difference between an output signal from the phase shifter and the clock signal.
In a further aspect, the generator means comprises a frequency divider for dividing a frequency of the clock signal and for generating a wobble signal frequency signal, first phase comparator means for comparing a phase of the wobble signal frequency signal with a phase of an extracted wobble signal and for producing a first phase difference signal, and a PLL circuit having an oscillator for generating the clock signal based on the first phase difference signal, the adjusting means comprises a phase shifter for shifting a phase of a wobble signal from the frequency divider in accordance with the phase adjusting signal, and a second PLL for producing a recording clock signal in synchronism with a phase of the wobble signal frequency signal.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.


A replacement head for a vacuum device includes a plastic tray, a filter and a pad. The plastic tray includes a dust chamber and a front guard portion. An opening is provided that allows air, dust and debris to be drawn into the dust chamber during use. The front guard portion preferably has at least a portion that has a triangular cross-sectional shape and defines an interior space. The pad is attached to the lower side of the plastic tray and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The filter is connected to the plastic tray such that the filter substantially covers a top opening in the dust chamber.

Hardfloor cleaning can be challenging when there are a variety of mixed media debris present. In some instances, there is a desire to both vacuum dry, loose debris, scrub stuck debris and absorb any wet debris that may be present. Prior art tools, such as vacuums, dry mops and wet mops are capable of handling some of these types of media, but not all at once. As a result, many often sweep dry debris before mopping wet or stuck-on debris.
Known tools that can handle both dry and wet media have higher set-up times than a broom/mop combination and the after-use maintenance can be especially high when liquids are involved. If the combination tool is not properly cleaned after each use, they can become smelly and unpleasant. Lastly, clean up can be quite messy and the user may be required to either dirty his or her hands and/or wear gloves.
Therefore, an improved hardfloor cleaner that can be easily attached and detached to a vacuum device with minimal effort and mess is desired.


A drive waveform consists of a jet pulse signal A for ejecting ink and a preliminary pulse signal B for causing preliminary variations in a pressure within an ink flow passage before the ink is ejected. The jet pulse signal A and the preliminary pulse signal B have the same peak value (a voltage) E(V). The width WA of the jet pulse signal A is identical with time T during which a pressure wave uni-directionally travels along the inside of the ink flow passage, and the width WB of the preliminary pulse signal B is twice the uni-directional propagation time T within the ink flow passage. A delay time TD between time TE at which the preliminary pulse signal B falls and time TS at which the jet pulse signal A rises, is half the time T during which the pressure wave uni-directionally travels along the inside of the ink flow passage. The invention makes it possible to implement an inexpensive ink-jet apparatus and a driving method thereof which provide a required volume of ink droplet and superior print quality.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an ink-jet apparatus and a driving method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Non-impact printers are currently expanding their markets, taking the place of impact printers already on the market. Of the various types of non-impact printers, an ink-jet printer is based on the simplest principle and can easily implement multiple gradations and color printing. Among the ink-jet printers, a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer, which ejects only ink droplets to be used in printing, is rapidly coming into wide use because of its superior ejecting efficiency and inexpensive running cost.
A Kyser ink-jet printer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 and a thermal-jet printer disclosed in Japanese unexamined Patent Publication No. 55-27282 are known as representative drop-on-demand type ink-jet printers. It is difficult to reduce the size of the former printer, and the ink used in the latter printer is required to have heat resistance because the ink is subjected to a high temperature. For these reasons, each of the printers has its own very difficult problem.
A shear mode jet printer as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,568 that utilizes piezoelectric ceramics is proposed as a new method for solving the problems of the prior art.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shear mode ink-jet apparatus 600 comprises a bottom wall 601, a top wall 602, and shear mode actuator walls 603. Each actuator wall 603 is composed of a lower wall 607 which is bonded to the bottom wall 601 and is polarized in the direction designated by an arrow 611, and an upper wall 605 which is bonded to a top wall 602 and is polarized in the direction designated by an arrow 609. Each pair of actuator walls 603 constitutes an ink flow passage 613 between the upper and lower walls. A space 615 which is narrower than the ink flow passage 613 is formed between each adjacent pair of actuator walls 603.
A nozzle plate 617 having a nozzle 618 formed therein is fixedly provided at one longitudinal end of each ink flow passage 613. An electrode 619 is provided on one side of the actuator wall 603 in the form of a metallized layer, and another electrode 621 is provided on the other side of the actuator wall 603, also in the form of a metallized layer. Specifically, the actuator wall 603 of the ink flow passage 613 is provided with the electrode 619, and the actuator wall 603 of the space 615 is provided with the electrode 621. The surface of the electrode 619 is coated with an insulating layer 630 so as to isolate the electrode surface from ink. The electrode 621 is provided so as to face the space 615 and is grounded to an earth ground 623. The electrode 619 provided in the ink flow passage 613 is connected to a control circuit 625 which outputs an actuator drive signal.
The manufacture of the ink-jet apparatus 600 will now be described. A piezoelectric ceramics layer polarized in the direction designated by the arrow 611 is bonded to the bottom wall 601, and a piezoelectric ceramic layer polarized in the direction designated by the arrow 609 is bonded to the top wall 602. The thickness of the respective ceramics layers is substantially equal to the height of the lower wall 607 and the upper wall 605. Parallel notches are then cut in the piezoelectric ceramics layers by rotation of a diamond cutting disk, whereby the lower wall 607 and the upper wall 605 are formed. The electrode 619 is deposited on the side surface of the lower wall 607 by vapor deposition, and the electrode 619 is further coated with the insulating layer 630. Similarly, the electrode 621 is formed on the side surface of the upper wall 605.
The peaks between the notches of the upper wall 605 and the lower wall 607 are bonded together, so that the ink flow passage 613 and the space 615 are formed. The nozzle plate 617 having the nozzle 618 formed therein is bonded to one longitudinal end of each of the ink flow passage 613 and the space 615 in such a way that the nozzle 618 corresponds to the ink flow passage 613. The other longitudinal ends of the ink flow passage 613 and the space 615 are connected to the control circuit 625 and the earth ground 623, respectively.
As a result of the application of a voltage from the control circuit 625 to the electrode 619 of each ink flow passage 613, the actuator wall 603 causes piezoelectric thickness deformation in such a direction that the volume of the ink flow passage 613 increases. For example, if a voltage E (V) is applied to an electrode 619C of an ink flow passage 613C, as shown in FIG. 3, an electric field develops in respective actuator walls 603E and 603F in the directions designated by arrows 627 and 629, as a result of which the actuator walls 603E and 603F cause piezoelectric thickness deformation in such a direction that the volume of the ink flow passage 613C increases. At this time, the pressure within the ink flow passage 613C including the vicinity of a nozzle 618C drops. The decreased pressure is held for time T during which a pressure wave uni-directionally and longitudinally travels along the inside of the ink flow passage 613. During this period, ink is fed from a manifold (not shown) to the ink flow passage 613.
The time T is necessary for the pressure wave to travel along the ink flow passage 613 in a longitudinal direction thereof. The uni-directional propagation time T is determined by the length L of the ink flow passage 613 and the speed of sound "a" in the ink within the ink flow passage 613. Specifically, the uni-directional propagation time T is defined as T=L/a.
According to the theory of propagation of pressure waves, the pressure within the ink flow passage 613 is reversed immediately after the time T has elapsed since the application of the pressure, whereupon the pressure changes so as to become positive. The voltage applied to an electrode 619C of the ink flow passage 613C is reset to 0 (V) in accordance with the inversion of the pressure from negative to positive.
As a result, the actuator walls 603E and 603F return to their original states as shown in FIG. 1, and the ink is pressurized. At this time, the pressure that became positive, and the pressure developed as a result of the actuator walls 603E and 603F returning to their original states, are added to each other, and a relatively high pressure develops in the vicinity of the nozzle 618C of the ink flow passage 613C. Eventually, the ink is ejected from the nozzle 618C.
According to the ink-jet apparatus having the above-described construction and a driving method thereof, it is possible to provide the ink within the ink flow passage 613C with such a relatively high pressure as previously mentioned at the moment the ink droplet is squirted from the nozzle 618C.
With reference to FIGS. 4A to 4G, a meniscus of the ink formed in the nozzle 618 will be described. As shown in the drawings, the meniscus of the ink changes with time (t=0-6T).
In FIG. 4B, the meniscus 24 of the ink recedes into the inside of the nozzle 618C. Some of the previously mentioned high pressure developed to eject the ink is wasted in pushing the meniscus 24 back to the nozzle exit, and hence the high pressure that contributes to the ejecting of the ink droplets is reduced. For this reason, if it is necessary to eject a large amount of ink, the required volume of the ink will not be obtained, thereby resulting in poor print quality.

Ink-jet apparatus having a preliminary pulse signal and a jet pulse signal and a driving method thereof


A dunnage conversion machine (10) and corresponding method for converting a supply of sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage product includes a conversion assembly (20) that converts sheet stock material into a dunnage product, and a tension-adjusting assembly (26) having a sequence of transversely extending members (28) disposed upstream of the conversion assembly (20). The transversely extending members (28) engage the stock material and help to prevent or to minimize excessive edge tension and/or the tearing associated therewith, while maintaining sufficient tension for proper tracking, especially for the conversion of single ply, lesser quality and/or short fiber paper, and/or otherwise improves or enhances the conversion process. The transversely extending members (28) are generally aligned end-to-end, and define a path for the stock material from a supply thereof, via a stock supply assembly (15) to the conversion assembly (20).

In the process of shipping an item from one location to another, a protective packaging material is typically placed in the shipping case, or box, to fill any voids and/or to cushion the item during the shipping process. Since paper is biodegradable, recyclable and produced from a renewable resource, paper protective packaging material is increasingly popular. While paper or other sheet stock material could be used as a protective packaging material, it is usually preferable to convert the sheet material into a relatively lower density dunnage product. This conversion can be accomplished by a conversion machine, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,477. This patent is assigned to the assignee of the present application and its entire disclosure is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The conversion machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,477 includes a conversion assembly that converts multi-ply stock material into a lower density dunnage product, and a stock supply assembly that supplies the multi-ply stock material to the conversion assembly. The conversion assembly includes a forming assembly that inwardly turns the lateral regions of the stock material as it travels downstream therethrough. As a result of this inward turning, the lateral regions of the stock material are subject to edge tension that sometimes results in ripping or tearing of the stock material at the lateral edges.


An invention is disclosed which implements bit line redundancy in a memory module, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), in accordance with a block write operation. The block write operation is commonly used in dual port RAMs, sometimes referred to as video random access memories (VRAM). Specifically, a block write operation allows a plurality of bits of data to be written to a plurality of adjacent bit lines defined by a column address. The precise combination of adjacent bit lines selected by the column address is designated by an address mask. The invention provides a memory module with a redundant bit decoder that incorporates an address masking function into the redundant bit decoder during block write operations and also bypasses a masking function during normal read and write operations. This redundant bit decoder allows a single redundant bit line to replace any single defective bit line of the selected group of block write bit lines. It eliminates the need for replacing all the selected bit lines and, thereby, saves silicon area and maximizes the utilization of available redundant bit elements.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to the field of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) design, and more particularly to a DRAM architecture that provides a redundant bit decoder for particular use in block write operations. The decoder achieves efficient use of fabrication area.
2. Background Art
From the very early stages of DRAM development in the 1970's , designers have recognized the need for integral error recovery circuitry. That is, given the large number of processing steps needed to make a memory chip, and given the large number of discrete transistor-capacitor memory cells to be fabricated, from a practical standpoint it is inevitable that at least some memory cells will not function properly.
Semiconductor memories generally take the form of a memory array of elements which are accessed or selected by row and column decoders in order to address a particular memory element. A sense amplifier formed on the semiconductor chip is used to sense the memory state of the selected memory element when addressed. Typically, each memory element is connected to a bit-line. Each bit-line can be selectively coupled to a data-line, which in turn can be connected to the sense amplifier.
As the density of the memory array on a semiconductor chip increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain high production yields and memory chip reliability. A prior art solution has been to provide redundant memory elements or bits in the form of additional rows or columns on the semiconductor chip which are to be substituted for defective elements in a faulty area of the memory array. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,031 to Walker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,494 to Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,301 to Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,615 to Pelley, III, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,452 to Toyama et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,480 to Seo, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,747 to Dosaka et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,938 to Furutani et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,192 to Tatsumi et al., and Japanese Pat. Publication No. 63-79300 are representative of such prior art.
Semiconductor memories are frequently characterized as being divided into sub-arrays or blocks of memory cells. Such block architecture is often chosen to reduce power consumption. Prior art systems, such as the U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,019 to Shah, et al., include a block architecture employing separate redundant blocks of memory elements for each sub-array. A problem with such architecture is that the redundancy is not efficiently implemented in the design, because the redundant rows and used can replace defective rows and columns in only the same sub-array as that of the redundant rows and columns. As a result, the total number of redundant elements required to provide memory reliability is greatly multiplied.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,191 to Flannagan proposes a solution to this problem by providing a block of redundant columns for each stack of sub-arrays in the memory module. Each block of redundant columns includes groups of four contiguous columns. Any one of these groups of four contiguous columns replaces a group of four contiguous columns containing at least one defective column found in any of the sub-arrays in the stack. When a defective column is identified, the defective column is replaced, along with the three other columns in the group, whether or not they are defective. As a result, four contiguous columns in one of the sub-arrays is replaced by four contiguous columns in the redundant sub-array. Flannagan states that the memory architecture could be modified to have only a single defective column replaced by a single redundant column, instead of always replacing four contiguous columns any time column redundancy is implemented.
Although the prior art methods described above are effective for use in normal DRAM read/write operations, the methods are inefficient for implementing redundancy in a DRAM during a block write operation. The block write operation is common to dual port RAMs, sometimes referred to as video RAMs (VRAMS). During a block write operation, data in an on-chip color register is to be written to a plurality of adjacent bit lines defined by a column address. For example, in a one megabit (1 Mb) memory module (256 Kb.times.4 VRAM), the address of four adjacent bit lines can be defined by column address bits A2-A8. The two least significant address bits A0-A1 are used only during the normal read/write operation of the memory module to select a single bit line. These address bits are replaced by four input data bits DQ0-DQ3 during the block write operation.
Normally these input data bits are used by a microprocessor coupled to the memory module to provide input data that is to be written into memory. However, during block write operation, the data bits DQ0-DQ3 are used as an address mask. More specifically, the data input bits determine which of the four column address locations decoded by address bits A2-A8 are intended to be loaded with video data during the block write cycle. The input data on DQ0 controls the write operation to the bit line normally accessed when A0 is in a low state (A0=0) and A1 is in a low state (A1=0); DQ1 controls the write operation to the bit line normally accessed when A0=1 and A1=0; DQ2 controls the write operation to the bit line normally accessed when A0=0 and A1=1; and, likewise, DQ3 controls the write operation to the bit line normally accessed when A0=1 and A1=1.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a memory module architecture that incorporates redundancy with a block write access capability. Moreover, there is a need in the art for a redundancy system that improves upon the production yields, memory reliability, and the area required for implementation in such a memory module.

Redundancy architecture and method for block write access cycles permitting defective memory line replacement

International Business Machines Corporation


A device includes a fluid channel connecting a pair of ports and an attachment feature to attach the device at a dummy cartridge; wherein the pair of ports is dimensioned to mate with fluid feed ports of a printer when the device is attached to the dummy cartridge and the dummy cartridge is inserted in the printer.

Some printing fluids used in printers include heavy pigments or heavy particles that can precipitate when the fluid is not moving in the printer. A fluid recirculation system can be used for circulating the fluid in the printer to keep the heavy pigments or heavy particles dispersed in the fluid, for example when the printer is in idle or stand-by mode between printing operations. When a printhead cartridge is removed from the printer, fluid circulation may be interrupted.

HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.


A method for delivering energy to tissue having a necrotic threshold may generally comprise inserting an electrode array comprising a plurality of electrodes into the tissue, inserting a central electrode into the tissue, positioning a ground pad proximal to the tissue, applying a first sequence of electrical pulses to the electrode array less than the necrotic threshold to induce thermal heating in the tissue, applying a second sequence of electrical pulses to the central electrode equal to or greater than the necrotic threshold to induce cell necrosis in the tissue by irreversible electroporation, and applying a ground potential to the ground pad. Electrical ablation devices and systems and methods of using the same are also described herein.

Electrical ablation therapy has been used in medicine for the treatment of undesirable tissue, such as, for example, diseased tissue, cancer, malignant and benign tumors, masses, lesions, and other abnormal tissue growths. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for conventional ablation therapies may include electrical ablation therapies, such as, for example, high temperature thermal therapies including, focused ultrasound ablation, radiofrequency (RF) ablation, and interstitial laser coagulation, chemical therapies in which chemical agents are injected into the undesirable tissue to cause ablation, surgical excision, cryotherapy, radiation, photodynamic therapy, Moh's micrographic surgery, topical treatments with 5-fluorouracil, and laser ablation. Conventional electrical ablation therapies may suffer from some of the following limitations: cost, length of recovery, and extraordinary pain inflicted on the patient. In particular, one drawback of conventional electrical ablation therapies may be any permanent damage to healthy tissue surrounding the undesirable tissue due to detrimental thermal effects resulting from exposing the tissue to thermal energy generated by the electrical ablation device. For example, permanent damage to surrounding healthy tissue may occur when using high temperature thermal therapies to expose undesirable tissue to electric potentials sufficient to cause cell necrosis.
Additionally, conventional electrical ablation therapies to treat large masses of undesirable tissue may comprise treating a first portion of the tissue treatment region, repositioning the electrical ablation device, and treating the remaining portion of the tissue treatment region. Conventional electrical ablation therapies to treat large masses of undesirable tissue may suffer from some of the following additional limitations: small tissue treatment regions, repositioning the ablation apparatus, and multiple procedures. In particular, the surgeon or clinician may need to reposition the electrical ablation apparatus within the tissue treatment region and begin the process anew to treat large masses of undesirable tissue. Accordingly, more efficient electrical ablation apparatuses, systems, and methods for the treatment of undesirable tissue having reduced or no detrimental thermal effects to surrounding healthy tissue are desirable.


Methods for post-processing photofabricated articles created via additive fabrication processes are described and claimed herein. Such methods include providing a photofabricated article, preferably an article that has been at least partially cured via cationic polymerization mechanisms, optionally, post-processing the photofabricated article, and base-washing the photofabricated article in an alkaline solution or dispersion to create a neutralized photofabricated article. In another embodiment, the methods include treating a photofabricated article having a residual acid or base species with a treatment composition in order to create a neutralized photofabricated article. Also described and claimed are the neutralized photofabricated articles created via the methods herein elsewhere described. Such articles are preferably biocompatible, especially as determined by their lack of cytotoxicity potential.

Additive fabrication techniques are suitable for the creation of objects which may be utilized in a variety of end-uses and applications. Additive fabrication processes utilize computer-aided design (CAD) data of an object to build three-dimensional parts. These three-dimensional parts may be formed from liquid resins, solid filaments, powders, or other materials.
A well-known, non-limiting example of an additive fabrication process is stereolithography (SL). Stereolithography is a process for rapidly producing models, prototypes, patterns, and production parts in certain applications. SL uses CAD data of an object wherein the data is transformed into thin cross-sections of a three-dimensional object. The data is loaded into a computer which controls a source of electromagnetic radiation that traces or images a pattern of a cross section through a liquid radiation curable resin composition contained in a vat, solidifying a thin layer of the resin corresponding to the cross section. The electromagnetic radiation may be UV, visible, or infrared light and may be applied by, for example, lasers, lamps, or LEDs. The electromagnetic radiation may be applied selectively, e.g. by drawing a specific pattern with a laser, or by mask imaging via digital micromirror devices (DMD), or unselectively, e.g. by passing a lamp over the entirety of a surface. The solidified layer is recoated with resin and the source of electromagnetic radiation exposes another cross section to harden another layer of resin on top of the previous layer. The process is repeated layer by layer until the three-dimensional object is completed. When initially formed, the three-dimensional object often is not fully cured, and may be referred to as a "green model."
In order to more-fully cure the green model, and to impart improved physical performance characteristics into the finished three-dimensional object, one or more post-processing techniques are often applied. These techniques include the application of additional actinic radiation in a UV-postcure apparatus, as well as the application of additional thermal energy in a thermal postcuring apparatus.
Additive fabrication techniques are particularly attractive for forming objects to be used in many medical and/or dental applications, because such applications require the creation of custom articles with varying geometry that conform to the unique anatomy of each individual patient or subject. As many medical and/or dental applications require that the three-dimensional article comes into direct or indirect (such as the case wherein the three-dimensional article is used as a mold for forming an implantable medical device or dental aligner) contact with a patient's skin or bodily fluids, such components must possess certain degrees of biocompatibility.
Biocompatible materials suitable for use in additive manufacturing processes are known. Different materials, formed from a variety of additive fabrication processes may be used. Generally, thermoplastic materials are used in, for example fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS) processes, whereas thermoset materials are used in, for example vat-based processes and processes that involve jetting of liquid materials.
For applications requiring a high degree of accuracy and precision in the solid article, or for those demanding high structural integrity of the object, photopolymers may be used. Photopolymers are thermosetting materials which initiate and propagate polymerization, whether directly or indirectly, upon exposure to actinic radiation of a specific wavelength and dose. The photo-polymerization process irreversibly converts the liquid photopolymer into a "cured" object via chemical crosslinking. The chemical bonds between and amongst polymer chains results in the creation of the solid three-dimensional article.
Amongst photopolymer materials, so-called hybrid systems are well-known, and are described in, i.a., U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,228,073 and 9,708,442. Hybrid systems, which include chemical constituents which are capable of undergoing polymerization via two mechanisms—free-radical and cationic polymerization—include a cationically curable component and a free-radically curable component. Such components involve monomers, oligomers, or polymers that undergo their respective form of polymerization when acted upon or facilitated by photoactive species generated by corresponding cationic and free-radical initiators. Hybrid systems provide several advantages in that they are known to facilitate the production of three-dimensional cured parts which possess a very high dimensional fidelity with respect to the "ideal" virtual CAD object that dictates the actions of the additive fabrication apparatus itself. They ensure fidelity by tending to limit or withstand the amount of differential shrinkage, curl, or deformation imparted into the three-dimensional solid object that otherwise is known to occur in photopolymer systems having different chemistries (such as all acrylate or methacrylate-based photopolymer compositions). Hybrid-curable systems also are capable of producing objects with superior mechanical properties, such as those with improved stiffness, heat-resistance, chemical resistance, or toughness.
One drawback of hybrid systems, however, is their lack of ready biocompatibility when compared to other photopolymer systems, such as purely free-radically polymerizable systems including (meth)acrylate-based compositions. Although a small number of hybrid-curable photopolymer materials exist which are suitable for use in select medical or dental industry applications, it would be desirable to provide a technique for more effectively and efficiently post-processing the cured parts made therefrom to ensure improved biocompatibility in terms of superior and more consistent cytotoxicity testing performance.

Methods of post-processing photofabricated articles created via additive fabrication


An enclosed and concealed lock device is disclosed which provides a high degree of security. The device is resistant to tampering and to brute force destruction. One or more latches are engageable with a strike plate in a door jamb or with a strike box, which is also enclosed. A seal trim prevents access to the latch. A slide assembly having a padlock is located within a latch enclosure. An orifice on a pivotal link attaches to the shackle of the padlock. Locking the padlock raises the padlock body into the protective latch box enclosure, and prevents movement of the slide assembly. A first limiter restricts vertical movement of the shackle, allowing the padlock to be engaged by upward movement of the padlock body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
None.
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to locking devices used to lock doors on trucks, buildings, storage containers, railroad cars, freight containers, warehouses and the like, and in particular to a defensively enclosed locking device that resists intruders"" attempts to physically overpower the device.
2. Description of Related Art
Virtually all commercial entities and private citizens have ownership or responsibility for property that must be secured at some time during transportation or storage. The most popular means of securing a storage space containing property is by locking the access to the storage space with a door lock, deadbolt, or padlock. Padlocks are small, very strong, inexpensive, and convenient to use. They provide greater protection than other forms of locks used in storage spaces that are not considered vaults. The simple design, interchangeability, and worldwide availability of these devices add to their usefulness. Therefore, millions of access doors are fitted to receive padlocks.
As the value of the stored property increases, so does the incentive for thieves to break into the storage space and steal the property. Property owners most often respond by increasing the size of the padlock, or by using multiple padlocks. Unfortunately, professional thieves can destroy padlocks in a matter of seconds, by employing large steel prybars to leverage and rupture either the locks or the latching assemblies. Thus, secured storage of high value property in a storage space continues to be a problem.
Since the loss of high value property is, by definition, economically more devastating than the loss of low value property, enhanced locking and security systems are economically justifiable. To address the problems of secured storage of high value property in a storage space, attempts have been made to design protective coverings for the locks and for latching assemblies. One such attempt is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,486, issued to Anderson. In the ""486 patent, a tamper-resistant slide bolt and padlock combination is disclosed. However, in the disclosed design, the latching assembly and lock remain substantially exposed to destruction by forcible entry. Other attempts to provide enhanced security to latch assemblies and locks similarly fail to prevent theft. Many of the assemblies permit visibility of their structure, which allows criminals an opportunity and incentive to further investigate and attempt alternative means for destroying the locks and assemblies. Bolt-cutters are only one of the tools used by thieves. For example, many devices permit sufficient access to the latch bolt to allow the use of a hacksaw. Other devices permit access to the latching assembly with chisels and sledgehammers, long steel prybars, and small explosives. Thus there is a need for a device that provides a secure enclosure for latching assemblies and locks which conceals its structure and is impervious to forcible entry.
A primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides both a concealed and enclosed lock device. Another advantage of the present invention is that it incorporates the use of reliable and inexpensive padlocks as the locking mechanism. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an enclosure that prevents access to the shackle of the padlock. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an enclosure that prevents access to the latch. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an enclosure that prevents access to the strike plate. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an enclosure that resists damage from impact. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an enclosure that provides the option of a dual latch mechanism. Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a concealed and enclosed lock device is disclosed, having a latch box enclosure. The latch box has a backplate, and a baseplate extending outward from the backplate. The backplate has a lock slot. A guide bar having a channel is attached to the backplate. A link is pivotally attached to the backplate on one end, and has an orifice on the opposite end. A first limiter is also attached to the backplate. A slide assembly is located inside the latch box. The slide assembly has an upper latch slidably located above the guide bar, and a lower latch slidably located above the baseplate. The lower latch has a lock portal. A padlock having a shackle and a lock body with a keyhole is used as the locking device. The top of the shackle passes through the channel of the guide bar and is attached to the upper latch. The body of the padlock passes through the portal and extends into the lock slot. In another preferred embodiment, a strike box is provided. The strike box may have a strike plate with a first slot for receiving the upper latch, and a second slot for receiving the lower latch.


A conductor configuration and a power flow of an electric power transmission line set is determined at a location along the line set, and positions in a substantially planar area that is transverse to the line set are determined where a predetermined change in the power flow results in a maximum change in the magnetic field at the positions. A system for monitoring power flow includes a plurality of magnetic field monitors placed at the selected positions, and a central processing facility for communicating the power flow to an end user. A method for monitoring power flow includes selecting positions for placement of a plurality of magnetic field monitors, placing the monitors, determining a power flow, and communicating the power flow to an end user.

A. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to monitoring the power flowing through electric power transmission lines. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for selecting positions for a preferred placement of a plurality of magnetic field monitors where a change in the power flowing through the transmission line will result in a maximum change in the magnetic field at the positions.
B. Description of Related Art
Information about the power flowing through electric power transmission lines and electric power generation facility output is useful and valuable for companies engaged in the business of buying and selling electric power on the open market. Electric power producers do not currently release this information to other participants in the market.
A typical overhead transmission line consists of three conductor bundles, separated from each other in a spatial configuration and running between transmission line towers. Each conductor bundle carries a different phase of the power transmitted through the line, and the total power flowing through the transmission line is the summation of the power flowing through each of the three conductor bundles. Conductor bundles typically consist of 2 to 4 conductors in a bundle. For convenience, conductor bundles will be referred to hereinafter as "conductors," which shall be understood to refer to the medium of a transmission line that carries the phases of the power flowing through the transmission line. The conductors making up each transmission line carry alternating current (AC) at a specific frequency (60 Hz in the United States, 50 Hz in Europe). The currents flowing in a transmission line generate magnetic fields and the high voltages (typically ranging from 12 kV to 1,000 kV) generate electric fields. The net electric and magnetic fields that surround a transmission line are a superposition of the fields created by the currents and voltages associated with each individual conductor. Both the electric and magnetic fields are largest close to the conductors and fall off rapidly with distance from the conductors.
Often, the transmission line towers will carry several transmission lines, which will be referred to herein as a "line set" or a "transmission line set". For convenience, the terms "line set" and "transmission line set" will be understood to also include configurations where only a single transmission line is present. The net electric and magnetic fields that surround the transmission line set are a superposition of the fields created by the individual conductors of each transmission line. Each transmission line may carry a power flow that differs in magnitude and direction from any other transmission line in the transmission line set. For example, a transmission line set may have a first transmission line carrying 100 megawatts (MW) in one direction, and a second transmission line carrying 300 MW in the opposite direction.
The "conductor configuration" is the actual, geometric arrangement of the conductors in the transmission line set. Several exemplary configurations are shown in FIG. 1a-FIG. 1f, including: vertical parallel (FIG. 1a); horizontal parallel (FIG. 1b); triangular parallel (FIG. 1c); vertical single (FIG. 1d); horizontal single (FIG. 1e); and triangular single (FIG. 1f). The general spatial configuration of the transmission line set (e.g. vertical parallel, horizontal parallel, triangular parallel, etc.) will most likely be consistent along large spans of the transmission line set. However, the actual geometric arrangement of the lines will vary from transverse area to transverse area along the line as a result of variations in the tension and sag in the individual conductors. Additionally, individual conductor sag will also affect the distances of the individual lines from the ground continuously along the transmission line set.
Transmission line sets are designed to operate at fixed voltage values and a maximum power/current capacity. These values can be obtained from available power line mapping resources (such as Platts Power Map, of Platts, Colo.).
The relationships between the currents and voltages associated with the transmission line set and the resulting electric and magnetic fields are characterized by well-known mathematical models (primarily Maxwell's Law and the Biot-Savart Law). Thus, the electric and magnetic fields contain the information necessary to determine the currents and voltages (i.e. power) that produced them. U.S. Pat. No. 6,771,058, incorporated herein by reference, describes an apparatus and method for the measurement and monitoring of electrical power flowing over a high-voltage electric power transmission line set, including a method of determining the power flowing through a transmission line set from measured electric and magnetic field data.
The amount of power flowing through a transmission line set is determined by the current times the voltage as shown in equation (1).
                              Power                                (            MW            )                          =                              V            L                                                        ∑              i                                                                  I                i                                          cos                                                                                ϕ                                                          (        1        )            where VL is the line voltage,
      ∑    i          I    i  is the summation of the currents through each conductor, and φ is the difference between the phase of the line voltage and phase of the line current. Because the voltage of a transmission line set is fixed, the amount of power flowing through that line at any particular time can be measured by determining the current through the line. The current produces the aforementioned magnetic field, the measured magnitude of which, when analyzed in light of the conductor configuration and the distance of the measuring point from each of the conductors, determines the amount of power through the line.
The magnetic field associated with an overhead transmission line set is generally considered in terms of the magnetic flux density vector, B, in Tesla surrounding the lines, which is directly proportional to the conductor currents Ii as shown in equation (2) and inversely proportional to the distance ri from the center of the each conductor to the point of measurement.
                    B        ∝                              ∑            i                                                        I              i                                      r              i                                                          (        2        )            The magnetic flux density vector, B, lies along the XY plane perpendicular or transverse to the length axis (Z) of the conductors and points according to the "right-hand-rule" either clockwise or anti-clockwise dependent on the direction of current flow. This vector can be resolved into horizontal and vertical components Bx and By, respectively. As used herein, the term "magnetic field" refers to the magnetic flux density vector, including but not limited to the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic field and its components.
The phase relationship between the current and voltage on the line determines the power factor (or more generally, the direction of power flow). This phase relationship is translated to the phases of the resulting magnetic and electric fields, so the phase relationship of these fields at any measuring point can be used to determine the direction of flow, once similarly adjusted for the line geometry and other factors. Thus, it is possible to determine the amount and direction of power flowing through a transmission line set (the "power flow" of the transmission line set) by measuring the electric and magnetic fields associated with the line set and processing the information appropriately. (See: U.S. Pat. No. 6,771,058.)
In practice, errors in power determination arise due to imperfections in the measurement equipment and inaccuracy of various assumptions used in the mathematical models described in equations (1) and (2). The first group includes imperfect sensor alignment and orientation with respect to the magnetic and electric fields. An additional source of error involves less than perfect sensor calibration. Calibration errors stem from the assumptions made in the mathematical model. The distances between the conductors and the sensing equipment are assumed to be fixed. However, the amount of sag on the lines as a result of temperature induced linear expansion means these distances are variable. In applying equation (2) the measured magnetic field is modeled to be a result of equal current flowing in each conductor bundle associated with the line. In reality, small current imbalances exist between the conductor bundles. These imbalances cannot be measured directly, but will lead to distortion in the magnetic field measurements that are difficult to account for in the magnetic field model. In addition, the model does not take into consideration any external currents induced through the ground wire and other related tower structures. These currents will result in distortions in the measured magnetic field and are very difficult to include in the model. The extent of measurement and model inaccuracies vary with the amount and distribution of power flowing through a particular transmission line set and the complexity of the conductor configuration.
Additionally, the resultant fields created by the conductor configuration and power flow of a transmission line set vary when the amount of power flowing through the transmission line set varies. Accurate monitoring of the power flow through the transmission line set requires accurate detection of changes in the resultant fields. For instance, a vertical parallel conductor configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 1a, may produce a horizontal magnetic field sectional view for various power flows as shown in FIG. 2. In certain areas 202, 204 large changes in power flow result in only minimal changes in magnetic field. Combined with the intrinsic measurement errors discussed above, placing magnetic field monitors in these areas will likely result in difficulty in accurately detecting changes in power flow. However, in another area 206 changes in power flow result in large changes in magnetic field, such that intrinsic measurement errors are unlikely to affect accurately detecting changes in power flow. Therefore, it is preferable to place magnetic field sensors at positions where minimal changes in power flow through the line results in a maximum change in the magnetic field.
Thus, there is a need for a method and system for monitoring the power flowing through an electric power transmission line set using magnetic field monitors placed at selected positions where a predetermined change in the power flow of the transmission line set results in a maximum change in the magnetic field at the positions. Additionally, there is a further need for a method for selecting the positions for the preferred placement for such magnetic field monitors.

Method and system for monitoring power flow through an electric power transmission line


A printer enters a busy state when a device ID request from a first interface is received. In the busy state, no data is received from a second interface. When data is not received within a predetermined period of time, the busy state is released. Accordingly, a device ID request from the second interface cannot be received within the period of time from reception of the device ID request from the first interface to reception of print data from the first interface. A host connected to the second interface can display the correct printer state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to printers, and more particularly relates to a printer, which is connected to a plurality of hosts through a plurality of bidirectional interfaces, for selectively using one of the interfaces to receive print data from the hosts and to print the data on paper, a control method for the printer, and a computer-readable storage medium for storing a control program for the printer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a conventional printer which is connected through the Centronics interface to a host such as a personal computer receives a device ID request from the host in accordance with a protocol in conformity with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) P1284 standard. In response to this, the printer transmits device ID information thereof (the manufacturer name, model number, etc.) and state information thereof (printing, out of paper, paper jam, etc.) to the host. A printer driver in the host transmits the device ID request prior to transmitting print data to the printer, so that the host can determine whether the printer is available for printing data based on a response from the printer. When the host determines that the printer is available, the host transmits print data. If necessary, the host transmits a device ID request to the printer even when the host will not transmit print data. In doing so, the host can determine the state of the printer.
Concerning the above-described type of printer, there is one type of printer which is connected to a plurality of hosts through a plurality of Centronics interfaces. By switching and selectively using one of the interfaces, a single printing device can receive print data from a plurality of hosts and print the data on paper.
Such a conventional printer with the above arrangement receives device ID requests from a plurality of hosts through a plurality of interfaces at arbitrary times. Even when the printer is printing print data from one host, the printer is configured to receive a device ID request from another host. When the printer receives a device ID request through each interface, the printer always transmits a response to the request through the interface.
In the printer having a plurality of interfaces, there is only one receive buffer for storing print data received from the host. It is impossible to simultaneously receive a plurality of pieces of print data through a plurality of interfaces. As a result, the following problems occur.
Specifically, a printer driver in host A sends a device ID request to the printer through one interface and subsequently receives the device ID and state information indicating that the printer is available to receive and print data. Within the short period of time from reception of the information by the printer driver in host A to transmission of print data to the printer, a printer driver in host B sends a device ID request to the printer through another interface in order to print data.
Before receiving the print data from host A, the printer is not in a busy state. Specifically, in the busy state, the interface connected to host A is busy, and the printer is permitted to receive print data only using this interface. Since the printer is not in the busy state, the printer transmits the device ID and information indicating that the printer is available to receive and print data to host B.
Immediately after this, the printer driver in host A transmits the print data to the printer. While receiving the print data, the printer enters the busy state in which the printer is monopolized by host A connected to the busy interface. This state differs from that indicated by the information obtained by the printer driver in host B from the printer in response to the device ID request. When the printer driver in host B tries to transmit the print data to the printer through an operation system (OS), the printer cannot receive the data. Due to the incapability of the host and the complexity of the OS, it requires tens of seconds for the printer driver in host B to receive information indicating that the printer cannot receive print data from the OS. Specifically, tens of seconds are necessary to report that the actual state of the printer at the present moment differs from the state of the printer based on the information obtained in response to the device ID request. When the printer driver in host B receives the printer state information in response to the device ID request, and when the state of the printer is displayed on a display of host B based on the printer state information, the state which differs from the actual state of the printer at the present moment is displayed for tens of seconds.

Controlling printer reception of print data from multiple interfaces using a busy state


A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c), (22c). A single-pulse voltage is applied to the heating element of the indirectly-heated concentration detector to heat it, and a urea concentration is identified at an identification operation unit based on an output from a concentration detection circuit including the temperature sensing element of the indirectly-heated concentration detector and the liquid temperature detector.

In an internal-combustion engine of an automobile, fossil fuel such as gasoline or gas oil is burnt. Exhaust that is generated along with the combustion includes, together with water and carbon dioxide, environmental pollutants such as unburned carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon hydride (HC), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Recently, especially for environmental protection and to prevent living environment from being polluted, there are suggested various countermeasures to purify exhaust from an automobile.
As one countermeasure, there is known the use of an exhaust purification catalyst device. According to this device, three way catalyst for exhaust purification is arranged on the way of an exhaust system, where CO, HC, NOx and the like are decomposed by oxidation-reduction to be rendered harmless. In order to continuously keep decomposing NOx in the catalyst device, urea aqueous solution is sprayed to the catalyst from the upstream side of the catalyst device of the exhaust system. The urea aqueous solution has to have its concentration set to be in a specific urea concentration range so as to enhance the effect of decomposing NOx, and particularly a urea concentration of 32.5% is considered to be most desirable.
Urea solution, which is stored in a urea solution tank carried on an automobile, may have its concentration changed as time goes by, and furthermore, there may be raised unevenness in concentration distribution locally in the tank. Urea solution, which is to be supplied to a spray nozzle from the tank through a supply-pipe by means of a pump, is generally taken out from an outlet port located near the bottom of the tank. Thus, urea solution around the area has to be of a desired urea concentration so as to enhance the efficiency of the catalyst device.
On the other hand, conventionally, a urea concentration in urea solution is not directly measured. Furthermore, in an exhaust system, there is employed a method of arranging NOx sensors at the upstream side as well as at the downstream side of a catalyst device, and judging whether or not decomposition of NOx is suitably carried out based on the difference of NOx concentrations detected by these sensors. However, this method is employed to measure the effect of actual reduction of NOx, and cannot identify a urea concentration not only before spraying urea solution but also from the very beginning of spraying urea solution. Moreover, NOx sensors used in this method are not sufficient in sensitivity for realizing spraying urea solution of a desired concentration.
In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a fluid identification method of making a heating element generate heat by applying current thereto, heating a temperature sensing element using thus generated heat, exerting a thermal influence on heat transfer from the heating element to the temperature sensing element by means of fluid to be identified, and determining the kind of the fluid to be identified based on an electric output corresponding to an electric resistance of the temperature sensing element, in which method current is applied to the heating element periodically.
However, since current is applied to the heating element periodically (with multiple pulses), this fluid identification method is required to take considerable time for identification, which makes it difficult to identify the fluid instantly. Furthermore, under this method, even if fluid identification can be carried out using a representative value for materials whose properties are significantly different from each other such as water, air, oil, it is difficult to identify a urea concentration correctly and promptly by applying this method to the above-described urea concentration identification for urea solution.
Patent Document 1: JP(A)-11-153561 (especially paragraphs [0042] to [0049])

Urea concentration identification device for urea solution


Systems, methods, and computer products that facilitate transmission of information used for fast and responsive video and audio playback at non-standard, trick mode speeds. An embodiment of the present invention uses low resolution, compressed, and independent frames derived from the encoded digital video or audio information to facilitate the operation of user-requested VTR-like speed change functions associated with digital video and digital audio frames. The present invention greatly simplifies locating specific frames in a video or audio presentation for purposes such as fast forward and fast reverse scanning that is typically used in digital editing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the field of video and audio scanning, storage, and playback. It is more particularly directed to digital video and audio operations to facilitate trick mode playback on a computer system.
2. Description of the Background Art
Digital video and audio information is typically transmitted between computer systems in a highly compressed and encoded frame format. Further, the video information may be translated into differentially encoded frames for storage and transmission. The compressed and encoded frames are formatted so that the digital video and audio information may be referenced and played back in an order dependent fashion that is also time sensitive. Typically the information is ordered with respect to a forward directed presentation of the frames. These encoding techniques enable trick mode operations that emulate Video Tape Recorder (VTR) functions, such as fast forward scan and fast reverse scan. However, digital encoding operations have suffered from problems of efficiency and slow responsiveness during playback primarily due to the large amount of variable sized, order dependent, and time sensitive information that is generated during the creation of the encoded frames.
Typically, trick mode files are processed on an initiating computer system or a managing computer system that is often called a "data server" computer system. These trick mode files are created by extracting video frames, re-timing the video frames, and eliminating some of the encoded video frames. The audio information associated with the extracted video frames is typically compressed and identified so that the association between the video and audio information is preserved. These trick mode frames tend to be difficult to properly produce due to their complexity. Further, these complex frames may increase the data storage requirements over the encoded digital video and audio files by as much as seventy-five percent. Also, since the trick mode files are typically located on the data server computer system they suffer from transmission latency problems with respect to the viewing computer system, often called a "client" computer system. The transmission rate associated with trick mode files may be as much as twenty times greater than the transmission rate associated with the digital video and audio information.
Alternately, the trick mode video frames and the associated compressed audio frames may be stored locally, such as on the client computer system. That is, the trick mode video frames and the associated compressed audio frames may be decoded and re-encoded on the client computer system when the video and audio is played back. However, this solution requires extensive computer processing resources and a large data storage capacity on the client computer system. Also this solution suffers from transmission latency since the large files are downloaded on the client computer system.
Yet another solution to the problem of processing complex trick mode frames is to tightly couple the client computer system and the data server computer system. That is, the playback requests from the client computer system may be associated with indexing commands that are managed on the data server computer system. The playback operations on the client computer system rely on proper location of the requested video and audio frames that are stored on the data server computer system. This solution also suffers from transmission latency problems between the data server computer system and the client computer system. Further this solution suffers from problems when scaling to accommodate increased numbers of users due to the extensive requirements for both computer resources and network utilization that are associated with maintaining the tight coupling between the data server computer system and the client computer system.
Differential encoding typically tracks differences between key frames that may be referred to as "anchor" frames. However, random access of frames that may be used for trick mode operations is difficult since multiple anchor frames may be required to provide sufficient information to reference a randomly selected location, and since headers that contain information associated with the encoded frames may vary in size. More particularly, referential information associated with locating a particular frame may be stored in more than one associated frame. Also, the decoding rules that are associated with each frame and that enable accurate decoding of encoded digital video frames vary in size, and the headers that store the information associated with the rules also vary in size. Performing trick mode operations adds further complexity to the process of playing video frames that have been differentially encoded. Therefore differential encoding operations have suffered from efficiency problems and slow responsiveness during playback due to the number of associated frames and the variable sized differentially encoded frames.
Transmission errors that are associated with the anchor frame may affect many digital video frames. Therefore, encoding operations that have suffered from problems associated with management of transmission errors that are related to transmitting a large amount of digital information, are additionally hampered when the information is differentially encoded.
Fast reverse video playback operations are especially difficult. The difficulty is primarily associated with playing information in the reverse direction that was created in a forward order fashion that is also time sensitive. Reverse playback is also difficult due to the variable size of the encoded frames. More particularly, it is difficult to locate a particular frame for the purpose of scanning in a fast reverse direction while maintaining a constant delivery rate of the information. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that video and audio delivery technologies often rely on a constant delivery rate of the information.
From the foregoing it will be apparent that there is still a need to improve transmission of information used to facilitate fast and responsive playback of video and audio digital data.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and computer program products to facilitate efficient transmission and playback of digital information

International Business Machines Corporation


A tissue processing station includes a housing and a first heated plate that is either disposed on or forms a first horizontally oriented surface of the housing. The first heated plate is configured to either (i) contain water, or (ii) receive a dish containing water. The tissue processing station may also include a vertically-oriented heated well for heating slides. A second heated plate is either disposed on or forms an angled surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The angled surface is angled relative to the first horizontally oriented surface. A third heated plate is either disposed on or forms a second horizontally oriented surface of the housing for supporting one or more laboratory slides. The first and second horizontally oriented surfaces are defined at different elevations on the housing. The angled surface extends between the two horizontally oriented surfaces.

A water bath is used in histology labs to relax thinly cut paraffin embedded sections before the sections are mounted on a glass slide for staining. A typical water bath comprises either a built-in pan or removable glass dish that is configured to hold water and be heated to a desired temperature. A water bath may include a light to illuminate the tissue sections for enhanced visibility.
The devices described hereinafter may be used along with a water bath.
A horizontal heating plate (also referred to as a slide heater), which can be used along with a water bath in tissue processing, may be a metal plate that is typically heated to about 40 C. for drying a tissue mounted slide. Another horizontal heating plate (also referred to as a tissue orienter), which can also be used along with a water bath in tissue processing, is a metal plate or a block that is typically heated to about 65 C. and is used to heat paraffin embedded tissue and remove any curls or wrinkles in the tissue that were not relaxed prior to mounting the tissue on the slide. After cutting the tissue and mounting the tissue on a slide, the slide is ready to be stained.
The slide is then loaded in a slide rack or a slide basket and then placed on a stainer that has built-in heater. Alternatively, the slide may be heated in a separate oven. The first step in slide staining is the removal of paraffin from the tissue. Heating the slides to about 60 C. or greater will melt the paraffin from the tissue before the slide is placed in xylene or a xylene substitute to completely remove the paraffin.
It would be desirable to combine the water bath, slide heater, tissue orienter and/or slide basket heater into one unit to improve the throughput of the staining process by pre-warming the slides while they are being prepared and organized in the slide basket.


An image processing apparatus includes a first enhancement degree calculation unit and a color contour enhancement unit. The first enhancement degree calculation unit calculates a contour intensity of a color component of an input color image and calculates an enhancement degree for a color contour, based on the contour intensity of the color component. The color contour enhancement unit performs an enhance process for a lightness component of the color image in accordance with the enhancement degree for the color contour calculated by the first enhancement degree calculation unit.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a computer-readable medium and a computer data signal.
2. Related Art
It has been a common practice to convert a color image into a grayscale image. One technology of the related art for converting a color image into a grayscale image simply extracts lightness components from the color image. If colors having similar lightness levels are used in many portions of the color image, these colors are converted into similar grayscale levels.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer-readable medium and computer data signal


It is determined whether an installed firmware of a device matches a reference firmware for the device. In response to a determination that the installed firmware of the device does not match the reference firmware for the device, different types of content sections of the installed firmware of the device are extracted. At least one of the content sections is identified as a dynamic section. A portion of the installed firmware selected to exclude at least the dynamic section is compared with a corresponding portion of the reference firmware to determine a comparison result. A security action is performed based at least in part on the comparison result.

BIOS (i.e., Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs. Typically the BIOS firmware is pre-installed on the system board of a machine such as a personal computer, and is the first software run when the machine is powered on. The BIOS firmware interfaces with various machines that make up the complementary system chipset of a computer. BIOS firmware is able to be modified. While this facilitates updates to be performed more easily to the BIOS firmware, it also opens the system to be compromised and the computer may become infected with a hacked BIOS designed to cause harm or provide unauthorized access.

Detecting malicious firmware modification


A negative tone photoresist and method for developing the negative tone photoresist is disclosed. For example, the negative tone photoresist includes a solvent, a dissolution inhibitor, and a polymer. The polymer includes a hydroxyl group. The polymer may be greater than 40 weight per cent of a total weight of the negative tone photoresist.

The semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) industry has experienced exponential growth. Technological advances in IC material and design have produced generations of ICs where each generation has smaller and more complex circuits than the previous generation. During the course of IC evolution, functional density (e.g., the number of interconnected devices per chip area) has generally increased while geometry size (e.g., the smallest component or line that can be created using an IC fabrication process) has decreased. This scaling down process generally provides benefits by increasing production efficiency and lowering associated costs. However, such scaling down has also increased the complexity of processing and manufacturing ICs.
One example process used to manufacture the ICs is lithography. Lithography is a process that is used to transfer IC patterns to a semiconductor wafer. In an example lithography process, a resist film is coated on a surface of a wafer and is subsequently exposed and developed to form a resist pattern. The resist pattern is then used to etch the wafer to form an IC pattern in the wafer. The quality of the resist pattern can directly impact the quality of the final IC.

Negative tone photoresist for EUV lithography

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.