A reference voltage generator includes: a reference voltage source 1 that generates a direct-current voltage that is used as a reference; a low-pass filter 2 that is connected to an output node of the reference voltage source; a first voltage buffer circuit 10 with an input terminal to which the output node of the reference voltage source is connected and an output terminal to which an output node of the low-pass filter is connected, which has a voltage gain of one time; and a hysteresis comparator 11 with one input terminal to which the output node of the reference voltage source is connected and an other input terminal to which the output node of the low-pass filter is connected. At start-up, during a time period in which a voltage difference between an output of the reference voltage source and an output of the low-pass filter exceeds a predetermined value, an output impedance of the first voltage buffer circuit is controlled based on an output signal of the hysteresis comparator. At start-up, the low-pass filter that reduces noise is charged with a low impedance rapidly, and thus an output voltage can be stabilized rapidly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reference voltage generator, and particularly to an improved configuration in which a capacitor of a low-pass filter for reducing the noise of a reference voltage source is charged rapidly so that an output voltage is stabilized rapidly.
2. Description of Related Art
A configuration in which a low-pass filter is provided additionally downstream of a reference voltage source in order to reduce the noise of the reference voltage source is disclosed in, for example, JP 8(1996)-272461 A (first conventional example). FIG. 7 shows a circuit according to this first conventional example. In the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a low-pass filter 2 composed of a resistor R and a capacitor C is connected to a point A to which a voltage of a reference voltage source 1 is outputted so as to reduce noise in a voltage outputted to a point B. Hereinafter, a resistance value of the resister R is represented by "R" and a capacitance value of the capacitor C is represented by "C". In a general configuration, the voltage at the point B is amplified by a non-inverting amplifier using an operational amplifier 3 and outputted as an output voltage Vout from an output terminal 5 by an output transistor 4.
In this configuration, generally, a time constant RC of the low-pass filter 2 is larger than a time constant of, for example, a transistor constituting the reference voltage source 1 or the operational amplifier 3. Because of this, after power-on, a considerable time is required for the output voltage Vout to rise logarithmically with the time constant RC until it is stabilized to a steady state. FIG. 9 shows waveforms of the output voltage Vout until they are stabilized. The horizontal axis indicates a time and the vertical axis indicates a value of the output voltage Vout. It can be understood that in the case of an output waveform P1 of the first conventional example, a considerable amount of time is required until the output voltage Vout is stabilized.
As a solution to this problem, a configuration in which a low-pass filter is charged rapidly while a voltage is monitored is disclosed in, for example, JP 2002-23870 A (second conventional example). FIG. 8 shows a circuit according to this second conventional example. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, a point B that is an output point of a low-pass filter composed of a resistor R and a capacitor C is connected to one of input terminals of a hysteresis comparator 6. The other of the input terminals of the hysteresis comparator 6 is connected to a point A to which a voltage of a reference voltage source 1 is outputted. The point B is connected to a power source Vdd via a switch SW1, and a terminal of the capacitor C on the point B side is connected to a terminal thereof on the ground side via a switch SW2.
This circuit operates as follows. First, immediately after power-on, a voltage outputted from the reference voltage source 1 to the point A rises immediately to a constant voltage. On the other hand, due to the capacitor C of the low-pass filter, a voltage at the point B rises slowly and logarithmically with a time constant RC. At this time, a comparison is made between the voltage at the point A and the voltage at the point B by the hysteresis comparator 6, and if a voltage difference therebetween is not less than a constant voltage, the point B and the power source Vdd are short-circuited by means of the switch SW1. This causes the capacitor C of the low-pass filter connected to the point B to be charged rapidly.
Consequently, as can be seen from an output waveform P2 of the second conventional example shown in FIG. 9, the output voltage Vout rises rapidly with a time constant having a value obtained by multiplying an equivalent resistance of the switch SW1 when short-circuited and the capacitance C. Compared with the resistance R of the low-pass filter, the equivalent resistance of the switch SW1 when short-circuited is extremely small, thereby reducing a stabilization time required until a steady state is achieved. The switch SW1 is opened at a point in time when a potential difference between the point A and the point B becomes less than the set voltage, after which the voltage at the point B is raised with the time constant RC of the low-pass filter and gradually approximates to the voltage at the point A.
The switch SW2 is used to cause a discharge of electric charges accumulated in the capacitor C at the time of the fall of the output voltage Vout. This allows the output voltage Vout to drop rapidly, thereby reducing a current consumption.
In addition to the above-described configurations, it is known that the time required until the output voltage Vout is stabilized is reduced by, a configuration disclosed in JP 2005-346522 A in which a capacitor is charged while an imbalance in an internal voltage of a reference voltage source is detected by a comparator, and a configuration disclosed in JP 6(1994)-301429 A in which a time constant of a low-pass filter is switched from a small value to a large value.


A system for maintaining cyclic redundancy check (“CRC”) protection of XOR'ed data sectors includes a register that is initialized with a non-zero seed value used for generating sector CRC values. The system includes logic for combining CRC values of at least two sectors and storing a result of the combination modified with a non-zero seeded CRC value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to disk controllers, and more particularly to performing parity checks in disk storage systems using disk controllers.
2. Background
Conventional computer systems typically include several functional components. These components may include a central processing unit (CPU), main memory, input/output ("I/O") devices, and disk drives. In conventional systems, the main memory is coupled to the CPU via a system bus or a local memory bus. The main memory is used to provide the CPU access to data and/or program information that is stored in main memory at execution time. Typically, the main memory is composed of random access memory (RAM) circuits. A computer system with the CPU and main memory is often referred to as a host system.
The main memory is typically smaller than disk drives and may be volatile. Programming data is often stored on the disk drive and read into main memory as needed. The disk drives are coupled to the host system via a disk controller that handles complex details of interfacing the disk drives to the host system. Communications between the host system and the disk controller is usually provided using one of a variety of standard I/O bus interfaces.
Typically, a disk drive includes one or more magnetic disks. Each disk typically has a number of concentric rings or tracks on which data is stored. The tracks themselves may be divided into sectors, which are the smallest accessible data units. A positioning head above the appropriate track accesses a sector. An index pulse typically identifies the first sector of a track. The start of each sector is identified with a sector pulse. Typically, the disk drive waits until a desired sector rotates beneath the head before proceeding a read or write operation. Data is accessed serially, one bit at a time and typically, each disk has its own read/write head.
The disk drive is connected to the disk controller that performs numerous functions, for example, converting digital data to analog head signals, disk formatting, error checking and fixing, logical to physical address mapping and data buffering. To perform the various functions for transferring data, the disk controller includes numerous components.
A conventional disk drive stores data bytes on disk drive platters in sets of a predetermined length. A disk drive controller or a host computer may generate error correction code (ECC) bytes and cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bytes for each set of data bytes. Sometimes, the host computer generates CRC bytes, and the disk controller generates its own set of CRC bytes. The CRC and the ECC bytes are appended to the end of the set of data bytes. The data bytes, CRC bytes and ECC bytes together make up a 'sector', and this sector is stored on the disk platter. When the disk drive controller reads a sector off the disk, the data bytes and CRC bytes are stored in a buffer unit (memory) in the disk drive. An ECC unit detects and corrects errors in the sector read off the platter. These corrections are made to the data bytes and CRC bytes stored in the buffer unit.
Conventional disk array storage systems may have multiple disk drives arranged and coordinated such that a single mass storage system is formed. This allows data to be stored at multiple disks and ensures continued operation if a disk fails. Data may be stored at multiple locations and if one component fails, data may be regenerated from redundant data stored at another component.
One way to achieve this redundancy is by using parity. In parity redundancy, redundant data is stored in one area of the storage system, however, the size of the redundant storage area is less than the remaining storage area used to store the original area.
A RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) storage system is one technique, which is used to store redundant data. RAID includes various architectures, designated as RAID0, RAID1, RAID 2, RAID 3, RAID 4, and RAID 5.
A RAID 0 system is configured without any redundancy. RAID 1 has mirror redundancy.
RAID 2 through RAID 5 involves parity type redundant storage. For example, in RAID 5, the disks are divided into equally sized address areas ("blocks") and a set of blocks is referred to as "stripes". Each stripe has N blocks of data and one parity block, which contains redundant information.
Typically, to update a parity drive, old data from a storage media and new data for a write operation is compared (also referred to as XORed). The XOR operation is used to maintain data integrity.
FIG. 2A shows a simple example of a RAID topology that can use one aspect of the present invention, discussed below. FIG. 2 shows a RAID controller 220A coupled to plural disks 301, 302, 303 and 304 using ports 305 and 306. Data may be written from RAID system 300 to a host system 200 or vice-versa via RAID controller 220A.
One way to maintain data integrity is to use the CRC code. A typical circuit employing CRC error checking includes a CRC checker to verify integrity for old data and a CRC generator that generates CRC information for any new data.
Conventional techniques regenerate CRC on XOR data using logical block address ("LBA") values. CRC is typically seeded with an LBA value that helps protect against mis-positioning errors in ID-less sector formats. Usually the firmware (code operating the disk controller) knows the LBA for the sector involved and can preset a counter that is linearly updated as each sector is XOR'ed. When Skip operations are used, more firmware intervention will be required, since skip operations present discontinuities in the LBA progression. Conventional systems use firmware to handle the complexity involved in skip operations. However, this solution is slow and hence is not commercially desirable.
Another drawback in the conventional techniques is that any failure in the XOR logic goes undetected because CRC is regenerated on XOR data using logical block address ("LBA") values.
Therefore, what is desired is a system and method for efficiently performing XOR operation for maintaining data integrity.

System and method for performing parity checks in disk storage system


The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for treatment of Parkinson's disease and other conditions for which treatment with a dopamine agonist is therapeutically beneficial. The invention provides a biocompatible nonerodible polymeric device which releases dopamine agonist continuously with generally linear release kinetics for extended periods of time. Dopamine agonist is released through pores that open to the surface of the polymeric matrix in which it is encapsulated. The device may be administered subcutaneously to an individual in need of continuous treatment with dopamine agonist.

Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by loss of neurons that synthesize and release dopamine. This loss of dopaminergic neurons manifests itself in symptoms such as rigidity, resting tremors (shaking), poverty of movement (akinesia), slowness of movement (bradykinesis), and changes in gait and posture. Treatment of Parkinson's disease generally is based on therapeutic administration of substances that can compensate for the lack of dopaminergic neurotransmission due to the loss of dopamine-secreting neurons. A classic treatment regime includes chronic oral administration of levodopa, which is decarboxylated in the brain to form dopamine. Often, after several years of treatment with levodopa, abnormalities emerge, including involuntary movements during the "on" phase of clinical improvement and re-emergence of Parkinson's-type symptoms during "off" phases.
Apomorphine, an effective agonist at both dopamine receptors in the nervous system, has been used for treatment of Parkinson's disease in patients that have become resistant to or have developed adverse side effects with associated with chronic levodopa therapy. Typically, due to its short duration of effectiveness, apomorphine is administered by repeated subcutaneous injections or continuous parenteral infusion via a pump. These means of administration are inconvenient, in the case of subcutaneous injection, and technically difficult, in the case of pump administration, especially for Parkinson's patients whose dexterity is impaired due to the disease itself and the movements associated with chronic levodopa treatment. Apomorphine may also be administered transdermally (U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,917), intranasally (U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,483), as a topically-applied gel (U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,094), or sublingually (U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,363). None of these methods permits continuous administration over long periods of time.
Dopamine agonists have also been used for treatment of parkinsonism which results from central nervous system injury by toxin exposure or a disease condition such as encephalitis, erectile dysfunction, restless leg syndrome, and hyperprolactinemia.
There is a need for an improved means of administration that would permit continuous dosing of dopamine agonists over an extended period of time of several months or longer, without the adverse side effects associated with peaks and troughs in plasma levels due to discontinuous dosing, or reliance on cumbersome mechanical equipment such as a pump.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Implantable polymeric device for sustained release of dopamine agonist


Systems for improving a spatial resolution of an image are described. One of the systems includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, a transmission detector configured to detect the X-rays to output a plurality of electrical signals, and a plate configured to improve the spatial resolution upon receiving the X-rays. The plate is configured to output a fan-beam upon receiving the X-rays.

The events of Sep. 11, 2001 instigated an urgency for more effective and stringent screening of airport baggage. The urgency for security expanded from an inspection of carry-on bags for knives and guns to a complete inspection of checked bags for a range of contraband with particular emphasis upon concealed explosives. X-ray imaging systems including a computed tomography (CT) system are currently employed for screening.
The CT system includes an X-ray source that generates X-rays that pass through a material. The CT system further includes a detector that detects the X-rays to create a plurality of signals. The CT system also includes a computer that generates an image of the material from the signals. However, a resolution of the image may not have a suitable quality to enable identifying the material as a threat material.
Identification systems based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques provide an improved discrimination of the material compared to that provided by the X-ray imaging systems. The XRD identification systems measure d-spacings between lattice planes of micro-crystals in the material. A "d-spacing" is a perpendicular distance between adjacent lattice planes in the material. However, if the XRD identification systems include the detector and the computer mentioned above, the XRD identification systems may generate an image that is not of suitable quality. Accordingly, the diffraction techniques may suffer from a high false alarm rate for some classes of substances.


A dust dispensing system comprised of a dip tube enclosing a much smaller outlet tube, both tubes fitted to countersunk holes in the plug base. A path for powder and air is created within the wall of a flexible container beginning at the area within the container through the longitudinal vent holes at opposite ends of the dip tube toward the inside center of the dip tube where two air/dust streams collide venting through the inward longitudinal opening of the outlet tube which is disposed at the point of convergence of the colliding streams and then the mixture continues to flow under pressure through the outlet tube and out the exit nozzle each time the container is squeezed. This action is repetitive and fully operational regardless of the device's orientation.

Powders have been in use for hundreds of years and there are patents for dust dispensers dating back to the 19th century, for example, Fitchtenberg's, Insect Destroyers (Patent No. 156, 696), patented in 1874. Safer powdered pesticide products for use in homes, gardens, institutions and industries enjoy increasing popularity. Powdered products of other types including foot powders, herbicides, powders used in manufacturing, in mold releases, etc. currently utilize a wide array of dispensers to apply them.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,450,205 shows a compressible powder dispenser. Positioned within the casing and supported by the top member is the powder exit tube, the upper end of the tube being open outwardly at the casing and the lower end of the tube being positioned above the bottom member. Positioned longitudinal to the exit tube and clamped in place is an air-circulating tube and positioned over each end of the air-circulating tube is a disc of air-pervious, powder impervious material to prevent the passage of powder into the air-circulating tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,896,825 discloses another type of dispensing device. A perforated open-ended tube of relatively large diameter is inserted into the cap and extends downward into the powder. A flange in the neck of the container acts as a sealing ring.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,981,444 discloses another squeeze-to-use type apparatus. This canister-type dispenser has a feed tube of slightly longer length than the interior of the container. The feed tube has a plurality of holes and when pressure is applied to the container the powder is forced through the holes upward into the mixing chamber and then through the discharge orifice.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,753 shows another squeeze-type powder dispensing apparatus. This device employs a vertical dip tube open at the top and bottom ends. While the bottom end of the dip tube is disposed in powder the top end is in communication with the bottom of a hollow spherical mixing chamber in the top of the container. A shorter air tube adjacent to the dip tube is also in communication with the mixing chamber. The powder flows up the dip tube and mixes with air in the mixing chamber before being expelled from the discharge port.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,966 discloses another squeeze-type powder dispenser. This patent shows parallel tubes extending down into a cup-like connection fitting at the bottom the dispenser, the bottom of this cup-like fitting having an orifice opening into powder if upright and air if inverted. The parallel tubes are of different lengths with the top of one of the tubes opening into the top of the container and the top of the other tube in communication with the discharge cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,488 discloses another squeeze container which utilizes a dip tube with a spherical mixing chamber located above it. A cup located at the bottom of the dip tube and in communication with its opening supplies the powdered product up the tube to the mixing chamber and then dispenses powder from the discharge conduit when the container is squeezed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,823 shows a squeeze container with a dip tube connected at its upper end to the orifice of the dispensing head and extending downward at a position spaced from the bottom of the container. A second shorter air tube is positioned around the first tube with its upper end in communication with the top of the container and the air space in the top of the container and its lower end just short of the bottom of the first tube. When pressure is applied, air is forced from the top of the container down in-between the tubes and mixes with the powder at the base of the dip tube and forces the powder up to the dispensing head.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,941 shows a squeeze-type dispensing apparatus that utilizes a single continuous dip tube with a plurality of holes which is looped to provide a U-shaped bend positioned in the bottom of the container with one end of the tube in communication with a dispensing nozzle and a closed end of the tube in communication with the interior upper end of the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,305 discloses a powder distributing apparatus which uses a hollow slotted plug to mix incoming air and powdered material from a collapsible container when squeezed. A cap located on the top of container allows the operator to select the quantity and particle size of the powder dispensed.
Dust dispensing apparatus in the form of designed instruments as well as container applicators employing materials and reliant on restrictive elements are currently in use in increasing numbers. To produce an even flow of the air/dust mixture while maintaining a relatively constant ratio of air to dust and maximizing dissociation of the dust particles is the objective of these devices.
The shortcomings of some of these devices is that their small passages tend to collect and pack dust causing blockage to occur. Others fail to provide adequate movement of air/dust to provide adequate and repeatable flow of material from their exit tubes. Still others will operate only in an upright position while others need to be pointed downward.
The present invention provides a system by which a simple squeeze-type powder dispenser, employable where light dusting is desirable, requiring very low effort relative to the volume of mixture discharged, achieves particle dissociation and dissemination beyond prior art and beyond currently available dispensers.

Dust dispensing system for use in squeeze-type dust dispensers


A method of enabling persistent access by a Web server to files stored in a distributed file system of a distributed computing environment that includes a security service. A session manager is used to perform a proxy login to the security service on behalf of the Web server. Persistent operation of the session manager is ensured by periodically spawning new instances of the session manager process. Each new instance preferably initializes itself against a binding file. A prior instance of the session manager is maintained in an active state for at least a period of time during which the new instance of the session manager initializes itself. Upon receipt of a given transaction request from a Web client to the Web server, a determination is made regarding whether a new instance of the session manager process has been spawned while the Web server was otherwise idle. If so, the Web server is re-bound to the new instance of the session manager process so that the new instance of the session manager process can respond to the transaction request.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to Web transaction processing and more particularly to techniques for enabling continuous access to Web documents stored in a secure distributed file system.
2. Description of the Related Art
The World Wide Web (WWW) of the Internet is the most successful distributed application in the history of computing. A conventional Web transaction involves a "client," which runs a browser, and a "server." In response to specification of a link at the browser, the client makes a request to the server identified in the link and, in return, receives a document or other object formatted according to HTML.
The Web server is usually a standalone file server that services various Web document requests. Because the server is self-contained, Web site administration is cumbersome because access control must be individualized for each device. Moreover, private and public enterprises are now setting up so-called "Intranets" within their organizations to allow employees and customers to access data on their own corporate Web sites. Such organizations use multiple computers interconnected into a distributed computing environment in which users access distributed resources and process applications. A known distributed computing environment, called DCE, has been implemented using software available from the Open Systems Foundation (OSF). As DCE environments become the enterprise solution of choice, many applications may be utilized to provide distributed services such as data sharing, printing services and database access. OSF DCE includes a distributed file system, called Distributed File Services (DFS), for use in these environments.
DFS provides many advantages over a standalone file server, such as higher availability of data and resources, the ability to share information throughout a very large-scale system, and protection of information by the robust DCE security mechanism. In particular, DFS makes files highly available through replication, making it possible to access a copy of a file if one of the machines where the file is located goes down. DFS also brings together all of the files stored in various file systems in a global namespace. Multiple servers can export their file system to this namespace. All DFS users, in the meantime, share this namespace, making all DFS files readily available from any DFS client machine.
As described in copending application, Ser. No. 08/790,042, titled "Method And Apparatus For Enabling A Web Server To Impersonate A User Of A Distributed File System To Obtain Secure Access To Supported Web Documents," assigned to the assignee of the present application, it has been proposed to extend the functionality of existing standalone Web servers in the enterprise environment to take advantage of the scalability, file availability and security features of DFS (or other similar distributed file systems). As a by-product, users with an off-the-shelf browser would be able to easily access the Web information stored in the DFS namespace with no additional software on the client machine. In the proposed system illustrated in that copending application, a Web server and a DFS client both run on the same machine to provide secure access to DFS files via a Web browser. One of the components that makes this operation possible is a so-called "session manager." The session manager performs a "proxy DCE login" on behalf of a Web server process that is attempting to access the DFS filespace. In particular, the session manager provides the Web server process with a "DCE login context" (sometimes referred to as a "credential") that enables the Web server process to access DFS files securely with a valid DCE user identity.
The session manager is described as a process that is started at the same time as the Web server. Theoretically, the process runs forever, accepting requests from server processes for "proxy DCE logins" and maintaining an in-memory database of "DCE login context" information to help serve "repeated login requests" more quickly. The session manager, as envisioned in the above-identified application, must make calls to a security service to complete a proxy login. When these calls are made, memory must be allocated by the underlying DCE security code; this memory holds information associated with the DCE login context that is created. This memory is allocated within the virtual address space of the session manager process.
The management of this virtual memory is a challenge for the DCE security component. In the first instance, memory leak problems in the DCE code have been discovered with regularity. Any amount of memory leak, however, can be fatal to a theoretically "persistent" process as the virtual memory space becomes "bloated" and ultimately, unusable. Additionally, the DCE security code contains sophisticated memory re-use algorithms that prevent "memory login contexts" from being freed even after the owning process (e.g., session manager) instructs the DCE security component to release them. Experience with the memory management behavior of the DCE security component has also shown that, as a result of these issues, the session manager process will likely be challenged to survive for extended periods as its virtual memory pool continues to grow. If the session manager process aborts, further browser access to the DFS filespace is unavailable until session manager's "death" is somehow discovered and thereafter addressed (e.g., by manually restarting the session manager, or possibly by stopping and restarting the Web server itself).
The present invention addresses and solves this problem.

Method and apparatus for providing persistent fault-tolerant proxy login to a web-based distributed file service

International Business Machines Corporation


An LED light source has a housing with a hollow projecting core. The core is arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A printed circuit board closes an open end of the housing at a core end and has LEDs operatively fixed about the center thereof. A light guide with a wall thickness T is positioned in the core and has a first end in operative relationship with the plurality of LEDs and a second end projecting beyond the hollow core. A first reflector is attached to the second end of the light guide. The housing is thermally conductive to form an extended and integral heat sink and has an extended body-part that preferably is provided with heat-radiating fins. A preferred material for the housing is thermally conductive plastic. The printed circuit board has a thermally conducive base that is in direct contact with the housing via an upstanding V-shaped rim.

In the past, most automotive light sources have involved the use of incandescent bulbs. While working well and being inexpensive, these bulbs have a relatively short life and, of course, the thin filament employed was always subject to breakage due to vibration.
Recently some of the uses, particularly the stoplight, have been replaced by LEDs. These solid-state light sources have incredible life times, in the area of 100,000 hours, and are not as subject to vibration failures. However, these LED sources have been hard-wired into their appropriate location, which increases the cost of installation. It would therefore be an advance in the art if an LED light source could be provided that had the ease of installation of the incandescent light sources. It would be a still further advance in the art if an LED light source could be provided that achieved an industry accepted interchangeable standard to replace the aforementioned incandescent bulb.
Such light sources have been developed and occasionally they have employed LEDs in combination with optical fibers or other light guides to concentrate the light of multiple LEDs or to spread the light in a desired fashion. One such light source is described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/899,546, filed Dec. 20, 2004, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The latter light source uses a plurality of light guides, in a one-to-one relationship with a like plurality of LEDs. While the arrangement works well, it is expensive and requires a large number of parts, all of which require rather precise alignment. Recently, as disclosed in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 11/058,304, filed Feb. 15, 2005 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, a light source has been developed using LEDs together with a simplified form of light guide. It would be an advance in the art if the number of parts could be reduced even further without affecting the quality of the light source. Such parts reduction is critical to maintain competitive costs.


Hall ICs constituting a redundant throttle valve position sensor are used to measure a rotational angle value indicative of a position of a throttle valve and a temperature value indicative of an ambient temperature change, which is continuously monitored, around the Hall ICs. The rotational angle value measured by the Hall ICs is appropriately adjusted based on the measure temperature value of its own, and a throttle valve position is determined in an externally connected ECU based on the adjusted angle value. In addition, the temperature value measured by one Hall IC is inputted to the ECU. In the ECU, various control values, such as a resistance value of an electric motor, can be appropriately adjusted based on the measured temperature value.

This application is based on and incorporates herein by reference Japanese Patent Application No. 11-357193 filed on Dec. 16, 1999.
The present invention relates to an adjustment method and system for adjusting temperature characteristics in a position measurement sensor having a non-contact type measurement element for measuring a position of a rotatable body as well as for adjusting temperature characteristics in an electronic control unit that is fed with an output of the position measurement sensor. For instance, such a method and system can be used to adjust temperature characteristics of a control value in a throttle valve position sensor having a non-contact type measurement element (e.g., a Hall element, a Hall IC or the like) for measuring a rotational angle of a throttle valve that adjusts the amount of intake air supplied to an internal combustion engine as well as to adjust temperature characteristics of control values in an electronic control unit provided for controlling the internal combustion engine.
Exemplary prior art publications relevant to the method and system for adjusting the temperature characteristics of the position measurement sensor include Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 48-48087 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2-168181.
The former publication discloses a magnetic sensor having a magneto-resistive element that is connected in series with a diode to temperature-compensate an output voltage of the magnetic sensor. The latter publication discloses a magnetic sensor having a magneto-resistive element. This sensor is supplied with a power supply voltage that has been adjusted for changes in ambient temperature by a positive characteristics temperature sensitive resistive element (positive characteristics thermistor) and a fixed resistor. With this arrangement, an output voltage of the magnetic sensor is temperature-compensated.
To compensate for the influence of the changes in the ambient temperature on the sensor output, the magneto-resistive element of the magnetic sensor is connected in series with the diode in the former publication, and the magneto-resistive element of the magnetic sensor is connected in parallel with the positive characteristics temperature sensitive resistive element in the latter publication.
In both the prior art magnetic sensors, if a large change in ambient temperature occurs at a predetermined level, the sensor output can probably be compensated in consistent with the changes in the ambient temperature. However, for example, if a rotational angle of a rotatable body (e.g., a throttle valve of a vehicle) is to be measured, the above elements, which show constant temperature characteristics, are not sufficient to provide appropriate temperature-compensation. This is due to the fact that an ambient temperature around the sensor, an electric motor for rotating the rotatable body or the like varies depending on its location within the vehicle and also depending on changes in operating condition of the vehicle (i.e., changes in operating condition of the vehicle before, during or after driving the vehicle).
The present invention addresses the described disadvantages. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a method and system for appropriately adjusting temperature characteristics of a position measurement sensor having a non-contact type measurement element for measuring a position of a movable body as well as for appropriately adjusting temperature characteristics of various control values computed in an electronic control unit that is fed with an output of the position measurement sensor.
To achieve the objective of the present invention, there is provided an adjustment method and system. The position measurement sensor used in the method and system has a non-contact type measurement element including a position measurement unit for measuring a position of a movable body. The measurement element further includes a temperature measurement unit integrated therein for continuously measuring an ambient temperature around the measurement element and also includes an output terminal for outputting a position value of the movable body measured by said position measurement unit as well as a temperature monitor terminal for outputting an ambient temperature value measured by the temperature measurement unit. The position value outputted from the output terminal and the ambient temperature value outputted from the temperature monitor terminal are inputted to an externally connected electronic control unit, wherein various control values computed in the electronic control unit are adjusted based on the ambient temperature value outputted from the temperature monitor terminal.
The measurement element can also include a compensation circuit, wherein a position value of the movable body measured by the position measurement unit is temperature compensated in the compensation circuit based on the ambient temperature value measured by the temperature measurement unit before outputting the position value of the movable body to the electronic control unit.

Adjustment method and system for adjusting various temperature characteristics


A PET scanner includes a ring of detector units which receive gamma rays produced by annihilation events. Each detector unit includes a 6.times.6 array of BGO scintillation crystals mounted in front of a 2.times.2 array of photomultiplier tubes. The position of a scintillation event within the crystal array is determined more accurately by selectively painting the side surfaces of the array crystals.

The field of the invention is positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and particularly gamma ray detectors employed to locate and count the positron annihilation events.
Positrons are positively charged electrons which are emitted by radionuclides that have usually been prepared using a cyclotron. The radionuclides most often employed in diagnostic imaging are fluorine-18 (18F) , carbon-11 (.sup.11 C) , nitrogen-13 (.sup.13 N), and oxygen-15 (.sup.15 O). These are employed as radioactive tracers called "radiopharmaceuticals" by attaching them to substances, such as glucose or carbon dioxide. The radiopharmaceuticals are injected in the patient and become involved in such processes as blood flow, fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and protein synthesis.
As the radionuclides decay, they emit positrons. The positrons travel a very short distance before they encounter an electron, and when this occurs, they are annihilated and converted into two photons, or gamma rays. This annihilation event is characterized by two features which are pertinent to PET scanners--each gamma ray has an energy of 511 keV and the two gamma rays are directed in nearly opposite directions. An image is created by determining the number of such annihilation events at each location within the field of view.
The PET scanner includes one or more rings of detectors which encircle the patient and which convert the energy of each 511 keV photon into a flash of light that is sensed by a photomultiplier tube (PMT). Coincidence detection circuits connect to the detectors and record only those photons which are detected simultaneously by two detectors located on opposite sides of the patient. The number of such simultaneous events indicates the number of positron annihilations that occurred along a line joining the two opposing detectors. Within a few minutes hundreds of millions of events are recorded to indicate the number of annihilations along lines joining pairs of detectors in the ring. These numbers are employed to reconstruct an image using well known computed tomography techniques.
The resolution of the reconstructed image is determined in part by the number and size of the detector elements which encircles the patient. By decreasing the size of each detector and increasing their number, the image resolution is increased, but the cost and complexity of the resulting electronic circuitry is also increased. One method which is used to improve resolution without driving the costs up is to employ a set of separate scintillation crystals of small size with each electronic circuit and encode the signal to indicate which crystal recorded the scintillation event. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,576, for example, four separate crystals are employed with two PMTs and the relative magnitudes of the signals detected by the PMTs indicates which of the four crystals recorded the event. A single channel thus produces a crystal address which has four times the resolution of prior detectors that employ one crystal with each PMT. This method is not effective if more than four crystals are used with each pair of PMTS, and in an effort to further improve image resolution, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,743,764; 4,749,863 and 4,750,972 disclose a structure which employs a single large scintillation crystal with four PMTS. Slots are cut in the large crystal to divide it into separately identifiable segments, and by varying the depth of these slots, the location of the segment in the crystal which recorded the scintillation event can be identified. As many as eight segments in a row can be separately identified using this technique, but it requires the use of large, expensive crystals, and the slots have a thickness which reduces the packing fraction of the detector.


A box is made by folding a sheet of material. Preferably, the box is formed by applying adhesive and folding using a machine, and a waterproof or water resistant coating is applied so that the box is configured for use as a cooler. The box includes (a) a storage portion, including a bottom panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel; (b) four corner panels; (c) a top panel including tabs; and (d) a latching panel attached to the first side panel and pivotable relative thereto about a fold line, the latching panel including first and second subpanels. The latching panel includes cuts extending between and dividing the first and second subpanels through which the tabs respectively extend when the cooler is in a closed position.

The present invention is believed to represent one or more improvements over coolers disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0234715, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. One or more of the improvements are at least in regard to the ability to securely close the cooler when in the use configuration, and one or more of the improvements are at least in regard to enhanced structural strength of the cooler during manual lifting using a top handle.

Cooler apparatus and method of making from folding single sheet of corrugated material


An image processor, included in a logic circuit unit, for executing an image processing of data according to the MPEG standard and the like, a memory circuit unit, whose input port is included in the logic circuit unit, for storing image processed data, and a memory control unit, included in the logic circuit unit, for controlling the input/output operation of the memory circuit unit are formed on a semiconductor substrate. Between the memory circuit unit and the memory control unit, a selector is interposed for selecting, in accordance with a test mode signal, an externally input first chip select control signal when the test mode signal is activated, and selecting a second chip select control signal output by a memory control circuit and outputting a chip select signal to the memory circuit unit when the test mode signal is deactivated.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a memory circuit and a logic circuit and a method of testing the semiconductor integrated circuit device.
Recently, various types of semiconductor integrated circuit devices (hereinafter referred to as LSIs) with a variety of memory built-in structures have been put in practical use. For example, in order to attain a high speed data processing, a plurality of memories each with a small capacity are provided on the same substrate as data processing buffers, or a memory with a large capacity such a cache memory of a microprocessor is provided on the same substrate.
Therefore, not only increase of the scale of the LSI but also security for test coverage, decrease of an increasing test time, etc. in conducting a functional test of the LSI have become significant problems.
In general, an operation test of an internal combinational circuit including a logic circuit built in an LSI (namely, the so-called logic test) is carried out by supplying the LSI with a predetermined test vector for confirming the function of the LSI and by comparing an operational value in response to the test vector read from the LSI with an expected value. This is not, however, a very good method to secure the test coverage of the operation test with a small number of test vectors.
Accordingly, a flip-flop or the like built in an LSI is recently provided with a sequential circuit having a scan function, and a test by a scanning method using the sequential circuit has been occasionally adopted. The test by the scanning method (hereinafter referred to as the scan test) is described in, for example, "Digital Kairo No Kosho Shindan, vol. 1" by Kinoshita, et al., pp. 214-215, published by Kogaku Tosho K. K.). Furthermore, a memory test for a built-in memory in an LSI is carried out by conducting a data read/write test using a predetermined algorithm such as a marching algorithm and a checker algorithm.
However, the read/write test is not sufficient in the built-in memory. For example, even when the built-in memory has a memory cell structure of an SRAM base, there is possibility of occurrence of a production problem such as data disappearance due to a leakage current in a specific memory cell. Therefore, a test for securing data hold during a predetermined time period is required to be conducted. Specifically, in this data holding test, a predetermined data is previously written in a memory, no data is written in or read from the memory for a predetermined period of time, and it is checked whether or not the written data is held after the predetermined period of time. The data holding test requires a holding period of several tens through several hundreds ms (milliseconds) during which no memory access is executed. This period is much longer than a general operation time of an LSI of several through several tens ns (nanoseconds).
Now, a method of testing a conventional LSI will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the conventional LSI. As is shown in FIG. 8, on a semiconductor substrate 100 are formed an image processor 110 for executing an image processing of data according to the MPEG standard and computer graphic (CG) data, a memory circuit unit 120 for storing image processed data, and a memory control unit 125 for controlling an input/output operation of the memory circuit unit 120. The image processor 110, the memory circuit unit 120 and the memory control unit 125 are respectively supplied with a clock signal 130 for synchronizing the input/output of data.
The image processor 110 includes scan-functioning flip-flops 111A and 111B having a scan path for the scan test, which is one of the operation tests for the image processor 110.
The memory circuit unit 120 includes a scan-functioning flip-flop 121a for synchronizing an internal data bus DIN on the basis of the clock signal 130, a scan-functioning flip-flop 121b for synchronizing an internal address bus AIN on the basis of the clock signal 130, a scan-functioning flip-flop 121c for synchronizing an internal control signal WR on the basis of the clock signal 130, and a memory core 123 for receiving a synchronous data signal 135, a synchronous address signal 136 and a synchronous memory control signal 137 and storing image processed data and the write/read operations thereof. In this circuit, the flip-flops 121a through 121c form a first scan path circuit 121.
In an LSI having a clock synchronous memory like this conventional LSI, the flip-flops 121a through 121c for synchronizing input data for the memory circuit unit 120 are provided with the scan function, so that a test data input from the memory control unit 125 to the first scan path circuit 121 can be subjected to the scan test by using a data path including testing selectors. Thus, the test coverage in a testable area 129 can be improved. Furthermore, since the test is batched, the management of the test coverage can be batched with regard to each test item. This leads to an advantage that fails in the memory circuit unit 120 and the memory control unit 125 can be distinguished from each other with ease. In addition, when the LSI does not have a single-chip structure, for example, when the memory circuit unit 120 and the memory control unit 125 are formed on the separate substrates, these substrates are connected with each other through a printed substrate. This leads to another advantage that these units can be tested separately from the memory core 123.
The memory circuit unit 120 is provided with a CS terminal 122 for receiving a chip select signal 132 from the memory control unit 125. At this point, the chip select signal 132 is used for decreasing an operational current by inhibiting the data read/write operation for a predetermined period of time, or in the case where the LSI adopts a bank memory with a large capacity by using plural memories each with a small capacity, the chip select signal 132 is used for making a selected bank memory alone accessible by inhibiting the read/write operation on other memories apart from the selected bank memory.
The memory control unit 125 includes a second scan path circuit 126 for conducting the scan test of the memory control unit 125 and a memory control circuit 127 for controlling the input/output operation of the memory circuit unit 120. The scan-functioning flip-flops 111A and 111B are connected with the second scan path circuit 126 in series through a scan path 131.
Between the memory circuit unit 120 and the memory control unit 125, selectors 128 are interposed, which are switched in accordance with a test mode signal 133 activated in conducting the read/write test of the memory circuit unit 120.
For the scan test in the memory circuit unit 120, a scan-in signal 131a is input to the flip-flop 121a, passes through the flip-flop 121b and enters the flip-flop 121c, which outputs a scan-out signal 131b. Thus, the scan test is conducted by forming the scan path 131.
The specific method of the scan test is described in the aforementioned publication by Kinoshita et al.
In conducting the read/write test of the memory in the memory circuit unit 120, the test mode signal 133 is activated. This activation keeps the chip select signal 132 always activated during the test of the memory circuit unit 120. While the chip select signal 132 is being activated, the read/write operation on the memory circuit unit 120 is enabled, and while the chip select signal 132 is being deactivated, the read/write operation on the memory circuit unit 120 is inhibited.
When the test mode signal 133 is deactivated as in the normal operation mode, the chip select signal 132 has a substantially undefined value because it depends upon a control output of the memory control unit 125. Specifically, in the normal operation mode, the chip select signal 132 is activated by the memory control unit 125 in the cases where current consumption excluding a stationary current is to be decreased by inhibiting an access to the memory and where an access to the bank memories apart from a selected bank memory is inhibited when the memory includes plural banks.
On the other hand, when the test mode signal 133 is activated, the selector 128 selects a test data bus TB, and a test data value is input to the memory circuit unit 120 through the internal data bus DIN of the memory circuit unit 120. As a result, the memory circuit unit 120 can be directly or indirectly accessed from the outside of the LSI. Therefore, a predetermined memory pattern is written in the memory circuit unit 120 by using the test data bus TB, a test address bus TA and a test memory control signal TC, and a read value of the test data output from a test output terminal is compared with an expected value. Thus, the read/write test of the memory circuit unit 120 is completed.
As described above, the read/write test is not sufficient for testing the memory circuit unit 120 but the data holding test is also required. The data holding test is significant for preventing the problem that stored data are disappeared before a defined data holding period elapses due to an abnormal leakage current and supply voltage dependency resulting from a defect caused in the manufacture of the memory.
However, according to the aforementioned method of testing the conventional LSI, a time period of several tens through several hundreds ms is required for the data holding test of the memory circuit unit 120. This time period is longer than time required for another test, whose basic operation cycle is (several ns through several tens ns).times.(the number of patterns). Therefore, most of time required for the test of the LSI should be spent for the data holding test.
Furthermore, during the scan test for testing the image processor 110 and the memory control unit 125 of the LSI, the flip-flops 121a through 121c are not controlled to have their contents retained at constant values, and hence the content of the memory core 123 cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the time for the data holding test cannot be shared by the scan test. In addition, due to the high integration of the image processor 110 and the memory control unit 125, the scan test itself tends to require a longer test time.
In this manner, since the content of the memory cannot be controlled to be updated during the data holding test, the time required for testing the entire LSI is disadvantageously increased.

Semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of simultaneously performing self-test on memory circuits and logic circuits

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A new arrangement for machining parts is disclosed. The parts to be machined are mounted on fixture plates on a fixture. Using a stationary hydraulic line, hydraulic equipment is then pressurized by a pump within the fixture. The pump is mechanically powered by a separate (and disconnectable) power source. A rotatable coupling is attached to the pump. It receives a spindle from a CNC machine, enabling the machine to activate the pump by rotating the spindle while the spindle is received in the coupling. The coupling has axially extending prongs that form slots that accommodates the spindle. The prongs have ends that taper inwardly toward the slots. The spindle is also used to actuate a pressure release valve. The fixture also has at least four angled work faces and an access face that separates two of those faces. In operation, parts are first mounted on the fixture plates. The fixture is then moved to a work area, where the spindle actuates the pump, pressuring clamps that lock the parts in position. The parts are then machined, and the spindle then actuates the pressure release valve to release the pressure in the clamps. The fixture is then moved out of the work area, and the parts are removed. The process is then repeated for the next batch of parts.

This invention relates generally to manufacturing, and particularly to the fixtures that are used to hold parts while they are machined by equipment such as CNC ("computer numerical control") equipment in a machining center.
One conventional fixture that is commonly used to hold small metal parts during machining has hydraulic clamp arms that hold a number of parts to a fixture. After the parts to be machined are loaded onto the fixture, an operator connects a hydraulic line to a fitting on the fixture and opens a hydraulic source, energizing the clamp arms so that they hold the parts in place. The hydraulic line is then removed, and the fixture enters a work area where the parts are machined by the CNC equipment. After the machining is completed, the fixture is pulled from the work area, the hydraulic line is reconnected, the hydraulic pressure is released through the line, and the parts are removed from the fixture. The process is then repeated for the next batch of parts.
There are several potential problems with this kind of system. First, connecting, disconnecting, and reconnecting the hydraulic line leads to wear of the fitting. In addition to wear, the fitting can become damaged by exposure to coolant or machining chips, or by operator mishandling. Second, operators may forget or fail to connect or energize the hydraulic line, or forget or fail to remove the hydraulic line before the fixture enters the work area. These mistakes can lead to costly machine damage or a system crash.

Machining fixture with self-contained hydraulics


A radiation image storage panel comprises a substrate and a stimulable phosphor layer, which is overlaid on the substrate and emits light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation when it is exposed to stimulating rays. The substrate is constituted of a material, which transmits the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor layer and absorbs and/or scatters light having wavelengths falling within a stimulation wavelength range for the stimulable phosphor layer. The light having wavelengths falling within the stimulation wavelength range is thus prevented from passing or propagating through the substrate, and the signal-to-noise ratio of an image signal detected from the radiation image storage panel is thereby prevented from becoming low.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a radiation image storage panel and a radiation image read-out method, wherein the radiation image storage panel is utilized. This invention particularly relates to a radiation image storage panel suitable for an image read-out operation, wherein a radiation image stored on the radiation image storage panel is read out at least from the side of a substrate of the radiation image storage panel, and a radiation image read-out method utilizing the radiation image storage panel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Radiation image read-out methods utilizing radiation image storage panels have heretofore been used widely. With the radiation image read-out methods, a radiation image storage panel (i.e., a stimulable phosphor sheet), which comprises a substrate and a layer of a stimulable phosphor overlaid on the substrate and on which a radiation image of an object, such as a human body, has been stored, is exposed to stimulating rays, such as a laser beam, which cause the radiation image storage panel to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. The light, which is emitted by the radiation image storage panel when it is exposed to the stimulating rays, is photoelectrically detected and converted into an electric image signal. After the image signal has been detected from the radiation image storage panel, the radiation image storage panel is exposed to erasing light, which releases residual energy from the radiation image storage panel.
The image signal obtained from the radiation image read-out methods is subjected to image processing, such as gradation processing and frequency processing, such that a visible radiation image having good image quality can be reproduced and used as an effective tool in, particularly, the accurate and efficient diagnosis of an illness. The image signal, which is obtained from the image processing, is used for the reproduction of the visible image on a photographic film or on a cathode ray tube. Energy remaining on the radiation image storage panel is erased in the manner described above such that the radiation image storage panel can be reused to record a radiation image.
Novel radiation image read-out methods have been disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61(1986)-86743 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,961. In the disclosed radiation image read-out methods, while an image signal is being detected from a radiation image storage panel on which a radiation image has been stored, the regions of the radiation image storage panel, from which the image signal has been detected, are erased one after another. The disclosed radiation image read-out methods have the advantage in that the operation for reading out a radiation image from a radiation image storage panel and the operation for erasing energy remaining on the radiation image storage panel can be carried out approximately simultaneously, and therefore the cycle time of the whole system can be kept short.
Also, techniques for detecting light emitted by two surfaces of a radiation image storage panel have been proposed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,295 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4(1992)-280060. With the proposed techniques, the substrate of the radiation image storage panel is constituted of a transparent material capable of transmitting light, which is emitted by the stimulable phosphor layer of the radiation image storage panel, and the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor layer is detected approximately simultaneously from the two surfaces of the radiation image storage panel. In this manner, the efficiency, with which the light emitted by the radiation image storage panel is collected, is kept high. Further, the image signal components of two image signals having been detected from the opposite surfaces of the radiation image storage panel are added together in a predetermined addition ratio, which image signal components represent corresponding picture elements on the front and back surfaces of the radiation image storage panel. In this manner, the signal-to-noise ratio is kept high.
In cases where the radiation image storage panel provided with the substrate, which is constituted of a transparent material, is utilized, it is also considered to read out the image information only from the back side (i.e. the side of the substrate) of the radiation image storage panel.
However, if the substrate of the radiation image storage panel is constituted of a transparent material such that the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor layer can pass through the substrate, the substrate will also transmit the stimulating rays. Also, the stimulating rays can propagate through the substrate. In cases where, the image information is read out with an image read-out system, such as a photoelectric read-out means, from the back side of the radiation image storage panel provided with the substrate, the stimulating rays, which have passed through the substrate, impinge as noise upon the image read-out system. Therefore, the signal-to-noise ratio cannot be kept high. Further, the stimulating rays propagate through the substrate and stimulate the stimulable phosphor located at regions other than the region of the stimulable phosphor layer, which is to be stimulated. As a result, light is unexpectedly emitted by the regions other than the region of the stimulable phosphor layer, which is to be stimulated. The light emitted unexpectedly will often impinge upon the image read-out system. In such cases, an image having good image quality cannot be reproduced from the image signal, which has thus been detected. Ordinarily, the image read-out system is provided with a stimulating ray cutting filter, which prevents the stimulating rays from entering the image read-out system. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the aforesaid stimulating rays from entering the image read-out system. However, with the stimulating ray cutting filter, it is not possible to cut the light, which is emitted by unexpected regions of the stimulable phosphor layer.
The substrate described above also transmits the erasing light. Also, the erasing light can propagate through the substrate. Therefore, with the technique wherein the image read-out operation and the erasing operation are carried out approximately simultaneously, the erasing light propagates through the substrate. Therefore, as in the case of the stimulating rays described above, the erasing light impinges as noise upon the image read-out system. Accordingly, the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected image signal cannot be kept high. Further, the erasing light stimulates the stimulable phosphor located at regions other than the region of the stimulable phosphor layer, which is to be stimulated. As a result, light is unexpectedly emitted by the regions other than the region of the stimulable phosphor layer, which is to be stimulated. Moreover, the erasing light erases the image information stored in the regions, from which the image information has not yet been read out.


A method for sharing visual situational information of objects among a number of command and control units. The method includes the steps of providing to each command and control unit a mechanism for storing a digital reference map of a geographical area, receiving by one or more command and control unit an image of a scene which includes one or more object within the geographical area, registration of the received image of the scene to the digital reference map, updating a situational information of the object in the reference map, and transferring the updating of the situational information to one or more other command and control unit.

The present invention relates generally to communication between command and control (C&C) units, more particularly to digital data exchange over a data link between C&C units, of visual data acquired by airborne vehicles, which are controlled by the C&C units.
The present invention also relates to Israeli Patent No. 111069 to Sroka et al. incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
As will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of the present invention, the present invention relies on topics of digital mapping, image registration and visual display of data link communication, all of which are prior art, partly described in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,497 to Clark describes a display and methodology for visually rendering digital data link communications between aircraft and other aircraft or ground units.
The display may reside in the aircraft cockpit visually displaying the digital data link communications. The display may also be used at a ground location, such as at an air traffic control unit. Visually displaying the digital data link communications allows a pilot to obtain situational awareness by monitoring the digital communications between aircraft, and may be used in combination with or replace monitoring the voice communications being exchanged over the voice channels.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,160 to Beckwith, Jr., et al. describes a system for generating a real time perspective view of the terrain lying along an aircraft's flight path, accessing terrain data stored in a digital map generator and converting the data into a perspective representation of the terrain on the face of a suitable display such as a cockpit instrument panel CRT.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,553 to Kabel describes a navigation device and method for displaying navigation information in a visual perspective view.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,976 to Rogers describes a shoulder launched unmanned reconnaissance system for providing overhead visual surveillance of remote targets. That invention includes a reconnaissance air vehicle, which may be launched from a portable launcher.
The aforementioned Israeli Patent No. 111069 to Sroka, et al. describes a method and system for marking object images acquired at high zooming by an airborne imaging device, on a reference map having a wide field of view of the scene.
None of the prior art references addresses a situation wherein a visual status of an object whose image is acquired by one C&C unit is automatically updated in real time in all the C&C units which are connected to this C&C unit.
Such updated information will be useful in keeping the situational awareness of the operators of the informed C&C units and will be helpful to them in reassigning new objects for airborne vehicles under their control.
As an example, consider a fleet of aircraft carriers wherein each ship controls its own squadron of aircraft. Each aircraft carrier is thus an autonomous command and control unit with respect to its aircraft. Besides, assume that some of the ships supervise collectively the same geographical terrain territory, thus they use maps or aerial photographs in which the same targets may appear.
Assume also that whenever an aircraft under the C&C of one of the ships engages a specific target, the aircraft also transmits back to its ship (only) images of scenes, which includes the engaged target.
In such a case it should be beneficial that the rest of the aircraft carriers should be aware of the change of the status of the engaged target and thus avoid sending (or alternatively distracting, if they are already in air) their aircraft from this specific target.
In the past, operators of the individual control units were able upon listening to verbal communication to mark by hand or electronically, (e.g. by using a mouse) objects on maps or aerial photographs.
With the advent of "speechless" digital data link communications between control units, the operator of a control unit no longer receives the necessary information permitting him to be aware of changes in status of objects which are reported by other control units. Furthermore even if he has been exposed to this vast quantity of verbal information, he would not be able to handle it.
The present invention fills this gap and provides other related advantages.

Method and system for improving situational awareness of command and control units

Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.


A third-order nonlinear optical main chain polymer material contains a high .chi..sup.(3) component having no less than 3 but no more than 7 .pi.-conjugated bonding groups and having an electron donor in the main chain of the polymer through covalent bonds. The donor is preferably an alkylamino structure, more preferably a dialkylamino structure. Particularly preferred is a diethylamino structure. The high .chi..sup.(3) component is preferably a phenylene ring system of which phenylene rings are bonded through azo bonding groups with the phenylene rings and the azo bonding groups being positioned alternately. The polymer main chain is polyurethane or polyester. The third-order nonlinear optical main chain polymer material is prepared by polyaddition of a high .chi..sup.(3) compound, i.e., a precursor of the high .chi..sup.(3) component, having a hydroxyl group at each end with a diisocyanate compound or by polycondensation of the high .chi..sup.(3) compound with a dicarboxylic acid.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a third-order nonlinear optical main chain polymer material and to a method for preparing the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When a material is irradiated with a light, the electric polarization, P, of the material induced by an optoelectric field, E, may generally be expressed by the general formula (1) below: EQU P=.chi..sup.(1) E+.chi..sup.(2) EE+.chi..sup.(3) EEE+ . . . (1)
where .chi..sup.(i) (i.gtoreq.2) is called an i-th nonlinear sensitivity. Second harmonic generation (SHG) and third harmonic generation (THG) due to second and third terms, respectively, are well known as wavelength conversion effects. The third term is also important as a factor giving rise to changes in optical constants, for example, nonlinear refractive index effects and nonlinear absorption coefficient effects. In particular, nonlinear refractive index effects relate to change in refractive index of a material which is in proportion to the intensity of an incident light, as represented by the equation (2) below: EQU n=n.sub.0 +n.sub.2 I (2)
wherein n.sub.0 is a refractive index at a weak light intensity, I is an intensity of incident light, and n.sub.2 is a nonlinear refractive index. Nonlinear refractive index, n.sub.2, and .chi..sup.(3) may be correlated by the equation (3) below: EQU n.sub.2 =(16 .pi..sup.2 /Cn.sub.0.sup.2).chi..sup.(3) ( 3)
wherein n.sub.0 and n.sub.2 are as defined above, and C is the velocity of light (electromagnetic constant).
Both n.sub.2 and .chi..sup.(3) may be used as indices each indicating a degree of nonlinear optical effect.
By combining a material having this effect with one or more other optical devices such as a Fabry-Perot etalon, a polarizer, and a reflector, it will be possible to realize nonlinear optical devices such as an optical bistable device, an optically gated device, and a phase resonance wave generator. These nonlinear optical devices are hopeful as key devices for future optical computing and optical conversion technology (on nonlinear optical device in general, reference is made to Conf. Lec. of IEEE Int. Conf. Commun, p. 1152 (1990)). Almost all the performances of optical nonlinear devices, i.e., range of wavelength used, strength of input light for operation, response speed, and the like depend on the characteristics of the materials constituting the devices as will be explained by examples below. With respect to details of comparison of materials for nonlinear optical devices, reference is made to Oyo Butsuri (Applied Physics) Vol. 59, p.155, (1990).
GaAs/GaAlAs semiconductor superlattice crystals are based on the mechanism that the refractive index changes depending on the intensity of light due to excitation of exciton as a result of absorption of light in the crystal (absorptional nonlinear effect). Therefore, they are highly effective and require only low incident light intensities for their operation. However, they have disadvantages that the range of wavelength which can be used is limited to a very narrow range near the absorption spectrum of the exciton and that the response time depends on the lifetime of exciton, thus failing to be used in optical signal processing higher than 3.times.10.sup.-8 sec.
Carbon disulfide (CS.sub.2) known as a nonlinear optical liquid is based on the mechanism that the refractive index shows a dependency on the intensity of light applied due to the arrangement of molecules permitting rotation dependent on the optoelectric field applied (molecular rotation nonlinear effect). This is advantageous in that the wavelength range of incident light which can be used is broad enough to cover from visible to near-infrared. However, not only their third nonlinear coefficient is low but also their time response depends on molecular relaxation times, and hence it is impossible to use them in optical signal processing faster than 10.sup.-11 to 10.sup.-12 sec. On the performances of CS.sub.2, reference is made to Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 15, p. 192 (1969).
While it has an efficiency by 10 digits lower than those of semiconductor superlattice crystals quartz can be made in the form of fiber to make an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer switch which can be operated with an incident light of several watts (W). However, the length of such quartz fiber must be from 100 to 1,000 m in order for it to be useful, and its response speed has remained at a level at most on the order of 10.sup.-10 sec. because of its increased length. On the details of optical switches using quartz fibers, reference is made to Denki Gakkai Tsushinshi OCS88-46, 37 (1988).
Therefore, there has been a keen demand for developing a material which has a wide wavelength range in which it can be used, has a high third order optical nonlinear efficiency, and enables high speed response on the order of pico second or less.
Among the materials exhibiting nonlinear optical effects, organic materials having .pi. electron conjugates which enable high speed response have been given attention. Specific examples of such organic materials include .pi. conjugated polymers such as polydiacetylene, polyacetylene, and polyarylenevinylene. The nonlinear optical effects of the organic materials having .pi. electron conjugates are purely due to electron polarization unlike semiconductors and dielectrics whose nonlinear optical effects are based on lattice-to-lattice interactions, resulting in a high response speed as high as 10.sup.-14 sec. which makes it possible to follow changes in the intensity of optical signal. For example, when poly(2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-(p-toluenesulfonate)) (abbreviated as "PTS"), one of polydiacetylenes, is used, the input wavelength range which can be used is from about 0.65 .mu.m to 2.0 .mu.m or more, the nonlinear refractive index (n.sub.2) is 2.times.10.sup.-12 (W/cm.sup.2).sup.-1 which is by 2 digits larger than that of the aforementioned CS.sub.2 liquid. Therefore, the organic materials having .pi. electron conjugates are most expected among various materials for realizing nonlinear optical devices. On nonlinear optical properties of PTS, reference is made to Physical Review Letters, Vol. 36, p. 956 (1976).
However, many of the .pi. conjugated polymers having large .chi..sup.(3) values are insoluble and unmeltable, and hence are poorly processable. Even when they can be formed into films, the resulting films have low optical transmittivities because of their rigidity and crystallinity and are poor in their processability into desired optical waveguides and it has been difficult to use them as they are for fabricating various devices. In fact, no nonlinear optical device composed of PTS referred to above having the largest .chi..sup.(3) has been realized yet. For the same reason, no device using polyacetylene or polyallylenevinylene has been developed yet.
On the other hand, organic materials having large nonlinear optical effects other than .pi. conjugated polymers include donor-acceptor type .pi. conjugated molecules. This type of molecule has a relatively short .pi.-conjugated system with one end thereof substituted with a donor and the other with an acceptor, and the molecule is intended to amplify nonlinear optical effects utilizing intramolecular charge transfer effects generated between the donor and the acceptor. More specifically, diethylaminonitrostilbene (hereafter, abbreviated as DEANS; cf. Chemical Physics Letters, Vol. 165, p. 171 (1990)) and diethylaminonitrostyrene (hereafter, abbreviated as DEANST; cf. U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,595 (1991)) have been known. The donor and acceptor in the aforementioned compounds are a diethylamino group and a nitro group, respectively, while the .pi.-conjugated system is stilbene in DEANS and styrene in DEANST. The both compounds have .chi..sup.(3) values on the order of at most 10.sup.-12 to 10.sup.-11 esu. Particularly, it has been tried to make an optically gated device using a nitrobenzene solution of DEANST which is a nonlinear optical medium superior over CS.sub.2, and test its performances. Further, a side chain type polymer is known which consists of a donor-acceptor type .pi.-conjugated molecule containing azobenzene as a .pi.-conjugated system and polymethyl methacrylate (hereafter, abbreviated as PMMA) to which the donor-acceptor type .pi.-conjugated molecule is bonded through a covalent bond as a side chain to form a side chain type polymer and endow it with a desired optical transmittivity. For the first example of nonlinear optical side chain type polymer, reference is made to Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 51, p. 1 (1987). However, the nonlinear optical side chain type polymer has a disadvantage that it has a .chi..sup.(3) value by at least one digit smaller than that of the .pi.-conjugated polymer.
Therefore, in order to realize high speed nonlinear optical devices using organic materials, it is essential to develop a new organic material having a .chi..sup.(3) value as large as .pi.-conjugated polymers and having an acceptable processability and optical transmittivity. To achieve semiconductor laser behavior, it has been desired that .chi..sup.(3) should be at least 10.sup.-10 esu, and 10.sup.-12 (W/cm.sup.2).sup.-1 as expressed in terms of n.sub.2 represented by formula (3) above.
As described above, most of the organic materials having .chi..sup.(3) no smaller than 10.sup.-10 esu are .pi.-conjugated polymers, which are rigid and of high crystallinities, resulting in poor processabilities and low optical transmittivities, thus failing to give sufficient processabilities to desired waveguide structures. On the other hand, nonlinear optical side chain type polymer materials have similar disadvantages that the donor-acceptor type .pi.-conjugated molecule giving rise to optical nonlinearity has a .chi..sup.(3) value smaller than 10.sup.-10 esu, and it has been difficult to introduce the molecule in the polymer material in high concentrations. Nonlinear optical side chain type polymer materials can be produced by a radical copolymerization or a macromolecule reaction of a vinyl monomer having a .chi..sup.(3) component. In the radical copolymerization, nitro groups and azo bonds, which are indispensable for increasing the .chi..sup.(3) value of the resulting polymer, act as a radical inhibitor, and radical inhibition tends to occur with an increased content of .chi..sup.(3) component. As a result, the degree of polymerization remains at a low level, and the polymer obtained has a low film-formability. Hence, it has been difficult to obtain a material having a high concentration of .chi..sup.(3) component and an acceptably high processability. For example, the ratio of an introduced .chi..sup.(3) component which is disazo or more and has nitro groups and azo bonds in the molecule is at most 10 to 30 mol %. On the other hand, utilization of the macromolecule reaction results in a ratio of introduction of the .chi..sup.(3) component of at most about 20 mol %. In addition, the .chi..sup.(3) value of the nonlinear optical side chain type polymer material prepared by this macromolecule reaction is found to be at most on the order of about 10.sup.-11 esu.
As described above, conventional nonlinear optical side chain type polymer materials use polymers having high processabilities and high optical transmittivities such as PMMA as a base polymer and hence they have high potentialities of being applied to practical devices but they have a critical disadvantage that their .chi..sup.(3) values are by about one digit smaller than .pi.-conjugated polymers.

Third-order nonlinear optical main chain polymer material and method for preparing the same

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation


In order to improve rigidity and stability, shorten a whole length, reduce the number of component parts and assembling steps in an inscribed meshing planetary gear construction, a flange part 114 of an output shaft 102 inner pins 107 and support ring 117 are supported at both ends by bearings 115a and 115b, and then a reduction mechanism part is assembled between bearings 115a and 115b. Axial position of the inner pins 107 are set by inner rings 124a and 124b of the bearings 115a and 115b. Subsequently, with respect to inner pins 107, it is not necessary to provide any shoulder or treading, and the shape is allowed to be simplified, so that machining for high hardness and high accuracy can be realized at low cost, and then a predetermined quality can be secured together with both supporting structures without requiring any expensive inner rollers. This constitution can also be applied in the inscribed meshing planetary gear construction having a carrier pin 116.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an inscribed meshing planetary gear construction which is preferably applied to a speed increasing gear or a reduction gear, more particularly, a small-sized speed increasing gear or a reduction gear in which a high output is required.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the prior art, it is widely known to provide a speed increasing gear or a reduction gear employing an inscribed meshing planetary gear construction comprising a first shaft, an external-tooth gear assembled on the first shaft through a eccentric body in a state where the external-tooth gear can be rotated eccentric around the first shaft, an internal-tooth gear with which the external-tooth gear is inscribed and meshed, and a second shaft connected to the external-tooth gear through means for transmitting only the rotation component of the external-tooth gear.
An example of the prior art of this construction is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This prior art is constructed such that said first shaft is considered as an input shaft, said second shaft is considered as an output shaft and at the same time said construction is considered to a reduction gear by fixing the internal-tooth gear.
Eccentric bodies 3a, 3b are fitted on to the input shaft 1 with a predetermined phase difference (180.degree. in this example). The eccentric bodies 3a, 3b are integrated into one body. Two external-tooth gears 5a, 5b are placed on to each of these eccentric bodies 3a, 3b through eccentric bearings 4a, 4b. A plurality of inner roller holes 6 are provided in the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b. Also, an inner pin 7 and inner roller 8 are fitted in these roller holes.
A main object of providing two external-tooth gears (plural rows) is to increase a transmittance capacity, maintain a strength and keep a rotational balance.
External teeth 9 such as trochoidal or circular teeth etc. are provided at outer circumferences of said external-tooth gears 5a, 5b. The external teeth 9 are inscribed and meshed with the internal-tooth gear 10 fixed to the casing 12. The internal teeth of the internal-tooth gear are constructed such that an outer pin 11 is loosely fitted to an inner pin hole 13 to allow rotation of outer pin 11.
The inner pin 7 passing through said external-tooth gears 5a, 5b is tightly fitted or fixed to flange 14 of the output shaft 2.
When the input shaft 1 is rotated once, in conjunction the eccentric bodies 3a, 3b rotates once. The external-tooth gears 5a, 5b are apt to in an oscillating manner rotate on an eccentric axis around the input shaft 1 through this one revolution of the eccentric bodies 3a and 3b. However, since the rotation is restricted by the internal-tooth gear 10, the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b almost perform eccentric rotation while being inscribed with the internal-tooth gear 10.
Now, it is assumed that the number of teeth of the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b is N and the number of teeth of the internal-tooth gear 10 is N+1, then the difference between the numbers of teeth is 1. Consequently, the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b are displaced by one tooth relative to the internal-tooth gear 10 fixed to the casing 12 every time the input shaft 1 is rotated. This means that one revolution of the input shaft 1 is decelerated to a revolution of -1/N (-indicates opposite direction of input shaft of the internal-tooth gear.
Oscillation component of the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b is not transmitted due to the clearances between the inner roller holes 6 and the inner rollers 9 and then only the revolution component is transmitted to the output shaft 2 through the inner pins 7.
In this case, the inner roller holes 6a, 6b, inner pins 7 and inner rollers 8 form an "isokinetic inscribed meshing mechanism".
As a result, finally, a reduction of reduction ratio -1/N can be accomplished.
In the example of this prior art, the internal-tooth gear of the inscribed meshing planetary gear construction is fixed, the first shaft is an input shaft and the second shaft is an output shaft. However, a reduction gear can also be constructed by fixing the second shaft and applying the first shaft as an input shaft and the internal-tooth gear as an output shaft. Furthermore, a speed increasing gear can also be constructed by reversing these inputs and outputs.
As described above, the inner pin 7 has a function to form an circular tooth acting as one of elements of said "isokinetic inscribed meshing mechanism" constructed with the inner roller holes 6a, 6b, and also has another function acting as a carrier member for transmitting a rotational force of a rotation of external-tooth gears 5a, 5b to the output shaft 2. In particular, in order to keep a superior former function, it was essential to provide the inner rollers 8 capability of freely rotating around the inner pins 7. The inner roller 8 shows a problem of expensive cost due to the fact that the material must be hard both outer and inner circumferences there for must be coaxially and accurately machined (processed or manufactured).
In view of this fact, an idea has been proposed that the function which forms a circular tooth of one of the elements of the "isokinetic inscribed meshing mechanism" and another function which acts as a carrier member for transmitting a rotational force of the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b to the output shaft 2 are separated, and even if the inner roller 8 is eliminated, it has a similar performance to that of having the inner roller 8. This structure is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
This structure comprises, as means for transmitting a rotational component of the external-tooth gears, the inner pin 7 arranged in the external-tooth gears 5a, 5b, an annular support ring 17 receiving a rotation corresponding to the rotational component of the inner pin 7 (the rotational component of the external-tooth gears), and a carrier pin 16 projected from the flange 14 formed at the output shaft 2, connected and fixed to the support ring 17.
Said inner pin 7 is rotatably assembled to the flange part 14 and the support ring 17 through bushes 18a, 18b. That is, since the inner pin 7 is not necessarily tightly connected to the output shaft 2 due to the presence of the carrier pin 16, it can be constructed to be rotatable, resulting in that the prior art inner roller 8 can be eliminated. Said annular support ring 17 is assembled to an extremity end portion of said carrier pin 16. Since the carrier pin 16 only has a function to transmit a rotational force of the support ring 17 to the output shaft 2, there are provided through-holes 20a, 20b which do not contact with the carrier pin 16 even if the carrier pin 16 oscillates at the corresponding portion on the external-tooth gear 5a, 5b.
Incidentally, in FIG. 11, reference numerals 15a, 15b denote bearings of the output shaft 2. Reference numeral 21 denotes an inner pin retainer plate for determining an axial position of the inner pin 7. Reference numeral 23 denotes an inner pin retainer plate bolt. Reference numeral 22 denotes a steel plate race.
However, as apparent from FIGS. 9 and 11, a prior art reduction gear was constructed such that a variation in load generated at the reduction mechanism and/or external radial load from a mating machine acting against the output shaft 2 is supported by a pair of bearings 15a, 15b, resulting in that in order to increase a supporting stability, it was necessary to extend the Y segment and shorten the X segment in FIGS. 9 and 11 as much as possible.
However, since it was difficult to shorten the X segment, the Y segment had to be necessarily elongated, resulting in that it had a problem that an axial length of the reduction gear was elongated.
Then, as shown in FIG. 13, it had also been proposed to have a structure in which "a shoulder" 71 and a threads 72 machined at both ends of the inner pin 7A, the annular support ring 17A is integrally formed with the input shaft 1A, the supporting ring 17A and the flange part 14A of the output shaft 2A are connected and fixed by a nut 73, and the reduction mechanism is disposed between the flange part 14A of the output shaft 2A and the support ring 17A (Jap. U. M. Pub. No. Sho 31-9414).
However, such a supporting construction has been constructed such that the shoulder and the threads are machined at the inner pin which is required increased-hardness and an accuracy so as to be threaded engaged with the input shaft and to be fixed to the flange part, and the nut is fastened. Therefore, it has some disadvantages that the machining accuracy or assemblying accuracy is difficult to attain, and the cost is excessively high. Furthermore, the load concentrated at the shoulder section which effect both supporting structures is eliminated, and another countermeasure for preventing loosing of the plate is required whereby a structure is extremely complex. Therefore, the fact is that this prior art structure (FIG. 13) is no comparison for said structure shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Inscribed meshing planetary gear construction


A correction tape dispenser has a front cover, a core assembly, an extending-and-retracting mechanism and a rear cover. The core assembly is mounted slidably in the front cover and has a convex portion extending out of the front cover. The extending-and-retracting mechanism selectively drives the core assembly to hold forward or backward. The rear cover is mounted on the front cover. A user pushes the core assembly with the extending-and-retracting mechanism forward to extend the head out of or retract the head into the front cover. Retracting the head prevents dust from accumulating on a correction tape on the head.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tape dispenser, and more particularly to a correction tape dispenser that has a front cover and a head wounded by a correction tape and mounted retractably in the front cover. Using the correction tape dispenser is easy and convenient.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional tape dispenser has a casing, a cover and a tape-output assembly. The tape-output assembly is mounted in the casing and has a reel of a correction tape and a head. The head is wound by the reel of the correction tape and extends out from the casing to stick a section a coating film of the correction tape to a paper sheet as the head presses against the paper sheet. The cover is mounted detachably on the casing and covers the head to keep dust from being accumulated on the coating film of the correction tape on the head. However, the cover is missed easily to expose the head and the correction tape in the air so dust is accumulated on the coating film and causes the coating film to adhere hardly to a paper sheet.
An improved correction tape dispenser has a casing, a reel of a correction tape, a head and a press button. The head is mounted retractably on the casing. The press button is mounted on the casing and connects to the head so pushing the pushing button extends out the head from the casing. However, a user holding the correction tape dispenser with one hand cannot easily push the button.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a correction tape dispenser to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.


A rolling-element bearing unit for use in a motor vehicle wheel or in a motorbike rocker arm includes outer and inner raceway elements and a set of rolling elements between the inner and outer raceway elements such that the inner and outer raceway elements are pivotable or rotatable relative to each other and also a lubricant reservoir body in the bearing interior for storing and dispensing a lubricant, the body including bridge elements extending between adjacent pairs of the rolling elements and a side ring connecting the bridge elements.

Rolling elements for motor vehicle wheels are found, for example, in automobiles, in particular configured as double row angular contact ball bearings; in vans and trucks, in particular configured as double row tapered roller bearings; in off-road and special vehicles, in motorbikes, in particular configured as single row deep groove ball bearings, in (electro-) scooters, in quads, in snowmobiles with respect to the wheels which cooperate with the chains, and so on. Depending on the field of use, these bearing assemblies are subjected to more or less heavy loads that originate from the environment, but also from the vehicle itself, and these loads influence the rolling-element bearing service life. The same applies to rolling-element bearing units for motorbike rocker arms.

Rolling-element bearing unit for a motor vehicle wheel or a motorbike rocker arm