A device for the evaporation of volatile substances, in particular of insecticides and/or aromatics, is disclosed having a housing containing a heating element, with a container for the volatile substance disposed in the housing, a wick which can be heated by the heating element, and a heating block having a wick end protruding from the container along a wick axis. The improved device includes at least one additional wick opening formed within the heating block; at least one additional container for containing an additional volatile substance for evaporation, and the additional wick opening being operatively associated with the additional container. At least one additional wick is carried in the additional container, having a wick end extending through the additional wick opening for evaporation of the additional volatile substance in the additional container.

The present invention relates to a device to evaporate volatile substances, in particular insecticides and/or aromatics.
Devices of this type for evaporation of volatile substances are generally known. For example, evaporation devices are known where a small plate is introduced into an evaporation device, impregnated with an active ingredient, and heated in order to evaporate the active ingredient. Another known method utilizes a container for retaining a volatile substance within the housing of an evaporation device. The container utilizes a wick that, via capillary action, conveys the substance to be evaporated out of the container. The container is located next to a heating element such as a ceramic block, and the wick end protrudes from the container so that the substance is evaporated via radiant heat emitted by the heating element. The evaporate then escapes from the housing into the surrounding environment via aeration slits in the housing.
European patent 0 943 344 A1 discloses such as device for the evaporation of volatile substances, in particular of insecticides and/or aromatics. The disclosed device utilizes a housing with a heating apparatus that incorporates a ceramic heating block as its heating element. The disclosed device further utilizes a container for retaining a substance to be evaporated. The container can be connected to the housing, and a wick can be inserted into the container. The operative function of the disclosed device requires the wick end to protrude from the container and into a wick recess within the heating block to effect the evaporation of the substance within the container.
The disclosed device further consists of a plug element with a connecting plug. The plug element threads into the same housing the container is also inserted. Pin openings on the housing and locking pins join to mesh with the threads of the plug element. This allows the distance between the resistance-heating element connected to the plug element and the wick end protruding from the container to be altered by twisting the plug element. In one disclosed embodiment, the plug is mounted eccentrically in the housing element, so that it too can be used to change the relative distance between the wick end and the resistance-heating element, depending on the desired evaporation rate. Evaporation devices of this type (into which a container is inserted) suffer many problems and disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that only a single substance can be evaporated at a time. For instance, aromatherapy often requires two, or possibly more, aromatics be evaporated simultaneously. Currently, depending on the number of the aromatics to be mixed and evaporated, a corresponding number of such evaporation devices must be used. The utilization of several evaporation devices is also required for the evaporation of two different insecticides designed for specific types of insects.
A further disadvantage of previous evaporation devices, is the relatively expensive and complicated manufacturing costs surrounding the manufacture of evaporation devices capable of adjusting the evaporation rate. Previous evaporation devices are rather costly to manufacture.
The disadvantages and limitations of previous evaporation devices are disclosed in WO 98/58692, WO 98/19526 and EP 0 962 132 A1, which disclose the same concept as EP 0 943 344 A1; allowing adjustability of the evaporation rate by changing the position of the wick relative to the heating block.
A common feature of all these known evaporation devices is their impractical large size. Their large size is particularly impractical and unaesthetic for residential use. The large construction of previous evaporation devices require a great number of components to effect adjustment of the evaporation rate. The numerous components are easily lost and render the devices difficult to repair.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an evaporation device for evaporating volatile substances, in particular insecticides and/or aromatics, which allows for more than one volatile substance to be evaporated simultaneously, allows adjustability of the evaporation rate, has a reduced size and improved aesthetic quality for residential use, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.
The above object is accomplished according to the present invention by providing an improved evaporation device, in particular for insecticides and/or aromatics, of a type having a housing containing a heating element, with a container for the volatile substance to be evaporated disposed in the housing, and a wick which can be heated by a heating block. The wick has a wick end protruding from the container along a wick axis. At least one additional container for retaining an additional volatile substance is provided. A wick recess is assigned within the heating block to each container. There is a wick inserted in each container. The wick ends of the wicks extend into the wick recesses for evaporation of the volatile substances retained within the containers.
An advantage of the present evaporation device at least one additional wick recess is provided. Each additional wick recess is assigned to an additional container with a wick inserted into it. A wick end of the additional wick extends into the additional wick recess for the evaporation of the volatile substance contained in this additional container. The present innovation advantageously achieves the evaporation of two or more volatile simultaneously within a single device. Depending upon the application, the plural volatile substances could be two or more aromatics for aromatherapy, or two or more different aromatics for the improvement of room air. In the same manner, two or more insecticides could simultaneously evaporate within the present innovation. The present innovation ensures the heating block is heated by the heating element so an evaporation temperature radiates to the wick recess, ensuring evaporation of all substances, regardless of their evaporation temperature.
The present innovation does not require multiple volatile substances for evaporation to operate, and if the evaporation of only one single substance is desired, it suffices to merely insert one container with a single volatile substance into the housing. Furthermore, the present innovation can evaporate identical volatile substances in two or more different containers, so that a quicker evaporation of a greater quantity of volatile substances can be achieved using a single device. This use may be required, for instance, in large spaces. The present innovation contemplates more than two wick openings with corresponding container wicks extending into the heating block. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has two containers, each with a wick. For this embodiment two wick openings are formed in the heating block. A wick end of the wick associated with each container extends into each opening. In principle, each container can be two vessels, each with one single wick. An alternative embodiment, however, utilizes a single vessel having two chambers separated from each other as the container. This alternative embodiment allows different substances to be evaporated simultaneously.
The present innovation contemplates a small-sized and well-suited heating element with good heating performance. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element is an electric resistance element contained within the heating block. In a preferred embodiment the wick end is assigned to the heating block via a wick recess in form of a passage opening or as a recess on the edge of the heating block. In a preferred embodiment the heating element is placed approximately in the middle between two wick openings. The heating block preferably has a rectangular or oval form, and is located approximately in the center of the heating block so that the wick recesses are located on either side of the heating element. This preferred embodiment ensures proper heat conductivity in the direction of the two wick openings to achieve optimal evaporation of the two or more volatile substances. The heating block temperature should then be at least as high as the evaporation temperature of the volatile substance that has the highest evaporation temperature. It is sufficient, however, if the heating block is designed so that the desired respective evaporation temperature prevails in the areas of the wick openings, as may also be the case with different temperatures in different heating block areas.
Another advantage of the present innovation is uniform and effective evaporation with a good mixing of two different volatile substances obtained when the wick openings are identical and equidistant from the heating element in a preferably symmetrical placement about the heating element.
In a preferred embodiment of the present innovation, at least two heating elements are provided in the heating block. Each heating element has at least one wick recess which constitutes one heating unit. The heating elements are connected to a switching and/or control device through which the heating element can be deactivated or actuated as needed. The heating elements can be deactivated or actuated separately. This preferred embodiment affords greater flexibility and better functional integration because a plurality of individual heating units, each consisting of heating element and wick recess, can be integrated into one single apparatus.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the heating element can be associated with a wick recess. It is also possible, however, for one wick recess to be assigned more than one heating element, each having different heating capacities, so that different evaporation rates may be assigned depending on which assigned heating element is actuated. If necessary, all the heating elements can be actuated together, or only single ones actuated. It is also possible to assign several wick openings to one heating element, so that several wick recess areas can be heated to evaporation temperature through a single heating element, if necessary.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the individual heating elements are able to produce different temperatures, and thereby different evaporation rates. Thus, heating elements with different heating capacities can be used. This allows a simple and economical alternative to the evaporation devices known from the state of the art, where the degree of evaporation can be adjusted only in a complicated and expensive manner with mechanical devices by adjusting relative distances. Alternatively, the utilization of identical heating elements, producing an identical rate of evaporation may be used when different substances with approximately the same evaporation temperature are to be evaporated.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the electrical resistance elements preferably approximate a rod shape and are incorporated within the heating block approximately parallel to each other. Utilizing rod-shaped electrical resistance units oriented approximately parallel about the heating block ensures proper heating of the heating block, especially where, in a preferred embodiment, a ceramic heating block is used. Furthermore, the rod-shaped resistance elements take up very little space, adding to the compact design of the present innovation.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the various possibilities for the placement of the wick openings, as well as of the corresponding heating elements on the heating block. To actuate and deactivate the individual heating units without having one heating unit cross-heating to the evaporation temperature of the other heating unit, in particular in the area of the passage opening. The present innovation places the two wick openings at a distance from each other, and in the center between two heating elements, preferably located at the edge of the heating block to ensure cross-heating does not occur.
In an alternative embodiment thermal uncoupling the different heating elements may be enhanced by including at least one separating element between the two wick openings for the at least partial thermal uncoupling of the two heating units. The preferred separating element is an air gap going through the heating block at least in the area between the two wick openings. This process of thermal uncoupling is also possible in evaporation devices in which more than two heating units are utilized.
Another advantage of the present innovation is using at least two heating elements, where each of the heating elements can provide a different heating capacity for different substances to be evaporated. Thus where electric resistance elements serve as the heating elements, they can have different resistance values. The desired evaporation rate can be easily set in this manner. Alternatively, two identical resistance elements can also be provided for the evaporation of substances with approximately the same evaporation temperature.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the various possibilities for the placement of the switching and/or control device, depending upon the desired application. For a compact, small-size device, the switching and/or control device can be integrated directly into the housing, and can be in form of a manual switch. Alternatively the switching and/or control device may be a programmable microprocessor connected to the device, or to the housing.
The present innovation contemplates connecting the heating element to a power source via electrical lines to a connection plug located on the housing.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the resistance element can consist of any known resistance element, e.g. PTC resistances. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical resistance element is provided by a rod-shaped resistance body covered at some areas with a resistance layer that is notched and/or machined off in spots, to set a given resistance value. The resistance value may be adapted to the evaporation temperature for the composition of the volatile substance in order to provide a heating device with small dimensions. This results in an overall miniaturized device for the evaporation of volatile substances. A resistance element of this type for heating units can advantageously be relatively small in size so that the heating block and the heating unit, and the entire housing, may be relatively small in size. Thereby miniaturized evaporation devices can be created while using at the same time one or two or more suitably adapted low-volume containers in the housing. Thanks to the reduced expenditure for material and components, such a miniaturized evaporation device can also be produced relatively simply and thereby inexpensively, e.g. as a disposable item.
Another advantage of the present innovation is the evaporation temperature can be adjusted optimally to the composition of the volatile substance at any time with a resistance element of this type by cutting or grinding the resistance layer to provide the setting of a given resistance value at different locations. This reduces the flammability danger of the overall device, and in addition, reduces a possible negative effect on the degree of evaporation.
The present innovation contemplates various mechanisms for notching or grinding the resistance layer to set a given resistance value. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance layer is cut into and around the rod-shaped resistance body in a helicoidal form, preferably by helicoidal laser cutting. With such a helicoidal cut the resistance value can be adjusted very precisely and easily for optimal evaporation performance. The resistance layer can also be constructed of different materials, e.g. in form of a special metal layer. In a preferred embodiment, however, the resistance layer is a metal oxide layer, preferably a nickel-chrome alloy layer, which is burned on thermo-chemically by vacuum metalizing or cathodic sputtering in form of a-thin layer. After the resistance layer has been applied, it is preferably subjected to a thermal process in order to stabilize the resistance layer. The resistance body can be made or ceramic in this case, preferably with a high content in AL203 (aluminum oxide), to ensure proper heat conductivity of the resistance body is achieved. The AL203 content depends upon the actual installation conditions e.g. the housing material, the wick material, etc. being used.
The present innovation also contemplates metal caps placed on the ends of the coated, rod-shaped resistance body, and preferably pressed on. An electrical line is connected, preferably welded to each of these caps that is in turn connected to the connection plug. Copper wire with good electrical conductivity is preferably used for the electric lines.
Another advantage of the present invention is the various possibilities for the installation of the rod-shaped resistance element on the heating block. In a preferred embodiment, the rod-shaped resistance element is inserted into a recess within the heating block. The resistance element is encapsulated therein using a highly heat-conductive material, fixing the resistance element in the heating block. The fixing material is preferably a flame-resistant insulation cement. In a preferred embodiment, slits are preferably formed on either side of the resistance element at the opposite ends of the recess. The electrical lines pass out of the heating block and go through these slits to the connection plug. This embodiment allows easy insertion of the resistance element during assembly. In a preferred embodiment the present innovation incorporates a clamping lock, so the resistance element cannot slip during the encapsulating process. Furthermore, the electric lines can easily be curved in the direction of the connection plug. The electric lines can be insulated in a conventional manner.
Another advantage of the present innovation is simple and rapid assembly of the heating device within the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is made up of at least two parts, an upper shell and a lower shell connected by means of locking and/or clip elements. The lower shell preferably contains connecting means to connect the container to the housing locking elements. At least one of the two shells has aeration slits for the escape of the evaporated substance into the environment. In a preferred embodiment the aeration slits are made in the area above the wick end in the upper shell.

Evaporation device for volatile substances

C.T.R. Consultoria Txc3xa9cnica e Representacxc3x6es Lta.


Virtual dedicated access of telecommunication subscribers (12, 14 and 16) to an inter-exchange carrier (IXC) (20) is provided by way of an intelligent local End Office switch (180) that routes calls either to the IXC or to a local End Office switch (18). The intelligent local End Office switch (180) advantageously serves to perform inter-exchange processing of calls, as required, for calls that originate with, or terminate at, a customer rather than automatically route calls to the IXC for such inter-exchange processing, as was previously required.

Present day telecommunications networks generally include one or more local end offices for providing service (i.e., dial tone) to subscribers. Depending on their geographic proximity, a calling and called parties may receive dial tone from the same local End Office switch. Thus, the same local End Office switch will handles the call between the calling and called parties. Often, the calling and called parties lie in different Local Telephone Access Areas (LATAs) and are served by different local End Office switches. Under such circumstances, a call initiated by a calling party passes from an originating local End Office switch to an Inter-Exchange Carrier (IXC), such as AT&T. The IXC routes the call from the originating local End Office switch through one or more toll switches to a terminating local End Office switch serving the called party.
Residential and small business customers typically receive both local (intraLATA) and IXC service via their serving local End Office switch. To the extent that calls made by such customers are inter-exchange calls, the originating local End Office switch passes the call to an IXC as described. For customers, such as businesses, schools and governmental agencies, that have a large inter-exchange call volume, it is often more economical to have a direct link to an IXC, thereby bypassing the local End Office switch. Customers that are directly connected to an IXC are often referred to as "nodal" customers since they represent nodes within the IXC network. Customer-requested features (i.e., the manner in which particular customer calls are processed) are dictated by the type of trunk on which the calls are carried to the IXC network. A separate trunk typically connects such nodal customers to their local End Office Switch for local calls.
Depending upon the capability of the IXC, nodal customers can receive certain inter-exchange call processing for calls handled by the IXC carrier. For example, a nodal customer can receive, via the IXC, certain service indicators, such as an internal index (call count) recording the number of calls originated by, or which terminate at, the customer premises, especially in terms of a particular service utilized by the customer. Further, an IXC may afford a nodal customers the ability to employ a private number plan that utilizes numbers different from conventional telephone numbers per the North American Numbering Plan. Additionally, many IXCs provide nodal customers certain inter-exchange call processing in connection with terminating calls, such as Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS), whereby the customer receives the digits of the called number.
Segregating a nodal customer's local and inter-exchange calls incurs several short comings. For example, while nodal customers gain certain benefits by virtue of their direct connection to an IXC, certain inefficiencies result from having individual trunks associated with separate customers. Further, many nodal customers can not obtain the same type of inter-exchange processing, let alone any inter-exchange processing, for local calls from their local End Office switch that they get from the IXC for inter-exchange calls. To the extent that a nodal customer can get any inter-exchange processing for local calls from their serving local End Office switch, the processing is often different from, and is not coordinated with, the inter-exchange processing obtained from the IXC carrier. In particular, billing for inter-exchange call processing (to the extent such processing is provided by the serving local End Office) is usually different from that provided by the IXC.
Thus, there is a need for an improved technique for providing inter-exchange processing for local and inter-exchange calls.

Method for providing virtual dedicated access to an inter-exchange carrier


A portable terminal comprises: a terminal body having a keypad; a display unit having a display screen for displaying information; and a hinge unit mounted between the terminal body and the display unit, rotatably supporting the display unit so as to dispose the display unit crosswise, and rotatably supporting the terminal body so as to dispose the terminal body crosswise, thereby rotating the terminal body to be disposed crosswise as well as the display unit. Accordingly, the portable terminal can facilitate a key manipulation during a game or the like and additionally perform various functions.

In general, a portable terminal is divided into a variety of types according to its opening and closing method, such as a flip type in which a cover is mounted to a body, a folder type in which a folder provided with display screen is mounted to a body, a slide type in which a display unit provided with a display screen is opened or closed in a slide method. As a terminal provides various services, a folder rotation type providing a wide screen for viewing video or video communication has been being developed and released.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folder rotation type portable terminal in accordance with the conventional art.
As shown in FIG. 1, the portable terminal in accordance with the conventional art includes: a terminal body 110 having a printed circuit board (PCB) provided with various circuit components and having a keypad 102 at its front surface; a display unit 120 rotatably connected to an upper end of the terminal body 110 and provided with a display screen 122 for displaying information desired by a user; and a hinge unit 130 installed between the terminal body 110 and the display unit 120, for rotating the display unit 120 relative to the terminal body 110 and also disposing the display unit 120 crosswise by rotating the display unit at a right angle so that a wide screen is offered.
The hinge unit 130 includes: a first hinge portion 132 for rotatably connecting the display unit 120 with the terminal body 110; and a second hinge portion 134 connected to the first hinge portion 132, for disposing the display unit 120 crosswise by rotating the display unit 120 at a right angle so that the display unit 120 is presented in a wide screen mode.
In the folder rotation type portable terminal in accordance with the conventional art having such a structure, the display unit 120 can be opened and closed relative to the terminal body 110 by the first hinge portion 132, and the display unit 120 is disposed crosswise by being rotated at a right angle by the second hinge portion 132.
However, the folder rotation type portable terminal in accordance with the conventional art having such a structure is disadvantageous in that various functions cannot be provided because the terminal body 110 is disposed lengthwise all the time, although the display unit is rotated at a right angle and disposed crosswise.
Namely, the terminal body 110 cannot be rotated and thus cannot be disposed crosswise, which makes it inconvenient for the user to manipulate the keys when functions requiring many key manipulations, such as a game, are carried out.


The knee protection airbag device (S1) includes an airbag (40) which protrudes rearward from a deployment opening of a housing upon inflow of inflation gas, and deploys upward to be located in front of knees of an occupant between a vehicular body and the occupant. The airbag (40) includes an occupant's side wall (41) and a vehicular body side wall (42). Lower end (48) side of the airbag (40) as flatly expanded with the walls (41 and 42) overlaid on each other constitutes an upstream side of inflation gas. The airbag (40) is firstly folded to bring its upper end (47) close to its lower end (48), from flat expanded state in which the occupant's side wall (41) and the vehicular body side wall (42) are overlaid on each other. Thereafter, the airbag (40) is folded to reduce its transverse width, and then is housed in the housing. The airbag (40) of the knee protection airbag device (S1) is able to deploy effectively from the start to completion of deployment for protecting the knees of the occupant.

In the prior art, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-80797 and No. 10-315894, for example, disclose devices for protecting the knees of a vehicle occupant such as a driver. The airbag device disclosed in the former is located below column cover, and includes an airbag to deploy for protecting the driver from shin to knee when actuated. The airbag device in the latter is located near the column cover below steering wheel, and includes an airbag to deploy for protecting the driver from lower side of the knee to the vicinity of toe when actuated.
However, these knee protection airbag devices have a room for improvement in inflating the airbags effectively along with the course of time from the start to completion of airbag deployment to protect the knees of the occupant.


A radiation detecting apparatus having: a substrate; a phosphor layer which is formed on a principal plane of the substrate and converts a wavelength of a radiation; and a phosphor protective member including a phosphor protective layer which covers the phosphor layer and is adhered to the substrate, wherein the phosphor protective layer is made of a hot melt resin and an upper surface and a side surface of the phosphor layer and at least a part of at least one side surface of the substrate are covered with the phosphor protective layer. Thus, a moisture-proofing effect for penetration of the moisture from an interface between the phosphor layer and the substrate on the side surface side of the substrate can be improved. Further, by using the hot melt resin for the phosphor protective layer, simplification of manufacturing steps, remarkable reduction in the number of working steps, and remarkable reduction in costs of a product can be accomplished.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a radiation detecting apparatus, a scintillator panel, and their manufacturing method and system and, more particularly, to a radiation detecting apparatus, a scintillator panel, and their manufacturing method and system which are used for a medical diagnosing apparatus, a non-destructive inspecting apparatus, and the like. In the present specification, explanation will be made on the assumption that electromagnetic waves such as X-ray, α-ray, β-ray, γ-ray, and the like are also incorporated in the purview of the radiation.
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, digital radiation detecting apparatuses each obtained by laminating, at least, a phosphor layer which emits light by irradiating an X-ray onto the surface of photoelectric conversion elements formed on a flat surface of a large area have been put on the market.
Among those digital radiation detecting apparatuses, a sharp apparatus of a high sensitivity has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,118 or WO9966351A1. As such a digital radiation detecting apparatus, there has been known a photodetector (also referred to as a "sensor panel") comprising a photoelectric conversion element unit in which electric elements such as a plurality of photosensors and TFTs (Thin film transistors) and the like are two-dimensionally arranged. There has been known a radiation detecting apparatus (also referred to as a "direct evaporation deposition type", a "direct type", or the like) in which a phosphor layer serving as a wavelength converter for converting a radiation into light which can be detected by the photoelectric conversion element is directly formed on such a photodetector.
As disclosed in WO200063722A1, the radiation detecting apparatus (also referred to as a "laminating type", an "indirect type", or the like) in which a scintillator panel obtained by forming the phosphor layer onto a supporting substrate is laminated onto the photodetector has also been known.
As a conventional typical sensor panel, a sensor panel disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,118 is shown in FIG. 31. In FIG. 31, reference numeral 201 denotes a sensor substrate having a photosensor and a TFT; 202 a protective layer of the sensor; 203 a phosphor layer of a columnar structural crystal for converting the radiation into light according thereto; 204 a polyparaxylilene film (phosphor protective layer) for protecting the phosphor layer against the moisture; 205 a reflection layer made of a metal film for reflecting the light from the phosphor layer; and 206 a polyparaxylilene film for further improving moisture resistance. The metal film is a thin film and is evaporation deposited by a CVD method or the like.
As another conventional technique, the sensor panel disclosed in WO9966351A1 is shown in FIG. 32. In FIG. 32, reference numeral 301 denotes a sensor substrate having a photosensor and a TFT; 302 a phosphor layer of a columnar structural crystal for converting the radiation into light according thereto; 303 a polyparaxylilene film (phosphor protective layer) for protecting the phosphor layer against the moisture; 304 an SiO2 film for improving the moisture resistance; and 305 a polyparaxylilene film for further improving the moisture resistance. The polyparaxylilene film is evaporation deposited by the CVD method in a film forming evaporation depositing room.
The following points are required for the sensor panel used for such an object as mentioned above.
First, in the case of using the phosphor layer having the columnar crystalline structure made of alkali halide such as CsI:Na, CsI:Tl, and the like formed by evaporation deposition, the moisture resistance is called into question to avoid deliquescence by the moisture in the phosphor layer. The reason why the columnar crystalline structure is used as a phosphor layer is to suppress scattering or attenuation of the converted light in the columnar crystalline structure and efficiently guide the converted light to the sensor panel.
However, since the phosphor layer having the columnar crystalline structure is a hygroscopic material, there is such a problem that if it absorbs the moisture, the crystal deliquesces and the columnar crystals are joined with each other, so that the inherent light propagation is disturbed and the resolution is remarkably deteriorated.
In FIG. 32, the moisture proof in the polyparaxylilene films 303 and 305 and the SiO2 film 304 is disclosed. However, in any of the above films, the CVD method or a sputtering method is used as its film forming method.
In the phosphor layer having the columnar crystalline structure made of alkali halide such as CsI:Na, CsI:Tl, and the like formed by the evaporation deposition, there is a case where an abnormal growth (splash) defect occurs when the phosphor layer is formed. Particularly, in the radiation detecting apparatus for radiographing a human body, a thickness of 400 μm or more is necessary as a thickness of phosphor layer. In this instance, there is a case where an abnormal growing portion becomes a projective portion whose diameter is equal to 300 μm or more and whose height is equal to 20 μm or more. Further, there is a case where a doughnut-shaped concave portion having a depth of 20 μm or more is formed around the projective abnormal growing portion. The present inventors et al. have found out that a thickness of 20 μm or more is necessary as a thickness of phosphor protective layer in order to cover the abnormal growth defect portion of the phosphor layer comprising such a projective portion and a concave portion and satisfy the moisture-proofing function.
However, since the phosphor protective layer using the organic film made of polyparaxylilene as disclosed in the foregoing related art is formed by the CVD method, a film forming speed of the phosphor protective layer is equal to about 100 to 2000 Å/min and slow. Therefore, a time of 2000 to 100 minutes is necessary as a film forming time to form the phosphor protective layer of 20 μm and there is such a problem that the mass productivity is low. Further, since there are disadvantages in terms of the number of steps and costs such as material costs or the like, such a phosphor protective layer is an obstacle to reduction of costs of a product.
If the phosphor protective layer comprising the organic film made of polyparaxylilene to be used for a radiation image pick-up device of a large area (for example, 43 cm×43 cm) such as an X-ray digital camera is formed by the CVD method, inplane film thickness distribution of the phosphor protective layer increases. When a reflection layer is formed on the surface of the phosphor protective layer opposite to the phosphor, the light emitted by the phosphor layer is reflected by the reflection layer and a length of optical path of the reflection light beam entering the photoelectric conversion element is changed due to the film thickness distribution of the phosphor protective layer. Thus, since the reflecting direction of the light differs depending on the location, such a problem that the resolution deteriorates occurs.
Further, in the CVD film made of paraxylilene or the like, adhesion to the sensor protective film of the photoelectric conversion element is small, a resin to cover the periphery of the phosphor protective layer is necessary, and the costs rise.
As another requesting item, since the sensor panel converts the small amount of light into the electric signal, a high S/N ratio is required. Generally, the X-ray generating apparatus is positioned near the sensor panel in the X-ray radiographing room, there is a risk that an electromagnetic wave generated from the X-ray generating apparatus is space-propagated, enters the sensor panel from the front and rear surfaces, and is multiplexed as electric noises into the signal.

Radiation detecting apparatus, scintillator panel, and radiographing system


A compressed gas storage tank that has particular application for storing hydrogen for a fuel cell system. The compressed gas tank includes a cylindrical adapter and valve through which the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A low cost generator is positioned in the tank and has a rotating element positioned in a channel extending through the adapter. As hydrogen is removed from the tank, the mass flow of the hydrogen causes the rotating element to rotate which causes the generator to generate electricity. One or more resistive heating element are positioned in the adapter, preferably proximate to tank seals, that receive an electrical current from the generator that heats the resistive heating element and the adapter to increase the temperature of the adapter and the hydrogen being removed from the tank.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a compressed gas storage tank having a heated gas outlet channel and, more particularly, to a compressed gas storage tank that employs a low cost generator for generating electricity as a result of gas flow from the tank that is used to heat an electrical heater to heat the tank material proximate the tank sealings and the gas.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Hydrogen is a very attractive fuel because it is clean and can be used to efficiently produce electricity in a fuel cell. The automotive industry expends significant resources in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems as a source of power for vehicles. Such vehicles would be more efficient and generate fewer emissions than today's vehicles employing internal combustion engines.
Typically hydrogen is stored in a compressed gas tank under high pressure on the vehicle to provide the hydrogen necessary for the fuel cell system. The pressure in the compressed tank can be upwards of 700 bar. In one known design, the compressed tank includes an inner plastic liner that provides a gas tight seal for the hydrogen, and an outer carbon fiber composite layer that provides the structural integrity of the tank. At least one pressure regulator is typically provided that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen within the tank to a pressure suitable for the fuel cell system.
It is important that the compressed hydrogen stored in the tank be prevented from leaking or diffusing out of the tank. Because hydrogen is a very light and diffusive gas, sealing the tank is typically difficult, especially around the connection area to the outside of the tank. Thus, it is desirable to reduce the number of sealings and the complexity of the connection area to the tank. Also, typically the connecting structures in the tank are made of different materials, which also make the sealing more difficult.
As the hydrogen is removed from the compressed tank, the pressure of the hydrogen decreases. When the pressure of a gas is reduced and the volume does not change, the temperature of the gas will also decrease. If the flow rate of the hydrogen flowing out of the tank is high enough and/or the temperature of the environment is low enough, the temperature in the tank can fall below −80° C. Typically it is possible to limit the hydrogen flow rate so that −80° C. is the lowest temperature that occurs within the tank. If the temperature of the hydrogen within the tank decreases beyond a certain temperature, such as −80° C. around the liner and −40° C. at the tank seals, including O-rings and other sealings, the materials become brittle and possibly damaged, affecting the tank's gas tight performance. Therefore, there are generally limits as to how fast hydrogen and/or for how long hydrogen can be removed from the compressed tank in a fuel cell system. However, this could be undesirable because the output current of the fuel cell stack could be limited accordingly.
It is known to heat the connector area of the tank with an electrical heating element or hot water so that the temperature of the O-rings and other components are maintained above a desirable temperature. However, the known heating solutions are typically complex and costly because the entire connector area is heated, which requires a substantial amount of energy.
Also, it has been proposed in the art to increase the integrity of the various sealings that seal the opening of the compressed gas storage tank. However, as the hydrogen is removed from the tank over a number of cycles, the sealing integrity of the seals may be reduced. Further, providing reinforced seals and the like adds a significant cost to the tank.

Heated outlet valve for a hydrogen storage tank


A new and distinct cultivar of Anthurium is provided. It is a medium size plant, suitable for production in 15-cm to 20-cm containers, with relatively vigorous growth; full and symmetrical growth habit; early and abundant branching; early, very abundant and year-round flowering; and resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae. Dark red spathes with contrasting cream-colored spadices are held mostly above foliage.

Anthurium hybrid.
xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99.
This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of anthurium plant, botanically known as Anthurium hybrid, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name Valentine.
The new cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Altha, Fla. The objective of the program was to develop a well branching, compact pot Anthurium cultivar, resistant to Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae, with attractive spathes and a good flower count. The new Anthurium was discovered and selected by the Inventor in 1998 as a seedling within the progeny of a cross made in 1995 in a controlled environment in Altha, Fla. The female parent was a proprietary Anthurium seedling selection identified by the code number 91-11-48, obtained by the Inventor in the same breeding program, not patented. The male parent was a selected clone of Anthurium hybrid cultivar Lady Jane identified by the code number 941, not patented.
Asexual propagation of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99, since 1998, by means of tissue culture in Altha, Fla. has established that the unique characteristics of this new cultivar are in fact stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.
The new Anthurium cultivar has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment and/or horticultural practices such as temperature, light intensity, day length, fertilization, irrigation, propagation procedures etc., without any variance in genotype.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and in combination distinguish xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 as a new and distinct cultivar of pot Anthurium:
1. Medium size plant, appropriate for 15-cm to 20-cm containers;
2. Symmetrical and full growth habit;
3. Relatively vigorous growth;
4. Abundant and relatively early branching;
5. Early, very abundant and year-round flowering;
6. Deep red, glossy spathes with contrasting cream-colored spadices held above foliage;
7. Very good inflorescence longevity on the plant;
8. Resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae.
Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are distinguished from plants of the female parent, a proprietary Anthurium seedling selection identified by the code number 91-11-48, by its smaller size; earlier and more abundant branching; more abundant flowering; smaller leaf blades; much darker red, glossier, smaller, flatter, more horizontal spathes held closer to foliage; shorter, straight, cream-colored spadices as opposed to curved, dark purple spadices of 91-11-48; and greater inflorescence longevity on the plant.
Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are distinguished from plants of the male parent, a selected clone of Anthurium hybrid cultivar Lady Jane identified by the code number 941, by its earlier and more abundant branching; earlier and more abundant flowering; smaller leaf blades; more ovate, shorter spathes, with lower length:width ratio, glossier, deep red and held above foliage as opposed to dark pink spathes of Lady Jane # 941, often held among foliage; cream-colored spadices as opposed to pinkish-cream spadices of Lady Jane # 941; and greater inflorescence longevity on the plant.
The new cultivar can be compared to its siblings, cultivars: xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99 U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 09/960,456 and xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99 U.S. Plant patent application Ser. No. 09/961,829. The comparisons were made on plants of the same age, grown side-by-side under the same greenhouse conditions in Altha, Fla.
Plants of the new Anthurium cultivar differ from plants of the cultivar Salsa in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are narrower, have taller foliage and fuller growth habit than plants of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
2. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 branch earlier and more abundantly than plants of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
3. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 start flowering later, but flower more abundantly than plants of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
4. Leaf blades of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller with lower length to width ratio than leaf blades of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
5. Spathes of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller, with lower length to width ratio and are held closer to foliage than spathes of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
6. Spathes of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are deep red, whereas spathes of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99 are pink-red.
7. Spadices of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller than spadices of xe2x80x98Salsaxe2x80x99.
Plants of the new Anthurium cultivar differ from plants of the cultivar Favorita in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller and have slightly fuller growth habit than plants of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99.
2. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 start flowering later, but flower more abundantly than plants of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99.
3. Leaf blades of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller, lighter green and less glossy than leaf blades of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99.
4. Peduncles of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are thinner, weaker and shorter than peduncles of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99.
5. Spathes of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller, have lower length to width ratio; are held higher above foliage and have better longevity on the plant than spathes of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99.
6. Spathes of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are deep red, whereas spathes of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99 are orange-red.
7. Spadices of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller and cream-colored, whereas spadices of xe2x80x98Favoritaxe2x80x99 are pink-purple.
The new cultivar can be compared to the known Anthurium cultivar xe2x80x9875-10xe2x80x99, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 9,355, a/k/a Red Hot(trademark). The comparisons were made on plants of the same age, grown side-by-side under the same greenhouse conditions in Altha, Fla.
Plants of the new Anthurium cultivar differ from plants of the cultivar 75-10 in the following characteristics:
1. Plants of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are smaller and have smaller leaf blades than plants of xe2x80x9875-10xe2x80x99.
2. Inflorescences of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are of a good quality from the onset of flowering, whereas several first spathes produced by plants of xe2x80x9875-10xe2x80x99 are very small and deformed.
3. Spathes of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are held closer to foliage, are more horizontal, flatter, less puckered, glossier and deeper red.
4. Spadices of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 are shorter, straight and cream-colored, whereas spadices of xe2x80x9875-10xe2x80x99 are usually curved and dark purple.
5. Inflorescences of xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99 have greater longevity on the plant than inflorescences of xe2x80x9875-10xe2x80x99.

Anthurium plant named xe2x80x98Valentinexe2x80x99


A method for manufacturing a chip arrangement is provided, the method including: forming a hole in a carrier including at least one chip, wherein forming a hole in the carrier includes: selectively removing carrier material, thereby forming a cavity in the carrier, forming passivation material over one or more cavity walls exposed by the selective removal of the carrier material; selectively removing a portion of the passivation material and further carrier material exposed by the selective removal of the passivation material, wherein a further portion of the passivation material remains over at least one cavity side wall; the method further including subsequently forming a layer over the further portion of passivation material remaining over the at least one cavity side wall.

Up till now, no productive methods have been used to manufacture a side wall passivation after the individualization of the chips. Any methods associated with side wall passivation, such as oxide deposition, may be complex.
An etch method, such as the so-called Bosch process may be used for etching away unwanted portions of a wafer substrate. A Bosch process is described in Laermer et al., "Method of anisotropically etching silicon" U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,893 granted Mar. 26, 1996, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. During the Bosch process, a polymer layer may be deposited on the floor and on a side wall of a chip. Following which, an etch process may be carried out wherein the polymer layer on the floor may be fully removed, and the polymer layer on the side wall may be partially thinned. The etching and polymerization process may be alternatingly repeated.

Methods for manufacturing a chip arrangement, methods for manufacturing a chip package, a chip package and chip arrangements


A developing device capable of producing images having excellent image density and texture without density irregularities, which includes a developer carrier disposed opposite the image carrier and transporting a developer hell on its surface to a developing region and a voltage supplying unit which applies an alternating current voltage to the developer carrier, the alternating current voltage having a first frequency during a first action period and a second frequency during a second action period, the first action period and the second action period being alternately repeated, the second frequency being higher than the first frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a developing device used to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier in an image forming apparatus such as a copier, printer or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of developing devices are conventionally used for developing electrostatic latent images formed on an image carrier in image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers and the like.
One such developing device, for example, is shown in FIG. 5. A cylindrical developer-carrying member 111 provided with an internal magnet roller 111a is disposed opposite an image-carrying member 101 in body 110 of a developing device. A developer supplying member 112 such as a bucket roller or the like supplies developer 102 accommodated in body 110 to the surface of the developer carrier 111. Developer 102 is maintained on the surface of the developer carrier 111 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 111a, and is transported via the rotation of the developer carrier 111. A regulating member 113 regulates the amount of developer 102 transported to the region at which developer carrier 111 confronts the image carrier 101 (hereinafter referred to as "developing region"). The developer 102 regulated by regulating member 113 is supplied to the developing region, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier 101.
As shown in FIG. 5, a direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) from DC power source 114 and AC power source 115 are superimposed and supplied to developer carrier 111, so as to generate an electric field in which an AC electric field is superimposed on a DC electric field in the developing region to accomplish development. This electric field is effective for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on image carrier 101, and prevents disruption of a toner image formed on image carrier 101 by a magnetic brush of developer 102.
When a halftone image is developed by a method using the action of an electric field comprising an AC electric field superimposed on a DC electric field in a developing region, there is marked variation of image density due to variations in surface potential of image carrier 101 relative to the halftone image, which disadvantageously produces irregular density in the image so as to prevent obtaining images having excellent balance. Images formed in this way also lack adequate texture.
In recent years it has been proposed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,531, to utilize the action of an electric field comprising an AC electric field superimposed on a DC electric field in a developing region by alternatingly repeating a first time period t1 (action period) during which an AC voltage is applied between a developer carrier 111 and an image carrier 101 and a second time period t2 (rest period) during which said AC voltage is not applied so as to provide a pair of AC electric field of opposite direction in first action period t1, and use the final component of said AC electric field as an electric field component normally to pull back developer 102 to the developer carrier 111 when accomplishing development.
In this instance, however, developer 102 continues to be pulled back to the developer carrier 111 even during the second action period t2 when the said second action period t2 is entered after the AC electric field stops in the state in which said developer 102 is normally pulled back to the developer carrier 111 from the image carrier 101 while said developer 102 is traveling between said image carrier 101 and developer carrier 111. Therefore, when the AC electric field is subsequently applied, the developer 102 is inadequately supplied to the image carrier 101, thereby reducing the image density of the formed image, and preventing the production of images having suitable density in the case of high-speed developing.

Developing device having an AC current with two frequencies and method of using same


A direct ventilation gas fireplace having co-linear air intake pipe and gas outlet pipe. The pipes are separated from each other so that the fluid flowing in one pipe does not come in contact with the other pipe. The gas outlet pipe may comprise a safety release valve that allows any excess pressure, in case of explosion, to exit through a lateral spring-actuated door into an enclosure closed around the combustion chamber. This safety release valve allows to build fireplaces having pipes longer than the usual length allowed for respecting specific safety tests in case of gas explosion.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a direct evacuation gas fireplace having air intake pipe and gas outlet pipe that are co-linear with each other. The invention also relates to a fireplace having a safety release valve so as to prevent damages to the gas outlet pipe in case of explosion.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Direct evacuation gas fireplaces or heaters comprise a combustion chamber that is separated from its environment by an enclosure. The enclosure is self-contained inasmuch as it communicates only with the exterior of the house through an air intake pipe that allows air to be taken to the combustion chamber and feed oxygen to the fire. A gas outlet pipe to exhaust the gases that are produced exits from the combustion chamber through the enclosure and outside of the house.
In all existing fireplaces of this type, both pipes are concentric to save space.
However, such a manner of construction implies that the gas outlet coming out of the combustion chamber is placed inside the air intake pipe. In this manner, when the incoming air is cold, the exhaust pipe is cooled by the surrounding air and any water vapour produced by the combustion may condense inside the gas outlet pipe. If the air is cold enough, this water may freeze, thereby blocking, at least partially, the gas outlet pipe.
It has now been found that a co-linear exhaust system for direct evacuation gas fireplaces prevents such problems. In addition, this new system allows introduction of an explosion safety release valve in the gas outlet pipe that could not have been introduced when the pipes were concentric. This valve in the outlet pipe and the use of a flexible conduct for air intake pipe, when submitted to an explosion allows for installation of longer than usual pipes without giving up the safety requirements of the Canadian Gas Association safety requirement test.
Particularly, this test called the "Interim 41" requires that the air inlet pipe, the combustion chamber and the gas outlet pipe of the fireplace be filled with an ideal gas mixture that will generate the most violent explosion possible. To pass the test, the pipes and combustion chamber must resist the explosion without any damages or loss of tightness or imperviousness.

Direct evacuation gas heater or fireplace and safety release valve for said heaters


The invention relates to a watch comprising a first hour wheel (16) which is rotatably driven around a rotating pin (3) by means of a drive unit and supports a first hour hand (1), and a second hour wheel ((26) that is joined to the first hour wheel (16) via a springy catching connection and is rotatably driven about a second rotating pin (13) by the first hour wheel (16), a second hour hand (11) being rotatably driven by means of said second hour wheel (26). The watch further comprises a manually adjustable winding stem (62) which supports a drive wheel and with the aid of which the two hour wheels (16 and 23) can be adjusted jointly or individually. The first hour wheel (16) can be adjusted by the drive wheel while the second hour wheel or a third hour tube (26) that supports the second hour hand (11) can be blocked by a manually actuated blocking device.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to a watch with a first hour wheel, which carries a first hour hand and can be rotated around an axis of rotation by a drive; with a second hour wheel, which can rotate a second hour hand, is connected to the first hour wheel by a spring-loaded latching connection, and can be rotated around a second axis of rotation by the first hour wheel; with a manually rotatable adjusting stem, which carries a drive wheel and by means of which both of the hour wheels can be adjusted jointly or one of them can be adjusted individually.
2. Description of the Related Art
So that, in a watch of this type, the first hour hand can be adjusted to the same position as the second hour hand, an adjusting device which is independent of the time zone ring is required for the second hour hand. For this purpose, a third position of the adjusting stem can be used, where the first position is used to wind up the watch, the second position is used to adjust the hands jointly, and the third is used to adjust the second hour hand independently of the time zone ring.
Because of the short distances by which the adjusting stem is moved, the stem can easily assume the wrong position, which leads in turn to an unwanted adjustment of the watch. In addition, a time zone mechanism cannot be integrated into a basic watch movement in which the adjusting stem has only two positions.


Methods, apparatus, and systems for implementing in Network Interface Controller (NIC) flow switching. Switching operations are effected via hardware-based forwarding mechanisms in apparatus such as NICs in a manner that does not employ use of computer system processor resources and is transparent to operating systems hosted by such computer systems. The forwarding mechanisms are configured to move or copy Media Access Control (MAC) frame data between receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) queues associated with different NIC ports that may be on the same NIC or separate NICs. The hardware-based switching operations effect forwarding of MAC frames between NIC ports using memory operations, thus reducing external network traffic, internal interconnect traffic, and processor workload associated with packet processing.

Access to computer networks has become a ubiquitous part of today's computer usage. Whether accessing a Local Area Network (LAN) in an enterprise environment to access shared network resources, or accessing the Internet via the LAN or other access point, it seems users are always logged on to at least one service that is accessed via a computer network. Moreover, the rapid expansion of cloud-based services has lead to even further usage of computer networks, and these services are forecast to become ever-more prevalent.
Expansion of network usage, particularly via cloud-based services, has been facilitated via substantial increases in network bandwidths and processor capabilities. For example, broadband network backbones typically support bandwidths of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) or more, while the standard for today's personal computers is a network interface designed to support a 1 Gbps Ethernet link. On the processor side, processors capabilities have been increased through both faster clock rates and use of more than one processor core. For instance, today's PCs may employ a dual-core processor or a quad-core processor, while servers may employ processors with even more cores. For some classes of servers, it is common to employ multiple processors to enhance performance. In addition, it is envisioned that much of the future processor performance increases will result from architectures employing greater numbers of cores, and that future servers may employ greater numbers of processors.
In computer systems, network access is typically facilitated through use of a Network Interface Controller (NIC), such as an Ethernet NIC. In recent years, server NICs have been designed to support for many optimizations for multi-core, multi-processor platform architectures. These optimizations include Receive Side Scaling (RSS) and Application Targeted Routing (ATR).
In recent years, virtualization of computer systems has seen rapid growth, particularly in server deployments and data centers. Under a conventional approach, a server runs a single instance of an operating system directly on physical hardware resources, such as the CPU, RAM, storage devices (e.g., hard disk), network controllers, I/O ports, etc. Under a virtualized approach, the physical hardware resources are employed to support corresponding virtual resources, such that multiple Virtual Machines (VMs) may run on the server's physical hardware resources, wherein each virtual machine includes its own CPU allocation, memory allocation, storage devices, network controllers, I/O ports etc. Multiple instances of the same or different operating systems then run on the multiple VMs. Moreover, through use of a virtual machine manager (VMM) or "hypervisor," the virtual resources can be dynamically allocated while the server is running, enabling VM instances to be added, shut down, or repurposed without requiring the server to be shut down. This provides greater flexibility for server utilization, and better use of server processing resources, especially for multi-core processors and/or multi-processor servers.
Under a conventional approach employing server virtualization, physical or logical cores (such as those implemented in processors using Intel® Corporation's Hyper-Threading™ architectures) are allocated to VM's at a similar ratio, such as 1:1. As packets are received at NIC receive (Rx) ports, some initial packet processing operations are performed to determine where in system memory the packets are to be written, which entails a DMA (direct memory access) write of the packet from a NIC input buffer to a buffer in system memory allocated to the VM that is the consumer of the packet or otherwise is to be implemented for performing packet forwarding operations. DMA operations are usually facilitated using high-speed interconnects such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) links that are coupled between a NIC and the multi-core host processor. PCIe employs packet-based memory transactions (e.g., DMA writes to system memory) over a multi-lane serial link structure, enabling inbound traffic to be multiplexed effectively using applicable queuing techniques. Once in system memory, additional forwarding-related operations are performed by software-based entities using host processor resources, such as networking software that is part of an operating system running on the host processor or networking software running on a VM.
Currently, for more efficient packet processing, NICs segment their receive and transmit (Tx) dedicated memory to queues (also commonly referred to as buffers), usually equal in number to the number of physical or logical cores in the host processor. Through RSS and advanced filtering mechanisms such as Intel Corporation's Flow Director, network flows get assigned to Rx queues. Each core in the system processes packets from a specific Rx and Tx queue pair through use of interrupt affinity, whereby (ideally) maximum parallelization is achieved as network traffic is load balanced by the NIC with flows being spread to different queues and so each core gets a (relatively) fair share of the total received network traffic. Although this has been a good technique, it does not scale well for NICs operating at higher bandwidths, such as 10+ Gbps. In particular, the PCIe interconnect(s) becomes saturated and the processor caches are prone to thrashing. In modern data center servers where several virtual machines (VMs) run in the same host sharing the same NIC, packet processing becomes a bottleneck. In addition, VM-to-VM communication, even within the same system, occurs via network communication, which typically involves use of an external switch.


An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position, in which the ramp forms a pair of steps, and a lowered position, in which the operable ramp provides an inclined surface. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis that moves back and forth when the operable ramp moves between the lowered position and the raised position. A link is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis and is itself rotatable about a fixed third axis. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the link between the second axis and the third axis, and a third panel is rotatably coupled to the second panel about a fourth axis. When the ramp moves between the raised and lowered positions, the fourth axis rotates about a fixed fifth axis. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the removal of physical obstacles to those who are physically challenged. The stated objective of this legislation has increased public awareness and concern over the requirements of the physically challenged. Consequentially, there has been more emphasis on providing systems that enable physically challenged people to access buildings and other architectural structures that have a step at the point of ingress or egress.
Installing a fixed ramp is a common way to provide the physically challenged with access to a building with one or more steps at the entrance. Fixed ramps take up a large amount of space and often detract from the aesthetic qualities of the building. Fold out ramps, similar to those used in vehicles can be utilized, but deployment often requires a large area into which the ramp deploys.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,337, issued to Morris et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses an operable ramp that is suitable for installation in an architectural setting that includes a step. The operable ramp moves between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step that blends in with the fixed step, thereby maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the architecture. In the lowered position, the operable ramp forms an inclined surface that provides access between the upper surface and the lower surface.
Building codes set a maximum rise for steps, and as result, a second step is often required when the distance between the upper and lower surfaces exceeds the maximum distance allowed for a single step. Accordingly, there is a need for a ramp that provides access to a building with two steps at the entrance, while minimizing the space required by the ramp.


A liquid crystal display method is provided in which various types of display patterns can be displayed with a predetermined driving voltage margin being maintained and power consumption does not increase. Accordingly, a driving method for a liquid crystal display device is provided using liquid crystal having two metastable states. A scanning signal has a reset period, a delay period, a selection period and a non-selection period in one frame period. The selection period is set to one horizontal scanning period 1H. The scanning signal is set to reset potentials reversed at an interval of a frame period in the reset period, set to selection potentials reversed at an interval of 1H/2 in the selection period, and set to non-selection potentials in the delay period and the non-selection period. The data potential of a data signal has potentials reversed at an interval of 1H/2. When the voltage difference between the scanning signal and the data signal is applied to the liquid crystal, a voltage having one polarity is not always applied to the liquid crystal for a period exceeding a 1H period in the delay period. Therefore, various display patterns can be displayed with a predetermined driving voltage margin being maintained. Since a voltage applied to the liquid crystal in the reset period is reversed in the positive and negative sides at an interval of a period longer than 1H, power consumption does not increase.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a bistable liquid crystal device having a memory capability which uses a nematic liquid crystal, a driving method for driving the crystal device, and an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device.
2. Description of Related Art
A bistable liquid crystal display using a nematic liquid crystal has already been disclosed in Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 1-51818. An initial alignment condition, two stable states, and a method for implementing the states are described therein.
In Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 1-51818, however, only the operations or phenomenon of the two stable states are described, and there is no descriptions on means for practically using the states for a display apparatus. In addition, there is no descriptions on a matrix display, which has now the highest practical capability as a display apparatus and has a high display capability in the publication. A driving method for driving the liquid crystal device is not disclosed either.
The inventors have proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-230751 a method for avoiding the foregoing drawbacks, in which backflow generated in a liquid crystal cell is controlled. In this method, a period in which the Freedericksz transition is generated by applying a high voltage for about one millisecond and immediately after that, a 0-degree uniform state is formed by the use of a constant voltage pulse which is equal to or higher than a threshold voltage with the same or reverse polarity as or to that of the foregoing pulse. Alternatively, in the same way, a period is provided immediately after the Freedericksz transition voltage, in which pulses equal to or lower than the threshold voltage are generated to implement a 360-degree twist state. In this method, the time required for writing per line in a matrix display is 400 xcexcsec. To write for 400 lines or more, a total time of 160 msec (6.25 Hz) or more is required and this causes a flicker in a display. A practical problem remains in this method.
Therefore, the inventors filed Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-175041 to improve the writing time. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 in that publication, a delay period is provided after the reset pulse which causes the Freedericksz transition, and then an ON or OFF selection signal is applied. With this method, the writing time can be reduced, for example, to 50 xcexcsec, which is about several times faster than before.
To make driving of bistable liquid crystal practical, some points are to be improved in addition to the writing time described above.
One of the issues is to implement to display all display patterns which may be displayed on a matrix display screen.
In the method for improving the writing time described above, for example, a scanning voltage signal supplied to the scanning signal line corresponding to a horizontal line has a reset period, a selection period, a non-selection period, and in addition, a delay period disposed between the reset period and the selection period. In this delay period, a voltage depending on the data potential of a pixel in a vertical line (data signal line) is applied to the liquid crystal in the same way as in the non-selection period.
The display patterns which may be displayed described above include an all black or white display pattern in one vertical line, a display pattern in which only one white or black dot is disposed in one vertical line, and a stripe display pattern in which white and black alternate in every dot in one vertical line. In the delay period, the voltage depending on each of these display patterns is applied to the liquid crystal.
It is found from experiments performed by the inventors, which will be described later as comparative examples in detail, that a selection voltage which allows the three display patterns described above to be displayed cannot be specified when the delay period is provided in a scanning signal used in the conventional driving method to drive a bistable liquid crystal. It is supposed that this is caused by a DC voltage application due to an unbalanced polarity of a voltage applied to the liquid crystal in the delay period.
Another issue is related to the power consumption of the bistable liquid crystal which is being driven. To drive the bistable liquid crystal, the preceding writing state needs to be reset in advance before the selection period. In the reset period, it is necessary to apply a reset voltage which is higher than that for other liquid crystal, for example, 25 V. This high reset voltage increases the power consumption of the bistable liquid crystal which is being driven. Therefore, if the power consumption increases due to the improvement of a driving method of the bistable liquid crystal, the driving method cannot be made practical.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal device, a driving method therefor, and an electronic apparatus using the liquid crystal device, in which various types of display patterns can be displayed with a predetermined driving voltage margin being maintained and power consumption being prevented from increasing.
According to the present invention, a driving method for a liquid crystal device which includes a first substrate having a plurality of scanning signal lines, a second substrate having a plurality of data signal lines, and a liquid crystal disposed between the first and second substrates, in which a liquid crystal molecule has a predetermined twist angle at an initial state and there exist two metastable states different from the initial state as relaxation states generated after a voltage for bringing about a Freedericksz transition is applied, the method including:
supplying a scanning signal having a reset period, a delay period, at least one selection period, and a non-selection period in one vertical scanning period to each of the scanning signal lines;
supplying a data signal having the data potential corresponding to a display pattern to each of the data signal lines every time in the at least one selection period;
applying a voltage difference between the data signal and the scanning signal to the liquid crystal which is set to a reset potential at the reset period, set to a selection potential at the at least one selection period, and set to a non-selection potential at the delay period and at the non-selection period;
applying a reset voltage higher than or equal to a threshold value to the liquid crystal for bringing about the Freedericksz transition in the reset period according to the reset potential of the scanning signal and the data potential of the data signal;
applying a delay voltage to the liquid crystal in the delay period after the reset period according to the non-selection potential of the scanning signal and the data potential of the data signal;
applying a selection voltage to the liquid crystal for selecting one of the two metastable states in the at least one selection period after the delay period according to the selection potential of the scanning signal and the data potential of the data signal;
applying a non-selection voltage to the liquid crystal at the non-selection period following the at least one selection period according to the non-selection potential of the scanning signal and the data potential of the data signal;
setting the length of the at least one selection period to one horizontal scanning period (1H), and respectively setting the selection potential of the scanning signal and the data potential of the data signal corresponding to each selection period to positive and negative potential levels reversed in the positive and negative sides relative to the reference potential at an interval of 1H/m (m is an integer equal to or more than 2) so that a voltage of one polarity is not applied to the liquid crystal exceeding a 1H period irrespective of the display pattern in the delay period, the selection period, and the non-selection period; and
reversing the reset voltage in polarity in the positive and negative sides relative to the reference potential at an interval of a period longer than one horizontal scanning period (1H).
A device according to the present invention is defined as a liquid crystal device which implements the above method.
The present invention implements all display patterns which include, for example, an all black or white display pattern in one vertical line, a display pattern in which only one white or black dot is disposed in one vertical line, and a stripe display pattern in which white dots and black dots alternate in one vertical line. It was found from experiments of the inventors that if the voltage applied to the liquid crystal during the delay period continues to be applied with one polarity, an adverse effect appears which impedes display selection during the selection period following the delay period. Therefore, according to the present invention, a voltage with one polarity is not applied to the liquid crystal for more than a period of 1H during the delay period immediately before the selection period, irrespective of the display pattern which determines the display state of the liquid crystal. As a result, all these display patterns are allowed to be displayed.
To this end, the selection potential of a scanning signal and the data potential of a data signal are set to positive and negative potential levels alternately changed between the positive and negative sides at an interval of 1H/m (m is an integer equal to or more than 2) relative to the reference potential. In addition, the reset voltage applied to the liquid crystal during the reset period is alternately changed between the positive and negative sides at an interval of a period longer than one horizontal scanning period (1H). Since an increase of the number of times the polarity of the reset voltage alternates, which is relatively high, is prevented in this way, the total amount of the current which flows when the polarity of the reset voltage alternates is reversed is reduced and an increase of power consumption is also prevented.
It is preferred that the polarity of the reset voltage be changed at an interval of the vertical scanning period, or at a cycle of 2H or more. In this case, since the number of times the polarity of the reset voltage alternates, which is high, is reduced, power consumption is reduced.
It is preferred that the reset period of the scanning signal be divided into a plurality of periods, including at least a first period to a third period, be set to the positive or negative potential level having different polarities from each other relative to the reference potential in the first and third periods, and be set to the reference potential in the second period.
In this case, a voltage to be applied between adjacent scanning electrodes can be reduced. Even if the distance between adjacent scanning electrodes becomes short, it is unnecessary to have a large insulation voltage between the electrodes.
The present invention can also be applied to an MLS (multi-line selection) driving method. In this case, a scanning signal has a plurality of selection periods in one vertical scanning period. In the MLS driving method, the selection voltage is applied at the same time to the liquid crystal corresponding to a plurality of different scanning electrodes in each selection period. Each data potential of a data signal corresponding to each selection period of a scanning signal is set to a positive or negative potential level alternately changed between the positive and negative sides relative to the reference potential at an interval of 1H/m.
The data potential of a data signal used in the MLS driving method is determined by a combination of each of the display states of the simultaneously selected lines and set to the same potential as the reference potential in the data potential. It was found that, with the synergy of this condition and the condition in which the data potential is reversed at an interval of 1H/m, a wide driving voltage margin can be obtained. Since a one-polarity voltage is not continuously applied to the liquid crystal during the delay period irrespective of the display pattern, various types of display patterns can be easily displayed.
It is preferred that a scanning signal used in the MLS driving method has an interval period as the reference potential, between two selection periods provided in one vertical scanning period. With this setting, it can be set that a one-polarity voltage is not applied to the liquid crystal for more than a period of 1H irrespective of the display pattern.
It is preferred that the delay period be set to ranges from 210 xcexcsec to 700 xcexcsec. It was found that the saturation voltage Vsat and the threshold voltage Vth of a liquid crystal change according to the length of the delay period, and the voltage difference |Vsatxe2x88x92Vth| therebetween also changes. To generate the liquid crystal arrangement corresponding to a display ON state, an ON voltage applied to the liquid crystal needs to be higher than Vsat. To generate the liquid crystal arrangement corresponding to a display OFF state, an OFF voltage applied to the liquid crystal needs to be lower than Vth. It was found that the voltage difference |Vsatxe2x88x92Vth| needs to be small and the delay period needs to be set to that described above in order to satisfy these conditions. Therefore, the arrangement of the liquid crystal corresponding to the ON/OFF display state can be controlled by setting the length of the delay period as described above.

Liquid crystal device, driving method therefor, and electronic apparatus using the same


A roof rack includes a pair of roof rails extended in parallel each other and connected to a roof of a vehicle, a cross rail extended perpendicular to the roof rail for connecting the roof rails, and a stopper mechanism including a handle operable for fixing the cross rail to the roof rails. The cross rail is movable relative to the roof rail when the handle is at a first position and the cross rail is immovable relative to the roof rail when then handle is at a second position.

A known roof rack includes a pair of roof rails arranged in parallel each other to be fixed on a roof of a vehicle for extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a plurality of cross rails arranged to be perpendicular to the roof rails for connecting two roof rails for carrying a load. As described, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. H10-119657, the position of the cross rail is changeable for carrying the loads with different sizes and configurations with the known roof rack.
Notwithstanding, with the roof rack described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. H10-119657, a user tightens screws by rotating an operational knob for fixing the cross rails to the roof rails. With this construction of the roof rack, the fixation is not uniform depending on the users. In case the tightening is loose, the noise due to the vibration is generated during the driving and the loading may be unstable when the heavy load is carried.
A need thus exists for a roof rack including a constant tightening force for fixing a cross rail to a roof rail for securely fixing them.


A fire resistant optical cable includes: a plurality of optical fibers; at least one tubular layer of a ceramifiable material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers; and at least one flame shielding layer surrounding the tubular layer. The tubular layer of the ceramifiable material is able to mechanically protect the optical fibers not only during heating but also when the fire is extinguished, since it forms a sufficiently robust layer to withstand the mechanical stresses caused by the collapsing of the materials still surrounding the cable, especially in the transition portions between hot and cold zones. The tubular layer of the ceramifiable material is protected by means of at least one flame shielding layer which prevents the flames from directly acting on the ceramifiable material.

The present invention relates to a fire resistant optical cable. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fire resistant optical cable which is able to resist to fire and to maintain its optical transmissive properties during and after the fire occurrence for a predetermined period of time.
Optical cables are generally used for medium or long distance telecommunications. There are specific applications where optical cables must have some ability to withstand fire aggression without significantly decreasing their transmission performance. For instance, cables used in fire alarm systems and/or local video surveillance must be able to continue to transmit data/signals in the presence of fire. The functionality of the optical cable must be maintained during the fire occurrence and usually also for a predetermined period of time after the fire is extinguished. Such kind of optical cables are usually installed in galleries and in buildings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,960 discloses a fire retardant communication cable including a core which comprises at least one transmission media and fire retardant means which includes a material comprising a mixture of a first inorganic oxide constituent and a second inorganic oxide constituent. The first inorganic oxide constituent is characterized by melting when exposed to temperatures as low as about 350° C., whereas the second inorganic oxide constituent begins to crystallize at about 650° C. The fire retardant means is effective when said cable is exposed to temperatures in the range of about 350° C., to 1000° C., to form a crusty layer which insulates said core from heat energy and minimizes release of smoke and combustible gases. The fire-retardant means may be included as a jacket of the cable or as a longitudinally extending tape. Preferably, the fire retardant means is coextruded with the jacket. The transmission media may include one or more pairs of insulated metallic conductors or optical fibers.
International patent application WO 2010/012932 relates to a power and/or telecommunication cable comprising at least one conductive element surrounded by at least one insulating layer extending along the cable, the insulating layer being obtained from a composition containing the following compounds: a) an organic polymer, b) an inorganic compound containing a potassium oxide and/or one of the precursors thereof; c) a boron oxide and/or one of the precursors thereof; and d) calcium oxide CaO and/or one of the precursors thereof. The amount of the compound d) is at least 10 wt % of the total weight of the compounds b, c, and d in the composition. The above combination of inorganic fillers is able to react upon exposure to fire to produce a ceramic refractory material, which allows to maintain mechanical and electrical integrity of the cable during tire.


A document processing apparatus has a data exchange processor for inputting plural first structured documents, extracting contents included in the respective first structured documents, and creating second structured documents respectively corresponding to the first structured documents and having a predetermined data structure, a data unification processor for unifying the plural second structured documents into a third structured document, a layout processor for arranging plural rectangles in a predetermined area based on rectangular size information included in the third structured document, and a rendering processor for rendering the contents corresponding to the respective rectangles described in the third structured document.

Distribution document data or printable document data is generated by collecting images and texts used in documents as content data forming respective layouts and layouting the collected content data. In this case, necessary various processings including data collection processing and layout processing are tightly unified as one application. Conventionally, upon determination of document layout, an operator manually determines a layout using the substance of data, otherwise, manually generates a template to output those data in a predetermined layout.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,934,052 discloses a technique for enlarging digital images and positioning them so as to minimize blank space on a page.
In a case that various processings including data collection processing and layout processing are tightly unified as one application, the processings cannot be separated. Accordingly, it is impossible to incorporate a part of those processings into a device or a device with a small capacity resource. Further, in a case where layout information is not included, the layout processing cannot be realized without an operator's work. For this reason, layout generation requires much time and trouble, which is a factor of increase in human cost.
Further, the layouting may be performed by generating a template to output content data in a predetermined layout and outputting the content data using the template. However, in this case, as the layouting is performed with only several predetermined patterns, it is difficult to obtain a desired result by dynamically changing the layout in correspondence with the size or the like of input various content data.

Document processing apparatus and control method thereof