An image forming apparatus includes photoconductive drums aligned side by side for toner images in colors to be formed on peripheral surfaces thereof. A transfer belt turns while stretched over rollers for the toner images to be transferred thereon by being superimposed one another as a surface thereof abuts on the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductive drums. A transfer roller transfers the toner images from the transfer belt onto a recording sheet. The transfer belt uses the position of the transfer roller as a turning position and turns to have a first side that moves in a first direction towards the turning position while abutting the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductive drums and a second side that moves opposite to the first direction using the turning position as a starting point. A cooling mechanism cools the transfer belt by circulating taken-in outside air along a surface of the second side.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus capable of performing color printing.
2. Description of the Background Art
Conventionally, a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus 100 capable of performing color printing as shown in FIG. 4 has been known. The image forming apparatus 100 includes plural photoconductive drums 101 for respective colors aligned side by side (yellow drum 101Y, magenta drum 101M, cyan drum 101C, and black drum 101K), and a transfer belt 104 disposed beneath the respective photoconductive drums 101 and turning around a pair of side rollers 102 and 103. The surface of an upper side 104a of the transfer belt 104 abuts on the peripheral surfaces of the respective photoconductive drums 101. At a center portion of a lower side 104b of the transfer belt 104, an intermediate roller 105 and a transfer roller 106 disposed oppositely to the intermediate roller 105 via the transfer belt 104 are provided. A charger, an exposing device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and so forth are provided on the periphery of each photoconductive drum 101, all of which are omitted in FIG. 4.
As the transfer belt 104 turns, toner images on the photoconductive drums 101 for respective colors are superimposed one on another on the surface thereof to form a color image. A recording sheet P is sent from a sheet cassette 107 to a nip portion between the intermediate roller 105 and the transfer roller 106 in synchronism with an action that a portion of the transfer belt 104 bearing the color image thus formed passes by the nip portion. The color image formed on the surface of the transfer belt 104 is thus transferred onto the recording sheet P. The recording sheet P done with the transfer processing is then subjected to fixing processing by heating for the toner image in a fixing device 108 provided directly downstream from the nip portion. Subsequently, the recording sheet P is discharged toward a sheet discharge tray 100a.
In the image forming apparatus 100 configured as above, each photoconductive drum 101 is heated due to application of a voltage from the charger and irradiation of a laser beam from the exposing device. In some cases, the transfer belt 104 is overheated when heat is transmitted from the respective photoconductive drums 101 or when it is irradiated to radiation heat generated in the fixing device 108. When the transfer belt 104 is overheated, there occurs an inconvenience that toner particles on the transfer belt 104 melt and are firmly fixed onto the transfer belt 104. Further, it is no longer possible to apply cooling processing to the photoconductive drums 101 via the transfer belt 104, which causes another inconvenience that image forming processing on the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductive drums 101 is adversely affected.
In order to prevent the occurrence of such inconveniences, it has been known to provide a cooling mechanism, in which a cooling fan 109 is disposed in close proximity to the lower side 104b and outside air taken in by the driving of the cooling fan 109 is blown on the surface of the lower side 104b. An image forming apparatus provided with such a cooling mechanism is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-2001-296755, JP-A-2003-29540, and JP-A-2004-361626.
In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4, however, the intermediate roller 105 and the transfer roller 106 are provided at the center portion of the lower side 104b of the transfer belt 104. Because these rollers 105 and 106 block air sent from the cooling fan 109, it is possible to supply only a half of the lower side 104b with the air sent from the cooling fan 109. Hence, the cooling mechanism in the conventional art has a problem that it fails to apply the cooling processing to the transfer belt 104 effectively.

Image forming apparatus including a cooling mechanism configured to apply cooling processing to a transfer belt


An undermount slide assembly includes an outer slide segment, an intermediate slide segment and an inner slide segment. The outer slide segment has a web, a first flange and a second flange. The web defines an upper surface that is mountable to a first object. The intermediate slide segment has a web, a first flange and a second flange. The web is received within a space defined between the first and second flanges of the outer slide segment. At least portions of the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment extend below the first and second flanges of the outer slide segment. The web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment define a space therebetween. An inner slide segment is received within the space defined between the web and the first and second flanges of the intermediate slide segment.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to slide assemblies, in general, and to slide assemblies suitable for use in an undermount application, in particular.
Description of the Related Art
Undermount slide assemblies are used to movably support one object (e.g., a drawer) relative to another object (e.g., a cabinet or enclosure). Typically, an undermount slide assembly is located underneath the movable object, in contrast to other slide assemblies, which are typically located on the side of the movable object. Because it is located underneath the movable objection, the slide assembly occupies space that otherwise could be occupied by the movable object.


An approved demodulator is disclosed for demodulating optical ASK data signals whose data bits are each characterized by either an absence of pulses or a burst of pulses at a predetermined frequency. The demodulator includes an amplifier tuned to this predetermined frequency, and it further includes an edge detector that produces an envelope of the amplified signal. A comparator then compares the envelope signal with a prescribed threshold, to produce a pulse signal for each received burst of pulses. The duration of this pulse signal is then stretched so as to correspond to the pulse burst""s expected nominal duration. The demodulator is specially configured such that it can properly demodulate ASK data signals having power levels that vary over a range of several orders of magnitude.

This invention relates generally to demodulators for amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) signals and, more particularly, to demodulators that demodulate digital ASK data signals whose data bits are each characterized by either an absence of pulses or a burst of pulses at a predetermined frequency.
Demodulators of this particular kind are commonly used in optical communication systems, as part of a receiver that receives optical signals modulated according to ASK data signals. The data signals carry digital data in the form either of an absence of light pulses or a burst of light pulses, occurring at a predetermined frequency. In one common system, the data rate is 75 kilobits per second, and the light pulse bursts each have a duration of 6.67 microseconds, at a frequency of 1.5 MHz. Each burst thus incorporates ten light pulses.
One characteristic of optical communication systems of this kind is that the signal strength of the ASK data signals being received can vary over a range as high as 5000 to 1. This can pose a significant design problem when a signal of relatively high strength is followed immediately by a signal of relatively low strength. The receiver""s latency period is a measure of how quickly it can recover from the receipt of a signal of relatively high strength so as to properly receive a signal of relatively low strength. Latency periods of less than 100 microseconds are desired.
In the past, some demodulators of this kind have achieved low latency periods by feeding back a signal to the receiver from a downstream processor, indicating that a data frame has concluded and that the receiver should reset itself to await the receipt of a new data signal. Such demodulators are generally effective in providing the desired low latency periods; however, there is a need for an ASK demodulator that can provide a similar low latency period without the need to feed back a reset signal from a downstream processor. The present invention fulfills this need and provides further related advantages.
The present invention is embodied in an improved demodulator, and related method, for demodulating amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) data signals, in which data bits are each characterized by either an absence of pulses or a burst of pulses at a predetermined frequency, wherein the signal strength of the data signal can vary by several orders of magnitude. The demodulator includes a bandpass amplifier that receives and amplifies the ASK data signal, the amplifier being tuned to the predetermined frequency of the bursts of pulses, and it further includes an edge detector that detects the envelope of the amplified signal, to produce an envelope signal. A comparator compares the envelope signal with a prescribed threshold, to produce a pulse signal indicative of the presence of a burst of pulses in the ASK data signal. Finally, a pulse stretcher increases the length of each pulse in the pulse signal to a length substantially the same as the expected length of the corresponding burst of pulses in the ASK data signal.
In other, more detailed features of the invention, the ASK data signal is an optical signal, and the apparatus further incorporates a device, e.g., a photodiode, for converting that optical signal to a corresponding electrical signal. In addition, the bandpass amplifier has a substantially constant gain, which leads to the envelope signal having a duration that varies according to the strength of the original ASK data signal. The pulse stretcher can take the form of a mono-stable multivibrator, for causing the successive pulses in the pulse signal to have durations substantially the same as the expected nominal durations of the pulse bursts in the original ASK data signal.
Other features and advantages of the present invention should be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Method and apparatus for demodulating amplitude-shift keyed data signals


A hydrogen fueled jet engine for hypersonic aircraft. The compressor of the jet engine is driven directly by a dual-acting rotary piston engine. Heated, high pressure hydrogen is delivered to the rotary piston engine for expansion therein. The crankshaft of the rotary piston engine is attached directly to the air compressor of the jet engine. The power from the expanding hydrogen drives the air compressor of the jet engine. After the hydrogen is expanded to produce power, the hydrogen is burned as fuel.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to air-breathing, hydrogen fueled jet engines and specifically to a new hydrogen expanding mechanism to improve the efficiency and thrust of such engines.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
The air compressor of a conventional turbojet engine is powered by a turbine which expands combustion products. The turbine limits the turbojet in two ways. Firstly, as the combustion products expand through the turbine, the propulsive energy of the combustion products is greatly reduced. Secondly, turbine materials are temperature limited, which limits the maximum combustion temperature. When an aircraft accelerates to a sufficiently high supersonic speed, the temperature of air entering the combustion chamber will approach the temperature limit, and so little or no fuel can be burned without overheating the turbine.
A hydrogen fueled jet engine can obviate the turbine which expands combustion products. Instead of expanding combustion products, high pressure hydrogen is expanded in a turbine to produce the power needed for the air compressor. After the hydrogen expands to produce power, it is mixed with the compressed air in a combustion chamber where it is burned as fuel. Since there is no turbine to expand combustion products, all the energy of combustion contributes to propulsive thrust. Since there is no turbine to overheat in the combustion products, combustion temperature can be greatly increased.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,620,625 to Phaneuf, Dec. 9, 1952 describes a radial inflow reaction turbine driven by hydrogen. This turbine directly drives a centrifugal air compressor and a centrifugal hydrogen compressor to impel the hydrogen to a combustion chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 3,000,176 to Kuhrt, Sep. 19, 1961 describes a hero's wheel turbine (named for Hero, the ancient inventor). This turbine directly drives an axial flow compressor. U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,496 to Wolf et al, Dec. 12, 1972 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,339 to Wolf et al, Jul. 24, 1973 show an axial flow turbine directly driving an axial flow compressor. A heat exchanger in front of the compressor preheats the hydrogen while cooling the incoming air. Although cooling incoming air may increase compressor efficiency somewhat, it seems counterproductive to cool the air prior to heating it up again by the addition of fuel. U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,640 to Mirville, May 7, 1991 shows the hydrogen driven turbine mounted integrally with the rotor wheel of the axial air compressor stages. This engine would likely have serious problems with hydrogen leakage at the seals.
The abovementioned patents are all very inefficient because the sonic speed of sound in heated hydrogen is about five times that of the incoming air. A hydrogen turbine therefore needs to spin much faster than an air compressor. The following patents use a gearbox to allow for this.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,956,402 to Rae, Oct. 18, 1960 shows a three stage turbine with reheat between stages. Although theoretically a little more efficient than a single stage turbine (without reheat), the complexity makes it impractical. U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,401 to Peters et al, Mar. 1, 1966 shows a hydrogen turbine, gearbox, air compressor, and a hydrogen to hydrogen heat exchanger. Warm hydrogen exiting the turbine is cooled while passing through the heat exchanger, while the cold liquid hydrogen from the fuel tank is gasified and preheated. Although the heat exchanger is stated to be lightweight, it seems counterproductive to cool the fuel just before burning it for heat value. U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,311 to Kuhrt, Mar. 22, 1966 shows a turbine driving a compressor through a gearbox, and two axially spaced fuel manifolds (injectors). A proportioning valve between the two fuel manifolds helps control overheating. The Model 304 Engine (described in NASA SP-4404, chapter 8–9) is quite similar to U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,311. To the inventors knowledge, the Model 304 is the only hydrogen expanding jet engine to actually be built and tested. An 18 stage hydrogen expanding turbine powered a four stage axial flow air compressor through a reduction gear. It had two fuel injection manifolds with a heat exchanger between them. The amount of hydrogen injected and burned by the first manifold was controlled to limit the temperature of the combustion gasses which entered the heat exchanger. The remaining hydrogen was injected at the second manifold beyond the heat exchanger. The hydrogen expanding turbine was very highly developed, yet the claimed efficiency was about 50%, which seems rather low. The reduction gear may have been partly to blame for this. Since the Model 304 turbine was highly developed, the other hydrogen turbines referenced above would undoubtedly be much less than 50% efficient.

Air breathing, hydrogen fueled jet engine for high speed aircraft


The present invention, generally speaking, takes advantage of the properties of quadrature signals to achieve precise quadrature alignment in a simple fashion. In particular, the expectation of the product of quadrature signals is zero. In accordance with the teachings of the invention, a phase error detection network therefore operates by multiplying the received quadrature signals and low-pass filtering the product to produce an error signal. When the signals are in precise quadrature relationship, the error signal will be zero. Real-time feedback control may be used to drive the error to zero. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a variable phase shift network is achieved using a dual delay line. The difference in delay between the two delay lines is adjusted in response to the error signal to obtain precise quadrature alignment. The principles of the invention may be applied in connection with traditional mixer architectures or with switch-mode (e.g., “aliased undersampling”) architectures.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to communications receivers and more particularly to techniques for generating precise quadrature reference signals for use in the same.
2. State of the Art
Direct conversion receivers are known in the art as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,551, incorporated herein by reference. Such receivers have various advantages over conventional superheterodyne receivers. Regardless of the receiver architecture, however, there is typically a need to generate quadrature reference signals, e.g., a pair of local oscillator (LO) signals phased-shifted by 90°. Both analog and digital techniques have been employed for this purpose. In the case of an analog phase-shift network, because the phase-shift network is narrowband, inaccuracies result at frequencies separated from the nominal design frequency. As data rates and constellation complexity increase, these inaccuracies become a significant impairment. In the case of digital-techniques, an input signal is required that is a frequency multiple of the desired LO frequency. This input signal is frequency divided, typically multiple times. Because of the high switching speeds involved, such circuitry tends to be fairly power hungry.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,088, incorporated herein by reference, describes an alternative architecture for achieving quadrature alignment, i.e., for generating a pair of quadrature signals having a precise 90° phase offset. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an RF input signal to be detected is coupled to a first input of first and second quadrature detectors, 10 and 12. A local oscillator 14 provides an RF signal which is divided into two reference signals separated from each other by a phase difference of approximately 90° by a variable phase-shift network 16. These signals are coupled to the second inputs of the quadrature detectors 10 and 12. The output signals of the quadrature detectors 10 and 12 are the conventional I and Q signals associated with quadrature detection systems. The I and Q signals appearing at the outputs of the mixers 10 and 12 are coupled to a phase error detection network 18 implemented, for example, by a digital computer suitably programmed or with analog circuitry. As a result of the calculations performed by the phase error detection network 18, a phase error signal is generated which is used to adjust the variable phase shift network 16 to adjust the phase of the reference signals of the quadrature detectors to reduce the phase error. If the I channel output signal is represented as (A sin x) and the Q channel output signal is represented as (B sin y), then the following equation for the phase error results:
      ϕ              (      error      )        =      [                                        A                                                                          sin                                                                          x                    +                      B                                                                          sin                                                                          y                          A            -              0.707                                      B            -            A                    A                    -      1.414        ]  The phase error detection network 18 is based on the foregoing equation. No embodiment of the variable phase shift network is described.
There remains a need for a quadrature alignment technique that is simple in implementation and that achieves precise quadrature alignment.

Quadrature alignment in communications receivers using dual delay lines

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A method is provided for a reading memory even if there is a threshold voltage in an overlapped threshold voltage (VTH) region between a first state distribution and a second state distribution. The method includes ramping a bias on a memory cell a first time to determine a first threshold voltage (VTH1) of the memory cell and determining whether the VTH1 is within the overlapped VTH region. Upon determination that the memory cell is within the overlapped VTH region, the method further includes applying a write pulse to the memory cell; ramping a bias on the memory cell a second time to determine a second threshold voltage (VTH2); and determining the state of the memory cell prior to receiving the write pulse based on a comparison between the VTH1 and the VTH2.

Many memory apparatuses have a controller configured to cause a memory access operation, such as a read operation, to determine whether a memory cell in a memory array has one state (e.g., a programmed state) or another state (e.g., an erased state). In some memory apparatuses, such determination of the state of the memory cell can be based on the detected value of a threshold voltage and/or a read current associated with the memory cell. For example, a threshold voltage of a memory cell exceeding a certain voltage may be associated with the memory cell being in a programmed state, whereas a threshold voltage less than a certain voltage may be associated with the memory cell being in an erased state. It will be appreciated that while it may be desirable to have a large threshold voltage difference or a large current difference (also referred to as a window) between programmed and erased states of the memory cells, statistical distribution of resistances among the memory cells in the different states may limit or even eliminate the voltage and/or current window. Thus, there is a need for apparatuses and methods for effective reading of memory cells in a memory array, where the threshold voltage and/or threshold current window is limited or eliminated.

Apparatuses and methods of reading memory cells


A coin payout mechanism for vending machines dispenses coins stored in vertical columns. The mechanism comprises an upper frame plate, a plastic retaining plate, a rigid coin receptor plate, a rotatable disk confined within a spacer plate, a bottom escape plate, and a motor-gear assembly to drive the rotatable disk and switches to monitor rotation and coin levels. The plates are fixed together in a stacked relationship; preferably all are square and of similar dimensions. The switches and motor assembly are mounted on the frame plate, which mounts the mechanism within a vending machine. A drive shaft of the motorgear assembly passes through a central orifice defined in the frame and the retaining and receptor plates. The retaining plate receives two coin tubes. The rigid coin receptor plate defines coin receptor orifices coaxial to the tubes. The rotatable disk is generally circular and defines a single oblong stripper orifice near its edge. The stripper orifice alternately indexes with the tubes. The rotatable disk has a hub to receive the shaft of the motor-gear assembly. The spacer plate is of a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the coin(s) to be handled by the mechanism. It defines a circular central area slightly larger then the rotatable disk to captivate the disk between the rigid coin receptor plate and the escape plate. The escape plate defines two coin escape orifices to allow the exit of coins carried from the coin receptor orifices by the stripper orifice.

The present invention broadly relates to coin handling apparatus for vending machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for inventorying coins, preferably dollars, and for dispensing them to make change.
In its preferred embodiment the present invention is used to pay out dollar coins as change for purchases made with large denomination bills in vending machines. The art believed to be most pertinent to the present invention is classified in U.S. Class 453, subclasses 9 and 57 as well as various subclasses of U.S. class 21.
Traditionally vending machines have been employed to dispense relatively low cost items such as soft drinks, candy, and newspapers. However, modern marketing practices employ the use of vending machines to dispense higher cost items. As it is inconvenient to use a large number of relatively low denomination coins such as quarters or dimes to purchase items from these machines they often include paper currency validators. However, it is often necessary that change be given as a result of these purchases. Therefore, it is desirous to provide a method to dispense relatively high denomination coins such as dollar coins.
The prior art reveals a large number of coin handling and sorting devices that include rotating "stripper" disks. Many coin handling devices utilize rotating disks of various forms. The disks can be disposed at various angles in several different orientations with respect to hoppers of different shapes and sizes. Several versions of rotating-disk coin handlers exist in this art, and some have coin-captivating recesses defined in them for temporarily admitting and moving a coin.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,030,165 and 4,943,257, speak to a coin sorter. They disclose a rotary disc which is mounted beneath a coin supply tube for extracting stacked coins. The thickness of the coin-receptive segment in the rotating disc is essentially that of a coin, so that one coin at a time is admitted. An orifice defined in the bottom plate of the device is designed to receive coins of a diameter smaller than those desired. Those of the proper diameter are discharged by the disc.
Suris U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,222, issued Oct. 29, 1991, discloses a bulk hopper in which coins are disposed in essentially a random manner, and coins are extracted from the hopper radially through a rotating stripper disk disposed beneath the hopper. Coins drop through the funnel shaped hopper toward the coin receiving disk, which is rotatable with a payout wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,718 discloses a rotary disk coin dispensing apparatus. A rotary disk, splined to a shaft, actuates coin transporting pins for extracting coins from a hopper. As the apparatus rotates the coins are deflected into proper position for transportation through a chute.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,318 discloses a rotary disk system wherein coins are moved by centrifugal force through an exit slot. Shirasawa U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,230 shows another variation of the latter construction. Again a rotating disk is included near the bottom of the hopper, and coins are extracted through centrifugal force.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,558 shows a rotary disk which separates coins in an annulus. The coins are deflected radially. U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,262 again discloses a rotating disk arrangement, and captivates coins in an annulus. Coins are twisted and discharged through inclined slots.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,245 discloses a bulk dispenser for coin rolls. The coin rolls are conveyed upwardly through a chute. Transverse extraction occurs near the bottom of the apparatus.
Dabrowski patent 4,997,405 discloses a pair of stripper disks having orifices. These disks rotate at different speeds to strip coins from a hopper and dispense them.
Shireman patent 4,398,550 discloses a rotatable coin separating mechanism having upper and lower counter rotating stripper disks with coin captivating orifices. This patent is primarily concerned with reversing mechanisms to clear jams.
Therefore it is desirous to provide a coin dispensing mechanism which can reliably handle large denomination coins such as "Susan B. Anthony" U.S. Dollar Coins without the use of complicated reversing mechanisms to prevent jamming. Such a mechanism must of course be dependable and would certainly need to be vandal proof. It is particularly important in such circumstances that the mechanism be sealed securely, as it will contain a relatively large amount of money.


A lighting module may include a housing having an open rear side, a light source substrate with at least one light source arranged thereon, a driver circuit board accommodated in the housing, at least one electrical connection element for electrically connecting the driver circuit board to the light source substrate, and a closure element for closing the open rear side, wherein the closure element is designed for feeding through at least one electrical connection.

Light-emitting diode (LED) modules have been produced in different constructions heretofore. This makes it considerably more difficult in practice to implement concepts involving identical parts for such LED modules. The geometrical form factors of the LED modules are predefined by circuit boards populated on one side. LED modules including a plurality of printed circuit boards are generally connected by cable connections.


The present invention provides a method of forming a passivation layer of a MOS device, and a MOS device. The method of forming a passivation layer of a MOS device includes: forming a substrate; forming a dielectric on the substrate; patterning the dielectric to expose a part of the substrate; forming a metal on the exposed part of the substrate, and the dielectric; forming a TEOS on the metal; forming a PSG on the TEOS; and forming a silicon nitrogen compound on the PSG. Therefore, the cracks problem of the passivation can be alleviated.

As shown in FIG. 1, structure of a prior art DMOS (Double-diffusion Metal Oxide Semiconductor) product are shown. The DMOS product includes a substrate 1, a dielectric 2, a metal 3, and a passivation layer 4. Wherein, the passivation layer 4 is a silicon nitride layer with a thickness about 10000 angstroms.
Generally, a high voltage DMOS product is required to undergo a HTRB (High Temperature Reverse Bias) test and HTGB (High Temperature Gate Bias) test. The DMOS product needs to meet different requirements according to different applications. Some low-end products merely need to pass a 168 hours test, but some high-end products are required to pass a 1000 hours test. It can be found that in actual production, when many products undergo a test of more than 500 hours, a large amount of aluminum is corroded after the product being soaked in a hydrochloric acid (i.e. pinhole test), and the passivation layer 4 has cracks thereon, such that an electric leakage can easily occurs.

Method for forming MOS device passivation layer and MOS device


A reduced emissions work light that includes a bulb having an elongated bulb tube, a handle adjacent the bulb and adapted for being gripped by a user to manipulate the work light, an emissions containment housing positioned adjacent the bulb tube, and an integrated ballast and filter assembly. The integrated ballast and filter assembly is located within the housing and operatively connected to the bulb for providing voltage to the bulb and reducing emissions generated by the work light.

This invention relates to a portable, reduced-emissions work light. The invention has particular application for military use in special purpose tents, referred to as modular command post shelters (MCPS), and other mobile military systems. The invention meets military requirements for electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions, and includes shock-absorbing components which protect the light from damage caused by dropping or other sudden impact. The invention is lightweight and may include a convenient handle at one or both ends. In addition, the invention includes snap-together components which enable quick and convenient assembly and disassembly. The light includes an integrated power supply and EMI filter.


A passive optical network includes an optical line termination for generating multiple downward optical signals and multiple optical network units for receiving the downward optical signals. Each optical network unit includes a receiver for converting a corresponding downward optical signal inputted from the optical line termination into a first voltage signal and outputting the first voltage signal. Additionally, each optical network unit includes a transmitter for calculating a distance to the optical line termination from an intensity of the first voltage signal outputted from the receiver and generating an upward optical signal having an intensity adjusted according to the calculated distance to the optical line termination.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a passive optical network, and more particularly to a passive optical network capable of controlling change of intensity of an optical signal due to transmission distance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a passive optical network (PON) includes an optical line termination (OLT) for providing a service, a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) using the service from the optical line termination, and remote nodes for connecting the optical line termination to the optical network units. In the passive optical network, the optical line termination is connected to the remote node through one optical fiber and the remote node is linked to the optical network units through additional optical fibers. The optical line termination generates downward optical signals to transmit to each optical network unit, and each optical network unit generates an upward optical signal to be outputted to the optical line termination.
In the aforementioned passive optical network, since distances between the optical line termination and each optical network unit are different from each other, the upward optical signals transmitted from each optical network unit to the optical line termination have intensities different from each other due to dispersion of the optical signals. Accordingly, the optical line termination must further include a burst-mode optical receiver for changing a discrimination critical value according to the intensity of each upward optical signal inputted from each optical network unit.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a burst-mode receiver which can be applied to an optical line termination in a conventional passive optical network. The burst-mode receiver 100 includes a photodiode 110, a preamplifier 120, a first peak detector 130, a first limiting amplifier 140, a second peak detector 150, a second limiting amplifier 160, an envelope detector 180, a comparator 190, and a buffer 170.
The photodiode 110 converts an upward optical signal received from each optical network unit into electric current, and the preamplifier 120 converts the electric current received from the photodiode 110 into voltage and outputs the voltage.
The first peak detector 130 detects a top-peak value and a bottom-peak value of the voltage converted by the preamplifier 120 and calculates an intermediate value between the top-peak value and the bottom-peak value. The first limiting amplifier 140 differentially amplifies the voltage outputted from the preamplifier 120 and the intermediate value of the voltage calculated by the first peak detector 130.
The second peak detector 150 detects a top-peak value and a bottom-peak value of voltage provided from the first limiting amplifier 140, calculates an intermediate value of the two values, and provides the calculated intermediate value to the second limiting amplifier 160. The second limiting amplifier 160 differentially amplifies the intermediate value of the voltage detected by the second peak detector 150 and the voltage which has been differentially amplified by the first limiting amplifier 140 and provides the amplified voltage to the buffer 170.
The buffer 170 buffers the voltage differentially amplified by the second limiting amplifier 160 and outputs the buffered voltage and the envelope detector 180 detects an existence or absence of a packet signal with respect to the voltage outputted from the buffer 170. Further, the comparator 190 compares an output voltage of the envelope detector 180 with a reference voltage set in advance and generates an inverse reset signal having a polarity inverse to that of a reset signal.
An optical line termination having a burst-mode receiver must further include an additional circuit such as an automatic gain controller in order to satisfy reception sensitivity. In order to determine a discrimination critical value, increased elements must be considered in designing a passive optical network, for example, a charging condenser, etc., in a peak detector must be discharged by generating a reset signal in each optical network unit.

Optical transceiver for compensating for loss due to transmission distance in passive optical network


The present invention comprises a computer implemented process and system for rendering curves or surfaces as 3D graphics on a display. The system of the present invention includes a computer system having a processor, a bus, and a 3D graphics rendering pipeline. The curves or surfaces are modeled by non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). The process of the present invention functions by receiving a NURBS model for rendering from a software program running on the host processor. The NURBS model defines a curve or surface. The process of the present invention efficiently converts the NURBS model to a Bezier model using the hardware of the graphics rendering pipeline. The Bezier model describes the same curve or surface. The process of Bezier model and the graphics rendering pipeline. The points are then used by the graphics rendering pipeline to render the curve or surface defined by the Bezier model. Alternatively, a NURBS model is directly evaluated into a plurality of points on a curve or surface, and in turn, rendered into the curve or surface. This direct rendering of the NURBS model is implemented using the graphics rendering pipeline.

Computer graphics are being used today to perform a wide variety of tasks. Many different areas of business, industry, government, education, entertainment, and most recently, the home, are tapping into the enormous and rapidly growing list of applications developed for today's increasingly powerful computer devices. Graphical user interfaces have replaced textual interfaces as the standard means for user computer interaction.
Graphics have also become a key technology for communicating ideas, data, and trends in most areas of commerce, science, and education. Until recently, real time user interaction with three dimensional (3D) models and pseudo-realistic images was feasible on only very high performance workstations. These workstations contain dedicated, special purpose graphics hardware. The progress of semiconductor fabrication technology has made it possible to do real time 3D animation, with color shaded images of complex objects, described by thousands of polygons, on powerful dedicated rendering subsystems. The most recent and most powerful workstations are capable of rendering completely lifelike, realistically lighted, 3D objects and structures.
In a typical 3D computer generated object, the surfaces of the 3D object are described by data models. These data models store "primitives" (usually mathematically described polygons and polyhedra) that define the shape of the object, the object attributes, and the connectivity and positioning data describing how the objects fit together. The component polygons and polyhedra connect at common edges defined in terms of common vertices and enclosed volumes. The polygons are textured, Z-buffered, and shaded onto an array of pixels, creating a realistic 3D image.
Many applications require the generation of smooth surfaces and smooth curves. To realistically generate a real-world image, the surfaces of objects in the image need to be realistically modeled. The most common representation for 3D surfaces are "polygon meshes." A polygon mesh is a set of connected, polygonal bounded, planar surfaces. Open boxes, cabinets, and building exteriors can be easily and naturally represented by polygon meshes. Polygon meshes, however, are less easily used to represent objects with curved surfaces.
Referring now to prior art FIG. 1A, a simple polygon mesh of a section 10 of a patch is shown, while prior art FIG. 1B shows an actual section 11 of a patch. Each polygon of the section 10 is a mathematical representation of a corresponding portion of the surface of the section 11. The interconnecting vertices (e.g., vertices 13) and the interconnecting edges of the polygons (e.g., edges 12) collectively define the surface of section 10 in 3D space. There are obvious short comings, however, in the accuracy of the section 10 in comparison to actual section 11. The polygons model the surface of section 11, but the representation is only approximate. The "errors" of the approximation can be made arbitrarily small by using more and more polygons to create an increasingly accurate piecewise linear approximation.
Referring now to prior art FIG. 2A, prior art FIG. 2B, and prior art FIG. 2C, an initial representation 21, an intermediate representation 22, and a final representation 23, are shown respectively. The initial representation 21 is a polygon mesh of a rain drop. As described above, initial representation 21 consists of a fewer number of polygons, leading to a "blocky," or geometrically aliased, representation of the rain drop. It should be noted that the polygons of initial representation 21 are comprised of triangles, whereas the polygons of section 10 are comprised of quadrilaterals. Regardless of the nature of the polygon primitive (triangle, quadrilateral, and the like) used to model a curved surface, the general properties, e.g., geometric aliasing, are substantially the same.
In proceeding from initial representation 21 to intermediate representation 22, and to final representation 23, the number of polygons in the polygon mesh modeling the rain drop are greatly increased. The final representation 23 contains several orders of magnitude more polygons than initial representation 21. This yields a much more accurate piecewise linear approximation of the rain drop. Computer graphics engineers rely upon techniques for modeling and manipulating the curved surfaces of the objects (e.g., the rain drop of final representation 23). For engineering and computer aided design applications, it is often highly advantageous to have as accurate a model as possible.
For example, engineers modeling the surface of the exterior body of an automobile, or modeling a new mechanical part for a jet engine, desire models which are as accurate as possible. The models should enable accurate visualization of their designs. The models should also be easily manipulated and transformed, allowing engineers to alter a design, visualize the result of the alteration, and subsequently alter the design again.
While modeling objects with curved surfaces can be accomplished using polygon meshes having very large numbers of polygons, such models are computationally very unwieldy. If an object is stored as a large polygon mesh, the demands upon the data transfer bandwidth of the workstations, the demands upon the processor power, demands upon memory for storing such models, and other such problems, combine to make fast easy intuitive 3D interaction and iterative design alteration very slow (if not impossible). As a result, the 3D workstation industry utilizes mathematical parametric representations of the curved surfaces of an object to define and model the object. Parametric models also allow an artist or designer to easily manipulate the global shapes of surfaces through a small number of interactions. Polyhedral models are computationally very intensive, requiring many vertices to be repositioned for even a minor change in the overall shape of the modeled object.
In a parametric representation, the curves of an object (e.g., the rain drop of FIG. 2) are defined mathematically using equations. The equations collectively form what is referred to as a parametric representation of the object, specifically, the curved surfaces of the object. Parametric representations overcome the problems posed by a polyhedral representation (e.g., a polygon mesh). The actual shape of the object can be very closely approximated using a parametric representation. This representation consumes several orders of magnitude less space than an equivalent polyhedral representation.
Thus, for example, the rain drop of FIG. 2C can be defined and stored as a parametric representation. This representation can be easily manipulated, easily altered, and easily transformed, among other advantages, in comparison to the polyhedral representation (e.g., final representation 23).
Perhaps the most widely used form of curved surface parametric representation are non-uniform rational B-spline representations (NURBS). NURBS are widely used in the computer aided design (CAD) industry to model curved surfaces. Among their many benefits, NURBS have two important advantages relative to other forms of parametric representation. The first advantage is that they are invariant under projective transformations. The second advantage is that they can very accurately define virtually any curved surface. Thus, NURBS are widely used in the field of 3D CAD. While parametric representations of curved surfaces and NURBS are discussed herein, the mathematical form and characteristics of curved surface parametric representation and NURBS are well known in the art. Those desiring a more extensive description of curved surface parametric representation and NURBS should consult "Gerald Farm, CURVES AND SURFACES FOR COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, ISBN 0-12-249051-7" which is incorporated herein as background material.
The problem with NURBS, however, is the fact that the NURBS model is not "natively" rendered by the dedicated rendering hardware of prior art 3D graphics workstations. The rendering hardware of typical 3D graphics workstations are designed and optimized to function with polygons. The rendering algorithms, the special purpose rendering hardware, and the display hardware are designed to manipulate and display images generated from polygonal graphics primitives. Thus, the NURBS models need to be transformed using software into polygon meshes prior to rendering. This software executes on the host processor(s) or graphics co-processor(s), operates on the NURBS model, and creates a resulting polygon mesh stored in the memory of the 3D graphics workstation. The resulting polygon mesh is then rendered by the dedicated rendering hardware into a 3D image on a display. When an engineer makes a change to the NURBS model, the parameters of the NURBS model are changed, a new resulting polygon mesh is created, and the changed image is subsequently displayed.
This prior art rendering process, however, is slow. The specific rendering software which transforms the NURBS model into the resulting polygon mesh is computationally very expensive. Large numbers of clock cycles are consumed by the specific rendering software. This greatly detracts from the desired "interactive" quality of modern CAD. Additionally, other programs executing concurrently on the workstation are adversely impacted.
The prior art rendering process makes very large demands on the data transfer bandwidth of the 3D graphics workstation. The specific rendering software executes on the host processor(s) or graphics co-processor(s) and needs to move large amounts of data across the busses of the 3D graphics workstation (e.g., transfers to and from main memory or from graphics co-processors to polygon rasterizer(s)). This also adversely impacts other programs and processes running on the 3D graphics workstation.
In addition, the prior art rendering process does not utilize the dedicated rendering hardware of the 3D graphics workstation. Modern 3D graphics workstations often include very sophisticated and very extensive rendering subsystems. These subsystems are purposely designed to accelerate the 3D graphics rendering process. However, the specific rendering software, as described above, executes on the host processor(s) or graphics co-processor(s) and does not make use of the dedicated rendering hardware until the resulting polygon mesh is completely computed.
Thus, what is needed is a method which radically speeds up the 3D graphics rendering process. The method should greatly speed the process of rendering NURBS models. What is further required is a method which accurately renders NURBS models and does not unduly burden the data transfer bandwidth of the 3D graphics workstation, or consume an inordinate amount of host processor or graphics co-processor clock cycles. The method of the present invention provides a novel solution to the above requirements.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for efficiently evaluating and drawing NURBS surfaces for 3D graphics


The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an aqueous dispersion of a blocked polyisocyanate by reacting an aqueously dispersed polyisocyanate having an isocyanate content of at least 12% by weight, based on the weight of the polyisocyanate, with a monofunctional blocking agent which is more reactive with isocyanate groups than water at an equivalent ratio of monofunctional blocking groups to isocyanate groups of 0.5:1 to 2:1. The present invention is also directed to the aqueously dispersed blocked polyisocyanates prepared by this process and to compositions containing these polyisocyanates and an isocyanate-reactive compound.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of aqueous dispersions of blocked polyisocyanates, to the blocked polyisocyanate prepared by this process and to their use in aqueous dispersions which additionally contain an isocyanate-reactive component.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,522 is directed to the preparation of water dispersible polyisocyanates for use in fiberglass binder applications. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,377 is directed to the use of water dispersible polyisocyanates in adhesive applications.
The disadvantage of these products is that after they are dispersed in aqueous media, they begin to react with water, which means these products have a limited potlife. Waiting too long to apply the product usually results in precipitation and/or formation of insoluble, non-film forming ureas. Even when these products are applied directly after the aqueous dispersions are formed, there is a problem. If film formation occurs before the water/isocyanate reaction is complete, subsequent carbon dioxide formation will result in bubbles in the film rendering it useless for coatings applications.
One solution to the problems of limited potlife and bubble formation is to block the isocyanate groups of the water dispersible polyisocyanate prior to dispersing it in water as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,522,851, 4,098,933 and 4,284,544. The disadvantage of blocking the polyisocyanate before it is dispersed in water is that the blocked polyisocyanate is generally a solid or a high viscosity liquid which is very difficult or impossible to disperse in water without first diluting the blocked polyisocyanate in an organic solvent or heating the blocked polyisocyanate to an elevated temperature to reduce its viscosity.
Because one of the primary reasons for dispersing polyurethanes and polyisocyanates in water is to avoid the unnecessary use of organic solvents, it is certainly not desirable to have to dilute the blocked polyisocyanate with an organic solvent in order to reduce its viscosity sufficiently to disperse it in water. In addition, the extra energy costs and time which are necessary to heat the blocked polyisocyanate to an elevated temperature to reduce its viscosity are also undesirable.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a blocked polyisocyanate which does not require substantial amounts of solvent or elevated temperatures in order to disperse the polyisocyanate in water.
Surprisingly, this object may be achieved in accordance with the present invention as described hereinafter.

Aqueous dispersions of blocked polyisocyanates


A honeycomb structured body of the present invention is a honeycomb structured body in which a plurality of porous ceramic members are combined with one another through an adhesive layer, each of the porous ceramic members having a plurality of cells which are allowed to penetrate in a longitudinal direction with a wall portion therebetween and either one end of which is sealed, with a catalyst supporting layer being adhered to the wall portion, wherein, supposing that the rate of the pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of 10 μm or less to the entire pore volume of the porous ceramic member is X1 (%), the porosity is Y1 (%) and the weight of the catalyst supporting layer is Z1 (g/l), these X1, Y1 and Z1 are allowed to satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2):X1≦20−Z1/10  (1), andY1≧35+7Z1/40  (2)(where about 20≦Z1≦about 150).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a honeycomb structured body.
2. Discussion of the Background
In recent years, particulates such as soot and the like contained in exhaust gases discharged from internal combustion engines of vehicles, such as buses and trucks, and construction machines, have raised serious problems as those particulates are harmful to the environment and the human body.
There have been proposed various honeycomb structured bodies made from porous ceramics, which serve as filters capable of capturing particulates in exhaust gases to purify the exhaust gases.
Conventionally, with respect to the honeycomb structured body of this type, JP-A 2002-219319 has disclosed a filter made from porous cordierite, in which a number of through holes, each having either one of ends being sealed, extend in a longitudinal direction with a partition wall interposed therebetween so that a number of cells are formed, and this filter (porous cordierite) has a pore distribution of the following ratio: pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of less than 10 μm: 15% or less of the entire pore volume, pore volume of pores having a pore diameter in a range of 10 to 50 μm: 75% or more of the entire pore volume, and pore volume of pores having a pore diameter exceeding 50 μm: 10% or less of the entire pore volume.
JP-A 2002-219319 describes that, as the effects of the filter, the particulate capture efficiency is improved and it is possible to prevent the increase in pressure loss due to clogging of the pores with the particulates.
JP-A 2002-357114 discloses an exhaust gas purifying filter having the same structure as that of JP-A 2002-219319, in which a catalyst used for oxidizing and removing particulates is adhered to a partition wall, the porosity is set in a range of 55 to 80%, the average pore diameter is set in a range of 30 to 50 μm and the pore volume of pores having a pore diameter of 100 μm or more is set to 5% or less of the entire pore volume.
The contents of JP-A 2002-219319, JP-A 2002-357114 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.


An improved method of blow molding a hollow article is disclosed comprising the adaptation of a die pin (26) to include spaced apart channels (38) therein that extend from top to bottom along the sides of the die pin. The channels create reinforcement ribs (70) along the inside surface (68) of a formed parison (30). The ribs expand with the parison into a final form and serve to reinforce the resultant body while being visible only from the inside. The channels (38) are each bifurcated to provide a segment (44) below a shut-off surface (46) in which plastic exiting the die pin can expand to form ribs (70) of substantial thickness. Portions of the parison sidewalls (66) between the ribs (70) are thinned to reduce part weight and the ribs (70) reinforce the sidewalls to compensate yet, being visible only from the inside, do not detract from the external appearance of the article.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to plastic blow molded containers such as refuse containers and, more specifically, to methods of reinforcing such articles to achieve enhanced strength characteristics and reduced cost of manufacture.
2. The Prior Art
The blow molding process is commonly used in the production of containers for various applications. For example, many commercially available refuse containers, comprising a lid and a base, are manufactured by such a process. Conventional blow molding apparatus manufacture containers by means of blow molding from tubular preforms or parisons which are extruded of plastic by extruder heads from plastics material which has been plasticized in extruders. The discharge nozzle from which the platicized material exits to create the preform typically includes a die ring having a center aperture and a frustro-conical die pin that is received into the die ring aperture. The spacing between the outer surfaces of the die pin and the outward directed surfaces of the die ring which define the aperture is adjustably controlled by movement of the die pin in and out of the die ring.
From the extruder, plastic is pressured downward between the die pin and the die ring, forming a hollow parison which is suspended between two mold halves. The parison is then expanded outwardly by the injection of air into the center and reforms against the mold sidewalls. The air can be injected from the top through the die pin or, alternatively, from the bottom of the mold cavity. After the plastic sets against the mold sidewalls, the mold is open and the hollow article formed thereby is extracted.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,889,477 and 4,297,092, incorporated herein by reference, illustrate the general state of the art apparatus for blow molding hollow objects. The process works well and may be used to form hollow bodies for a variety of applications. For example, Design U.S. Pat. No. 326,342 shows a refuse container that is preferrably formed by a gas-assisted molding technique. The container comprises a lid and a base, both integrally formed from the same parison. Subsequent to the molding operation, the lid and the base are severed into independent components. An advantage to forming articles by this method is that the walls of the container and lid can be thinned to a great degree, thereby conserving plastic and reducing costs. However, in making the walls of thinner stock, the container and base can lose its structural rigidity and integrity. The resultant product, while functional for its intended purpose, can be perceived as being structurally inferior to containers formed by other means.
To compensate for reduced rigidity resulting from thinning the wall stock, designers of containers have incorporated shoulders and recesses into the external wall surface. These structural elements are effective in increasing the hoop strength and rigidity of the containers. However, forming shoulders and recesses into the sidewalls can detract from the aesthetic appeal of the exterior of the container and limits design alternatives.

Method for adding strength to a container


Methods, systems and apparatuses for selecting which of a plurality of sensors to use for location detection of a mobile device are disclosed. One method includes activating lowest-power location-related sensors of the mobile device at power up of a mobile device, and activating medium-power location-related sensors of the mobile device upon detection of motion of the mobile device and/or a change in a wireless connection to the mobile device.

Location-based services have become more and more popular with the increasingly computing power of mobile devices and global positions system (GPS) sensor widely embedded into these devices, especially for smartphones. However, the continuous use of these applications drains device battery quickly as the GPS sensor (receiver) is a power-hungry sensor running at a few hundred mW. Due to the fact that mobile devices are battery powered, the reduction of power consumption location sensor is greatly desired.
It is desirable to have a method, apparatus and system for controlling activation of location-related sensors of a mobile device.

Control of activation of location-related sensors of a mobile device


Methods and systems are provided for use with wireless networks having one or more cell in which each cell includes a base station (BS), at least one relay station (RS) and at least one mobile station (MS). The at least one relay station can be used as an intermediate station for providing communication between the BS and MS. Methods are provided for allocating OFDM resources for communicating between the BS, RS and/or MS for example dividing transmission resources into uplink and downlink transmissions and methods of inserting pilot symbols into

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a form of multiplexing that distributes data over a number of carriers that have a very precise spacing in the frequency domain. The precise spacing of the carriers provides several benefits such as high spectral efficiency, resiliency to radio frequency interference and lower multi-path distortion. Due to its beneficial properties and superior performance in multi-path fading wireless channels, OFDM has been identified as a useful technique in the area of high data-rate wireless communication, for example wireless metropolitan area networks (MAN). Wireless MAN are networks to be implemented over an air interface for fixed, portable, and mobile broadband access systems.
In some wireless networks, a mobile station (MS) in a given cell is only served by its serving base station (BS).
One drawback of such wireless networks is that MSs near an edge of the given cell suffer performance loss due to interference from other cells in cellular networks and propagation loss in non-cellular networks which results in limited data rates and gaps in coverage of the given cell.
While soft hand off can be used in cellular networks to improve performance to some extent for MSs at the cell edge, the improved performance comes at the cost of additional system complexity and a spectrum efficiency penalty.
One way to improve the performance is to introduce a fixed or mobile relay station (RS) into wireless networks. The use of an RS may provide a) enhanced system capacity, b) enhanced data rate and cell coverage, c) reduced MS transmit power requirements and d) allow less expensive power amplification.

Methods and systems for wireless networks relays

Abstract: transmission resources used by the RS. In some embodiments on the invention, the methods are consistent and/or can be used in conjunction with existing standards such as 802.16e.


A lock which can be used for doors which are fitted on the right or left. The lock includes a nut which can be adjusted from the outside by an actuating element and which is disposed in a housing. The lock enables a bolt to be displaced between a closed position, when it is pushed out from the housing, and an open position, when it is pushed into the housing, by an adjusting element. According to this invention, the bolt is maintained in a closed position, counter to the pretension of a spring, in order to enable the type of lock, which can be optionally used on the left or on the right, to be produced without any additional costs. The nut can be adjusted from the pushed out bolt or the closed position, optionally, in a clockwise direction or in an counter-clockwise direction, in order to move the bolt into an open position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lock which can be used for doors hinged on the right or the left, having a follower contained in a housing and which can be displaced from the outside by an actuating element, by which a bolt can be moved by a displacement member between a locking position, in which it is pushed out of the housing, and an opened position, in which it is pushed into the housing.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A lock is known from German Patent Reference DE 195 41 944 C1.
A displaceable blocking element is used in connection with this lock and can be shifted so that the direction of rotation of the follower can be reversed depending on whether it is used in a left or right operation. Thus a user can set the lock prior to being mounted as a function of the selected way in which it is hinged.
Furthermore, spring locks are known and have a bolt which can be adjusted against the pre-stressing of a spring.


An air vehicle configured to augment effective drag to change the rate of descent of the air vehicle in flight via propeller shaft rotation direction reversal, i.e., thrust reversal.

A U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,459 that issued May 1, 1973 to Zuck discloses an aircraft having floating wings with non-stalling characteristics, and a pusher propeller having blades of variable pitch. When its blades are set to a negative pitch angle in flight, the pusher propeller reverses the direction of thrust and effects a reduced descent angle of the aircraft.
Radio-controlled, unmanned planes may use an electrical motor to drive the rotation of a propeller shaft. A synchronous electric direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) motor may be employed in an aircraft. The current-to-torque and voltage-to-speed relationships of the electric motor are generally linear.

Unmanned aerial vehicle drag augmentation by reverse propeller rotation


A method for facilitating digestion of carbohydrates into simple sugars in warm-blooded animals by maintaining and enhancing the natural disaccharidase enzymatic activity in the mucosal cells of the small intestines. Iron is an essential mineral and other minerals selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt are provided in the form of amino acid chelates having a ligand to mineral molar ratio of at least 1:1, a molecular weight of no more than 1500 daltons and a stability constant of between about 10.sup.6 and 10.sup.16 and administered orally. Additionally, magnesium and chromium, as amino acid chelates, may be added to improve disaccharidase activity as may potassium in inorganic salt form or as a 1:1 ligand to potassium amino acid complex. The minerals are taken into the mucosal cells lining the small intestine where they are utilized to facilitate the production and activity of disaccharidase enzymes such as maltases, sucrase and lactase. These enzymes promote the hydrolysis of disaccharides resulting from degradation of more complex carbohydrates or of sucrose and lactose into simple sugars or monosaccharides for absorption from the intestinal tract.

This invention relates to improving energy derived from digestion of carbohydrates in warm-blooded animals. More particularly, this invention relates to improving the digestion coefficient of carbohydrates in warm-blooded animals through the use of certain amino acid chelates to stimulate and enhance enzymatic carbohydrase activity.
In formulating feeds or diets for warm-blooded animals, including human beings, five of the six basic nutrients are generally taken into account. These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals; the sixth nutrient being water. The percentage of each nutrient digested in the food is called its "digestion coefficient." Average digestion coefficients for many foods or ingredients of foods are provided in data tables as a result of numerous balance studies.
Balance studies are done by first analyzing the food for the percentage of each nutrient that it contains. After a preliminary period of several days to allow the residue of any former food to be eliminated, a certain quantity of experimental food with a known nutrient composition is fed daily to the test animal or animals. The feces are collected, weighed and analyzed. The differences between the amount of the nutrient in the food ingested and the amount found in the feces is the amount of nutrient that is digested from the food being studied. As stated above, the percentage of food digested is called the digestion coefficient.
In addition to digestion coefficients one should also consider net energy values of the carbohydrates being ingested. The six nutrients listed above have three basic functions: (1) to provide a source of energy; (2) for growth and maintenance of body tissue; and (3) to regulate body process. The provision of energy is the predominant role and must be satisfied at the expense of the other nutritive roles if there are insufficient nutrients to accomplish all three functions.
Not all of the energy from the food, as measured by the digestion coefficient, goes to support the animal. Some of that energy is lost in the urea and other nitrogenous waste products that are excreted in the urine. In the case of ruminants, and to a lesser extent monogastric animals, a small amount of energy is lost in the combustible gases, such as methane, which is produced in the digestive tract. There is a considerable loss of energy which occurs in the various necessary processes of chewing, digesting, and assimilating the food. Thus, one must deduct these losses from the total gross energy digestion coefficient to obtain the net energy value.
Any improvement which can be made in the efficiency of digestion of the carbohydrates, which is a major energy source in foods, is of real economic and nutritional importance.
The role of carbohydrates is to provide a source of energy for the animal or man. Although energy can also be obtained from fats and proteins, carbohydrates are generally the major source of energy in the diets of animals and man. A certain amount of ingested carbohydrates remains undigested and is collected in the feces. The potential energy value of that undigested carbohydrate is lost to the animal. Furthermore, if digestion is inefficient, more potential energy will be lost in the digestion process than is necessary. This makes inefficient digestion of carbohydrates result in greater expense because more carbohydrates must be consumed to meet its energy needs, or in the alternative, the animal must ingest more dietary fats or proteins which are more expensive sources of energy. Furthermore, with growing animals or children it is not profitable to remove body stores of fat or protein to meet energy needs. Thus it would be beneficial both economically and to the recipient host to improve the digestion coefficient and net energy values of carbohydrates by improving their digestibility.

Food energy utilization from carbohydrates in animals


A method for preparing a tetrapolymer includes preparing a suspension including an aromatic vinyl-based monomer, an unsaturated nitrile-based monomer, an N-substituted maleimide-based monomer, an α-alkyl styrene-based monomer, and an inorganic dispersing agent, and polymerizing the suspension. The method for preparing a tetrapolymer can be useful in lowering a reaction temperature using suspension polymerization, and reducing a reaction time, thereby maximizing productivity. A tetrapolymer prepared by the method is also provided.

Styrenic copolymers such as styrene-acrylonitrile-based copolymers (SANs) can have excellent elasticity and heat resistance, and thus have been used in various industries requiring heat resistance. For example, heat resistance styrene-acrylonitrile-based copolymers (SANs) have been used for electrical and electronic parts, interior/exterior materials for automobiles, heat-resistant plastic containers, etc.
Heat resistant styrene-acrylonitrile-based copolymers (SANs) have been used in the form of an α-methylstyrene-styrene-acrylonitrile resin obtained by terpolymerizing α-methylstyrene, styrene, and acrylonitrile. Also, other monomers are often added, and prepared into multiblock copolymers so as to realize a higher level of heat resistance.
However, since α-methylstyrene has a low ceiling temperature, it has a slow reaction speed upon copolymerization, and can require a high temperature condition and a long reaction time. In this case, the economic feasibility and efficiency upon preparation of copolymers may be degraded.
Meanwhile, in preparing the styrene-acrylonitrile-based multiblock copolymers, it can be very difficult to adjust a polymerization speed and heat generated in the reaction. When the polymerization speed upon the preparation of the copolymers is very slow, productivity is lowered. When the polymerization speed upon the preparation of the copolymers is too fast, however, conversion rate of the copolymers can be reduced. Also, when the heat of the reaction and a process temperature upon polymerization are high, discoloration resistance may be reduced due to an increase in a thermal history applied to the copolymers.
Therefore, when other monomers are added to prepare a copolymer, conventional polymerization methods use solution polymerization or emulsion polymerization. However, the solution polymerization has a problem in that it requires a solvent recovery system and a separate solvent bath, resulting in a decrease in productivity and an increase in manufacturing cost. When the emulsion polymerization is used, it has a disadvantage in that processes are complicated, the productivity is poor, and it does not work easily.
Accordingly, there is a need for methods for preparing an aromatic vinyl based copolymer, which can reduce the thermal history applied to the copolymers during a preparation process, and simultaneously improve productivity and economic feasibility due to a short reaction time and a high conversion rate of the copolymer.

Aromatic vinyl based tetrapolymer, method for preparing the same and thermoplastic resin composition comprising the same


In a mesa type PIN-PD formed using a heavily doped semiconductor material, a high frequency response is degraded as slow carriers occur in a heavily doped layer when light incident into a light receiving section transmits through an absorbing layer and reaches the heavily doped layer on a side near the substrate. In a p-i-n multilayer structure, a portion corresponding to a light receiving section of a heavily doped layer on a side near a substrate is previously made thinner than the periphery of the light receiving section by an etching or selective growth technique, over which an absorbing layer and another heavily doped layer are grown to form the light receiving section of mesa structure. This makes it possible to form a good ohmic contact and to realize a PIN-PD with excellent high frequency response characteristics.

The present invention relates to a surface illuminated photodiode and an optical receiver module on which the surface illuminated photodiode is mounted. More particularly, the invention relates to a surface illuminated photodiode appropriate for use in a module for optical communication and to an optical receiver module appropriate for use in an optical communication system.
There has been put into practice a p-i-n type photodiode (PIN-PD) as a device on the receiving side for optical transmission using an optical fiber. The PIN-PD is excellent in high frequency response as electrons and holes, which are generated due to incident light, move by strong drift field in an absorbing layer.
The basic structure of the PIN-PD is that an absorbing layer (I layer) is provided between a p-type cap layer and p-type contact layer, and an n-type contact layer. The principal of operation of the PIN-PD is that light incident into a reverse biased PD is converted to carriers (electrons and holes) in a depleted absorbing layer in which the holes spread and run to a p-electrode side and the electrons spread and run to an n-electrode side, and that the carrier is taken out as a current.
In the PIN-PD described in JP-A No. 32097/1996 and JP-A No. 82827/1993, a semiconductor material having an energy band gap larger than the absorbing layer is used for a p-type or n-type heavily doped layer.
In the technology described in JP-A No. 32097/1996 or JP-A No. 82827/1993, an accumulation (pile up) of carriers may occur due to heterojunction in which the energy band gap of the p-type or n-type semiconductor layer is larger than the absorbing layer (I layer). It is disadvantageous that high frequency response is degraded when the pile up occurs. To overcome this problem, there is also developed a mesa type PIN-PD having a p-type or n-type semiconductor layer formed using a heavily doped semiconductor material in which the energy band gap is equal to that of the absorbing layer or the difference therebetween is very small for the purpose of preventing the accumulation of carriers. However, such a PIN-PD has a problem that the high frequency response is degraded as slow carriers occur in the heavily doped layer when light incident into a light receiving section transmits through the absorbing layer and reaches the heavily doped layer on the side near the substrate. Although there may be a method of thinning the heavily doped layer to reduce the occurrence of such slow carriers, it is not easy to realize from the point of view of the etching accuracy and controllability of thickness in the formation of a mesa structure.

Surface illuminated photodiode and optical receiver module


A scanning type projector two-dimensionally projecting a laser beam and generating an image according to the present invention comprises: a light source having a light intensity corresponding to a pixel of the image and emitting a laser beam having an elliptical beam; a collimator lens collimating a laser beam emitted from the light source without converting the same into focused light; a beam contracting/shaping element that reduces a luminous beam width in a predetermined direction of the laser beam emitted from the collimator lens; a condensing lens that converts a laser beam emitted from the beam contracting/shaping element into focused light corresponding to a projection distance; and a two-dimensional scanning unit configured to two-dimensionally scan and project a laser beam emitted from the condensing lens.

The present invention is directed to scanning type projectors two-dimensionally scanning a laser beam and displaying an image, and relates to the configuration of optical elements that output a laser beam for providing a high resolution image.
In recent years, due to an increase in the output power and a reduction in the price of a visible light semiconductor laser, a scanning type projector has been realized, which two-dimensionally scans a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser onto a plane to be projected and displays an image. Because this scanning type projector directly modulates the light intensity of a laser beam and displays an image, it has an advantage in that the contrast ratio is extremely high as compared with the projectors using a conventional liquid crystal panel or the like. Furthermore, different from a liquid crystal panel and/or a projector using a digital mirror device (DMD) as an image modulation element, the scanning type projector directly modulates the light intensity of a laser beam and displays an image, so it has a high energy efficiency of projected light and thus is expected as the next-generation display device.
For example, JP-A-2010-32797 discloses one example of the technique for a light-scanning type projector. Specifically, JP-A-2010-32797 discloses a light-scanning type projector comprising; a light source unit emitting each of R, G, and B light beams; two wedge prisms substantially equalizing the luminous beam diameters of the light beams emitted from the light sources; a color synthesis unit coaxially synthesizing light beams from a plurality of light sources; a beam scanning unit two-dimensionally deflecting synthetic light; and a free curved face prism enlarging the deflection angle of the deflected synthetic light and projecting the resulting light.


A valve is provided. The valve includes a body defining an interior and apertures, additional bodies each having opposed, open ends and being respectively coupled to each of the apertures at one of the respective open ends to define a flow path through each of the additional bodies and into the interior and a valve member. The valve member is disposable in first and second positions in the interior. In the first position, the valve member fluidly couples pairs of the additional bodies with one another via first combined flow paths that crisscross through the interior. In the second position, the valve member fluidly couples different pairs of the additional bodies with one another via second combined flow paths that are substantially parallel through the interior.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a reconfigurable valve and, more particularly, to an aircraft including a reconfigurable valve.
For an aircraft that uses a vapor cycle cooling system, the vapor cycle cooling system typically requires two ram cooled vapor cycle packs (VCPs). The direction of refrigerant flow through the VCP is dependent on which side of the aircraft the VCP is installed. Each VCP includes two independently actuated three-way valves that enable the refrigerant flow through a multi-pass condenser to be reconfigured in order to accommodate RAM flow from opposite sides of the aircraft.


A bone plate that is configured to operatively attach to bone includes a first segment, a second segment, and a locking mechanism. The first segment includes a compression notch. The first and second segments are positioned along a longitudinal axis and are movable relative to one another. The locking mechanism inhibits relative axial movement of the first and second segments along the longitudinal axis away from one another. The locking mechanism includes first and second grooves disposed on the second segment. The first and second grooves and the compression slot are configured to receive an instrument to move the first segment towards the second segment along the longitudinal axis.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a device and instrument for use in orthopedic surgeries and, more specifically, to a plate that is attachable to the vertebrae that is configured to compress during the procedure and an instrument configured to engage the plate to compress the plate.
2. Discussion of Related Art
The human spinal column is a highly complex structure. It includes twenty-four discrete bones, known as vertebrae, coupled sequentially to one another to house and protect critical elements of the nervous system. The cervical portion of the spine, which includes the neck of the spine up to the base of the skull, includes the first seven vertebrae.
For many reasons, such as aging and trauma, the intervertebral discs can begin to deteriorate and weaken. This may result in chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, or even tearing of the disc. Ultimately, the disc may deteriorate or weaken to the point of tearing and herniation, in which the inner portions of the disc protrude through the tear. A herniated disc may press against or pinch the spinal nerves, thereby causing radiating pain, numbness, and/or diminished strength or range of motion.
Many treatments are available to remedy these conditions, including surgical procedures in which one or more damaged intervertebral discs are removed and replaced with a prosthetic. However, should the prosthetic protrude from between the adjacent vertebrae and contact the surrounding nerves or tissues, the patient may experience additional discomfort. In procedures for remedying this problem, a spinal plate is affixed to the vertebrae and oriented to minimize such protrusion. In addition, the plate provides fixation and support to maintain spinal stability while the fusion occurs.
Spinal plates and cervical plates in particular, are known in the art. Fixed cervical plates generally exhibit unalterable, static dimensions. During the natural subsidence of the spinal column after surgery, the overall length of the spinal column gradually decreases. Fixed cervical plates resist this change due to their fixed axial length, which may eventually stress the spine and cause pain or discomfort. Adjustable cervical plates attend to this predicament by providing a mechanism through which the plate is shortened to accommodate for a measure of subsidence. However, some adjustable plates require subsequent surgical procedures to adjust the axial dimensions of the plate. In addition to accommodating subsidence, it is critical for the plate to provide means to apply constant loading of an implant placed between adjacent vertebrae in order to promote fusion.

Translational plate and compressor instrument


A method for adjusting an automatic transmission ratio by a driver includes imposing a ratio change required by the driver to the transmission when first conditions are fulfilled, maintaining the ratio until second conditions for returning to operation in an automatic mode are fulfilled, and automatically restoring the automatic mode when the second conditions are fulfilled.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the control of automatic transmissions with discrete or continuously variable ratios. They apply to all types of automatic or automated transmissions with discrete or continuously variable ratios.
When these transmissions have an automatic control mode and a manual control mode, the invention relates only to the automatic mode. The subject of the invention is the management of actions by the driver in automatic mode, and, to this end, it constitutes a method for adjusting the ratios of an automatic transmission, as opposed to the facilities for genuinely exiting from the automatic mode by the driver, when he wants to take full charge of the control of speed shifts, as in a manual transmission.
II. Description of Related Art
When a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission has two transmission control arms on, or near, the steering wheel, the driver can, in theory, use these control arms (instead of a conventional control lever), to control up- or down-shifts in a so-called "pulsed manual control" mode.
According to the usual provision in the art, the driver must initially choose the option to exit from the automatic mode by setting a lever or knob to the appropriate position. He can then control up- and down-shifts by successive presses on the (+) arm and on the (−) arm. In these conditions, if the driver has chosen to exit from the automatic mode for the manual mode, he has taken control of the changes of ratio, until deliberately initiating a return to automatic mode, which he does by returning the lever or knob to the appropriate position.
With this known control principle, if the driver forgets to return to the automatic mode after temporarily wishing to take control of the changes of ratio, he remains, despite himself, in manual mode.

Method for adjusting an automatic transmission ratio


In a system and method for determining the suitability of a copper pair line for xDSL service use, characteristic parameters of a copper pair line to be tested are measured. These characteristics include a wire gauge, length, and temperature of the copper pair line. In addition, characteristics such as the presence of short circuits, longitudinal balance, the presence of load coils, wideband noise and loop attenuation are tested for the copper pair line. A plant map of the copper pair line is then determined based on the measured and tested characteristics. Using the above characteristics and the plant map of the copper pair line, a transfer function representative of the plant map is determined which is then used to analyze and thereby qualify the copper pair line.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention related to a testing system and method for copper pair lines, and in particular to a testing system and method for qualifying copper pair lines for IDSL, ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, SHDSL, and VDSL communication usage, as well as all other DSL-type technologies (hereinafter, "xDSL" indicating all the various DSL technologies and line codings).
B. Background
With increasing use and popularity of having computers at home and using them to access the Internet for a wide variety of goods and services, the demand for a communications infrastructure to support the increasing use has risen dramatically. Customers demand both the capability to send and receive large amounts of data, and the speed in performing such data transfers.
Internet access providers, cable communication companies, etc. are constantly working to fill those demands through the installation of fiber-optic and other hi-speed communications lines. However, in many areas of the country, such equipment and the services to support that equipment are either impractical to implement, prohibitively costly, or simply not scheduled to occur in the foreseeable future.
Telephone companies have tried to fill part of the demand by offering Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL) services that use the current infrastructure of copper pair lines to deliver hi-speed access to the Internet. The definition of copper pair lines includes any communication line made of copper or other similar material or composition known in the art. Unfortunately, due to limitations in the structure of the copper pair lines and the specifics of the different DSL technologies, xDSL service is not available to all telephone customers. The proper conditions have to exist in order for a copper pair line to handle xDSL communications. The suitability of a copper pair line for xDSL service is dependent on factors such as the length of the telephone line, the number of bridge taps on the line, material defects or shorts in the line, the wire gauge of the line, damage to the lines, proximity of sources of electromagnetic energy, etc.
In order to determine whether copper pair lines are suitable for xDSL service, telephone companies literally have to test the individual copper pair lines. However, using conventional techniques, this process involves sending service technicians to access both ends of a physical line, having one technician transmit a signal at one end of the line, and having the other technician receive the signal at the other end, and then analyzing the received signal. In addition, if a physical line is found to be defective or unsuitable for xDSL service, technicians might have to locate, identify and repair such defects. As one can imagine, this entire process is time consuming, labor intensive and costly.
Therefore, there currently exists a need for a system and method to test copper pair lines that avoids the problems and limitations associated with the current techniques. There also exists a need for a system and method to test copper pair lines that can aid in predicting, analyzing and locating defects in the lines so as to make the repair and qualification of copper pair lines for xDSL service more efficient. Further, there exists a need for a system and method for estimating the structural layout or "plant map" of copper pair lines in order to illustratively determine whether certain copper pair lines are suitable for xDSL service.

System and method for single-ended line analysis for qualification and mapping


For the reduction of the radon load in enclosed spaces, an aqueous, solvent and softener-free dispersion of a vinylidene chloride-acrylate-copolymer is applied to the boundary surfaces of the room and left to dry. The dispersion contains also a nonionic surfactant on a base of alkylphenolethoxylate with a proportion of 10 mole ethylene oxide, a vinyl pyrrolidone-copolymer and a defrothing agent.

The radiation load on the human body consists primarily of radiation coming from technical apparatus (television, x-ray machines, etc.), cosmic radiation and artificial and natural radioactivity. Lately, we have become increasingly aware of the danger of natural radioactive radiation. This acts not only at the location of deposits of uranium-containing ore and rock, but can be found also in residential and other buildings, because of the use of uranium-containing construction materials.
Natural radioactivity appears in all elements with an atomic number higher than 80. The radioactive isotopes of these elements have mostly very short half-lifes and could not be detected today--approximately 6 billion years after their formation. However, they continue to form again and again due to alpha or beta decomposition from the decomposition of the uranium isotopes 238 and 235 with a very long life, as well as of the thorium isotope 232. As a result of the longevity of the uranium isotopes, the radioactive radiation coming from uranium is very low. However, in the course of the uranium disintegration chain which finally ends with the inactive lead a new gaseous intermediate product appears, radon 222, which disintegrates again within a short time period, but not without leaving behind a number of stable radioactive products.
Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless radioactive gas which due to its high atomic weight collects mainly at the bottoms of rooms. Particularly basement rooms and other rooms bordering on the ground can therefore have a considerable degree of radioactive contamination. Also materials used in construction, such as clay, construction materials containing pumice, cemented stones with slag additives or granite often contain uranium emitting gaseous, radioactive radon.
Lately, public opinion has become increasingly sensitive to the dangers of radioactive contamination, due to various accidents in nuclear power plants. At the same time, there is an increased awareness of the dangers resulting from other types of radiation, such as widespread medical testing and radiation therapy, as well as the dangers of natural radioactivity. Scientific research has proven that the health-injuring effects of natural radioactivity are considerably higher than has been assumed. It has for instance been established that in certain living spaces the radioactivity level is much higher than acceptable. It has been found that the cause is the accumulation of radon in dangerous concentrations in residential and other buildings, whereby especially the building basement floors with poor ventilation and the buildings without basements, erected directly on the soil, are particularly afflicted by radon infiltrating from the surrounding soil.
For this reason, lately measures for the reduction of radon infiltration in living spaces have been proposed. However, the known measures are either effective for only a short time, e.g. intensive ventilation of these rooms, or complicated, expensive and short-lived. For instance wall hangings of plastic foil, e.g. polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane or of light metal, have been proposed. It has also been proposed to seal the rooms with polyurethane resins. However, these known steps have not proven themselves in practice, since they can not completely cover the nooks and crannies and also can not evenly and completely cover the curves or corners. Besides, these known web-like coverings made of plastic or light metal, unlike the usual wall coverings, cannot be covered with tiles or plaster, or they tend to disintegrate or lose adhesion due to their incompatibility with the usual construction substrates and because of humidity.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to avoid the drawbacks of the known methods for the reduction of the radon load in closed spaces and particularly to provide a long-term and highly efficient method which makes it possible to prevent the infiltration of radon gas from the ground and the emission of this gas from construction materials into the rooms to be protected.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method which makes it possible to apply to external construction parts (walls, floors and ceilings) a substance for the protection against radon infiltration, with simple and traditional means.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a substance for blocking incursion of radon and which can be applied to all traditional building materials, such as stone, concrete, gypsum, etc., but which remains stable under the action of humidity and chemicals.
Finally, another object of the invention is to provide a substance which, applied according to the method of the invention, lends itself to the application of decorative surfaces or of functional layers.

Method for the reduction of radon load in closed spaces

Hesco AG, Industrieconsulting & Industrievertretungen