This invention relates to a novel process for preparing benzylformimidates which are useful in the production of certain carbapenem antibiotics. The process of this invention provides a means of producing a high-yield, high-purity product.

The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing benzylformimidate utilizing tetrahydrofuran as the reaction solvent. In particular, this invention relates to a process for preparing benzylformimidate hydrochloride, a compound which is required in the manufacture of certain carbapenem antibiotics, utilizing tetrahydrofuran as the reaction solvent.
Various processes for the manufacture benzylformimidate have been disclosed in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,047 discloses a process for preparing ethyl N-Benzylformimidate utilizing methylene chloride in the reaction process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,772 discloses a process for preparing N-formimidoyl thienamycin utilizing benzylformimidate hydrochloride in the reaction process. Unlike the process of the present invention, U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,772 discloses using ethyl ether as the reaction solvent in the preparation of the product. Ethyl ether is a very hazardous compound.
It has been surprisingly discovered that the use of tetrahydrofuran as a reaction solvent in the preparation of benzylformimidate will produce a high-yield, high-purity product.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a novel process for the preparation of benzylformimidate. It is also an object of this invention to provide a process for the preparation of benzylformimidate hydrochloride utilizing tetrahydrofuran as the reaction solvent in order to prepare a high-yield, high-purity product.

Process for the preparation of benzylformimidate


A tire traction device securing apparatus having a plurality of elastic tensioning arms extending radially from a central hub, each of the plurality of elastic tensioning arms removably attachable to a tire traction device to provide a tension force directed toward the central hub to secure the tire traction device to the tire. In an embodiment, the plurality of arms and central hub are of an elastomeric material to form a monolithic body; coupled to each tensioning arm of the monolithic body is a hook to removably attach the tire traction device securing apparatus to the tire traction device and thereby secure the tire traction device to the tire.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tire traction enhancement devices for a vehicle wheel assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices and methods to secure tire traction enhancement devices to a vehicle wheel assembly.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Tire traction enhancement devices, referred herein as tire traction devices, including those commonly known as tire chains, provide increased traction to a vehicle wheel assembly. When a tire of a wheel assembly provides inadequate traction for a vehicle, a tire traction device may be installed onto the tire by the operator of the vehicle and employed until road conditions improve to the point where the tire traction device becomes unnecessary. Thus, it is important that the tire traction device be simple to install and remove.
Many tire traction devices, when positioned flat on the ground, are ladder-like, having two parallel side chains connected by a plurality of transverse traction chains. The length of the side chains is generally approximately equal to the circumference of the tire, or slightly less, while the length of the traction chains is generally slightly greater than the tire tread width. While various tire traction devices may employ cables or plastic straps in place of chains, the assembly of such tire traction devices is similar to those employing chains.
To install a typical tire traction device, it is first draped over the top of the tire. The length of the traction chains is such that the side chains form a circle concentric with and adjacent to the sidewall of the tire. A tire traction device securing apparatus, such as that depicted in FIG. 1, is then attached to the side chains to remove the slack from the side and traction chains to secure the tire traction device to the tire. Conventional tire traction device securing apparatus 100 includes an elastic loop 110 and a plurality of hooks 120. The plurality of hooks 120 may be movable about the elastic loop 110 or may be crimped to elastic loop 120. To install tire traction device securing apparatus 100, each hook 120 is attached to a location on a side chain of a tire traction device. Generally, a first hook is attached, and then a second hook is selected and attached at another location on the side chain, typically a location approximately 180° from the first attached hook. With two hooks 120 attached, elastic loop 110 is stretched and distorted into a tight ellipse. After the first two hooks are installed, it is difficult to install the third hook because one must insert a hand into this tight ellipse and further stretch elastic loop 110. As hooks are attached, elastic loop 110 must stretch further and so it becomes harder to attach each successive hook 120 to the side chain. Also, after attaching the first two hooks, the thickness of the loop material becomes narrowed from the tension, and the unattached hooks become movable about the elastic loop 110 (even if initially crimped to the loop material) and must then be accurately positioned to locations on the side chain to adequately remove slack from each tire quadrant. However, because the unattached hooks cannot be moved beyond the first two attached hooks, properly securing the tire traction device to the tire requires correctly selecting first two hooks of the plurality and correctly positioning them on the side chain. For these reasons it is difficult to install traction device securing apparatus 100, especially during inclement weather.
Furthermore, because the single elastic loop 110 provides the only source of tension, conventional tire traction device securing apparatus 100 will fail to secure the tire traction device to the tire if the elastic loop 110 breaks. Hence, because a single break in loop 110 will remove all tension from each of the plurality of hooks 120, complete failure of tire traction device securing apparatus 100 may occur at any time with little or no warning.


A woven fiber preform, a fiber reinforced composite incorporating the preform, and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The woven preform includes a plurality of warp and weft yarns or fibers interwoven to form a continuous spiral fabric. The spiral fabric may take the shape of an Archimedes spiral. The weft yarns in the preform may have a uniform or variable pick spacing, or a uniform or variable angular separation. The spiral fabric of the Archimedes spiral may be assembled or wrapped to form a conical shell structure, which could be a portion of a spinner or an exit cone. The spiral fabric may be woven on a loom equipped with a differential take-up mechanism.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to fiber reinforced composites and particularly relates to preforms having woven strips of material used in reinforced composite materials, which can be woven flat and folded into their final shape.
2. Incorporation by Reference
All patents, patent applications, documents, references, manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention.
3. Description of the Prior Art
The use of reinforced composite materials to produce structural components is now widespread, particularly in applications where their desirable characteristics are sought of being light in weight, strong, tough, thermally resistant, self-supporting and adaptable to being formed and shaped. Such components are used, for example, in aeronautical, aerospace, satellite, recreational (as in racing boats and automobiles), and other applications.
Typically such components consist of reinforcement materials embedded in matrix materials. The reinforcement component may be made from materials such as glass, carbon, ceramic, aramid, polyethylene, and/or other materials which exhibit desired physical, thermal, chemical and/or other properties, chief among which is great strength against stress failure. Through the use of such reinforcement materials, which ultimately become a constituent element of the completed component, the desired characteristics of the reinforcement materials, such as very high strength, are imparted to the completed composite component. The constituent reinforcement materials typically, may be woven, knitted or braided. Usually particular attention is paid to ensure the optimum utilization of the properties for which the constituent reinforcing materials have been selected. Usually such reinforcement preforms are combined with matrix material to form desired finished components or to produce working stock for the ultimate production of finished components.
After the desired reinforcement preform has been constructed, matrix material may be introduced to and into the preform, so that typically the reinforcement preform becomes encased in the matrix material and matrix material fills the interstitial areas between the constituent elements of the reinforcement preform. The matrix material may be any of a wide variety of materials, such as epoxy, polyester, vinyl-ester, ceramic, carbon and/or other materials, which also exhibit desired physical, thermal, chemical, and/or other properties. The materials chosen for use as the matrix may or may not be the same as that of the reinforcement preform and may or may not have comparable physical, chemical, thermal or other properties. Typically, however, they will not be of the same materials or have comparable physical, chemical, thermal or other properties, since a usual objective sought in using composites in the first place is to achieve a combination of characteristics in the finished product that is not attainable through the use of one constituent material alone. So combined, the reinforcement preform and the matrix material may then be cured and stabilized in the same operation by thermosetting or other known methods, and then subjected to other operations toward producing the desired component. It is significant to note at this point that after being so cured, the then solidified masses of the matrix material normally are very strongly adhered to the reinforcing material (e.g., the reinforcement preform). As a result, stress on the finished component, particularly via its matrix material acting as an adhesive between fibers, may be effectively transferred to and borne by the constituent material of the reinforcement preform.
Frequently, it is desired to produce components in configurations that are other than such simple geometric shapes as plates, sheets, rectangular or square solids, etc. A way to do this is to combine such basic geometric shapes into the desired more complex forms. In any such shapes, a related consideration is to make each juncture between the constituent components as strong as possible. Given the desired very high strength of the reinforcement preform constituents per se, weakness of the juncture becomes, effectively, a "weak link" in a structural "chain".
While the prior art has sought to improve upon the structural integrity of the reinforced composite and has partly achieved success, there exists a desire to improve thereon or address the problem through an approach different from the use of adhesives or mechanical coupling. In this regard, one approach might be by creating a woven three dimensional ("3D") structure by specialized machines. However, the expense involved is considerable and rarely is it desirable to have a weaving machine directed to creating a single structure. Another approach would be to weave a two dimensional ("2D") structure and fold it into 3D shape so that the panel is integrally woven, i.e. yarns are continuously interwoven between the planar base or panel portion and other constituent portions.
The increased use of composite materials having such fiber preform reinforcements in aircrafts and jet engines has led to the need for composite conical shells. The traditional approach for forming a conical shell has been to generate a flat pattern 10 that is in the shape of a sector of an annulus, as shown in FIG. 1A. This shape is predisposed to take on the shape of a frustum of a cone 20 when it is folded so that the two straight edges 15 are aligned with one another, as shown in FIG. 1B. The flat pattern 10 can be cut from conventional 2D fabric, or can be woven directly into the annular shape using polar weaving equipment, for example.
Both methods, however, have certain limitations. Using 2D fabric results in a uniform thickness shell, with uniform distribution of fiber in two directions, but the fiber directions will not be aligned with the principle directions of the cone, i.e. the circumferential and axial directions. Polar weaving, on the other hand, will orient fiber in the principal directions, but the fiber distribution will vary in the axial direction. In either case, there will be a discontinuous seam where the two straight edges come together. Additionally, although the cone can have practically any dimensions, the maximum size that can be fabricated from a single flat pattern is limited by the size of the loom, and there can be substantial waste material if conventional 2D fabrics are used to produce the cone. Using a single piece of fabric is, however, desirable because it minimizes the number of seams and reduces the touch labor required to cut and position the fabric.

Fiber preform, fiber reinforced composite, and method of making thereof


A method for analyzing an oilfield network. The method includes collecting oilfield data from an oilfield network, modeling a first wellsite and a second wellsite using the oilfield data to create a first production model of the first wellsite and a second production model of the second wellsite. The method further includes modeling a sub-network of the oilfield network to create a third production model of the sub-network. The modeling of the sub-network includes identifying a junction of branches associated with the first wellsite and the second wellsite. A fourth production model is created for the junction by combining the first production model with the second production model. The production model of the sub-network is created using the fourth production model of the junction. The method further includes solving the oilfield network based on the third production model to create a production result, and storing the production result.

A typical oilfield includes a collection of wellsites. Hydrocarbons flow from the collection of wellsites through a series of pipes to a processing facility. The series of pipes are often interconnected, thereby forming an oilfield network. For example, one wellsite may connect to a series of pipes that connect to another wellsite. The interconnection provides a redundancy in the paths in which hydrocarbons may flow while minimizing the number of pipes needed.
Oilfield operations, such as surveying, drilling, wireline testing, completions, production, planning and oilfield analysis, are typically performed to locate and gather valuable downhole fluids. Specifically, the oilfield operations assist in the production of hydrocarbons. One such oilfield operation is the analysis of the oilfield network.

Analyzing an oilfield network for oilfield production


An image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a resolution are provided for setting the resolution to multiple levels without increasing signal types. The image sensor comprises plural photoelectric converting elements for converting optical signals to electric signals; a group of channel select switches, each channel select switch arranged between a charge output unit of each channel select switch and a signal line corresponding to each photoelectric converting element, wherein the group of the channel select switches can be turned on and off sequentially synchronizing with an externally supplied clock pulse signal; and resolution setting means, wherein when a resolution assignment signal, a resolution assignment timing signal and a resolution assignment period setting signal are input, the resolution setting means sets an on-off control pattern for the group of the channel select switches according to an on-off pattern of the resolution assignment signal at a plurality of timings set by the resolution assignment timing signal in a resolution assignment period set according the resolution assignment setting signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an image sensor, a reading device and a method for setting a resolution. In particular, the present invention relates to an image sensor, a reading device with the image sensor and a method for setting a resolution of the image sensor, wherein the image sensor comprises a plurality of photoelectric converting elements for converting light signals into electric signals, and a group of channel select switches capable of being sequentially turned on and off to control a connection between a charge output unit of the photoelectric converting element and a common signal line.
2. Description of Related Art
Image sensors are used in a reading device, such as a facsimile, a copy machine and a hand scanner, etc. FIG. 14 shows a structure of a conventional image sensor. Referring to FIG. 14, photoelectric converting elements P1a˜P1e are phototransistors, etc. for detecting light to output electric currents (image signals). P2 is a power input terminal for inputting a power voltage VDD. P3a˜P3e are channel select switches respectively connected to charge output units of the photoelectric converting elements P1a˜P1e. P4 is a shift register group, wherein the shift register group P4 is activated by a start signal, image signals output from the photoelectric converting elements P1a˜P1e are sequentially output from an image signal output terminal P11 through a common signal line P7, and each channel select switch P3a˜P3e can be sequentially turned on and off according to the period of a clock pulse signal. P4a˜P4f are shift registers. P5 is a start signal input terminal for inputting the start signal (SI). P6 is a clock pulse signal input terminal for inputting the clock pulse signal (CLK).
After activated by the start signal SI, a flip-flop P8 continuously outputs an "ON" signal during an operation period of the shift register group P4, a period starting from inputting a start signal SI to the shift register P4 a until the start signal SI is output from the shift register P4f. A chip select switch P9 is inserted onto a signal line P7, so that the chip select switch P9 is turned off upon receiving the "ON" signal from the flip-flop P8. A switch P10 is connected between the signal line P7 and a ground terminal P12 to repeatedly open and close according to a level change of the clock pulse signal CLK.
Next, the operation of the conventional image sensor is described. The start signal SI and the clock pulse signal are externally provided to the shift register group P4 through the start signal terminal P5 and the clock pulse signal input terminal P6, respectively. The period of start signal SI is twice of the period of the clock pulse signal CLK, and is read by the shift register P4a of the shift register group P4 at the falling edge of the clock pulse signal CLK.
The shift register P4a is activated by reading the start signal SI, and then the shift register P4a closes the channel select switch P3a for a time interval of one period of the clock pulse signal CLK. In this way, the image signal output from the photoelectric converting element P1a is output from the image signal output terminal P11 through the signal line P7. Then, the channel select switch P3a returns to its open status and the read start signal SI is transmitted to the shift register P4b.
Therefore, since the start signal SI is read by a shift register sequence of P4b→P4c→P4d→P4e, the image signals of the photoelectric converting elements P1b to P1e are sequentially output from the image signal output terminal P11. In addition, the output of the shift register P4f is transmitted through the terminal P13 to serve as a start signal for the next-stage sensor IC.
In the aforementioned image sensor, the control signal externally input is used to selectively switch and output the current, which is output from the photoelectric converting element to the image signal output terminal, by determining whether the control signal is a high level (H) or a low level (L), and the resolution for reading is set to two levels. Refer to Japanese Laid Open Publication H05-227362.
However, in the above method for setting the resolution, the resolution can be only set to two levels, a resolution corresponding to when the control signal is "H" and a resolution corresponding to when the control signal is "L". In contrast, most of general reading devices have to set the resolution to multi-levels, exceeding two levels. If control signals with plural types, such as two types, three types, four types, . . . etc., can be input, the resolution can be set to multi-levels, such as four levels, eight levels, sixteen levels, . . . etc. However, in this case, it needs a lot of additional signal lines, and thereby substantially increasing the cost.

Image sensor, reading device and method for setting resolution


The present invention provides work stations 10 for servicing turret tooling. The work station 10 is portable and includes a rotatable, indexable platter 12 having multiple tool stations defined by cavities 18 within the platter 12. Each tool station 18 is adapted to receive a turret tool. A frame 14 supports the platter 12 and includes areas to store tools and parts used during servicing turret tools. Five unique grinding block fixtures 200, 300, 400, 500, 560 are also provided. The grinding blocks 200, 300, 400, 500, 560 hold the turret tools, punches and dies, in proper positions during grinding and sharpening of the tools.

Turret punch press machines are widely used to manufacture an almost endless array of metal and plastic parts. Turret punch press machines are computer controlled, and are utilized to efficiently and cost effectively manufacture relatively large and small quantities of parts. When a manufacturing machine is not operating, i.e., downtime, manufacturing productivity decreases and manufacturing costs increase. Accordingly, manufacturers strive to minimize machine downtime and maximize production productivity.
Turret punch press machines include a rotatable turret that holds various removable turret tools in various bores spaced apart on the turret. The turret tools perform a particular action on the part being fabricated. Turret tools include punches and dies, for example, which fabricate holes in the parts. Many turret tools have been designated as so-called "thick" and "thin" turret tooling. Turret tools that are "thick" have a longer tool length than tools that are "thin." Turret tooling also includes multi-tool cartridges which have multiple, relatively smaller, tools grouped together in a cartridge. The turret tools may require service for various reasons, such as assembly, disassembly, sharpening, replacement of broken tool components, maintenance, removal of slugs from dies, and repair.
Turret tools have been serviced while being held in the turret or while laying on the turret table. Servicing turret tools in this manner, however, exhibits problems. For example, the turret punch press machine must be shut down during service of the tool. Machine setup time is increased when the tool is assembled utilizing the turret. Shutdown or downtime of the machine reduces efficiency and increases manufacturing costs.
Turret tools have been serviced outside of the turret while placed on a flat work surface or held in a vice. This manner of servicing turret tools, however, also presents problems. For example, the tool may be held incorrectly, which makes the service procedure more difficult, and the tool may be more easily damaged.
Another problem that exists with servicing turret tools is that the tool may move or rotate during the service procedure. For example, round tools may easily rotate during servicing. A tool that is not held in a stationary position can result in difficulties in assembling, disassembling, and performing other service procedures on the tool.
Problems have also been experienced in sharpening tools. The tools may be sharpened by grinding a cutting surface on the tool. Makeshift grinding fixtures have been used to hold tools in a desired position or at a desired angle during grinding. Those makeshift grinding fixtures may not, however, properly hold the tool, which can result in an improperly sharpened or even damaged tool.
Turret tools are commonly ground by placing the tool on a magnetic chuck and engaging a grinding wheel with the tool. Problems exist, however, with grinding turret tools on a magnetic chuck. During grinding, the temperature of the tool increases and a portion, particularly an edge, may lift off of the magnetic chuck. The tool may be ground improperly if a portion of the tool lifts off of the magnetic chuck. Also, the entire tool may completely lift and fly off of the magnetic chuck during grinding.
In the industry, good machine shop practice includes the step of cross-cutting punches and dies during grinding. For example, dies should be ground at a 45.degree. angle so only a portion of the edge of the cutout is sheared at any given moment. The cutting surface of a punch should also be ground at a 45.degree. angle. Good machine shop practices are not, however, always followed because it requires increased time and effort.
Two industry standard turret tool punch grinding procedures include flat top grinding and roof top grinding. Flat top grinding can be achieved by placing the punch on a magnetic chuck such that the punch tip is parallel to the chuck. Roof top grinding forms an angled punch tip, typically having angles of 21/2.degree.. Roof top grinding has been achieved by using a "sign bar" and "joe blocks" to form the desired angles on the punch tip. Roof top grinding by this method is, however, cumbersome and difficult to maintain the proper angles.
Another aspect of servicing turret tooling is that various service tools, for example, hand tools, and parts are needed. These service tools and parts have a tendency to become disorganized and inconveniently stored at various places around the manufacturing area or shop floor. Accordingly, service personnel may waste time locating these items instead of servicing the turret tools.
Therefore, these and other needs exist to improve servicing of turret punch press machines. Particularly, needs exist to improve the servicing of turret tooling. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading this disclosure, including the claims, and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Certified Tool & Manufacturing Corporation


A memory circuit includes a plurality of memory cells, each of the memory cells being operative to store multiple bits of data therein, and a plurality of column lines and row lines coupled to the memory cells for selectively accessing the memory cells. The circuit further includes multiple sense amplifiers, each of the sense amplifiers being connected to a corresponding one of the column lines and being operative to detect an electric charge stored in a selected one of the memory cells coupled to the corresponding column line and to generate an analog signal indicative of the stored electric charge. An analog multiplexer is connected to the sense amplifiers. The analog multiplexer is operative to receive the respective analog signals from the sense amplifiers and to generate an analog output signal having a magnitude which varies in time as a function of the respective analog signals from the sense amplifiers.

Nonvolatile memory, such as, for example, flash memory, is utilized in a wide variety of electronic devices and applications. In order to increase information storage density, flash memory has evolved from single-level-cell (SLC) memory, wherein each of the memory cells contain a single binary bit of information (e.g., two levels of charge store) to multiple-level-cell (MLC) memory, wherein each of the memory cells contain a plurality of bits of information. The present state of the art is MLC memory wherein each cell is capable of storing two bits of information represented in one of four discrete charge levels within the cell.
Unfortunately, however, to discriminate between multiple discrete charge levels stored within multi-level flash memory cells, sense amplifiers used in the memory for reading the respective states of the cells therein, are either many times larger than for single-level flash memory, or take significantly longer time to discriminate the multiple charge levels. Sense amplifiers are typically placed on column pitch within a given memory, so there are many sense amplifiers within the memory. Each column or small group of multiplexed columns in the memory typically has its own sense amplifier(s). The problem of discriminating between multiple discrete charge levels stored within the cells becomes particularly acute as the number of bits stored within a single memory cell increases.
Because multi-level flash memory has, thus far, been limited to two bits per memory cell, this discrimination problem has been relatively manageable with only limited impact on the size and/or performance of the memory. Conventional approaches for determining the stored state of a two-bit flash memory cell involve employing multiple (e.g., three) sense amplifiers to discriminate between the four discrete charge levels indicative of the four states of the cell. Alternatively, single sense amplifiers have been used to iteratively discriminate between the four charge levels. In this instance, a three-loop iteration is required.
Another problem in high-density flash memory is that as the number of bits stored within a single memory cell increases, the measurable difference between respective charge levels decreases, thereby increasing the likelihood of an error in reading the state of the memory cell. For example, while a two-bit cell must store four discrete charge levels, a four-bit cell must store 16 discrete charge levels. The difference between successive charge levels for a four-bit memory cell will be significantly smaller compared to a two-bit memory cell. Consequently, more sophisticated error correction schemes are required to detect and correct erroneous bits of stored data using conventional methodologies.
Accordingly, there exists a need for techniques for increasing data storage density in a flash memory device which do not suffer from one or more of the above-described problems associated with conventional memory devices.


The invention provides systems and methods for the deposition of an improved diamond-like carbon material, particularly for the production of magnetic recording media. The diamond-like carbon material of the present invention is highly tetrahedral, that is, it features a large number of the sp3 carbon-carbon bonds which are found within a diamond crystal lattice. The material is also amorphous, providing a combination of short-range order with long-range disorder, and can be deposited as films which are ultrasmooth and continuous at thicknesses substantially lower than known amorphous carbon coating materials. The carbon protective coatings of the present invention will often be hydrogenated. In a preferred method for depositing of these materials, capacitive coupling forms a highly uniform, selectively energized stream of ions from a dense, inductively ionized plasma. Such inductive ionization is enhanced by a relatively slow moving (or “quasi-static”) magnetic field, which promotes resonant ionization and ion beam homogenization.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to thin films and methods for their deposition, and more particularly, provides diamond-like films, plasma beam deposition systems, and methods useful for production of diamond-like protective overcoats on magnetic recording media and other industrial applications.
In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the deposition of a group of materials referred to as diamond-like carbon. Diamond-like carbon can generally be defined as a metastable, high density form of amorphous carbon. Diamond-like carbon is valued for its high mechanical hardness, low friction, optical transparency, and chemical inertness.
Deposition of diamond-like carbon films often involves chemical vapor deposition techniques, the deposition processes often being plasma enhanced. Known diamond-like films often include carbon with hydrogen, fluorine, or some other agent. The durability and advantageous electrical properties of diamond-like carbon films have led to numerous proposals to apply these films to semiconductors, optics, and a wide variety of other industrial uses. Unfortunately, the cost and complexity of providing these advantageous diamond-like carbon films using known chemical vapor deposition processes has somewhat limited their use. Furthermore, while a wide variety of diamond-like carbon coating films have been deposited in laboratories, many of these films have been found to have less than ideal material characteristics.
A very different form of amorphous carbon is generally applied as a protective overcoat for magnetic recording media. Magnetic recording disks generally comprise a substrate having a magnetic layer and a number of underlayers and overlayers deposited thereon. The nature and composition of each layer is selected to provide the desired magnetic recording characteristics, as is generally recognized in the industry.
The information stored in magnetic recording media generally comprises variations in the magnetic field of a thin film of ferromagnetic material, such as a magnetic oxide or magnetic alloy. Usually, a protective layer is formed over the top of the magnetic layer, and a layer of lubricating material is deposited over the protective layer. These protective and lubricating layers combine to increase the reliability and durability of the magnetic recording media by limiting friction and erosion of the magnetic recording layer. Sputtered amorphous carbon films have gained widespread usage as protective overcoats for rigid magnetic recording disks.
Sputtered amorphous carbon overcoats have been shown to provide a high degree of wear protection with a relatively thin protective layer. Magnetic recording disk structures including sputtered amorphous carbon have been very successful and allow for quite high recording densities. As with all successes, however, it is presently desired to provide magnetic recording disks having even higher recording densities.
Recording densities can generally be improved by reducing the spacing between the recording transducer, called the read/write head, and the magnetic layer of the magnetic recording disk (or more specifically, between the read/write head and the middle of the magnetic layer). In modern magnetic recording systems, the read/write head often glides over the recording surface on an air bearing, a layer of air which moves with the rotating disk. To minimize frictional contact between the rotating disk and the read/write head, the disks surface is generally rougher (and the glide height therefore higher) than would otherwise be ideal for high density magnetic recording. Even if this glide height is reduced (or eliminated), the read/write head will be separated from the recording layer by the protective amorphous carbon overcoat. This protective layer alone may, to provide the desired media life, limit the areal density of the media. Generally, overcoat layer thicknesses are dictated by durability and continuity limitations. Sputtered carbon frequently becomes discontinuous at thicknesses below about 50Å. Thus, the durability requirements of rigid magnetic recording media generally dictate that the distance between the read/write head and the magnetic recording layer be maintained, even though this limits the areal density of the magnetic recording media.
It has previously been proposed to utilize known chemical vapor deposition techniques to deposit a variety of diamond-like carbon materials for use as protective coatings for flexible magnetic recording tapes and magnetic recording heads. Unfortunately, known methods for chemical vapor deposition of diamond-like materials, including plasma enhanced methods, generally subject the substrate to temperatures of over 500° C., which is deleterious for most magnetic disk substrates. Therefore, these known diamond-like carbon films do provide relatively good hardness and frictional properties, they have found little practical application within the field of rigid magnetic recording media, in which sputtered amorphous carbon protective overcoats are overwhelmingly dominant.
For these reasons, it would be beneficial to provide improved magnetic protective overcoats with improved read/write head frictional and glide characteristics (generally called stiction) for recording media. Preferably, such an improved overcoat will provide durability and reliability without having to resort to the density-limiting glide heights and/or protective overcoat thickness of known rigid magnetic recording media, and without subjecting the media substrates to excessive temperatures.
It would also be desirable to provide improved diamond-like carbon materials and methods for their deposition. It would be particularly desirable if such materials and methods could be utilized for practical rigid magnetic recording media with reduced spacing between the read/write head and the magnetic recording layer, ideally by providing a flatter, smoother, and thinner protective coating which maintained or even enhanced the durability of the total recording media structure. It would also be advantageous to provide alternative methods and systems for depositing such protective layers, for use in the production of magnetic recording media, as well as integrated circuits, optics, machine tools, and a wide variety of additional industrial applications.
2. Description of the Background Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,132 describes magnetic recording media having a diamond-like carbon film deposited with alternating circuit plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods. U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,784 describes a fluorinated diamond-like carbon protective coating for magnetic recording media devices. European Patent Application 700,033 describes a side-mounted thin film magnetic head having a protective layer of diamond-like carbon. European Patent Application No. 595,564 describes a magnetic recording media having a diamond-like protective film which consists of carbon and hydrogen.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,703 describes a method for the surface treatment of semiconductors by particle bombardment, the method making use of a capacitively coupled extraction grid to produce an electrically neutral stream of plasma. V. S. Veerasamy et al. described the properties of tetrahedral amorphous carbon deposited with a filtered cathodic vacuum arc in Solid-State Electronics, vol. 37, pp. 319-326 (1994). The recent progress in filtered vacuum arc deposition was reviewed by R. L. Boxman in a paper presented at the International Conference of Metallurgical Coatings and Thin Films located at San Diego in April of 1996. Electron cyclotron wave resonances in low pressure plasmas with a superimposed static magnetic field were described by Professor Oechsner in Plasma Physics, vol. 15, pp. 835-844 (1974).

Highly tetrahedral amorphous carbon coatings and systems and methods for their production


A hard disk drive (HDD) top cover removal tool includes a nest assembly, a clamp, a guide plate, and a purge and vacuum assembly (PAVA). The nest assembly secures an HDD and rotates it from a first to a second position. The clamp presses against a top cover of the HDD such that the top cover maintains contact with a hard drive body of the HDD. A hole defined in the guide plate is aligned with a screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body, and receives a screw driver for removing a screw fastening the top cover to the hard drive body. The PAVA purges and evacuates particles from the screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body of the HDD in the second position. The clamp releases the top cover. The PAVA removes the released top cover from the hard drive body.

A top cover may be removed from a hard disk drive in order to repair or replace parts contained in the hard disk drive. Removing the top cover may entail removal of screws fastening the top cover to a hard drive body of the hard disk drive prior to removal of the top cover. However, screw removal may contaminate the hard disk drive because particles may be generated as a result of abrasive contact between the screws and a screw driver used to remove the screws. These particles may be displaced onto the media of the hard disk drive during the screw removal and top cover removal process, causing contamination of the hard disk drive. It is therefore advantageous to minimize the amount of particles that may contaminate the hard disk drive during the top cover removal process.


When a dial is operated to rotate forward to a DEF position with a knob 52 staying in a depressed state, a cam portion 12 operates a key operating portion 56 to move in an approaching direction in which the key operating portion 56 approaches a reset key 39, so as to operate the reset key 39 as a result of the key operating portion 56 moving in the approaching direction. Then, a push button 31 returns from a depressed position to a normal position, and interlocking with the push button 31, the knob 52 returns from the depressed state to a normal state. Due to this, since the driver only has to operate the dial 4 to rotate forward to the DEF position so that the knob 52 can be forced to return from the depressed state to the normal state, the operability is increased.

The present invention relates to an automotive air conditioning switch system which remotely controls an on-board air conditioner from a passenger compartment of a vehicle.
Among air conditioning switch systems of the type that has been described above, there is an air conditioning switch system having a configuration in which a knob is mounted on an inner circumferential portion of a dial. In the case of this configuration, air inlets are changed over as a result of the knob being operated to be pressed, and air outlets are changed over as a result of the dial being operated to rotate.
In the case of the air conditioning switch system that has been described above, since the knob needs to be operated individually when changing over the air inlets, there still exists room for improvement with respect to operability.

Automotive air conditioning switch system

Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho


A holder assembly for clenching a door in upright position includes a pair of jaws having respective horizontal base members and upright clamp member, a pair of resiliently compressible support pads attached to and underlying the outer end portions of the base members for holding the jaws stationary on the floor in a generally non-slip fashion and the outer end portions of the base members in an elevated position above the floor, and a hinge including a pair of side-by-side hinge members and a removable pin pivotally coupling the hinge members to one another so as to establish a door receiving slot between the upright clamp members of the jaws. The base members at adjacent inner end portions thereof and the hinge members attached thereto are allowed to oppositely pivot upwardly away from the support surface to higher than the elevation of the outer end portions of the base members in order to place a door within the slot and to oppositely pivot downwardly toward the support surface to lower than the elevation of the outer end portions of the base members after a door is placed within the slot and the weight of the door is rested on the side-by-side hinge members. The opposite downward pivoting of the jaws at the inner end portions of the base members causes the upright clamp members to pivot toward one another and form a tight gripping hold on opposite sides of the door positioned in the slot between the clamp members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to workpiece holders and, more particularly, is concerned with a holder assembly for clenching a door or like object in an upright position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Doors, panels and other relatively thin unwieldy objects are typically held in an upright position to facilitate trimming edges, insetting locks and hinge plates and performing other finishing work. For example, to prepare a door for hanging in a frame, hinges must be mounted on the door edge and excess material usually must be planed from the edge. It is very awkward to hold the door in this position while attempting to work on the door. A carpenter may hold the door with one hand or with his knees or may try to prop it against a saw horse or other support.
Various devices have been proposed in the prior patent art to provide a means to assist the carpenter in this effort. Representative examples of these prior art devices are the ones disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. to Hutchinson (4,168,827), Hurst (4,270,741), Collins (4,391,437) and Willey (4,695,067). While these devices constitute a step in the right direction, a need still exists for a door holder which is more convenient, lower in cost, and easier to operate.

Holder assembly for clenching a door in an upright position


The present invention provides a recording method capable of reliably associating additional information for data of a decoding/reproduction unit with the decoding/reproduction unit for a case in which data of a read/write unit for a recording medium includes a plurality of aforementioned decoding/reproduction units. Time-series information is compressed before being recorded on the recording medium. Management information added to data of each decoding/reproduction unit of the compressed time-series information as management information for a decoding/reproduction process is also recorded on the recording medium. Additional information for data of a decoding/reproduction unit is also recorded on the recording medium by being associated with management information for a decoding/reproduction process of data of the decoding/reproduction unit.

In an operation to record time-series information such as video and audio information onto a recording medium such as a disk, a tape or a semiconductor memory, for example, the time-series information is generally compressed to allow the time-series information continuing over a long period of time to be recorded in a limited area in the recording medium.
As the conventional method of compressing data, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) method is used widely.
The MPEG method is a technique for compressing data by using predictive coding based on correlations between pieces of information in video frames or video fields and utilizing a DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) process. The video frames or the video fields are decoding/reproduction units of video information.
In the MPEG method, a picture, which can be a frame or a field, can have one of three types, i.e. an I picture, a P picture and a B picture. In order to simplify the explanation, however, only the technical term 'frame' is used as the decoding/reproduction unit of video information in the following description.
The I picture is an intra-coded picture obtained as a result of compression and coding only the data in one frame of the picture itself. The P picture is a forward-direction predictive-coded picture obtained as a result of compression and coding of data on the basis of a correlation with a picture frame preceding the frame of the P picture. The B picture is a both-direction predictive-coded picture obtained as a result of compression and coding of data on the basis of correlations with picture frames succeeding and preceding the frame of the B picture.
In the MPEG method, a so-called GOP (Group of Pictures) unit including a plurality of frames is used as a read/write unit, which is a unit of data read-out from and written into a recording medium. Typical GOPs are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a GOP in the MPEG method includes at least one I picture. This is because an image cannot be decoded on the basis of only P and B pictures. By including an I picture in a GOP in this way, a random access to any GOP can be made.
I and P pictures are coded in the same order as the order of the original frames. However, a B picture must be coded after I and P pictures are coded. If this encoding order is to be taken into consideration, in an MPEG encoder, frames are rearranged from the original order shown in FIG. 9A into a new order shown in FIG. 9B before the frames are compressed and coded. For details, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei8-214265.
To put it in detail, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 9A, a P picture is subjected to predictive coding using an I or P picture preceding the P picture being coded. On the other hand, a B picture is subjected to predictive coding using an I or P picture preceding the B picture and an I or P picture succeeding the B picture. That is to say, the B picture is sandwiched by the I or P picture preceding the B picture and the I or P picture succeeding the B picture.
Since a B picture is encoded-by using an I or P picture succeeding the B picture as described above, in the new order shown in FIG. 9B, the B picture is placed after the I or P picture originally succeeding the B picture before the arrangement.
In addition, as will be described later, management information for decoding and reproduction is added to each decoding/reproduction unit (that is, each picture unit) of the compressed-coded image data and recorded onto a recording medium along with the coded image data. Then, in an operation to reproduce image data coded by adoption of the MPEG method, the management information for decoding and reproduction is extracted from the recorded data and, on the basis of the management information, an image output is controlled in reproduced picture units and the order of the frames is restored to the original one.
By the way, in a digital camera capable of taking a picture of not only a still picture but also a moving picture, the MPEG method is also adopted as a data compression method. The digital camera is capable of offering more convenience to the user if an image pickup time and image pickup conditions can be recorded onto a recording medium as additional information. The image pickup conditions include a diaphragm-setting state, an exposure value and a white-balance state.
In particular, if the additional information such as an image pickup time and image pickup conditions can be recorded for an image of each frame, the user will be capable of knowing how the picture of each frame was taken and enjoy more convenience. In addition, by referring to the additional information for the image of each frame in an image reproduction process or an image-editing process, the reproduction quality can be improved and a fine editing process can be carried out. As a result, it is expected that the present invention can be applied to a variety of applications.
In the transmission format of data recorded by adoption of the MPEG method, however, there is no proposed policy as to how additional information for video and audio data is to be recorded (and transmitted). Thus, there is a technological problem as to how additional information is to be added in a state allowing the information to be used with a high degree of convenience.
In this case, if a GOP serving as a unit of data read out from and written into a recording medium includes a plurality of picture frames each used as a decoding/reproduction unit as is the case with the MPEG method described above, in an attempt to record additional information for data of each decoding/reproduction unit, a technique as to how the additional information is associated with the data of each decoding/reproduction unit is important.
In particular, when frames in a GOP serving as a read/write unit in the MPEG method are rearranged in a coding process prior to a recording process into a new order shown in FIG. 9B as described earlier, there is raised a problem that it becomes difficult to associate the data of each decoding/reproduction unit with the additional information.
It is thus an object of the present invention addressing the problems described above to provide a recording method capable of associating additional information for data of each decoding/reproduction unit with the unit with a high degree of reliability even if a read/write unit of data read out from and written into a recording medium includes a plurality of aforementioned decoding/reproduction unit and provide a recording apparatus for the recording method.

Recording method, recording apparatus, recording medium, reproduction method, reproduction apparatus and image pickup apparatus


A subsea hydrocarbon flow compression system (100) for receiving a hydrocarbon stream from at least one upstream flowline (102, 104) and supplying the hydrocarbon stream to at least one downstream flowline (106, 108) at an increased pressure, wherein the compression system comprises first and second compressor trains (110a, 110b), wherein each compressor train comprises an inlet port (112a, 112b) which is connectable to the at least one upstream flowline (102, 104); an outlet port (114a, 114b) which is connectable to the at least one downstream flowline (106, 108); a conditioning unit (116a, 116b) which is connected to the inlet port via a first flowline (118a, 118b); and a first flow path for the hydrocarbon fluid comprising a compressor (120a, 120b), which compressor is connected to the conditioning unit via a second flowline (122a, 122b) and to the outlet port via a third flowline (124a, 124b), wherein a controllable first valve (126) is arranged in the third flowline of the first compressor train for controlling hydrocarbon flow from the compressor to the outlet port of the first compressor train. A controllable second valve (128) is arranged in the second flowline of the second compressor train for controlling hydrocarbon flow from the conditioning unit to the compressor of the second compressor train. The system further comprises a first cross-over flowline (130) interconnecting the third flowline of the first compressor train upstream of the first valve and the second flowline of the second compressor train downstream of the second valve, wherein a controllable first cross-over valve (132) is arranged in the first cross-over flowline for controlling hydrocarbon flow through the first cross-over flowline.

In subsea hydrocarbon production and processing systems, there may be a need to "boost" hydrocarbon well-streams, i.e. to increase pressure of the hydrocarbon well-stream, e.g. to compensate for pressure losses in flowlines.
US 2012/118008 A1 shows a method and apparatus for producing a combined gaseous hydrocarbon component stream and liquid hydrocarbon component stream. First and second multi-phase streams are processed in first and second trains that are structurally different from each other such that the first and second trains have different operating conditions. The first and second trains produce first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams and first and second liquid hydrocarbon component streams. The first and second gaseous hydrocarbon streams are combined downstream of the first and second trains to provide a combined gaseous hydrocarbon component stream.
GB 2503927 A shows as a method and apparatus for removing hydrate plugs in a hydrocarbon production station. The method comprises the steps of fluidically isolating the production station by means of valves, diverting production flow to a bypass line, and adjusting the pressure in the production station to a level sufficient to melt the hydrate plugs by means of a pump/compressor unit and a cooler unit. Hydrate inhibitor such as methanol may be also bled into the system via a line.
FIG. 1 shows a prior art subsea hydrocarbon flow compression system having two compressor trains 10a, 10b which can operate in parallel or in series.
When operating in parallel, a multiphase well-stream enters a fluid conditioning unit 12a, 12b of each compressor train 10a, 10b through one or more flowlines 14. In FIG. 1 the conditioning units 12a, 12b are liquid/gas separators 12a, 12b. In the separator 12a, 12b, gas and liquid, e.g. a condensate/water/MEG, is separated, and gas is led to a subsea compressor 16a, 16b where it is boosted. The liquid is led to and boosted by a pump 18a, 18b. Normally the liquid is commingled with the gas downstream of the compressor 16a, 16b for multiphase transport to a receiving facility (not shown).
The system shown in FIG. 1 is a dry-gas system due to the separators 12a, 12b being arranged to supply the compressors 16a, 16b with a fluid stream in which liquid phase components have been removed.
Each compression train 10a, 10b may have coolers, e.g. an inlet cooler 20a, 20b arranged upstream of the compressor 16a, 16b and/or an outlet cooler (not shown) arranged downstream of the compressor 16a, 16b. An anti-surge cooling functionality may be implemented in the inlet cooler 20a, 20b and/or in the outlet cooler, and/or in a separate anti-surge cooler (not shown). If an inlet cooler 20a, 20b is used, this cooler is always located upstream of the separator 12a, 12b to enhance knock-out of liquid in the separator 12a, 12b.
The conventional method of switching from parallel to serial operation is to route the gas out of the compressor 16a of the first compressor train 10a and into the inlet of the second compressor train 10b, e.g. by closing valves 22 and 24, and opening valve 26. In this manner, all the equipment in the system will be configured in series. In series configuration, the multiphase well-stream is separated in the first compressor train 10a and the liquid and gas phases are commingled prior to entering the second compressor train 10b. In the second compressor train 10b, the liquid and gas phases are again separated in separator 20b and again commingled prior to entering downstream flowline(s) 28.
In this system, the repeated separation and mixing of phases is a result of the arrangement and adds no functional benefits.
While the flow is divided between the separators 12a, 12b when the compressor trains 10a, 10b are operating in parallel, the separators 12a, 12b must be dimensioned for the full well-stream when the compressor trains 10a, 10b are operating in series. Although hydrocarbon massflow declines over the years prior to series operation (series operation is usually employed during the later production stages), actual volume rates can still be very high because of the declining pressure. In case of slugs or liquid surges, the separator 12a of the first compressor train 10a must be able to handle the full slug/surge in series operation, while the slugs will be shared between the separators 12a, 12b in parallel operation.
Normally, pumps have much higher pressure boosting capability than compressors, and series configuration is not required. Consequently, when the system operates in series the separator 12b and the pump 18b of the second compressor train 10b do not provide functional advantages, but instead contribute to critical failure modes for the system.
FIG. 2 shows another prior art subsea compression station having two compressor trains 10a, 10b which can be switched from operating in parallel to operating in series.
In this case, the compression station incorporates no separators. Instead, in each compressor train 10a, 10b a conditioning unit 12a, 12b in the form of a flow-conditioning device is arranged upstream of the compressor 16a, 16b to condition the liquid/gas mixture such that it complies with the requirements of the compressor 16a, 16b.
Consequently, the system shown in FIG. 2 is a wet-gas system in which the compressors 16a, 16b need to boost liquid phase components as well as gas phase components.
Similar to the system shown in FIG. 1, switching from parallel to serial operation mode involves routing the discharge of the first compressor train 10a into the inlet of the second compressor train 10b by closing valves 22 and 24, and opening valve 26.
In serial operation, the same drawback associated with the separator 12b in FIG. 1 is also present for the flow-conditioning device 12b in FIG. 2, i.e. that the flow-conditioning device 12b does not give any functional advantage in serial operation mode, but only constitutes possible points of failure in the system.
Surface compression plants are normally not arranged as separate trains with dedicated processing equipment incorporated in each train. A typical surface compression plant consists of an upstream processing system providing pre-processed gas to a downstream compression system. Switching from parallel to series is done by re-arranging pipes between the compressors, and the upstream processing system is not affected.
Normally, a surface compression system is made for operating either in parallel or in series, and switching of operating mode from parallel to series is rare. If, however, switching from parallel to series is required, this is done by on-site re-build of the pipe-arrangement of the system. For surface compression system, this can be done at an acceptable cost and usually requires limited production down-time. In subsea applications, however, any on-site re-build of the system will be prohibitively expensive and will also require a non-acceptable production down-time. Hence, a subsea compression system must be designed for all foreseen operation modes with a minimum need of manual intervention.


An erasing method for a non-volatile memory is provided. The method includes the following two major steps. (a) A first voltage is applied to the odd-numbered select gates of each memory row and a second voltage is applied to the even-numbered select gates of each memory row such that the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is large enough for the electrons injected into the floating gate of the memory cells to be removed via the select gate. (b) A switchover operation is performed so that the first voltage is applied to the even-numbered select gates of each memory row and the second voltage is applied to the odd-numbered select gates of each memory row such that the electrons injected into the floating gates of the memory cells are pulled away via the select gates to turn the memory cells into an erased state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a non-volatile memory device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an erasing method for a non-volatile memory.
2. Description of the Related Art
Non-volatile memory is a type of data storage device capable of retaining data even after power to the device is removed. Therefore, this type of memory has become one of the indispensable components inside many electronic products for initiating a normal start-up operation. In particular, flash memory is a type of non-volatile memory that allows multiple data writing, reading and erasing operations. With these advantages, flash memory has become one of the most widely adopted non-volatile memories for personal computers and electronic equipments.
A typical flash memory has a floating gate and a control gate fabricated using doped polysilicon. Furthermore, the control gate is directly disposed above the floating gate. The floating gate and the control gate are separated from each other through a dielectric layer. The floating gate is also separated from the substrate through a tunneling oxide layer (in the so-called stacked gate flash memory).
At present, the frequently used flash memory array may have a NOR gate array structure or a NAND gate array structure. Because all the memory cells in a NAND gate array structure are serially connected together, it has a higher level of integration than the NOR gate array structure. In general, the erasing operation of the memory cell in a NAND gate array structure includes pulling electrons from the floating gate into the substrate via the tunneling oxide layer. Hence, the tunneling oxide layer can be damaged when operating at a high voltage, thus adversely affecting the reliability of the device.
On the other hand, to prevent data errors due to serious over-erasure of a typical flash memory, an additional select gate is often set up on the sidewalls of the control gate and the floating gate and above the upper surface of the substrate to form a split-gate structure.
To erase data from a NAND gate array structure having select gates, a 0 volt (V) is applied to the control gate and a positive biased voltage is applied to all the select gates. As a result, a large electric field is established between the floating gate and the select gate so that the electrons are pulled out from the floating gate into the select gate. However, the aforementioned erasing method will lower the electric field between the floating gate and the select gate due to a coupling effect between adjacent select gates, which lowers the erasing efficiency of the memory.
Another erasing method is proposed by applying a positive biased voltage to the odd-numbered select gates of the NAND gate array structure and applying a 0V to the even-numbered select gates. Alternatively, a 0V is applied to the odd-numbered select gates of the NAND gate array structure and a positive biased voltage is applied to the even-numbered select gates to complete the data erasing operation. In other words, the foregoing erasing method utilizes just one side of the NAND gate array structure to improve inefficient erasing of the data in the memory. However, this method also has a few problems. For example, erasing failure may appear on the same row of memory cells during the erasing operation, and the reliability and yield of the memory device will be significantly affected.


The present invention comprises an improved clamp for securing two members together. The invention includes a pair of clamp jaws that may be positioned in spaced relation to each another and adjusted in three dimensions.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a clamp and more particularly to an improved clamp that is capable of securing two spaced members having a lateral offset and/or vertical offset from each other, thereby permitting multi-planar adjustment.
Description of the Related Art
Clamps of various designs and configurations are well known in the art. Prior art clamps are used in myriad applications, including woodworking, plumbing, general construction, metal working, and surgeries of all varieties. Many prior art clamps are as simple as a pair of opposed jaws that are held together by the force of a users' hand. Other prior art clamps utilize various locking mechanisms hold the clamp jaws in place once they are appropriately positioned. However, these prior art clamps suffer from the inability to clamp two members that are displaced or spaced from one another, without the participation of multiple users to force the two members together and operate the clamp.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a clamp that is capable of holding two members together that include clamp jaws that are readily adjusted in three dimensions and deployed to counteract "offset" or displacement between the two members. The independent adjustment and alignment of two clamping members into relative positions presents a substantial improvement in the art.


A method of forming a template of an image of an object includes the steps of: detecting occurrences of at least one feature type within the image which meet a respective criterion; for each such occurrence, determining a feature position which is a point within the image at which the occurrence of the feature type is to be considered as being located; and constructing a structural mesh of links between the feature positions. A method is also disclosed of forming a template derived from a plurality of templates formed from respective images of different members of the class of objects and combining the templates to form a generalized template. In particular the templates are combined using a genetic algorithm. The invention provides a method of forming a template from one or more images which does not rely on a priori assumptions about the salient features of the object for which a template is to be obtained.

A template is a representation of an image of an object which aims to contain the image's salient features so that the template can be subsequently compared to other images, the goodness of fit of the template to another image providing a measure of the likelihood that this image is of or contains a sub-image of the object. For example, a series of templates may be formed from respective images of the faces of a group of people. An image of a person's face captured by a security camera could then be compared to the templates to determine if that person is one of the group.
A known approach to the use of templates is described in an article entitled "Feature Extraction From Faces Using Deformable Templates" by A L Yuille, D S Cohen and P W Hallinan, Harvard Robotics Laboratory Technical Report 33-2, 1988. In this approach a feature or object of interest is described by a geometric representation which is specified by a set of parameters which incorporate knowledge of the shape of the object. The article gives examples of two such templates; one for use in recognising an eye and the other a mouth. In the former case the eye template decided upon by the authors incorporated a circle corresponding to the outer boundary of the iris, boundary coutours corresponding to the top and bottom of the eye comprising two parabolas, regions corresponding to the whites of the eyes, and two points corresponding to the centres of the whites of the eyes.
The template of Yuille et al is deformable in that the components of the template can move subject to notional structural, restraining forces between the components. When the template is matched to a test image, the components of the template are attracted to various valleys, edge and peak components of the image which attractive forces are generally resisted by the structural forces between the components of the template. An energy function is defined in terms of the attraction of the template components to the features of the image and the structural forces resisting deformation of the template, the template being deformed to minimise this energy function. This energy function gives a measure of the goodness of fit of the template to the image and can be used as a measure of whether the template has, in fact, been successfully matched to the image, ie that the image does indeed correspond to the template.
This approach to the forming of templates was devised so that a priori information available about the appearance of the features of the object to which the template was to be matched, in Yuille et al's particular case facial features, could be incorporated into the template so providing a mechanism for detecting edges or other features which comprise local information as global structures.

Method of forming a template of an image of an object for use in the recognition of the object

British Telecommunications public limited company


A method of preparing an aliphatic copolyester by mixing a first compound defined by the equation:

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a copolymer, and in particular to an aliphatic copolyester and preparation method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Lactic acid monomer is isolated from fermented corn. Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) polymerized by lactic acid is a prospective and important environmental protection material, capable of application to various fields, for example, biomedicine, agriculture, fishery, plastic and textile industry. The water absorption rate of polylactic acid fiber is 0.6% lower than nylon fiber (4.5%), similar to polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (0.4%). The water absorption rate or hydrophilicity affects decomposition rate thereof. Higher hydrophilicity results in faster decomposition rate. Additionally, other products, for example, a drug delivery carrier, tissue engineering material or agricultural packaging, require using hydrophilic polylactic acid. For textiles, higher hydrophilicity brings better comfort. Thus, improvement of hydrophilicity of polylactic acid is desirable to meet future requirements of various product fields.
Hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been approved by the FDA for usage in the human body. Hydrophilicity of polylactic acid can be improved by conduction of PEG thereinto. Additionally, due to residual solvent and cost considerations, the non-solvent melt fabrication method is the current raw material polymerization technique. JP. Pat. 09-031179 discloses mixing polylactic acid and PEG. However, mixture leakage and phase separation occur because of deteriorated compatibility between polylactic acid and PEG. JP. Pat. 2004-231773 and 2001-323052 disclosing copolymerization of hydrophilic PEG and lactide to prepare a hydrophilic polylactic acid copolymer can overcome the aforementioned drawback. First, lactic acid and PEG are polycondensed to prepare a low-molecular-weight hydrophilic lactic acid copolymer containing PEG located at a main chain thereof, with a molecular weight of 600-10,000 g/mole. The hydrophilic oligomer and lactide are then copolymerized by ring-open polymerization to prepare a diblock or triblock lactic acid copolymer containing PEG located at the main chain thereof. However, the product contains high-molecular-weight block polylactic acid, bearing inherent drawbacks of polylactic acid.
Adding catalyst to polycondensation of lactic acid and PEG to prepare an alternative hydrophilic lactic acid copolymer containing PEG located at main chain thereof taught by Z. Y. Wang can overcome the aforementioned drawback. However, the molecular weight of the product is merely 41,000 g/mole. To achieve practical requirement, the molecular weight thereof must be increased. Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,359,026 and 6,730,772 disclose ring-open polymerization of hydrophobic peroxide monomer and lactide to prepare a high-molecular-weight polylactic acid copolymer containing the hydrophobic monomer located at a side chain thereof, with a molecular weight exceeding 150,000 g/mole. However, it is difficult to perform melt copolymerization by directly mixing hydrophobic lactide and a hydrophilic monomer with a molecular weight exceeding 200 g/mole. U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,977 discloses ring-open polymerization of lactide and a hydrophilic monomer with a molecular weight exceeding 200 g/mole to prepare a high-molecular-weight polylactic acid copolymer containing the hydrophilic monomer located at a side chain thereof, with a molecular weight exceeding 150,000 g/mole. However, the spinning rate of the product is low (less than 800 m/min) in spinning tests. Additionally, after the polylactic acid copolymer is purified by the solvent precipitation method, the hydrophilic PEG content of the polylactic acid with a molecular weight exceeding 100,000 g/mole is less than 0.7 wt %. Most of hydrophilic PEG locates at the oligomer with a molecular weight less than 50,000 g/mole.

Aliphatic copolyesters and method of preparing the same

Abstract: and a catalyst, and adding a second compound defined by

Abstract: and a lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, wherein a is 10-230, b, d and e have a ratio of 10-35:10-35:80-30, c is 1-4, and f is 1-10. The method further adds the second compound and the lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, the second compound and the lactide in the prior mixing step. The method further adds the second compound and the lactide, wherein the second compound and the lactide have a total weight less than the first compound, the second compound and the lactide in of the prior mixing steps.

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A substantially rectangular, vertically-extending divider made of soft compressible material and having a height approximately equal to the height of the rear backrest of a motor vehicle attaches to the rear seat by employing the rear seat center seat belt. A slot at the back of the seat divider receives the center seat belt such that when secured by the seat belt, the soft material of the divider is compressed against the rear seat providing secure retention. The dimension of the seat divider extends forwardly through the interior cabin space between the backrests of individual front seats of the vehicle, and the width of the divider is substantially equal to the space between the front seat backrests. The divider includes a notch at the front bottom corner which receives and rests upon a center console of the vehicle. An internal rigid planar foam core, which extends substantially across the entire side profile of the divider, provides structural integrity to the divider. The divider further includes a cover that may include pockets of various sizes and shapes along its exterior surface.

The concept of attaching supportive and retaining devices for children in the back seat of automobiles is not new. For example, the following U.S. patents show some devices for this purpose, but none have the slip covers, none extend to the front seat, and none are raised high enough that the children cannot see each other and still not be in the way of the driver's vision of what is behind them on the road. They include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,239,166; 2,006,883; 4,118,812; 4,938,401; 5,123,707; 5,255,958; 5,518,293; and 5,560,680.
Wurzell, U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,707, provides a seat divider for the rear seat, but does not address the problem of children bickering in the rear seat. Wurzell's divider does not extend to a height above a child's eye level and does not extend through an automobile's front seats to prevent the children from seeing and touching each other. The divider of Wurzell is also not very sturdy because it is only supported by inserting the back of the divider into the crevice between the back and bottom of the rear seat, rather than supported by the front seat and seat belt of the rear seat of the automobile.
In Pangburn, U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,812, a divider is supported by a rear seat belt. Pangburn provides slots to allow a seat belt to attach the divider to the rear seat, but there is no additional support from the front seats. In addition, the divider of Pangburn does not extend above a child's eye level and does not provide a comfortable cushion for a child to rest his head.
None of the above-described prior art patents include means for easily converting a seat divider by applying different covers. Another need in the art is for a seat divider which may be securely installed without any additional structures, other than those already provided in the vehicle. There is therefore a need in the art for a full-coverage divider which indeed divides the children in the back of the rear seat of an automobile and which is high enough to fully block the children's view of each other; lightweight and portable; easily attached and removed; economic to manufacture; and securely affixed when in place.


A dry end of a paper machine and a method for drying paper in which a paper web to be dried is passed from a press section of the paper machine into a forward dryer section including only single-wire groups with normal single-wire draw. The web is dried from the side of its bottom face in the dryer groups in the forward dryer section. From the forward dryer section, the web is passed into a finishing section in which the web is coated/surface-sized by a coating/surface-sizing device and then dried in an after-dryer by passing through at least one dryer group that applies a normal single-wire draw. Thereafter, the web is calendered and passed to a reeling station. Curling of the web is controlled by the operation or construction of components and/or by assemblies and combinations formed out of these components provided in connection with the forward dryer section and/or the finishing section.

As known in the prior art, in multi-cylinder dryers of paper machines, twin-wire draw and/or single-wire draw is/are employed. When employing twin-wire draw, a group of drying cylinders comprises two closed (endless) wires, fabrics or belts which press the web one from above and the other one from below against heated cylinder faces of drying cylinders arranged in rows. Between the rows of drying cylinders, which are usually horizontal rows, the web has free and unsupported draws which are susceptible to fluttering and may cause web breaks, in particular when the web is still relatively moist and, therefore has a low strength. For this reason, in recent years, ever increasing use has been made of the single-wire draw in which each group of drying cylinders includes only a single closed (endless) drying wire on whose support the web runs through the entire group so that the drying wire presses the web on the drying cylinders against the heated cylinder faces thereof, whereas on the reversing cylinders or rolls between the drying cylinders, the web remains at the side of the outside curve and is subjected to negative pressure as it runs over the reversing cylinders in order to maintain the web on the wire . Thus, in single-wire draw, the drying cylinders are arranged outside the wire loop, and the reversing cylinders or rolls are arranged inside the wire loop.
In so-called normal groups with single-wire draw, known in the prior art, the heated drying cylinders are placed in an upper row and the reversing cylinders or rolls are placed in a lower row below the upper row of drying cylinders, which rows are typically horizontal and parallel to one another. In the following, when the terms "normal (dryer) group" and "inverted (dryer) group" are used, what is meant is expressly groups with single-wire draw in multi-cylinder dryers, of the type mentioned above. In an inverted dryer group, the heated drying cylinders are placed in a lower row and the reversing cylinders or rolls are placed in an upper row above the lower row of drying cylinders.
It is known to those skilled in the art that if paper is dried one-sidedly, the result is a tendency of curling of the sheet. For example, when paper is dried by means of normal groups with single-wire draw from the side of its bottom face only, the drying is asymmetric and if such asymmetric drying is extended over the entire length of the forward dryer section, the drying takes place so that first the bottom-face side of the paper web is dried and, when the drying makes progress, the drying effect is also extended to the side of the top face of the paper web. Under these circumstances, the dried paper is usually curled and becomes concave, when viewed from above.
As known in the prior art, the tendency of curling of paper (or the tendency to curl) is already affected in connection with the web formation, in particular at the sheet formation stage (in, for example, the current assignee's former designated Sym-Former.TM.) by means of the selection of the difference in speed between the slice jet and the wire, and by means of other running parameters. For example, in the case of copying paper, by means of unequalsidedness of drying in the after-dryer, a suitable initial curl form is regulated for the sheet in order that the curling of the paper after one-sided or double-sided copying could be optimized. In the case of copying paper, the reactivity of curling, i.e., the extent to which curling occurs per unit of change in moisture content, is affected to a greater extent by means of a multi-layer structure of the paper, which is produced in connection with the web formation in the wet end.
The most recent technology related to the present invention in high-speed paper machines is based on dryer sections in which there is single-wire draw over the major part of the length of the machine and, with a view toward controlling the tendency of curling of paper, in practice, an inverted group is also almost always used in order to make the drying sufficiently symmetric in the z-direction. However, it has been found that an inverted group has certain obvious, inherent drawbacks in view of the runnability and the overall efficiency of the machine and in view of the profitability of the paper machine investment. Thus, from the point of view of the runnability of the paper machine, a dryer section fully supported over its entire length and based on the use of only normal groups with single-wire draw, without using any inverted groups, would be a highly justified solution. People skilled in the art have, however, not had the courage to introduce this solution in operation, because it has been considered that it would result in solutions uncontrollable and unfavorable from the point of view of the tendency of curling of paper.
One particular problem in the prior art dryer section constructions that include one or more inverted dryer groups is the removal of broke in the event of web breaks, because inverted groups are not self-cleaning by the effect of gravity.
With respect to the prior art related to the present invention, reference is made to the current assignee's Finnish Patent No. 91,900 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,980 incorporated by reference herein), in which a method is described in the dryer section of a paper machine in particular for reducing the tendency of curling of paper. In this method, the paper web is dried by means of drying cylinders against whose heated faces the paper web is pressed by means of a drying wire. In the dryer section, groups of drying cylinders are used in which twin-wire draw and/or single-wire draw is/are applied. In this method, it has been considered advantageous that in the dryer section, substantially across the entire width of the paper web, hot water steam is fed, by whose means the strains that arise or tend to arise in the fiber mesh in the paper web are relaxed by means of heat and moisture in, or substantially directly after, the area of formation of the strains.
With respect to additional prior art related to the present invention, reference is made further to the current assignee's Finnish Patent No. 93,876 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,393 incorporated by reference herein) and to the current assignee's Finnish Patent Application Nos. 925942 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,505 incorporated by reference herein), 935340 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,397 incorporated by reference herein), 950434 (corresponding to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/467,780 incorporated by reference herein) and 951746, and to the current assignee's, as yet unpublished Finnish Patent Application Nos. 963024, 963734, and 963735.
The current assignee's Finnish Patent No. 93,876 describes a dryer section of a paper machine in which there are dryer groups provided with single-wire draw. In this dryer section, it has been considered advantageous that, in order to optimize the drying capacity calculated per unit of length of the dryer section in the machine direction, different ratios of the diameters of the drying cylinders to the diameters of the reversing rolls have been employed with the progress of the drying, i.e., in the running direction of the web, so that in the first group or groups in the initial end of the dryer section this ratio is higher than in the groups in the middle area of the dryer section, and in the group or groups in the final end of the dryer section, a diameter ratio higher than the ratio of the groups at the initial end of the dryer section is used.
The current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 935340 describes methods for drying a paper web and dryer sections for a paper web wherein, after the press section, the paper web is dried in a number of successive groups with single-wire draw. According to one exemplifying embodiment, the paper web is dried from the side of its bottom face over the entire length by means of contact drying cylinders, and the paper web is dried from the side of its top face on the draw or draws of the paper web free from the wire, and/or the paper web is dried from the side of its top face by applying a drying air flow through the drying wire to the top face of the paper web.
The current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 925942 describes a so-called inverted dryer group with single-wire draw for a multi-cylinder dryer of a paper machine in which a support wire is arranged to be in contact with the reversing cylinders over a substantially large sector, which wire is guided by its guide rolls arranged in gaps between the reversing cylinders and by other necessary rolls, and the web is pressed by means of the tension of the support wire on the sectors against the drying wire.
In the current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 951746, a dryer-section concept and a method for drying a paper/board web are described, wherein impingement blowing units or equivalent are arranged in connection with at least some of the drying cylinders. Through the impingement blowing units, a heated medium, preferably air or steam, is passed through the wire into connection with the web so as to produce a two-sided drying effect and to increase the drying capacity.
In the current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 963734, a method is described for drying a surface-treated paper web or equivalent in an after-dryer of a paper machine as well as a dryer section of a paper machine for applying the method. With a view toward compensating for a tendency of curling of the paper web, in the after-dryer, the paper web is dried in a dryer group/groups making use of a normal single-wire draw. In connection with or after the drying, the paper web is treated by means of at least one device in order to compensate for a tendency of curling of the paper web, which devices are, for example, a steam box, a blower unit, a moistening device, and/or a soft calender.
On the other hand, in the current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 963735, a method for drying a surface-treated paper web or equivalent in an after-dryer of a paper machine as well as an after-dryer of a paper machine for applying the method are described. In the after-dryer, the paper web is dried in at least one dryer group that makes use of single-wire draw, and at the same time, the paper web is dried by means of an impingement drying device arranged in connection with at least one cylinder or roll in that dryer group.
The current assignee's Finnish Patent Application No. 963024 describes a method for drying a paper to be surface-treated, in particular fine paper, in an after-dryer in a paper machine as well as an after-dryer in a paper machine for carrying out the method. After the surface-sizing or coating, the paper web is dried by means of an upwardly open inverted group with single-wire draw, in which connection the tendency of curling formed in the paper web in the forward dryer section can be substantially eliminated and/or compensated for.

Method for drying paper and a dry end of a paper machine


An LED driver that is operable with two different types of power source originally designed for a high-intensity discharge lamp. The LED driver directs current of an input power provided by the power source down a first current path if it is determined that the power source comprises a functional ignitor. The LED driver directs current of an input power provided by the power source down a second current path if it is determined that the 5 power source does not comprise a functional ignitor.

In the field of lighting, there has been a growing interest in LED lighting units for replacing or retrofitting older lighting units, and in particular high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. These retrofit LED lighting units need to be appropriately designed so that they are able to draw power from a power source that was originally designed for powering an HID lamp. Whilst power is ultimately derived from a mains supply, i.e. utility grid, a power source is any source to which an LED driver for an LED lighting unit may connect in an attempt to draw power, e.g. and may comprise the mains supply, ballasts, ignitors and so on.
However, at a time of installing the LED lighting unit, it is recognized that the power source (originally designed for the HID lamp) may be one of a number of different types. A first type of power source, "Type A", is a power source that has been unaltered since its design for providing power to an HID lamp, and comprises an electromagnetic (EM) ballast, ignitor and (optionally) a compensation capacitor. An ignitor circuit is designed to provide one or more high voltage pulses intended to ionize gas in the HID lamp and create a path for electrical current (thereby lighting the HID lamp). A second type of power source, "Type B", is an altered power source in which at least the ignitor (and optionally the ballast and compensation capacitor) have been removed, deactivated, bypassed or are otherwise absent. This may be because the power source was originally designed to connect to an HID lamp having an internal ignitor (and thereby did not require an ignitor in an external power source). In its most basic form, the "Type B" power source is effectively just a mains supply.
Of course, there may be additional sub-types with each type of power source (e.g. each type representing a different RMS voltage level, different circuit arrangement and/or impedance). Each sub-type may, by itself, be considered a type of power source.
There is a desire to provide an LED driver, for use in an LED lighting unit, that is capable of appropriately driving at least one LED using different types of power sources originally designed for an HID lamp, and in particular using either a "Type A" or "Type B" power source. However, such LED drivers have been difficult to design due to the conflicting preferences for driving from these different power sources.

LED driver for LED lighting units for replacing a high-intensity discharge lamp


A substantially non-freestanding backrest for supporting a person in a reclining position. The rest assembly comprises a support structure of two preferably pivotally intersecting leg members having a torso support member coupled therebetween. A lower back support member and various supply holding configurations/embodiments are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to human reclining devices and, more specifically, to such devices that are lightweight, collapsible and economically made.
2. Description of Related Art
Beach goers, sunbathers and others engaging in recreational or leisure activities that necessitate sitting or resting on the ground or sand, frequently use mats, blankets or towels upon which to sit. Some people may attempt to carry with them, sometimes to remote locations, chairs for added comfort. Chairs used for this purpose are usually foldable in design to aid in such transportation but are nonetheless relatively heavy and bulky to carry.
Conventional folding or collapsible chair-like devices are frequently constructed of metal, wood or plastic materials. They are usually hinged or connected in a fashion to allow for folding into a single plane, usually requiring numerous movable components and connections. Commonly, they will employ some type of webbed or solid seat design, as well as a torso or upper body reclining support. While these devices may be comfortable, they are disadvantageous for many reasons including that they are relatively expensive to manufacture, bulky and difficult to carry for extended distances among other considerations.
Some folding chair-like devices are designed to collapse into a more compact bundle for carrying. Patents illustrating these devices include those issued to A. Le Voir, Belgium Pat. No. 502236 (1950), Otto David Mayer, Italian Pat. No. 615777 (1961), G. Tietze, U.S. Pat. No. 337,715 (1886), and R. W. Lynch, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,857 (1996). While the devices disclosed in these patents fold or collapse into a compact bundle, they are generally disadvantageous in that they have numerous parts that increase the cost of manufacture, may result in a bulky transport package and typically require extra effort in assembly and setup.
There are some folding type backrest devices designed to provide only back or torso support and allow the user to sit directly on or be supported by the ground or sand. Patents illustrative of these types of reclining devices include those issued to J. S. & O. W. Ponten, U.S. Pat. No. 1,842,424 (1928), J. J. Vieira, U.S. Pat. No. 1,363,697 (1920) and C. V. Burgess, U.S. Pat. No. 1,209,808 (1916). The reclining devices disclosed in these patents allow the user to recline while being supported by the ground, but are similarly disadvantageous in that they utilize numerous parts and tend to be unnecessarily costly, bulky and complicated to use.
While prior art chairs and backrest devices have contributed to the art, a need continues to exist for a lightweight, compact and comfortable, foldable backrest that is inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to store, transport, assemble and use.