A method in an embedded environment for arranging functionality of a remote device, wherein a connection with a data network is arranged for at least one remote device and at least one server machine. A gateway can be connected to data network, and can be arranged between the at least one server machine and the data network, wherein the at least one remote device and at least one server machine and the gateway operate in an environment based on an ORB (Object Request Broker) core.

The "embedded environment" concept usually means a combination formed by processor-based equipment and software, which is arranged to function as a part of some larger system configuration. Usually they are designed to be as simple as possible and they do not often include e.g. any mass storage components or peripheral devices in general. Many embedded systems are fitted e.g. into automatic vending machines of different kinds, of which beverage vending machines are mentioned as an example.
Connecting devices based on embedded systems to the Internet and all networking of such devices in general offers many possibilities for increasing the intelligence of remote devices and a better ability to fulfil the requirements of their users and their administration.
Innumerable examples may be mentioned of application areas for such networked embedded systems, from the HPAC systems and simple energy consumption measurements of real estate to large equipment and alarm systems. For example, it is known from copying machines to utilise embedded systems to detect their operational state. Networking of embedded systems will hereby allow e.g. their remote control, remote analysing and remote management.
Known solutions for the outgoing and incoming data transfer of remote devices based on embedded systems are represented by utilisation of such simple data transfer interfaces taking place at hardware level, through which it is possible to report e.g. on the need for maintenance of the remote devices or on the need for supplementation of their sale products.
However, more complex administration applications represent a real challenge to embedded systems. Since embedded systems are often implemented as advantageously as possible, so that they lack e.g. data storage capacity on a large scale, such known data transfer methods are avoided, which are in general use in computer networks, and in their place much simpler protocols are in general use, which operate at hardware level.
The administration and status monitoring of an embedded remote device, such as e.g. a beverage vending machine, are presented as an example of such a simple mode of operation utilising data transfer protocol at hardware level.
According to the state of the art, the functionality of a beverage vending machine is often arranged in such a way that a processor unit is arranged for the remote device, which usually is a micro controller and storage media. In the storage media are stored i.a. the software required for the management, monitoring and operation of the beverage vending machine.
When information is desired e.g. about the beverage vending machine's degree of fullness, a monitoring call can be made to the beverage vending machine at the operator end of the monitoring system. In consequence of this a data transmission link is set up through the data network, such as e.g. a telephone network, to the server machine of the operator end. When the link has been successfully established between the parties, a data transmission procedure of several different steps follows, wherein data is transmitted from the remote device to the server machine and possibly back.
When data transmission takes place between the parties, e.g. in serial form, a serial link is first opened from the beverage vending machine and information on the successful establishment of the link is relayed to the server at the operator end. When the server has ascertained the bit string depicting the open state of the link, a transmission takes place through the data network from the beverage vending machine's memory registers of values necessary for finding out the current status of the beverage vending machine, based on which values the server machine will find out the answer to the matter of the request. During the time when the line is open much data transmission then follows in various steps between the remote device and the server machine inquiring about its status.
In the solution of the described kind the size of the transmitted data is not very big (a few tens—hundreds of bits), but the traffic back and forth will cause varying loading in the network and will bring about a certain uncertainty for the data transmission, because the data transmission takes place in individual pieces independently of each other. Furthermore, the described manner of data transmission may require, for example, a circuit-switched data transmission network (e.g. a line telephone connection), which is often very difficult to arrange for the remote device.
Furthermore, the ability to update the application programmes arranged for the remote devices will be very difficult, both technically and quantitatively. When need arises to update the programme of the remote device, each remote device must be visited for taking measures in order to update a new software version or even to install a new application module. In more advanced versions it may be possible by way of the data network to download such a special update packet separately for each remote device, which replaces the old software version. If there are numerous remote devices and different versions for these, updating of the software will become even more difficult.
The application development of remote devices is also difficult, since their application code is usually a micro controller-based native language. Hereby they are machine language, which the processor can interpret directly, such as an assembler, the editing and further developing of which is especially difficult and requires much studying of programming and e.g. knowledge of the fixed data transmission protocols used in each case.
What is characteristic in the solution of the described kind is that its functionality is arranged in a fixed manner at the remote device. If it is not especially critical in terms of time to bring about the functionality, then it can also be arranged at the server machine, but the data transmission will strongly take place in the described manner at hardware level.
In more advanced operational modes, downloading of remote functionality is done by using a native code at hardware level. However, without e.g. a complete remote file management system it is hereby difficult to achieve a seamlessly changing functionality during dynamics and processing. In addition, the references relating to data transmission are arranged to be fixed in the application code proper.
U.S. publications U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,600 (Liu), U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,795 (Howard et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,677 (Howard) present more advanced methods for solving the situations described above.
U.S. publication 6,134,600 (Liu) describes a solution, wherein remote devices are offered application tools located at the server machine in a Common Object Request Broker Architecture, that is, in a CORBA customer-server architecture. The remote device is hereby allowed access to tools located at the server machine without revealing their relating functionality. At the server machine, where the system's functionality is essentially arranged, JAVA applets are maintained. The remote devices relay parameters required for the analysis to the server machine, wherein the JAVA applets will process the desired analysis. Then the answer is returned to the remote device. The described solution is WEB-based and it strongly bound to a data network according to the TCP/IP protocol.
U.S. publication 5,991,795 (Howard et al.) also presents a data transmission protocol and a method especially for exchanging information in embedded systems over a data network. This solution, too, is characterised by use of the HTTP protocol. Such methods based on presenting languages, such as e.g. JAVA applets according to HTML, are used in interaction situations aimed directly at the end user. JAVA applets cannot actually be linked up with a native application code and they are not either dynamic. Further, the locations of applets are always attached to a defined HTML page and their execution requires a relatively efficient processor and hardware, whose sizes are minimised as far as possible in the embedded environments.
It is known in JAVA profiles, such as J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition) to define references for downloading of remote application. However, offering of these to remote devices and their chaining to one another is not defined. Functionality as the JAVA interface with a native code is standardised to be fixed in each profile, so under these circumstances it is not application-specific.
CORBA, which was already mentioned in the foregoing, is the core of the network operating system defined by the OMG organisation. It makes possible compatibility of data transmission between different hardware and operating system platforms and data networks from the smallest micro controllers to the most efficient micro processors. The ORB operating system core in accordance with the CORBA architecture carries out the format change required between different operation environments, whereby that part of the data is filtrated away at the same time, which is inessential to the environment used by the receiving party.
The ORB core based on CORBA seeks implementation of the service requested by the customer, converts and transfers the parameters relating to the service, activates implementation, if required, and transfers the control to the service object. After performance of the service, ORB will return any results there may be to the customer formatted according to his environment.
From JAVA an own ORB RMI (Remote Method Invocation) built into JAVA is also known, which corresponds with the ORB concept of CORBA. However, RMI is only an expansion of the language, so it will not function with objects made in other languages. JAVA will thus remove the borders between hardware environments, but it will bind to a certain programming language.
However, an attempt can be made to solve this limitation with JNI (JAVA Native Interface). JNI makes it possible to call also other components (for example, C, C++) made in other languages from JAVA and vice versa. However, JNI for its part binds the programme strongly to a certain hardware architecture.

Method in an embedded environment for arranging functionality of a remote device


A method and fluorimeter for flashing a target at several different levels for detection of fluorescence by a PMT without blinding the PMT at the highest level. Two lamps are provided each of which is powered to flash at two different levels that are staged in energy from the lowest of four to the highest of four levels, and a shutter is provided to close off the PMT from exposure when an acceptable, detectable level of fluorescence is detected by the PMT.

Fluorimeters using PMT detectors have been provided in the past, for more or less predictable, minimally varying light levels. In these and all detectors using PMT's, care is required that the light exposure not be so great as to swamp out the upper limit of detectability, since otherwise the PMT either a) takes far too long to "recover", and/or b) is permanently damaged. However, when the light level is not expected to vary much, or is based on a light source emitting at a constant output level, the PMT is not in jeopardy.
A field of use has arisen that does jeopardize the PMT detector. Homogeneous PCR relies in many instances on fluorescence markers whose output is a function of the replicated concentration of the target DNA, which in turn is a function of the starting concentration. As a result, the marker concentration at time of detection can vary by a factor of 100 or more. Stated in other words, usage is possible wherein the fluorophore concentration is much higher than is expected for a given flashlamp intensity, and the PMT is "blinded".

Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.


Embodiments of the present invention provide an algorithm for scheduling read and write transactions to memory out of order to improve command and data bus utilization and gain performance over a range of workloads. In particular, memory transactions are sorted into queues so that they do not have page conflict with each other and are scheduled from these queues out of order in accordance with read and write scheduling algorithms to optimize latency.

Modern memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), is used throughout the computer industry. Memory is organized into pages. Each page of memory contains data for a number of contiguous memory locations. Memory devices, such as DRAM, are further organized into a small number of banks per DRAM device (e.g., four banks). Each of these devices has many pages per bank. Only a single page can be accessed from a bank at a time.
Before a particular page within a bank can be accessed, that page must be opened using an "activate" command. This activate command is also known as a row command. A memory request requiring a page to be opened is called a "page empty" access request. A memory request to a page that has already been opened is known as a "page hit" access request. A page may be closed using a "pre-charge" command. If page P0 is open when a request is received to access a location in page P1 that happens to be located in the same memory bank as P0, page P0 must first be closed before page P1 can be opened. A page conflict, such as this, occurs when one page must be closed before a desired page can be opened. This situation is known as a "page miss" access. Page miss has a larger access latency than a page empty and a page empty has a larger access latency than a page hit.
Page hit and page empty accesses to different memory banks may be interleaved such that available data bandwidth may be maintained. Page miss accesses, however, typically result in a reduction of available data bandwidth. Therefore, page misses are particularly detrimental for DRAM performance.
Memory performance is partly limited by poor command and data bus bandwidth utilization that occurs with DRAM page misses when requests are sequentially scheduled. Conventional overlapped scheduling techniques attempt to overlap the pre-charge/activate phases of adjacent commands to reduce the page miss/empty penalty while maintaining the order in which the CAS for these adjacent commands are issued to be the same as in order execution.

Method and apparatus for out of order memory scheduling


System and method of simulating large deformation and rotation of a structure in a finite element analysis used for improving structural design is disclosed. A solid finite element is configured for simulating large deformations and/or rotations of a structure. The solid finite element comprises only corner nodes with each node having six degrees-of-freedom (DOF), three translational and three rotational. In other words, each node is configured to include translational deformation and rotation deformation, each of the translational and rotational deformation has three components corresponding to one of the six DOFs. The solid finite element has a plurality of external edges. Each external edge has two ends, each end is located at one of the adjacent corner nodes. Additionally, translational deformation at mid-edge point of each external edge is implicitly embedded in the translational and rotational deformations of two adjacent corner nodes.

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computer aided engineering tool that uses numerical methods to obtain approximate solutions to complex engineering systems. FEA is routinely used in many other engineering fields, especially structural designs. It is also widely used in simulating time-elapsed events, such as car crashing and metal forming. It is a very powerful tool and used extensively by engineers and scientists in evaluating new product designs and existing product refinements prior to actual manufacturing and construction. FEA is generally implemented as finite element analysis software or application module to be installed in a computer system.
To perform a FEA, a finite element analysis model is first created based on the geometry of the structure under analysis. In the model, the subject structure is reduced to a finite number of nodes, which are inter-connected to by elements or finite elements. Material properties are assigned to the elements. The number of the nodes and the type of elements can be chosen to fit the specific needs and interests for the system in a finite element analysis. Additionally, constraints are placed on the model to ensure proper boundary conditions.
There are many types of finite elements: (1) one-dimensional element (e.g., beam element, truss element), (2) two-dimensional element (e.g., shell element), and (3) three-dimensional element (e.g., tetrahedral element, hexahedral element). Each finite element is implemented using a shape function to represent or describe its domain. The shape function may be low order (linear) or higher order (curve-linear). Elements that use low order shape function may require only corner nodes or end nodes, for example, an 8-node brick element 110A shown in FIG. 1A and a 4-node tetrahedral element 110B shown in FIG. 1B.
In order to use higher order shape function, elements require additional nodes, for example, a 20-node hexahedral element 110C shown in FIG. 1C and a 10-node tetrahedral element 110D shown in FIG. 1D. As a result of the additional nodes, computation becomes more complex thereby requiring more computing resources. This is a problem in today's production engineering environment as many of the modern FEA model comprises more than one million elements. In order to keep a reasonable turnaround time (e.g., overnight) for each FEA, users generally would like to use low order elements to maintain a reasonable turnaround time but still want to have the quality of the FEA results to include effects from high order shape function. It is noted that each node of the above mentioned prior art solid elements (i.e., elements 110A-B) include only translational deformation at each node, which is represented by three components u, v and w (i.e., three translational degrees-of-freedom) shown in respective Cartesian coordinate systems 100A-D.
Another problem arises when the prior art solid elements are used in conjunction with shell elements in one FEA model. Each node of the shell element has six degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) (i.e., three translational and three rotational), while the prior art solid element has only three translational DOFs. The incompatibility at common nodes shared between solid and shell elements often created numerical problem that rendered the simulation results useless. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an improved solid finite element that can overcome the problems and deficiencies in prior art approaches described above.

Solid finite elements suitable for simulating large deformations and/or rotations of a structure

Livermore Software Technology Corporation


In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a data communications system. The data communication system includes a plurality of digital subscriber lines, a digital subscriber line multiplexer coupled to each of the plurality of digital subscriber lines; and a data switch coupled to the digital subscriber line multiplexer via a communication link. The data communications system is configured such that the number of digital subscriber line users supported by the digital subscriber line multiplexer is determined based on an estimated maximum number of users, the estimated maximum number of users determined based on an average peak bandwidth per user value, a data communication capacity of the communication link, and a data transmission slowdown indicator.

Telecommunications providers of data services, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) service, utilize concentration equipment that support many individual lines. To configure such equipment in a manner to match the data needs of the subscribers connected thereto, it would be desirable to have a data transmission capacity model. With conventional methods, there is no good method of estimating the number of customers that can be served by a remote terminal or a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM). A limiting factor in capacity is the connection between the remote terminal or the DSLAM and the ATM switch. Typically this connection is an OC3 or DS3 connection. In the event that the equipment is configured above a reasonable capacity, then customers receive a lower quality service and experience significant data slowdown.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method and system to estimate the number of customers that can be supported on deployed network equipment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Digital subscriber line user capacity estimation


A satellite signal distribution system including a headend which includes a fiberoptic transmitter that combines satellite signals from a satellite antenna with non-satellite television signals, a plurality of signal receive and distribution units, a plurality of optical fiber links which communicate the combined satellite and non-satellite signals between the headend and the plurality of signal receive and distribution units, and a multiplicity of signal links which communicate signals between each of the plurality of signal receive and distribution units and a plurality of satellite signal receivers and non-satellite signal receivers.

The present invention relates to distribution of satellite signals generally and more particularly to multimode optical fiber links useful in such distribution.
The use of optical fibers in cable television networks is well known in the art. The following patents are believed to be representative of the state of the art: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,467,212; 5,499,047; 4,891,694; 5,517,232; 5,442,472; 5,394,182; 5,361,091 and 5,345,526. In addition, German Patent Document P4334440.2 describes a system in which TV signals are converted into serial ranges of lower frequencies. These signals are converted into optical signals which are sent to individual user receivers where the optical signals are converted back to electrical signals.
Cable television networks normally operate on AM analog signals in the 5-860 MHz frequency range.
Satellite signals are in the GHz range in one of a number of bands, known as L, C, Ku and X bands. Earth station terminals typically downconvert signals to a range of about 0.95 to 2.2 GHz (L-band) by a low noise block converter forming part of most satellite signal receiving antennas. These signals are difficult to transmit via long coaxial links. Single mode optical fibers are known to be used for point to point connections between satellite transceivers and satellite antennas.
In multi-unit dwellings such as apartment buildings, dormitories, prisons and hotels, conventional shared master antenna television (SMATV) distribution systems for satellite television are typically employed. SMATV systems comprise a headend which demodulates, decodes and modulates at low frequency AM television signals which are then distributed using coaxial cable. SMATV systems have a number of disadvantages. One disadvantage is the number of channels offered is small, typically between 10 and 20. Since the signals are ordinary decoded TV signals, the programming is easily pirated by those not licensed to view the programming. Another disadvantage may be inferior picture quality.
Another approach to distribute satellite television signals uses coaxial cable to distribute an L-band signal which is output from a low noise block converter (LNB). Because of the high attenuation of coaxial cable at 1-2 GHz, these systems require numerous line amplifiers to overcome losses as well as equalizers to cancel frequency tilt distortions. These effects set a practical limit on coaxial distribution systems to about 200 users and about 300 meters.
With digital satellite TV signals, the accumulated noise and distortion in coaxial cable distribution may cause network failure. Each of the network components has a small impedance mismatch. This causes small signal reflections which when summed coherently throughout the network may cause a distorted signal. With digital signals, the receivers may not recover clock pulses. This is a known threshold phenomenon and is very difficult to predict.
The present invention seeks to provide an L-band satellite signal distribution system which is greatly superior in performance as compared with the prior art.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a satellite signal distribution system including a headend which receives satellite signals from a satellite antenna, a plurality of satellite signal receive and distribution units, a plurality of optical fiber links which communicate satellite signals between the headend and the plurality of satellite signal receive and distribution units, and a multiplicity of satellite signal links which communicate satellite signals between each of said plurality of satellite signal receive and distribution units and plural satellite receivers.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system also includes a satellite antenna which is coupled to the headend.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system also includes satellite receivers and/or decoders which are coupled to at least some of the multiplicity of satellite signal links.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the headend, the plurality of satellite signal receive and distribution units, the plurality of optical fiber links and the multiplicity of satellite signal links all carry satellite signals in a 1-2.2 GHz frequency range, whether in digital modulated or FM modulated format.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the satellite receive and distribution units include a diplexer which outputs to a single coaxial cable a combination of the satellite signals and non-satellite television signals, i.e., terrestrial, off-air, CATV, security, interactive return path.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a satellite signal distribution system including a headend which includes a fiberoptic transmitter that combines satellite signals from a satellite antenna with non-satellite television signals, a plurality of signal receive and distribution units, a plurality of optical fiber links which communicate the combined satellite and non-satellite signals between the headend and the plurality of signal receive and distribution units, and a multiplicity of signal links which communicate signals between each of the plurality of signal receive and distribution units and a plurality of satellite signal receivers and non-satellite signal receivers.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system includes a laser, preferably located in the headend, that converts the combined satellite signals and the non-satellite television signals into optical signals. Preferably a photodiode, which may be located in the receive and distribution units, converts the optical signals into electrical signals.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a splitter is provided for feeding the electrical satellite signals and the non-satellite television signals to a satellite receiver and a television set or CATV receiver, respectively.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system includes a plurality of a pair of splitters in communication with the photodiode, each the pair comprising a splitter for satellite signals and a splitter for non-satellite television signals, wherein a plurality of diplexers combines an output of each the pair of the splitters for feeding the satellite signals and the non-satellite television signals to a satellite receiver and a television set or CATV receiver, respectively.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the system includes a non-satellite television return path for sending a return signal from a user to a source of a non-satellite television signal. The return signal may be sent on separate fibers, or alternatively, the return signal may be sent on a fiber by means of a wavelength division multiplexer.
There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an optical fiber link for RF signals comprising an optical transmitter, a multimode optical fiber and an optical receiver.
It is a particular feature of the present invention that RF signals, i.e. analog signals, whether or not digitally modulated, having a frequency in excess of about 1 GHz, are carried on a multimode optical fiber.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical transmitter comprises a vertical cavity surface emitting laser.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical transmitter comprises an edge emitting laser.
There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a star network comprising a plurality of optical fiber links of the type described above. Preferably, the optical transmitters are placed at the hub of the star.


A device for measuring angles of freedom of adjacent vertebrae which includes two reference elements associated with each vertebra respectively. Indicators are associated with the two reference elements for measuring the angle of freedom of movement of the vertebrae in torsion in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vertebrae and for measuring the angle of freedom of the vertebrae in lateral inflexion in a plane perpendicular to that of the spinous processes as a function of a given position of flexion-extension of the vertebrae in the plane containing the spinous processes.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device intended to measure, on the one hand, the angle of freedom of two adjacent vertebrae in torsion and, on the other hand, the angle of freedom of these vertebrae in lateral inflexion with respect to a given position in flexion-extension of the vertebrae.

Device for measuring the angle of movement of two vertebrae


A steel cord (114) comprises strength elements (100, 132) and having a length, a longitudinal central axis (112) and a cord pitch. At least one of the elements (100) has a projection on a plane YZ perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis (112). This projection takes the form of a curve with a radius of curvature which alternates between a maximum and a minimum. The curve further has a center of curvature. The radius of curvature and the center of curvature lie inside the curve so that a convex curve is obtained. The cord (114) is further characterized by one or both of following features:. (i) the distance between two minimum radii of curvature of said curve measured along the longitudinal central axis (112) is different from half the cord pitch; or PA1 (ii) if all of said elements (100) provide a convex curve, at least one of said convex curves substantially differs from another convex curve.

One of the major requirements put upon steel cords is full penetration of the elastomer such as rubber. This means that rubber must be able to penetrate into the cord between the composing elements and fill all possible interstices in order to reduce fretting and tensions between the elements and to avoid moisture from travelling along the cord, which would cause a lot of corrosion and which would considerably reduce the life of the cord and the rubber product.
The prior art has already provided some solutions which result in cords having rubber penetration. In patent documents U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,543 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,853 the solution consists of mechanically preforming the composing steel filaments of the steel cord beyond their elastical limit in such a way that the resulting steel cord takes an open form: due to the plastical deformation of the steel filaments such steel cords have `macro-gaps` along their length which ensure rubber to penetrate into the cord. Such steel cords, however, have also an important disadvantage: in order to ensure a complete rubber penetration a large degree of plastical deformation and hence a large degree of openness is required. This leads to steel cords having too great a cord diameter and having too high a part load elongation (PLE). This may cause constructional instabilities in the twisted cord. When embedded in the breaker layer of a tire, such steel cords can have a bad influence on the steering properties and on the durability of the tire.
Prior art document EP-A-0 462 716 has provided a solution to the above problem of constructional instability. It discloses a steel cord having steel filaments which have been deformed in such a way that they take a helicoidal form with a helicoidal pitch which is smaller than the pitch of the steel cord and with a helicoidal diameter which is somewhat greater than the filament diameter. Due to the fact that the helicoidal pitch of this helicoidally deformed filament is smaller than the twist pitch of the steel cord more than one `micro-gap` has been created per twist pitch. The term micro-gap is here used in order to make a distinction between the above-mentioned term macro-gaps. Micro-gaps are smaller in size but are more in quantity than the above macro-gaps. The sizes of micro-gaps are substantially smaller than the twist pitch of the steel cord. Due to these micro-gaps rubber is still able to penetrate completely into the steel cord without such steel cord having the disadvantage of a cord diameter which is too great and a part load elongation which is too great. The helicoidal filaments, however, are obtained by means of externally driven deformation pins which must rotate at a speed which is higher than twice the rotation speed of a double-twister which twists the steel cord. This is a rather energy-consuming and expensive way of manufacturing.
Yet another prior art document U.S. Pat. No. 5 ,020, 312 discloses another way of deforming some or all of the steel filaments composing the steel cord in order to obtain a steel cord with full rubber penetration. Some or all of the steel filaments pass between the tooth surfaces of a pair of gear-like elements so that they obtain a zig-zagging shape. The pitches between two teeth of these gear-like elements can be chosen so that here again more than one micro-gap between the steel filaments can be obtained per twist pitch of the steel cord. As a consequence, full rubber penetration is again guaranteed without having the disadvantage of a relatively great part load elongation. The two gear-like elements are not driven by means of an external force but are driven by the steel filaments themselves. So this process is not energy-consuming and is not expensive. This embodiment, however, has the disadvantage that the gear-like elements may roll the filaments to some extent, which may either cause damage to the steel filaments, and especially to the thin coating layer (conveniently brass or zinc with a thickness which is much less than 1 micrometer), or may lead to a lot of wear on the gear-like elements themselves, or both. Damage caused to coated steel filaments can considerably decrease the fatigue resistance and the adhesion strength of these steel filaments.


An adjustment device for the steering assembly of an electric scooter is provided. The adjustment device is at least composed of a body, two confining plates, an elastic element, a cam wheel member, two bearing rods, and a sliding shaft. The sliding shaft has its bottom end pin-joined to a joining seat of the electric scooter. The rest of the sliding shaft passes through the two confining plates and the elastic element positioned between the two confining plates, all of which are installed inside the body. The body in turn is pin-joined to a main shaft of the steering assembly. The wheel cam member has a wheel cam installed between the two confining plates and pin-joined to the body. The two bearing rods are inserted into the body from the top and bottom of the body respectively and function as pivoting points to the two confining plates. By operating the wheel cam member to release the confinement of the two confining plates to the sliding shaft, the sliding shaft could slide freely through the body of the adjustment device and thereby offer various degrees of inclination for the steering assembly.

(a) Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the steering assembly of electric scooters, and more particularly to a device for adjusting the inclination of the steering assembly.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Recently, electric scooters have been widely used among the elders and the handicapped to improve their mobility. Significant development efforts therefore have been directed toward enhancing the electric scooters in various aspects.
In general, an electric scooter is advanced by its built-in battery's supplying electricity to power the electric motor, which in turn drives the rear wheels via the transmission mechanism. A conventional electric scooter A, as shown in FIG. 1, mainly contains a body 1, a cover 2, and a seat assembly 3. The body 1 is composed of a steering assembly 11, a front wheel 12, rear wheels 13, a footrest 14, a power system 15, and an adjustment device 16. The cover 2 provides the housing for the power system 15 while the seat assembly 3 provides comfortable seating for a driver.
To ease the storage and transportation and to suit a driver's specific stature, there are electric scooters with an adjustable steering assembly 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable steering assembly 11 has a main shaft 111 pin-joined to a joining seat 141 in a front section of the footrest 14 by a pin rod 112 and the main shaft 111 could pivot around the pin rod 112. An adjustment device 16 is installed on a rear side of the main shaft 111. The adjustment device 16 is composed of a telescoping rod 16a having an hollow external rod 161 and an internal rod 163, and a releasing member 162.
The telescoping rod 16a has its top end pin-joined to a positioning seat 113 of the main shaft 111 by a pin rod 165, and its bottom end pin-joined to the joining seat 141. When the operation rod 1621 of the releasing member 162 releases the confinement exerted by the releasing member 162 on the internal rod 163, the internal rod 163 could be retracted into the external rod 161 and the length of the telescoping rod 16a could be adjusted. The steering assembly 11 therefore could have various degrees of inclination, as shown in FIG. 3.
When the steering assembly 11 is folded toward the footrest 14, a blocking element 166 at the bottom of the internal rod 163 and another blocking element 142 beneath the joining seat 141 jointly maintain a largest degree of inclination for the steering assembly 11, as shown in FIG. 4. On the other hand, the length of the telescoping rod 16a defines the largest elevation angle of the steering assembly 11. Even though the conventional adjustment device 16 has adequately allowed the steering assembly 11 for various degrees of inclination, the telescoping rod 16a has a rather high cost. Therefore, there is a need for a more cost effective adjustment device without sacrificing the function of the adjustable steering assembly.

Inclination adjustment device for electric scooter steering assembly


A fractal-based or "patchwork" method for analyzing topographic data simulates covering the surface of a specimen surface with triangular patches in order to determine the relative surface area which is a function of patch size or scale of observation or interaction. The specimen surface has X and Y horizontal axes and a vertical Z axis. Height data is obtained for each point of a grid network of points on the surface, the points being arranged in parallel rows and the rows being spaced. The specimen surface is defined with triangles having a surface area equal to a preselected patch area value. The total area of the planar triangles is calculated to obtain a total measured area of value. The area of the specimen surface in the X-Y plane that is defined by the triangles is calculated to obtain a total measured area value. The total measured area value is divided by the total projected area value to obtain a relative area value. The relative values for several patch area values are plotted to obtain a slope and a threshold, or crossover, point. The threshold is indicative of a point which separates the relatively large scales of observation or interaction which are best described by Euclidean geometry from those smaller ones which are best described by fractal geometry.

The present invention relates generally to a fractal-based method of analyzing topographic data and particularly data which is acquired by the use of electronic profiling, or profilometry, apparatus such as a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning profilometry, etc. or by stereophotogrametry.
The purpose of the invention is to reduce large topographic data sets and produce parameters that retain the essence of the surface topography for predicting surface behavior and correlating with manufacturing process variables for surface creation.
Interactions with surfaces can be considered to have a characteristic range of sizes or scales over which the interaction takes place. In the case of corrosion or contamination, the characteristic scale would appear to be in the range of atomic sizes, for powder coating it would appear to be the powder size, in the case of machining defects on surfaces on hard aluminum alloys the characteristic size would be the size of the iron rich intermetallic particles in the alloy. To correlate well with behavior or surface creation, the topographic data on which the analysis is based could contain data at the scales characteristic of the interactions; alternatively, fractal analysis could provide means for extrapolating the results of the analysis to finer scales, provided multifractal behavior does not exist in scales over which the extrapolation takes place.
Fractal description of a surface differs from that of which can be provided by Euclidian geometry. Fractal geometry is utilized to describe the random or chaotic nature of the morphologies of surfaces. The area of surfaces, that have a random or chaotic geometric component, is a function of the scale of observation, i.e., the area does not have a unique value but varies with scale.
One method involves sectioning a sample perpendicular to the surface and imaging the resulting profile with scanning electron microscope or optical microscopy. The image is measured so that the profile can be analyzed mathematically. This must be repeated many times to fully characterize a surface. It does not take into account the areas between the profiles and only accounts for the relationship between one profile to adjacent profiles if care is taken in the sectioning.
Stylus profilometry is the most widely used method of gathering topographic data. Profilometry is generally limited to cross sections (i.e., z=z(x)) and consists of approximately 5,000 data points after digitalization. It is possible to scan or raster the surface using a profilometer, although scanning is used infrequently. In conventional stylus profilometry the stylus has a radius of 1 to 10 .mu.m, a finite contact force and is, therefore, insensitive to the fine scales at which many important surface interactions take place. Parameters derived from a box-counting (fractal)analysis of profilometry data have been successfully correlated with cleanability of surfaces contaminated by latex spheres with diameters about ten times smaller than the stylus tip.
STM and AFM produce topographic detail at scales fine enough to include those characteristic of atomic interactions with surfaces. The principle difficulty in dealing with STM and AFM is how to reduce the large sets of topographic points, over 100,000, and retain the qualities of the topography which relate to surface creation and behavior. STM topographic data has been analyzed scan by scan, as if it were profile data. Profile type analyses of STM or AFM data have the advantage of using existing algorithms, although these profile type analyses fail to make use of the information inherently present in the lateral proximity of scans.
Measured surface area of real topographies is a function of the scale of measurement or interaction. There are many topographically dependent phenomena whose intensity depend on the surface area the scale at which they interact with the surface. There is a need for a surface analysis method that can support the systematic and logical design of surfaces, and the processes to create them, a method that can be used to predict the intensity of interactions, e.g., adhesive strength, chemical reactivity, cleanability. This need exists particularly, though not exclusively, on sub-micron scales, where surface topographies of engineering interest tend to have strong random or chaotic components to their geometries, and hence have surface areas that are dependent on the scale of interaction. The topography of the earth's surface has similar properties over certain ranges of scale.
None of the prior art methods determine the relative, or normalized surface areas as a function of an area scale, with a clear physical interpretation. None of the prior art methods use triangles of constant, or substantially similar areas to determine surface areas of topographic data sets as a function of the triangle area. None of the prior art methods deal with design applications.
These and other difficulties experienced with the prior art devices have been obviated in a novel manner by the present Invention.
It is a principal object of the invention to provide a method of providing surface characterizations that are normalized, i.e., don't depend on the actual area which is examined and have clear physical interpretations.
A further object of the invention is to provide a method which is able to distinguish between scale ranges which correspond to smooth and to rough topographies, so that surfaces can be designed that can physically integrate functions which rely on different surface types, without having interferences between the functions.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method of quantifying the topographic structure of a specimen surface from a grid of topographic points by defining the surface in terms of patches which have a predetermined shape and area value to obtain a measured area value and additional measured area values by defining the specimen surface with patches having the same shape and different predetermined area values to provide a plurality of measured area values for analysis of the surface topography of the specimen surface.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of a method of quantifying the topographic structure of a specimen from a grid of topographic data points by defining the surface in terms of patches having a predetermined shape in a manner which enables the data relating to the grid of topographic data points to be stored in the memory of a computer and the surface area calculations in terms of the triangles to be calculated by the computer.
A still further object of the invention is to describe, or characterized, the surface of an object by the way its apparent surface area changes with scale of observation. This description of a surface allows a designer to:
(1) determine the intensity of an interaction (e.g., adhesion, chemical reactivity) with a surface, once the scale of interaction is known by simple multiplication, PA1 (2) determine if it is possible, and if so, how to physically integrate two or more surface related phenomena on one surface while maintaining functional independence, from the scales of interaction of the phenomena, by comparing the scales of interaction to the area of the surface at those scales (or ranges of scales), PA1 (3) design manufacturing processes to create the desired surfaces, for example, by adjusting the scale of interaction of the process with the workpiece material, or by adjusting the constituent size, shape and distribution in a composite workpiece. PA1 (1) keep the area of the triangles constant, PA1 (2) keep the shape of the triangles constant, PA1 (3) completely cover the specimen surface with triangles.
With these and other objects in view, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention resides in the confirmation of parts set forth in the specification and covered by the claims appended hereto.

Method of quantifying the topographic structure of a surface


A wireless communication apparatus includes, a first communication unit that performs communication with an external apparatus through a first wireless communication method, a second communication unit that performs communication with the external apparatus through a second wireless communication method, and a control unit that establishes the communication with the external apparatus through the second communication unit using a communication parameter shared with the external apparatus through the first communication unit. The control unit determines, in response to activation of the wireless communication apparatus, whether the wireless communication apparatus is in a predetermined state and sets the wireless communication apparatus to be in a state of either executing or not executing communication processing based on whether the wireless communication apparatus is in the predetermined state.

Field
Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a wireless communication apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
In recent years, different communication methods have been used for wireless communication between a digital camera and a mobile phone, depending on a communication distance. Thus, a technique of switching communication methods depending on a communication distance for transmitting and receiving data has also been known. In particular, a technique of performing authentication through close proximity wireless communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and causing wireless LAN communication to take over the communication has been attracting attention. Furthermore, there is a technique of remotely controlling a digital camera from a mobile phone by performing the wireless LAN communication between the digital camera and the mobile phone.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-131108 discusses a system in which a service set identifier (SSID) and a password are shared between a camera and a mobile phone by using a tag memory of the NFC, so that a wireless LAN connection is established between the camera and the mobile phone without requiring a user operation.
However, since data can be freely written to the NFC tag memory from an external device, abnormal information may be written to the tag memory in a close proximity wireless communication unit of the digital camera or important information that has already been written thereto may be erased, via the mobile phone. In this case, when trying to perform the close proximity wireless communication with the digital camera next time, the mobile phone cannot read out information from the digital camera.

Wireless communication apparatus capable of communicating with external apparatus, controlling method for wireless communication apparatus, and storage medium


A collapsible box comprising a body having a front panel, a bottom panel, a back panel, a top panel, a closing panel, a left panel, a right panel, a front folding panel, and a back folding panel. Each of the front and back folding panels comprises foldably connected center panel and two side panels. The bottom panel edges are foldably connected to edges of the front, left, back, and right panels. The opposite edges of the top panel are foldably connected to the back and closing panels. The edges of the front folding panel are foldably connected to one set edges of the left and right panels, and edges of said back folding panel are foldably connected to opposite set edges of the left and right panels.

The use of cardboard boxes as gift boxes is well known. There are several general classes of cardboard boxes manufactured today that are used as gift boxes.
For instance, many cardboard boxes are pre-constructed by box manufacturers and are directly delivered to customers. These boxes are available for use immediately upon receipt by the customer. That is, the customer does not need to modify the cardboard box in any way. However, pre-constructed cardboard boxes require large amounts of space in order to be shipped, and are easily damaged during transit. As a result, the cost associated with shipping pre-constructed cardboard boxes is high. Similarly, pre-constructed boxes require costly storage space when they arrive at a store, further increasing the costs associated with pre-constructed cardboard boxes. Accordingly, pre-constructed cardboard boxes are economically inefficient.
In an attempt to alleviate the aforementioned problems, foldable cardboard boxes were developed. These boxes, designed as single flat sheets, improve the storage and transportation inefficiencies by reducing the overall volume of each cardboard box. In other words, a greater number of single flat sheets occupy the same volume as a pre-constructed cardboard box. However, foldable cardboard boxes must be manually constructed by folding and/or tucking various parts of the single sheet together. The time and labor costs associated with manually constructing these cardboard boxes is high. Costly adhesive may be required to ensure that the single sheet foldable box maintains an appropriate shape. Accordingly, single sheet foldable cardboard boxes are economically inefficient. Further, the constant folding of a single foldable cardboard box along the proper line weakens the structural integrity of the resulting cardboard box. As a result, foldable boxes are generally not as sturdy as pre-constructed cardboard boxes.
Foldable cardboard boxes can also be constructed from a plurality of cardboard sheets. This type of collapsible box is comprised of a plurality of separate cardboard sheets for each wall of the box (e.g., top, bottom, and sides). Typically, the cardboard sheets are attached to each other via a decorative layer such as felt. This type of foldable box is much sturdier than a single sheet foldable box because it is comprised of separate cardboard sheets. However, the current box configurations provide rough surfaces and cluttered folding lines.
Thus, it would be advantageous to have a foldable cardboard box which is constructed of a plurality of cardboard sheets, which is relatively inexpensive, and which has aesthetically clean folding lines. This provides a plain interior surface which provides more volume and prevents items placed inside from snagging and ruining the box. The present invention is such an article.

Bath & Body Works Brand Management, Inc.


A portable biosensor for detecting and quantifying a target molecule in a biological sample and method of use include a biosensor fabricated with a recognition layer with an imprinted polymer, an electrode electrically coupled to the recognition layer, and a logic circuit that may include a processor and non-transitory memory with computer executable instructions embedded thereon, wherein the imprinted polymer is shaped to have a profile that substantially matches a profile of the target molecule, such that the target molecule can form-fit and bind to the imprinted polymer, thus changing an electrical property of the polymer layer that may be detected to identify the presence of the target molecule.

The concentration of a drug in an organism is regulated by the amount of drug ingested and/or consumed by the organism over time (dose) and the rate at which the drug is metabolized and eliminated from the organism. A drug may be metabolized by the organism and broken down into chemical components or may be excreted from the organism in a substantially unaltered form depending on the chemical composition of the drug. Excretion may occur through various mechanisms, including excretion through sweat, blood, urine, saliva, exhaled air, or other excretion processes. For example, in the context of human subjects, excreted drugs can be monitored to track the subject's compliance to prescriptions and tailor their dosage to achieve optimal benefits, and/or to detect and measure the use of illicit and/or unprescribed medication. Monitoring excreted drugs can also assist in the analysis of complex pharmacokinetics of certain drugs, and help with forensic investigation in certain law enforcement, medical, and/or research cases.
Traditional analytical methods for monitoring various drugs in biological excretions include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), among others. Although these methods are highly sensitive and accurate, they require large, expensive equipment and employ complicated sample purification and analysis procedures making mobile real-time detection difficult. Accordingly, there is a need for a more accurate, mobile, and cost-effective method for detecting and quantifying molecular compounds in various biological samples.

Electrochemical sensing approach for molecule quantification in body fluids


A lock cylinder is mounted to an outer operating device of a door lock. The lock cylinder includes a lock core and an actuating block fixed to the lock core. The actuating block includes first and second lugs operatively coupled with the outer operating device. A key can be inserted into the lock core to pivot the lock core between an initial position and a non-initial position. When the lock core is in the non-initial position, the first lug permits a latch of the outer operating device to be moved from a latching position to an unlatching position by operating the outer operating device. When the lock core is in the initial position, the second lug prevents the latch from being moved from the latching position to the unlatching position by operating the outer operating device.

The present invention relates to a lock cylinder for a door lock and, more particularly, to a lock cylinder mounted to an outer operating device of a door lock to permit or not permit the outer operating device to unlatch a latch of the door lock.
Door locks have various types according to conditions, situations, and needs. Many of the door locks generally include an outer operating device mounted to an outer side of a door and operatively connected to a latch of the door lock. Operation of a handle of the outer operating device can retract the latch from a latching position to an unlatching position. The outer operating device generally includes a lock cylinder that can be operated to control the outer operating device to be in a locking state or an unlocking state. When the outer operating device is in the locking state, the latch cannot be unlatched by operation of the handle unless a key is inserted into a lock core in the lock cylinder to unlock the outer operating device.
However, whether the outer operating device is in the locking or unlocking state, the key can be separated from the lock core of the lock cylinder if the lock core is in its initial position. Furthermore, the lock core can be rotated to the initial position whether the outer operating device is in the locking or unlocking state. Namely, the key can be separated from the lock core even if a user forgets to lock the outer operating device. Thus, the user may forget to lock the outer operating device, or the user has to operate the handle of the outer operating device to make sure whether the outer operating device is locked.


An apparatus for optimizing power consumption of an electrical circuit component in an operating- and evaluating-circuit of a two-conductor field device, wherein a control unit is provided, which switches the electrical circuit component with a clock signal. An energy supply unit is provided for supplying the circuit component with energy, and wherein at least one energy-storing component is connected to at least one output, at least one input and/or a supply input of the electrical circuit component. The apparatus provides for a field device, a suitable electronics for enabling improvement of the energy budget of the evaluating- and operating-circuit, especially its circuit component.

The progress of microelectronics in the last years has led to a miniaturization of field devices and an integration of functionalities, which has brought-about in automation technology an effective and cost-favorable application of energy-saving, integrated, decentralized systems. Thus, not only the measured values are ascertained in the sensors and actuators, but, also, the measured values are already preprocessed and linearized. Furthermore, a self-diagnosis of the sensor or actuator is implemented. Prerequisite for the introduction of these decentralized functionalities in a closed automation concept with "intelligent" sensors and actuators is an increased information- and data-exchange of these decentralized units among one another and with a control system. In automation technology, for this reason, in the last years, a large number of fieldbus systems have come into being, which relate either to company-specific areas of application (e.g. BITBUS, CAN, MODBUS RACKBUS) or are based on an international standard (e.g. HART, PROFIBUS-PA, Foundation FIELDBUS, Ethernet). The large number of fieldbus systems, which are currently used in industrial automation technology and process control technology, is referred to in the following with the generic terms "fieldbusses" or "fieldbus systems".
Conventional field devices are grid-fed, four-conductor, field devices and include at least two electrical supply lines, or conductors, for energy supply of the field device. Furthermore, two further signal lines are needed as fieldbus, which transmit the measured-value-mapping, measurement signal or other communication data signals between the decentralized units and a control station. In general, the measurement signal or communication data signal is produced and transmitted according to a standard usual therefore, e.g. according to the 4-20 mA current-loop standard, a usual frequency-standard or a digital standard.
Moreover, it is also usual in automation technology, to construct the fieldbus of the field devices in a so-called two-conductor technology and to connect them with one another, so that their communication and energy supply is accomplished via the fieldbus exclusively and simultaneously via a two-wire line, whereby the wiring effort and, thus, the wiring costs of networked, decentralized, automation systems can be lessened.
Examples of such two-conductor field devices, especially two-conductor measuring devices or two-conductor actuating devices, are disclosed in, among others, U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,100.
For historically related reasons and for reasons of intrinsic explosion protection, such two-conductor field devices are predominantly so designed, that a supply current instantaneously flowing in the single line-pair, embodied as an electrical current loop, at an electrical current level value lying between 4 mA and 20 mA, simultaneously also represents the measured value instantaneously produced by the field device or the actuating value instantaneously sent to the field device. In the case of two-conductor field devices, the available input power is significantly limited to, for example, 48 mW. The electronics in the field device must be so designed, that it still works reliably also in the case of a minimum signal current of 4 mA. As a result of this, a problem in the case of such two-conductor field devices is, that the electrical power convertible by the field-device electronics—such being also referred to as "available power"—can strongly fluctuate in a, for practical purposes, unpredictable manner during operation of the two-conductor field device. Taking this situation into consideration, modern two-conductor field devices with a 4-20 mA electrical current loop are, therefore, usually so designed, that their device-functionality implemented by means of a microcomputer provided in the evaluating- and operating-circuit is changeable, and, thus, the power converted in the operating- and evaluating-circuit can be matched to the instantaneously available power.
A suitable matching of the field device electronics to the available power can be achieved, e.g. such as also proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,100, EP-A 1 174 841 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,723, by balancing the power instantaneously converted in the field device with the instantaneously available power, and, indeed, in such a manner, that particular, functional units or circuit components of the operating- and evaluating-circuit of the field device are operated with appropriately variable clock rates, coupled with being, at times, turned off or placed in a sleep mode.
A disadvantage of such a clocked circuit component in the operating- and evaluating-circuit of a two-conductor device is to be seen in the fact that, energy-storing components connected to the outputs or inputs of the circuit component are completely discharged and charged in each clock cycle, since the energy-storing component is discharged via a parasitic discharging current of the temporally inactive circuit component. Through such parasitic, reverse-charging processes and reverse-charging currents of the energy storing component, a large part of the energy fed into the circuit component is lost, for example, by development of heat.

Device for optimising the energy consumption of an electric circuit component


A heat dissipating structure for an IC chip of a plasma display module, and a plasma display module having the same with improved heat dissipating performance of the IC chip while preventing the spread of foreign matter emanating from the heat-dissipating sheet. The structure includes a chassis including a chassis bending part and a chassis base, the IC chip contacting the chassis bending part and connected to a signal transmitting member, a cover plate arranged on the chassis bending part and facing the IC chip, a chip heat-dissipating sheet arranged between the IC chip and the cover plate, the chip-heat dissipating sheet made out of graphite and a thermally conductive member also arranged between the IC chip and the cover plate, the thermally conductive member adapted to contact and cover the chip heat-dissipating sheet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a heat dissipating structure for an integrated circuit (IC) chip in a plasma display module, where the heat dissipating performance of the IC chip is improved while preventing the spread of foreign material throughout the module from the heat dissipating structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
Plasma display devices are widely considered to be the best replacement for conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) display devices. A plasma display device contains a discharge gas sealed between two substrates on which a plurality of electrodes are formed. In a plasma display device, a voltage is applied to the electrodes to generate discharge which excites a phosphor material to generate visible light.
The plasma display device includes a plasma display module, which commonly includes a plasma display panel and a driving device for driving the plasma display panel. The driving device includes circuit elements mounted on a circuit board that are electrically connected to the plasma display panel using a signal transmitting member. The signal transmitting member includes a plurality of conductive lines, and at least a portion of the conductive lines pass through an IC chip.
When the plasma display panel is driven, the IC chip generates a lot of heat. A conventional heat dissipating structure for the IC chip cannot effectively dissipate this heat, leading to a reduction in performance and lifespan of the IC chip. Thus, it has become necessary to develop a heat dissipating structure for an IC chip that can effectively dissipate heat from the IC chip.
Also, the heat dissipating structure includes materials having high thermal conductivity. However, such materials can also be apt to generate foreign material. If this foreign material spreads throughout the plasma display device, many problems can occur, such as short circuiting. Therefore, what is also needed is a heat dissipating structure that prevents against the negative effects of foreign material.

Heat dissipating structure for IC chip of plasma display module and plasma display module having the same


A waterproof cover for electrical devices such as electrical outlets, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters, dimmers, etc. The waterproof cover has snap-in modular cover plates which can be used either alone with one gang covers or outlet boxes, or ganged together in combination for use with two gang electrical covers or outlet boxes. The cover plate has a side edge which defines an overhanging interlock extending along a first length of the side edge and an underhanging interlock extending along a second length of the side edge. The arrangement is such that the overhanging interlock can interlock with an underhanging interlock and the underhanging interlock can interlock with an overhanging interlock of a second similar cover plate to form a two gang cover plate for a two gang weatherproof cover. Alternatively, the overhanging interlock can interlock with an underhanging interlock and the underhanging interlock can interlock with an overhanging interlock of a one gang waterproof cover. At least one other side edge of the cover plate snap fits under at least one retention boss in the cover, and in a disclosed embodiment three other side edges of the cover plate snap fit under retention bosses in the cover and are secured between the retention bosses and a seating flange.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a waterproof cover for electrical devices such as electrical outlets, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interruptors, dimmers, etc., and more particularly pertains to an electrical device waterproof cover with snap-in modular cover plates which can be used either alone with one gang covers or outlet boxes, or ganged together in combination for use with two gang electrical covers or outlet boxes.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The present invention relates generally to waterproof covers and enclosures for electrical devices such as electrical outlets, receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters, dimmers, etc. Weatherproof electrical covers or outlet boxes are well known in the industry to provide a cover for an electrical device mounted within the cover so that the cover and electrical device can be mounted outdoors. The purpose of the cover is primarily to prevent water, dust and other foreign materials from entering the device. It is of particular importance to prevent rain water and moisture from entering the electrical device to reduce the risk of short circuits, fire and damage to the device and the electrical systems connected thereto.
A typical electrical device waterproof cover is generally rectangular and closed on five sides. The waterproof cover can be recessed into or mounted exteriorly of a structure so that its open side is accessible. The cover is typically sized to receive standard electrical devices such as a duplex receptacle which is secured to the cover with its front face substantially flush with or projecting slightly through a front cover plate of the cover or outlet box. Suitable openings in a wall of the box permits the passage of electrical leads for connecting the device to a suitable source of electric power.
A cover of the general type described herein includes a cover plate which is generally coextensive with the open front side of the cover. The cover plate is provided with one or more apertures which are shaped and located so as to expose one or more electrical devices such as outlets or switches which typically project into and through the apertures in the cover plate. The cover plate is normally secured in place either by a screw or other fastener extending through an opening in the cover plate and extending into a threaded hole in the cover or outlet. The usual weatherproof outlet box or cover also includes one or more hinged waterproof lids or exterior covers overlying the cover plate to protect the electrical device mounted in the box from the weather when the device is not in usage.
Existing prior art waterproof cover designs are generally of two basic designs; an integral cover/plate construction and a cover/modular (separate) plate. A summation of the differences and advantages between the modular cover and cover plate design of the present invention and those manufactured by Carlon and are as follows:
______________________________________ FEATURE CARLON INVENTION ADVANTAGE ______________________________________ Single gang No Yes Diversification, plate can be fewer parts used in two gang cover Plates snap No Yes Faster assembly into cover Plates No Yes Better plate interlock retention Plates have No Yes Insures proper foolproof installation locators ______________________________________

Electrical device waterproof cover with snap-in modular plates


An internal combustion engine is provided with a roughly concave cylinder head, wherein a ridge descends into the combustion chamber. A first wall is formed from the ridge to a cylinder periphery to form a seat for an air intake valve. A second wall is formed from the ridge to the opposite cylinder periphery to form a seat for one or more exhaust valves. The valves must criss-cross to open/close. The result is a more efficient flow of intake air and exhaust air to and from the combustion chamber which creates more horsepower. A plug compatible cylinder head can be installed on an engine to get added horsepower without a supercharger.

Historically many types of combustion heads have been designed including flat heads, hemispherical (hemi-see Japanese Patent Pub. No. 52-54820, published May 4, 1977) and smoothed. The smoothed combustion chamber is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,221 (1999) to Marocco et al. His chamber is radiused and smoothed in order to reduce the surface area relative to the volume of the combustion chamber. His theory for improved efficiency is to increase the average combustion temperature, thereby producing more efficient combustion.
Many efforts to improve engine efficiency (horsepower) by means of maximizing airflow velocity have been made. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,661 (2004) to Lundgreen et al. discloses a tuned air induction apparatus for a V-twin motorcycle engine. Separate intake passages for each cylinder allegedly improve airflow velocity and horsepower.
Nobody has invented a concave cylinder head which provides a straighter and shorter air passage in and out of the combustion chamber. The present invention reduces the air friction around the intake and exhaust valves by providing a straighter passage into and out of the combustion chamber. Engine performance is measurably increased by simply replacing a cylinder head with the present invention.


An unscrambler conveyor including a frame, a plurality of tapered rollers rotatably supported by the frame for unscrambling packages, and means for driving the rollers. Each of the rollers has a longitudinal axis and a polyurethane body that extends along the longitudinal axis to form a tapered outer surface. The tapered outer surfaces of the rollers define a conveying surface and have variations in concentricity of less than 0.01 inches.

The present invention relates to conveyors and, more particularly, to conveyors used to unscramble articles that are received in a random order.
Unscrambling conveyors are positioned between an input conveyor, which delivers articles to the induct or charge end of the unscrambler conveyor, and an output conveyor, which receives articles at the discharge end of the unscrambler conveyor. Unscrambler conveyors typically use skewed rollers that transport articles, which are received at the induct end, in a longitudinal and lateral direction across the conveying surface of the unscrambling conveyor towards one side of the conveyor to align the articles and thereafter discharge the articles from the discharge end of the unscrambling conveyor to the output conveyor. Furthermore, existing unscrambling conveyors use tapered rollers, which define a low side and a high side of the conveyor and move the articles toward the low side when unscrambled. The rollers are typically driven by a belt drive system, which heretofore, has driven the rollers at their low side. As a result, on occasion, the drive assembly may interfere with the unscrambling of the articles.
As conveyor systems increase their efficiency, the speed of the components of conveyor systems has increased. This increase in speed, however, places more of a demand on some components than others. Typically the rollers of unscrambler conveyors must operate at faster speeds than the rollers of the input or output conveyors. For example, most unscrambler conveyors operate at twice the speed of the input and output conveyors in order to maintain the flow of articles through the system. Until recently, these tapered rollers have been metal rollers or straight metal rollers with segmented polyethylene sheathes that are mounted and stacked on the respective rollers to define the conveying surface of the conveyor. The tapered metal rollers, though capable of operating at higher speeds, generate high and usually unacceptable noise levels when operated at higher speeds. For example, when these metal rollers operated to generate a conveyor speed of 400 ft/minute or greater to meet input/output conveyor speeds of about 200 ft/minute, the noise generated by these metal rollers is unacceptable. Rollers with segmented polyethylene sheathes have been found to deteriorate with use over a relatively short period of time and, further, are not durable or impact resistant. Furthermore, when the operated at higher speeds, for example to produce a conveyor speed of 400 feet/minute, the segmented sleeves have been found to deteriorate even faster.
With input and output conveyors operating at conveyor speeds of 200 feet/minute or greater, it has been found that the current unscrambler conveyor designs cannot, therefore, support these increased conveyor speeds without deteriorating or generating unacceptable noise levels. As noted above, typically, an unscrambling conveyor must be operated at a higher speed than the input conveyors, such as twice the speed, in order to provide a continuous throughput for the conveyor system. Therefore, the existing unscrambler conveyors have become a limiting factor in current high speed conveyor systems.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an unscrambling conveyor that can effectively unscramble a large volume of packages at a rate that is commensurate with the existing high speed conveyor equipment without generating unacceptable noise levels and, further, in a manner to provide increased longevity to the components.

Article unscrambler with high speed tapered roller


USB bus enumeration and configuration switching in a dual-processor architected device can result in loss of the inter-processor communication link. In order to solve this problem, an apparatus, architecture and method for simplifying the Universal Serial Bus (USB) service enumeration between two processors in a dual-processor architecture device are provided. A USB host (102) is connected to a first processor (201) of the dual-processor device (100) via a USB cable (104). The first processor (201) begins to enumerate services to the connected host (102). When the host sends a set_configuration request (405) to the device (100), the device determines whether the first processor (201) and the second processor (203) have the same configuration sets. The first processor (201) sends a set_configuration request to the second processor (203) to setup the requested services in the second processor. If the configuration sets are different then the first processor (201) sends one or more set_interface requests to the second processor (203) in which each request turns on a specific service in response.

In accordance with the USB specifications, a USB host follows the bus enumeration process when a USB device is attached to or removed from the bus, by being connected or disconnected, respectively to a hub. The USB host is informed that a device is connected and present by a measurement of the change in voltage levels between the cable connection point and ground.
Once the change in voltage state is detected and the port is allowed time to stabilize, the USB device is moved into a powered state, and the USB bus enumeration process begins. If the USB device is capable of many services then the enumeration process can be correspondingly very extensive.
If a device is designed to utilize dual processors, in which the processors communicate with each other using USB, then the dual processors will likewise follow the enumeration procedure upon power-up of the device or upon power-up of the processor acting as a USB device. A problem exists when switching configurations of the processors because the process can cause loss of the inter-processor communications link. The enumeration process can cause important service initialization information to be lost and overload of memory and the processor itself. As a result some services may not be usable when needed and mislead the applications.
Therefore, a need exists whereby the USB enumeration process can be limited at the USB layer between processors, in devices that employ dual processor architectures having a physical USB link.

USB dynamic service switch for dual processor architecture