An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for scanning a partitioned data set (“PDS”). A receive module is included to receive a search criteria comprising one or more expressions. A member module is included to determine a set of PDS members to search based on the search criteria. A scan module is included to scan a record contained within each member of the set of PDS members. A determination module is included to determine whether a record satisfies the search criteria, where the search criteria comprises at least one expression that identifies a record that lacks a specified character string of the at least one expression. A return module is included to return the determined record. Each record in the scanned PDS has any length within a range supported by an operating system maintaining the scanned PDS.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to scanning a partitioned data set ("PDS") and more particularly relates to scanning a PDS with multiple expressions including expressions to exclude character strings.
2. Description of the Related Art
Operating system utilities for mainframe computers generally run in a foreground environment, a batch environment, or a combination of both. When a utility is invoked, the results of the invocation are generally presented to a display on a terminal where the utility was invoked, stored in a permanent file such as a data set, or a combination of both. The resulting data set can be stored in a database such as Information Management System ("IMS"), DB2®, or Oracle®, may be a Virtual Storage Access Method ("VSAM") data set, or may be a PDS that is typical of a z/OS data set.
A PDS is a data structure and is typically used in conjunction with a mainframe computer. A z/OS operating system is a typical example of an operating system that makes use of a PDS. A PDS typically contains members which are indexed. Each member is typically made up of records. A record in a PDS is typically made of a character string of a fixed length that is assigned during initialization of the PDS. A common record length is 80 characters, but a record may be of any length allowed by the operating system supporting the PDS.
A PDS may be generated from a query of a database. For example, an IMS database used for banking may be accessed using a utility to generate bank statements and the statements may be stored in a PDS. The statements may be accessed later for further processing. For example, among the information extracted from a database may be a customer's name, address, phone number, account balance, etc. If an area code is changed, the one or more PDSs containing the statements may be required to be accessed to retrieve all statements with the affected area code. The selected records in the PDS of statements may then be changed to reflect the current area code before the statements are sent.
Time Sharing Option ("TSO") is an interface program that allows a user to enter and run commands on a mainframe computer operating system through a terminal. The terminal may take the form of a dedicated terminal or may be a personal computer. Interactive System Productivity Facility ("ISPF") is a utility that makes TSO easier to use. ISPF offers menus to select functions and parameters. Tasks can be completed from the terminal or submitted as a batch job using Job Control Language ("JCL").
While ISPF and other similar front-end utilities are useful in processing a PDS, currently scanning a PDS for data that match certain criteria is very limited and cumbersome. There are standard utilities that run under ISPF, TSO directly, or other front-ends that allow a user to perform limited searching of a PDS, but the scan utilities are limited.
Currently, one scanning utility can scan a PDS using a single expression. The utility cannot process search criteria with multiple expressions. In addition, the utility cannot scan for records or members that exclude a particular character string. Another utility can process search criteria with multiple expressions, but is limited to a PDS with records of a fixed length of 80 characters. In addition, this utility cannot scan for records or members that exclude a particular character string. The scan utilities also cannot search members within a PDS while excluding specified members from the search. Likewise, the scan utilities cannot search records or members within a PDS while excluding specified records from the search. The scan utilities also cannot create a new member with the records returned from the scan and cannot create a new PDS with the records returned from the scan.
From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method for scanning a PDS comprising records of any length. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow search criteria allowing an unlimited number of expressions, would allow various exclude functions, and would allow post processing of the results of a scan to create a new member or PDS with the records returned from the scan.

Apparatus, system, and method for scanning a partitioned data set


A keyboard having an open chamber in a wrist rest thereof adapted for receiving a track ball and a touch input device alternatively, permitting the track ball or touch signal device to be electrically connected to the internal circuit of the keyboard for signal input. A packing block is provided for mounting in the open chamber of the wrist rest in a flush manner when the track ball and the touch input device are not used.

The present invention relates to keyboards, and relates more particularly to such a keyboard which has an open chamber in a wrist rest thereof for the installation of a track ball and a touch input device alternatively.
A keyboard is the most commonly used data input device for inputting data into a computer system. However, it is not efficient to control the movement of a cursor in a monitor of a computer system through a keyboard. For efficiently controlling the movement of a cursor in a monitor of a computer system, a mouse, track ball, or touch input device may be used. There are computer keyboards equipped with a track ball or touch input device. However, because the track ball or touch input device is fixedly installed in the keyboard, it cannot be replaced by a different cursor control device. Therefore, an user may have to prepare two different types of keyboards, i.e., one with a track ball and one with a touch input device for use in different situations.

Keyboard with replaceable cursor control means

2F, No. 2, Alley 10, Lane 131, Sec. 1, Chung Jen Rd.


Niobia- and tantala-doped ceria catalysts, their use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) processes, and a compact after-treatment system for exhaust gases are disclosed. In some aspects, the catalyst comprises at least 91 wt. % of ceria and 0.1 to 9 wt. % of niobia or tantala doped on the ceria. While conventional SCR catalysts can deactivate at higher temperatures, the doped cerias, particularly ones having as little as 1 or 2 wt. % of Nb2O5 or Ta2O5, are activated toward NOx conversion by calcination. The doped cerias are also valuable for SCRF® catalyzed filter applications, including an after-treatment system that comprises a diesel particulate filter having inlets and outlets, and a dual-function catalyst coated on the inlets, outlets, or both. Compared with conventional SCR catalysts, the niobia or tantala-doped cerias enable a higher level of NO2 to be present.

Hydrocarbon combustion in diesel engines, stationary gas turbines, and other systems generates exhaust gas that must be treated to remove nitrogen oxides (NOx), including NO, NO2, and N2O. The exhaust generated in lean-burn engines is generally oxidative, and the NOx needs to be reduced selectively with a heterogeneous catalyst and a reductant, which is typically ammonia or a short-chain hydrocarbon. The process, known as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), has been thoroughly investigated.
Various combinations of ceria and Group 5 metals (V, Nb, Ta) have been used for SCR and other catalytic processes. Usually, at least 10 wt. % of the Group 5 metal or Group 5 metal oxide is present in the catalyst, as is evident from a review of related academic publications.
Le Gal et al. (J. Phys. Chem. C 116 (2012) 13516), for instance, teach doping of ceria with 10 to 50 atom % of tantalum. The catalysts are made by co-precipitating hydroxides from cerium nitrate and tantalum(V) chloride precursors. The authors concluded that tantalum substitutes for cerium in the normal fluorite structure of ceria, as indicated by contraction of the lattice parameter with increasing amounts of Ta. The catalysts are used for water splitting during solar thermochemical hydrogen generation.
S. Zhao et al. (Appl. Catal. A 248 (2003) 9) studied the effect of oxide dopants in ceria on n-butane oxidation. Catalysts having 10 at. % of Nb or Ta were prepared using a sol-gel method by reacting cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate with niobium(V) chloride or tantalum(V) chloride. After dissolving the salts in water, the solutions were dried and calcined. The catalysts were not used for selective catalytic reduction.
K. Yashiro et al. (Solid State Ionics 175 (2004) 341) prepared "niobia-doped cerias" having less than 1 at. % of niobium and measured their electrical conductivity. The title is a misnomer because the ceria is actually prepared in the presence of preformed niobia. In particular, an aqueous solution of cerium(III) nitrate is combined with a mixture of oxalic acid and well-dispersed Nb2O5 powder. Cerium oxalate precipitates with dispersed particles of niobia. The precursor is then calcined at 1400° C. The product is not used for an SCR process.
E. Ramirez-Cabrera et al. (Solid State Ionics 136-137 (2000) 825) teach niobia-doped cerias and their use to convert methane to synthesis gas. The doped cerias contained 0.7 or 2.5 mole % of Nb2O5 and were made by co-precipitation of cerium and niobium hydroxides, followed by calcination.
In a series of papers (Appl. Catal. B 103 (2011) 79; Appl. Catal. B 88 (2009) 413; and J. Phys. Chem. C 114 (2010) 9791), M. Casapu et al. describe niobia-ceria catalysts and their use for SCR and soot oxidation. The catalysts tested contained 10 wt. % Nb2O5 on a mixed ceria-zirconia support or 30 wt. % Nb2O5 on ceria. The catalysts were made by co-precipitation or by wet mixing ammonium niobate oxalate with ceria. Interestingly, these catalysts become less active for NOx reduction upon calcination or hydrothermal aging at elevated temperatures (see, e.g., FIG. 9 (a) and (b) in Appl. Catal. B 103 (2011) 79), i.e., the opposite of what we found.
Combinations of niobia and ceria are also discussed in patents and published patent applications. As with the papers discussed in the preceding paragraph, EP 2368628 describes catalysts comprising at least 10 wt. % ceria and at least 10 wt. % of niobia and their use for an SCR process. The catalysts are prepared by co-precipitation or wet mechanical mixing, followed by calcination at elevated temperature (550° C. or 800° C.). In the latter case, ammonium niobate(V) oxalate hydrate is combined with ceria, and the resulting slurry is dried overnight at 80° C. and is thereafter calcined at 550° C. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, these catalysts become much less active when they are calcined for 12 hours at 800° C.
U.S. Publ. No. 2013/0121902 teaches mixed oxides of ceria, zirconia, niobia, and a rare earth sesquioxide as catalysts for an SCR process. Addition of niobia to the commercially available catalyst from ceria, zirconia, and the rare earth oxide is said to improve aging stability. The catalysts generally have high levels of zirconia. In one example with a low percentage of niobia (3 wt. %), the catalyst has 43% zirconia and 9% Nd2O3.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,264 teaches niobium containing zirconium-cerium based solid solutions and their use as "high oxygen ion conducting" or oxygen storage materials. The solid solutions comprise "up to about 95 mole % zirconium, up to about 50 mole % cerium, about 0.5 to 15 mole % rare earth metal(s) and about 0.5 to about 15 mole % niobium." All of the examples have more than 50 mole % zirconium.
Catalysts comprising niobia and ceria and their use for SCR applications are disclosed in a series of international applications (see PCT Int. Appl. Nos. WO 2012/041921, WO 2012/004263, and WO 2013/037507). In the '263 publication, the proportion of niobium oxide to cerium oxide is 2 to 20%. Catalysts having <50% Zr are shown to have greater capability for reducing hydrogen compared with a similar catalyst made with 77.6% Zr. In two examples (Exs. 9 and 10), 3.2 wt. % or 8.6 wt. % of Nb2O5 is present, zirconia is omitted, and the balance is ceria. However, these catalysts are essentially ceria-encapsulated niobias rather than niobia "doped on" ceria. As shown in the examples, the catalysts are made by forming ceria in the presence of a smaller proportion of pre-formed niobia. Our own work (described herein) demonstrates that at identical proportions of niobia and ceria, these catalysts are less effective for NOx reduction than compositions in which the niobia is doped on ceria. Moreover, as shown in the '921 publication (Table 5, Exs. 9 and 10), these catalysts also appear to deactivate upon hydrothermal aging (750° C., 16 h).
New emission limits for diesel vehicles target both NOx and particulates. Commonly, this requires the use of two separate systems: an NH3-SCR system to remove NOx and a catalytic soot filter (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,487) or a diesel particulate filter ("DPF"; see, e.g., U.S. Publ. No. 2010/0170230) to mechanically capture and oxidize soot. The soot accumulates on the filter surface, generates backpressure, and eventually needs to be burned off at elevated temperatures. Because most SCR catalysts are unable to withstand these high temperatures, separate systems are needed. However, because space is limited, designers would like to combine the SCR and soot oxidation functions into a single, compact after-treatment unit, which is typically the DPF (see, e.g., U.S. Publ. No. 2010/0180580). Such a combined system, known in the industry as an SCRF® catalyzed filter (product of Johnson Matthey), will have a catalyst that is exposed to soot, NH3, NO, and NO2. Although NO2 is beneficial for passively oxidizing soot that accumulates on the filter, it is normally consumed in the NH3-SCR reaction. Thus, depending on the configuration, the NH3-SCR and soot oxidation catalysts may need to compete for available NO2. With current SCR catalysts (e.g., transition metals dispersed in zeolites or mixed oxides such as the V2O5—WO3—TiO2 system), conversion of NO2 is much faster than the oxidation of soot by NO2. This difference in reactivity therefore limits the usefulness of known SCR catalysts for passive soot oxidation.
To minimize consumption of NO2 in the fast SCR reaction, the SCR catalyst can be coated on just the outlet channels of the DPF. This strategy was used in making the dual function catalytic filter described in PCT Int. Appl. No. WO 2012/166833. As shown in FIG. 1 of the '833 publication, the filter features a soot oxidation catalyst zone positioned closest to the direction of the exhaust gas flow, and an SCR catalyst zone positioned on the outlet side of the filter. Although the strategy is effective, it decreases the overall amount of SCR catalyst that can be deposited on the filter and may limit the degree of NOx reduction possible.
The industry would benefit from the availability of catalytic materials having attributes for both SCR and soot oxidation. A valuable material would have high density to enable high washcoat loadings, high SCR activity coupled with high thermal durability, and low selectivity for N2O formation, particularly in the presence of NO2. Ideally, the material would provide a desirable balance between NO2 consumption in the SCR reaction and NO2 availability for passive soot oxidation to facilitate the development of compact after-treatment systems for diesel exhaust.
As discussed earlier, improved SCR catalysts, particularly low-temperature NH3-SCR catalysts, are also needed. Catalysts that can retain or even improve NOx conversion activity when exposed to elevated temperatures are needed. Ideally, the catalysts would use valuable oxide components (e.g., niobia or tantala) more efficiently.

Selective catalytic reduction processes using doped cerias


In a molding cycle, one process (intermediate process) is provided between an injection process and a packing process, and conditions for switching from the injection process to the intermediate process and switching from the intermediate process to the packing process are set individually. In the intermediate process, an injection pressure is detected and a target pressure is obtained based on the injection pressure. Pressure control in the intermediate process is performed based on the set target pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a controller for an injection molding machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
An in-line-screw injection molding machine is configured to perform a metering process, injection process, and packing process. In the metering process, a screw in a heating cylinder is rotated as it is retracted, whereby a molten resin is force-fed to the distal end portion of a heating cylinder. In the injection process, the screw is advanced thereafter to fill the molten resin into a mold.
In the injection process, the screw is advanced based on preset injection stroke and velocity to fill the molten resin in the heating cylinder into the mold. When the screw advances to an injection-packing switching position, the injection process is switched to the packing process.
In the packing process, pressure control is performed based on a preset packing pressure and a set time, whereby the molten resin is fully filled into the mold, and moreover, shrinkage cavity of molded products due to contraction of the resin is compensated. If resin flow passages in the mold are narrow or in order to fully fill the resin in thin-wall molding or the like, a high peak pressure sometimes may be needed in the injection and packing processes.
If the peak pressure is excessive, however, breakage of the heating cylinder and/or the mold, burrs on molded products, and other failures are caused. Therefore, a technique is needed to fully fill the resin into the mold without generating an excessive peak pressure.
Techniques to fully fill the resin with stability are disclosed in the following prior art documents.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-178014 discloses a technique in which a filling process provided between a velocity process and a packing process is started when it is detected that the filling velocity is reduced to 50 to 60% of a set velocity in the velocity process and that the load pressure is increasing, as shown in FIG. 5. In this technique, the filling process is switched to the packing process when the screw velocity is reduced to a low level and the increased load pressure reaches a set filling pressure.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-274522 discloses a technique in which pressure control is performed with a packing pressure (P2) higher than a switching pressure (P1) for a predetermined period of time after the passage of a preset position by an injected molten material extruding member and the attainment of a preset switching pressure by the injection pressure, as shown in FIG. 6.
In the prior art techniques described above, the necessary peak pressure for filling a resin into a cavity of a mold is reduced. The filling of the resin into the cavity of the mold is stabilized by generating an injection pressure higher than that for the injection process after the end of the injection process (velocity process). If an injection pressure higher than that for the injection process is generated, however, the possibility of breakage of a heating cylinder and/or the mold, burrs on molded products, and other failures increases.

Controller for an injection molding machine


The invention concerns a fluid substance sample dispenser comprising a cylinder defining a chamber for receiving said substance and closed by a plunger adapted to slide inside said cylinder and by a cap, rotatably mobile between an open position and a closed position; said dispenser comprising locking means; said cap comprising a skirt adapted to be pressed against the wall of said cylinder, said skirt having a first radial slot designated to co-operate with a second radial slot provided in said cylinder in the open position such that said chamber projects outwards, and said locking means including a tubular member maintaining said cap in said closed position and locking it in translation, said tubular member having a cleavable portion.

Known dispensers comprise a cylinder that defines a chamber serving to receive said fluid. The cylinder is closed at a first end by a piston suitable for sliding inside said cylinder and at a second end by a cap. The cap is mounted to move in rotation relative to the cylinder between an open position and a closed position. Said dispenser further comprises locking means in order to prevent the piston from being pushed into said cylinder accidentally, which could cause said fluid to be expelled from said chamber if the cap happens to be in an open position at that time.
Such a dispenser is described in particular in Document FR 2 826 245.
In that document, the second end of the cylinder has at least a top wall portion which is perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder and in which an orifice is provided that is situated offset from the axis of rotation of the cap, and the cap has a wall portion adapted to bear against said orifice for closing it off, said wall portion having a bore leading to the outside of said cap and suitable for co-operating with said orifice. Thus, said cap is adapted to be driven in rotation so as to cause the bore to coincide with said orifice for the purpose of extracting said fluid.
In addition, the cylinder is provided with a removable skirt forming the locking means, said skirt being extended around said piston to its base so as to prevent the piston from being pushed into the cylinder inadvertently.
However, those locking means do not make it possible either to prevent the cap from being driven into said open position, at least before the dispenser is used for the first time, or to prevent the piston from being pushed in completely, it being easy for the piston to be actuated under the skirt.


A material having capacity of absorbing vibration contains maximum amounts of 0.03% of C by weight, 0.2xcx9c0.6% of Si by weight, maximum amounts of 0.15% of Mn by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of P by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of S by weight, 10.5xcx9c13.5% of Cr by weight, 0.8xcx9c1.4% of Mo by weight, 0.8xcx9c1.4% of Al by weight, 0.8xcx9c1.4% of Ni by weight, 0.02xcx9c0.1% of Nb by weight, maximum amounts of 0.01% of N by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of Cu by weight, and the rest being Fe. The material being made by a metallurgical method involving vacuum melting process and normalizing process, whereby the main crystal structure of the material is Fe.

The present invention relates generally to a steel material, and more particularly to a material having the capacity of absorbing vibration.
For there are more and more products needs a precision production process to be manufactured. Any tiny vibration of the production instrument when running may cause the production failure. To prevent above problem, a metal having capacity of damping is disposed at the base of the precision production instrument to absorb the vibration. The conventional damping metals are S25C steel, pure magnesium and pure aluminum. However, the damping property of the S25C steel (the constituents and some mechanical properties of the S25C steel are shown in Table 2 and Table 3) is not good enough (Qxe2x88x921=0.5xc3x9710xe2x88x922). So, S25C steel can not provide a superior capacity of absorbing impact and vibration when the instrument running. Beside that, the S25C steel has a poor capacity of anti-rust. The pure magnesium and pure aluminum provided a good capacity of absorbing impact and vibration, but they has a lower strength property and not easy to weld to the other elements of the instrument.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a material, which has a superior capacity of absorbing impact and vibration.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a material which has a capacity of anti-rust and easy to weld.
In keeping with the objective of the present invention, the material having the capacity of absorbing vibration contains maximum amounts of 0.03% of C by weight, 0.2xcx9c0.6% of Si by weight, maximum amounts of 0.15% of Mn by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of P by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of S by weight, 10.5xcx9c13.5% of Cr by weight, 0.8-1.4% of Mo by weight, 0.8-1.4% of Al by weight, 0.8xcx9c1.4% of Ni by weight, 0.02xcx9c0.1% of Nb by weight, maximum amounts of 0.01% of N by weight, maximum amounts of 0.03% of Cu by weight, and the rest being Fe. The material being made by a metallurgical method whereby the main crystal structure of said material is ferrite.

Material having the capacity of absorbing vibration

No. 501, 28th Rd. Taichung Industrial Park


Non-insulated surgical instruments are referenced to the electrical potential of a patient during minimally invasive electrosurgery to prevent unintentional patient burns, should the surgical instruments become accidentally energized during the electrosurgical procedure. An auxiliary safety electrode separate from the primary return electrode is attached to the patient at a location separate from the attachment point of the primary return electrode. Each non-insulated surgical instrument is preferably attached to the auxiliary electrode by a separate electrical conductor. The electrical conductor transfers to the auxiliary electrode any electrical energy which is accidentally applied to the instrument during the course of the electrosurgical procedure. The size of the auxiliary electrode is sufficient to safely disperse the electrical charge without burning the patient. When used with conductive cannulas, the electrical conductor is attached between the metal cannula and the auxiliary electrode to dissipate any electrical energy unintentionally transferred to the metal cannula. The auxiliary electrode does not interfere with the operation of a split return electrode or any contact quality monitoring system which monitors the integrity of the contact between the primary return electrode and the patient.

Endoscopic surgery involves inserting surgical instruments through small incisions to perform a surgical procedure on the interior organs and tissues. By using these instruments in this manner, it is not necessary to create a large open incision to gain access to the organs and tissues. In this regard endoscopic surgery is regarded as minimally invasive.
Although there are many types of endoscopic surgical procedures, the present invention will be described with respect to a laparoscopic procedure conducted within a patient's abdominal cavity. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such laparoscopic procedures.
To access the internal organs and tissues and to provide adequate space for conducting the surgical procedure, the abdominal or other body wall is distended away from the tissues and organs by pressurizing the abdominal or other internal cavity. A viewing device known as a laparoscope and a light source are inserted into the abdominal cavity to allow the surgeon to view the surgical site and the surgical effects created by use of the instruments. Most present laparoscopes typically include a miniature electronic video camera by which to view the surgical site with a monitor.
The typical surgical instruments used during the laparoscopic procedure are both mechanical and electrosurgical. Mechanical laparoscopic surgical instruments include knives, snares and graspers which are attached to the ends of relatively long manipulating tools. Electrosurgical instruments generally take the form of one or more relatively long, insulated electrodes through which high frequency, high voltage electrical current is delivered to cut tissue, coagulate bleeding from the tissue or to cut and coagulate simultaneously at the surgical site.
The surgical instruments and laparoscope are inserted into the abdominal cavity through cannulas. A cannula is a tube-like device which extends through an incision formed in the abdominal wall. An interior opening in the cannula allows the surgical instruments and other accessories to pass from the exterior of the patient into the abdominal cavity. The interior opening of the cannula also includes a sealing device to prevent the escape of the pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity.
Laparoscopic electrosurgical procedures present increased possibilities for unintended electrical burns to the patient and to the attending surgical personnel, compared to typical open electrosurgical procedures. In general, unintended burns result from the fact that the electrosurgical current flows in a path which is not intended, obvious, anticipated or consistent. Protective equipment has been devised to eliminate and avoid unintended burns in open electrosurgical procedures, and some of this protective equipment, such as a return electrode contact quality monitor, is useful and desirable during laparoscopic electrosurgical procedures. However, adequate protective equipment to guard against the causes of unintended burns during laparoscopy has not previously been available. Indeed, some of the leading causes of unintended burns during laparoscopy appear not to be fully understood or appreciated.
Practical considerations that increase the possibilities of unintended burns during laparoscopic procedures (compared to open electrosurgery) include: the requirement that high frequency, high voltage electrical current must pass through the cannula; the limitation on the observation area within the abdominal cavity to that which is illuminated; and the restriction that interaction with the tissues and organs can occur only through the instruments inserted through the cannula.
If the cannula becomes electrically charged as a result of electrical energy being transferred from the electrode to the cannula during electrosurgery, and if the cannula is the typical uninsulated metal type which is in direct contact with the abdominal wall at the insertion site, the cannula will conduct the current into the abdominal wall. A void, separation or break in the insulation of the electrosurgical electrode may allow the cannula to become unintentionally charged if the defect in the insulation is located within the length of the cannula. Additionally, even if the electrode insulation is undamaged, the relatively high frequency electrosurgical current will capacitively couple from the electrode to the closely adjacent metal cannula, thereby electrically charging the cannula. The metal cannula can also become electrically charged if the active end of the electrosurgical electrode inadvertently contacts the cannula within the abdominal cavity while electrosurgical current is delivered to the electrode.
With respect to the restricted view of the surgical site within the abdominal cavity, not only is the view limited to the area illuminated by the small light source, but the viewing perspective within the abdominal cavity is limited to a two dimensional view from the laparoscope. Without the third dimension to provide viewing perspective or depth of field, the active end of the electrode can be erroneously positioned while electrosurgical current is being delivered. A mistakenly positioned electrode can cause burns in unintended locations. Furthermore, the limited viewing area resulting from the limited illumination and camera angle may fail to reveal that some of the instruments are incorrectly positioned or that the instruments are positioned in a location which will result in inadvertent contact with the active electrode. Inadvertent contact between a metal instrument and the active electrode can electrically charge the instrument, and contact of that charged instrument with the tissue or organs can cause unintended burns.
Similarly, when the tissue or organs are held with graspers or are otherwise contacted by an instrument and electrosurgical current is applied, there is a possibility that the current return path through the held or contacted tissue will include the graspers or instruments and the surgical personnel manipulating the graspers or other instruments. The possibility of an unintentional return path through the graspers or other contacted instruments increases substantially as the tissue is severed from the patient. As the tissue is severed, the return path through the patient decreases in size and therefore increases in impedance, thereby increasing the chance of an unintended return path through the grasper and the person holding the grasper.
Furthermore, in addition to causing unintentional patient burns, contact with the active electrode may damage many present laparoscopic surgical instruments. For example, many present laparoscopes include electronic circuitry such as an IC chip within the instrument housing to provide the ability to send video images to a monitor in the operating room. Such circuitry is susceptible to electrical interference and may be irreparably damaged should the laparoscope become unintentionally charged during the minimally invasive procedure.
To address some of these risks and concerns, it has been strongly recommended that only electrically conductive (i.e., metal) cannulas be employed in laparoscopic electrosurgery. This recommendation is based on the assumption that a metal or electrically conductive cannula will harmlessly dissipate unintentional electrical charges to the abdominal wall. The size of the metal cannula and the thickness of the abdominal wall has been regarded as sufficient to safely dissipate any current without creating patient burns. By discharging the unintentional current from the cannula into the abdominal wall in this manner, the risk of unintentional burns from an electrically charged cannula is thought to be avoided. However, it has been found that when a metal cannula is directly coupled to the active electrode (such as by direct contact with the electrode tip or through insulation failure), the current discharged through the cannula can injure the abdominal wall tissue at the site where the cannula is inserted through the abdominal wall.
As an adjunct to the recommendation that only metal conductive cannulas be used, it has been recommended that plastic nonconductive cannulas and plastic nonconductive retaining devices for metal cannulas not be used. Plastic cannulas will not conduct electrical charges into the abdominal wall, thereby preventing a return path through the abdominal wall for any unintended electrical charge. Similarly, the use of plastic retention devices which insulate metal cannulas from the abdominal wall has also been discouraged. Plastic retention devices prevent the discharge of any unintended electrical charge to the abdominal wall. When the metal cannula is insulated from the abdominal wall by the plastic retention device, there is an increased possibility that the inner end of the metal cannula within the abdominal cavity might contact a tissue or organ and thereby discharge at that location causing an unintended burn. The inner end of the cannula frequently rests against interior organs is easily moved into such a position because of the flexibility of the abdominal wall. A burn from an unintentional contact of the inner end of a charged cannula with the bowel can cause a perforation of the bowel, leading to dangerous consequences.
Other recommendations for reducing unintentional burns relate to improving laparoscopic surgical technique. For instance, care should be taken to avoid unintentionally contacting the active electrode with other instruments and with tissues during the surgical procedure. Additionally, electrical energy should only be delivered to the active electrode when the position of the active electrode has been confirmed. Furthermore, the light source should be accurately positioned to illuminate all the relevant areas within the abdominal cavity.
One piece of existing equipment directed to resolving some of the concerns of unintended burns during laparoscopic electrosurgery, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,401 to Newton et al. for an ELECTROSURGICAL APPARATUS FOR LAPAROSCOPIC AND LIKE PROCEDURES, utilizes a shield that slides over the active electrode before it is extended into the abdominal cavity through the cannula. A monitor attached to the shield monitors the level of current coupled to the shield and disables the electrosurgical generator if an unacceptable level of current is coupled to the cannula. While this device appears to be effective in resolving problems of capacitive coupling and insulation failure when used with a metal cannula, it is not effective in resolving many of the other concerns associated with laparoscopic electrosurgery. For example, the device will not prevent the unintentional energization of other instruments not associated with the active electrode, such as mechanical graspers. Furthermore, the device is relatively expensive and presents additional issues of complexity in equipment use during surgery.
A relatively old technique suggested for use in urinary procedures is to attach a ground wire between a colonoscope and the electrosurgical generator to prevent the surgeon from burning his eye while peering through the eyepiece of the colonoscope. Such a system is not intended to prevent unintentional patient burns and will not prevent other laparoscopic instruments from being accidentally energized.
It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present invention for eliminating or reducing the possibility of unintended burns to the patient and the surgical personnel during laparoscopic electrosurgery has evolved.

Auxiliary reference electrode and potential referencing technique for endoscopic electrosurgical instruments


Miscible polymer blends of high heat resistant acrylate-maleimide polymers containing from 1 to 99% or more by weight of the maleimided polymer with conventional poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer, the blends having higher glass transition temperatures than poly (methyl methacrylate) but substantially the same optical and mechanical properties as poly (methyl methacrylate) and compatible blends of high heat resistant acrylate-maleimide polymers, conventional acrylic impact modifier, and, optionally, conventional poly (methyl methacrylate).

1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates to improved high heat acrylics of the type described in the '615 patent (bulk polymerization process using multiple initiators, multiple time-temperature cycles including raising the polymerization temperature above the glass transition temperature of the final product. Specifically, the present invention is directed to miscible blends of these high heat resistant acrylate-maleimide polymers with conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and compatible blends of the high heat resistant acrylatemaleimide polymers with acrylic impact modifier alone or, additionally, with conventional PMMA.
Within the term "conventional PMMA" is included not only homopolymers of methyl methacrylate, but also copolymers of methyl methacrylate together with minor amounts of copolymerizable monomers which are present to an extent below that which results in a significant reduction in optical properties in comparison with a homopolymer of methyl methacrylate. In general, when the conventional PMMA is a copolymer it should be formed from a copolymerizable mixture of methyl methacrylate with not more than 15% by weight of a comonomer based on the weight of the copolymerizable mixture and the comonomer should preferably be selected from alkyl acrylates or other alkyl methacrylates.
2. Description Of The Related Art
In general, acrylic polymers are well-known and are commercially desirable for their excellent optical properties, weatherability properties and cost for numerous end uses in various industries such as automotive, electronics, telecommunications, lighting, optics, business machines and decorative products for specific products such as lighting fixtures, automobile light lenses, dials, video discs, opthalmic lenses and other articles where durable, weatherable, clear features are desired.
In order to obtain specific, optimized physical properties of acrylic polymers, it is also well-known to polymerize different monomers to form co- or terpolymers. Copolymerization of a mixture of two or more monomers often led to polymers which had different and/or more suitable physical properties than either of the homo-polymers alone, or mechanical blends of polymers formed from the individual monomers.
The most popular commercial acrylate polymer in the acrylic industry at present is PMMA, which has relatively high clarity and excellent light transmission properties. Furthermore, PMMA has excellent resistance to sunlight, low density, durability and is pleasing in appearance. However, PMMA has a relatively low heat distortion temperature (HDT) and relatively low glass transition temperature (sometimes referred to as Tg). Conventional PMMA is satisfactory for most uses only for relatively short times at temperatures between 90.degree. C. and 102.degree. C., and the glass transition temperature of PMMA copolymers generally falls within the range of 85.degree.-110.degree. C. Thus, for many uses, especially in lighting systems, the HDT's and Tg's of conventional PMMA are unsatisfactorily low.
The '615 patent discloses process for making and high temperature, heat resistant acrylate-maleimide polymers which have transparency properties about the same as the transparency properties of conventional PMMA and are weather-resistant, but have glass transition temperatures from about 105.degree. C. to 131.degree. C., which temperatures are significantly higher than for conventional PMMA. However, the acrylate-maleimide polymers of the '615 patent are relatively brittle and relatively expensive compared to conventional PMMA-based polymers.
It has been found that a need exists for clear, PMMA-like polymers having Tg's between the Tg of PMMA and the Tg's of the polymers of the type disclosed in the '615 patent. Although mechanical blending of polymer is well-known, the physical properties and behavior of mechanical blends are often unpredictable. For example, a mechanical blend of two clear polymers might be opaque and thus not useful for applications in which transparency is required.
It is also known that a high softening point acrylic terpolymer known as "Diakon" NS 9300, formerly marketed by Imperial Chemical Industries, was incompatible with conventional PMMA. This polymer, being a terpolymer formed from a mixture of 85% by weight methyl methacrylate, 10% by weight N-o-chlorophenylmaleimide and 5% by weight of styrene, was prepared by a suspension polymerization process according to the general disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,404. It was observed to be incompatible with conventional PMMA because when conventional PMMA was used to purge, that is clean out, an injection molding machine previously used in molding "Diakon" NS 9300, the purged material, that is a mixture of conventional PMMA and "Diakon" NS 9300, was milky white and hazy in appearance, whereas the individual materials were clear.


A vehicle-in-question position detection unit (41) detects the position of the vehicle in question on the basis of GPS data acquired from a GPS receiver (3). An aerial photograph recording unit (43) records aerial photographs corresponding to the position of the vehicle in question. A peripheral object detection unit (42) produces a distance map on the basis of distance measurement data indicating the distance between a peripheral object and the vehicle in question obtained by a distance measurement sensor (2) mounted in the vehicle in question scanning the periphery. A peripheral map generation unit (44) updates past aerial photographs obtained from the aerial photograph recording unit (43) on the basis of the distance map, producing the latest peripheral map. The display device (5) displays the latest peripheral map at a screen.

A conventionally known parking assistance apparatus provides, when a vehicle is being parked, parking assistance using image information displayed on a display apparatus such as a vehicle navigation system installed in a portion in front of a driver's seat of the vehicle. For example, the parking assistance apparatus displays vehicles adjacent to a parking space on the display apparatus in the vehicle, when the vehicle is being parked in a public parking lot or the like. At this time, the parking assistance apparatus draws a projection line to the ground on the basis of a photograph image taken by a camera installed in a back portion or the like of the vehicle. Alternatively, the parking assistance apparatus two-dimensionally models a display image using a vehicle shape inputted in advance, according to a schematic shape of each adjacent vehicle based on outer shape information obtained from the photograph image. Through such processing, the parking assistance apparatus provides a two-dimensional view taken from above (so-called top-view displaying) to provide parking assistance. Such a technique is disclosed in, for example, PTL 1.
According to other known techniques, photograph images taken by a plurality of cameras installed in front, back, right, and left portions or other portions of a vehicle are two-dimensionally modeled and displayed in top view on a display apparatus of the vehicle, or a composite image obtained by combining an aerial photograph with an image representing the current position of the vehicle is displayed on the display apparatus to provide parking assistance is provided.

Parking assistance device and parking assistance method

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A compartmentized hairbrush is disclosed having a cavity in the handle for lipstick, a pair of cavities in the body for makeup tools and a third cavity in the body for cosmetic products. The cosmetic products are within an interchangeable cartridge(s) having a groove on the bottom that engages a mating tongue in the body cavity to retain the cartridge(s) in the cavity.

1. Field Of The Invention
This invention relates to a hairbrush having compartments for a mirror, cosmetic powders, cosmetic application tools, and lipstick.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
A U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,831 issued to Canela discloses a hairbrush having a removable hinged mirror and cavities for containing powders, lipstick, mascaras, and an eyebrow pencil, all within a rather bulky handle. U.S. Pat. No. 4,716,915 issued to Burns discloses a hairbrush having a folding or sliding handle, removable mirror, hair spray dispenser, and, in one embodiment, a battery operated light. U.S. Pat. No. 168,428 issued to Teets in 1875 discloses a hairbrush with compartments for a comb, perfume, soap, razor, strop, and a fixed mirror on top of the brush portion. This forces the user to either use the brush or look in the mirror but not together unless the lid is removed. This would also require that the soap, lather brush, and perfume be removed to avoid their dropping out of the cavity. Access to the comb, strop, and razor is by removing an end cap on the handle. None of the above inventions disclose a means for retaining the powder containers nor tools within the body of the brush when the cover is not in place.


A method controls an operation of a system. The system is operated by a controller. The controller is model-based controller determined according to a model of the system. The method updates the model, during the operation, based on an extremum seeking, and updates the controller based on the updated model.

FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of an exemplar actuator. The actuator of FIG. 1A is an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator includes a casing 103, two coils 104, two springs 105, rubber cushions 102, a moving element (ME) 101, and a fixed element 100.
Usually, the ME 101 comes in contact with the fixed mechanical element 100 when the actuator is not actuated. To move the ME 101 towards the casing 103, the actuator system is actuated by injecting a current in the coil 104. When the current is cancelled, the ME is pushed against the fixed element 100 by a spring force generated by the springs 102 positioned between the actuator casing 103 and the ME 101. To dampen the contact force, rubber cushions 102 are inserted between the ME and the casing.
FIG. 1B shows another example of the actuator used in an elevator brake system. In this example, a fixed element 110 is curved and represents an elevator brake wheel 120. The fixed element that comes in contact with the elevator brake system is called an elevator drum. Usually, the elevator wheel has two symmetrical elevator brake systems 130. The two elevator brake systems are identical and similarly controlled. For illustration purposes, the elevator brake system is enlarged 140, and schematically shown 150. The ME 155 is also curved to be consistent with the shape of the elevator drum. The rest of the system elements remain in place.
The elevator brake system should be capable of developing relatively large torques and be able to quickly stop the elevator car and counterweight. Additionally, brakes systems can be located near building occupiers, so quiet brake operation is necessary. Furthermore, because the location of the brakes is not always easily accessible, an emphasis is placed on a reliable brake system that is easy to adjust and maintain.
In one method [U.S. Pat. No. 5,717,174], the brake is controlled by position sensor feedback, and the controller adjusts the voltage signal controlling the ME motion to minimize impact velocities. However, there is no quantitative prediction of the achievable performances with respect to the system aging. Moreover, the electronic circuit controls the brake ME in both directions, against the spring force to slowdown the ME motion, and towards the spring force to accelerate the ME motion towards the drum.
Some systems use an extremum seeking controller to enhance system performance. For example, one method [U.S. Pat. No. 8,027,742 B2] uses extremum seeking to generate a control signal that controls directly one actuators of the process, e.g. a mechanical valve or a mechanical damper. In this method, the extremum seeking disturbs one output of the process to detect the fault in the process.
Another methods [U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,831 B2 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,140 B2] use extremum seeking to learn set-points of a process of a system. However, it would also be advantageous to provide a system that uses an extremum seeking to further enhance performance the system.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.


Disclosed is a method for performing a handoff from an async base station to a sync base station when a mobile station with async and sync demodulation modules travels from a present cell of the async base station to a cell of the sync base station, the method including the steps of: the mobile station driving the sync demodulation module for a given idle sleep time to acquire and maintain the timing of the sync base station, during an operation in the cell of the async base station; during the handoff, the mobile station measuring the strengths of pilot signals from the adjacent sync base stations based on the acquired timing, and sending the measurement results to the async base station; the mobile station receiving from the async base station information necessary to establish a traffic channel with the sync channel; and the mobile station performing handoff to the sync base station according to the information necessary to establish the traffic channel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a device and method for performing handoff in a mobile communication system, and more particularly, to a novel device and method for implementing handoff when a mobile station travels from a cell of the async mobile communication system to a cell of the sync mobile communication system.
2. Description of the Related Art
The async mobile communication system is a system including a terminal operating in accordance with the IMT-2000 specification being standardized in 3GPP (third generation partnership project). The sync mobile communication system is a system operating in accordance with the IMT-2000 specification being standardized in 3GPP2, and includes IS-95 and J-STD008, the next generation sync systems. These two systems are becoming increasingly harmonized and there is thus a need for various technologies that are compatible with both systems. One of such technologies is related to handoff that may happen between the sync mobile communication system and the async mobile communication system.
Handoff is a technology that enables users to continuously receive call service without interruption when a mobile station travels from a present cell to an adjacent cell during the call service in a mobile communication system. Handoffs are classified as soft hand off and hard hand off. In the soft hand off, the mobile station maintains a call using both a channel assigned by a target base station and a channel assigned by the present base station in service. Eventually, the mobile station abandons one of the two channels, whose quality has a value lower than a threshold. In the hard hand off, a channel assigned by the present base station in service is first released, and then connection to an adjacent base station is attempted.
Until now, development of the handoff has been concentrated on the sync mobile communication system. But, with the emergence of the async mobile communication system, research has been undertaken regarding handoff between sync and async mobile communication systems.
The mobile station usually acquires information about adjacent cells and informs the base station of the information when a pilot signal received from one of the adjacent cells has a higher strength than a threshold or a handoff direction message is received from the base station. The information sent to the base station is used as information about the handoff performed when the mobile station travels from a present cell to the adjacent cell during a call service. A hard handoff takes place normally when the mobile station travels from a cell of the async mobile communication system to a cell of the sync mobile communication system. For the hard handoff, the mobile station interrupts a call service from the async mobile communication system while it acquires information about the adjacent cells.
Conventionally, the mobile station has to perform the following procedure in order to interpret information about the sync mobile communication system. First, the mobile station interprets a sync signal message stored in the sync signal frame transferred from the sync channel of the sync mobile communication system. The transmission bit per 80 ms frame of the sync signal frame is 96 bits, and the sync signal message including information the mobile station can communicate with the sync mobile communication system, has a length of 221 bits. Thus the mobile station needs at least 240 ms (80 ms×3) for interpreting the message. The above-mentioned specifications are included in the TIA/EIA-IS-2000.5 standard that define the sync mobile communication system.
Hereinafter, a base station of the sync mobile communication system will be referred to as "sync base station" and a base station of the async mobile communication system will be called "async base station".
FIG. 2 illustrates a procedure for the mobile station in communication with a present async base station to acquire information about the adjacent sync base stations. Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile station receives from an async base station a direction message to detect information about sync base stations adjacent to the async base station, in step 201. Then, the mobile station sets to detect information about the adjacent sync base stations in step 203, and detects pilot signals from the adjacent sync base stations in step 205. The mobile station determines in step 207 whether a pilot signal having a highest peak value is detected. Upon failure to detect such a pilot signal of highest peak value, the mobile station returns to step 205. If a highest peak value of a pilot signal is detected, the mobile station proceeds to step 209 to receive sync frames through the forward sync channel of the sync base station from which the pilot signal having the highest peak value has been detected. In this case, the mobile station has to receive at least three sync frames from the sync base station in order to receive all sync signal messages. For example, the mobile station takes at least 240 ms in receiving the sync frames from the sync base station having a channel structure shown in FIG. 1 and, during the frame reception time, interrupts the communication with the async base station. Taking a long time in performing the procedure of FIG. 2 may therefore result in a detrimental effect such as a loss of data communicated between the async base station and the mobile station. Moreover, the mobile station does not necessarily receive messages at the time when it begins to receive the sync frames. Including the time of waiting for the time in the unit of 240 ms, the mobile station has to interrupt communication with the async base station for about 513.3 ms on the assumption that there is no error in the received frames. Therefore, a loss of data communicated between the sync base station and the mobile station is inevitable if the mobile station takes a long time in performing the procedure of FIG. 2. This does not meet the compressed mode defined in the async system in order to monitor other frequency bands suggested in the async standards.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary construction of the respective channels communicated between a mobile station and a base station, and a channel communication device for the respective channels in a code division multiple access (CDMA) communication system, which is one of the sync mobile communication systems according to the prior art. The respective channels shown in FIG. 1 are illustrated focusing on a transmitter.
To describe the channel construction of a base station, a controller 101 enables/disables an operation of the individual channel generators, processes a message communicated between a physical layer and the base station, and communicates messages with the upper layer. Pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104, and paging channel generator 107 are devices for generating common channel information shared among the users in a single cell or a plurality of cells. Dedicated control channel (DCCH) generator 102, fundamental channel (FCH) generator 108 and supplemental channel (SCH) generator 109 are devices for generating dedicated channel information assigned differently to the users.
The dedicated control channel generator 102 processes various control messages received on a forward dedicated control channel DCCH and sends them to a mobile station. The messages on the forward dedicated control channel include radio link protocol (RLP) frames or various control messages used in the IS-95B standard, and medium access control messages (MAC) related to a packet data service control, i.e., assigning or releasing supplemental channels. Power control signals can be transmitted on the dedicated control channel instead of the fundamental channel, in which case the power control signals are included in the control messages. On the forward dedicated control channel, the dedicated control channel generator 102 negotiates with the base station in regard to a data rate to be used for a supplemental channel or, if orthogonal codes are used for the supplemental channel, gives a direction to change the orthogonal codes. The forward dedicated control channel is spread with one of the unused orthogonal codes among those not assigned to the pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104, or paging channel generator 107. The RLP frame provides a service for successful transmission of an octet stream. The RLP may be classified into transparent RLP and non-transparent RLP. The transparent RLP does not retransmit an erroneously transmitted frame but informs the upper layer of the time and position of the erroneously transmitted frame. The non-transparent RLP involves error correction.
The pilot channel generator 103 processes information received on a forward pilot channel and sends the received information to the mobile station. The forward pilot channel always transmits logic signals of all 0's or 1's. It is assumed herein that the pilot channel transmits logic signals of all 0's. The pilot channel signal enables the mobile station to rapidly acquire initial synchronization for new multiple paths and estimate channels. The pilot channel is spread with one specific orthogonal code previously assigned thereto.
The sync channel generator 104 processes information received on a forward sync channel and sends the received information to the mobile station. Information on the sync channel enables every mobile station in a cell to acquire initial time and frame synchronizations. The forward sync channel is spread with one specific Walsh code previously assigned thereto.
The paging channel generator 107 processes information received on a forward paging channel and sends the received information to the mobile station. Information on the paging channel is all information necessary prior to establishment of traffic channels. The forward paging channel is spread with one of orthogonal codes previously assigned thereto.
The fundamental channel generator 108 processes information received on a forward fundamental channel and sends the received information to the mobile station. Information on the forward fundamental channel may include a variety of control messages (L3 signaling) used in the IS-95B standard and power control signals, other than the voice signal. If necessary, such information may include RLP frames and MAC messages. The fundamental channel has a data rate of 9.6 kbps or 14.4 kbps and, according to circumstances, has a variable data rate such as 4.8 kbps or 7.2 kbps as ½ of the given data rate; 2.4 kbps or 3.6 kbps as ¼ of the data rate; or 1.2 kbps or 1.8 kbps as ⅛ of the data rate. Such a variable data rate must be detected by the receiving unit. The forward fundamental channel is spread with orthogonal codes not assigned to the pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104, or paging channel generator 107.
The supplemental channel generator 109 processes information received on a forward supplemental channel and sends the received information to the mobile station. Information on the forward supplemental channel includes RLP frames, packet data and the like. The supplemental channel generator 109 has a data rate of more than 9.6 kbps. The supplemental channel generator 109 has a scheduled data rate, i.e., the base station communicates with the mobile station at a data rate determined under negotiation with the mobile station through the dedicated control channel. The forward supplemental channel is spread with orthogonal codes not assigned to the pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104, or paging channel generator 107. The fundamental channel and the supplemental channel become traffic channels.
An adder 110 adds in-phase channel transmission signals on the forward link from dedicated control channel generator 102, fundamental channel generator 108 and supplemental channel generator 109 to transmission signals from pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104 and paging channel generator 107. An adder 111 adds together quadrature-phase channel transmission signals output from dedicated control channel generator 102, fundamental channel generator 108 and supplemental channel generator 109. A spreading modulator 112 multiplies the transmission signals from the adders 110 and 111 by a spreading sequence and ascent frequency converts the transmission signals. A receiver 123 frequency converts the respective channel signals of the mobile station on the reverse link with a base band and then despreads the signals through multiplication of the converted signals by a spreading sequence. The construction of the reverse link channel receivers provided in the base station are omitted in FIG. 1.
Now to describe the channel construction of the mobile station, a controller 114 enables/disables the operation of the individual channel generators, processes a message communicated by the mobile station, and communicates messages with the upper layer.
A dedicated control channel generator 115 processes various control messages received on a reverse dedicated control channel and sends them to a base station. The messages on the reverse dedicated control channel include radio link protocol (RLP) frames or various control messages used in the IS-95B standard, and medium access control messages (MAC) related to a packet data service control, i.e., assigning or releasing supplemental channels. For a reverse link, power control signals are not separately transmitted on the dedicated control channel because they are inserted in a pilot channel for transmission. On the reverse dedicated control channel, the dedicated control channel generator 115 negotiates with the base station in regard to a data rate to be used for a supplemental channel. The reverse dedicated control channel generator 115 spreads the individual channels with unique orthogonal codes previously assigned thereto to discriminate the channels and spreads the signals from the users with unique PN codes to discriminate the users. Thus different orthogonal codes are assigned to a dedicated control channel, a pilot channel, an access channel, a fundamental channel and a supplemental channel in order to discriminate the respective channels, and the respective orthogonal codes used for every channel are shared among the users. For example, an orthogonal code used for the dedicated control channel is shared among all users to discriminate the dedicated control channel.
The reverse dedicated control channel has a fixed data rate of 9.6 kbps, which prevents any performance deterioration in determining the data rate and eliminates a data rate determination circuit, reducing complexity of the receiver. Also, the reverse dedicated control channel has the same data rate as the basic data rate of voice signals, i.e., 9.6 kbps, thus maintaining the same service diameter as the basic voice service.
A pilot channel generator 116 processes information received on a reverse pilot channel and sends the received information to the base station. Like the forward pilot channel, the reverse pilot channel enables rapid acquisition of initial synchronization for new multiple paths and channel estimation. The reverse pilot channel also transmits reverse power control information by adding power control signals to the pilot signal at a defined time.
An access channel generator 117 processes information received on a reverse access channel and sends the received information to the base station. The information on the access channel includes control messages and all information about the mobile station required by the base station prior to establishment of a traffic channel.
A fundamental channel generator 118 processes information received on a reverse fundamental channel and sends the received information to the base station. Information on the reverse fundamental channel normally includes voice signals. Such information may include a variety of control messages (L3 signaling) used in the IS-95B standard as well as voice signals. If necessary, the information may include RLP frames and MAC messages. For a reverse link, power control signals are not separately transmitted on the access channel because they are inserted in the pilot channel for transmission. The fundamental channel has a fixed data rate of 9.6 kbps or 14.4 kbps and, according to circumstances, has a variable data rate such as 4.8 kbps or 7.2 kbps as ½ of the given data rate; 2.4 kbps or 3.6 kbps as ¼ of the data rate; or 1.2 kbps o kbps as ⅛ of the data rate. Such a variable data rate must be detected by the receiving unit. The reverse fundamental channel generator 118 spreads the individual channels with unique orthogonal codes previously assigned thereto to discriminate the channels and spreads the signals from the users with unique PN codes to discriminate the users. Thus different orthogonal codes are assigned to a pilot channel, an access channel, a fundamental channel and a supplemental channel in order to discriminate the respective channels and the respective orthogonal codes used for every channel are shared among the users. For example, an orthogonal code used for the fundamental channel is shared among all users to discriminate the fundamental channel.
A supplemental channel generator 119 processes information received on a reverse supplemental channel and sends the received information to the base station. Information on the reverse supplemental channel includes RLP frames, packet data and the like. The supplemental channel generator 119 has a data rate of more than 9.6 kbps. The supplemental channel generator 119 has a scheduled data rate, i.e., the base station communicates with the mobile station at a data rate predetermined through negotiation with the mobile station through the dedicated control channel. The reverse supplemental channel spreads the individual channels with unique orthogonal codes previously assigned thereto to discriminate the channels and spreads the signals from the users with unique PN codes to discriminate the users. The fundamental channel and the supplemental channel will become traffic channels.
An adder 120 adds together transmission signals on the reverse link received from the dedicated control channel generator 115 and the pilot channel generator 116. An adder 121 adds together transmission signals on the reverse link received from access channel generator 117, fundamental channel generator 118 and supplemental channel generator 119. A spreading modulator 122 multiplies the transmission signals from the adders 120 and 121 by a spreading sequence and ascent frequency converts the transmission signals. A receiver 123 frequency converts the respective channel signals of the mobile station on the reverse link with a base band and then despreads the signals through multiplication of the converted signals by a spreading sequence. The construction of the reverse link channel receivers provided in the mobile station are omitted in FIG. 1.
In the CDMA communication system, as shown in FIG. 1, the base station comprises controller 101, dedicated control channel generator 102, pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104, paging channel generator 107, fundamental channel generator 108 and supplemental channel generator 109. The mobile station comprises controller 114, dedicated control channel generator 115, pilot channel generator 116, access channel generator 117, fundamental channel generator 118 and supplemental channel generator 119. For the output form of the individual channel generators in the base station, the signals from dedicated control channel generator 102, fundamental channel generator 108 and supplemental channel generator 109 are two channel signals, i.e., having an in-phase channel component and quadrature-phase channel component, while only one channel signal is generated from pilot channel generator 103, sync channel generator 104 and paging channel generator 107. It is assumed herein that the only one channel component is the in-phase channel component.
Unlike the channel generators of the base station, those of the mobile station generate only one channel component. Thus the outputs of the dedicated control channel generator 115 and the pilot channel generator 116 of the mobile station are added up and fed into the spreading modulator 122 as an in-phase channel, and the outputs of the remaining channel generators 117, 118 and 119 are added up and fed into the spreading modulator 122 as a quadrature-phase channel. When using the access channel, the output of the pilot channel generator 116 is an in-phase channel input and the output of the access channel generator 117 is a quadrature-phase channel input, since the access channel generator 117 generates the output prior to generation of the traffic channel.
FIG. 3 illustrates a handoff procedure according to the prior art when the mobile station travels from a cell of the async base station to a cell of the sync base station shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 3, in step 301, mobile station B receives from async base station A a message including information about other base stations adjacent to the async base station A through a broadcast channel or a paging channel. In step 302, the mobile station B measures the reception strengths of pilot signals transferred from the adjacent base stations and sends a message including the measurement results of the pilot signals to the async base station A through a reverse dedicated channel. Then, the async base station A analyzes the message on the reverse dedicated channel to determine whether there is a target async base station. If a target async base station exists, the async base station A confirms the handoff; otherwise, it sets parameters T, T0 and N for detecting the reception strength of the pilot signals from the adjacent sync base stations, where T0 is a time to detect the pilot signal of a sync base station, T is a time interval for detecting the pilot signal of the sync base station, and N is a parameter defining the number of times for detecting the pilot signal of the sync base station. In step 303, the mobile station B receives a direction message on a forward dedicated control channel to measure the reception strength of the pilot signals of the async and sync base stations adjacent to the async base station A, and a message including the parameters. Upon receiving the message on the forward dedicated control channel, the mobile station B measures the reception strengths of the pilot signals from the sync and async base stations adjacent to the async base station A based on the parameters T, T0 and N.
In step 306, the mobile station B detects a pilot signal received from the individual sync base stations adjacent to the async base station A. Here, the pilot signal enables the mobile station B to estimate the channels and rapidly acquire initial synchronization for new multiple paths. Besides detection of the pilot signal, the mobile station B analyzes in step 306 a sync message received from a sync base station such as sync base station C through a forward sync channel to recognize the sync base station C, and acquires system information about the sync base station C. The sync message includes system information necessary for communication with the sync base station C, such as system ID number, network ID number, PN_OFFSET value, long code information after 320 ms, and paging channel data rate. For example, the sync channel frame used in the IS-95 system is 80 ms in length with a data rate of 96 bits and comprises three sub frames having a length as long as one period of a short code. Here, the sync message including the system information about the sync base station C has a length of more than 200 bits including a message length field and CRC. Even when the message is less than 96 bits in length, the 80ms sync frame necessarily sends 96 bits by adding the surplus bits to the message. Thus the mobile station B must receive at least three 80 ms sync frames in order to receive all sync messages including the system information. Without errors in the sync messages, it takes at least 240 ms for the mobile station B to recognize the sync base station C and receive information of the sync base station C.
In step 304, the mobile station B sends a message, including the measurement results of the reception strength of the pilot signals received from the adjacent base stations and information about the sync message, to the async base station A through a reverse dedicated channel. Then, the async base station A analyzes the received message on the reverse dedicated channel and sends the measurement results to the upper network. The upper network checks the existence of the target sync base station C and sends to the async base station A a handoff direction message including information necessary for the handoff. In step 305, the mobile station B receives the handoff direction message including information about traffic channels for communication with the target sync base station C, through the forward dedicated channel from the async base station A. Once receiving the handoff direction message, the mobile station B prepares to receive traffic data from the sync base station C with reference to the traffic channel information included in the message. In step 308, the mobile station B receives null traffic or the like on a forward fundamental channel from the sync base station C to ensure stability of channels. The mobile station B receives in step 309 a traffic message on the forward fundamental channel from the sync base station C while moving to a cell of the target sync base station C, thereby switching a call service from the async base station A to the sync base station C. Thereafter, the mobile station B sends a preamble on a reverse fundamental channel to inform that transmission is successful, in step 310, and sends a handoff complete message on the reverse fundamental channel to the sync base station C, in step 311.
With the above-described forward channel structure of the conventional sync mobile communication system, the mobile station B must receive at least three sync frames on the forward sync channel of the sync mobile communication system. For example, a sync mobile communication system having the channel structure shown in FIG. 1 has a minimum reception time of 240 ms. Thus it will take at least 240 ms for the mobile station B to acquire system information for communication with the sync base station C while traveling from a cell of the async base station A to a cell of the target sync base station C. During this reception time, the mobile station interrupts communication with the async base station A. That is, taking a long time in performing the procedure of FIG. 3 results in a detrimental effect such as a loss of data communicated between the async base station and the mobile station.

Device and method for performing handoff from async mobile communication system to sync mobile communication system


Device and process for smoothing printing screens for silk screen printing, in particular rotary screens, liquid being sprayed at high pressure onto a screen (1, 1xe2x80x2) lying on a compression-resistant and dimensionally stable support.

The present invention relates to a device as well as a process for smoothing printing screens for silk screen printing, in particular rotary screens.
Printing screens for silk screen printing consist of nickel foil, which is so thin that it can be easily creased during the process or by the operator""s carelessness. Crease marks however disrupt the uniform pattern application, which is why they have to be removed before the printing screen for silk screen printing can be re-used.
The device according to the invention achieves this object by the fact that a compression-resistant and dimensionally stable support preferably developed as a rotatable support roller for the screen as well as a nozzle unit for spraying a jet of liquid onto the screen at high pressure are provided, the screen lying on the support at least in the working area of the nozzle unit.
The process according to the invention provides for a liquid to be sprayed at high pressure onto a screen lying on a compression-resistant and dimensionally stable support.
The device according to the invention as well as the associated process are based on devices which are used for the removal of a varnish deposited for patterning purposes on the outside of the printing screen for silk screen printing. For this process, called xe2x80x9cstrippingxe2x80x9d, it is known to spray water at high pressure onto the printing screen for silk screen printing. A corresponding device is shown for example in DE 42 24 511 A1. For the known device, the support roller is formed by an inflatable supporting tube which is enclosed by a thin metal foil. The result of this is that the support roller is deformed under the pressure of the impacting jet of liquid which is why, for the known device, crease marks additional to the already present creases occur during the xe2x80x9cstrippingxe2x80x9d in most cases.
On the other hand, if the support is formed from compression-resistant and dimensionally stable material, then a hard and unyielding abutment is obtained on which the placed screen is smoothed by the action of the jet of liquid. The development of the support as a support roller is particularly advantageous in design terms.
The smoothing effect occurs in particular at pressures above 1000 bar, a pressure of approx 2000 bar preferably being used.
A support or support roller made from high-grade steel has proved to be a suitably hard abutment. Other hard material can also be used however, such as for example a roller treated with hard chromium.
An optimal smoothing effect is achieved if the distance between the nozzle tip of the nozzle unit and the screen laid on the support roller is between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 10 mm.
In order to be able to use the device according to the invention for any screen size, it is favourable if the device has a free space beneath the support roller for a screen section suspended freely beneath the support roller. Using the free space beneath the support roller, it is possible for the support roller to be relatively small, so that, even for the smallest rotary screen size, only a part of the screen lies on the support roller, whereas a freely suspended screen section finds space beneath the support roller. Thus, a uniform support roller can be used for all rotary screen sizes.
Not only is a smoothing of the screen achieved by the device according to the invention but also a removal of the varnish deposited for patterning purposes, as is already known. In this connection it is favourable if a rinsing device is provided beneath the support roller for the freely suspended screen section. The function of the rinsing device is to remove separated colour particles from the freely suspended screen section.
In order to ensure a full fit of the screen in the working area of the nozzle unit, a pressure roller for pressing the screen against the support roller can be preferably provided. For adaptation to different screen widths, it is advantageous if the width of the pressure roller can be changed by means of additional elements.
It is favourable if the support roller has areas, with slightly increased diameter, which form stops. The two stops form a lateral limitation for the screen pushed onto the support roller, whereby a lateral xe2x80x9cdownward migrationxe2x80x9d of the screen on the side is avoided during the course of the rotary movement of the support roller. For adaptation to different screen widths, it is advantageous if at least one of the areas is designed to be displaceable, preferably as a displaceable sleeve.
Furthermore it can be provided that the support roller is clamped or housed on one side. The cantilevered arrangement of the support roller makes it possible to push the rotary screens from the free side in axial direction onto the support roller.


In a refrigerant condenser including a super-cooling portion, the super cooling portion is located in the upper position of a core portion. Thus, when a vehicle engine idles, and high temperature cooling air having passed through the refrigerant condenser and the vehicle radiator is lead to the air upstream side of the condenser through the lower portion of the condenser, because the super-cooling portion is located at the upper position of the core portion, the super-cooling portion is not influenced by the high temperature air.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a refrigerant condenser for a vehicle air conditioning apparatus, in which a condensing portion where refrigerant is condensed and a super-cooling portion where liquid refrigerant separated in a receiver is super-cooled are formed integrally.
2. Description of Related Art
JP-A-8-219588 discloses a refrigerant condenser including a super-cooling portion and a receiver integrally. Liquid refrigerant separated in the receiver is super-cooled in the super cooling portion, for improving a cooling performance. The receiver is integrated with the refrigerant condenser for downsizing a space where the refrigerant condenser and the receiver are installed.
The conventional refrigerant condenser has first and second header tanks extending in the upper and lower direction, and a core portion disposed therebetween, which includes plural tubes through which the refrigerant flows horizontally. A refrigerant inlet pipe joint is provided at the upper end side of the first header tank, and a refrigerant outlet pipe joint is provided at the lower end side of the first header tank.
The insides of both header tanks are separated into plural spaces in the upper and lower direction, thus the refrigerant winds and flows from the refrigerant inlet pipe joint, and in the header tanks and the core portion.
The receiver is integrated with the second header tank, and the inside thereof communicates with the second header tank through a first communication hole formed at the lower portion of the header tank. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the condensing portion flows into the receiver through the first communication hole, and is stored therein.
A second communication hole is formed below the first communication hole, and a separator is provided in the second header tank for partitioning the first communication hole from the second communication hole. Thereby, the liquid refrigerant in the receiver flows into the second header tank through the second communication hole, and flows through the super-cooling portion while being super-cooled. The super-cooled liquid refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant condenser through the first header tank and the refrigerant outlet pipe joint.
In the conventional refrigerant condenser, the liquid refrigerant flows out of the receiver at the position in the vicinity of the bottom of the receiver, for constantly supplying the liquid refrigerant into the super-cooling portion even when the liquid refrigerant amount in the receiver fluctuates in accordance with the change of a cooling load. That is, the super-cooling portion is located at the lowest portion of the core portion.
However, when the vehicle engine idles, for example, to wait for a traffic signal, the cooling air having passed through the refrigerant condenser and a vehicle radiator might be lead to the air upstream side of the condenser through the lower portion of the condenser by the operation of a cooling fan, because there is no air flow generated by vehicle running. This cooling air has high temperature because it has passed through the condenser and the vehicle radiator, and heats the lower portion of the condenser. Therefore, the cooling performance of the supercooling portion is lessened, and the amount of the super-cooling of the liquid refrigerant is reduced.

Refrigerant condenser including super-cooling portion


A video display is provided which includes a display screen mounted to a forward end of the video display, a video projector having a center of gravity, and a reflective assembly for directing light from within the video projector to the display screen. The video display further includes a frame for supporting the display screen, the video projector and a reflective assembly in an operative relationship. Stationary brackets are rigidly mounted to the frame, and projector brackets are rigidly mounted to the video projector. The projector brackets are pivotally mounted to the stationary brackets for rotating relative to the stationary brackets, about a pivot point. Rotating the projector brackets relative to the stationary brackets rotates the video projector relative to the frame, from a first position to a second position. When the video projector is rotated about the frame from the first position to the second position, the center of gravity of the video projector is moved from forward of the pivot point to rearward of the pivot point and a rearward end of the video projector is moved in a downward direction. The weight of the video projector is supported when it is disposed in the second position so that it will automatically remain in the second position for servicing.

Prior art video displays have been provided with video projectors. Such types include rear-projection types of video displays having a video display screen on a forward end, reflectively mirrored surfaces for directing a video beam from within the video display to the video display screen, and a video projector for providing the video beam. Such video projectors have included larger three-gun types of video projectors, each gun providing one of the basic colors.
Such video projectors are typically rigidly mounted to a supportive framework included within the video display. The framework is typically rigid, not allowing the video projectors to be easily moved without fully disassembling the video projector from the display unit. This often provides problems when the video projector is mounted close to one of the reflective surfaces from which the video signal is directed toward the video display screen. Some video projectors have forward ends which require servicing. For example, power supplies may be disposed in the lower, forward most end of the video projectors. When servicing is required, the video projector must be forcibly removed from within the video display so that the lower forward section of the video projector may be accessed for servicing. Such projectors often weigh as much as 150 pounds, and the weight, when combined with the size of the video projector, may cause injury to persons servicing the video projector.
One prior art apparatus for mounting a video projector within a video display has a swing-type of carriage. A U-shaped cradle is mounted at its upper end to vertical posts. The video projector is mounted to the U-shaped cradle beneath the pivot points such that when the video projector is moved either forward or rearward from a neutral, lowermost position, the center of gravity of the video projector tends to pull the video projector back to the neutral, lower position. If the video projector swings forward of the pivot point, the forward end of the video projector is elevated. If the video projector swings rearward of the pivot point, the rearward end of the video projector is elevated. This type of arrangement may often be dangerous because continuous force must be applied to prevent the video projector from returning to the neutral, downwardly disposed position into which it tends to return. Persons servicing the video projectors may be injured and the video projectors may be damaged if the cradle is released so that the heavy video projector swings back toward the neutral, lowermost position. Also, this still may not provide adequate room for servicing the video projector, requiring that the video projector be removed from its display mount for servicing.

Pivoting mount for a rear projection video display projector