A jettisonable nosecone (10) for a missile is specified, which nosecone (10) is longitudinally split into at least two parts (15, 16) and is held together by detachable connecting structures, in which case the connecting structures are designed to actively move the at least two parts (15, 16) away from one another when released. A missile having a correspondingly designed nosecone (10) is also provided. A nosecone (10) of this type allows simple jettisoning during every flight phase of the missile, and is also suitable for retrofitting to an already existing missile.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a jettisonable nosecone for a missile, which nosecone is longitudinally split into at least two parts and is held together by detachable connecting means. The invention also relates to a missile having a jettisonable nosecone of this type.
Missiles make use of jettisonable nosecones in order, for example, to protect the sensitive seeker optics, in particular the radiation-permeable dome, against external influences such as foreign object strikes or heat during a flight to the point of operation. Nosecones generally impede the view of the sensitive seeker system and can thus be used only in relatively predetermined flight phases or in flight phases in which the missile is not being guided to the target by means of the seeker system. When the missile is intended to be guided to the target by the seeker system, the nosecone must be jettisoned in order to allow unimpeded target acquisition.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Jettisonable nosecones are known, for example, from CH 525 798, DE 102 11 493 B3 and DE 196 35 851C2. CH 525 798 describes a nosecone which is composed of a prestressed material, in particular prestressed glass. An operating mechanism in the missile is operated pyrotechnically for jettisoning, so that a tip strikes against the edge of the nosecone. In consequence, the nosecone is broken up into a large number of small particles.
DE 196 35 851 C2 discloses a jettisonable nosecone which is held on the missile by means of holding elements which are arranged in grooves and are sprung radially inwards. For jettisoning, these holding elements are deflected outwards by means of unlocking cylinders, and thus disengaged from the missile.
The unlocking cylinders can be operated by a gas generator that can be initiated, by a gas spring or pyrotechnically.
DE 102 11 493 B3 discloses a jettisonable nosecone for a missile, which nosecone is held on the guided missile by means of a hinged joint and a tear-off attachment. For jettisoning, an explosive charge is initiated, as a result of which the tear-off attachment is torn open, and the nosecone pivots about the movement axis of the hinged joint. On reaching a defined pivoting angle, the nosecone is automatically separated from the missile.
A nosecone and a missile of the type mentioned initially are known from DE 102 40 040 A1. This document proposes that the nosecone be designed such that it is split into at least two parts in the longitudinal direction, with the two parts being held together by detachable connecting means. When the connecting means are operated or released, then the at least two parts open outwards in the form of a "beak" by virtue of the ram-air pressure in the interior of the nosecone, and are thus torn away from their anchorage on the missile. In order to produce the ram-air pressure within the nosecone, it can be provided with an opening at the nose.
According to CH 525 798, the operating mechanism which is required to jettison the nosecone must be incorporated in the missile. This is disadvantageous for retrofitting of an existing missile. The spreading-open or pivoting mechanism which are described in DE 196 35 851 C2 and DE 102 11 493 B3 for integral jettisoning of the nosecone disadvantageously do not overcome the risk of the jettisoned nosecone colliding with the guided missile. Finally, the nosecone according to DE 102 40 040 A1, which opens in the form of a "beak" disadvantageously cannot be jettisoned if the ram-air pressure required for opening cannot be achieved, for example during a slow flight phase.
One object of the invention is to specify a jettisonable nosecone for a missile, which can easily be retrofitted and can easily be separated from the missile in any missile flight phase. A further object of the invention is to specify a missile having a nosecone designed in this way, in which case the missile and the nosecone can easily be separated from one another in any flight phase. The first-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention for a jettisonable nosecone for a missile, which nosecone is longitudinally split into at least two parts and is held together by detachable connecting means, in that the connecting means are designed to actively move the at least two parts away from one another when released.
A first step of the invention is in this case based on the idea that a longitudinally split nosecone can be jettisoned more easily than an integral or laterally-split nosecone. This is because the longitudinal splitting allows the individual parts of the nosecone to move past the missile at the sides. The individual parts just need to be moved away from one another for this purpose.
In a further step, the invention is based on the idea that safe and simple jettisoning of the parts of a longitudinally split nosecone is achieved if the individual parts can be moved away from one another independently of the respective flight phase of the missile. This is the case when the connecting means which hold the parts of the longitudinally split nosecone together are designed such that the individual parts can move, away from one another actively when released.
In other words, the invention provides for the individual parts of a longitudinally split nosecone, upon release of the connecting means holding them together, to be actively moved away from one another by the latter. The longitudinal splitting thus results in the individual parts of the nosecone being forced radially outwards with respect to the missile longitudinal axis. The individual parts of the nosecone move past the missile at the sides.
Provided that a missile does not carry out any rolling movement, a nosecone which is longitudinally spilt into two parts can be mounted on the missile in such a way that its joint gap is aligned vertically during flight of the missile. This offers the advantage that, on jettisoning, the two parts of the nosecone can always move past the missile at the sides even during descending or climbing flight. There is no risk of a missile which is climbing or descending colliding with a part of a nosecone which has been jettisoned upwards or downwards. If the joint gap is aligned essentially vertically, the effective incidence angle of the parts of the nosecone, which depends on the incidence angle of the missile with respect to the incident flow, is minimized. This minimizes the risk of parts of the nosecone colliding with the missile.
Since the detachable connecting means are arranged in the nosecone, already existing missiles can easily be retrofitted with a nosecone such as this. Since the parts of the nosecone move away from one another actively, the nosecone can be safely jettisoned at both low and high missile speeds of flight. The initiation of the connecting means which hold the parts together can be activated on a time-controlled basis at any time via the electronics in the missile. A remote initiation is also possible.
A metal or a plastic may be used as the material for the nosecone. In particular, sheet steel may be used as the metal. The plastic may, if required, be reinforced or sheathed with carbon or glass fibres.
Fundamentally widely different techniques may be used to actively move the at least two parts of the nosecone away from one another. A gas spring, an explosive charge or a gas generator, in particular, may be used. It is also feasible for the parts of the nosecone to be held together in a mechanically prestressed form, so that, when the connecting means are released, the stored mechanical energy is converted to kinetic energy in the parts that are flying away from one another.
The connecting means advantageously comprise a connecting pin which can be activated pyrotechnically and has a hole into which a propellant charge is inserted, with gases being released on initiation of the propellant charge, driving at least two parts away from one another. The propellant charge, which releases large amounts of energy within a short time, is in this case integrated directly in the connecting pin which holds the parts of the nosecone together. The gases which are released spontaneously on initiation of the propellant charge are used to drive the parts of the nosecone away from one another. The integration of the propellant charge in the connecting pin allows the rate of initiation to be matched to the respective external parameters, which are governed by the missile or by the operating conditions. This can be achieved, for example, by the choice of material for the connecting pin, or by the composition of the propellant charge.
In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least two parts of the nosecone are held together by means of the connecting pin via hollow cylinders which can be plugged axially into one another and form an internal cavity, with the hole in the connecting pin having an opening to the internal cavity, via which the gases which are released on initiation of the propellant charge and drive the hollow cylinders axially away from one another flow into the internal cavity. In other words, the at least two parts are plugged into one another via hollow cylinders in the form of a piston. The gases which flow into the internal cavity via the opening on initiation of the propellant charge force the two hollow cylinders away from one another, so that the parts of the nosecone are moved away from one another. During this movement away from one another, the connecting pin is torn in two. The movement of the parts of the nosecone away from one another can be adapted in accordance with the operating conditions and for an existing missile type by means of the configuration or the number of openings introduced, as well as the shape and size of the internal cavity. If the joint gap is aligned vertically, driving the hollow cylinders away from one another axially means that they are driven away from one another in the lateral direction with respect to the missile longitudinal axis.
In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least two parts are held together directly by means of the connecting pin, with the hole extending in the longitudinal direction and, in addition to the propellant charge, having a piston which fits into it, and in which case the piston can be driven in the longitudinal direction by initiation of the propellant charge. In this embodiment, the connecting pin which holds the two parts together directly produces a pulse which is directed outwards or in the longitudinal direction of the connecting pin, as a result of which the parts of the nosecone are moved away from one another. When the propellant charge in the hole which is aligned to the longitudinal direction is initiated, then the gases drive the piston which is fitted into this hole forwards in the longitudinal direction, as a result of which the connecting pin is torn apart. The two parts of the connecting pin accordingly have an opposite impulse. In this embodiment, the parts of the nosecone just need to be designed such that they can be connected to one another via the connecting pin. This can be achieved, for example, by the parts each having openings which are incorporated in a web and being held together via these openings by means of the connecting pin, which is in the form of a screw or rivet. This technique also allows the nosecone to be fitted easily to the missile.
The connecting pin advantageously has a weak point. The weak point ensures that the connecting pin is torn apart at a predetermined point on initiation of the propellant charge. If the connecting pin is provided with a piston which is fitted into it, it is worthwhile forming the weak point essentially laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the connecting pin, so that the impulse of the piston, which is driven forwards by initiation of the propellant charge in the longitudinal direction, acts on the weak point.
In another advantageous refinement, the nosecone is conical, in the form of an ogive, or is paraboloid. Other streamlined nosecone shapes which, for example, have better aerodynamics than a hemispherical shape, are also feasible. These shapes have good aerodynamics and thus help to reduce the drag on the missile. For missiles which have a hemispherical dome because of the need to have a wide observation angle, a nosecone which has such a good aerodynamic design allows the range to be improved. The nosecone thus acts as aerodynamic cladding and reduces the aerodynamic drag of the basic configuration of the missile without the nosecone. Even in the situation where an air-to-air missile with a dome shape that has not been optimized with regard to the aerodynamics in favor of the observation angle is intended to be launched from the ground, an aerodynamically well-designed nosecone offers the capability to achieve the range that is achieved when fired from an aircraft even when fired from the ground.
For jettisoning of the nosecone, it is advantageous for it to be possible to connect the nosecone to the missile by means of a convex groove at the end. If the impulse for actively moving the parts of the nosecone away from one another is transmitted in the front area of the nosecone, then this refinement allows the parts of the nosecone to be tilted radially away from the missile via this convex groove.
In order to attach the nosecone securely to the missile, it is advantageous if, an angled groove for guidance of a pin which is arranged on the missile is introduced on the internal circumference of the nosecone for bracing with respect to the missile. In this case, it is particularly advantageous for two such grooves which are offset through 180° to be incorporated in the circumference of the nosecone, along which the corresponding pins which project out of the structure of the missile are guided. In this case, an additional attachment capability can be created simply by rotation of the nosecone with respect to the missile. The angled groove and the pin which is arranged on the missile thus form a so-called "bayonet fitting".
In the situation with a combination of a convex groove incorporated at the end together with the angled groove that is intended to hold a pin which projects out of the structure of the missile, the nosecone can be fitted to and removed from the missile by first of all pushing it axially onto a collar which is arranged on the circumference of the missile. During this process, the convex groove at the end of the nosecone engages with a concave groove which is fitted to the collar and points forwards. At the same time, the pin or pins which is or are fitted to the missile engages or engage in the corresponding angled grooves which are incorporated on the internal circumference of the nosecone. Slight rotation of the nosecone then results in it being braced between the pins and the collar on the missile. The circumferential collar also provides an axial supporting function during acceleration of the missile.
The second-mentioned object with regard to a missile is achieved according to the invention by the missile having a jettisonable nosecone as described above.
Advantageously, as described in this case, the nosecone engages at the end in a raised collar which runs in the circumferential direction on the missile. In this case, it has been found in particular that it is sufficient for attachment of the nosecone and for jettisoning of its parts for the raised collar to be interrupted in places in the circumferential direction. The interruption can in this case also be designed generously.

Jettisonable nosecone and missile with a jettisonable nosecone


Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal apparatus, including, a pair of substrates; and a liquid crystal layer held between the substrates, the liquid crystal layer having positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer exhibiting, when no voltage is applied thereto, an orientation direction parallel to a transverse electric field which is generated when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a liquid crystal apparatus and typically to a liquid crystal display apparatus for use as a display unit, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display apparatus which operates in a light scattering mode.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various liquid crystal modes are available such as a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, a VA (vertical alignment) mode which uses vertical orientation and an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode and an FFS (Fringe Field Switching) mode wherein switching is carried out within a substrate plane. Scattering type liquid crystal is a mode wherein switching is carried out between a light scattering state and a no-light scattering state or transmission state. Research and development of such scattering type liquid crystal are proceeding energetically because the scattering type liquid crystal generally requires no polarizing plate and can achieve brighter display than the aforementioned liquid crystal modes which essentially require a polarizing plate.
Generally, high molecular dispersion type liquid crystal is used as the scattering types liquid crystal. A principle of the high molecular dispersion type liquid crystal is described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. The high molecular dispersion type liquid crystal apparatus includes a pair of glass substrates 1, a pair of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) electrodes 2, polymer 3, and liquid crystal molecules 4. In fabrication, liquid crystal to which monomer is added is injected into a cell which has electrodes at upper and lower portions thereof, and then ultraviolet rays are irradiated to cause phase separation of the liquid crystal and the high molecules. Thereupon, the liquid crystal is placed into small balls, which are surrounded by the polymerized high molecules.
In a state wherein no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules in the small balls are directed at random and the average refractive index of the liquid crystal is different from the high molecules around the small balls. Therefore, light is scattered by the liquid crystal as shown in FIG. 1A. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied, where the liquid crystal has the positive dielectric anisotropy, the major axis of the liquid crystal is oriented so as to be parallel to the electric field E as shown in FIG. 1B. At this time, if the liquid crystal is made of a material with which the refractive index of the liquid crystal in the minor axis direction is substantially equal to the refractive index of the surrounding high molecules, then the light is not scattered by but is transmitted through the liquid crystal. This is the principle of the high molecule scattering type liquid crystal.
Also scattering type liquid crystal which uses dynamic scattering is available. In the scattering type liquid crystal just described, liquid crystal generally having negative dielectric anisotropy and ions are injected in an element having electrodes at upper and lower portions thereof. If a high voltage is applied to the element described, then turbulent flows are produced in the liquid crystal, and light is scattered by the liquid crystal (dynamic scattering).
A liquid crystal display apparatus in the past frequently adopt a vertical electric field system wherein a voltage is applied in a thicknesswise direction or vertical direction of the liquid crystal. In contrast, in recent years, attention is attracted to a liquid crystal display apparatus which adopts the transverse electric field method. This is the IPS mode or the FFS mode wherein switching is carried out within a plane of a substrate and is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-338264. The liquid crystal display apparatus of the transverse electric field type includes a pair of substrates, liquid crystal held in a gap between the substrates, electrodes formed on one of the substrates, and driving means for applying a transverse electric field along the planar direction of the substrate to the liquid crystal through the electrodes. In the liquid crystal display apparatus, the orientation state of the liquid crystal is controlled through the transverse electric field to carry out display. In comparison with the liquid crystal display apparatus of the vertical electric field type, the liquid crystal display apparatus of the transverse electric field type is characterized in that it has a large angular field of view and exhibits a high contrast and attracts attention as a display unit for a portable apparatus.
The transverse electric field mode is described with reference to a plan view of FIG. 2A and a sectional view of FIG. 2B. In the transverse electric field mode, a common electrode 6 is provided commonly on a driving substrate 5, and a pixel electrode 8 is formed in a comb-shaped pattern on the common electrode 6 with an insulating film 7 interposed therebetween, and an orientation film not shown is provided in such a manner as to cover over the pixel electrode 8. A liquid crystal layer 10 is held between the orientation film on the driving substrate 5 side and another orientation film not shown of an opposing substrate 9. A pair of polarizing plates 11 and 11a are disposed in a crossed Nicol relationship with the substrates interposed therebetween. Here, the rubbing direction of the orientation film on the driving substrate side and the rubbing direction of the orientation film on the opposing substrate side, that is, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal, coincides with the transmission axis of one of the two polarizing plates. Further, where the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer is positive, the rubbing direction and the extending direction of the pixel electrode are substantially parallel to each other. Actually, the rubbing direction and the extending direction of the pixel electrode define therebetween an angle θ such that the direction in which the liquid crystal rotates when a voltage is applied thereto may be controlled.
In the transverse electric field mode having such a configuration as described above, when no voltage is applied between the common electrode and the pixel electrode, the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules which form the liquid crystal layer is perpendicular to the transmission axis of one of the polarizing plate but parallel to the transmission axis of the other polarizing plate. Consequently, the pixel displays the black. On the other hand, if a voltage is applied between the common electrode and the pixel electrode, then the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules is rotated to an oblique direction with respect to the extending direction of the pixel electrode by a transverse electric field or fringe field generated between the pixel electrodes. Consequently, light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer is provided with a rotated polarization state and therefore is transmitted through the opposing side polarizing plate, resulting in display of the white. The transverse electric field mode described above is called fringe field switching mode or FFS mode. As another one of transverse electric field modes, for example, an IPS mode is known.


A device for application onto incisions or wounds with a liquid rapidly polymerizable adhesive for forming skin closure systems, having a flat porous mesh elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an upper side and an opposing lower or wound facing side and a central portion in immediate vicinity of the axis; further having a plurality of pores and windows in said mesh, said windows substantially larger than said pores and arranged along said longitudinal axis in said central portion; a crosslinking or polymerization accelerator or initiator disposed in or on the mesh; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the mesh.

A number of devices and methods exist for closing skin or tissue having a surgical incision, opening, cut, wound, or dissection. With these devices, skin or tissue parts separated by the incision are approximated or brought into close proximity forming as narrow a gap as possible in the area of the surgical incision or cut, and then covered by an adhesively attached tape which holds the skin or tissue in closed apposed arrangement until wound healing occurs after which the tape is removed.
Commercially available DERMABOND® PRINEO® Skin Closure System comprises a mesh having a pressure sensitive adhesive and a polymerization initiator disposed on the mesh. The mesh is applied onto the skin over a wound, and a polymerizable cyanoacrylate-based adhesive is then applied on the mesh and bonds the mesh to the skin.
PCT Publication WO2014/195710, SUTURELESS WOUND CLOSURE, discloses a sutureless wound closure device comprising: a) a base layer for attaching the device to skin; and b) an upper tensioning layer having a first end anchored to the base layer and a second, opposite end including fixing means to attach the end to the base layer, wherein the base layer includes an aperture that, in use, is covered by the upper tensioning layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,603,053, PRIMARY DRESSING, discloses a liquid-permeable primary dressing (100) in the form of a flexible thermoplastic material section (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5), comprising: a first surface (4) of the material section (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5), a second surface (5) of the material section (1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5) facing away from the first surface (4), a plurality of three-dimensional perforations (2; 2″; 21) whose walls (3), starting from the first surface (4), run out into an edge projection with a free edge (8) and impart a rough grip to the second surface (5), characterized in that at least one of the free edges (8) merges into a section (12) bent approximately vertically to a perforation axis (A), the first surface is smooth, and each free edge is substantially equidistant from the first surface.
European Patent Application Publication No. EP0730874A2, CLOSURE TAPE FOR IMPROVED WOUND OR INCISION HEALING AND ITS USE, discloses use of a tape comprising: (i) a polymeric elastic film that is substantially impermeant to microorganisms, and (ii) a hydrocolloid adhesive coating on one face of the film and having fluid absorbing capacity, for the manufacture of a closure tape for use in closing a breach of the skin of the type that has typically been closed with sutures.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,313, VENTED WOUND DRESSING, discloses a vented wound dressing comprising a thin conformable sheet material a portion of which is adopted for placement as a dressing covering a wound and skin surrounding the wound. The dressing has a periphery defined by opposed edges of the sheet material, the sheet material having opposed surfaces, one of the surfaces carrying a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive in that portion for placement on the wound being applied to provide repeating spaced areas containing no adhesive. At least a portion of only the repeating areas of the sheet material containing no adhesive having slits extending through the opposed surfaces of the sheet material to permit transfer of wound fluids through the sheet material purportedly unimpeded by a presence of adhesive material which can clog the slits and thereby inhibit fluid transfer therethrough. Each of the slits having smaller dimensions than the repeating areas of the sheet material containing no adhesive whereby each slit occupies only a portion of the area containing no adhesive having a slit. The dimensions and number of the slits is described as being such as to retain sufficient moisture to provide a moist healing wound dressing. The adhesive around the periphery of the sheet material being present as a continuous layer uninterrupted by repeating areas containing no adhesive for securing the dressing to skin. The continuous peripheral layer of adhesive defines the portion of the sheet material adapted for placement on a wound, the continuous peripheral layer of adhesive further maintaining a barrier function against bacteria and other external contaminants as well as helping to ensure that no wound fluids escape laterally.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,362, Vented Absorbent Dressing, discloses a dressing for a wound of a patient, comprising: a base sheet for contacting the skin of the patient, said base sheet having an opening for placement over the wound, and means for securing the base sheet to the skin of a patient; and vent means for providing controlled leakage of fluid along a tortuous path from the wound through the opening of the base sheet. The vent means comprises a sheet material secured to said base sheet and covering said opening, said sheet material purported to reduce evaporation through said opening while controlling said leakage of fluid along a tortuous path, purportedly helping to insure a moist environment for said wound.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140024989, WOUND DRESSING, discloses a wound dressing comprising: a perforated material including through-holes; and a low-adhesive resin coating at least one face of the perforated material without closing the through-holes; wherein the perforated material is a knitted fabric or a woven fabric formed of a multifilament, and the perforated material has an average opening area of the through-holes of 0.02 to 1.2 mm2 and an average number of through-holes of 40 to 220 cm2.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130317405, MODULAR WOUND DRESSING, describes a medical dressing comprising two backing layers. In particular, the two backing layers are in overlapping relation to one another and entirely surround an opening to form a window.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,000,251, Draining Wound Dressing, discloses a medical dressing made of multiple layers and includes a collection chamber that is in fluid communication with a drainage channel.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,682, Absorbent Foam Wound Dressing, discloses a wound dressing comprising a foam layer of soft, hydrophilic polymeric foam having bodyside and backside surfaces, A base layer of elastomeric film is adhered to said bodyside surface of said foam layer; said base layer having at least one generally centrally located opening therein exposing said foam layer through said opening and having a bodyside surface coated with a hypoallergenic pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhesively contacting wound and surrounding skin surfaces at a wound site. A vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable elastomeric backing layer extends over said backside surface of said foam layer and said backing layer being unattached to said backside surface of said foam layer over said centrally located opening of said base layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,599, Disposable Wound Dressing and Support Unit, discloses a disposable wound dressing and support unit for holding a gauze pad in place on top of a wound and providing for access to the wound. The unit is purportedly adaptable for conforming to various parts of the anatomy of a patient and comprises: an elongated wrap having a top and a bottom, said wrap having a window opening therethrough, said window opening adapted for receipt above and on top of the gauze pad disposed on top of the wound. Fastener means is disposed on the bottom of said wrap and along a side of said window opening for permanently engaging a portion of the gauze pad. Securing means is attached to a first end portion of said wrap for engaging a portion of said wrap at any desired location along its length and securing said wrap on the patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,660, Wound Dressing Support Device, discloses a reusable wound dressing support device for holding a gauze pad in place on top of a wound and providing for access to the wound. The device is purportedly adaptable for conforming to various parts of the anatomy of a patient and comprises: an elongated wrap having a top and a bottom, said wrap having a window opening therethrough, said window opening adapted for receipt above and on top of the gauze pad disposed on top of the wound. A non-adhesive fastener means is disposed on the bottom of said wrap and along at least one side of said window opening for releasably engaging a portion of the gauze pad. Securing means are attached to opposite ends of said wrap for securing said wrap on the patient.
PCT Publication WO2015135351A1, LIQUID-ABSORPTION WOUND DRESSING HELPING TO OBSERVE WOUND SURFACE, discloses a liquid-absorbent wound dressing characterized in that it comprises a sheet-like liquid absorbent material.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20150314114, COLLAGEN DEVICE, discloses a device adapted for dressing and treating wounds, skin lesions/ulcers, sores and burns, comprising at least one biocompatible membrane and at least one catheter coupled to said membrane.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140121649, WOUND DRESSING ASSEMBLY WITH ABSORBENT LAYER, discloses a surgical wound dressing assembly for a surgical tube wound or other device entrance into the body, comprising: a cover layer, with adhesive on the outer perimeter of the underside of the cover layer; an absorbent ring secured to the underside of the cover; an interior clear window allowing the nurse or other medical personnel to view the wound site through the window for inspection for infection or bleeding; and a port formed in the window area to allow a tube or other device to pass through the wound dressing.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,960, Inherent Healing Accelerator, discloses a dressing for open wounds, comprising an elastomer sheet having a plurality of fenestrations, wherein said fenestrations comprise openings penetrating through said elastomer sheet whereby granulation tissue may grow from the open wound through said fenestrations so as to substantially cover said elastomer sheet; wherein each of said fenestrations comprise a maximum dimension of around 4 millimeters to around 6 millimeters.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,435, Device for Protecting a Wound, discloses a device for protecting a wound comprising a pad of skin-protective and skin-curative adhesive material having secured thereto a foldable sheet of liquid impermeable material of larger area than the pad, marginal portions of said foldable sheet provided with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive, and said sheet folded over itself and sealed in liquid-tight fashion around its edges to define a compartment whereby the marginal portions can be manually pulled apart if desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,340, Bandage for Replaceable Dressing, discloses a bandage for retraining a dressing against a patient's skin comprising a tape having an adhesive inner layer surface with pressure sensitive adhesive thereon and a non-adhesive outer surface. The tape further comprising a base portion including said inner surface for adhesive securement to said patient's skin, opening means in said base portion for placement over a wound on said patient's skin for receiving a dressing when said base portion is secured to said patient's skin and tab means for overlying said opening means. The tab means is formed from said tape being bent back on itself with said adhesive inner surface secured in a face-to-face relationship, an exposed portion of said inner adhesive surface on said tab means, said exposed portion of said inner adhesive surface being located so that it is in facing relationship to said opening means in said base portion and pad means adhesively secured to said exposed portion of said inner adhesive surface of said tab means for overlying said opening means and securing means for securing facing portions of said tab means and said outer surface of said base portion containing said opening means to each other to secure said tab means to said base portion with said pad means located in said opening means and position between said tab means and said patient's skin.
PCT Publication WO1995004511. IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO DRESSINGS, discloses a dressing comprising a skin patch having a top and bottom surface, said bottom surface having an adhesive area; a cover flap attached to said skin patch, the attachment allowing the cover flap to be positioned over at least a portion of the top surface of said skin flap; said dressing including fastening means for holding the cover flap over the top surface of said skin patch.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,763, Protective Reclosable Wound Dressing, discloses a disposable, protective, reclosable wound dressing bandage providing access to a wound. The dressing comprising: an adhesive tape for adhering said bandage to a body part, said tape having an opening such that the wound is circumscribed therein; a soft pad frame affixed to said adhesive tape and said soft pad frame having an opening in registry with said opening in said adhesive tape, said soft pad frame providing an outward offset from said adhesive tape; a pad frame secured to said soft pad frame, said pad frame having an opening in registry with said openings in said adhesive tape and in said soft pad frame, respectively, said pad frame being fabricated from a fabric used to adhere to a micro hook material; a gauze pad having dimensions such that said gauze pad fits within said openings in registry with said adhesive tape, said soft pad frame and said pad frame; a removable inspection, medication covering flap having micro hook material on a substantial portion of a side thereof for detachably securing said flap to said pad frame and to said gauze pad, said flap having a tab for use by a care provider so as to open, close and remove said flap.
However, skin closure systems may benefit from means to enable removal and drainage of wound exudates for wounds closed using skin closure systems, when required. Because skin closure systems seal the wound tightly, it can be beneficial to relieve any exudate pressure buildup or minimize the onset of skin maceration when the amount of exudates is significant.
Skin closure devices and dressings having porated or porous or apertured tape structure can release the pressure of wound exudates and provide for drainage, however these systems will also leave the incision and wound open to ingress of contaminates through the pores or apertures, potentially resulting in infection. There continues to be a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for holding skin areas around the dissection in apposed arrangement and covered and isolated from ingress of contaminants, while still providing for drainage of exudates and capability to non-disruptively inspect the wound conditions under the wound closure device

Skin closure devices with interrupted closure


An apparatus for processing envelopes. A support plates and a pressure sensing lever support a stack of envelopes in a generally upright orientation. The pressure sensing lever pivots in accordance with pressure exerted by the stack of envelopes. A feeding apparatus is operatively coupled to a sensor such that pivotal movement of the pressure sensing lever is detected by the sensor and the feeding apparatus changes the pressure exerted against the stack of envelopes.

Converting equipment is known for automatically stuffing envelopes. Such equipment may include components for feeding a pre-printed web of paper, for cutting such web into one or more discrete sheets for collating sheets, and for feeding such discrete sheet collations into envelopes. Such equipment may further include components to convey the stuffed envelopes to a specified location. The industry has long known devices which accomplish these and other functions. However, improvements are needed where high volumes of paper piece count and high speeds are required without sacrificing reliability accuracy and quality of end product.
More particularly, a large roll of paper is typically printed in discrete areas with piece specific information. That is, the initial roll of paper comprises vast numbers of discrete areas of already-printed indicia-specific information with each discrete area defining what is to eventually comprise a single page or sheet of indicia specific information. To complicate the process, a variable number of sheets with related indicia must be placed into the envelopes so that the content of one envelope varies from the content of another by sheet count and, of course, by the specific indicia on the included sheets. As one example, financial reports of multiple customers or account specifics may require a varied number of customer or account specific sheets to be cut, respectively collated, stuffed and discharged for delivery. Thus, the contents of each envelope include either a single sheet or a "collation" of from two to many sheets, each "collation" being specific to a mailing to an addressee.
In such an exemplary operation, a financial institution might send billing or invoice information to each of its customers. The billing information or "indicia" for one customer may require anywhere from one final sheet to a number of sheets which must be collated, then placed in that customer's envelope. While all this information can be printed in sheet size discrete areas, on a single roll, these areas must be well defined, cut, merged or collated into sheets for the same addressee or destination, placed into envelopes, treated and discharged. Thus, a system for conducting this process has in the past included certain typical components, such as a paper roll stand, drive, sheet cutter, merge unit, accumulate or collate unit, folder, envelope feeder, envelope inserter, and finishing and discharge units. Electronic controls are used to operate the system to correlate the functions so correct sheets are collated and placed in correct destination envelopes.
In such multi-component systems, the pass-through rate from paper roll to finished envelope is dependent on the speed of each component, and overall production speed is a function of the slowest or weakest link component. Overall reliability is similarly limited. Moreover, the mean down time from any malfunction or failure to repair is limited by the most repair-prone, most maintenance consumptive component. Such systems are capital intensive, requiring significant floor plan or footprint, and require significant labor, materials and maintenance capabilities and facilities.
In some such systems, envelopes are fed from a magazine or conveying device that applies a constant pressure against a stack of envelopes, and with the force required to remove one of the envelopes from the stack being thus fixed. This may result in a force that is too high or too low for the operation. If the pressure is too high, for example, other components of the system may be unable to remove an envelope from the stack without damaging the envelope.
Other such systems may include motors that turn on and off or that reverse in order to adjust the pressure exerted upon the stack of envelopes. Such systems may present limitations as to the attainable speeds of operation.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved envelope conveying and positioning apparatus for a subsequent insertion of discrete paper or film objects into the envelopes in a high speed handling machine. It is also desirable to provide a converting apparatus and related methods that address inherent problems observed with conventional converting apparatus.

Envelope conveying and positioning apparatus and related methods


An inkjet printing apparatus prints by scanning an inkjet printhead for discharging ink and a printing medium relative to each other. The printhead includes a first nozzle group used to print a dot having a first density, and a second nozzle group used to print a dot having a second density. The inkjet printing apparatus has a first printing mode in which only one of the first and second nozzle groups is used during one printing scan, and a second printing mode in which the first and second nozzle groups are driven at different timings during one printing scan. In this inkjet printing apparatus, a pattern for adjusting the relative printing positions of the nozzle rows in the first printing mode is printed. From this pattern, set values of relative printing positions in the first printing mode are specified. On the basis of the specified set values, set values of the relative printing positions of the nozzle rows in the second printing mode are determined.

As information output apparatuses for, e.g., wordprocessors, personal computers, and facsimile apparatuses, printing apparatus which print desired information such as characters and images on printing media such as paper sheets and film sheets are widely used.
Various systems are known as printing systems of such printing apparatus. An inkjet system which prints by discharging ink from a printing means (printhead) onto a printing medium has the advantages that, e.g., a printing apparatus can be readily made compact, high-precision images can be printed at high speed, the running cost is low, noise is low because the system is a non-impact system, and color images can be easily printed by using ink liquids of a plurality of colors. Therefore, this inkjet system is widely used as a general printing system.
In a printhead of a printing apparatus (to be referred to as an inkjet printing apparatus hereinafter) using the inkjet system, discharge orifices (nozzles) have variations in discharge rate and discharge direction. When a plurality of discharge orifice rows are formed, slight variations are produced in accuracy of attachment to the printhead. As a consequence, the printing position of one nozzle row slightly differs from that of another nozzle row. If printing is performed while the relative printing positions of discharge orifice rows are thus different, ruled lines are formed in different positions, or the density of dots printed by ink discharged from the printhead varies, resulting in grainy images.
Accordingly, to improve the quality of printed images, the relative printing positions of nozzle rows must be aligned. This is generally called printing position adjustment.
This printing position adjustment is done by printing, on a printing medium, a plurality of patterns in which the relative printing positions of objects (e.g., nozzle rows) of the printing position adjustment are shifted little by little, and selecting a pattern in which optimum relative printing positions are printed. Methods of selecting the optimum pattern are roughly classified into two methods: a method of allowing a user to select relative printing positions; and a method of aligning relative printing positions by installing a certain relative printing position adjusting means in the printing apparatus itself.
As described above, the printing quality of an inkjet printing apparatus having a plurality of nozzle rows can be improved by adjusting the relative printing positions of these nozzle rows before the printing apparatus is used.
FIG. 8 is a view showing examples of printing patterns for performing the printing position adjustment between a plurality of nozzle rows. This printing position adjustment is performed to adjust the relative printing positions of a plurality of nozzle rows. Accordingly, the type of printing pattern changes in accordance with the type of nozzle row of a printhead. The printing patterns shown in FIG. 8 are printing position adjusting patterns for an inkjet printing apparatus which uses a printhead having an even-numbered nozzle row and odd-numbered nozzle row for each of ink liquids of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta as shown in FIG. 11.
Assume that this printhead shown in FIG. 11 can drive the nozzle rows of the individual colors at respective arbitrary timings without limiting the discharge timings of each color and each nozzle row. Assume also that the interval of the driving timings is so set that dots from the same nozzle can be printed at an interval of 1,200 dpi in the main scan direction during the same main scan.
The printing position adjustment is performed by printing a specific test pattern (printing position adjusting pattern) which allows easy detection of relative printing position differences on a printing medium (generally a paper sheet). On the basis of one nozzle row as an object of the printing position adjustment, a specific pattern is printed a plurality of number of times (in FIG. 8, 11 times from +7 to −3 or from +5 to −5) while the relative printing position of the other nozzle row as an object of relative printing position matching is changed by changing the driving timing. Of these printed patterns, the set value of a pattern having the best matched printing positions is stored in a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) of the printing apparatus. This process is performed for all nozzle rows (some of them may also be processed together) as objects of the printing position adjustment.
Combinations of nozzle rows to be subjected to the printing position adjustment by using patterns A to F shown in FIG. 8 are as follows.                A: Black even-numbered nozzle row/odd-numbered nozzle row        B: Cyan even-numbered nozzle row/odd-numbered nozzle row        C: Magenta even-numbered nozzle row/odd-numbered nozzle row        D: Black two-way printing        E: Color (cyan) two-way printing        F: Black/color (cyan)
For yellow, no printing position adjustment is performed between even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows. This is so because the density of yellow is low, and this makes it difficult to determine a set value with which the relative positions match best when the above patterns are printed. For this reason, the result of adjustment of cyan is used for yellow. This cyan adjustment result is also used in two-way printing position adjustment of ink liquids of other colors (magenta and yellow), so no specific patterns for the purpose are prepared.
After the printing position adjusting patterns are thus printed, a set value is selected from the printing results by one of the following two methods. In one method, a user selects a set value from the test pattern printing results, and manually inputs the set value from a host apparatus connected to the printing apparatus. In the other method, the printed test patterns are sensed by an internal sensor of the printing apparatus, and an optimum set value is selected on the basis of a density change or the like.
The printing position adjustment will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15 by taking the pattern A (black even-numbered nozzle row/odd-numbered nozzle row printing position adjusting pattern) as an example.
FIG. 9 is a view showing, in an enlarged scale, the state of dots printed by set value +3 in the pattern A shown in FIG. 8. The abscissa indicates printing positions in the scan direction. Assuming that the scale shown in FIG. 9 is divided for every 1,200 dpi, dots are printed from the left to the right in FIG. 9, i.e., dots are printed in ascending order of value on the abscissa. Blank circles indicate dots printed by an even-numbered nozzle row, and hatched circles indicate dots printed by an odd-numbered nozzle row.
That is, FIG. 9 shows the state printed by repeating a process in which each of an even-numbered nozzle row A and odd-numbered nozzle row B of black nozzle rows 1A of the printhead shown in FIG. 11 is first continuously driven 7 times (7 columns are printed) and then kept undriven 7 times in the main scan direction while the printing position is moved. In this embodiment, printing is performed by moving the printing position by 1,200 dpi at one time. More specifically, dots of the even-numbered nozzle row are printed in main scan direction printing positions 0 to 6 and 14 to 20, and dots of the odd-numbered nozzle row are printed in 10 to 16 and 24 to 30. In main scan direction printing positions 14 to 16, the dots printed by the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows overlap each other.
FIG. 12 shows the state of those dots of the pattern A shown in FIG. 8, which are printed by set value +2. Similar to FIG. 9, the abscissa indicates printing positions in the main scan direction in which printing is performed, the scale is divided for every 1,200 dpi, dots are printed from the left to the right in FIG. 12, blank circles indicate dots printed by the even-numbered nozzle row, and hatched circles indicate dots printed by the odd-numbered nozzle row. In addition, driving and non-driving of the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows are switched every 7 times in the same manner as in FIG. 9.
The difference of FIG. 12 from FIG. 9 is that the printing positions of the odd-numbered nozzles are shifted by 1,200 dpi to the left (the driving timings of the odd-numbered nozzles are advanced by 1,200 dpi) without changing printing by the even-numbered nozzles. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 12, although dots printed by the even-numbered nozzle row are formed in main scan printing positions 0 to 6 and 14 to 20 in the same manner as in FIG. 9, the main scan printing positions of the odd-numbered nozzle row are shifted to the left, i.e., to 9 to 15 and 23 to 29. Accordingly, different from FIG. 9, the dots printed by the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows overlap each other in two main scan printing positions 14 and 15.
FIG. 13 shows the state of those dots of the pattern A shown in FIG. 8, which are printed by set value +1. That is, FIG. 13 shows the state of printed dots when the printing positions of the odd-numbered nozzle row are further shifted by 1,200 dpi to the left from the state shown in FIG. 12 (the driving timings are advanced by the time corresponding to 1,200 dpi). FIG. 14 shows the state of those dots of the pattern A shown in FIG. 8, which are printed by set value 0. FIG. 15 shows the state of those dots of the pattern A shown in FIG. 8, which are printed by set value −1.
As described above, only the printing timings of the odd-numbered nozzle row are changed one after another without changing the driving timings of the even-numbered nozzle row. As a consequence, the main scan direction printing positions of the dots printed by the odd-numbered nozzles change, and this changes the relative printing positions of the dots printed by the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows. After a plurality of patterns are printed by thus changing the set values, a pattern (i.e., the pattern shown in FIG. 14 of the patterns shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 15) in which the dots printed by the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows most smoothly connect. In this way, a relative printing position set value is determined and stored.
When the pattern shown in FIG. 14 is selected by thus performing the printing position adjustment, if the even-numbered nozzle row is driven at the driving timing when main scan direction printing position 0 in FIG. 14 is printed by the even-numbered nozzle row, and the odd-numbered nozzle row is driven at the driving timing when main scan direction printing position 7 in FIG. 14 is printed by the odd-numbered nozzle row, the interval between the printed dots in the main scan direction printing positions is 7. Therefore, the driving timing of the odd-numbered nozzle row is further advanced by 7 from the state shown in FIG. 14. In this manner, the printing positions of the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows can be matched in the main scan direction.
As described above, the relative printing position set value of the even- and odd-numbered nozzle rows is determined. This similarly applies to the other patterns (patterns B to F) shown in FIG. 8. That is, on the basis of one of the two nozzle rows as objects of the printing position adjustment, printing is performed by changing the driving timing of the other nozzle row by 1,200 dpi at one time. Consequently, the relative printing positions of the two nozzle rows as objects of the printing position adjustment can be made different from each other. By selecting the smoothest pattern from a plurality of different printed patterns, the printing position set value of these nozzles can be obtained.
When a printhead having a plurality of discharge orifice groups (nozzle groups) is so controlled that different discharge orifice groups are not driven in the same column position during the same scan (i.e., so controlled that nozzles of different discharge orifice groups cannot be simultaneously driven), printing data supplied to the head for each column can be divided into discharge orifice groups, and a printing data transfer signal line can be shared by different discharge orifice groups. This makes it possible to reduce the costs of the printhead and printing apparatus.
Accordingly, in a conventionally proposed printing apparatus which scans a printhead having different nozzle groups, different discharge orifice groups are driven at different driving timings, thereby sequentially switching different discharge orifices.
FIGS. 10A to 10F are views showing various arrangements of discharge orifice groups of printheads used in such a printing apparatus. In FIGS. 10A to 10F, discharge orifices indicated by A and B form different discharge orifice groups, and the discharge orifice groups A and B cannot be simultaneously driven in this embodiment.
FIG. 10A shows an arrangement in which the discharge orifice groups A and B are formed by different discharge orifice rows (nozzle rows), and these two rows are shifted from each other by the half nozzle pitch. FIG. 10B shows an arrangement in which the discharge orifice groups A and B are alternately arranged in the same row. FIG. 10C shows an arrangement in which two rows of each of the discharge orifice groups A and B are formed, and these two rows of each discharge orifice group are shifted from each other by the half nozzle pitch.
FIGS. 10D to 10F illustrate arrangements in each of which discharge orifice groups different in discharge amount are formed for one printing ink. That is, in these arrangements shown in FIGS. 10D to 10F, the discharge amounts of the discharge orifice groups A and B are different, i.e., the discharge amount of the discharge orifice group A is larger. In each of the arrangements shown in FIGS. 10D to 10F, two rows of each of the discharge orifice groups A and B are formed, and these two rows of each discharge orifice group are shifted from each other by the half nozzle pitch. However, these arrangements are different in row arrangement order. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 10F, two rows in each of which the discharge orifice groups A and B are alternately arranged are formed, and the positions (the order in the row) of discharge orifices indicated by A and B in one row are different from those of the other row.
When printing is to be performed by using a printhead having discharge orifice groups different in discharge amount, nozzles having a small discharge amount are used for highlighted portions to reduce the graininess, and nozzles having a large discharge amount are used for high-density portions to reduce the number of times of discharge and express high densities. In this way, the printing quality can be improved without lowering the printing speed.
In addition, when a printing apparatus which prints by using the printhead as described above has printing modes such as a printing mode (high-speed mode) in which images are formed by using only nozzles having a large discharge amount in order to give priority to the printing speed over the printing quality, and a printing mode (high-quality mode) in which images are formed by using only nozzles having a small discharge amount in order to give priority to the printing quality over the printing speed, printing meeting conditions desired by the user can be performed. This apparatus is disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-183179.
The problem of a printing apparatus using a printhead having a plurality of discharge orifice groups as described above will be explained below by taking as an example a printhead having a plurality of discharge orifices different in discharge characteristic shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5, nozzles having a large discharge amount are represented by "LARGE NOZZLE", and nozzles having a small discharge amount are represented by "SMALL NOZZLE". The same applies to the following explanation.
The printing position adjustment performed for this printhead having nozzles different in discharge amount as described above is based on the assumption that the driving timings of the large and small nozzles are different when printing is performed by the same scan.
FIGS. 6, 7, 30A, and 30B are views for explaining the discharge operation and the positions of printed dots when the printing resolution of the printhead shown in FIG. 5 is 600 dpi and the printing position adjustment pitch is 1,200 dpi.
Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, the abscissa indicates the main scan direction, and a printhead 701 can be driven to discharge ink in each column position indicated by the alternate long and short dashed line. The printhead 701 drives a discharge orifice group 701A (large nozzles) and a discharge orifice group 701B (small nozzles) at different driving timings during the same scan, thereby printing a target pixel 700.
FIG. 30A shows the state in which the discharge orifice group 701A (large nozzles) is driven in main scan direction printing position 0. FIG. 30B shows the state in which, after the state shown in FIG. 30A, the printhead 701 is moved by 1,200 dpi to the left in FIG. 30B and the discharge orifice group 701B is driven in main scan direction printing position 1. Even when the discharge orifice groups 701A and 701B are driven at these timings, dots are printed in a 1,200-dpi position on the left side of the target pixel 700 (a 600-dpi pixel including main scan direction printing positions 2 and 3) because the ink discharge speed and discharge direction of one discharge orifice group are different from those of the other.
In each of FIGS. 30A and 30B, the scan direction of the printhead 701 is indicated by the arrow, and. a discharge orifice group (nozzle group) currently being driven in the printhead 701 is hatched. FIG. 30A indicates that the large nozzle row 701A is driven, and FIG. 30B indicates that the small nozzle row 701B is driven. The dots printed in the target pixel 700 by the above driving are hatched in the target pixel 700. For convenience's sake, the sizes of these printed dots in the target pixel are the same as the sizes of the respective corresponding discharge orifices, and the relationship between the nozzle which has used to print the dot and the dot printed in the target pixel is indicated by the arrow. In FIG. 30B, the position of the printhead when the large nozzles are driven in FIG. 30A is also indicated by the dotted lines.
FIG. 6 shows FIGS. 30A and 30B in the same drawing. Referring to FIG. 6, the positions of the printhead at driving timings at which ink droplets discharged from the individual discharge orifice groups can be printed in the target pixel 700, when the discharge directions and discharge speeds of these ink droplets are taken into account, are illustrated above and below the target pixel 700. The relationships between the discharge orifice groups used and the printed dots are indicated by the arrows. In the following description, the two printing states of the printhead during printing scan in the main scan direction are illustrated in one drawing as shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 shows the state in which when the driving timings of the large nozzles 701A and small nozzles 701B are staggered by 1,200 dpi, ink droplets discharged from the large and small nozzles can be printed in the same column position of the target pixel 700. FIG. 7 shows the state in which when the driving timings of the large nozzles 701A and small nozzles 701B are the same, ink droplets discharged from the large and small nozzles can be printed in the same column position of the target pixel 700.
When ink droplets are to be printed in the same column position as shown in FIG. 6, no problem arises under conditions by which the individual discharge orifice groups are driven at different timings (in different column positions). However, when ink droplets cannot be printed in the same main scan direction printing position (column position) unless the driving timings of the large and small nozzles are the same as shown in FIG. 7, the printhead based on the assumption that the large and small nozzles are driven at different timings as mentioned earlier cannot print dots in the same column position.
Note that the above-mentioned discharge orifice groups having different characteristics are not only nozzle groups having different discharge amounts, but also nozzle groups used to print dots different in density. Examples are discharge orifice groups which discharge ink droplets of the same color but different in density, and discharge orifice nozzles which discharge ink droplets of different colors to perform color printing by using ink liquids of a plurality of colors. Also, the aforementioned problem similarly arises in a printhead which includes different discharge orifice groups having the same characteristics, and which is so restricted as to be unable to drive these discharge orifice groups in the same column position (at the same timing).

Ink jet printing apparatus and printing position setting method of the apparatus


A system and method for automatically supplying a flashing line voltage from power stored in an auxiliary battery to power red traffic signal lamps using clusters of light emitting diodes during a blackout condition. A plurality of flash block connectors are pin-to-pin compatible with the flash block jumper blocks of an already installed traffic light control system so that the existing system is retrofitted without any cabinet or field rewiring or any cutting or crimping of the wires.

Traffic lights are indispensable, especially at busy intersections. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of a traffic light is limited by its power source. During a blackout, traffic signals lose their utility line AC source of power and go dead. It is at this time, especially at night or when visibility is reduced, that intersections can become extremely perilous. Vehicles coming from other roads or directions are not adequately warned of approaching danger. In fact, many accidents occur every year during just such scenarios.
In the past, battery operated backup systems were not feasible because of the substantial power requirements for the incandescent light bulbs. Thus, a backup battery would quickly lose its charge unless, of course, unrealistically very large, expensive high capacity batteries were used. Furthermore, as traffic lights have flourished, they have become increasingly standardized in their size, control and operation.


A system and method for the secure entry of textual data contained in a digital image of a document into a database. The image is assigned a document type, a document identifier and a data base record and segmented based on its document type into at least one image segment containing textual data. Each image segment or clip is packetized for transmission via a computer network to a remote location. The data packet includes the image segment, identifying and tracking information, an unpopulated data field within the database record associated with the type of textual information in the image segment and a data entry prompt to be used for entering text into said data field. At a remote location the image clip and prompt are displayed to an operator who then keys in the textual information using the displayed prompt to populate the data field. The data packet having a populated data field and a database record identifier is then sent back to the processing center. There the populated data field is inserted into the database record corresponding to the database record identifier contained in the returned packet.

Transferring data, in particular hand written data, from paper forms containing collected information to data fields within a relational database is a difficult task. In some environments, documents are electronically scanned to generate image files for the documents. Workstations are then provided where one screen or a portion of a screen is used to display all or a portion of a document image and a second screen or a portion of the document display screen is used to provide an input field for a relational database field. The user at the workstation then reads the information from the document image screen and types the information into the input field which populates a data field within a relational database. When documents contain confidential or sensitive information, such as police records, the workstations must be maintained in a secure environment. Nevertheless, because complete documents are presented to maintained in a secure environment. Nevertheless, because complete documents are presented to a user at a workstation, sensitive information may be viewed by a worker and then disclosed to others, such as newspaper reporters or other unauthorized persons.
Other systems are available to scan documents into a digital image, segment the image into blocks of textual and non-textual data then perform optical character recognition on the text. U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,808 entitled "Image Segmenting Apparatus and Methods" issued Jul. 4, 1995 is an example of such a system. That system segments the image of a scanned document into character or text rectangles and empty rectangles. The analysis of a scanned document image is primarily used to identify the empty rectangles which are then used as a cover set to eliminate the areas of a document that do not contain textual data. That system identifies all of the blank areas by rectangles and then uses that as a cover set to identify the portion of the document image that contains character data which may then be provided to a text extractor for storage. One drawback with this system is that all of the text from the document is complete and available for viewing leading to a possible security breach. Another drawback is the textual data that is generated is not yet in a form suitable for populating the fields of a database. A further drawback is that such as system using optical character recognition does not lend itself to working accurately with information written in widely varying styles. Further, the digital text that is created by an optical character reader is often inaccurate due to skewing or speckling of the original image requiring such text to be manually reviewed. Also, with an automated reader it is not always possible to know where the error will occur requiring that the entire content of the digital text be compared against that in the original image. It would be advantageous for purposes of security to be able to transmit some of those document portions to one remote station and other document portions to another data entry station for entry by an operator into a relational database field. It would also be advantageous to be able to associate the scanned image with the data fields of database allowing for rapid searching capabilities while retaining the ability to view the entire scanned document if needed.

System and method for the secure data entry from document images

Abstract: Alternate embodiments include the ability to send image clips based on the data field type, use of encryption, time stamping of the packets, and providing an alert when the image clip contains illegible textual information, use of priority levels to determine order of processing, use of rules to govern entry of data into the data fields.


The present application discloses a cleaning method and a cleaning device. The cleaning method includes the following steps: dividing a cleaning device into at least two regions to control for the same cleaning mode; detecting a width of an object to be cleaned; and turning on the cleaning device of corresponding region according to the width of the object to be cleaned. The cleaning device includes a detection structure, a conveying structure, a washing structure, an air knife structure, and a control structure, where the washing structure is divided into at least two regions, and the air knife structure is also divided into at least two regions.

It should be understood that the statements herein merely provide background information related to the present application and do not necessarily constitute the prior art.
A liquid crystal display has many advantages such as thin body, power-saving, and no radiation, and thus has been widely used. Most of the liquid crystal displays are backlight liquid crystal displays, which include a liquid crystal panel and a backlight module. The working principle of the liquid crystal panel is to place liquid crystal molecules in two parallel glass substrates, and apply driving voltages on the two glass substrates to control the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules to refract the light of the backlight module to generate a picture.
In the production process of panels, there is a process of cleaning surfaces of the edged panels, the edged panels pass through a pre-washing section of a cleaning machine, the panels are cleaned in a brush section, and then after rinsed with various liquids and dried through an air knife structure, the edging scraps or debris on the surfaces of the panels are cleaned for subsequent processing. However, in the process of cleaning, the sizes of the panels are different, and the cleaning device is completely turned on for cleaning, which causes waste of energy.


A valve includes a valve body having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, the valve body defining an exhaust gas circulation passage between the exhaust gas inlet and the exhaust gas outlet. A flap is arranged in the valve body and a shaft drives the flap in rotation with respect to the valve body. At least one guide bearing guides the drive shaft of the flap for rotation relative to the valve body. The guide bearing is engaged through an orifice of the valve body, with an inner end of the guide bearing being located inside the valve body. A first tube is engaged in one of the exhaust gas inlet and exhaust gas outlet and abuts against the inner end of the guide bearing.

Such piloted valves are normally installed in the exhaust systems of high-end motor vehicles. Exhaust systems for entry-level vehicles do not include such valves, due to their relatively high cost.
In the near future, new standards will be introduced to limit the noise emissions from vehicle exhaust systems even more severely. These standards will force car manufacturers to make widespread use of pilot operated valves, which are a technical solution to reduce noise emissions.
In this context, the invention aims to offer a valve whose manufacturing cost is reduced, and which can therefore be used on all kinds of exhaust lines without excessively increasing the cost of these lines.

Piloted exhaust line valve and corresponding production method


A press brake includes a first guide rail on one side, a second guide rail on another side, an ATC device and a first measurement portion movable on the first guide rail, and a second measurement portion movable on the second guide rail. The first and second measurement portions measure a bent angle of a workpiece. The second guide rail is different from the first guide rail in their cross-sectional shapes. The first measurement portion includes a main unit having a sensor, and a first coupling portion coupling the main unit with the first guide rail. The second measurement portion includes the main unit, and a second coupling portion different from the first coupling portion coupling the main unit with the second guide rail. The ATC device and the measurement portions can be made coexistent and the main units of the measurement portions can be made identical to each other.

A Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a press brake that includes guide rails extended along a longitudinal direction of a ram, and ATC devices movable on the guide rails. The ATC device for a top tool (punch) is provided behind the top tool, and the ATC device for a bottom tool (die) is provided behind the bottom tool.
A Patent Document 2 listed below discloses a press brake that includes guide rails extended along a longitudinal direction of a ram, a bent angle measurement device (also referred as a bend measurement device) that moves on the guide rails and measures a bent angle of a workpiece being worked. The bend measurement device is provided on the bottom tool (die) from a front side to a rear side with respect to the center of the bottom tool (die).

Press brake and bending method using press brake


A proximal housing for a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is provided with a plurality of chambers through which fasteners are introduced into a portion of tissue to be resected. The proximal housing has a noncircular cut-out opposite the plurality of chambers to receive a noncircular endoscope. The proximal housing also is provided with a resection cavity into which the tissue to be resected is to be received. In addition, shaft openings are provided through which mounting shafts may be inserted. A noncircular endoscope is also disclosed for insertion into the cut-out whereby the endoscope has passages to house the functions of remote viewing, illumination, insufflation and irrigation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) for performing localized resections of lesions in tubular organs, particularly the colon. The present invention has particular application to transanal and transoral surgical procedures, although it is not limited thereto.
2. Description of the Related Art
A resection procedure involves excising a portion of an organ, approximating the surrounding tissue together to close up the hole created by the excision, and removing the excess tissue. Various conventional devices and procedures are available for resectioning lesions in tubular organs.
For example, several known resection devices and procedures require at least one incision in an area near the portion of the organ to be excised for access to the lesion or treatment site (because, for example, the resectioning device may lack steering and/or viewing capabilities). Thus, the incision is required to allow the physician to access the organ section to be excised and guide the device to that section. Alternatively, when the organ section to be excised is beyond the reach of the surgical device, or the surgical device is not flexible enough to wind through the organ to the site to be excised, an incision will be required to position the device for the procedure. Of course, these incisions are painful and may involve a partial or entire loss of mobility while recuperating from the incision, in addition to recovering from the tubular resectioning procedure itself. In addition, the time required to recover from such a procedure is often longer than for procedures which do not require incisions.
One type of conventional resection procedure utilizes a circular stapling instrument in which a tubular section of a tubular organ is excised, resulting in the tubular organ being separated into a first segment and a second segment. The end sections of the first and second segments are then individually tied in a purse-string fashion, approximated, stapled, and the "purse-stringed" end sections are then cut off. In this full circle resectioning procedure, at least one separate invasive incision must be made near the section to be excised in order to cut and individually tie the separate end sections of the organ. Also, a separate incision is necessary to place one part of the resectioning device in the first segment and a corresponding second part of the device in the second segment so that the device can then bring the first and second segments together to re-attach the organ sections back together. A first of these separate parts may generally include a staple firing mechanism while the second part includes an anvil for forming the staples. Thus, this type of resectioning procedure involves the drawbacks mentioned above in regard to procedures requiring invasive incisions. In addition, the separation of the organ into two segments creates the risk of spillage of non-sterile bowel contents into the sterile body cavity, which can cause severe infection and possibly death.
An alternative resectioning device includes a stapling and cutting assembly on a shaft which can be bent or formed into a desired shape and then inserted into a patient's body cavity. Once the shaft has been bent into the desired shape, the rigidity of the shaft ensures that that shape is maintained throughout the operation. This arrangement limits the effective operating range of the device as the bending of the shaft into the desired shape before insertion and the rigidity of the shaft once bent require the physician to ascertain the location of the organ section to be removed before insertion, and deform the shaft accordingly. Furthermore, the rigidity of the shaft makes it difficult to reach remote areas in the organ—particularly those areas which must be reached by a winding and/or circuitous route (e.g., sigmoid colon). Thus, an incision may be required near the organ section to be excised in order to position the device at the organ section to be excised.
Currently such FTRD's incorporate standard endoscopes available from various manufacturers. These standard endoscopes are circular in shape, and while a circular shape is desirable in many conventional applications where the endoscope is used independenty, with FTRD's, a circular endoscope, for example, takes up significant space in the body lumen. This can result in a sample having a smaller size than desired. A circular endoscope also may not have sufficient flexibility to bend to a desired location.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Non-circular resection device and endoscope


A multi-display system and a method thereof which solves an overloading problem on a memory bus. The multi-display system includes displays which independently display separate images, a main memory which stores input image signals, image signal process units which are disposed corresponding to the displays and process the image signals according to the corresponding displays, a secondary memory which stores the image signals processed by the image signal process units, and a controller which controls the image signal process units to display the image signals stored in the main memory on each of the corresponding displays. The controller controls the image signal process units to display the image signals stored in the secondary memory on some of the displays in response to overloading of the image signals on the memory bus, through which the image signals are retrieved from, where the image signals are displayed on more than two displays. Accordingly, the multi-display system can prevent the overloading of the image signals on the memory bus and has improved processing capabilities.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-display system and a method thereof, and more particularly, to a multi-display system and a method thereof capable of displaying image signals simultaneously through a plurality of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and a television, a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or a plurality of CRTs and a plurality of LCDs.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some graphic controllers can control an image to be displayed on more than two different displays. For example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) can display the image on a liquid crystal display (LCD) and at the same time, on a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a television (TV). The above system is called a multi-display system.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a conventional multi-display system 10 which displays an image simultaneously on first and second displays 119 and 137. The multi-display system 10 includes a controller 20 which is connected with an image signal process unit 27 through a bus 25. The image process unit 27 is also connected with a memory 101 through the bus 25 so as to retrieve image data. Moreover, the image signal process unit 27 is connected with the first display 119, such as a CRT or a TV, through a bus 33, and with the second display 137, such as a LCD, through a bus 35. The image signal process unit 27 sends signals such as a data signal, a line clock signal, a frame signal, and a pixel clock signal to the buses 33 and 35 so as to operate the CRT or the TV 119, and the LCD 137. The image signal process unit 27 retrieves an image signal from the memory 101 and transmits the image signal to the LCD 137, the CRT, or the TV 119.
FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram illustrating the operation of the multi-display system 10 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-display system 10 comprises the controller 20, the memory 101, a plurality of scalers 105, 115, 123, and 133, two overlays 107 and 125, two interpolation units 111 and 129, two low pass filters (LPFs) 113 and 131, two RGB converters 117 and 135, a synchronous signal generator 139, the first display 119, and the second display 137.
The controller 20 retrieves graphic data of the image signal to be displayed on the first display 119 from the memory 101 with a direct memory access (DMA) method through a separate route (bus B), and transmits the graphic data to the scaler 105. The scaler 105 transmits the graphic data to the overlay 107 after enlarging or scaling down the graphic data transmitted from the memory 101 by the controller 20.
The controller 20 retrieves video data of the image signal to be displayed on the first display 119 from the memory 101 with the DMA method through a separate route (bus C), and transmits the video data to the interpolation unit 111. The interpolation unit 111 converts a 4:2:0 format of the transmitted data to a 4:2:2 format. Here, the 4:2:0 and 4:2:2 formats are standardization frequency ratios with respect to a luminance signal Y, a digitalized signal Cb of B-Y, a digitalized signal Cr of R-Y. The 4:2:0 format means that the R-Y and the B-Y are standardized to 6.75 MHz by being skipped one line when a Y signal is standardized to 13.5 MHz for every line. The 4:2:2 format means that the R-Y and the B-Y are standardized twice when the Y signal is standardized four times. In Comite Consultatif International de Radio-communition (CCIR) 601, the 4:2:2 standardization is recommended.
The video data interpolated by the interpolation unit 111 is transmitted to the LPF 113. The LPF 113 passes image signals that are below a predetermined frequency, and eliminates the image signals that are above the predetermined frequency. Therefore, a noise element is eliminated by the LPF 113.
The video data passed through the LPF 113 is enlarged or scaled down by the scaler 115. The video data processed by the scaler 115 is transmitted to the RGB converter 117. The RGB converter 117 converts the transmitted video data into RGB data used in a monitor or the CRT. The video data that has been converted into the RGB data is transmitted to the overlay 107.
The overlay 107 receives the graphic data from the scaler 105 and the RGB converted video data from the RGB converter 117, and compounds the two transmitted signals. The overlay 107 transmits the two compounded signals to the first display 119 for displaying.
The controller 20 displays the image signal compounded by the overlay 107 on the first display 119, and at the same time, retrieves the graphic data of the image signal from the memory 101 with the DMA method through a separate route (bus D) in order to display the image signal on the second display 137. Moreover, the controller 20 retrieves the video data of the image signal from the memory 101 with the DMA method through a separate route (bus E) in order to display the image signal on the second display 137. The operation of displaying the graphic data and the video data retrieved from the memory 101 on the second display 137 is the same as the operation of displaying the graphic data and the video data on the first display 119, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid repetition.
The image signal displayed on the second display 137 is commonly used as the image signal displayed on the first display 119. In FIG. 2, the image signal displayed on the first display 119 and the image signal displayed on the second display 137 are expressed to be stored into the same memory 101. For two image signals to be commonly used, the first display 119 and the second display 137 commonly use an image signal retrieve path (bus A: hereinbelow, referred to as a memory bus).
The second display 137 can simultaneously display an image signal which is the same image signal displayed on the first display 119. In addition, the second display 137 can display an image signal which is different from among the image signals stored in the memory 101 and commonly used. Furthermore, the image signal displayed on the first display 119, which is delayed for a predetermined time, can be displayed on the second display 137. In this case, the synchronous signal generator 139 generates various synch signals required by the displays 119 and 137.
However, as described above, the conventional multi-display system commonly uses the image signal memory bus. Therefore, a load to the memory bus increases where the size of the image signal stored in the memory 101 is large or the frame ratio of each display is great. Consequently, the performance and capability of the entire system deteriorates.


A sensor for measurement of small-angle or small-displacement position of a rotational rheometer incorporates multiple independent capacitors in a symmetric relationship. The device presents its output as a standard bridge configured differential signal, which can be interpreted and measured using conventional electronic demodulation means. The device includes an excitation array, a measurement array and an active rotor array. The active rotor array is coupled to a drive shaft of the rotational rheometer and measured relative to the measurement and excitation arrays. The active rotor array is driven by an electrical signal that is precisely matched to signals detected by the measurement array. By driving the active array with signals sensed by the measurement array, the sensor allows for reduced sensitivity to unwanted signals not in the measurement direction.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for capacitive measurement using a rheometer. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for measuring the rheological properties of a sample on a rotational rheometer, while exhibiting a reduced sensitivity to motions that are not in the direction or axis of the desired measurement.
2. Background of the Invention
Rotary rheometers, viscometers or viscosimeters are typically used to measure rheological properties of materials, such as their viscosity, compliance, and modulus, by rotating, deflecting or oscillating a measuring geometry in a material, either by applying a torque and measuring the resultant velocity or displacement, or by applying a velocity or displacement and measuring the resultant torque. The torque and velocity/displacement are used in conjunction with measuring geometry factors to determine the properties of the material.
As used herein, the term "rheometer" includes rheometers, viscometers, viscosimeters and similar instruments that are used to measure the properties of fluid or similar materials (see list below). Viscosity is an internal property of a fluid that offers resistance to flow (i.e., it concerns the thickness of a liquid).
The term "material," as used herein, includes liquids, oils, dispersions, suspensions, emulsions, adhesives, biological fluids, polymers, gels, pastes, slurries, melts, resins, powders or mixtures thereof. Such materials are also referred to herein as "fluids." More specific examples of materials include asphalt, chocolate, blood, drilling mud, lubricants, oils, greases, photoresists, liquid cements, elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets and coatings.
A common use for a rheometer is to determine fluid properties of a material. One technique is to apply a torque developed by a motor in the presence of the material, and measure the resultant velocity or displacement. The torque and velocity/displacement are used in conjunction with measuring geometry factors to determine the properties of the material. Thus, the rheometer requires a position sensor that is extremely accurate, linear, stable and consistent. The position sensor must operate over a very small range of motion with a high resolution of position.
Unfortunately, current rotary rheometers use sensors that suffer from gain error. Specifically, mechanical motions that are not in the axis of the primary measurement cause parasitic capacitance that can be reported erroneously as a change of the primary measurement axis. Thus, it is desirable to create small-angle or small-displacement capacitive sensors that have greatly reduced sensitivity to typical sources of mechanical positioning error.

System and method for enhanced measurement of rheological properties


The described technology is generally directed towards quasi-listing table entries that facilitate the efficient return of an object list in response to a query for relevant objects in a data storage system. A quasi-listing table entry is created when an object is created, and subsequently converted to a normal listing table entry. A normal listing table entry is converted to a quasi-listing table entry when an object is deleted, with the quasi-listing table entry subsequently deleted. When an object list request is received, a normal listing table entry can be used directly to add to the object list; only if a quasi-listing table entry is encountered (before it can be converted or deleted) does the object table need to be accessed to determine if the object actually exists. This eliminates most object table accesses, including those in remote geographic zones, thereby making object listing significantly more efficient.

Contemporary data storage systems, such as Dell EMC®'s ECS (formerly Elastic Cloud Storage) service, store data in a way that ensures data protection while retaining storage efficiency. For additional protection of user data and metadata, ECS supports geographically distributed setups of two or more zones, with the data and metadata distributed and replicated to multiple zones by asynchronous replication. In general, ECS attempts to distribute object metadata and workload between zones evenly, while assuring a global namespace and strong consistency.
The metadata for a given object is maintained in a type of directory table referred to as an object table, with each of the object tables owned by a zone. Because of geographically distributed zones, the metadata for a given object or group of objects may be scattered over directory tables owned by different zones. As a result, when a user requests a listing of a given "bucket" of relevant objects, a query to a potentially remote object table (or object tables) is needed, which can be extremely inefficient and can cause an undesirably slow return of the requested object listing.

Fast object listing in geographically distributed data storage environment


A lens barrel having a cam cylinder formed with a cam groove having two side surfaces and a lens holding frame provided with a cam follower inserted into the cam groove and guided in contact with one of the two side surfaces. The cam follower includes an elastic member in elastic contact with the other side surface of the cam groove to absorb a play between the cam groove and the cam follower. A distance between the two side surfaces of the cam groove becomes smaller in a direction of depth of the cam groove; and there is a clearance between the cam follower and the other side surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lens barrel having a cam cylinder formed with a cam groove and a lens holding frame provided with a cam follower to be inserted into said cam groove, and a cam mechanism for the lens barrel.
2. Related Background Art
In a "lens barrel structure" described in a patent application laid open No. 4-30111, elastic substance is circumferentially provided at an outerperiphery of a lens holding frame and adjusts tolerance of fitting the lens holding frame onto the lens barrel.
In this "lens barrel structure", however, a groove for exclusively fitting circumferentially elastic substance has to be formed at an outer periphery of the lens holding frame, so manufacturing thereof is time consuming.
Mere provision of elastic substance at an outerperiphery of the lens holding frame can remove only a play in a diameter direction of the lens holding frame.