A method for forming a spigot on a double-walled pipe and spigots formed by this method are described. The outer wall and an intermediate space of a double-walled pipe is removed from one end of the pipe over the desired chamfer length, and a preformed annular resilient bevel is placed around the remaining inner wall. This method is convenient, requires limited materials and tools, provides easy access to a porous intermediate space for sealing, and does not introduce residual stress to the spigot. Furthermore, the properties of the spigot depend primarily upon the properties of the annular resilient bevel, increasing the probability of achieving a high quality and robust seal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for forming a spigot end on double-walled pipe, as well the spigot ends formed by this method.
2. Discussion of the Background
Double-walled pipes are well-known. For an example of a production method of commercial significance, please see Petzetakis et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,500) which is hereby incorporated by reference. Despite the mechanical advantages of double-walled pipes, problems with handling exist. One handling problem arises during joining neighboring sections of pipe to produce a continuous longer pipe. Joining is commonly performed with a xe2x80x9cbell and spigotxe2x80x9d joint. One end of one of the sections of pipe that will be joined (the spigot) is endowed with a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of one end of the other section of pipe (the bell). This can be done during manufacture of the neighboring sections of pipe, or it can be done after cutting and other preparation unique to the location where the sections of pipes will be used. Regardless of when and how the bell and spigot are formed, joining involves the insertion of the smaller outer diameter portion of pipe (spigot) into the larger inner diameter of pipe (bell). Sealing a bell and spigot joint to prevent leakage can be done in many ways, and is highly dependent upon materials and conditions.
Sealing a double-walled pipe has proven to be relatively difficult. Because of the existence of one or more continuous channels between the inner and outer wall of a double-walled pipe in many commercially important double-walled pipes, both the inner and the outer wall of both portions must be sealed at each joint. Otherwise, the channel(s) may serve as a path for mass transport of material between the interior and the exterior of a pipe. This mass transport, otherwise known as leaking, can result in waste, damage to other infrastructure, excessive pressure drops along the length of the pipes, or health and safety concerns depending upon the material carried in the pipes.
Various methods for sealing double-walled pipes have been proposed, and the ones discussed herein are hereby incorporated by reference. Valls (U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,888) teaches the sealing of double-walled pipes by xe2x80x9cinserting an annular elastomeric plug into a slot formed at the pipe ends, whereby the plug projects axially beyond the pipe end to provide impact resistance.xe2x80x9d (col. 2, lines 12-15) This annular plug xe2x80x9cis particularly designed and configured for securement within a groove or circumferential slot formed by removal of at least one of the ribs adjacent to the end of the pipe where the annular ring is being providedxe2x80x9d (col. 2, lines 49-53).
Durrenberger et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,528) teaches the sealing of double-walled pipes when xe2x80x9ca substantial portion of the intermediate wall which lie[s] between the side walls axially inward of the outer end of the pipe is removed for a distance substantially equal to the desired length of the chamfer and circumferentially of the pipe to define a circumferentially continuous, axially outward open channel between the side walls. After the intermediate wall portions are removed, the outer end of at least one of the side walls is deflected to a position wherein it substantially engages the other side wall and closes the outwardly open channelxe2x80x9d (col.1, line 61-col.2, line 3).
It should be noted that both of the above-mentioned references require the formation of a xe2x80x9ccircumferential slotxe2x80x9d through the removal of the helical rib(s) (otherwise called an xe2x80x9cintermediate wallxe2x80x9d) located between the inner wall and the outer wall at the end of the double-walled pipe. Furthermore, both references teach the sealing of this circumferential slot rather than the sealing of the helical channel(s) defined by the helical rib(s). In both references, sealing this circumferential slot is performed by deflecting the outer wall toward the primary axis of the double-walled pipe. Since the initial diameter of the outer wall prior to deflection is larger than the final diameter of the outer wall after deflection, the outer wall must be compressed in order to achieve this deflection. In both references, this compression is ameliorated by heating the end of the double-walled pipe.
In the Durrenberger et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,528) reference, an additional adhesive layer is required on the outer face of the inner wall at the end of the double-walled pipe to affix the inner wall to the outer wall. Furthermore, the chamfer formed by the deflection of the outer wall is constrained to have the material properties of the outer wall of the double-walled pipe. In other words, since the spigot is comprised of the same material as the outer wall, the sealing and flexibility of the spigot cannot be optimized for a joint. Rather, the material properties of the joint are the same as the materials properties of the entire double-walled pipe.
In the Valls (U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,888) reference, an annular ring is inserted into the circumferential slot to both form a seal and provide some degree of control over the material properties of the joint. However, Valls teaches compression sealing of the annular ring between the inner and outer wall of the double-walled pipe, despite the fact that any residual stress in the outer wall due to deflection toward the primary axis will oppose this seal.
Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a novel method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe that is applicable to a variety of types of double-walled pipes.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe that does not require the formation of a circumferential slot at the end of the pipe.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe with a porous intermediate layer, wherein the channel or channels between the inner and outer walls are not pressure sealed.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe that itself is formed by the contiguous winds of a helix of a smaller diameter pipe or pipes, wherein the channel of the smaller diameter pipe or pipes is sealed rather than the area between the inner wall to the outer wall.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe having a porous intermediate layer, wherein the porous intermediate layer is accessible during the spigot-forming process.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method for forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe wherein deflection of the outer wall is not required.
A further object of this invention is to minimize the number of tools and steps, as well as the degree of difficulty, used in forming a spigot end on a double-walled pipe.
A further object of this invention is to provide a spigot end on a double-walled pipe that is formed by a method incorporating the advantages described above.
A further object of this invention is to provide a spigot end on a double-walled pipe that seals a porous intermediate layer with a minimum of sealant and that seals as small an area as possible.
A further object of this invention is to provide a spigot end on a double-walled pipe wherein the properties of the chamfer are both optimized and easily varied for a range of applications.
To these ends, the present invention provides a method whereby a spigot end is formed upon a double-walled pipe by first removing substantially all of the outer wall and the intermediate layer from one end of the double-walled pipe over a length substantially equal to the chamfer length to form an annular ledge consisting substantially of the inner wall. An annular resilient bevel is then fixed around this annular ledge to form a spigot that has the material properties of this bevel, rather than the properties of the outer wall of the double-walled pipe. Furthermore, since the outer wall of the double-walled pipe is not radially compressed to form all or a portion of the chamfer, it need not be heated to ameliorate any compressive stress arising from this process. This limits the number of steps and types of tools needed to form a spigot join, and eliminates residual stress that may prove problematic during sealing.
Sealing a channel or channels that exist between the inner and outer wall of a double-walled pipe is both simplified and improved by the present invention. Since substantially all of the outer wall and the intermediate layer are removed, any channel or channels intermediate to the inner and outer wall are easily accessible at a position substantially equal to a chamfer length distant from the spigot end. Thus, the channel(s) can be plugged, rather than sealing an entire circumferential slot. Plugging the channel(s) directly will result in a higher quality seal using a smaller amount of material.


A T-fastener installation kit includes a packaging device for loading the T-fastener into a slotted needle without requiring the hands of the surgeon to touch the sharp end of the needle. T-fasteners may be commonly used, for example, in surgical procedures in which the T-fasteners are used to secure a patient's stomach or bowel in apposition to the abdominal wall. The packaging device includes a housing having a cylindrical recess into which the "T" head of the T-fastener is loaded. The surgeon can slide the open end of the slotted needle into the cylindrical recess and over the "T" head of the T-fastener, thereby effectively loading the T-fastener into the slotted needle without requiring the surgeon to touch the sharp point of the needle.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and more particularly to T-shaped tension members used in surgical procedures, and even more particularly to a device for packaging these T-shaped tension members and loading them into a slotted needle without requiring a person's hands to handle or come near the sharp end of the slotted needle.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,021 discloses a method and apparatus for fixing a hollow organ of a living body to a body wall using T-shaped tension members (hereinafter referred to as T-fasteners). Examples of surgical procedures which may utilize the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,021 are securing a patient's stomach or bowel in apposition to the abdominal wall, such as as in a gastrostomy or jejunostomy procedure. These procedures are performed to facilitate the insertion of a feeding tube through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach or bowel. Examples of individuals who may require such a procedure includes burn patients, whose daily caloric needs are very high; critically ill, weak or comatose patients who may be unable to swallow food; and patients suffering from a diseased or traumatized esophagus, who may be unable to swallow food. Increasingly, a new class of persons requiring such treatment include patients infected with the HIV virus.
A relatively new method of placing a gastrostomy tube or jejunostomy tube is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,086. In this patent, a laparoscopic procedure is described which utilizes instruments and equipment which passes through the skin and surrounding tissue to the surgical site. The laparoscopic procedures require the use of many instruments and supplies including a nasogastric tube, scalpel, needles, syringes, T-fasteners, a J-guide wire, dilators, a gastrostomy tube, stylet, and water-soluble lubricant.
In the procedure to be described later herein, a "T" head of a T-fastener is inserted into a slotted needle. Because several T-fasteners may be installed during a surgical procedure with the same needle, it is required that a surgeon, or an assistant, repeatedly load T-fasteners into the needle. The risk of a surgeon, or an assistant, inadvertently pricking his finger(s), and thereby enhancing the possibility of transmitting a disease between a member of the surgical team and the patient, or vice versa, with a needle can be reduced by the method and apparatus for loading the T-fastener assemblies into the slotted needle disclosed herein. The method and apparatus of the present invention allow a "T" head of a T-fastener to be loaded into a slotted needle without the surgeon, or an assistant, having to touch the slotted needle near its point, thus reducing the chance of inadvertently pricking his finger.


Systems and methods are provided for generating and evaluating a plurality of courses of action (COAs) for a problem of interest having an associated set of problem characteristics. A case based reasoner generates an initial set of courses of action according to the associated problem characteristics. Each course of action includes a plurality of COA packages and a set of associated fitness parameters. A genetic algorithm refines the initial set of courses of action according to a set of global influence values to produce at least one optimized course of action. A user interface allows a user to adjust at least one value from the set of global influence values and the set of fitness parameters associated with each optimized course of action.

In the past, decisions frequently had to be made on minimal amounts of available data. Information traveled slowly, and what information was available could be considered by a human mind. Frequently, the greatest problem facing a decision maker was a paucity of information. Advances in information gathering and transmittal technologies have reversed this trend, making it easier to gather large amounts of information pertaining to a particular problem. A major task facing modern day decision makers is filtering and organizing the received information into a useful form.
While automated classification and decision making systems have become increasingly sophisticated, the human mind still outperforms automated systems on most real-world tasks. A limitation of human decision making, however, is the inability of human beings to simultaneously consider a large number of factors. Decision makers often find it difficult to mentally combine large amounts of evidence. Since the human tendency is to postpone risky decisions when data is incomplete, some decision makers may, when faced with overwhelming amounts of data, jump to conclusions, or refuse to consider a suitably diverse set of options. Accordingly, automated methods of generating and evaluating a plurality of courses of action for a given problem can greatly aid human decision makers by narrowing the scope of data to be considered.

Interactive course of action analysis tool using case based injected genetic algorithm


A HEMT type semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a buffer semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, a first semiconductor well layer formed on the buffer layer and serving as a first conductivity type channel layer, a second semiconductor well layer formed on the first well layer and serving as a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity, a channel layer and a potential barrier layer formed on the second well layer and forming a potential barrier for carriers. The substrate is made of GaAs or InP, and the layers are successively and epitaxially grown on the substrate. A two dimensional hole gas and a two dimensional electron gas are confined in the first well layer and in the second well layer, respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) type semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional HEMT type semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate, a semiconductor well layer (i.e., a channel layer or a carrier-flowing layer) formed on the buffer layer, a potential barrier layer forming an electric potential barrier against the carriers and formed on the well layer, and a gate electrode forming a Schottky contact and formed on the barrier layer. In the semiconductor well layer electrons (so-called two dimensional electron gas) are generated and flow at a high electron mobility, or holes (so-called two dimensional hole gas) are generated and flow at a high hole mobility. The substrate and formed layers are made of suitable compound semiconductor materials and form hetero-junctions at the interfaces between them. For example, the substrate and the well layer (channel layer) are of GaAs, InGaAs or InP, and the barrier layer is of AlGaAs or AlInAs.
Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional complementary HEMT type semiconductor device (C-HEMT) comprises, for example, a semiconductor substrate 51 of a semi-insulating GaAs substrate, a buffer layer 52 of undoped GaAs layer, a semiconductor well layer 53 of undoped In.sub.0.25 Ga.sub.0.5 As layer, and a potential barrier layer 55 of Al.sub.0.5 Ga.sub.0.75 As, the layers being formed by a continuous epitaxial growth process. To separate a p-channel HEMT and an n-channel HEMT from each other, an isolation region 61 is formed by ion-implanting B (boron) or O (oxygen) ions to the substrate 51 from the top surface of the potential barrier layer 55. On the barrier layer 55 first and second gate electrodes 62 and 63 are formed as Schottky barrier contacts and are surrounded by side-wall insulating films 64 and 65 of, e.g., SiO.sub.2, respectively. P-type (electrode) regions 56 and 57 are formed by selectively ion-implanting p-type impurities (e.g., Be) to the buffer layer 52 from the top surface of the potential barrier layer 55 by using the first gate electrode 62 and a suitable resist pattern layer (not shown) as a mask, and n-type (electrode) regions 58 and 59 are formed by selective ion-implanting n-type impurities (e.g, Si) in the layers 52, 53 and 55 by using the second gate electrode 63 and another suitable resist pattern layer as another mask. On the doped regions 56 and 57 p-type electrodes (not shown) are formed, on the doped regions 58 and 59 n-type electrode (not shown) are formed, and then these electrodes are electrically connected with suitable interconnections (e.g., wiring layers, not shown) to form an electric circuit.
In such a C-HEMT, a p-channel (i.e., two dimensional hole gas) is generated in a p-channel region 53p of a portion of the semiconductor well layer 53 between the p-type regions 56 and 57 and an n-channel (i.e., two dimensional electron gas) is generated in an n-channel region 53n of another portion of the semiconductor well layer 53 between the n-type regions 58 and 59.
A C-HEMT having the above-mentioned structure corresponds to a complementary III-V heterostructure FET (C-HFET) disclosed in an article by A. I. Akinwande et al. IEDM90, IEEE, 1990, pp. 983-986. The article discloses that a p-channel HFET (i.e., p-channel HEMT) has a threshold voltage of about -0.350 V (see Table 2) and an n-channel HFET (i.e., n-channel HEMT) has a threshold voltage of about 0.716 V (see Table 1). The sum (1.066 V) of the threshold voltages of the p-channel HEMT and n-channel HEMT corresponds to a bandgap of the semiconductor well layer 53. A drain current variation of each of the p-channel HEMT and n-channel HEMT, depending on the gate turn-on voltage, is obtained, as shown with a broken line in FIG. 2.
The conventional C-HEMT shown in FIG. 1 has, however, relatively high threshold voltages, and when absolute values of gate voltages applied on the gate electrodes are increased, gate leakage currents between the gate and source are generated and increased, as shown in FIG. 2. In such a case, when a logic amplitude is increased to maintain a high speed operation, the gate leakage current is also increased. Where the gate leakage current is suppressed, a gate voltage cannot be increased with the result that the high speed operation is not sufficiently attained. For example, at a power supply voltage of 1.5 V, a no-load gate delay is about 230 ps and power dissipation is about 64 .mu.W/gate, and at a power voltage of 1.0 V, a no-load gate delay is about 700 ps and power dissipation is about 7 .mu.W/gate (cf. the above-cited article, page 985, right column).
It is possible to adjust the threshold voltage of the n-HEMT to about zero volt by adding a threshold voltage controlling layer formed between the potential barrier layer and the gate electrode of the n-HEMT. In this case, it is necessary to make the controlling layer relatively thick, and thus a distance between the gate electrode and the semiconductor well layer becomes large, which deteriorates the controllability of the n-HEMT.
Another C-HEMT similar to that of FIG. 1 has been reported by R. R. Daniels et al. "Complementary Heterostructure Insulated Gate FET Circuits for High-Speed, Low Power VLSI", IEDM86, IEEE, 1986, pp. 448-451.
To lower the threshold voltages of the p-channel HEMT and n-channel HEMT, it is possible to form these HEMTs on the same semiconductor substrate such that a semiconductor laminated structure of the former HEMT is different from that of the latter HEMT. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 57-208174 proposed a complementary FET utilizing a two dimensional electron gas and two dimensional hole gas; the FET of which comprises a p-channel HEMT having an undoped Ge layer, an undoped GaAs layer and a p-GaAs layer successively epitaxially grown on an undoped GaAlAs layer formed on a semi-insulating GaAs substrate; and an n-channel HEMT having an undoped GaAs layer, an undoped GaAlAs layer and an n-GaAlAs layer successively epitaxially grown on the undoped GaAlAs layer on the substrate, as shown in FIG. 9 thereof.

HEMT type semiconductor device having two semiconductor well layers


Disclosed herein is a method for controlling or alleviating the symptoms of respiratory disease and allergies comprising administering to a mammal suffering from respiratory disease or allergies an effective amount of an acetylcholine esterase reactivator having an oxime moiety optionally in association with an acetylcholine receptor antagonist.

The present invention is directed to a method for controlling and/or alleviating respiratory disease or allergies.
Respiratory diseases are many in number. For instance, bronchoconstriction associated with pulmonary disease is very prevalant and associated with a number of diseases. These diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary hypersensitivity.
Asthma is a term given to a condition whereby a person experiences wheezing and difficulty in breathing due to the constriction of the air passages in the lungs. It has been believed that this state is due to an allergic reaction of some sort and generally non-defined. It is estimated, for example, that 5 million children in the United States alone suffer from the symptoms of asthma. It has also been reported that 500,000 hospital admissions and 5000 deaths each year may be attributable to asthma. COPD affects more than 15 million persons in the United States. COPD symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and predominates in two forms, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Additional respiratory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, Epiglottis, Laringotrachitis, Urticaria and other allergic and neurodermatitis are often associated with these conditions.
A variety of treatments have been tried to alleviate or control such symptoms. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,519 described a process for treatment of allergenically induced asthma by administration of cedar resin which functions as a antiasthmatic agent exhibiting expectorant action to aid in cleansing the lungs of excess mucus. Present asthma treatments involve minimizing contact with allerginic agents as well as use of bronchodilators. However, it is possible that in certain instances the use of a bronchodilator exacerbates the condition rather than provide any long term relief from the symptons due to the gaseous delivery system employed. It has also been proposed to administer methylecgonidine to counteract acetylcholine-induced contraction on tracheal rings as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,407. Bronchoconstriction therapy has also included administration of beta-adrenergic agonists, ipratropium and methylxanthines. Treatment of COPD includes administration of ipratropium (Atrovent), albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) and theophylline. In extreme cases, lung resection and transplantation are recommended.
Exemplary therapies are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,794,292 (atropine); 4,031,218 (xanthines); 4,089,959 (xanthines); 4,120,947 (xanthines); 4,353,922 (anticholinergic bronchodilators); 4,689,213 (calcium channel blocker); 5,096,916 and 5,250,286 (imidazoline); 5,124,455 (oxime-carbonate and oxime-carbamate); 5,171,744 and 5,292,749 (antimuscarinic bronchodilator); 5,362,755 and 5,547,994 (albuterol); and 5,409,934 (xanthines).
As a complicating factor in the treatment of respiratory disease and allergies, it is believed that factors such as comorbid addictions, stress, psychiatric disorders and environmental factors play a role in determining the extent to which a particular person may be afflicted by the symptoms of respiratory disease and allergies. For example, xenobiotic agents such as pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, oxidants, solvents and other environmental toxins encountered by the person by various means (e.g., drinking water, food contaminantion, smoking, etc.) may contribute to the susceptibility of the person to respiratory disease and allergies as well as the severity of symptoms of such diseases.
A need thus exists to provide a method of treatment of respiratory disease and allergies suffered by mammals and in particular humans which enables the root cause of the respiratory disease and/or allergy to be addressed whereby further occurrences of the disease or allergy are avoided or at the least minimized. It may accordingly be possible, for example, to avoid the need for surgery which may otherwise be required in an attempt to restore acceptable lung function in cases such as extreme COPD.

Method for controlling or alleviating the symptoms of respiratory disease and allergies


A starting clutch control includes an engine control state and a slip control state. The engine and slip control states include feedforward and driveline damping control terms. The engine state control may further include an engine speed control term. The slip control state further includes a clutch slip control term. Changes to clutch engagement commands are frozen upon throttle tip-in events.

In a conventional automatic transmission drivetrain, a torque converter is located between the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and a multiple speed ratio transmission. The torque converter functions to provide fluidic coupling of the engine output to the driveline generally at low vehicle speeds (higher transmission speed ratios). Vehicle launch performance is enhanced by the torque converter's torque multiplication effects. And, the fluidic coupling of the torque converter also provides effective decoupling of engine torque pulsations to the driveline and, perhaps more significantly, damping of driveline torsional disturbances back to the engine. Generally at higher vehicle speeds (i.e. lower transmission speed ratios) and light throttle, the fluidic coupling of the torque converter may be replaced with the direct mechanical coupling of the engine to the driveline via a torque converter clutch (TCC). The output side of the TCC typically includes damping springs to attenuate the effects of the periodic torque pulsations occasioned by the cylinder events of the internal combustion engine on the driveline and any driveline disturbances back to the engine.
Torque converters have inherent efficiency shortfalls as some portion of the input energy is lost to the fluid. It is known to control the TCC at higher speed ratios and at points in a driving cycle normally reserved for fluidic coupling by the torque converter. Such early TCC control is additionally distinguished from conventional TCC lock-up, however, in that a slip is maintained across the TCC to provide some damping and isolation between the engine and the driveline. Such control may be generally referred to as controlled capacity TCC control.
While the torque converter achieves many vehicle performance and driveline isolation objectives commendably, it is recognized that the fluidic losses of such devices suggests opportunity for improving vehicle efficiency. While controlled capacity TCC improves upon the fluidic losses of the torque converter, fluid losses still remain as does the substantial hardware and mass—including substantial fluid mass associated with necessary coupling fluid—associated with a torque converter and TCC complement.
So called starting clutches have been proposed for replacing the torque converter. In essence, starting clutches have been proposed to effect many of the benefits of the torque converter clutch during vehicle launches without being encumbered by the fluidic losses associated therewith. Additionally, many of the benefits of a controlled capacity TCC are believed possible by employing such a starting clutch without many of the hardware and mass penalties associated with a torque converter and TCC complement. However, the inherent damping characteristics (or lack thereof) associated with starting clutches are substantially less ideal than those of the fluidic coupling of the torque converter and present significant challenges to attaining acceptable levels of driveline disturbance in such a system.

Engine and driveline torque transfer device control


A method for fault detection in the operation of sensors with at least two decoupled signal-transmitting elements with contacts and with a closed conductor loop includes delaying, a first test output by a defined switching delay with reespect to a second test output and evaluating the input channels in accordance with a defined expectation. Faults being inferred from deviations between actual and expected signal variations and time intervals.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting faults in the operation of sensors and more particularly relates to such a method for detection faults in sensors with at least two decoupled signal-transmitting elements with contacts and with a closed conductor loop, in which a respective signal is applied to the input of each signal-transmitting element via an associated test output, which signal is supplied to an associated input channel at the output end.
In processes in safety engineering, for example in applications such as emergency-stop buttons or door switches for protective door interlocking, industrial robots or numerically controlled machine tools, sensors, among other things, must be included and monitored to insure safety. To guarantee correct operation, faults on the sensor connecting lines must be detected rapidly. If the connecting lines are protected in the control cabinet or in system parts, it can be assumed, as a rule, that a fault (short circuit, short between wires etc.) is highly improbable. A standard (prEN 954-2) allows a so-called fault exclusion to be assumed for the connecting line in this case.
Normally, sensors are connected to a safety control system mainly in accordance with either a 3-terminal concept or a 4-terminal concept. In the case of the assumption of a fault exclusion, a sensor design according to the 3-terminal concept is completely adequate. If this cannot be guaranteed throughout or if higher requirements are set, as in the case of an emergency-stop button, the sensor must be connected in accordance with the 4-terminal concept.
A concept for reliable fault detection of short circuits and cross-connections on the connecting lines must be appropriately designed. The present invention describes a method by which this can be guaranteed in a relatively simple and economic manner.
According to the known prior art, there are the abovementioned fundamental two possibilities of the 3-terminal concept and the 4-terminal concept for the safety-oriented actuation of a sensor. Both concepts will be explained in greater detail in the text which follows, with reference to the basic sketches shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
The illustration of FIG. 1 shows a sensor connection according to the 3-terminal concept. In principle, all safety-oriented sensors have two decoupled signal-transmitting elements, shown as contacts K1 and K2 in a sensor Z (an emergency-stop button) in FIG. 1. These can be located in a single component (e.g. in the emergency-stop button) or in two physically separate components as is possible, for instance, in door switches for a protective door interlock.
The sensor Z is activated with a signal S1, which is conducted to the two contacts K1 and K2, via a common connection W from a test output A1, which can be provided, for example from a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) with 24 V signal voltage. The two signals of the sensor Z are conducted to two input channels E1 and E2 of a safety-oriented control system (not shown). These signals are forwarded to a central control unit, such as via a system bus B, for further signal processing.
As already mentioned, safety components with contacts, e.g. emergency-stop buttons or standard components with contacts such as door switches for protective door interlocking, etc., can be used as a sensor if the two contacts are decoupled without mechanical interaction.
Faults in the connecting lines can be detected in conjunction with a cross-comparison of data and positive dynamization known to the expert. However, the 3-terminal concept cannot be used for detecting a pure cross-connection between the two inputs E1 and E2.
In the representation according to FIG. 2, a sensor connection employing the 4-terminal concept is shown. For this purpose, the sensor is activated by two test outputs A1 and A2 via separate signals S1 and S2, instead of via a common connection. The two signals of the sensor Z are connected to the two input channels E1 and E2 of the safety-oriented control system. For the rest, the illustration corresponds to that of FIG. 1.
A large proportion of the possible faults can already be detected with the 3-terminal concept in conjunction with the channel monitoring (cross-comparison of data) of the safety-oriented control system and a positive dynamization.
For example:
a line break in the lines, for instance, can be detected directly via a cross-comparison of data;
a short circuit or cross-connection to P potential (P stands for a positive or negative voltage) can be detected within the test cycle with the aid of positive dynamization;
a short circuit to M potential (M stands for ground potential) can be detected directly via a fuse;
a cross-connection to P potential can be detected within the test cycle with the aid of positive dynamization; and
a cross-connection to M potential can be detected directly via a fuse.
However, the 3-terminal arrangement does have short comings. For example, a cross-connection between the input channels E1 and E2 cannot be detected. A cross-connection between input channel E1 and E2 produces a so-called xe2x80x9csleeping faultxe2x80x9d in the system. In the illustration of FIG. 3, a cross-connection Q between the signal lines to E1 and E2 is additionally indicated in a development of the illustration of FIG. 2.
A second fault, for example a P short asxe2x80x94shown in FIG. 4 can also cause the safety function to fail. For a control category 3, this is still acceptable if the fault detection can be guaranteed within the test cycle established for this part of the safety-oriented functions (e.g., 8 hours).
Normally, for example, the emergency-stop button or the protective door interlocking switch is connected via an external safety switching device. In these devices, the monitoring of the connecting lines is integrated and includes cross-connection monitoring. There is a further possibility if the sensors are connected to a safety PLC. However, this requires special peripheral assemblies in which the short-circuit and cross-connection monitoring is also integrated. There is no solution at present which manages such faults with only standard assemblies.
The protection against short circuits and cross-connections is also conceivable with special arrangement and design of the connecting lines to the sensor. In such an arrangement, the lines must be individually shielded and the shield must be connected via a fuse in order to detect a short before it leads to failure of the protective function. In general, however, such a solution fails in practice due to a lack of acceptance.
Although the known external safety switching devices mentioned meet the requirements with respect to monitoring of the sensor connecting line, they can only switch off power and do not reliably stop a machine. This is also the reason why these devices are being replaced more and more by integrated safety concepts, especially in the case of industrial robots and machine tools. Thus, they do not represent a forward-looking alternative to the present invention.
It is true that, from a purely technical point of view, the problem can also be solved by using a safety PLC. A safety PLC can activate a sensor up to control category 4 (according to EN 954-1). The electronics in the input modules probe the line by so-called light/dark switching. In this process, the outputs are disconnected for a few milliseconds and a measurement is taken in this interval. In this way, short circuits and cross-connections are detected immediately and in parallel with the running process in a high-quality manner. However, this solution cannot be implemented by way of standard input/output modules. Thus, for cost reasons, the safety PLCs are not generally used today in machine tools or production machines. Today, this approach is only used in very large systems having very many ( greater than 40) safety-oriented signals and/or if a design in control category 4 is required at the same time.
Another conventional method for fault detection in safety-oriented signals is an alternating channel-related activation (cycling) of the sensor. Channel E1 and channel E2 are each alternately activated only once. However, this must not lead to the signal chain being switched off at any time. A check is made whether there is any crosstalk to the channel which is not activated. During this time, any cross-comparison of data implemented must be switched off. This results in increased risk. Further, although this makes it possible to achieve the objective, in principle, the expenditure in the peripherals is no less. However, the interactions with the cross-comparison of data are considerable.
Another conventional method for fault detection in safety-oriented signals is performed by way of different channel-related polarities of the voltage. In this solution, the conductor loops of the two contacts E1 and E2 are fed with voltages of different polarity, e.g. channel E1 with +24 V and channel E2 with xe2x88x9224 V. However, a special power supply must be provided for this purpose. Such a bipolar supply, however, is not provided as standard in many systems and this further increases the wiring complexity.
It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to create a method for fault detection in safety-oriented signals which is also capable of detecting so-called xe2x80x9csleeping faultsxe2x80x9d and which can be implemented with relatively inexpensive standard elements and components.
In particular, it is intended to achieve, in contrast to the 3-terminal concept, a cross-connection detection between the two channels E1 and E2 in conjunction with positive dynamization.
According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a method for fault detection in the operation of sensors with at least two decoupled signal-transmitting elements with contacts and with a closed conductor loop, in which method a respective signal is applied to the input of each signal-transmitting element via an associated test output, which signal is supplied to an associated input channel at the output end. Preferably, each test output is switched at a defined time delay compared with the other test outputs, in such a manner that the respective signals are present at the respective signal-transmitting elements with a corresponding switching delay and the respective input channels follow a defined sequence of signal changes with a fixed temporal correlation. Further, it is also preferable that the input channels are evaluated on the basis of these signal variations and the respective time interval corresponding to a defined expectation, with the presence of faults being inferred from deviations between actual and expected signal variations and/or time intervals.
In a first embodiment of the present invention, the object set forth above is achieved, primarily in the operation of sensors with a predominantly static signal, in that the method is performed during a positive dynamization.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the method is performed when each sensor is switched on.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the method is performed when each sensor is switched off.
To detect a cross-connection in the operation of sensors with two decoupled signal-transmitting elements with contacts and with a closed conductor loop, both test outputs being activated at a starting time, the following further method steps are performed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention
Deactivating a first test output at a first time; and
Generating a fault signal of the xe2x80x98cross-connectionxe2x80x99 category if the signal of the input channel associated with the first test output remains in the activated signal state.
To detect a pure cross-connection without phase short, the following further method steps are performed in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, namely, waiting for a defined switching delay, deactivating the second test output at a time after the switching delay has expired, and generating a fault signal of the xe2x80x98cross-connection without phase shortxe2x80x99 category if the signals of the two input channels together assume the deactivated signal state only after the switching delay for the second test output has expired.
To detect a cross-connection in the operation of sensors with two decoupled signal-transmitting elements with contacts and with a closed conductor loop, both test outputs being deactivated at a starting time, the method can also include the steps of activating a first test output at a first time, waiting for a defined switching delay, and generating a fault signal of the xe2x80x98cross-connectionxe2x80x99 category if the signals of the two input channels assume the activated signal state and also remain active after the switching delay has expired.
According to a further embodiment of the method described above, a cross-comparison of data is additionally performed between the signals of the two input channels for detecting a line break in a signal line.
The concept according to the invention presented can be applied when sensors with contacts and with closed conductor loops (closed-circuit principle) are used. In the case of electronic signals, the line monitoring by the sensor must be ensured. This is also the case with higher-quality sensors, such as light curtains and scanners. Using the method of the present invention, it is now possible to implement complete fault detection (including cross-connection) on the sensor connecting lines using standard modules.
The sensor is generally connected using the 4-terminal concept. As a result, no additional wiring is required and no special modules with integrated safety-oriented functions must be used. Apart from the time-delayed switching of the test outputs, the type of evaluation of the input channels is also significant. The evaluation performed with defined expectation is based on signal variation and/or time interval.
Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the figures, in which features having the same functionality are designated by the same reference symbols for the sake of better clarity.

Method for detecting faults on safety oriented sensors


Process for the synthesis of aromatic alkylated hydrocarbons with a saturated alkyl chain including at least four carbon atoms, according to which an aromatic hydrocarbon, replaced by an alkyl group with a short saturated chain comprising one to three carbon atoms, is made to react with an olefin in the presence of a catalyst made up of at least one alkaline metal or a alkaline metal hydride impregnated on an alumina support. The process is characterised by the fact that the catalyst is prepared in the reaction medium in the presence of the aromatic hydrocarbon with a short alkyl chain by mixing anhydrous alumina with the alkaline metal hydride or with the alkaline metal, and then the olefin is introduced in order to start the reaction.

1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons. It relates more particularly to the manufacture of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons with an alkyl chain containing at least four carbon atoms by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon substituted by a short-chain alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms with an olefin in the presence of a catalyst.
2. Description Of Related Art
A process for the synthesis of alkylated aromatic compounds, consisting in condensing an aromatic hydrocarbon substituted by a group containing a saturated carbon atom bonded to at least one hydrogen atom with an unsaturated hydrocarbon (U.S. Pat. No. 2,758,140, V. N. Ipatieff et al;) column 2, lines 19 to 45 and column 23, claim 1) has been known for a long time. The process can be performed in the presence of contact agents, such as alumina.
However, this known process has the disadvantage of giving rise to poor selectivities and to relatively low yields of the alkylated aromatic compounds (columns 5 and 6, Table 1).
In British Patent GB-1,259,535 there is a description of a process for alkylating aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst containing an alkali metal or an alkali metal hydride deposited on alumina. The catalyst is prepared before the alkylation reaction by mixing the metal with alumina under a nitrogen atmosphere, followed by a heat treatment at 300.degree. C. for several hours (page 2, lines 15 to 20 and lines 38 to 44). European Patent Application EP-A1-0,328,940 discloses a similar process for the synthesis of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, where the catalyst is also prepared in a preliminary stage consisting in treating an alumina with an alkali metal and an alkali metal hydroxide at a temperature of 200.degree. to 600.degree. C. in the presence of small quantities of moisture and in an inert gaseous atmosphere (claim 1, page 12).
These processes have the disadvantage of requiring an additional stage for preparing the catalyst immediately before it is employed in the alkylation reaction. Apart from the additional costs linked with the equipment and the thermal energy which are needed for the heat treatment, these processes involve difficulties in handling the catalysts, as the latter generally have the disadvantage of being pyrophoric.

Process for the synthesis of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons


A sounding device includes a shell, a vibrating system and a driving unit. The vibrating system includes a vibrating diaphragm, a magnetic vibrating plate, and a transmission piece. The magnetic vibrating plate includes a fixing portion fixed on the shell and a body portion bent and extended from the fixing portion and arranged oppositely to the vibrating diaphragm. The driving unit includes a coil and a magnet portion fixed relatively to the shell. The coil winds on the body portion, and an orthographic projection of the magnet portion falls onto the body portion and is close to the transmission piece, the magnet portion and the body portion are arranged separately. At least two magnetic vibrating plates respectively drive different positions of the vibrating diaphragm, and the magnetic vibrating plates correspond to the driving units one by one.

As an electroacoustic device that converts audio electrical signals into acoustical signals under the condition of no sound leakage, a sounding device is widely used in communication terminal equipment such as mobile phones, fixed phones, earphones and so on to output audios.
With the continuous development of mobile devices, the structure of the sounding device is constantly updated. In a common moving coil sounding device in which a voice coil drives a vibrating diaphragm to vibrate and generate sound, the voice coil is easy to be damaged due to vibration for a long time, thus affecting the sounding effect. Because the voice coil needs to be electrically connected with the external component, the voice coil vibration may affect the stability of the electrical connection, and uneven amplitudes in different regions of a vibrating diaphragm portion affect a tone quality effect of the sounding device.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new sounding device.


An apparatus and method is describe herein for a device which when attached to a front-loading dishwashing appliance with a vented drop-down door gives an indication to the user as to whether the dishes, glasses and utensils placed within are soiled or cleaned. The device includes a heat sensing means attached to a extending member, an inclination sensing means which is responsive to the deviation of the dishwashing appliance door and therefore the device from the vertical position and a system of timers.

The dishwashing machine or dishwasher which it is more commonly referred to is an age old appliance present in countless households. It is also widely used commercially in restaurants and dining facilities worldwide. The dishwasher has been around in one form or another since the mid-1800. Just as age old is the problem of determining whether the dishes, glasses and other utensils that have been left in these mechanical appliances are clean or dirty.
The conventional domestic dishwasher is front-loading with a door which opens in a drop-down position. There is typically some form of venting slot on the front of the dishwasher door that connects with an opening on the inside surface of the door. The inside of the dishwasher consists of a large compartment with sliding rack shelving on which to place dishes, glasses and other utensils. Due to the length of a typical wash cycle (45 minutes to an hour), the dishwasher is often left unattended while it is running. The individual(s) subsequently removing items from or placing items in the dishwasher may not always be the one who originally started the dishwasher. Secondly, if the person that performs the prep of the soiled items does a very thorough job of scouring/rinsing them before placing them in the dishwasher, the dishes, glasses, etc. could appear to be clean when in fact they haven't been washed yet.
Various devices have been proposed in the past for indicating to an individual whether or not dishes in a dishwasher are clean or dirty. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,746 an indicating device is disclosed which consists of a main pyramidal shaped member with two prominent surfaces. Attached to main member is a rotating hook. On the first of the prominent surfaces is an indication that dishes are "clean". On the second prominent surfaces is an indication that dishes are "dirty". The other end of the hook of device attaches to the front of the upper dishwasher rack. When the device is vertically rotated forward such that main member is hung outside the rack, main member displays the indication "dirty" in addition to providing the novel feature of acting as a "stop" to hold the dishwasher door ajar. When the device is vertically rotated backward such that main member is hung inside rack, main member displays the indication "clean" and allows the dishwasher door to close completely. The shortcoming of this device is that it does contain an automatic means to transition it between the two states. If the user forgets to rotate the device to "dirty" after unloading or does not immediately run the dishwasher after rotating the device to "clean", the indicator will display "clean" when the dishes are, in fact, "dirty".
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,239 an indicating device is disclosed in which the problem of automatically detecting the "clean" state of the dishes in the dishwasher has been overcome. This is accomplished by a device which is also attached internally to the dish rack of dishwasher. The above device is comprised of a translucent housing having a front wall and containing an internal face plate which is visible and slidable within the translucent housing to one of two positions. A graphic image is formed on the inside surface of the housing front wall and on the front surface of the slidable face plate to provide a novel indication means. In the first position, the front wall and face plate form a composite image which indicates that the dishes are dirty. In the second position, the front wall and face plate form a composite image which indicates that the dishes are clean. The face place is held in the dirty indication position against the releasable force of a spring. Upon sensing (through dimensional changes in a tabbed flange) an elevated temperature indicating that the dishwasher has been run, the releasable holding mechanism (set by device button) releases allowing the spring to move the face plate into the clean indication position. The shortcoming to this approach is the inability to automatically determine when clean dishes have been removed and dirty dishes have been loaded. If user forgets to depress the button to reset device to "dirty" indication, device will indicate "clean" when dirty dishes are present.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,458 discloses an indicating device which consists of, among other things, a frame and a release arm that are physically mounted on one of the two dish racks inside the dishwasher. The frame and release arm mechanism appears to accommodate a single item to be washed. The presence or absent of this single item from the release arm provides an indication of a loaded or unloaded condition respectively for the entire dishwasher. It can easily be seen that if the user happens to load the dishwasher without placing at least one item in direct contact with the frame and release arm mechanism, the proper loaded and unloaded conditions will not be detected. In addition, the above device uses a number of metallic springs the will be subject to the high temperature of the wash water and caustic nature of the cleansing agents. The combination of these two substances could cause the corrosion and degradation of the functioning of these springs over an extended period of time.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,753 discloses an indicating device in which a significant amount of effort has been devoted to addressing the issues of automatically detecting the clean/unload and dirty/load states of the dishwasher. The indicating system in said device includes a state means responsive to the timer means responsible for controlling the automatic washing cycle of a dishwasher. This timer means typically consisting of an on-off switch, part of the dishwasher timing apparatus, also operates other electrical functions of the dishwasher. The indicating device includes a spring means responsive to the loading and unloading of articles in at least one rack of the dishwasher. Said device includes ultraviolet energy source, reflector and detector means which work in conjunction with spring means to sense the loading and unloading through the displacement of the same. Also included in the device is a rack withdrawal detector responsive to a dishwasher rack being placed in an unloading position and attached to at least one of the dishwasher racks. Finally, all of the above detection means are interconnected with the state means by a system of AND gate means. Once the appropriate combination of conditions exist, the state means registers either a "clean" or "dirty" article state and that state is reported by the voice generating reporting means of the device responsive to said states.
The electrically-controlled system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,753 appears to require a direct connection to the mechanism controlling the automatic washing timer cycle of the dishwashing machine. Creating such a connection would not be something the average consumer should be advised to perform nor would it be recommended by dishwashing appliance manufacturer. Therefore, there would be limited application for the device in the direct-user aftermarket. The remainder of the system is obviously somewhat complicated and could significantly increase the cost of the dishwashing machine if provided already integrated by the manufacturer. Finally, having the majority of the device's detection components contained within the dishwashing compartment again subjects them to the high temperature of the wash water and caustic nature of the cleansing agents. As stated earlier, this could lead to the corrosion and degradation of the function of these components over an extended period of time.
U. S. Pat. No. 9,119,522 discloses a device which takes an electronically-controlled approach by using a wireless receiver to communicate with the existing electrical system of the dishwashing appliance via a transceiver. It appears that the transceiver interfaces with the electrical system of a dishwashing appliance and wirelessly conveys to the wireless receiver, to be externally displayed, message signals corresponding to conditions realized within the dishwashing appliance. Requiring the use of a dishwashing appliance internal, possibly proprietary, interfaces may pose a limitation on consumer aftermarket applications.

Apparatus and method for dishwasher status indication


A hierarchical error correction system and method operable with a computer memory system. In one embodiment, the memory system comprises a plurality of memory modules organized as a number of error correction code (ECC) domains, wherein each ECC domain includes a set of memory modules, each memory module comprising a plurality of memory devices. A first error correction engine is provided for correcting device-level errors associated with a specific memory device and a second error correction engine for correcting errors at a memory module level, wherein the first and second error correction engines are operable in association with a memory controller operably coupled to the plurality of memory modules.

Electronic data storage utilizing commonly available memories (such as Dynamic Random Access Memory or DRAM) can be problematic. Specifically, there is a finite probability that, when data is stored in memory and subsequently retrieved, the retrieved data will suffer some corruption. For example, DRAM stores information in relatively small capacitors that may suffer a transient corruption due to a variety of mechanisms, e.g., charged particles or radiation (i.e., soft errors). Additionally, data corruption may occur as the result of hardware failures such as loose memory modules, blown chips, wiring defects, and/or the like. The errors caused by such failures are often referred to as repeatable errors, since the same physical mechanism repeatedly causes the same pattern of data corruption.
To address this problem, a variety of error detection and error correction algorithms have been developed. In general, error detection algorithms typically employ redundant data added to a string of data. The redundant data is calculated utilizing a checksum or cyclic redundancy check (CRC) operation. When the string of data and the original redundant data is retrieved, the redundant data is recalculated utilizing the retrieved data. If the recalculated redundant data does not match the original redundant data, data corruption in the retrieved data is detected.
Error correction code (ECC) algorithms operate in a manner similar to error detection algorithms. When data (or, payload) is stored, redundant data is calculated and stored in association with the data. When the data and the redundant data are subsequently retrieved, the redundant data is recalculated and compared to the retrieved redundant data. When an error is detected (e.g, the original and recalculated redundant data do not match), the original and recalculated redundant data may be used to correct certain categories of errors.
Although current ECC solutions are known to be generally effective in addressing certain types of memory errors, higher levels of reliability are constantly being pursued in the design of memory systems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Hierarchical memory correction system and method

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An image processing apparatus includes a character recognition unit configured to perform character recognition of a character region where characters exist in an image to generate character code, a detection unit configured to detect a region of the image where a feature change in the image is small, and a placement unit configured to place data obtained from the character code in the detected region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique useful for processing character information extracted from an image and displaying the extracted character information with enhanced visibility.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, digital cameras have been used not only for capturing images but also for recording character information in images. Further, in order to utilize the captured images, many users extract character information from the images and convert the character information into a style that can be easily accessed according to, for example, translation.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-138802 discusses a technique that acquires image data of characters written on, for example, tourist information boards, walls of buildings, signboards, brochures, and restaurant menus, using a camera, subject the acquired image data to character recognition, and translate the characters. If the character information after the translation is reflected to (embedded in) the original document, the number of characters of the message after the translation may increase/decrease from the original message. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-013969, discusses a technique useful for changing the character size of a translated text so that it can be appropriately embedded in the original position of the text.
However, according to the technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-138802, the character information after translation, which is presented to the user, is displayed in a translation display area different from the region where the characters of the translation target have been displayed in the original image. In other words, the character information is not displayed at the original position in the original image. Since the position of the character information is changed, it is not easy to understand the original position of the character information in the original image. However, if the character information after translation is simply placed at the position where the characters of the translation target existed in the original image, the character information after translation may not fit in the original region and run off the area (see FIG. 3E).
According to the technique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-013969, in displaying character information after translation, the character size of the translated document is adjusted to fit the document area where the translation target characters existed. However, if the area of the region where the character information after translation is to be placed is small, the character size after translation may be too small to read (FIG. 3D). Further, the visibility is poor when the character information is converted into an easy-to-understand style.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-319240 discusses a technique for dealing with a document image. In the case of a natural image, which has no unused regions, a region excellent in visibility cannot be determined by placing a pattern obtained from character code generated by character recognition, as discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-319240.

Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium


Systems and methods are disclosed herein for extracting products referenced in a document. A document is analyzed to identify a product type that is referenced in the document. Attributes are extracted from the document. A set of candidate products are identified corresponding to the extracted attributes. A score is calculated for the candidate products and the products are further selected or filtered based on the score, whitelist rules, and blacklist rules in order to identify one or more inferred products referenced by the document. The whitelist and blacklist rules may take as inputs a domain, a user identifier, and keywords included in the document. A set of sufficient attributes may be identified for each product type. Selection of a candidate product may be based at least in part on the document including all of the attributes in the set of sufficient attributes.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to systems and methods for identifying products referenced in user generated content such as comments and social media postings.
2. Background of the Invention
Many forums exist for users to post content. For example, there are many social media sites that allow users to post their experiences. Many manufacturers and merchants also provide interfaces for consumers to rate or review products. Consumer protection groups and sites dedicated to a particular class of products (e.g. automobiles) also enable consumers to post reviews of products.
In many situations it can be difficult to determine the product that is discussed in a post. For example, a product may be referenced with a colloquial term that is not known to a search engine or other analytic software. In addition, in many situations the name of a product may be known from context such that a posting itself does not indicate the product being discussed. For example, in postings that form a conversation an initial posting may reference the product but subsequent postings do not. In another example, a user may make a post referencing purchase or ownership of a product on a social media site. Subsequent posts may contain valuable content describing the user's opinions of a product but omit an explicit reference to the product.
The methods and systems described herein provide a novel approach to extracting product entities from user-generated content.

Identifying product references in user-generated content


A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a seat which is composed of a seat cushion and a seat back. A plurality of actuators are provided in the seat, for altering a bearing-surface configuration of the seat. The actuators are driven by an air compressor which is controlled by a controller in a predetermined pattern. The controller judges oscillation transmitted to a passenger seated on the seat, on the basis of a signal from an acceleration sensor, and regulates the predetermined pattern of the control, in accordance with the judged oscillation. The controller may be so arranged as to judge the oscillation transmitted to the passenger, on the basis of signals from a speed sensor and a road-surface-condition detecting sensor.

This invention relates to a seat apparatus for a vehicle, capable of variably controlling a bearing-surface configuration of a seat.
As a conventional seat apparatus for a vehicle of this kind, there is one disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. SHO 61-257333. In the conventional seat apparatus, a seat is composed of a seat cushion and a seat back. In the seat, a front air mat, a center air mat, a pair of cushion-side air mats, and a pair of back-side air mats are arranged respectively within support sections such as a front support section, a center support section, a pair of side support sections and the like. The arrangement is such that expansion and contraction of each air mat alters a bearing-surface configuration of the seat. In the case where the vehicle operates for a long period of time, each of the air mats is controlled at a constant or predetermined cycle by a timer to alter the configuration of the bearing surface of the seat, so that variation is given to a posture of a passenger together with a lapse of time from the side of the seat, whereby an attempt is made to reduce fatigue.
By the way, various oscillations or vibrations transmitted to a vehicle body are inputted to a passenger seated on the seat, in accordance with running conditions and the like, so that the oscillations generate fatigue in various parts of a human body. Generally, in oscillation of low frequency, motion of the human body is attempted to be restrained to tense muscles, so that each part of the human body is tired or fatigued. In oscillation of high frequency, parts of the human body adjacent to contact surfaces between the seat and the parts of the human body are oscillated so that fatigue is accumulated. Further, oscillation of a certain frequency becomes one of the factors causing the fatigue, because a part of the human body is resonated. Furthermore, the larger the oscillation, the larger the fatigue.
In the conventional seat for the vehicle constructed as described above, however, each of the air mats 105 through 115 is merely controlled cyclicly at constant times set in a timer. Fatigue induced by oscillation transmitted to the passenger is not totally considered. Thus, there is a limit in reduction of the fatigue.


Diamond film with substantially no non-diamond carbon and a high thermal conductivity is deposited by means of a direct current arc jet apparatus with a substrate temperature below about 975 degrees Celsius, an arc power of between about 20 and 40 kw. A pressure of about 12 torr, and an enthalpy greater than 30 from a activated gas jet fed with hydrogen and methane, the methane being supplied at a concentration of less than 0.07%. The resulting material has a high transparency and thermal conductivity.. Also disclosed is the use of the diamond material made by the present method for cutting tool applications, particularly milling.

It is known that polycrystalline diamond can be deposited as a film by low pressure CVD (chemical vapor deposition) from an activated gas mixture which contains active radical species of the appropriate gaseous constituents needed. These species include a facilitating gas, generally atomic hydrogen, and a carbon source gas, generally a hydrocarbon compound. Such an activated gas is also referred to by some as a "plasma," because it is at a high enough temperature for the gases to be at least partially ionized, although others may consider the level ionization to be too low for it to be considered a true plasma.
There are several means known in the art for providing the energy necessary to form and maintain the activated gas. One is by a heated electric filament. Another is by a microwave generator coupled to an appropriate resonant cavity. A third is by combustion, as by a torch. A fourth is by a direct current electric arc system commonly referred to as an "arc jet." An arc jet deposition system of this type is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4, 682,564 issued Jul. 28, 1987 to Gordon L. Cann. A major distinction between microwave systems and arc jet systems is that microwave systems have a relatively slow growth rate by comparison. Arc jet systems can have a growth rate of more than ten times that of microwave systems.
It has been observed both in microwave and other deposition systems for diamond film that a reduction in the concentration of the carbon source gas for the activated gas mix dramatically reduces the growth rate, while at the same time, however, also improving the quality of the diamond film by reducing the concentration of imperfections present to thereby increase both the optical transparency and the thermal conductivity. The greatest amount of investigative activity in this regard has been with microwave systems. With these systems it has been observed that with methane concentrations less than about 0.1% (Gas concentration percentages are by volume throughout.), the growth rate is so low as to be of little commercial interest. Consequently, there has been little study of diamond film deposition with methane concentrations lower than this 0.1% level.

Saint-Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corporation


A method and system are disclosed for differential distortion correction for use in the three-dimensional (3D) projection of film-based or digital images. A compensation transform determined based on distortion information can be applied to image data to compensate for distortions in stereoscopic images for 3D projection. Different approaches can be used for obtaining the compensation transform.

The current wave of 3-dimensional (3D) movies is gaining popularity and made possible by the ease of use of 3D digital cinema projection systems. However, the rate of rollout of those systems is not adequate to keep up with demand, and is further a very expensive approach to obtaining 3D. Earlier 3D film-based systems were besieged by difficulties, including mis-configuration, low brightness, and discoloration of the picture, but are considerably less expensive than the digital cinema approach. In the 1980's, a wave of 3D films were shown in the US and elsewhere, making use of a lens and filter designed and patented by Chris Condon (U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,028). Other improvements to Condon were proposed, such as by Lipton in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,321. Subject matter in both references are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
One lens configuration, the "over and under" lenses or "dual-lens" arrangement (e.g., an upper lens for projecting an image for one eye, and a lower lens for projecting an image for the other eye) project the corresponding left- and right-eye images with a differential keystone distortion. This arises because the upper lens (typically corresponding to the right-eye image, for example), is higher above the bottom of the screen than is the lower lens (e.g., corresponding to the left-eye image), and thus, has a greater distance to the bottom of the screen, resulting in the right-eye image undergoing greater magnification there than the left-eye image. Similarly, the left-eye image (through the lower lens) undergoes greater magnification at the top of the screen than does the right-eye image. These different magnifications can result in detrimental effects such as different depth perceptions at different portions of the projection screen, or mis-alignments between left- and right-eye images causing fatigue for the viewers.
Since this dual-lens configuration is used in many film-based and some digital projection systems, the presence of distortions such as keystoning can adversely affect many 3D film or digital presentations. In general, projection systems that have non-identical projection geometries for the respective left- and right-eye images are susceptible to this distortion (e.g., digital projection systems using time-domain multiplexing of the imagers to project left- and right-eye images from the same physical imagers with identical geometries do not suffer from keystone distortions).
While distortion compensation can benefit both film-based and digital presentations, for film-based systems, it is further desirable to improve the 3D presentation quality by improving the image separation, color, and brightness so as to compete with digital cinema presentations.
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. The drawings are not to scale, and one or more features may be expanded or reduced for clarity.

Method and system for differential distortion correction for three-dimensional (3D) projection


An ABX testing device for comparing for example two video or audio programs is provided to determine if the two programs can be distinguishable. The device selects randomly one of the programs and the tester can listen or view and compare sequentially the random selection to either of the programs. The tester then can vote by designating one of the programs as being the randomly selected program. The designations are accumulated and statistics are generated regarding the same. Preferably the device includes a control box, a switch mechanism and a PC coupled to both by standard parallel cable.

A. Field of Invention
This application pertains to a method and apparatus for testing the quality recorded of audio and video programs and the like by comparing said programs to determine if there is discernible difference therebetween. The apparatus and method thus can be used to test and/or compare the performance of recording apparatus or the medium for the recording.
B. Description of the Prior Art
In the fields of recording audio and video program recordings, there is an impetus to improve the recording and reproduction quality by either improving existing recording media such as analog or digital magnetic tapes, solid state analog or digital memories, CDs, DVDs and so on or by improving the hardware. However, a persistent problem with every new or improved apparatus or media is that it is difficult to quantify and objectively analyze whether the performance of an apparatus or media because the quality of recordings is normally determine subjectively by human testers. As a result, frequently there are heated and prolonged debates in the field, every time a new apparatus or media is introduced, especially if said apparatus or media represents a major departure from the current industry standards or practices.

Method and apparatus for testing the quality of recorded information


An information-code-image capturing apparatus operates for emitting light toward an article moving along a carry path, and receiving reflected light and capturing an image of an information code on the article. The information-code-image capturing apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting that the article reaches a predetermined position in the carry path. An image capturing device operates for capturing the image on the basis of the reflected light when a time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the detecting device detects that the article reaches the predetermined position. A positional information calculating device n operates for calculating positional information on the basis of the image captured by the image capturing device. The positional information enables an area of the information code to be determined in the captured image. A capture timing correcting device operates for correcting the time interval on the basis of the positional information calculated by the positional information calculating device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an information-code-image capturing apparatus. Also, this invention relates to an optical information reading apparatus. In addition, this invention relates to a system for setting an image input timing or an image capture timing.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, an information-representing code such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code is provided on the surface of an article. A conventional apparatus for optically reading an information-representing code includes a light emitter, a CCD sensor, and a signal processor. The light emitter includes, for example, an LED. The light emitter applies forward reading light to the target surface of an article on which an information-representing code is provided. The CCD sensor includes, for example, an array of photosensors. The CCD sensor receives return light which results from reflection of the forward reading light at the target surface of the article. The return light represents an image of the information-representing code. The CCD sensor converts the return light into an electric signal representing the image of the information-representing code. In this way, an image of the information-representing code is captured or inputted. The signal processor decodes the electric signal to recover the information represented by the code.
There is a known apparatus for optically reading information-representing codes which are moving, for example, information-representing codes provided on articles which are being carried by a belt conveyor. The known apparatus includes a light emitter and a CCD sensor. The light emitter outputs forward reading light at a timing when an information-representing code on an article comes into the view of the CCD sensor.
Japanese published unexamined patent application 53-69538 discloses a system in which objects to be inspected are successively carried by a belt conveyor. In the system of Japanese application 53-69538, a position sensor detects whether or not an object comes into the view of a fixed television camera. When the position sensor detects that an object comes into the view of the television camera, a strobe device applies a flash of light to the object. Thus, the television camera outputs an electric signal representing a still image of the object which is substantially independent of the speed of movement of the object. The pattern of the object is recognized by referring to the still image of the object which is represented by the output signal of the television camera. In the system of Japanese application 53-69538, parallel mark lines are provided on the surface of the belt of the conveyor. The mark lines are covered by objects, and are exposed in the regions between the objects. Thus, the mark lines are separated into spaced segments as viewed from the television camera. In the processing of the output signal of the television camera, ends of segments of the mark lines are used as indications of starting edges of the patterns of the objects.
Japanese published unexamined patent application 61-133486 discloses a system in which objects having bar codes are successively carried by a belt conveyor. In the system of Japanese application 61-133486, a position sensor detects whether or not a bar code on an object comes into the view of a fixed camera. When the position sensor detects that a bar code on an object comes into the view of the camera, a strobe device applies a flash of light to the bar code. Thus, the camera outputs an electric signal representing a substantially still image of the bar code on the object. The output signal of the camera is decoded to recover the information represented by the bar code.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,833 discloses a method of determining the location and approximate orientation of a bar code on a substrate. The method in U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,833 is implemented by an omnidirectional bar-code locator. A digit image is a one-bit representation of a standard eight-bit grey scale video image produced by a CCD camera. The omnidirectional bar-code locator processes, in real-time, a digital video signal defining a pixelized image of a conveyor carrying parcels through the field of the view of the CCD camera. The omnidirectional bar-code locator divides the video image into a plurality of cells and produces two output signals, a cell bar-code indication signal and a cell bar-code orientation signal, for each cell. A host computer responds to a xe2x80x9ctruexe2x80x9d cell bar-code indication signal for a cell by storing the portion of the video image corresponding to the cell in a mass storage memory. The host computer also stores a representation of the cell bar-code orientation signal for each cell in which the cell bar-code indication signal is xe2x80x9ctruexe2x80x9d. The omnidirectional bar-code locator thus allows the host computer to store only those cells of the video image that contain bar-code data. The bar-code data may then be provided to a bar-code reader for further processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,833 also discloses that a belt encoder provides a signal indicating the linear displacement of a conveyor. The CCD camera is cycled in response to the signal from the belt encoder to generate a series of analog line images that are transmitted to a digitizer. The belt encoder triggers the CCD camera at a specified rate so that the resolution of the image created by the CCD camera is equal to a given number of pixels in the direction of the travel of the conveyor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,670 corresponding to Japanese published unexamined patent application 9-6891 discloses a data symbol reader of a fixed type which includes a CCD camera. In the data symbol reader of U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,670, when a reading process is executed, a frame image capture is carried out by the CCD camera. Calculation is given of the number of pixels provided by the CCD camera which corresponds to the displacement or the difference between a first-field image and a second-field image. The speed of movement of a data symbol is computed on the basis of the calculated pixel number. An optimal light exposure time is calculated from the computed speed of movement of the data symbol. Then, an optimal intensity of illumination is calculated from the optimal light exposure time. Reading the data symbol is carried out under conditions using the optimal light exposure time and the optimal illumination intensity. In the data symbol reader of U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,670, the light exposure is optimally controlled in accordance with the speed of movement of the data symbol.
It is a first object of this invention to provide an improved information-code-image capturing apparatus.
It is a second object of this invention to provide an improved optical information reading apparatus.
It is a third object of this invention to provide an improved system for setting an image input timing or an image capture timing.
A first aspect of this invention provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus for emitting light toward an article moving along a carry path, and receiving reflected light and capturing an image of an information code on the article. The apparatus comprises detecting means for detecting that the article reaches a predetermined position in the carry path; image capturing means for capturing the image on the basis of the reflected light when a time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the detecting means detects that the article reaches the predetermined position; positional information calculating means for calculating positional information on the basis of the image captured by the image capturing means, the positional information enabling an area of the information code to be determined in the captured image; and capture timing correcting means for correcting the time interval on the basis of the positional information calculated by the positional information calculating means.
A second aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus wherein the positional information calculating means comprises means for calculating the positional information on the basis of a positioning symbol in the information code.
A third aspect of this invention is based on the second aspect thereof, and provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus wherein the positional information calculating means comprises means for calculating a position of a center of the information code as the positional information on the basis of the positioning symbol in the information code.
A fourth aspect of this invention is based on the second aspect thereof, and provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus wherein the information code comprises a QR code, and the positional information calculating means comprises means for calculating a position of a center of a positioning symbol in the QR code as the positional information.
A fifth aspect of this invention is based on the first aspect thereof, and provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus wherein the time interval comprises a plurality of different sub time intervals; the image capturing means comprises means for capturing an image when each of the sub time intervals has elapsed since the moment at which the detecting means detects that the article reaches the predetermined position; the positional information calculating means comprises means for calculating positional information for each of the images captured by the image capturing means; and the capture timing correcting means comprises means for correcting each of the sub time intervals on the basis of the positional information calculated by the positional information calculating means.
A sixth aspect of this invention is based on the fifth aspect thereof, and provides an information-code-image capturing apparatus wherein the capture timing correcting means comprises means for detecting a direction of carry of the article on the basis of the calculated positional information for each of the captured images, and means for correcting each of the sub time intervals in response to the detected direction of carry of the article.
A seventh aspect of this invention provides an optical information reading apparatus comprising an information-code-image capturing apparatus including the information-code-image capturing apparatus in one of the first to sixth aspects of this invention; and decoding means for executing a decoding process with respect to the information code in the image captured by the information-code-image capturing apparatus to read information represented by the information code.
An eighth aspect of this invention provides a system for setting an image capture timing. The system comprises an optical information reading apparatus for emitting light toward an article moving along a carry path, and receiving reflected light and capturing an image of an information code on the article; and an information processing apparatus being separate from the optical information reading apparatus and being able to implement data communications with the optical information reading apparatus;
wherein the optical information reading apparatus comprises 1) detecting means for detecting that the article reaches a predetermined position in the carry path; 2) image capturing means for capturing the image on the basis of the reflected light when a time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the detecting means detects that the article reaches the predetermined position; 3) transmitting means for transmitting the image captured by the image capturing means to the information processing apparatus; and 4) capture timing correcting means for receiving a correcting command from the information processing apparatus, and for correcting the time interval in response to the correcting command; and wherein the information processing apparatus comprises 1) positional information calculating means for calculating positional information on the basis of the image transmitted from the optical information reading apparatus; and 2) command generating means for generating the correcting command on the basis of the positional information calculated by the positional information calculating means, and for transmitting the correcting command to the optical information reading apparatus.
A ninth aspect of this invention provides an adaptive apparatus for capturing at least portions of images of successively carried articles having information-representing codes at equal positions of the articles. The apparatus comprises first means for detecting whether or not an article reaches a predetermined position; a fixed image sensor; second means for capturing at least a portion of an image of the article via the image sensor when a variable time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the first means detects that the article reaches the predetermined position; third means for detecting a position of an information-representing code in the image captured by the second means; and fourth means for varying the time interval in response to the position detected by the third means.