A mud pump assembly has a housing having a motor-mounting face directly connected to a standard hydraulic drive motor. The pump housing supports and partially encloses a bearing assembly which supports the pump impeller shaft. A face-type impeller shaft seal is located between the bearing assembly and the impeller. The motor case completes enclosure of the impeller shaft bearing assembly. A motor case drain line is coupled to the mud pump housing for continuous pressure lubrication of the bearing assembly. In one embodiment, case drain fluid is returned from the mud pump housing to the hydraulic fluid reservoir for the hydraulic motor.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to mud pumps for use in water well drilling operations, and more particularly to a motor driven centrifugal-type mud pump assembly having a close-coupled direct drive hydraulic motor and a case-drain-pressurized pump shaft seal assembly at the mud pump impeller end of the shaft.
2. Description of the Prior Art
During water well drilling operations, it is usually necessary to pump muddy water. Though some pumps are of a reciprocating type, most pumps used for this purpose are rotary pumps, primarily because they are much less expensive than reciprocating pumps. One problem that is very common with rotary pumps is seal failure due to the abrasives in the mud being pumped.
Many mud pumps are driven by a hydraulic motor through a coupling shaft assembly such that the motor is spaced sufficiently from the pump for access to a pump shaft seal packing housing to facilitate replacement of seals. Depending upon the manner and environment of use of the pump, seal failures can occur as often as daily, resulting in significant down-time during replacement of a seal assembly. In addition, due to the necessity of having enough space to change a seal, the pump and drive motor assembly has an overall length that is objectionable.
Since the pump impeller has a high rotational speed, and must be supported in the housing by suitable bearings, leakage of muddy water into the bearing area is intolerable. At one time, asbestos was used as a component of pump shaft seal packing. Health and environmental concerns have since dictated the exclusion of asbestos from such materials, resulting in a reduction in the packing life.
As is true of many mechanical devices, provisions are typically made for greasing pump bearings by using a grease gun. But this requires regular attention by an operator to be certain that greasing is done on a timely and adequate basis. Also, it is important to avoid excessive pressure such as could cause the blow-out of a shaft seal.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a mud pump shaft sealing system facilitating close coupling of the pump and drive motor, and providing comparatively long seal life.


A surgical forceps which can be used for taking biopsy specimens internally is described having a compact configuration and very wide opening jaws, both of which are movable together by means of an elongated, flexible actuator member which operates directly only on one of the two end effectors containing the respective jaws. The forceps is particularly useful in conjunction with a surgical scope such as an endoscope or similar device.

Surgical procedures involving the cutting, grasping, and/or removal of internal tissue are frequently performed using various forms of surgical forceps which may be passed into the body through an elongated, usually flexible tube, such as an endoscope, catheter, cannula, or trocar. Examples of endoscopes used in these procedures are laparoscopes, thorascopes, and arthroscopes. Typical of such forceps is a bioptome used to remove biopsy specimens internally. The bioptome includes a long flexible coil having a pair of opposed jaws at the distal end and a manual actuator at the proximal end. Manipulation of the actuator opens and closes the jaws. During biopsy tissue sample procedures, the bioptome, or other surgical instrument, is inserted into the narrow lumen of an endoscope while viewing the biopsy site through an optical scope. The surgeon guides the endoscope to the biopsy site until the opposed jaws arrive at the biopsy site. The surgeon then positions the jaws of the bioptome around the tissue to be sampled and manipulates the actuator so that the jaws close around the tissue. A sample of the tissue is then cut or torn away from the biopsy site while it is trapped between the jaws of the bioptome. Keeping the jaws closed, the surgeon then withdraws the bioptome from the endoscope and opens the jaws to disgorge the biopsy tissue sample.
Because the lumen of the endoscope is usually relatively small, the bioptome inserted through the lumen must also be small and of compact configuration. Further, in order to achieve the necessary manipulation required to remove the sample and extract it through the lumen of the endoscope, the bioptome frequently has a fairly complex structure. Because of the size constraint and other limitations associated with the bioptome, the jaws typically open to a relatively narrow extent, thereby severely limiting the size and type of specimen that can be extracted. Some conventional bioptomes, for example, frequently employ a fixed jaw and a single movable jaw which closes against the fixed jaw. Other conventional bioptomes employ two movable jaws which are separately activated by complex, multi-link systems and which can only be opened to a relatively narrow extent.
The same considerations and constraints generally apply for other surgical forceps used for cutting, grasping, and/or removing internal tissue.


A method for testing a circuit includes determining at least one performance characteristic of the circuit based on a functional relationship between excitation signals or on a functional relationship between measurement devices. The method is implemented either as a part of a built-in self test circuit of an integrated circuit or for production testing.

The present invention relates to the testing of analog and mixed-signal circuits. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present application relates to the testing of analog and/or mixed-signal circuits in both built in self test (BIST) and production environments.
The use of mixed-signal circuits continues to grow, as does their complexity. At the same time, there is a need for such devices to be of lower cost and to have decreased production time. One significant obstacle in trying to meet these constraints involves the resources required for testing. These resources can include the time it takes to test each device, the costs of testing and measurement equipment, and the availability of testing and measurement equipment. In addition, there is a problem in that the load of the tester may mask or alter the measurements of the device under test.
Therefore, it can be seen that problems with testing analog and/or mixed-signal circuits in both production test and BIST environments remains. Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to improve upon the state of the art.
A further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide for a method of testing that allows for the production of high performance mixed-signal integrated circuits using low cost components and subcircuits.
A still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide for accurate and complete testing of high performance analog and mixed-signal circuits.
Another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide for accurate testing of analog and mixed-signal circuits suitable for application in a low cost production test environment.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide for testing of analog and mixed-signal circuits suitable for use in built-in self test applications.
Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide performance enhancement, yield enhancement and/or area reduction by using feedback from a BIST structure to adapt or calibrate the device under test (DUT).
These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subject matter disclosed herein.

Method for testing analog and mixed-signal circuits using functionally related excitations and functionally related measurements

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.


An automotive disc brake assembly comprises a disc rotor made of graphite cast iron with a structure of pearlite, and a brake pad made of organic material. The disc rotor has a first thermal conductivity falling in a range from 0.090 to 0.140 cal/cm.sec..degree.C. The brake pad has second thermal conductivity falling in a range from 0.65 to 3.00 Kcal/mh.degree.C. The second thermal conductivity falls in a range from 0.65 to 0.98 Kcal/mh.degree.C. provided that the second thermal conductivity satisfies the following relationship with the first thermal conductivity: EQU .lambda..sub.R .gtoreq.-0.152.times..lambda..sub.P +0.24. where, .lambda..sub.R is first thermal conductivity, and .lambda..sub.P is the second thermal conductivity. The disc brake assembly is successful in improving heat check resistance ability which is substantially influenced by thermal conductivity of the disc rotor and the brake pad.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a friction device, such as an automotive brake system, particularly as a disc brake assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to compositions of matter for producing a component of the friction device.
2. Description of the Background Art
Automotive disc brakes are designed to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy and dissipate heat generated owing to this conversion to the atmosphere. The disc brake assembly comprises a disc rotor rotatable with a road wheel and a brake pad carried by a caliper cylinder. The brake pad is brought into contact with the disc rotor for frictionally restricting rotation of the disc rotor, thus restricting rotation of the road wheel.
Conventionally, the disc rotor is formed of a material composition as shown in the following table I.
TABLE I ______________________________________ JIS Chemical Composition Tensil Brinell No C Si Mn P S Fe Strength Hardness ______________________________________ FC25 3.35 2.1 0.6 0.02 0.1 Rem 26.4 88.1 ______________________________________
On the other hand, the brake pad is formed of a material composition as shown in the following table II.
TABLE II ______________________________________ Semi- Low Steel Composition Asbestos Metallics Non Steel ______________________________________ Asbestos Fiber 20-50 -- -- Steel Fiber -- 40-70 0-20 Replacement Fiber -- -- 3-30 Organic Matrix 10-20 5-20 5-20 Lubricant 0-20 5-20 0-15 Metal 10-30 5-20 10-30 Others 5-20 10-20 5-40 ______________________________________
In the recent years, because of advancement of the automotive technologies for providing higher performance in various aspect, such as an internal combustion engine as prime mover, a power train, suspension systems, body structures and so forth, as well as extension of highway networks, occurrences of high speed braking is substantially increased. By repeatedly applying high speed braking, a large amount of kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy for heating the components of the brake. Since heat is accumulated owing to increased repetition of high speed braking, the possibility of inducing heat checks is increased.
It may be possible to use material having high thermal conductivity for forming the brake pad. Such high thermal conductivity brake pads may reduce the occurrence of heat checks. However, the high thermal conductivity causes increased amount of heat to be transferred to the caliper cylinder and then to the associated hydraulic brake circuit. This results in increased possibility of the occurrence of vapor lock.


A remote printing system including a communication port, a printing device, and a measuring device. The printing device prints images received from the communication port, and the measuring device generates image measurement information from the printed image and transmits the image measurement information to the network port. The remote printing system preferably includes an image server located remotely from the printing device and the measuring device. The image server preferably transmits image data to the printing device, whereupon it is printed, and the measuring device then generates and transmits image measurement information back to the image server. The image server may then generate print quality information. Alternatively, the remote printing system includes a computer collocated with the printing device and measuring device. The computer obtains the image source information from the image server and relays it to the printing device. The measuring device generates and transmits image measurement information to the computer. The computer may then determine the print quality locally, without the need to relay the image measurement information back to the image server. Preferably, the computer relays a message regarding the print quality back to the image server.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to printing facilities. More specifically, it is directed to a method and device for printing.
B. Description of the Related Art
Printing systems typically do not provide a way of automatically verifying the color fidelity of the printed images. Manual verification is often performed using a proofing strip containing a test pattern that is compared to a reference. Often this comparison is done visually by the operator or the system, such as a graphic artist or other publishing and printing professionals. In modern printing systems, there is an increasing use of multi-color documents. In particular, in the printing and publishing industry, the color quality provided to the end user is important as an element in determining adequate performance under an agreement. As such, verification of color quality can have significant ramifications upon a printing business operation.
With the interconnection of computers on a global scale, more and more image information is being transmitted over interconnected computing devices using presently available communication networks. However, due to numerous color output technologies and formats, and different output device characteristics, the color reproduction of the original cannot be guaranteed. This presents a significant barrier to the utilization of digital image transmission as a mechanism for providing image source information for printing at another location.
Thus, there exists a need not only to verify the receipt of image and text information at a remote printing location, but also to verify the color fidelity of the remotely printed images. Therefore, to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art techniques of printing, it is desirable to provide an improved remote printing system and method.

Method and apparatus for remote printing


Resistance elements are inserted into a main power supply line and a main ground line so that offset differential amplifiers receive voltages developed across the same. The differential amplifiers control transistors connected to a sub power supply line and a sub ground line. Thus, a leakage current flowing from the sub power supply line to the main ground line and that flowing from the main power supply line to the sub ground line are regularly kept constant. Consequently, it is possible to prevent an operation delay in an initial stage of a standby state while keeping an effect of reducing a subthreshold leakage current in a semiconductor circuit device having a hierarchical power supply structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit device, and more particularly, it relates to a semiconductor circuit device having a hierarchical power supply structure according to an SCRC (subthreshold leakage current reduced control) technique.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A semiconductor circuit device having a hierarchical power supply structure is provided with a main power supply line and a sub power supply line, with a P-channel MOS transistor connected therebetween. The semiconductor circuit device is further provided with a main ground line and a sub ground line, with an N-channel MOS transistor connected therebetween. A logic circuit such as an invertor outputting a logical high-level signal in a standby state is connected between the main power supply line and the sub ground line, while a logic circuit such as an invertor outputting a logical low-level signal in the standby state is connected between the sub power supply line and the main ground line.
In an active state, both the P- and N-channel MOS transistors are turned on and hence the voltage of the sub power supply line reaches a power supply voltage identically to the main power supply line, while the voltage of the sub ground line reaches a ground voltage identically to the main ground line. Therefore, the aforementioned logic circuit outputs a high- or low-level signal in response to an input signal as general.
In the standby state, on the other hand, both the P- and N-channel MOS transistors are turned off and hence no power supply voltage is supplied to the sub power supply line and no ground voltage is supplied to the sub ground line. While the logic circuit connected to the main power supply line can normally output a high-level signal, a subthreshold current flowing in this logic circuit is reduced since the sub ground line is disconnected from the main ground line. While the logic circuit connected to the main ground line can normally output a low-level signal, a subthreshold leakage current flowing in this logic circuit is also reduced since the sub power supply line is disconnected from the main power supply line.
In the standby state, however, the sub power supply line and the sub ground line are disconnected from the main power supply line and the main ground line respectively and hence the voltage of the sub power supply line lowers to increase the potential difference between the main power supply line and the sub power supply line. Further, the voltage of the sub ground line increases to also increase the potential difference between the main ground line and the sub ground line. When the semiconductor circuit device shifts from the standby state to the active state and the sub power supply line is shorted to the main power supply line, therefore, it takes time for the voltage of the sub power supply line to reach the power supply voltage. Further, it also takes time for the voltage of the sub ground line to reach the ground voltage when the sub ground line is shorted to the main ground line. Consequently, the operating speed of the logic circuit is disadvantageously slowed down.
In order to solve this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,517 discloses a voltage set circuit for setting a sub power supply line at a reference voltage Vref1 while setting a sub ground line at a reference voltage Vref2. While this voltage set circuit can prevent a voltage drop of the sub power supply line and a voltage rise of the sub ground line in a standby state, a subthreshold leakage current flowing in a logic circuit disadvantageously increases. In other words, no sufficient effect of reducing the subthreshold leakage current can be attained by disconnecting the sub power supply line and the sub ground line from a main power supply line and a main ground line respectively.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,297 discloses a transistor for temporarily shorting a sub power supply line and a sub ground line when an internal circuit shifts from an active state to a standby state, in order to reduce current consumption. However, this gazette discloses no means for charging the sub power supply line and the sub ground line.

Semiconductor circuit device having hierarchical power supply structure


A fishing rod includes a butt ring member integrally formed and fixed on a rear end of a rod body. The integral formation is preferably done by use of a mold. The fishing rod may include a molded line guide. The fishing rod may also include a molded reel seat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fishing rod and its manufacturing method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, an adhesive agent is used for affixing to a rod body a butt ring member which forms a butt grip. Fixation of a line guide is also done in the same manner.
However, before affixing the butt grip to the rod body, an appropriate cutting process must be effected at a portion of the rod body where the grip is to be affixed, while precisely setting an engagement tolerance between the rod body and the butt grip. Especially, where the rod body is formed by winding of a prepreg and further winding of a tape on the wound prepreg, such surface cutting operation is an absolute necessity since the surface of the wound tape is too slippery for the adhesive. The cutting process tends to be time and labor consuming; and further the adhesive agent must be applied evenly on the cut surface.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved fishing rod which can be manufactured in a less time-labor consuming manner and also always in a good quality, by forming the butt grip integrally with the rod body.

Telescopic fishing rod with integrally formed butt ring member


The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to an integrated coal hydromethanation process including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.

In view of numerous factors such as higher energy prices and environmental concerns, the production of value-added products (such as pipeline-quality substitute natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, higher hydrocarbons, ammonia and electrical power) from lower-fuel-value carbonaceous feedstocks (such as petroleum coke, resids, asphaltenes, coal and biomass) is receiving renewed attention.
Such lower-fuel-value carbonaceous feedstocks can be gasified at elevated temperatures and pressures to produce a synthesis gas stream that can subsequently be converted to such value-added products.
"Conventional" gasification processes, such as those based on partial combustion/oxidation and/or steam gasification of a carbon source at elevated temperatures and pressures (thermal gasification), generate syngas (carbon monoxide+hydrogen, lower BTU synthesis gas stream) as the primary product (little or no methane is directly produced). The syngas can be directly combusted for heat energy, and/or can be further processed to produce methane (via catalytic methanation, see reaction (III) below), hydrogen (via water-gas shift, see reaction (II) below) and/or any number of other higher hydrocarbon products.
One advantageous gasification process is hydromethanation, in which the carbonaceous feedstock is converted in a fluidized-bed hydromethanation reactor in the presence of a catalyst source, syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) and steam at moderately-elevated temperatures and pressures to directly produce a methane-enriched synthesis gas stream (medium BTU synthesis gas stream) raw product, which can then also be directly combusted, further processed to enrich the methane content, used to produce hydrogen and/or used to produce any number of other hydrocarbon products.
Such lower-fuel-value carbonaceous feedstocks can alternatively be directly combusted for their heat value, typically for generating steam and electrical energy (directly or indirectly via generated steam).
In the above uses, the raw particulate feedstocks are typically processed by at least grinding to a specified particle size profile (including upper and lower end as well as dp(50) of a particle size distribution) suitable for the particular fluidized-bed or other gasification operation. Typically particle size profiles will depend on the type of bed, fluidization conditions (in the case of fluidized beds, such as fluidizing medium and velocity) and other conditions such as feedstock composition and reactivity, feedstock physical properties (such as density and surface area), reactor pressure and temperature, reactor configuration (such as geometry and internals), and a variety of other factors generally recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art.
"Low-rank" coals are typically softer, friable materials with a dull, earthy appearance. They are characterized by relatively higher moisture levels and relatively lower carbon content, and therefore a lower energy content. Examples of low-rank coals include peat, lignite and sub-bituminous coals. Examples of "high-rank" coals include bituminous and anthracite coals.
In addition to their relatively low heating values, the use of low-ranks coals has other drawbacks. For example, the friability of such coals can lead to high fines losses in the feedstock preparation (grinding and other processing) and in the gasification/combustion of such coals. Such fines must be managed or even disposed of, which usually means an economic and efficiency disadvantage (economic and processing disincentive) to the use of such coals. For very highly friable coals such as lignite, such fines losses can approach or even exceed 50 wt % of the original material. In other words, the processing and use of low-rank coals can result in a loss (or less desired use) of a material percentage of the carbon content in the low-rank coal as mined.
It would, therefore, be desirable to find a way to efficiently process low-rank coals to reduce fines losses in both the feedstock processing and ultimate conversion of such low-rank coal materials in various gasification and combustion processes.
Low-rank coals that contain significant amounts of impurities, such as sodium and chlorine (e.g., NaCl), may actually be unusable in gasification/combustion processes due to the highly corrosive and fouling nature of such components, thus requiring pretreatment to remove such impurities. Typically the addition of such a pretreatment renders the use of sodium and/or chlorine contaminated low-rank coals economically unfeasible.
It would, therefore, be desirable to find a way to more efficiently pretreat these contaminated low-rank coals to removed a substantial portion of at least the inorganic sodium and/or chlorine content.
Low-rank coals may also have elevated ash levels, and thus lower useable carbon content per unit raw feedstock. In addition, elevated silica/alumina levels can bind and interfere with many alkali-metal catalysts used in hydromethanation processes, requiring more stringent (and more highly inefficient) and increased amounts of catalyst recovery and catalyst makeup.
It would, therefore, be desirable to find a way to more efficiently pretreat these low-rank coals to reduce overall ash content and, to the extent possible, reduce the alumina component of ash content.
Also, low-ranks coals tend to have lower bulk density and more variability in individual particle density than high-rank coals, which can create challenges for designing and operating gasification and combustion processes.
It would, therefore, be desirable to find a way to increase both particle density and particle density consistency of low-rank coals, to ultimately improve the operability of processes that utilize such low-rank coals.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstock and uses thereof


A liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal panel, a first frame, a second frame, a first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board. The liquid crystal panel has an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the upper and lower substrates. The first printed circuit board is electrically connected with the liquid crystal panel. The second printed circuit board is electrically connected with the first printed circuit board such that the second printed circuit board is removable from the first printed circuit board and is used for driving the liquid crystal panel. The first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board are formed on the first frame, wherein the second printed circuit board is removable from the first frame. A second frame is coupled with the first frame with the liquid crystal panel fixed therebetween.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly, to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device implementing removable printed circuit board.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are gaining in popularity for use in systems such as television receivers, computer monitors, avionics displays, aerospace displays, and other military-related displays where the elimination of cathode ray tube (CRT) technology is desirable for several reasons. In particular, CRTs are characterized by large depth dimensions, undesirably high weight, and fragility. Additionally, CRTs require a relatively high voltage power supply to sufficiently accelerate electron beams for displaying images.
As shown in FIG. 1, a typical liquid crystal display module 100 includes a liquid crystal panel 110, a lower frame 120, an upper frame 130, and a back light unit 140. The liquid crystal panel 110 has an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. The lower frame 120 is disposed under the liquid crystal panel 110 to support the liquid crystal panel 110, and the upper frame 130 is disposed over the liquid crystal panel 110 to press the liquid crystal panel 110, thereby fixing the liquid crystal panel 110 between the lower and upper frames 120, 130. The back light unit 140 serves as a light source to provide light rays for the liquid crystal panel 110. The lower frame 120 is usually a plastic and supports the back light unit 140 as well as the liquid crystal panel 110.
The upper substrate (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 110 has a color filter, a black matrix, and a common electrode. The color filter colors the light rays that radiate from the back light unit 140 as the light rays pass through the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal panel 110. The black matrix blocks needless portions of the rays. The lower substrate (not shown) of the liquid crystal panel 110 has a switching element and a pixel electrode. A thin film transistor (TFT) is generally used as the switching electrode. Together with the common electrode of the upper substrate, the pixel electrode applies an electric field to the liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal panel 110 further has an upper polarizer (not shown) and a lower polarizer (not shown), that are respectively formed on the upper substrate and the lower substrate.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lower frame 120 has a base plate 122 and four side walls 124 that are respectively connected with the four side edges of the base plate 122. A front side wall 124a specifically serves to support the back light unit 140 shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows the upper frame 130 which is generally made of metal. The upper frame 130 has the shape of a rectangular doughnut, and each side edge thereof has an L-shaped section. The side edges of the upper frame 130 surround the liquid crystal panel 110, and are coupled to the lower frame 120.
Returning to FIG. 1, the back light unit 140 has a reflector 140a, a light guide 140b, a first diffusing or protecting film 140c, a first prism sheet 140d, a second prism sheet 140e, a second diffusing or protecting film 140f, and a lamp 142. The lamp 142 produces light rays such that the rays are provided to the liquid crystal panel 110.
The liquid crystal display module 100 of FIG. 1 further includes a printed circuit board (PCB, reference 150 of FIG. 4) where driving circuits are installed to drive the liquid crystal display module 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the PCB 150 is electrically connected with the liquid crystal panel 110 via a tape carrier package (TCP) 152 (usually a flexible film). A drive IC (integrated circuit) 154 is installed in the TCP 152.
Returning now to FIG. 1, a process for assembling the above-described liquid crystal display module 100 will now be explained.
At first, all the elements of the back light unit 140 are sequentially mounted on the lower frame, and the liquid crystal panel 110 is mounted on the back light unit 140. After the liquid crystal panel 110 is properly adjusted such that the lower frame 120 can support it, the upper frame 130 is aligned over the lower frame 120 and pressed on such that the liquid crystal panel 110 is fixed therebetween. At this point, the PCB 150 is bent along a rear side edge 124b (of FIG. 2) of the lower frame 120 such that it is fixed on the lower surface of the back light unit 140. Screws or double-coated tapes are usually used for fixing the PCB 150.
The above-described liquid crystal display module 100 has a disadvantage in repairing. That is to say, if defects occur in the PCB 150, the liquid crystal display module 100 must be disassembled via a complicated process to repair the PCB 150, and then reassembled after the repairing. As a result, a liquid crystal display module 100 having a defective PCB 150 is often exchanged with a new one. Further, during reassembly after repair, the screws or double-coated tapes may cause contamination in the back light unit 140, thereby resulting in deteriorated display quality.

Liquid crystal display module having removable printed circuit board


An arena cleaning machine includes cleaning members, such as pads or brushes supported on a carriage that provides stability to the cleaning members and situates them in a position to contact the surface of ice rink dasher boards. The cleaning members are moveable into a desired cleaning position by adjusting their position along the carriage. A driver of the machine can make several passes around the rink, cleaning successive strips on the dasher boards.

Sports arenas are prone to wear and tear from hosting various sporting events. This is especially true of hockey arenas where skates, sticks and pucks frequently contact the dasher boards surrounding the ice rink. After a number of hockey games, scuff marks will appear and dirt and debris will begin to accumulate in grooves and gouges on the dasher boards. Over time the dasher boards look dirty, worn and unsightly with black scuff marks all over the white boards. Additionally, dasher boards can accumulate germs and other bacteria if they are not routinely cleaned.
It is desirable to frequently clean and polish the dasher boards. However, cleaning and polishing the dasher boards is a time consuming process due to the size of a hockey arena and the amount of wear and tear the dasher boards sustain. It is also difficult to remove many of the scuff marks as they are typically black

Arena cleaner machine and method for cleaning an arena


A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of die with contact pads disposed on a first surface of each die. Metal vias are formed in trenches in the saw street guides and are surrounded by organic material. Traces connect the contact pads and metal vias. The metal vias can be half-circle vias or full-circle vias. The metal vias are surrounded by organic material. Redistribution layers (RDL) are formed on a second surface of the die opposite the first surface. The RDL and through-hole vias (THV) provide expanded interconnect flexibility to adjacent die. Repassivation layers are formed between the RDL on the second surface of the die for electrical isolation. The die are stackable and can be placed in a semiconductor package with other die. The RDL provide electrical interconnect to the adjacent die. Bond wires and solder bumps also provide electrical connection to the semiconductor die.

Semiconductor devices are found in many products used in modern society. Semiconductors find applications in consumer items such as entertainment, communications, networks, computers, and household items markets. In the industrial or commercial market, semiconductors are found in military, aviation, automotive, industrial controllers, and office equipment.
The manufacture of semiconductor devices involves formation of a wafer having a plurality of die. Each die contains hundreds or thousands of transistors and other active and passive devices performing a variety of electrical functions. For a given wafer, each die from the wafer typically performs the same electrical function. Front-end manufacturing generally refers to formation of the semiconductor devices on the wafer. The finished wafer has an active side containing the transistors and other active and passive components. Back-end manufacturing refers to cutting or singulating the finished wafer into the individual die and then packaging the die for structural support and/or environmental isolation.
Semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly adopting packaging techniques which involve three-dimensional (3D) interconnects between the semiconductor devices. The 3D interconnects provide advantages such as size reduction, reduced interconnect length, and integration of devices with different functionality into an overall 3D package. One way of implementing 3D interconnects involves the use of through-hole vias (THV). THVs are typically located around the perimeter of the die along its saw street guides. Most, if not all, semiconductor packages use the THVs to route signals between adjacent die. However, THVs alone limit signal routing options and reduce signal routing density. Present day high density packaging require high density and flexible interconnect capability, which is difficult to achieve through THVs.
A need exists to increase signal routing options and density in a semiconductor wafer having THVs.

Semiconductor wafer having through-hole vias on saw streets with backside redistribution layer


Systems and methods for use with an optical communication beam are disclosed. The system allows the beam of light to operate at an adequate power level that provides a robust optical link while minimizing any safety risk to humans. The system calibrates and controls the gain for an avalanche photodiode detector (APD). A detector circuit is used to calibrate the APD. Once calibrated, the detector circuit further provides an electrical bias to the APD to process or condition the electrical signal to produce a detector output. The systems and methods disclosed herein attenuate the power level of an incoming communication beam to prevent oversaturation of an APD. The system further provides an alignment signal, which is effective over a wide dynamic range of incoming power levels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods for free-space optical communication networks and to a system and method for controlling the power of a laser used in such a network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, the primary method for data transmission between remote locations utilizes wired lines or fiber optic cables. Some of the costs associated with this method are due to the expense in obtaining rights-of-way for the cable runs as well as installing the cables by burying or hanging. While this method has proven successful where great distances separate two locations, it is prohibitively expensive between locations that are within close proximity to one another.
The dramatic growth in the demand for broadband services and the time and expense associated with deploying traditional wired lines or fiber optic cables have led to the development of new wireless broadband access technologies. One of these new wireless technologies employs a Light Amplification Stimulated Emission of Radiation (laser) beam to transmit information. Such a system may consist of at least 2 optical transceivers accurately aligned to each other with a clear line-of-sight to deliver the information using such a laser beam.
However, when the communication laser beams are present in a location accessible by people, laser safety becomes an important issue. Unlike light produced by a common lamp or the sun, laser light is not divergent and often emits radiation within a narrow band of wavelengths to form a monochromatic light. Furthermore, because this laser light is coherent and non-divergent, it is easily focused by the lens of a human eye to produce images on the retina with greater intensity than is possible with these other common sources of light.
Safety guidelines do exist for the use of lasers. For example, such guidelines are promulgated by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) based on a maximum permissible exposure (MPE) level. If one were to apply such a standard, a maximum power level could be predicted (known as an Accessible Emission Limit (AEL)) that would make the communication laser beam eye-safe to a viewer, known as a class 1 laser system in the IEC standard. However, to establish and maintain a high-bandwidth connection, the lasers used in such systems may transmit at power levels that exceed the class 1-power levels designated by these laser safety guidelines.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and a method that allows the use of optical communication beams of light with adequate power to provide a robust optical link between communication terminals while minimizing safety risks to either users or a passerby. Such a system and method may maintain a signal-to-noise ratio above a desired value at the distant receiving communication terminal and under various environmental conditions that tend to degrade the signal, such as fog, smog, rain, or snow. Moreover, such a system and method could expand the permissible locations for placement of such optical transceivers to places that are accessible to humans.
Optical-to-electronic conversion of a communication laser beam is an important process. In many optical communication systems, for example, an information-bearing optical wave, after transmission through an optical link, is received by an optical detector within the transceiver. The optical detector converts the optical wave into an electrical signal for further processing. The optical detector can include a photosensor and a detector circuit coupled thereto. The photosensor, such as a photodiode, converts the received photons of the optical wave into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is in the form of photo current or a photo voltage. For a given photosensor, the design and operation of its detector circuit can be configured to enhance the advantages and suppress disadvantages of the photosensor for a specific application. For example, the detector circuit can be used to calibrate the photosensor. Once calibrated, the detector circuit can further provide an electrical bias to the photosensor to process or condition the electrical signal to produce a detector output.
Laser transmitter and detector sensitivity dynamic ranges are often mismatched. Laser transmit power control typically have a more limited dynamic range that the laser detector. When optimal weather conditions occur between a laser transmitter and a detector, the laser transmitter can oversaturate the detector. Due to the limited dynamic range of the laser transmitter, the system may be unable to reduce the laser transmitter's power to prevent oversaturation. Additionally, incident light is reflected by the receiver and in a direction towards the transmitting laser. A receiver, which is associated with the transmitting laser, may experience interference with its incoming communication beam from this reflected light.
The quality of a received signal is often degraded when a detector is not aligned with the incoming communication beam. Alignment between a transmitter and a receiver is often performed using a signal transmitted between the transmitter and receiver. However, the signal's power may have a wide dynamic range which is difficult to process by the receiver.
Thus there is a need for system and method which calibrates a photosensor and enhances its operational dynamic range. The system should also attenuate the power level of an incoming communication beam to prevent oversaturation of a receiver. The system should further provide an alignment signal which is effective over a wide dynamic range of incoming power levels.

Attenuation and calibration systems and methods for use with a laser detector in an optical communication system


A content-address memory (CAM) and an operation method are provided. The content-address memory comprises: a plurality of first signal lines; a plurality of second signal lines; and a plurality of CAM memory cells coupled to the first signal lines and the second signal lines, wherein in data match, a plurality of input signals are input into the CAM memory cells via the first signal lines; the input signals are compared with contents stored in the CAM memory cells; and a match result is determined based on an electrical characteristic of the second signal lines.

Along with the development of the memory technology, a content-addressable memory (CAM) is invented. The CAM is a special type of computer memory used in certain very-high-speed searching applications. The CAM may compare an input search word against all rows of stored words in an array in a highly parallel manner. The CAM supplies a very powerful functionality for many applications, especially in pattern matching and search.
KD tree is a high-dimensional tree data structure. KD tree is used in nearest neighbor search in high-dimensional data space, such as nearest neighbor searching and matching of high-dimensional feature vectors in image retrieval and identification.
KD tree is a space-partitioning data structure. KD tree may be used in several applications, such as multi-dimensional search key or creating point clouds (LiDAR, Light Detection and Ranging). KD tree is a special case of binary space partitioning tree.
KD tree is a binary tree in which every leaf node is a k-dimensional point. Every non-leaf node may be thought of as implicitly generating a splitting hyperplane that divides the space into two parts. Points to the left of this hyperplane are represented by the left subtree of that node and points to the right of the hyperplane are represented by the right subtree.
FIG. 1 shows a Von Neumann KD tree. An example of searching X1=0.02 and X2=0.02 is described. First, it is determined whether the input signal X1 is higher than 0.51. In this example, the input signal X1 is not higher than 0.51. Then, it is determined whether the input signal X2 is higher than 0.4. In this example, the input signal X2 is not higher than 0.4. Then, it is determined whether the input signal X1 is higher than 0.1. In this example, the input signal X1 is not higher than 0.1. Thus, the search result is class A.
However, the conventional Von Neumann KD tree has a problem of long search time. Thus, how to design high efficiency search implementation by using CAM memory is one of main concerns.

Content-addressable memory and operation method thereof


The driven running gear is intended for low-platform rail vehicles with at least two body parts which are articulated to each other. It is provided with two individual running gears (2, 2') fitted with steering means (15, 15', 16). The running gears are interconnected to pivot about their horizontal axis beneath the axial center of the wheels (8, 8') by a connecting member (3). The connecting member has at its ends transversely directed support arms (4, 4') for the support of a body part. On the latter there are fastened at least one motor (21, 21') and a brake (23, 23', 24, 24') which drive and brake the running gear (1) via telescopic universal shafts (25, 25') and bevel gearings (26, 26') arranged on the outside of the wheels on both individual running gears (2, 2'). In this way, upon travel around a curve, the angle of bend formed between a leading body part in the direction of travel under which such a running gear is located and a trailing body part which is also supported on an axle is transmitted to the steerable individual running gears so that the desired curve-radial position of the pairs of wheels results.

The present invention relates to a driven running gear having two individual running gears which are connected to each other and mutually steerable for low-platform rail vehicles, particularly for articulated vehicles which consist of at least two body parts articulated to each other, in which a steering linkage transmits the angle of bend of the body parts to the running gear in order to place the individual running gears in proper curve-radial position.
Convenient entrance conditions and a lover vehicle floor resulting therefrom which extends continuously over the entire length of the vehicle, are some of the essential demands made by the passengers with respect to the comfort of modern rail vehicles, particularly in municipal transit.
Furthermore, from the standpoint of the operator, stable straight-ahead travel and wear-free travel around curves are desired, this latter being closely related to the elimination of the screeching upon travel over curves which is found disturbing.
Further objects are light weight and reduction of the investment costs, for instance by reducing the number of axles for the same capacity of the vehicles.
In accordance with the prior art, it was attempted already at an early time to do away, in such light-weight construction articulated vehicles, with pivoted trucks which, due to their central loading, result in heavy truck frames.
Known older embodiments either employ for this purpose the so-called association steering axle or else provide a body part without axle which connects the two axle-supported body parts pivotally to each other.
In most cases, in these solutions, as a result of the play present in the axle bearing guides and the steering as well as the partial absence of damping, a rolling movement occurs in the form of a sinusoidal turning movement around the vertical axis, which results in unsteady travel of the vehicles.
Recently there has become known from European Application EP-(A2) 0 263 793 a running gear which, conceived of as a motorized two-axle truck, due to its low cranked-axle construction, accommodates use below a central body part or below the articulation, of low-platform rail vehicles having two or more articulated body parts.
For this purpose, in each case, two idle wheels are connected with an axle bridge which is arranged below their axle center points and is developed otherwise substantially in L-shape and is suspended in each case at the end of its length-wise girder-like arm in rotary symmetry to a diametrically opposite axle bridge which bears the second pair of idle wheels, articulately in vertical direction from an unsprung truck frame. Each of the axle bridges serves in its center to receive a central air spring, both of said springs having a multipartite rotary articulation on their top. The two outwardly directed end body parts as well as an undercarriage supporting frame which connects the two air springs and serves a central body part are supported therein, swingable around the vertical axis, the said supporting frame being pivoted in longitudinal direction via links to the axle bridges.
The drive equipment consists in each case of a motor which lies longitudinally between two pairs of idle wheels and is yieldably mounted on the unsprung truck frame together with secondary drive on both sides to the idle wheels, in which connection the transmission of force is effected by articulated shafts to bevel gearings with spur differential gearing which are arranged outside on the axle stubs. The brake equipment, consisting of block and magnetic rail brakes is also suspended from the unsprung truck frame.
The disadvantages reside essentially in the fact that the solution indicated is directed towards the construction of a truck in which neither curve-dependent control by at least one of the body parts is provided nor is radial setting of the wheels upon travel over a curve possible. Furthermore, the truck frame disclosed there, as well as all important attached parts such as motors and brakes, form a part of the unsprung mass of the truck.
Furthermore, from international application WO 85/05 602 a solution is known in which two idle-wheel individual running gears are detachably connected to each other by their integrated, rigid short-coupling parts and in this way form a four-wheel unmotorized running gear which by its low, cranked-axle construction permits the use below or adjacent to an articulation part of low-platform rail vehicles having at least two body parts.
For this purpose, in each case two idle wheels are connected with an axle bridge which is arranged below their axle center points, which bridge otherwise has a rigid coupling part and with it surrounds in longitudinally displaceable manner the rigid coupling part of an axle bridge which is diametrically opposite with mirror symmetry and bears the second pair of idle wheels. The axle bridges serve to receive in each case in their center a central air spring, the springs being turnable at their lower side on a ball turning ring and bearing on their top the corresponding end body parts via supporting arms by means of an annular support which has a combined axial/radial bearing into which the pivot pin of the articulation floor part engages. The annular supports of both end body parts are connected together via a rod coupling, the couplings being pivoted in longitudinal direction via links to the two telescopically insertable coupling parts which are arranged rigidly on the axle bridges. Furthermore, the end body parts are connected to the axle bridges by wobble supports.
The brake equipment consists of outside disc brakes the brake discs of which are arranged on the axle stubs, the brake actuation parts being suspended unsprung from a support of the axle bridge.
The disadvantages reside essentially in the fact that in the solution indicated neither curve-dependent control by at least one of the body parts is provided nor is radial adjustability of the wheels upon travel over a curve possible and, furthermore, the brake system indicated forms part of the unsprung mass.
Another disadvantage is that the height of the floor in the region of the (motorized) end trucks is raised by steps arranged transverse to the direction of travel.
Due to the disadvantages of the solutions indicated in the prior art, not only is the wheel/rail wear unfavorably influenced and the screeching around curves not eliminated but, furthermore, all accelerations of the wheel/rail contact are conducted directly and unsprung into load-bearing structural parts as well as their attachments, which, as is known, leads to undesirably high stresses there. Cracks or even the breaking of load-supporting parts are the result. By thread connections which become loose, individual parts which are of importance for operation are not infrequently lost upon travel. This endangers the safety and/or the proper operation in such a manner that the failure of the vehicle is finally brought about.

Driven running gear with steerable individual units

SIG Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft


The present invention relates to a novel glass ceramic having a low or small average thermal expansion together with good polishability and processability, to the use of the glass ceramic according to the invention, and to optical components made of the glass ceramic. In particular, a glass ceramic is provided which comprises the following composition (in % by weight based on oxide):

Glass ceramics having a low average thermal expansion or low average CTE ("coefficient of thermal expansion") are already known in the prior art.
The average CTE is always specified for a particular temperature interval, this temperature interval being selected around the working temperature of the glass ceramic. Only if the average CTE in such a temperature interval around the working temperature is low enough can the intended dimensional stability be ensured when heating in the working temperature range.
Glass ceramics which are intended for use as a cooktop plate or stove window therefore have their composition adjusted to low expansion in the range of up to about 700° C. For example, the commercial glass ceramics for stove windows, for example Keralite® (described in EP 437 228) (Corning) or Robax® (SCHOTT) have average coefficients of thermal expansion of 0±0.3×10−6/K in the range of from 20° C. to 700° C. For a temperature range of from 0 to 50°, however, the values of the average CTE are only about −0.57×10−6/K (Robax®) and about −0.4×10−6/K (Keralite®).
Among the glass ceramics with particularly low thermal expansion, lithium aluminium silicate (LAS) glass ceramics are known as so-called "zero expansion materials".
DE 1 596 860 and DE 1 902 432 relate to transparent glass ceramics of the Li2O—Al2O3—SiO2 system, and in particular Zerodur®, as well as to shaped glass-ceramic articles made of them. These glass ceramics do not contain any CaO.
The glass ceramics described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,372 (Lindig and Pannhorst) contain at least 1% by weight of BaO and also comprise Zerodur®M.
The glass ceramics mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,682 (Goto et al.) comprise the commercial glass ceramic Clearceram®Z and contain relatively high BaO contents, which can have a negative effect on the processability of the glass ceramic.
Zerodur® is available as a commercial product in the following three expansion classes:
expansion class 2 CTE(0;+50° C.) 0±0.10×10−6/K
expansion class 1 CTE(0;+50° C.) 0±0.05×10−6/K
expansion class 0 CTE(0;+50° C.) 0±0.02×10−6/K,
the selected temperature range of from 0 to 50° C. comprising, for example, the working temperature range of mirror supports.
Modern requirements for different applications and therefore different working temperatures usually stipulate even more specific instructions relating to the thermal expansion behaviour.
An example which may be mentioned from EUV lithography is the expansion specification for mask substrates according to the specification SEMI Standard P37: the average CTE should not exceed 5 ppb/K, i.e. 0.005×10−6/K, in the range of from 19 to 25° C.
Substrates based on glass ceramic, as are described in EP 1 321 440, have been developed for such stringent specifications. This document describes how, particularly in the case of Zerodur®, the average CTE can be set even more accurately by controlled re- or post-ceramizing of the glass ceramic so that the aforementioned specifications for mask substrates can be achieved. It also describes that it is preferable and possible to shift the zero crossing of the CTE-T curve into the application temperature range, for example to a value in the range of from 15 to 35° C., and/or to set a particularly small gradient of the CTE-T curve at the zero crossing, for example less than 5 ppb/K2.
It has now been found that although Zerodur® seems particularly suitable as a substrate for EUV lithography owing to the good adjustability of the CTE, this glass ceramic has certain disadvantages in respect of the requisite processability of the substrates.
Mirrors for EUV lithography comprise a substrate covered with a multiple layer system, or multilayer, which makes it possible to produce mirrors with high reflectivity in X-ray range. A necessary prerequisite for achieving a high reflectivity is sufficiently low layer and substrate roughnesses in the mid and high spatial frequency roughness ranges (MSFR and HSFR).
For the definition of fine surface figure error, MSFR and HSFR, reference is made to the publication "Mirror substrates for EUV lithography: progress in metrology and optical fabrication technology" U. Dinger, F. Eisert, H. Lasser, M. Mayer, A. Seifert, G. Seitz, S. Stacklies, F. J. Stiegel, M. Weiser, in Proc. SPIE Vol. 4146, 2000. The HSFR comprises wavelengths of from 10 nm to 1 μm, and the MSFR comprises wavelengths of from 1 μm to 1 mm.
Defects on the substrate surface in the HSFR range lead to light losses by scattering out of the image field of the optics, or perturbation in the superposition of the wavetrain components. The HSFR is usually measured by atomic force microscopes (AFM) which have the necessary resolution.
A sufficient value of the surface roughness in the HSFR range for EUV lithography, for example 0.1 nm rms, can be achieved by conventional superpolishing methods even for glass ceramics such as Zerodur®. Since these methods generally deteriorate the fine surface figure error and/or the MSFR at least on aspheres, that is to say they produce defects in the low spatial frequency range and in the long-wave MSFR range, the superpolishing process generally has to be followed by a fine correction process. To this end, for example, the fine surface figure error and the long-wave MSFR components are brought into specification by beam processing methods, for example ion beam figuring (IBF). The advantage of this method is that such tools can fit accurately to the shape of, in particular, the typically aspherical surfaces. Such processing methods are based on sputtering processes. The sputtering rates depend on the chemical and physical bonding conditions in the solid body to be processed.
In commercial glass ceramics, the extra energy introduced by the beam processing method into the solid body to be processed can impair the surface roughness in the HSFR range. With Zerodur®, for example, a deterioration in the HSFR range of from 0.1 nm rms after superpolishing to 0.4 nm rms after IBF can be observed.
This problem is addressed in WO 03/016233 by proposing glass ceramics which contain microcrystallites with a small average size, i.e. substantially less than 50 nm, as substrate materials of X-ray optical components for EUV lithography. According to this document, the requisite roughness in the high spatial frequency range HSFR can thus be achieved after IBF.
With novel glass ceramics, there is therefore a need that they should not only have a low thermal expansion but also that this should be adjustable in a controlled way for different applications, and good processability should be achievable at the same time with a view to even better surface quality in respect of both fine surface figure error, MSFR and in particular HSFR. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel glass ceramic and optical elements or precision components made of it, with which the aforementioned problems can be overcome. In particular, such optical elements and precision components should have a very low surface roughness even after final processing steps such as IBF. It should preferably also be possible to adjust the zero crossing of the CTE-T curve, and the gradient of the CTE-T curve should also be as small as possible.

Glass ceramic having a low thermal expansion

Abstract: SiO250–70Al2O317–32P2O5 3–12Li2O2.5–5  Na2O0–2K2O0–2MgO0–2CaO0.1–4  BaO  0–<1SrO0–2ZnO0–4TiO21.5–5  ZrO2 0–2.5.


An application server for automated data transfers and associated methods are disclosed. A method comprises: receiving from a first entity a request to initiate a data transfer from a first account of the first entity to the second account of a second entity; requesting from a data verifier data transfer information for the first account; receiving from the data verifier the data transfer information for the first account data; requesting that a data transfer server initiate a first data transfer from the first account to an intermediary account; requesting from a data provider first data transfer data after a predetermined duration; receiving from the data provider the first data transfer data; requesting from a data provider first data transfer data after a predetermined duration; receiving from the data provider the first data transfer data; determining whether one or more predetermined authorization criteria have been met based on the first data transfer data; in response to a determination that the one or more predetermined authorization criteria have been met, requesting the data transfer server initiate a second data transfer from the intermediary account to a second account.

Data transfers between different entities using different communication platforms suffer from a variety of problems including user authentication, data authentication, data verification, data synchronization, timeliness and data security among other problems. The nature and the severity of these problems depends on a number of factors including the type of data being transferred or exchanged, the number of parties involved, and the communication platforms being used. For some types of applications, such as data transfers involving social media data, blockchain and financial transaction data, accuracy and timeliness are very important and even small reductions in delays may provide significant improvements for users and system administrators. Thus, there remains a need for a server for automated data transfers and associated methods that address at least some of the foregoing problems.

Application server for automated data transfers and associated methods


In a vehicle door handle device, an operating member is pivotally supported to a handle base. A door lock device is operated via an operating force transmitting part by a rotation of the operating member from an initial position to an operating position. A connection-retaining member attached to the operating member retains a connection of one end of the operating force transmitting part to the operating member and abuts against a stopper wall surface of the handle base so as to define an operating stroke end position of the operating member. A second stopper is provided on the operating member and abuts against the handle base in an over-stroke position beyond the operating stroke end position.

FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1 discloses a door handle device which prevents an impact noise in a stroke end position of an operating member connected to a handle base. According to the structure of Patent Document 1, in the handle device, a locking/unlocking operation knob (operating member) is rotatably connected to a main body (handle base) and an operation of the operating member is transmitted to a door lock device via a rod.
To a holder member attached to the operating member in order to connect the rod to the operating member, a buffering part is integrally formed. The buffering part abuts against a stopper part provided in the handle base when the operating member is moved to the stroke end position. Accordingly, an impact noise is prevented from occurring when the operating member is moved to the stroke end position.


An apparatus for compliant positioning of an object during an assembly operation wherein the apparatus includes a base plate, a locator plate for mounting an object such as a clamp or a tool spaced from the base plate and a plurality of linear actuators connected between the base plate the locator plate by universal joints providing six degrees of freedom of movement. A control is connected to the actuators for selectively moving the locator plate to a predetermined position relative to the base plate for contacting a component to be assembled with an object mounted on the locator plate. Two or more of the actuators can be mechanically coupled to move the locator plate with less than six degrees of freedom. The control is responsive to a force applied to the locator plate through the object during assembly of the component for actuating the linear actuators to change the applied force.

The present invention relates generally to a method and an apparatus for the flexible assembly of components and subassemblies into an assembly and, in particular, to a method and an apparatus for preventing building stresses into a final assembly.
The process of constructing a vehicle body includes forming subassemblies from individual body panel components, forming larger subassemblies from groups of smaller subassemblies, panels and other components, and forming a final body assembly from the larger subassemblies. During the construction process, the components and subassemblies must be held in fixed, predetermined positions while attachment operations such as welding and inserting fasteners are performed. Typically, the components and subassemblies are held at a work or assembly station in fixtures utilizing locators and clamps which are movable to abut predetermined points on a component surface during the attachment operation and to retract from the surface to permit the subassembly to be moved to another assembly station. Since components are manufactured within a tolerance range, the locations of the predetermined points will vary from component to component and from subassembly to subassembly. The fixtures are often adjusted in holding positions to accommodate the various locations of the predetermined points.
Fixtures for holding components and subassemblies can be classified as "dedicated" or "programmable." A dedicated fixture, also known as "hard automation", is designed to accommodate a single component or subassembly and to perform a specific operation or set of operations. Typically, a dedicated fixture is capable of only clamping and unclamping movements necessary to perform pre-selected operations on the component or subassembly and cannot accommodate a different component or subassembly representing a design change or a different model. In contrast, a programmable fixture is capable of a range of movements. Thus, the programmable fixture can be programmed to execute a pre-determined set of movements to accomodate a particular component or subassembly, and a different set of movements to accomodate another component or subassembly.
Many programmable positioners have mechanisms of the serial type, i.e., each link of the mechanism is serially mounted on the preceding link forming a chain of links. The links may have linear or rotary joints. Mechanisms with linear joints provide higher rigidity but are still appreciably less rigid when compared with conventional hard tooling fixtures. Programmable fixtures of the serial type are described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,805 (see the FIG. 7 and the FIG. 8) which patent is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
The present invention provides a programmable positioner with a high degree of rigidity as compared with the rigidity of hard tooling fixtures. It realizes its objective by adopting a parallel linkage mechanism formed by a plurality of linear actuators. The rigidity, or stiffness, of the mechanism is determined by the cooperative supporting structure of the parallel linkage wherein the total stiffness of the mechanism is the sum of the stiffening effect of all the links. Mechanisms of this type have been utilized for flight simulators, well known as the "Stewart Platform"--Stewart, The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Proceedings 1965-1966, pp. 371-394; and for the construction of machine tools as described, for example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,158 (also, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,244 and the U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,935).
One of the most flexible of fixtures is a 6-axis machine tool. A support includes a pair of spaced platforms joined by six powered and extensible legs, which may or may not be crossed, attached to the platforms by universal joints. In one form, the machine tool has an operator, such as a tool in a spindle, mounted on one of the platforms and an object, such as a workpiece, mounted on the other one of the platforms such that the work space is located between the platforms. The length of the legs is individually manipulated to vary the positions of the platforms and, therefore, the object and operator relative to each other.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,244 shows a machine tool having spaced platforms for mounting a tool and a workpiece which platforms are joined by six extensible legs attached to the platforms in three pairs by clevis and trunnion joints. The pairs of legs are crossed and the process operation is performed between the platforms.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,935 shows a machine tool having spaced platforms for mounting a tool and a workpiece which platforms are joined by six extensible legs attached to the platforms by universal joints. At least one of the pairs of legs is crossed and the process operation is performed between the platforms.
The parallel linkage of the above described type of fixture, wherein the process work is done between the two support platforms, is not suitable for work done above the support, such as in assembly operations. The travel restrictions dictated by such a structure are not supportive of flexible assembly wherein the assembly may be performed on relatively large parts that cannot be contained between the two supports. In another type of device, also including a pair of spaced platforms joined by six extensible legs, the tool is mounted on one of the platforms but faces away from the other platform. The object is mounted on a fixture located relative to the one platform. Thus, the other platform serves as a fixed base in order to move the tool toward and away from the object on which an operation is to be performed.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,690 shows a self-propelled robot platform having a support structure which includes a base and a movable tool support joined by six extensible legs wherein the work space is outside the area between the base and the support. Position control feedback utilizes position and velocity sensors.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,687 shows an articulated device having spaced top and bottom plates joined by six extensible link members with a work space outside the area between the plates. The bottom plate fixedly is supported above a base plate. The link members have top ends attached to the top plate in three pairs and bottom ends attached to six slider members by universal joints. The slider members extend through apertures in the bottom plate to engage endless screws mounted on the base plate. Each slider member includes a shock absorber and is connected to position sensor and each link member includes a force sensor. When force is applied to the top plate, the shock absorbers provide passive compliance and a control utilizes the force sensor information in a force return algorithm to calculate corrections to be applied to the position of the top plate.
Whether dedicated or programmable fixtures are utilized, the components or subassemblies are rigidly clamped on the fixtures which are designed for maximum support rigidity. If the process equipment, such as a spot welding gun, is misaligned, it tends to displace the component or components from the desired assembly location. Accordingly, the components may shift relative to each other causing inaccuracy in the assembly, or, the components are caused to stretch or compress against the rigid fixtures before they are permanently welded. Thus, a problem with existing fixtures is that the assemblies are assembled with internal stresses that could cause failure of the assemblies when in use.

Programmable positioner for the stress-free assembly of components


The invention relates to an electrode for electrolysis, whose front side comprises a plurality of substantially parallel channels defined by substantially parallel threads of electrically conducting material, which are attached to and in electric contact with the underlying electrode structure. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of producing an electrode, an electrolytic cell comprising an electrode according to the invention, and the use of such an electrode in electrolysis.

The present invention relates to an electrode whose front side is fitted with channel-forming threads, a method of producing an electrode, an electrolytic cell comprising an electrode according to the invention, and the use of such an electrode in electrolysis.
In electrolytic processes, the electric current is in many cases a predominant item of expenditure, and therefore a reduction of every unnecessary resistance in the electrolytic cell is desired. For example, the distance between the anode and the cathode should be as short as possible, without interfering with the flow of the electrolyte. For optimum utilisation of the material in electrolytic cells, also the surface of the electrodes in relation to the volume thereof should be as large as possible.
In many processes gas develops, which means that accumulation of gas bubbles between the anode and the cathode must be prevented so as not to increase the cell resistance. In some processes it is also common practice to separate the anode chamber and the cathode chamber by an ion-selective membrane arranged between the anode and the cathode, like in, for example, the production of chlorine and alkali. Chlorine gas forms at the anode, and to be able to fully utilise the front side of the anode for the electrolysis, the electrolyte should be able to flow freely along the anode surface. Therefore, the membrane should not engage the anode too closely, at the same time as it should be as close as possible to be able to minimise the distance between the anode and the cathode. Moreover, the electrolysis is generally carried out under excess pressure in the cathode chamber, which presses the membrane against the anode surface. These problems are difficult to solve, since available ion-selective membranes are very thin and mechanically yieldable, at the same time as they are most fragile and easily damaged when subjected to mechanical stress.
The above-mentioned problems are dealt with in EP 415,896 relating to an electrode whose front side is embossed with circulation channels for the electrolyte which are not clogged even if the membrane engages the electrode.
In many cases, modern electrodes are formed with a catalytic coating in order to optimise the desired reactions. A problem which then arises is that the catalytic activity is gradually lost in the surroundings which in many cases are corrosive. This problem is taken care of in FR 2,606,794 which suggests that the electrodes comprise a base structure and a thin net which is point-welded to the base structure and can readily be replaced when its catalytic activity has become unsatisfactory. A similar solution is suggested in BE 902,297.
DE patent 2538000 discloses a bipolar electrode construction comprising a base plate and a grid-like electrode. The electrode is not intended for use in memory brane cells.

Electrode and its use in chlor-alkali electrolysis


An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: a communication circuit; at least one processor electrically connected to the communication circuit; and a memory electrically connected to the processor, wherein the memory can store instructions causing, when executed, the processor to: receive, through the communication circuit, first information indicating the state of the first electronic device from a first electronic device after initiating booting of the first electronic device and before completion of the booting; and control an output device functionally connected to the processor such that state information of the first electronic device is outputted on the basis of the first information. Additionally, other embodiments are possible.

With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), a user is provided with services implemented by various IoT devices. For example, the user can receive home system services through a mobile electronic device (e.g., a smartphone having an application connected to an IoT device) that is connected to various IoT devices (e.g., a refrigerator, a water purifier, a kimchi refrigerator, a washing machine, a boiler, a robot cleaner, a gas range, a plurality of sensors {a light, a ventilator, etc.}, and the like). Through a smartphone that the user carries, the user can control the temperature of a boiler connected to the home system service or turn off the lamp of a living room connected thereto.
An application for controlling the IoT device may be a dedicated application capable of controlling one IoT device or an integrated application capable of controlling a plurality of various IoT devices.

Electronic device and operating method thereof