A cutting tool for making cylindrical bores includes two or More cutting inserts and radially or approximately radially directed blades which leave an uncut core, as well as chip removal devices extending in the axial direction of the tool. The cutting tool is composed of at least two coaxial parts. One part forms the boring crown with the cutting inserts, and the other part forms the support for the boring crown with a clamping shank. The chip removal devices extend axially along both parts and lead radially to the outside.

This invention relates to cutting tools for making cylindrical bores and, more particularly, to a cutting tool for making cylindrical bores including two or more cutting inserts with radially or approximately radially directed blades which leave an uncut core, and chip removal devices extending in the axial direction of the tool.
Boring tools are known for providing bore holes of a fairly large boring depth in the case of which the boring depth ratio of the boring depth "L" to the bore hole diameter "D" amounts to approximately L:D>5.
In the case of so-called deep-hole drilling, boring tools are used which, for the removal of boring chips, have a central chip removal duct inside a boring bar which is open in the direction of the boring advance.
For avoiding the hindering of the boring operation and damage to or destruction of the boring blades as well as damage to the bore wall, the removing of the boring chips and possibly of a boring core which remains uncut takes place by the feeding of a rinsing liquid between the bore hole wall and the boring blades of the tool.
The known German Patent Document DE-OS 23 16 762, for example, relates to such a boring tool. In this case, the discharge of the chips and possibly the discharge of a bore core which has remained uncut takes place by way of a central removal duct on the borer end or on the end of the boring bar carrying the boring tool.
The boring techniques applied by means of boring tools of the above-mentioned type require especially constructed machine tools with correspondingly adapted tool supports.
The present invention is based on known boring techniques whose advantageous method of operation consists of the fact that, during the boring, only a portion of the overall volume of the material must be cut while the central material portion in the form of a bore core which remains uncut is removed to the outside through the central duct of the boring bar. This reduces the boring power required for the boring and also considerably increases the tool life of the blades of the boring tool.
In comparison to the state of the art, it is the object of the invention to carry out, while using the known hollow drilling technique, the removal of the boring chips and of the bore core without the rinsing-in of liquid and without the use of machine tools of a special construction and not at the end of the boring bar of the boring tool.
This object is achieved by providing a cutting tool for making cylindrical bores including two or more cutting inserts with radially or approximately radially directed blades which leave an uncut core, and chip removal devices extending in the axial direction of the tool. The cutting tool is composed of at least two coaxial parts. One part forms the boring or cutting crown with the cutting inserts and the other part forms the support for the boring crown with a clamping shank. The chip removal devices extend axially along both parts and lead radially to the outside.
Because of the helical course of the chip removal ducts, the material which is cut during the boring operation, including the bore core which remains uncut, can be removed toward the rear and toward the outside without any impairment by the centrifugal forces occurring during the rotation of the boring tool and without the use of rinsing liquid.
The chip removal operation and the bore core removal is provided by the cutting inserts which are sloped with respect to one another and with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the tool.
As a result of the unimpaired removal of the cut material and of the bore core by way of lateral outlet openings of the removal ducts, perfect bore hole walls can be achieved.
The dividing of the boring tool into a cutting crown and a cutting crown support contributes to the fact that ducts of a relatively large width having a helical and radially outwardly directed course can be provided in the tool parts.
In addition, the tool is provided with a massive and stiff shank which can be clamped in with high radial forces by means of the normal clamping devices, such as three-jaw chucks, collet chucks, or the like.
Because of the removal of the cut material and of the bore core created during the boring operation by means of such tools through the chip removal openings in the radial direction, all chip removal machines with a separate drive that are customary in shops can use the tool according to the present invention.
An embodiment of a tool constructed according to the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be described in detail by means of the following description.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Cutting tool for making cylindrical bores


A rules based system enforces security policies in a data access management system. The rules based system provides rules that preclude certain activities, but those rules are only implemented and fired upon certain conditions occurring. This results in certain actions being precluded when specified conditions are true, without additional software required to check for the condition each time the action is requested.

In data access systems, often records are being accessed, modified, deleted, and added by various personnel on a daily or even hourly basis. In large organizations there could be hundreds of people accessing various records and changing them from time to time. It is important however, that security policies be enforced. For example, due to the potential for fraud and embezzlement, it is important that two or more people be involved in the total implementation of certain processes. Such a separation of duties policy reduces the potential for fraud because it requires that multiple people would have to conspire with each other in order to implement a dishonest transaction. Consider a record in a database created which reflects the ordering of a particular item. The company will incur a cost for such item, and approval is required. A record would be created in the database reflecting the order.
When payment is made, it is preferable that a different entity be responsible for signing the check and making payment. This precludes the ordering entity from ordering items that should not be ordered. Thus, in order to draft and sign the check for payment for the order, an additional entity should be involved. This additional entity means that for someone to order and pay for goods for a particular purchase, at least two parties would have to be involved in any potential fraud. This greatly decreases the possibility of such fraud occurring.
An example of another kind of security policy is conflict of interest, specifically a 'Chinese Wall Policy'. This policy prevents an analyst who is consulting for company A from accessing potentially sensitive information on company B, a competitor of company A, thus preventing the analyst from providing company A with confidential information about company B (or making recommendations to company A based on this confidential information). Separation of duties is considered to be an integrity policy while conflict of interest would be a confidentiality policy. Other security policies such as compliance to legislative regulations, and privacy are also enforced through security policies.
One prior art solution to enforcement of the separation of duties policy is to include a rule within the data access software that tests for the occurrence of a first action by a particular entity each time a specified second action is attempted. Specifically, the software simply includes a rule that if entity A is the particular entity which wrote the order, then entity A cannot process the transaction required to pay the invoice. Thus, each time an invoice payment is requested, the software would check to determine if the entity processing the invoice is the same entity that placed the order. If so, the transaction would be disallowed. Such a technique enforces a separation of duties and thereby minimizes the possibility of the occurrence of fraud.
The implementation of such an arrangement is less than perfect and is not without significant cost. First, the variety of rules regarding who can do what during specific times or with specific other conditions often leads to complex code which is difficult to modify and debug. For example, each time any action is requested, the software has to check every possible combination of prohibited transactions to determine if permitting the desired transaction would violate any rule.
Additionally, the execution time is greatly slowed by the fact that a large number of lines of code must be executed each and every time through any data access. This is extremely wasteful since, for the most part, most of the rules are not even needed unless certain other conditions apply.
An additional problem is that the separation of duties policy of prior systems is primitive in its user interface. There is little notification to users of the particular problems being encountered, and there is little flexibility in terms of changing the rules for different conditions.
Another prior art solution attaches attributes or labels to the transaction items that represent the objects on which operations require compliance with the separation of duties policy. These attributes maintain the history of operations on the object and rules are written that utilized the information contained in these attributes. The major drawback of this approach is that unless these attributes were designed into the system from the beginning, it can be prohibitively expensive to modify large legacy systems to contain and maintain the necessary attributes.
Both solutions suffer from the drawback that they only solve the separation of duties problem. Other solutions must be implemented to enforce other security policies.


A test signal for a telecommunications apparatus includes a succession of segments of real or synthetic speech which includes different successions of the same sounds; rarely occurring sounds; and sounds at extremes of level, pitch and duration, so as to be similar to natural speech with redundancy removed. In analyzing the performance of the telecommunications apparatus the analyzer takes into account the frequency of occurrence of each sound in natural speech.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing telecommunications apparatus.
2. Related Art
In testing telecommunications apparatus (for example, a telephone line, a telephone network, or communications apparatus such as a codec) a test signal is introduced to the input of the telecommunications apparatus, and some test is applied to the resulting output of the apparatus. It is known to derive "objective" test measurements, such as the signal to noise ratio, which can be calculated by automatic processing apparatus. It is also known to apply "subjective" tests, in which a human listener listens to the output of the telecommunications apparatus, and gives an opinion as to the quality of the output.
Some elements of telecommunications systems are linear. Accordingly, it is possible to apply simple artificial test signals, such as discrete frequency sine waves, swept sine signals or chirp signals, random or pseudo random noise signals, or impulses. The output signal can then be analyzed using, for example, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) or some other spectral analysis technique. One or more such simple test signals are sufficient to characterise the behaviour of a linear system.
On the other hand, modern telecommunications systems include an increasing number of elements which are nonlinear and/or time variant. For example, modern low bit-rate digital speech codecs, forming part of mobile telephone systems, have a nonlinear response and automatic gain controls (AGCs), voice activity detectors (VADs) and associated voice switches, and burst errors contribute time variations to telecommunications systems of which they form part. Accordingly, it is increasingly less possible to use simple test methods developed for linear systems to derive objective measure of the distortion or acceptability of telecommunications apparatus.
Recently in the paper "Measuring the Quality of Audio Devices" by John G. Beerends and Jan A. Stemerdink, presented at the 90th AES Convention, 1991 February 19-22, Paris, printed in AES Preprints as Preprint 3070 (L-8) by the Audio Engineering Society, it has been proposed to measure the quality of a speech codec for digital mobile radio by using, as test signals; a database of real recorded speech and analyzing the corresponding output of the codec using a perceptual analysis method designed to correspond in some aspects to the processes which are thought to occur in the human ear.
It has also been proposed (for example in "Objective Measurement Method for Estimating Speech Quality of Low Bit Rate Speech Coding", Irii, Kurashima, Kitawaki and Itoh, NTT Review, Vol 3. No. 5 September 1991) to use an artificial voice signal (i.e. a signal which is similar in a spectral sense to the human voice, but which does not convey any intelligence) in conjunction with a conventional distortion analysis measure such as the cepstral distance (CD) measure, to measure the performance of telecommunications apparatus.
It would appear obvious, when testing apparatus such as a codec which is designed to encode human speech, and when employing an analysis method based on the human ear, to use real human speech samples as was proposed in the above paper by Beerends and Stemerdink. In fact, however, the performance of such test systems is not particularly good.
One artificial voice test signal is disclosed in CCITT Recommendation P50 (Recommendation on Artificial Voices, Vol. Rec. P50, Melbourne 1988, published by CCITT). In the P50 test signal, there is a randomly selected sequence of 16 predetermined spectral patterns, provided in segments of predetermined length with smooth transitions between the segments. The P50 signal has a long term and short term spectral similarity to speech when averaged over about ten seconds. However, we have found that some differences between the P50 test signal and real speech are significant in testing telecommunications systems.
Another type of artificial test signal which has been proposed utilises spherically invariant random processes (SIRPs), as disclosed in Signal Processing, Vol. 12 Pt 2, March 1987; H. Brehm and W. Stammler; "Description and Generation of Spherically Invariant Speech Model Signals". This gives a signal which has the same long term spectrum as natural speech. The short term spectrum is not similar to that of natural speech, and the grouping of the sounds over time sounds subjectively very different to natural speech.
A variant called Markov (m) SIRPs attempts to model the short term spectra, but has rapid, random transitions between speech sounds which sound different to natural speech.

Method and apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment using a reduced redundancy test signal

British Telecommunications public limited company


A particulate catalyst is regenerated by upward transport in a combustor having an extended length and separated from combustion gases with a single stage of cyclones. The extended length combustor ends with a termination device arranged to tangentially discharge particulate catalyst and gases into an open disengaging vessel and to achieve a high separation efficiency. Initial high separation efficiency provided by the termination device permits a single downstream stage of cyclones to reduce particulate emissions to acceptable levels. The combination of the separation device and the extended combustor can accommodate changes in particulate densities in the extended combustor without inducing cyclone overload.

The present invention relates to processes and apparatus for the regeneration of particulate catalysts in a dense phase transport mode and separation of particulate catalyst from the gas stream.
Contact between catalyst particles and gaseous reactants routinely occur in reaction vessels for production of chemicals, the conversion of hydrocarbons, or the rejuvenation of catalyst. Typically process arrangements retain the catalyst. in a fixed bed, as a semicontinuously moving bed or in a fluidized state. An increasing number of reaction arrangements are practiced or proposed for the fluidized transport and contacting of particulate catalyst with gas streams. Such processes include catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation processes, and olefin production from methanol.
In a fluidized system, catalyst particles are transported like a fluid by passing gas or vapor through the particles at a sufficient velocity to eliminate friction between the catalyst particles and to produce a desired regime of fluid behavior with the solid particles. Fluidized catalyst systems are most useful for processes that have rapid catalyst deactivation. Most of these processes rapidly lay coke down on the catalyst as a by-product of the reaction. Coke deactivates the catalyst. The fluidized transport provides the necessary high circulation of solids between a reaction zone that generates the coke and a regeneration zone that removes coke from the catalyst. High catalyst circulation, also referred to as catalyst mass flux, is a key to controlling the accumulation of coke on the catalyst. Conventional regeneration operations oxidatively combust coke from the surface of the catalyst to reduce the coke levels before returning the catalyst to the reaction zone.
The fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons is the most familiar example of a fluidized catalytic reaction system. In the FCC process, large hydrocarbon molecules associated with a heavy hydrocarbon feed are cracked, thereby producing lighter hydrocarbons. These lighter hydrocarbons are recovered as products, primarily gasoline, and can be used directly or further processed to raise the octane barrel yield relative to the heavy hydrocarbon feed. The FCC process is carried out by contacting the starting materialxe2x80x94whether it be vacuum gas oil, reduced crude, or another source of relatively high boiling hydrocarbonsxe2x80x94with a catalyst made up of a finely divided or particulate solid material. Contact of the oil with hot fluidized catalyst catalyzes the cracking reaction. During the cracking reaction, coke deposits on the catalyst. Coke is comprised of hydrogen and carbon and can include other materials in trace quantities such as sulfur and metals that enter the process with the starting material. Coke interferes with the catalytic activity of the catalyst by blocking active sites on the catalyst surface where the cracking reactions take place.
The basic equipment or apparatus for the fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons has been in existence since the early 1940""s. The basic components of the FCC process include a reactor, a regenerator, and a catalyst stripper. The reactor includes a reaction zone where the hydrocarbon feed is contacted with a particulate catalyst and a separation zone where product vapors from the cracking reaction are separated from the catalyst. Further product separation takes place in a catalyst stripper that receives catalyst from the separation zone and removes entrained hydrocarbons from the catalyst by countercurrent contact with steam or another stripping medium. The stripping medium displaces hydrocarbon vapor from the interstitial space between catalyst particles and from the internal pore volume of the catalyst particles. Catalyst is traditionally transferred from the stripper to a regenerator for purposes of removing the coke by oxidation with an oxygen-containing gas. An inventory of catalyst having a reduced coke content relative to the catalyst in the stripper, hereinafter referred to as regenerated catalyst, is collected in the regeneration zone for return to the reaction zone.
Oxidizing the coke from the catalyst surface releases a large amount of heat, a portion of which escapes the regenerator with gaseous products of coke oxidation generally referred to as flue gas. The balance of the heat leaves the regenerator with the regenerated catalyst. The fluidized catalyst is continuously circulated from the reaction zone to the regeneration zone and then is circulated again to the reaction zone. The fluidized catalyst, as well as providing a catalytic function, acts as a vehicle for the transfer of heat from the regeneration zone to the reaction zone. Catalyst exiting the reaction zone is spoken of as being spent, i.e., partially deactivated by the deposition of coke upon the catalyst. Specific details of the various contact zones, regeneration zones, and stripping zones along with arrangements for conveying the catalyst between the various zones are well known to those skilled in the art.
The rate of conversion of the feedstock within the reaction zone is controlled by regulation of the temperature of the catalyst, activity of the catalyst, quantity of the catalyst (i.e., catalyst-to-oil ratio) and contact time between the catalyst and feedstock. The most common method of regulating the reaction temperature is by regulating the rate of circulation of catalyst from the regeneration zone to the reaction zone which simultaneously produces a variation in the catalyst-to-oil ratio as the reaction temperatures change. That is, if it is desired to increase the conversion rate, an increase in the rate of flow of circulating fluid catalyst from the regenerator to the reactor is effected. As a result, the rate of catalyst circulation through the regeneration zone varies throughout the routine operation of the process.
Separate and distinct separation systems are used to separate gases from particles on both the reaction and regeneration sides of the process. Each system will use a two-stage separation with a first initial disengagement stage that separates most of the particles from the gas and a secondary separation stage that further reduces the particulate levels in the gas stream.
After particulate removal, the cracked hydrocarbons of the FCC reaction are recovered in vapor form and transferred to product recovery facilities. These facilities normally comprise a main column for cooling the hydrocarbon vapor from the reactor and recovering a series of heavy cracked fractions which usually include bottom materials, cycle oil, and heavy gasoline. Lighter materials from the main column enter a concentration section for further separation into additional product streams. The heaviest fraction of the separated hydrocarbon vapors will contain any residual particulate material that enters with the incoming vapors. Thus, particulate material that is not recovered by the separation systems of the reactor may still be readily recovered downstream in the heaviest hydrocarbon fractions.
Following separation of particulate material in the regeneration zone, flue gases undergo appropriate treatment for removal of pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds and particulate material and are then discharged to the atmosphere. Therefore, recovering as much particulate material as possible from the flue gas is especially important on the regenerator side of the process to avoid discharge of particulate material to the atmosphere and to reduce downstream treatment costs for the flue gas. The minimization of catalyst particle carryover has become of increasing concern due to environmental restrictions on the discharge of particulate materials. Consequently, all commercially practiced separation systems for regenerators rely exclusively on a two-stage cyclone system for removing the fine particles of entrained catalyst from the gases before the gases exit the system. As a result, a firmly entrenched practice has evolved wherein two stages of cyclone separators are used to minimize any carryover of catalyst particles with the flue gas exiting the regeneration vessel.
Different consideration and criteria have influenced the approach to separating catalyst from gas streams on the reactor and the regenerator sides of the process. The reactor vapors are not discharged to the atmosphere; as a result, higher catalyst loadings do not generate air pollution concerns. Since contact time between catalyst and reactants can have profound effects on product quality, quick separation of catalyst from reaction vapors is sought. On the regeneration side, contact time between flue gases and catalyst is less critical and fast separation has not been sought. Consistent high efficiency separation is the primary goal on the regeneration side of the process.
For many years, the reactor and regenerator side of the process operated with a large open vessel that served as a disengaging chamber for an initial separation of the catalyst from the product vapors. The large volume of the vessel provided an initial gravitational or settling type separation of particles from the gases. It was commonplace for the gravitational separation to occur in a dilute phase above a large dense phase catalyst bed. (The terms xe2x80x9cdense phasexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cdilute phasexe2x80x9d catalysts as used in this application are meant to refer to the density of the catalyst in a particular zone. The term xe2x80x9cdilute phasexe2x80x9d generally refers to a catalyst density of less than 20 lbs/ft3 and the term xe2x80x9cdense phasexe2x80x9d refers to catalyst densities above 30 lbs/ft3. Catalyst densities in the range of 20-30 lbs/ft3 can be considered either dense or dilute, depending on the density of the catalyst in adjacent zones or regions.) Rising gases from a large open vessel go through a further stage or stages of inertial separation, most often in one or more stages of cyclone separator. The diameter of the large vessel was sized to maintain a superficial gas velocity upward through the regeneration vessel at a rate selected to minimize the entrainment of catalyst particles above the surface of the bed and ultimately into the cyclone separators.
In an effort to reduce residence time, the reactor side of the process replaced the initial stage of gravitational separation with a more contained inertial separation that reduces contact time between the catalyst and hydrocarbon vapors. Examples of such contained inertial systems are direct connected cyclones (U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,346), enclosed ballistic separation (U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,437), and a tangential entry separator (U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,451). In addition to providing the desired reduction in dilute phase residence time of the hydrocarbon vapors, the replacement of the initial gravitational separation with inertial separation provided a more compact and cost effective design for the reactor side of the process.
Despite changes to the reactor separation system, the early and current regeneration process arrangements continue to use relatively large regeneration vessels as a settling zone for an initial division between fine catalyst particles and flue gases that then traditionally enter two downstream stages of cyclone separators. The large disengagement vessel provides consistent disengagement despite changes in catalyst circulation rate or pressure surges in the regeneration zone. The consistent, initial separation of the catalyst provided by the gravitation or settling disengagement of catalyst from flue gases prevents overloading of the cyclones and maintains the high separation efficiency desired to minimize entrainment of catalyst beyond the regeneration zone cyclones. Providing the large volume disengaging vessel and dual stages of cyclones on the regeneration side of the process affects the design of the regeneration vessel and imposes additional costs on the construction of regeneration vessels and the associated equipment. Proposed regeneration arrangements that have eliminated the large disengaging vessel still regularly employ at least dual stages of cyclones to provide the required separation of efficiency and do not address the potential for cyclone overload and temporary carryover of catalyst from the regeneration zone.
The mechanics of the regeneration process also reinforced the perceived need for a dilute phase regenerator. As the oxygen-containing gas contacts the coke on the catalyst particles at high temperature, reaction of the coke with oxygen forms CO as the principal reaction product and regenerates catalyst particles. Along with the conversion of coke to CO, a secondary reaction of converting CO to CO2 also occurs in the regeneration of the catalyst particles. Both reactions are highly exothermic. Catalyst densities in the large disengaging vessel are typically 1 lb/ft3 or less. Operators of the early dense phase regenerators were concerned that combustion of CO to CO2 in the dilute phase above the catalyst bed of the regeneration vessel would generate high amounts of heat without the presence of a sufficient heat sink, i.e., catalyst, to prevent temperature excursions which could exceed 1500xc2x0 F. Accordingly, regeneration vessels operated with limited air or oxygen addition to the catalyst bed to prevent the breakthrough of oxygen above the bed into the dilute phase of the regeneration vessel. Transport risers that operated with excess oxygen and a relatively dense catalyst phase were added above the dense bed to complete combustion of CO to CO2 in regeneration zones. The transport zone operated with catalyst densities in the range of from 5 to 10 lbs/ft3 and superficial gas velocities of about 10-25 ft/sec.
In addition to the reactions and catalyst separation, fluidized systems must also provide the necessary hydraulics for the transport of the particulate material between the different zones. Elevation of particulate material to a particular zone for purposes of catalyst transport to a subadjacent zone can be accomplished by a conduit dedicated solely for a lift purpose, but is more efficiently conducted when the lift step provides an additional function. In regenerator arrangements where regenerated catalyst is transferred to an elevated location of the reactor, the lifting of catalyst is usually taking place relatively independently from the regeneration of the catalyst by coke oxidation. Coke oxidation is primarily carried out in a dense phase where long residence time contacting between the catalyst particles and oxygen can take place. Lifting of the catalyst is usually occurring after dense phase oxidation of coke from the catalyst with minimal initial oxidation of coke in a dilute phase. Using a more dense phase combustion zone for combined transport and regeneration of catalyst has more susceptibility to variations in catalyst loading on the separation system; therefore, transport conduits for regenerated catalyst have generally been limited to relatively low densities that inhibit the essentially complete removal of coke from catalyst for full regeneration and are used with multiple stages of cyclones.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,330 disclose a regeneration apparatus that regenerates FCC catalyst by transporting the catalyst from a dense bed through a dilute phase transport riser and discharge catalyst from the riser through multiple outlets or separation devices. These devices include an open nozzle, a downwardly directed arm, and a cyclone.
It is an object of this invention to provide an initial separation system for a regeneration process which operates with a high separation efficiency and which can accommodate temporary catalyst loadings.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an initial separator of regenerated catalyst and gases that is compatible for use with a dense phase lift conduit for transport and simultaneous combustion of coke from catalysts.
It is a yet further object of this invention to operate a large volume combustor riser in a regeneration process with a single stage of cyclones and to provide catalyst lift for simplifying hydraulics.
It is a further object of this invention to operate a combustion riser such that the discharge of catalyst from the riser permits the use of single-stage cyclones and has suitable flexibility in the operation to accommodate changes in density without overloading the cyclones.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,437 discloses a ballistic separation device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,961 shows the end of a reactor riser that discharges catalyst and cracked hydrocarbons into a reactor vessel and an enclosure around the riser that is located within the reactor vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,346 shows a closed cyclone system for collecting the catalyst and vapor discharge from the end of a riser.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,902,432 shows a regeneration zone having a combustion stage that discharges regenerated catalyst through an open outlet conduit into a disengaging vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,392 shows a regeneration apparatus having a dense bed in a regeneration vessel and a riser for transporting catalyst and combusting coke in an upward dilute phase transport mode. The patent also shows means for adding steam to the upper section of the regeneration vessel for control of excessive temperatures.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,738 and 4,482,451 show an FCC reaction zone with a riser that tangentially discharges a mixture of catalyst and reactants into a reactor vessel or a separate disengaging vessel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,136 and 4,944,845 disclose an FCC process that uses a regenerator lift riser for short duration contact time of reactants and catalyst.
Surprisingly, it has been found that a combination of a high volume FCC combustion riser and a tangential discharge apparatus at the end of the combustion riser can operate with only one stage of cyclones while providing suitable catalyst recoveryxe2x80x94even during periods of density instability in the combustion riser. Therefore, in this invention, a particulate catalyst is regenerated by upward transport in a combustor having an extended length and is separated from combustion gases with a single stage of cyclones. The extended length combustor ends with a termination device arranged to tangentially discharge particulate catalyst and gases into a low volume disengaging vessel and to achieve a high separation efficiency. Initial high separation efficiency provided by the termination device permits a single downstream stage of cyclones to reduce particulate emissions to acceptable levels. The combination of the separation device and the extended combustor can accommodate changes in catalyst densities in the extended combustor without inducing cyclone overload.
Accordingly, in a broad process embodiment, this invention is a regeneration process for the oxidative combustion of coke from particulate catalyst, the fluidized transport of the particulate material through the regeneration process, and the separation of the particulate material from combustion gases using a single stage of cyclone separators. The process comprises passing the particulate catalyst having coke contained thereon to a regeneration zone, contacting the coke-containing catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at coke oxidation conditions and transporting the coke-containing catalyst upwardly in a combustor riser at a catalyst density of from 3 to 20 lbs/ft3 while combusting coke and producing combustion gases. Catalyst and combustion gases are discharged tangentially from the combustor riser through discharge openings defined by at least two discharge arms into an outer portion of a separation vessel that surrounds the combustion riser, and at least 90% of the catalyst from the combustion gases are separated in the separation vessel. Combustion gases are recovered from a central portion of the separation vessel and are passed directly to a cyclone separator to separate additional catalyst from the combustion gases. Separated catalyst from the combustion riser is collected in a lower portion of the separation vessel for delivery to a reaction zone.
In a further process embodiment, this invention is a process for the fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons that passes spent catalyst having coke contained thereon to a regeneration zone, contacts the coke-containing catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at coke oxidation conditions and transports the coke-containing catalyst upwardly in a combustor riser at a catalyst density of from 3 to 20 lbs/ft3. The process combusts essentially all coke from the catalyst to produce combustion gases and regenerated catalyst. The combustion riser discharges the regenerated catalyst and combustion gases tangentially from the combustor riser through discharge openings defined by at least two discharge arms into an outer portion of a separation vessel that surrounds the combustion riser and separates at least 90% of the regenerated catalyst from the combustion gases in the separation vessel. Combustion gases are recovered from a central portion of the separation vessel and passed to a single stage of a cyclone separator to separate additional regenerated catalyst from the combustion gases. Separated regenerated catalyst is collected from the combustion riser in a lower portion of the separation vessel. Regenerated catalyst is passed from said separation vessel to a reaction zone and contacted therein with a hydrocarbon feedstock at catalytic cracking conditions to produce cracked product vapors and spent catalyst having coke deposited thereon. Cracked hydrocarbon vapors are separated from the spent catalyst and a cracked hydrocarbon product stream is recovered while the spent catalyst is returned to the regeneration zone.
In an apparatus embodiment, this invention is an apparatus for the fluidized catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons. The apparatus comprises an elongated combustion riser having a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 5, a spent catalyst conduit for delivering spent catalyst to the combustion riser, and means for supplying combustion gas to the combustion riser and passing a stream of catalyst and combustion gases up the combustion riser. The combustion riser extends into a central portion of a separation vessel. At least two curved conduits are located in the separation vessel. The curved conduits communicate with and extend radially from the combustion riser. Each curved conduit defines a discharge opening and has an arrangement for the tangential discharge of the catalyst and a combustion gas stream into the separation vessel. A gas recovery conduit defines a gas inlet located radially inward from the discharge opening for collecting gaseous fluids from the separation vessel. A cyclone separator is in communication with the gas recovery conduit. A regenerated catalyst conduit is provided for withdrawing regenerated catalyst from the separation vessel. A reaction vessel communicates with the regenerated catalyst conduit to receive regenerated catalyst and communicates with a spent catalyst conduit to supplying spent catalyst to the combustion riser.
Other objects, embodiments, and details of this invention will be provided in the following detailed disclosure of the invention.

Fluidized particle contacting process with elongated combustor


Method and system for setting a charge in a telecommunication network The present invention relates to a method and a system (TZ) for setting a charge for a communication service in a telecommunication network (T). It is proposed to dynamically change the charge in accordance with a presettable criterion. It is further proposed that the traffic load of the telecommunication network T preferably represents such a presettable criterion.

It is known that charges for using communication services are assessed by way of static tariffs. With a static tariff, the charges for using the communication service are set in advance by the operating company of the communication service.
An example for a static tariff of this type is the charging method which is customary in telecommunication networks when a connection is set up from a first to a second subscriber, wherein the charge depends on the duration of the established call and of the distance between the two subscribers.
Another example for a static tariff is the charging method employed particularly in telecommunication networks using an asynchronous transmission mode wherein the charge depends on the amount of information transmitted between the first and the second subscriber.

Dynamic charging for telecommunications services in accordance with the load condition of the network


A belt tensioner for a safety belt system has a drive unit and a power transmission element, which engages on a drive element when the drive unit is activated. The power transmission element is a non-rigid medium.

Belt tensioners are known that have a drive unit and a power transmission element, which engages on a drive element when the drive unit is activated. Several balls arranged in a row serve for example as the power transmission element, these balls being initially stored in a tube and being acted upon by a high pressure when a gas generator, which constitutes the drive unit, is activated. The balls are thereby pushed forward out of the tube and drive the drive element, which is coupled to the belt spool.
The invention provides a belt tensioner which is distinguished by a particularly simple method of manufacture, a low weight and a variable and therefore space-saving housing in the vehicle.


A fan rotor is mounted on a shaft carried on bearings attached to a base plate and there is provided an assembly for preventing reverse rotation of the fan which could damage the motor. A stop plate is mounted on the base adjacent the shaft with an edge adjacent the shaft. A pair of wing members are carried on the shaft on two collar pieces so that each wing member is pivotal between ends of the collar pieces about an axis parallel to the tangent to the shaft at the wing member. The wing members are V-shaped and pivot so that one leg moves under gravity either in the vertical or horizontal orientations of the shaft from a retracted position, in which it is free from the stop plate to an extended position in which it engages the abutment surface of the stop member to prevent reverse rotation. The wing members are shaped and weighted such that rotation of the shaft beyond a predetermined angular velocity causes centrifugal force to move the wing members to the retracted position.

There is a requirement in many cases for a shaft which is mounted on bearings to have a device attached to the shaft which prevents reverse rotation of the shaft.
This is particularly required in regard to the shaft for carrying a fan since the fan has a tendency to rotate in the reverse direction when there is no drive to the motor due to reverse air flow through the fan. When the air flow is particularly strong, a significant reverse rotation can be obtained which can lead to damage of the motor and/or motor drive components when the motor is started for rotating the fan in the required drive direction. However the present invention is not limited to such arrangements using a fan and can be used wherever such a device is required.
Previous designs have been proposed for mounting on a shaft a device for preventing reverse rotation. One example is manufactured by Twin City Fan and Blower of Minneapolis, Minn. and the construction of this device is described in more detail herein after.
Basically the Twin City device includes a wing member mounted on the shaft which is thrown outwardly by rotation of the shaft due to its weight which retracts a portion of the wing member to prevent that portion engaging a stop which is in fixed position relative to the shaft.
This arrangement has some disadvantages particularly that it can only be used only in a horizontal orientation of the shaft because in the vertical orientation there is no force tending to move the wing member to the abutment position for abutting the stop to prevent the reverse rotation. Also the construction of the Twin City device is relatively complex leading to a higher cost construction.

Attachment for preventing reverse rotation of a shaft


A system for installing a cord in a cavity includes a traveling member and a base assembly. The traveling member includes a first magnet member attached to a first leader for insertion in a first opening. The base assembly includes a magnetic bar, a second magnet member attached to a second leader, and an elongate probe member having an end adapted to removably receive the second magnet member. When the traveling member is positioned within the cavity, a magnetic attraction develops between the first magnet member and the magnetic bar, pulling the traveling member toward the base assembly for establishing a magnetic connection with the second magnet member.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to cord installation systems, and more particularly to systems for installing cords in cavities.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, a cord is a slender length of flexible material used to bind, tie, connect, or support. As defined herein, an electrical cable is a cord that includes one or more flexible electric wires or signal lines. Examples of common electrical cables include electrical power cables, communication cables, control cables, and speaker wires.
An electrical cable is typically installed in an existing hollow wall by routing the electrical cable through an interior cavity of the wall. A lower hole is typically cut in a lower portion of the wall, and an upper hole is cut in an upper portion of the wall. A pull string is inserted into the wall cavity via the upper hole such that an end of the pull string is positioned adjacent the lower hole. A hook at one end of a rod is typically used to retrieve the end of the pull string from the cavity via the lower hole. An end of the electrical cable is attached to the end of the pull string, and the electrical cable is installed in the wall cavity by retrieving the pull string via the upper opening.
While the above installation method can be accomplished relatively quickly and easily by two people, one positioned at the lower opening and the other positioned at the upper opening, it is very difficult for a single person working alone to carry out the above installation method. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a system for installing a cord in a wall cavity that would allow a single person working alone to install the cord relatively quickly and easily.

System for installing a cord in a cavity


A system and method for establishing a conference between a first user and a second user. The first user has an audio stream. The second user has an audio stream. The conference has an audio stream. A temporary conference is created. The audio stream of the conference is directed to the sidebar conference. The audio stream of the first user is directed to the temporary conference and the audio stream of the second user is directed to the temporary conference. The audio stream of first user and the audio stream of the second user are only audible to the first user and the second user.

Conferencing systems allow users to conduct multimedia conferences from multiple locations. A conference may allow users located in one or more cities to meet as if all the users were in the same physical location. The conference may be a video/audio conference or any form of multimedia conference.
Conferencing systems may offer a number of features for the benefit of users. For example, muting may be used to allow some of the participants to engage in other activities during the conference. In another example, record and rewind features may allow the conference to be recorded and may allow a recorded conference to be replayed for conference participants and others.
Each of the users of a conference may produce an audio stream. The audio stream may include the audible comments of the user. A sidebar feature may be used that allows two or more parties within an ongoing conference to create a separate media path that their audio streams are only available to themselves, but not the rest of the conference members. In this situation, the audio stream of the ongoing conference may be still audible to the sidebar members. The sidebar feature may be used for inter-party comments, explanations, and secrets during the conference so as not to disturb the rest of the conference parties.
Various protocols may be used to allow a conference to be set-up and conducted. For example, the Session Description Protocol (SDP) may be used to communicate information between servers and users in order to set-up a conference. The SDP specifies the format of messages allowing the set-up of the conference. One example of the SDP is described in RFC 2327 promulgated by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

System and method for sidebar functionality in a regular conference system


A canister includes a casing that has a tank port connected to a fuel tank, an atmospheric port connected to an atmospheric passage communicating with atmosphere, and a purge port connected to an intake passage of an engine. An adsorbent is charged in the casing for adsorbing fuel vapor. A support member defines an accommodation chamber in the casing. The support member supports the adsorbent. A pump is supported by the support member. The pump is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The pump introduces atmospheric air into the accommodation chamber through the atmospheric passage. A motor is accommodated in the accommodation chamber. The motor drives the pump. A damping member is located between the pump and the support member for absorbing sound and vibration transmitted from the pump to the support member.

In general, a fuel vapor treatment apparatus includes a canister that accommodates an adsorbent such as activated charcoal for adsorbing fuel vapor. Atmospheric air is introduced into the canister by a pump, which is driven using a motor, so that atmospheric air passes through the adsorbent. Fuel vapor adsorbed by the adsorbent in the canister is desorbed by suction pressure generated by intake air flow. The motor generates heat as the motor drives the pump. According to JP-A-2002-155812, a motor is-mounted in an adsorbent, so that heat generated from the motor is utilized for enhancing desorption of fuel vapor from the adsorbent.
However, in this structure, the pump driven by the motor is exposed to the outside the casing of the canister. In addition, the pump is fixed to the casing of the canister, which accommodates the adsorbent. Therefore, sound and vibration may be transmitted from the pump to the outside directly or via the canister. Consequently, sound and vibration caused in the operation of the motor and the pump may increase.

Canister having absorbent and internal purge pump


A shopping cart child safety lock system.

This invention relates to a child restraining device that is inexpensive and can be used with most general use shopping carts.
One of the problems inherent in the use of child restraint seats of various design and more particularly, in restraining children from standing or dangerously leaning over the side of shopping carts, is that of adequately restraining the child in the seating position for which the shopping cart was designed. Conventional shopping carts are usually designed with a seating area for children, which seating area is defined by parallel side grids and parallel front and rear grids, with leg openings provided in the front grid for receiving the child in seating position facing the operator of the shopping cart. However, there is usually no restraint system provided in shopping carts to maintain the child in this seated position and while the operator is shopping, or while his or her attention is diverted to other things, the child may easily stand or lean over the side of the shopping cart and fall from the seating area to the floor. This is particularly true of active children that must be watched at all times. Some shopping carts are fitted with a single seat belt attachment which is similar to the seat belt in an automobile and has a conventional buckle for strapping the belt over the lap of the child. However, many children, and particularly those who are active, are able to quickly and easily extricate themselves from the seat belt and risk falling over the side of the shopping cart as if the seat belt were not in place.
To resolve the above problem it has been common in the art to develop a variety of special seats which use seat belt type strap arrangements. The problems with these are several fold. First, the straps are often gangling, unsightly, get twists, and are easily soiled. As a result, parents frequently simply ignore the straps and do not secure the child.
Moreover, units that use separate infant seats, much like those used in cars, are so expensive as to be impractical for the stores to purchase and provide. As a result, many simply resort to the shopping cart built-in seat without any restraint system.
This is potentially dangerous. Current literature reports that there are more than an estimated 20,000 children under age 5 injured by shopping carts each year. In addition, children 3 and younger account for the majority of these shopping cart injuries. Those children of such tender age are the ones that especially need successful restraint.
It is common knowledge that children can suffer cuts, bruises, fractures, concussions, and even internal injuries when the jump or fall from a shopping cart. They also can get pinched in the folding mechanism or they can fall against the cart itself, especially if they are hit by another cart. Falls from shopping carts are among the leading causes of head injuries in young children. As a result, there is a continuing need which must balance practical economics and safety. It must be done by a cart that is user friendly, which has a restraining device that is appealing to use but one which is child proof and one which doesn't cost a fortune to make.
The present invention has as its primary objective the provision of a cart which avoids the use of straps and avoids the use of cumbersome expensive seats. It improves on my earlier filed parent case by simplifying the structure by elimination of the separate seating element.

Shopping cart child safety restraint device

Abstract: It includes a support post locked to a shopping cart with slideable and lockable yoke to restrain and then release a child's thighs.


A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a data circuit and a group of bit line application voltage terminals to which different voltages are applied. The data circuit holds program data to be programed into a memory cell and changes the data held according to a verify result from the memory cell. Then, the data circuit selects one of the bit line application voltage terminals based on the data held therein and applies voltage of the selected bit line application voltage terminal to a bit line BLe or BLo.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuit device and more particularly to a semiconductor integrated circuit device having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory.
2. Description of the Related Art
As a method for realizing narrow threshold voltage distribution while enhancing programming speed, a quick-pass write method is known (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-196988). In the quick-pass write method, voltage applied to a bit line at the programming time is selectively set to one of three values of VDD, 0.5 V and zero.
That is, a voltage of zero is applied to a bit required to be strongly programmed so as to shift the threshold voltage of the memory cell to a large extent. A voltage of 0.5 V is applied to a bit required to be weakly programmed so as to shift the threshold voltage of the memory cell to a small extent. Further, the voltage VDD is applied to a bit which is not required to be programmed. Thus, the programming speed is enhanced and narrow threshold voltage distribution can be realized.
However, in the quick-pass write system, the operation of charging the bit line is performed in two stages of VDD charging and 0.5 V charging. For example, after voltage VDD is applied to a bit line which is to be charged to VDD, a voltage of 0.5 V is applied to a bit line which is to be charged to 0.5 V. Thus, the time required for charging the bit line becomes long.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


An apparatus which forms a discharge electric field in order to discharge an object. The apparatus includes an electrode member facing and separated by a preselected gap from the object, and a power source which applies a discharge voltage to the electrode member to thereby cause discharge to occur between the object and the electrode member. Further, the electrode member at the gap includes a material selected in association with the gap so that a functional relationship between the discharge voltage and a discharge current caused by the discharge voltage is a continuous function.

The present invention relates to an electric field forming device for forming an electric field which causes discharge to occur between the field forming device and an image carrier or similar object. Also, the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus of the type using a developing liquid and capable of controlling charge for charging a toner image and charge for transferring a toner image in combination to thereby ensure high image quality.

Image forming device which forms an electric field to discharge an object


A system and method for applying a time-varying phase shift to an optical signal is described. Such a phase shift results in a frequency shift of the optical signal, which can be useful for instance in sensing applications. The design uses cross phase modulation (XPM) in a nonlinear medium such as optical fiber. The pump producing the XPM experiences a change in energy along the medium, for instance due to loss. The pump and signal have mismatched group velocities such that they walk-off each other in time, and the pump pulse repetition rate is chosen so that it has a specific relationship with respect to the walk-off. The design is compatible with very low signal loss and does not require high fidelity electrical control signals. It is capable of high-efficiency one-directional serrodyne frequency shifts, as well as producing symmetric frequency shifts. It can also be made polarization independent.

There are multiple ways of shifting the optical frequency of an optical signal. A common tool for optical-frequency shifting is an electro-optic (EO) phase modulator (PM). For instance, applying a sinusoidal phase modulation at a frequency fm to a single-frequency optical input at fo (e.g., a laser) will transfer some of the optical field to frequencies of fo±n·fm, where n is the integer. A temporally symmetric sinusoidal waveform also generates a temporally symmetric spectral profile, with equal amounts of the signal transferred to +n·fm and −n·fm. The magnitude of the signal at each new tone follows a Bessel function progression, but for small phase changes of m·sin(fm·t), where m is the modulation index, and m<0.2, only the first-order (n=1) tones dominate and the relative optical intensity (where unity represents 100% of the optical power) at each first-order tone can be approximated by (m/2)2. For instance, for m=0.2 about 1% of a carrier power is transferred to each of the first-order tones. The first-order tones reach a maximum at m=1.84, but here a total power in each first-order tone is still <34%. A frequency shifter that transfers power to both positive and negative frequency-shift values in equal magnitude must have <50% of the power in any one frequency tone. Sinusoidal phase modulation is widely used for a number of purposes, for instance using small m for locking lasers to a cavity, or at large m as part of a scheme to generate many optical comb lines. One of the appeals of the sinusoidal phase modulation is the ease that it can be applied, since sinusoidal electrical drive signals are common and the broad-band frequency response of an electrical modulation signal or of the phase modulator is not required.
It is also possible to use the phase modulator to shift >50%, in theory up to 100%, of an incoming optical power to a new frequency, using a process referred to as serrodyne frequency shifting [see, e.g., Johnson, Leonard M., and Ch H. Cox. "Serrodyne optical frequency translation with high sideband suppression." Journal of lightwave technology 6.1 (1988): 109-112]. Such a process can be useful for instance in various coherent measurement systems, such as lidar. Here, a linear phase ramp is applied to the phase modulator over a repetition period of Tr, ideally with the ramp applying an integer number of 2·π radians of a phase shift. Since, in practice, the ramp cannot be reset from its maximum to its minimum in infinitesimal time, there is some non-ideality present in such a frequency shifter. Generating nearly ramp-like electrical signals to an electro-optical (EO) modulator is possible when the bandwidth of the electrical signal exceeds (1/Tr) by a suitable amount, for instance a factor of 10. This need for wide-band high-fidelity electrical driving signals limits the frequency shift that can be accomplished with a given bandwidth modulation system.
Another limitation of the EO phase modulators, particularly fast waveguide-based fiber-coupled phase modulators, is that they tend to have substantial insertion loss, thus causing an output optical signal to have a smaller output power than an input optical signal. Moreover, the EO phase modulators also tend to be polarization insensitive. One can achieve polarization insensitivity, for instance by cascading two modulators with their phase-modulation axis oriented at 90 degrees [see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,122, 14 Nov. 2000], but for efficient waveguide-based modulators this can double the insertion loss. A 10 GHz bandwidth fiber-coupled EO phase modulator may typically have 2.5 dB insertion loss, so cascading two such phase modulators to achieve polarization independence could then have aggregate 5 dB insertion loss.
Other types of the phase modulators can perform serrodyne frequency shifting, potentially in a polarization independent way, but typically such mechanisms, for instance thermal phase shifts, are much slower than EO methods and thus are capable of inducing only small frequency shifts, such as <1 MHz. This is a too small of a frequency shift for many applications.
A more common frequency shifter is an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). AOMs can have reasonably low loss and polarization independence. For instance, a ˜200 MHz AOM can have 2.5 dB loss and operate with polarization independence. The AOMs typically require large electrical driving signals >1 W. While they can attain frequency shifts >250 MHz, models with a higher magnitude frequency shift also tend to be accompanied by higher insertion loss. Also, the AOMs typically only have one operating frequency mode, where, for instance, an input optical signal is shifted by some fixed frequency, as opposed to phase modulators that can be used to either shift the frequency a fixed amount or to generate symmetric sidebands around an original frequency.
Carrier suppressed frequency shifting can be performed with a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) biased so as to extinguish a carrier frequency [see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,306 B1, 9 Apr. 2007]. This can put >40% of incoming light into each of the first two tones (fo±n·fm). It is difficult to make such a technique both low loss and polarization independent. More sophisticated modulators, which combine multiple MZIs, can perform various types of functions, including a near 100% single-sideband frequency shift, but again loss and polarization independence is hard to achieve, and complex electronic controls may be required.
For convenience, the term "wavelength conversion" is used herein when an optical frequency is shifted by >100 GHz and a shifted spectrum is not significantly altered after said shifting, and the term "frequency shifting" is used herein when the frequency is shifted by <100 GHz and the spectrum may or may not be significantly altered, although technically the wavelength conversion and the frequency conversion can be considered synonymous given that a wavelength λ and a frequency f are related by c=λ·f where c is the speed of light.
Nonlinear optical techniques are commonly used for the wavelength conversion, including via second-order nonlinear interactions like sum-frequency generation and third-order nonlinear interactions like four-wave mixing. Most often these frequency shifts are relatively large (many nanometers of a wavelength shift), which allows for a strong optical pump to be filtered out. To keep optical pump powers down, waveguide structures are preferred. For the second-order nonlinear interactions, this usually means added insertion loss (when interfacing via a fiber optical cable). However, fiber-based nonlinear wavelength conversion systems may require high pump powers and/or a strongly nonlinear fiber and can be complex to build and operate.
A low-noise and low-loss fiber-based cross-phase modulation (XPM) switch has been proposed that switches an input signal between one of two output ports based on a phase shift applied in one arm of an interferometer using XPM [see, for example, U.S. Ser. No. 15/953,626, 16 Apr. 2018]. Typically, a short pump pulse walks-off from the signal pulse while propagating over a nonlinear fiber, creating a nearly fixed square-like phase shift over a given switching window, thereby leading to a constant switching window. Such a switch can be made polarization insensitive by de-polarizing the pump pulse. However, when operating with input signals that are comprised of pulses with a duration smaller than the switching window, it does not alter a signal spectrum.

Apparatus and method for shifting a frequency of an optical signal


A method for automatic state control, inspection, cleaning and/or surface treatment of structures, especially measuring the thickness of plate constructions and pipes by means of ultrasound signals from a self-propelled, remotely controllable unit. The self-propelled unit is continuously moved in the measurement area, and a transmitter transmits an ultrasound signal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the construction. A reflected signal is received by a receiver which determines thickness and material quality of the construction at the measurement spot, on the basis of the received reflected signal, and parameters such as transit time for the reflected signal. The self-propelled unit performs self-positioning by means of previously known spots on the construction. All received data regarding the waveform of the reflected signal is stored in a computer, and thickness and material quality are verified by comparing data for a received signal in one spot, with data for received signals in adjacent spots. The steps are repeated for collection of data in new measurement spots.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method for automatic state control, inspection, cleaning and/or surface treatment of structures, especially measuring the thickness of plate constructions and pipes by transmitting ultrasound signals from at least one transmitter and receiving the ultrasound signals from at least one receiver, where the transmitter and receiver are mounted to a self-propelled, remote controlled unit, and where a liquid membrane is present between the transmitter and the surface of the structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
When, for example, a ship is to be classified, it is necessary to collect information concerning the remaining thickness of the plates in order to calculate the strength of the hull and to certify the ship for continued operation. Furthermore, for the shipowners it is desirable to obtain knowledge of the condition and the progress of the ship in order to perform overhauling and preventive maintenance in the most efficient way, optionally to make a strategic decision of taking the ship out of operation and sell it as scrap iron, at the correct point in time.
Today, the thickness of marine steel constructions such as ships and drilling plateforms are measured by manual spot measurements (sampling test according to a certain system) which are conducted from the interior or from the exterior by a diver with a hand held measuring apparatus when the ship is in harbor. Interior measurements may also be performed in empty tanks during transit.
The prior method has obvious disadvantages. Full coverage of the hull of the ship is not achieved, and selection of the position of the measurement spot is a subjective judgment. The strength of the reflected ultrasound signal is highly dependent upon the condition of the rear wall, and in areas having corrosion pitting (a common and dangerous phenomenon), the distance between areas having full remaining thickness and areas corroded close to the danger point will be small. Between these adjacent extremes of thickness, the rear wall will necessarily slant. The transmitted signal will thus mainly be reflected to the side of the receiver which only receives a weak signal. The inspector is taught to reject weak measurements in accordance with certain criteria. By moving the measuring probe a few centimeters, the inspector will register a strong signal from an almost flat rear wall with full plate thickness. The ship may then pass the control, and the shipowner has got poor basis for decisions concerning preventive maintenance on the ship. At a later docking, the actual situation will become clear, and the subsequent remedial work will be alot more expensive than planned.
From EP 0 139 867, is known a self-propelled unit having transmitters and receivers for ultrasound signals for determining the material quality of a body. This known system is not suited for elimination of single measurements with weak signals.

Method for measuring the thickness of plate constructions and pipe


An electrical contact including a male termination end configured to be removably inserted into a female termination end of a mating contact. The male termination end having a slot between two beam sections. The slot is formed by a section of the male termination end having had material removed between the two beam sections. The two beam sections are outwardly deformed in opposite directions. The two beam sections are substantially parallel to each other along a majority of length of the male termination end.

1. Technical Field
The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention relate generally to an electrical contact and, more particularly, to a contact area having a geometry to provide an enlarged area.
2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
U.S. Pat. No. 7,524,209, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses an electrical connector having signal and ground contacts. The ground contacts and signal contacts have different widths at their male termination ends to removably mate with a mating electrical connector. The smaller width provided at the male termination end of the signal contacts is provided by reducing, in the forming die, the thickness of the signal blades. The signal contacts are initially provided in the same lead frame as the ground contacts. Material reduction in a die is not tooling friendly, and the material costs are higher than using one consistent thickness. It is also not desired to redesign the mating connector to accommodate changes to contact thickness.

Electrical contact with male termination end having an enlarged cross-sectional dimension


A cool coffee infusing apparatus is disclosed having a liquid container, a ground coffee container, and a base. The base includes a pump, controls therefore, and receptacles for the containers. The liquid container is filled with cool water and the ground coffee container is filled with ground coffee. The pump circulates the water through the grounds until a desired level of infusion is achieved and coffee beverage is created. The coffee beverage is collected in the liquids container for pouring or for storage for later use.

Apparatuses for making infused beverages, such as coffee, are well known in the art. Coffee is often made by percolating heated water over and through coffee grinds, and catching the filtered hot coffee beverage below, or by drip-infusing using water heated in a vessel or a through-flow heater, and then poured over ground coffee, and catching the filtered hot coffee beverage below. In such traditional methods, the heated water passing though the ground coffee particles enters the porous structure of the ground beans and extracts the organic acids and oils which produce the distinct coffee flavor and aroma. The infused liquid coffee is in some cases dispensed into a cup, or in other cases into a carafe from where it is eventually poured into drinking cups.
Although coffee is traditionally infused with hot or near-boiling water, it is also possible to infuse coffee with unheated water. A preference for cool infused coffee has recently arisen, principally due to its unique and distinct flavor. As many of the bitter organic acids contained in coffee are extractable from the ground coffee only at higher temperatures, coffee infused with hot or boiling water is characterized by a harsh acrid taste. Cool infused coffee avoids this problem. As the preference for cool infused coffee has grown, several developments in the cool infusing process have been made.
Cool infused coffee is traditionally made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours and then draining the extract from the coffee grounds through a filter. The current state of the art is to mix the cool water and coffee together in a container, allow the mixture to steep, then pour the contents through a cheese cloth or other filter type to separate the liquid coffee from the grounds. Another technique involves placing cool water and ground coffee inside a paper bag and then tying it with a string and putting this bag inside a mesh bag to lessen the chance of the paper bag breaking, then placing the entire assembly in a glass container. When it is time to filter the coffee beverage form the grounds, the user lifts the assembly from the container and suspends it above another container so that most of the coffee beverage drips out, then squeezes the mesh bag to force the remaining beverage out. The main problem with this system is that is messy and burdensome, but it is also inefficient. It is not unusual to find coffee grounds in the bag after removal that have never been wetted.
There is a need to provide a less messy and less complicated manner for producing cool-infused beverages such as cool infused coffee, and such is a result of this invention. There is a need to provide a less burdensome manner for producing such beverages, and such is a result of this invention. There is a need to provide a faster process for producing such beverages, and such is a result of this invention. There is a need to provide an automated process for producing such beverages, and such is a result of this invention. There is a need for an appliance which executes such an automated process, and such is a result of this invention. Further needs and results will become apparent as one reviews the disclosure contained herein.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. The limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.


Techniques for sharing a cellular network connection amongst multiple devices over a local area network are provided that reduce cellular network load during crowded events. In an aspect, a devices is configure to perform operations that include scanning an area for another device that has established a first wireless cellular connection with a cellular network device of a cellular network and that enables an indirect connection of the device to the cellular network device via a direct connection of the device to the other device via a local network device. The operations further include, in response to identifying the other device as a result of the scanning, sending a request to the other device to connect to the other device via the local network device and to receive the indirect connection to the cellular network device.

Cellular data networks are often overloaded during crowded events such as concerts, conferences, and sporting events, resulting in a poor user experience. Although such events are often short lived, they create a dramatic demand for communication capacity. Cellular network operators often respond to such demand spikes by deploying additional capacity specifically for high profile event locations and temporary capacity using cells on wheels (COWs) or portable base stations. Despite these extraordinary efforts, the extreme demand level at crowded events still causes connection failure rates as high as 400 times more than normal as well as significantly higher latency and packet loss for end-user applications.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY


A quick-disconnect coupling engageable with a fluid fitting is disclosed. The coupling includes a body formed with a cylindrical bore. Within the bore, a valve pin is reciprocally mounted. The valve pin is biased in a closed position by a spring in combination with a threaded set screw which are positioned in the bore in axial alignment with the valve pin. The set screw is rotatable to adjustably compress the spring and adjustably bias the valve pin.

Until recently, the environmentally harmful CFC(R-12) type refrigerant fluid was commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems. In 1991, however, the automotive industry introduced new air conditioning systems which employ a relatively less harmful HFC-134a type refrigerant. The newer HFC systems include specifically designed access fittings.
These access fittings typically include a permanent fluid fitting located on the air conditioning system, as a charging/access port, and a quick disconnect coupling for removeable connection to the permanent fluid fitting. The permanent fluid fitting is formed as a Schroeder-type valve which permits recharging, purifying or recovering of the refrigerant in the system and also fluid pressure measurements to be made. The quick disconnect coupling is typically attached to a flexible hose and to a supply or evacuation cannister for the refrigerant. As an example, for recharging an automotive air conditioning system with refrigerant, a quick disconnect fluid coupling, attached to a supply cannister of refrigerant, is sealingly connected to the permanent fluid fitting of the system.
In general these access fitting (i.e. permanent fluid fitting/quick disconnect coupling) differ in size from the access fittings used in the older CFC systems. Because of this difference, CFC refrigerant can not be accidently introduced into a newer system containing the HFC type refrigerant. This prevents the cross-mixing of refrigerants and lubricants which may damage an air conditioning system.
Standards for the HFC access fittings have been defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Under these standards the access fittings must be adapted for quick coupling and uncoupling. In addition, the access fittings must be designed to prevent discharge of the refrigerant into the atmosphere during coupling and uncoupling.
In order to satisfy these criteria, many quick disconnect couplings, suitable for use with the newer air conditioning systems, were designed with a manually rotatable screw type valve, for controlling fluid flow through the coupling. With such a manual flow control valve, the quick disconnect coupling can be sealed prior to connection or disconnection from the fluid fitting for the system. An example of this type of coupling is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,049 to Jensen et al., which is assigned to Aeroquip Corporation.
A major disadvantage of quick disconnect couplings having such a manually actuated flow control valve, is that the valve handle is sometimes difficult to operate in tightly enclosed spaces. In automotive applications where space is limited, this is a serious disadvantage. Specifically, the user of the quick disconnect coupling will be inconvenienced by having to rotate the valve handle until the flow control valve of the coupling is desirably positioned. Additionally, such couplings do not automatically seal upon uncoupling. Should the user therefore, forget to close the flow control valve of the coupling during uncoupling, some refrigerant may escape into the atmosphere.
For convenient use even in tightly enclosed spaces, quick disconnect couplings having self-sealing valves have been developed. The self-sealing couplings generally employ an internal Schroeder type flow control valve mounted within the coupling. Normally, the flow control Schroeder valve is urged into a closed position by a spring. During connection with a fluid fitting of a refrigeration system, the valve stem of the Schroeder valve and the mating parts of the fluid fitting are placed into contact. This opens the Schroeder and permits fluid flow through the coupling. Upon uncoupling the spring closes the flow control Schroeder valve to prevent the flow of any fluid through the coupling. U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,132 to Manz et al. discloses such a self sealing quick disconnect coupling.
A problem associated with the above described self-sealing couplings is that the flow control valve incorporated into the coupling may open prematurely during connection with a fluid fitting allowing refrigerant to escape. This may happen when the valve pin of the flow control valve for the coupling is actuated by the mating parts of the fluid fitting before the fluid fitting is sealingly engaged with the coupling. Furthermore, the flow control valve may not close quickly enough to prevent the discharge of refrigerant into the atmosphere during uncoupling of the coupling. In addition, high pressure developed within the coupling may cause the coupling to be blown apart from the fluid fitting causing injury to the user and to the coupling.
In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention is directed to a self-sealing, quick-disconnect coupling which can be safely operated and with minimal fluid loss during coupling and uncoupling. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a quick-disconnect coupling that is self-sealing to prevent fluid loss during coupling and uncoupling. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick-disconnect coupling having an integral flow control valve formed with an adjustable valve pin for improved sealing during coupling and uncoupling to a fluid fitting. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a quick-disconnect coupling which is relatively small in size and safe and convenient to use, even in tightly enclosed spaces.


A protective coating for a surface exposed to hot gas flow comprises a thermal layer, a conducting layer and an abrasive layer. The thermal layer comprises alumina having a sufficient amount of impurities to lower the thermal layer thermal conductivity. The layer is formed from a powder having a thermal conductivity no more than 10 BTU in/hr ft2° F., and overlies the surface. The conducting layer overlies the thermal layer. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive particles bonded in a metal matrix that is electroplated onto the conducting layer.

This invention relates generally to airfoils for gas turbine engines, and specifically to airfoil coatings. In particular, the invention concerns an abrasive thermal protective coating suitable for use on blade and vane airfoils in the turbine or compressor section of a gas turbine engine.
Gas turbine engines are configured around a core comprising a compressor, a combustor and a turbine, which are arranged in flow series with a forward (upstream) inlet and an aft (downstream) exhaust. The compressor compresses air from the inlet, which is mixed with fuel in the combustor and ignited to produce hot combustion gas. The combustion gas drives the turbine, and is exhausted downstream. Typically, compressed air is also utilized to cool downstream engine components, particularly turbine parts exposed to hot working fluid flow.
The turbine section may be coupled to the compressor via a common shaft, or using a series of coaxially nested shaft spools, which rotate independently. Each spool includes one or more compressor and turbine stages, which are formed by alternating rows of blades and vanes. The working surfaces of the blades and vanes are formed into airfoils, which are configured to compress air from the inlet (in the compressor), or to extract energy from combustion gas (in the turbine).
In ground-based industrial gas turbines, power output is typically provided in the form of rotational energy, which is transferred to a shaft and used to drive a mechanical load such as a generator. Weight is not as great a factor in ground-based applications, and industrial gas turbines can utilize complex spooling systems for increased efficiency. Ground-based turbines are also commonly configured for combined-cycle operations, in which additional energy is extracted from the partially-cooled exhaust gas stream, for example by driving a steam turbine.
Aviation applications include turbojet, turbofan and turboshaft engines. Most modern fixed-wing aircraft employ a two or three-spool turbofan configuration, as opposed to the older turbojet design, while rotary-wing aircraft (e.g., helicopters) are typically powered by turboshaft engines. Aviation engines also power accessory functions such as pneumatics, hydraulics and environmental control, for example via a bleed air system or electrical generator.
Turbofan engines use a forward fan or ducted propeller to generate thrust via bypass flow, which is directed around the main engine core. Most turbofans have a direct drive coupling the fan to the low-pressure turbine spool, but some advanced engines utilize a reduction gearbox for independent speed control, reducing noise and increasing engine efficiency. Subsonic aircraft typically employ high-bypass turbofans, in which most of the thrust is generated from bypass flow. Low-bypass turbofans tend to be louder and somewhat less fuel efficient, but provide greater specific thrust and are generally used for high-performance aircraft.
In gas turbine engine design, there is a constant need to balance the benefits of increased pressure and combustion temperature, which tend to improve engine performance, with wear and tear on the airfoil surfaces, which tend to decrease service life. In particular, there is a need for protective coating systems that reduce the thermal and erosive effects of the working fluid flow. There is a particular need, moreover, for protective coating systems that are adaptable to a variety of different engine configurations and airfoil designs, including rotor blade and stator vane airfoils exposed to high-temperature working fluid in the compressor or turbine section of a gas turbine engine.


An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire that includes a base and a plurality of elements that move relative to the base. The plurality of elements have a central axis, and the elements are disposed in a circumferential direction around the central axis and move in a radial direction towards and away from the central axis. A radial movement member, hub, and a plurality of spokes are also present. Each one of the spokes is disposed between adjacent ones of the elements. The elements and the spokes are moved inwards in the radial direction by the radial movement member towards the central axis so that the spokes are moved in the radial direction towards the hub. Adhesive engages the spokes and the hub at an attachment location of the spokes and the hub.

Non-pneumatic tires are those that do not require air. These tires instead feature a hub that is mounted onto a wheel of a vehicle, and a series of spokes that extend radially outward from the hub. The spokes can be attached to a shear band that includes tread of the tire. The spokes can be arranged and manufactured in a number of ways. Further, any number of spokes can be used in the design of non-pneumatic tires. However, when large numbers of spokes are used manufacturing problems arise. The large numbers of spokes require the spokes be positioned close to one another, and in these instances the spokes cannot be formed with the hub as part of a complete assembly. For a non-pneumatic tire to be constructed in a uniform manner, the circumferential and lateral precision of location of the spokes should be within 0.2 millimeters. Further, variations in spokes to spoke flange thicknesses exist in the manufacture of spokes, which also should be taken into account in any subsequent assembly process. Due to the various manufacturing challenges associated with the production of non-pneumatic tires, a mechanism for addressing and improving upon issues associated with their production would be beneficial.
The use of identical or similar reference numerals in different figures denotes identical or similar features.

Fixture for spoke to hub attachment for a non-pneumatic tire

Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin


A laundry treatment apparatus, in particular a dryer (2a) or washing machine having a drying function, includes a cabinet having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a base section. The base section has an internal side facing the interior of the cabinet and an external side exposed to the outside of the cabinet. A laundry storing chamber for treating laundry using process air (A), a process air loop for circulating the process air through the laundry storing chamber, and a heat pump system for dehumidifying and heating the process air are also provided. The heat pump system has a refrigerant loop comprising: a first heat exchanger (10) for heating a refrigerant and cooling the process air (A), a second heat exchanger (12) for cooling the refrigerant and heating the process air, a refrigerant expansion device, a compressor, and an auxiliary heat exchanger (13). The auxiliary heat exchanger (13) is arranged at the external side of the base section.

The invention relates to a laundry treatment apparatus having a heat pump system in which process air for laundry treatment is dehumidified and heated.
In driers using a heat pump system for dehumidifying and heating the process air in a closed process air loop, excess energy has to be removed from the heat pump system as soon as the system has achieved a steady state of operation. The so called steady state is an optimum operation state in which the dehumidifying capacity of the evaporator and the heating capacity of the condenser are optimized in view of drying the laundry and energy consumption of the heat pump system. In the steady state the excess energy is the heat loss power introduced to the system by the compressor and which over the time would drive the system to an over-temperature and less-optimum operation, if not removed. From prior art different approaches are known to remove the excess energy when reaching the steady state.
A dryer having a heat pump system for dehumidifying and heating process air is known from WO 2008/086933 A. An auxiliary condenser cooled by ambient air is used to remove heat from the refrigerant loop in the heat pump system.
In the dryer of EP 2 034 084 A1 an auxiliary condenser of the heat pump system is arranged in the bottom section between an ambient air blower and a compressor such that the ambient air cools and removes excessive heat from both, the auxiliary condenser and the compressor.

Laundry treatment apparatus with heat pump

Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.


A heatable roller which can be heated from inside the roller body by a heating device. Provided radially outside the heating device are axially parallel bore holes uniformly distributed over the periphery of the roller body which are connected at the ends by annular chambers. The bore holes and the annular chambers form a closed system which is partially filled with water. This system operates to make the temperature uniform via condensation heating in the event of local temperature reduction.

Such a roller is known from a company publication of the Japanese firm Tokuden. Provision is made inside the roller, coaxially to its axis, for a coil arrangement which heats the roller body inductively from inside. Disposed radially outside of the coil arrangement in the roller body are bore holes which are parallel to the axis and are partially filled with water, because water has the greatest evaporation heat and, thus, the greatest temperature-adjustment effect during condensation. The bore holes are each closed individually at the ends in a pressure-resistant manner. If a temperature drop occurs at a bore-hole location during operation, the vapor in the free space of the hollow chamber not filled by water condenses there and produces a condensation temperature-rise which immediately brings the location in question to the temperature of the ambient environment. Thus, there is an automatic equalization of temperature over the roller-body surface.
The elongated channels can be produced in the roller body at relatively low cost using known means, leaving the stability of the roller body essentially intact. The expression "elongated channel" is used to imply that the cross-section is not important, and that the channels have a length amounting to a multiple, e.g. 20 to 150 times, the cross-sectional dimension. In practice, they are "peripheral" bore holes introduced into the roller body near the outer periphery.
Axially parallel bore holes have been known for quite some time in connection with the heating of rollers. For example, German Utility Model Patent 90 14 117 discloses axially parallel bore holes, that, however, do not form a closed system, but rather are traversed by the flow of a heat-carrier liquid which is heated outside of the roller and transferred by pumping. In the German 40 33 986 A1, bar-shaped, electrical heating elements are arranged in the peripheral bore holes.
In the specific embodiment of the species, the elongated channels must be individually partially filled to a specific level with water and then sealed off in a pressure-tight manner. In addition, after being partially filled with water, the channels must be evacuated, since otherwise air pockets form in the channels and hinder vapor condensation. Because evacuation is necessary, only individually sealing off the channels by welding them closed or by using screw plugs comes into consideration. This requires a considerable expense which may have to be repeated over the service life of the roller. For example, when the roller must be re-engraved, the surface must be heat-treated, making it necessary to empty the elongated channels. It is then necessary to refill the elongated channels with precisely measured volumes of water, and subsequently to evacuate them. The volume of water in each elongated channel should conform, otherwise the condensation heating of the individual channels will not create uniform heating over the periphery of the roller body.

Eduard Kusters Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG