An adaptive digital data unit (600) initiates and successfully completes a remote loop back test. The adaptive digital data unit (600) has a controller (610), a local transmitter (620), a local receiver (640) a timer (622) and a detector (634). When a remote adaptive digital data unit (600) transmits a first data sequence and a second data sequence, the local adaptive digital data unit (600) receives the second data sequence from the remote digital data unit and determines if the second data sequence matches one of two predetermined data sequences. If so, a test successful flag is generated.

In a typical digital data system arranged for point-to-point data transfer over a digital network there is a local data terminal equipment (DTE) and a local digital data unit (DDU) connected to a remote DDU and a remote DTE via a digital network. DTE are devices such as terminals and personal computers serve as an interface between a user and the DDU. The DDUs combine the functions of a data service unit (DSU) and a channel service unit (CSU) into a single unit which makes it possible to transfer data between a local and remote site over the digital network. The digital network is supplied by a service provider and may operate at various data rates, such as 64 kilobits per second and greater. DDUs that are available for transferring data over the digital network include a Motorola DDS/MR64 and similar devices.
In order to maintain and establish data connections, testing methods or modes have become an integral part of DDUs. Most of the various test modes are initiated and terminated via a control lead (or connection) from the DTE to the DDU or from a front panel switch located on the DDU. One of these test, the remote loop back test, serves as a tool to assist maintenance personnel at a local site to isolate and detect trouble conditions in a digital data system. The remote loop back test may verify operation of the local DTE, the local DDU, the digital network, and the remote DDU.
When a command to perform the remote loop back test is initiated by the local DTE, the local DDU will send a test signal to the remote DDU, causing it to enter the remote loop back test mode. When the remote DDU is in the loop back test mode, data from the local DTE or other test data transmitted by a local transmitter in the local DDU will be received by the remote DDU and looped back through a remote receiver and remote transmitter (within the remote DDU) and returned to a local receiver in the local DDU. If the transmitted test data and the data returned to the local receiver are the same (except for a time delay), then the local DDU, the digital network, the remote DDU and corresponding connectors are functioning properly and the remote loop back test is successful.
Presently there are two recognized methods of initiating and terminating the remote loop back test. Each method initiates the test by transmitting a test (or protocol) signal, from the local DDU, to the remote DDU. The test signals (or sequences) for both methods use a pseudo random pattern (or sequence) generated by a scrambler using a scrambler polynomial equal to 1+X-4+X-7. The scrambler, using the scrambler polynomial, may be implemented using a seven stage shift register with feedback taken from the forth and seventh stages. When the input sequence to the scrambler is a binary zero sequence (a continuous string of zeros) the pseudo random pattern produced is a repeating pattern, 127 bits in length, generally known as the PN127 sequence. When the input to the scrambler is a binary one sequence (a continuous string of ones), a scrambled binary ones sequence is generated which is sometimes known as the inverse PN127 sequence. The scrambled binary ones sequence may also be generated by inverting the PN127 sequence. Scramblers are well known to those in the art and are discussed in textbooks such as Digital Transmission Systems by David R. Smith (1985) and are used in a variety of data communications products designed according to certain standards, such as Recommendations V.34 and V.54 of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
The first of the recognized methods, a prior art approach, to perform the remote loop back test uses the procedures described in the ITU (previously known as the Consultative Committee on International Telephony and Telegraphy or CCITT) Recommendation V.54. Recommendation V.54 requires the local DDU to continuously transmit (via the local transmitter) the PN127 sequence until at least 2048 bits are transmitted. The at least 2048 bit sequence transmitted in accordance with V.54 is called a preparatory pattern (or sequence). The local DDU having sent the preparatory pattern will then search, using a local receiver, for an acknowledge pattern from the remote DDU. When the local receiver detects the acknowledge pattern the remote loop back test is successful. Recommendation V.54 defines the acknowledge pattern to be at least 1948 bits of the scrambled binary ones sequence. In order to comply with V.54, the remote DDU, upon recognition of the preparatory pattern, must transmit the acknowledge pattern and then enter the remote loop back test mode. The signal for termination of the remote loop back test is initiated by the local DDU and requires the local transmitter to transmit a termination pattern, comprising 8192 bits of scrambled binary ones followed by 64 binary ones, to the remote DDU.
The second prior art method to perform a remote-loop back test uses a technique (or protocol) jointly developed by American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) and U.S. Sprint (sometimes called the Sprint method). In the second method, the local DDU transmits the PN127 sequence for a period of two seconds, then sends binary ones for an additional 2 seconds. The remote unit, upon recognition of the PN127 sequence for a period of 256 error free milliseconds, enters the remote loop back test mode. When the local receiver detects reflected data (data returned from the remote DDU) then the remote loop back test is successful. The termination of the remote loop back test is initiated by the local DDU when the local transmitter transmits the scrambled binary ones sequence for 2 seconds followed by binary ones for an additional 2 seconds.
A local DDU designed according to the first method, i.e., Recommendation V.54, will not be compatible with a remote DDU designed according to the Sprint method when attempting to initiate and complete the remote loop back test. Because each of these recognized methods have advantages and disadvantages both are widely used in digital data systems. Hence some DDUs are designed to operate according to the V.54 protocol, while others are designed to operate according to the Sprint protocol. The differences in the two methods may cause incompatibility problems when DDUs are coupled via the digital network and are required to perform the remote loop back test.
Accordingly, a need has remained to reliably initiate and perform a remote loop back test from a local digital data unit when the test method (or protocol) of a remote digital data unit is unknown. In addition, a need has remained to implement such a test efficiently, with minimal complexity and with a minimal response time, and with equipment having a lower or reduced cost to manufacture or purchase.

Method for providing remote loop back testing in a digital data system having multiple protocols


The textile material is a weave wherein the warps are made of multifilamentary aramid yarns, while the wefts comprise alternate multifilamentary aramid yarns and spun aramid yarns. When used in conjunction with a firefighter garment, the shell increases wearer comfort, reduces metabolic energy requirements and decreases metabolic heat build-up.

(a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a textile material for use as the outer shell of a firefighter garment. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the material of the outer shell of a firefighter garment that increases the mobility and comfort of the wearer and, overcomes the problem of decreasing mechanical resistance as fabric weight reduces.
(b) Description of Prior Art
All fabrics used in the manufacture of protective clothing for firefighters must satisfy minimum performance requirements for flame, heat and tear resistance, as well as for thermal protection in general.
The clothing is normally made of a composite layer of materials including an outer shell which is most often constructed of spun yarns. These spun yarn materials do not slide easily on themselves or on surfaces inside or outside (e.g. other layers of the garment) with which they come into contact. As a result, a certain amount of body energy is required to move in the garments or flex joints, and to otherwise perform functions associated with the job of the wearer.
In the design of an outer shell, care must be taken not to fall below the minimum performance requirements of the various national standards. For example, a garment could be made lighter by simply employing lighter weight outer shell fabrics, however, as fabric weight drops, so does its mechanical resistance.
One method for overcoming the decrease in mechanical resistance as fabric weight decreases is to use filament instead of spun yarns, the former having very high tensile and abrasion strength. Similarly, filament yarns are more slippery than spun yarns thereby reducing friction between the filament fabric and any other fabric with which it may come in contact. This slipperiness increases the flexibility and mobility of the garment thereby reducing metabolic heat build-up.
However, filament fabrics often have problems as a result of the filament type or the fabric weave:
plain weave filament fabrics often suffer from seam slippage;
100% NOMEX.RTM. filament fabrics experience break-open before spun NOMEX.RTM./KEVLAR.RTM. blends;
100% KEVLAR.RTM. filament is vulnerable to UV. degradation and to fibrillation.
One of the leading causes of firefighter injury and mortality is stress. Stress may be caused by metabolic heat build-up and retention which in turn may be partly caused by the weight of the garment, the insulation properties of the garment, or the impediments to movement that the garment may present. Even if circumstances are not severe enough to make heat stress a threat, wearer comfort is decreased if the garment is heavy and constricting.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,247 describes a heat insulating garment made of a composite interlining sheet of porous material having low heat conductivity and high resilience. A layer of flexible reflective material is bonded to the outside of the porous material.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,886 describes a firefighter's garment having an outer layer, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer. Spacer elements are disposed between two of the layers of the garment to provide air spaces between layers of the garment. This design seeks to enhance thermal protective performance without significantly increasing garment weight. Its primary objectives are not:
reduction in garment weight
nor enhanced mobility
nor equal or superior heat and mechanical resistance at lower fabric weights.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,757 relates to fire block textile material including a carrier means and a textile to provide cover in a first state and a fire block or barrier in a second state.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,522 describes a design which seeks to increase flexibility at certain places in the garment by reducing the fabric thickness in these specific areas. Coincidentally, this would provide a very small reduction in garment weight.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,781 seeks to increase thermal protection and hence weight and thickness in only selected areas of the garment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,723 discloses a firefighter garment including an outer shell, a moisture barrier within the shell and an inner thermal barrier. The outer shell may be made of NOMEX.RTM. or KEVLAR.RTM. fibers. The moisture barrier may be made of NOMEX.RTM. fibers and the thermal barrier may have a face cloth of NOMEX.RTM. or KEVLAR.RTM.. The aim of this Patent is the promotion of moisture vapor (perspiration) transmission from the inside to the outside of the garment without sacrificing thermal protective performance.
It is object of the present invention to provide a textile material for the outer shell of a firefighter garment that increases wearer comfort, reduces metabolic energy requirements and decreases metabolic heat build-up.
It is another object of the present invention to reduce the overall weight of the garment without compromising the mechanical resistance of the layers of the fabric.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an outer shell for firefighter garments that reduces the coefficients of static and sliding friction between the layers of the garment and between the garment and other interior or exterior surfaces which it may contact.
It is another object of the present invention to reduce the bulk of material at flex points of a firefighter garment such as at the elbows, shoulders, knees, underarms, and hence reduce mechanical resistance to body movement.

Textile material for outer shell of firefighter garment


In a heat pump apparatus, it is aimed to enhance efficiency of a defrost operation by reducing a loss of heat radiation during the defrost operation and reducing a compressor input during the defrost operation. The heat pump apparatus includes a main refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, and a second heat exchanger are connected sequentially, and also includes a bypass circuit including an on-off valve and providing a connection by bypassing the expansion mechanism. The main refrigerant circuit includes a four-way valve that switches between a heating operation and the defrost operation by switching an order in which the refrigerant circulates through the main refrigerant circuit. The main refrigerant circuit also includes a first temperature detection unit and a second temperature detection unit. Based on values detected by these temperature detection units, a degree of superheat of the first heat exchanger during the defrost operation is computed. When the heating operation is switched to the defrost operation, the heat pump apparatus increases a circulation amount of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit by opening the on-off valve, and also controls an operation frequency of the compressor such that the degree of superheat is at a predetermined target value.

In a heat pump air conditioner, frost may be formed on a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit during a heating operation. There exists a heat pump air conditioner that performs a defrost operation for removing frost formed on a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit during a heating operation. During this defrost operation, it is a general practice to have a refrigerant flow in a reverse direction as compared to the heating operation, such that defrosting is performed by heat radiated when a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from a compressor condenses at the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit.
Patent Literature 1 discusses a configuration of an expansion mechanism such that a flow path resistance during a defrost operation is lower than a flow path resistance during a normal cooling or heating operation. With this arrangement, a sufficient flow volume of the refrigerant can be secured for melting frost, so that an efficient defrost operation is realized and a defrost operation time is shortened.
Patent Literature 2 discusses a defrost operation in a water heater. In particular, Patent Literature 2 discusses adjustment of a circulation amount of a refrigerant during the defrost operation based on the temperature of water, i.e. a heat source. With this arrangement, efficiency is enhanced by shortening a defrost operation time depending on the temperature of water, and reliability is enhanced by preventing a liquid backflow to a compressor. A liquid backflow means that the refrigerant in a liquid phase flows into the compressor.


The present inventor devised, among other things, one or more exemplary systems, kits, methods, devices, assemblies, components, and/or software and related graphical interfaces related to signs with interchangeable illumination elements. One exemplary embodiment includes an illuminated sign assembly of two or more alphanumeric lighting elements formed of a transparent or translucent injection- or blow-molded plastic and including a number of surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the alphanumeric elements plugs into power track, and can be independently rotated to a desired orientation relative the power track. In some embodiments, the each of the elements can be wireless controlled or programmed via a smartphone to blink or change colors according to a desired pattern or in response to ambient conditions. In still other embodiments, the lighting elements vertically stack onto a recharge station, and in yet others the elements are powered or recharged via resonant inductive coupling.

The present inventor recognized that illuminated signs typically have fixed messages that are not easily changed or adapted. Moreover, those that can be changed are typically box light fixtures with flat textual or character panels that are not only uninspiring to view, but also cumbersome to change.
Accordingly, the present inventor has at least identified a need for a better way of displaying lit phrases easily.

Modular signage systems, assemblies, components, and methods


‘Kakegawa S89’ is a new Petunia-Calibrachoa hybrid plant particularly distinguished by having a pinkish-red flower color, medium size flowers and a mounding growth habit.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Petunia-Calibrachoa and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Kakegawa S89.' It is characterized by having a pinkish-red with yellow-throat flower color and mounding growth habit. The new cultivar originated from a hybridization in Kakegawa, Japan in May of 2003. The male parent was a proprietary hybrid Calibrachoa line named '04-167', which had a red flower color, medium flower size and a semi-mounding plant habit. The female parent was a proprietary hybrid Petunia line named '04-H-79', which had a white with vein flower color, medium flower size and mounding plant habit.
In May 2003, the new Petunia-Calibrachoa variety was developed using an intergeneric cross between a Petunia hybrid and a Calibrachoa hybrid species. After crossing the parent lines, 780 ovules were removed from flowers on the female parent and cultured by standard ovule culture techniques. In December 2003, 10 intergeneric hybrid plants were transplanted to soilless media for greenhouse culture and acclimatization.
In March 2004, 7 plants out of 10 hybrid lines were vegetatively propagated to produce rooted cuttings. In April 2004, the 7 plants were transplanted to an open field and evaluated for flower color and plant growth habit through July. In August 2004, 'Kakegawa S89' which has a bright pinkish-red with yellow throat flower color and a mounding plant growth habit was selected and vegetatively propagated.
In September 2004, 10 cuttings were evaluated in an open field through November 2004. The selection subsequently was named 'Kakegawa S89' and found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.

Petunia-calibrachoa plant named ‘Kakegawa S89’


Pressurized air systems for aircraft and related methods are described herein. An example pressurized air system includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet. The compressor inlet receives air from a first air source and the compressor outlet supplies pressurized air to an environmental control system (ECS). The pressurized air system includes a turbine having a turbine inlet to receive air from a second air source, a first overrunning clutch operatively coupled between an output shaft of an accessory gearbox and the compressor, the accessory gearbox operatively coupled to a drive shaft extending from an engine of the aircraft, and a second overrunning clutch operatively coupled between the compressor and the turbine. The first and second overrunning clutches enable the accessory gearbox to drive the compressor during a first mode of operation and enable the turbine to drive the compressor during a second mode of operation.

Commercial aircraft typically include one or more systems that operate using pressurized air. For example, commercial aircraft often employ an environmental control system (an ECS) to pressurize a passenger cabin of the aircraft and/or thermal anti-icing systems to provide heated air for anti-icing applications, both of which operate on pressurized air. Air supply is typically provided to these systems by bleed air extracted from or otherwise provided by a compressor of an aircraft engine. To meet the pressure and/or temperature demands of the various aircraft systems, bleed air is often extracted from a higher stage of the compressor that provides bleed air having a pressure and/or temperature above that demanded by the various systems. The pressurized bleed air is then often cooled, via a precooler, and reduced in pressure, via a pressure regulating valve, prior to providing the bleed air to the systems. Therefore, much of the energy spent by the engine to produce the bleed air is wasted when cooling the bleed air and/or reducing the pressure of the bleed air and, thus, extracting high-pressure bleed air in such a manner may reduce the efficiency of the engine.


A knuckle is formed by a knuckle body and a lower arm support bracket fastened to front and rear fastening portions provided in a lower portion of the knuckle body with front and rear bolts. When the knuckle bumps from a normal position, an angle of a line connecting fastening surfaces of the front and rear fastening portions moves closer to the horizontal. Thus, if a vehicle body leans outward in a turning direction by centrifugal force caused by turning of a vehicle and a turning outside wheel thus bumps, and a turning lateral force acting inward in the turning direction is applied to a ground contact point of the turning outside wheel, a difference between distances from a road surface to the fastening surfaces of the front and rear fastening portions is reduced when a compression load of a lower arm against the turning lateral force is applied to the lower arm support bracket, thereby reducing a difference between loads applied to the front and rear bolts placed in the fastening surfaces to provide uniform durability.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a suspension device including: a knuckle formed by a knuckle body and a lower arm support bracket fastened to front and rear fastening portions provided in a lower portion of the knuckle body with front and rear bolts; and a lower arm having an inner end portion in a vehicle width direction connected to a vehicle body, and an outer end portion in the vehicle width direction connected to the lower arm support bracket.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 7 and 8 show a conventional suspension device. A knuckle 01 of the suspension device is formed by connecting a lower arm support bracket 03 to a lower end of a knuckle body 02 with two bolts 04 and 05. An outer end of an upper arm 06 in a vehicle width direction is connected to an upper end of the knuckle 01 via a ball joint 08. An outer end of a lower arm 07 in the vehicle width direction is connected to the lower arm support bracket 03 via a ball joint 09. A pair of fastening portions 02a and 02b protruding downward are integrally formed at front and rear ends in a lower portion of the knuckle body 02. Front and rear ends of the lower arm support bracket 03 are fastened to fastening surfaces of the fastening portions 02a and 02b with the bolts 04 and 05.
When a vehicle turns at high speed, a vehicle body leans outward in a turning direction by centrifugal force caused by the turning and a turning outside wheel thus bumps, and a turning lateral force acting inward in the turning direction is applied to a ground contact point of the turning outside wheel. As shown in FIG. 8, in the knuckle 01 of the conventional suspension device, a line L connecting the fastening surfaces of the front and rear fastening portions 02a and 02b at which the lower arm support bracket 03 is fastened to the knuckle body 02, is inclined downward to the front in a normal state (under acceleration of 1 G in a vertical direction). When a wheel bumps, the line L is further inclined downward to the front and moves to a position L′. This increases a difference in height from a road surface to the front and rear bolts 04 and 05, and when the lateral force is applied, a load applied to the rear bolt 05 becomes larger than a load applied to the front bolt 04 for reasons described in embodiments. Thus, when front and rear bolts 04 and 05 having the same diameter are used, durability of the rear bolt 05 to which a larger load is applied may be reduced.
In the above described conventional suspension device, when no load F toward a rear of a vehicle body is applied to a wheel W, a line A connecting the two bolts 04 and 05 fastening the lower arm support bracket 03 to the lower end of the knuckle body 02 is aligned with a front-rear direction of the vehicle body. Thus, when the wheel W passes over an uneven spot on the road surface or a brake is applied to the wheel W to cause the load F toward the rear of the vehicle body to act on the knuckle 01, the line A tends to toe-out to a position A′ together with the wheel W.
As a result, the front bolt 04 is displaced outward in the vehicle width direction from the line A running along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and the rear bolt 05 is displaced inward in the vehicle width direction from the line A along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and thus the load F causes a significant moment with the displacement as moment arms to act on the fastening portions 02a and 02b of the knuckle body 02. This problem requires some countermeasures such as increasing thicknesses of the front and rear bolts 04 and 05, thereby increasing weights.


In a speakerphone device identification of signals (i.e., voice input or speaker output) in a process for reducing acoustic feedback, in a communication device, is accomplished by adding a signature noise (i.e., an identification mark) to output signals radiated by the speaker to enable these signals to be separated from speech input to the microphone. Having identified the signal (i.e., speech output) likely to cause a “singing” phenomenon, appropriate insertion loss to reduce the feedback may be added to the appropriate speech path within the communication device, to reduce a probability of singing.

The amount of acoustic energy output of a speaker being fed back into a microphone of a duplex acoustic system with gain (i.e., a device used for communication purposes) determines the system acoustic stability. Such stability is important to prevent the generation of "singing" in which feedback of the speaker output onto the microphone causes reinforcement of sound from the loudspeaker and thus causes the speaker to emit a howl or similar high-pitched noise.
There are existing methods of preventing this singing effect that operate by inserting switched loss into either the speaker or microphone path to ensure system stability. The amount of switched loss to insert is determined by comparing the microphone signal level to the speaker signal level from the network via a hybrid connected to the speakerphone. Examination of the relative levels of the two signals permits a determination as to which signal level is presently active (i.e. speaker output or voice input). Loss is inserted in the path which is determined to be presently inactive ensuring that the total loop electro-acoustic gain of the speakerphone and the network is less than one at the frequency where at zero degrees loop phase shift is experienced. This criterion, known as the Nyquist stability criterion, determines how much loss must be present in the electro-acoustic loop consisting of the speakerphone and the network to sustain oscillations, in order to ensure stability. The overall loss inserted, in many arrangements, to maintain stability is related to the sum of signal-dependent switched loss and some fixed loss amount, which is needed to provide "sing" margin to compensate for inaccuracies in determination of the total amount of loop gain necessary to prevent oscillations at specific frequencies.
The difficulty of these implementations has been in determining the amount of coupling which exists between the speakerphone's speaker and its microphone (i.e., speaker output vs. voice input). The acoustic environment between speaker and microphone is often unstable making a determination between speaker feedback and voice input to the microphone difficult to assess. In another arrangement, it has been thought possible to have the relative signal levels determined at the hybrid connection of the speakerphone to the telephone network. It is theoretically possible to sample incoming and outgoing speech at the hybrid connecting the phone to the network to infer loop gain, but this method has difficulties due to the isolation loss of the hybrid and is often unsatisfactory

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for active reduction of speakerphone singing


A method (800) for determining an estimate (215, 261) of an echo path property of an electronic device (200, 250, 300, 600). The electronic device is configured to render a total audio signal using a loudspeaker (102), and the electronic device is configured to record an echo of the rendered audio signal using a microphone (103), thereby yielding a recorded audio signal (112). The method comprises inserting (801), in an inaudible manner, an auxiliary audio signal (212) into the total audio signal to be rendered; wherein the auxiliary audio signal (212) comprises a tonal audio signal at a first frequency; isolating (803) the echo of the auxiliary audio signal (212) from the recorded audio signal (112); and determining (804) the estimate (215, 261) of the echo path property based on the inserted auxiliary audio signal (212) and based on the isolated echo of the auxiliary audio signal (212).

Electronic communication devices such as telephones, smartphones, etc., which may be operated in a handsfree mode, typically make use of echo cancellation and/or echo suppression in order to compensate for an echo of an audio signal rendered by a loudspeaker of the electronic device, wherein the echo may have been captured by a microphone of the electronic device. The determination of the echo path for an electronic communication device is an important part of the signal processing for an effective conversation. When a talker hears an echo of his/her voice, such echo severely disrupts the talker's ability to converse naturally.
The efficient and correct operation of echo cancellation and/or echo suppression typically depends on a constrained and reasonable variation in the echo path over time, such as is expected with movement in the device or nearby objects. Hardware and/or software faults or failures in a system can lead to the possibility of sudden discontinuities or errors in the audio signals comprising the speaker output, echo reference and input microphone signal. Such discontinuities create unnatural variation in the echo path which can cause instability and failure of echo control systems. One aspect of this document addresses the technical problem of estimating the occurrence of such faults and discontinuity events.
In some systems or applications, there may be an unknown bulk delay that occurs due to the system hardware and/or software between an audio output and associated microphone input corrupted by echo. In modeling and echo path, it is not necessary to estimate the echo present in this bulk delay period. Another aspect of this document is to address an improved method for estimating this bulk delay resulting in improved echo control stability and lower computational complexity.

Echo control through hidden audio signals

Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation


The present invention discloses a shower drying system and a system to provide air circulation within a pocket door assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, a first preferred embodiment is provided which includes a shower to steam room conversion system in which activation of an internal control button/timer switch activates a blower which sends a layer of air through a web of plastic tubing fitted around a stainless-steel pocket door insert. Using this embodiment, air is forced through the tubing and directed to drive the water/moisture off the glass, all surfaces of the stainless pocket, and all surfaces of the shower interior and towards the drain of the shower making a clean, dry environment.

Standard walk-in showers generally produce an excess of humidity and residual moisture. In normal use, the humidity and moisture within the shower enclosure will dissipate over a period of time once the water is shut off. During this time, the moisture is a nuisance which is protected against with sealants, drains and other protective surfaces which must be cleaned to prevent mildew, mold, staining and other detrimental effects of the residual moisture.
While removing moisture is an issue in traditional showers, steam showers actively produce and trap moisture in the form of steam. Once installed, the steam showers allow users to enjoy the warm, moist air created by the shower. A key drawback to these steam shower systems, however, is that they are not compatible with the shower systems present in most homes. Accordingly, to have a steam shower, either the steam shower enclosure must be built into the home from the start or a self-contained, shower enclosure must be specially installed at great expense.
What is needed is a system which removes the excess humidity and moisture of a conventional, residential shower while at the same time providing the heating and circulating benefits of a steam shower.

System, method and apparatus for providing steam circulation and cleaning within a shower enclosure


A premise-monitoring alarm system has a base transceiver for a control panel and numerous distributed remote transceivers servicing the numerous distributed remote alarm-event sensors. Given remote transceivers are enhanced with a user-sensible indicator as well as a user interface. For installation purposes, a remote transceiver responds to a manual trigger through the interface with transmission of a test signal. The base transceiver responds to any within-range test signal with sending a reply signal. In turn, the sending-remote transceiver responds to reception of the reply signal with output of a user-sensible indication through the user-sensible indicator. That way, during installation, a single installer can determine when the two transceivers are within range without help from additional persons or equipment. Hence the installer can repetitiously test the sending-remote transceiver in various proposed installations within a confined remote perimeter, without ever having a desert area confined within the perimeter.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to automatic, premise-monitoring alarm system as for example burglary or burglary/firm alarm systems, and more particularly to network and circuit configurations for alarm system operations as will be apparent in connection with the discussion further below of preferred embodiments and examples.
2. Prior Art
Premise-monitoring alarm systems monitor a given protected premise—say, for example, a residential home, a commercial property, a bank vault, or an ATM machine and the like—for the occurrence of a given event:—e.g., an unwanted intrusion, unauthorized entry or smoke and so on. Some alarm events simply correspond to a "low battery" condition in either the alarm-event sensors or else the protected-premise controller/control panel. Upon detection of a given alarm event, the controller signals the alarm event to a pre-determined receiving site(s), which traditionally has been a central alarm-monitoring station. In the traditional case, the central alarm-monitoring station, which may be a public or private service, may manually process the signal by an attendant who can dispatch police or fire-fighters or alert the property-owners or take whatever other steps are appropriate. Prior art automatic alarm systems have typically transmitted their message traffic over standard voice-grade telephone lines.
FIG. 1 shows an alarm system configuration 50 in accordance with the prior art. This alarm system configuration includes video surveillance by means of camera 52. In FIG. 1, the example protected premise features a certain door 54. This door may be assumed to be a front door to a bank lobby or the like. The door may see heavy traffic during business hours. But after closing time or later, perhaps this door is intended to lock out all but a highly select few who have been given pre-assigned privileges to use the door during the very latest hours.
FIG. 1 includes representation of a guard shack 56. For this bank, it keeps a security guard 58 posted at the shack perhaps twenty-four hours, all seven days of the week. Presumptively, the guard shack is the central receiving site for multiple other alarm controllers, although the drawing shows just one controller 60. Also, presumptively, each alarm controller 60 is linked with multiple sensors, although again the drawing shows just one sensor 62. The protection of this door 54 might be sensitive enough that it justifies video monitoring as well.
The upper half of FIG. 1 provides a sample event table. In this table, a typical sequence of events might comprise the following. At some original time, the door is closed, the controller is armed, the sensor and camera are active, and the guard shack is staffed by a given guard (eg., "user"). The guard shack is provided with a video monitoring system 64 which includes among other things, one or more monitors, a video tape recorder 66, and a switch 68. The switch is used as follows. Perhaps the guard shack has an array of monitors, but perhaps also the guard shack is linked with tenfold as many cameras 62 as it has monitors. These multiple other camera links are shown in the drawing by reference numeral 72 (although the other cameras are not shown). Thus the guard cannot perpetually monitor the channel of all the cameras simultaneously. The guard must flip between channels. Indeed, the VMS 64 is likely to have an automatic sequencer that sequences through the channels of all the relevant cameras. Alternatively, the guard can of course preempt the sequencer and tune in on the channel of a specified camera as the guard wishes. With the foregoing in mind, it is assumed that, at the original time when the door 54 is closed, the guard is switched to channels other than this camera 52 shown by FIG. 1.
At event no. 1, the door opens. The motion sensor 62 detects this event. It signals the controller 60 over a copper wire connection 74. At event no. 2, the controller has started it response. The controller sends a control signal to the local VTR 76 over copper wire 78 to begin recording. The local VTR 76 responds to the control signal and switches ON, however the VTR 76 is linked to the camera by co-axial cable 78. The controller 60 concurrently counts out its pre-set delay time. That is, authorized users might be given twenty (20) seconds to get through the door 54 and over to the controller 60 to enter a password or code. Without a timely entry of an authorized password or code, the controller at event no. 4 signals the guard shack of the prospective alarm event. The link between the controller and guard shack might be achieved by a standard voice grade telephone line 80.
At event no. 5, the guard switches into the channel of this camera. To tune into this camera 52, the guard shack switch must have a co-axial link 82/78 extending directly back all the way to the camera 52 (more accurately, there is a hop at the local VTR 76). Indeed, the switch might be fed the co-axial infeeds of dozens if not hundreds of other cameras. Again, such other infeeds are indicated by reference numeral 72. Logistically, such an expansive grid of co-axial cable 72/78/82 represents substantial resources in installation and maintenance. By event no. 6, the guard begins his or her analysis of the situation, including by transmitting instructions to the camera vis-a-vis the controller, such as pan, zoom, or tilt and so on (hereinafter more simply referenced as PZT). Event no. 7 et seq. show that further analysis continues, with the controller 60 relaying the guard's instructions to the camera. The guard has likely begun recording with the guard shack VTR 66 as well.
There are various shortcomings associated with the prior art configuration(s) of combined alarm monitoring and video surveillance. Installing and maintaining the co-axial cable is costly. Preferably, the guard shack is rather centrally located among the distributed cameras. Cost factors in many cases limit the serviceable distance between the guard shack and any of its cameras it services. There is little economy in having one guard shack in a region service diverse remote properties. The logistics of carrying video signals over co-axial cable virtually proscribe one guard shack per property. Also, once a guard shack site has been chosen, and wired up, it is costly to change that choice and move the guard shack. It is also costly to establish a redundant site(s) as for either back-up purposes or joint analysis purposes by users at various ones of the remote sites simultaneously.
Also, the video data travels over special co-axial cables whereas the command signals travel over other hardwired paths, but not the co-axial cables. Hence there are redundant paths extending between the camera and most devices it feeds video to and/or receives commands from.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to overcome these and other shortcomings of the prior art and provide improved networks and circuits for alarm system operations. Additional aspects and objects of the invention will be apparent in connection with the discussion further below of preferred embodiments and examples.

Wireless sensors for alarm system operations


The present invention provides a test plug for use with a clean-out that extends at an angle from a pipe section of a pipe system. In general, the test plug includes a sealing assembly that is actuated by an actuating member extending at an angle from the sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a first plate, a second plate, a valve that is configured to draw the first and second plates together, and a ring-shaped sealing member located between the first and second plates. In various embodiments, the actuating member is configured to move the valve between an open position, in which test media may be communicated through at least one opening in the first plate and through at least one opening in the second plate, and a closed position, in which the valve seals the opening of the first plate and in which the sealing member extends outwardly to seal against an internal surface of the pipe section.

Pipe or plumbing systems often include access openings or ports that allow the interior of the pipes of the pipe system to be inspected, cleaned, and/or tested. Access opening configurations for such pipe systems can vary in size and shape, although many configurations are standardized. In one common configuration, one or more access openings (often referred to as a "clean-outs") are provided of cylindrical pipe that extends away from the axis of the main pipe section. Clean-outs may extend from a main pipe section at any angle. Those that extend approximately 90 degrees from the main pipe section are commonly called "clean-out tees" (referring to the T-shape created by the intersecting pipe sections).
Clean-outs are also used to access areas of the pipe system in order to test the integrity of the pipe system. Currently, this is accomplished by placing temporary test plugs in the clean-outs or other portions of the pipe system accessible through the clean-outs. A test media, such as a liquid or gaseous material (typically water or air) is then introduced into the pipe system for a period of time to determine if there are any leaks. After successful testing, the test plugs are removed. Existing test plugs can be categorized into mechanical plugs and pneumatic plugs. Mechanical test plugs include devices that seal pipe systems via mechanical activation, such as by turning a threaded connection member to expand an elastomeric ring that seals against an inner surface of a pipe section. Pneumatic plugs include elongate elastomeric bladders that are attached directly to an air source. The bladders are inserted into the pipe system through the clean-outs or other access points and are then inflated to seal the pipe section. After testing, the test plugs are deflated or deactivated and then removed from the pipe system.
In some instances, existing pneumatic and mechanical plugs can present unpleasant conditions for a user. For example, to test a vertical pipe system having a clean-out tee, a common procedure includes inserting a pneumatic test plug through the access opening and into the pipe section above the clean-out, where it is inflated to seal a portion of the pipe section. Another common procedure includes inflating a pneumatic test plug in the access port of the clean-out tee so that it spans across the clean-out to seal a portion of the pipe section. Regardless of which type of test plug is used, the plugs are often subjected to extremely high pressures from the test media. It is not uncommon for a test plug to have several stories of water directly above the plug in the pipe section. Properly sealing and safely releasing such a large head pressure is a problem for many of these test plugs. For example, releasing the pressure using a test plug of the first type may force the test plug downward and spray the test media out through the access port. Test plugs of the second type may have great difficulty sealing many types of clean-out fittings because of varying types of surfaces on the inner surface of pipes and because of the limited sealing areas. Additionally, test plugs of both types may lose air pressure prior to or during a test.
As a result, there is a need for an improved test plug for use in sealing a pipe-section having a clean-out where the clean-out extends at an angle from the pipe section. The improved test plug should be capable of mechanically sealing the pipe section and blocking test media from other portions of the pipe section. It should also be capable of safely releasing test media into other portions of the pipe section. Various embodiments of the test plug should also be capable of sealing pipe sections with clean-outs that extend at various angles from the pipe section. Additionally, the improved test plug should be easy to use.


An electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamp includes: a luminous bulb 1 having a cavity portion 15; an induction coil 3 inserted in the cavity portion 15; a ballast 4 electrically connected to the induction coil 3; and a base 7, wherein the luminous bulb 1, the ballast 4 and the base 7 are configured as one unit. The luminous bulb 1 includes an approximately spherical outer tube 12 and an inner tube 11. At least the surface of the upper hemisphere of the outer tube 12 is coated with a silicone rubber 10 having the property of transmitting light.

In recent years, in view of global environmental protection and cost effectiveness, self-ballasted fluorescent lamps with electrodes which are about five times as effective as incandescent lamps have been widely used to substitute the incandescent lamps in houses, hotels and other places. Such a self-ballasted fluorescent lamp with electrodes is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-196194, for example. Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps include ballasts and bases so that the lamps can be directly replaced with incandescent lamps in terms of structure.
In addition to the existing self-ballasted fluorescent lamps with electrodes, electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamps are becoming widespread recently. The absence of electrodes eliminates wearing out of electrodes, and thus the electrodeless fluorescent lamps have a feature of longer life than that of the self-ballasted fluorescent lamps with electrodes. Therefore, the electrodeless fluorescent lamps are expected to become more and more widespread in future. Such an electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamp is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 9-320541, for example.
The electrodeless fluorescent lamps were mainly used for public lighting (e.g., street lighting) previously. However, after the appearance of electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, the electrodeless fluorescent lamps came to be also used as a replacement of incandescent lamps in hotels and other places. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to prevention of shattering caused by possible fracture than in conventional lamps.
Now, FIG. 20 shows the electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamp disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 9-320541. FIG. 21 shows the self-ballasted fluorescent lamp with electrodes disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-196194, for comparison.
As shown in FIG. 20, a spherical bulb 303 has a cavity portion for inserting an induction coil (306 and 307) therein. Though luminous gas is enclosed in the bulb 303, the bulb 303 is under a reduced pressure of several Pa to several hundred Pa. Films 301 and 302 shown in FIG. 20 are a conductive film and a luminophor, respectively. If the bulb 303 is broken in part, an implosion occurs toward the center of the bulb because of the reduced pressure inside the bulb 303. Accordingly, shattering is considered to occur more heavily than in a self-ballasted fluorescent lamp with electrodes.
Specifically, with respect to the self-ballasted fluorescent lamp with electrodes, though the inside of a tubular bulb 71 is under a reduced pressure as in a general fluorescent lamp, the tubular bulb 71 is surrounded with air and a globe 75 is disposed around the periphery thereof, as shown in FIG. 21. Accordingly, even if the bulb 71 is broken, the shatters are hold within the globe 75. Further, even if the globe 75 absorbs the shock of the shatters and is broken, no implosion occurs because the inside of the globe 75 is not under a reduced pressure. Even in the case of a lamp without the globe 75, as long as the lamp is a self-ballasted fluorescent lamp with electrodes, the force produced by the difference between the inside of the bulb and atmospheric pressure at the shattering is widely scattered along the center axis of the bulb because of the tubular shape of the bulb, so that the force is reduced as compared to the electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamp in which the force is concentrated at the center of the spherical bulb. As a result, the shattering is suppressed in such a case.
Therefore, it is a main object of the present invention to provide a self-ballasted fluorescent lamp and an electrodeless discharge lamp operating apparatus capable of preventing shattering effectively even in a case where the lamp is broken and shatters.

Electrodeless self-ballasted fluorescent lamp and electrodeless discharge lamp operating apparatus


A method and device for positively identifying that a dump event of a refuse container has occurred into a refuse hopper of a refuse vehicle are provided. When used with route software, alerts may be generated if a specific refuse container is missed or if an unexpected dump event occurs during the route.

Route software exists in the refuse industry to identify where a refuse vehicle is along their route. This software is usually viewed on a tablet computer in the case of a refuse vehicle. However, situations still exist whereby the driver may make an unauthorized pickup and/or fail to dump a particular container at a customer's location. Prior art techniques rely on manual record keeping, RFID tags on containers, imaging and/or semi-automated operator initiated triggers (i.e., manual push buttons, etc.). Unfortunately, many of these methods are prone to "rigging" and/or suffer from reliability issues.
Accordingly, an improved method and system for tracking and positively identifying if a container has been dumped, preferably a specific container, and/or at a specific location, is believed to be desirable in the market place.

Refuse vehicle dump verification system and apparatus


System for securing a part in a vehicle differential housing may have a differential housing having an interior wall and an exterior wall. The interior wall defines a cavity within the housing. The system may also have an axially inwardly extending feature integrally formed, unitary and one piece with the differential housing interior wall. The feature may define a first arm extending parallel a portion of the interior wall adjacent where the feature is connected to the interior wall. The feature may define a second arm extending transverse the first arm and a third arm extending transverse the second arm. A non-magnetic material may cover an end portion of the third arm.

Differentials are well known devices that divide torque between two axle half shafts. In some instances, it is preferred that the differential be locked so that torque is equally split between the two axle half shafts. Various methods have been used to lock the differential including electromagnetic solenoids. The electromagnetic solenoid may be energized to selectively move a gear, or other member, into one of the differential gears to lock the differential.
It has been found that the prior art electromagnetic solenoids are not adequately secured within the differential housing. Without being locked into place, the electromagnetic solenoids can shift, such as in the axial direction. Any axial shift can result in a change in performance of the system. By way of one example, an axial shift can make it so that the gear or other member connecting the electromagnetic solenoid with the differential can no longer engage the differential.
In view of the disadvantages of the known prior art systems, it would be advantageous for a system to have a structure to retain the electromagnetic solenoid in a secure location so that system can function properly.


The ratio of the angular speed of a pinion shaft to the angular speed of a steering wheel is computed. The steering torque Tst transferred to the steering wheel is computed as a multiplication product of the ratio of angular speed and the steering torque Tm of the pinion shaft. The steering torque ΔTst transferred to the steering wheel due to actuation of a steered wheel turning angle variable device is computed as a value obtained by subtracting the steering torque Tm from the steering torque Tst. An electric power steering control device is controlled so as to generate a steering torque fluctuation-reducing assist torque corresponding to the steering torque ΔTst.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicular steering control apparatus and a vehicular steering control method More particularly, the invention relates to a vehicular steering control apparatus that has a steering transfer ratio variable device that changes the steering transfer ratio of the transfer from steering input device to steered wheels, and a power steering device that generates steering assist torque, and a vehicular steering control method.
2. Description of the Related Art
As one of steering control apparatuss of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, a steering control apparatus as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP-A-9-254804, is known which, in a vehicle having a power steering device that generates steering assist torque, detects the steering torque and the rotation angle of a steering shaft, and controls the assist torque so as to restrain changes in the steering reaction force attributed to a joint of steering shafts on the basis of the steering torque and the rotation angle of the steering shaft, and therefore restrains the deterioration of the steering feeling caused by fluctuations in the steering torque.
This steering control apparatus can restrain the changes in the steering reaction force attributed to changes in the torque transferred through the joint in association with rotation of the steering shaft, and therefore can restrain the deterioration of the steering feeling caused by fluctuations in the steering torque.
As a steering control apparatus for a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle or the like, a steering control apparatus is well known which is equipped with a steering transfer ratio variable device that changes the steering transfer ratio of the transfer from the steering wheel to the steered wheel by changing the relative rotation angle of steered wheel turning mechanism-side steering shaft with respect to a steering wheel-side steering shaft.
In the steering control apparatus equipped with the steering transfer ratio variable device, the change in the steering reaction force attributed to a change in the torque transferred through the joint is amplified by a change in the relative rotation angle of the steered wheel turning mechanism-side steering shaft with respect to the steering wheel-side steering shaft which is caused by the steering transfer ratio variable device, and at the same time, the phase relationship of the change in the steering reaction force to the rotation angle of the steering wheel is also thereby changed.
In the steering control apparatus of a vehicle that is not provided with a steering transfer ratio variable device as described above, the amplification of the change in the steering reaction force and the phase change thereof associated with the actuation of the steering transfer ratio variable device are not taken into account. Therefore, if the above-described steering transfer ratio variable device is applied to such a steering control apparatus, the change in the steering reaction force cannot be effectively restrained; moreover, the steering reaction force may increase or the steering reaction force may change unnaturally in some cases.
Furthermore, if the steering torque is detected and the control gain in the control of the assist torque on the basis of the detected steering torque is set high in order to restrain the aforementioned increase or unnatural change in the steering reaction force, the assist torque for the steering torque attributed to ordinary steering operation becomes excessive, resulting in deteriorated steering feeling.

Vehicular steering control apparatus and vehicular steering control method


A disk array device includes a controller that sets a session pertaining to a copy source disk and a copy destination disk, and without copying the entire data that is recorded in the copy source disk to the copy destination disk, copies to the copy destination disk only the data that is recorded in a data space for writing. Further, if data for reading does not exist in the copy destination disk, the controller searches data from the copy source disk and transfers the searched data to a host computer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technology for taking backup of data.
2. Description of the Related Art
A known technique in which redundant data is stored in a plurality of Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) enables protection of data, because if data in one HDD is lost, it can be recovered from other HDD.
However, recently, there has been a substantial increase in the amount of data that needs to be stored in HDDs. Consequently, the time required for backup of the data has also increased substantially. Thus, there is a need of a technology that can efficiently perform the backup operation. Japanese Patent Publication No 2001-166974 discloses an advanced copy function, in other words, a Point-in-Time (PIT) copy function to carry out backup of data.
FIG. 14 is a schematic for explaining the advanced copy function. A destination disk is prepared that has the same amount of storage capacity as the amount of source data to be copied. Then the entire source data is transferred from a source disk to the destination HDD. Finally, the data in the destination disk is used to perform backup. Once the source data is transferred from the source disk to the destination disk, the source disk and the destination disk can be logically separated from each other, so that other operations can be performed while data is being backed up from the destination disk. However, because it is necessary to prepare the destination disk, it leads to increased costs. Moreover, if there are a large number of HDDs that are to be backed up, the same number of destination disks are also required, which leads to further increase in the costs.
In other words, there is a need of a technology that supports the advanced copy function but that is inexpensive.

Controller for a copy operation between a host computer and hard disks, a control method thereof, and a recording medium storing a program for executing the control method


The present invention provides sulfoxide compounds comprising hydrophobic ester or amide moieties such that the compounds have surfactant properties. Also provided are methods for using the sulfoxide compounds or mixtures of the sulfoxide compounds in a variety of applications.

Surfactants (or surface active agents) are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, the interfacial tension between two liquids, or the interfacial tension between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants function as cleaning, wetting, dispersing, emulsifying, foaming, and anti-foaming agents in numerous practical applications and products. Accordingly, surfactants are present in detergents and other cleaning products, cosmetics, and are used in a wide variety of industrial processes.
Because of the wide use of surfactants, there is a need for surfactants that are water soluble, tolerant to divalent cations, soluble over a wide range of concentrations and temperatures, rapidly biodegradable, and nontoxic.


Provided is a sodium secondary battery capable of operating at a low temperature. More particularly, the sodium secondary battery according to the present invention includes: an anode containing sodium; a cathode containing a transition metal and an alkali metal halide; and a sodium ion conductive solid electrolyte provided between the anode and the cathode, wherein the cathode is impregnated in a molten salt electrolyte containing a sodium.metal halogen salt including at least two kinds of halogens.

In accordance with a rapid increase in the use of renewable energy, the necessity for an energy storage device using a battery has rapidly increased. Among these batteries, a lead battery, a nickel/hydrogen battery, a vanadium battery, and a lithium battery may be used. However, since the lead battery and the nickel/hydrogen battery have significantly low energy density, they require a large space in order to store the same capacity of energy therein. Further, in the case of the vanadium battery, the vanadium battery uses a solution containing a heavy metal, which causes environmental contamination, and a small amount of materials may move between an anode and a cathode through a membrane separating the anode and the cathode from each other, which deteriorates performance. Therefore, the vanadium battery cannot be commercialized on a large scale. The lithium battery having significantly excellent energy density and output characteristics is significantly advantageous in view of a technology. However, the lithium battery is disadvantageous in view of economic efficiency for being used as a secondary battery for large scale power storage due to resource scarcity of a lithium material.
In order to solve this problem, many attempts to use sodium, which is a resource sufficiently present on Earth, as a material of the secondary battery have been conducted. Among them, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20030054255, a sodium-sulfur battery having a form in which a beta alumina having selective conductivity for a sodium ion is used, an anode contains sodium, and a cathode contains sulfur has been currently used as a large scale power storage device.
However, in the existing sodium based secondary battery such as the sodium-sulfur battery or a sodium-nickel chloride battery, conductivity thereof and melting points of battery compositions should be considered. For example, the sodium-nickel chloride battery has an operation temperature of at least 250° C. or more, and the sodium-sulfur battery has an operation temperature of at least 300° C. or more. Due to this problem, there are many disadvantages in view of economical efficiency in manufacturing or operating the sodium based secondary battery while maintaining a temperature and sealability of the battery and reinforcing the safety thereof. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a room-temperature sodium based battery has been developed, but the output thereof is significantly low, such that the room-temperature sodium based battery has significantly low competitiveness as compared with the nickel-hydrogen battery or the lithium battery.


A computer enclosure includes a chassis (20), a drive bracket (10) rotatably attached to the chassis and a holder (50). The chassis includes a pair of parallel beams (30,40). The drive bracket forms a sliding member (111). The holder is secured to one of the beams of the chassis, and defines a groove (531). A number of holding positions (534) are defined in the groove to selectively hold the sliding member of the drive bracket.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer enclosure, and more particularly to a computer enclosure with a drive bracket pivotally connected to the computer enclosure.
2. Background of the Invention
Various data storage devices, such as hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, and optical drives are installed in drive brackets. Usually a typical drive bracket is directly secured in a computer enclosure with a plurality of screws. But a space in the computer enclosure is limited particularly for some mini personal computers. It is hard to remove these date storage devices when they need to be repaired.
Therefore pivotable drive brackets have been developed. Taiwan Patent Publication No. 492614 discloses a compute enclosure with two pivotable drive brackets. A mounting plane is secured in the computer enclosure. The mounting panel extends at least one locating tab. The two drive brackets are pivotally attached to the mounting panel on two sides thereof. Each of the two drive brackets integrally extends a supporting leg at one side thereof, and forms a flange at the other side thereof. The flanges of the two drive brackets are rotatably connected with the locating tab by connecting shafts. The supporting legs function as supports when any of the drive brackets is rotated to a position paralleling to the other one. Each of the drive brackets can be pivoted to a folding position upon the other one in case of drive bracket maintenance or assembly. However the two drive brackets only can be positioned on the superposition and cannot be positioned on other inclined positions.
An improved invention that solves the above problem is desired.

Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.


There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head; a cartridge installation portion; and an electroformed filter provided in a channel between the cartridge installation portion and the liquid jetting head. A lower limit Smin of the area of the filter is expressed as:

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid jetting apparatus which is configured to jet a liquid from a nozzle.
2. Description of the Related Art
An ink jet recording apparatus including an ink jet head which is configured to jet ink from nozzles is known. The ink-jet recording apparatus includes four ink supply ports provided on the upper surface of the ink jet head. Each of four ink supply ports is provided with a filter portion which has the area same as that of the ink supply port and which is formed of a portion of a Ni filter. Accordingly, any foreign substance in the ink is captured by the filter portion when the ink flows into the ink jet head through each of the ink supply ports, and thus the foreign substance in the ink is prevented from flowing into the ink-jet head.

Abstract: S    min    =            aL      +                                                  a              2                                                  L              2                                +                      4                                                                          ab                                2  provided that a is a constant expressed as:

Abstract: a    =                  128                                                  μ                                                  Q                    N                                                  π                                                            d          4                        Δ                                                            P          M                      ,b is a constant expressed as: b=αcCVtotal, and L is a thickness of the filter. An upper limit Smax of the area of the filter is expressed as follows,

Abstract: S    max    =                              S          b                ·        0.9            X        .


A method for controlling data communications between an external interface and at least first and second universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters (UARTs) respectively associated with first and second microcontrollers is provided.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to external interfaces communicating with a plurality of processing units and, more particularly, to controlling data communications between an external interface and a plurality of universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters (UARTs) each in operational relationship with at least one processor.
2. Copyright & Trademark Notices
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is for providing an enabling disclosure by way of example and shall not be construed to limit the scope of this invention to material associated with such marks.
3. Related Art
Handheld communication and computing devices such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) continue to grow in popularity as the related systems and accessories become more affordable and easier to carry. While the reduction in size of a device makes it more convenient for use, it imposes limitations on system design, specially with respect to the size and number of subsystems and components that can be included on the printed circuit board (PCB) when manufacturing the device.
Generally, a handheld device uses an external communication interface (i.e., external interface) to connect to external devices such as a mouse, a flash burning device, or test equipment. The connection between a processor implemented on the PCB and the external interface is typically established via a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART). A UART is a system subcomponent that handles asynchronous serial communication. Generally, all computing systems include a UART to manage the serial ports, for example.
Certain mobile devices can include more than one processor and therefore more than one UART enabled chipset (chip), because each chip requires a separate mechanism to connect its processor to the external interface. For example, certain cellular phones have a chipset for handling GSM related communications and another chipset for handling Bluetooth related communications, wherein each chipset includes a microcontroller (i.e., processor) and a respective UART in operational relationship with the microcontroller. In order for each UART to communicate with an external device, an external interface is needed. Implementing an external interface for each UART is undesirable, however, because of the space saving requirements associated with the design of a miniature mobile device.
Other solutions such as adding hardware switches or control devices to manage routing of data between an external device and multiple UARTs are both expensive and impractical. Such solutions require addition of electronic hardware such as control PINs or relays that take up valuable space on the PCB. Further, implementation of such hardware solutions requires redesigning the system and related components. The cost associated with design, manufacture, and upgrade of such systems and components can be considerably high and therefore problematic.
A system and method is needed to overcome the above problems.

Control system and method for a communications interface


A blister kit includes a plurality of blister inhibiting coverings of different sizes and shapes, a plurality of blister dressing coverings of different sizes and shapes, a set of instructions for when and where to use individual ones of the coverings, and a container for storing the coverings and the set of instructions.

1. Field of the Invention
This application relates to wound dressing kits. In particular, this invention relates a to a blister kit for helping to inhibit and treat blisters.
2. Background of Prior Art
Outdoorsman, backpackers and athletes are all susceptible to developing severe foot blisters. Therefore there is a need for a new and improved blister dressing kit and blister dressing for treating foot blisters and for helping to reduce further maceration of the healthy surrounding tissue.


Techniques for cross-domain routing using a fractionated cross-domain solution (F-CDS) are disclosed. A first intermediate node operating in a first physical device in an assured pipeline of the F-CDS receives a data item originating at a source node in a first security domain. The first intermediate node applies a first data filter to determine that the data item complies with a data security requirement of the F-CDS. The first intermediate node transmits the data item to a second intermediate node operating in a second physical device in the assured pipeline of the F-CDS. The second intermediate node applies a second data filter to redundantly determine that first data item complies with the data security requirement of the F-CDS. The second intermediate node transmits the data item to a recipient node in a second security domain via the assured pipeline.

Many types of operations demand seamless exchange and integration of information across multiple operating domains (e.g., air, space, ground, and cyber), multiple security domains, and diverse execution loci (e.g., enterprise, forward operating bases, and tactical edge). Examples of such operations include military operations, disaster relief, etc. In adversarial operations, the exchange and integration of information may need to happen at speeds exceeding adversarial decision cycles. For example, troops may need to rapidly and securely share information with mission partners.
A cross-domain solution (CDS) is a set of hardware and/or software that allows for transmission of data across a security domain boundary. Devices in the field often lack the computing resources to implement full CDS functionality. Accordingly, typical CDS's include enterprise CDS (E-CDS) and tactical CDS (T-CDS). An E-CDS operates in an enterprise environment, outside of the field environment, and performs all of the CDS functions for devices in the field. A T-CDS operates within a single device in the field environment, and similarly performs all of the CDS functions for other devices in the field. If a device in the field does not have a network connection to an E-CDS or T-CDS, or the network connection is disrupted or otherwise unreliable, then the device is unable to safely and reliably communicate across security domains in the field. For example, in a dynamic and contested edge environment, mobile assets may be disconnected from each other and from the enterprise. Such changes may be unpredictable and difficult to remediate in a sufficiently timely manner. Lack of access to a CDS may impede mission execution and the exchange of mission-critical information with partners in the field.
Approaches described in this section have not necessarily been conceived and/or pursued prior to the filing of this application. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, approaches described in this section should not be construed as prior art.


A hydraulic tensioner that uses a dimpled or grooved section in the cover plate to provide lubrication without the loss of oil pressure. The dimple directs a jet or spray of oil onto the chain as it runs by the tensioner. The cover plate also includes a depression, which extends down into the reservoir to add strength to the cover plate by stiffening.

This invention relates to a tensioner used with a chain drive in an automotive timing application. More particularly, this invention relates to a tensioner that uses a dimpled or grooved section in the cover to provide lubrication without the loss of oil pressure.
Chain tensioning devices, such as hydraulic chain tensioners, are typically used as a control device for a chain drive system in an automobile timing system. Generally, it is important to impart and maintain a certain degree of tension to the chain to prevent noises or slippage. Prevention of slippage is especially important in the case of a chain driven camshaft in an internal combustion engine because slippage may alter the camshaft timing by several degrees, possibly causing damage. The tension in the chain may vary greatly due to the wide variation in the temperature and the linear thermal expansion among the various parts of the engine. Camshaft and crankshaft induced torsional vibrations cause chain tension to vary considerably. This tension variation results in chain elongation. Moreover, wear to the chain components during prolonged use can produce a decrease in the tension of the chain.
A hydraulic tensioner is used to take up the slack in the chain or belt that connects the camshafts to the crankshaft of the engine timing system or to tension the secondary chain that connects two camshafts in a dual overhead cam engine. A typical hydraulic tensioner is comprised of a housing having a bore, a fluid chamber defined by the bore, and a hollow piston biased in a protruding direction from the bore by a spring. A check valve is also included in the hydraulic tensioner to permit fluid flow from a source of pressurized fluid into the fluid chamber, while preventing back flow in the reverse direction. The force of the chain against the piston in an inward direction is balanced by the resistance force of the fluid and force of the spring in an outward direction.
Oil is supplied to the tensioner from a reservoir through the check valve. While the reservoir includes an opening to allow oil feed into the reservoir, other openings in the reservoir are typically closed by a plug that is press-fit into an opening to the exterior of the tensioner housing. The problems with the press-fitted plug in the reservoir are that the volume capacity of the reservoir is reduced and the reservoir is filled through an opening below the lower surface of the plug. Thus, flat plates or raised plates have been used as reservoir covers.
One example of a chain tensioner that utilizes such reservoir covers is described in Tsutsumi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,457, where a reservoir is formed as a hollow space in the housing and a flat or convex cover plate covers the reservoir. Oil is supplied through an oil supply bore. With a flat plate, the reservoir volume is equal to that of the hollow space within the housing. A convex cover plate, with its concave side facing the interior of the reservoir, provides a volume in the reservoir equal to the reservoir space formed within the housing plus the volume of the concave part of the plate. A small hole in the center of the plate permits air to escape from the top of the reservoir. If oil leaks out from the small hole, then it will flow back into the oil pan by gravity.
Similarly, in the present invention, the reservoir is formed within the tensioner housing and has a plate cover. However, the tensioner of the present invention has a depression in a flat cover that stiffens the flat plate. The depression does not contact the walls of the reservoir, but is provided in the center for strength purposes. An opening in the plate guides a jet or spray of oil from the reservoir onto the chain as it runs by the tensioner and also allows air to vent or escape from the reservoir.

Hydraulic tensioner with grooved reservoir cover


Communication with an external image output device is established via a network interface, information concerning the characteristics of the image output devices is received and is held in a back-up RAM. A multilevel image containing gray-scale information enters from an input sensor pixel by pixel and is binarized to a binary image by a binarization circuit. At this time the connectivity of the binary image is controlled based upon the characteristic information held in the RAM and the binary image, the connectivity of which has been controlled, is transmitted to the external image output device via the network interface. As a result, the connectivity of the binary image is controlled to deal with a change in binary-image reproducibility caused by differences in engine characteristics of image output devices on a network and by changes in the environment and change with time, thereby making it possible to optimize connectivity, achieve stable reproduction and improve image quality.

Many methods of binarizing multilevel image data in order to output the data to a binary (bi-level) printer such as an ink-jet printer have been proposed. One binarization processing technique known in the art is the error diffusion method, which is a method of reproducing pseudo-halftones.
As disclosed in R. W. Floyd and L. Steinberg, "Adaptive algorithm for spatial grey scale", SID Int. Sym. Digest of Tech. Papers, p. 36–37 (1975), the error diffusion method binarizes (converts to a maximum density level or maximum contrast level) multilevel image data of a pixel of interest, weights the error between the binarized level and the multilevel data that prevailed prior to binarization and adds the weighted error to the data of pixels neighboring the pixel of interest.
An example of a generally known apparatus which uses such a binarization method is a copier having a plurality of printing elements which print in accordance with thermal transfer or ink-jet technology. Another example is an electrophotographic copier which uses light-emitting elements such as LEDs.
Such copiers have a reading unit equipped with an optoelectric transducer such as a CCD and convert a document image to an electric signal by causing the reading unit to scan the document. Printing is performed by driving a plurality of printing elements on a printhead based upon the electric signal obtained by scanning, and the document image is reproduced on a printing medium such as printing paper by a well-known electrophotographic process or ink-jet technique.
A copier/MFP (multifunction printer) in which an image read by a reader can be printed directly by another printer via a network has been proposed in recent years.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a network-connected image processing system.
As shown in FIG. 21, the system includes MFPs 2101, 2104 in which an image that has been read by a self-contained reader is printed out directly by each printer, a backbone network 2102, a computer 2103, a copier 2105 having a printing function and a printer 2016.
The computer 2103 is located in an environment in which each printer or the copier is capable of printing out images via the network 2102. Further, the MFP 2101 is capable of outputting an image read by its self-contained reader to the other printers or to the copier directly via the network 2101 without the intermediary of the computer 2103. Such output is possible irrespective of whether models are of the same type, such as the MFP 2104.
In such cases it is desirable for a read image to be transmitted upon being binarized in order to reduce the load on the network 2102. Accordingly, there are many cases in which use is made of error-diffusion-type binarization, which exhibits excellent tone reproduction and resolution.
Often, however, the reproducibility of isolated dots in electrophotography or the like is dependent upon the print engine. There are instances where an image having very poor tone reproduction is output, depending upon the printer, owing to variations in isolated-dot reproduction from one engine to another.
Further, the reproducibility of isolated dots depends greatly upon the process conditions, and dot reproducibility varies markedly owing changes in process conditions brought about by changes in the environment or change with time.
With error-diffusion-type binarization, there is a high likelihood that dots will be printed in isolated form and hence the effects brought about by discrepancies in the reproducibility of isolated dots is great.

Controlling dot connectivity in binarizing an image


A system, method and program product that implement a design object that automatically provides compliance to alternating phase shifted mask (altPSM) rules are disclosed. The invention implements a design object that is used during layout to indicate a phase-shiftable design feature in the layout. Each design object includes a base shape indicative of the feature to be ultimately created and two different type phase shape identifiers that identify the requisite mask area and color of phase-shift required for that base shape. Each phase shape identifier is assigned to a portion of the base shape. During layout, overlapping placement of design objects is not allowed if the placement requires overlapping phase identifiers of the same type. Alternatively, placement is allowed where the phase identifiers of different type are separated by a minimum distance from each other defined by a buffer of the design object.

The present invention relates generally to very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit devices. In particular, the present invention provides a method, system, program product that implement a design object that automatically provides compliance with alternating phase shifted mask (altPSM) rules.
Alternating phase shift masks (altPSM) have found increased usage in lithography for semiconductor manufacture and elsewhere because they allow creation of smaller dimension features. Extensive use of altPSM with complex chip designs, however, has been limited by the complexity of the designs and the need to maintain compliance with altPSM design rules. One problem that arises during design layout using computer aided (CAD) technology is that phase shape regions of the same phase (referred to as "color") may be laid out such that they overlap, e.g., overlapping of phase shape regions in the mask for adjacent lines. Since the phase shape regions have the same color, they conflict such that the improper optical interference occurs during generation of the desired feature. Accordingly, altPSM design rules mandate that conflicts between phase shape regions be avoided. As designs become more complex and features are laid out in an increasingly dense fashion, the likelihood that this type problem occurs is greatly increased.
One approach to address this layout problem has been to implement groundrules to avoid violation of altPSM design rules. This approach, however, leads to a number of other problems such as: performance optimization opportunities being unused, increased device size, etc.
Another approach to address the problem has been to implement phase-aware design methodologies that implement altPSM design rules, e.g., to avoid phase conflicts. In phase-aware design methodologies, the phase shape regions are added or identified in a design after layout using special programs that add/identify phase-shiftable features and address phase conflicts and other phase related design problems. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,063 to Liebmann et al. This approach, however, results in lengthy correction procedures. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional methodology for phase-aware design and application of the methodology to an illustrative shape are shown, respectively. In step (a), a layout 10 is designed, and repetitive design rule checking (DRC) is conducted to obtain a DRC-clean layout 12. In step (b), a phase-shiftable feature 14 is added/identified using custom programs. In step (c), the layout is analyzed to determine whether the layout is altPSM design rule compliant, e.g., whether one or more phase conflicts or other phase related problems 16 exist. In step (d), the layout is modified to achieve compliance if it is non-compliant, which may require return to step (c) and/or step (a). This process is repeated with each modification until the layout is ultimately altPSM design rule compliant. Since each modification requires re-analysis, this approach is both time consuming and processor laborious.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a technique that solves the problems of the related art.

Alternating phase-shift mask rule compliant IC design

International Business Machines Corporation


This document relates to a method of recording data on an optical disc and an optical disc apparatus. The method of recording data on an optical disc may comprise determining a recording speed at which a recording power control operation will be performed based on a recording start position and the amount of data for which recording has been requested, performing the recording power control operation at the determined recording speed, and recording the data for which recording has been requested on the optical disc based on a result of performing the recording power control operation.

1. Field
This document relates to a method of recording data on an optical disc and an optical disc apparatus.
2. Related Art
To record a large amount of data on an optical disc within a short period of time, high-speed media and high-speed recording apparatuses are being commercialized.
To secure a recording quality, an optical disc apparatus detects an optimal recording power by performing an optimum power control (OPC) operation in a predetermined area (e.g., power calibration area (PCA)) of an optical disc and performs a requested recording operation based on the detected optimal recording power.
The optical disc apparatus performs an OPC operation at a low speed (e.g., 6-times speed) in an inner-peripheral PCA placed on the inner side to the lead-in area of an optical disc or, if appropriate, performs an OPC operation at a high speed (e.g., 12 or 16-times speed) in an outer-peripheral PCA placed on the outer side to the data area of the optical disc, and, based on the OPC operation(s), detects or calculates an optimal recording power for each recording speed to be applied when recording data while increasing the recording speed from the inner peripheral area of a data area to the outer peripheral area of the data area.
However, if the OPC operations are performed both in the inner peripheral area and the outer peripheral area of the optical disc or the OPC operations are performed at several speeds, the time that it takes to perform the OPC operations is increased, thereby delaying the recording operation and increasing the entire recording time. Further, data may not be recorded on a corresponding disc because an OPC fail may occur while performing the OPC operation at a high recording speed.

Method of recording data on optical disc and optical disc apparatus


An injection molding machine furnished with a movable display device, which will not become a hindrance to operations to be performed around the injection molding machine, requires no holding space in the injection molding machine and provides a high operating performance. A pole is set up on the side of a mold clamping unit with respect to a swivel shaft of an injection unit at the back of an injection unit, and a rocking arm, which is supported for horizontal rotation by the upper end portion of the pole, is situated close to the top face of the injection unit and bent at the middle portion thereof. The display device, which is mounted on the end portion of the swing arm on the opposite side to the pole, is movable between a retreating position over the injection unit and a working position above but away frontward from the front face of the injection unit. The display device is supported on the injection unit through a ball caster which is attached to the lower surface of the middle portion of the swing arm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an injection molding machine with a movable display device, and more particularly, to a movable display device with a high operating performance.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an injection molding machine, especially in an electrically-operated injection molding machine furnished with a numerical control device, a display device with a manual data input device is used to set various molding conditions, monitor the operating state, and warn of an abnormal operating state, for example. Thus, the display device plays an important role in the injection molding machine.
Conventional display devices provided for the injection molding machine are divided broadly into three types: stand-type display devices fixed on a stand fixed on the floor, built-in display devices contained in the injection molding machine, and pendant-type display devices suspended from a swing arm.
Some of the stand-type display devices, being fixedly arranged near the injection molding machine, sometimes become hindrances to an operator in carrying out various operations. The built-in display devices, especially large-sized CRT display devices, are so bulky and heavy in weight that they require a wide holding space, and their attachment to and detachment from the injection molding machine require some labor. Although the pendant-type display devices (see Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application JP,A, 63-107534, for example) are advantageous in being movable between a retreating position and a working position, the length of the swing arm for suspending the display device has to be limited due to its mechanical strength. This also limits the movable range of the display device, thereby causing some problem in operating efficiency such that the display device cannot be brought to an optimum position for use. Besides, the swing arm for suspending the display device needs to be installed at a considerably high position, so that a pole for supporting the swing arm is required to be long. This requires the rigidity of the pole to be increased, which leads to high cost.

Injection molding machine with a movable display device


A method for locating an object buried in soil in which at least one electromagnetic signal is imparted onto the buried object, thereby generating an electromagnetic field around the buried object. The electromagnetic field as well as at least one electromagnetic property of the soil surrounding the buried object, such as moisture content, temperature and density, is then determined. Data related to the at least one electromagnetic property is transmitted to a data processor in which at least one algorithm is applied to the data, whereby a location of the buried object is determined.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for locating objects buried in soil, for example underground utilities, using electromagnetic locators. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the precision of electromagnetic locators of underground utilities.
2. Description of Related Art
Utilities buried below the surface of the earth require periodic service and/or repair. Damaged utilities must be located and excavated in order to receive such service. However, location of underground utilities is a traditionally difficult task, particularly in areas containing large networks of underground pipes, wires and other buried objects.
Underground pipelines are generally constructed of either metal or, commonly, plastic such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Plastic is a preferred pipe material because it is durable, inexpensive, lightweight, inert, easy to manufacture and easy to install. To be detected with traditional underground pipeline location methods requires that the pipe be treated to impart a detectable feature into the plastic.
Electromagnetic locators to determine the location of buried objects such as underground utilities are well known in the art. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,937 B2 to Goodman teaches an apparatus for measuring and detecting a magnetic signature of a magnetically detectable object from a distance, which includes a portable sensor group for detecting the magnetic signature. However, conventional electromagnetic locators rely upon determining the depth and horizontal position of the buried object through the use of a model of a magnetic field that does not take into account all properties of the electromagnetic field and the environment surrounding the buried object. In particular, the model does not account for the time varying properties of the electromagnetic field nor does it account for the electromagnetic properties of the soil in which the buried object is located.

Soil and time modeling for improved electromagnetic locators for underground utilities