A polygon scanner utilizing a fluid film bearing and method for its use in a flat field imaging device having a relatively large format size, a very high scan rate and high resolution. The polygon scanner has a polygon scan optic connected to a motor, a fluid film bearing, and a windowed enclosure. Repeating cross-scan error components are mapped and actively corrected using a piezoelectric actuator to directly displace the laser element or using a mirror in the optical path that is tilted by means of an electro-optic device to influence a virtual displacement of the optical beam. The repeating components of in-scan errors are similarly, and independently, mapped and corrected by summing with the output of a phase detector in a line scan speed control system. Methods for independently correcting the errors associated with cross-scan and in-scan components in the scan optic are significantly enhanced by the use of a fluid film bearing in general and a self-acting gas bearing in particular, supporting the rotating polygon scan optic. A method for periodic calibration of the cross-scan error map established at the factory may be implemented by a self-calibration sub-routine using a stored sinusoidal voltage waveform. This simplified calibration technique of the invention is enabled by the use of a fluid film bearing in general and a self-acting gas bearing in particular.

1. Field of the Invention
In general, the present invention relates to a flat field optical scanning system that can produce scan lines at high speeds, high resolution, and large formats. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flat bed optical scanning system with a polygon scanner having a fluid film bearing that accomplishes correction of repeatable and non-repeatable cross scan and in-scan errors such that the associated errors are reduced to negligible levels as the scanned energy of the laser beam is directed to its intended surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In a scanning system, the light source is typically a continuous wave gas laser or a laser diode. The laser beam produced by one of these devices is typically first collected by lenses that condition the beam to be either collimated or focused, is then deflected by the scan optic and then focused onto an imaging surface. Conditioning optics may also be part of the scan optic, or placed between the scan optic to influence focusing of the beam, or passive correction of scan curvature, or bearing cross-scan wobble correction using anamorphic optical elements.
Notwithstanding all of the above alternatives, the deflected light beams are scanned into a line that, when combined with a separate linear transport mechanism operating in a direction orthogonal to the scan line, produces a two-dimensional image made up of a series of small dots or pixels. Discrete picture elements (pixels or dots) are created by modulating the laser light source. A laser diode may be modulated directly by varying the applied power. A continuous wave gas laser may be modulated by use of outside means such as an acousto-optic modulator. The imaging surface itself may be either flat or curved, depending upon the optical design configuration and application of the particular scanning device. In a typical cylindrical imaging application, for example, a flexible photo-sensitive material is first loaded onto the inside or outside of the cylindrical surface matched in radius to the curvature of the scanned energy. The optical scanning device is then precisely moved along precision made rails at a constant speed along the center axis of the drum. The photo-sensitive material that is guided or attached to the cylindrical surface is scanned (or exposed) by the light beams reflected by the rotating scan optic of the optical scanning device.
Cylindrical imaging systems are inherently simple since the curvature produced by the operation of the scanner is corrected by the curvature of the cylindrical locating surface. In addition, the duty cycle or scan efficiency can approach 100% if the fall 360 degrees of the cylindrical surface is utilized. Cylindrical imaging systems do, however, have very significant limitations. The surface to be scanned (or exposed to the light) must be flexible and the length of the surface is limited by the length of the drum. While it may be possible to make the cylindrical surface very large in radius and very long, as a practical matter, cost and accuracy factors become increasingly prohibitive if the radius and length of the cylindrical surface exceed 18" and 48", respectively. Generally, in order to take advantage of the inherent simplicity of the cylindrical imaging configuration, only one scan line can be produced per revolution of the scanner. Thus the scanner must rotate at a high rate of speed to achieve a high scan rate. At high rates of speed, problems with noise, windage and deflection of the optical surface are increasingly problematic.
The rotatable scan optic in the cylindrical imaging context typically consists of a single mirror, an assembly of more than one mirror, or a glass prism with one or two reflective surfaces. Generally one scan line per revolution of the scanner is produced, although Kramer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,126, teaches a design whereby two scan lines per revolution may be produced. The rotatable scan optic may be mounted on a spindle supported by ball bearings or by a fluid film bearing. A fluid film bearing utilizes a gas or oil to separate and lubricate sliding surfaces and may be externally pressurized or generate its own internal pressure, referred to as self-acting. Fluid film bearings are superior to ball bearings in terms of rotational accuracy, repeatability, and high rotational speeds.
The ideal cylindrical scanning system will be capable of a very high rate of scan, high resolution, and high scan efficiency while maintaining these qualities for large sizes of reproductive media. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,751, to Sweeney et al., that teaches a self-acting gas bearing enclosed in a spherical windowed housing used to establish an accurate, high speed, low noise, lubrication-free, contamination protected, long living, scan motor and optical assembly. Self-acting gas bearings are preferred for high performance cylindrical imaging applications where exceptional accuracy, high rotational speeds, and low velocity jitter are required. Since cylindrical imaging systems utilize, as a general rule, one scan line per revolution, the accuracy and repeatability in the registration of adjacent scan lines is solely dependent on the accuracy and repeatability of the bearing and the motor velocity control system. The use of a gas film bearing provides an accurate platform that has become the predominant technology for cylindrical imaging systems.
To summarize, cylindrical imaging systems are inherently simple, but lack the general utility of flat field systems, since they must reconcile large cylindrical surfaces and flexible reproductive materials. As demonstrated above, it is also increasingly problematic to design and operate a single scan line per revolution scanner as the scan rate is increased, aperture size and resolution is increased, and imaging format size is increased.
In a typical flat field imaging application, a photo-sensitive material, for example, is moved at constant speed by a capstan roller or other linear conveyor means, fed from continuous rolls or precut cassettes of stacked material to present the material to a stationary optical system for scanning. Alternatively, stationary photo-sensitive material may be imaged by translating the optical system. Flat field systems have superior general utility over cylindrical imaging systems because the surface that is to be imaged onto or inspected is not required to be finite in length, need not be flexible and may thus be fed continuously at great speed. Imaging of stiff metal plate materials and inspection of electronic components require the use of flat field scanning systems.
The scan optic in the flat field imaging context typically consists of a resonating or rotating single facet mirror, or an assembly of two or more mirrors, or a glass prism consisting of one or two reflecting surfaces. It is also common to have a rotating polygon or hologon having multiple reflective or refractive facets symmetric to a central rotating axis.
Flat field systems require the use of additional conditioning optics to flatten the curvature produced by the rotation of the scanner as the beams are swept into an arc. This correction is commonly known as f-theta correction. F-theta curvature error can otherwise be corrected by imaging onto a cylindrical surface having a matched radius of curvature as discussed previously. F-theta curvature may also be corrected by refractive (lenses) or reflective (mirrors) means. F-theta conditioning optics for large format, high resolution applications, typically cannot perform adequately for angles of scan much greater than 22.5 degrees of scanner rotation (45 degrees of optical scan angle) out of a total of 360 degrees. This results in an effective scan efficiency of approximately 12% for a flat field, rotating, single facet scan optic that can produce only one scan line per revolution compared to up to 100% scan efficiency that can be achieved with the cylindrical approach. Alternatively, the duty cycle of a single facet resonant scanner is improved to 30-35% at the expense of large variations in scan velocity which must be corrected for in modulation of the laser beam. This loss of scan efficiency is a significant disadvantage since the rate at which the laser must be modulated and the instantaneous power of the laser must both be increased significantly compared to the cylindrical imaging case for a given rate of scan due to the dramatic reduction of scan efficiency. If a multi-facet device is used, such as a polygon or hologon, each facet can service the 22.5 degree acceptance angle of the f-theta optics thus the scan efficiency for a polygon or hologon scanner for flat field systems can be as high as 50-80% if 8-12 facets are used. However, the use of multiple scan surfaces on the scan optic to multiply the effective scan rate, as is the case for both the polygon or hologon scanners, produces undesirable side effects unique to these types of scanners. The use of a multi-faceted holographic rotating scanner has unique advantages with respect to cross-scan error and scan efficiency compared to a rotating polygon scanner. Its principal disadvantage is the requirement for a laser having refined wavelength stability. Such a device also cannot be used for alternative wavelengths without change of design and is completely unsuitable for simultaneous multiple color scanning.
Multi-facet scanners in general, and polygon scanning systems in particular, have inherent limitations in that corrections must be made for relative errors in the facets of the polygon that deflect laser energy to create a scanned line. As the object of scan is moved away from the scanner, as is the case for large imaging formats, and as the resolution is increased, very small errors in the facets of the polygon in relation to its rotating axis and variation in the rotating velocity can produce noticeable errors. These errors are commonly known as cross-scan and in-scan related errors.
It is known to use anamorphic correcting optics that can correct for cross-scan errors. These optics become increasingly difficult and expensive to design and manufacture as the size of the imaging format increases. Typically, the anamorphic cross-scan correction approach is cost and performance limited for scan widths greater than 14" and resolution greater than 2,000 dots per inch. Though it is known to use anamorphic correction with flat field system widths of as large as 26", the cost for such a system is prohibitive. An additional disadvantage of the anamorphic approach is that the use of multiple wavelengths of light, especially at the same time, is restricted.
A well known alternative to the anamorphic approach is the use of an active cross-scan correction approach that simplifies the optical design significantly by eliminating the need for anamorphic correction elements that would be very large and very expensive for large format operations and that restricts the goal for having a system that is polychromatic. Besides the cross-scan error, the in-scan error component is also of equal importance for both cylindrical and flat field imaging. For a rotating optic producing a single scan line per revolution, in-scan errors are solely attributable to the accuracy and repeatability of the rotating velocity. To a significant extent, the accuracy need not be as good as the repeatability. For imaging systems, small variations in velocity that repeat at the same place from one scan line to the next do not produce an error that is noticeable to the human eye. Multiple facet scanners such as the rotating polygon require more refined accuracy of velocity control as well as repeatability since each facet represents a fraction of the total rotation and the period of each fraction must be nearly identical. Otherwise in-scan related errors become readily visible.
In the use of a polygon scanner, whether passive or active means are used to correct for cross-scan error, the rotatable scan optic is commonly mounted on a shaft supported by a bearing assembly normally including radial and thrust support components. Fluid film bearings are used in scanners of all types where exceptional accuracy, high rotational speeds, and low velocity jitter are required.
It is essential to the present discussion, in view of the lack of common terminology within the optical scanning and precision instrument industry in general, to distinguish between non-repeating and repeating sources of error. Non-repeating or random errors are difficult to isolate and correct. Sources of non-repeating errors in the context of optical scanning devices are often caused by aerodynamic or windage effects on the rotating optic or errors in the bearing supporting the scan optic that defines the axis of rotation of the scanner.
Repeating errors recur in the form of periodic and predictable patterns and can generally be measured, and in many cases compensated for, using feedback error correction.
Within the flat field applications, it is well known that the rotating polygon scan optic has greater potential for speed and efficiency compared to the use of the resonating scanner or single facet rotary scanner. The polygon scan optic is superior because for each rotation thereof, a polygon scan optic having "n" number of facets produces "n" number of scan lines, whereas for the single facet rotary scan optic or resonating scanner, for each revolution of the scan optic, one scan line is produced. Thus, to obtain a high resolution image on a given imaging surface in as short amount of time as possible, it is desirable to maximize the scan rate of the scan optic. In addition to the rotating polygon scanner operating at a greater scan rate, it can use a larger aperture, and the reflecting surfaces of the polygon scan optic are less susceptible to distortion from centrifugal body forces by comparison to single facet, rotating or resonant scanners.
However, this potential of the polygon scan optic cannot be realized unless scanning errors unique to the polygon scanning device can be reconciled in the design of the overall scanning system. In this regard, it is important to note the image producing quality and productivity of a polygon optical scanning device depends largely on its precision and on the scan rate and scan efficiency of the device's polygon scan optic, respectively. Precision is necessary to achieve higher resolutions, and a higher scan rate and efficiency are necessary to generate the high resolution images faster.
One significant scanning error common to polygon scanning devices is "cross-scan" error. Cross-scan error specifically refers to errors in the placement of scan lines in a direction perpendicular to the lines being scanned. The polygon cross-scan error phenomena is the result of one or more of three separate sources of error. The first source of error is the accuracy of the rotating axis of the motor-driven bearing assembly on which the polygon is mounted or integral to. This type of error is generally non-repeating in nature. The second source of error is the parallelism of the true rotating axis of the spindle and the virtual axis of the polygon. This type of error is generally repeating in nature. The virtual axis is defined as that axis best fitted to the relative angles of each of the polygon facets. The third source of error is the relative angle errors of each facet to the defined best-fit virtual axis. This error is also repeating in nature. All of these errors sum together resulting in composite cross-scan error.
Because of the above noted superior advantages of flat field scanning compared to cylindrical scanning, it has been the subject of many efforts in the prior art to develop polygon scan optic systems with various error correction schemes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,364, to Taylor, discloses and teaches the design of an all reflective flat field imaging system with multiple facets, having high scan efficiency, suited for use at numerous operating wavelengths of light enabled by the all reflective design. The Taylor device is taught as being aerodynamically smooth to reduce bearing perturbation due to windage and, accordingly, it has a potential for improved scan rate enabled by improved scan efficiency.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,812, to Lee et al., discloses and teaches a flat field imaging system with an f-theta lens that utilizes a closed loop control system to correct for the repeating and non-repeating cross-scan errors of a polygon scanner in real time by implementation of a novel piezoelectric driven mirror. Lee et al. teach the limitation of single faceted scanners in the flat field context, the problems with acousto-optic modulators to influence cross-scan correction, and the cost and implementation limitations of the use of anamorphic cross-scan correction optics. Lee et al. also teach the fundamental limitations of the natural frequency of the spring-mass system embodied in the implementation of a mirror driven at high frequency by piezoelectric actuators.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,174, to Berman, discloses and teaches a flat field imaging system having an f-theta lens that utilizes a closed loop control system to correct for the repeating and non-repeating cross-scan errors of the polygon scanner in real time by attaching the end of a fiber optic coupled to a gas laser onto a piezoelectric actuator and correcting the errors of the polygon scanner by moving the laser beam source.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,126, to Greenig et al., discloses and teaches a beam deflection system having an acousto-optic modulator connected to a lens located between the laser and the polygon scan optic. The Greenig et al. reference discloses a sensor and bridge circuit to sense the position of the beam scan and error value for each facet of the scan optic. The values are averaged and a correcting signal and voltage adjustment are supplied to adjust the balance of the bridge to drive the average value toward a reference value.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,360, to Oosaka et al., discloses and teaches an improved method and apparatus for removing scanning error associated with the lack of perfect parallelism in a rotating polyhedral mirror. Oosaka et al. teach the use of an incident beam directed along a vertically independent optical patch and brought back into incidence on the same mirror deflection point to eliminate the error in parallelism without interfering with the horizontal scanning of the reflected beam.
The examples of prior art mentioned above focus on reduction of scanning errors in polygon scanning systems by utilizing active and passive means to reduce the repeating errors, but fail to disclose, teach or suggest the use of a fluid film bearing for rotating the polygon scan optic to reduce the non-repeating errors. The accuracy of these systems are limited by the accuracy of the bearing system which typically induces significant non-repeating errors. Alternatively, if a fluid film bearing, or more specifically, a self-acting gas bearing is utilized to reduce non-repeating errors in conjunction with active or passive means to correct for repeating errors, then a significant reduction of composite errors is realized and system accuracy improved.
Moreover, the inherent accuracy and repeatability afforded by a fluid film bearing also enables the use of an open loop control system for active correction of repeatable scanning errors. Open loop correction techniques are not practical for polygon scanning applications unless the non-repeating component of the system errors is reduced to negligible levels.
Active and passive error correction techniques are well known in the art. Active cross-scan correction implies that the errors are continuously tracked or mapped in the operation of the system and some sort of mechanism within the design continuously implements an equal and opposite error to that of the composite error of the rotating polygon sub-system. Prior art techniques include the use of an acousto-optic modulator in the path between the laser source and the rotating polygon. The acousto-optic modulator can be used to re-direct the beam at precisely the opposite angle that each polygon facet requires to achieve negligible cross-scan error. An alternative approach that has been used is to tilt a mirror in the system by use of a device such as a piezoelectric actuator or voice coil type of actuator. Piezoelectric actuators, voice coil actuators, and many other types of actuators of similar vein are broadly classified as electro-mechanical actuators.
A second undesirable source of error in optical scanning systems results from "in-scan" error. In-scan error specifically refers to errors in the placement of scan lines in a direction parallel to the lines themselves. In-scan error can also cause cross-scan errors since velocity variations of the polygon scan optic result in placement errors on the scanned media. Like cross-scan error, in-scan error is also the result of several components both repeatable and non-repeatable. The first source of in-scan error is related to the accuracy of the rotating axis of the bearing. If the rotating axis of the bearing is not perfectly aligned with the rotating axis of the polygon scan optic, there will be some repeatable error. The second error is the relative height of each of the polygon facets to the axis of rotation of the bearing. If the bearing has a nearly perfect axis of rotation, as is the case for a fluid film bearing, facet height errors are isolated to the manufacture of the polygon and its registration to the bearing axis. Facet height errors result in length variations from one scanned line to the next. The error pattern is repeatable with each fall rotation of the polygon. Facet height errors can be reduced to negligible levels by controlled manufacturing processes applied to the manufacture of the polygon. This error may also be corrected by inducing small variations in the rotating velocity of the scanner.
The third error affecting in-scan error relates to the accuracy of the speed control feedback control system that governs the rotational velocity of the polygon. The in-scan error problem for the polygon scanning system is most significant for high resolution, flat field imaging systems. This is because the distance from the polygon to the reproductive media tends to be large and incremental velocity errors less than 1/1,000,000 of a revolution of the scanner can produce noticeable in-scan related artifacts. Single facet scanning systems can tolerate much greater velocity variation so long as the velocity profile repeats from one revolution of the scanner to the next. As an example, typical single facet, air bearing, rotary scanners have incremental velocity errors on the order of 5-10 parts per million/revolution (PPM/rev) but repeat at any point of interest in the scan to a precision of less than 1.0 PPM/rev. Since the polygon scanner generates a multiplicity of scan lines per revolution, incremental velocity variation cannot be tolerated.
It is important to distinguish between "short-term" and "long-term" errors. Short-term errors are defined herein as errors that appear within fractions of a revolution up to several thousand revolutions of the rotating scanner. Long-term errors are defined as errors that occur over more than several thousand revolutions of the rotating scanner, or otherwise defined over a significant period of time or number of scan lines. Short-term and long-term errors can both be repeating and non-repeating in form. Very small short-term errors are known to produce imaging anomalies such as "banding". In general, larger errors spread over longer periods of time can be tolerated. Actual tolerances depend on many factors unique to a particular imaging application including error spacial frequency, image contrast, and overall image distortion.
In summation, the prior art has yet to disclose or teach singularly, or in any combination, and there continues to be a significant need for, a large format, flat field, high resolution, high speed optical scanning system, at a cost that makes such a device practical and usable in a significant number of applications. More particularly, the prior art is lacking and there remains a need for a flat field scanning system that utilizes a polygon scanner with a fluid film bearing to reduce non-repeating scanning errors, and has an open loop control system for active correction of repeatable scanning errors, and is capable of producing large formats at high resolution and high scan rates.

Polygon scanner having a fluid film bearing and active correction of cross-scan and in-scan errors


A cassette for daylight-loading a photographic sheet pack in a photographic processor, which sheet pack is of a type comprising a stack of rectangular photographic light-sensitive sheets wrapped in an oversized wrapper, which cassette comprises:. a rectangular base (20) with a bottom wall and peripheral walls providing an interior space within which a sheet pack can fit, and PA1 a cassette lid (40) fitting on the base and comprising a rectangular (41) frame arranged for lighttightly fitting on the peripheral walls, and a sub-lid (42) lighttightly fitting on the frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a cassette and a method for daylight-loading a photographic sheet pack in a photographic processor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is known to avoid the use of a darkroom for loading light-sensitive films into a film processor such as a cassette-loading apparatus which automatically reloads radiographic film cassettes with a fresh film after an X-ray exposed film has been removed.
These apparatus usually comprise a film supply magazine in the form of a drawer or the like that can be opened and into which a lighttightly wrapped stack of films is put in daylight conditions. Next, the drawer is closed and an appropriate mechanism cuts the wrapper so that it can be peeled from the film stack manually or automatically. One example of suchlike system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,389 relating to a film-sheet package for use in the magazine of a reloader for radiographic film cassettes. The film wrapper is in the form of a sleeve having a sealed flap for engagement by a winding mechanism. The end opposite to the sealed flap has an open flap folded inwardly to lighttightly close the package. Opening of the package occurs by winding the sealed flap by means of a winding mechanism, the film stack as such being withheld, so that the sleeve is stripped from the stack of film sheets. Another example of suchlike system is disclosed in Research Disclosure 22936 of May 1983, Havant, Hampshire, GB.
While these systems work satisfactorily for radiographic film, they are unsuited for aluminium offset printing plates, that e.g. must be image-wise exposed in a platesetter, because such plates have right, sharp corners as distinct from the rounded corners of X-ray film, and also the size of these plates can amount to 81.times.111 cm, and the weight of a stack of 30 of them can amount up to 50 kg.
An improved method for lighttightly wrapping and daylight-loading plates of the type referred to has been disclosed in EP 0 718 683 A2 assigned to the same assignee as the one of the present application. This method comprises the steps of wrapping a stack of light-sensitive sheets in a wrapper formed by two congruent lighttight wrapping foils and providing such wrapper with a first peripheral lighttight closure spaced from the four edges of said stack of sheets, providing said wrapper with a clamping, second peripheral lighttight closure located between said first one and the perimeter of said sheet stack, opening said first closure in daylight and loading said wrapped stack of sheets while still closed by said second closure in an opened cabinet, lighttightly closing said cabinet, unclamping said second closure and removing the wrapping foil lying on top of said sheets to set them free for further processing.

Cassette and method for daylight-loading a photographic sheet pack


A universal footwear includes removable cleats employable during indoor and outdoor activities such as sports, for example. The footwear includes a sole having toe, arch and heel portions respectively. Such a toe portion is provided with a plurality of receptacles, the arch portion includes a gel pack, and the heel has a bottom surface provided with a plurality of receptacles spaced thereabout. The apparatus further includes a body secured to the sole and a plurality of traversing straps extending thereacross for assisting to maintain an operator's foot at a stable position. A plurality of cleats are provided and are removably engageable with said plurality of receptacles, as desired by a user. One pair of shoes can be used for more than one sport thereby allowing a user to attach cleats to the shoe for any sport or remove all cleats from the shoe for casual wear.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to footwear and, more particularly, to footwear including removable cleats for universal use such as when playing golf or other sports, for example.
2. Prior Art
The desirability of cleats and spikes on shoes for superior traction has long been recognized, particularly in the athletic endeavors of runners, golfers, football players, soccer players, and the like. It is also highly desirable that individual spikes be readily removable and replaceable where the spike has become broken, deformed, or otherwise impaired and where other gripping elements are desired.
Spikes are generally formed with the spike portion attached to the center of one side of a circular flange. Attached to the other side of the flange is a cylindrical, exteriorly threaded post. Standard golf shoes have a sole with cylindrical, interiorly threaded recesses therein for receiving the threaded post of a golf spike. The spike assembly is attached to the sole by screwing the threaded post into the threaded recess of the sole. Standard spikes have a circular flange having several holes on opposite sides of the conical spike portion capable of receiving the ends of a wrench or other tool used to tighten or loosen the spike assembly within the recess in the sole, for the purposes of installation and removal.
Problems in the prior art include the loss of spikes which are screwed into place or constructed of elastic material; damage to the supporting sole where rotational stress is placed upon a non-rotatable spike; complicated and expensive spike retention members; time required to inter-change spikes; and lateral movement of the spike members within sockets of studs, also causing loss or damage. Furthermore, individuals usually have to carry two pairs of shoes with them because spiked shoes are not allowed indoors at most facilities. The design of most sports footwear also makes them inconvenient to wear outdoors when it is hot.
Accordingly, a need remains for footwear including removable cleats that would be cost effective, easy to use, versatile, and comfortable to wear. The present invention satisfies such a need by being versatile enough to be worn in casual settings, with the cleats removed, as well as in sports settings when the cleats are attached. The footwear design allows for comfortable outdoor wear in warmer climates as well. The footwear allows one pair of shoes to be used for more than one sport.

Universal footwear including removable cleats


A holding arm for medical purposes, in particular for holding surgical mechatronic assistance systems and/or surgical instruments, includes a proximal end for attaching the holding arm to a base and a distal end for receiving a surgical mechatronic assistance system and/or surgical instrument; at least one first and one second arm segment, wherein the first arm segment is connected to a first joint and the second arm segment is connected to a second joint, wherein each joint is releasable and lockable. An operating unit is provided for bringing the holding arm into a desired pose, wherein the operating unit is adapted to release the associated joint upon contact between an operator and one of the first and second arm segments. A corresponding method is also provided.

Holding arms of the kind initially specified have long been known from the prior art and are specifically used in surgery to relieve an operator of static holding work. Such a holding arm is used to hold a mechatronic assistance system and/or a surgical instrument, for example a manipulator, an endoscope, a surgical clamp or the like. The holding arms initially specified have proved their usefulness for holding endoscopes, in particular. In endoscopic surgery, an operator generally operates an instrument with both hands, while an assistant holds the endoscope in order to make the operating area visible on a screen. Holding the endoscope over a protracted period is very tiring. Holding arms are increasingly used for that reason.
Such a holding arm is known from DE 195 26 915 B4, for example. The holding device for medical purposes disclosed therein has a connection member and a holder for surgical tools, as well as an arm arranged between the holder and the connection member. The arm is connected to the holder and to the connection member, or to an adjacent arm via a joint, and can be coupled to a pneumatically operable device for selectively locking and releasing the joints, wherein the device locks the joints by the action of a mechanical spring which exerts a braking force on the joint, and wherein the device can be pneumatically switched to a joint-releasing mode against the force of that spring. An actuator by means of which a valve can be opened is disposed on the holder at the proximal end of the arm, so that the separate joints of the arm can be adjusted. When the actuator is released, the valve is closed again, thus locking the joints.
A similar holding arm is disclosed in EP 1 958 587 B1. The holding disclosed therein likewise has a plurality of joints, and a touch-sensitive sensor for actuating the joints is provided. The sensor is disposed on the holding arm adjacent to the medical instrument, so that the operator comes into contact with the touch-sensitive sensor on gripping the medical instrument, as a result of which the joints of the holding arm are released.
The holding arm disclosed in DE 195 26 915 B4 and also the one disclosed in EP 1 958 587 B1 is used primarily as a kind of exoskeleton for the operator, so that the operator can rest on the holding arm during the operation and can release all the joints on gripping the medical instrument or when operating the actuator, so that the pose of the holding arm can be altered.
Another holding arm, adapted to hold an endoscope, is known from DE 10 2004 050 714 A1. The arm has a plurality of joints which can be closed pneumatically. The holding arm is connected to a foot-switch valve. When the foot-switch valve is operated, compressed air enters all the joints, thus releasing them.
Another such holding arm is disclosed in DE 10 2011 004 926 A1. The holding arm has a plurality of arm segments and a plurality of joints by means of which the separate arm segments are coupled to each other. The holding arm according to DE 10 2011 004 926 A1 also has a first interface at the proximal end, for coupling the holding arm to a standard rail on an operating table. The first interface is substantially in the form of a clamp. The holding arm also has an interface at the distal end, which is likewise in the form of a clamp and which is used to receive an endoscope. Even though this arm is basically well-suited for purely holding endoscopes, there is nevertheless a need to provide greater versatility in the range of uses for such holding arms, in particular to adapt them to different tasks. It is also desirable that the safety of such holding arms be improved such that the risk is reduced of a patient being injured during an operation in which the holding arm is used.
One disadvantage, however, is that precise positioning of the mechatronic assistance system and/or surgical instrument disposed on the holding arm is difficult to achieve with the holding arm known from the prior art, and is strongly dependent on the skill of the operator. The precision of positioning is confined solely to the skills of the operator who spatially positions the distal end of the arm.
One known way of eliminating this problem is to use robotically assisted holding arms which, in addition to releasable and lockable joints, also have motors in the joints, which can be controlled via a terminal. Precise positioning is possible with these robotically driven holding arms, but a robotic controller of this kind is highly complex and requires extensive training of the operator. Operating such a controller is complicated and may therefore cause problems.

Intelligent holding arm for head surgery, with touch-sensitive operation


A golf ball marker display device. At least one display face includes a plurality of reclined cavities that are cut into the display face. Each of the reclined cavities includes a finger access area. Each reclined cavity holds a plurality of golf ball markers in a fashion such that as the front most golf ball marker is removed the remaining golf ball markers remain stacked in an orderly presentation. A golf ball marker is removed by fingers reaching into the finger access area, grabbing the golf ball marker and then removing the golf ball marker from the reclined cavity. In a preferred embodiment there are four display faces arranged in the general shape of a pyramid to form a pyramid display face. The pyramid display face is preferably rigidly connected to a rotating base.

Golfers of all levels of play are very interested in acquiring the necessary equipment for the game. There are many accessories needed to properly play the game of golf. In addition to a set of clubs and golf balls, a golfer will need other items such as tees, a divot repair tool and at least one golf ball marker.
Throughout the years golfers have used various types of golf ball markers. Some golfers have used a plastic marker with a pin that helps hold the marker in place on the putting green. Other golfers have merely used a penny or dime to mark their ball's position. In recent years it has become more popular for a golfer to use a more attractive and decorative ball marker. For example, FIG. 1 shows prior art ball marker 21. Ball marker 21 is typically about the size of a quarter, it contains magnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt and it is decorated with the emblem of a popular professional sports team. Its magnetic properties allow it to be attached to a magnet contained in a golf ball marker hat clip of the golfer.
Due to the visual appeal of golf ball markers, golfers have become more interested in their purchase. Some golfers even collect multiple golf ball markers of their favorite sports teams or the favorite golf courses. This means that there is good potential for strong sales of golf ball markers. However, the prior art method of displaying golf ball markers has been inadequate and has actually hampered sales of the markers. For example, in the prior art, golf ball markers have been kept in a closed case or behind the cash register operator and away from the consumer's hands in an effort to curtail theft. Unfortunately, this method of display has also hurt sales because the consumer is not given easy access to the markers to properly evaluate them for purchase. What is needed is a better display device for displaying golf ball markers.

Device and method for displaying and selling golf ball markers


The present invention is a device to magnetically treat beverages by fastening to a beverage container. The present invention is preferably a magnetic fastener constructed and arranged to be attached to the neck of a wine bottle. The magnetic fastener comprises two semi-cylindrical halves, a spring mechanism connecting the semi-cylindrical halves and a plurality of magnets. Each semi-cylindrical half may preferably have a fastening end and a grasping end, wherein each fastening end may contain three columns of magnets which may preferably be substantially evenly spaced in the fastening end of the semi-cylindrical half. The magnets may preferably be aligned so that the polarity runs through the device, wherein the north pole is located at one end and south pole is located at the other end.

Wine making is an ancient process involving a complex blend of science and art, often involving trial and error. As such, many improvements have been made over the years in the wine making process to try to improve the taste of the wine. However, there can still be variations in the taste and quality of the wine depending on, for example, the types of grapes used, the amount of other ingredients used, the fermentation process, the barrels used to store and age the wine, the external storage and transport conditions, exposure to light and even time, not all of which prove to be beneficial to the taste and quality of the wine.
As a consequence of the potential inconsistency in the wine making process, many devices have been developed for improving the taste of wine. These devices aim to improve the taste of the wine so that the purchaser may consume the wine, even if it does not have the desired or expected taste when the container is opened, thereby eliminating any waste of the wine.
The prior art discloses various devices to treat wine and other beverages. One such device is the Magne'fique Flav-O-Ring, manufactured by the Magnetizer Group, which is a magnetic ring having a handle and which is placed over the neck of a wine bottle or placed on top of a wine glass as the wine is poured into the glass. When the Magne'fique Flav-O-Ring is placed over the neck of a wine bottle, it must be held in place as the wine is poured or it will fall off of the bottle. When it is placed on top of a glass, it must also be held in place so that it does not fall off of the glass or tip the glass over. As such, the Magne'fique Flav-O-Ring is inconvenient, heavy and awkward to use.
Another such device is the Vintage Enhancer, manufactured by the Bond/Helman Company, which is a cylinder with an electrical adapter. With this device, a wine bottle is be placed into the cylinder, which is then plugged into an electrical outlet for 15 to 40 minutes. The contents are then said to be "aged" and ready to be served. Because of its structure, this device is awkward to use, time-consuming and expensive.
Also known in the prior art is Miyanoo, Japanese Patent No. 401148175 A, which is said to disclose a device and method for aging food and beverages. This device consists of four magnetic units placed in an alternative arrangement, such as North-South and South-North, or varied arrangement in various shapes with semiconductors. The magnetic units are located lengthwise with respect to the body of the device. A vessel containing the beverage is then placed in the device.
Also known is Peiffer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,614 B1, which is said to disclose a method and apparatus for improving the organoleptic properties of alcoholic beverages. This device consists of a permanent ring magnet and a beverage container is held within the center diameter or placed upon the surface of the device. The magnet is sandwiched between a top piece and a base holder. In another embodiment, a plurality of rectangular magnets are placed around a conventional pipe.
Also known is Lutzker, U.S. Published Application No. 2003/0003189 A1, which is said to disclose a method and apparatus for improving the taste of wine and other beverages. Wine is treated with a magnetic field preferably formed by at least two magnets. One magnet is positioned at the base of the container holding the wine and another magnet is positioned at the top of the container. The magnet at the top of the container is located in a top piece which acts like a stopper that is inserted into the orifice of the container. The magnets in the stopper and the base should have their fields aligned, preferably such that the stopper has south facing down and the base has north facing up.
Also known is Coates, U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,710, which is said to disclose a magnetic inductor for inducing a magnetic field upon water passing through a pipe. The inductor is annular shape and is secured around the pipe with a hook and loop fastening means.
Also known is Parkyn, U.S. Pat. No. 655,413, which is said to disclose a drinking cup, the whole of which or metal portions of which are magnetized either by a current of electricity or otherwise, that will magnetize a liquid put into it.
Other devices are known for the magnetic treatment of liquids. These devices, along with the devices above, have various shortcomings including being overly complex, requiring significant time to take effect, expensive and difficult to make, expensive to the consumer, difficult to use and unattractive. The shortcomings of these devices are addressed by the present invention.


A method of optimizing the use of an aircraft power plant having at least one engine (1, 1′) operating within a performance envelope covering at least a first rating and a second rating, said first rating presenting a first power (P1) usable over a predetermined first time interval (D1), said second rating presenting a second power (P2) greater than said first power (P1), the second power (P2) being usable continuously over a predetermined second time interval (D2). Thus, while the engine (1, 1′) is developing a third power (P3) that is both greater than the first power (P1) and less than or equal to the second power (P2), a potential first duration of utilization (ΔT) of continuous use of said second power (P2) is determined and displayed, said first duration of utilization (ΔT) elapsing at a speed that is variable and that depends on said third power (P3).

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and a device for optimizing the utilization of an engine, in particular an engine of an aircraft of the rotorcraft type.
(2) Description of Related Art
Most currently-built rotorcraft are fitted with one or two free turbine engines. Power is then taken from a low pressure turbine referred to as a "free" turbine, which low pressure turbine is mechanically independent of the assembly of the engine that comprises the compressor and the high pressure stage, and in particular a high pressure turbine. The free turbine of a turbine engine generally operates at a speed of rotation lying in the range 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 50,000 rpm, so a speed-reduction gearbox is needed in the connection with the main rotor of the rotorcraft since its speed of rotation lies substantially in the range 200 rpm to 400 rpm: this is the main gearbox.
Thermal limitations of a turbine engine, and torque limitations of a main gearbox serve to define a performance envelope covering two normal utilization ratings for a turbine engine arranged on a single or twin-engined rotorcraft:
takeoff rating corresponding to a torque level for the gearbox and heating for the turbine engine that can be accepted for a limited length of time without significant degradation: this is the maximum takeoff power, written PMD by the person skilled in the art, that is usable for a continuous duration of five minutes for example and over an accumulated duration of thirty minutes in a single mission; and
the maximum continuous rating during which, at no time, are the capabilities of the gearbox or the capabilities that result from the maximum acceptable continuous heating of the high pressure blades of the first stage of the turbine exceeded: this is the maximum continuous power, referred to as PMC by the person skilled in the art, and it can be used without any time limit, corresponding to about 90% of the PMD.
On a twin-engined rotorcraft, the performance envelope also covers emergency contingency ratings that are used only when only one of the two turbine engines has failed:
a first emergency rating during which the capabilities of the gearbox concerning its inlet stages and the thermal capabilities of the turbine engine are used to the maximum: this is referred to as super contingency rating and it is equal to about 112% to 120% of PMD, being usable for a continuous duration of thirty consecutive seconds at the most, for example, with this being possible three times during a flight, being referred to as PSU where OEI stands for "one engine inoperative". If PSU is used, then it is necessary to remove and overhaul the turbine engine;
a second emergency rating during which the capabilities of the gearbox concerning its inlet stages and the capabilities of the turbine engine are used very largely: this is referred to as maximum emergency power and is equal to about 105% to 110% of PMD, and is referred to as PMU or OEI2′ by the person skilled in the art since it is usable for two consecutive minutes, for example; and
a third emergency rating during which the capabilities of the gearbox concerning its inlet stages and the thermal capabilities of the turbine engine are used without damaging them: this is referred to as intermediate emergency power and is equal to PMD, being referred to by the person skilled in the art as continuous OEI or PIU or OEI2, since it can be used continuously for the remainder of the flight after failure of a turbine engine.
Consequently, the thermal and mechanical constraints and above all the phenomenon of turbine blade creep give rise to degradation of the turbine engine to a greater or lesser extent depending on the rating. In order to guarantee safe flight and obtain good performance, it is therefore essential to determine the maximum acceptable level of damage for a turbine engine.
Consequently, an overall utilization potential is evaluated for the turbine engine. Specifically, this amounts to defining a maximum number of flying hours known as time between overhauls (TBO), that the turbine engine is capable of performing since its most recent overhaul or its first use, depending on circumstances. Once TBO has been reached, the turbine engine is removed and then overhauled.
In the text below, and for convenience, the term "most recent overhaul of the turbine engine" is used to designate either the first use of the turbine engine or in fact the most recent overhaul thereof.
Furthermore, in order to obtain flying authorization in a given country for a rotorcraft, it is required that the performance envelope and the TBO of the turbine engine(s) of the rotorcraft to be certified by the official services in the country in question for a precise spectrum of utilizations. Such authorization is thus given only after complete certification tests have been completed, which are expensive.
Since these complete certification tests of a turbine engine are performed in order to justify a performance envelope associated with a TBO, it is not possible to use the turbine engine in some other performance envelope that differs from the initially authorized performance envelope without again performing complete certification tests, which are very expensive.
In addition, when the engine develops an intermediate power between the maximum continuous power PMC and the maximum takeoff power PMD, this intermediate power is subjected to the same limitation as the maximum takeoff power.
Likewise, when the engine is developing power lying between the intermediate emergency power and the maximum emergency power, that power is processed in the same manner as the maximum emergency power, being subjected to the same limitation as said maximum emergency power.
Under such circumstances, operation of the turbine engine would appear not to be optimized because of the discrete staging of engine ratings.
The state of the technical prior art includes document FR 2 878 288 in which it is proposed to modify the maximum number of flying hours in order to optimize use of the engine.
Furthermore, document FR 2 888 287 makes it possible to define a performance envelope that is an alternative to the initial performance envelope of the engine.

Method and a device for optimizing the utilization of an engine


A seat pad includes a main portion and a bank portion. When the seat pad is disposed on a seat frame, a reverse face side of the bank portion contacts the seat frame to be supported. When the bank portion is pressed in a seat width direction, the bank portion is flexurally deformed so as to be crushed around a contact portion contacting the seat frame. A contact member is relatively movably provided on a side of the backing material that faces the seat frame, and the seat pad is disposed on the seat frame while the contact member is pressed against the seat frame. When the bank portion is pressed in the seat width direction, the backing material and the seat pad including the bank portion move in a crushing direction relatively to a portion of the contact member that contacts the seat frame.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a vehicle seat including a seat frame that constitutes a frame of the seat, and a seat pad (a member that elastically supports an occupant) that is supported by the seat frame.
2. Description of Related Art
As this kind of vehicle seat, there is disclosed a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion, and a seat back connected to the seat cushion so as to extend upward (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-29276 (JP 2010-29276 A)). In the aforementioned art, each of the seat cushion and the seat back includes a seat frame that constitutes a frame of the seat, and a seat pad that forms an outer shape of the seat. The seat frame is a substantially rectangular frame body (which is typically made of a metal). The seat pad is a substantially rectangular member that elastically supports an occupant (and that is typically made of a foamed resin), and a reverse face side of the seat pad is covered with a backing material such as a non-woven fabric. A center portion of the seat pad (on a seating side) is flat (a main portion is formed), and end portion sides of the seat pad in a seat width direction protrude toward the seating side as compared to the center portion of the seat pad (bank portions are formed). In the aforementioned art, when the seat pad is disposed on the seat frame, the main portion is disposed in the seat frame, and a reverse face side of each bank portion contacts the seat frame so as to be supported by the seat frame. In this manner, the reverse face side of each bank portion of the seat pad is hooked on the seat frame.
In the aforementioned seat configuration, for example, when the occupant gets on/off a vehicle, the bank portion of the seat back may be pressed inward from outside the seat due to its contact with the occupant. In this case, in the aforementioned art, the reverse face side of the bank portion contacts the seat frame and is hooked on the seat frame. Therefore, an end portion side of the seat pad that constitutes the bank portion (an end portion side that protrudes toward the seating side) is (excessively) flexurally deformed so as to be crushed (bent) toward an inner side of the seat around a contact portion that contacts the seat frame. Thus, in the configuration of the known art, every time the occupant gets on/off the vehicle, the end portion side of the bank portion (a specific portion) may be damaged through repeated flexural deformation or the like.


A solar-powered gazing globe. A removable base is attached to the glazing globe by a stretchable, waterproof flange that also provides a water resistant seal while allowing the globe to sit in an existing support. The gazing globe further includes a rechargeable electrical power source coupled to an electrical charging system. The electrical charging system is in turn connected to a solar energy system that includes a system for collecting solar energy, a system for converting the solar energy into electrical energy, and a system for transferring the electrical energy to the charging system. A light source attached to the removable base is electrically coupled to the rechargeable electrical power source and situated so that light is emitted from the gazing globe via the light transmitting region.

So-called gazing globes have their roots in hand-blown glass spheres first made by 13th century Venetian craftsmen. In addition to the practical benefits of being a spherical mirror, gazing globes have also being considered good luck charms and to have magically protective powers against evil spirits. Over the centuries, they have became a permanent fixture in European gardens and homes. Even King Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, adorned his palace, a replica of Versailles, with a gazing globe during the 1800's.
Gazing globes are typically formed of a hollow, glass globe which has a small diameter and short length neck extending from the spherical portion of the globe. Gazing globes are typically provided in a variety of different colors.
Such globes typically rest, and are supported, on columns or metal stands mounted on the ground or in brackets attached to a vertical surface. A cylindrical recess in the top surface of the columns and brackets receives the neck of the gazing globe to fixedly position the gazing globe on the column or bracket. It is also known to support gazing globes in a cylindrical sleeve or receiver which is mounted at one end of a support formed of one or more interconnected metal rods. In all such applications, the spherical portion of the gazing globe is disposed uppermost above the associated support column or collar so as to clearly view from all sides.
It would be desirable to provide an illuminated gazing globe which provides a different nighttime aesthetic appearance, while still providing the necessary globe support function and which is compatible with most commonly used gazing globe holders which have such a cylindrical receiving portion.
It would further be desirable to provide a solar lighting gazing globe adaptor which can receivably be connected to existing gazing globes and used in their existing holders and which would illuminate the gazing globes at night from within.


An apparatus for abrasive machining of a predetermined portion of a workpiece such that an abrasive tape and the workpiece are moved relative to each other while the tape is held in pressing contact with the predetermined portion of the workpiece, and such that the abrasive tape is fed in the longitudinal direction, the apparatus including a tape holding portion, and a tape cartridge removably held by the tape holding portion and carrying the abrasive tape, wherein the cartridge includes a housing, a tape supply portion disposed in the housing and accommodating an unused length of the tape such that a portion of the unused length is exposed outside the housing, a pressing member attached to the housing, for pressing the portion of the unused length outside the housing onto the predetermined portion of said workpiece, and a take-up portion disposed in the housing and accommodating a used length of the tape which has been used for abrasive machining of the predetermined portion of the workpiece in pressing contact therewith. The tape holding portion may include two or more tape holders each holding the tape cartridge.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus or system adapted to perform an abrasive machining operation using an abrasive tape.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
There is known an abrasive machining apparatus of a type wherein an abrasive tape and a workpiece are moved relative to each other while the abrasive tape is forced onto a desired portion of the surface of the workpiece to be machined, and wherein the abrasive tape is fed in its longitudinal direction. The term "abrasive tape" is interpreted to mean a strip-like member which consists of a flat substrate made of a fabric, paper, synthetic resin or other suitable material, and an abrading material, usually in the form of abrasive particles bonded to the surface of the substrate. The abrasive tape is fed before, after or during an abrasive machining process. The abrasive machining processes include a grinding process and a lapping process, for example.
One form of the known abrasive machining apparatus of the type indicated above will be described by reference to FIG. 21. This prior art apparatus of FIG. 21 is not completely identical with but is similar to an abrasive machining apparatus disclosed in JP-U-60-7952 (laid-open publication in 1985 of Japanese Utility Model Application).
To begin with, the prior art abrasive machining apparatus will be briefly described. The apparatus is adapted to grind the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical workpiece W, such that a grinding operation takes place at predetermined two positions of the outer circumference of the workpiece W which are opposed to each other in a diametric direction of the workpiece. The abrasive machining apparatus uses a single abrasive tape T, which is forced simultaneously onto the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W at the above-indicated two diametrically opposite grinding positions. In operation of the apparatus, the workpiece W is rotated about its axis, relative to the abrasive tape T, to thereby grind the workpiece W. In this apparatus, the abrasive tape T is held stationary during each abrasive machining or grinding cycle on the workpiece W, and is fed by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction after each grinding cycle, that is, before the next cycle is initiated, so that unused portions of the abrasive tape T are forced onto the predetermined portions of the workpiece W in the next grinding cycle.
Described in detail, the abrasive machining apparatus includes a pair of shoes 400 which are disposed on the opposite sides of the workpiece W and are opposed to each other in a diametric direction of the workpiece W, as shown in FIG. 21. These shoes 400 are attached to end portions of respective clamp arms 402 which are pivotable about an axis of a shaft 401. The other end portions of the two clamp arms 402 are connected by an air cylinder 403, which permits the two opposed shoes 400 to be moved toward and away from each other and the workpiece W.
The predetermined two grinding positions of the workpiece W at which the grinding operation by the abrasive tape T takes place are the two diametrically opposite circumferential positions of the workpiece W at which the two shoes 400 are opposed to each other diametrically of the workpiece. The abrasive tape T is fed generally from right to left as seen in FIG. 21 wherein the right-hand side portion of the apparatus is a tape incoming side while the left-hand side portion is a tape outgoing side. The abrasive tape T is threaded through the apparatus, that is, between the shoes 400 and the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. Explained more particularly, a roll of an unused length of the abrasive tape T is carried by a supply reel 404 which is rotatably disposed on the body of the apparatus. The unused portion of the abrasive tape T supplied from the supply reel 404 is threaded via the shoes 400 while being guided by a suitable number of guide rolls 406 and the used portion of the tape T is directed up to the outgoing side of the apparatus and eventually ejected into a tape tray 408 provided there.
The path along which the abrasive tape T is threaded will be described in detail. The leading end portion of the abrasive tape T supplied from the supply reel 404 is first passed along the outer surface of the clamp arm 402 on the tape incoming side of the apparatus, while being guided by some of the guide rolls 406 The leading end portion of the tape T is then passed along the inner surface of the shoe 400 on the tape incoming side. The tape T is not turned through 180.degree. around the workpiece W between the two shoes 400 but is turned around the guide roll 406 which is located between the workpiece W and the shaft 401 and between the two clamp arms 402 The tape T is then passed along the inner surface of the shoe 400 on the tape outgoing side of the apparatus, and along the outer surface of the clamp arm 402 on the tape outgoing side. The abrasive tape T thus threaded through the apparatus has respective portions which simultaneously contact the two diametrically opposite arcuate portions of the outer circumferential surface of the workpiece W. The tape has a non-contact portion between the two portions which contact the workpiece.
As described above, the abrasive tape T is threaded through the apparatus such that the tape T is not in contact with the two arcuate portions of the outer circumference of the workpiece W. This arrangement appears to be intended to permit easy and stable removal of the abrasive tape T away from the workpiece W upon installation and removal of the workpiece W on and from the abrasive machining apparatus, and to facilitate replacement of the tape T.
The present abrasive machining apparatus is adapted to feed the abrasive tape by a predetermined distance after termination of each grinding cycle, by rotating a pair of take-up rolls 410 which are geared with each other, so that a predetermined unused length of the tape T is supplied from the supply reel 404 toward the pair of shoes 400 and the corresponding used length of the tape T is ejected into the tape tray 408.
The prior art apparatus which has been described is of a workpiece rotation type adapted to perform a grinding operation by rotating the workpiece W relative to the abrasive tape T which is held stationary during the grinding operation. However, the relative movement of the workpiece W and the tape T may be effected by feeding the abrasive tape T continuously during the grinding operation while the workpiece W is held stationary.
The prior art abrasive machining apparatus has the following problems, irrespective of the type of relative movement between the workpiece and abrasive tape.
Generally, the abrasive tape used on the apparatus is replaced as needed by the operator of the apparatus. For instance, the replacement of the abrasive tape T is required when the machining surface of the tape T has become dull or "glazed", or when the tape is cut off for some reason or other during the operation of the apparatus.
In the known abrasive machining apparatus, however, the components such as the guide rolls and shoes associated with the replacement of the abrasive tape, that is, the components which define the path of the tape, are unremovably attached to the apparatus. Therefore, upon replacement of the used abrasive tape, the operator of the apparatus must remove the tape from the guide rolls, pass the new abrasive tape around the rolls, and make adjustments necessary to achieve correct threading of the new tape along the predetermined path through the apparatus. This operation is cumbersome and time-consuming, and makes it difficult to achieve abrasive machining operations with a sufficiently high efficiency. The apparatus suffers from this problem where the single abrasive tape is used for simultaneous grinding of two or more portions of the workpiece, as well as where the tape is used for grinding a single portion of the workpiece.
Thus, the known apparatus wherein the components defining the path of the abrasive tape are not removable suffers from low efficiency of replacement of the abrasive tape, irrespective of the type of relative movement between the abrasive tape and the workpiece, and irrespective of whether the abrasive tape is used to perform abrasive operation on one portion or a plurality of portions of the workpiece surface.
The abrasive machining apparatus shown in FIG. 21 uses one abrasive tape for performing simultaneous grinding operations at two grinding positions of the workpiece, as explained above. The abrasive tape is threaded in contact with one of the two diametrically opposite portions of the outer circumference of the workpiece while passing in one direction, and also in contact with the other circumferential portion of the workpiece while passing in the opposite direction. Thus, the threading path of the abrasive tape tends to be complicated, and increases the difficulty of replacement of the abrasive tape, leading to another problem, that is, an increased time required for replacing the abrasive tape.
The known apparatus of FIG. 21 has a further problem explained below.
The apparatus is of the workpiece rotation type adapted to perform abrasive machining operations by rotating the workpiece and to feed the abrasive tape by a predetermined distance after each machining cycle on the two portions of the workpiece. One of the two portions of the workpiece which is on the tape incoming side is necessarily contacted with an unused portion of the abrasive tape when the tape is fed. The other portion of the workpiece on the tape outgoing side must also be contacted with an unused portion of the tape. The portion of the tape used for the tape incoming side portion of the workpiece is fed between the two portions of the workpiece, as the non-contact portion indicated above. The used portion of the tape should not be used again for the tape outgoing side portion of the workpiece. Therefore, the tape should be fed by a distance corresponding to the length of the tape between the two portions of the workpiece, when the used portion of the tape has reached a point near the tape outgoing side of the workpiece. This feeding control of the tape is complicated, and a part of the tape cannot be used. If the tape is fed by a distance larger than the length of the tape between the two portions of the workpiece so that the tape outgoing side portion of the workpiece is necessarily contacted with the unused portion of the tape, a considerable part of the tape is wasted. Thus, the prior art apparatus suffers from wasting of the abrasive tape or requires a complicated control to feed the tape.

Abrasive machining apparatus equipped with a device for facilitating replacement of abrasive tape


A chemical system for storing and releasing hydrogen utilizes an endothermic reaction that releases hydrogen coupled to an exothermic reaction to drive the process thermodynamically, or an exothermic reaction that releases hydrogen coupled to an endothermic reaction.

Hydrogen (H2) is currently the leading candidate for a fuel to replace gasoline/diesel fuel in powering the nation's transportation fleet. There are a number of difficulties and technological barriers associated with hydrogen that must be solved in order to realize this "hydrogen economy". Inadequate storage systems for on-board transportation hydrogen are recognized as a major technological barrier (see, for example, "The Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities, Costs, Barriers, and R&D Needs," National Academy of Engineering (NAE), Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, National Academy Press (2004)).
Materials that store hydrogen, and from which hydrogen can be released easily without requiring significant energy input or releasing significant amounts of wasted energy, are of great interest as possible means to enable the hydrogen economy, especially for vehicular transportation. Most materials that chemically store hydrogen, however, either release the hydrogen exothermically (thus require significant energy for their manufacture), or require elevated temperature and the input of significant heat energy for hydrogen release. In either case, the storage loses efficiency.
One of the general schemes for storing hydrogen relates to using a chemical compound or system that undergoes a chemical reaction to evolve hydrogen as a reaction product. In principle, this chemical storage system is attractive, but systems that have been studied to date involve either: (a) hydrolysis of high-energy inorganic compounds where the evolution of hydrogen is very exothermic (sodium borohydride/water as in the Millennium Cell's HYDROGEN ON DEMAND®, and lithium (or magnesium) hydride as in SAFE HYDROGEN®, for example), thus making the cost of preparing the inorganic compound(s) high and life-cycle efficiency low; or (b) dehydrogenation of inorganic hydride materials (such as Na3AlH6/NaAlH4, for example) that release hydrogen when warmed but that typically have inadequate mass storage capacity and inadequate refueling rates.
Inorganic compounds referred to in (a), above, produce hydrogen according to the chemical reactionMHx+XH2O→M(OH)x+XH2  (1)where MHx is a metal hydride, and M(OH)x is a metal hydroxide. This reaction is irreversible.
Inorganic hydride materials referred to in (b), above, produce hydrogen according to the following chemical reaction, which is reversible with H2 (hydrogen gas):MHx=M+x/2H2  (2)where MHx is a metal hydride, M is metal and H2 is hydrogen gas. By contrast to the first reaction, which is irreversible with H2, the second reaction is reversible with H2.
A practical chemical system that evolves hydrogen yet does not suffer the aforementioned inadequacies would be important to the planned transportation sector of the hydrogen economy. This same practical chemical system would also be extremely valuable for non-transportation H2 fuel cell systems, such as those employed in laptop computers and other portable electronic devices, and in small mechanical devices such as lawnmowers where current technology causes significant pollution concerns.
Any heat that must be input to evolve the hydrogen represents an energy loss at the point of use, and any heat that is evolved along with the hydrogen represents an energy loss where the chemical storage medium is regenerated. Either way, energy is lost, which diminishes the life-cycle efficiency. For most organic compounds, such as in those shown in equations 3-5 below, hydrogen evolution reactions are very endothermic, and the compounds are incompetent to evolve hydrogen at ambient temperature (i.e. thermodynamically incapable of evolving H2 at significant pressure at ambient temperature). For temperatures less than about 250-400 degrees Celsius, the equilibrium pressure of hydrogen over most organic compounds is very small. As a consequence, most common organic compounds require heating above about 250 degrees Celsius, and the continual input of high-grade heat to maintain this temperature, in order to evolve hydrogen at a useful pressure.CH4→C+2H2ΔH0=+18 kcal/mol ΔG0=+12 kcal/mol  (3)6CH4→cyclohexane+6H2ΔH0=+69 kcal/mol ΔG0=+78 kcal/mol  (4)cyclohexane→benzene+3H2 ΔH0=+49 kcal/mol ΔG0=+23 kcal/mol  (5)
Most organic compounds have hydrogen evolution reactions that are endergonic (i.e. having a net positive free energy of reaction, i.e. ΔG>0) and their ambient temperature equilibrium hydrogen pressure is very low, practically unobservable. Thus, most organic compounds are unsuitable for hydrogen storage, based on both life-cycle energy efficiency and delivery pressure considerations. Decalin, for example, evolves hydrogen to form naphthalene when heated to about 250 degrees Celsius in the presence of a catalyst (see, for example, "Catalytic Decalin Dehydrogenation/Naphthalene Hydrogenation Pair as a Hydrogen Source for Fuel-Cell Vehicle," Hodoshima et al., J. Hydrogen Energy (2003) vol. 28, pp. 1255-1262, incorporated by reference herein). Hodoshima et al. use a superheated "thin film" reactor that operates at a temperature of at least 280 degrees Celsius to produce hydrogen from decalin at an adequate rate. Thus, this endothermic hydrogen evolution reaction requires both a complex apparatus and high-grade heat, which diminishes the life-cycle energy efficiency for hydrogen storage.
Boranes (i.e. borane compounds) have high hydrogen storage capacities and have attracted interest for use as hydrogen storage materials for transportation, but the difficulty of manufacturing borane compounds, and the life-cycle energy inefficiency of their present manufacture chemical processes, prevents their widespread use.
Methods and systems that employ chemical compounds for storing and evolving hydrogen at ambient temperature with minimal heat input remain highly desirable.

Composition and method for storing and releasing hydrogen


Systems and methods are provided to monitor a container associated with an item. According to one embodiment, an indication that a container has been opened is received. For example, the container may transmit a signal when a person opens the container to access an item. Based on the received indication, ownership of the item may be transferred and/or another item may be provided (e.g., to the person who opened the container). According to other embodiments, item quality information, item warranty information, and/or security information are determined based on the received indication. According to still other embodiments, a sender receives a notification based on the indication or the indication is recorded as an acceptance of an agreement. In yet another embodiment, the indication is used to verify that the container was opened in accordance with an item requirement.

It is usually easy to determine when an item is physically provided to a person. For example, a merchant or manufacturer can typically determine when the person physically takes possession of the item (e.g., by monitoring when the person removes the item from a store or when the item is delivered to the person). As a result, ownership of the item is commonly transferred to the person at this time. That is, ownership of the item may be transferred when the person takes the item from a store or when the item is shipped to (or received by) the person. Moreover, the person commonly provides payment for the item at this time (e.g., the person may provide payment via a credit card account when the item is shipped to his or her home address).
A number of disadvantages arise, however, when ownership is transferred in this way. Consider, for example, an item that is consumed by a person on a regular basis. Examples of such consumable items include paper supplies and toner cartridges used by a printer, batteries, disposable contact lenses, and prescription medicines. In this case, the person may only be able (or willing) to provide payment for a limited amount of the consumable item (e.g., a one-month supply of disposable contact lenses)—even though he or she will eventually need more than limited amount.
As a result, the consumable item may need to be frequently provided to the person. For example, the person may need to frequently visit a merchant's store or the consumable item may need to be frequently delivered to the person. Such an approach may be inconvenient, time consuming, and inefficient for the person and/or a merchant. Moreover, a merchant, distributor, and/or manufacturer may need to store a significant amount of the consumable item (e.g., increasing the overhead costs and risk associated with inventory). A merchant may also find that the person has decided to make future purchases of the item from another merchant.
Other problems can also arise if a merchant only knows when an item is physically provided to a person. One such problem is that the merchant cannot accurately predict when the person will need an additional amount of the item. For example, a merchant may know that three toner cartridges were delivered to a person at the beginning of the year. The merchant will not know, however, when the person has used two of the three cartridges (e.g., and would therefore be interested in purchasing additional cartridges).
Another problem is that the quality of an item may depend on factors other than when the item was manufactured and/or delivered to a person. Consider, for example, film used by photographers. In this case, the quality of the film will depends on the date it was manufactured (e.g., and the manufacturer may therefore indicate an appropriate "sell by" or "use by" date on a package of film). The quality may also depend, however, on when a person opens a sealed package of film. There is no efficient way for a merchant or manufacturer to take this information into account (e.g., in order to notify a person that the quality of his or her film may not be acceptable).
Still another problem is that warranty information (e.g., the effective or expiration date of a warranty, a return policy, or a guarantee) is based on when an item was provided to a person. For example, an item's warranty may expire sixty days after a person receives the item—even if the person does not use the item until fifty days after the item was received.
Other problems include a limited amount of security information that is available (e.g., a merchant will not know when an unauthorized person accesses an item en route to a purchaser) and a limited amount of information that is available to a person who sends an item to a friend (e.g., a sender may know that FEDERAL EXPRESS® left a package for the friend on Monday but will not know when the friend actually opens the package). A similar problem arises with respect to agreements that become effective when a person opens a package (e.g., a software "shrink-wrap" license agreement). In this case, a manufacturer may not know when the person has accepted the agreement.
Moreover, known methods of determining information other than the time when an item is physically provided to a person can be inefficient and expensive. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,594 entitled "Medication Dispensing System" discloses a system that lets a central monitoring facility determine if a person has not received medication within a prescribed time. The complexity of the system, however, requires a dedicated dispensing device including a local programmable controller and a modem.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring a container associated with an item

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided is a hydraulic drive apparatus including a specific working actuator making a working arm perform a traveling assist motion upon the slip, first and second traveling motors, first and second hydraulic pumps, a traveling selector valve switchable to a neutral position and a straight traveling position, a communication throttle portion between a working fluid passage and a traveling fluid passage in the straight traveling position, and a switching control part switching the traveling selector valve to the neutral position when a single operation action is performed and to the straight traveling position when a specific combined operation action including a forward traveling operation and the specific working operation is performed. The switching control section adjusts the opening of the communication throttle section to decrease the flow rate therethrough with an increase in the difference between the first and second pump pressures.

As a hydraulic drive apparatus installed in a traveling type working machine such as a hydraulic excavator, conventionally known is one described in Patent Literature 1.
The hydraulic drive apparatus includes: a left traveling motor and a right traveling motor that are supplied with hydraulic fluid to make a lower traveling body travel; a plurality of working actuators that are supplied with hydraulic fluid to be operated to actuate a working device, the plurality of working actuators including a boom cylinder, an arm cylinder and a bucket cylinder; a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump each configured to discharge hydraulic fluid; and a traveling control valve. The traveling control valve has a neutral position, an independent traveling position, and a straight traveling position. The traveling control valve is set to the neutral position when only a traveling operation is made, that is, when a single traveling operation is made, to form a fluid passage for directly supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump and the second hydraulic pump to the left traveling motor and the right traveling motor, respectively. The traveling control valve is switched to the straight traveling position when the traveling operation and a working operation for moving the working device are simultaneously made, that is, when combined operations are made, to form a traveling fluid passage for supplying hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic pump to both the left traveling motor and the right traveling motor, and a working fluid passage for supplying hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic pump to each of the working actuators independently of the traveling fluid passage. In the straight traveling position, furthermore, the traveling fluid passage and the working fluid passage are communicated with each other through a communication passage, thereby reducing a traveling deceleration shock at the time of switching to the straight traveling position.
The hydraulic drive apparatus further has a function of preventing pressure interference between the first and second hydraulic pumps by switching the traveling control valve from the straight traveling position to the independent traveling position when the difference between the discharge pressure of the first hydraulic pump and the discharge pressure of the second hydraulic pump is large.
The above-mentioned traveling type working machine involves a possibility that the traveling body slips to a traveling surface depending on a traveling condition to be thereby brought into an idling state, thus disabled from traveling. The idling traveling body could be assisted to travel by utilization of the driving force of the working device, for example, by sticking the tip of the bucket of the working device into the ground and moving the arm of the working device in the crowding direction; however, the idling of the traveling body remarkably lowers the driving load of the right and left traveling motors, which may cause the hydraulic fluid which is originally to be supplied to the working device to flow to the right and left traveling motor through the communication passage in the intermediate position to thereby disable the working device from moving.
Patent Literature 1 discloses to restrict or block the communication between the first and second hydraulic pumps when the difference between respective pump pressures of the first and second hydraulic pumps is equal to or greater than a certain value while the combined operations are performed; however, such a control hardly enables supply of hydraulic fluid to be performed suitably for the degree of the slip of the traveling body. Specifically, in the case where the difference between the pump pressure is relatively small, the restriction or block of the communication is not performed, which may permit even a small degree of slip to hinder the working device from being successfully moved, because of the large deviation of the supply of hydraulic fluid to the traveling motors. Conversely, the performance of restriction or block of the communication hinders or uniformly restrains hydraulic fluid discharged from the second hydraulic pump from being supplied to the traveling motors, which disables the traveling motor from being supplied with sufficient hydraulic fluid even when the degree of slip is lowered to allow the traveling body to travel.

Hydraulic drive device for traveling work machine

KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.


A pool includes a main pool body defining an inner cavity, and a pillar within the inner cavity which cooperates with the main pool body to define an annular lane therebetween. The pillar provides the pool greater functionality that extends beyond the scope of the traditional pool, such as by enabling a separate pool, a platform, or other structures to coexist with the annular lane within the inner cavity. Further, a flow generating device may be provided to generate a circulating water flow within the pool that moves around the annular lane.

Swimming or relaxing at the pool is a common hobby among people during the warmer months of the year. For many pool users, an inflatable pool can be set up on one's own property. The traditional inflatable pool is single-function as it is made primarily for swimming. However, traditional inflatable pool designs do not facilitate the user's entry or exit, and may provide inadequate dry surfaces for a user's possessions such as mobile phones or drinks.


As the fuel cell apparatus of the present invention comprises a fuel cell for generating electricity by supplying a fuel pole with fuel gas and an oxidant pole with air, a washing liquid tank, disposed in a supply passage of the air, for reserving washing liquid, and a means for replacing the washing liquid reserved in said washing liquid tank, can supply the oxidant pole with air washed with the washing liquid, and replace the washing liquid periodically, allowing to supply the oxidant pole with always clean air. As it can supply the oxidant pole with clean reaction air not containing dust of inorganic or organic substance, volatile components of aromatics or paints, CO, NOx, SOx, cyanides, sulfates, aromatic compounds, ammonium or the other harmful substances exerting bad effects on the cell characteristics and prevent the alteration of electrolyte based on the chemical reaction between harmful substance and electrolyte, the reliability is high, the life is long life and the durability is high.

An example of conventional fuel cell system is shown in FIG. 6. In the system, a desulfurizer 2 is supplied with a raw fuel 1 such as natural gas, town gas, methanol, LPG, butane or the like, and here the raw fuel is desulfurized. The raw material having passed through the desulfurizer is pressurized by a pressure pump 10, and supplied to a reformer 3, to generate a reformed gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The gas having passed through the reformer 3 is supplied to a CO transformer 4 and, here, carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas is transformed into carbon dioxide. The gas having passed through the CO transformer 4 is supplied to a CO remover 5 and, here, non transformed carbon monoxide contained in the gas having passed through the CO transformer 4 is removed.
Hydrogen rich reformed gas after the removal of carbon monoxide having passed through the CO remover 5 is supplied to a fuel cell 6. The fuel cell 6 comprises a fuel pole 6a, an oxidizer pole 6b and a cooling portion 6c and the aforementioned hydrogen is supplied to the fuel pole 6a. The hydrogen reacts with oxygen contained in the air supplied into a water tank 21 through a fan 11, humidified and then supplied to the oxidizer pole 6b, generating electricity.
For instance, when the fuel cell 6 uses a solid polymer electrolyte film, the solid polymer electrolyte film is humidified with moisture contained in the humidified air supplied to the oxidant pole 6b, for improving the ion electric conductivity.
The reformer 3 includes a burner 12 which is supplied with raw fuel through a pipe 13, supplied with air through a fan. 14 and supplied with non reacted hydrogen having passed the fuel pole 6a, through the pipe 15. When the system is started, the burner 12 is supplied with raw fuel through the pipe 13 and, at the same time, supplied with air through the fan 14 and, after the start, in case where the system stabilizes, the raw fuel supply is cut and the burner 12 is supplied with non reacted hydrogen having passed the fuel pole 6a, through the pipe 15.
Chemical reactions having a predetermined reaction temperature take place in the aforementioned reformer 3, CO transformer 4, CO remover 5 and fuel cell 6. The chemical reaction in the reformer 3 being endothermic, the chemical reaction is performed all the way heating with the burner 12.
The chemical reaction taking place in the CO transformer 4 and CO remover 5 being exothermic, for instance in the CO remover 5, combustion gas is generated by burning a not shown burner only during the system start, the temperature of the CO remover 5 is heated to the reaction temperature by the heat of the combustion gas generated at this moment, and during the operation, it is cooled so that the temperature does not elevated to the reaction temperature or higher by the heat of the exothermic reaction.
Each heat exchanger 18, 19 and 20 is connected respectively between the aforementioned reformer 3 and CO transformer 4, between CO transformer 4 and CO remover 5, and between CO remover 5 and fuel cell 6.
Water from a water tank 21 circulates through respective heat exchangers 18, 19, 20 through pumps 23, 24, 25 and the gas having passed through the reformer 3, CO transformer 4, CO remover 5 is cooled respectively by these waters.
Water from the water tank 21 circulates through the cooler section 6c of the fuel cell 6 through a pump 48, and the fuel cell 6 is cooled with the water. 26 indicates an exhaust system of the oxidant pole 6b of the fuel cell 6.
A heat exchanger 17 is connected to an exhaust system 31 of the aforementioned reformer 3, and when the water of the water tank 21 is supplied through a pump 22, it becomes moisture vapor in the heat exchanger 17, and the moisture vapor is mixed with the raw material and supplied to the reformer 3.
In the aforementioned conventional system S, air (the atmosphere air) around the fuel cell is supplied to the water tank 21 through the fan 11, humidified and supplied to the oxidant pole 6b as reaction air. Consequently, a trace of NOx, SOx, cyanides, sulfates, aromatics, ammonium, organic solvents or the other impurities exerting bad effects on the cell characteristics contained in the air (the atmosphere air) is once removed by the water reserved in the water tank 21. However, when the operation time is prolonged, the concentration of impurities in the water increases, and impurities in the air passing through the water tank 21 are not removed no more, for supplying the oxidant pole 6 with air containing impurities as reaction air.
The aforementioned impurities contained in the reaction air arrive at the electrode catalyst layer permeating through the electrode medium with oxygen in the air, come into contact with the electrolyte and provoke a chemical reaction, and the chemical reaction alter the electrolyte and deteriorate functions as electrolyte and, at the same time, inhibit the oxygen absorbing function of the electrode catalyst, and these causes provoke problems such as deterioration of cell characteristics or life characteristics of the fuel cell.
Besides, problems of bad effects due to the impurities contained in such reaction air were not limited to a fuel cell using the solid polymer electrolyte film, but encountered similarly in the other fuel cells such as phosphoric acid type fuel cell.
The present invention has an object of solving conventional problems, preventing cell characteristics and life characteristics of a fuel cell from lowering by composing to supply the oxidant pole 6b of the fuel cell 6 with reaction air, preliminarily removing a trace of inorganic and organic dust, aromatics, volatile components of paint, CO, NOx, SOx, cyanides, sulfates, aromatic compounds, ammonium or the other harmful substances exerting bad effects on the cell characteristics contained in the air (the atmosphere air), and providing a fuel cell apparatus of high reliability, long life and high durability.