A fuel injection pump for internal combustion engines having at least one additional pump element for feeding fluid from a low-pressure side to a high-pressure side. With this fluid, a hydraulic valve controller of the engine can be driven.

The invention is directed to a pump for supplying a fuel injection system and a hydraulic valve controller for internal combustion engines, having a first low-pressure side, having a first high-pressure side, and having means for feeding fuel from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side.
Pumps of the type with which this invention is concerned are known in the most various embodiments as fuel injection pumps for internal combustion engines. On their low-pressure side, they communicate with a fuel supply tank, and with their high-pressure side, they feed for instance into the high-pressure fuel reservoir of a common rail fuel injection system or into the injection nozzles of the engine. Fuel injection systems in which a pressure step-up means is disposed between the injection pump and the injector or the injection nozzle are also known.
With ever more stringent demands made in terms of the exhaust gas limit values and fuel consumption of internal combustion engines, a promising approach to achieving these sometimes contrary demands is to control the valves hydraulically, preferably electrohydraulically.
The object of the invention is to furnish a pump which provides the supply both of fuel to a fuel injection pump and of a hydraulic fluid, hereinafter simply called fluid, to a hydraulic valve controller.
According to the invention, this object is attained by a pump for supplying a fuel injection system and for supplying a hydraulic valve controller for internal combustion engines, having a first low-pressure side, having a first high-pressure side, and having means for feeding fuel from the first low-pressure side to the first high-pressure side, in which a second low-pressure side, a second high-pressure side, and means for feeding a fluid from the second low-pressure side to the second high-pressure side are present.
This pump according to the invention has the advantage that a second pump for supplying fluid to a hydraulic valve controller can be omitted. This produces considerable cost savings, reduces the installation space required, simplifies sealing from the environment, and finally improves the efficiency of the engine, since only one pump has to be driven. Because of the presence of means for feeding fuel to a first high-pressure side and means for feeding a fluid to a second high-pressure side, it is equally possible to provide different pressure levels for supplying the fuel injection system and for supplying the hydraulic valve controller. By using a fluid adapted especially to the demands of the hydraulic valve controller, its operating performance can be improved further.
Variants of the invention provide that the means for feeding fuel from the first low-pressure side to the first high-pressure side and the means for feeding a fluid from the second low-pressure side to the second high-pressure side have at least one pump element, so that the advantages of the pump elements, known from the prior art, in fuel injection pumps can also be made use for the pump of the invention.
In a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the pump has a drive shaft that at least indirectly actuates the means for feeding fuel and the means for feeding a fluid, so that the coupling of the pump to the engine is effected in a simple, reliable way.
In another feature of the invention, the means for feeding fuel and/or the means for feeding a fluid are disposed radially to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, so that the advantages of the radial disposition, known from the prior art, of the means for feeding fuel also come into play in the pump according to the invention. Especially, when the drive shaft is an eccentric shaft, a deflection of the motion of the eccentric element or elements of the drive shaft can be omitted.
In a further variant of the invention, it is provided that the means for feeding fuel and the means for feeding a fluid each have at least two pump elements, disposed radially to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and opposite one another, so that the drive shaft is free of forces that engage crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. This avoids bending stress in the drive shaft and correspondingly reduces the bearing forces.
In a further feature of the invention, the pump element or pump elements disposed radially to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and opposite one another of the means for feeding fuel and the means for feeding a fluid are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the drive shaft, so that the torque to be transmitted from the engine to the pump drive shaft is made more uniform, and thus the torsional load on the drive shaft is also reduced.
In a further feature of the invention, the means for feeding fuel and the means for feeding a fluid are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, so that a larger number of pump elements can be provided, which can be significant especially in engines with many cylinders. The spatial separation of the means for feeding fuel from the means for feeding a fluid also leads to simplifications in the hydraulic communication of the first and second low-pressure side with the first and second high-pressure side.
Further features of the invention provide that the pump is a radial piston pump or an in-line pump, so that the advantages, known from the prior art, of these types of pump also come into play in the pump of the invention.
In a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the quantity regulation of the means for feeding fuel and/or of the means for feeding a fluid is effected by means of an intake throttle on the first low-pressure side or the second low-pressure side, so that the pump of the invention also operates with good efficiency in the partial-load range.
In another variant of the invention, it is provided that the quantity regulation of the means for feeding fuel or of the means for feeding a fluid is effected by means of a recirculation valve on the first high-pressure side or the second high-pressure side, so that effective quantity regulation can be attained in a simple way.
In a further feature of the invention, the means for feeding a fluid feed fuel, so that the number of fuels is reduced, and furthermore internal leakage between the means for feeding fuel and the means for feeding a fluid cause insignificant impairment, if any, to the operation of the engine.
In a further feature, it is provided that the first low-pressure side and the second low-pressure side have the same fuel supply, so that only one low-pressure pump, connected upstream of the pump of the invention, is required, and the engineering expense is reduced.
In further features of the invention, the first high-pressure side communicates hydraulically with a high-pressure fuel reservoir or an injection nozzle and the second high-pressure side communicates hydraulically with a hydraulic valve controller, preferably an electrohydraulic valve controller, so that the pump of the invention can be integrated with an engine that has a fuel injection system and a hydraulic valve controller.

Pump for supplying a fuel injection system and for supplying a hydraulic valve controller for internal combustion engines


A cardiac rhythm management system including a highly sensitive technique for discriminating AF from AFL. An electrode disposed in or about a heart senses a cardiac signal. A controller through a sensing circuit receives the sensed cardiac signal from the electrode and processes the sensed cardiac signal to compute an average cycle length-to-cycle length variation based on serial interval relationships from the sensed cardiac signal, and then comparing the computed average cycle length-to-cycle length variation to one or more pre-determined threshold values to discriminate AF from AFL. As a result of substantial difference in cycle length-to-cycle length variation between AF and AFL (despite similar average cycle lengths), the sequence-based measure of cycle length-to-cycle length variability proves to be a highly specific and reliable discriminator of AF from AFL.

This invention relates generally to cardiac rhythm management systems, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system for detecting atrial fibrillation and for discriminating atrial fibrillation from atrial flutter.
When functioning properly, the human heart maintains its own intrinsic rhythm, and is capable of pumping adequate blood throughout the body""s circulatory system. The body""s autonomic nervous system regulates intrinsic electrical heart activity signals that are conducted to atrial and ventricular heart chambers on the left and right sides of the heart. The electrical heart activity signals trigger resulting heart contractions that pump blood. However, some people have irregular cardiac rhythms, referred to as arrhythmias. Some of the most common arrhythmias are atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL). Atrial fibrillation can result in significant patient discomfort and even death because of number of associated problems, including: (1) an irregular heart rate which causes the patient discomfort and anxiety, (2) loss of synchronous atrioventricular contractions which interferes with cardiac hemodynamics, resulting in varying levels of congestive heart failure, and (3) stasis of blood flow, which increases the vulnerability to thromboembolism. AF most commonly exhibit heartbeat rates of about 400 to 600 per minute in humans. On the other hand AFL is characterized by approximately 250 to 300 beats per minute. AFL is thought to result from a counterclockwise reentry circuit in the right atrium associated with the atrial septum and the right atrial freewall. The reentry circuit normally travels between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. Overlap between the ranges of number of beats per minute in AF and AFL is not uncommon.
One mode of treating cardiac arrhythmias uses drug therapy. Drugs are often effective at restoring normal heart rhythms. However, drug therapy is not always effective for treating arrhythmias of certain patients. For such patients, an alternative mode of treatment is needed. One such alternative mode of treatment includes the use of cardiac rhythm management system. Such a system may be implanted in a patient to deliver therapy to their heart.
Cardiac rhythm management systems include, among other things, implanted rhythm management devices. Implanted rhythm management devices deliver, among other things, timed sequences of low energy electrical stimuli, called pace pulses, to the heart, such as via a transvenous lead wire or catheter (referred to as a xe2x80x9cleadxe2x80x9d) having one or more electrodes disposed in or about the heart. Heart contractions are initiated in response to such pace pulses (this is referred to as xe2x80x9ccapturingxe2x80x9d the paced heart). By properly timing the delivery of pace pulses, the heart can be induced to contract in proper rhythm, greatly improving its efficiency as a pump. Such devices are often used to treat patient""s hearts exhibiting arrhythmias. Implanted rhythm management devices is also used to deliver high-energy defibrillation pulses via lead wire having one or more electrodes disposed in or about the heart for providing defibrillation therapy.
Implanted rhythm management devices generally include sensing circuits to sense electrical signals from a heart tissue in contact with the electrodes. Then a controller in the implanted rhythm management device processes these signals and issues command signals to therapy circuits, for delivery of electrical energy such as pacing and/or defibrillation pulses to the appropriate electrodes in or about the heart to provide therapy to the heart. The controller may include a microprocessor or other controller for execution of software and/or firmware instructions. The software of controller may be modified to provide different parameters, modes, and/or functions for the implantable device to adapt or improve performance of the device. Generally algorithms are used in software and/or firmware residing in the controller to discriminate sensed signals and to provide appropriate therapy to the heart. Algorithms are also used to discriminate AF from AFL. In general, AF exhibits shorter cycle lengths (CLs) and greater cycle length (CL) variability than AFL. Current techniques are based on interval information and ignore serial interval relationships. Thus, there is a need for a more reliable, more sensitive and less computationally oriented method of detection of AF and discrimination from AFL in implanted rhythm management devices to provide the appropriate therapy to the heart and to reduce patient morbidity and discomfort.
The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed by the present invention, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. The present system provides, among other things, a reliable technique for discriminating atrial fibrillation (AF) from atrial flutter (AFL). The present technique allows for reduced computation and increased sensitivity and specificity in discriminating between AF and AFL.
According to one aspect of the present subject matter, a sensor disposed in or about a heart, senses a cardiac signal. A controller through a sensing circuit then receives the sensed cardiac signal. The controller processes the cardiac signal to discriminate AF from AFL, by computing average cycle length-to-cycle length variability (high frequency variability of cycle lengths) between adjacent cycle lengths for a pre-determined number of sequential cycle lengths, and comparing the computed high frequency variability, with one or more pre-determined threshold values, to discriminate AF from AFL, and issue a command signal to a therapy circuit based on the outcome of the comparison. Then the controller provides the appropriate therapy to the heart through an electrode disposed in or about the heart. As a result of using such a sequence-based algorithm, the system is generally capable of providing a superior performance over existing algorithms in discriminating AF from AFL, which neglect any serial cycle length properties. Current algorithms based on interval techniques rely on sequence-independent measures of atrial interval dispersion (e.g., standard deviation, range, local extrema, etc.,) to differentiate the relatively fixed cycle length of AFL from the relatively large cycle-to-cycle variability characteristic of AF. Viewed in the interval domain, AFL presents a constant or slowly changing (low frequency) cycle length, while AF exhibits large intercycle duration variations (high frequency activity). The present invention consists of a measure of average cycle length-to-cycle length variability (in the interval sense) for a given interval sequence. With the substantial difference in high frequency activity between AF and AFL (despite similar average cycle lengths), the sequence based measure of average high frequency variability will prove to be a highly specific discriminator when robust atrial interval sequences are available. The algorithm may also prove useful in discriminating certain ventricular tachycardias from ventricular fibrillation. In one embodiment, the comparator compares the average cycle length with the average cycle length-to-cycle length variation, and issues a command signal based on the outcome of the comparison. In another embodiment the comparator compares the central tendency (e.g., mean, median or mode) cycle length-to-cycle length variation, and issues a command signal based on the outcome of the comparison. In one embodiment the comparator further classifies the computed average cycle length-to-cycle length variation to detect a cardiac arrhythmia.
In one embodiment, the electrode is disposed in and/or around an atrial region of a heart to sense a cardiac signal around an atrial chamber. In one embodiment, the electrode is disposed in and/or around a ventricular region of the heart to sense the cardiac signal. In another embodiment, a therapy includes providing pacing pulse electrical energy, when AFL is detected by the controller. In another embodiment, the therapy includes providing defibrillation pulse electrical energy when AF is detected by the controller. In another embodiment, the therapy includes activating an implanted or external device to administer a drug therapy when controller detects AF or AFL. In another embodiment, an external programmer, remote from an implanted cardiac rhythm management system, is used to communicate with the controller and to program the controller. In one embodiment a timer is included to introduce a delay between receiving the command signal from the comparator and administering the drug therapy to the heart. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent on reading the following detailed description of the invention and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof.

Highly specific technique for discriminating atrial fibrillation from atrial flutter


A rig with a tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout of tubulars that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operation of the tong assembly for improved safety.

A need exists for a rig with a tong assembly for making up or breaking out tubulars that can be used with limited training or expertise.
A need exists for a rig with a tong assembly that can be used to automatically breakout or makeup tubulars with minimal risk and human interaction.
A need exists for a rig with a tong assembly that does not require readjustment during makeup or breakout procedures, such as readjustments due to rolling off center of the tubular when the floating jaw connects with the tubular.
The present embodiments meet these needs.
The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Rig with tong assembly with floating jaw and remote control


Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a laminated lead frame and a laminated lead frame manufactured thereby, wherein lead frame single plates to be laminated one on top of the other can be reliably bonded together with a relatively light load. Under the method for manufacturing a laminated lead frame by means of stacking and bonding lead frame single plates 10 and 11, each of which has been processed into a predetermined shape, a plurality of protuberance sections 12 are formed in at least one of mutually-opposing surfaces of the lead frame single plates 10 and 11 that vertically pair up with each other. The mutually-opposing lead frame single plates 11, 12 are bonded together via the protuberance sections 12.

The present invention relates to a laminated lead frame used for a semiconductor device, such as an IC, and more particularly to a laminated lead frame formed by laminating a plurality of thin plates and to a method for manufacturing the same.
In the field of QFN (Quad Flat Non-leaded) semiconductor devices, SON (Small Outline Non-leaded) semiconductor devices, and the like, a reduction in the pitch of leads (inner leads) has been pursued with an aim of achieving a reduction in thickness. There is a trend toward a further reduction in the thickness of a lead frame. However, when the thickness of the lead frame is reduced, the lead frame is prone to buckling during a transport process or a subsequent assembly process, to thus induce a failure, which is in turn responsible for a reduction in productivity.
In a related-art QFN semiconductor device or a related-art SON semiconductor device, only external contact terminals are exposed outside a sealing resin section of a package, and other areas of the device are covered with sealing resin. Eventually, an increase arises in the thickness of resin in only this area, thereby hindering a reduction in the thickness of a package. For this reason, there has been known a laminated lead frame, wherein two lead frames of different shapes are laminated in an attempt to reduce the size and thickness of an IC package while the strength of the lead frame is maintained, thereby forming a single laminated lead frame (see e.g., Patent Document 1). In addition, a package (see, e.g., Patent Document 2) using a lead frame—whose thickness corresponds to the thickness of a package and which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile—has hitherto been known.
These laminated lead frames are created by a technique of bonding together a plurality of lead frame single plates (referring to individual lead frame materials to be bonded), thereby rendering a pitch of a lead frame fine and enabling materialization of a lead frame of three-dimensional profile. A diffusion bonding method is primarily used for bonding lead frame single plates together, wherein an appropriate load and heat are applied to the laminated lead frame single plates from a thickness wise direction thereof.
Under the diffusion bonding method, as a result of application of a load to materials (lead frame single plates) remaining in a laminated state, mutually-facing interfaces of the materials move closer to each other. When the materials are heated in this state, atomic energy in the materials becomes active, thereby initiating migration (diffusion) of atoms between the materials adjoining to each other with the interfaces interposed therebetween. When diffusion of atoms proceeds, atoms of the two materials are mingled together to such an extent that the presence of the interfaces becomes uncertain, whereby the materials are bonded together.
According to the diffusion bonding method, approach (deformation) of the interfaces achieved by application of a load generally becomes more likely to arise at a higher temperature, thereby facilitating a progress in diffusion and enhancing a bonding characteristic.
However, when the diffusion bonding method is adopted in manufacture of a laminated lead frame, diffusion bonding is realized by means of applying a heavy load of an order which limits plastic deformation (a reduction in thickness) of a lead frame single plate to one percent or less (namely, when bonding load is increased, waviness or irregularities existing in the interface are mechanically squeezed, thereby enabling a reduction in a distance between atoms of upper and lower lead frame single plates), because diffusion bonding is desired to be performed at as low a temperature as possible (a temperature used for assembling an IC; e.g., 260° C. or less).
The surface of a lead frame single plate is plated as an inserted material to a thickness of the order of 3 to 5 micrometers with Ag or Au which has a low fusing point and exhibits high diffusion with respect to a material (Cu or Fe—Ni) of the lead frame single plate. As a result, an attempt is made to reduce the bonding temperature and load.
Moreover, there has been proposed a laminated lead frame formed by laminating a lower lead frame and an upper lead frame (see, e.g., Patent Document 3). By means of the laminated lead frame, the number of outer leads is increased, and an increase in the width of a plastic sealing body even in the semiconductor device can be avoided to the extent possible.
Moreover, a semiconductor device using a laminated lead frame is also proposed (see, e.g., Patent Document 4).
[Patent Document 1] JP-UM-B-7-13227
[Patent Document 2] JP-A-2003-7955
[Patent Document 3] JP-A-2001-035987
[Patent Document 4] JP-A-2001-274310
According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, in order to achieve success in bonding together lead frame single plates at the lowest possible temperature and under the lowest possible load, surface roughness and flatness of planes of both lead frame single plates to be bonded together must have been increased so that the two materials can make contact with each other in an early stage.
For instance, as shown in FIG. 14, when a terminal lead 60 of an upper lead frame single plate and an inner lead 61 of a lower lead frame single plate must be bonded together, the entire leads 60 and 61 are, at present, brought into contact with each other and bonded together. According to this method, an area where the leads 60 and 61 are bonded together is wide, and hence difficulty is encountered in maintaining the flatness of the surfaces of the leads 60 and 61. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 62 denotes a bond portion.
Particularly, variations in the thickness of the Ag-plating or the thickness of the Au-plating, both elements being used as an insert material, range from about 1 to 2 micrometers, and there is a characteristic of the element being deposited to a large thickness at the end of the lead. Hence, as shown in FIG. 15, when lead frame single plates are stacked together, a clearance 63 arises in the center of the leads 60, 61. Accordingly, when the leads are bonded together in this state, an unbonded portion remains, which poses difficulty in assuring perfect bonding over the entire surface. In order to bring the interfaces into contact with each other by collapse of the clearance and to achieve success in bonding the interfaces, a much heavier load is required. Consequently, plastic deformation (a decreased thickness) leads to occurrence of a failure in the shape of the lead frame, and a large press machine used for generating a heavy load is required.
Under the method described in Patent Document 3, when a single laminated lead frame is formed by overlapping, one on top of the other, at least two lead frame single plates, which have been processed into a predetermined shape in advance (corresponding to single lead frame materials before being superimposed or stacked together), registration of upper and lower lead frame single plates is considerably laborious. Pilot holes are generally formed in both sides of a bar used for manufacturing a lead frame single plate.
In relation to bonding of the upper and lower lead frame single plates, the upper and lower lead frame single plates are placed in a bonding mold, and the single plates are positioned by means of formed pilot holes and pilot pins. After the upper and lower lead frame single plates have been positioned, the plates are heated and pressurized within the bonding mold, thereby completing a laminated lead frame into which the upper and lower lead frame single plates are bonded together.
As mentioned above, the bonding mold requires pilot pins used for positioning each of the lead frame single plates, and a plurality of bonding molds must be prepared according to the type of a lead frame single plate. During the course of manufacture of a lead frame single plate, pilot holes acquired after bonding are narrowed by minute misregistration, or the like, of the lead frame single plates, and galling arises in the pins, which in turn poses difficulty in removal of a laminated lead frame. This is responsible for deformation of a laminated lead frame or defects.
Occasionally, there also arises a case where specifications provided by the client pose difficulty in forming pilot holes at required positions on side rails of a laminated lead frame because of restrictions, such as difficulty in transporting a laminated lead frame by use of, e.g., a suction pad.
Moreover, when the lead frame single plates and a completed laminated lead frame are subjected to registration by use of the pilot holes, accuracy is required in connection with the positions of the pilot pins, a pitch between pilot pins of adjacent lead frames (or unit lead frames), the outer shape of a lead frame single plate, and the like, which leads to an increase in required quality or accuracy of jigs, and the like, and an accompanying cost hike.

Method of manufacturing a laminated leadframe


Optical fiber mass splice methods and assemblies are provided. A method may include securing a fiber clamp to a fiber setting fixture, the fiber setting fixture including a fiber alignment block and a backstop. A plurality of fiber grooves may be defined in the fiber alignment block. The method may further include inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the fiber setting fixture such that each of the plurality of optical fibers is disposed in one of the plurality of fiber grooves and contacts the backstop. The method may further include loading, after the inserting step, each of the plurality of optical fibers into the fiber clamp. The method may further include clamping the plurality of optical fibers in the fiber clamp.

Spliced fiber optic assemblies having spliced on connectors are widely utilized in a variety of fiber optic applications. There are generally two categories of spliced-on connector solutions on the market: single fiber connector to single fiber splice-on connectors using individual fiber splices; and multi-fiber connector to multifiber splice-on connectors using a mass fusion splice.
However, various new fiber optic applications require new splice-on connector solutions. For example, emerging applications such as in the medical and harsh environment market spaces requiring that individual connectors or termini are spliced onto multi-fiber groups, such as groups of loose tube fibers or fiber optic ribbons. For example, in many cases, it is preferable to splice individual connectors or termini to a multi-fiber ribbon or cable and protect this splice point with a mass fusion splice protector.
Application drivers include:
(1) Medical market—In catheters, a precision cleave, ball lens, endcap, or sensor is attached to one end of a fiber. This fiber is fixed to a probe end at one end of the catheter. The opposite end of this fiber is threaded back through the catheter. This fiber must then be terminated so the catheter can interface with medical instrumentation. Medical companies are being forced to develop internal connectorization capabilities or individual fiber splicing capabilities that increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
(2) Harsh environment connector market—It is common to use multiple individual termini in connector housings to create a multi-pin multi-fiber connector housing. Significant manufacturing skill is required to make these connectors by directly terminating fibers, resulting in increased cost and complexity.
Accordingly, improved methods and apparatus for mass splice applications are desired in the art. In particular, mass splice methods and assemblies which facilitate mass splicing and which address various of the above-stated issues, such as by reducing cost and/or complexity, would be advantageous.


A creative, protective play space device for children comprising an umbrella like structure which represents an animal, and in which the extremities of the animal, such as the head and the tail, extend beyond the end of the umbrella ribs, and fall toward the ground, creating the partial walls of the play space, which may be completed with netting fabric.

The present invention provides a protective and creative, play space device, which in a preferred embodiment may be structured like an umbrella, e.g., with a frame and cloth cover which may be formed of separate panels, stitched together to form a domed canopy. However, the cloth panels extend lower than those of a conventional umbrella, creating a partial tent-like space underneath. In addition, the play space has the general shape and/or coloring of an animal.
There are many commercial examples of children's umbrellas wherein the color of the cover of the umbrella, and decorative appliqués thereon are chosen to evoke animals. There are umbrellas resembling a turtle, a bee, and the head of a duck, with one panel extended to form the duck's bill. In addition, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,158,102 and 6,227,216 B1 describe umbrella structures which include ear-like projections for an umbrella, to make it more closely resemble an animal. Eared umbrellas sold for children include a lion, and a cat. The "ear" projections have also been adapted to form the eyes of a frog and a ladybug, and the wings of a butterfly and a bee. The canopy, or cover, of these umbrellas is not very high. Though they may find secondary use in play, they do not, by themselves, form a protected play space.
Children often form makeshift, tent-like structures to play under. These structures can be as simple as a blanket thrown over a bed, a table, or an umbrella. U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,961 discloses a cardboard tent made of two side panels, and a triangular back panel, with pictures of animals on each side panel. The contained space of a tent can provide a contained, creative play space, much as the stage of a theater. However, the opportunity to hide, or be concealed in a tent is not always appropriate for children, or what they desire, especially on a sunny day.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,758 B1 discloses an umbrella structure with a height greater than that of a conventional children's umbrella. The structure has transparent portions to see through for safe navigation. The transparent portions may be provided with eyelashes, and the umbrella structure may also bear a smile. Additionally the umbrella rod may be provided with a pair of hands, forming arms, and a pair of handles forming feet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,895 depicts an animal decoy constructed of an animal shaped cover over an umbrella-like frame. The frame has a number of struts extending from a shaft, including a head strut, 112, to create the head of the decoy. All of the struts are collapsible. None of the panels falls beyond the struts to form a play space. In addition, all of the struts freely rotate, a construction which is said to give the decoy realistic movement, but which would be dangerous in a play space device for children.


A post surgical recovery bra may include at least one shoulder strap with an adjustable mechanism, a bra body, a compression band, a padded band and an adjustment band. The bra body may have a top portion, a first side, a second side, a thorax portion, a rear portion and may include a front closure component. The shoulder strap may attach to the top portion of the bra body. The compression band may be attached to the bra body and extend around the wearer across the chest, and may include a second front closure component. The padded band may cover the thorax portion of the bra body, or be within a pocket within the thorax portion of the bra body. The adjustment band may be positioned over the padded band.

The present invention relates to bras and, more particularly, to post-surgical recovery bras.
Currently, there is an unmet medical need for a post surgical bra that is practical, comfortable and provides adequate support from the time of leaving the operating room through roughly 6 months of follow-up care to ensure a complete medical recovery and the best aesthetic outcome possible. The post surgical bras today do not allow for easy adjustment of the shoulder strap which creates discomfort when moving from a seated to supine position. Many post surgical bras are comprised of Velcro® or the like for a front closure. The Velcro® may get caught in the gauze dressing that protects the wound and may result in pulling the gauze or stitches resulting in pain and/or injury. The current bras have elastic banding around the thorax which causes pain to surgical incisions. Most patients are wrapped, separately, in an ace bandage which is difficult to reapply when the patient is on their own without assistance to re-wrap them. The current bras also do not fit properly nor assist in securing any drains/tubing that may remain extending from incisions without the use of tape. Most patients are instructed to continue to wear the poorly designed post-surgical bra for 2 weeks and then told to avoid the use of underwire bras for several months. During this recovery period which may be an additional 3 to 6 months, there are few options available that are easy to take on and off, that do not apply painful pressure to incisions or that mobilize the breast in an ideal position.
As can be seen, there is a need for a post surgical recovery bra that is comfortable, easy to wear and adjust, does not get caught on gauzes or stitches and avoids the need for separate compression dressings.


A filter assembly for a line replaceable unit (LRU) uses a four-walled frame to define a plenum which mounts in sealing relationship with the top surface of an LRU. The frame interfaces with the LRU through a gasket and there is a gasket on a rim extending from the LRU walls on which the filter element is superimposed such that the filter element, the walls of the frame and the perforated top surface of the LRU define a plenum. When the frame is integral to or mounted to the avionic tray that supports the LRU, the filter element is mounted to the top of the frame and the hold-down cover compresses the filter element to the frame such that intervening gaskets effect a seal between the parts so that all air entering the LRU under the influence of negative pressure applied to holes in the bottom of the LRU must pass through the large area filter element. The cover is hinged so that it can be unlocked from the avionic tray and swung to a position wherein the filter element is accessible for being grasped, removed and replaced with a clean element without requiring withdrawal of the LRU from the avionic tray.

This invention pertains to a filter assembly for filtering coolant air that passes through an avionic line replaceable unit (LRU) box.
In aircraft, electronic and electrical circuitry is customarily retained in LRUs which are essentially boxes that have air inlet and outlet holes on their top and bottom surfaces. The LRUs are inserted in trays whose dimensions and configurations are standardized in accordance with the requirements of the avionic industry. Multiple circuit electrical connectors are typically mounted in the rear part of the tray and mating electrical connectors are mounted on the rear of the LRUs so that when the LRU is slid into the tray, the mating connectors join and a plurality of electrical circuits are completed. The bottom or base of the tray is generally planar and has a large opening, typically, for communicating the air passing into or out of the LRU with a large plenum whose interior may be at a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure or, in some installations, the pressure may be negative relative to atmospheric pressure. In any case, an opening in the base of the tray will have a gasket that effects a seal with the bottom of the LRU box and with the underlying plenum. Moreover, the opening in the plenum is typically subdivided into a plurality of openings which can be selectively plugged to accomplish what is called metering of the airflow through the LRU box. In dedicated designs no holes are plugged because the number of holes are selected so their total cross section provides the air flow required n a particular LRU.
In existing aircraft, the customary practice is to maintain the plenum or shelf interior at a negative pressure such that air is drawn in through the top holes of the LRU box and is drawn out through holes in the bottom of the box for being conducted away and possibly discharged to the atmosphere through a conduit in which there is a suction or pressurizing fan that maintains the desired negative pressure condition in the plenum.
The LRUs are mounted in various compartments in the aircraft such as in a compartment beneath the pilot's cabin or in a compartment located above or below the passenger cabin, either into the compartment or elsewhere. The cooling air for the LRUs is drawn into such compartment by various means, including ventilation systems, ventilation ports, doors, hatches and the like and discharged either into the compartment or elsewhere by way of the plenum or shelf air conduit. Trays may be installed in compartments which are in air circulation communication with the passenger compartment, the baggage compartment and other sub-cabin compartments wherein the air may contain various contaminants such as smoke, grease, aerosols, flies, insects, hair and other organic matter in aircraft which carry live animals, for example. These contaminants are entrained in the coolant air that is either forced through or drawn through the LRUs. The result is that electronic components in the LRUs, such as circuit boards or circuit elements, acquire a coating of contaminants which, in some cases, are conductive and in any case constitute a barrier for heat transmission. It is well known that the operating life of electronic circuits is correlated to the temperature at which they operate When dirty or contaminated air is circulated through the LRU boxes, failures of the circuitry occur prematurely, and such failure, needless to say, may jeopardize the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, as well as be very costly for the aircraft operator.
It is also important to aircraft operators that replacing an LRU involves a more demanding procedure than simply unplugging one unit and inserting a substitute unit into the avionic tray. If the connection between the multi pin plug and socket connectors on the LRU and on the avionic tray are separated, it is required in compliance with governmental and avionic maintenance industry rules to check the integrity and proper function of every one of the plurality of circuits that are made by the multiple line connectors before the replacement process can be accepted, and the aircraft can be restored to operation. It will be evident, therefore, that it would be highly desirable to have a coolant air filter assembly associated with each LRU that not only provides for filtering the input air to the LRU and assures uniform airflow through the LRU but also allows replacement of the dirty or contaminated filter itself without requiring that the LRU be disconnected, withdrawn from the avionic tray or otherwise disturbed

Filter for avionic line replacement unit


An integrated circuit is provided including forming a porous ultra-low dielectric constant dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate and forming an opening in the ultra-low dielectric constant dielectric layer. A dielectric liner is formed to line the opening to cover the pores in the ultra-low dielectric constant dielectric layer and a barrier layer is deposited to line the dielectric liner and conductor core is deposited to fill the opening over the barrier layer.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor technology and more specifically to semiconductors having interconnects with ultra low dielectric constant layers.
2. Background Art
In the manufacture of integrated circuits, after the individual devices such as the transistors have been fabricated in and on a semiconductor substrate or wafer, they must be connected, or "wired", together to perform the desired circuit functions. This interconnection process is generally called "metallization" and is performed using a number of different photolithographic, deposition, and removal processes to create contacts to the transistors, wire/channels to the contacts, and vias interconnecting the channels where there are more than one level of channels.
There are a number of different metalization techniques, but generally, a device dielectric layer is deposited over the transistors, openings are formed through the device dielectric layer down to transistor junctions and gates, and the openings are filled with a conductive metal to form contacts.
In one technique called the "single damascene" or "single inlaid" process, the formation of the first channels starts with the deposition of a thin first channel stop layer on the device dielectric layer. The first channel stop layer is an etch stop layer which is subject to a photolithographic processing step which involves deposition, patterning, exposure, and development of a photoresist, and an anisotropic etching step through the patterned photoresist to provide openings to the contacts. The photoresist is then stripped.
A first channel dielectric layer is formed on the first channel stop layer. Where the first channel dielectric layer is of an oxide material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2), the first channel stop layer is a nitride, such as silicon nitride (SiN), so the two layers can be selectively etched. The first channel dielectric layer is then subject to further photolithographic process and etching steps to form first channel openings in the pattern of the first channels. The photoresist is then stripped.
An optional thin adhesion layer is deposited on the first channel dielectric layer over the entire semiconductor wafer and lines the first channel openings to ensure good adhesion of subsequently deposited material to the first channel dielectric layer. The adhesion layer is a metal such as tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), or tantalum (Ta).
High conductivity metals, such as copper (Cu), diffuse easily through dielectric materials such as silicon oxide and silicon nitride. This diffusion can result in a conductive buildup and cause short circuits in the integrated circuits. To prevent diffusion, a diffusion barrier is deposited on the adhesion layer. For copper conductor materials, the diffusion barrier layer is composed of materials such as tantalum nitride (TaN), titanium nitride (TiN), or tungsten nitride (WN).
However, these nitride compounds have relatively poor adhesion to copper and relatively high electrical resistance so they are problematic. For simplicity, the adhesion and barrier layers are sometimes collectively referred to as a "barrier" layer herein.
For conductor materials, such as copper and copper alloys, which are deposited by electroplating, a seed layer is deposited on the barrier layer and lines the barrier layer in the first channel openings to act as an electrode for the electroplating process. Processes such as electroless, physical vapor, and chemical vapor deposition are used to deposit the seed layer.
A first conductor material is electroplated on the seed layer and fills the first channel opening. The first conductor material and the seed layer generally become integral, and are often collectively referred to as the conductor core when discussing the main current-carrying portion of the channels.
A chemical-mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP) process is then used to remove the first conductor material, the seed layer, and the barrier layer above the first channel dielectric layer so the materials and layers are coplanar with the dielectric layer. The CMP process leaves the first conductor "inlaid" in the first channel dielectric layer to form the first channels. When a thing dielectric layer is placed over the first channels as a final layer, it is called a "capping" layer and the single damascene process is completed. When the layer is processed further for placement of additional channels over it, the layer is a via stop layer.
In another technique called the "dual damascene" or "dual inlaid" process, vias and channels are formed at the same time, generally over a completed single damascene process series of first channels. Effectively, two levels of channels of conductor materials in vertically separated planes are separated by an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer and interconnected by the vias.
The initial step of the dual damascene process starts with the deposition of a thin via stop layer over the first channels and the first channel dielectric layer if it has not already been deposited as a capping layer. The via stop layer is an etch stop layer which is subject to photolithographic processing using a photoresist and anisotropic etching steps to provide openings to the first channels. The photoresist is then stripped.
A via dielectric layer is formed on the via stop layer. Again, where the via dielectric layer is of an oxide material, such as silicon oxide, the via stop layer is a nitride, such as silicon nitride, so the two layers can be selectively etched. The via dielectric layer is then subject to further photolithographic process using a photoresist and etching steps to form the pattern of the vias. The photoresist is then stripped.
A second channel dielectric layer is formed on the via dielectric layer. Again, where the second channel dielectric layer is of an oxide material, such as silicon oxide, the via stop layer is a nitride, such as silicon nitride, so the two layers can be selectively etched. The second channel dielectric layer is then subject to further photolithographic process and etching steps to simultaneously form second channel and via openings in the pattern of the second channels and the vias. The photoresist is then stripped.
An optional thin adhesion layer is deposited on the second channel dielectric layer and lines the second channel and the via openings.
A barrier layer is then deposited on the adhesion layer and lines the adhesion layer in the second channel openings and the vias.
Again, for conductor materials such as copper and copper alloys, a seed layer is deposited on the barrier layer and lines the barrier layer in the second channel openings and the vias.
A second conductor material is electroplated on the seed layer and fills the second channel openings and the vias.
A CMP process is then used to remove the second conductor material, the seed layer, and the barrier layer above the second channel dielectric layer to form the second channels. When a layer is placed over the second channels as a final layer, it is called a "capping" layer and the dual damascene process is completed.
The layer may be processed further for placement of additional levels of channels and vias over it. Individual and multiple levels of single and dual damascene structures can be formed for single and multiple levels of channels and vias, which are collectively referred to as "interconnects".
The use of the single and dual damascene techniques eliminates metal etch and dielectric gap fill steps typically used in the metallization process for conductor metals such as aluminum. The elimination of metal etch steps is important as the semiconductor industry moves from aluminum (Al) to other metallization materials, such as copper, which are very difficult to etch.
A major problem occurs with diffusion barrier materials, which must be formed in a very thick layer around the conductor metal in order to prevent diffusion of the conductor metal into the dielectric layer. The very thickness of the diffusion barrier layer reduces the advantage of using high conductivity materials, such as copper, which are desirable for high speed and good interconnections. Unfortunately, it has been found that an even thick layer of diffusion barrier material is required relative to size to prevent conductor metal diffusion into via and channel ultra-low dielectric constant dielectric layers.
Another major problem occurs with diffusion barrier materials and ultra-low dielectric constant dielectric materials has been obtaining good bonds between the two.
Solutions to these problems have been long sought but prior developments have not taught or suggested any solutions and, thus, solutions to these problems have long eluded those skilled in the art.

Ultra low dielectric constant integrated circuit system


A N-heterocyclic five-membered ring-containing capsid protein assembly inhibitor, and a pharmaceutical composition and use thereof, specifically relating to a compound as represented by formula I, a stereoisomer, a tautomer, a geometrical isomer, a solvate, an active metabolite, a hydrate, a prodrug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutical composition thereof, and a medical use thereof. The medical use comprises the use in treating diseases benefiting from the capsid protein assembly inhibitor, and in particular, diseases caused by hepatitis B virus infection.

Currently, chronic hepatitis B can not be cured and only controlled, and is limited to two types of drugs (interferons and nucleoside analogs/inhibitors of viral polymerases). The lower cure rate of HBV is partially due to the presence and persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. Current treatment protocols are unable to remove cccDNA from the repository, and some new targets for HBV such as Core inhibitors (such as viral capsid protein formation or assembly inhibitors, cccDNA inhibitors, interferon-stimulated gene activators, and etc.) is expected to bring hope to curing hepatitis B (Mayur Brahmania, et al. New therapeutic agents for chronic hepatitis B).
The HBV capsid is assembled from the core protein. HBV reverse transcriptase and pgRNA need to be correctly encapsulated before reverse transcription. Therefore, blocking capsid protein assembly, or accelerating capsid protein degradation would block the assembly process of the capsid protein, and thereby affecting viral replication. In recent years, researchers have begun to study inhibitors targeting capsid protein assembly, for example, WO2014184350, WO2015011281, WO2017156255, etc., disclose a series of related compounds. However, most of them are in the early stage of clinical research or the research has been terminated, and there is a need in the artfor more alternative effective capsid protein assembly inhibitors for treating, ameliorating or preventing HBV infection. The present invention synthesized a series of novel derivatives and studied their HBV protein assembly activity.

N-heterocyclic five-membered ring-containing capsid protein assembly inhibitor, pharmaceutical composition thereof, and use thereof

CHIA TAI TIANQING PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP CO., LTD.


An internal combustion engine is described having one or more combustion chambers 10 each having an intake port 16, a fuel injector assembly 30 for injecting fuel into the intake port 16 and means 20, 22, 24, 26 for supplying pressurised gas to assist in fuel atomisation of the fuel metered through the fuel injector assembly 30.. The means for supplying pressurised gas comprises a passage 20, 24 incorporating a passive flow restrictor 22 having no moving elements. The passage 20, 24 leads from one of the combustion chambers 10 of the engine to the intake port 16 and is operative to deliver a single pulse of gas to the intake port 16 during each combustion cycle of the engine in order to assist in the atomisation of fuel which is injected into the intake port 16 at the same time as the pulse of gas.

Fuel injection systems with air assisted fuel injection to improve fuel atomisation are well known. The gas supply to the injectors has in the past been drawn from a variety of sources. In the simplest form of such systems, ambient air is used to assist atomisation and is drawn into the intake port near to the fuel jet by the manifold vacuum. Such a system can only be used under low load conditions when the intake manifold vacuum is high and is not effective under high engine load conditions.
Other systems have been proposed that use gas from a rail that is pressurised in some manner when the engine is in operation. The rail can be pressurised by an engine driven compressor or by connecting it through one-way valves to the engine combustion chambers. In the latter case, the pressure in the rail may be too high, in which case a regulator is needed to reduce the delivery pressure of the gas to the intake ports.
The disadvantages with such systems is that the rail is permanently under pressure and delivers gas continuously to the intake ports, even at times when it is not required. As drawing gas from the combustion chambers of the engine or using the engine to drive a compressor both take power from the engine, this continuous supply of gas amounts to a waste of energy that increases fuel consumption.
One can use timed ON/OFF valves to limit the supply of gas from the compressed gas rail to the intake ports to the instants when it is required for fuel atomisation, but this increases system complexity and cost.

Mixture preparation in a spark ignited engine


A process to treat metal or mineral ores is disclosed. The metal or mineral ore is a metallic sulphide ore including copper, gold, platinum, silver, nickel, molybdenum, arsenic sulphides, cobalt, zinc, lead, tin, antimony, or combinations thereof with a collector composition including a dimeric fatty nitrile. The dimeric fatty nitrile is prepared by a process including reacting a dimer fatty acid with ammonia at a temperature between about 200° C. and about 400° C. to form a dimeric amide and removing water from the dimeric amide to form the dimeric nitrile. The present disclosure also provides a collector composition containing the dimeric fatty nitrile and at least one further collector or frother compound.

Froth flotation is a physico-chemical process used to separate mineral particles considered economically valuable from those considered waste. It is based on the ability of air bubbles to selectively attach on those particles that were previously rendered hydrophobic. The particle-bubble combinations then rise to the froth phase from where they are discharged from the flotation cell, whilst the hydrophilic particles remain in the flotation cell. Particle hydrophobicity is, in turn, induced by special chemicals called collectors. In direct flotation systems, it is the economically valuable minerals which are rendered hydrophobic by the action of the collector. Similarly, in reverse flotation systems, the collector renders hydrophobicity to those mineral particles considered waste. The efficiency of the separation process is quantified in terms of recovery and grade. Recovery refers to the percentage of valuable product contained in the ore that is removed into the concentrate stream after flotation. Grade refers to the percentage of the economically valuable product in the concentrate after flotation. A higher value of recovery or grade indicates a more efficient flotation system.
Metal ores, most prominently copper ores with associated gold, silver and platinum group metals (PGM) are routinely floated with xanthate, dithiophosphate, thionocarbamate, thiocarbamate, mercaptobenzylthiazole, monothiophosphate and dithiophosphinates. Xanthate has dominated the mineral industry for much of the twentieth century, but as the need to process difficult ores has become more urgent in recent times better collectors such as dithiophosphate have been developed. For example, when performing a flotation process for copper sulfide ores that contain a high amount of pyrite, a mix of propyl ethyl thiocarbonate and propyl methyl dithiophosphate is an example of a collector that can be used.
The copper processing industry uses a large quantity of gangue depressants like lime for depressing pyrite (FeS2), sulfur dioxide and sulfites for depressing galena (PbS), cyanide salts for depressing sphalerite (ZnS) and pyrite, sodium hydrosulfite and sodium sulfides for depressing copper to float molybdenite (MoS2).
It is not uncommon for process plants to add 1,000 g/t of lime as a depressant during a process to treat copper ores. It is well known that lime removes copper ions from solution, which can activate the surface of pyrite and other unwanted minerals. Lime also has been shown to make the surface of pyrite and other minerals more hydrophilic, therefore reducing the tendency to float.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,166,093 discloses that nitrile collectors are effective in floating copper ores but discloses the use of a compound having a single nitrile functional group with a hydrophobic aliphatic component of 10 or less carbons. U.S. Pat. No. 2,175,093 discloses the use of aliphatic dinitriles (of a general structure of CN—R—CN, wherein R is an alkylene group) as froth flotation agents in copper ore flotation.
WO 2007/059559 discloses a process to treat copper ores using a collector composition containing a nitrile compound. The nitrile compounds tested in the document are hexyl dinitrile and several alkyl mononitriles containing an alkyl chain of at least 4 carbon atoms. It was shown that 11 or more carbons in the hydrophobic component attached to a nitrile were more efficient in floating copper sulfide, Au, Ag and platinum group elements (PGE). Examples given for the hydrophobic component are derived from coconut and tallow fatty acids.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,114,704 discloses a process to treat phosphate ores (which are non-sulfidic ores) by performing a flotation process employing a nitrile pitch as a collector component that is for a major portion hydrogenated to an amine. U.S. Pat. No. 3,179,250 discloses the use of a hydrogenated nitrile pitch amine in floating phosphate-containing iron oxide ores (which are also non-sulfidic ores). CA 746971 discloses a process to treat phosphate ores employing several amines such as a hydrogenated nitrile pitch amine. As can be taken from WO2009/113935 in a nitrile pitch an amount of dimeric components is present. When hydrogenating a nitrile pitch the dimeric nitriles are converted to dimeric amines.
There is a continued need to find better collectors for metal or mineral ores, such as copper or sulfide ores, which is driven by the necessity to process ores of lower grade and ores containing gangue minerals which are difficult to separate from the metal (copper) or mineral and are detrimental to the refining processes and quality of the finished product.

Process to treat metal or mineral ores and collector composition therefor


A tentacle-like manipulator has a resiliently longitudinally extensible, laterally bendable elongate member, e.g. an inflatable bellows or a helical compression spring-like member, with an end effector mounting on one end thereof. Tendon-like tension members extend along said elongate member and are spaced apart from one another around said elongate member, one end of each of said tension members being to said elongate member at said one end thereof. Guides spaced apart along and secured to said elongate member and slidably engage said tension members for guiding said tension members relative to said elongate member. Further tension members extend along only a portion of the length of the elongate member and are secured to the elongate member at a location intermediate the ends of the elongate member. Winches are used to wind and unwind the tension members to correspondingly control the length and the bending of the elongate member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tentacle-like manipulators which can bend in at least one plane and which can extend and contract in length.
2. Description of Related Art
Prior art tentacle-like manipulators are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,060,972 issued Oct. 30, 1962 to Gilbert J. Sheldon for a flexible tube structure of fixed length with opposing cables used to flex the structure; U.S. Pat. No. 3,497,083 issued Feb. 24, 1970 to Victor C. Anderson for a tensor arm manipulator of fixed length comprised of universal joints on pivoting plates with a plurality of tendons connected to selected plates; U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,728 issued Jul. 19, 1983 to Ove Larson and Charles Davidson for a flexible robot arm with stacked convex disks with tendons to control bending; and U.S. Pat. 4,551,061 issued Nov. 5, 1985 to Ralph W. Olenick for a flexible, extensible robot arm with three elastomeric tubes to control extension and bending and rods sense the arm length and curvature.
All of the above-mentioned prior patents disclose variations on tentacle-like manipulator designs which employ multiple joints or segments to approximate continuous curvature of the arm, and which employ cables or differential expansion of tubes to effect bending of the arm.
The important characteristics of tentacle manipulators include strength-to-weight ratio; ability to extend or contract in length (and percent extension/contraction); ability to bend in any direction with controlled curvature; ability to control the radius of bending; ability to allow two or more regions of bending along the length of the arm; provision for varying the compliance (mechanical impedance) of the arm and simplicity of actuation means.

Tentacle-like manipulators with adjustable tension lines


A lighting control apparatus of a photographing apparatus, comprises a plurality of lighting devices, a continuous imaging control processor, and a pulse-signal generating and control processor. The plurality of lighting devices illuminate a photographic subject by receiving a pulse signal which has a certain cycle in the exposure time. The continuous imaging control processor performs a continuous imaging operation where a plurality of images of the photographic subject are continuously imaged. The pulse-signal generating and controlling processor supplies a pulse signal to each of the lighting devices, cyclically every exposure time, so that one lighting device is illuminated at any given time.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lighting control apparatus for a photographing apparatus, and in particular to improvement of the lighting action in the continuous or video mode.
2. Description of the Related Art
A lighting device which uses LEDs is proposed, in place of a lighting device which uses strobe radiation such as a xenon pipe which has been widely used with photographing apparatus, such as a camera. LEDs can be driven at a low voltage, and the circuit construction of the LED is simple.
However, the temperature of an LED goes up due to continuous radiation of the LED. The rise in the LED temperature causes a decrease of the quantity of light emitted by the LED. FIG. 1 shows the relation between the temperature rise and the quantity of light emitted by the LED, so that FIG. 1 shows that the quantity of light, in other words, the brightness of the LED, falls along with the temperature rise of the LED.
Japanese unexamined patent publication (KOKAl) No. 2003-101836 discloses a lighting device for a photographing apparatus. The radiation of light from the LEDs is driven by rectangular pulse signals, and a continuous imaging operation can be carried out while the LEDs radiate light.
Because a turn-off period is provided in the pulse signal, the LED radiation caused by this pulse signal is not continuous, hence the temperature rise of the LED due to the heat that occurs with continuous radiation is reduced in comparison to the temperature produced by LED radiation when the direct current signal is used to drive the LED.
FIG. 2 shows a graph where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature. The graph shows the difference in temperature rise of the LED due to the direct current signal ((1) in FIG. 2) and the temperature rise of the LED due to the pulse signal ((2) in FIG. 2).
When the pulse signal and the direct current signal are in the on state, the LED for lighting is illuminated.
In the case of the direct current signal, because a constant current flows during the period for which the LED should be illuminated (T0˜T5), the temperature of the LED continues to go up.
In the case of the pulse signal, the period for which the LED is not illuminated is the period which the signal is in the off state (T1˜T2, T3˜T4), so that the temperature of the LED descends in this period (T1˜T2, T3˜T4). Accordingly, during the illumination period of the LED, the temperature of the LED repeats the rise and descent. As a result, the accumulation of heat is small in comparison with in the case where the direct current signal is used.
However, the above-discussed Japanese unexamined patent publication does not disclose the temperature rise of the LED due to the continuous radiation of the LED in the continuous shot mode.
In this case, a method, where by the heat, which is accumulated in the LED in the previous exposure time, is cooled by turning off the pulse signal during the post-exposure time (the time between the previous exposure time termination and the current exposure time start) is considered. However, when the length of the post-exposure time is shortened in order to increase the number of frames which can be imaged in a unit of time, the cooling of the LED can not be carried out sufficiently by utilizing the post-exposure time. Accordingly, whenever the exposure operation is continuously carried out, the heat of the LED which can not be cooled is accumulated, so that the temperature of the LED goes up.

Lighting control apparatus with a plurality of lighting devices


Determining an active/standby state for an interface unit includes determining an entity active/standby state for each entity of one or more entities of the interface unit. If each entity active/standby state is standby, then an aggregated active/standby state of the interface unit is established to be standby.

A component of a network node may have an active/standby state that indicates whether the component is in an active or standby state. For example, a node may have a shelf with a number of pluggable interface units that perform various operations for the node. A pluggable interface unit may have a particular active/standby state that indicates whether the unit in an active or standby state. An active state may indicate that the interface unit is in use, and a standby state may indicate that the interface unit is not in use, but is ready to be put into use.
Although some standards, such as the Generic Criteria for Network Telecommunications Equipment GR-1093 standard, exist for providing such state information, not all network equipment implements such standards.

Determining an aggreagated active/standby state for an interface unit form entity active/standby states


Recently it has been found that terrariums which house plants make interesting wall hangings. Animal terrariums make even more interesting wall hangings. In utilizing terrariums as wall-mounted terrariums there is the possibility of their being knocked off of the wall, particularly terrariums housing animals. These must be larger and more sturdily constructed, and are heavier. There is, then, a need for a hanging means which securely supports a terrarium on a wall. This invention provides such a hanger. The hanging means includes a hanging bracket adapted for attachment to the back of the wall hanging, and a supporting bracket adapted for attachment to a wall.

Terrariums have been defined as glass, wood, or plastic enclosures in which small plants are grown. Terrariums have been termed vivariums when they house small living creatures in an environment as close as possible in soil, vegetation and the like to the creatures' natural habitats. It is both of these vivariums and terrariums, to which this invention pertains. In fact, in another of its definitions a terrarium has been described as an enclosure in which small land animals, including insects, are kept alive. It is that definition which will be used herein. The term terrarium, then, will be employed herein to mean both terrariums and vivariums.
Recently it has been discovered that terrariums which house plants only make interesting wall hangings, in many instances replacing pictures. Such terrariums are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,967,694 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,358, and, to add interest, pictures have been inserted behind the plants to provide a more appealing wall hanging. Such terrarium background pictures can range from photographs to paintings, and usually will be outdoor scenes.
As explained in my copending patent application Ser. No. 08/697,071 I have found that animal terrariums make even better wall hangings or mounts. Watching living creatures moving about during their daily activities is more interesting than observing static plants with a picture behind them. By the provision of such a vivaruim it is possible to watch such creatures as chameleons, baby turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs, toads, and lizards eat, play, and grow. In addition to these small animals, butterflies, ladybugs, spiders, praying mantis, and other insects will also attract attention. Terrariums housing such small creatures are especially appealing to children, and they are educational as well.
One of the problems encountered in utilizing terrariums as wall-mounted terrariums is the possibility of their being knocked off of the wall, particularly since children are attracted to them. Terrariums housing animals must be larger and more sturdily constructed in order to provide circulation and climbing space for the animals living in them, and to include provisions for accessibility by the animal's keeper. They are also be heavier because they house the elements making up the animal's habitat. And it is still desirable to include a background picture.
Having provided an attractive terrarium, it is quite clear that there is a need for a hanging means securely supporting the terrarium on a wall, especially where it might be handled, and possibly knocked down, by children. This invention provides a hanger for such terrariums, as well as for cases housing expensive momentos. The hanger also prohibits removing the hangings from the wall without releasing a locking means.


A stereoscopic observation system includes a stereoscopic image pick up apparatus to pick up left and right images at an inward angle, a stereoscopic image display apparatus to transmit the left and right images picked up by the stereoscopic image pick up apparatus to an observer so that the images are stereoscopically observed at a convergence angle, a convergence angle change portion provided in the stereoscopic image display apparatus and to change the convergence angle, a recognition portion to recognize the stereoscopic image pick up apparatus, and a control portion to control the convergence angle change portion on the basis of the result of the recognition in the recognition portion so that the convergence angle is substantially equal to the inward angle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stereoscopic observation system for carrying out a stereoscopic observation using a plurality of stereoscopic image pick up apparatuses.
2. Description of the Related Art
As described in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 7-261094, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-24835 and Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-131455, an operation microscope and an endoscope are used in combination with each other in surgery. Left and right observation images picked up by the operation microscope and including parallax are transmitted by a stereoscopic image display apparatus to left and right eyes of an observer respectively so that the images are stereoscopically observed. The endoscope configured to carry out the stereoscopic observation is also used, as described in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 5-341206.


A multi-port memory is provided which is capable of being backed up by a battery to provide a resume function for a digital processor. In a preferred embodiment, a resume function can be provided for a VRAM without restricting the bit rate of image data or the function of the frame memory. Preferably, the memory includes a memory array MARY of memory cells of stereoscopic structure. A high voltage VCH for word line selection can be generated by a voltage-doubling word boost circuit which has its boosting ratio switched stepwise in accordance with the potential of an internal supply voltage. Moreover, a substrate potential generator is provided which has a first substrate potential generator having a relatively low current supplying capacity, which is steadily brought into an operative state, and a second substrate potential generator having a relatively high current supplying capacity which is selectively brought into an operative state. During battery backup, the multi-port memory is in a self-refresh memory. Also, the number of memory mats to be simultaneously activated in the self-refresh mode is made larger than that in the ordinary mode, and a refresh timer circuit RTM for setting the refresh period is of a diffusion layer leakage type.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and, more particularly, to technology which is especially effective when used in a multi-port memory contained in a frame member of a digital processor system as a personal computer or work station.
Multi-port memories are known which include random access ports and serial access ports. Such memories can have a raster computing function and a flashing light function or the like, and are effective as a frame memory. Digital processor systems such as a personal computer or work station are also known, which include a display device using a CRT (i.e., cathode ray tube) or the like, and a frame memory having a serial access memory such as the aforementioned multi-port memory for transmitting a series of image data to the display device.
On the other hand, it is becoming the current practice that personal computers or work stations are given the so-called "resume function", in which the displayed content of a display device is held in the frame memory even after interruption of the power supply so that the displayed content before the interruption may be instantly resumed. Digital processor systems having such a resume function are required to enable at least the serial access memory constituting the frame memory to be backed up by a battery.
An example of a multi-port memory having random access ports and serial access ports is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 293791/1988. On the other hand, a digital processor system having the resume function is disclosed, for example, on pages 18 and 19 of "DynaBook J-310OSS DynaBook Guide" issued by Toshiba Corp., on Jul. 6, 1989.
The multi-port memory of the prior art described above is not provided with the so-called "backup model" so that it cannot be backed up by a battery. As a result, the existing digital processor systems having the resume function adopt a method of using an ordinary static RAM (i.e., random access memory) having the battery backup mode. However, the ordinary static RAM is not equipped with the serial access ports nor is it given special functions such as a raster computing function or a flashing light function for matching the frame memory effectively. This raises a problem that the bit rate of the image data is limited to restrict the function as a frame memory, although the resume function can be achieved. Incidentally, an example of a static RAM having the battery backup mode is disclosed on pages 250 to 259 of "Hitachi IC Memory Data", issued in September, 1989 by Hitachi, Ltd.

Semiconductor memory device including arrangements to facilitate battery backup


A method for recycling waste plastic material, from polymeric film or hydropulper waste, including plastic and cellulosic fiber or organic contaminants. The method includes the steps of introducing the waste plastic material into a size reduction unit, and reducing the size of the waste plastic material to particles having a maximum dimension ranging between about 1 inch and about 8 inches; mechanically hammering and rubbing the plastic material for separating a portion of the cellulosic fiber from the plastic; separating another portion of the cellulosic fiber from the plastic by flotation with agitation; further reducing the particle size of the plastic to a maximum dimension of about 1/2 inch; dewatering the plastic; drying the plastic to a moisture content of less than about 10 weight percent; and rolling the plastic into pellets.

The use of high viscosity, low density polyethylene as a coating material for paper products such as milk cartons is well known. During the manufacture of such plastic coated paper products, a variety of virgin scrap material such as roll ends, clippings and off-spec product is produced. This virgin scrap material is distinguished from post-consumer scrap that is subject to a greater degree of contamination.
Because of the relatively high quality of the bleached paper in the virgin scrap material, it is economically advantageous to reclaim it for use in products such as molded paper cups, trays, plates, egg cartons, and the like. Prior to reuse of the virgin scrap material, however, the polyethylene coating is desirably removed. In the first instance, this is done by grinding up the scrap and running it through a hydropulper.
In a hydropulper, the plastic is separated from a major portion of the paper and removed by flotation as an aqueous slurry. The plastic coating waste recovered from a hydropulper can typically comprise, for example, from about 6 to about 33 weight percent paper. The moisture content of the plastic coating waste usually varies in direct proportion to the amount of paper present in the waste because of the hydrophilic nature of paper.
In the past, the plastic coating waste from hydropulpers has been viewed as a discardable waste material. More recently, however, there has been increasing concern over the environmental impact of dumping such polymeric waste. Also, as the price of virgin plastic resins has increased, attention has been given to ways of further cleaning and purifying the plastic resin present in the polymeric waste recovered from hydropulpers.
The use of solvents for recovering polyethylene from a water wet mixture of water-insoluble materials containing a major portion of polyethylene and a minor portion of cellulosic pulp fibers is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,226,343.
More recently, a process for producing substantially fiber-free polyethylene pellets from hydropulper plastic coating waste has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,748. That process discloses the use of tumble drying for dewatering and fiber removal, and also the plasticization of the polyethylene followed by water injection to achieve pellet formation. The polyethylene pellets made by this process comprise less than 5 weight percent fiber, and are preferably fiber-free so that they can be blended off with virgin resin for use in conventional plastic molding and extrusion applications.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,135 to Brooks, et al., issued to assignee, Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., a method for reclaiming plastic and cellulosic fiber from plastic coated waste was disclosed in which high purity plastic pellets comprising about five to 10 weight percent cellulosic fiber, and less than about 10 weight percent water resulted from a process in which plastic coated waste was reduced in size, subjected to flotation with agitation to separate the plastic from the cellulosic fiber. The cellulosic fiber was screened, dried, and baled, the plastic was further reduced in size, and dewatered, then the dewatered plastic was dried and rolled into plastic pellets. This process is effective and commercially advantageous for reducing paper fiber and moisture content of hydropulper plastic coating waste to a desirable level on a cost-effective commercial scale for some applications. However, there continues to be a need for improvement to permit acceptable quality pellets for composites and additional value added uses, such as injection molding and film production.
In particular, the step of separating the polymeric film from a portion of the cellulosic fiber by passing the plastic waste through at least one wash tank and further, the step of separating the polymeric film and a further portion of the cellulosic fiber by flotation with agitation, both resulted in significant contamination of the washwater and flotation water with cellulosic fibers and other contaminants. Filtration of the washwater and the flotation water for purposes of re-use and/or for purposes of environmentally safe discharge of the water was required.
Further, it has been found that the pelletizing step of the previous issued co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,135 could result in inconsistent plastic pellets due to either inadequate frictional heat buildup for economic densification during pelletization, or excessive heat buildup during pelletization and potential thermal degradation of the plastic. This process was monitored by experienced technicians on a substantially continuous basis in order to observe the pellet output and manually regulate the temperature of the pelletizer and thereby control the consistency of the rolled pellets.
Notwithstanding the processes disclosed in the prior art, however, an improved method is needed for reducing the contaminants, paper fiber, and moisture content of hydropulper plastic coating waste or polymeric film to a desirable level on a cost effective, commercial scale. More specifically, an economical and reliable method is needed for reducing the paper and moisture contents of such plastic coating waste to acceptable levels, preferably from about 5 to about 10 weight percent cellulosic fiber and less than about 10 weight water for composites, and less for film and injection molding, and for pelletizing the resultant material.
In recent years the use of plastic film grocery bags and shopping bags, often made of polymeric material such as low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene, has become widespread. To alleviate possible adverse environmental impact from the disposal of such bags in landfills, efforts are now made to recycle such bags. However, bags returned by consumers frequently contain paper scraps such as sales receipts, coupons, labels, adhesive stickers, organic materials, and food waste. Problems have been encountered in trying to recover and reuse polymeric film from such postconsumer waste in place of virgin resin.
Another source of recycled polymeric film is the shrinkstretch film used in wrapping food products such as produce, meats, bakery goods, and the like. This recycled film is often mixed with organic materials or with dirt accumulated when bales are stacked or warehoused, or with paper scraps such as, for example, cash register receipts, coupons, paper labels or price stickers that are attached or adhered to the polymeric film, and an effective method of recovering and reusing such recycled scrap for the same or for different purposes is also needed.

Method for recycling plastic coated paper product waste and polymeric film


A feedback control system (i.e., a positioner) for precise positioning of a pneumatic actuator by adjusting the flow of air to the pneumatic actuator comprises an adjustable gain mechanism for adjusting the sensitivity of the positioner. The adjustable gain mechanism is coupled between a feedback input device of the positioner and a valve control device and is employed to adjust the amount of air supplied to the pneumatic actuator for a given displacement of the feedback input device. Preferably the adjustable gain mechanism is adjustable through a range of settings between a high gain setting and a low gain setting, the high gain setting allowing a greater range of motion of the valve control device than the low gain setting for a given displacement of the feedback input device.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a feedback control system for precise positioning of pneumatic actuators and, more specifically, to a pneumatic positioner used in conjunction with a pneumatic actuator providing precise positioning of the pneumatic actuator by adjusting the flow of air to the pneumatic actuator and having an adjustable gain mechanism for adjusting the sensitivity of the positioner.
2. Background of the Invention
Valtek International, the assignee of the present invention, is a manufacturer of automatic control valves, actuators, intelligent systems, and associated equipment to the chemical, petrochemical, power, pulp and paper, petroleum, and associated process industries. Facilities of these industries utilize control valves to regulate the flow, pressure, or temperature of liquids and gases in various process systems. Control valves are a special type of valve having a power positioning actuator which is responsive to externally supplied signals for operating (i.e., moving) a throttling or closure mechanism located in the valve body. Typical valves include rotary valves (e.g., ball, plug, and eccentric disk) and linear valves (e.g., globe and gate). An exemplary globe-type control valve includes a valve body having an internal passage formed therein with an inlet opening for receiving fluid, an outlet opening for discharging fluid, and a central opening located in the valve body between the inlet opening and outlet opening and forming a valve seat therein. A valve stem, with a valve plug located on one end thereof, is disposed to extend into the valve body and is movable to selectively move the plug onto and off from the valve seat to thereby close the central opening and stop the flow of fluid, or unclose the central opening and allow the flow of fluid, respectively. The other end of the valve stem, opposite that on which the plug is located, is coupled to an actuator typically mounted on top of the valve body. The actuator includes a cylinder, and a moveable piston disposed in the cylinder and coupled to the other end of the valve stem (or could include a diaphragm for operating the stem. A pressurized source of air is supplied to a feedback control system (commonly referred to as a positioner and oftentimes located at the side of the actuator) to direct pressurized air to the cylinder both above and below the piston, in response to control signals, to thereby cause the piston to move to selected positions in the cylinder and thus the plug to move to open the valve a desired amount. By controlling the position of the plug in the valve body, upstream pressure, downstream pressure, and temperature of the fluid flowing through the valve (as well as external variables such as pressure or volume of fluids in tanks connected to the system, pH of fluid in the system, etc.) can be controlled.
While the concept of using the flow of air into a cylinder to position a piston therein may be a simple concept, the regulation of the air flow to achieve precise positioning of the piston within the cylinder requires such a feedback control system. A pneumatic positioner is employed to ensure that the piston is at a desired position within the cylinder and that the piston maintains this position until a change in the position of the valve stem is desired. Thus, the pneumatic positioner provides the appropriate flow of air into the actuator and regulates the air and pressure based on the desired position of the piston and feedback from the piston to the pneumatic positioner.
Feedback of the piston to the pneumatic positioner is generally accomplished by providing a feedback device (e.g., a spring) having one end in communication with the piston (e.g., through a linkage mechanism) and the other end in communication with the pneumatic positioner (e.g., attached to a diaphragm assembly or input capsule of the pneumatic positioner). Tension of the feedback device provides feedback to the positioner, which will vary as the valve stem position changes. Thus, when a feedback spring is employed, the spring-loaded force is applied through feedback linkage and a cam assembly to the input capsule. An instrument signal (i.e. air pressure) is applied between diaphragms of the input capsule which forces the input capsule in a direction that stretches the feedback spring. Movement of the input capsule away from the feedback spring also causes the pneumatic positioner to increase the flow of air into the actuator in order to retract the piston and thus the valve stem into the cylinder. Movement of the valve stem in turn cause the linkage between the valve stem and the feedback spring to apply force to the feedback spring and thus stretch the spring away from the input capsule. When the opposing forces between the input capsule and the feedback spring balance exactly, the system will be in equilibrium and the valve stem will be in the position called for by the instrument signal. If the opposing forces are not in balance, the input capsule will move up or down and the positioner will change the output pressures of the air supply lines, moving the valve stem until the tension on the feedback spring opposes exactly the instrument signal pressure. Thus, air will continue to be supplied into the actuator until the piston and valve stem are retracted a sufficient amount to create a balance between input capsule and the feedback spring.
In order to adjust the flow of air into the actuator, displacement of the input capsule moves an elongate member (hereinafter referred to as the flapper) connected on one end to the input capsule and attached at the other end to another diaphragm assembly (hereinafter referred to as the pilot valve capsule). Displacement of the flapper moves the flapper away from a detection nozzle, which in turn causes movement in the pilot valve capsule. Movement of the pilot valve capsule opens one or more valves and allows a flow of air into the cylinder of the actuator in order to move the piston housed therein. In the prior art positioner, the flapper is secured to the input capsule with an attachment spring. The attachment spring is secured relative to the input capsule and flapper at two positions corresponding to two gain settings, low and high. The low gain setting is achieved by attaching the flapper to the input capsule at the point farther from the detection nozzle. Typically, a low gain setting (i.e., 300 to 1) is a standard setting for a size 25 linear actuator and a high gain setting (i.e., 550 to 1) is standard for a size 50 linear actuator. In order to change the gain setting, the pneumatic positioner must be partially disassembled in order to remove and relocate the attachment spring and subsequently reassembled with the attachment spring secured between the flapper and input capsule at the gain setting. In addition, the gain can only be set at the high gain setting or the low gain setting with no intermediate settings possible.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a pneumatic positioner in which the gain can be adjusted without requiring disassembly of the pneumatic positioner. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a pneumatic positioner in which the gain can be adjusted over a range of gain settings from a low gain setting to a high gain setting.

Pneumatic valve positioner with adjustable gain