The invention shows a surface (2) for a metal implant (1) which has a coarse structure of elevations (3) and depressions (4), with the surface (2) being permeated by a network (5) of protruding ribs which form nodes (7) and interstices or meshes (8) having an interstice width of 2 mm to 0.4 mm, while the depressions represent sections of spherical cavities (11). The nodes (7) of the ribs can protrude the furthest like mountain peaks, whereas the ribs (6) which connect two nodes (7) each form a lower lying saddle (10) if the spherical cavities penetrate one another slightly. Through coating with an electrochemically resistant protective lacquer, into which holes can be shot at a predetermined spacing without damaging the metal, with a laser for example, a coarsely structured intermediary surface can be economically provided by means of electrochemical erosion which receives a fine structure through sand blasting.

The invention relates to a metal implant, by way of example for bones, the implant having a surface with a coarse structure of elevations and depressions, and to methods for producing the surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,409 and the U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,052 show a surface in which, starting from a smooth metal surface, pillars are produced by the material in that a laser is used to liquefy and vaporize material around the pillars in the form of channels of cylindrical blind holes placed adjacent to one another in a row. The upper faces of these pillars, which lie in the originally smooth metal surface, form support surfaces for a primary anchoring in the bone tissue; and the hollow spaces surrounding them can accommodate bone tissue that grows in later or bone cement. This type of metal processing is enormously complicated and expensive since the excess material must be vaporized at the low efficiency of a laser and since the focal point of the laser optics must continually be adjusted very precisely in its distance to the surface. Furthermore, during the spontaneous melting and vaporization, metal sprays arise which are in no regard desirable so that
U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,530 proposes to apply a protective coating prior to the laser drilling which can later be removed and which is also bored through and which prevents liquid metal sprays from striking the surface that it covers. Solvent soluble binders with metallic oxides which are heat resistant at high temperatures are considered as typical protective coatings. Nevertheless it is, of course, not possible to prevent metal sprays being deposited in the already cut channels.


Example methods are provided to deploy an Internet of Things (IoT) solution in a hybrid environment. The methods include deploying a first agent application on a first edge gateway of a first vendor by the first edge gateway. The first agent application is configured to collect a first set of information associated with the first edge gateway. The methods include deploying a second agent application on a second edge gateway of a second vendor by the second edge gateway. The second agent application is configured to collect a second set of information associated with the second edge gateway. In response to a determination of a first virtualized computing environment on the first edge gateway or a second virtualized computing environment on the second edge gateway fulfils a first requirement of a template to deploy the IoT solution, the methods include deploying the IoT solution in the first virtualized computing environment, the second virtualized computing environment, or both.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system including networks of devices and objects, such as sensors, actuators, edge gateways and data centers, with the purpose of interconnecting all things in such a way to make the things intelligent, programmable, and more capable of interacting with users and each other. An IoT solution may include hardware components such as sensors, actuators, edge gateways and data centers and software components running on these hardware components. Data may be collected by sensors and transmitted to edge gateways for edge computing and data centers for cloud computing. Data centers and/or edge gateways may generate and transmit commands to actuators based on the computing so that actuators may perform actions according to the commands. Conventional IoT solutions may not be suitable in hybrid environments which integrate software and/or hardware components in the IoT solution from different vendors.

Internet of things solution deployment in hybrid environment


A current detection unit samples motor current at every cycle corresponding to a cycle of the highest processing speed of a CPU. A current integral calculation unit integrates the value of the sampled motor current over a sampling period to calculate and output a current integral to an abnormality determination unit. The abnormality determination unit determines whether the current integral is larger than a threshold. When the abnormality determination unit determines that the current integral is larger than the threshold, it generates a detection signal indicating an abnormality in the motor current and outputs the signal to a relay drive unit and a notification unit. The relay drive unit receives the detection signal to generate a signal for turning off a system relay. The notification unit receives the detection signal to generate and output a signal to display means provided outside a power supply apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a power supply apparatus and particularly to a power supply apparatus having the function of detecting an abnormality in electric current flowing in a drive circuit mounted on the power supply apparatus.
2. Description of the Background Art
Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have recently been of great interest as environment-friendly motor vehicles. A hybrid vehicle has, as its motive power sources, a DC (direct current) power supply, an inverter and a motor driven by the inverter in addition to a conventional engine. More specifically, the engine is driven to secure the motive power source and a DC voltage from the DC power supply is converted by the inverter into an AC (alternating current) voltage to be used for rotating the motor and thereby securing the motive power source as well.
An electric vehicle refers to a motor vehicle that has, as its motive power sources, a DC power supply, an inverter and a motor driven by the inverter.
The hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles generally use a high-voltage power supply for producing high power. When the high-voltage power supply is used, overload could cause overheating to incur the danger that an electric motor seizes up or burns out. Moreover, when an electric leakage occurs, there arises the danger of an electrical shock. A safety device is thus required for avoiding these dangers (for example, see Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 07-123504).
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a safety device for electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as EV safety device) disclosed in Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 07-123504.
Referring to FIG. 11, the EV safety device is configured to have a switch 150 on a power feeding path L extending from a DC power supply 110 to a load circuit 130 and open/close switch 150 according to an external signal that is input from a protection circuit 140 to a drive circuit 151.
More specifically, in protection circuit 140, a current detector 141 detects electric current passing through power feeding path L. The output of current detector 141 is amplified by a current detection circuit 142 and input to a control circuit 143. At the time when predetermined operating time has passed since the time when the value of the detected electric current exceeds the rated electric current of load circuit 130, if the value of the detected electric current decreases to become equal to or lower than the rated current, control circuit 143 drives an output relay circuit 144 and turns off a contact r of switch 150 through drive circuit 151.
Here, the operating time refers to a time limit from the time when the value of the electric current detected by current detector 141 exceeds the rated electric current. The operating time is set to allow switch 150 to be opened if the detected current value does not fall to or below the rated current at the time when the operating time has passed. Further, the operating time is set, according to the magnitude of the passing electric current, so that the operating time is shorter in an inversely proportional manner as the current value is larger for example. If the detected electric current falls to or below the rated current within the time limit of the operating time, switch 150 is not opened. Then, the next time the detected current exceeds the rated current, the time limit is newly set.
Regarding the EV safety device shown in FIG. 11, if it is detected that the passing current exceeds the rated current and the passing current does not fall to or below the rated current within a predetermined operating time from the time of the detection, the power feeding to load circuit 130 is stopped to accordingly afford protection against overcurrent.
Until the time when the operating time has passed, the power feeding to load circuit 130 is continued. Thus, even if load circuit 130 is temporarily in an overloaded state, the power feeding to load circuit 130 is not immediately stopped. Therefore, such an inconvenience that protection circuit 140 operates in a normal state to stop the power feeding is avoided.
According to the method of detecting an abnormality illustrated in FIG. 11, however, whether the passing current is abnormal or not is determined based on the rated current and the operating time that is uniquely determined according to the magnitude of the passing current, and accordingly a problem arises in precision of detecting the abnormality in the following respects.
Specifically, as load circuit 130 in FIG. 11, if an inverter and an AC motor are provided, the passing current has a sinusoidal current waveform in a normal operation. When an abnormality occurs in control of the inverter, the passing current has its waveform considerably different from the one the current should have.
Examples of the passing current in an abnormal state include electric current having a current waveform temporarily exceeding the rated current to a considerably great degree and electric current having a current waveform continuing around the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave. When large electric current that exceeds the rated current flows in the inverter, a large load is exerted temporarily on the inverter depending on the magnitude of the passing current and the period of time during which the current flows, which could break the inverter. In the case where the passing current continuously flows having its level around the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave, the load with the maximum level in a normal state is continuously exerted on the inverter, which could also break the inverter. In order to prevent the inverter from being broken, it is necessary to surely determine that any current waveform that never occurs in a normal operating state is abnormal.
According to the aforementioned method of detecting an abnormality, any abnormal electric current that flows with its level temporarily exceeding the rated current to a considerably great degree is regarded as abnormal if such abnormal current flows for more than a predetermined operating time.
For such abnormal current flowing continuously with its level around the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave, it is necessary to lower the threshold used as a reference in determining whether an abnormality occurs or not, from the rated current to the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave. However, if the threshold value is set at the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave, it is difficult to accurately detect the abnormal current flowing at and around the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave, since the time-limit setting is initialized when the passing current falls to or below the threshold value within the time limit of the operating time and the time limit is newly set the next time the current exceeds the threshold value. In other words, depending on the setting of the operating time, if the operating time is relatively short, the passing current that temporarily exceeds the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave that should merely exert a small load on the inverter could be detected as abnormal current. On the contrary, if the operating time is relatively long, any passing current that continuously flows with its level around the uppermost level of the sinusoidal wave and that exerts a large load on the inverter could not be detected as abnormal current, since the time-limit setting is initialized. As such, the above-described method of detecting an abnormality has a problem that the pattern of abnormal current that is not preferable for the inverter does not necessarily match the result of determining whether an abnormality occurs or not.

Power supply apparatus capable of detecting abnormality in current flowing in drive circuit


The present invention provides a storage device and a writing unit diagnosing method, which can determine a defect in a writing unit at an early stage. There is provided a storage device, which includes writing units that write data to a storage medium, current application units that apply a current to the writing units, electric property measurement units that measure the electric property of the writing units at the time of applying a current by the current application units, and obtain electric property measured values, a storage unit that stores the electric property measured values obtained by the electric property measurement units, and a judgment unit that judges whether or not the writing units are abnormal based on the electric property measured values stored in the storage unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a storage device which is adapted to diagnose a writing unit, and writing unit diagnosing method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A magnetic disk device makes a write current, which is reversed according to data, flow through a write head (magnetic head) so as to record data to a medium. In recording data, in case a defect in property or degradation in connected resistor occurs in write parts such as a write drive circuit (preamplifier), a suspension, a write head, and connected portions of respective parts which are parts related to the write operation, suitable magnetization reversal cannot be formed on the medium. These defects in write parts are discovered at the time of the read operation, and not only an error rate but also may lose the data in the worst case.
Next, a method of checking the write operation in the conventional magnetic disk device will be explained.
As a first method, there is employed a method under which a preamplifier compares the voltage of a write head with a threshold to check whether or not the write head is defective (write head is OPEN or SHORT).
As a second method, there is employed a method under which the verifying (read) operation is performed after the write operation in accordance with a command from the user to a magnetic disk device to assure the write operation.
As a conventional technique related to the present invention, there is known a magnetic disk memory device that detects whether or not a write head is OPEN or SHORT. (for example, refer to Patent Document 1: Jpn. Pat. Appln. Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-269707)
However, in the above-described first method, the threshold value is uniform with respect to all the heads in a magnetic disk device. Accordingly, only a case in which a write head becomes defective (write head is OPEN or SHORT) can be notified. Similarly, also in the above-described second method, only a case in which the write operation cannot be performed after the write operation can be notified. Therefore, there have been some cases in which written data cannot be restored.
As described above, since it is determined that a write head is defective after the write head has become defective, there have been some cases in which the system is suspended or the restoration of the system becomes difficult. Furthermore, in recent years, it becomes a significantly important task to suppress the suspension of the system due to breakdowns of components of the system and so on to the utmost extent.

Storage device, and writing unit diagnosing method


The present invention provides a bearing mechanism with an integrated flexible bearing surface. The bearing mechanism includes a frame, which is folded to define an inner space; and an integrated flexible bearing surface, which has an elastic restoring force and is prefabricated onto the inner space of the frame. At least two sides of the integrated flexible bearing surface are mated integrally with the frame when the bearing mechanism is fabricated. The present invention enhances the structural strength, reduces greatly the fabrication cost and improves substantially the manufacturing efficiency with better applicability and industrial benefits.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a bearing mechanism, and more particularly to an innovative bearing mechanism with a seat back or seat cushion for the users.
2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98
Many people spend a lot of time sitting on chairs, so the comfort of sitting and the backing is very crucial, affecting the direction of new product development.
A bearing mechanism made of elastic strips or elastic bands, or a bearing mechanism composed of mesh and framing strips is currently available so as to improve the existing shortcomings of a seat back and seat cushion of chairs, such as rigidity and poor air permeability. However, it is found from actual application that, as for a bearing mechanism made of elastic strips or elastic bands, the assembly end of the unit elastic strip (band) must be linked securely to the assembly seat, which is then incorporated onto a frame by means of screwing or riveting. The single frame must be fitted with several assembly seats and elastic strips, leading to several assembly processes, higher fabrication cost and poorer fabrication efficiency as well as unsatisfactory structural strength and durability. As for the other bearing mechanism composed of mesh and framing strips, the mesh is generally tightened and then positioned onto an interior frame, which is then incorporated onto an external frame by means of embedding, screwing and adhesion, leading similarly to higher fabrication cost, poorer fabrication efficiency and unsatisfactory durability.
Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art, it would be an advancement in the art to provide an improved structure that can significantly improve efficacy.
Therefore, the inventor has provided the present invention of practicability after deliberate design and evaluation based on years of experience in the production, development and design of related products.

Bearing mechanism with integrated flexible bearing surface


An object is to predict a microstructure of Al in an industrial process more accurately than conventional techniques. In an information processor (1), an inter-step information integration section supplies a PC(i) and an MS(i, 0) to each i-th step calculating section included in a step calculating section. Each i-th step calculating section supplies an MS(i, t) and a TMP(i, t) to a microstructure calculating section and thereby causes the microstructure calculating section to find an MS(i, tfi), and supplies the MS(i, tfi) to the inter-step information integration section (11). The inter-step information integration section (11) sets, as an MS(i+1, 0), the MS(i, tfi) received from the i-th step calculating section.

In recent years, there has been proposed a technique to, in order to decide the processing conditions in which a metallic material is manufactured by an industrial process, predict a change in properties of the metallic material that would occur in each process step. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method of predicting material properties of an Al alloy sheet in a process of manufacture of the Al alloy sheet.


A packaging structure for electronic expansion valves includes a body for accommodating the electronic expansion valves, wherein the body includes more than one supporting portion, each supporting portion has first recess portions and second recess portions alternately arranged, the first recess portions and the second recess portions are all configured to support housings of the electronic expansion valves; and a center distance of each of the first recess portions and the adjacent second recess portion is the same as an outer diameter of the housing of each of the electronic expansion valves, to allow the housings of two of the electronic expansion valves to be attached together after the two electronic expansion valves are placed in an opposite direction.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a typical electronic expansion valve in the conventional technology.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic expansion valve 100 has an outer shape of a substantial T-shape, and includes a valve body 101, a housing 105 provided on the valve body 101, and a first connecting pipe 102 and a second connecting pipe 103 connected to the valve body 101. A magnetic rotor 104 is provided in the housing 105. The valve body 101, the housing 105, the magnetic rotor 104 and the first connecting pipe 102 are coaxially provided, and the second connecting pipe 103 is connected to a side surface of the valve body 101, and is arranged substantially perpendicular to an axis of the valve body 101.
In addition to the above structure, the second connecting pipe of a part of the electronic expansion valves 100 is configured as a bent structure, where the axis of a part of the pipe section is still perpendicular to the axis of the valve body 101, and another part of the bent pipe section is substantially parallel to the first connecting pipe 102.
Generally, when the electronic expansion valve 100 is shipped from the factory, an opening degree of the valve is adjusted to a specified position and the valve does not need to be re-opened and reset during subsequent assembly process, which requires that the packaging structure of the electronic expansion valve 100 can properly position the valve to avoid the change of the opening degree of the valve due to vibration during transportation.
In conjunction with FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a packaging structure of an electronic expansion valve in the conventional technology.
As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging structure is a dustproof cap member 200 having at least two connected dustproof caps 201. When packaging, the electronic expansion valves 100 of the same number as the dustproof caps 201 are placed in the same direction and side by side; the adjacent two electronic expansion valves 100 are attached together by the magnetic rotors 104 in the housings 105, and the dustproof caps 201 of the dustproof cap member 200 are sequentially covered on the connecting pipes of the electronic expansion valves 100 to fix the electronic expansion valves 100. Each of the electronic expansion valves 100 has two connecting pipes, so each set of electronic expansion valves 100 is packaged and fixed by two dustproof cap members 200 during packaging; in encasement, each set of the fixed electronic expansion valves 100 is placed in a respective compartment of a packaging box.
Although this packaging structure can properly position the electronic expansion valves 100, the dustproof cap members can only be arranged after two or more electronic expansion valves 100 are placed side by side in the same direction during packaging, which is more laborious to package. In application, it requires taking more than two electronic expansion valves 100 at the same time, which is very inconvenient.
Further, as for the electronic expansion valve 100 having a coil fixing bracket 106 sleeved on the valve body 101, as shown in FIG. 1, the dustproof cap member 200 is not applicable.
In view of this, how to improve the present packaging structure of the electronic expansion valve, to reduce the difficulty of packaging the electronic expansion valve, improve the packaging efficiency, and facilitate taking the electronic expansion valve is a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art at present.

Zhejiang Sanhua Intelligent Controls Co., Ltd.


Methods comprise generating an electric field; encompassing fibers within the electric to orient the fibers in a desired orientation relative to each other; and subsequent to the encompassing, fixing the fibers in the desired orientation within a matrix material to at least partially create a composite part.

Current techniques for creating composite parts with chopped fiber composite pieces result in the random orientation of reinforcing fibers throughout the composite parts. While such a random orientation of reinforcing fibers may provide for uniform material properties across composite parts, it may be desirable for material properties to vary across composite parts depending on the application of the composite parts, the application or specific structure of a sub-region of composite parts, etc. Current techniques do not permit for such customized material properties at different locations across composite parts.

Methods of creating composite parts with fibers in a desired orientation


There is provided a sprocket for use in a wastewater treatment facility comprising a first portion, a second portion, and at least one fastener which snap locks the first portion to the second portion. There is also provided a sprocket for use in a wastewater treatment facility comprising at least one lightening hole, the sprocket being formed of non-metallic material.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to sprockets more particularly to non-metallic sprockets used in wastewater treatment facilities.
2. Description of Related Art
Sludge collectors are commonly used in wastewater treatment plants to scrape the settled sludge from the bottom of the settling tank and also to skim floating waste off the surface of the wastewater. These sludge collectors typically include a number of sludge flights which are usually elongated members that extend the width of the tank. The ends of the flights are connected to conveyor chains which carry the flights in a circuit lengthwise along the bottom of the tank and back over the surface of the water to perform the scraping and skimming functions. The tanks are typically made of concrete and the supporting shafts with bearings and locking collars support the transmission sprockets which in turn power the conveyor chain and flight systems.
Sprockets in a sludge collector generally consist of three types. The first may be the keyseated and setscrewed driving or transmission type. The second may be the loose or free wheeling type. Further, the third may be the setscrewed only type.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a prior art sprocket 10 having a plurality of teeth 12 used in connection with wastewater treatment facilities. The sprocket 10 comprises a bore 14 having a keyway 16. The sprocket 10 is formed of two sections 18 and 20. The sections 18 and 20 are joined at the line 22 via bolts 24 and locknuts 25. The bolts 24 may be secured in flanges 26 in each of the sections 18 and 20.
The bolts 24 and locknuts 25 utilized are typically made of stainless steel. Due to the fact that stainless steel is a relatively soft material, the bolt threads may become destroyed by the locknuts when disassembling the sprockets for maintenance or replacement. As a result, it is desirable to have a fastener for securing the sections 18 and 20 not subjected to damage and expensive replacement which may be reused.

Sprocket used in wastewater treatment facilities


Methods and apparatus for protecting against and/or responding to an overload condition at a node (“victim”) in a distributed network divert traffic otherwise destined for the victim to one or more other nodes, which can filter the diverted traffic, passing a portion of it to the victim, and/or effect processing of one or more of the diverted packets on behalf of the victim. Diversion can be performed by one or more nodes (collectively, a “first set” of nodes) external to the victim. Filtering and/or effecting traffic processing can be performed by one or more nodes (collectively, a “second set” of nodes) also external to the victim. Those first and second sets can have zero, one or more nodes in common—or, put another way, they may wholly, partially or not overlap. The methods and apparatus have application in protecting nodes in a distributed network, such as the Internet, against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

The invention pertains to distributed data networks and, more particularly, protecting against overload conditions at nodes of such networks. It has application, by way of non-limiting example, in protecting servers, sites and other elements of networks, such as the Internet and the like, from distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and flash crowds.
Early computer systems were typically stand-alone devices that processed only commands and data entered via dedicated local keyboards, tape drives, disk drives, card readers, or the like. Remote access was possible, but only via phone lines and modems, which essentially served as surrogates or proxies to remote users' keyboards. By the early 1980's, a national network had been developed for carrying data communications between university, defense department and other large computer systems. This early Internet (known then as the ARPANET), which relied on a mix of dedicated lines and modems, was inaccessible to the public at large and, hence, subject to outages and espionage but, for the most part, not wide scale attack from "hackers."
Through the 1990's, that national network expanded around the globe adding millions of governmental, research and commercial nodes. The latter included so-called Internet service providers (ISPs) that afforded low-cost access to the masses. People being as they are, this included a mischievous if not downright scurrilous element intent—at least insofar as their time, resources and interests permitted—on blocking access to popular nodes (or "sites") on the network. The most insidious form of this cybervandalism is the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack, in which the computers that service requests coming in to a node are swamped by millions of fake requests that may seem to come from many sources but, ultimately, emanate from a few hackers' computers.
Despite numerous DDoS attacks that have taken place over the past few years, with a surge of attacks on YAHOO, CNN, and many other major sites, there is still no known online solution for defense against them.
In view of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide improved distributed data networks and methods of operation thereof. A related object of the invention is to provide improved nodes, devices and methods of operation thereof for use on such distributed data networks.
Further related objects are to provide such improved data networks, nodes, devices and methods of operation thereof that provide enhanced protection from overload conditions, malicious, legitimate or otherwise.
A still further related object is to provide such improved data networks, nodes, devices and methods of operation thereof that provide enhanced protection from DDoS attacks.
Yet a still further object of the invention is to provide such improved data networks, nodes, devices and methods of operation thereof as can be used in existing networks, such as the Internet, as well as in other networks.
Yet a still further object of the invention is to provide data networks, nodes, devices and methods of operation thereof as can be implemented at low cost and are scalable.

Methods and apparatus for protecting against overload conditions on nodes of a distributed network


The invention relates to a light measuring device 34, in particular for dental light curing devices, for detecting the illumination intensity of a light source 19, which is arranged, in particular, in the light curing device, to which a light guiding device, in particular, having a light exit surface 21 at its outlet, is connected, the light measuring device 34 having at least four measurement fields 38 distributed in two dimensions.

A light measuring device of the type mentioned above is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,126. In the case of this light measuring device, which is used for testing endoscopes, the light emitted from a light source is fed via a light guiding device to a sensor arrangement, the endoscope there being tested by comparing the output signal of sensors.
It has already been proposed once to implement a sensor that has a smaller diameter than the light guide and its light exit surface. This solution attempts to enable measurement of the output illumination intensity independently of the diameter of the light exit surface. However, with this solution there is the grave disadvantage that fundamentally only the luminous density in the measured region of the light exit surface is detected. This means that only a lesser fraction in percentage terms of the emitted light power is detected in conjunction with a comparatively large light exit surface, and so erroneous measurements occur to this extent on different sizes of the light exit surfaces.
In particular, even in the case of this solution it is not possible to conduct a distance measurement in which the light curing device is thus merely held over the sensor field in order to determine whether the emitted illumination intensity is still sufficient, because erroneous measurements then always occur in the case of this solution owing to the beam expansion.
In accordance with published patent application US 2008-0023625-A1, it has been proposed to use a one-dimensional arrangement of light sensors, and their output signal in order to determine the light power of a light source. This solution is simple in principle and constitutes an improvement against the previously known solutions. On the other hand, this design is not able to deliver an exact measurement result when the light exit surface has a shape deviating from the circular one.
By contrast, it is the object of the invention to provide a light measuring device that enables a reliable and simple determination of the illumination intensity independently of the shape of a light exit surface.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Dental light curing device coupled to a light measuring device


A system includes a processor, a barcode reader, and an RFID R/W component. The barcode reader scans a barcode of an item to generate barcode information, and communicates the barcode information to the processor. The RFID R/W component receives, from the processor, a serialization number corresponding to the barcode information. The RFID R/W component then writes the serialization number to an RFID tag of the item.

The process of implementing an RFID inventory system for products already located in the field may be relatively labor intensive and be impacted by human error. The process of serializing RFID tags with a specific product serial number (e.g., a unique serial number) may be performed relatively easily during product manufacturing process, but, once products are in the field, performing serialization may become a somewhat manual and cumbersome process. As understood herein, a "serial number" need not be limited to numerals, but may include other alpha-numeric characters or symbols, or other types of information.
An overview of an exemplary known process for manual serialization of an RFID tag for an associated product in the field may be as follows. First, the product barcode number may be scanned by a barcode reader and then stored in memory. Then the barcode number may be reformatted into an Electronic Product Code format (EPC). Next, an RFID read/write device may be used to capture the existing EPC code of a new RFID tag, which is also stored in memory as the target tag. Then the reformatted barcode number may be entered in the RFID R/W device interface. The RFID R/W device may then be triggered to write the reformatted barcode number to replace the target EPC tag number. Finally, the RFID R/W device may then read the RFID tag again to validate that the EPC number has been correctly programmed. When each step is manually executed, this can be a time-consuming process and there are many ways in which this process could break down. At any step, a number may be transposed or entered incorrectly resulting in inconsistent data.

Combination barcode reader and radio frequency identification read/write device


Device (60) having one or more operative units (55) for electroplating a film by chemical reaction with a specially made liquid product (29) and application of direct current, on sheets (50) for printed circuits continuously translating between one or more pairs of opposing oblong chambers (210, 130) respectively supplied with tubular nozzles (231) and with one longitudinal slit nozzle (233) and having internal electrodes (220, 240) electrically connected to the negative pole of a generator of direct current, between one or more pairs of titanium contact rollers (61-62, 130-131), electrically connected to the positive pole of the current, and plastic containment rollers (100-101, 110-111) of the liquid (29) rotating in each pair reciprocally in opposite directions, due to closure of the electric circuit between the liquid product (29), pumped in under pressure by the pump and projected by the nozzles (213, 233) of the chambers (210, 230) against the sheets (50), and said sheets through the contact rollers.

The invention concerns equipment and automatic systems for electro-plating on metal sheets especially for the production of printed circuits.
To apply a protective or antioxidant film to the sheets or in any case a film designed to improve their quality, the sheets are immersed in a special bath. The components of the bath cause chemical reactions on the metal surface, especially on copper, producing a film of what is known as chemical tin, or chemical copper as the case may be, or other products.
For large-scale production specially devised mechanical means of transport pass the sheets through the bath one after another.
The procedure, based on a chemical reaction associated to the action of gravity, obviously takes considerable time partly because of the need to obtain an even film.
Purpose of the above invention is to shorten working times while ensuring optimum formation of the film on the sheets as will now be explained. Subject of the invention is a device, in a plant for electoplating a film on metal sheets, especially for printed circuits, translating continuously, parallel one to another, using special transporting means.
This device presents, in succession, one or more operative units each comprising one or more pairs of metal rollers, here called contact rollers, carrying along in axial rotation by mechanical means, reciprocally in the opposite direction, sealed oblong chambers, placed above the trajectory of the translating sheets, having a series of tubular nozzles with coplanar axes substantially side by side and parallel, provided with an internal oblong laminar electrode, a pump that continuously takes up a special liquid product recycled from a bath underneath and pumps it under pressure into said chambers, the device being connected to an electric-electronic drive unit which, in accordance with a specially devised program, controls and operates the movement of said rollers, action of the pump, translation of the sheets and generation of direct electric current.
Said pairs of rollers and said chambers are placed transversally to the direction of translation of the sheets.
The electrode inside the sealed chamber and said contact rollers are reciprocally electrically insulated and respectively connected to the two poles of said direct current.
As the sheets pass between the pairs of contact rollers the liquid pumped into the chamber is projected through the nozzles onto the areas of the sheets while these emerge from said rollers.
It follows that, due to the effect produced by closure of the electric circuit generated by the DC current between the liquid and the sheets, these latter become electro-plated as desired.
After the pair of contact rollers and before the oblong chamber, bearing in mind the direction of movement, each operative unit comprises, in succession, a first pair of rollers, here called containment rollers, resting laterally one above another and drawn along in axial rotation, reciprocally opposingly directed, by mechanical means.
The upper roller is surrounded by a number of substantially equal rings placed side by side, whose internal diameter is considerably larger than the diameter of said upper roller.
Associated to said first oblong chamber with tubular nozzles is a second oblong chamber opposite to the first and placed below the trajectory of the translating sheets.
Said second chamber is substantially similar to the first one but, instead of tubular nozzles, it has a nozzle with a narrow longitudinal slit in it substantially opposite to the set of nozzles of the chamber above and extending to the same length as that of said set.
The second chamber is also supplied by the pump with recycled liquid from the bath below, and has inside it a laminar oblong electrode connected to the same electric pole to which the electrode of the first chamber is connected.
After said pair of chambers there is a second pair of containment rollers substantially equal to the first pair.
The upper chamber is placed higher than the upper rollers comprised in the two pairs of containment rollers.
The lower chamber is placed lower than the axis of the lower rollers of said two pairs of containment rollers.
The level and reciprocal distance of the longitudinal edges of the upper faces of said lower chambers are such as will ensure contact between the surfaces of said lower rollers and said edges thus forming a kind of intermediate channel comprising a base, formed of the upper face of said lower chambers, and sides formed of the opposite surfaces of said lower rollers forming the two pairs of containment rollers.
Said channel therefore becomes filled with the liquid that emerges under pressure through the slit nozzle for the lower chambers.
When the rings of the upper rollers in said pairs of containment rollers spontaneously rest on the surfaces of the advancing sheets, they sub stantially form a channel whose base is formed by the advancing sheets and whose side walls are formed by the external surfaces of said rings.
This channel too fills up with active liquid from the nozzles of said upper chambers.
Each operative unit advantageously comprises, between the pairs of contact and containment rollers, a freely turning pair of rollers here called finishing rollers.
The rollers of each pair are respectively served by supports formed of rectangular recesses made in the opposite sides of the framework of the installation into which recesses the pins and cylindrical extensions to the two ends of said rollers can fit.
Due to its own weight, therefore, the upper roller of each pair of rollers bears on the lower roller and consequently on the metal sheets when they pass between said rollers.
The mechanism that rotates the pair of contact rollers comprises gear wheels fixed to the ends of the lower rollers of the pair, said gears meshing with a continuous chain placed orthogonally to said rollers and driven by an electric motor.
The rollers of each pair are linked by substantially similar gear wheels.
Even though the upper roller in the pair of contact rollers is slightly separated from the lower one by passage of the metal sheets, its rotation is assured by the length of the teeth of the gear wheels, these being considerably longer than the thickness of said sheets.
The mechanism that causes rotation of the pair of containment rollers comprises helical gear wheels fixed to the opposite ends (in relation to the ends of the contact rollers) of the lower rollers in the pair, these gears meshing with the helical gear wheels fixed to a motor driven shaft orthogonal to said rollers.
The two rollers of each pair are linked by substantially equal helical gear wheels.
The contact rollers and the laminar electrodes placed inside the sealed chambers are respectively connected electrically to the negative and positive poles of the direct current.
Should it be required to have electro-plating on oblong sheets with raised edges of plastic material, the contact finishing and containment rollers are made with annular bands, of a width corresponding to that of said oblong sheets, between said edges and projecting above the height of said edges on both faces of said sheets.
The dimensions of the rings round the containment rollers and of the internal and external diameters, as well as width, are calculated to allow them to settle spontaneously both on the faces of the sheets and on the raised edges.
The film may be of chemical tin or of chemical copper or may possess other characteristics.
The contact rollers are advantageously of titanium.
The finishing and containment rollers and the rings round said latter rollers are advantageously of plastic material.
The invention offers evident advantages. By closure of the direct current electric circuit between the active liquid, receiving a polarity from the electrodes in the sealed chambers with nozzles, and the sheets receiving the second polarity from the titanium rollers, deposition times of the particles in the liquid and of the chemical reactions that form the film on both faces of the sheets are greatly accelerated.
All this is accompanied by a reduction in the costs of manufacturing printed circuits especially, and by a considerable improvement in quality.
Characteristics and purposes of the disclosure will be made still clearer by the following examples of its execution illustrated by diagrammatically drawn figures.

Device for electroplating on translating metal sheets, especially for printed circuits, by closure of an electric circuit between the sheets and a liquid reactant product

Occleppo di Francesco Occleppo and C.S.N.C.


A pressure roll that forms a fusing nip with a fuser roll in a fusing system has a core and a surface coating having been heat cured from a composition of a fluorocarbon polymer and an irregularly shaped, nonplanar, inert filler having a hardness greater than 8 Mohs, the filler having a nominal particles size of from about 10 to 30 microns and being present in the cured surface coating in an amount of from about 10% to 40% by weight of the total solids weight of the coating.

The present invention relates to a composite pressure roll useful in a fusing system in an electrostatographic reproducing apparatus. In particular, it relates to a long life pressure roll which is capable of functioning in a fusing system wherein toner images are fused on a variety of substrates including transparencies.
In a typical electrostatographic reproducing apparatus, a light image of an original to be copied is recorded in the form of an electrostatic latent image upon a photosensitive member and the latent image is subsequently rendered visible by the application of electroscopic thermoplastic resin particles which are commonly referred to as toner. The visible toner image is then in a loose powdered form and can be easily disturbed or destroyed. The toner image is usually fixed or fused upon a support which may be the photosensitive member itself or other support sheet such as plain paper.
One of the more common approaches to thermal fusing of toner images is with the application of heat and pressure concurrently by various means such as a roll pair including a heated fuser roll and pressure roll which are maintained in pressure contact through a fusing nip. The fusing of the toner particles takes place when the proper combination of heat, pressure and contact time are provided. In the fusing operation it is important that no offset of the toner particles from the substrate to the fuser member takes place during normal operations. Any particles so offset may subsequently transfer to other parts of the machine or onto the support in subsequent copying cycles thereby increasing the background or interfering with the material being copied. To ensure and maintain good release properties of the toner from the fuser roll it has become customary to apply release agents to the fuser roll during the fuser operation. These typically are materials applied as thin films, for example, silicone oils to prevent toner offset. In some fusing systems which require the use of substantial quantities of release agent inevitably some release agent is transferred to the pressure roll from the fusing roll. The presence of release agents such as silicone oil can impair the reliable feeding of transparencies through the fuser because with the transfer of the release agent from the fusing roll to the pressure roll, the friction between the pressure roll and the transparency is insufficient to drive the transparency through the fusing nip. When the transparency actually stalls within the fusing nip it can then create a jam within the machine presenting a serious reliability problem which may require a serviceman to repair. In addition, although the transparency might not actually become stalled in the fusing nip it's trajectory through the transport path may be altered so that it can create a jam further downstream in the transport path.
It has previously been proposed to solve this problem by increasing the roughness of the surface of the pressure roll to provide additional frictional forces by manually or machine sanding the surface of the pressure roll during its manufacture to thereby provide adequate feeding of transparencies. However, when plain paper is fed or transported through the fuser nip it quickly wears away the roughened pressure roll surface to a smooth surface and the copier performance once again deteriorates to the point where it does not feed transparencies reliably. In addition, the roughened pattern formed by the manual or machine sanding of the surface, which typically is done in a pattern such as a helical pattern, interferes with the duplex capability of the printer in that the pattern on the pressure roll may be offset to the printed first copy side of the duplex print.


A breather chamber is located in a blow-by gas passage to separate oil from blow-by gas. A partitioning member partitions the interior of the breather chamber into a plurality of spaces. The partitioning member is arranged such that the spaces extend along the flowing direction of the blow-by gas and that an adjacent pair of the spaces are connected at ends in the flowing direction. A separating member is provided in at least one of the spaces. The separating member obstructs the flow of the blow-by gas in the associated space, thereby separating oil from the blow-by gas. Therefore, oil is separated from the blow-by gas securely and is prevented from being brought out of the breather chamber.

The present invention relates to the structure of a breather chamber for separating oil drips and oil mist from blow-by gas, which accompanies the operation of internal combustion engine. This invention also pertains to an internal combustion engine.
In a reciprocating engine in which the reciprocating motions of pistons are converted by a crank mechanism into rotary motions, blow-by gas (unburnt gas mixture and combustion gas) leaks from combustion chambers through the gaps between the pistons and cylinders. For this reason, the blow-by gas is usually returned through the air intake line into the combustion chambers to be re-combusted.
In order to prevent oil drips and oil mist contained in blow-by gas from riding on the flow of blow-by gas and being discharged, the engine is equipped with a mechanism for separating oil drips and oil mist from blow-by gas. One of such mechanisms is disclosed as a "breather device for engine" in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 3025861.
In this breather device, a valve hole is bored in a valve holder separating plate between an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. To the outlet chamber side face of the valve holder separating plate is fitted an oil separating valve, consisting of a leaf spring, for opening and closing the valve hole. To the inlet chamber side face of the valve holder separating plate is fitted a valve hole cover, and this valve hole cover is further shielded by a throttle forming case. This structure causes part of the blow-by gas to flow through a gas passage consisting of "a section between the throttle forming case and valve hole cover", "a section between the valve hole cover and valve holder separating plate", and "the valve hole". Furthermore, intake-throttle gaps are formed in a plurality of positions on the way of the gas passage, and part of the blow-by gas flows into the gas passage via these intake-throttle gaps.
This breather device is designed to separate most of oil drips and oil mist in blow-by gas before they reach the oil separating valve by having the blow-by gas go through the gas passage and the intake-throttle gaps. It is intended to eliminate the trouble that oil sticking to the circumference of the valve hole have the oil separating valve stick tightly to the circumference of the valve hole, and also intended to eliminate the trouble that the pressure rise abruptly opens the oil separating valve and its opening force causes separated oil sticking to the circumference of the valve hole to burst into the outlet chamber.
References on the prior art relating to the present invention include, in addition to the Japanese Patent Publication No. 3025861 cited above, the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-140626, Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 6-8717 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-45749.
However, in the breather device described in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 3025861, when the pressure in the inlet chamber rises sufficiently to overcome the pressing force of the oil separating valve, this oil separating valve opens. This opening of the valve causes the valve hole to be opened to let blow-by gas burst into the outlet chamber through the valve hole. On the other hand, when the bursting out of the blow-by gas reduces the pressure in the inlet chamber, the oil separating valve closes. Such opening and closing of the oil separating valve generate pressure pulsation in the inlet chamber. As the pressure pulsation makes the pressure within the gas passage lower than the pressure outside the gas passage at the inlet chamber, blow-by gas bursts into the gas passage through the intake-throttle gaps. The narrower these gaps, the higher the velocity of this bursting in. As a result, oil mist and the like in the blow-by gas is carried to the valve hole by the high velocity blow-by gas, and oil mist stick to the circumference of the valve hole, and there still remains the problem that oil mist and the like burst into the outlet chamber with the opening of the oil separating valve and are brought out into the intake line.

Breather chamber structure for internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine


One apparatus embodiment includes a patterned electrically conductive layer, a power source, and an actuator. The power source provides an electrical signal to the electrically conductive layer. The monitoring unit monitors the electrical signal and initiates an action based upon a change in the electrical signal.

There are many contexts and technological fields that involve information, materials, systems, and/or devices that should not be tampered with. For example, in some situations, if an item is interacted with, such as by touching or moving the item, the item may be damaged. For instance, sterile materials, when touched, may become contaminated based upon their interaction with an individual or object coming in contact with the materials.
In other instances, the interaction with the item may cause harm to an individual or object interacting with it. For example, in some instances an individual can come in contact with a chemical, biological, or radioactive substance that can damage the object or individual.
Additionally, in some military and/or business contexts, certain information, materials, systems, and/or devices should not be viewed or obtained by unauthorized personnel. For example, in a business context, software, firmware, biological materials, and the like, may be proprietary or contain proprietary information that may be useful to a competitor. In a military context, captured vehicles or armaments may include information, materials, systems, and/or devices that may benefit an opposing force.
In many instances, a secured enclosure is used to keep unauthorized individuals away from such items. For example, vaults and lock boxes having reinforced walls have been used to deter unauthorized individuals from accessing the contents of these enclosures. However, in some situations, such measures may not be sufficient to deter these individuals. For instance, when a vehicle is captured by an opposing force, the force may be able to take a long period of time and have tools on hand to overcome such security measures. Additionally, in these situations, the occupants have been restrained such that they cannot destroy the sensitive items being protected. Therefore, if the opposing force overcomes the security measures, the items will likely still be intact for study and/or use.


There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body, a drum cartridge attachable to and detachable from the main body and including a photosensitive drum, a developing agent cartridge attachable to and detachable from the main body and containing a developing agent to be supplied to the photosensitive drum, and an exposure unit configured to expose a surface of the photosensitive drum. The main body includes a drum cartridge guide which is configured to guide the drum cartridge such that the drum cartridge passes above the exposure unit, when the drum cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body, and a developing cartridge guide which is configured to guide the developing agent cartridge such that the developing agent cartridge passes below the exposure unit, when the developing agent cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body.

A known image forming apparatus includes a process unit and an exposure unit. The process unit includes, for example, a photosensitive drum and a developing agent storage. The exposure unit is disposed in front of the process unit and is configured to expose a surface of the photosensitive drum with light. The process unit is attachable to and detachable from a main body of the image forming apparatus via an upper portion of the main body.


Oxidation treatments by ionic bombardment or post-discharge result in the formation on the surface of passivatable metals and alloys of a layer of oxide having a thickness of a few micrometers which protects the substrates from subsequent corrosion. The gas activated by the electric discharge is put in contact with the surface of the part (2) to be oxidized, which is brought to a temperature of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. The treatment may be employed in particular for forming a protective covering on an element or a complete framework composed of a zirconium alloy of a fuel assembly of a water-cooled nuclear reactor.

The fuel assemblies of nuclear reactors cooled by water under pressure or boiling water are formed by combustible elements termed rods, maintained in a rigid framework so as to constitute a cluster in which the rods are disposed in parallel relation to one another.
The fuel rods are formed by sheathing tubes, generally of zirconium alloy, for example Zircaloy 4, enclosing pellets of uranium oxide or sintered plutonium stacked one on top of the other in the axial direction of the tube. The tube is sealed by plugs of zirconium alloy and the sintered fuel pellets are placed inside the tube in an inert gas atmosphere under pressure.
The framework of the assembly is generally constituted by transverse spacer grids for maintaining the rods in a regular network and by longitudinal guide tubes rigidly fixed to the spacer grids in the region of certain cells reserved for the passage of the guide tubes.
The fuel assembly is generally closed at its ends by end members fixed to the ends of the guide tubes.
Most of the elements of the framework of the fuel assemblies of water-cooled reactors are made from zirconium alloy.
The elements for regulating and stopping the nuclear reactor comprise, as the case may be, sheathed or unsheathed bars of alloyed or non-alloyed hafnium sliding in the guide tubes of the assembly.
In the nuclear reactor in operation, the fuel assemblies are subjected to various types of corrosive attack on their surface in contact with the cooling water of the reactor or on their surface in contact with the fuel.
The sheathing tubes of the fuel elements through which there is a large thermal flow and which are in contact with the cooling water only on their outer surface are principally subjected to oxidation and to the various forms of attack due to interaction between the fuel pellets, which undergo a swelling under irradiation, and the inner surface of the tube.
The elements constituting the framework, and in particular the guide tubes which are in contact with the cooling water on both sides and through which there is no large thermal flow, undergo principally a hydridation under the action of the hydrogen which is formed upon contact at high temperature between the cooling water and the zirconium constituting the principal element of the components of the assembly, in accordance with the reaction: EQU Zr+2H O.fwdarw.ZrO.sub.2 +2H.sub.2.
A part of the hydrogen formed by this reaction is fixed by the metal constituting the components of the framework, in which it may precipitate in the form of hydride.
In the ambience of the reactor, the components of the fuel assemblies of zirconium alloy are covered with a layer of zirconium in accordance with the aforementioned chemical reaction.
The layer of zirconium formed is liable to thicken in consuming the zirconium alloy, in particular in the case of the fuel sheathing tubes. As the oxide formed is a poor heat conductor, the kinetics of the corrosion will increase with the thickness of the oxide, since this kinetic is related to the metal-oxide interface temperature. The thickness of tho metal constituting these sheathing tubes may then become insufficient to ensure that the fuel element is properly maintained position in the reactor.
Furthermore, the hydrogen formed upon oxidation of the zirconium by tile cooling water is given off in contact with the metal of the tube.
In the case of the elements constituting the framework of the assembly, the layer of zirconium formed in the presence of hydrogen on these elements does not permit limiting the diffusion of the hydrogen and therefore the hydridation.
The film of natural oxide (a few nanometers) which covers the elements of hafnium may be deteriorated by the effect of the friction of these elements against one another or against their sheathing tube. It can then no longer afford protection against hydridation by the hydrogen which comes from the primary medium and passes through the stainless steel sheathing tube. This hydridation of the hafnium results in swelling of the metal which may reach 15% in volume and require premature replacement of the affected elements.
Until now, no method was known for effectively protecting the elements constituting the fuel assemblies of water-cooled nuclear reactors, composed of zirconium alloy, or generally, another passifiable alloy or metal such as hafnium and the alloys thereof.

Process for the surface oxidation of a part composed of passivatable metal, and fuel assembly elements composed of metal alloy covered with a protective oxide layer


Missing and broken drain covers for swimming pools, spas and/or other applications expose swimmers to dangers including entrapment and evisceration. An anti-evisceration ring of this invention is attached to an opening of a sump or frame and provides a non-planar edge that prevents the formation of a vacuum by a body part and thereby preventing injuries to swimmers.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to a safety ring that provides a non-planar periphery around a drain hole that cannot be sealed against water or gas flow by a body part.
2. Discussion of Related Art
This invention relates to drain constructions located in the bottom or along the sides of a pool or hot tub through which water flows under the action of gravity or a pump that acts to suck water out of the pool.
The dangers inherent in pools and hot tubs having circulating water systems are well known and documented. For example, suction or vacuum forces frequently occur near the water drains sufficient to eviscerate and/or hold a swimmer or user fast in life threatening situations. Similarly, the entanglement or knotting of hair on or through a sump, suction line or a drain grate causes serious problems.
Domed suction entrapment covers or grates are generally mounted on cylindrical sumps, frames or mud rings that are permanently installed in the bottoms or sidewalls of swimming pools and spas. These covers constitute a first-line-of-defense against the dangers of evisceration or drowning. To prevent disembowelment, the pool and spa industry strives to maintain convex covers in situ. Anti-vortex covers are effective for preventing evisceration; flat covers are problematic.
However, as shown in FIGS. 1a & 1b, when the cover or grate is removed from a circular sump 1 or a mud ring 2, a swimmer can seal 3 the circular opening 1, 2 with a body part 4 such as a buttock, back or another body part. The seal 3 may allow a vacuum to form due to an outflow 5, 6 from the drain which may eviscerate or trap the swimmer of a pool or spa. Evisceration injuries are almost always associated with 6″ to 8″ diameter sumps with broken or missing covers. In normal pools and spas, the pumps may develop sufficient vacuum levels to eviscerate children in less than a quarter second.
A known method of dealing with the concern described above is a safety vacuum release systems (SVRS). However, known SVRS systems are not fast enough to reliably prevent evisceration. Current codes, standards and guidelines will not accept SVRS devices as anti-evisceration devices.
Accordingly there is a need for a protection device that prevents injuries that may be caused by broken or missing pool drain covers.


A new surgical cement is disclosed. This surgical cement comprises a hardened cement formed from a mixture comprising a cementing component selected from the group consisting of calcium components having a solubility in water at 25.degree. C. in the range of about 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-2 M to about 20 .times. 10.sup.-2 M and mixtures thereof; a setting component selected from the group consisting of water soluble salts of polyfunctional carboxylic acids containing 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, water soluble dibasic phosphate salts and mixtures thereof; and water in an amount effective to form a paste from the mixture which paste hardens into said hardened cement which is biocompatible.

This invention relates to surgical cements derived from calcium sulfate components in combination with certain setting components. More particularly, the present invention relates to surgical cements formed from calcium sulfate components as cementing components and certain soluble salts as setting components. These cements have been found to have controllable setting times and good manipulation characteristics. Potential applications of these cements include use in or as bone cements, dental cements, bone graft materials, bone substitutes, bone fillers, drug delivery systems and binders for granule forms of bioceramic materials.
In the last two decades, many artificial hard tissue implant materials have been made. Among these, bioglass and bioceramics, such as hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate, have excellent biocompatibility. Most of the bioglass and bioceramics for medical applications are prepared either in granule form or block form. The granule form has mobility problems and relatively poor manipulation characteristics, while the block form is quite brittle and difficult to shape. Many attempts have been made to solve the above-noted problems. Among the materials considered have been Plaster of Paris, collagen, different types of calcium phosphate grout or cement, polylactates and polyacrylate cements. None of these materials is completely acceptable.
The surgeon is most interested in implant materials that can be shaped and hardened in situ. Ideally, a useful surgical cement or binder system for hard tissue applications should have the following characteristics: good biocompatibility, a suitable resorption rate, be moldable at the surgical site, and have a controllable setting time with good setting characteristics.
Most developed surgical cements and binder systems have disadvantages. For example, collagenhydroxyapatite and polylactate-hydroxyapatite composites can only be made as premolded shapes and cannot be molded at the surgical site. Plaster of Paris has reasonable setting characteristics but the resorption rate is too fast. Polyacrylate cement is nonresorbable. Polyacrylic acid-calcium phosphate cement is not resorbable and the setting cement is too acidic. Most of the calcium phosphate grouts or cements are prepared by the reaction of calcium phosphate ceramics with an acidic component. See, for example, Bajpai U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,295. In general, these cements are disadvantageously acidic in nature. These calcium phosphate grouts or cements either lack satisfactory mechanical strength or are resorbed too slowly.
It would clearly be advantageous to provide new surgical cements.


The present invention provides a record sheet used in an electro-coagulation printing method for forming characters and images on a cylinder as an electrode with an ink which coagulates with electric charge and for transferring the characters and images to the record sheet, wherein the wet time is 15 milliseconds or less, obtained from the absorption curve of pure water measured by a dynamic scanning absorptometer. Preferably, the record sheet has 5 ml/m.sup.2 s.sup.-1/2 or more absorption coefficient, and more preferably, has contact ratio measured by a specular reflection smoothness tester under a pressure of 40 kg/cm.sup.2 with a ray having a wavelength of 0.5 .mu.m is 40% or more. The record sheet can be used for various print sheets, in particular, for business form sheets and newspaper sheets.

The present invention relates to a record sheet used in the electro-coagulation printing method for forming an ink layer representing an image of desired characters, pictures, and so forth on a cylinder which constitutes an electrode using an ink which coagulates with electric charge, in particular, to a record sheet for allowing characters and images to be formed with high quality.

Record sheet used in electro-coagulation printing method


A method of processing a non-real time (NRT) service in a broadcast receiver is disclosed where the method includes receiving signaling information including the NRT service information and access information which indicates files of a content item can be accessed by Internet, receiving File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport (FLUTE) files through a FLUTE session, wherein File Delivery Table (FDT) instance of the FLUTE session for each file belonging to the content item includes information for content location of the file, the information for content location including an Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and providing the NRT service using the files belonging to the content item, wherein the files are accessed through the Internet using the URL indicated in the information for content location of the file or accessed through a storage in the broadcast receiver.

The present invention relates to a signaling method for a service type of a service transmitted by non-real time (hereinafter abbreviated NRT) and detailed information on the service through a broadcast network and an operation of an NRT receiver for receiving to process the corresponding information, and more particularly, to a broadcast receiver and a method for providing NRT service by accessing the files associated with the NRT content. Although the present invention is suitable for a wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for the receiver to obtain additional information on the corresponding NRT service using the service relevant signaling information, determine how to process and output the corresponding service to a user and determine an operation of an associated application module.

Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus configured to engage a device for testing the device via automatic test equipment. The apparatus includes a heat sink, wherein the heat sink comprises a plurality of fins extending from the heat sink, and wherein the heat sink is configured to engage the device. The apparatus further includes a heat conduction layer coupled to the heat sink, a first leg coupled to the heat conduction layer, and a second leg coupled to the heat conduction layer. The second leg is spaced apart from the first leg. A vacuum path is defined through (i) the heat conduction layer and (ii) the heat sink. The vacuum path permits the apparatus to engage the device to be tested by the automatic test equipment.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
When testing small micro-electronic devices such as, for example, chips, semiconductor dies, etc., the device under test is generally tested in automatic test equipment. The device under test is picked up automatically by an apparatus that engages the device under test and applies a vacuum to hold the device under test in place. The device under test is moved to a testing socket of the automatic test equipment and coupled to the testing socket. The device under test is then subjected to various testing procedures and operations.
When performing the test procedures, it is desirable to stress the device under test to ensure that the device under test's physical characteristics can withstand various environments. Thus, the device under test is generally tested under high ambient temperatures such as, for example, approximately 90 degrees Celsius. When operating, the device under test generates an internal temperature of approximately 35 degrees Celsius. Thus, during the testing procedures, the device under test is subjected to approximately 125 degrees Celsius, which is the sum of the ambient temperature and the internal operating temperature of the device under test. However, every device is generally different and can thus create higher or lower internal operating temperatures. Thus, it can be difficult to create and maintain an overall testing environment temperature of 125 degrees Celsius. While it is desirable to stress the device under test, it is not desirable to subject the device under test to temperatures that are too high since it can cause damage to the device under test and thus, lead to failure of the device under test.

Heat sink blade pack for device under test testing


An adjustable tension knee brace for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower rigid posterior portion, anterior straps, and a tension adjustable geared hinge assembly. Four embodiments are disclosed of hinge assemblies useable with the knee brace, or other types of braces. The hinge assemblies comprise: two subunits housing intermeshed gears, and at least one elastic band extending between the hinge subunits over a cam surface above the gears. In three embodiments, U-shaped connectors secure the subunits and gears together, and the subunits may comprise a user mechanism that adjusts the elastic band's tension and thus the amount of weight unloaded, then releases it. Another embodiment comprises a core bracket to protect the band(s) and a mechanism to compress the elastic band at various points to increase the amount of tension, and with a quick release mechanism.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by chronic deterioration of the joint cartilage and the underlying bone. In particular, the patellofemoral compartment is one of the most frequent points of knee pain. Unloading braces have been used as inexpensive therapeutic solutions for knee OA; however, they are largely ineffective in preventing and reducing pain. Therefore, the main aim of the various embodiments of the present invention is to design an unloading knee brace that reduces pain on a knee joint afflicted with OA.
Arthritis is currently the most common cause of disability among adults in the United States. More than one hundred different rheumatic conditions fall under arthritis, the most common of which is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease marked by a chronic deterioration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. OA is one of the most common joint disorders in the United States, and the number of those afflicted is only projected to increase in the midst of an aging population and increasing levels of obesity. Twenty-seven million adults in the U.S. alone are affected by the disease. As the most typical type of arthritis, the disorder has commonly affected the knee, and the patellofemoral (PF) compartment within the knee joint in particular has been one of the most frequent points of knee pain in the outpatient setting. The PF compartment, seen in FIG. 1, performs a key role in daily movement and activity, enabling mobility over a large range of motion through flexion, extension, and rotation of its associated components. One of the most non-invasive and widely accepted methods for prevention of further deterioration of the articular cartilage within the knee joint is by using a knee brace. The joint itself, including its underlying cartilage, can only support a certain amount of force before the cartilage begins to wear away, and unloading knee braces decrease the amount of force on the joint.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans develop symptoms due to knee OA by the age of 85, and the incidence rate for PF pain syndrome has been reported to be approximately 22 adults for every 1000 adults per year. In addition, up to 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from pain and loss of function from patella arthritis and cartilage wear. The high prevalence of these injuries suggests that the condition affects a significantly large portion of the adult population and will have a growing impact on healthcare systems in the future. On average, total knee arthroplasty, or knee replacement surgery, costs between $10,000 and $30,000, and over 600,000 surgeries are performed each year. Other surgical procedures such as articular cartilage restoration, osteotomy, and uni-compartmental knee replacement, as well as corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections to reduce inflammation and absorb shock, respectively, are also very expensive. Thus, preventative treatments that reduce the amount of stress, pressure, and invasive procedures on the knee are necessary for improving the quality of life for patients and for reducing potential medical costs.
In addition, robust braces enable those with severe joint injuries to remain active when joint replacement is not appropriate. It is estimated that 27 million adults in the U.S. are suffering from osteoarthritis, and 454,652 patients with severe joint injuries and arthritis received knee replacement surgeries in 2004. Currently, nonpharmacological approaches, such as physical therapy, and pharmacological methods are primarily used to treat knee OA. When these are proven to be ineffective, the treatment method culminates to surgery, and drawbacks involve internal joint bleeding, bone healing failure, nerve or tissue damage, and infection. Thus, the development of a knee brace that significantly unloads force on afflicted joints, prevents pain and disability, and does not require many other treatments in conjunction is necessary to address the challenges associated with establishing a purely non-pharmacological, orthotic approach to treating knee OA. The main aim of the various embodiments of the prevent disclosure is to develop a knee brace that significantly unloads force from the patellofemoral compartment of a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis in order to relieve pain and disability.


An image projecting apparatus is provided to project a real image of an object to be displayed while obscuring the object from view by an observer located exteriorly of the image projecting apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing (12) having an interior and a view area (14) for the real image. First and second reflective surfaces (40, 50), such as mirrors, are disposed in the housing. The first reflective surf (40) must be concave of a variety of geometric shapes. The second reflective surface (50) may be concave or, alternatively, planar. A masking member is interposed between the object and the view area. The second reflective surface can define the masking member. The first and second reflective surfaces are arranged at an acute angle to each other.

This invention broadly relates to optical imaging. More particularly, however, the present invention concerns an optical display apparatus that may be employed to create a real image in space which real image may be viewed by an observer. The present invention particularly concerns an apparatus that produces a real image of an object but that prevents view of the object itself.
A variety of devices have been used in past to create images in space. In such devices, a variety of mirrors have been used to project an image of object so it appears that the object is at a location where it is not. Naturally, such devices can be used to present dramatic advertising effects.
An example of such an optical display device is shown is U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,357 issued May 10, 1994 to Summer et al. In the ""357 patent, a pair of concave mirrors are placed in a clam-shell configuration, so that the virtual image created by one mirror is reflected by the other mirror to create a real image that projects at least partially out of a view opening. In another embodiment of this invention, two mirrors are parallel to one another but are staggered to create the same effect.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,750 issued Feb. 7, 1989 to Welck, a real image projection system again employs a clam-shell configuration of two facing curvilinear mirrors. Alternatively, one of the mirrors can be replaced by a reflective surface that creates a reflection of the other mirror to provide a curvilinear virtual reflective expanse. Each mirror has its vertex coincident with the focal point of the other mirror.
The disadvantage of the prior art optical imaging devices resides in the location of the object relative to the viewing opening. Typically, the object must be placed between the median planes of the mirrors (as defined by the planes containing their respective peripheral edges) or otherwise projected to a location between the median planes between the mirrors. In so doing, it is possible for an observer located exteriorly of the projection system to see the actual object through the view opening. This detracts from the overall appearance and effectiveness of the display.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved optical imaging apparatus where in an image of an object is projected either in or through a viewing area while at the same time the object itself is masked from view.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved optical system that enhances the clarity of a real image projected from an object.
According to the present invention, then, an image projecting apparatus whereby an observer located exteriorly of the image projecting apparatus can see an image of an object placed therein. Broadly, the imaging projecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing that defines an enclosure. The housing has an interior and an object support area that is adapted to receive an object to be displayed. The housing has a front portion having a view region viewable by an observer located exteriorly of the housing.
A concave first reflective surface is disposed in the housing and is oriented to receive light from the object and is operative to produce a virtual image of the object when the object is placed on this object support area. A second reflective surface is also disposed in the housing. The second reflective surface is oriented to reflect the virtual image produced by the first reflective surface as a real image of the object. The second reflective surface projects the real image into the view area. A masking member is also disposed in the housing and is interposed between the object support area of the view region such that the object cannot be viewed directly through the view region by the observer.
The first reflective surface defines a curvilinear surface area that can be selected from a group consisting of spiracle surfaces, parabolic surfaces, cylindrical surfaces and double cylindrical surfaces. Preferably, these reflective surfaces are sections of geometric shells of geometric shapes described above. The second reflective surface can take any of these same shapes but can also be a planar reflective surface, i.e., a planar mirror.
In the preferred invention, a light source is disposed in the interior of the housing and is located to illuminate an object placed on the object support area. To this end, also, a baffle panel may be disposed in the housing and positioned to prevent direct view of the light source by the observer. An opaque shroud may be employed and may be disposed in the interior of the housing to surround the view region in order to isolate the view region from that portion of the housing interior located outside of the housing. The shroud has an opening oriented such that the real image is projected through the opening and into the view region.
The masking member may be a suitable sized and positioned panel or, alternatively, may be defined by the second reflective surface. In order to allow the displayed object to be changed, an access panel is provided to the housing interior with this access panel being movable between open and closed position.
Preferably, the first reflective surface has a first peripheral edge, a first median plane containing the first peripheral edge and a center. Likewise, the second reflective surface has a second peripheral edge, a second median plane containing the second peripheral edge and a center. The first median plane is preferably oriented at an acute angle with respect to the second median plane, with this angle being in a range of about 25xc2x0 to 80xc2x0, inclusive. The center of the first reflective surface is offset rearwardly of the center of the second reflective surface, and a portion of the first reflective surface is preferably rearwardly offset from a rear portion of the second peripheral edge. The object support area is located within a geometric projection of the second peripheral edge and behind the second reflective surface.
Preferably, the image projecting apparatus is adapted to be supported on a support surface. The housing is such that the second median plane may be oriented at an angle of 0xc2x0 to 20xc2x0 with respect to a horizontal plane with the first and second reflective surfaces being suitably supported by the housing for their relative orientation to the horizontal plane and to each other. Thus, the first and second median planes are preferably oriented at an angle of about 25xc2x0 to 40xc2x0 with respect to one another. With this configuration, the first reflective surface is located at the back of the housing and reflects light forwardly and downwardly therein while the second mirror is located forwardly in the housing and reflects light from the first mirror upwardly and forwardly into the view.
These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:


A turret mooring system for a vessel which includes a concrete hull and a moonpool which extends generally vertically through the hull comprises a turret which is positioned in the moonpool, an upper bearing substructure which is mounted to the hull proximate an upper end of the moonpool, and an upper bearing which includes a non-rotatable part that is connected to an upper end portion of the turret and a rotatable part that is connected to the upper bearing substructure. Thus, the turret is rotatably connected to the hull via the upper bearing and the upper bearing substructure.

The present invention relates to a mooring system for a floating production, storage and offloading vessel ("FPSO" or "FSO"). More specifically, the invention relates to a mooring system for an FPSO which comprises a concrete hull.
FPSO's are used to produce, store, and offload hydrocarbons from subsea wells. A typical FPSO includes a relatively large floating hull which has a moonpool that extends vertically through the hull. The FPSO is normally moored to the sea floor using a mooring turret which is disposed in the moonpool and secured to the sea floor with a number of anchor chains. In addition, the turret is often rotatably connected to the vessel in order to allow the vessel to weathervane about the turret in response to wind or current affects.
Concrete has long been a preferred material for submerged or partially submerged fixed structures because of its low cost and inherent corrosion resistance. In addition, although concrete has been used as a hull material for floating transport vessels, such as conventional ships and barges, steel is preferred for these applications since steel vessels typically have a smaller displacement and therefore a greater fuel economy. However, because FPSO's remain essentially stationary during normal use, fuel economy is not an issue. Therefore, concrete is considered a viable alternative for FPSO hulls. Furthermore, concrete hulls can be constructed at limited facilities on the coasts and in the protected waters of undeveloped countries, where conventional steel shipyards normally do not exist.

Turret mooring system for concrete hull vessel


A method of monitoring a plurality of servers is disclosed. The method comprises a centralized provisioning system (CPS) server receiving emails from a plurality of provisioning servers, wherein the emails are auto-generated by the provisioning servers. The method comprises the CPS server transferring the emails to an email account. The method comprises a CPS email process (CEP) server accessing the emails in the email account, wherein the emails are one or more of a variety of emails. The method comprises the CEP server analyzing the emails, wherein the CEP server analyzes the subject, the time stamp, and the source of each email. The method comprises, the CEP server transferring each of the emails to a plurality of lists based on its analysis. The method comprises the CEP server generating a summary email for each list. The method further comprises the CEP server sending the summary emails to a designated recipient.

Applications are mounted and executed on a computer that may be referred to as a "server computer." Sometimes, server computers receive and service requests from other applications called clients. Server computers may periodically capture and monitor application system logs for system metrics, e.g. central processing unit (CPU) use, memory use, or communication interface use. Periodically, server computers may generate emails related to logs and metrics and send those emails to another system or a system administrator. These emails that are sent by one system to another may be referred to as logs, notifications, information emails, alarms, etc. Sometimes, these emails may make indication of issues of priority, severity, or importance.

Autogenerated email summarization process


The present invention comprises a holster for securing a PTT switch to a user that employs a single piece body having opposed top and bottom sides connected by a generally curved side to define a switch chamber. The invention further includes a portion of hook-and-loop fabric secured to the bottoms side for engaging a complementary fabric and a protective tab extending outwardly from said top side for protecting the PTT switch from inadvertent activation.

Prior art push-to-talk mobile communication systems (hereinafter 'PTT") commonly utilized by the U.S. Military are typically equipped with holsters or holders that envelop and support a PTT switch. PTT switches permit a user to depress a pushbutton to open a "live microphone" to talk to others similarly equipped and operating on the same communications channel. These PTT holsters are usually equipped with a conventional metal clip that is snapped or secured to a user's gear at a location that permits quick access to the PTT switch. Simultaneously, these PTT holsters must protect the switch from inadvertent activation, which may leave a "hot mic" at inopportune moments.
These prior art PTT systems suffer from several disadvantages. Initially, the clips used to secure PTT holsters to a users' gear are not configured to permit the user to secure the holster on either side of their person. For example, most clips are "alligator" type clips configured to clip the holster to a user's right side and don't have any provision for left-handed mounting. As a result, many military personnel simply remove the standard clips and use zip-ties or rubber bands to secure the PTT holster to their gear at an advantageous location.
Additionally, once conventional holsters are secured to gear, either using the standard clips or via zip-ties or rubber bands, it is cumbersome to relocate the PTT holster should it become necessary since they are more or less permanently secured to the gear. In many applications, the user would prefer to mount the PTT switch and holster in an orientation that is simply not possible when using prior art holsters and clips.
Accordingly, based on the foregoing it is readily seen that there is a significant need in the art for a PTT holster for securing a PTT switch to a user or his gear that is readily properly oriented in a plurality of locations, simple to deploy, and quick to secure that overcomes the problems abundantly apparent in the prior art.


A method for removing residual xylene from sutures includes contacting the suture with water either subjecting the suture to an atmosphere containing water vapor or be immersing the suture in liquid water, followed by drying the suture.

Many synthetic materials are presently used as surgical sutures. These materials may be used as single filament strands, i.e., monofilament sutures, or as multifilament strands in a braided, twisted or other type of multifilament construction. Synthetic sutures have been made from materials such as polypropylene, nylon, polyamide, polyethylene, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, and segmented polyether-ester block copolymers. In addition, absorbable synthetic sutures have been prepared from synthetic polymers such as polymers containing glycolide, lactide, dioxanone and/or trimethylene carbonate.
Natural materials have also been used to make sutures. For example, silk has been used to make nonabsorbable sutures. As another example, catgut sutures are absorbable sutures made from a natural material.
Sutures used for the repair of body tissues are placed in intimate contact with the tissue and, frequently, completely within the body. Thus, sutures may not contain components that are irritating to body tissue. Accordingly, any tissue-irritating components used during manufacture of the suture must be stringently removed from the suture prior to use.
For example, ethylene oxide has been used to sterilize sutures and other surgical devices. However, since ethylene oxide is an irritant to human tissue, stringent removal of any residual ethylene oxide is required before the suture packages are sealed.
As another example, xylene has been used in the processing of suture material as a solvent for suture coating materials employed to improve the handling characteristics such as knot-run-down to reduce frictional chatter and fraying. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,187,752 xylene is used as a solvent for applying polymeric silicone to a braided silk suture. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,637 a poly (p-dioxanone) braided suture is coated with a gelatinous dispersion of calcium stearate in xylene.
Xylene is not soluble in water and is irritating to human body tissue. Thus, if xylene is used (e.g., as a solvent) at any point in a process for making a surgical device, any residual xylene must be removed prior to use, preferably prior to packaging.
It would be desirable to provide an easy and efficient method for removing residual xylene from a suture or other surgical device.