A switching circuit is used for switching a plurality of antennas of an antenna module so that the antenna module has a plurality of modes of use. Each mode of use uses two antennas for radiating a transmitting signal generating by a signal processing unit or sending a received signal to the signal processing unit. The switching circuit includes a plurality of power dividing modules, a plurality of switches and a control unit for controlling on/off of the switches. A mode of use is selected so as to pass the signal, through the switches and the power dividing modules, to the antennas for being radiated. The signal received by the antennas is transmitted to the signal processing unit also through the power dividing modules and switches. The control method determines the mode of use of the antenna module. At first, select a mode of use of the antenna module and switch to the selected mode. Next monitor signal throughput of the switched mode. Then compare the throughput value with a threshold value. If the throughput value is lower than the threshold value, another mode of use is selected.

The present invention relates to an antenna module, especially to a switching circuit and a control method of the antenna module that improves efficiency of the antenna module.
Due to fast development of wireless technology, the function of wireless devices are dramatically improved so that people's lives are more convenient. For example, wireless network devices avoid the problem of general network devices that are restricted by wires. Without antennas, wireless network devices such as access points or client stations can't transmit or receive information. Therefore, antennas play a key role in wireless network devices.
Nowadays the antenna module is disposed with a switching circuit for switching a plurality of antennas arranged thereof and thus providing various modes of use of wireless network devices. The switching circuit includes a plurality of switches coupled between a signal processing unit and antennas. A transmitting signal generated by the signal processing unit passes the switches and then sends to the antenna for transmission. A signal received by the antenna also passes through the switches and arrives at the signal processing unit for reception. A control unit controls on/off of the switches. Thus through the control unit, the antenna of the antenna module intended to use is selected.
However, while switching the antenna of the antenna module, conventional switching circuit can only switch to one antenna so that there are limited modes of use for antenna module. For example, there is an antenna module with four antennas, only four modes of use are provided. Moreover, due to limited gain of each antenna, if only one antenna is used, the maximum effective isotropic radiated power and receive sensitivity are restricted. Thus the performance of wireless network devices is also affected.
Therefore there is a need to provide a switching circuit and a control method of an antenna module with a plurality of modes of use so as to increase gain of the mode for improving efficiency of the antenna module and further enhancing performance of the embedded wireless network devices.

Switching circuit and control method of antenna module


A compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments incorporates a beam splitting cube in the eyepiece optical space and advantageously provides an objective image focal length substantially twice that of the physical length of the instrument optical components. Through the use of some of the same optical elements in both the image viewing pathway as well as the laser transmission pathway, a relatively long transmission focal length is provided which saves in both physical instrument space and component cost while also allowing for the use of reasonably sized photodiodes with improved power output over that of previous designs.

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of distance measuring equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments.
Representative implementations of optical pathways for various optical instruments, including laser-based rangefinders, are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,504 issuing May 22, 2001 for "Method and Device for Adjusting Eye Range by Means of Displacements of Prisms and Ocular Lenses"; U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,314 issuing Sep. 18, 2001 for "Prism System for Image Inversion in a Visual Observation Beam Path"; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,894 issuing Feb. 5, 2002 for: "Optical Axis Adjusting Structure for a Range Finder". Designs representing decided improvements over those described in the aforementioned patents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,073 for: "Efficient Optical System and Beam Pathway Design for Laser-Based Distance Measuring Device" and U.S. Pat. No. 7,450,282 for: "High Precision Optical System and Beam Pathway Design for a Laser-Based Distance Measuring Device", both assigned to Laser Technology, Inc., Englewood, Colo., and Kama-Tech (HK) Limited, Hong Kong, China assignees of the present invention, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by this reference in their entirety.
While generally representative of the current state of the art in such designs, the aforementioned '504, '314, and '894 patents all describe systems of lenses and prisms which are relatively complex to implement, space inefficient, as well as costly to manufacture, assemble and align. Therefore, a need exists for a compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments which provides significant advantages over conventional designs while nevertheless providing an accurate foundation for a compact, professional rangefinder having excellent beam transmission/reception and optical properties for use in surveying or other demanding range-finding applications.

Compact folded signal transmission and image viewing pathway design and visual display technique for laser rangefinding instruments


An evaporator having front and rear heat exchange assemblies arranged at air inlet and outlet sides, respectively, and adjacent to each other. Each heat exchange assembly includes a pair of upper and lower headers, and multiple refrigerant channels each having upper and lower ends connected to the upper header and lower headers. The upper and lower headers are internally provided with vertical partitions for internally dividing the headers into portions arranged laterally to reverse the direction of upward or rearward flow of a refrigerant through the refrigerant channels of the rear heat exchange assembly every specified number of refrigerant channels, and thereby provide at least one group of upward refrigerant channels in each of left and right halves of the rear heat exchange assembly. The evaporator can be used in a motor vehicle air conditioner.

In the case of motor vehicle air conditioners, the air cooled by the evaporator is forced out of a plurality of air vents into the interior of the vehicle. Usually for introduction into the interior of the vehicle, the portion of air passing through the left half of the evaporator flows out of the vent at the left (e.g. as opposed to the driver's seat), and the portion of air passing through the right half of the evaporator flows out of the vent at the right (e.g. as opposed to the passenger seat). Accordingly, if there is a temperature difference between the former portion of air and the latter portion of air, the riders are likely to feel discomfort. This problem becomes more pronounced since there is in recent years a tendency for the distance between the evaporator and the air vent to become smaller. The air temperature difference appears markedly with an increase in the lateral dimension of the evaporator.
To enable the left and right halves of the evaporator to provide air of uniform temperature, various refrigerant flow patterns have heretofore been contrived for use in evaporators. FIG. 13 shows an example of pattern. The illustrated evaporator 500 comprises a front heat exchange assembly 500A and a rear heat exchange assembly 500B which are adjacent to each other. Each of the heat exchange assemblies 500A, 500B comprises a pair of upper and lower horizontal headers 502 extending laterally, and a multiplicity of vertical refrigerant channels 503 arranged laterally at a spacing and each having an upper end connected to the upper header 502 and a lower end connected to the lower header 502. A refrigerant inlet 504 is provided at the left end of the upper header 502 of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B, and a refrigerant outlet 505 is provided at the left end of the upper header 502 of the front heat exchange assembly 500A. The upper headers 502 of the front and rear heat exchange assemblies 500A, 500B communicate with each other through communication tube portions 506 at portions thereof toward their right ends. The upper header 502 of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B is internally divided into two left and right portions by a vertical partition 502A so that the refrigerant flows downward through the channels 503 of the left half of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B, with the refrigerant flowing upward through the channels 503 of the right half of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B.
The upper header 502 of the front heat exchange assembly 500A is internally divided into two left and right portions by a vertical partition 502A so that the refrigerant flows downward through the channels 503 of the right half of the front heat exchange assembly 500A, with the refrigerant flowing upward through the channels 503 of he left half of the front heat exchange assembly 500A.
With the evaporator 500 of FIG. 13, the left half of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B wherein the refrigerant temperature is lowest, and the left half of the front heat exchange assembly 500A wherein the refrigerant temperature is highest are adjacent to each other along the direction of flow of air. Further the right half of the rear heat exchange assembly 500B wherein the refrigerant temperature is second lowest, and the right half of the front heat exchange assembly 500A wherein the refrigerant temperature is second highest are adjacent to each other along the direction of flow of air. Consequently, the portions of air A passing through the left and right halves respectively become substantially uniform in temperature.
With the evaporator 500 described, however, the portions of air A passing through the respective left and right halves of the evaporator 500 fail to become uniform in temperature to produce a temperature difference between the air portions forced out of the left and right vents respectively, when the clutch mechanism of the compressor is automatically disengaged, namely, when the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator 500 is temporarily halted, in order to prevent overcooling of air.
An object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator, for example, for use in motor vehicle air conditioners which provides air of uniform temperature as passed through the left and right halves thereof even when the clutch mechanism of the compressor is disengaged and which is therefore free of the likelihood of giving discomfort to the riders.

Evaporator and vehicle provided with refrigeration cycle having the same


A method for faster determination of physical parameters (capillary pressure curves and relative permeabilities for example) of a geologic sample initially saturated with a first fluid placed in a vessel and subjected to centrifugation in the presence of a second fluid. The equilibrium saturations are determined before complete stabilization is reached through analytic modelling involving exponential functions, best adjusting to an effective production curve, for each speed stage. A database, obtained by means of various simulations, is used to obtain the relative permeability curves corresponding to the centrifuged sample. The method can be applied for measurement of petrophysical characteristics.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a modelling method allowing more rapid obtaining of physical parameters of a geologic sample from experimental results obtained by subjecting the sample to centrifugation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A well-known method for rapidly determining both the capillary pressure curves and the relative permeability curves of a porous rock sample initially saturated with a first fluid essentially consists in subjecting the sample to centrifugation in order to displace the fluid in place by means of another fluid.
Centrifugation devices such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,894, French Patent 2,763,690, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,985 filed by the Assignee are for example used.
The sample initially saturated with a liquid A (brine for example) is placed in an elongate vessel or cup containing another fluid B of different density (oil for example). The vessel is fastened to the end of a rotating arm and a centrifugal force is applied thereto so as to study the displacements of the fluids in the sample during at least two distinct stages. During a first drainage stage, the assembly is subjected to a centrifugal force exerted along the length of the vessel so as to exert thereon an expulsion force which tends to cause part of first fluid A to flow out. Simultaneously, part of fluid A penetrates the sample. The two fluids move in the sample to a position of equilibrium where the force due to the capillary pressure in the pores makes up for the centrifugal force exerted. A measuring sonde is placed in the vessel, on the side of the sample. The sonde can be a capacitive type sonde for example, and it can comprise a metal rod insulated by means of a ceramic sheath. The capacitance between the rod and the conducting fluid (brine), which is proportional to the height immersed, is measured. With this system, the measuring accuracy is 1.5% of the pore volume. The sonde detects the position of the interface between the two liquids in the vessel and transmits the measurement signals to a signal acquisition and control device comprising hydraulic liquid circulation means and an acquisition device.
The various points of the capillary pressure curve (Pc) are obtained from measurement of the mean saturation of the sample at equilibrium for given rotating speeds. Determination of the relative permeability curves (Kr) is achieved by means of the saturation variation with time between two (transient) speed stages. None of these curves is obtained directly; the first one must be calculated and the second one requires a numerical flow simulator comprising (FIG. 11) a simulation module which reproduces the effects of the experiment by means of a numerical model, and an inversion module allowing to determine capillary pressure and relative permeability curves by iterative adjustment of an initial numerical model to the experimental results.
An example of a well-known flow simulator is the ACEX flow simulator based on Darcy""s generalized equations, which is described in:
Chardaire-Rivixc3xa8re, C.; 1992, Improving the Centrifuge Technique by Measuring Local Saturations; SPE 24882.
Although the centrifugation technique is widely used in the petroleum industry, because of its relative rapidity in relation to other existing methods, some implementation difficulties remain concerning determination of the capillary pressure curve as well as the relative permeability curves.
For a given speed stage, the transient state is difficult to determine since a very slow production stabilization is observed. Search for this equilibrium leads to long-lasting operations spread over several weeks, whose implementation presents practical difficulties, considering especially the often high rotating speed of the centrifuge. Furthermore, the time required therefore is even longer if one tries to increase the pore volume of the sample (by increasing the length thereof) in order to improve the saturation measuring accuracy.
Inversion, i.e. adjustment of a numerical model to experimental results, is difficult to achieve because the information relating to the relative permeabilities is concentrated on the transient part of the production curve, i.e. in a narrow range of experimental values. The acceleration applied to the centrifuge has a preponderant effect on the form of this transient part, notably its duration. Parallel determination of the capillary pressure curve leads to applying several constant speed stages rather than a long acceleration, which reduces the transient curves.
The modelling method according to the invention allows obtaining, with a considerable gain in time, the values of physical parameters of a geologic sample initially saturated with a first fluid placed in a vessel and subjected to centrifugation in the presence of a second fluid.
It comprises measuring the amount of fluids displaced by centrifugation and establishing saturation curves, at fixed time intervals, and comprises, for each rotating speed stage, modelling of a saturation curve best adjusting, at each time interval, to the curve portion already obtained and corresponding to the various previous measurements, the value of the saturation at equilibrium being deduced from characteristics of the modelled curve.
For each speed stage, an exponential type saturation curve is modelled by adjusting parameters, one of these parameters corresponding to the value of the saturation at equilibrium. The saturation curve is modelled for example by means of a sum of exponential functions depending on the adjustment parameters.
Centrifugation speeds allowing obtaining an even distribution of points on each saturation curve are preferably selected.
According to an embodiment, the method further comprises:
using a flow simulator for modelling a relation between the relative permeability values in relation to the two fluids for a sample of determined dimensions and permeability, and the saturation values in relation to these fluids according to various coefficients, and establishing a database connecting parameters intended for adjustment to the coefficients, for several saturation values in relation to at least one of the fluids, and
determining relative permeabilities of the sample subjected to centrifugation with reference to correspondence values extracted from the database.
The method has applications in the field of petrophysics where knowledge of parameters such as the capillary pressure, the relative permeability curves of porous rocks, allow reservoir engineers to characterize the flow conditions of hydrocarbons in a reservoir, to make production predictions and to elaborate development strategies.

Optimized method for determining physical parameters of a sample subjected to centrifugation


Tissue factor mediated reperfusion damage is inhibited in a subject by administration of tissue factor-specific monoclonal antibodies of tissue factor peptides which prevent tissue factor from binding to Factor VII/VIIa in order to modulate coagulation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the formation of blood clots and specifically to the inhibition of blood clot formation and tissue damage following reperfusion.
2. Description of Related Art
The clotting of blood involves a cascade of enzymes, cofactors, and a group of cellular and plasma proteins known as coagulation factors. Initiation of this cascade occurs when the cellular receptor, known as tissue factor (TF), binds coagulation factor VII or its derivative, factor VIIa, to form a catalytically active complex. Factors X and IX. are activated by the TF-VIIa complex, thereby catalyzing thrombin generation and fibrin formation. TF is a membrane-bound glycoprotein that is not normally found soluble in the circulation or accessible to plasma proteins including factor VII/VIIa and the other coagulation factors.
TF is the principal procoagulant in the human brain. TF has been localized to the parenchyma of the adult human cerebral cortex, where it has a diffuse distribution (Drake, et al., Am.J.Pathol., 134:1087, 1989). The appearance of TF on stimulated endothelial cells and cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage in vitro suggests a vascular association of the procoagulant, which is supported by the perivascular localization of TF antigen in non-neural tissues. Electron microscopy has demonstrated fibrin in microvessels associated with degranulated platelets/polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but not in capillaries following middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion/reperfusion (del Zoppo, et al., Stroke, 22:1276, 1991). The exposure of TF to plasma during vascular ischemia may contribute to intravascular coagulation defects.
TF, which is found predominantly in cerebral tissues and on perivascular cells, may be a contributor to the development of microvascular occlusions. In the brain, TF has a prominent perivascular distribution around non-capillary cerebral microvessels, especially in gray matter. Tissue factor is constitutively expressed on the surface of some extravascular cells in vitro including fibroblasts and certain epithelial cells that are separated from the circulating plasma proteins by basement membrane barriers. The presence of TF on these cells results in clot formation upon contact with blood and tissue damage thereby occurs.
Incomplete perfusion of the microvasculature following transient focal or global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) constitutes the "no-reflow" phenomenon. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes and platelets, in addition to other endothelium and subendothelium-related mechanisms, have been implicated in the formation of these perfusion defects. Little is known concerning the role of fibrin formation, or other consequences of local thrombin generation, in causing microvascular obstruction following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. In addition to cellular contributions to the microvascular perfusion defect following focal cerebral I/R, coagulation system activation may play a role. A role for the coagulation system in tissue damage has been suggested by studies showing the ability of the combination of heparin/ticlopidine to significantly reduce post-I/R microvascular occlusion formation and platelet deposition in a non-human primate model (del Zoppo, et al. Stroke 17(6):1254, 1986). Thus, methods which can inhibit reperfusion tissue damage would be of significant clinical value. The present invention provides such a method.

Method for inhibition of cerebral tissue factor mediated reperfusion damage


An indicator for use on a rifle to indicate from a distance that the bolt of the rifle is open, the rifle having a charging handle and a receiver, and comprising in combination a body having two forwardly extending upright rails which are laterally spaced apart; a forwardly extending base integral with the rails and from which the two rails depend; an indicator flag integral with the base and upstanding therefrom; the rails having forward ends configured for interfit with the receiver, and having rearward ends configured for interfit with the charging handle, whereby the flag projects visibly upwardly relative to charging handle and receiver.

This invention relates generally to indicators used on rifles to indicate bolt open status, for safety; and more particularly the invention concerns a unique, simple, easily installed indicator fitting between a rifle charging handle and receiver, and incorporating an indicator flag outstanding from the rifle to clearly indicate bolt-open status, the device being easily installed on a rifle and easily and quickly removable from installed position.
In the past, known indicators installable on rifles used in shooting matches, as in the chambers of such rifles did not work well on M-16 rifles, and on civilian versions (the AR-15 rifles), because such a rifle has an ejection port on the right side of the rifle and the flag that protrudes from the indicator is only visible on the right side of the rifle. A range officer looking down the firing line cannot see the indicator in place to his right. There is need for an improved indicator which can be seen, i.e. is visible to range officers looking down the firing line at either end thereof.


A method of assembling conductive terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors includes the steps of: (1) providing at least two overlapping housings each of which has a terminal receiving portion including fixing holes and guiding holes each partially overlapping one fixing hole; (2) providing a terminal carrier structure with a carrier, wherein at least two conductive terminal groups are alternately disposed on the carrier and each group has at least two conductive terminals with free ends; (3) disposing the carrier structure behind the housings; (4) pushing the carrier structure so that the free ends are inserted into the fixing holes; and (5) removing the carrier so that each conductive terminal is separated from the carrier and each housing and the engaging conductive terminal group form one electrical connector. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce assembly procedure, improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of assembling conductive terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors and electrical connector module assembled thereby.
2. Description of Related Art
With the development of various electronic products and personal computers and the expansion of peripheral equipment for various electronic products, electronic products have more and more connectors. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an electronic connector for high speed signal transmission. Since USB has the advantages of hot-swap, convenient carry, unified standard and connecting with different kinds of equipment, USB is widely used for connecting various electronic products with peripheral equipment.
At present, an electronic product generally has a plurality of independent USB connectors or a connector module formed by a plurality of USB connectors together disposed therein. As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a common connector module 9 includes at least four overlapping USB connectors 91, 92, 93 and 94, and each USB connector 91, 92, 93 or 94 includes an inserting surface 910, 920, 930 or 940 which has a row of parallel terminal holes 911, 921, 931 or 941 formed therein. That is, the connector module 9 has four rows of terminal holes 911, 921, 931, 941 overlapping from up to down, and there is no misalignment or little misalignment in each row of terminal holes 911, 921, 931 and 941 in the vertical direction. So it correspondingly needs four conductive terminal groups 912, 922, 932 and 942 which have a similar structure and are arranged from up to down, and there is no misalignment or little misalignment between corresponding conductive terminals of the conductive terminal groups 912, 922, 932 and 942, which are arranged from up to down.
Generally speaking, only one conductive terminal is connected with the same terminal carrier structure 901, 902, 903 or 904 and located in the same vertical direction with the terminal carrier structure 901, 902, 903 or 904, so the conductive terminals of each group with no misalignment or little misalignment in the vertical direction need to be respectively formed on four different terminal carrier structures 901, 902, 903 and 904, which causes that the production procedure of the terminals becomes complex. Furthermore, because different conductive terminal groups 912, 922, 932 and 942 have different bent height, so the conductive terminals of different groups have different length. Accordingly, the conductive terminals of each group are formed by stamping metal sheets with different width. After the terminal carrier structures 901, 902, 903 and 904 are formed, the metal between the conductive terminals is removed as waste material. Since the center distance (2.0 mm-2.5 mm) between two adjacent conductive terminals of each conductive terminal group is far greater than the width (about 1.0 mm) of each conductive terminal (please refer to FIG. 16 simultaneously), more waste material (the width of about 1.0 mm-1.5 mm) is produced between each two adjacent conductive terminals, which reduces the utilization rate of the terminal carrier structures 901, 902, 903 and 904, brings a great waste of material and increases manufacturing cost.
Additionally, during assembly, one terminal carrier structure 901, 902, 903 or 904 generally corresponds to one assembling step, so two terminal carrier structures need to be assembled in two assembling steps, that is, the conductive terminals of the four conductive terminal groups need to be mounted on an insulating body in four times and then respectively riveted and fixed, thereby the manufacturing and assembling steps are increased, which reduces the assembly efficiency of the conductive terminals and the insulating body and restricts manufacturing cost.
Hence, there is a need for a new method of assembling conductive terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors and electrical connector module assembled thereby to overcome the shortcomings described above.

Method of assembling conductive terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors and electrical connector module assembled thereby


The present invention relates to a new 9-aminoacridine derivative which exhibits prominent antitumor activity and low toxicity.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a new 9-aminoacridine derivative of the general formula (I)
wherein Y is a bond or
(wherein X is oxygen or sulfur, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkylhydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkoxy, R′ and R″ are independently C1–C4 alkyl or C1–C4 lower alkoxy, and Z is C1–C4 lower alkyl, C1–C4 lower alkoxy or C1–C4 lower alkylamino.
In the above definitions, C1–C4 lower alkyl means straight or branched alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl or the like.
C1–C4 lower alkoxy means methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy or the like.
C1–C4 lower alkylamino means methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, butylamino or the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
WO 00/37447 describes 9-amnoacridine derivatives and process for the preparation thereof of the compounds of the formula (1)
wherein A is hydrogen or
(wherein X is oxygen or sulfur, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkylhydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkylamino, C1–C8 alkyl, C1–C4 lower alkoxy or C1–C4 lower alkyloxycarbonyl and m and n are independently an integer of 0, 1 or 2.), R6, R7, R8 and R9 are independently C1–C8 alkyl or C1–C4 lower alkoxy, and Y is hydrogen, amino, —N═CHR′ (wherein R′ is hydrogen, benzyl, C1–C8 alkyl or C1–C6 lower alamino),
(wherein R″ is hydrogen, benzyl, C1–C8 alkyl or C1–C6 lower alkylamino, and R′″ is hydrogen, benzyl, C1–C8 alkyl or amino protecting group) or
(wherein, X is as defined above, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′ and R5′ are independently hydrogen, halogen, nitro, amino, hydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkylhydroxy, C1–C4 lower alkylamino, C1–C8 alkyl, C1–C4 lower alkoxy or C1–C4 lower alkyloxycarbonyl, and q and r are independently an integer of 0, 1 or 2) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and process for the preparation thereof.
In the above compounds of the formula (I) wherein Y is
(R″ and R′″ are as defined above.), there may be isomers of l-form, d-form or racemic form.
However, the compound of the present invention does not describe in the WO 00/37447.

9-aminoacridine derivatives and process for the preparation thereof


Steering drive for a wheel of a ground conveyor with an apparatus for recording the actual angle of the steered wheel, with a steering motor, a steering controller or regulator driven by a steering angle transmitter, the input signal of which is given to the steering motor, a steering drive coupled with the shaft of the steering motor, the output side of which is connected with a steering plate, which mounts the steered wheel, and a rotation angle sensor, which records the rotation angle of the steering plate, wherein the shaft of the steering motor is designed as a hollow shaft, through which a sensor drive shaft is inserted and which is connected on the drive side with the output side of the steering drive and works together with the angle sensor on the side of the steering motor facing away from the steering drive.

Electrical steering drives have a steering motor, the input signal of which depends on the recorded position of the steering transmitter (drawbar or steering wheel). A steering drive, which gears down the steering motor tuning at a higher speed, is required in order to transfer the rotary motion of the steering motor to a steering plate, through which the driven wheel is swivel mounted around a vertical axis. In order to record the steering angle, a rotation angle sensor is provided, the output signal of which goes to the steering control.
Different options are known to record the actual angle of the steered wheel with the help of a sensor. A sensor drive, which is coupled with the shaft of the steering motor, is provided in a known embodiment. When the steering motor moves the steering plate with a plurality of revolutions (e.g. 100 revolutions) in a working range of e.g. ±90° via the steering drive, the sensor moves in its measurement range of e.g. ±180°. The sensor is hereby arranged on the side of the steering motor that is opposite the steering drive, which accommodates the available cramped installation space. However, the disadvantage is that a complicated sensor drive must be provided.
Furthermore, it is known to drive the sensor drive with the shaft of an intermediate stage in the steering drive. Here also, the transmission of the sensor drive should be selected such that the sensor is moved in its measurement range if the steering plate moves in its working range. The transmission of the sensor drive is naturally smaller than in the case of the embodiment described above. On the other hand, the disadvantage is that the rotation angle sensor is arranged on the drive side of the motor. The drive of a sensor via a spur wheel stage directly on the steering plate leads to a structure that takes up a lot of space, since the steering plate naturally has a large diameter.
Finally, it is also known to record the actual angle on the steering plate and/or on the steering motor via an impulse transmitter. However, only a relative measuring is thereby obtained, whereby a referencing run is required each time the steering drive is started.
The object of the invention is to create a steering drive for a wheel of a ground conveyor with an apparatus for recording the actual angle of the steered wheel, which gets by with a very simple sensor drive.


A method and a system for rapid kinetic fluorescence measurement in high-throughput screening with high time-resolution includes providing a microtiter plate having a transparent base and multiple assay wells, a dispensing system arranged above the microtiter plate for simultaneously adding liquid into multiple assay wells, an illumination system beneath the microtiter plate for illuminating the multiple assay wells simultaneously through the transparent base, a detection system for detecting electromagnetic radiation from the multiple assay wells simultaneously through the transparent base, adding 0.3-300 μl of liquid per assay well from the dispensing system into the multiple assay wells, illuminating the multiple assay wells simultaneously through the transparent base using the illumination system before or from the time point of the start of the addition, detecting the electromagnetic radiation from the multiple assay wells simultaneously at a time interval of 1-1000 ms between individual measurement points.

The aim of the identification and development of novel drug substances is to identify chemical compounds which modulate biochemical processes, such as ligand binding, macromolecular conformational changes or enzymatic reactions. Use is usually made of high-throughput screening (HTS) for assaying a large number of chemical structures, since the miniaturization ensures a rapid, cost-effective and efficient assay.
Owing to their high sensitivity and automatability, fluorescence-based assays are probably the most important approaches for HTS. In addition to tracking the change in fluorescence due to an enzymatic reaction, use is made of labeling techniques for determining protein-protein interactions or ligand binding by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) or fluorescence polarization (FP).
Many biological processes, especially the binding of small ligands, are characterized by very rapid kinetics, which require rapid mixing methods.
However, instruments using plate formats with 384 or 1536 assay wells are often limited with respect to time-resolution, and as a result, the determination of rapid binding kinetics is restricted to methods with low throughput. Even the screening approach of instruments equipped with a multidispenser (see Gonzalez, J. E., and Maher, M. P. (2002) Cellular Fluorescent Indicators and Voltage/Ion Probe Reader (VIPR TM): Tools for Ion Channel and Receptor Drug Discovery, Receptors and Channels 8, 283-295; Mori, T., Itami, S., Yanagi, T., Tatara, Y., Takamiya, M., and Uchida, T. (2009) Use of a Real-Time Fluorescence Monitoring System for High-Throughput Screening for Prolyl Isomerase Inhibitors, Journal of Biomolecular Screening 14, 419-424; Schroeder, K. S., and Neagle, B. D. (1996) FLIPR: A New Instrument for Accurate, High Throughput Optical Screening, Journal of Biomolecular Screening 1, 75-80.), this considerably improving time-resolution, is mainly restricted to the seconds time range.
Rapid mixing methods known from the prior art are continuous-flow or stopped-flow devices.
In the case of continuous-flow experiments, the reaction is analyzed under equilibrium flow conditions as a function of the path downstream of the mixer. Improvements in mixer design led to dead times within the range of 100 μs or even shorter (Regenfuss, P., Clegg, R. M., Fulwyler, M. J., Barrantes, F. J., and Jovin, T. M. (1985) Mixing liquids in microseconds, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 56, 293-290; Shastry, M. C. R., Luck, S. D., and Roder, H. (1998) A Continuous-Flow Capillary Mixing Method to Monitor Reactions on the Microsecond Time Scale, Biophysical Journal 74, 2714-2721; Roder, H., Maki, K., Cheng, H., and Ramachandra Shastry, M. C. (2004) Rapid mixing methods for exploring the kinetics of protein folding, Methods 34, 15-27.). However, high flow rates and relatively large channel dimensions are necessary to achieve efficient mixing, and this uses up large amounts of material.
In the case of commercially available stopped-flow instruments, the reactants are supplied via two syringes with the aid of a pneumatic actuator. After the observation cell has been filled, the flow is abruptly stopped when the stop syringe hits a stop block. Instruments can routinely achieve dead times of a few milliseconds (Dickson, P. N., and Margerum, D. W. (1986) Extension of accessible first-order rate constants and accurate dead-time determinations for stopped-flow spectroscopy, Analytical Chemistry 58, 3153-3158; Nakatani, H., and Hiromi, K. (1980) Analysis of Signal Amplitude in Stopped-Flow Method for Enzyme-Ligand Systems, Journal of Biochemistry 87, 1805-1810; Peterman, B. F. (1979) Measurement of the dead time of a fluorescence stopped-flow instrument, Analytical Biochemistry 93, 442-444).
Both continuous-flow and stopped-flow instruments are methods with low throughput that is restricted to one cuvette or one channel A rapid mixing method for assaying multiple inhibitors and concentrations is, however, necessary, since the determination of rapid binding reactions or enzyme kinetics plays a fundamental role in the identification and development of novel drug substances. To be able to observe rapid kinetics in microtiter plates, a new method was developed, based on an imaging instrument for the detection of rapid kinetics that combines high time-resolution with the throughput of a highly parallelized system. This allows, for the first time, the efficient application of rapid kinetics to the identification and development of novel drug substances.
DE 10 2004 016 361 A1 and WO 03/100398 A1 disclose an optical analyzer for fluorescence measurements on microtiter plates. The microtiter plates have a transparent base. The excitation beam path and the evaluation beam path are directed to the transparent base of the microtiter plate. Situated above the microtiter plates is a dispenser or pipettor for addition of liquid during measurements of the emission of the samples of the microtiter plate, which measurements are running continuously and simultaneously.
The basic idea of the invention from DE 10 2004 016 361 A1 and WO 03/100398 A1 is based on the consideration that, in the case of a high sample throughput with a multiplicity of individual samples on microtiter plates, the excitation of the individual samples and the recording of the emission and optionally the addition of liquids should take place simultaneously and the emission (fluorescence or luminescence) of all the samples of the microplate can be constantly detected over a relatively long time, ideally by means of an image recorder (e.g., intensified camera).
For cell biology assays, in which there is frequently the need to measure the kinetics of a fluorescence reaction after addition of a pharmacologically effective substance, the analyzer, owing to the simultaneous measurement of all wells, meets the requirement that the emission of the samples is to be measured before, during and after substance addition. If fluorescence excitation and detection of the emission of the microtiter plate take place from below, it is possible, from above, for substances and/or other liquids to be contactlessly added in any manner, even simultaneously, in multiple wells or different substances and/or other liquids to be contactlessly added at defined times and in different amounts or concentrations and for them to be continuously observed. Especially for the HTS regime, it is possible through this parallel measurement by means of a CCD camera to gain the so-called multiplex advantage and to thus achieve a high sample throughput despite distinctly increased measurement time per well.
Although a high sample throughput can be achieved using the optical analyzer from DE 10 2004 016 361 A1 and WO 03/100398 A1, it is not designed for intensity measurements with a time-resolution of under 1 sec, as are necessary for the clarification of rapid kinetics in certain biological processes, such as the binding of small ligands.

Method and system for taking measurements in a high-throughput screening with high time resolution


Device for pumping viscous materials, particularly sealant and grease, without dripping and method of the same are characterized by storing a predetermined portion of the driving energy in form of an angular and/or linear displacement of a torsional spring. This very portion of the stored energy will be released at the end of the operation when the operator let go the trigger, whereby the released energy will drive the final transmission and the end part of the final transmission to move backwards for a predetermined amount of displacement. This backwards movement of the end part of the final transmission causes the volume of viscous material to expand suddenly; this expansion of the volume of viscous material compensates the compression of the viscous material from the dispensing process, which will also draw back the viscous material on its way outward for to work and for to drip.

A sealant gun or grease gun of the prior art is a device activated by fingers pressing a trigger, whereby the disk on the tip of a push rod will be driven forward by leverage to eject a viscous material out of the gun. However, the conventional gun is inconvenient in that the pumping of the viscous material takes manual power and is discontinuous. Therefore, smooth ejection of the material is not possible. Sealant/grease guns powered by compressed air or electricity are invented to assure smooth and continuous ejection of the viscous material and to save manual power. However, there are many other problems, such as the hindrance of air hoses or power cords to the operation. It is a further problem in manual and electricity/compressed air powered sealant/grease guns that the viscous material will continue to drip out of a gun after the pumping stops because of the exertion of elastic force on the disk on the push rod by the deformed viscous material. During the pumping, the viscous material is squeezed so that potential energy is stored therein; and, since the push rod will not go quickly after the pumping stops, the restoring material will exert force on the rod. At the same time, the reaction of the disk on the rod will push a small amount of the material out of the gun, forming the problem of dripping. To prevent dripping, some manual guns are equipped with a release for pulling back push rods in time.
Each of the electric sealant guns disclosed by the patents U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,235 and TW00405447 has a conventional DC motors and a clutch, whereby the resistance against the drawback of push rod will be automatically released after a person stopping pushing the trigger, and whereby the viscous material left in the gun will be able to push the push rod backward. However, the dripping problem cannot be removed completely, because the disk at the end of the push rod still experiences resistant forces caused by the friction between various movable components associated with the clutch. Therefore, the viscous material still has to experience reaction from the disk, and the dripping cannot be fully stopped.

Device for pumping viscous materials, without dripping and method of the same


According to the present invention there is disclosed a hydrogen sensor comprising                a substrate,        a rare earth metal film formed on the substrate, and        a protective film formed on the rare earth metal film,wherein the protective film comprises a ceramic material and hydrogen-permeable metal particles dispersed in the ceramic material.

The demand for hydrogen is predicted to increase sharply in various industrial fields. With such a background, development of a hydrogen sensor used for detection of leakage of hydrogen gas or for measurement of hydrogen gas concentration is in progress.
With respect to the sensor for detection of hydrogen gas, various proposals have been made heretofore. For example, there was proposed a sensor using, as a hydrogen detection element, a thin film of a rare earth metal such as yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La) or the like (the claim of Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2002-535651).
In this proposal, the change in physical properties of rare earth metal which appears when the rare earth metal is exposed to hydrogen, is utilized for detection of hydrogen. In this sensor, in order to prevent the harmful influence which the rare earth metal receives from the non-hydrogen gas components present together with hydrogen, such as nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, hydrocarbons and the like, the surface of the rare earth metal film is covered with a protective film composed of, for example, palladium (Pa), platinum (Pt) or an alloy thereof, all having hydrogen permeability.
However, hydrogen-permeable metals such as Pd, Pt and the like expand or contract whenever they absorb or release hydrogen. This expansion and contraction causes mechanical stress, which deteriorates the hydrogen-permeable metal with the lapse of time and generates cracks, etc. Therefore, a hydrogen sensor using a hydrogen-permeable metal as a protective film is inferior in durability.
Further, the hydrogen-permeable metals such as Pd, Pt and the like tend to diffuse into a rare earth metal such as yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La) or the like. As this diffusion proceeds, the hydrogen detectability of the rare earth metal decreases with the lapse of time. Therefore, a hydrogen sensor using a hydrogen-permeable metal as a protective film has a problem in durability.
Furthermore, since Pd or Pt is a very expensive metal, a hydrogen sensor using such a metal as a protective film incurs a high production cost.
The above-mentioned hydrogen sensor has other problems; that is, the structure is complicated and, since the sensor can detect only a low concentration of hydrogen, the application thereof may be limited to warning of hydrogen leakage. Therefore, the hydrogen sensor is unusable in an application of quantitatively determining a high concentration of hydrogen for control of the concentration of the hydrogen gas or in an application of immediately stopping a system in an emergency case.
Thus, development of a hydrogen sensor of good durability and low cost is desired strongly.

Hydrogen sensor and process for production thereof


An instruction stream having variable length instructions with embedded constants (e.g. immediate values and displacements) is translated into a stream of operations and a corresponding stream of bit fields, enabling advantageous compact storage of the embedded constants. The operations and the compact constants are optionally stored in entries in a trace cache and/or processed by execution pipelines. The compact constants are optionally formulated as a small constant field, a pointer, or both. The pointer of a particular one of the operations optionally references one of the bit fields within a window of the operations associated with the particular operation. A full-sized constant is constructed from one or more contiguous ones of the bit fields, starting with the referenced bit field, by unpacking and uncompressing information from the contiguous bit fields. An operation optionally includes a plurality of small constant fields and pointers to specify a respective plurality of constants.

Several processors (such as microprocessors) compatible with CISC architectures (such as the X86 and VAX architectures) provide for one or more constant values to be optionally specified by each instruction, and each constant value optionally occupies a field of one of a variety of widths. Each constant variously represents a memory displacement, an absolute memory address, a segment identifier, an immediate value, or some other similar fixed value. In some processors enabled for fast and efficient execution, CISC instructions having variable-number and variable-sized constant values are translated to relatively simple operations.
In some usage scenarios, constants for immediate and displacement values appear are among the most frequently used addressing modes. For example, a well-known reference book for computer architecture ("Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach" by John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson, 4th edition, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2006/) indicates that immediates and displacements are used in 70% to 80% of memory addressing modes for representative programs. The Hennessy reference also indicates that the majority of immediate and displacement constants are small values that can be represented with just a few bits. Nevertheless, in some usage scenarios, a substantial percentage of immediate and displacement constants require a larger number of bits. For example, in some architectures, a complete word is required to represent an arbitrary memory address.
In some processors enabled for fast and efficient execution, CISC instructions having variable-number and variable-sized constant values are translated to relatively simple operations. In some processors, these translated operations are grouped together into longer instruction words known as "Very Long Instruction Word" (VLIW) formats. VLIW formats optionally provide flexible representation for small and large constant values. For example, the Multiflow VLIW instructions (R. P. Colwell et al, "A VLIW architecture for a trace Scheduling Compiler," IEEE Transactions on Computers, August 1988, pp. 967-979.) support small constant values stored with each operation, as well as large constant values that are optionally associated with any operation of a VLIW instruction word.
All of the foregoing patents and references are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Microarchitecture for compact storage of embedded constants


A device for transporting food and food related items including an insulated container having foldable all-terrain wheels, foldable tray members, and a telescoping handle. Tie-down hooks are provided to permit securement of a saddlebag to the device. The saddlebag will provide increased transporting capacity. The tray members may be locked into a horizontal use position to support plates, beverages, food containers, etc. An auxiliary support pole may be attached to the container to support an umbrella or light.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device for transporting items such as food and utensils to outdoor events such as picnics, sporting events, etc. and providing a dining surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile insulated container or caddy having associated therewith tray members which form a table-like structure when in their use position. The container includes, hingedly mounted thereon, all-terrain wheels for ease of movement of the caddy to the outdoor event. The container provides a carrying capacity for items such as beverages, foods and utensils. The container includes on its outer sides, tie hooks for securing a saddlebag to the device to increase the device's carrying capacity.
2. Description of the Relevant Art
It has become increasingly popular to picnic in places where a table or other support surfaces are not available. Typically, a cooler or other container is carried to the desired location. This can be very exhausting if the desired location is inconvenient to roads or other means of transportation.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,500 to Messier discloses a cart having wheels and handle, the cart having side "shelves" for horizontal eating surfaces. The cart includes an insulated container. However, this cart design would not be easily transported through loose dirt or sand.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,909 to Kirkendall discloses a cart which may support an ice chest. A storage pack may be secured over the ice chest. The wheels may be folded for storage. The cart adjusts in length to accommodate various sized loads.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,817 to Greathouse discloses a cart including a compartment, a folding shelf and folding wheels.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,836 to Simjian discloses a collapsible cart adapted to be stored in an automobile cart.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,241 to Epelbaum discloses a dual purpose device having folding wheels and telescopic handles.
Each of the above-mentioned devices fails to disclose or teach the advantages of the caddy device of the present invention.

Cooler caddy, and methods of constructing and utilizing same


Apparatus for compressing and decompressing image data having rows and columns of pixels is disclosed. Compression component of the apparatus includes a mechanism for storing the image data and a mechanism for processing the image data. Processing mechanism includes a mechanism for resizing the image data into resized image data and a mechanism for compressing the resized image data at least once, thereby creating compressed image data. The resizing mechanism includes a mechanism for selecting at least one row from the image data for inclusion in the resized image data, a mechanism for selecting at least one pixel within each selected row for inclusion in the resized image data. Inverse decompression component of the apparatus is also disclosed. Method for compressing and decompressing image data having rows and columns of pixels is disclosed. A computer program product which contains encoded instructions for performing the invented method is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image processing, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing image data.
2. Description of Related Art
Image processing, or picture processing, refers to a variety of techniques for manipulating pictorial information with a computer. Typically, pictorial information is collected by an analog scanning device, such as a camera or optical scanner, and input to the computer by converting the analog signals to digital signals. The analog-to-digital conversion process results in the creation of a set of numbers representing the shape and various attributes of the image.
The type of device used by computers to display images is typically a cathode-ray tube (CRT). A CRT is a device based on similar technology as that employed in television sets. Modern day CRTs typically include the capability to adjust visual attributes such as contrast and color. The resolution capability of a CRT can range from high (e.g., specialized CRTs used in film making can display as many as nine million pixels per screen), to somewhat low (e.g., 64,000 in typical computer monitor). Higher resolution capability translates into sharper, clearer images.
A digital "picture" or "image" includes elements referred to as "dots," "points" "picture elements," "pels," or "pixels." The value of an element is typically encoded as an n-bit binary number which indicates brightness (or gray level) and/or color attributes, where the value of n varies depending upon how much information is desired concerning an individual pixel. Thus, for example, in order to represent a 500.times.500 pixel image, where each pixel is represented by an 8-bit binary number, 2,000,000 bits of information would need to be stored. Fortunately, most digital images include redundant information that can be compressed without loss of information.
One compression technique involves replacing frequently occurring gray levels, or blocks of gray levels, with short codes and infrequently occurring gray levels with longer codes. Another technique relies on storing the differences between the pixel values of two adjacent lines (or columns) rather than the pixel values of the lines (or columns) themselves. Yet another technique is to represent the image by the positions (or lengths) of runs of constant gray level, or more generally, to specify the positions and shapes of regions of constant gray level.
Compression techniques in which the compressed image can be decompressed into the exact original image are referred to as "lossless" techniques, since no information is lost in the decompression process. "Lossy" compression techniques involve approximation techniques in which information is discarded in favor of reduced storage requirements. The digitization process itself is a process of approximation based on spatial sampling and gray-level quantization of a given real time image. Because of the limitations of the human visual system, lossy techniques often permit images to be displayed without any difference between the original being perceptible by the viewer.
Presently, one of the most frequently used digital image compression techniques is the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) technique. The technique is described in the International Standards Organization Committee Draft document ("Draft"), ISO/IEC CD 10918-1, which is specifically incorporated herein. JPEG is an international standards group whose goal has been to develop a general-purpose international standard for the compression of continuous-tone (gray scale or true color) digital images. A portion of the standard, referred to as the Baseline Sequential Process, has been implemented in hardware form by C-Cube Microsystems in their C-Cube CL550 JPEG Image Compression Processor. The CL550 is described in the C-Cube CL550.TM. JPEG Image Compression Processor, Preliminary Data Book, August 1991, which is specifically incorporated herein. As used herein, the term "JPEG Process" shall mean the JPEG Baseline Sequential Process, whether implemented in a computer hardware or computer software form.
The JPEG Process is a lossy technique in which there is a limit on the amount of compression that can be accomplished prior to the image quality becoming unacceptably poor. One reason the image becomes unacceptable is because the technique results in a tiling (blocking) effect which becomes visible on the screen. Beyond certain compression ratios, the JPEG Process may also result in degradation of color quality.
The details of the JPEG Process are discussed in the Draft and an exhaustive description of the process is unnecessary for understanding the present invention. In general, the Process involves three steps (a) a Discrete Cosine Transformation ("DCT"); (b) a Coefficient Quantization; and (c) a Lossless Compression.
The DCT step converts spatial information into frequency information in a lossless manner. An inverse DCT step converts frequency information into spatial information. The DCT step is performed on an N.times.N matrix of pixels and results in the creation of an N.times.N matrix of frequency coefficients. The JPEG standard calls for an 8.times.8 matrix in DCT calculations and it is this constraint which results in a disadvantageous tiling effect on displayed images beyond certain compression ratios. The tiling effect becomes apparent at a compression ratio of approximately 20:1.
The Coefficient Quantization step maps the DCT output matrix into a compressed quantization matrix. The quantization stage results in loss of information and is therefore the "lossy" phase of the JPEG Process. The amount of lost information may be regulated by setting a "quality factor" in connection with the quantization stage which typically ranges in value from 1 to 25. A low quality factor equates to low compression ratios and high picture quality, whereas a high quality factor equates to high compression ratios and low picture quality. The net effect of the quantization stage is "zero out" a number of the N.times.N entries of the DCT output matrix. Zero entries may then be handled in a uniform and compact manner resulting in compression of the image information.
The Lossless Compression step of the JPEG Process compresses the quantization matrix without loss of information. The precise manner of the compression may vary with the implementer of the JPEG standard. The basic steps are to convert the DCT coefficient at position 0,0 in the matrix to a relative value, arrange the coefficients in a "zig-zag sequence" and "Entropy Coding" of the coefficients. These steps are discussed in more detail in the Draft, and need not be further considered here.
The three JPEG Process compression steps have inverse counterparts for decoding a compressed image into a decompressed image.
__________________________________________________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Expires Inventor Title __________________________________________________________________________ 4,224,481 09-23-1997 Russell COMPRESSION AND EXPANSION CIRCUITRY FOR A RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM 4,320,488 03-16-1999 Russell RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM 4,495,609 01-22-2002 Russell RECORDING AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM 4,672,443 06-09-2004 Dischert COPATIBLE WIDE SCREEN TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH IMAGE COMPRESSION EXPANDER 4,730,215 03-08-2005 Jose COMBATIBLE WIDE SCREEN TELEVISION SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE IMAGE COMPRESSION/EXPANSION 4,899,394 02-06-2007 Lee APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMAGE COMPRESSION 4,196,448 04-01-1997 Whitehouse TV BANDED REDUCTION SYSTEM USING A HYBRID DISCRETE COSINE DPCM 4,607,290 08-19-2003 Murakami IMAGE INFORMATION FILING APPARATUS 4,685,141 08-04-2004 Hoque METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FINDING IMAGE DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE MONETARY AMOUNT ON FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS 4,716,453 12-29-1997 Pawelski DIGITAL VIDEO TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 4,783,834 11-08-2005 Anderson SYSTEM FOR CREATING TRANSPOSED IMAGE DATA FROM A RUN END OR RUN LENGTH REPRESENTATION OF AN IMAGE 4,885,786 12-05-2006 Anderson METHOD FOR ENLARGING AN IMAGE STORED IN RUN REPRESENTATION FORM 4,929,937 05-29-2007 Ara CIRCUIT FOR GENERATING IMAGE SIGNAL 4,931,984 05-05-2007 Ny FILE DATA RETRIEVING SYSTEM USING RETRIEVAL-USE-IMAGE DATA 5,034,817 07-23-2008 Everett RECONFIGURABLE VIDEO LINE DIGITIZER AND METHOD FOR STORING PREDETERMINED LINES OF A COMPOSITE VIDEO SIGNAL 5,040,233 08-13-2008 Davy DATA COMPRESSION BY DISCARDING PORTIONS OF DATA 5,048,096 09-10-2008 Beato BI-TONAL IMAGE NON- TEXT MATTER REMOVAL WITH RUN LENGTH AND CONNECTED COMPONENT ANALYSIS __________________________________________________________________________
The Russell patents ('481, '488, and '609) all generally relate to recording and playback systems, typically for use in connection with television broadcasting. The patents are related to one another and share quite a lot of common information. They are included for informational purposes since they each disclose "electronic means" wherein data is compressed while recording into lines and then expanded upon readout.
Dischert et al. and Jose et al. both relate to compression/expansion systems for use in connection with wide screen televisions. Both patents generally relate to "squeezing" the left and right edges of a wide screen image in order to make the image compatible with conventional television receivers. Pixels are deleted in accordance with defined pixel deletion patterns.
In general, Lee involves the identification of text and graphic zones within an image, and the compression of the identified text zones. Graphic zones are not compressed.
Whitehouse relates to a TV bandwidth reduction system using a hybrid discrete cosine transformer and a differential pulse modulator.
Murakami relates to an image information filing apparatus in which documents are recorded as image information on optical disks.
Hoque relates to a method and system which facilitate the processing of financial documents in banking systems.
Anderson ('834) relates to the printing and other processing of binary images, and more particularly to systems in which the images are comprised of non-coded digital information in the form of vectors of run lengths or run end positions representing lines of raster bits arranged in a given scan format or direction. Anderson ('786) relates to binary digital image processing methods and more particularly to improved methods for enlarging binary image data stored in run representation form.
Ara relates to an image signal-generating circuit which horizontally compresses dots which form an image pattern.
Ny relates to a file data retrieving system, and in particular to a file data retrieving system which can be suitably applied to a microcomputer system having a data filing function, such as electronic filing system and a work station.
Everett, Jr. relates to the field of image processing, and more particularly to digitally storing one or more selected scan lines from a composite video signal in real time.
Davy relates to methods and apparatus for modifying a digital representation of an image in which the digital data defines the content of pixels of the image.
Beato relates to pre-processing devices which remove non-text material from a text image for optical text character recognition systems which are capable of processing only text images.
Pawelski relates to apparatus for processing of component high-quality video signals at the transmitter and at the receiver of a video transmission system, and particularly concerns a differential pulse code modulation encoder and a decoder for such system.
The present invented method, apparatus and article of manufacture differ from the related art by, among other things, employing unique resizing and pixel averaging components.

Method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing image data


A range-finding system for a portable image reader is described. The range-finding system uses a distance-measuring device, such as an ultrasonic transducer, to determine the distance between the reader and a target, such as a label containing a bar code. An operator receives a visual indication which will assist in positioning the image reader within the optimal reading range of the target. The visual indicator may include three LED's of different color or with different blinking rates which will indicate to the operator that the reader is short, long or in the optimal reading range of the reader. In one embodiment, the reader would automatically cycle through an image acquisition or decode sequence when range finder detects that the target is within the optimal reading range of the reader. In another embodiment, the visual indicator will prompt the operator to manually trigger the image acquisition or decode sequence once the reader is positioned within the optimal reading range.

Image reading devices of the type that have optimal imaging distances, include a targeting scheme of some kind for aligning the image reader to the target, to be able to position the image reading device at an optimal imaging distance from the target. Most of these techniques project a pattern onto the target from a targeting light source. An aperture and light shaping optics are often used to project a pattern onto the target as an aid to the human operator to correctly position the image reader based on the targeting pattern.
The operator moves the image reader until targeting lines or dots converge at a predefined point, which relates to the point at which an acceptable image can be acquired. An acceptable image may be defined as one that contains sufficient resolution for post-processing. With this method, if the initial operating position is not correct it may be difficult for the operator to determine which direction the device must be moved in order to get into range. Further, with this method, the operator will perceive that he can only capture an image at the predetermined distance at which the lines or dots converge, even though an acceptable image could potentially be acquired some distance before or beyond that point. Another drawback to these methods is that it is often difficult to determine which direction the device must be moved in relation to the target.
There are also techniques which use laser diodes to project a crisp, sharp pattern onto the target; however, these methods also do not provide the user with intuitive alignment information with regard to the direction to move the device to place it at the appropriate distance from the target.
The techniques described above are passive in that they provide an indication of where the unit is being aimed but do not either initiate an image capture sequence or provide indication to the operator as to when an image capture sequence should be undertaken.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,364, which issued to Swartz et al on Sep. 16, 1997, discloses a target finding technique which uses an ultrasonic transducer to determine an optimal working distance from the target relative to the device. The disclosed technique however, is limited to portable laser scanners, and does not disclose a use with other electro-optical devices such as bar code or image readers which use an imaging engine. Further, the invention relates to an advisory function whereby an operator hears a beep or series of beeps. The auditory notification prompts the operator to manually activate the trigger mechanism in order to begin the decode sequence.
The beeping generated by these systems may be an annoyance to other people working in close proximity to the device. Further, in environments with a significant amount of ambient noise, such as in a warehouse or manufacturing facility, it may be difficult for the operator to hear the auditory prompts.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,915, which issued to Danielson et al on Oct. 31, 2000, discloses an instant barcode reader, including an auto-focusing technique which uses an ultrasonic transducer to determine an optimal focal distance. The transducer drives distance measurement circuitry which controls a solenoid attached to a lens assembly. The lens is moved to achieve an optimal focal distance from the target. The method also inhibits the automatic control of the lens assembly when the target is not within an acceptable reading range of the reader. An audio-visual status system is used to provide status information to a human operator, such that a red LED is illuminated to indicate that the reader is out of range of the target, and a green LED indicates a successful image acquire has occurred. Beeps or a series of beeps are also used to indicate the status of the device. This method requires a solenoid and moveable lens assembly, making it impractical for applications where space and cost are a major consideration. Further, the audio-visual verification means does not provide the human operator with intuitive information regarding which direction to move the reader, in order to achieve an optimal reading distance from the target.
Therefore there is a need for a portable image reader with a cost effective system of targeting a symbology, wherein a practical notification is provided to enable the operator to position the reader within an optimal reading range of the target.

Range-finding system for a portable image reader


A moisture control system includes an anode coupled to an insulation blanket that is positioned between an inner wall and an outer wall of an aircraft fuselage, a cathode coupled to an interior surface of the outer wall, and a power control unit coupled to the anode and the cathode to apply voltage across the anode and the cathode. When the voltage is applied across the anode and the cathode, moisture is drawn away from the anode and toward the cathode on the interior surface of the outer wall and guided along a drainage path provided via structural members disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall toward a drainage port.

An aircraft such as a passenger jet aircraft typically includes insulation blankets that line an interior of the aircraft's fuselage. The insulation blankets can be made of fiberglass or other materials and provide both acoustic and thermal insulation for the aircraft.
During travel at high altitudes, air within an aircraft (e.g., a passenger jet aircraft) can become high in humidity and a fuselage of the aircraft can become cold. The combination of humidity and cold can cause water from the air to condense and/or freeze to the fuselage. As the aircraft lowers its altitude, this water flows downward due to gravity, which can cause an accumulation of moisture on and in the insulation blankets, as well as in other areas of the aircraft. The accumulation of moisture on and in the insulation blankets can saturate the insulation blankets, thereby undesirably increasing weight of the aircraft and potentially creating an environment in which mold can form. In addition, the accumulation of moisture can potentially cause damage to areas of the aircraft near the insulation blankets or in other areas. For example, moisture that accumulates on metal areas can corrode those surfaces. As another example, moisture that accumulates on composite laminate areas can egress into the composite laminate and then, if the moisture becomes cold and freezes, the moisture can expand and cause delamination.
Existing systems for relieving the aircraft of moisture typically include using passive physical structures within the aircraft as dams for blocking moisture flow into certain areas of the aircraft and as channels for routing water to drain masts where the water can exit the aircraft. However, these existing systems can be inefficient, can sometimes add weight and complexity to the aircraft, and might not alleviate or prevent moisture buildup in the aircraft.
What is needed is an efficient, reliable system for moisture control in an aircraft.

Moisture control systems and methods for controlling moisture in an aircraft


Improved processes for making thin film and bulk thallium superconductors are described, as well as Tl superconductors having high critical current densities and low surface impedance. An annealing step in a reduced oxygen atmosphere is used to convert compounds containing thallium, calcium, barium and copper to a Tl-2223 superconducting phase or to convert an oxide having the nominal composition Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x to a crystalline Tl-2223 phase. The oxygen pressure during annealing is controlled to be below the thermodynamic stability limit for conversion of Tl-2223 to Tl-2122 and secondary phases. Temperatures less than 880.degree. C. are used, the oxygen pressure being sufficient to prevent excess thallium loss so that the Tl content in the final Tl-2223 phase is Tl.sub.1.6-2.0. Electrical devices including SQUIDs can be made with these improved superconductors.

Previous research has shown that the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O quinary system contains a large number of superconducting oxides. By varying the starting cation compositions and the processing conditions, at least five phases with superconducting transition temperatures (T.sub.c) above liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) were identified: Tl.sub.1 Ca.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.x (Tl-1122), Tl.sub.1 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (Tl-1223), Tl.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.1 O.sub.x (Tl-2021), Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.x (Tl-2122), and Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (Tl-2223). Articles describing the discovery and identification of these phases include: Z. Z. Sheng et al., Nature, Vol. 332, p. 55, 1988; Z. Z. Sheng et al., Nature, Vol. 332, p. 138, 1988; R. M. Hazen et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 60, p. 1657, 1988; S. S. P. Parkin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 60, p. 2539, 1988; S. S. P. Parkin et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 61, p. 750, 1988; and R. Beyers et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 53, p. 432, 1988.
The superconducting transition temperature (T.sub.c) of Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x (Tl-2223) remains the highest yet found, i.e., 125 K. Like all superconducting oxides, the superconducting properties observed in the thallium materials at low temperatures depend critically on how the materials are processed at high temperatures. Processing studies to date have found that the phases that are formed depend on the starting composition, the use of an open or closed reactor, the annealing treatment, and the Tl.sub.2 O pressure. Articles describing the preparation of Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x superconductors include the following: W. Y. Lee et al., Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol 53, p. 329, 1988; W. Y. Lee et al., Physica C, Vol. 160, p. 511, 1989; M. Hong et al., Thin Solid Films, Vol. 181, p. 173, 1989; M. Kikuchi et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 28, p. L-382, 1989; S. Narain et al., Supercond. Sci. Technol., Vol. 2, p. 236, 1989; N. L. Wu et al., Physica C, Vol. 161, p. 302, 1989; J. J. Ratto et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., Vol. 29, p. 244, 1990; and T. L. Aselage et al., J. Am. Ceram. Soc., Vol. 73, p. 3345, 1990. Additionally, Engler et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,052, issued Sep. 26, 1989, discloses a method for producing stable, bulk Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O superconductors. These studies indicate that relatively high temperatures are required to form the Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x superconductor, above approximately 860.degree. C. in open systems and above approximately 890.degree. C. in closed systems.
The inventors herein previously reported the preparation of Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x superconductor films with T.sub.c 's as high as 120 K in application Ser. No. 07/647,382, filed Jan. 29, 1991. Films were deposited onto MgO, SrTiO.sub.3, LaAlO.sub.3, and yttria-stabilized ZrO.sub.2 substrates at ambient temperature in a symmetrical RF diode sputtering system using a pair of identical sputtering targets. A schematic of the deposition system is shown in FIG. 1. Targets 10 and 12 were separated by approximately 25 mm and placed directly opposite one another. A substrate 14 was positioned parallel to the center line of targets 10 and 12, but outside the discharge, to minimize resputtering of the film. The as-deposited films were not superconducting and required an ex-situ anneal at 890.degree.-900.degree. C. to make them superconductors. For the ex-situ anneal, the as-deposited films were sandwiched between fresh pellets of bulk Tl-2223, wrapped in gold foil, and sealed in a quartz tube initially containing 1 atmosphere oxygen. The Tl-2223 pellets were used to establish a thallium activity in the film that was within the Tl-2223 phase stability range, while the gold foil and sealed quartz tube were used to minimize thallium loss (as Tl.sub.2 O vapor) during the anneal. Tl-2223 films deposited onto MgO, SrTiO.sub.3, and yttria-stabilized ZrO.sub.2 substrates exhibited T.sub.c 's as high as 120 K, but their critical current densities were rather low (10.sup.5 A/cm.sup.2 at 6.5 K, 10.sup.4 A/cm.sup.2 at 77 K) and decreased rapidly in an applied magnetic field. This was due in part to the high processing temperature (890.degree.-900.degree. C.) needed to form the Tl-2223 phase, which produced interdiffusion and reaction with the substrates, decreased the intergranular coupling between Tl-2223 grains, and yielded rough films.
A key processing variable that is commonly ignored in the prior art is control of the oxygen partial pressure during synthesis. It will become clear from the discussion in the Detailed Description section provided below that there are important benefits to forming thallium superconductors in low oxygen pressures. In particular, low oxygen pressures enable the synthesis of Tl-2223 at a reduced processing temperature which, in turn, improves the critical current density of these thallium superconductors. The synthesis of the Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x superconductor at a reduced oxygen pressure is avoided in the prior art because to those of ordinary skill in the art, previous studies have shown that thallium loss increases in low oxygen pressures. Specifically, D. E. Morris et al., Physica C, Vol. 175, p. 156, 1991, disclose the use of high oxygen pressures to suppress thallium loss during Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.2 O.sub.x (Tl-2122) synthesis.
One exception to this general practice in the prior art is found in Europe patent application, 0 303,249 A2. In that application, Uno et al. describe a two-step heat treatment for preparing bulk superconductors or superconducting powders that have carbon contents less than 0.1 weight %. The first step is to calcine starting compounds of the constituent cations in hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or an oxygen pressure less than 50 torr (6.6.times. 10.sup.-2 atmosphere), with less than 5 torr (6.6.times.10.sup.-3 atmosphere) oxygen pressure being preferred. The second step is to sinter the material at a higher temperature in a moderate oxygen pressure, typically one atmosphere. Uno et al. developed this two-step heat treatment in order to reduce the residual carbon content in YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+x to less than 0.1 weight %, because carbon contamination is believed to lower the critical current density of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.6+x. However, Uno et al. also report several examples where the two-step heat treatment is used to prepare thallium or bismuth superconductors in bulk or powder form. For the thallium examples, there is no recognition of the need to prevent thallium loss during the heating steps. Indeed, it is not clear if the experiments were carried out in a closed or open system. The temperature-oxygen pressure combinations Uno et al. used in the first heating step will produce substantial thallium losses and are far below what has been found to be necessary for making high-quality Tl-2223. Any potential benefits from the reduced temperatures used in the first heating step are negated by the second heating step at high temperature and moderate oxygen pressure. Moreover, the temperature-oxygen pressure combinations used in the second heating step produce poor quality thallium superconductors. In some cases, they are above the Tl-2223 stability limit. Due to the use of a process with a two-step heat treatment, with the second heat treatment being conducted at high temperature, the benefit of applying controlled low oxygen pressure to reduce the maximum processing temperature is ignored and therefore not disclosed. This again leads to poor superconducting performance, i.e. a low critical current density of approximately 10.sup.3 -10.sup.4 A/cm.sup.2 in a bulk material produced by this method.
Furthermore, to prevent thallium loss, a closed reactor such as that shown in FIG. 1 is often used in the prior art to form the Tl-2223 superconductor. In a closed reactor, like the quartz ampoules used for thin film synthesis, the oxygen pressure increases as the samples are brought up to the annealing temperature. It will become clear from the discussion provided in the Detailed Description section below that as a result of the pressure increase, the temperature required to form Tl-2223 in a closed reactor is higher than that required in an open system if the closed reactor is initially filled with air or 1 atmosphere oxygen. The higher processing temperature in a closed reactor adversely affects the critical current density of the Tl-2223 superconductor.
The prior art has not recognized that lower oxygen pressures can be used to form thallium superconductors and therefore has not been able to lower the processing temperatures. In turn, the thallium superconductors of the prior art have not exhibited improved properties such a high critical current densities and low surface impedance.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to teach a method of forming Tl-2223 superconductors with a controlled oxygen partial pressure while maintaining minimum thallium loss, thus enabling those skilled in the art to overcome the prior art limitations discussed above.
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method to improve the synthesis process for producing Tl-2223 superconductors with higher T.sub.c, higher critical current density, and lower surface impedance.
It is another object of this invention to teach an improved method for producing bulk Tl-2223 superconductors from stoichiometric starting material, i.e., a Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 cation composition.
It is another object of this invention to teach a method for decreasing the processing temperature required to form single phase Tl-2223 in thin film or bulk form by controlling the oxygen partial pressure to yield a superconducting composition having a minimum of Tl-2122 impurity.
It is another object of this invention to teach a method of forming essentially single-phase Tl-2223 in thin film or bulk form by controlling both the process temperature and the oxygen pressure.
It is another object of this invention to provide Tl-2223 superconductors which have purities in excess of about 80-90%, with T.sub.c in excess of 120 K and high critical current densities.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide electrical devices using Tl-2223 superconductors having enhanced purity and enhanced superconducting properties.
It is another object of this invention to provide a lower temperature process for producing Tl-2223 superconductors having T.sub.c .gtoreq.120 K and purity at least about 80%.
It is another object of this invention to provide thallium superconductor films which have critical current densities that are less strongly affected by external magnetic fields than prior art thallium superconductor films.
It is another object of this invention to provide thallium superconductors having higher critical densities and lower surface impedance than prior art thallium superconductors.

Methods for producing Tl.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 oxide superconductors

International Business Machines Corporation


Optoelectronic packages and wafer level techniques for forming optoelectronic packages are described. In accordance with one apparatus aspect of the invention, a pair of substrates are bonded together to form an optical coupler. A first one of the substrates has a recess that faces the second substrate to at least in part define a channel suitable for receiving an optical transmission medium. A photonic device is mounted on a mounting surface of the second substrate that is opposite its bonded surface. The photonic device faces the reflective surface and an optical path is formed between the channel and the photonic element that both reflects off of the reflective surface and passes through the second substrate. In some embodiments an integrated circuit device and/or solder bumps are also attached to the mounting surface and the second substrate has conductive traces thereon that electrically couple the various electrical components as appropriate (e.g., the photonic device, the integrated circuit device, the solder bumps and/or other components). The substrates may be formed from a wide variety of materials including, glass, plastic and silicon. In some embodiments, at least the second substrate is formed from an optically transparent material and the optical path passes directly though the optically transparent material. In a method aspect of the invention, a variety of wafer level methods for forming such devices are described.

Many packaged optoelectronic devices include both photonic devices and integrated circuits ("IC"). Such packages generally need to provide a mechanism suitable for optically coupling photonic elements on the photonic device to optical fibers and generally must be arranged in a manner that protects the integrated circuits and/or photonic devices from damage due to exposure to the outside environment. Accordingly, numerous conventional optoelectronic packages involve the formation of an optically transparent window or other transparent component that enables light to reach one or more photonic elements on the photonic device or, conversely, to be emitted by the photonic elements and exit the device.
While many of the existing optoelectronic packaging arrangements work well, there are continuing efforts to provide more reliable and cost effective ways for packaging optoelectronic devices.

Wafer level optoelectronic package with fiber side insertion


A gas turbine engine includes a high-pressure compressor having an impeller and an impeller baffle having a generally annular body, the impeller baffle spaced apart from a back face of an impeller to create an airspace therebetween, the airspace communicating between an impeller exit and an apparatus to be pressurized, the impeller baffle including a plurality of generally radially-disposed ribs extending into the airspace for diminishing the velocity of air swirling in the airspace.

A gas turbine high-pressure compressor may include a centrifugal impeller. At the compressor exit and immediately behind (downstream of) the centrigual impeller the compressed air, also known as the "impeller backface air" may be used to pressurize an engine air system, referred to herein as the P3 Bleed Air System, as well as pressurizing nearby air-oil interfaces, such as those sealing adjacent bearing cavities. To drive such a system, sufficient pressures must be maintained in the impeller back face air.
An impeller baffle can be disposed downstream of the impeller backface can act as a diffuser, slowing the impeller backface air to locally increase the air pressure. However, despite the presence of an impeller baffle, the pressure at the impeller backface (and particularly at the tip of the impeller baffle) can still sometimes be too low.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved design to address this potential susceptibility.

Impeller baffle with air cavity deswirlers


An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

There are many planting techniques currently practiced by farmers. Under a conventional process, planting of a field is carried out in steps. First, the entire field is worked to break up the soil, break loose the residue from the preceding year's crops, and break down and work the residue into the tilled soil. The planting rows in the prior year are eliminated so that the entire field has a substantially homogenous soil texture.
This conventional technique has numerous drawbacks. First of all, this technique requires the performance of multiple steps to effect planting of the field. The field is first cultivated during one or more passes of a cultivator over the field. A separate planter attachment is then utilized to deposit seed and spray fertilizer in an entirely separate operation. To carry out the different operations, the user is required to connect and disconnect equipment to and from towing vehicle.
A further problem with this conventional technique is that the residue, such as corn stalks, may not be effectively pulverized, even though several passes are made over the field with the cultivator unit. The result is that the residue may jam up in the planter unit and/or block the placement of the seed and spraying of fertilizer.
A further problem with this conventional technique is that cultivation of the entire field increases soil erosion from both rain and wind. Not only is this undesirable from the standpoint of loosing fertile soil, but of late the federal government has imposed restrictions on erosion by requiring that a certain amount of ground cover remain in place at all times in the field.
Certain of these problems led to the development of residue clearing devices which facilitate the planting of seed without prior cultivation. The John Deere Company, for one, has been active in the development of such residue clearing devices. One such structure currently offered by John Deere has a cooperating pair of rotary wheels. The wheels are constructed from flat steel plate material and have a solid central body with radially projecting teeth spaced equidistantly about the periphery of the body. A highly successful wheel design is commercially available through the assignee herein under the trademark TRASHWHEEL™. Each wheel pair is mounted on a planter frame so that the teeth on the wheel pair are in mesh, with the wheels toed in at their bottoms and diverging away from each other in a trailing direction. The angular relationship of the wheels results in their being automatically rotated as they engage with and are dragged through soil in operation.
The wheels are oriented so that they resituate residue in the planting row upstream of a "V-opener", which defines an open seed slot. The frame that carries the wheels also carries a supply of fertilizer and/or seed, with the seed being deposited in the open slot as the frame is advanced. Once the seed is placed, a downstream pair of closing wheels redeposits soil in the slot created by the V-opener.
Heretofore, the residue clearing wheels have been operated at a depth so as not to penetrate as deeply as the seed slot. Consequently, the V-opener operates on primarily unloosened soil. In moist soil, the V-openers tend to create the slot primarily by compaction of the soil against the walls bounding the slot. When the closing wheels replace soil in the seed slot, much of the soil remains in a compacted state at the walls. The result is that less loose soil than is desirable is placed back in the slot.
As a consequence of this, the seed may not be fully covered or covered with only a thin layer of soil. Alternatively, even if the seed is initially covered with soil by the closing wheels, the soil, upon drying out, tends to develop cracks through which the seed is directly exposed to the elements. The seed may be destroyed by, for example, direct exposure to the sun. Alternatively, if fertilizers are subsequently placed on the sod, the fertilizer may be applied in substantial quantities directly upon the seed, with adverse results.
Heretofore, since there has been no practical solution to the above problem, those in the art have merely contended with this problem. The result of this is that crop quality and quantity are often significantly compromised. This is particularly a problem in today's environment in which it is imperative that yield be maximized for farmland.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus for preparing soil for the placement of seed and additive