An insert for a water sports board, wherein the insert includes a pre-preg flange extending outwardly from an injection molded central housing to provide enhance structural properties of the insert, as well as enhanced intermediate bonding between the injection molded central housing and a surface polymer. The pre-preg flange further improves the strength to weight ratio when compared to conventional inserts.

Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an insert for a water sports board, e.g., a surfboard, and more specifically to an insert having a radially extending pre-impregnated sheet which serves as an intermediate bonding structure between an insert housing and an external polymer coating on the water sports board.
Description of the Related Art
Most surfboards, and other water sports boards, include one or more fins coupled to the board for stability and control. The boards themselves are frequently formed of a foam core with a laminate, such as fiberglass and a laminating resin covering and sealing the core. In the past, fins were often glued directly to the surface of the board and subsequently reinforced with fiberglass patches which were laminated to the board adjacent the fin. However, the process of attaching the fin directly to the surface of the board was generally labor intensive, time consuming and oftentimes did not yield a sufficient bond between the fin and the board.
More recently, fin mounts have been developed which allow the fin to be detachably secured to the board via various fin mount constructions. In order to install the fin mount into the board, the fin mount is typically positioned into the foam core and bonded to the board. Once the fin mount is placed within the foam core, the laminate may be placed over portions of the mount to secure the fin mount to the board. The use of fin mounts and detachable fins also simplified transport of a surfboard. For instance, it is typically easier to place three surfboards in a bag, in an airplane, or stacked in the back of a vehicle when the fins are detached from the surfboards.
Although the development and use of fin mounts has generally simplified the process for attaching the fin to the surfboard, conventional fin mounts typically suffer from certain deficiencies. Most notably, conventional fin mounts oftentimes fail under the stresses and loads experienced while surfing. Another deficiency commonly associated with conventional fin mounts is that they are relatively heavy and therefore, the fin mounts undesirably increase the overall weight of the surfboard.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved mounting device which has an improved strength to weight ratio and provides enhanced bonding between an external laminate and an injection molded mount housing. Various aspects of the present invention address these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Injection molded surfboard insert having pre-impregnated composite fiber matrix structure


Processes are described for the preparation of tubulysins. The processes are useful for preparing predetermined mixtures of tubulysins, preparing single tubulysins from mixtures of tubulysins, and for converting one tubulysin into a different tubulysin. The tubulysins described herein are useful in treating diseases and disease states that include pathogenic cell populations.

Tubulysins are a group of powerful inhibitors of tubulin polymerization. Tubulysins are useful in treating diseases and disease states that include pathogenic cell populations, such as cancer. Generally, tubulysins are linear tetrapeptides consisting of N-methyl pipecolic acid (Mep), isoleucine (Ile), an unnatural aminoacid called tubuvalin (Tuv), and either an unnatural aminoacid called tubutyrosine (Tut, an analog of tyrosine) or an unnatural aminoacid called tubuphenylalanine (Tup, an analog of phenylalanine), as shown in the following table:
 FactorR1TA(CH3)2CHCH2OHBCH3(CH2)2OHCCH3CH2OHD(CH3)2CHCH2HECH3(CH2)2HFCH2CH3HG(CH3)2C═CHOHHCH3HICH3OHTwo particular species of mycobacteria synthesize tubulysins in high titer during fermentation. However, each species generally synthesizes a mixture of tubulysin factors, and that mixture differs between each of those mycobacteria species. For example, one species, Archangium gephyra, produces as the main component factors tubulysins A, B, C, G, and I, each of which may be identified by its including the Tut residue. In contrast, another species, Angiococcus disciformis, produces as the main component factors tubulysins D, E, F, and H, each of which may be identified by its including the Tup residue.
Such bacterial fermentations are convenient sources of tubulysins. However, because the mycobacteria produce only certain tubulysins, and/or mixtures of tubulysins, processes are needed for interconverting those tubulysins to the desired factors for medicinal and pharmacological uses. In addition, processes are needed for preparing novel tubulysins, tubulysin analogs, and tubulysin derivatives for medicinal and pharmacological uses.


Methods and compositions for cleaning food preparation surfaces are disclosed. The method includes applying a thickened, noncorrosive composition to the surface. The composition is formulated from a hypochlorite bleach used to reduce staining on the surface, an alkalinity source to provide a pH of from about 10 to 14, a thickening agent used to promote adhesion of the composition to the surface upon application, and a balance of water. Optionally, the composition may also contain a surfactant and a builder.

Foods provided for human and animal consumption, as a matter of necessity, need to be prepared in an environment which ensures the integrity of the product to be ingested. However, the food itself may often create certain environmental "by-products" which effect product quality.
For example, the preparation of meat can be a messy process which results in protein and fat residue, that if left uncleaned, could provide an active basis for bacterial growth. Constraints on the meat preparation may be further complicated by the preparation surface.
For example, meat may be cut on a metal, wooden, or plastic surfaces such as those made from materials like polyethylene. Over time, these boards may be scored, creating holes, crevices or openings for the ready deposition of residue such as meat blood and cutting scraps. If the cutting board is used in a retail facility such as a grocery store, butchery, or delicatessen, the staining caused by the meat blood may prove unsightly. Even further, the proteinaceous residue may prove a threat to public health.
In the past, food preparation surfaces have often been cleaned with aqueous solutions of bleach. However, scored or roughened cutting surfaces may be difficult to clean. Cutting residues may form in the cracks and crevices of the roughened cutting surface. At the same time, cleaning of these cracks and crevices can be difficult with the casual wiping which is a common practice. As a result, by-products, such as blood and meat scraps, may not be removed from the cutting surface. Further complicating the cleaning process is that many cutting surfaces are positioned vertically, on-side, when not in use. Any cleaning fluid which is applied to the board either runs off before contacting the entire surface, or is not in contact with staining and residue long enough to clean, bleach, or sanitize the cutting surface.
Previous compositions used for cleaning include Finely et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,682 which teaches an aqueous composition of hypochlorite, polycarboxylate polymer, amine oxide surfactant, and optional fatty acid. The composition is disclosed as useful for cleaning bathroom fixtures and surfaces. Wise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,384,061 discloses an aqueous composition of chlorine bleach, polycarboxylate polymer, phytic acid, stabilizing agent and buffer. The Wise composition is disclosed as useful for dishwashing as a thickened detergent. Other dishwashing detergents are disclosed in Ahmed, U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,096; Gabriel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,047; and Rupe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,851.
However, none of these patents address concerns with food preparation surfaces or concerns of cleaning, bleaching, and sanitizing surfaces exposed to oxidizable or proteinaceous residue from foods such as meat. As a result, there is a need to provide compositions and method which may be used to clean, bleach, and sanitize food preparation surfaces, utensils, and equipment.


The invention relates to a method for processing a work piece by removing material with a tool in which the tool is guided over the work piece in paths. The pivoting and cambering angle of the tool is selected in every point such that the width of a tolerance zone is optimized. Within said zone, the effective zone (K) of the tool is located in a tolerance zone of the desired specified surface (Psi) of the work piece. The distance between two points (Pl, Pr) is maximized, said points characterizing the furthest outlying points of the tolerance zone. As a result, it possible to produce surfaces having a high precision with a small number of paths.

The invention relates to a method for processing workpieces by removing material.
Such methods serve e.g. for generating the paths of tools having five axes in CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems for the processing of workpieces with arbitrary surfaces.
All known methods for tool fitting start from from predefined contact paths of the tool on the workpiece. The position and orientation or the inclination angle (angle between the axis of the tool in the direction of movement of the tool and a vector normal to the desired surface) and the tilting angle (angle of the axis of the tool in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement) are determined in different ways for selected points on the contact path. The presently best method (Jean-Pierr Kruth and Paul Klewais, Optimization and Dynamic Adaptation of the Cutter Inclination during Five-Axis Milling of Sculptured Surfaces, Annals of the CIRP, 1994) is based, for the determination of inclination and tilt angle, on projections of quadratic approximations of the workpiece and the tool. A quadratic equation for calculating the critical inclination angle (inclination angle where there is no more undercut at the approximations) is derived for constant tilt angles. In these methods the processing remains also still complicated in spite of the limited accuracy (danger of collision)
Hence, the problem to be solved is to provide a method of the type mentioned initially that avoids at least partially the disadvantages of known methods. In particular, a fast and therefore cheap processing should become possible.
This problem is solved with the object of the invention. In general, a tool is led along paths (B) over the workpiece, whereby material getting into a cutting range (xcfx84) of the tool is removed for generating a desired surface ("psgr"). The workpiece is positioned along its path by repetitively adjusting at least an inclination and a tilting angle of the tool in such a way that a magnitude of the area of tolerance is substantially maximum, where the area of tolerance is a continuous area within which the distance between the desired surface and the cutting range of the tool lies within a given range of acceptable mismatch.
In contrast to know methods, no local fitting in the area of the point of contact but a non-local optimization of a quantity, e.g. the width of the area of tolerance, is carried out, whereby the number of machining paths can be reduced and processing can be rationalized.
Preferably, the tilt and inclination angles are chosen such that the tool always remains above the desired surface. This allows a better manual finishing of the surface for adapting it to the desired shape. For the known method by Kruth and Klewais it can be shown using the exact descriptions of tool and workpiece surfaces that the tool can damage the workpiece (in particular when using large tools).
In an other preferred embodiment the tool paths are chosen such that for each point on the desired surface the area of tolerance and the direction of the maximum diameter of the area of tolerance are determined. The tool paths are chosen substantially perpendicular to this diameter, whereby the number of tool paths can be reduced.
In a further embodiment of the invention a fitting curve is determined for a point on the desired surface, which corresponds in its derivatives, in particular in its curvature, derivative of curvature and torsion at the given point, to a cutting curve that describes the cutting range of the tool (formed by all points that have a minimum distance to the desired surface). As shown in the following, such a method allows to determine a well adapted position of the tool in computationally simple manner.
Examples for processing methods where the present method can be used are five axis milling, grinding, erosion, lathing. Examples for workpieces are outer skin sections for airplanes, cars or ships, flow guiding pieces such as turbine blades, designer items, etc.

Method for processing work pieces by removing material


An IC card reading/writing apparatus has an IC card reading/writing control unit having an intelligent function to control read-out/write-in processing for an IC card by an application unit in the IC card reading/writing apparatus. The IC card reading/writing control unit has, in addition to the intelligent function, a pass-through function to control read-out/write-in processing for the IC card by an application unit in a host for the IC card reading/writing apparatus by receiving a pass-through command from the host. With this arrangement, the IC card reading/writing apparatus can execute readout/write-in processing for the IC card with either the intelligent function or the pass-through function, thereby minimizing the cost required to configure an IC card system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an IC card (smart card) reading/writing apparatus and an IC card system. In particular, the present invention relates to an IC card reading/writing apparatus having both an intelligent function and a pass-through function, and an IC card system using the IC card reading/writing apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is a tendency recently to distribute processes (functions) in a system in order to reduce the burden on a host system from terminals or the like. In a card system using an I (Integrated Circuit) card, an intelligent-type IC card reading/writing (R/W: Reader/Writer) apparatus is used. Such apparatuses having a so-called intelligent function, in which an application is built to process the card data first instead of the host system like a personal computer, are spreading.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a general IC card system. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 101 denotes an IC card, reference numeral 102 denotes an IC card reading/writing (R/W) apparatus (equipment), and reference numeral 103 denotes an intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus. Reference numerals 104 and 105 denote a personal computer and a printing apparatus of which a host system of the IC card R/W apparatus 102 and 103 consist.
The IC card R/W apparatus 102 has a so-called pass-through function to control read-out/write-in processing for the IC card 101 by an application on the personal computer 104. The IC card R/W apparatus 102 has, for example, a communication control unit ak, a mechanism control unit 102b, a mechanism unit 102c and an IC card commands processing unit 102d, as shown in FIG. 15. Also, reference numeral 104a in the personal computer 104 denotes an application unit.
The communication control unit 102a identifies a type of a R/W command (an R/W control command, an IC card command and so on, described later) received from the personal computer 104 to control a communication (transmission/reception of a command/response) with the IC card 101 according to a result of the identification. The mechanism control unit 102b transmits an instruction to insert (i.e., "fetch") or discharge the IC card 101 to the mechanism unit 102c if the type of the R/W command accepted through the communication control unit 102a is a R/W control command, which instructs to insert/discharge the IC card 101.
The mechanism unit 102c drives a motor or the like according to the instruction to insert/discharge the IC card 101 from the mechanism control unit 102b so as to insert/discharge the IC card 101. The IC card command processing unit 102d transmits a card command to get card data of the IC card 101 described later if a type of the R/W command received by the communication control unit 102a is an IC card command. Unit 102d transmits a response (including data from the IC card 101) thereto to the personal computer 6. Using this function (the pass-through function), the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104 can directly process the card data (a reading/writing process) in the IC card 101.
With the above structure, the above-mentioned IC card R/W apparatus 102 performs an inserting/discharging process on the IC card 101 according to an instruction from the upper system (the personal computer 104 or the like). In addition, the IC card command processing unit 102d transfers the card data of the inserted IC card 101 as a response to the host system. In this manner, the application (the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104) of the host system directly performs a reading/writing process (a card data process) on the IC card 101.
The operation of the above-mentioned IC card system can be described as the following with reference to the flowchart (Steps A1 through A8) shown in FIG. 16.
When the power source for the IC card R/W apparatus 102 is switched on, the IC card R/W apparatus 102 comes to a state of waiting for a command from the host system (NO route at Step A1). If the R/W command, for example, is transmitted from the personal computer 104 (Step A2) and the IC card R/W apparatus 102 receives this R/W command (if a decision at Step A1 is YES), the IC card R/W apparatus 102 checks whether the type of the received R/W command is the R/W control command or the IC card command (Steps A3 and A4).
If the received R/W command is an R/W control command (if a decision at Step A3 is YES), the mechanism control unit 102b of the IC card R/W apparatus 102 controls the mechanism unit 102c to drive a motor to insert/discharge the IC card 101 (Step A5). Then the IC card R/W apparatus 102 transmits a command response to the R/W control command, which shows the process completed normally, to the personal computer 104 (Step A8).
If the command from the personal computer 104 is an IC card command (if a decision at Step A3 is NO and at Step A4 is YES), the communication control unit 102a and the IC card command processing unit 102d of the IC card R/W apparatus 102 perform an IC card command process on the IC card 101 as the follows. The IC card R/W apparatus 102 converts the communication protocol of the card command to instruct reading/writing processing for the IC card 101, the instructed processing being adapted to the IC card 101, and transmits the card command to the IC card 101. Further, the IC card R/W apparatus 102 receives a response (a card response) to the transmitted card command. Apparatus 102 converts the communication protocol of this card response (including the card data of the IC card 101) into the original communication protocol adapted to the personal computer 104 (Step A6).
The IC card R/W apparatus 102 then transmits a command response to the R/W control command, which shows the process was completed normally, to the personal computer 104 (Step A8). In the personal computer 104, having received this command response, the application unit 104a performs a data process on the card data of the IC card 101 transmitted as the response. That is, in the IC card R/W apparatus 102, the writing/reading process on the IC card 101 is directly performed, not by the IC card R/W apparatus 102 itself, but rather by the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104.
If the R/W command received from the personal computer 104 at Step A1 is neither a R/W control command nor an IC card command (if decisions at both Steps A3 and A4 are NO), the IC card R/W apparatus 102 generates an error response (Step A7). Apparatus 102 then transmits this response to the personal computer 104 to notify the received command is not normal (Step A8).
In FIG. 14, an intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 has a built-in application. By this application, a primary process on card data of the IC card 101 can be independently performed by the IC card R/W apparatus itself. The intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 has, for example, a communication control unit 103a, an application unit 103b, a mechanism control unit 103c an a mechanism unit 103d, as shown in FIG. 17.
The communication unit 103a controls the communication of a R/W command from the personal computer 104 (i.e., the application unit 104a therein) or the application unit 103b. The application unit 103b identifies the type of the R/W command from the personal computer 104, and executes an application processing. The application processing is to fetch (insert/discharge) the IC card, convert a communication protocol for the IC card 101, generate/transmit a card command, or the like, according to the result of the identification. The mechanism control unit 103c controls a motor or the like of the mechanism unit 103d when the application unit 103b identifies the type of the R/W command as an R/W control command to insert/discharge the IC card 101.
The above-mentioned R/W command has a format consisting of, for example, a header unit 106, an information unit 107 and a trailer unit (CRC) 108 and the like, as shown in FIG. 18. In the header unit 106, a length LEN (bytes) of the information unit 107 is stored. In the information unit 107, a RAN command identifier (for example, "AP" in the case of an application command) 109, a command unit 110 and the like are stored. The IC card R/W apparatus 103 can determine whether a received R/W command is an application command or not based on the R/W command identifier 109.
A process in the intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 with the above structure can be described in detail through the following with reference to the flowchart (Steps B1 through B8) shown in FIG. 19.
When the IC card R/W apparatus 103 is activated (when a power source is switched on), the IC card R/W apparatus 103 comes to a command reception waiting state (NO route at Step B1). If the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104 transmits any command (the R/W command, for example), (Step B2) and the IC card R/W apparatus 103 receives this R/W command. The IC card R/W apparatus 103 determines whether this R/W command is an application command or not based on the R/W command identifier 109 (refer to FIG. 18) stored in the R/W command (Step B3).
If the received R/W command is an application command (if the decision at Step B3 is YES), the IC card R/W apparatus 103 further determines whether this R/W command is a R/W control command to instruct to insert/discharge the IC card 101 or not (Step B4). If the R/W command is a R/W control command (if a decision at Step B4 is YES), the mechanism control unit 103c controls the mechanism unit 103d to insert/discharge the IC card 101 (Step B5). The IC card R/W apparatus 103 then transmits a command response to the received R/W command (the application command) which shows the process completed normally to the personal computer 104 (Step B8).
If the received R/W command is not a R/W control command (if the decision at Step B4 is NO), the application unit 103b of the IC card R/W apparatus 103 performs application processes. These application processes are such as generating and transmitting a card command to the IC card 101, receiving a card response from the IC card 101, a card data process, and generating a command response to the personal computer 104 (Step B6). Application unit 103b then transmits the generated command response to the personal computer 104 (Step B8).
If the received R/W command is not an application command (if a decision at Step B3 is NO), the communication control unit 103a of the IC card R/W apparatus 103 generates an error response (Step B7). The communication control unit 103a then transmits this error response to the personal computer 104 so as to notify that the process in response to the received R/W command could not be normally performed (Step B8).
In the intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 described above, the built-in application unit 103b is controlled according to an application command from the host apparatus such as the personal computer 104. An application process by the application unit 103b enables a primary process on card data.
There is another type of the intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103. When this type of IC card R/W apparatus 103 is activated, the built-in application unit 103b is automatically activated. When the IC card 101 is inserted, the application unit 103b performs a primary process on card data of the IC card 101 by the application process described above, without a command from the personal computer 104.
In this case, when the IC card R/W apparatus 103 is activated as shown in FIG. 20, for example, the IC card R/W apparatus 103 first automatically activates the application unit 103b in itself and comes to a state of waiting for the IC card 101 to be inserted (NO route at Step C1). When the IC card 101 is inserted (if a decision at Step C1 is YES), the application unit 103b transmits the R/W control command to the mechanism control unit 103c (Step C2). The mechanism control unit 103c then controls the mechanism unit 103d to fetch the IC card 101.
Subsequently, the application unit 103b of the IC card R/W apparatus 103 performs a card accessing process. This is a process such as generating and transmitting a card command to the inserted IC card 101, or receiving a card response from the IC card 101 (Step C3). Application unit 103b then executes a card data process such as editing card data of the IC card 101 (Step C4).
When the card data process is terminated in the IC card R/W apparatus 103, the application unit 103b transmits a R/W control command to instruct to discharge the IC card 101 to the mechanism control unit 103c (Step C5). The mechanism control unit 103c controls the mechanism unit 103d to discharge the IC card 101 (Step C6).
If the IC card R/W apparatus receives a command to require data of the IC card 101, after having finished the card data process from the personal computer 104 but while the process as above is being executed (Step C7), for example, the IC card R/W apparatus 103 executes a communication interrupting process as follows.
The IC card R/W apparatus 103 first inhibits an interruption which is caused by accepting a command from another host system (Step C8). The IC card R/W apparatus 103 then edits card data of the IC card 101 after having finished the data process (Step C9) and transmits it to the personal computer 104 as a command response (Steps C10 and C11). Apparatus 103 then permits an interruption from another host system (Step C12).
As an apparatus performing a reading/writing process on the IC card 101, there are, in general, provided the IC card R/W apparatus 102 and the IC card R/W apparatus 103. The apparatus 102 has a pass-through function to implement an operation (a card inserting/discharging, a data process, etc.) on the IC card 101 by the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104. The intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 has an application function to implement an operation on the IC card 101 by the application unit 103b built-in, as above.
However, each of the IC card R/W apparatus 102 and the above-mentioned intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103 has only either one of the pass-through function or the application function. In consequence, it is impossible to use, for example, the intelligent type IC card R/W apparatus 103 as the IC card R/W apparatus 102 having the pass-through function.
A process such as directly accessing the IC card 101 from the personal computer 104 by the application unit 104a of the personal computer 104 may be desired (if the pass-through function is desired to be used) in an IC card system using the intelligent-type IC card R/W apparatus 103, for example. In such a case, it is necessary to newly connect the IC card R/W apparatus 102 having the pass-through function mentioned above to a host system such as the personal computer 104. This is quite disadvantageous in cost.

IC card reading/writing apparatus and an IC card system


In one embodiment, a system for providing social interaction opportunities for people watching television is presented. The system includes: a television data source which transmits television data streams for reception by end devices, each end device being represented by an equipment code; a plurality of end devices, including a first user's end device and a second user's end device, each end device configured to receive a television data streams, and each user represented by an identifier code; and an interactive-information server configured to: store, at the first user's behest, the identifier code of the second user; monitor which of the television data streams is being received by the first end device; monitor which of the television data streams is being received by the second end device; and notify the first user when the first end device and the second end device are receiving the same television data stream.

Watching television is a common activity by many people. Some television shows, both popular and less well known, are socially discussed intensely by watchers for many days following their broadcast. These shows include soap operas, reality television shows, award shows, sporting events, and other types of programs. However, the actual watching of the show is usually somewhat less social and involves merely watching the show as an individual or a small group.
Currently, if a watcher wants to discuss a television show with another person while the show is occurring, the watcher must communicate with the other person by some mode initiated on their own, without knowledge of whether or not the other person is watching the same show, or if the other person is even interested in communicated regarding the show. The systems and methods of the present invention provide solutions to these and other problems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Socially networked television experience


A hitch mounted lift gate system and method of loading and loading a payload from a cargo vehicle using the lift gate system. The frame and platform of the lift gate system is pivotable relative to the hitch and hitch receiver as between a vertical use position and a horizontal dropped position for facilitating opening and closing of rear doors on the vehicle to which the lift gate system is mounted when the rear doors pivot about a vertical axis.

Pickup trucks, panel vans and other vehicles used for transporting goods, equipment, and other cargo such as for the building, and/or agriculture industries feature cargo beds that are generally parallel to the ground, and ride a number of inches above the ground. These cargo beds have proven to be incredibly versatile, and beneficial, and have led, in part, to the popularity of vehicles such as pickup trucks and panel vans for both commercial and personal uses.
Various means have been developed for facilitating the loading and unloading of cargo from these vehicles. For example, ramps positioned against a tailgate can be used in combination with a hand truck to facilitate loading and unloading. In the same vein, such vehicles can be backed against a loading dock for this same purpose. In addition, various technologies for lifting cargo, such as fork lifts, cranes, and the like can be employed in the loading and unloading of such vehicles.
Unfortunately, these above-mentioned technologies all require devices or fixtures at the site of loading or unloading to assist in this process. These devices may not be available everywhere, such that during the sequence of loading, transporting, and unloading, the operator may find him/herself without the aid of these technologies either during the loading or unloading of the cargo, or both.
While cranes have been installed in such vehicles, they tend to be specialized and limited to a small percentage of the overall variety of cargo types that may be transported by such vehicles, e.g., a crane may be suitable for lifting cargo that is structured or packaged with appropriate lift points, and/or positioned within the vehicle to lift and lower the cargo from and to specific positions, their application is generally limited. In addition, such cranes can create clearance problems when cargo other than that for which they are designed is to be loaded or unloaded, and must be removed in such cases, sometimes requiring additional technologies to lift the crane off of the vehicle.
As such, lift gates have become somewhat popular as a solution to the challenge of loading and unloading cargo from vehicles. A lift gate is positioned generally where a tailgate would be on a factory stock pickup truck or cargo truck, e.g., box truck, and generally replaces the tailgate, hence the "gate" portion of the name lift gate. In addition, the lift gate can be repositioned from a vertical orientation, where it functions as a "gate" into a horizontal orientation where it functions as a "lift." While in its horizontal orientation, the lift gate can be lowered to the ground (or even raised to a higher level to align with a loading dock) in order to facilitate the easy loading of cargo onto the lift gate. Once loaded with cargo, the lift gate can be repositioned, such as by using an assembly of linkages and hydraulic cylinders, to a position generally coplanar with the cargo bed in order to facilitate the easy loading of cargo from the lift gate into the cargo bed, or vice versa. This lowering or raising and repositioning of the lift gate may need to be repeated multiple times for multiple batches of cargo in order to fully load the cargo bed.
Unfortunately, the installation of a lift gate does have its drawbacks. Most notably, because a lift gate often replaces the tailgate of the vehicle, and because it must be secured to the vehicle frame in order to both be portable and provide sufficient lifting capacity, installation of a lift gate generally requires permanent removal of the tailgate, and bumper of the vehicle, and fixation of the lift gate machinery to the frame of the vehicle, such as by welding or drilling of mounting holes. Such installation often required specialized mounting brackets suitable of installing the lift gate into the particular make/model/year of vehicle into which the lift gate is to be installed. In addition, the hydraulic cylinders of the lift gate must be supplied with a source of electrical power at 12V and, for example, approximately 100 A.
Accordingly, a need exists for a lift gate capable of being quickly and easily attached and detached to a cargo transport vehicle, and suitable for use with both vehicles having a drop tail gate that pivots about a vertical axis such as found on pickup trucks and vehicles having rear doors that pivot about a vertical axis such as found on panel vans.

Hitch mounted lift gate system with pivoting door-access drop feature and method of loading and unloading a payload


A technique, system, and computer program for encapsulating socket functionality in a uniform communications object model. This object model is system- and language-independent, and supports both synchronous and asynchronous I/O. Further, the object model functionality is lightweight and modular, enabling its use within devices having limited memory and storage capability. The functionality included in this model is based on the common denominator of functions provided in modem operating systems, which provide the capability for basic sockets support as well as support for threads. Use of this uniform communications object model enables porting an application across environments ranging from resource-constrained devices through servers.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer communications, and deals more particularly with a technique, system, and computer program for providing a lightweight, system-independent and language-independent communications object model for use with TCP/IP communications. This model encapsulates low-level socket functions, and provides support for both synchronous and asynchronous input/output.
2. Description of the Related Art
The TCP/IP protocol (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is the de facto standard method of transmitting data over networks, and is widely used in Internet transmissions. TCP/IP uses the concept of a connection between two xe2x80x9csocketsxe2x80x9d for exchanging data between two computers, where a socket is comprised of an address identifying one of the computers, and a port number that identifies a particular service, or process, on that computer. The process identified by the port number is the process that will receive the incoming data for that socket. A socket is typically implemented as a queue by each of the two computers using the connection, whereby the computer sending data on the connection queues the data it creates for transmission, and the computer receiving data on the connection queues arriving data prior to processing that data.
TCP/IP is typically used in a client-server model of computing, where the machine at which the user requests information is referred to as the client, and the computer that locates the information and returns it to the client is the server. In the World Wide Web environment, the server is commonly referred to as a xe2x80x9cWeb serverxe2x80x9d. The client-server model may be extended to what is referred to as a xe2x80x9cthree-tier architecturexe2x80x9d. This architecture places the Web server in the middle tier, where the added tier typically represents databases of information that may be accessed by the Web server as part of the task of processing the client""s request. This three-tiered architecture recognizes the fact that many client requests are not simply for the location and return of static data, but require an application program to perform processing of the client""s request in order to dynamically create the data to be returned. In this architecture, the Web server may equivalently be referred to as an xe2x80x9capplication serverxe2x80x9d.
In order to exchange data across a network or Internet, a computer may act as a client, a server, or both, depending on the application running on the computer. Some communication functions are used only for the client role, other functions are used only for the server role, and yet others are used in both roles.
Establishing and maintaining end-to-end communications through one or more networks is an extremely complicated process. To insulate a programmer writing application software that will run in this environment from the underlying communication details, a number of vendors have developed prepackaged communications software with an interface that is accessible to an application program. These packages may alternatively be referred to as xe2x80x9clibrariesxe2x80x9d. An example is Windows Sockets, or xe2x80x9cWinsockxe2x80x9d, from Microsoft Corporation. Winsock contains functionality to implement socket-based communications using TCP/IP on a computer running a Windows operating system. These communications functions are made available to the programmer through an Application Programming Interface (xe2x80x9cAPIxe2x80x9d). The programmer then invokes selected functionality from this package by coding a reference to the corresponding API in his application program. For a computer running the UNIX operating system, the Berkeley Software Distribution (xe2x80x9cBSDxe2x80x9d) sockets programming interface is commonly used. In the object-oriented environment, a communications package referred to as xe2x80x9cjava.netxe2x80x9d has been produced by Sun Microsystems for use with the Java programming language. (xe2x80x9cJavaxe2x80x9d is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.) xe2x80x9cjava.netxe2x80x9d is a class of communications methods for use with sockets-based connections.
These packages of communications functionality have been developed for specific operating systems, and for use with specific programming languages. xe2x80x9cjava.netxe2x80x9d, for example, is only usable from application programs written in the Java language. The commands (that is, the syntax with which a programmer requests communication functionality) in the Winsock API differ from the commands available in the BSD API. This difference is due (at least in part) to tailoring the implementations to run on particular operating systems. For example, while the BSD API includes a xe2x80x9cclosexe2x80x9d command, the corresponding Winsock API command is xe2x80x9cclosesocketxe2x80x9d. Further, the differences between the BSD and Winsock API support for asynchronous input/output (xe2x80x9cI/Oxe2x80x9d) function significantly impacts the design of applications utilizing this function, such that a restructuring of the application is required in order to port from one operating system to another. Java itself does not provide support for asynchronous I/O. With the proliferation of low-end handheld and embedded devices, the cost of porting application designs to varied devices becomes more and more expensive.
In addition, the data structures used in the various libraries are not consistent, so that an application program compiled for one library cannot be executed on a machine where the underlying function is supplied by a different library implementation. The particular programming model around which an operating system is designed is also a factor in differing implementations within libraries. For example, in addition to the differences in asynchronous I/O discussed above, some versions of the Windows operating system use non-preemptive scheduling, while other operating systems use preemptive scheduling. The details of this distinction are beyond the scope of this discussion, but the significance of the distinction is that server functionality ( for example, the xe2x80x9cblocking receivexe2x80x9d function) must be implemented differently to properly accommodate each approach. Furthermore, some libraries provide rich functionality, while others are limited to basic requirements.
Further, an xe2x80x9call-or-nothingxe2x80x9d approach to using a specific library is required. As devices capable of communicating over networks become smaller and smaller, the need for efficient and compact communications software becomes increasingly important. Handheld computers and other embedded devices, such as the PalmPilot, have limited memory and storage capacity, and may use specialized or device-specific operating systems for which no library of communications functionality is readily available. Such computers need access to a library providing basic communications functionality, without the overhead associated with advanced communications. (xe2x80x9cPalmPilotxe2x80x9d is a trademark of 3Com Corporation.)
For an application programmer, these operating system and programming language dependencies and differences mean that either one version of his application will be created, for a particular operating system or language (restricting the market for his software), or that he must implement different executable versions of the application for each operating system and programming language environment (with a corresponding increase in the cost and effort required for development and support).
Accordingly, a need exists for a technique by which these disadvantages in the current implementations of socket functionality can be overcome. The proposed technique defines a lightweight uniform communications model to encapsulate this functionality. The model is system and language-independent, and supports both synchronous and asynchronous I/O. The functionality included in this model is based on the common denominator of functions provided in modem operating systems, which provide the capability for basic sockets support as well as support for threads.
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for encapsulating low-level socket functionality.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique whereby this functionality is system- and language-independent.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a technique whereby this functionality supports both synchronous and asynchronous I/O.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a technique whereby this functionality is lightweight and modular, enabling its use within devices having limited memory and storage capability.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a communications object model that provides uniform communications functionality which can be implemented in, and ported across, environments ranging from resource-constrained devices through servers.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description and in the drawings which follow and, in part, will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.
To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as broadly described herein, the present invention provides a system, method, and computer-readable code implementing a software process for use in a computing environment having a connection to a network, for encapsulating socket functionality in a lightweight uniform communications object model. This comprises a plurality of supplied user-invocable communications functions, each of the functions having a defined interface; a subprocess for receiving one or more invocations of any of the defined interfaces; and a subprocess for processing one or more logic routines in response to each of the invocations. Preferably, these functions are provided in a manner that is system-independent, language-independent, and device-independent; the functions include one or more functions supporting synchronous input/output and one or more functions supporting asynchronous input/output; and the model can be implemented in, and ported across, environments ranging from resource-constrained devices through servers. Preferably, a first of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating a sublayer for client support and a second of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating a sublayer for server support; a third of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating one or more data brokers, wherein each of the data brokers may operate on a stream of data or on one or more logical records of data; a fourth of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating one or more data broker assimilators, wherein each of the data broker assimilators assimilates one or more data brokers; a fifth of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating one or more data assimilators, wherein each of the data assimilators provides a subprocess for data assimilation and provides a subprocess for notification of connection termination; a sixth of the interfaces enables use of a subprocess for creating one or more multiplexed data assimilators, wherein each of the multiplexed data assimilators provides a subprocess for data assimilation for data arriving on more than one connection, and provides a subprocess for notification of connection termination of the more than one connection.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numbers denote the same element throughout.

System, method and computer readable code for encapsulating system, language and device independent communications socket functionality in a lightweight uniform communications object model

International Business Machines Corporation


A pneumatic regulating valve that operates on high-temperature, high-pressure gases. This invention reduces the upstream pressure of a flow of gas, which can be as high as 10,000 psia, down to a level usable by downstream control valves, which may require controlled pressure input. The springs and seals of this invention are isolated from the high temperature and pressure of the upstream gas, thus enabling regulation of gas flows of up to 10,000 psia and 2,500.degree. F.

The present invention relates to pressure regulators, particularly to pressure regulators for regulation of a gas at high temperature and high pressure.
Pressure regulators of various types have been developed for a multitude of operating conditions. A conventional regulator requires that the pressure setting spring be immersed in the working fluid. This poses a problem for the warm-gas regulator design as no spring material can be exposed to temperatures of around 2,500.degree. F. without losing its required mechanical properties. For instance, a silicon nitride spring can tolerate the high temperature, but is not adequate for higher-pressure applications because of its low shear strength and brittleness.
Other regulators also expose the dynamic seals in the main valve area to the pressure of the entering fluid. If pressure and temperature are high, for example approaching 10,000 psia and 2,500.degree. F., the dynamic seals will be damaged.
The present invention allows for use of a spring in the pilot portion of a regulator for high-temperature, high-pressure applications through a novel design that protects the spring from exposure to the warm gas. This allows for the use of common spring materials, such as 17-7, in the design. It also isolates the dynamic seals of the main regulator from high temperature and pressure.

Two-stage, warm-gas high pressure regulator


The present invention relates to a method for inducing a merge candidate block and a device using same. An image decoding method involves decoding motion estimation region (MER) related information; determining whether or not a predicted target block and a spatial merge candidate block are included in the same MER; and determining the spatial merge candidate block to be an unavailable merge candidate block when the predicted target block and the spatial merge candidate block are included in the same MER. Accordingly, by parallely performing the method for inducing a merge candidate, parallel processing is enabled and the computation amount and implementation complexity are reduced.

Recently, a demand for a video with a high resolution and a high quality such as a high definition (HD) video and an ultra high definition (UHD) video is increased in various application fields. As resolution and quality of video become higher, an amount of video relatively increases in comparison to an existing video, and thus, in a case that where the video is transmitted using a medium such as an existing wire or wireless broadband network or stored in an existing storage medium, a transmission cost and a storage cost would be increased. In order to solve these problems generated as resolution and quality are getting higher, video compression techniques of high efficiency may be utilized.
The video compression techniques include various techniques such as an inter(picture) prediction technique for predicting a pixel value included in a current picture from a before or after picture of the current picture, an intra (picture) prediction technique for predicting the pixel value included in a current picture by using pixel information within the current picture, and an entropy encoding technique for assigning a shorter code to a high occurrence frequency value and assigning a longer code to a low occurrence frequency value, and the video data can be effectively compressed to be transmitted or stored by using such video compression technique.

Method for inducing a merge candidate block and device using same


Coordinating signal processing among computing devices in a voice-driven computing environment is provided. A first and second digital assistant can detect an input audio signal, perform a signal quality check, and provide indications that the first and second digital assistants are operational to process the input audio signal. A system can select the first digital assistant for further processing. The system can receive, from the first digital assistant, data packets including a command. The system can generate, for a network connected device selected from a plurality of network connected devices, an action data structure based on the data packets, and transmit the action data structure to the selected network connected device.

A computing device can be wirelessly discoverable by another computing device within range. However, as a greater number of computing devices are within discoverable range, the computing devices may each connect with one another, thereby introducing a risk of undesirable interference between computing devices, and increasing unnecessary network bandwidth usage and processor utilization.

Signal processing coordination among digital voice assistant computing devices


A storage case has a plurality of walls surrounding an internal compartment, a door provided in a front wall for providing access to the internal compartment, a top panel for covering the internal compartment, and a removable table top assembly resting on the top panel. The table top assembly has a plurality of table top panels that are removably coupled together to form the table top assembly, and which are adapted to be stored in the internal compartment. The storage case further includes a base panel between the plurality of walls, and a set of wheels provided adjacent the base panel. A shelf may be provided in the internal compartment when the storage case is used as a combined storage cabinet and table top. The storage case is especially adapted for use in storing components are that used to assemble a modular display system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to storage cases for use in storing and transporting modular display systems, and in particular, to a multipurpose storage case which can be used not only for storing and transporting the components of modular display systems, but also as a complete display table and storage cabinet for use at a trade show.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Modular display systems are commonly used at trade shows or exhibitions to display or exhibit photographs, promotional material, product samples, messages and other communication media. A conventional modular display system typically includes display frames that are provided in the form of tubings, panels that are typically made of a strong durable fabric material, and lighting assessories. The tubings, fabric and lighting are usually provided in separate pieces that are packed and stored in a storage case for transportation to the site of the trade show or exhibit. These components are then assembled at the site to create the display system.
Since these display systems are often required to display large communication media such as promotional literature and photographs, these display systems are necessarily large and bulky. To assemble a large display system requires a large number of components, and in particular, the tubings, the fabric and the lighting. This in turn requires a large storage case that can accomodate all of the components required to assemble the desired display system.
There are many currently-available storage cases that have been designed to accomodate all of these components. Since they are large and bulky, it is often troublesome to find a good location to store these cases after the components stored therein have been removed and used to assemble the display system.
In addition to a display system, exhibitors at a trade show typically will need to rent or otherwise obtain tables that are used as working areas adjacent the displays, and storage cabinets that are used to store additional written documents, samples and other materials. Exhibitors will need to incur additional hassles and costs to obtain these tables and storage cabinets.
Most of the existing modular display systems and storage cases have focused on providing more convenience to exhibitors in storing, transporting, assembling and disassembling modular display systems. However, there is also a need to provide added convenience to exhibitors at the trade show or exhibition, after the display system has been set up and when it is in use. This need has not always been addressed by the currently available display systems and storage cases.

Multipurpose storage case and display cabinet


An electric power converter is equipped with a master converter and a slave converter that are connected in parallel with each other, and to a load. The master converter operates having priority over the slave converter. The slave converter includes a voltage sensor for detecting an output voltage of the electric power converter and a control unit for controlling an output of the slave converter based on a target command value. The control unit selects a current command value Ic2 received from the master converter as a target command value when a variation ΔV per predetermined time of a detected output voltage Vo2 is lower than a variation ΔVth1. The control unit selects a voltage command value Vc2a calculated so as to suppress the output voltage Vo2 from changing as the target command value when the variation ΔV exceeds the variation ΔVth1.

There is an apparatus as an electric power converter having a plurality of DC/DC converters that are connected in parallel to each other disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-291247.
In the apparatus according to the Publication No. '247, a series resistance with a resistance value R1 is connected between an output terminal of a first DC/DC converter (output voltage V1) and one of terminals of a load, and similarly, a series resistance with a resistance value R2 is connected between an output terminal of a second DC/DC converter (output voltage V2) and the terminal of the load.
Then, when a load current Io is equal to or less than a threshold value (V1−V2)/R1, the first DC/DC converter is activated, and an output current I1 is outputted.
On the other hand, when the load current Io is exceeding the threshold value, the first and second DC/DC converters are activated, and the output currents I1 and I2 are outputted.
At this time, a difference between the output currents I1 and I2 becomes reduced as the load current Io increases, and when the load current Io becomes Io=(V1−V2)/(R1−R2), the output currents I1 and I2 become I1=I2.
In the above-mentioned electric power converter, in order to improve the reliability and efficiency of the overall electric power converter, it is desirable to control the output current of DC/DC converters to be as equal as possible.
As a method for controlling the output current value of each DC/DC converter equally, a method is considered on which the first and second DC/DC converters are set to a master and a slave, respectively, and operate the slave based on a current command value sent from the master.
However, when using such a method, when a sudden change in the load faster than a communication speed from the master to the slave occurs, the slave is not able to receive the current command value corresponding to the change in the load in time, thus the current that should be outputted is not outputted.
As a result, when it becomes impossible to correspond to the sudden change in the load only by the master, the electric power converter increases or decreases the output current to increase or lower the output voltage depending on the increase or decrease of the load.
Therefore, there is a problem that the output voltage of the electric power converter changes greatly, and thus the electric power converter cannot output a desired power corresponding to the sudden change in the load.


The present invention is a micro-abrasive blasting device (55) with superior perturbation control via a plurality of delivery conduits (25) of various lengths and apertures. The user is able to individually open and close bypass conduit pinch valve (99) external to micro-abrasive blasting device (55) to affect the perturbation intensity internal to the mixing chamber (23). By selectively opening and closing flow through delivery conduits (25) it is possible to provide a more consistent perturbation rate and select the perturbation intensity internal to mixing chamber (23).

The present invention relates generally to the field of devices for propelling abrasive powder with intent to etch the surface of a target material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a micro-abrasive blasting device powered by a pressurized-gas source for use with dental procedures.
Abrasive blasting devices operate on the physical property that gas at a higher pressure flows towards and into gas at lower pressure. When abrasive powder is mixed with gas at higher pressure, the gas carries the abrasive powder as the gas accelerates and flows to the lower pressure. As the gas and abrasive powder blast the target material at high speed, the impact of the particles removes layers of the target material.
This process of material removal is commonly known as etching and also as sandblasting. As the rate of the target material removal increases, the etching process can be utilized for drilling and cutting. More specifically, the aggressiveness of the particulate impact-speed and frequency determine the rate of material removal, and thus whether an abrasive blasting device is useful for polishing, etching, or drilling. Particulate impact-speed and impact-frequency are adjusted by variation of the gas flow rate and gas-to-particulate mixture ratio through perturbation of the abrasive material.
In dentistry this technology is known as micro-abrasion and is used to achieve a variety of goals—such as to remove foreign material or to dull a shiny surface, roughen or etch the surface to enhance bonding quality and to remove decay by drilling and cutting tooth structure. To facilitate such procedures, it is of supreme importance to select the precise quantity of abrasive powder introduced into the gas stream. As the rate of powder delivery or concentration of abrasive in the gas stream is increased, the greater the cutting rate of the device. So for procedures that only require light etching, a reduced amount of abrasive particles must be present in the gas stream, while for drilling and cutting procedures elevated quantities of abrasive particles in the gas stream provide for most efficient operation. Such delicate procedures performed intra-oral require instantaneous response and precise control over the flow of the particle stream to prevent damage due to over-etching.
Once the dentist has selected the abrasive concentration, it is of equal importance for the device to maintain a consistent powder delivery rate. Significant damage can be caused by an unexpected increase or decrease in particulate concentration during an intra-oral procedure. Over-etching of a tooth surface due to an increase in abrasion rate leads to permanent tooth damage. Under etching of a tooth surface due to a decrease in abrasion rate may cause weak bonding and/or trapped bacteria under the sealants.
Most air abrasion devices provide complex mechanisms to allow adjustment and assure the consistency of the abrasive concentration introduced into the air stream. Deardon et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,001 discloses a dental air abrasion system in which the flow of the particles is electronically controlled by pressure differentials. Rainey U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,021 discloses an automated control system which utilizes a gas stream mounted particulate sensor to regulate fluid flow rates into and around the ultrasonically agitated mixing chamber in order to accurately maintain the abrasive concentration in the air stream.
Simple self-contained air abrasion devices—such as by Stark et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,370, Hertz, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,839,946 and 6,287,180, Hertz PCT application 96/11696 filed on Jul. 15, 1996, Hertz et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,856, Schur et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,191, Trafton et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,924, and Groman U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,628 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,984—rely on the air stream to perturb the abrasive and generate the mixing action. The etching rate of these devices is adjustable only by the inlet pressure for a given nozzle aperture, since it is the flow rate of the air stream that generates the powder perturbation. The greater the inlet pressure, the greater the gas flow rate through the device and thus the increase in abrasive delivery rate. Conversely low powder delivery rates are attained by reduction of the inlet gas pressure.
For these devices however, as the inlet pressure is reduced the flow rate through the device is reduces and so does the impact speed of the abrasive powder. The reduction in impact speed leads to a reduction in operational efficiency, since the lower impact speed of the particulates requires more operational time and a greater quantity of powder material to accomplish a task. Therefore, operation of light etching is achieved only at lower operational pressures and therefore lower particulate velocities. Additionally, since these self-contained devices utilize the inlet pressure for concentration selection, they only perform at their optimum efficiency at the maximum inlet pressure.
Additionally, self-contained air abrasion devices contain a preset amount of powder material within the mixing chamber. The operational time of the device is the time period during which powder is contained within the mixing chamber. In practice, the operational time of the device is defined to terminate when the powder delivery rate reaches such a low level that the device is not able to perform useful etching.
Self-contained air abrasion devices experience a change in the powder delivery rate as the contained abrasive is depleted from the mixing chamber. As the abrasive discharges from the mixing chamber, the location of the delivery conduit outlet changes with respect to the remaining powder material. When the prior art device shown in FIG. 1A initiates operation, the delivery conduit outlet is submerged within the abrasive material. But as the quantity of abrasive is reduced during operation, the discharge conduit outlet becomes more distant from the abrasive material, as shown in FIG. 1B. As the distance between the outlet and the powder material increases, less powder material is perturbed by the inlet air stream and thus less material introduced into the air steam.
FIG. 1C depicts the powder delivery rate for this prior art device over its operational time for a constant pressure air supply. Over the device's operational time the powder delivery rate decreases as the powder depletes from the device and the distance between the abrasive powder and the delivery conduit outlet increases. This leads to a decrease in perturbation of the powder material as the gas flow is further from the powder material. The device's operational time terminates when it no longer has a powder delivery rate capable of performing useful etching of the target material. FIG. 1C shows that this device has a large variation in powder delivery rate consistency. At the initial operational state powder delivery occurs at high rate and then rapidly decreases as the mixing chamber depletes of powder material.
The length of the delivery conduit is also a significant factor in the powder delivery rate. FIG. 2 depicts two configurations of prior art devices with fixed length delivery conduits. FIG. 2A illustrates a prior art device with a long delivery conduit that reaches deep into the powder material. Referring to FIG. 2C, this prior art device has a high powder delivery rate that rapidly depletes the quantity of powder material in the mixing chamber. The rapid depletion leads to a short operational time and a high variability in powder delivery rate. FIG. 2B illustrates a prior art device with a short delivery conduit that may be initially submerged in the powder material. Such a prior art device has a lower powder delivery rate that slowly depletes the quantity of powder material in the mixing chamber. The slow depletion leads to a longer operational time and a slower variability in powder delivery rate. As FIG. 2C illustrates, a short delivery conduit configuration provides lower capability to generate high powder perturbation and therefore always yields a lower powder delivery rate. Since the powder delivery rate is reduced, the operational time of the device is longer and the change of powder delivery rate is reduced, however, it is not capable of creating high powder delivery rates.
Powder perturbation rate is also affected by the diameter of the delivery conduit or its outlet aperture. Delivery conduit outlets with small apertures lead to high air velocities into the mixing chamber, while delivery conduit outlets with large apertures lead to low air velocities into the mixing chamber. FIG. 3 depicts two configurations of prior art devices with small and large delivery conduit diameters. FIG. 3A depicts a prior art device with a small diameter delivery conduit. FIG. 3C illustrates that a delivery conduit outlet with small aperture has a high powder delivery rate that rapidly depletes the quantity of powder material in the mixing chamber. The rapid depletion leads to a short operational time and a high variability in powder delivery rate. FIG. 3B depicts a prior art device with a large diameter delivery conduit. FIG. 3C illustrates that a delivery conduit outlet with a large aperture has a lower powder delivery rate that slowly depletes the quantity of powder material in the mixing chamber. The slow depletion leads to a longer operational time and a slower variability in powder delivery rate. FIG. 3C shows that prior art devices with fixed delivery conduit diameters have large variations in powder perturbation consistency over the operational time of the device.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, perturbation rates of prior art simple air abrasion devices are dependent on the 1) amount of material depleted from the device, 2) length of the delivery conduit, 3) diameter and apertures of the delivery conduits. Prior art simple air abrasion devices compensate for this deficiency by requiring the user to constantly adjust the inlet gas pressure. Adjustment of the inlet supply gas pressure controls the flow rates through the device and therefore the inlet air velocities. Higher inlet air velocities allow for increase in material perturbation at greater distances between the delivery conduit outlet and the powder material. Therefore, over the operational time of the instrument, the user must adjust the input pressure to compensate for the decline in powder delivery rate. Additionally, since the inlet pressure is utilized to control the powder delivery rate, the user must also modify the input pressure to select the perturbation intensity for the required procedure.
Consequently, since low perturbation rates are only achieved at lower supply pressures, the user must operate at lower pressures for procedures that require reduced powder delivery rates. As the powder delivery rate of the device is reduced, the efficiency of the device decreases since the abrasive powder is delivered at lower nozzle velocities.
The invention disclosed herein solves the following shortcomings with the prior art simple self-contained air abrasion devices:                1) Introduces new means for maintaining a consistent powder delivery rate without adjustment to the input pressure.        2) Introduces new means for selecting the powder delivery rate without adjustment to the input pressure.        3) Enhances operational efficiency by providing simple means for delivering lower powder delivery rates at high input pressures.
In addition, this invention teaches a new innovative method for providing a reliable perturbation rate selection via an external bypass tube.

Micro-abrasive blasting devices with perturbation control


A method and system for determining that problems exist in a business office device such as a copier, printer, facsimile machine, or scanner by analyzing the user settings of the business office device. If the user settings deviate from the default settings by a predetermined amount, there is a probability that the default settings are improper, parameters need to be changed within the business office device, or defective components within the business office device need to be changed. The analysis of the user settings is triggered after a predetermined time period expires, after a predetermined number of jobs are performed, or alternatively after a predetermined combination of jobs and elapsed time occurs. After a problem is found to exist with the default settings, the business office device communicates with a diagnostic service center via a connectionless-mode of communication such as by an Internet electronic mail message. If the diagnostic service center can not remotely correct the problem in the business office device, the diagnostic service center indicates that a service call is to be made.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the diagnosing of a business office device such as a printer, facsimile machine, scanner, or copier which determines an abnormal condition therein based on an operating parameter set by a user which controls the operation of the business office device. The invention is more particularly related to analyzing the user setting of the print density (e.g., darker or lighter) in order to determine if a printing operation is being performed correctly. The invention is still further related to the communication between a diagnostic service center and the business office device which is performed in order to complete the diagnostic process or to call a local service center to have the business office device repaired.
2. Discussion of the Background
The monitoring of faults in business office devices such as facsimile machines, printers, scanners, or copiers is well-known. An important operating parameter of a print forming device such as a printer, facsimile machine, or copier is the image density of printed images which is closely monitored and controlled in order to assure high quality prints from the copier. There are various known ways to monitor or adjust the print density, such as by monitoring the toner concentration, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,476 to Murai. Further, other techniques for monitoring and controlling image density are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,175,585, 5,333,037, and 5,317,368. A feature of the above patents is the monitoring of print density by forming a toner pattern and evaluating, using a sensor, the resulting density of the toner pattern. Each of the above related art patents are incorporated herein by reference.
In addition to monitoring the various operating parameters of a copier, it is also known to monitor the occurrence of occasional faults in a copier to statistically predict when the failure of a part will occur. Such a monitoring of problems and performing a statistical analysis to determine a probability of component failure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,815.
However, the present inventor has recognized that the conventional fault monitoring systems input their data through electrical or electrical-mechanical sensors and are only as accurate as the accuracy of the sensors. Further, conditions which the diagnostic software determines to be acceptable might not be acceptable to the majority of the users.

Method and system to diagnos a business office device based on operating parameters set by a user


A method for controlling an axle shaft endplay in a differential assembly is disclosed. The desired axle shaft endplay is determined by a differential manufacturer based on the specific operating conditions of the differential assembly. In accordance with the endplay controlling method of the present invention, first the differential is partially assembled by mounting side gears and a differential pinion shaft carrying pinions in a differential case. Then, the manufacturer determines a thickness of an axle shaft-retaining ring that would provide the desired endplay. The manufacturer is provided with an endplay controlling kit of a plurality of the retaining rings of assorted thickness. The appropriate retaining ring is selected from the kit having the thickness as determined in the previous step. Next, axle shafts are inserted into the differential case through the side gears, and the selected retaining ring is mounted to the axle shafts. After this step, the assembly of the differential is completed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to differential systems for motor vehicles and, more particularly, the invention pertains to a method for controlling an axle shaft endplay in a differential assembly.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In conventional drivelines, particularly those for rear wheel drive vehicles, the left-hand and right-hand axle shafts extend laterally from a differential mechanism that includes side bevel gears in continuous meshing engagement with differential pinions supported rotatably on a pinion shaft carried on a differential carrier. The differential carrier is driven rotatably by a set of meshing bevel gears, one of which is driven by a drive shaft disposed substantially perpendicular to the axle shafts. The side bevel gears typically are connected rotatably to the axle shafts by a spline connection formed on a shoulder near the inboard ends of the axle shafts. Each axle shaft carries another shoulder at its axially innermost extremity, the second shoulder located adjacent the differential pinion shaft.
Located between the shoulders on the axle shaft is an annular recess that is axially aligned with the recess formed on the corresponding side bevel gear. A slotted washer or retainer ring, fitted within the recesses of the axle shaft and side bevel gear, limits outward axial movement of the axle shaft relative to the side bevel gear. However, each axle shaft is free to move along the spline connection axially inward toward the differential pinion shaft. This amount of an internal axial clearance is called an axle shaft endplay.
The excessive amount of the endplay in the differential assemblies allows the axle shafts to shift axially inwardly relative to the differential case and jar or knock against the pinion shaft. Moreover, the conventional assembly can lead to grinding away of the end of the side yoke causing excessive negative camber, which in turn can lead to uneven tire wear and poor driving stability. It can also cause particles of the side yokes to embed themselves in the differential clutch plates causing slippage of the differential unit resulting in a clunking or thumping noise. If the wear is left unchecked, it may increase to a point where the flange will shear or cut into the differential case causing a leakage of fluid and ultimately leading to complete destruction of the differential assembly.
The current retention method of the axle shaft does not allow an endplay control. Therefore, the need exists to control the endplay of the axle shaft in order to provide a predetermined desired endplay in accordance with vehicle manufacturer""s specification and/or depending on the operational conditions of the axle assembly.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling an axial displacement of an axle shaft in a differential assembly.
The method, according to the present invention, for controlling an axle shaft endplay in a differential assembly is preformed in the following manner: first, a value of a desired endplay xcex4=xcex4p is determined based on particular operational conditions and the type of the differential assembly. A differential mechanism is partially assembled including side gears and a pinion shaft carrying bevel pinion gears in continuous meshing engagement with the side gears in a differential case. Then, a thickness WR of the axle shaft retaining ring is calculated that would provide the desired endplay xcex4p. In accordance with the present invention, the manufacturer of the axle assemblies is provided with an endplay controlling kit that includes a plurality of the axle shaft retaining rings of assorted thickness. The appropriate retaining ring having the determined thickness WR calculated during the previous step of the present method, is selected from the plurality of the assorted retaining rings of the endplay controlling kit. Next, the axle shaft is inserted into the differential case through the side gear, and the selected retaining ring is mounted to the axle shaft. Finally, remaining components of the differential assembly are assembled, thus, completing the process of assembling the differential assembly. The plurality of the axle shaft retaining rings in the endplay controlling kit have the thickness ranging from a thinnest having the thickness WRmin to the thickest having the thickness WRmax. The thinner retainer rings provide more endplay, and the thicker retainer rings provide less endplay. Also, the differential assembly with a zero axle endplay may be provided.
Therefore, the present method for controlling the endplay of the axle shaft solves the need for a solution to the problem of controlling the axle shaft endplay in the vehicular differential assemblies in a simple, efficient and inexpensive manner.
These and other benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and associated drawings.

Method for controlling axle shaft endplay in differential assembly


There is now provided a building having a pitched, sculptured tile roof with a ridge extending atop the pitched, sculptured tile roof, with a pitched tile roof venting arrangement disposed at the ridge. The building has walls to support a roof having a ridge beam, roof rafters, and battens that support roofing tiles. The roof also has a row of ridge tiles disposed on said ridge beam. A venting arrangement is disposed atop the ridge beam, between the ridge tiles and the roofing tiles. The venting arrangement has a center strip that is placed onto the ridge beam, and two side strips that cover a portion of adjacent uppermost roofing tiles. The side strips have air venting openings for the passage of air from beneath the roof to the outside of the roof. The air venting openings are covered by cover bands which cover bands permit passage of air to flow therethrough and prevent rain or drift snow to readily penetrate through the air venting openings.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a building having a pitched, sculptured tile roof with a ridge extending atop the pitched, sculptured tile roof, which pitched, sculptured tile roof has a pitched tile roof venting arrangement.
2. Background Information
Building roofs comprise frame structures supported on the walls of a building. Conventional roof construction generally proceeds from a point at which all of the walls of the structure are erected and the structural members for the ceiling called "ceiling joists" are in place. Ceiling joists will typically be members placed center to center and spanning the narrow width of the structure. Splices in joists are preferably arranged to coincide with internal load bearing walls. Rafters are also placed center to center so that this spacing of joists permits fastening the ends of the rafters adjacent to a corresponding joist in every case. Conventional roof construction also has a ridge member and the top end of the rafter needs to be angle cut with the aid of the rafter square for a proper fit against the ridge member and possibly allowance for half the thickness of the ridge member must be made in determining the distance from the top of the rafter. Often the rafter is left with a "tail" which provides an overhang for the roof. The rafter tail may be "plumb cut" at an angle also using the rafter square. To mount roofing tiles on the roof, longitudinal straps or battens are disposed on the rafters substantially parallel to the ridge of the roof. The roofing tiles are then disposed in rows on the battens and ridge tiles are disposed on the ridge of the roof.
There arises the need at roofs for ridge coverings and ridge ventilations that serve for sealing the gaps remaining between ridge battens and roofing tiles and simultaneously for ensuring the adequate ventilation of the roof framing. Such gaps extend on both sides of the ridge battens in the longitudinal direction of the roof ridge. There also arises the need that the ridge coverings and ridge ventilations prevent rain water, snow, insects or debris from penetrating into the interior of the roof. There also arises the need that the roof interior is simultaneously ventilated in order to protect the roof framing against damage due to rot.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,459 issued to Freiborg on Jan. 3, 1995 discloses a ridge cover also useable as a shingle having a three dimensional appearance, together with methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, right isosceles triangular pieces of asphalt composition roofing material are cut. Thereafter, the material on each side of the center line bisecting the right angle is folded under the top surface of the asphalt composition material a plurality of times in a Z-fold manner along lines approximately parallel to the center line to effectively progressively thicken the material at the respective side of the center line, the folding pattern for the two sides being symmetrical with each other. In manufacture, the triangle shaped pieces may be cut from a roll of material with no waste, may be progressively folded, stacked for shipment in a substantially solid stack, easily bent over a ridge during installation, and nailed into position utilizing hidden nails to obtain double coverage on hip and ridges in a manner simulating the outline of a heavy wood shape hip and ridge cover. The symmetry of the cover makes the same also useful as a shingle for a pronounced three dimensional hidden nail double coverage installation.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,898 issued to Larsen on Jun. 27, 1995 discloses a lead-free plate-shaped roof flashing material that comprises a sandwich structure in which a stress damping and stabilizing layer of ductile material is completely covered on one side and at least partly covered on the other side by preferably metallic foil sheetings, e.g. of aluminum foil, designed with densely positioned flattened folded sections having such a form, e.g. closed inverted pleats, that a material layer of each folded section gets into contact with the stress damping and stabilizing layer only when the folded sections open in connection with deforming the flashing material to make it fit to the roofing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,855 issued to Loucks on Aug. 15, 1995 discloses roofing components and method for pitched roofs includes a flexible base and one or more ranks of integrally formed thin blades, vanes or fins extending outwardly from the base. The blades, fins or vanes are spaced substantially parallel to each other and overlap to shadow lower elements and to provide air circulation and between blades, which are designed to sluff-off heat and impede thermal energy being transmitted to the roof. The blades, fins or vanes are flexible and resilient so as to absorb the impact of falling material (limbs, etc.). One edge portion of the base is free of blades to provide an overlapped area for installation on a pitched roof. Various overlapping and interlocking arrangements are disclosed for sealing purposes.
Ridge coverings and ridge ventilations serve for sealing the gaps remaining between ridge batten and roofing and simultaneously for ensuring the aeration and ventilation of the roof framing. These gaps extend on both sides of the ridge batten in the longitudinal direction of the roof ridge. The ridge coverings and ridge ventilations prevent rain water, snow, insects or debris from penetrating into the interior of the roof. The roof interior is simultaneously ventilated in order to protect the roof framing against damage due to rot.
A sealing strip for a ridge or peak covering with an air-permeable center strip and side strips bordering thereon is already known (EP O 341 343 Bl, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,816 issued to Hofmann et al. on Mar. 26, 1991). The center strip herein is comprised of an air-permeable, water-repellent and drift-snow-proof nonwoven fabric, while the side strips are comprised of soft polyisobutylene.
A similar ridge sealing strip with a center region and two side regions adjoining thereon is disclosed in WO 99/09272. The center region is herein comprised of a material which while it is air- or vapor-permeable, also has rain and snow-proof properties. The side regions, in contrast, are impermeable to moisture.
A ridge or peak ventilation element with a center part fastenable on a ridge or peak batten, as well as with side parts adjoining the center part on both sides, which can be placed with their outer margin regions onto roof coverings, is also known from EP 1013 845 A1. The outer margin regions are therein comprised of an air-permeable woven fabric and metal foil strips adjoining them.
Furthermore known is a ridge covering whose central zone is comprised of a nonwoven fabric, which ensures the penetration of air (EP O 610 324 B1). The central zone is laterally adjoined by two needled margin regions. To attain waterproofness with simultaneous air-permeability the ridge sealing is impregnated with acrylic resin. In the region of overlap of the central zone with the margin regions, air penetration channels are provided in the lateral direction.
In the case of the above listed known ridge sealings the venting takes essentially place through a nonwoven fabric. The advantage of these sealings comprises that they form a very good protection against drifting snow. However, disadvantageous is the fact that the nonwoven fabric directly forms the venting planes. Hereby the venting cross section is reduced to only 20 to 30% of the cross section proper. In addition, after loading with driven water, thorough soaking and water penetration can occur. On the relatively flatly positioned venting nonwoven fabrics, moreover, dust, insects or leaf residues can become deposited, which at least temporarily can lead to severe decrease of the venting.
Ridge and peak ventilation elements are also known, however, in whose central and/or lateral strip air penetration openings are provided (EP 0 974 712 A2; EP O 117 391 B1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,291 issued to Hofmann on Mar. 4, 1986). About the air penetration openings can be provided up-right edges to prevent rain water from flowing in, which may penetrate into the uncovered junctions between the overlapping ends of the cover cap (cf. EP O 117 391 B1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,291 Issued to Hofmann on Mar. 4, 1986).
The advantage of the ventilation elements with air penetration openings comprises that they have good venting effects. Therefore, water can normally not penetrate into the roof framing since the ventilation elements are covered by the ridge tiles. However, under extreme weather conditions, when rain water or snow are driven up by wind, secure tightness is not given.
Also known is a sealing strip for a ridge or peak covering, which comprises two sealing flaps connected each at their one end, which are provided with venting openings, through which air can penetrate into the interior of the roof (DE 22 56 675 A1, corresponding to GB Patent No. 1,449,506 filed on Nov. 16, 1973). In order to separate especially positively entrained rain water, drift snow or dust, the venting openings are disposed such that they are offset with respect to one another. In the case of this sealing strip, venting is difficult if the sealing flaps are disposed one on the other, since, due to the offset of the venting openings, the air is cut off. On the other hand, penetration, in particular of dust, is facilitated if the sealing flaps are not disposed tightly one on the other.
In the case of another known sealing strip for a ridge or peak covering, two side strips comprising venting openings are connected with one another by a center strip (DE 26 49 790 A1, corresponding to GB Patent No. 1,579,550 filed on Oct. 28, 1977). However, through these venting openings rain, snow and dust can readily penetrate.
Furthermore is known a ridge sealing strip, which comprises a central region making possible the removal of moisture of the subjacent ridge space, which is adjoined by lateral water-repellent side regions (WO 99/09272 A1). The central region is continuously width-variable at least in the boundary region on each side region. The known ridge sealing strips, however, do no have any venting openings.
While such venting openings are provided in another known ridge sealing strip (GB 2 155 516 A1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,637 issued to Mason on Dec. 17, 1985), these venting openings are, however, not separately protected.

Building having a pitched, sculptured tile roof with a ridge extending atop the pitched, sculptured tile roof, which pitched, sculptured tile roof has a pitched tile roof venting arrangement

Lafarge Roofing Components GmbH & Co. KG


A camera comprises an exposure counter for indicating the number of frames of a film load that have been exposed or remain to be exposed, and a flash illumination light source for illuminating a subject being photographed. The exposure counter has a phosphorescent substance that becomes luminescent due to the absorption of radiation and continues with an afterglow some time after the radiation has stopped, to permit one to read the exposure counter in dimly lit or dark ambience. A light pipe directs illumination from the light source to the phosphorescent substance. Thus, the exposure counter can be read in dimly lit or dark ambience after the light source has been used.

Practically every camera that is available today comes equipped with an exposure counter for indicating the number of frames of a film load that have been exposed or remain to be exposed.
When taking pictures in dimly lit or dark ambience, it is difficult and at times impossible to read the exposure counter. Thus, cameras have been provided with a light source for illuminating the exposure counter.

Camera with flash illumination light source for phosphorescent exposure counter