A device for flushing the optical path of a UV laser beam has a casing (18) with which the optical path is separated from the external atmosphere (26). In order to maximize the life of the optical components (24, 26) in the optical path, a noble gas, in particular argon, is used for flushing the optical path.

The invention relates to a device for flushing the optical path of a UV laser beam, having a casing separating the optical path from the external atmosphere.
It is known in the prior art to flush the optimal path of a UV laser beam (that is to say of a laser beam having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range) with nitrogen (J. A. R. Samson (Ed.): Techniques of vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy, New York, 1967). This prior art is based on recognition of the fact that UV laser beams, in particular with a wavelength of 193 nm, produce ozone in atmospheric oxygen, and this causes a range of technical problems. In particular, ozone should be avoided because it can irritate the airways. Furthermore, however, ozone also absorbs the laser radiation and thus attenuates the laser beam. In order to avoid this, in the prior art, the entire beam path from the output-coupling optical unit of the laser system to the object to be illuminated is encapsulated in such a way that the encapsulated space is hermetically sealed from the space outside. The encapsulation involves a casing around this space with, a suitable wall. Next, according to the prior art, nitrogen is introduced into the space with a slightly positive pressure relative to the atmosphere. Once the entire system has been filled with nitrogen, the laser radiation can reach the workpiece without losses and without producing detrimental ozone. A further possible way which the prior art mentioned above proposes for avoiding the formation of ozone is to evacuate the space containing the optical path. However, this elaborate measure is used primarily for extremely short UV wavelengths that is to say wavelengths considerably shorter than 193 nm, since in cases such as these the radiation is absorbed in the gas.
The present invention is based on recognition of the fact that, in the case of UV laser radiation, flushing the optical path with nitrogen may be detrimental to optical components in the optical path of the laser, for example windows, lenses, mirrors, prisms, etc., and in particular the optical quality of the surfaces of the optical components may be impaired. This is in particular true of optical components made from CaF2, for which surface flaking may result. Optical components of this type in the optical path of a laser beam are, in particular, needed for focusing and/or rendering uniform the laser beam on the workpiece to be illuminated.
The present invention is furthermore based on recognition of the surprising fact that the aforementioned technical problems which occur when nitrogen is used no longer occur if the optical path of the UV laser beam is flushed with noble gas. Argon, in particular, has been found to be highly suitable for this purpose.
The solution according to the invention exhibits particularly good results for excimer laser radiation with a wavelength of 193 nm and for the fifth harmonic of Nd:YAG lasers (212.8 nm).
The invention is thus suitable, in particular, for wavelengths of less than 220 nm down to shorter wavelengths, so long as the radiation is not absorbed by the noble gas. This leads to a preferred wavelength range of from about 220 nm to about 150 nm.

Device for flushing the optical path of a UV laser beam


An irradiating device and a method for controlling it are provided. The device comprises an electron accelerator and a scanning box connected to the electron accelerator, wherein the scanning box is provided with a target, an electron beam exit window positioned at left or right side of the target and a scanning magnet. The device integrates the functions of both the existing irradiating device outputting electron beams and those outputting X-rays. When the scanning magnet is in operation, the irradiating device outputs electron beams; and when the scanning magnet is not in operation, the irradiating device outputs X-rays. Therefore, the device is capable of outputting two radiation sources so as to meet requirements for radiation-processing articles with different sizes.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to an irradiating device in the art of radiation processing, and a method for controlling the same.
2. Description of Related Art
Radiation processing is now used to prepare macromolecular materials, keep foods fresh, sterilize medical products and drugs, protect products from contaminating, color crystals and pearls, and treat environmental contaminants with high energy electron beams, X-ray generated by a target hit by electron beams or Gamma ray radiated by a radionuclide. The radiation processing, as an economic, energy saving, manpower saving and harmless new processing method, is widely applied to various fields such as agriculture, industry and medicine, and becomes increasingly important.
Generally, high energy electron beams are generated by accelerators such as traveling or standing wave linear accelerators, and DC high voltage accelerators, which further include static accelerators, transformer type accelerators with insulating core, electron curtain accelerators, high frequency and high voltage accelerators, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, an irradiating device outputting electron beams comprises an electron linear accelerator 1, a scanning magnet 3 mounted on the electron linear accelerator 1 via a flange 2, and a scanning box 4 of triangle shape. The scanning box 4 is provided with an electron beam exit window 10 right in a direction of electron beams output from the electron linear accelerator, and a cooling fluid loop 9 at the bottom of the scanning box 4 for cooling the electron beam exit window 10. The cooling fluid loop 9 is externally connected to a cooling fluid system via an inlet 8 and an outlet 12. In operation, the scanning magnet 3 scans in bidirectional mode, that is, a positive current and a negative scanning current are respectively supplied to the scanning magnet 3 for half of a scanning period. The irradiating device configured in this way typically directs electron beams 5 through scanning box 4, and then carries out radiation processing. Although radiation processing with electron beams has advantages of great power, high efficiency, excellent safety and so on, it could only be used for small or thin articles due to the low processing depth of electron beams. It is not suitable for processing big articles that cannot be separated into smaller ones, such as logs to be cleared of pests. Furthermore, the scanning boxes of the conventional electron beam exit window type irradiating devices are required to have scanning magnets with good stability. If the scanning magnet 3 fails in operation, even for a very short time, the electron beams 5 would damage the electron beam exit window 10 greatly, and even damage the entire system including the electron linear accelerator 1 and the scanning box 4.
Therefore, an irradiating device outputting X-rays is typically used to irradiate big articles that cannot be separated into smaller ones. As shown in FIG. 2, such irradiating device outputting X-rays comprises an electron linear accelerator 1, a shift section 13 mounted on the electron linear accelerator 1 via a flange 2, a target 7 mounted at a center of the outputting beams, and a cooling fluid loop 9 at bottom of the shift section 13 for cooling the target 7. The cooling fluid loop 9 is externally connected to a cooling fluid system via an inlet 8 and an outlet 12. The radiation processing is carried out utilizing X-rays generated by the target hit by the electron beams originated from the electron linear accelerator 1. X-rays can penetrate deeply, and thereby carry out radiation processing on bigger articles. However, its efficiency is lower than electron beams since X-rays are converted by electron beams impinging on the target.
In conventional accelerator irradiating devices, the radiation is implemented by either electron beams or X-rays generated by a target hit by electron beams. The articles suitable for being irradiated by these devices are limited.

Irradiating device and method for controlling the same


In an area of interest (AOI) display, a detailed image is projected on a screen at the area of interest while a background image is projected on the surrounding area such that the boarder between the two areas varies in an orbital oscillating pattern to accomplish visual blending. A combiner includes a transparent portion to accommodate projection of the background image at the area of interest. The opaque portion carries a mirror to reflect the detailed image filling the area of interest. The combiner is oscillated in an orbital pattern at a resonant frequency, e.g. 210 Hertz by a three phase electromechanical drive unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to computer graphics systems and more specifically to area of interest display systems as for use in training simulators.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Area of interest (AOI) display systems are well known in the prior art as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,186, Harvey et al. and also in U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,384, Neves et al. Essentially, the systems combine and blend a high resolution, small field of view image (inset) with a wide field, low resolution image (background). For example, a trainee, seated in a flight simulator sees a wide field of view display to simulate the view of an actual flight pattern. Consequently, a trainee can experience specific flight routes or patterns with considerable realism while seated in a training simulator.
It has been recognized in the past that as a result of limitations in human visual perception a considerable portion of a wide field of vision display may be of relatively poor quality and still attain substantial realism. The key is to inset a high resolution image in the low resolution background image at the viewer's area of interest. As recognized in the past, such AOI systems take advantage of the fact that the high resolution viewing area of the eye (fovea) is relatively small. Specifically, as the fovea of a normal eye subtends an angle only of about two degrees, the high resolution inset image can be relatively small in relation to the low resolution background or panoramic image.
A previously recognized problem in producing area of interest displays has been avoiding visible effects at the border between the two images. Considerable effort has been expended attempting to avoid incongruities at the transition from the high resolution image to the low resolution image that are disturbing to the viewer. For example, the problem was recognized and considered in U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,384, "Head and/or Eye Tracked Optically Blended Display System", Neves et al.
Although various solutions have been proposed to accomplish a visually acceptable transition between the images in an AOI display, a need exists for an economical and effective process and apparatus to accomplish that end. In that regard, it is desirable to avoid the need for high precision optical alignment, exotic filtering or video systems requiring extensive hardware or critical operating requirements. In a related context, it is noteworthy that techniques involve substantial problems in attaining optical masks using proper sizing and proper optical density falloff. In that regard, alignment problems can be reduced by using a mirror image-combining structure. However, another problem is introduced because no technique is known to grade the reflectance of the mirror edge so that it gives equal optical control in both transmission for the background and reflectance for the inset. Such control is required for smooth blending at the boundary. Thus, the continuing nee, d exists for an improved system to solve the problem.

Area of interest display system with opto/mechanical image combining


An injection molding apparatus comprises a manifold having a manifold channel for receiving a melt stream of moldable material under pressure. A nozzle having a nozzle channel receives the melt stream from the manifold channel and delivers the melt stream through a mold gate to a mold cavity. The nozzle includes a nozzle head, a nozzle body and a nozzle tip. A heat dissipation device is coupled to the nozzle body at a location between the nozzle head and the nozzle tip to regulate the temperature of the nozzle and maintain it within a predetermined temperature range.

Prior art hot runner nozzles often have an uneven distribution of heat along the length thereof when operating in an injection molding apparatus. This uneven distribution of heat causes the temperature of the melt flowing through the nozzle to vary as it travels toward a mold cavity. Any variation in melt temperature can adversely affect the quality of the molded products and is therefore undesirable. The uneven heat distribution of the nozzle results from more heat being lost at the ends of the nozzle than at the midsection of the nozzle. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate this pattern of heat loss.
A prior art injection molding apparatus 100 is generally shown in FIG. 1. The injection molding apparatus includes a nozzle 102 that is mounted between a manifold 104 and a mold cavity plate 106. The nozzle 102 and manifold 104 are arranged such that melt flows from a manifold channel 108, through a nozzle channel 110 and into a mold cavity 112. The nozzle 102 contacts a cold mold plate 114 through spacers 116, which are provided between a nozzle head 118 and the mold plate 114, and seals 120, which are provided between a nozzle tip 122 and the mold plate 114. The nozzle 102 loses heat directly to the mold plate 114 through the spacers 116 and the seals 120. The midsection of the nozzle 102 is not in contact with any part of the mold plate 114 and, therefore, does not lose heat as quickly as the nozzle head 118 and the nozzle tip 122.
Another prior art hot runner nozzle 124 is shown in FIG. 2. The hot runner nozzle 124 screws into a manifold (not shown) and is located in a cavity 126 that is provided in a mold plate 128 of an injection molding apparatus. A heat profile of the nozzle 124 in an operating condition is also shown. The heat profile illustrates the temperature at each position along the length of the nozzle 124. As shown, the heat profile includes a temperature spike 130 that is generally located at the midsection of the nozzle 124. This occurs because there is more heat lost at the ends of the nozzle 124 due to contact with the manifold (not shown) and the cold mold cavity plate (not shown). The midsection of the nozzle 124 does not directly contact any part of the injection molding apparatus and therefore does not lose heat as rapidly as the ends of the nozzle 124.
Uneven heat distributions in nozzles are undesirable because with the increased use of more difficult to mold plastic materials, the melt must be maintained within narrower and narrower temperature ranges. If the temperature rises too high, degradation of the melt will result, and if the temperature drops too low, the melt will clog in the system and produce an unacceptable product. Both extremes can necessitate the injection molding apparatus being shut down for a clean out, which can be a very costly procedure due to the loss of production time.
In order to maintain the temperature of the melt flowing through the melt passage within a desired temperature window, it is known to provide less heat in areas where there is less heat loss, such as the midsection of the nozzle. One method of achieving this is to provide a variable pitch spiral channel in which a heating element is wound, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This arrangement is also disclosed in the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,685, which issued on Dec. 10, 1985, and which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. The pitch of the spiral channel is customized depending on the heating requirements of the particular molding application. While this improves the heat profile of the nozzle for many applications by reducing the magnitude of the temperature spike, it does not overcome the problem. In addition, this solution is relatively costly because nozzles must be custom made for specific applications.
A further disadvantage of an uneven temperature distribution along the length of a nozzle is that the nozzle is subjected to high stress due to the continuous cycling between higher and lower temperatures. This can result in a shorter nozzle life.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a heat dissipation device for a nozzle that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above disadvantages.

Heat dissipation device for and method of dissipating heat from a nozzle


A method comprising removing a roof from a railcar, the railcar comprising a plurality of top chords, coupling an outer portion of a replacement roof to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the outer portion comprising a frame and a first plurality of panels, and coupling an inner portion of the replacement roof to the frame of the outer portion of the replacement roof after coupling the outer portion to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the inner portion comprising a second plurality of panels.

Earlier designed railcars employed a one piece composite roof to help reduce the weight of those cars, thus increasing the cars' capacity. When these roofs were damaged or as they degraded over time, options were limited for their repair or replacement. Patch repairs for these roofs are expensive and require special materials and processes. Replacing the entire roof in kind is cost prohibitive due to the high cost of making a new mold.


Stator designs have wide-mouth slots between adjacent poles. Wire coils with high slot fill conductivity are formed around the poles. In some designs, the wire coils are wave wound around the poles. Thick bar conductors can be used for making the wire coils. The wire coils may be inserted using nozzle dispensers or transferred from a pre-form mandrel. In other designs, the wire coils are pre-formed on transferable pockets that are then mounted on the poles. Optional pole extensions or shoes can be attached to the stator poles after the wire coils are formed around the poles.

The present invention relates to improved wire coil designs for dynamo-electric machine components (e.g., stators for electric motors, generators, or alternators) and to manufacturing solutions for implementing such designs.
Dynamo-electric machines operate by exploiting the interaction of rotating magnetic fields with a magnetic part or rotor. For example, ac electric motors include armatures or a configuration of insulated wire coils in a stationary part or stator. Current flow through the wire coils generates magnetic fields in the space of the stator. The wire coils are wound around ferromagnetic cores or poles to enhance the strength of the generated magnetic field. Stator casings are often made from ferromagnetic laminates. Longitudinal slots in the stator casings usually define these poles. The poles generally are tooth-like cross sections that are rectangular or trapezoidal, but are invariably provided with cap-like lateral extensions or shoes at their top ends to enhance the concentration or passage of magnetic flux.
Flowing current of different phases through a progressive sequence of coils around the stator rotates the magnetic field generated in the stator. This rotating magnetic field imparts electromechanical torque to the rotor and turns the electrical motor shaft on which the rotor is mounted.
The operational characteristics of a dynamo-electric machine depend on the nature or properties of the generated magnetic field. These properties are determined by the particular structure or design of the slots, poles, and the wire coils used. Design features such as the shape of the slots (e.g., depth, widths, and curvatures) and the winding specifications (e.g., wire size, turns, and slot fill ratio), affect not only the performance and efficiency of the dynamo-electric machine, but are also relevant to dynamo-electric machine manufacturing costs and reliability.
Consideration is now being given generally to ways of providing solutions for improving uniformity and reproducibility in dynamo-electric machine component manufacture. Attention is directed to slot and pole shapes, and winding coil structures or designs, with a view to improve the performance of dynamo-electric machines, and to improve manufacturing costs and reliability.

Method of assembling a dynamo-electric machine component


A focus adjusting apparatus comprises a motor serving as a drive source, a focusing unit which is driven by the motor and has at least a focusing lens, a focus detecting device which performs focus detection, an area setting device which sets a first area and a second area in an area in which the focusing unit is movable, a position detecting device which detects whether the focusing unit is located within the first area, and a motor control device which, when the focusing unit is located within the first area and the first area and the second area are set by the area setting device, forcibly drives the motor until the focusing unit moves out of the first area, and, then, drives and controls the motor on the basis of a result of focus detection performed by the focus detecting device in such a manner that the focusing unit performs a focus adjusting operation within the second area.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an optical apparatus having an automatic focusing device arranged to set a movement inhibiting area within a moving range of a focusing lens.
2. Description of Related Art
It was generally practiced in the past to manually bring a lens into focus on an object to be photographed in taking a shot with a camera. During recent years, however, most of cameras or lenses have come to be arranged to automatically make focus adjustment by driving focusing lenses with actuators such as DC and ultrasonic motors or the like mounted in the cameras or lenses. The automatic focus adjustment (automatic focusing) enhances focusing accuracy and shortens to a great extent a length of time required in focusing to enable everyone to easily take a sharp picture without missing shutter operating opportunities.
However, the time required for focusing varies depending on various conditions and parameters. For example, a relatively long time is required in moving a focusing lens when the moving area of the focusing lens is wide depending on the focal length of the lens. Further, the focusing time is not always short depending on parameters such as luminance of the photographing object obtained by a distance measuring sensor, a perspective relation of a main object to peripheral objects, the focusing sensitivity of the lens, the relation of the current lens position to that of the photographing object, etc. Further, the lens might be focused on a wrong object when objects located at different distances appear together in the same field at far and near distances in a commingling state. This state is called "a far-and-near-distance competing state".
To solve this problem, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,335, there is disclosed a camera, which is arranged to permit selection of any object as desired, to set a distance measurement inhibiting zone within the whole distance measuring area of a distance measuring sensor and to inhibit any focusing action within the distance measurement inhibiting zone.
In another prior art of lenses, there is a lens system arranged to divide a moving area of a focusing lens between a nearest distance end position and an infinity distance end position into two areas, i.e., a movement allowing area and a movement inhibiting area, and to limit a moving range of the focusing lens by judging the moving direction indicated by an instruction coming from the camera to move the focusing lens. This enables the lens to quickly carry out automatic focusing control.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the conventional method for limiting a moving range of a focusing lens.
Referring to FIG. 6, the whole area of a moving range of the focusing lens is an area between a nearest distance end position and an infinity distance end position. The lens of the automatic focusing type is provided with a position detecting means for detecting the absolute position of the focusing lens and a distance limit switch for designating a moving area.
When the distance limit switch is in its off-state, the movable range of the focusing lens becomes the whole area (an A zone and a B zone). When the distance limit switch is in its on-state, the movable range of the focusing lens becomes the B zone only.
In a case where the distance limit switch changes from an off-state to an on-state while the absolute position of the focusing lens is in the B zone, the focusing lens becomes movable within the B zone only. In other words, in this case, the focusing lens is inhibited from entering the A zone. In this case, a photographing object desired is naturally located within the B zone in general and the lens is effectively prevented from being focused on a wrong object.
Further, if the distance limit switch changes from an off-state over to an on-state while the focusing lens is in the A zone, the focusing lens can be moved by either of the following two methods. According to a first method, while the focusing lens is in the A zone, the focusing lens can not be driven by an automatic focusing action and must be moved to the B zone by a manual operation by the operator. According to a second method, while the focusing lens is in the A zone, the distance limit switch is considered to be in its off-state, even if the distance limit switch is actually in its on-state. Then, the focusing lens is driven to move to the B zone and, once the focusing lens enters the B zone, the distance limit switch is completely turned on to make it impossible for the focusing lens to return to the A zone.
However, in accordance with the first method, shutter operating opportunities might be missed, because the manual operation required cannot be carried out fast enough. In accordance with the second method, if the focusing action happens to encounter any focusable object other than a desired object during the process of moving the focusing lens to the B zone, the focusing action might be performed on the wrong object. As a result, the time required in bringing the focusing lens to the B zone becomes longer than a length of time normally required.

Automatic focusing device and optical apparatus having the same


It is an object of the present invention to provide isozymes of the lachrymatory factor producing enzyme, the amino acid sequences of these isozymes and a gene that codes for these amino acid sequences, and the present invention relates to three types of isozymes of the lachrymatory factor producing enzyme that contributes to the production of the lachrymatory factor that is present in onions and the like, amino acid sequences indicated by SEQ ID Nos. 1 to 3 which constitute the proteins or polypeptides of these isozymes, DNA indicated by SEQ ID Nos. 4 and 5 which contains base sequences that code for the abovementioned proteins or polypeptides, a method of producing the abovementioned isozymes, a recombinant vector which contains the abovementioned DNA, a transformant formed by transforming a host cell with the abovementioned recombinant vector, a method of producing proteins or polypeptides that have lachrymatory factor producing enzyme activity by culturing the abovementioned host cell, and anti-sense RNA which has a base sequence that is complementary to that of the mRNA corresponding to the abovementioned DNA.

Extensive research results concerning the lachrymatory factor that is generated when onions are crushed or cut have been reported in the past, and it is now believed that this lachrymatory factor is produced when S-1-propenyl-cysteine sulfoxide is degraded by aliinase.
However, according to research conducted by the present inventors, lachrymatory factor is not produced merely as a result of S-1-propenyl-cysteine sulfoxide being broken down by aliinase; the participation of other enzymes (lachrymatory factor producing enzymes) is indispensable.
Accordingly, as a result of diligent research, the present inventors developed a method of producing lachrymatory factor producing enzyme (an enzyme that produces a lachrymatory substance), and also clarified the physico-chemical properties of this lachrymatory factor producing enzyme; the inventors have previously field a patent application (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-295373) relating to this method.
Specifically, extensive research results regarding the formation and decomposition of the lachrymatory factor (LF) that is present in onions and the like have been reported in the past. However, in regard to the production mechanism of the abovementioned lachrymatory factor, it was believed in the past that the enzyme aliinase acts on the abovementioned precursor substance (PeCSO), and that a stable lachrymatory factor is formed non-enzymatically via sulfenic acid. On the other hand, research conducted by the present inventors has demonstrated that the abovementioned factor is actually not produced by the action of the enzyme aliinase alone, and that the participation of other enzymes is indispensable.
Accordingly, as a result of further diligent research, the present inventors discovered the existence of a new enzyme (lachrymatory factor producing enzyme) that apparently produces lachrymatory factor by isomerizing the abovementioned sulfenic acid. As a result, it was found that the abovementioned precursor substance is converted into lachrymatory factor (an aromatic component) or a different flavoring component depending on the action of the enzyme involved.
By using the amino acid sequence of this lachrymatory factor producing enzyme, and the DNA information that codes for this amino acid sequence, it is possible to achieve effect genetic recombination, mutation breeding, cross breeding and the like in the development of varieties of onions; this is useful for producing onions that tend not to generate lachrymatory factor even when crushed or cut.
Meanwhile, by utilizing DNA information that codes for the amino acid sequence of this lachrymatory factor producing enzyme, it is possible to produce this enzyme in large quantities by means of genetic recombination techniques and the like. For example, this is useful for the development of techniques for the efficient production of lachrymatory factor, which is useful in the treatment of alacrima (dry eye) and the like.
However, there have been absolutely no examples in the past of reports relating to the amino acid sequence of lachrymatory factor producing enzyme, or the DNA that codes for this amino acid sequence, so that no information has been available. As a result, research at the genetic level concerning lachrymatory factor producing enzyme has been difficult.

Isozymes of lacrimator component synthase and gene encoding the same


A wide-angle lens system includes a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group with a diaphragm, in this order from an object. Upon focusing, the positive second lens group is arranged to be moved along the optical axis. The wide-angle lens system satisfies the following conditions:

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wide-angle lens system to be utilized in a single lens reflex (SLR) camera.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a single lens reflex (SLR) camera, since a mirror is provided between the photographing lens system and the image forming plane, there is a need to provide a back focal distance of a predetermined length to place the mirror therebetween. Accordingly, in a wide-angle lens system, a retrofocus lens system in which a back focal distance is longer than the focal length of the lens system has been generally employed. A retrofocus lens system is constituted by a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group, in this order from the object. Since the refractive power (hereinafter, power) distribution is non-symmetrical with respect to the diaphragm, spherical aberration, coma, distortion, astigmatism and the like tend to become large. In order to correct these aberrations, the number of lens elements has to be increased. However, in a retrofocus lens system, the entire lens system is arranged to be advanced along the optical axis in order to perform focusing. Therefore if the number of lens elements are increased, the weight of the lens groups to be moved is increased, which is undesirable for autofocusing. In particular, this problem has to be considered in a wide-angle lens system for medium and large sized cameras in which a brownie film is loaded.
Accordingly, if an attempt is made to materialize a camera with an autofocusing function, it is preferable to employ a lens system in which a part of the lens system is made moveable. Amongst such lens systems, a rear-focusing type lens system is preferable, since the entire length thereof is constant, and is easy to be handled. However, compared with a lens system in which the entire lens system is advanced, a rear-focusing type lens system has caused large fluctuations of aberrations upon focusing. This tendency is, in particular, noticeable in a retrofocus lens system.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rear-focusing wide-angle lens system of a retrofocus type, which has high image-forming performance at most of photographing distances, and has a half angle-of-view of about 44xc2x0 and F-number of about 3.5.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, there is provided a wide-angle lens system including a negative first lens group and a positive second lens group with a diaphragm, in this order from an object. Upon focusing, the positive second lens group is arranged to be moved along the optical axis. The wide-angle lens system satisfies the following conditions:
0.5 less than TL2/f less than 1.0xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(1)
xe2x88x924 less than f1/f2 less than xe2x88x922xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
wherein
TL2 designates the distance, in the second lens group, between the most object-side surface of the most object-side lens element and the most image-side surface of the most image-side lens element;
f designates the focal length of the entire lens system when an object at an infinite distance is in an in-focus state;
f1 designates the focal length of the first lens group; and
f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group.
The wide-angle lens system according to the present invention preferably satisfies the following condition:
xe2x88x926 less than f1/f less than xe2x88x923xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
Furthermore, the wide-angle lens system according to the present invention can satisfy the following condition:
1.3 less than TL1/TL2 less than 2.8xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4)
wherein
TL1 designates the distance, in the first lens group, between the most object-side surface of the most object-side lens element and the most image-side surface of the most image-side lens element.
Still further, it is preferable to provide cemented lens elements in which the convex cemented surface faces towards the image, and the cemented surface satisfies the following condition:
0.2 less than (n1xe2x88x92n2)xc2x7f/Rc less than 1.0xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(5)
wherein
n1 designates the refractive index of the object-side lens element with respect to the cemented surface; and
n2 designates the refractive index of the image-side lens element with respect to the cemented surface; and
Rc designates the radius of curvature of the cemented surface provided in the first lens group.
The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei-11-354772 (filed on Dec. 14, 1999) which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Abstract: wherein


The invention relates to a drive unit (10) having an electric drive motor (12) and a subsequent connected worm gear (14), which serves for instance to drive the wiper system of a motor vehicle. The drive unit (10) has a drive shaft (16), which includes both the motor armature shaft (18) and the worm shaft (20) of the gear. A unit housing (22), which receives the electric motor (12) and the worm gear (14), is provided with spring means (26) that to overcome the axial play of the drive shaft (16) press in prestressed fashion against the free end face of the worm shaft (20). An especially simple and economical way of overcoming longitudinal shaft in the drive shaft, in a way suitable for robot assembly, is obtained if the spring means (26) are embodied by a leaf-springlike spring element (26) oriented crosswise to the axis of rotation of the worm shaft (20), the spring element being fixed by opposed end edges to shoulders (48, 50) of the housing and its middle portion, located between the end edges, engaging the end face of the worm shaft.

Drive units of the generic type in question are used to operate accessory devices in motor vehicles. When used for instance in motor vehicle windshield wiper systems, the drive shaft, formed by the armature shaft and the worm shaft, are subjected to an alternating axial load during operation, which varies from 0--when the wiper blades are at the turning points--to a maximum--when the wiper blades are being accelerated on leaving the turning points or being slowed down on approaching them. This axial load induced into the drive shaft by the worm gear leads to undesired knocking noises in the drive unit, if the drive shaft has longitudinal play between an axial stop toward the motor and an axial stop toward the gear.
For long-term elimination of this drive shaft longitudinal play, in a commercially available drive unit a threaded bore has been disposed on the side toward the worm shaft, penetrating the unit housing in the extension of the drive shaft axis of rotation, and a threaded pin is rotated in this bore. The threaded pin has a central blind bore, open toward the drive shaft, in such a helical compression spring is disposed that presses with prestressing against a mushroom-shaped stop placed on the face end of the shaft toward it. The prestressing of the helical compression spring, which belongs to the spring means, must be greater than the maximum axial load acting on the drive shaft, which load, because of the existing worm pitch direction, is always oriented toward the free end of the worm shaft portion of the drive shaft. This known type of eliminating drive shaft longitudinal play is cost-intensive, because of the disposition of the threaded bore in the unit housing. The known version also requires at least one manual and hence expensive assembly step.

Driving unit with an electric driving motor and a worm gear connected downstream to said motor


A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit.

Conventional devices and methods for measuring, for example a room for remodeling, are slow, labor intensive and not very inaccurate. Usually, two persons take measurements with tape measure and protractors.
The most modern methods use laser measuring devices. These devices are extremely expensive and have limited accuracy on many surfaces. Their accuracy is especially diminished where accuracy is most desired, such as in corners and on curved surfaces.
Several devices measure a three-dimensional object by placing a probe on multiple points on the object and determining the relative positions of the points from their positions relative to the probe's base unit.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,443 of Maiyasu titled Device for Measuring the Shape of a Three-Dimensional Object describes using a probe on the end of an arm comprised of a plurality of arm members. The relative location of a probed point is determined from the angles of the arm members.
The device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,973 of Janssen titled Measuring Device Comprising a Movable Measuring Probe uses a tethered probe coupled to a ball joint. The relative location of a probed point is determined by measuring the length of the tether and the rotation of the ball joint.

Measuring device with extensible cord and method


A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code are provided for real time pricing of items by a customer located in a store. A customer sends a request to price an item using a mobile device to a Web service server. The Web service server identifies the customer's location and queries a set of information sources for prices from several vendors within a selected distance of the customer's location. The Web service server may include price information for items comparable to the item requested by the customer. The Web service server applies competitive rules defined by a vendor to determine pricing for the item from that vendor. The Web service server may also create special price quotes based on the verified location and identity of the customer. The Web service server sends the result to the customer and enables a real time purchase from the result displayed on the mobile device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an improved data processing system, and in particular, to a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for pricing items in a retail environment. In particular, the present invention is directed to a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for generating competitive targeted pricing and location sensitive retail pricing and inventory comparison.
2. Description of the Related Art
A customer, looking to buy an item, such as a product or a service, has different methods available for price comparison of the item. For example, retailers provide pricing information to customers through advertising using radio, television, magazines, newspapers, email messages, and websites media. Such pricing information from one retailer is readily compared with similar information provided by other retailers. Sometimes, some retailers directly or indirectly compare their prices for certain items with competing items.
A customer may find a desired item among the information dispersed and compared by a retailer. Alternatively, a customer may utilize services that do the comparison for the customer. Online services on the Internet provide comparative pricing for a item from several retailers. In this manner, the customer can select from whom to buy the item to obtain the lowest price.
Furthermore, discounts may be offered by a retailer to all customers. These discounts may further adjust the retailer's price for an item for all customers. Some retailers offer preferred customer discounts and other promotions. These offers may further adjust the price of the item for select customers. Some comparison shopping services, especially the online services, afford the customers the ability to perform comparison shopping using a computer at home.
However, the presently available retailing systems and comparison shopping systems suffer from some limitations. When a customer is shopping in a physical store, these methods do not provide the necessary information for comparison shopping around the customer's present location. Further, when a customer is in a store, and in close proximity to a item that the customer wants to buy, the pricing information available to the customer is limited to the price at the store where the customer is located.
Retailers presently employ methods for targeted advertising of their own items while the customer is in their stores. However, the interest of an advertising retailer is to sell more of their own items. These interests do not enable the customer to compare the retailer's prices with the retailer's competitors' prices for the item the customer wants to buy.

International Business Machines Corporation


An electrochemical system having two metallic separator plates, an electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates and sealed by at least one sealing element, and fixing elements for fixing the separator plates. The fixing elements comprise at least two fixing elements which are designed as integral with the first or with the second separator plate, which differ from the at least one sealing element, are spaced apart from the at least one sealing element parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates, and project at least in sections beyond the plate planes of the separator plates in a stacking direction. The first fixing element is thereby supported on the second fixing element in such a way that the second fixing element prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to the second separator plate.

Known electrochemical systems normally comprise a stack of electrochemical cells which are each separated from one another by separator plates. The term electrochemical cell within the framework of this document in particular is to include cells for converting chemical energy into electrical energy (e.g. fuel cells), for inducing a chemical reaction by way of feeding electrical energy (i.e. electrolysis cells) or for the exchange of moisture between gases (i.e. humidifier cells).
Typically, the separator plates are formed from two joined-together individual plates. The individual plates of the separator plate can be materially joined together, e.g. by way of one or more weld connections, in particular by way of one or more laser weld connections. Furthermore, the separator plates usually comprise at least one or more through-openings. The media and/or the reaction products can be led to the electrochemical cells which are arranged between adjacent separator plates of the stack or into the interior which is formed by the individual plates of the separator plate or be led away from the cells or out of the interior, through the through-openings.
Said separator plates may function, e.g., for electrical contacting of the electrodes of the individual electrochemical cells (e.g., fuel cells) and/or for the electrical connection of adjacent cells (series connection of the cells). The separator plates may each have or form structures, which are designed, e.g., for supplying the electrochemical cells arranged between adjacent separator plates with one or more media and/or for removing reaction products. The media may be fuel (e.g., hydrogen or methanol) or reaction gasses (e.g., air or oxygen). Furthermore, the separator plates may have structures for guiding a coolant through the respective separator plate, e.g., for guiding the coolant through a cavity, which is enclosed by the two individual plates forming the separator plate.
The electrochemical cells arranged between the separator plates typically each comprise one or more electrolytic membranes (e.g., in the case of fuel cells) or one or more water exchange membranes (e.g., in the case of humidifying cells). In addition to the membrane, the electrochemical cells may also have gas diffusion layers, which are preferably arranged on both sides of the membrane and which may help improve the rate of a media transfer or a media exchange across the membrane. The gas diffusion layers may be designed, e.g., as metal or carbon non-wovens, also as plastic non-wovens in the case of humidifying cells.
To seal the electrochemical cells and/or to seal the media channels formed by the through-openings in the separator plates with respect to the surroundings or with respect to other areas of the respective electrochemical system, known electrochemical systems typically have sealing elements, which may be molded or embossed into the separator plates, e.g., in the form of sealing beads. The sealing elements of adjacent separator plates of the stack may be mutually supporting one another. For example, an edge area of the electrolytic membrane or the humidifying membrane of the electrochemical cell may thereby be accommodated between the mutually supporting sealing elements of the adjacent separator plates.
The separator plates should be fixable relative to one another with the highest level of accuracy to form the channels and/or sealing elements as precise as possible through the separator plates of the electrochemical system and/or between the separator plates of the electrochemical system. A fuel cell stack with separator plates is known from document U.S. Pat. No. 9,590,263B2, lateral fixing elements having a conical structure being applied on said separator plates as separate components. The conical structures of the fixing elements of adjacent separator plates engage into one another, so that they reduce a displacement of the separator plates relative to one another perpendicular to the stacking direction. The production of these fixing elements and the application of the fixing elements on the separator plates may, however, be material-, labor-, and cost-intensive. In addition, it is difficult to achieve a sufficiently precise fixing of the separator plates relative to one another using the solution disclosed in document U.S. Pat. No. 9,590,263B2.
Based on this, the underlying object of the present invention is to create an electrochemical system having stacked separator plates, which is producible as easy and economical as possible, wherein the separator plates of the system should be positionable relative to one another as accurate as possible.
This problem is solved by an electrochemical system according to the embodiments described. Refinements of the electrochemical system are also described in the embodiments herein.
An electrochemical system is thus proposed, having at least one first and one second separator plate, which each define a plate plane and which are stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to the plate planes; having a membrane arranged between the first and the second separator plate, in particular an electrolytic membrane or a water exchange membrane, to form an electrochemical cell between the first and the second separator plate; and having at least one sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell; and having fixing elements for fixing the separator plates with respect to displacements of the separator plates relative to one another parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates.
The fixing elements comprise at least one first fixing element, which is designed to be integral with the first separator plate, is different from the at least one sealing element, is spaced apart from the at least one sealing element in a plane parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates, and projects at least in sections beyond the plate plane of the first separator plate in the stacking direction. The fixing elements additionally comprise at least one second fixing element, which is designed to be integral with the second separator plate, is different from the at least one sealing element, is spaced apart from the at least one sealing element in a plane parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates, and projects at least in sections beyond the plate plane of the second separator plate in the stacking direction. The first fixing element is supported on the second fixing element in such a way that the second fixing element prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to the second separator plate in at least one of two opposite directions along an axis or straight line aligned parallel to the plate planes.
Consequently, because the first fixing element is designed to be integral with the first separator plate and the second fixing element is designed to be integral with the second separator plate, the electrochemical system disclosed here is particularly simple and inexpensive to produce. Furthermore, a particularly precise fixing of the separator plates relative to one another may be achieved because in the system disclosed here, unlike known systems with separate fixing elements which first have to be mounted on the separator plates, no corresponding assembly tolerances occur.
The first and the second fixing elements form, e.g., a first fixing element pair. Typically, the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plate comprise additional fixing element pairs of the type of this first fixing element pair, thus in each case having at least one additional first and having at least one additional second fixing element of the type described above. These additional fixing element pairs are then preferably arranged and designed in such a way that the entirety of the fixing element pairs of the first and the second separator plates effect a form fit connection between the first and the second separator plates in all spatial directions parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates.
At least one section of the membrane or at least one section of a frame connected to the membrane and enclosing the membrane may be accommodated and/or pressed between the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates, in particular between said first fixing element and said second fixing element. In particular, said membrane section or frame section may then be accommodated and arranged in such a way between the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates, and in particular between said first fixing element and said second fixing element that said membrane section or frame section electrically insulates these fixing elements from one another.
The electrochemical system conventionally comprises a plurality of separator plates of the type described above, which are arranged in a stack. An electrochemical cell, which comprises in each case at least one membrane and is sealed in each case by a sealing element, is then usually arranged between each two adjacent separator plates of the stack. The separator plates of the stack also preferably have in each case fixing elements of the type described above in relation to the first and the second separator plates, wherein at least two fixing elements of adjacent separator plates are supported on one another, as described above, in such a way that they each prevent a displacement of the adjacent separator plates relative to one another in at least one of two opposite directions along an axis or straight line aligned parallel to the plate plane. The fixing element pairs of adjacent separator plates of the stack are thus preferably arranged and designed in such a way that they as a whole engage into one another in a positive locking way in all spatial directions parallel to the plate plane of the separator plates.
In order to effect a positive locking connection between adjacent separator plates in all four spatial directions parallel to the plate plane, the separator plates may each have multiple fixing element pairs of the type described above, which may be arranged in each case on, e.g., opposite edges of the typically at least approximately rectangular separator plates. For example, said first fixing element pair of the first and the second separator plates may be arranged and designed in such a way that it prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to a second separator plate in a positive x direction parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates. In addition, e.g., a second fixing element pair of the first and the second separator plates may then be provided, which is arranged and designed in such a way that it also prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to the second separator plate in the negative x direction. In this case, the first and the second fixing element pair thus effect a positive locking connection between the first and the second separator plates along the x direction. However, it is also conceivable that the fixing elements of adjacent separator plates are designed in such a way that one pair of fixing elements of adjacent plates engaging into one another effect a positive locking connection in more than one spatial direction parallel to the plate planes, e.g., in each case in at least two or in four spatial directions. Examples of this are explained below in greater detail.
At least one section of the membrane or at least one section of a frame connected to the membrane and enclosing the membrane may be accommodated and/or pressed between the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates, or between some of them, in particular between said first fixing element and said second fixing element. In particular, said membrane section or frame section may then be accommodated and arranged in such a way between these fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates, so that said membrane section or frame section electrically insulates them from one another. The membrane section or frame section, accommodated between the fixing elements of the first separator plate and the fixing elements of the second separator plate, may, e.g., reduce or prevent slipping of the fixing elements relative to one another. In this way, for example, the sealing effect of the sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates may be improved. This may increase the efficiency and the lifespan of the system. If the membrane section or frame section is arranged between the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates in such a way that it electrically insulates them from one another, it is, e.g., not necessary to apply an additional insulation in the area of the fixing elements.
To electrically insulate the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates from one another, in particular to electrically insulate the first fixing element from the second fixing element, these fixing elements may alternatively or additionally also have an electrically-insulating coating.
The separator plates may each be formed from at least one metal sheet, e.g., in each case from at least one stainless steel sheet. The separator plates may also each comprise two individual plates or may be formed from two individual plates in each case. In this case, each of the individual plates may be formed from a metal sheet, e.g., from a stainless steel sheet. The individual plates may be materially connected to one another, e.g., by welded connections, preferably by laser welded connections, to form the respective separator plate. Typically, the separator plates or the individual plates then have sealing structures and/or channel structures molded into the respective separator plate or into the respective individual plate. For example, these sealing and/or channel structures may be molded into the separator plates or into the individual plates by embossing and/or by deep drawing. The first fixing element and/or the second fixing element may also be molded into the first separator plate, e.g., by embossing and/or by deep drawing.
The at least one sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates may comprise at least one first sealing element, which is designed to be integral with the first separator plate or with one of the individual plates of the first separator plate. The first sealing element may comprise a first sealing bead molded into the first separator plate or into one of the individual plates of the first separator plate. In addition, the at least one sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates may comprise at least one second sealing element, which is designed to be integral with the second separator plate or with one of the individual plates of the second separator plate. The second sealing element may comprise a second sealing bead molded into the second separator plate or into one of the individual plates of the second separator plate. The first sealing bead and the second sealing bead may be supported against one another, preferably while accommodating at least in sections the membrane or the frame connected to the membrane and enclosing the membrane between the first sealing bead and the second sealing bead.
Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell arranged between the first and the second separator plates may also comprise a sealing element, e.g., an elastomeric seal, arranged between the first and second separator plates and distinct from the first and second separator plates. This may, for example, be inserted between the separator plates or glued or sprayed onto at least one of the separator plates.
If the separator plates are formed from metal sheets, the plate plane of the respective separator plate is defined, e.g., by the non-shaped areas of the metal sheet from which this separator plate is formed. If the separator plates each comprise two individual plates, the plate plane of each separator plate is defined, e.g., by a connection plane, along which the individual plates, which form this separator plate, are connected to one another.
The fixing elements of the first and/or the second separator plate or at least some of them, in particular thus the first fixing element and/or the second fixing element may be designed in such a way that they project in the stacking direction beyond the at least one sealing element or beyond at least one of the at least one sealing element. This may facilitate and improve the stacking of the separator plates and/or the positioning of the separator plates relative to one another. For example, it may thus be ensured that adjacent separator plates initially contact one another along the fixing elements during stacking. In this way, the fixing elements function as guide elements during stacking, which allow the adjacent separator plates to slide relative to one another into the desired position with high accuracy.
If the first separator plate comprises, e.g., a first sealing bead molded into the first separator plate, the fixing elements of the first separator plate or at least some of them, in particular then the first fixing element, may be designed in such a way that they project beyond this first sealing bead in the stacking direction, e.g., by at least 1.5 times or at least twice as much. Also, if the second separator plate comprises, e.g., a second sealing bead molded into the second separator plate, the fixing elements of the second separator plate or at least some of them, in particular then the second fixing element, may be designed in such a way that they project beyond this second sealing bead in the stacking direction, e.g., by at least 1.5 times or at least twice as much.
For example, the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates may be arranged and designed in such a way that a certain distance of a plane along the stacking direction, in which plane the fixing elements of the first and of the second separator plates engage in a positive locking way into one another, is greater from the plate plane of the first separator plate than a certain greatest height of the at least one sealing element along the stacking direction and arising from the plate plane of the first separator plate. Also, alternatively or additionally, the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plate may be arranged and designed in such a way that a certain distance of a plane along the stacking direction, in which plane the fixing elements of the first and of the second separator plate engage in a positive locking way with one another, is greater from the plate plane of the second separator plate than a certain greatest height of the at least one sealing element along the stacking direction and arising from the plate plane.
If the first separator plate is formed from two individual plates, the fixing elements of the first separator plate, in particular said first fixing element, may be designed to be integral with at least one or with precisely one of the individual plates forming the first separator plate. If the second separator plate is formed from two individual plates, the fixing elements of the second separator plate, in particular said second fixing element, may be designed to be integral with at least one or with precisely one of the individual plates forming the second separator plate.
The fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may each be arranged on a side of the at least one sealing element facing away from the electrochemical cell sealed by the at least one sealing element or on side of the at least one sealing element facing away from the electrochemically active area sealed by the at least one sealing element. In other words, the fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, and the electrochemically active area of the separator plates may each be arranged on different sides of the at least one sealing element. It may thus be ensured that the fixing elements do not affect the flow to the membrane and/or the media transfer across the membrane.
The fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may be elastic at least in areas, in particular perpendicular and/or parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates. The fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may be configured to follow a change of a certain distance of the separator plates from one another along the stacking direction by changing their shape and/or their orientation. A change of the distance of the separator plates from one another may be caused, e.g., by a change of the operating temperature of the system, which may cause, at least in areas, an in particular temporary deformation of the separator plates and/or of the at least one sealing element for sealing the electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates. Due to the elasticity of the fixing elements, it is thus ensured that the fixing elements satisfy their function across a broad temperature range of the system.
The fixing elements or at least some of the fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may be designed as shaped extensions of the respective separator plate integrally with the respective separator plate. Also, if the separator plates each comprise two individual plates connected to one another, fixing elements or at least some of the fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may correspondingly be designed as shaped extensions of the respective individual plate integrally with at least one of the individual plates. In this case, it is conceivable that respectively precisely only one of the individual plates of the separator plates or at least some of the separator plates have fixing elements in the shape of extensions of these individual plates. Alternatively, however, in this case respectively both of the individual plates of the separator plates or at least some of the separator plates may also have fixing elements in the shape of extensions of these individual plates.
The fixing elements designed as extensions of the separator plates or of the individual plates, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may be angled at least in sections relative to the plate plane of the respective separator plate. In these sections of the fixing elements, angled with respect to the plate plane, the fixing elements typically have a straight course. For example, the angle, which the fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, define with the plate plane of the respective separator plate or with a plane parallel to the plate plane of the respective separator plate, is between 91 degrees and 135 degrees at least in sections, preferably between 100 degrees and 120 degrees at least in sections. If the fixing elements, in particular said first and second fixing elements, are designed as extensions of the separator plates or as extensions of the individual plates, they may be arranged nested in one another at least in areas while accommodating said membrane section or frame section between the fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates or be electrically insulated from one another by at least one coating.
The fixing elements, designed as extensions of the separator plates or of the individual plates, or at least some of them, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may be arranged in a corner area of the respective separator plate. They may then additionally be designed in such a way that their cross section in a plane parallel to the plate planes takes on, at least in sections, the shape of a curved line, for example, the shape of a circular arc line or an elliptical arc line. These extensions arranged in the corner area may also expand conically, at least in sections, in the stacking direction, e.g., in the form of a conical segment. Furthermore, the extensions arranged in the corner area may be designed in such a way that sections with straight cross sections connect to the section with the curved cross section.
The first and the second separator plates may each have fixing elements in the form of extensions in the same corner area. These may be angled with respect to the plate planes in the same direction along the stacking direction and may, as described, each have a cross section curved at least in sections and parallel to the plate planes. Correspondingly designed fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates may then, if necessary, be arranged nested along the stacking direction while accommodating the membrane section or frame section.
The fixing elements, designed as extensions of the separator plates or as extensions of the individual plates, of the first and the second separator plates or at least some of them, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may have a U- or V-shaped cross section, at least in one section along the stacking direction, in a plane aligned perpendicular to the plate planes of the separator plates. In doing so, the legs of this U- or V-shaped cross section may have, in particular, different lengths. These fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates with the U- or V-shaped cross section may, if necessary, be arranged nested in another, while accommodating said membrane section or frame section between these fixing elements in such a way, that they each effect a positive locking connection in two spatial directions parallel to the plate planes of the first separator plate and of the second separator plate.
To increase their stiffness, the fixing elements, designed as extensions of the separator plates or as extensions of the individual plates, or at least some of them, in particular said first and second fixing elements, may each have a bead-like depression. This may have, e.g., an elongated shape and respectively follow the course of the angled and preferably straight section of the respective extension with respect to the plate planes of the separator plates. The stability of the extensions may be increased and the fixing of the separator plates relative to one another may be more improved by corresponding bead-like depressions.
At least one of the fixing elements of the first separator plate, in particular said first fixing element, may have a first raised area facing the second separator plate. This first raised area may be molded, in particular embossed, e.g., into the first separator plate or into one of the individual plates of the first separator plate. Also, at least one of the fixing elements of the second separator plate, in particular said second fixing element, may have a second raised area facing the first separator plate. This second raised area may be molded, in particular embossed, into the second separator plate or into one of the individual plates of the second separator plate. The second raised area of the second separator plate may have a depression which has a shape complementary at least in areas to the first area of the first separator plate. The first raised area of the first separator plate may then be accommodated at least in areas in the depression of the second raised area of the second separator plate, namely while accommodating the membrane section or frame section between the first elevation and the depression formed in the second elevation. A positive locking connection may, e.g., be effected in each case in two independent directions parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates by corresponding fixing elements of the first and the second separator plates accommodated in one another at least in areas.
Advantageously, all separator plates of an electrochemical system are designed identically, as this reduces the production costs. However, it is possible that the first and/or the last of the separator plates of a separator plate stack of an electrochemical system are configured as deviating from this, thus, for example, have no fixing elements.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.


The present disclosure provides a fixed point stabilization device for a legged mobile body having a generating mechanism for generating a fixed point. The present disclosure also provides a fixed point stabilization device for a legged mobile body comprising a stabilizing device for stabilizing the fixed point in accordance with a leg grounding position of the legged mobile body. The fixed point is generated by inputting a predetermined constant torque to a joint of a leg of the legged mobile body on the basis of the energy balance in the legged mobile body, leg switching, and a leg swinging motion. The fixed point is stabilized globally by keeping the leg grounding position of the legged mobile body constant using a stopper.

Patent Document 1 and so on are known as examples of attitude stabilization control for a legged mobile robot, in particular a bipedal walking legged mobile robot employing Zero Moment Point (ZMP). Further, Non-Patent Document 1 provides detail with respect to stabilization of the fixed point of a legged mobile body, in particular a passive walker.
Conventional legged mobile robots stand at the forefront of technologies including high-precision sensors, high-performance actuators, and advanced control. The keystone of the technologies is ZMP. A walking control method employing ZMP focuses on trajectory planning and control (including measurement) of ZMP.
Meanwhile, the gait known as passive walking, cannot be ignored, and always generates a great deal of interest in terms of the possibility of engineering applications. A feature of passive dynamic walking is that a natural gait can be produced by the interaction between the dynamics of the legged mobile body and the environment (a downward slope) with no control whatsoever.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3269852    Non-Patent Document 1: T. McGeer, "Passive Dynamic Walking", The Int. J. of Robotics Research, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 62-82, 1990


A fluid separation apparatus for separating a fluid mixture including at least two fluids having different densities comprising a vessel having a vortex generation zone located within a fluid reservoir which includes a vortex generation wall which increases the rotational velocity of a fluid mixture flowing through the vortex generation zone and directs the fluid mixture from the fluid inlet toward the upper surface of the fluid reservoir. The vessel also includes a fluid inlet which extends into the vortex generation zone; a first fluid outlet through which the less dense fluid exits the vessel; and a second fluid outlet through which the denser fluid exits the vessel. The apparatus further comprises a gas bubble generator which introduces gas bubbles into at least a portion of the fluid mixture before the fluid mixture enters the vessel through the fluid inlet.

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
Water remediation is an essential part of process systems in the oil and gas industry. Process water in the oil and gas industry can contain hydrocarbon contaminants such as oil. Fluid mixtures of this type, which includes components of different densities, can be separated using gas flotation technologies, such as Dissolved Gas Flotation (DGF), Induced Gas Flotation (IGF), or combinations or variations of these. Conventional gas flotation apparatus generally need to be large vertical or horizontal vessels to provide a long fluid flow path which allows the oil and water mixture to be held within the apparatus for a defined retention time. However, space is at a premium in the oil and gas industry, particularly on offshore platforms, floating vessels, and within onshore facilities. It is therefore desirable to enhance gas flotation to recover as much residual oil as possible using other means in order to reduce the size of the vessels.
In some cases, separation can be enhanced by imparting a rotational flow to the fluid mixture within the vessel. Fluid rotation can impart a centrifugal/spiral flow pattern into the fluid mixture which increases the flow path and therefore retention time within a vessel. Furthermore, with sufficient rotation, a fluid component with a lower density migrates toward a central axis of the rotational flow and a fluid with a higher density migrates toward a periphery of the rotational flow in response to centripetal and/or centrifugal forces generated by the rotational flow. This and other separation enhancements can provide more compact separation apparatus for separating the oil from water in such wastewater.
A number of compact separation vessels are currently available.
One prior compact separator is taught in International Patent Publication WO2007/049246 A2. This separator comprises a cylindrical vertical tank having an upwardly protruding conical frusta shaped wall dividing the tank into an upper section and a lower section. The upward protruding conical frusta shaped wall has at least one opening which allows communication between the upper section and the lower section of the tank. A mixed oil, water and gas fluid is introduced into the upper section of the conical frusta section through a tangentially arranged inlet. The conical frustra shaped wall in connection with the tangentially arranged inlet forces the incoming fluid to form a vortex flow in the upper section of the separator tank. The opening allows oil and gas to accumulate in the upper section of the tank and the water phase to flow downwards into the lower section of the tank.
The Applicant considers that the shape and location of the conical frusta shaped wall within the tank places unnecessary size and configuration restrictions on this separator. The location of the conical frusta shaped wall necessitates that the upper section of the tank be large enough to establish a flow path of a sufficient length to facilitate separation of oil and water, while the lower part have sufficient space to accommodate a fluid reservoir. The lower section utilises valuable space which could be used for separation.
Another prior compact separator is taught in International Patent Publication WO2008/123973A1. This separator comprises a vessel which includes one or more fluid inlets, one or more gas inlets, a vortex generation zone shaped as an inverse truncated cone, a solids collection zone, a separation zone, one or more fluid outlets, and one or more gas outlets. A fluid mixture containing two fluids of different densities is introduced into the vessel through a fluid inlet. Each fluid inlet extends into the vortex generation zone at an angle having a component tangential to an internal wall of the vortex generation zone at a point on the internal wall proximate to the fluid inlet. Gas is also introduced into the fluid in the vortex separation zone through separate gas inlets to facilitate the separation of components of the fluid mixture. The less dense fluid is compelled to agglomerate in the vortex generation zone and rise to the surface of the fluid. Flotation is aided by the gas bubbles which attach, aid and accelerate flotation of the less dense fluid to the surface. The less dense fluid coalesces at the surface and is skimmed from the fluid in the separation zone.
However, the Applicant considers that the introduction of gas bubbles via a separate fluid inlet into the vortex generation zone does not provide optimal separation. Gas bubbles introduced in this manner have a low probability of attaching to the less dense fluid and therefore provides limited separation assistance to this less dense fluid.
It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternate compact separation apparatus.


Systems, methods and techniques for operating a patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes a support structure including a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient support apparatus also includes an actuator coupled to the support structure and operable to move the patient support surface. The actuator is configured to receive an applied voltage and an applied electrical current, and to produce an output power, where the applied electrical current varies based on different loads applied to the actuator. A controller is coupled to the actuator to determine a desired output power of the actuator and to control the actuator such that the output power produced by the actuator is controlled relative to the desired output power by modifying the applied voltage to compensate for the different loads being applied to the actuator.

Actuators are commonly used on a patient support apparatus for various purposes. For example, the patient support apparatus may be equipped with a lift assembly that uses actuators to lift a patient resting on a patient support surface to a desired height. Another example of is an actuator used to manipulate angular positioning of portions of the patient support surface, such as the fowler, etc.
Control of such actuators according to conventional techniques falls short in many ways. For example, the actuator is typically preconfigured and controlled to provide the same output regardless of the load applied to the actuator. For instance, the actuator responds with the same speed of movement regardless of weight of the patient.
Moreover, actuators typically draw in more electrical current with increases in torque applied to the actuator, and consequently with increases in load applied to the actuator. Accordingly, conventional control systems for actuators do not take into account such increases in drawn electrical current when patients of greater weight are on the patient support apparatus. Patient support apparatuses often receive power from the AC electrical outlets of a healthcare facility when they are docked. Consequently, when one or more actuators are under heavy load, there is a possibility to overload the electrical system of the facility based on overload in drawn electrical current. Such overload may result in triggering circuit protection means (e.g., circuit breakers) for the facility electrical system. In turn, critical power to the patient support apparatus may be interrupted. Furthermore, resetting such circuit protection means is inconvenient and time consuming. As such, there are opportunities to address at least the aforementioned problems.

Power management techniques for actuators of patient support apparatuses


A swim fin that has the streamlined design of an aquatic fish or mammal with the foot pocket and flexible shaft forming a proportional and similar shape to the body of a fish. The fin is a wing-like shape separate but connected to the shaft similar to the caudal fin of a fish. This streamlined design provides an efficient form of propulsion using only power strokes and the principles of lift similar to fish. Also the tips of the stiff caudal fin create vortices to reduce drag. The flexible shaft is made of a material with a physical "memory" so that it springs back to its original manufactured shape after it flexes to produce a secondary "kick" for the swimmer. This overall "fish or whale" shape also allows for the possibility of a modular construction, if desired, where the flexible caudal shaft and stiff caudal fin can be exchanged with ones of alternative size, shape, material and design so that the fin can be adapted to each swimmer's body type, muscle type, swimming style, and aquatic conditions.

This invention relates to a unique swim fin that differs considerably from swim fins of the prior art in its basic concept of and in the configuration of the boot into a flexible "Fish body" (boot/body) with a stiff caudal fin or tail (tail/blade) that act as a wing in producing "Lift" as a form of propulsion. This "Fish body" type of structure also allows for modular construction and great flexibility in the combining of different tail/blades to flexible boot/bodies to adapt to the different swimming conditions, styles, and body types of swimmers. This invention specifically improves the method of propulsion from one of resistance to one of "lift" propulsion, it improves the fluid dynamic flow of water to increase "still" water contact and therefore efficiency, it improves the bio-mechanical relationship to natural human kicking motions, it improves the propulsion phase of the fin from a power/recovery cycle to a power/power cycle, it improves the propulsion by employing a recoil memory material in the flexible body/boot that delivers a rebound kick at the change of direction in kicking.

Swim fins flexible body/boot, firm wing caudal tail/blade and possible modular construction for versatility


A child ear protector is provided including a pair of ear enclosures each defining an interior space and a free peripheral edge. Each enclosure has an elastomeric gasket formed about the free peripheral edge thereof. A resilient head set is included having a pair of ends mounted to the ear enclosures to maintain the same over ears of the user during use. A music mechanism is situated within at least one of the ear enclosures for transmitting a melody.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to headphones and more particularly pertains to a new ear protector for protecting ears of a child and further providing a soothing affect during bathing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of headphones is known in the prior art. More specifically, headphones heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art headphones include U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,599; U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,619; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 342,071; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 340,454; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 291,197; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,587.
In these respects, the ear protector according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of protecting ears of a child and further providing a soothing affect during bathing.


A visual tracking system for tracking and identifying persons within a monitored location, comprising a plurality of cameras and a visual processing unit, each camera produces a sequence of video frames depicting one or more of the persons, the visual processing unit is adapted to maintain a coherent track identity for each person across the plurality of cameras using a combination of motion data and visual featurization data, and further determine demographic data and sentiment data using the visual featurization data, the visual tracking system further having a recommendation module adapted to identify a customer need for each person using the sentiment data of the person in addition to context data, and generate an action recommendation for addressing the customer need, the visual tracking system is operably connected to a customer-oriented device configured to perform a customer-oriented action in accordance with the action recommendation.

Cognitive environments which allow personalized services to be offered to customers in a frictionless manner are highly appealing to businesses, as frictionless environments are capable of operating and delivering services without requiring the customers to actively and consciously perform special actions to make use of those services. Cognitive environments utilize contextual information along with information regarding customer emotions in order to identify customer needs. Furthermore, frictionless systems can be configured to operate in a privacy-protecting manner without intruding on the privacy of the customers through aggressive locational tracking and facial recognition, which require the use of customers' real identities.
Conventional surveillance and tracking technologies pose a significant barrier to effective implementation of frictionless, privacy-protecting cognitive environments. Current vision-based systems identify persons using high resolution close-up images of faces which commonly available surveillance cameras cannot produce. In addition to identifying persons using facial recognition, existing vision-based tracking systems require prior knowledge of the placement of each camera within a map of the environment in order to monitor the movements of each person. Tracking systems that do not rely on vision rely instead on beacons which monitor customer's portable devices, such as smartphones. Such systems are imprecise, and intrude on privacy by linking the customer's activity to the customer's real identity.
Several examples of systems which seek to address the deficiencies of conventional surveillance and tracking technology may be found within the prior art. Instead of relying on facial recognition, these systems employ machine learning algorithms to analyze images of persons and detect specific visual characteristics, such as hairstyle, clothing, and accessories, which are then used to distinguish and track different persons. However, these systems often require significant human intervention to operate, and rely on manual selection or prioritization of specific characteristics. Furthermore, these systems rely on hand-tuned optimizations, for both identifying persons and offering personalized services, and are difficult to train accurately at scale.
As a result, there is a pressing need for a visual tracking system which provides an efficient and scalable frictionless, privacy-protecting cognitive environment by tracking and identifying persons, detecting context, demographic and sentiment data, determining customer needs, and generating action recommendations using visual data.
In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned.
While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.

System and method for visually tracking persons and imputing demographic and sentiment data


A universal tube launched munitions system has a launcher base having an array of a plurality of initiator stations, first and second cassettes each having a mounting facility operable for releasable connection to the launcher base, each of the cassettes having a plurality of barrels, the barrels of the first cassette been axially registered with the first quantity of the initiator stations, and the barrels of the second cassette been axially registered with a different second quantity of the initiator stations. The barrels of the first cassette may be axially registered with all of the initiator stations. The barrels of the second cassette may be axially registered with a subset of the initiator stations the barrels of the first cassette are axially registered with. The barrels of the first cassette may have a different diameter than the barrels of the second cassette.

A number of designs of electronically fired explosive-propulsion projectile weapons and non-explosive projectile weapons have been developed that have some similarities to 18th-century volley guns, particularly in that they use many barrels which can be fired all at once or in sequence. Various forms of the weapon have been designed, including aircraft-mounted guns firing downward, man-portable artillery packs and defensive applications, such as ship-based anti-missile defense systems.
Although these designs are effective for their intended purpose, they are limited to the use of a specific munitions manufactured in a specific caliber, which is typically intended to be lethal. Given the current mandate to lessen civilian casualties in military operations, prepare for the enemy's use of non-combatants as protective shields, and protect in-theater buildings during urban conflicts, military forces need a combination of both non-lethal and lethal munitions. Vessels need to be able to determine the intent of oncoming watercraft without causing casualties and respond when hostile intent is determined. Similarly, ground forces need to be able to separate combatants from non-combatants, escalate force as necessary, and enhance force protection while operating vehicle check points and entry control points, and during convoy security operations.
Conventional approaches to addressing this problem of intent determination require separate launch platforms for each type of munitions (non-lethal and lethal in various calibers). This creates challenges with providing training, supplies, and space for multiple launch platforms that each use different munitions.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved universal tube launched munitions system that uses a variety of non-lethal and lethal munitions in multiple calibers. In this regard, the various embodiments of the present invention substantially fulfill at least some of these needs. In this respect, the universal tube launched munitions system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a single munitions launcher that can launch a variety of munitions in multiple calibers.

Universal tube launched munitions system


A compound operation input device includes a case; an operating member for pushing operation, tilting operation and rotating operation, having a push button for pushing operation and a rotary knob for rotating operation; an operation support portion for supporting the operating member in a pushingly, tiltingly and rotatingly operable manner; and at least one of a tilting operation detecting push switch and a pushing operation detecting push switch, disposed to be contactable with a base end side of at least one of the operation support portion and the operating member. The push switch includes a snap plate, and a key top with one end portion contactable with a top portion of the snap plate, the key top being elastically extendable and contractable in an axial direction. An elastic force of the key top is set to be greater than that of the snap plate.

1. Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a compound operation input device that can be utilized for input to various game machines, a car navigation system, a car audio system, a car air-conditioner, and an adjustment device of car mirrors, and that outputs signals according to tilting operation, rotating operation, and pushing operation of an operation lever.
2. Description of the Related Art
The device of this type is called multifunction switch. As related art, there are a switch (as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2001-351478) in which a push switch is used to detect tilting operation and pushing operation and a switch (as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-67016) in which a push switch and a rotary switch are used to detect tilting operation and rotating operation.
A multifunctional switch as described above often includes a push switch because it can easily provide a tactile click feel in operation.
However, a conventional switch as described above has the following drawbacks. A high load applied on a snap plate of a push switch due to improper operation would cause failure of a contact portion. Moreover, a demand for letters and graphics put on a head portion of a rotary knob cannot be satisfied because the head portion of the rotary knob also rotates by the rotating operation.