An automatic analyzer which includes a storage means which stores test order information, a first identification means which reads sample identification information, a work list preparing means which prepares a work list on the basis of the sample identification information, a loading order determination means which determines the order in which sample cups and reaction cups are loaded from the work list, a second identification means which automatically reads specification component information and a collating means which compares the specific component information with the work list.

The present invention relates to an analyzer for trace component analysis of samples such as blood, serum, plasma or urine, especially an automatic analyzer for biochemical or immunological trace component analysis of such samples.
In the field of clinical diagnostics, analyzers are used widely for detection and determination of specific components in blood, serum, plasma or urea samples from examinees to provide useful data for diagnoses of diseases. Among analyzers, multichannel biochemical analyzers determine saccharides, lipids and proteins by using enzymatic reactions and chemical reactions, and multichannel immunological analyzers determine hormones and tumor markers by using specific interaction between antigens and antibodies. These analyzers usually perform biochemical reactions and immunological reactions in individual disposable reaction cups to avoid contamination among samples or reaction liquids. Prefilled reaction cups already containing a reagent for a specific component in samples to be measured are usually disposable too.
Instrumental analyses as mentioned above usually cover more than one specific component in a sample to make good use of samples from examinees or to secure more accurate diagnosis based on multiple components.
To speed up and facilitate numerous operations necessary for determination of multiple specific components in samples, automatic analyzers have been used routinely. Typical automatic analyzers in present use add given amounts of samples to prefilled reaction cups already containing reagents for measurement of specific components and, optionally, incubate and wash the reaction cups for determination of various specific components in each sample.
Further, a full-automatic biochemical analyzer equipped with an automatic loader which selects a prefilled reaction cup containing a reagent proper for a specific component and places it on a tray on a conveyer (JP-B-3-58666) and an automatic analyzer with a conveyer which automates operations from conveyance of a sample cup to output of the results once the operator places the sample cup and the reaction cup (JP-A-3-51762) are known.
Analyzers like these usually sucks a given amount of a sample from a sample cup into a reaction cup while conveying the sample cup and the reaction cup on two separate conveyers to set off the reaction for determination of a specific component in the sample. However, the structural complexity of an analyzer having two conveyers due to movable parts indispensable to the conveyers makes its maintenance difficult and leads to increase in its production cost and size. Therefore, conveyance of a sample cup and a reaction cup by one conveyer has been suggested.
In biochemical and immunological analyses, it is common to determine more than one specific component in a sample to make good use of samples from examinees and to secure more accurate diagnosis based on multiple components. For such multiple analyses by an analyzer in which sample cups and reaction cups share the same conveyer, a sample cup containing a sample placed at an arbitrary position on the conveyer is followed by as many reaction cups as the measurements to be done with the sample, namely the specific components to be measured in the sample so that the sample and the reaction cups to be used for the analysis of the sample are conveyed successively. If it is necessary to dilute or treat the sample beforehand, a diluent cup or the like is interposed between the sample and the reaction cups behind the sample.
An analyzer sucks a given amount of a sample from a sample cup into a reaction cup on a moving conveyer, if necessary after preliminary dilution or pretreatment of the sample with a reagent, and if necessary adds other reagents, to set off the reaction for determination of a specific component in the sample. Because the sample cup and the reaction cups move on a single track on the same conveyer, the conveyer has to position reaction cups just under the nozzle by making quick motions immediately after a sample is sucked from the sample cup containing it at the same position so that the sample sucked from the sample cup is ejected into the reaction cups behind the sample cup. Therefore, the conveyer has to make quicker motions more frequently to increase the through put speed.
If the motions of the conveyer get quicker and frequent, it is virtually impossible to load additional sample cups or reaction cups on the conveyer while the analyzer is in action, and the conveyer has to be scaled up to accommodate a lot of cups, sacrificing the advantage easiness of downsizing and simplification of such an analyzer. In addition, it is quite difficult to conduct so-called xe2x80x9ccut-inxe2x80x9d analyses of samples in need of urgent analyses.
The first object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer available in a small size and with simple structure by using a single conveyer which conveys both sample cups and reaction cups intermixedly at a moderate speed which allows loading of additional sample cups or reaction cups on the conveyer in action
As described above, an automatic analyzer with a single conveying means such as a conveyer is obtainable in a small size and with light weight and reduced costs, while it is not free from the possibilities that the operator loads sample cups or reaction cups in the wrong places or the wrong reaction cups unsuited to the specific components to be measured by mistake.
Thus, misplacement of sample cups or reaction cups on the conveying means can make it impossible to conduct intended analyses even without causing trouble in the subsequent automatic analyses and can end up with the wrong results because a reaction cup for a specific component is used for a different specific component.
Accordingly, the second object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer which eliminates operational mistakes such as misplacement of sample cups or reaction cups on a conveyer by an operator as mentioned above and even detects, if happen, such operational mistakes.
To attain the above-mentioned first object of the present invention, the present invention provides an analyzer which determines a specific component in a sample while conveying a sample cup containing the sample and a reaction cup containing a reagent which reacts with the sample, which is characterized in that: (1) the analyzer comprises a conveyer which conveys sample cups and reaction cups intermixedly on a closed track, (2) the analyzer comprises a reactor which is equipped with a thermostat which maintains the reaction cups at a predetermined temperature, a trashbin which collects used reaction cups, an up-down nozzle unit which sucks in and out a predetermined amount of a sample and a reaction cup lift which carries a reaction cup between the conveyer, the reactor and the trashbin, (3) the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift reciprocate on a straight track, driven by different drive units separately or by the same drive unit, (4) the trashbin is placed on the straight track of the reaction cup lift, (5) at least part of the closed track of the conveyer is straight and overlaps the straight track of the nozzle unit and the reaction cup lift, and (6) the straight part of the track of the conveyer accommodates at least two cups.
To attain the above-mentioned second object of the present invention, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer which determines a specific component in a sample while intermixedly conveying a sample cup containing the sample which present sample identification information which identities the sample in the sample cup and a reaction cup containing a reagent for determination of the specific component in the sample which presents specific component information which identifies the specific component by one conveyer, wherein the automatic analyzer comprises; (1) a storage means which stores test order information including specific component information to identify at least one specific component to be measured for each sample, (2) a first identification means which reads the sample identification information presented by each sample cup, (3) a work list preparing means which selects the specific component information which identifies at least one specific component in the sample to be measured from the test order information stored in the storage means on the basis of the sample identification information for the sample read by the first identification means and prepares a work list consisting of the sample identification information for sample and the specific component information identifying the specific component(s) in the sample to be measured, (4) a loading order determination means which determines the order in which sample cups and reaction cups are loaded on the single conveyer from the work list, (5) a second identification means which automatically reads the specific component information presented by a reaction cup conveyed by the conveyer, and (6) a collating means which compares the specific component information read by the second identification means with the determined order and indicates whether or not they are matched.


The present invention provides a novel drill insert having chipbreakers, or chip splitting grooves formed through the cutting surfaces. The cutting tool insert has a specialized geometry including a chip splitting groove formed at a negative rake angle. The chip splitting grooves increase the cutting efficiency of the tool while allowing the edge strength to be increased while also allowing higher feed rates.

The invention relates generally to a cutting insert to be placed into a tool holder for boring holes into metals. More specifically the invention relates to a cutting tool insert having a specialized geometry including a chip splitting groove formed at a negative rake angle on the cutting surface allowing increased strength and higher feed rates.
Drilling systems are frequently used to provide cylindrical holes in metallic workpieces. The cutting or boring action of the drill system may be carried out by an elongated, substantially cylindrical drilling tool, such as a combination of a tool holder and a drill insert, which is selectively attached thereto. Such an arrangement may then be used in an application wherein one end of the tool holder is securely mounted in a driving apparatus, which rotates the holder about its longitudinal axis. At the opposite end of the elongated tool holder, the cutting insert engages the material to be cut. Alternatively, the workpiece may be made to rotate relative to the holder and cutting insert, such as in positioning the holder in the tail stock of a lathe or the like. Further, the tool and workpiece may be made to rotate relative to one another. The use of cutting inserts allows for quick changing of the insert upon wear of the cutting surfaces instead of the entire tool, and allows for one tool to be used for a variety of different boring applications by simply changing the insert and not the entire drill assembly.
One problem with prior art cutting tools is that oftentimes improvements to the insert to increase cutting efficiency also reduce the insert strength. An example is the use of chipbreakers which are typically formed parallel to the clearance on the back side of the cutting edge. Referring to FIG. 1, a typical prior art spade type insert 2 is shown in a cross-sectional view taken through the center of a chipbreaker 4 formed through the cutting edge 6 of the insert 2. Behind the cutting edge 6, the primary clearance 8 drops down at an angle xcex1 from the horizontal. The clearance prevents unwanted contact between the work piece and the insert 2. The prior art insert 2 also comprises a secondary clearance 9 formed at an angle xcex8 from the horizontal, which is larger than angle xcex1, creating additional clearance. The dual angled clearance surfaces 8, 9 allow more material behind the cutting edge 6 than a clearance formed solely at the secondary clearance angle xcex8, and more clearance than that provided by the primary clearance angle xcex1. Chipbreaker 4 is shown formed at an offset distance D, parallel to primary clearance angle xcex1. Due to the secondary clearance angle xcex8, chipbreaker 4 breaks through the clearance surface of the insert 2 at point P. Although not shown, there will also be a breakout point P if the chipbreaker is not formed parallel to the clearance angle xcex1, but rather at a smaller angle down from the horizontal than clearance angle xcex1. Although also not shown, prior art chipbreakers can also extend across the entire width W of the insert 2. The removal of material across the width of the insert, or a significant portion of the width of the insert, can significantly reduce the insert strength. This is especially true with inserts made of sintered metallic hard materials which are generally more brittle than other materials. Typical sintered hard materials include carbide, cermet, ceramic, monocrystalline and polycrystalline diamond, boron nitride, etc.
The present invention provides a novel drill insert having chipbreakers formed on the cutting surfaces. The chipbreakers increase the cutting efficiency of the tool while allowing the edge strength to be increased. The drill insert of the present invention allows higher feed rates. These and other objects of the invention will be apparent as disclosed in the detailed description of the drawings below.

Drill insert geometry having chip splitting groove


A first panel includes an engaging section configured to engage with an engaged section so as to allow displacement of the engaged section according to swinging of a hood between a closed position and an open position and restrict the swinging of the hood in a state where an opening section is opened. The engaging section engages with the engaged section such that the engaged section is detachable by being displaced in a predetermined first direction. The machine main body further includes an auxiliary supporting section provided in a machine room and configured to restrict, by detachably supporting the engaged section detached from the engaging section, the swinging of the hood in a state where the opening section is opened.

There has been known, for example, operating machines described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.
A hydraulic shovel described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a machine room cover (a machine housing section) for covering a machine room and a bonnet for covering an opening section of the machine room cover. The bonnet includes a frame-like raising member provided in the machine room cover to surround the periphery of the opening section and a hood member (a lid member) configured to close an opening in an upper part of the raising member. A part of the raising member is detachable from the machine room cover in order to improve workability.
A hydraulic shovel described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a vehicle body section (a machine housing section) configured to house an engine and the like, an engine hood (a lid member) for covering an upper opening provided in the vehicle body section, and a gas spring for supporting opening and closing of the engine hood. In the hydraulic shovel described in Patent Document 2, the gas spring is detachable and movable.
Specifically, in the hydraulic shovel described in Patent Document 2, a part (a first vehicle body frame) of a vehicle body frame configuring a frame work portion of the vehicle body section is detachable from the vehicle body section.
At normal time, one end portion (a first end) of the gas spring is attached to the first vehicle body frame by a pin. The other end portion (a second end) of the gas spring is attached to the engine hood by a pin.
On the other hand, when the first vehicle body frame is detached, an attachment destination of the first end of the gas spring is lost. Therefore, the hydraulic shovel described in Patent Document 2 is provided with a first end temporary fixing section and a second end temporary fixing section for temporarily fixing the gas spring. Specifically, the first end temporary fixing section is provided in a second vehicle body frame fixed to the vehicle body section. The second end temporary fixing section is provided in the engine hood. The first end is screwed to the first end temporary fixing section and the second end is screwed to the second end temporary fixing section, whereby the gas spring is temporarily fixed.
The hydraulic shovel of Patent Document 2 is provided with the first end temporary fixing section. Therefore, even if the first end of the gas spring loses an attachment destination thereof, the gas spring can be moved.
However, when the gas spring is moved, work for attaching and detaching the pins and the screws is necessary. Therefore, tools are necessary for attachment and detachment of the pins and the screws. It is likely that the pins, the screws, or the tools are dropped into the vehicle body section by mistake. During the work of moving the gas spring, it is necessary to keep the engine hood in an open state. Therefore, it is difficult for a person to perform the work alone.    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-144378    Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-254021

Machine main body and operating machine provided with same

Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.


An insect trap is provided comprising a container having a bottom to support a liquid bait add a bait tray for a solid bait. Insect entry ramps extend through the container walls and are spaced apart a short distance from the bait tray.

This invention relates to an insect trap, particularly for stinging insects such as wasps or the like.
Wasps and yellow jackets are known to consume sweet liquid carbohydrates such as is obtained from rotting fruit for their own sustenance. In addition, the workers of the insect colony forage for proteinaceous food in order to feed the larvae in the nests.
It has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,724 to provide an insect trap, particularly for stinging insects. The trap comprises a container having walls, a bottom and a removable top. The walls include holes through which are fit entry means for the insect to the container interior. The entry means comprises a one-piece construction which extends across the container interior and is secured to opposing walls of the container. The entry means serves as both an entryway for the insect and as a support for solid bait for the insect. Since the entry means is a one-piece construction, the insect within a container is free to exit the container merely by walking along the entry means and out of the container hole with solid bait.
It would be desirable to provide an insect trap which renders difficult exit by the insect from the trap. It would also be desirable to provide an insect trap which provides an alternative route away from a bait within the trap which also is a route away from entrance means into the trap.


It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to use the same inspection apparatus regardless of the difference of the model of the glass sheets.

In recent years, many types of curved glass sheets have been employed as windowpanes for automobiles. Such curved glass sheets are each produced by cutting a flat plate-shaped glass sheet produced by e.g. a float process to have a desired shape and size, heating the glass sheet up to the softening point (about 650° C.) and e.g. a press-molding it into a desired curved shape. Then, the glass sheet molded to be curved is brought to a shape inspection as follows.
FIG. 9 shows a conventional shape inspection apparatus for curved glass sheets. As shown in the figure, an inspection apparatus 100 comprises an inspection plane 101 on which a glass sheet G is placed and which is shaped to have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the glass sheet G to be inspected, in advance. In the inspection plane 101, a plurality of displacement sensors 102 are embedded. Therefore, when a glass sheet G is placed on the inspection plane 101, the distances (displacement amounts) from the inspection plane 101 to the bottom surface of the glass sheet G are measured by the displacement sensors 102, and the measurement results are read out by a controller 200. As a result, the controller 200 judges that the glass sheet is a good product if the displacement amounts are within a predetermined range (for example, within ±0.5 mm), and judges that it is a defective product if the displacement amounts are not within the range.
Thus, in the conventional inspection apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9, the shape of the inspection plane 101 needs to be newly prepared according to the model of glass sheet G, and the plurality of displacement sensors 102 need to be newly embedded according to e.g. the shape of glass sheet G. Therefore, a dedicated inspection apparatus 100 needs to be prepared for every model of glass sheet G, and there has been a problem that the cost for the inspection is increased. Since a plurality of curved glass sheets such as a windshield, a rear glass, a door glass, a front bench, and a rear quarter are employed for each automobile, it is necessary to prepare a dedicated inspection apparatus 100 for each of them. Further, since it is necessary to prepare the set of inspection apparatuses 100 for each automobile model, a huge number of inspection apparatuses 100 become necessary.
It is an object of the present invention to resolve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide a method of and an apparatus for inspecting a curved shape whereby the same inspection apparatus can be used regardless of the difference of the model of the glass sheet, and the inspection can be performed more easily than the conventional methods and apparatuses.

Method of and apparatus for inspecting a curved shape

Abstract: The present invention comprises a step of irradiating a surface of a glass sheet G with light from a patterned light source 2a having a specific pattern, a step of picking up an image of the glass sheet G, a step of analyzing the image to extract a reflected image of the light source 2a, and a step of performing a good/defective judgment of the shape of the glass sheet G based on the result of comparing data regarding to the extracted reflected image with data regarding to the reflected image by a good product which is registered in advance.


A device for the comminution of leaves for the preparation of fine particles for a mulch useful with a leaf comminuting apparatus having an opening for the escape of comminuted materials, comprises a comminuting grid adapted to be disposed over the opening for further comminuting said leaves, said grid comprising a plurality of vertically suspended chain elements in lateral contact with each other. The grid includes a generally rectangular support plate defining a plurality of slots, and the chain elements are mounted on a support plate with their uppermost links extending through the slots. An elongated rod passes through the uppermost links and is adapted at one end thereof to nest within an opening provided in the support plate. The chain elements provide a simple expedient for the fine comminution of leaf matter which is durable in use. The present device is also self-cleaning, as the contiguous chain elements serve to remove accumulated leaf matter from each other during use.

This invention relates generally to comminuting devices, and more particularly to devices for comminuting organic matter including vegetation such as leaves. This invention relates specifically to devices useful in mulching leaves.
In most of the areas of the world where deciduous trees grow, it is a common practice among the owners of the tree-bearing land, particularly in residential areas, to remove fallen leaves from the landscape. This process is time consuming and often arduous, particularly in the instance where the person engaging in the removal of the leaves is of advanced age.
Recently, a variety of devices have been developed which employ some motive means for picking up and retaining a quantity of the leaves in a storage sack attached to the machine. This process, while superior to manual leaf removal by raking or the like, does not address the problem of removing the leaves from the premises. Thus, large sacks of leaves must be assembled, sealed and physically carried off the premises.
It is also well known that the organic matter constituting the leaves provides an excellent fertilizing medium, if properly fermented or decayed. In this connection, it has been common practice to place organic matter such as leaves and the like in a hole in the ground, known as a compost pile, to permit fermentation to occur over an extended period of time. An alternate approach has been to comminute the leaves into a fine particulate consistency, to form a "mulch" thereof which may then be evenly spread like granular fertilizer over the surface of the lawn, at the base of shrubbery, as well as being incorporated into tracts of land used for growing annual crops. A further utility for the "mulch" comprises the placement thereof into the aforementioned compost pile to allow fermentation to occur, after which the fermented mulch may be employed as formerly suggested in the manner of an organic fertilizer.
Devices for comminuting material such as organic matter are also known. A conventional lawn mower can be employed to comminute leaves while retrieving them from the ground. This is particularly so in view of the present rotary-type mowers which employ collector sacks associated with the cutting outlets on the mower housing.
One difficulty that has attended the employment of lawn mowers as leaf mulchers, has been the inability to control the consistency and direction of the leaves during the comminuting process, and to prevent frequent breakdown of the process due to clogging of the devices. Thus, lawn mowers have conventionally been provided with gratings defining a plurality of smaller holes, which are then installed over the large grass outlets to assist in the mulching operation. These devices have the shortcoming that the particles are insufficiently comminuted, and frequently clog the openings in the grate, with the result that the grate must be frequently cleaned during use.
Certain prior art devices relating generally to the area of the present invention are known which are believed pertinent. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 2,692,466 to Brunts et al relates to a disc type lawn mower which employs a plurality of chains depending from the rear edge of the lawn mower at spaced apart intervals to prevent objects placed in motion during the operation of the lawn mower from escaping the lawn mower housing and injuring the operator. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 3,369,350 to Rogers et al relating to a shredder implement, employs a plurality of chain members again disposed in spaced apart relationship to each other which serve to prevent material being shredded from being thrown forward of the shredding device. None of the foregoing references appreciates the utility or specific construction of the present device.


A railing member comprising a hollow extrusion having a picket-receiving channel along the bottom thereof. The channel has an open bottom. The sides of the member have bottom edges which extend downwardly at least as far as the bottom of the channel. A railing assembly includes the top railing member, a bottom railing member below the top railing member, a plurality of spaced-apart support posts extending between the members and a plurality of pickets between the posts. The support posts have flat tops which are received against the bottom of the top railing member and are connected thereto.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an aluminum railing apparatus wherein the top railing member is of extruded aluminum with a relatively flat bottom and having a picket-receiving channel extending inwardly therefrom.
Aluminum railings have many advantages over more traditional railing systems of steel, wrought iron or wood and, consequently, are widely used in many buildings for balconies, elevated decks and the like. They are light in weight, relatively inexpensive and can be painted to match any colour scheme. Furthermore, they have a virtually unlimited life span. However, some prior art aluminum railing systems have offered disadvantages which have limited their market. For example, some systems do not provide a clean, pleasing appearance from all angles, particularly from below as they are seen by reclining sun bathers. Some prior art railing systems have the top railing interrupted at intervals by posts and therefore cannot give long, continuous spans of top railing as often is desired. Some aluminum railing apparatuses have been relatively difficult to assemble on the job site, making labour costs too high. In addition, previous aluminum railing apparatuses have had difficulties meeting the requirements of the applicable building codes.


To allocate a terminal apparatus to a time slot to which a plurality of subcarriers are assigned, a base station apparatus first acquires the strength of signals between the base station apparatus and the terminal apparatus. Then the base station apparatus specifies a group, containing the acquired strength, among a plurality of groups. The plurality of groups are predefined in a manner such that the ranges of values of the acquired strengths differs respectively. Time slots to be allocated are predefined respectively for the plurality of groups. A time slot corresponding to the specified group is selected, and a subcarrier to be assigned to the terminal apparatus is selected from among a plurality of subcarriers contained in the selected time slot.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless communication technology, and it particularly relates to a method for performing wireless communications with a terminal apparatus and a radio apparatus using the method.
2. Description of the Related Art
In wireless communications, it is generally desired that the limited frequency resources be used effectively. With the wide use of mobile phones and second-generation cordless telephone systems, such a demand is ever increasing. One of technologies that meet this request is a technique called OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). OFDMA is a technique where communications between a base station apparatus and a plurality of terminal apparatuses are performed at the same timing by allocating signals transmitted from the terminal apparatuses to mutually orthogonal frequency bands. In general, the OFDMA technique requires scheduling processing for allocating a plurality of terminal apparatuses to the respective frequency bands. In the conventional practice, a frequency band whose signal-to-noise ratio is high in a plurality of frequency bands is allocated to the terminal apparatuses. Also, terminal apparatuses whose received powers are close to one another are put together into a plurality of groups, and a frequency band is allocated to each of the plurality of groups.
In the OFDMA, demodulation processings such as FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) processing are generally performed, at one time and all together, on signals composed of a plurality of subcarriers allocated to the same slot, at a receiving side. However, in a case where the same slot is allocated to different terminal apparatuses but a received power of one terminal apparatus is extremely lower than that of another terminal apparatus, the amplitude is adjusted based on a higher received power as a reference at the time of the demodulation processing such as the AGC processing. Thus a problem arises where the receiving performance deteriorates because the signal at the terminal of a lower received power cannot achieve a sufficient gain.

Method for reducing deterioration in receiving performance and a radio apparatus using the method


Methods and apparatus for controlling a voltage source converter to energize a DC link. A voltage order generating module generates a voltage order for controlling the voltage source converter to generate a DC voltage on the DC link. the voltage order is based on a time varying voltage reference signal. A voltage reference module, which may include a ramp generator generates the time varying voltage reference signal such that the rate of change of the voltage reference signal changes over time. The rate of change of the voltage reference signal may decrease over time, to become more gradual as the nominal operating voltage is reached to avoid over-voltages.

HVDC (high-voltage direct current) electrical power transmission uses direct current for the transmission of electrical power. This is an alternative to alternating current electrical power transmission which is more common. There are a number of benefits to using HVDC electrical power transmission. HVDC is particularly useful for power transmission over long distances and/or interconnecting alternating current (AC) networks that operate at different frequencies.
A first station may therefore transmit electrical energy to a second station over one or more DC transmission lines, e.g. overhead lines or subsea or buried cables. The first station may generate the DC supply by conversion from a received AC input supply. The second station then typically provides conversion back from DC to AC. Each of the first and second stations may therefore typically comprise a converter for converting from AC to DC or vice versa.
Initially HVDC power transmission systems tended to be implemented for point-to-point transmission, i.e. just from the first station to the second station. Increasingly however it is being proposed to implement HVDC power transmission on a mesh-network or DC grid comprising a plurality of DC transmission paths connecting more than two voltage converters. Such DC networks are useful, for example, in applications such as electrical power generation from renewable sources such as wind farms where there may be a plurality of sources that may be geographically remote.
To date most HVDC transmission systems have been based on line commutated converters (LCCs), for example such as a six-pulse bridge converter using thyristor valves. LCCs use elements such as thyristors that can be turned on by appropriate trigger signals and remain conducting as long as they are forward biased.
Increasingly however voltage source converters (VSCs) are being proposed for use in HVDC transmission. VSCs use switching elements such as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) that can be controllably turned on and turned off independently of any connected AC system. VSCs are thus sometime referred to as self-commutating converters.
Various designs are VSC are known. In one form of known VSC, often referred to as a six pulse bridge, each valve connecting an AC terminal to a DC terminal comprises a set of series connected switching elements, typically IGBTs, each IGBT connected with an antiparallel diode. The IGBTs of the valve are switched together to connect or disconnect the relevant AC and DC terminals, with the valves of a given phase limb (i.e. the two valves that connect the two DC terminals respectively to the same AC terminal) being switched in antiphase. By using a pulse width modulated (PWM) type switching scheme for each arm, conversion between AC and DC voltage can be achieved.
In another known type of VSC, referred to a modular multilevel converter (MMC), each valve comprises a series of cells connected in series, each cell comprising an energy storage element, such as a capacitor, and a switch arrangement that can be controlled so as to either connect the energy storage element in series between the terminals of the cell or bypass the energy storage element. The cells or sub-modules of a valve are controlled to connect or bypass their respective energy storage element at different times so as to vary over the time the voltage difference across the valve. By using a relatively large number of sub-modules and timing the switching appropriately the valve can synthesise a stepped waveform that approximates to a sine wave and which contain low level of harmonic distortion. As will be understood by one skilled in the art there are various designs of MMC. For example an MMC may be a half-bridge MMC or a full bridge MMC. In a half-bridge MMC the energy storage element of a cell or sub-module is connected with a half-bridge switch arrangement, which allows the energy storage element to be bypassed or connected to provide a voltage of a given polarity at the terminals of the cell. In a full-bridge MMC the energy storage element of a cell or sub-module is connected with a full-bridge switch arrangement, which allows the energy storage element to be bypassed or connected to provide a voltage of either polarity at the terminals of the cell.
In normal use the VSCs of the HVDC stations are typically controlled with reference to the AC waveform of the relevant connected AC network to achieve a desired power flow. One VSC may operated in voltage control to control the voltage of the DC lines, with another VSC being controlled in a power control to control power flow.
In use the DC lines are thus charged to the relevant operating DC voltages. On initial start-up of the DC network, or in some instances on re-start after a fault, it can therefore be necessary to charge the DC lines up to the operating voltages.
Before start-up of the DC link, or following some fault conditions, the VSCs connected to the DC network may be in a blocked, non-operational, state. Typically one VSC is used as an energising converter and is de-blocked in voltage control mode and used to charge the DC line(s), with the other converter(s) remaining in the blocked state. The energising converter thus charges a DC line at its proximal end where the DC line may effectively be open-circuited at its distal end. This can result in voltage oscillations in the DC line that can result in a voltage magnitude at the distal end that is greater than 1 p.u. and which may significantly exceed the rated voltage of the DC link, which is undesirable.
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus which at least mitigate such problems of oscillation.
Thus an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of controlling a voltage source converter to energise a DC link comprising: controlling the voltage source converter to generate a DC voltage on the DC link based on a voltage order; wherein the voltage order is based on a time varying voltage reference signal and the rate of change of the voltage reference signal varies over time.
The method thus controls the VSC which is energising the DC link by generating a voltage order based on a time varying voltage reference signal where the rate of change of the voltage reference signal varies over time. In particular the rate of change of the time varying voltage reference signal may decrease over time. The extent of any voltage oscillations on the DC link will depend on the rate of change of voltage on the DC link and thus on the rate of change of the voltage reference signal used to derive the voltage order. It has been appreciated however that during the first stages of energising the DC link a faster rate of change may be tolerated as the DC link will not yet be up to the full operating voltage and thus even with an oscillation component an over-voltage on the DC link is unlikely. However as the DC voltage increases the rate of change of the voltage may be reduced, i.e. to a more gradual rate of change, so that the magnitude of any voltage oscillation at the distal end is reduced and may, for example, by maintained within an acceptable safe operating limit.
The time varying voltage reference signal may comprise a ramp signal having a slope that varies over time. The ramp signal may ramp from an initial value corresponding to the voltage of the DC link when the voltage source converter is initially de-blocked to a final value corresponding to the nominal voltage of the DC link.
The ramp signal may have a first slope for a first period and a second slope for a second period following the first period, wherein the second slope is decreased, i.e. more gradual, compared to the first slope. The second period may start when the ramp signal reaches a predetermined threshold. There may be at least one additional period subsequent to the second period, wherein the slope of the ramp signal in each period is decreased from the slope in the previous period.
In some embodiments the method may also comprise monitoring DC current flow to determine an indication of current oscillation; and generating the voltage order based on the time varying voltage reference signal and an indication of DC current flow. For example the rate of change of the time varying voltage reference signal could be controlled based on the extent of any determined DC current oscillation. In some embodiments the method may comprise modulating the time varying voltage reference signal by the indication of current oscillation to provide oscillation damping.
Thus the DC current flow may be monitored to determine the extent of any oscillations in current and the time varying voltage reference signal may be modulated based on the indication of current oscillation to provide the voltage order. The voltage order is thus effectively modulated to damp any oscillations in DC current at the VSC, which has the effect of damping any oscillations in voltage of the DC link, as will be explained in more detail later.
The indication of current oscillation may be determined by filtering a signal indicative of DC current flow, e.g. by filtering the DC current flow to identify an oscillation component. Filtering the signal indicative of DC current flow may comprise applying at least one of a band-pass filter and/or a high-pass filter. The pass-band or cut-off frequency of the filter(s) is/are chosen to isolate the oscillation component.
In some embodiments the indication of current oscillation may be compared to a reference current value.
A current controller may receive the indication of current oscillation and determine a damping control signal for modulating the time varying voltage reference signal. In some embodiments the current controller may be a proportional-integral controller, although other types of controller may be used.
In some embodiments the value of the damping control signal may be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined limit. The predetermined limit may be fixed or, in some embodiments, the predetermined limit may vary over time.
In one aspect there is provided a method of starting an HVDC system comprising a first voltage source converter connected to at least a second voltage source converter by a DC link. The method may comprise: de-blocking the first voltage source converter and controlling the first voltage source converter according to the method as described in any of the variants above whilst maintaining the second voltage source converter in a blocked state; and subsequently de-blocking the second voltage source converter.
In another aspect there is provided machine readable code stored on a non-transitory storage medium, the code comprising instructions for causing a suitable processor to perform the method of controlling a VSC of any of the variants described above.
Aspects also relate to a control apparatus for controlling a voltage source converter to energise a DC link comprising: a voltage order generating module for generating a voltage order for controlling the voltage source converter to generate a DC voltage on the DC link based on a time varying voltage reference signal; and a voltage reference module for generating said time varying voltage reference signal, wherein the rate of change of the voltage reference signal varies over time.
The control apparatus offers all of the same advantages and may be implemented in all of the same variants as discussed with reference to the first aspect of the invention.
In particular the rate of change of the time varying voltage reference signal may decrease over time. The voltage reference module may comprise a ramp generator for generating a ramp signal with a slope that decreases over time. The ramp generator may generate a signal that ramps from an initial value corresponding to the voltage of the DC link when the voltage source converter is initially de-blocked to a final value corresponding to the nominal voltage of the DC link.
The ramp generator may generate a ramp signal having a first slope for a first period and a second slope for a second period following the first period, wherein the second slope is decreased, i.e. more gradual, compared to the first slope. The ramp generator may be configured such that the second period may start when the ramp signal reaches a predetermined threshold. There may be at least one additional period subsequent to the second period, wherein the slope of the ramp signal in each period is decreased from the slope in the previous period.
The voltage order generating module may comprise an oscillation damping module for modulating the voltage reference signal based on the indication of current oscillation.
The oscillation damping module may comprise at least one filter configured to receive and filter a signal indicative of DC current flow. The output of the filter may be the indication of current oscillation. The at least one filter may comprise a band-pass filter and/or a high-pass filter.
The control apparatus may comprise a current controller configured to receive the indication of current oscillation and determine a damping control signal for modulating the time varying voltage reference signal. The current controller may be part of the oscillation damping module. The current controller may comprise a proportional-integral controller, although other types of controller may be used.
In some embodiments the control apparatus may comprise a limiter for limiting the value of the damping control signal so as not to exceed a predetermined limit. The predetermined limit may be fixed or, in some embodiments, the predetermined limit may vary over time.


A balustrade including a handrail supported on a row of balusters, each of which is attached with two cross bars at different heights, and a plurality of vertical axles respectively connected to the cross bars between each two adjacent balusters by connectors, wherein each connector has a transverse rod on one end respectively and movably inserted into an axial hole on the respective cross bar, and an axle hole on an opposite end at right angle to the axial hole and through which a respective vertical axle is inserted and secured in place by a tapping screw.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to balustrades and relates more particularly to a balustrade of which the pitch between each two adjacent balusters can be adjusted.
2. Description of Prior Art
A balustrade is generally comprised of a handrail supported on a row of balusters. When installed, the pitch between each two adjacent balusters of a balustrade is generally not adjustable. Because the balusters of a balustrade are spaced from one another, children may pass through the gap between two adjacent balusters for the fun of it. In order to prohibit children from passing through the gaps in a balustrade, nets and wires may be fastened between two adjacent balusters to form a barrier. However, fastening nets or wires to a balustrade to keep children from passing through the gaps among the balusters also detracts from the original beauty of the balustrade. If the pitch is reduced by adding more balusters, the cost of a balustrade will be greatly increased. Furthermore, increasing the number of balusters will also make the installation difficult. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/853/584 discloses a balustrade with adjustable balusters which, invention, eliminates the aforesaid problems. However, this structure of a balustrade with adjustable balusters is not suitable for stairs having different treads.


A computer-implemented method for backing up large distributed scale-out data systems may include (1) identifying a backup job to be performed on a distributed scale-out storage system that presents a unified storage view, (2) determining, in response to the backup job applying to distributed scale-out storage and based on a scope of the backup job, a number of backup systems to deploy for performing the backup job, (3) deploying a plurality of backup systems creating a plurality of backups covering the plurality of data objects by (i) assigning, to each backup system, a subset of data objects within the backup job and (ii) backing up, by the backup system, the subset of data objects assigned to the backup system, and (4) combining the plurality of backups into a unified backup that represents the unified storage view. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

In the digital age, organizations increasingly rely on digitally-stored data. As the reliance on digitally-stored data increases, organizations increasingly seek flexible and affordable storage solutions. To this end, some organizations may store data on distributed scale-out storage systems. Distributed scale-out storage systems may allow administrators to add new storage devices to a storage backend while providing a unified view of storage (e.g., exposing a single named data repository), thereby facilitating the scalable expansion of storage and potentially minimizing configuration tasks.
To protect against data loss, an organization may use a backup system to back up important data. However, traditional backup systems may perform poorly when backing up data stored on distributed scale-out storage systems. For example, traditional backup systems may take too long backing up large data sets stored on distributed scale-out storage systems and/or may require large amounts of expensive hardware for performing the backup.
Accordingly, the instant disclosure identifies and addresses a need for additional and improved systems and methods for backing up large distributed scale-out data systems.

Systems and methods for backing up large distributed scale-out data systems


The invention provides for an improved mirror scanning system for use with a millimeter wave imaging system. The mirror scanning system includes a pair of voice coil actuators aligned generally perpendicular to a mirror. The voice coils are intermittently energized pursuant to a predetermined frequency related to a desired resolution. A base supports a back plate that is generally disposed parallel to the mirror and secures the pair of voice coil actuators. A rod flexure is secured to a center yoke, or coil bobbin, of each of the respective voice coils and to a back side of the mirror so that the pair of rod flexures simultaneously exert a force on the mirror causing deflection thereon as the pair of voice coils are energized. Stationary position sensors are mounted adjacent to each cylinder so the sensor can determine to location of the cylinder, and hence the angle of the mirror.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to optical systems, and more specifically to an assembly that flexurally suspends a mirror to reflect millimeter wave energy to a radiometer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Mirrors are often used in imaging systems to direct electromagnetic radiation for various applications such as lasers, x-rays, and thermal imaging. There are static type mirrors that are fixed permanently into position. This type of static system has been used with aircraft performing reconnaissance over a designated area. The mirror on the aircraft is fixed so that the aircraft is required to maneuver to focus the mirror on a larger area to complete a survey. This is a shortcoming in functionality that has been addressed with another type of mirror system that has the ability to be adjusted and rotated about an axis or axes.
Both aircraft and satellite cameras have used flexurally suspended mirrors for decades. They generally move about only one axis.
The scanning mechanism that is the subject of this invention uses a flexurally suspended mirror in a millimeter wave imaging system. A millimeter wave imaging system uses either active or passive detection and measurement of electromagnetic radiation at millimeter wavelengths. The contrast in radiation between the surrounding background environment and individual undergoing a scan identifies concealed objects under clothing.
In an adjustable mirror system, the mirror is used to scan the imaging zone and redirect millimeter wave energy to the focal plane of a lens. This reduces the required size of the radiometer. The mirror is mounted on a universal joint about two perpendicular axes. The universal joint provides the pivot point as actuators position the mirror as desired. However, this type of prior art system is not suited for scanning at a rapid rate. Furthermore, the universal joint is susceptible to failure and vibration as it becomes worn from use.
To overcome the failure of universal joints, the prior art describes an alternative mirror mount whereby a rod and flexible neck serve as a substitute for a universal joint to support the mirror. Actuators are used to tilt the mirror about the flexible neck and a diaphragm secures the mirror to the support body. However, a shortcoming of this type of system is the small field of scanning of less than 1 degree.
Accordingly, there is a need for a mirror scanning system that has the ability to scan a large field of view.
There is also a need in the art for an improved mirror scanning system that is accurate and not susceptible to wear of the assembly after normal operation.
It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.
However, in view of the prior art at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.


A standby aquarium pump is disclosed which contains a direct current power supply and relay means which will automatically connect this power supply to start the standby pump when alternating current power is interrupted causing the AC powered pump to stop operating. An alternate embodiment provides rectified alternating current as the normal power supply and the direct current power as a standby or auxiliary power source. A rotary direct current motor is employed to drive a reciprocating piston type air pump using an operating rod eccentrically mounted in a flywheel mounted on the motor drive shaft. Electric shock hazard is reduced by containing all 120 volt alternating current connections in a separate housing secured to the main housing. Thus, the main housing can safely be opened to install or replace the batteries by the user who will be exposed only to the low voltage direct current elements.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an aerating pump for an aquarium, and more particularly to a standby aerating pump having a direct current power supply which automatically takes over for the ordinarily used aerating pump when the alternating power supplied by a utility is interrupted.
2. Description of Related Art
Water in the confined area of an aquarium tank can, in a few hours, become deficient in the amount of dissolved air necessary to support a fish population if the aerating pump used to supply the air ceases to operate. Power loses occurring during hurricanes or other calamitous events have consequently caused the death of valuable fish collections. Even a circuit breaker tripping unobserved in the middle of the night can have the same effect
Although emergency or auxiliary power supplies are commercially available for use when public utility power fails, generally such auxiliary power supplies are in place in only a few places, such as hospitals or other critical facilities. Aquarium aerator pumps presently available are equipped for operation only on alternating current by plugging in to the utility power.
Battery powered aerating pumps have been disclosed for use with various types of live bait containers. U.S. Pat. No. 3,216,650, entitled "Liquid Aerator or Pump", the invention of A.A. Thyreen, discloses such a battery powered aerating pump. This pump may be energized either by electric dry cell batteries contained within the pump housing, or by an outside 6 or 12 volt D.C. supply such as an automobile battery. The Thyreen aerating pump is intended for use with a portable live bait container and not for use with a fixed aquarium. The need for replacing or recharging batteries militates against the use of this type of battery powered aerating pump as the sole pump for fixed aquariums, and there is no disclosure or suggestion that the pump would automatically begin operation upon interruption of alternating current power supplied by a public utility.
.U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,249, entitled "Aerated Live Bait Container", the invention of B.D. Randall, discloses an aerating arrangement where an impellor is driven by self-contained batteries or by an external direct current supply. No disclosure or suggestion is made for use of this arrangement as a backup for occasions when alternating current power is interrupted.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a standby aerating pump for a fixed aquarium which will automatically begin operation when alternating power is interrupted causing the regular aerating pump to stop operating.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a standby aerating pump for a fixed aquarium which will automatically stop operation when alternating current power becomes available again.
It is still another object of this invention to satisfy both of the above modes of operation in a single unit.
It is also an object of this invention to provide an aerating pump for a fixed aquarium which will be attractive in appearance because of the housing utilized.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a housing for a standby aerating pump which permits ready replacement of the batteries used as the power supply while continuing to keep the 120 volt alternating current connections safely housed.


A neutron detector system for discriminating fissile material from non-fissile material wherein a digital data acquisition unit collects data at high rate, and in real-time processes large volumes of data directly to count neutrons from the unknown source and detecting excess grouped neutrons to identify fission in the unknown source. The system includes a Poisson neutron generator for in-beam interrogation of a possible fissile neutron source and a DC power supply that exhibits electrical ripple on the order of less than one part per million. Certain voltage multiplier circuits, such as Cockroft-Walton voltage multipliers, are used to enhance the effective of series resistor-inductor circuits components to reduce the ripple associated with traditional AC rectified, high voltage DC power supplies.

The detection and interdiction of illicitly trafficked Special Nuclear Material (SNM) is very important in the ongoing anti-terrorist activities undertaken by homeland security agencies. U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0105665 by Lee Grodzins and Peter Rothschild for a system of detection of neutrons and sources of radioactive material, published May 19, 2005, provides the following state of technology information: "There is a need to find sources of radiation and other nuclear material that are clandestinely transported across national boundaries. The sources of clandestine nuclear material may be in the form of "dirty bombs" (e.g., a conventional explosive combined with radioactive nuclides designed to spread radioactive contamination upon detonation), fissile material, and other neutron and radiation emitting sources that may present a hazard to the public. During recent years, the United States government has placed mobile vehicles at strategic areas with gamma ray detectors dedicated to the task of finding fissile material. Atomic explosives may be made from 235U, a rare, naturally occurring, isotope of uranium that lives almost 109 years, or 239Pu, a reactor-made isotope that lives more than 104 years. 235U decays with the emission of gamma ray photons (also referred to as 'gammas'), principally at 185.6 keV and 205.3 keV. 239Pu emits a number of gamma rays when it decays, the principal ones being at 375 keV and 413.7 keV. These gamma rays are unique signatures for the respective isotopes. But fissile material invariably contains other radioactive isotopes besides those essential for nuclear explosives. For example, weapons grade uranium may contain as little as 20% 235U; the rest of the uranium consists of other isotopes. The other uranium and plutonium isotopes reveal their presence by gamma rays emitted by their daughters. For example, a daughter of 238U emits a high energy gamma ray at 1,001 keV; a daughter of 232U, an isotope present in fissile material made in the former USSR, emits a very penetrating gamma ray at 2,614 keV; and a daughter of 241Pu emits gamma rays of 662.4 keV and 722.5 keV."
U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,912 issued May 6, 1980 to Michael L. Evans et al. and assigned to the United States of America as represented by the U.S. Department of Energy, provides the following state of technology information: "A device for detecting fissionable material such as uranium in low concentrations by interrogating with photoneutrons at energy levels below 500 keV, and typically about 26 keV. Induced fast neutrons having energies above 500 keV by the interrogated fissionable material are detected by a liquid scintillator or recoil proportional counter, which is sensitive to the induced fast neutrons. Since the induced fast neutrons are proportional to the concentration of fissionable material, detection of induced fast neutrons indicates concentration of the fissionable material."
U.S. Pat. No. 3,456,113 issued Jul. 15, 1969 to G. Robert Keepin and assigned to the United States of America as represented by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, provides the following state of technology information: "An apparatus and method of detecting, identifying and quantitatively analyzing the individual isotopes in unknown mixtures of fissionable materials. A neutron source irradiates the unknown mixture and the kinetic behavior of the delayed neutron activity from the system is analyzed with a neutron detector and time analyzer. From the known delayed neutron response of the individual fission species it is possible to determine the composition of the unknown mixture. Analysis of the kinetic response may be accomplished by a simple on-line computer enabling direct readout of isotopic assay."
Traditional neutron detectors that have been used to augment gamma-ray detection systems typically rely on "gross-counting" to detect an increased neutron presence that may provide an indication of elevated fission from an unknown source. Fissile material detection with passive neutron multiplicity counters use the observation of correlated neutrons to indicate presence of fissile sources as opposed to industrial neutron sources (e.g., AmLi or AmBe). When measuring uranium, the spontaneous fission rate that is produced requires a passive measurement on the order of one day to see a correlated fission signal. To speed this process, an external neutron source or generator may be used to induce fission in the U235. Long-lived neutron sources like AmLi may induce fission and work well when the detection mechanism uses a Poisson discrimination technique as described herein. For enhanced operator safety, electrically generated neutron sources, commonly available in the form of DD (deuterium-deuterium) or DT (deuterium-tritium) sources are used. These generators are neutron source devices that contain compact linear accelerators and that produce neutrons by fusing isotopes of hydrogen together. The fusion reactions take place in these devices by accelerating the deuterium, tritium, or a mixture of these two isotopes into a metal hydride target, which also contains deuterium and/or tritium.
These electric neutron sources are intended to be either pulsed or steady state in neutron production. Electric neutron sources are regularly used to induce fission, where the user irradiates a sample and then looks for delayed neutrons as a signal that fissile material is present. However, such an approach is relatively hazardous and inefficient because of the high neutron intensity necessary to induce enough residual delayed fission product activity. A more efficient alternative to observing the delayed neutron fraction is to look for neutrons produced while the interrogation beam is on. This is more efficient because the induced fission rate is controlled by the fission cross section, unlike the delay-based method which delivers a few percent of this induced fission. This requires the detector to distinguish between the electric source neutrons and the induced fission neutrons, which has traditionally been impractical with present portable DD or DT electric neutron sources.
What is needed, therefore, is a method of distinguishing between these two types of detected neutrons by recognizing patterns of neutrons created and/or counted by the system.
Another disadvantage associated with present systems is that the electric generators used in such systems are almost always made using AC rectifying, high voltage DC power supplies. This introduces the problematic effect of electrical ripple on the DC supply that can cause correlation of neutron product, thus introducing unwanted correlation in the DD or DT neutron generator.
What is further needed, therefore, is a Poisson neutron source for use in in-beam interrogation systems that imposes virtually no ripple to distort the correlation of generated neutrons in a neutron detection system.

Accelerating fissile material detection with a neutron source

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC


A low resistivity interface material is provided between a self-aligned vertical heater element and a contact region of a selection device. A phase change chalcogenide material is deposited directly on the vertical heater element. In an embodiment, the vertical heater element in L-shaped, having a curved vertical wall along the wordline direction and a horizontal base. In an embodiment, the low resistivity interface material is deposited into a trench with a negative profile using a PVD technique. An upper surface of the low resistivity interface material may have a tapered bird-beak extension.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for manufacturing a phase change memory cell with fully self-aligned vertical heater elements.
Phase change memories are formed by memory cells connected at the intersections of bitlines and wordlines and comprising each a memory element and a selection element. A memory element comprises a phase change region made of a phase change material, i.e., a material that may be electrically switched between a generally amorphous and a generally crystalline state across the entire spectrum between completely amorphous and completely crystalline states.
Typical materials suitable for the phase change region of the memory elements include various chalcogenide elements. The state of the phase change materials is non-volatile, absent application of excess temperatures, such as those in excess of 150° C., for extended times. When the memory is set in either a crystalline, semi-crystalline, amorphous, or semi-amorphous state representing a resistance value, that value is retained until reprogrammed, even if power is removed.
Selection elements may be formed according to different technologies. For example, they can be implemented by diodes, metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors or bipolar transistors. Heater elements are supplied in connection with the selection elements in order to provide heat to the chalcogenide elements.

Phase change memory cell with self-aligned vertical heater and low resistivity interface


A mounting device for affixing to a hole or bore in a support structure to anchor a line to the mounting device and support structure including a base with a hole passing through the base, hub extending from the base back surface having a pair of flexible legs and engagement members on the outer surfaces of the legs, a stirrup having a line receiving opening attached to the base front surface, and a locking member with a hook member at its proximal end and a distally extending shaft dimensioned to pass through the hole in the base and enter the distally extending cavity to engage the inner surfaces of the legs and bend them laterally thereby affixing the mounting device in the hole or bore and capturing the line in the stirrup.

There are many applications today where it is necessary to rapidly and securely hang or mount lines or other appropriate objects to support structures including support structures having hollow walls or varying types of solid walls. The lines may include cables, ropes, strings, chords, wires. Other lines that may be hung or attached to support structures may include hooks eyelets and rings that are to be received in a mounting device of the type described herein associated with objects that are to be attached to the support structures.
For example, Internet, cable TV and telephone companies dispatch installers throughout the United States and the world to mount many, many cables and wires to a wide variety of support structures every day. The installers must be able to rapidly and securely utilize mounting devices to mount these lines in homes and commercial facilities that have hollow walls and solid walls that vary in density and consistency. The walls may include stucco walls and foam-backed stucco walls.
It is an object of embodiments of this invention to provide mounting devices that can be readily used to anchor lines to support structures comprising many types of hollow walls and solid walls.
It is another object of embodiments of this invention to provide improved mounting devices that can be easily mounted to such support structures without using additional devices such as mortar anchors to precondition the support surface.
It is yet another object of embodiments of this invention to provide such mounting devices in which lines can be firmly attached to support structures when there is no space within or behind the support structure allowing for the utilization of toggle clips.
Another object of embodiments of this invention is to provide mounting devices in which lines can be firmly attached to support structures that are not sufficiently dense to securely and reliably hold nails or screws.
A further object of embodiments of this invention is to provide mounting devices that can be securely retained in a bore or hole in a support structure that does not rely on or employ threaded screws or nail fasteners.
It is a still further object of embodiments of this invention to provide such mounting devices that can be economically and efficiently manufactured.


A method and apparatus for assisting in file recovery after a network fault uses a block state indicator in a client cache. After file data is stored in the client cache, the block state indicator is set to a client-cached state. After the file data is stored in a server cache, the block state indicator is set to a server-cached state. After the file data is stored in a non-volatile store attached to the server, the block state indicator is set to a stored state. If the data in server cache is lost or compromised due to a network fault, the data maintained in client memory is retransmitted. In a similar manner, file locks and file semaphores are re-established after a network fault.

Personal computers or workstations may be linked in a computer network to allow the sharing of data, applications, files, and other resources. In a client/server network, the sharing of resources is accomplished through the use of a file server. The file server includes a processing unit that is dedicated to managing centralized resources and to sharing these resources with the personal computers and workstations, which are known as the "clients" of the server.
Each client includes a central processing unit ("CPU"), a memory which is directly accessible to the CPU, and one or more input/output ("I/O") devices such as a screen, keyboard, mouse, and the like. The client's memory may be battery-backed, but more often the memory is volatile memory (unbacked RAM) that loses data if power to the client is interrupted or if the client is rebooted. Some clients also have local non-volatile data stores, such as a local hard disk, while other clients have no local non-volatile store.
Each file server has a CPU, a volatile memory, various I/O devices, and at least one non-volatile data store. The non-volatile data store includes a controller and a non-volatile medium. To access the medium, the server's CPU sends read and write requests to the controller, which then attempts to carry out the request. Write requests are accompanied by file data which is destined for storage on the medium, or by a memory address identifying the present location of such data. Read requests are accompanied by a memory address which identifies memory destined to receive file data copied from the medium.
Thus, in the client/server network there are four locations that might reasonably be used to hold part or all of a file that is being used by a process which resides on a particular client: the server's non-volatile store, the server's memory, the client's non-volatile store, and the client's memory. Each location has relative advantages and drawbacks.
As noted, some clients do not have a local non-volatile store. Thus, the client store is not suitable for use as a necessary part of any general approach and will not be discussed further.
Storing file data on the server's non-volatile store is generally favored for several reasons. Placing file data on the server's store makes that data potentially accessible to all clients so that access is denied only as needed for security purposes. For this reason, the larger capacity stores in a network tend to be attached to the server, which in turn makes the server's store more attractive because more storage room is available (at least initially). In addition, keeping the file data on the server store prevents inconsistency because there is only one authoritative copy of the data.
However, placing all file data on the server's store typically decreases network performance. Before the client can read the file data, the data must be transferred by the controller from the non-volatile medium into the server's memory, and then the data must be transferred over the network to the client's memory. Both transfers take time. In particular, the transfer from non-volatile store to server memory tends to be very slow when compared to the time needed to read the same data from memory. Write operations incur similar delays.
Accordingly, many known systems "cache" file data by keeping a copy of the data in a region of the server's memory known as the "server cache." If a client reads data that happens to be in the server cache, no additional transfer from the non-volatile store is needed. Likewise, if a client writes file data that corresponds (i.e., is destined for the same position in the file) to data in the server cache, the new data can be simply written to the server's memory. The new data must be written to the non-volatile store eventually, but that transfer can be delayed until a later time if the controller is busy at present. The server can still avoid inconsistencies by coordinating its memory and non-volatile store usage to ensure that clients see only the most current copy of the data.
However, caching data in the server's memory does not eliminate the need to transfer that data over the network between the client and the server. The only way to eliminate the network transfer is to cache the data in a portion of the client's memory known as the "client cache." Unfortunately, client caching creates inconsistent versions of the cached data.
Consider the situation in which client A and client B each read the same data from the server into their respective client caches and then each modify the data differently without either client being informed that the other client is also modifying the data. If client C then reads the data from the server, C will get the old version instead of getting one of the more recent versions. Moreover, when the modified data is written back to the server for storage, the version that happens to be written last will overwrite the version that was written first. Thus, if A's data is written last, then B's changes will be lost and B will not be informed of the loss.
One solution is to claim exclusive control of the file or of the relevant portion of the file. This may be accomplished by locking the file so that only one client (or process) at a time is allowed to write to the file. If several files are needed, they may be claimed on an exclusive basis by setting a file semaphore. Thus, B may claim the file by locking the file or by setting the semaphore, make its changes, and then release the file by unlocking the file or by clearing the semaphore, as appropriate. A may then claim the file, overwrite B's changes, and then release the file. B's changes are still lost, but notification of the loss can be performed in connection with the file lock or semaphore operations so that B is informed. Moreover, a log of the changes can be maintained so that earlier versions of the data can be recovered at need. The log is updated each time the file is locked or unlocked, and each time a semaphore claiming the file is set or cleared.
Another approach to preventing inconsistencies caused by client caching is to force write requests all the way through to the server store each time they are made. Under this "write-through" approach, a process that writes data to the client cache is suspended until the controller commits the data to the non-volatile medium on the server and sends an acknowledgement of that committal back to the client. After the acknowledgement arrives, the process resumes and the region of client memory used to cache the data is considered free for other uses.
Thus, write-through minimizes the loss of data that is cached in the server but not yet committed to the store by preventing data from remaining in the server cache any longer than absolutely necessary before storage. Write-through allows logs and notifications similar to those associated with file locks and semaphores. Write-through also eliminates inconsistencies by placing all file data in one authoritative copy on the server's store.
However, because write-through effectively eliminates caching for writes, it may significantly decrease network performance. Suspending the process while waiting for the network and controller transfers to complete often increases the time required for the process to finish because the process could have been doing other work while these transfers were proceeding. Write-through also tends to increase the number of network and controller transfers. Under a cached approach, for instance, overwriting the same region of the file five times could result in the transfer of only the most recent copy of the data, whereas write-through would cause five network transfers and five transfers to the non-volatile store.
To improve system performance, some approaches consider the file data "written" as soon as the data reaches the server cache. Thus, the process is suspended only for the time needed to transfer the data across the network and to transfer an acknowledgement back to the client. The process is not forced to wait for an acknowledgement that the data has been transferred to the non-volatile medium. Likewise, the portion of client cache holding the data is considered free for re-use as soon as the server acknowledges receipt of the data.
However, treating data as written once it reaches the server cache leaves the data vulnerable to network faults. Network faults may occur as a result of hardware or software problems. Some network faults cause the server to reboot in the midst of a client process, thereby destroying any data in the server cache. Such data is lost if it has not yet been transferred from the server cache to the server store. Rebooting also eliminates file locks or semaphores held by the client.
Other network faults occur when a cable between the client and server is disconnected. The server regularly "pings" the client to determine if the client is still attached to the server. If the client does not respond to the server's ping after some predetermined period of time, the server logs the client off. From the client's point of view, being unilaterally logged off by the server causes many of the same problems as having the server suddenly reboot.
If the client treats data in the volatile server cache as being effectively written to the non-volatile server store, the client will not be informed after the cached data is damaged or lost. The client may even subsequently overwrite the only remaining copy of the data, which is in the client cache.
File locks and semaphores that are recorded only in server memory are also damaged or lost when a network fault occurs. The client process must either reconstruct the current locks and semaphores and then re-establish them with the server, or else lose the needed exclusive control. Unfortunately, many existing applications are not constructed to maintain an internal copy of the current locks and semaphores, nor are they constructed to restore those locks and semaphores after a network fault. As a result, locks and semaphores are not restored, files are corrupted, and data is lost.
In summary, considering data written once it reaches the server cache improves performance but leaves the data vulnerable to network faults that alter server memory. Using the write-through approach provides file integrity and reduces or eliminates data loss, but does so at a heavy performance cost. Both approaches leave client data vulnerable to the loss of file locks and semaphores.
Thus, it would be an advancement in the art to provide a method and apparatus for restoring file data after a network fault while still obtaining the performance benefits of caching data during at least some write operations.
It would also be an advancement to provide such a method and apparatus which assists in properly restoring the current file locks and semaphore settings after a network fault.
Such a method and apparatus are disclosed and claimed herein.

Method and apparatus for network file recovery


A locking device for preventing unauthorized raising of a hinged toilet lid and the like by an infant comprises a blocking cylinder which is releasably secured to the toilet bowl between the lid hinge and the toilet tank. The diameter of the cylinder is such that it blocks substantial raising of the lid from the closed horizontal position. Quick-release attachment clips allow ready removal of the device by an adult when the toilet is to be used.

This invention relates to toilets, commodes and the like having hinged lids. More particularly, the invention provides a locking device for the hinged lid of a toilet bowl or the like for preventing unauthorized raising of the lid, for example, by an infant. Toilet bowl lids with no locking facility may be readily raised by an infant, thereby providing access to the bowl which can lead to accidents, such as the infant itself falling into the bowl or depositing articles in the bowl. The present invention is directing toward avoiding such accidents by preventing an infant obtaining access to the toilet bowl.


To support a new processor control bit, the Real Space Control (RSC) bit, in a processor system with an existing translation lookaside buffer, an existing control bit, the Private Space bit, in the translation lookaside buffer is redefined as an Ignore Common segment bit to create new non-overlapping translation lookaside buffer entries.

This invention relates to the implementation of support for a new Real Space Control bit with an existing Translation Lookaside Buffer in a microprocessor system.
As is generally known, computers use a variety of addressing schemes to access storage memory to retrieve instructions and data. The address actually applied to the storage memory is often referred to as an absolute address, an effective address is the address actually referred to by programmers, and a virtual or real address is a type of effective address.
Because programmers generally refer to an effective address when constructing computer programs, the effective address must be determined to be a virtual address or a real address and then translated to an absolute address before main storage memory can be accessed. To achieve increased computer performance and speed, this address translation process must be efficiently performed.
Each address translation involves a multi-stage process and consumes valuable processor cycles. A conventional solution to speed up this address translation is to utilize an address translation cache called a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) which stores the most recent translations. Using an address translation cache skips some of the steps of address translation from the virtual address to the absolute address. In this way, the processor need only access the TLB to obtain the address of the most recently utilized translations.
A translation lookaside buffer (TLB) contains two main types of translation entries: translations that convert a real storage address to an absolute storage address (real mode translation), and translations that convert a virtual storage address with a region or segment table origin to an absolute address (known as dynamic address translation or DAT). Real mode translation is a simple mode of translation requiring only a real address to start translation. On the other hand, DAT is a more complex translation mode requiring a virtual address and a starting Region or Segment Table Origin (RTO or STO) in order to do one or more storage table lookups.
To support a new processor control bit, the Real Space Control (RSC) bit, in a processor system with an existing translation lookaside buffer (TLB), an existing control bit, the Private Space (PS) bit, in the TLB is replaced by a new control bit, the Ignore Common segment (IC) bit, to create new non-overlapping TLB entries. Support for the RSC bit, which changes address translation modes, is achieved by combining it with the PS bit and establishing the new IC control bit as an interlock. Based upon the status of these and other control bits, address translations are interlocked or enabled.
These and other improvements are set forth in the following detailed description. For a better understanding of the invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings.

Method of implementing a translation lookaside buffer with support for a real space control

International Business Machines Corporation


Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Packing materials are employed for cushioning and protecting items such as information handling systems that are shipped from one location to another within outer shipping cartons. Examples of conventional packing materials include styrofoam packing peanuts, bubble wrap, inflatable air pillows, etc. Such materials are typically placed to surround an item that is shipped within an outer carton. Molded foam or cardboard packing cushions are also employed to suspend a shipped item between two such cushions within the interior of an outer shipping carton. For example, an information handling system such as a notebook computer may be supported and cushioned within a corrugated shipping box between a set of two packing cushions or "buns" (foam pads) that each include an internal opening for receiving and supporting one end of the notebook computer.
Multiple items may be shipped together within a single container in a bulk pack configuration. Bulk packs are often used to ship items from a manufacturer to a distributer. For example, multiple information handling systems may be shipped in a single bulk container from a manufacturer or assembler to a corporate customer information technology (IT) facility. The distributer may separate the multiple items and then repackage each of them for individual item shipment in a single pack carton to an end use customer or client.


A ship loader or unloader includes a vertically extending first region and a horizontally extending second region; a first hydraulic cylinder connected to a lower end of the first region and to the second region for translationally displacing the second region relative to the first region as a function of vertical ship motions; a bucket mechanism including a chain and buckets mounted on the chain; guides, including a guide wheel, mounted in the first and second regions for continuously guiding the chain on the first and second regions; and a chain length equalizer in the second region for varying a chain length in the second region as a function of displacements of the second region relative to the first region. The chain length equalizer includes a second hydraulic cylinder effecting a length variation of the chain. The first hydraulic cylinder is connected to and extends between a first support forming a part of the first region; and an abutment forming part of the second region. The second hydraulic cylinder is a sole hydraulic cylinder connected to and extending between the chain wheel and a second support forming a part of the second region. An actuation of the first hydraulic cylinder effects simultaneous actuation of the second cylinder.

The invention relates to a ship loader or unloader including an essentially vertically extending region that can be displaced along a boom. At its lower end, this region cooperates with an essentially horizontally extending region. The ship loader or unloader further includes a bucket mechanism that is driven by means of chains and is guided on rollers in the vertical and horizontal regions.
DE-OS [German Unexamined Published Patent Application] 3,029,863 discloses a movable ship unloader for the continuous removal of bulk materials by means of an endless vertical conveyor in the form of a bucket mechanism formed at a vertical carrier. The lower end of the vertical carrier is rigidly connected with an essentially horizontal take-up arm and has an L shape. A bucket chain is guided around the vertical carrier and the take-up arm in such a manner that the bulk material can be conveyed continuously and without transfer from the region of the horizontal receiving arm through the region of the vertical carrier to a radially configured upper discharge end provided in the extension thereof and from there to a horizontally arranged turntable or ring conveyor that encloses the upper end and is mounted concentrically therewith.
The vertical conveyor constructed of a vertical region and a horizontal region is supported in the region of its upper end at the free end of a boom. In dependence on the quantity of bulk material to be unloaded, this vertical conveyor has a very high weight so that relatively large counterweights must be provided on the other side of the boom. These devices can be used relatively without problems for ships in port where there is little wave action and they are also suitable for high bulk material discharges. However, if water conditions exist which cause the ship's body to be raised and lowered at given intervals or in surges, difficulties arise in adapting the vertical conveyor to these movements. Although it is possible to further increase the counterweight such an increase requires the consideration of greater expenditures for controls, with the control system not necessarily being able to adapt the relatively heavy vertical conveyor to the rapid fluctuations in the ship's movements. Consequently, the danger continues to exist that collisions might occur between the vertical conveyor and the ship which, under certain circumstances, could lead to damage to one or the other or both.