The invention concerns an improvement in the monitoring and control systems used in a liquid-liquid extraction unit or an extractive distillation unit for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from non-aromatic hydrocarbons.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hydrocarbon separation, and more particularly to extraction, including liquid-liquid solvent extraction units and extractive distillation units.
2. Description of the Related Art
Aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene and xylenes (collectively, "BTX"), serve as important building blocks for a variety of plastics, foams and fibers. Often these compounds are produced via catalytic reformation of naphtha through steam cracking of naphtha or gas oils, or other methods where substantial amounts of non-aromatic compounds are present. When simple distillation or fractionation is not a cost effective or practical method for separation, liquid-liquid extraction or extractive distillation techniques are used. Such extraction techniques separate a desired substance selectively from a mixture or remove unwanted impurities from solution, and, in the context of the invention described hereinbelow, aromatic hydrocarbon separation from non-aromatic hydrocarbons. A solvent is typically used which exhibits a higher affinity for the aromatic compounds than the non-aromatic compounds, thereby selectively extracting the aromatic compounds from the mixture of aromatics and non-aromatics. The aromatic species of interest can then be isolated from the solvent by distillation, adsorptive separation techniques, and the like.
One widely used solvent extraction technique is the Sulfolane™ Process to recover high purity aromatics from hydrocarbon mixtures, which is discussed in numerous patents and other literature too numerous to cite. The process uses a combination of liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation in a single, integrated design, and employs tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide (or "sulfolane") as a solvent and water as a co-solvent. Other solvents conventionally used in liquid-liquid extraction include oxygen-containing species such as tetraethylene glycol and nitrogen-containing species such as N-methyl pyrolidine, each having similar issues that lead to decreasing the capacity of the extraction process, as well as their own unique problems.
FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of an illustrative system 400 for separating high purity aromatics from a hydrocarbon mixture. Particularly desired products include benzene, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof (collectively, "BTX"), which are typically obtained in a desired purity ("on-spec") by further distillation or other methods downstream of the illustrative system 400. Conveniently this benzene and or toluene product fractionation section may be fully or partially heat integrated to provide feed preheating and or reboiling duty to the benzene and or toluene columns with other equipment in the installed facilities outside of System 400. Various embodiments are possible to make the heat integration feasible in order to create sufficient temperature differential between the heat supply source and the benzene and toluene columns that are receiving the heat. Examples include but are not limited to: raising the pressure in the column that is supplying the heat or lowering the pressure which might include operating under vacuum conditions in the benzene or toluene columns that are receiving the heat. In addition to one or more liquid-liquid extractor unit(s) 100 described above, the system 400 includes one or more extractive distillation units 410, water strippers 420, water wash columns 430, and recovery columns 440. In one or more embodiments, the system 400 can further include one or more heat exchangers (three are shown 445, 450, 455), one or more steam generators 460, and one or more water/hydrocarbon separators (two are shown 465, 470). Certain other devices, such as compressors, valves, column trays and packings, and the like, are not shown for convenience of view, however such devices would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Within the extractor 100, a hydrocarbon mixture via line 145 (entering the extractor 100 at one or more locations) and a circulating solvent via line 150 can be contacted or otherwise mixed with one another in a countercurrent manner. The internal details of the various apparatus such as liquid-liquid extractor 100, extractive distillation unit 410, stripper 420, and column 440 do not form a part of the present invention per se except as explicitly pointed out herein below, but rather have been described in the prior art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,184, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010-0096321, and more recently U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/566,116, filed Dec. 2, 2011, and may consist of various trays, gratings, packings, demister pads, and the like. Within the liquid-liquid extractor 100 the solvent extracts or otherwise separates at least a portion of the aromatic hydrocarbons from the multi-component hydrocarbon introduced via line 145 to provide a solvent enriched in aromatic hydrocarbons ("rich solvent") via line 155 and a raffinate having a reduced content of aromatic hydrocarbons via line 160. The solvent is advantageously Sulfolane™ but numerous other suitable materials for separating aromatic compounds from non-aromatic compounds are known in the art. The hydrocarbon feed via line 145 can be or include a mixture of aromatics and non-aromatics, typically in the C5-C10 range, and may also be or include a heavier refinery cut.
The rich solvent via line 155 is introduced to the heat exchanger 445 to transfer heat from the lean solvent introduced via line 462 to provide a heated rich solvent via line 447 and a cooled lean solvent via line 150. The heated rich solvent via line 447 can be introduced to the stripper 410 to provide a less-aromatic rich hydrocarbon via line 412 and a solvent further enriched in aromatic hydrocarbons via line 414.
The raffinate in line 160 can be introduced to the raffinate wash column 430 which can separate at least a portion of the solvent in the raffinate to provide a raffinate product via line 432 containing less solvent than the raffinate in line 160. The recovered water/solvent in line 434 can contain aromatics/non-aromatics separated in and/or entrained from the raffinate wash column 430 from the raffinate introduced via line 160. The recovered water/solvent in line 434 can be introduced to the water stripper 420 to provide a water-lean, hydrocarbon-rich stream via line 422. The non-aromatic rich raffinate via line 432 can be further processed or sent to storage.
The water-lean, hydrocarbon-rich stream in line 422 can be introduced to the water/hydrocarbon separator 470 to provide a recycle hydrocarbon via line 472 and a recovered water stream via line 474. In one or more embodiments, the recycle hydrocarbons via line 472 can be introduced at one or more locations to the extractor 100 for additional processing and/or mixed with the feed line 145 (not shown for convenience of view).
Within the recovery column 440, the bottoms from the stripper 410 is contacted with steam to recover the aromatics. The aromatic compounds are removed from the top of the recovery column 440 and the bottom stream (lean solvent) 462 is recycled back to the extractor 100, although a portion may be sent to solvent regenerator 442 and introduced to recovery column 440 via line 443. The overhead from the recovery column 440 is introduced to the water/hydrocarbon separator 465 to separate the water via line 467 from the product aromatics via line 466. At least a portion of the recovered aromatics can be recycled to the recovery column 440 as reflux.
The process described above, as a whole, is known in the art and further detail here is not necessary to inform the art. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,326,823; 2,773,918; and 3,361,664.
Nevertheless the operation of an aromatic solvent extraction system to form an aromatic extract is exceedingly complicated to operate. Part of the reason for this is that, relative to each aromatic product recovered from the process, the lighter and heavier non-aromatics in a given feed respond differently to changes in process parameters such as the flow rates of the feed and solvent. Thus, a single change in one such parameter can cause widely varying results in the process and products thereof U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,823 solves attempts to control the system by analyzing at least two separate groups of non-aromatics, and, according to the patentee, thereby knowing the relative concentrations of both the lighter and heavier non-aromatics, as opposed to the prior art's single total concentration of non-aromatics, and again according to patentee, the proper adjustments to operating parameters of the process can be made to allow, pursuant to the invention, for tighter control of the final aromatic product(s) purity.
In addition, there continues to be the problem of light impurities building up in the extractive distillation tower and recycle system. These undesired effects result in the incapacity of the extractor to efficiently remove and recover the aromatic compounds within the mixed feedstock.
Typical responses to correcting the incapacity of the extractor include one or more of moving the recycle location, adding more stages of sieved trays, reducing operating rates, or cleaning and/or replacing the sieve tray decks.
The present inventors have discovered that proper monitoring and control of the extraction unit systems in the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons from non-aromatic hydrocarbons, including liquid-liquid extraction processes and extractive distillation processes, and the combination thereof, can result, in embodiments, in at least an order of magnitude improvement in reliability and integrity of the solvent systems and processes for the separation of aromatic hydrocarbons and non-aromatic hydrocarbons.
In addition, giving the operators information about how to respond to certain situations has also proven beneficial. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,217 there is disclosed a method for monitoring a polyethylene polymerization system including providing an expert system comprising a database containing knowledge of the polymerization system and an inference engine, the latter comprising rules, receiving and evaluating data from the polymerization system, identifying the first rule as true or false, and displaying the message of the second rule if all the one or more preconditions of the second rule are met. The present inventors have also provided an improved expert system and inference engine wherein the improvement comprises application in extractive distillation controls. As used herein further below, the terms "expert systems" and "inference engine" take the same meaning as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,739,217.


An optical waveguide connector consists of a ceramic pin (11) with a bore (12) for the bare optical waveguide (7). In the superimposed abutment (14) for a compression spring (25), two bore sections (16, 17) are provided whose diameter corresponds to that of the optical waveguide with a coating (8) and with a jacket (9), relatively. The precise guidance of the optical waveguide so obtained in all sections minimizes the likelihood of sharp bends.

The present invention relates generally to connector pins for optical waveguide connectors, which connector pins accommodate one end of an optical waveguide. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a connector pin which comprises at least one ceramic pin with a central bore accommodating the optical waveguide, a bushing with a flange pressed onto the ceramic pin, a compression spring supported on the flange at one end and having a thrust washer at the other end, and an abutment forced into the bushing and likewise provided with a central bore accommodating a cylindrical optical waveguide with the coating surrounding it and the jacket enveloping the optical waveguide and the coating.
Optical waveguide connectors are available on the market having pins that can move relative to the shell of the connector. This movement capability is necessary during insertion and withdrawal to limit the stresses to which the pins are subjected. This movement capability of the connector pins automatically results in movement of the optical waveguides, for which minimal permissible bending radiuses are specified. It is imperative that sharp bends in the optical waveguides be prevented when they are inserted in connector pins. The known connector pins come with only two bore diameters, the smaller-diameter bore in the ceramic pin itself accommodating the bare optical waveguide, and the larger-diameter bore in the abutment being adapted to the diameter of the jacket of the optical waveguide. Over a portion of the length of optical waveguides there is always a section where only the coating but not the entire jacket is present, and over that section the optical waveguide is apt to be bent sharply as it is threaded into the connector pin.
The present invention is directed to the problem of eliminating this risk of sharp bends in optical waveguides.

Connector pin for an optical waveguide connector


A thermometer implant (10), especially useful in medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, comprises a thermometer body (15) containing a fluid (13) which expands, and contracts to a fluid length (14) that indicates a target temperature at a target time, and which is located in a body from where the expanding fluid is not visible at the target time, with the fluid length (14) at the target time being measured outside the body.

A thermometer implant—especially useful in medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures—comprises a thermometer body containing a fluid which expands and contracts to a fluid length which indicates a target temperature at a target time and which is located in a body from where the fluid length is not visible at the target time, with the fluid length at the target time being measured outside the body.
When, for example, a cancerous tumor is treated by hyperthermia or cryotherapy it is very important to control the temperature in the tumor as well as the temperature in healthy tissue. Since existing temperature sensors are not adequate to the task, workers have long been seeking new ways to measure the temperature for such cases.
An implanted reflector which reflects a microwave signal as a function of temperature is shown by Nowogrodzki in U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,998. An implanted element which has temperature dependent nuclear magnetic resonance properties is shown by Taicher in U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,853.
The invention shown here is based on the discovery that small, expanding fluid thermometers can be made with properties which solve this long outstanding problem.


A sLASER-first-COSY sequence is disclosed. After a delay time, Δ1, from application of a first 90° radio frequency (RF) pulse, a first pair of adiabatic full-passage (AFP) pulses are applied to an object in a MRI scanner. The first 90° RF pulse is a non-adiabatic slice-selective 90° RF pulse and the first pair of AFP pulses is separated by an inter-pulse time interval, Δ2. A second pair of AFP pulses, separated by the time Δ2, is then applied, followed by a second 90° RF pulse. The second 90° RF pulse is a non-adiabatic non-slice-selective 90° RF pulse. MR signal is acquired after an echo time (TE) from application of the excitation RF pulse. The present method may achieve intended full magnetization transfer between a coupled spin pair of a metabolite and maintain metabolite cross peak intensity of a coupled spin pair of a metabolite in the object.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is an analytical method that can be used to identify and quantify certain metabolites in samples or areas of interest in the body. While relying on similar principles and using similar equipment, MRS differs from conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in that the obtained spectra provide physiological and biochemical information about the sample, instead of anatomy and positional information used to form an image. By exploiting the magnetic properties of certain nuclei, MRS can provide detailed information about the structure, dynamics, reaction state, and chemical environment of the molecules in which they are contained. Similar to MRI, MRS is typically performed by placing the subject or object at or near the isocenter of a strong, uniform magnetic field, B0, known as the main magnetic field. The main magnetic field causes the nuclei (spins) in the matter comprising the subject or object to possess a magnetic moment. The spins form a magnetization that precesses around the magnetic field direction at a rate proportional to the magnetic field strength.
If the magnetization is perturbed by a small radio-frequency (RF) magnetic field, known as B1 magnetic field, the spins may emit RF radiation at a characteristic frequency. By applying the B1 magnetic field as one or more timed pulses and/or sequences of pulses with delay periods between them, the emitted RF radiation can be detected and analyzed to identify and quantify chemical compounds within an object and infer information about metabolic activity. Various techniques utilizing specific sequences of RF pulses with specific timing, frequencies, and intensities have been developed, providing new advances, as well as introducing new challenges.
MRS experiments can gather data in one-dimensional (1D MRS) or two-dimensional frequency or spectral space (2D MRS). Spectra obtained in 1D MRS relate to the chemical shift properties of the nuclei in the sample. More than 20 metabolites have been reported in the 1H-MRS spectra of the human brain (26, 27). 1D 1H-MRS on clinical MR scanners is hampered primarily by the difficulty in resolving dozens of peaks over a small spectral range of about 4 ppm. One solution is 2D MRS (28, 29), which increases the detectability of overlapping metabolites by spreading the spectrum into a second dimension. 2D MRS provides information on the structure of molecules and helps reliable assignment, quantification, and identification of metabolites (1). 2D localized chemical shift correlated spectroscopy (L-COSY) (10, 30-31) and 2D J-resolved spectroscopy (J-PRESS) (31, 32) are the most popular 2D MRS methods, though there are many derivations. 2D J-resolved spectroscopy can be used to analyze molecules for which their 1D MRS spectra contain overlapping resonance peaks (multiplets) due to J-coupling. J-coupling arises from the interaction of different spin states through the chemical bonds of a molecule and can provide insight into the connectivity of nuclei in a molecule. The 2D J-resolved spectrum vertically displaces the multiplet from each nucleus by a different amount. Each peak in the 2D J-resolved spectrum will have the same horizontal coordinate that it has in a non-decoupled 1D spectrum, but its vertical coordinate will be the J-coupling constants of the single peak that the nucleus has in a decoupled 1D spectrum.
Compared to J-resolved spectroscopy, COSY allows determination of the connectivity of a molecule by examining which spins are coupled. In turn, COSY yields better dispersion and more separation of J-cross peaks, allowing for better spectral quantification, despite requiring a larger spectral window to sample during the evolution period. Therefore maintaining the intensity of cross peaks is important for accurate and reliable quantification of COSY spectra.
MRS may benefit more from higher main magnetic field strengths than conventional MRI. The high-field magnets improve the sensitivity and specificity of the obtained spectral information by providing higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and increased chemical shift dispersion (2, 3). The improved SNR also allows for shorter acquisition times or smaller detection volumes (1-3). The increased chemical shift dispersion improves the resolution of spectral information (1, 2). Despite these benefits, higher field strengths can cause shorter apparent transverse relaxation time (T2*) (4-6), longer longitudinal relaxation time (T1) (5), increased main static field (B0) and RF field (B1) inhomogeneity, and increased chemical shift displacement error (CSDE) (3). Further, the separation (or dispersion) of resonance peaks in MRS spectra is magnetic field dependent and the increased chemical shift dispersion sets higher demand on the bandwidth (BW) of RF pulses that are used for the localization for MRS. CSDE is proportional to the main static magnetic field (B0) and reversely proportional to the BW of slice-selective RF pulses (2, 7-9). In addition, the available RF power is usually more limited relative to the increased field strengths (2).
In 2D J-resolved spectroscopy, the limited BWs of RF pulses not only cause CSDEs but also lead to spatially dependent evolution of J-coupling (11), which results in additional J-refocused artifactual peaks (11-14). In J-PRESS; for a pair of coupled spins with a large chemical shift difference; one of the coupled spin pair may not undergo the 180° refocusing pulses due to the finite BW of the RF pulses in the voxel selected for its J-coupled partner. Therefore part of J-coupling will be refocused instead of evolving during the echo time (TE), which leads to additional so-called "J-refocused peaks" and at the same time attenuates the intensities of intended J-resolved peaks in a J-PRESS spectrum.
Unfortunately, a similar issue exists in L-COSY The basic COSY sequence is composed of two 90° RF pulses. The second 90° pulse mixes the spin states and transfers magnetization between coupled spins, which results in cross-peaks. In conventional 2D L-COSY, the sequence also includes one slice-selective 180° RF pulse (10), which will contribute to a larger CSDE than a slice-selective 90° RF pulse. The limited BW of the RF pulses for slice selection not only causes CSDE, but also leads to spatially dependent evolution of J-coupling (11), which results in additional J-refocused artifactual peaks in 2D J-resolved spectroscopy (11-14). Similarly in L-COSY, when the BWs of RF pulses are limited, one of the coupled spin pair may not undergo the second 90° pulse in the voxel selected for its J-coupled partner. As a result, magnetization transfer between coupled spins will not occur in part of the voxel, which leads to spatially dependent magnetization transfer and results in reduced cross peak intensity in L-COSY.
Accordingly, application of a second 90° RF pulse with limited BW will result in attenuated cross-peaks in L-COSY spectra. As cross peaks contain important information of the metabolites with coupled spin systems, compromised cross peaks will impair the quantification of L-COSY spectra. However, as will be described in full herein, this effect can be significantly suppressed when the second 90° RF pulse is not slice-selective, which can be better achieved by using an alternative semi-localization by adiabatic selective refocusing (semi-LASER) method for volume localization.
Adiabatic RF pulses, which have been applied for localization in MRS, can be used to address some of the issues related to CSDE (3, 7, 15-18, 33-38). Adiabatic pulses offer large BWs and produce a uniform flip angle despite variation in B1, provided that the B1 field strength is above a certain threshold. However, in contrast to conventional RF pulses, which can rotate magnetization around an axis in the rotating frame, a single adiabatic pulse cannot generate plane rotation (9, 16). If a pair of adiabatic refocusing pulses are used, the second adiabatic refocusing pulse can compensate or cancel the phase dispersion generated by the first adiabatic refocusing pulse. Therefore, a pair of adiabatic refocusing pulses is usually applied to define a slice. A single-shot spin-echo based sequence called LASER, which stands for "localization by adiabatic selective refocusing," has been used for 1D MRS (16). LASER uses a non-slice-selective excitation pulse followed by three pairs of adiabatic full-passage (AFP) pulses for signal refocusing as well as selection of three orthogonal planes in space.
Recently, adiabatic localization was incorporated into basic COSY sequences. In one example, called "LASER-COSY," which uses a non-slice-selective excitation pulse followed by three pairs of AFP pulses, was used for signal refocusing as well as volume selection (1, 18, 19). In another example sequence, called "sLASER-last-COSY," which uses two pairs of AFP pulses and the second 90° RF pulse for volume localization (8). However, as will be discussed herein, the limited bandwidth of the slice-selective second 90° RF pulse used in sLASER-last-COSY induces spatially dependent magnetization transfer that results in attenuated cross-peaks and lower ratios of cross peak volumes to diagonal peak volumes. Further, LASER-COSY has a few disadvantages including significantly longer TE and higher specific absorption rate (SAR). Therefore, a need remains in the art for an improved 2D MRS technique that facilitates more reliable and accurate quantification of metabolites with coupled spin systems at 3 T and higher field strengths.

Two-dimensional semi-LASER correlation spectroscopy with well-maintained cross peaks

The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois


A photosensor structure includes a pixel metal layer disposed in physical and electrical contact with a pixel thin film transistor and a lower sensor layer of a p-i-n photosensor. The pixel metal layer extends laterally to an extent less that the lower sensor layer such that an overhang region is defined below the lower sensor layer and the adjacent the lateral edge of the pixel metal layer. When the relatively thick intrinsic sensor layer is formed over the lower sensor layer, it attaches to the upper surface and, due to the presence of the overhang region, the lateral edge of the lower sensor layer, forming a discrete intrinsic sensor layer structure over the pixel which is physically isolated from adjacent corresponding structures. This isolation allows for thermal expansion and contraction during formation of the intrinsic sensor layer without cracking the intrinsic sensor layer structure.

The present disclosure is related to radiation sensors, and more specifically to such sensors formed on a flexible substrate.
Conventional large-area thin-film sensors comprise an array of addressable pixels covered by a continuous layer of radiation-sensitive material. The radiation-sensitive material typically generates photons in the region in which radiation (e.g., x-rays) is incident thereon. These photons are converted into a charge and delivered to pixel(s) below the point of incidence of the radiation. The charge may then be read out from each pixel, and the extent and location of the incidence of radiation thereby determined. One example of such a sensor may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,033, which is herein incorporated by reference.
Typically, sensor arrays and the overlying sensor layer are formed on a rigid substrate such as glass. However, increasingly there is a desire for such sensor arrays to be provided on a flexible substrate such as sheet plastic. When formed on a flexible substrate, conformal sensor arrays may then be provided. However, there are a number of manufacturing challenges when forming devices on flexible substrates, particularly plastics. One such challenge is the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between the plastic substrate and the materials deposited thereon. The difficulties introduced by this mismatch significantly increase as the thickness of the layer(s) deposited on the substrate increase.
For example, while typical thin-film transistor (TFT) stacks are quite thin, typical radiation sensor layers are relatively very thick, on the order of 1 μm (micrometer) or more in thickness. When fabricated over a plastic substrate, this relatively thick layer exhibits cracking and delamination due to the difference in thermally-induced expansion and contraction between the plastic substrate and the sensor layer material. This cracking and delamination results in poor device performance and high rates of device failure.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method of producing a radiation sensor structure on a flexible substrate with improved accommodation for the thermal mismatch between the substrate and the sensor structure materials and processes. More particularly, there is a need in the art for a structure and method of producing that structure consistent with the materials and processing steps currently used to produced sensor devices yet is significantly more tolerant of the thermal mismatch between substrate and sensor layer than current structures and methods for producing them.

Isolated sensor structures such as for flexible substrates


A high efficiency, low distortion switching mode power amplifier for telecommunication applications includes an analog to binary digital converter and a class S amplifier terminated by an output filter/matching network capable of operation over one or more frequency bands. The modulator may be connected to the class S amplifier with a fiber optic link. This construction can provide a low-distortion connection to remote antennas. Multiple modulators and amplifiers can be multiplexed over the fiber link to support a multiple sector antenna on a cell site or multiple transmitter elements on a phased array antenna.

Power amplifiers of the type used in telecommunication applications are often inefficient. It is not unusual for such amplifiers to have energy efficiencies of well under 50%. This causes problems for the providers of telecommunication services because it is often desirable to provide power amplifiers in remote locations, such as hilltops. Delivering electrical power to such remote locations can be exceedingly expensive. Dealing with excess heat given off by inefficient power amplifiers can also be expensive and inconvenient.
Some designs of power amplifiers are known to be more efficient than others. However, not all types of amplifiers are well adapted to telecommunication or radar applications. Such applications typically require amplification systems which meet specifications relating to linearity, bandwidth and/or adaptability.
Switching mode power amplifiers (also known as class S amplifiers) are known to be capable of high efficiencies. The class S amplifier has an idealized efficiency of 100%. Class S amplifiers have mainly been used in lower frequency applications (typically up to a few kHz). To use a class S amplifier at higher frequencies requires switching devices capable of switching state very fast.
The prior art describes various power amplification systems, some of which promise increased efficiency. These include the systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,984; 5,159,287; and 5,905,407.
The characteristics of an amplification system depend not only upon the design of the amplifier itself but also depend upon the way in which the amplified signal is modulated. The so-called delta-sigma modulator has been studied extensively and has some desirable properties. Specific embodiments of the delta-sigma modulator are described, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,446,460 and; 5,714,916. Delta-sigma modulators are analysed and discussed in S. R. Norsworthy et al., Delta Sigma data Converters: Theory Design and Simulation, IEEE Press, New York, 1997; James Cherry and W. Martin Snelgrove, Continuous Time Delta Sigma Modulators for High speed A/D Conversion, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, 2000; and Arun Jamayaraman et al., Linear high-efficiency Microwave Power amplifiers using Band-pass Delta Sigma Modulators, IEEE Microwave and Guided Letters Vol. 2 No. 3 March 1998, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Despite the range of power amplification options provided by the prior art there remains a pressing need for power amplification systems which offer increased efficiency. There is a particular need for such systems which can be practically used for telecommunication applications, especially in remote locations

High efficiency power amplifier systems and methods


Porous material of metal is held in a die and molten aluminum alloy is introduced into the die to surround the porous material. Thus, high-pressure squeeze casting is accomplished under an applied pressure of not lower than 400 Kg/cm.sup.2 to form an aluminum alloy casting stock with the porous material cast therein. The casting stock is heated to and maintained at 450.degree. to 550.degree. C. for 1 to 10 hours, and an intermetallic compound layer of aluminum and the metal of the porous material is thereby formed on the boundary between the porous material and the aluminum alloy.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of producing aluminum alloy castings and to a piston made of an aluminum alloy.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, diesel engine pistons are made of a high-strength alloy of aluminum containing silicon (e.g., JIS AC8A) and having a small thermal expansion coefficient and high resistance to abrasion. Since the head of the piston is subjected to corrosion from pressurized fuel injected from a fuel injection nozzle, and the ring grooves of the piston are subjected to repeated loading by pressure from the piston rings corresponding to the pressure of the burning air-fuel mixture, it has been strongly desired to improve the high-temperature hardness of these parts, thereby improving resistance to abrasion (resistance to corrosion) and resistance to fatigue.
There has been known a method of improving the surface strength of an aluminum alloy casting in which the aluminum alloy is cast around a metal insert of a different metal by gravity casting or die casting. However, when the metal insert is a porous metal or metallic-fiber molding having continuous pores, molten aluminum alloy cannot penetrate into inner pores in the case of gravity casting, and accordingly, the aluminum alloy cannot be bonded on the surface of the metal insert with sufficient strength. Therefore, debonding and cracking are apt to occur when heat load acts thereon. On the other hand, in the case of die casting, though the bonding strength and packing density are improved, it is very difficult to prevent air from being entrapped in the castings. Since the castings blister due to expansion of the entrapped air when heated, it is difficult to heat-treat the castings in order to improve the strength of the aluminum alloy or to improve the resistance to abrasion and fatigue by forming an intermetallic compound or a solid phase diffusion layer.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,507, there is disclosed another method in which an aluminum alloy is cast around a heat-resistant porous material insert such as a sintered material of Ni-Cr system by high-pressure squeeze casting. In this case, though the aluminum alloy can be charged into the pores of the porous material insert, the bonding force between the porous material insert and the aluminum alloy is still insufficient, and at the same time, the resistance to abrasion and fatigue cannot be sufficiently improved since substantially no intermetallic compound is formed and without the intermetallic compound, the sintered material cannot have sufficient high-temperature hardness.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54(1979)-151715, there is disclosed another method in which porous metal material such as of nickel is dipped into molten aluminum to close the pores of the metal material on its surface, and is heat-treated to form a layer of a compound of nickel and aluminum on its surface, and around the insert material thus obtained is cast an aluminum alloy. Though the compound layer somewhat contributes to improvement in heat resistance and corrosion resistance in the castings in accordance with this method the bonding strength between the compound layer and the aluminum alloy is insufficient and furthermore, the effect of the compound layer on heat resistance (high-temperature hardness) and corrosion resistance is limited since the compound layer is formed only on the surface of the insert material.
In the art of producing pistons of aluminum alloy, there is a method in which a Ni-resist cast iron insert is alfin-treated and an aluminum alloy is cast around the insert of alfin-treated Ni-resist cast iron so that the insert forms the ring support portion of the piston, a ring groove being machined along the outer periphery of the ring support portion. In the alfin treatment, the Ni-resist cast iron insert is dipped into molten aluminum alloy and then an aluminum alloy is cast therearound with the aim of improving bonding strength between the aluminum alloy and the insert. However, the alfin treatment is troublesome and increases the manufacturing cost, while, at the same time, the bonding strength cannot be sufficiently improved. Furthermore, since when an alfin-treated material is heat-treated, debonding occurs between the alfin-treated layer and the aluminum alloy layer, it is difficult to solution-heat-treat (one kind of heat-treatment) the alfin-treated material in order to improve the mechanical properties of the aluminum alloy layer. Further, since Ni-resist cast iron has a low thermal conductivity, heat transmission from the piston to the cylinder wall is limited to adversely affect cooling of the piston.

Method of producing aluminum alloy castings and piston made of aluminum alloy


The regulatory sign or traffic information presented on a roadway is detected by capturing an image of ahead of a vehicle, and also the regulatory information is detected by receiving a signal transmitted from outside the vehicle. When the regulatory information is detected from the signal transmitted from outside the vehicle, that regulatory information is notified. When no regulatory information is detected from the signal transmitted from outside the vehicle, the regulatory information detected by capturing the image of ahead of the vehicle is notified.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to a regulatory information notifying device and method that enable regulatory information of a road sign or a road marking to be displayed on a display unit in a vehicle compartment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, vehicles have been mounted with a device that displays regulatory information of a road sign or a road marking on a display unit in a vehicle compartment. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-110394 describes a device that detects regulatory information from an image of a road sign captured by an in-vehicle camera and displays the detected regulatory information on a display unit (see claim 1, paragraphs [0037] to [0043], and the like).
In addition, road-to-vehicle communication is sometimes executed between an in-vehicle radio receiver and a radio transmitter (such as a beacon) provided along a road. When the radio transmitter is capable of transmitting the regulatory information, the regulatory information can also be detected by receiving a transmitted signal with the radio receiver. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-79449 describes a device that detects regulatory information transmitted from a radio transmitter by a radio receiver and displays the detected regulatory information such as speed limit information on a display unit (see paragraphs [0013], [0031], and the like).

Regulatory information notifying device and method


Method and apparatus for adjusting the electrical parameters of monolithic crystal filters having an electrode pattern that includes resonator electrodes and inter-resonator gap and constitutes two coupled resonators, based on thin-film deposition on the electrode pattern of one side of the filter through a single-aperture mask, with mask and filter movable relatively to each other during the adjustment process, such as to be able to guide said deposition in response to measurements of said electrical parameters to any area of said electrode pattern for the purpose of adjusting said parameters to their target values.

The prevailing methods for parameter adjustment of monolithic filters by thin-film deposition are based on deposition on both sides of the filter wafer. The present application addresses the parameter adjustment based on deposition on only one side of the filter. Prior art information on this type of approach includes the E. C. Thomson U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,827, which discloses a method for fine-tuning a monolithic crystal filter having a solid electrode on one side of the crystal wafer and a pair of split electrodes on the opposite side.
The method has several disadvantages:
1) It does not provide for bandwidth adjustment. While normally it is desirable to adjust both the center frequency and bandwidth of a filter, the referenced method can only adjust the center frequency. PA0 2) It requires deposition through at least two different-size mask apertures onto three fixed locations of the electrode, resulting in relatively complex deposition mechanisms. PA0 3) It requires close-tolerance alignment between electrode and apertures. This can become critical in high-frequency filters, where the electrode areas become very small and the tolerance requirements very exacting. PA0 4) It requires adherence to fixed areas of deposition. This restricts the freedom in optimizing the adjustment process. PA0 a) plating a thin film on substantially the full area of the resonator electrodes on said one side of the electrode pattern, for the purpose of adjusting the two resonator frequencies and the filter's center frequency, and PA0 b) plating a thin film of a width approximately equal to the inter-resonator gap in the center of said one side of the electrode pattern, for the purpose of adjusting the filter's bandwidth. PA0 a) plating a thin film onto a first area on said one side of said electrode pattern, PA0 b) measuring the effect of said plating on said electrical parameters, PA0 c) in response to said parameter measurements, changing said area of plating to another area of said one side of said electrode pattern, suitable for adjusting said parameters toward target values, PA0 d) plating a thin film onto said other area of said electrode pattern, PA0 e) repeating steps b, c, and d for further platings until the parameter targets are reached. PA0 a) a mask with a first and a second aperture, said first aperture having substantially the dimensions of one of said resonator electrodes, and said second aperture having substantially the dimensions of said inter-resonator gap, said mask facing said one side of the electrode pattern and having relative mobility with respect to said filter such as to allow the alignment of said first aperture opposite one and the other of said resonator electrodes, as well as the alignment of said second aperture opposite said inter-resonator gap, said respective alignments being called the plating positions, PA0 b) an evaporation source for plating a thin film through said apertures when they are aligned in their respective plating positions, PA0 c) means for electrically contacting the terminals and for measuring the resonator frequencies and bandwidth of said filter, PA0 d) means for evaluating said measurements and, in response to said evaluation, determining and causing the movements of said first and second apertures into respective plating positions for adjusting the center frequency and bandwidth of said filter. PA0 a) a mask with a single aperture, said aperture having a width preferably smaller than the width of the resonator electrodes and larger than the width of the inter-resonator gap, PA0 b) a mounting means for the filter and mask that affords mobility of said filter and mask relative to each other such as to allow alignment of said aperture opposite any part of said one side of the electrode pattern, said different alignments being called plating positions, PA0 c) an evaporation source for plating a thin film through said aperture when it is in a plating position, PA0 d) means for electrically contacting the terminals of said filter and for making measurements of the electrical parameters of said filter, PA0 e) a plating control means for PA0 e-1) evaluating said measurements when said aperture is in a plating position, and for determining a new plating position suitable for changing said electrical parameters to new values that converge toward target values, PA0 e-2) moving said aperture to said new plating position for controlled plating to said new parameter values, PA0 e-3) repeating steps e-1) and e-2) until the target values are reached. PA0 a) simpler construction, in that it requires a mask with only a single aperture. PA0 b) substantially reduced tolerance requirements for the initial mask alignment, in that the mask aperture may be substantially smaller than the filter electrode and can be moved in relation to it, PA0 c) substantially increased flexibility in the adjustment process, in that the deposition is not restricted within fixed boundaries but can be directed to any area of the filter electrode.
Items 2) and 3) will be explained in more detail in the "Description of the Invention". Items 1) and 4) are explained as follows:
The parameter adjustment process, generally refers to the adjustment of the motional inductances L1, L2, and L' of the filter's electrical equivalent circuit, which is shown in FIG. 1. The circuit represents two coupled resonators 1 and 2 and includes an input terminal 1, an output terminal 2, and a common-ground terminal 3. The inductances can be determined by various different measurement approaches, each of them comprising a set of 3 electrical measurements. The F. L. Sauerland U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,971 discloses an adjustment based on the measurement of 3 frequencies, which are related to the equivalent-circuit parameters as follows: ##EQU1## F1 and F2 are the frequencies of resonators 1 and 2, respectively. In the Thomson patent, they are called the open circuit resonance frequencies. For the following, we will assume that we are dealing with symmetric or approximately symmetric filters, which are characterized by EQU L1.apprxeq.L2.apprxeq.L; C1.apprxeq.C2.apprxeq.C; CO1.apprxeq.CO2.apprxeq.CO(3)
In this case, a "symmetric frequency" is defined as ##EQU2## a "center" or "midband" frequency is defined as EQU Fc=F1=F2,
and a "bandwidth" is defined as EQU Bandwidth=Fa-Fs, (5)
where Fa is called the "antisymmetric" frequency and defined as ##EQU3## Fa is dependent on and determined by the choice of F1, F2, and Fs. The frequencies F1, F2, Fa, and Fs are in this application also called "characteristic" frequencies.
In a symmetric filter, the adjustment normally aims at equalizing F1 and F2 to the filter's target center frequency and (Fa-Fs) to the filter's target bandwidth. For this, the inductances are increased by mass deposition on the filter electrodes.
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a monolithic crystal filter MCF with two coupled resonators 1 and 2, comprising a pair of electrodes 5 and 7 and an inter-electrode gap on one side of the wafer, and a common-ground electrode 9 on the other side. This is the schematic that will be used in the subsequent text, although the common-ground electrode may be implemented in different ways, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Electrodes 5 and 7 and the electrode areas opposite to and congruent with electrodes 5 and 7 will also be called "resonator electrodes", and the complete electrode configuration will also be called "electrode pattern".
In the conventional approach, the inductance L1 is increased by plating substantially the full area of one or both electrodes covering resonator 1. According to equation (1), this decreases the frequency F1 of resonator 1. Further, L2 is increased by plating substantially the full area of one or both electrodes covering resonator 2. According to equation (2), this decreases the frequency F2 of resonator 2. L' can be increased by plating the area of the inter-resonator gap on either side of the wafer. According to equations (1), (2), and (4), this will decrease F1, F2, and Fs, and it will decrease Fs more than F1 and F2, while it will not affect Fa. As a result, the bandwidth will be increased according to equation (5).
Consider now the adjustment method according to the Thomson patent, "which comprises the steps of a) plating additional electrode material on a selected portion of the solid electrode to balance open circuit resonant frequencies of the filter, and b) plating additional electrode material on substantially the entire solid electrode to adjust the filter to a desired midband frequency."
There is no claim nor provision for bandwidth adjustment in this method, nor is there the possibility for a bandwidth adjustment independent of the resonator-frequency adjustment: in step b) the frequencies F1, F2, Fa, and Fs are lowered simultaneously according to equations (1) to (3), but they cannot be changed independently from each other. This means that in step b) the bandwidth change will be small, and either the resonator frequencies or the bandwidth--but not both--can be adjusted to target values.
As is well-known to people skilled in the art, the lack of bandwidth adjustment is a disadvantage in the adjustment of monolithic filters. Accordingly, one purpose of this invention is to eliminate this disadvantage and to provide a method for adjusting both center frequency and bandwidth of a monolithic filter by deposition on only one side of the filter blank.
A further discussion will explain the disadvantage mentioned in item 4) above. As equations (1), (2), and (4) show, there are coupling effects that link the change of one characteristic frequency to changes in other characteristic frequencies. Since in practice, the placement of the deposition cannot be controlled exactly, the equations cannot exactly express these coupling effects. However, the coupling effects can be measured and expressed in terms of a "coupling matrix". A sample matrix might be ##EQU4##
This matrix describes the effect of changes in F1, F2, and Fs on Fa, Fs, and the difference (F1-FS), which is to be adjusted to zero in a symmetric filter. Practical values for the coupling coefficient might be ##EQU5##
This matrix gives vital information for the adjustment process for a given set of circumstances. For instance, coefficient C23 is relatively small. This means that a change in Fs causes only a small changes in Fa. According to equation 6 this implies that increasing L' (in order to change Fs) produces only a small change in L1 and/or L2. This in turn implies that in the case described by matrix (8), L' is being increased by deposition of a narrow strip in the vicinity of the inter-resonator gap, i.e. without simultaneously increasing L1 and/or L2. In the Thomson method, the C23 value would be close to 1, since the deposition covers the whole solid electrode, thereby decreasing L1 and L2 as well as L'. According to equations (1) to (6), this produces a major change in F1 and F2 and only a minor change in the bandwidth.
There are conventional adjustment methods, based on deposition on both sides of the filter, that provide for adjustment of both center frequency and bandwidth. They are normally based on deposition onto 3 fixed areas of the filter electrodes, and they are normally done in steps, alternating the plating between the 3 fixed electrode areas. A typical approach might first alternate between plating resonators 1 and 2 to equalize F1 and F2 and adjust them to an intermediate target, then adjust Fs, then if necessary repeat the steps until F1, F2, and Fs reach their final targets. During these steps, the coupling coefficients are essentially fixed within relatively narrow boundaries because the deposition areas are fixed. This is a limitation of the conventional approach. If the deposition areas were variable, the coupling coefficients could be changed and optimized during the process, and the number of plating steps and the total plating could be reduced. This is further explained in the description of the invention.
While there are various other conventional methods for adjusting monolithic filters, they all appear to share at least some or all of the described disadvantages. Accordingly, the primary purpose of this invention is to provide new and improved methods and apparatus for adjusting the electrical parameters of monolithic filters that are free of the described disadvantages.

Method for adjusting center frequency and bandwidth of monolithic filters by plating through a single-aperture mask on a single side of the filters electrode pattern to plate selected areas of the pattern


A composition for removing paint, particularly graffiti, is described which contains an alkylene carbonate, which may be propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate or mixtures thereof; propylene glycol as a hydrotrope, and a polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least 200. In one embodiment, the composition also contains a hydroxyalkylcellulose thickener, for example, at least 0.5 volume percent hydroxymethylcellulose may be present. In another embodiment, the composition contains no N-methylpyrrolidone, amine, DMSO, isocetyl alcohol or surfactant, unlike some prior graffiti-removing compositions.

It is well known that graffiti has become a common eyesore in many cities. A common solution is to simply paint over the offensive markings. However, often, the underlying graffiti will bleed through the paint, particularly if only one coat of paint is used. Further, on a large surface, repainting the smaller area having the graffiti typically will not match the older paint on the remainder of the surface. Repainting the entire surface is even more expensive and time consuming. Additionally, there is considerable expense involved in cleaning traffic signs, such as stop signs, since the sign must be removed and replaced, and then taken to a shop for cleaning; a labor intensive process.
Graffiti is often difficult to remove with conventional solvents. Even then, conventional paint removers such as organic paint solvents, e.g. turpentine, are volatile and have low flash points and have high evaporation rates which make them difficult to use. Further, many solvents, while removing the graffiti, also damage the underlying paint layer and/or surface. A number of chemical compositions for removing graffiti and dried paint in general have been proposed.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,780 describes a cleaner to remove graffiti, paint and other coatings, from a surface. The cleaner comprises N-methyl pyrrolidone; propylene carbonate; hydroxy propyl cellulose thixotropic thickening agent; an ingredient selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether and isocetyI alcohol; and a surfactant.
A cleaner for removing graffiti including ink, marking pen marks and paint from a variety of substrates or surfaces is mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,640, which is a continuation-in-part application of a continuation application which became the '780 patent mentioned above. The base composition for all five embodiments comprises N-methylpyrrolidone, propylene carbonate, isocetyl alcohol, an ingredient selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate and dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, a thickening agent and a surfactant. Each species or embodiment varies the range of these ingredients and some embodiments include other ingredients, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, a tertiary amine and mineral oil and lavender oil. Each embodiment is directed to a different type of substrate or surface to maximize the removal of graffiti on a surface without any deleterious effects to that surface.
The compositions of the two patents just mentioned are rather complex in that at least six components are required for each composition. In general, the more ingredients a composition has, the more expensive it is to make, both from the cost of the raw materials and the cost of more involved processing to make it. Moreover, these prior art compositions contain ethers, which may have flammability and/or toxicity concerns. It is desirable for paint remover compositions to have very high flash points, but perhaps did not have so many ingredients.


An information processing apparatus includes a correlation unit that correlates distance information indicating a distance to an emission position of electromagnetic waves emitted in a shooting direction of a plurality of image pickup units with a first pixel in a first image that constitutes images taken by the image pickup units, the distance information being obtained based on reflected waves of the electromagnetic waves and the first pixel corresponding to the emission position of the electromagnetic waves, and a generation unit that generates a parallax image by using the distance information correlated with the first pixel for parallax computation of pixels in a second image that constitutes the images.

Conventionally, a distance measurement technique for computing a distance to an object by performing parallax computation on images of the object included in images (stereo images) taken by a plurality of image pickup units of stereo cameras, etc., is known. The use of a parallax image produced by the distance measurement technique facilitates, for example, detection of an obstruction ahead of a running vehicle.

Parallax operation system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium


Disclosed is a range of resistor compositions which exhibit a stability of less than 0.5 percent change in resistance after 2,000 hours at 175.degree. C., and yet which also have a temperature coefficient of resistance less than + or -25 ppm per degree Celsius. These compositions all comprise alloys of nickel, chromium and silicon, within a selected range. Also, disclosed is a method of manufacturing these compositions on a reproducible basis. The method includes the provision of a first silicon target and a second nickel chromium target and the subjecting of these targets to a sputtering gas and electrical potential such that the aforementioned silicon, nickel, chromium alloys are formed.

This invention relates in general to a novel resistor composition and to a method of producing such composition. Nickel-chromium alloys are extensively used as the resistive medium in discrete film resistors and in hybrid circuitry. These alloys are employed not only because of their high resistivity but also because they exhibit acceptable stability at elevated temperatures and because they can be deposited with a low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). They do not necessarily have a low coefficient of resistance unless properly deposited.
Stability may be defined as the change in resistance of a resistor composition with time. TCR may be defined as the reversible fractional change in resistance of a resistor composition with temperature.
While nickel-chromium alloys are acceptable for many purposes, over the years, the requirements for premium quality, precision resistors have been gradually tightened. One requirement which modern resistors for specialized applications are required to meet is that they exhibit a stability defined as being less than 0.5 percent change in resistance after they have withstood 2,000 hours at 175.degree. C. in air. Moreover, in addition to this stability requirement, it is desirable that modern resistors for specialized applications have a temperature coefficient of resistance, or TCR, which meets a minimum standard of 0.+-.(25.times.10.sup.-6).degree.C..sup.-1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a TCR standard may also be stated as .+-.25 ppm .degree.C./.sup.-1. Such a standard has been incorporated into the current military specifications namely MIL 55182.
With standard binary nickel-chromium alloys, stability within the above-range, i.e., less than 0.5 percent change in resistance after 2,000 hours, may be obtained with a high percentage of nickel in the composition such as, for example, 80 percent nickel, 20 percent chromium by weight. However, with such a resistor composition, TCR is excessive, usually in the range of several hundred ppm .degree.C..sup.-1. Increasing the chromium concentrations drives the TCR closer to 0, but at the expense of stability.
It is a specific object of the present invention, to provide novel resistor compositions which meet the foregoing stability requirements and yet which exhibit less than .+-.25 ppm .degree.C. TCR, and thus which fall within the aforementioned military specification.
Moreover, it is a further object of the invention to provide such resistor compositions and a method of producing the same which is reproducible such that predictable resistors may be obtained within the above standards on a production basis.

Resistor composition and method of manufacture thereof


A golf practice apparatus includes an upper platform having a tee and a target located forwardly of the tee; a golf ball arranged at the tee above the platform for striking towards the target area, the golf ball having one end of a tether attached thereto, the tether extending through a slot in the upper platform with the other end of the tether being secured to elastic bands anchored to a lower platform at a location rearwardly of the tee area; and a plurality of bearings located in the tee area and supported on the lower platform, and arranged so that the tether engages at least two of the plurality of bearings. The tether has a sleeve attached thereto which is adapted to engage the lower surface of the upper platform, and thereby generate friction between the upper platform and the sleeve when the ball is struck. The combination of a plurality of bearings and a friction sleeve provides significant braking forces to slow down the flight of the ball, and to control return of the ball for a subsequent shot. The apparatus also provides for various adjustments to permit simulation of various golf shots and various lies of the ball.

This invention relates to a portable, compact golf practice device which is simple and easy to use, and which incorporates numerous advantageous features which allow the user to practice difference golf shots under a variety of simulated conditions.
There are numerous examples of golf practice devices in the patent literature, exhibiting varying degrees of complexity and incorporating equally varying capabilities. Some disclose devices with tethered golf balls with no particular mechanism for automatically returning the ball to a position ready for the next hit (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 914,873; 1,210,970; and 2,034,684. Some prior patents disclose golf practice devices where some degree of ball control is provided (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,430,493; 3,494,621; and 4,119,318). Still other devices include arrangements where the ball is held substantially in place (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,830,504 and 4,084,822). Other representative examples of golf practice devices may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,677,557; 2,695,175; 3,124,958; 4,915,388; 4,986,551; and 5,156,400.
It is the object of this invention to provide a simple, easy to use and low cost practice device which allows the user to practice golf shots with a variety of clubs; allows the user to simulate various lies (level, uphill, downhill, partially buried), and indicates to the user the lateral flight of the ball, i.e., whether the shot hooked, sliced, or flew straight. To this end, I have developed a golf practice device which includes a pair of platforms which are designed to partially overlie each other during use, the lower of the platforms containing golf ball tether, ball flight braking means and ball return means, and the upper of the platforms simulating the tee area and supporting a target. More specifically, the lower platform supports along one longitudinal side edge thereof, a U-shaped channel in which the ball tether and associated elastic bands are supported, along with a plurality of rotatable bearings through which the tether is "threaded" and which serve as ball flight braking means. The tether, upon exiting the bearing arrangement, extends upwardly through (and adjacent the rearward end of) an elongated slot in the upper platform. The forward end of the tether extends through the golf ball and is secured by a knot. A flexible sleeve of an inch or two in length is loosely located on the tether, between the ball and the slot, and serves as a tee. The rearward end of the tether is coupled to one or more elastic bands which, in turn, are secured at the rearward end of the channel.
A target is located downstream of the slot, and approximately eighteen inches from the tee, i.e., the ball flies no more than about eighteen inches when struck. Targets in accordance with this invention permit the user to determine whether the shot hooked, sliced, or flew straight. In one exemplary embodiment, a flexible, foam backed rubber target (preferably black in color) is provided with vertical lines from a center point. At the same time, chalk or other indicator material can be applied to the ball so that a mark is left on the target when struck. The mark can then be examined relative to the center line of the target.
A foot pad is also provided which extends substantially perpendicularly to the upper and lower platforms and it is from this pad that the user addresses the ball. Upon striking the ball, the latter will fly to the target, expanding the elastic bands connected to the tether. At the same time, the bearings through which the tether is threaded apply a braking force on the flight of the ball, which also tends to bring the ball down so that it will strike the target. Additional braking action may be obtained by utilization of a grommet or sleeve on the tether adjacent the coupling to the elastic bands. It has been found that the frictional engagement of this sleeve or grommet with the underside of the upper platform as the ball flies toward the target, contributes significant additional braking action on the flight of the ball.
It will be appreciated, of course, that the bearing arrangement in combination (or not) with the sleeve or grommet, achieve a controlled return of the ball (under the influence of the elastic bands) to the tee position. As will be explained in greater detail further below, the manner in which the tether is threaded through the bearings may be altered to change the braking characteristics of the bearings, and these adjustments can be made in accordance with the type of shots, i.e., light, medium, hard, etc. to be hit.
It is also a feature in this invention that the tension in the elastic bands can be adjusted, and this allows the user to control the ball return so as to facilitate the next shot. In other words, by increasing the elastic band tension, the ball will return to a position where it sits atop the tee for a subsequent "tee shot". Reducing the elastic band tension creates a condition where the ball is off the tee (i.e., to the rear of the tee, with the tee "lying down") to thereby facilitate a subsequent "ground shot".
Various other adjustments can be made to facilitate shots with different clubs, shots by light or heavy hitters, and shots at various lies (level, uphill, downhill and even partially buried). For example, the front end of the upper platform can be raised (along with the target) to simulate an uphill lie, but also to insure that high are shots (with a seven or nine iron, for example) will strike the target. The front end of the lower platform can also be lowered to simulate a downhill lie, and a separate pad can be arranged behind the ball to simulate a partially buried lie. In addition, the number of elastic bands can be changed depending on the hitting style of the user. For "heavy" hitters, three or four bands may be used while, for "light" hitters, the two bands may suffice. The various adjustments to the apparatus are described in detail further hereinbelow.
In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to a golf practice apparatus comprising at least one platform having a tee area and a target area located forwardly of the tee area; a golf ball arranged at the area above the platform for striking towards the target area, the golf ball having one end of a tether attached thereto, the tether extending through a slot in the platform, with the other end of the tether being secured to elastic bands anchored at a location rearwardly of the tee area; and a plurality of rotatable, axially spaced bearings located in the tee area below said platform, and arranged so that the tether engages at least two of the plurality of bearings.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a golf practice apparatus comprising at least one platform having a tee area and a target area located forwardly of the tee area; a golf ball arranged at the area above the platform for striking towards the target area, the golf ball having one end of a tether attached thereto, the tether extending through a slot in the platform, with the other end of the tether being secured to elastic means anchored below the platform at a location rearwardly of the tee area; the tether having a sleeve attached thereto which is adapted to engage the lower surface of the platform, and thereby generate friction between the platform and said sleeve when the ball is struck.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a golf practice apparatus comprising an upper platform having a tee and a target located forwardly of the tee; a golf ball arranged at the tee above the platform for striking towards the target area, the golf ball having one end of a tether attached thereto, the tether extending through a slot in the upper platform, with the other end of the tether being secured to elastic bands anchored to a lower platform at a location rearwardly of the tee area; and a plurality of bearings located in the tee area and supported on the lower platform, and arranged so that the tether engages at least two of the plurality of bearings; the tether having a sleeve attached thereto which is adapted to engage the lower surface of the upper platform, and thereby generate friction between the upper platform and the sleeve when the ball is struck.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in connection with the detailed description provided below.


Conductive lines are formed in integrated circuit memories using a Silicide blocking layer that is self-aligned. The Silicide blocking layer is self-aligned by etching an electrically insulating layer that is formed between a electrically conductive lines on a substrate in an integrated circuit memory. The etching removes the electrically insulating layer from the outer surfaces of the electrically conductive lines, but leaves a portion of the electrically insulating layer on the substrate between the electrically conductive lines. The portion of the electrically insulating layer remaining on the substrate may prevent the formation of a Silicide film on the substrate during a heating step used to form contacts on the outer surfaces of the electrically conductive lines. The self-aligned Silicide blocking layer may allow a reduction in the number of steps in the fabrication of the contacts and reduce the need to align a mask to the substrate to form the Silicide blocking layer.

As the level of integration of integrated circuits increases there may be a decrease in the size of conductive lines, such as contacts, formed in the integrated circuits. Decreasing the size of the contacts, however, may increase the contact resistance.
It is known to use a Self-Aligned Silicide (Salicide) process in integrated circuits having 0.35 um line width to decrease the resistance of contacts. Using a Salicide process may be problematic in some higher density integrated circuits, such as Dynamic Random Access Memories (DRAMs). For example, the Salicide process may adversely affect the capacitance of storage cells in a memory array of a DRAM.
In addition, forming low resistance contacts using a Silicide film may add steps to the photolithography process in which a Silicide Blocking Layer (SBL) is formed on portions of the integrated circuit. Also, additional margin may need to be added to the masks used in the photolithography steps to compensate for misalignment.
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate conventional methods of forming integrated circuit structures having Silicide contacts in two regions of the integrated circuit: a memory array A and a peripheral region B which includes areas outside the memory array A. Gate electrodes in the memory array region A may be formed with a closer spacing than the gate electrodes formed in the peripheral region B. According to FIG. 1, an integrated circuit substrate 10 is formed which includes Shallow Trench Isolation regions (STI) 12. The STI regions 12 may be formed using a field oxide layer. A plurality of gate electrodes 14 are formed on the integrated circuit substrate 10 with spacers 16 formed on sidewalls of the gate electrodes 14. Active source and drain regions may be formed in the substrate 10 between the plurality of gate electrodes 14 using high-density ion-implantation. The gate electrodes 14 may comprise polysilicon.
FIG. 2 illustrates the formation of an insulating layer 18 on the structure shown in FIG. 1. The insulating layer 18 may comprise an oxide layer which is formed on the entire substrate 10 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3 an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) 20 is formed on the insulating layer 18. The ARL 20 may reduce the reflection of Ultra Violet light from the insulating layer 18 during a subsequent photolithography step.
As shown in FIG. 4, a photoresist film 22 is formed on the ARL 20 aligned to mask the underlying active regions of the integrated circuit substrate 10. The non-masked surfaces of the ARL 20 are exposed in a photolithography step. The formation of the photoresist film 22 may add steps to the fabrication process. In particular, additional fabrication steps may include mask alignment, mask formation and mask removal. These steps may add complexity and cost to the fabrication process.
As shown in FIG. 5, non-masked portions of the ARL 20 and the underlying insulating layer 18 of the structure shown in FIG. 4 are removed via etching to expose portions of the gate electrodes 14. The etching step forms a plurality of Silicide Blocking Layers 18a which include the portions of the insulating layer 18, spacers 16, and the ARL 20 (between the plurality of gate electrodes 14) which were underlying the photoresist film 22 in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 6, the ARL 20 is removed with a wet-type cleaning process using an Hydrofluoric type etchant. Otherwise, a Silicide film applied during a subsequent step may not adhere properly to the ARL 20 which may cause failures in the integrated circuit.
As shown in FIG. 7, refractory metals, such as Co, Ti, and Ni, are used to form a Silicide film 24 on the gate electrodes 14 during a high temperature treatment. In particular, the materials that comprise the gate electrodes 14 react with the Silicide film 24 to form a low resistance metal contact. In the regions where the SBL 18a was not removed, the high temperature treatment forms non-reactive metals which are then removed from the integrated circuit.
If the photoresist film 22 is misaligned, the Silicide film 24 may form only partially on the plurality of gate electrodes 14 or may form on the active regions (such as the active source and drain regions in the integrated circuit substrate 10). Moreover, as the integration level of the integrated circuits increases, the misalignment may worsen.
In view of the above, there continues to exist a need to further improve the fabrication of integrated circuits having contacts formed therein using Salicide processes.

Methods of forming electrically conductive lines in integrated circuit memories using self-aligned silicide blocking layers


A tailgate operating assembly for a dump truck or dump trailer comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders, one mounted horizontally on each opposite side wall of the cargo box adjacent the upper edge of the pivotally mounted tailgate, connected thereto by pivotal links for pivoting the tailgate toward its open position when the plungers of the hydraulic cylinders are extended and for pivoting the tailgate toward its closed position when the plungers are retracted. Each cylinder includes a pressure release mechanism to release internal pressure of each cylinder during retraction of the plungers and closure of the tailgate which enables the gravity weight of the tailgate to urge the plungers toward their retracted positions for more even and rapid movement of the tailgate to its fully closed position.

One of the problems in unloading dump trucks and trailers having a front end lift mechanism is to spread the contents evenly while being unloaded and as the truck or trailer is being moved forwardly at the proper speed. Prior art mechanisms for opening and closing the tailgates made it difficult to control the amount of opening needed to achieve even spreading of the contents while being unloaded. The present invention provides an improved tailgate operating assembly.


A vehicle assembly includes a tractor unit having an exhaust system and a trailer unit having a duct system. The vehicle assembly further includes a hitch assembly for connecting the trailer unit to the tractor unit. Moreover, the vehicle assembly includes a first conduit having a first passageway extending therethrough, the first passageway being in fluid communication with the duct system. The vehicle assembly additionally includes a second conduit having a second passageway therethrough, the second passageway being in fluid communication with the exhaust system, wherein a portion of the first conduit and a portion of the second conduit are positioned in a coaxial orientation with respect to each other so that the first conduit is movable in an axial and rotational direction with respect to the second conduit when the tractor unit is connected to the trailer unit by the hitch assembly. A method for transferring exhaust from the tractor unit to the trailer unit is also disclosed.

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for transferring exhaust in a vehicle, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for transferring exhaust from a tractor unit of a truck to a trailer unit of the truck in order to heat various portions of the bed of the trailer unit.
A truck having a tractor unit and a trailer unit may be utilized for transporting material in the trailer unit. This type of truck is capable of unloading or ejecting the material from the trailer unit at various times. However, in certain weather conditions, the material has a tendency to adhere to the bed of trailer unit thereby resisting ejection from the trailer unit. In order to overcome this problem, some trailer units have been constructed which include a duct system for receiving a flow of exhaust generated by the engine of the tractor unit in order to heat the walls of the trailer unit. This heat inhibits the tendency of the material to stick to the trailer unit walls.
A certain type of truck which includes a duct system in its trailer unit for heating the walls thereof is an articulated dump truck. An articulated truck includes a tractor unit and a trailer unit connected to each other by a hitch assembly. The tractor unit has an engine for propelling the truck and providing power for various work functions. The tractor unit also includes an exhaust system for receiving a flow of exhaust from the engine. The trailer unit may be utilized for transporting material to and from various work locations. The trailer unit is adapted to eject the material at appropriate times.
However, an articulated truck is typically designed to be steered by bending the truck in the middle around the hitch assembly. Thus, the conduit which is used to convey the flow of exhaust from the tractor unit to the trailer unit for ultimate advancement through its duct system must be able to accommodate changes in the distance and angular relationship between the tractor unit and the trailer unit during operation of the truck. In particular, the hitch assembly allows the tractor unit to be pivoted in relation to the trailer unit in a horizontal plane (e.g. during a left or right turn). Moreover, the hitch assembly of the articulated truck typically allows the tractor unit to be moved in a rotational direction relative to the trailer unit due to the very coarse terrain in which the articulated truck is typically employed (e.g. due to scattered rocks or holes in the field).
One conduit design which has been used to accommodate the changing distance and orientation between the tractor unit and the trailer unit is a coil wound flexible steel tubing segment. However, this conduit design has the disadvantage of being relatively expensive, deteriorating quickly and possessing a rough interior surface which causes undesirable high back pressure in the exhaust system. Moreover, this conduit design further requires guide members to direct it from the tractor unit to the trailer unit.

Apparatus and method for transferring exhaust from a tractor unit to a trailer unit


Joint space interpositional prosthetic devices for positioning between surfaces of a joint in a patient are disclosed. The prosthetic device may have exterior surfaces affixed to the joint surfaces and may have internal surfaces which provide bearing surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing surfaces are encapsulated within the device. The exterior surfaces of the device may include bone securement features to facilitate attachment of the prosthetic device to the joint surfaces.

Joint interposition arthroplasty involves a surgical procedure to repair a joint in a patient. Damage and imperfections in joint surfaces, whether caused by wear, trauma or disease, may cause pain or discomfort to the patient during joint articulation. Implants which may be used in joint interposition arthroplasty to repair the joint, particularly when implantation can be achieved without full distraction of the joint, may be desirable to reduce the impact of the procedure on the patient and to reduce recovery time.

Joint space interpositional prosthetic device with internal bearing surfaces


A resonant reset forward converter including a gate drive mechanism for controlling the conduction periods of a free-wheeling rectifier on the secondary side of the converter is disclosed. The gate drive mechanism is operative to turn on the free-wheeling rectifier at the beginning of the forward power cycle, maintain the free-wheeling rectifier in the on state during the transformer core reset and dead periods, and provide for rapid discharging of the freewheeling rectifier at the beginning of a subsequent forward power cycle.

The most commonly used method of resetting the transformer core of a forward converter is to allow the magnetizing inductance of the transformer to ring with a combination of lumped and parasitic capacitance during the off period of the power switch that controls current flow through the primary winding of the transformer. This method is inexpensive in application and allows for minimal size converter designs.
A drawback associated with self-driven synchronous rectifiers used in resonant reset forward converters is that it is difficult to maintain a suitable gate drive charge on the synchronous rectifier during the dead period of the converter. Conventional techniques for generating alternate gate drive signals to be provided to the synchronous rectifier often require the use of additional control circuitry. This additional control circuitry is often expensive and increases the overall size of the converter.

Synchronous rectifier drive mechanism for resonant reset forward converters


An example processor-implemented method for adjusting screen orientation of a display associated with a device with the present disclosure is identifying a request for a new profile, the new profile being created in the device, requesting a selection of a screen orientation for the new profile, adjusting the orientation of the display for the new profile based on the screen orientation selection, and manage applications on the device based on the screen orientation selection.

Mobile providers have launched hundreds of new smartphones in the last three years based upon several different computing platforms (e.g., Apple iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile, and the like). As mobile devices are becoming more ubiquitous, the number of applications that can be used on these mobile devices are increasing significantly. With the recent development and increased popularity of advanced mobile or handheld computing devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, etc.), many applications and programs are developed specifically for these mobile devices.
Smartphone computing platforms typically include a mobile operating system ("OS") running on a mobile processor. For example, some smartphones run Google's Android operating system. Android runs applications that are specifically developed to run on the Android operating system. Further, these devices are equipped with a diverse set of communication interfaces for the applications.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


The present invention relates to a glass cleaning composition comprising a silicone glycol, a zwitterionic or anionic surfactant, an aliphatic alcohol, a monoalkyl ether of a glycol and water.

There are numerous commercially available glass cleaning compositions which employ water, water soluble organic solvents and surfactants. However, these commercially available glass cleaning compositions are inferior in sheeting action or non-streaking properties as compared to the instant compositions. The prior art describes numerous glass cleaning compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,779 teaches a non-streaking glass cleaning composition comprising a betaine surfactant, polyethylene glycol, an ether type solvent, sodium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,549 teaches a non-streaking hard surface cleaning composition comprising a hydrocarbylamido alkylenebetaine, a solvent having an HLB of less than 7.7, a buffering system and water.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,933,407 relates to an antifogging coating which comprises a hydroxyalkyl acrylate and an organisiloxane-oxyalkylene block copolymer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,939,090 relates to an antifogging cleaning composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymeric anhydride or partial ester, an alkylene glycol lower alkyl monoether; an aliphatic alcohol, an ethoxylated alkyl ether sulfate and water.
Canadian Patent No. 714,521 relates to a glass cleaning composition comprising dimethyl polysiloxane, an aliphatic alcohol, a glycol or glycol ether, water and a nonionic or anionic surfactant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,284 teaches a glass cleaning composition having antifogging properties. The composition comprises a silicone glycol, xanthan gum, a glycol ether, a nonionic surfactant and water.


A device for sensing unauthorized use of an electronic security device has a host device and a detector with a loop antenna associated with the port that receives the electronic security device, such as a smart card. The host device comprises a housing having the port formed therein. In one embodiment, the port detector senses radiation emitted from unauthorized use of the electronic security device by attachment of hot-wire conductors to the security device, which conductors carry currents through the port and the detector. In an alternate embodiment, the dielectric constant of the electronic security device is measured and compared to a predetermined value for distinguishing a nominal device from one with attached hot wiring.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to electronic security devices. More particularly, the invention relates to techniques limiting access to information transferred between the electronic security device and a host device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Smart cards, and other similar electronic security devices, are known for their capabilities in storing information pertaining to a variety of applications relating to, e.g., stored funds, personal identification and other personal data, and for their ability to access certain host devices. In this disclosure, the term "smart card" is one type of "electronic security device". International Organization for Standardization Standard 7816 (ISO7816), defines the layout and electrical design of smart cards and the associated electrical contacts. The term "electronic security device" also includes PCMIA cards.
Applications for smart cards include satellite receiver set-top boxes, MMDS and cable boxes, controlling personal access to restricted areas, providing access to bank accounts, phone cards, and a growing variety of other applications. Host devices typically have one particular electronic security card associated therewith. Alternatively, each user may have a separate smart card having selected entitlements or limitations, such that when one user's smart card is removed from a host device (e.g., set top box) and another user's smart card is inserted into the host device, the latter user can start using the same host device with their own personal programming entitlements.
The physical size of the electrical contacts and the associated interconnects, in ISO7816, is relatively small. Therefore, the emitted electromagenetic radiation generated by the electrical contacts is similarly small, and difficult to detect. This limiting the detection of electromagnetic radiation further enhances the security of smart cards.
Hackers attempt to gain unauthorized access to information contained in the electronic security device, or alternatively, tamper with the electronic security device in order to gain services without authorization or payment. In addition to gaining unauthorized access or receive unauthorized services, people may wish to modify information contained in a smart card and/or modify or view information transferred between the smart card and the host device. One technique that aids in this unauthorized access or modification of information is referred to as "hot-wiring" a smart card. This hot-wiring is accomplished by affixing a single distinct wire to each distinct electrical contact in the smart card "contact patch". The smart card is then inserted into the host device and the host device begins to interact with the smart card with wires extending from the port, possibly permitting confidential information outside of the host device. Electronic circuitry can be connected to the wires outside of the port possibly leading to modification of either the information contained in the smart card or the modification of signals transmitted between the smart card and the host device. If a hacker uses suitable equipment outside the host device, the hacker can obtain much of the confidential information that is stored in the smart card, and can also produce a copy of the smart card.
Another technique to modify information contained in smart cards involves so-called paddleboards or smart card emulators. These paddleboards are actual physical portions of printed circuit boards that are approximately the same size as smart cards (although paddleboards are typically somewhat thicker than smartcards), and they contain a smart card "contact patch" with multiple electric contacts that are configured to interact with a host device. Paddleboards contain a computer chip that enables them to interact with host devices in a similar manner as a smart card would interact with host devices.
In this disclosure, hot-wiring, paddleboards, and any other system by which information stored in a smart card is accessed or changed, or information transferred between a smart card and a host device is accessed or modified is referred to in this specification as "modifying" the information or modifying the electronic security device.
Therefore, a need exists in the art for a device to limit smart card modification. This device will improve security associated therewith by preventing unauthorized use of access codes and breach of confidentiality, thereby improving user confidence in the system.

Apparatus and associated method for limiting access of information transferred between an electronic security device and a host device


A camera is disclosed which has a housing and a carry strap attached to the housing. The strap has a first position and a second position wherein the first position permits the carry strap to be longitudinally extended from the housing as a closed loop to receive one""s hand in said closed loop. The second position is created by drawing the carry strap laterally from the housing to create a positioning loop to permit a portion of the hand to pass through while in mechanical contact with the housing.

The invention relates generally to the field of photography, and in particular to cameras with carry or wrist straps. More specifically, the invention relates to a camera with dual-purpose carry strap and positioning strap.
It is well known for a camera to include a flexible carry or wrist strap. The carry strap is attached to the housing of a camera to permit the carry strap to be longitudinally extended from the housing as a closed loop, to receive one""s hand, wrist or neck in the closed loop.
It is also common for a camera to have a positioning strap attached to a lateral surface. The positioning strap is secured to the camera via a lug to permit the carry-strap to extend as a loop from the camera. The positioning strap allows the upper part of the hand to pass through such that the camera is held tight to the palm of the hand. The fingers of the hand are then above the strap while the thumb stays below, allowing the hand to operate the camera while the strap steadies the camera against the hand.
The aforementioned and other objects are achieved by the invention, which provides a dual-purpose carry strap for use with a camera.
A camera is disclosed which has a housing and a carry strap attached to the housing. The strap has a first position and a second position wherein the first position permits the carry strap to be longitudinally extended from the housing as a closed loop to receive one""s hand in said closed loop. The second position is created by drawing the carry strap laterally from the housing to create a positioning loop to permit a portion of the hand to pass through while in mechanical contact with the housing.
The aforementioned and other aspects of the invention are evident in the drawings and in the description that follows.


An apparatus for connecting at least two rods by a wire clamp comprises, mounted on one housing portion, a movable handle portion for the advance of said wire clamp, and closing jaws which are adapted to bring the locking portions of the wire clamp into engagement beneath the rods to be connected, and in the other housing portion, a binding hook fitted on a knurled rod, in order to twist the closed loop of the wire clamp which is situated above the rods to be connected. A sliding plate, which is connected to the handle, comprises a mechanism directed to actuating a bending pin on one of the closing jaws, in order to provide for positive interlocking of the wire clamp, and a mechanism for controlling and achieving safe individualization and advance of the wire clamps. Such an apparatus is adapted for reliable, swift and relatively comfortable operation even when exposed to the rough handling on a construction site.

The present invention refers to an apparatus for connecting at least two rods, having a movable handle part for the advance of a wire clamp, and closing jaws which are adapted to bring the locking means of said wire clamp into engagement underneath the rods to be connected; the apparatus further has grabbing means adapted to twist the closed loop portion of the wire clamp situated above the rods to be connected, and one of said two closing jaws has a means for securing the engagement of said locking means by moving one shank of said wire clamp away from the other as soon as its locking means are engaged. Such an apparatus is known from WO 87/01753 of the applicants, and it is generally used for fastening reinforcing rods when erecting reinforced concrete constructions, the reinforcing rods usually lying one above the other in an orthogonal manner and being interconnected at their points of intersection. Moreover, a method for connecting at least two rods is explained in detail in that publication, wherein a wire clamp having locking means at the ends of its shanks is placed around the rods to be connected in such a manner that, as seen from the grabbing member, the locking means are brought into engagement with one another behind said rods, and wherein the closed wire clamp is seized by the grabbing means of the binding apparatus in front of the rods and twisted during a pulling movement.

Apparatus for connecting at least two rods