A detecting device for a vehicle includes an inside air temperature sensor for an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes an air duct having a horizontal duct, and the horizontal duct is disposed in a receiving passage of a ceiling of the vehicle. The horizontal duct includes a connection duct portion having a U-shaped bottom wall portion. The inside air temperature sensor is disposed in the U-shaped bottom wall portion at a position proximate to an opening portion of an inner wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a suction cover is attached to the opening portion of the inner wall of the passenger compartment. Thus, the inside air temperature sensor accurately detects a temperature of inside air in the passenger compartment without being affected by an amount of sunlight entering the passenger compartment or the other conditions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a detecting device for a vehicle for accurately detecting a temperature in a passenger compartment of the vehicle without being affected by an amount of sunlight entering the passenger compartment or other conditions.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a various kinds of temperature sensors are used for an air conditioner for a vehicle. The temperature sensors include an inside air temperature sensor for detecting an inside air temperature at a rear seat side of a passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, the inside air temperature sensor is generally attached to a ceiling in the passenger compartment to detect the inside air temperature of the passenger compartment. Therefore, when a temperature on the ceiling of the vehicle becomes high, the inside air temperature sensor is affected by the temperature of the ceiling so that the inside air temperature at the rear seat side cannot be accurately detected.
To overcome such a problem, an inside air temperature sensor is proposed as described in JP-U-59-23636. In the inside air temperature sensor, a heat-insulating layer is placed between an outer plate of a vehicle and an inner wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the inside air temperature sensor is held within a sensor case which protrudes from an opening portion of the inside wall of the passenger compartment. Further, a heat-receiving plate is provided on a lower surface of the sensor case and draft holes are formed along the heat-receiving plate.
However, when an intensity of sunlight becomes high, the temperature on the ceiling may be increased to a temperature more than 50.degree. C. Therefore, even when the heat-insulating layer and the heat-receiving plate are provided, a temperature around the inside air temperature sensor is increased. As a result, an error may be caused in the temperature detected by the inside air temperature sensor.

Detecting device for vehicle for detecting temperature in passenger compartment and arrangement structure thereof


A mass casualty disaster training system includes a plurality of manikins (mannequins) arrangeable to simulate a plurality of victims of a mass casualty disaster, and indicia associated with the plurality of manikins indicative of predetermined physical or medical conditions associated with the mass casualty disaster. A method for training for mass casualty disasters includes arranging a plurality of manikins to simulate a plurality of victims of a mass casualty disaster; and simulating triage and treatment of the plurality of manikins.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to mass casualty disaster training and inflatable manikins (mannequins). More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for using inflatable manikins for training for mass casualty disaster scenarios.
2. Related Art
Training for mass casualty disasters has become a standard for emergency agencies around the world. Such mass casualty disasters include various different scenarios, including for example, terrorist attack, transportation disaster (e.g. vehicle crash), natural disaster (e.g. earthquake), and the like.
Training for such mass casualty disasters typically involves numerous participants or actors who act as victims of the disaster. The participants or actors may act in accordance with an assigned condition or event, and may have make-up applied, to provide realism. It will be appreciated that the very nature of training for mass casualties requires numerous participants or actors. Organizing such disaster training can be costly, and can require enormous coordination efforts. For example, numerous participants or actors must be arranged for, organized, instructed, prepared, etc., in addition to the emergency agencies that will actually be training. The needs of the participants or actors must be considered, such as restroom facilities, food, water, etc.

Mass casualty, disaster training inflatable manikin


A new and distinct cultivar of Eryngium plant named ‘Sunny Jackpot’, characterized by its upright and inverted triangular plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; green and yellow green variegated foliage; and flower heads with green and blue-colored flowers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Eryngium plant, botanically known as Eryngium planum, and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Sunny Jackpot'.
The new Eryngium was discovered by the Inventors in a controlled environment in Rijnsburg, The Netherlands, in July, 2005, as a naturally-occurring whole plant mutation of the Eryngium planum cultivar Blue Dream, not patented. The new Eryngium was observed as a single plant from within a population of plants of the cultivar Blue Dream. The selection of this plant was based on its unique variegated foliage.
Asexual reproduction of the new Eryngium by cuttings in a controlled environment in Rijnsburg, The Netherlands since July, 2005, has shown that the unique features of this new Eryngium are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


An operating element for receiving from an operator an instruction about reading speed and reading order of stored data includes: a rotatable operating disc part (38) disposed at one end of a rotation shaft (40), for receiving a rotation operation by an operator; a sensor substrate part (34) through which the rotation shaft (40) is inserted and having a sensor pattern (44) for detecting capacitance disposed on a surface facing the operating disc part (38); and a conductive cover part (36) disposed between the operating disc part (38) and the sensor substrate part (34) so as to cover the sensor pattern (44) and to sag when the operating disc part (38) is pressed, the conductive cover part (36) being set to a ground potential.

A reproducing device, which is used in a disco club or the like by an operator such as a disc jockey, has, as an operating means for performing a cue or a scratch reproduction, a disc-like operating element that can be operated to rotate. This reproducing device detects a rotation direction, a rotation speed, and a rotation variation of the operating element and whether or not the operating element is operated by the operator. Then, it performs a special reproduction according to the detected operation, such as a scratch reproduction (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-343026 (in Paragraph "0082" and the like) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-190633).
In configuration for detecting a pressure applied to the operating element by the operator, a plurality of switches are usually disposed circularly below an outer rim of the operating element (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-190633). When the operator operates the operating element, the operating element move downward and presses the switch so that the pressure is detected. As the switch, a mechanical switch or a membrane switch is used.
In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-343026 discloses a structure in which a pressure sensing layer made of a dielectric material is provided to a casing, whereby the pressure sensing layer senses a pressure on an outer rim of the operating element.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-343026 describes that a capacitance sensor may be used for detecting a variation in capacitance, though it does not disclose any concretization thereof.
However, those conventional pressure detection methods using the operating element have the following disadvantages. First, if the switch is used for the detection, there may be a difference of operational touch feeling between a part where the switch is disposed and a part where the switch is not disposed or a difference of operation feeling due to a difference of a stroke (distance between the operating element and the switch) and a click feeling from each other. In addition, age deterioration due to physical contacts is apt to occur, so that there is a fear that detection accuracy cannot be maintained. Further, the structure including the switch causes an increase in cost for manufacturing, for example, a die.
Next, if the pressure sensing layer is used for the detection, the pressure sensing layer and the operating element always contact with each other via a sheet. As a result, deterioration by friction is outstanding so that there is a problem that detection of high accuracy cannot be maintained. Therefore, it is not practical. In addition, similarly to the case of using the switch, there is a restriction in designing the entire apparatus because the pressure is detected by a positional relationship between the operating element and the casing.
From this viewpoint, it is preferable to apply a capacitance sensor (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 11-258090) to the operating element so that the operating element itself can detect the pressure, because the age deterioration due to the physical contacts hardly occur. In addition, flexibility in the designing may increase, and the manufacturing cost is low.


A method of producing a dental prosthesis produced from a gum part, and prosthetic teeth arranged on the gum part and connected to the gum part. The surface of the dental prosthesis is surface-treated, the surface treatment of the dental prosthesis involving a solvent, and the solvent containing at least one chlorohydrocarbon and at least one methane nitroderivative.

The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis, wherein the dental prosthesis is produced from a gum part and prosthetic teeth arranged on the gum part and connected to the gum part, and the surface of the dental prosthesis is subjected to a surface treatment. In addition, the invention relates to a dental prosthesis, in particular produced using such a method, with a gum part and prosthetic teeth arranged on the gum part and connected to the gum part.
Dental prostheses are used in order to at least partly replace natural human teeth and natural human gum. Such dental prostheses are—in contrast to implants—not anchored in the human jawbone but are usually detachably fastened to an area of the jaw ridge without teeth by mostly gel-like adhesives. Such dentures are made e.g. of plastic. The dental prosthesis can be designed in the form of dentures or a (plastic) crown. An example of this is shown in AT 516 747 B1. In order to achieve an appealing optical result, the dentures are usually subjected to a surface treatment. For example, they are manually reworked, cleaned and polished. The polishing serves particularly to make the surface appear shiny and smooth. In addition, fewer contaminants can stick to and fewer bacteria can become implanted on a polished surface.
Until now, polishing in the dental field has been carried out by manually rubbing or grinding the surface, whereby unevennesses, grooves and scratches are smoothed and levelled out. During this rubbing or grinding, however, it can indeed happen that, especially at less easily accessible points of the dental prosthesis, undesired depressions and grooves still remain, which on the one hand detracts from the optical impression and on the other hand can more readily lead to contaminations.

Method for producing a dental prosthesis


A wind turbine includes a turbine rotor with at least one blade and a generator with a rotor and a stator. The turbine rotor is mechanically coupled with the rotor of the generator. A diode rectifier is electrically coupled to the stator of the generator. A direct current link is electrically coupled with the diode rectifier. A line converter is electrically coupled with the direct current link.

Wind turbines for producing electrical power are generally known. In particular, wind turbines with variable speed are well known. On one hand, the speed of these wind turbines depends on the actual wind situation. However, on the other hand, the electrical power to be produced may not vary. Instead, the electrical power must be delivered with a fixed frequency e.g. to a utility grid.

Wind turbine for producing electrical power and a method of operating the same


Presented herein are methodologies for managing servers in a datacenter or cloud service environment. A method includes sending, from a first baseboard management controller (BMC), to other BMCs in a network, a first message indicating a desire to establish a master-slave relationship; receiving a response from a second BMC from among the other BMCs, the response indicating an ability to function as a master in the master-slave relationship; sending, from the first BMC, a second message to the second BMC confirming establishment of the master-slave relationship between the second BMC and the first BMC; sending, from the first BMC to the second BMC, a request for configuration information; and in response to the request for configuration information, receiving, from the second BMC, configuration profile data representative of a configuration of a server, which is controlled by the second BMC.

Effective server provisioning, monitoring and management are some of the most challenging tasks faced by datacenter administrators. Over the years, as the datacenter has become more critical for business success, an increasing number of "north-bound" management interfaces have been implemented, either at the cost of extra hardware (in the form of, e.g., a Unified Computing System (UCS) Manager and associated Fabric Interconnect switch) or extra software (in the form of, e.g., centralized management software for standalone rack servers, and storage servers located across one or more sites). As is often the case, cloud and datacenter scale users may be reluctant to make expenditures for extra hardware and software. Moreover, the foregoing "north-bound" solutions tend to centralize the provisioning, monitoring and management of a datacentre, leading to a possible single point of failure.


A circuit arrangement including a rectifier circuit and a current determining circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to rectify an alternating signal into a rectified signal. The current determining circuit is configured to determine a current of the alternating signal from at least a current of the rectified signal.

The power and the power quality of a circuit arrangement may be determined by measuring the input current and the input voltage. The sensor or the measurement circuit for measuring the input current may need to be isolated, for example for safety reasons, for example by using a coil transformer. However, using a coil transformer may be undesirable as it consumes space and increase the system cost.
As an alternative, the output current and the output voltage may be measured. However, errors are introduced when calculating the power and the power quality of the circuit arrangement based on these measurements. The errors may be particularly large when light loads are connected to the output of the circuit arrangement. For example, the error in calculating the active power may be between 5% to 15%.

Circuit arrangement and method for determining a current in a circuit arrangement


The invention relates to a fabric with a laminate structure comprising flexible materials such as skins, woven fabrics and/or paper, and at least one metal material. The fabric is manually deformable without high elastic or plastic recovery. According to the invention, the structure consists of a substantially planar metal core essentially comprising a non-ferrous metal, this core being less than 0,15 mm thick and having the firmness necessary to provide a flexible stiffness, the thickness and metallurgical treatment being adapted to the weight of the flexible materials, and a layer of flexible materials bonded to either side of the core. The fabric of the invention is for use in the clothing industry, furnishings, interior decoration and stage designing.

The present invention relates to a fabric for garment-making and decoration, more particularly a fabric intended for clothing, furnishing, decoration and scenography.
The main object of the present invention is to obtain a pliant material, having an aesthetic appearance on the outside, keeping its shape after deformation and therefore having no concomitant spring-back or plastic recovery. Its pliancy must be such that it can be easily deformed by hand.
With such a material, it is therefore possible to mark folds and to vary the shape many times in succession, something which enable the final fabric to be used again in clothing, furnishing, decoration, scenography or equivalent, which fabric can thus change aesthetic appearance in its geometrical perception, including sculptural perception.
Studies carried out have resulted in a complex fabric, combining pliant materials, such as skin, woven cloth or paper, these fabrics being given structure by a metallic core, providing a consistency in its pliant rigidity in such a way that the fabric exhibits properties of pliancy, of easy deformation without concomitant spring-back and of good strength under its own weight.

Fabric for clothing industry and interior furnishing


A system for detachably coupling subassemblies of vehicles or other components is discussed herein. The system can include one or more driveshafts and worm drives to drive fasteners to couple the subassembly to the vehicle. The system can enable module repair or replacement in conventional locations without any additional infrastructure by driving fasteners horizontally into the body or other subassembly. In this manner, fasteners can be hidden and to utilize blind holes in the body of the vehicle. The system can be partially disassembled in situ to enable parts replacement and fastener access in the event of a failure. The system can be used in conjunction with a robotic cart to enable subassemblies to be removed from the vehicle for service and repair. A portion of the system can also act as a portion of, or to reinforce, the crash structure of the vehicle.

Conventionally, vehicles are assembled in two main sections: the "body in white" and the chassis. When these assemblies reach a certain stage of completion, the assemblies are "married" to form a substantially complete vehicle subject to final assembly. This marriage is generally done with the body on an overhead crane system that lowers the body onto the chassis (e.g., the drivetrain and other components) from above. The body is then generally attached to the chassis using multiple fasteners inserted from the bottom and tightened.
This configuration requires a great deal of infrastructure. In a production setting, multiple overhead cranes, automated carts, assembly lines, and other heavy machinery is required. In addition, the bolts used to connect assemblies are often visible on the complete vehicle or must be covered with trim (e.g., grommets or plugs) and/or sealed in a separate operation. This requires additional steps and additional components, increasing costs.

Worm gear drive unit interface and assembly methods


A support bracket for securing medical equipment on or near a litter carried within a medical vehicle, which comprises an extensible tubular member having a threaded lock fitting along the length thereof for locking the extensible member at selected length, first and second tubular end members of preselected inner diametric size attached to the ends of the extensible member for receiving a pair of substantially parallel rod members, such as the handles of a litter, and a pair of set screws threaded into the tubular end members for releasably securing the rod members within the tubular end members.

The present invention relates generally to equipment mounting devices and more particularly to a bracket for securing medical equipment on or near litters carried within a medical vehicle.
Previously existing systems and devices for mounting and securing medical equipment near movable litters within a medical vehicle, such as an ambulance or aeromedical aircraft cabin, have been substantially limited to items such as cargo tie-down straps and makeshift arrangements of tape, rope, cord and the like. As a consequence, the use of emergency medical equipment for the treatment of patients carried on a litter within such a vehicle has been undesirably awkward.
The invention solves or substantially reduces in critical importance problems with existing systems as just described by providing a convenient, lightweight device for safely and effectively mounting medical equipment near a litter within a medical vehicle. The invention comprises an extensible tubular member having on each end thereof a pair of tubular end members sized and disposed to receive the handle ends of a standard (Department of Defense) litter or corresponding handle ends of two such litters tiered within a medical vehicle.
It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved medical equipment mounting device.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a medical mounting bracket for securing medical equipment on or near a litter carried within a medical vehicle.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent as a detailed description of representative embodiments proceeds.

Adjustable aeromedical equipment bracket

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


Various embodiments include a DC coupled electrical converter for converting an input voltage applied to first connections to an output voltage comprising: a boost converter connected on the input side to the first connections; an inverting buck-boost converter connected on the input side to the first connections; and a series circuit including two capacitors, the series circuit connected to an output-side positive pole of the boost converter and to an output-side negative pole of the inverting buck-boost converter. An output-side negative pole of the boost converter and an output-side positive pole of the inverting buck-boost converter are connected to a center connection between the capacitors.

Transformational, that is to say DC decoupled, DC-DC converters are typically used for the DC-DC conversion of an input voltage of for example 20 V to an output voltage of for example 400 V, that is to say at a transformation ratio of 20 or more. They usually use an inverter, a transformer and a rectifier with subsequent smoothing to convert the input voltage to the output voltage.


A method and apparatus for controlling a valve mechanism of an engine, in which two stage control at engine start and during high-speed running simplifies a construction of the control apparatus, poor starting in high power engine is avoided at engine start and white smoke exhausted immediately after engine start is eliminated, while cylinder pressures due to high power are suppressed during high-speed running, the NOx exhaust gas produced is reduced because of combustion temperature decrease, and the compression pressure is decreased to reduce the loss of horsepower. A hydraulic intake valve operating angle varying device (12) is provided between the intake valve (11) of a valve mechanism (2) of the engine and a crosshead (9) so that the supply of pressurized oil to the valve mechanism is stopped at engine start, to decrease the lift and operating angle of the intake valve (11), to increase the effective compression ratio, and the pressurized oil is supplied to the valve mechanism during high-speed running, to increase the lift and operating angle of the intake valve (11), to decrease the effective compression ratio.

Conventionally, there is known a valve driving gear, for arbitrarily and automatically controlling a valve, so as to open or close the valve at a variable timing, according to a rotary speed of an engine, with an arrangement of a hydraulic valve rush adjuster between a dynamic-system valve and a valve operating cam, for a gasoline engine for a car, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-232103.
A pivot portion of the valve driving gear is configured as shown in FIG. 5. In other words, there is shown a cylinder head 51, a cam 52, and an intake valve 53 (its stem portion). Between the cam 52 and the intake valve 53, there is provided a bucket 54 in a plunger insertion hole 51a, of the cylinder head 51, so as to be slidable, and a hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55 inside the bucket 54. With a rotation of the cam 52, the intake valve 53 is actuated for up-and-down strokes, through the bucket 54 and the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55, so that the valve is opened or closed.
The hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55 forms a plunger 58 with a first adjuster portion 55A, which forms a middle-pressure chamber 56, positioned in the upper side, and two sets of adjuster members of a second adjuster portion 55B, which forms a high-pressure chamber 57, positioned in the lower side.
The first adjuster portion 55A comprises a first adjuster body 59A, a first valve spring 60, a first check ball 61, a first return spring 62, and a first check valve case 63.
The second adjuster portion 55B comprises a second adjuster body 59B, a second valve spring 64, a second check ball 65, a second return spring 66, and a second check valve case 67.
The first and second check balls 61 and 65 allow oil to flow from an oil reserve chamber 68 (described later) into the first and second adjuster bodies 59A and 59B, but do not allow it to flow out of the adjuster bodies.
The inside of the bucket 54, and a guide member 69, for guiding the above plunger 58, form the oil reserve chamber 68. This oil reserve chamber 68 has communication with an oil passage 71 of the cylinder head 51 through an oil inlet 70, provided in the side portion of the bucket 54, and has communication with the interior of the first and second adjuster bodies 59A and 59B through an oil outlet 72, provided on an inner wall of the top of the bucket 54.
Oil from the oil passage 71, of the cylinder head 51, is supplied to the oil reserve chamber 68, and then is necessarily supplied to the middle-pressure chamber 56, through the first check ball 61, from the interior of the first adjuster body 59A. The oil in the middle-pressure chamber 56 is supplied to the high-pressure chamber 57, through the second check ball 61, from the interior of the second adjuster body 59.
A volumetric rate regulation spring 73 is formed by two springs, an inner spring 74 and an outer spring 75, which have a considerably strong spring force (high hardness) relative to the first return spring 62, and is used so that a volume of the middle-pressure chamber 56 is always maintained at a fixed value, while the intake valve 53 is seated.
Next, an operation of this construction will be explained. The hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55, between the intake valve 53 and the cam 52, runs with two sets of adjuster members of the first adjuster portion 55A and the second adjuster portion 55B, which are combined to operate with each other. While an oil leak amount from the high-pressure chamber 57, of the second adjuster portion 55B, is set to a value smaller than an oil leak amount from the middle-pressure chamber 56, of the first adjuster portion 55A, a spring force of the second return spring 66, of the second adjuster portion 55B, is set to a value greater than a spring force of the first return spring 62. In other words, the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55, which is provided between the cam 52 and the intake valve 53, to be opened by the cam 52 and intended for automatically adjusting a valve rush of the intake valve 53, adjusts oil leak amounts of respective oil chambers 56 and 57, in the side of the second adjuster portion 55B, when the cam 55 is running to values smaller than those in the side of the first adjuster portion 55A, by means of two sets of the adjuster members, the first adjuster portion 55A having the middle-pressure chamber 56 and the second adjuster portion 55B having the high-pressure chamber 57, which are provided with different properties.
This makes it possible to realize accurate dynamic properties, which determine an initial sinking amount in the first adjuster portion 55A, and to realize static properties in the second adjuster portion 55B, having an less oil leak amount. In addition, the spring force of the second return spring 66 is greater than the spring force of the first return spring 62, and therefore an initial volume of the middle-pressure chamber 56 is set very accurately, and a fluctuation of an initial value is reliably absorbed. It is described that, therefore, valve timing can be arbitrarily and automatically controlled with variable settings according to a rotary speed of the engine.
This case of the conventional engine valve driving gear, however, has the following problems:
(1) This engine valve driving gear is a gasoline engine for a car, having the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55 between the cam 52 and the intake valve 53, to be opened by the cam 52. The gasoline engine for a car has a speed fluctuation from low to high speeds. Therefore, the valve timing is arbitrarily and automatically controlled with variable settings according to the rotary speed of the engine.
Accordingly, the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55 is operated by two sets of adjuster members, the first adjuster portion 55A (in the cam side) and the second adjuster portion 55B (in the valve side) being combined with each other for the operation. In other words, the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55, for automatically adjusting a valve rush of the intake valve 53, adjusts oil leak amounts of respective oil chambers 56 and 57 in the second adjuster portion 55B when the cam 55 is running to values smaller than those in the first adjuster portion 55A, by means of two sets of the adjuster members, the first adjuster portion 55A having the middle-pressure chamber 56 and the second adjuster portion 55B having the high-pressure chamber 57, which are provided with different properties.
The oil leak amount, however, depends upon an oil viscosity and a gap (first and second oil leak passages). In other words, the oil viscosity depends upon an oil service temperature during operation and, as to gaps, it is difficult to manage the unevenness of a dimensional accuracy of components in the hole side and in the shaft side, and therefore, the oil leak amount is not fixed. Furthermore, this valve driving gear is operated by two sets of adjuster members, the first adjuster portion 55A and the second adjuster portion 55B, in which the hydraulic valve rush adjuster 55 has a large number of components in a complicated construction.
(2) In recent years, there has been used a generator and a cogeneration system (an apparatus for supplying hot-water and electricity) driven by a diesel engine. A rotary speed of an engine used for this product is different from the rotary speed of the engine for a car. It does not have a speed variation from a low speed to a high speed, and it is always running at a fixed rotary speed.
On the other hand, as a countermeasure for an improvement of increased power and exhaust gas properties, it is necessary to increase a lift of the intake valve 53 of the valve mechanism, at a high-speed rated output, in order to increase its operating angle and to decrease its effective compression ratio (cylinder volume/compression volume), in order to improve a performance of power and exhaust gas properties, so as to suppress the pressure in the cylinder. In addition, at engine start, it is necessary to decrease the lift of the intake valve 53 in order to decrease its operating angle and to increase its effective compression ratio, in order to improve its engine start properties. In other words, it is required to have variable operating angles and effective compression ratios of the intake valve 53 during high-speed running and at engine start.
A control and apparatus for controlling an engine valve mechanism which satisfies these quality requirements and has a simple construction is greatly needed.

Method and apparatus for controlling valve mechanism of engine


A network facsimile device connected to the Internet or a local area network, employs an electronic mail function, and has a function of exchanging image information through said Internet or said local area network and functions of a facsimile device. The device comprises delivery notifying partner storing means for storing a mail address of a destination address to which a confirmation is to be delivered. Delivery confirmation mail confirming means detects, at a time of receiving electronic mail, whether the received electronic mail is an electronic delivery confirmation mail for confirming mail delivery. Delivery confirmation mail transferring means transfers said delivery confirmation mail confirmed by said confirming means to said destination address stored in said delivery notifying partner storing means.

In recent years, a network facsimile device for communicating facsimile image information by use of electronic mail on the Internet has been developed.
The document RFC(Request For Comments) 2301˜2306 published by the organization responsible for collecting technologies relating to the Internet referred to as IETF(Internet Engineering Task Force), prescribes the technical contents of a communication protocol, etc. employed in such a network facsimile device.
In the Internet, a delivery system has been developed for delivering electronic mail to a sending terminal for confirming the delivery of electronic mail to a destination terminal. This type of e-mail is hereinafter referred to as "a delivery confirming mail". This type of delivery confirming mail system is capable of confirming whether electronic mail has been delivered to the address of the communication partner to which it has been addressed. This is an expanded function of the electronic mail system.
In such a delivery confirming mail system, the electronic delivery confirming mail is created both when the electronic mail has been delivered to the mail address to which it was sent and when the electronic mail has not been successfully delivered to the mail address to which it has been sent. In each case, electronic delivery confirming mail is created and delivered to the communication partner which sent the electronic mail.
In the above-mentioned network facsimile device, however, there presently exists no method of surely knowing whether electronic mail which is used for carrying the image information has been delivered to the address of the communication partner to which it is to be delivered. Accordingly, other ways of confirming the delivery of the image information must be considered.
However, confirming the delivery of image information by a network facsimile device which uses e-mail delivery presents its own unique problems. For example, when the network facsimile device receives electronic mail addressed to itself, the network facsimile device performs local processing on the electronic mail. Consequently, if a delivery confirming mail were used to confirm delivery of the electronic mail sent from the network facsimile device, the network facsimile device would record and output the contents of the delivery confirming mail. However if, all of the contents of the delivery confirming mails are recorded and outputted, there arises the problem of wasteful consumption of recording paper. In addition, a user would need to be present at the network facsimile device to read the delivery confirming mail to determine whether the delivery was successful. These and other problems need to be addressed and solved.

Network facsimile device and a method of controlling the network facsimile device


A printing machine comprising a sheet feeding station for feeding sheets into a printing station and capable of being detachably attached into a sheet inlet, a sheet discharging station for discharging printed sheets from the printing station and positioned near a sheet outlet, and a cover disposed near at least the sheet inlet or the sheet outlet and shielding either the sheet inlet or sheet outlet except for at a sheet passing area thereof.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a printing machine, and more particularly to a sound reducing apparatus for the printing machine.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Printers, copying machines, facsimile machines and so on are currently available as print producing machines.
Such a print producing machine includes a sheet inlet for feeding sheets thereinto and a sheet outlet for discharging printed sheets.
A sheet tray is disposed near the sheet inlet while a printed sheet tray is positioned near the sheet outlet.
Sheets are fed into the printing machine from the sheet tray via the sheet inlet, are printed, and are discharged via the sheet outlet onto the printed sheet tray. The sheet inlet and outlet are relatively large such that a maximum amount of sheets can be fed and discharged via them.
The printing machine also includes a number of devices such as motors, and units operated by the motors. These devices tend to generate operational sound or noise when they are in operation.
It is preferable to reduce sound or noise generated in the printing machine in order to protect the environment where the machine is installed. However, the printing machine tends to increase sound or noise, since it is required to perform its operation at an accelerated speed. For this purpose, driving mechanisms of the printing machine have to operate at high speeds, which causes generation of mechanical sound or noise.
In addition to the foregoing mechanical sound or noise, various kinds of sound or noise are also generated while sheets are being conveyed through the printing machine.
FIG. 42 to FIG. 46 of the accompanying drawings are schematic views showing a sheet feeding mechanism in a printing machine. Referring to FIG. 42, the printing machine includes a printing drum 1 on which a stencil is wound. The stencil is perforated in accordance with an original image. The image is printed on a sheet 32 with ink oozing from the printing drum 1 via the stencil.
The sheet 32 is brought into pressure contact with a surface of the printing drum 1 by a press roller 3 such that ink will be easily transferred onto the sheet 32. For this purpose, the press roller 3 is swung toward the printing drum 1 while the sheet 32 is in contact with the printing drum 1. As the sheet 32 is separated from the printing drum 1, the pressure roller 3 is swung back from the printing drum 1. No ink oozes from the printing drum 1 while the pressure roller 3 stays away from the printing drum 1.
Referring to FIG. 42 again, the sheet 32 is paid out from a sheet cassette by a sheet feeder 93. The sheet feeder 93 is positioned above a sheet cassette, and includes a sheet feed roller 9 and a pick-up roller 10. The sheet feed roller 9 feeds the top sheet 32 in cooperation with a separating roller 8.
A sheet separating claw 16 and a conveyer belt 15 are located at a position which is near the printing drum 1 and opposite to the sheet feeder 93, i.e. downstream of the press roller 3. The sheet 32 separated from the printing drum 1 by the sheet separating claw 16 is conveyed by the conveyer belt 15 toward the sheet outlet. The sheet separating claw 16 blows air into a space between the printing drum 1 and the sheet 32, thereby stripping the sheet 32 from the surface of the printing drum 1.
With the foregoing sheet feeding mechanism, sound or noise is generally generated in the following cases or areas.
(1) When a leading edge of the sheet 32 strikes a nip between a pair of register rollers 6, the sheet 32 vibrates and makes sound (as shown by (a) in FIG. 42). PA1 (2) When the register rollers 6 rotate in response to the rotation of the printing drum 1 but when the sheet feed roller 9 remains stationary, the sheet 32 is curved as shown in FIG. 43 and is then returned to its original state by tension applied thereto, generating a hissing sound (as shown by (b) in FIG. 44). PA1 (3) The press roller 3 generates sound when it strikes the printing drum 1 (as shown by (c) in FIG. 45). PA1 (4) The air from the sheet separating claw 16 makes a hissing sound (as shown by (d) in FIG. 46). PA1 (5) A power transmitting mechanism also generates sound when gears come in and out of contact with their mating gears, or cams and cam followers generate slip noise during their intermittent engagement.
The hissing sound caused by the sheet in items (1) and by the sheet feeding mechanism (2) accounts for approximately 40% of the total amount of sound. Next comes the sound in item (4) and (3).
To reduce or suppress the generation of the foregoing kinds of sound, the following countermeasures are conceivable: (i) to reduce the sound generating sources; (ii) to provide vibration damping mechanisms; (iii) to provide vibration controlling mechanisms; (iv) to provide sound reducing mechanisms; and (v) to provide anti-air-vibration mechanisms.
The countermeasure (i) is most effective of all. Specifically, this countermeasure is performed by: (a) reducing a speed, at which the sheet 32 comes into contact with the register rollers 6, to a minimum range where the printing operation is allowable; (b) gently tensing the sheet 32 at a reduced speed; (c) reducing energy with which the press roller 3 is brought into contact with the printing drum 1; (d) using a belt reduction system in place of a gear reduction system; and (e) using sound reducing materials.
However, it is still difficult for the foregoing countermeasures to completely reduce sound and noise. This is because the printer has a number of openings through which sound or noise leaks outward. As described above, the printing machine has the sheet inlet and outlet, which are essential not only for feeding and discharging the sheets but also for performing maintenance work, removal of jammed sheets, and so on. Since these openings cannot be closed or sealed, sound in the printing machine tends to leak out via them.
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 3-093,130 proposes a sound reducing apparatus for preventing leakage of sound via a sheet inlet and a sheet outlet. The sound reducing apparatus comprises a sheet-feed-sound reducing unit and a sheet-discharge-sound reducing unit. The sheet-feed-sound reducing unit includes a stationary cover attached to a printing machine frame under a feed tray, and a movable cover supported on a support shaft of the stationary cover. The movable cover is opened and closed. The sheet-discharge-sound reducing unit is structured similarly to the sheet-feed-sound reducing unit, and includes a stationary cover and a movable cover.
A sheet cassette having a sound reducing cover is proposed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Hei 5-012,183. This cover is intended to reduce the size of a sheet inlet.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 60-093,047 proposes sheet cassettes, each of which has a sound-reducing cover.
The sound reducing mechanisms proposed in the foregoing publications seem to have the following problems. Although leakage of sound from the printing machine can be prevented by closing or sealing the openings using sound reducing members, the printing machine itself tends to become large in size and complicated in structure. Further, it becomes difficult to load or unload the sheets into or out of the printing machine. Further, there is a new problem that the printing machine requires a large vacant space around it so as to be opened and closed.
If the sheet inlet is down-sized for the purpose of sound reduction, curled or wrinkled sheets will not be fed reliably. Therefore, it is not preferable to down-size the openings or spaces around a sheet feed path without due consideration.
Further, the sheet inlet has to be large enough to allow the movement of a sheet tray on which sheets are stacked. Therefore, the larger the sheet inlet, the larger the sound reducing cover. Therefore, a large space is required to open and close the sound reducing cover.
When each sheet cassette or sheet tray has its own sound-reducing cover, the number of components will be increased, which will make the printing machine expensive.

Printing machine with sound reducing apparatus


A communication system including a fluid-operated calling device mounted in a first location in a building, and a fluid-operated indicator mounted in a second location in a building and in fluid communication with the fluid-operated calling device, wherein actuation of the fluid-operated calling device causes the fluid-operated indicator to provide an indication that the fluid-operated calling device has been actuated. A fluid-operated lock may be mounted near the fluid-operated calling device and in fluid communication with a fluid-operated actuator, wherein actuation of the fluid-operated actuator causes opening of the fluid-operated lock.

Communication systems for communicating between locations in a building are well known. For example, intercoms are used to communicate between persons wishing to enter an apartment or office building and the occupants of the building. Typically, the person wishing to enter the building presses an electric buzzer which sounds in the room of the occupants, thereby notifying them that a person wishes to gain entrance. The occupants then press a button that electrically opens a latch or some locking mechanism of the entrance door to the building, thereby permitting the person to enter.
Another example of such communication systems is a hospital bed paging system. Typically a patient is provided with a handheld device with a call button. The patient may press the button which electrically signals the nurse or other caretaker that the patient needs assistance of some kind.
The known communication systems for communicating between locations in a building are electrically operated. However, this may pose problems in certain situations. For example, if there is a power outage and no auxiliary generator power is available, the communication system cannot operate. As another example, for religious or logistic reasons, there may be times when it is not permissible to use electricity.


A connection assembly (40) for operably coupling a plurality of independent imaging devices (41, 41;, 41") to an optical subsystem (42). The connection assembly (40) includes a unitary flex circuit device (43) having an elongated arm portion (45), and a plurality independent finger portions (46, 46', 46") extending from a distal end of the arm portion (45). Each finger portion (46, 46', 46") defines a coupling region (47, 47', 47") adapted to operably couple a respective imaging device (41, 41', 41") to a respective finger portion (46, 46', 46") for support thereof. The finger portions (46, 46', 46") are further adapted to strategically couple each respective imaging device (41, 41', 41") to the optical subsystem (42) as a unit. The flex circuit device (30) includes a plurality of circuits (65) terminating at respective terminals (40) of a coupling region (47) thereof. The terminals (66) supportively and communicably coupled to the bond pads (67) of the die (58) for support thereof. The coupling region (47) further includes an adhesive mount (76) mounting the flex circuit device (43) to the transparent plate to supportably suspend the display assembly (57) between the die (58) and the transparent plate (61).

In the recent past, substantial research and development resources have been directed toward small scale Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and light valve technologies. These high information content, miniature LCD assemblies enable enhanced availability of graphics, data and video information for employment in high resolution projection displays, such as a reflective LCD projectors, SXGA formats (1,280.times.1,024 pixel resolution) and even HDTV formats (above 1,000 line resolution), or the like.
Reflective LCD projectors, in particular, are highly desirable since they offer the brightness of traditional three-lamp front-projection systems in combination with the high resolution of an LCD panel. At the heart of these optical engines is reflective liquid crystal on crystalline silicon light valve technology which, when combined with sophisticated optical architecture and the appropriate electronic interface, enables very high resolution, high brightness, large screen displays. In one optical engine form, as shown in FIG. 1, full spectrum visible light from an illumination source 13 is directed through a sophisticated polarized beam splitter or prism 14 which separates the light into red, blue and green beam components. Each beam component is then directed into a corresponding red, blue and green reflective LCD panel assembly 20, 20' and 20", each of which is configured to control the amount of light absorbed and reflected. More specifically, each pixel of the pixel array for each LCD panel regulates the amount of red, green, and blue light, respectively, it reflects back into the prism. Subsequently, the prism 14 reintegrates the shades of corresponding red, blue and green light for each pixel to create a single visible color at one convergent location. Collectively, the reintegrated pixels (i.e., from the red LCD panel 20, the blue LCD panel 20' and the green LCD panel 20") create an image which is projected through a lens 15 and onto a screen 16.
Due in part to the complexity of the optical engine 17 and the precise nature of the alignment between the cooperating light valves (i.e., LCD panel assemblies 20, 20' and 20"), the structural and optical coupling to the prism 14 is critical to performance. Current mounting techniques, thus, require completely independent coupling to the prism with independent interconnections to the electronic interfaces. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and as shown in FIGS. 2 an 3, each LCD panel assembly 20, 20' and 20" includes an independent flex circuit device interconnection 18, 18' and 18", respectively, electrically coupling a corresponding respective LCD panel to the electronic interface 19.
One problem associated with the current design of these optical engines is the substantial fabrication costs involved due to the abundance of relatively costly individual interconnections between the LCD panels and the electronic interface. These additional flex circuit device interconnections 18 also increase the space requirements in order to accommodate the individual interconnections. Moreover, manufacture time is increased as well as requiring additional labor resources to connect, position and place the individual flex circuit device interconnections.
Another problem associated with both transmissive and reflective-type LCD panels assemblies is the bowing or warpage of the individual panels caused by residual stresses acting upon the die during operation. This is particularly noticeable in reflective-type LCD panels which have increased flatness requirements due to the nature of the reflective surface of the die. For example, thermal expansion characteristics, as well as lattice mismatching, can generate significant stresses in the underlying substrate material (the silicon), therein causing significant bowing of the mirrored surface. The bowing, which translates to a non-planarity of the surface, causes both (1) a non-uniform thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the bowed reflective surface and the planar transmissive top layer, and (2) variations in the path length of the reflected light from different parts of the element, and of the array. These effects compromise the electro-optic properties of the elements and/or array.
As mentioned, a primary source of these residual stresses originate from the different materials and composites of the LCD panel having different coefficients of expansion. This is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 which illustrate a conventional small scale LCD assembly 20 including a die 21 having a pixel array 22. This pixel array 22 is typically composed of rows and columns of electrically conductive pathways each forming an individual pixel (not shown). Each pixel can be individually changed to an "on" condition by selecting the appropriate row and column of pixel array 22. Positioned around or concentrated on one end of the pixel array are a plurality of die bond pads 23 which are internally connected to the pixel array 22 to enable operational control thereof. Selection of the appropriate pixel is controlled by control circuitry, either included within the die 21 or external to the die 21. In either configuration, external control signals may be used to control the functions of the die 21.
A transparent glass plate 24 is typically placed over the die 21 and the pixel array 22, such that a portion of the glass plate 24 overhangs the die 21. The glass plate 24 is usually affixed to die 21 through an adhesive seal 25 which together cooperate to define a sealed volume encompassing the pixel array 22. This sealed volume is then commonly filled with a solution 26 of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC). To facilitate grounding of the glass plate 24, a conductive coating (not shown) may be deposited over the undersurface 28 thereof.
The die 21 is typically rigidly or semi-rigidly mounted to a substrate 27 for mounting support and heat conductive dissipation for the die. A conductive adhesive 29 (FIG. 3), such as a conductive epoxy, is generally applied to the undersurface 28 of the die 21 to affix the die directly to the top surface of the substrate 27. Accordingly, a heat conductive pathway is created directly between the die and the substrate to dissipate heat generated by the die.
The flex circuit 18 includes a plurality of flex circuit bond pads 30 which are typically wire bonded to the die bond pads 23 through bonding wires 31. The distal end of flex circuit 18 is coupled to the top surface of substrate 27. Finally, a glob coating 32 is applied to die 21, substrate 27 and the distal end of flex circuit 18. The glob coating 32 (FIG. 3) further normally encapsulates the bonding wires 31 and the die and flex circuit bonding pads 23 and 30 without obscuring a view of the pixel array 22 through the glass plate 24.
As previously indicated, one important aspect in the proper operation of these small scale LCD or light valve assemblies is the maintenance of proper distance uniformity (preferably about 2-4 .mu.m) between the pixel array and the undersurface 33 of the glass plate. Variances in the separation of the glass plates may often times cause the pixel array to function improperly or cause operational failure.
Conventional rigid display device constructions, for example, often warp during operation since the substrate 27, the glass plate 24 and the silicon die 21 are all composed of materials or composites having different coefficients of expansion. The individual components of the LCD assembly, therefore, often expand at different degrees and rates. Further, depending in part upon the construction processes, such as the adhesive curing techniques, significant residual stresses may be induced upon the cell. Eventually, in severe instances, the glass plate 24 may delaminate from the die 21. At a minimum, these internal stresses cause optical defects such as variations in color uniformity and fringes, and variations in the cell gap thickness may cause optical shadows.
This is especially true since the undersurface 28 of the die 21 is typically rigidly affixed or attached directly to the substrate. Moreover, during low temperature conditioning, the glass plate 24 often fractures due to internal stress induced by the substrate which is then transmitted to the glass through the rigidly mounted die. This is especially problemsome at the regions where the adhesive mounts the die to the substrate, and/or where the glob coating contacts the glass. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the glob coating 32 encapsulating the bonding wires 31 often substantially contacts both the die bond pads as well as portions of the transparent plate 24. While the material composing the glob coating 32, such as ultraviolet curable and thermally curable silicones and epoxies, is relatively flexible, it must be sufficiently rigid to provide a protective barrier for the bonding wires 31. Consequently, the glob coating 32 insulating and protecting the bonding wire 31 induces residual stresses between the die 21 and the transparent plate 24.

Reflective liquid crystal display and connection assembly and method


This invention pertains to a novel reverse thread carpule dental safety syringe which is useful to dentists in freezing the gums of their patients prior to performing dental work on the patients' teeth, and subsequently retracting the needle into the carpule. A dental syringe for use with a carpule comprising: (a) a hollow barrel; (b) a handle and plunger adapted to reciprocate within the barrel, the end of the plunger removed from the handle being adapted to releasably engage with a first end of a carpule; (c) a carpule receiving cavity at one end of the barrel in alignment with the plunger; and (d) an engagement member at the end of the barrel opposite the handle and plunger for releasably engaging a second end of a carpule.

Needle stick injury is one of the most common occupational health hazards among health care professionals. Those involved in both the dental and medical professions are constantly at risk of dangerous patient-to-staff transmission of AIDS, hepatitis-B and other blood borne diseases from a contaminated needle.
In recent years, with the increase in dangerous communicable diseases, and particularly the growth of the fatal disease known as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), it has become critical to eliminate the incidence of needlestick injuries to personnel. In the medical profession, and elsewhere, due to contaminated needles of used syringes. There is a constant risk to the medical profession of contracting the disease of an infected patient by being scratched or pricked from the contaminated needle of a used syringe.
A number of designs of syringes which include features for protecting the exposed needle after use of the syringe have been developed and patented in recent years. The following patents are exemplary and not exhaustive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,751, granted Apr. 7, 1987, Harbaugh, discloses a syringe which has a concentric protective shell over the barrel of the syringe. The shell is spaced outwardly from the barrel of the syringe and is slidable between a first needle-exposing position and a second needle-covering position. The shell has windows or a grid to permit viewing of the barrel of the syringe. A number of spacer ears on the barrel's outer surface permit the shell to be temporarily locked into mating pockets with the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,057, granted Dec. 23, 1986, Sampson, discloses an apparatus for injecting a substance into a human or animal. The apparatus includes a body, a needle coupled to the body, and a needle guard mounted on the body for movement from a retracted position in which the guard does not shield the needle to an extended position in which the guard shields the needle. The needle guard can be releasable retained in the retracted position and locked in the extended position. Locking of the needle guard is accomplished by interlocking members carried by the needle guard and by a collar mounted on the body.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,976, granted Mar. 4, 1986, Sampson, protects a syringe design which has a needle guard mounted on the body of the syringe, the guard being extendible so that it obstructs access to the point of the needle. The guard can be retracted over the barrel of the syringe to expose the point of the needle. Interlocking members on the body and the guard permit the guard to be releasably locked in the retracted or the extended position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,120, granted Jan. 10, 1984, Sampson, discloses a hypodermic syringe comprising a barrel, a needle coupled to the barrel, and a needle guard mounted on the barrel for movement between an extended position in which the guard shields the needle, and a retracted position in which the guard does not shield the needle. The guard can be locked in either the extended or the retracted position. Locking of the guard is accomplished by a track on the internal surface of the guard and a track engaging member on the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,182, Nerli, discloses a dental syringe of the type having a beak for dispensing fluids into an oral cavity. The syringe comprises a sheath, the sheath being a form fitted, generally elongated tube or cylinder adapted to substantially fit over and cover the beak. The sheath is removably attached to the beak, and provides a substantially sterile outer-covering for the beak. The sheath has an open end and a terminal end having an aperture to allow a fluid to be dispensed from the beak and the sheath. The aperture is located near a discharge orifice of the beak through which the fluid is dispensed. The tip is located at the terminal end of the sheath, the tip and the sheath providing a substantially sterile outer-covering for the beak and the discharge orifice. The tip has a valve coincident with the discharge orifice. The valve allows the fluid to be dispensed from the beak and the tip. The valve substantially prevents contaminants from entering or being drawn into the beak through the discharge orifice.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,490, Byrne etal., discloses a safety device for a hypodermic needle. Byrne discloses a disposable non-reusable hypodermic needle assembly comprising: a needle support housing having a connector formation for removable attachment with the apparatus; a hypodermic needle supported by the housing for communication with the apparatus by way of the formation, one end portion of the needle projects from the housing remotely from the formation, and a sheath surrounding the housing and mounted thereon for movement in the longitudinal direction of the needle from a first position nearer to the formation and in which first position the needle one end portion is exposed, to a second position further from the formation and in which second position the needle end is enclosed within the sheath.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,968, Elsnet, discloses a dental syringe shield or prophylactic which has a removable disposable dental syringe shield for placement over and in proximate contact with the nozzle of a dental syringe. The design includes an elongated cylindrical portion for fitting over the nozzle of the dental syringe and a barrel portion for fitting over the nozzle securing means of the dental syringe. The design also includes a backsplash collar shield, which fits over the nozzle portion and abuts the front of the base portion of the dental syringe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,590, Andors, discloses a syringe comprising: a barrel including longitudinal walls defining an elongate chamber therein for receiving a cartridge; a first, elongate opening defined within the longitudinal walls through which a cartridge may be insetted into the chamber; a second opening defined within the longitudinal walls of the barrel, the second opening in opposing relation to the first elongate opening; and a sleeve slidably mounted to the barrel. The sleeve includes a first elongate opening and a second opening; the second sleeve opening being in opposing relation to the first elongate sleeve opening, the sleeve is movable to a position with respect to the barrel such that the first and second sleeve openings are substantially in register with the first and second barrel openings. The design includes means for retaining the sleeve upon the barrel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,702, Haber etal. discloses a shielded safety syringe comprising an inner syringe cylinder having proximal and distal ends, a hypodermic needle supported at and extending outwardly from the distal end, and an outer protective sleeve having proximal and distal ends. The outer sleeve coaxially aligns with an axially advanceable relative to the inner cylinder from a retracted position, where the needle projects outwardly through an opening in the distal end of the sleeve, to an extended position, where the needle is located within and completely surrounded by the sleeve. A first groove is formed in the inner cylinder and locking means are pivotally interconnected with the outer sleeve and rotatable between unlocked and locked conditions, the locking means rotated to the locked condition for receipt within the groove formed in the inner cylinder when the outer sleeve is advanced axially from the retracted to the extended position relative to the inner cylinder.
Patent Cooperation Treaty, international publication no. WO 90/00073 dated 11 Jan., 1990, discloses a single-use injection needle, in particular for dental applications. The syringe comprises a handle including a piston and a support part for a sleeve having an interlocking structure through which the piston extends. The syringe also comprises a syringe body having a tubular end with an inter-locking structure cooperating with that of the sleeve of the handle. The shape is adapted to interlock with the sleeve, and a protecting shell having a locking section capable of covering the tubular end and the sleeve so that they are locked in their interlocking position. The protective shell is adapted for sliding along the syringe body between two extreme positions, i.e. a forward position where it totally covers the injection needle and a pulled-back position where it frees it and covers the interlocked tubular end and sleeve.

Reverse thread carpule dental safety syringe

both c/o The University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3055


A surface cleaning apparatus provides a lower profile surface cleaning head by moving at least the suction motor out of the surface cleaning head. The suction motor may be located in an upper portion (e.g., in a wand) pivotably coupled to the surface cleaning head and fluidly connected to a cyclone assembly located in the surface cleaning head. The cyclone assembly may include first and second opposing cyclones with smaller diameters (e.g., as compared to a single cyclone used in existing “all in the head” vacuums) to provide a lower profile with substantially the same or better performance.

Existing all-in-the-head type vacuum cleaners generally include the functional or operational components (e.g., suction motor and cyclone) for the transport and treatment of air within the surface cleaning head. Accommodating these components within the surface cleaning head, however, often results in the profile being higher than desired for some cleaning applications (e.g., below a couch).


A CNC apparatus (10), wherein a PC circuit (300) for sequence control of a peripheral device is provided in addition to a PC circuit (200) for sequence control of a machine (60) to be numerical controlled. The sequence programs executed by the respective PC circuits are made capable of independently inputting to and outputting from EEPROMs (240, 340) and also made capable of independently editing and diagnosing. Further, signal transmission and reception between the PC circuits (200 and 300) so that both the sequence programs can be executed coordinately with each other.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a numerical control apparatus for controlling a machine tool or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A numerical control apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "CNC apparatus") for controlling a machine tool or the like incorporates a programmable controller (hereinafter referred to as "PC") which performs sequence control. Such sequence control is performed by receiving auxiliary function signals (M function signal, T function signal) transmitted from a numerical control section and signals (cycle start signal, feed hold signal or the like) transmitted from the machine. Thereby control of the machine in cooperation with a processor of the numerical control section is performed.
On the other hand, there has recently been an increasing number of cases where a peripheral device, such as a loader used to load a work into a machine tool, a pallet changer or the like, is added to the machine tool as an option. In many of such cases, however, it is becoming necessary for the devices other than main machines such as machine tools to be sequence-controlled: Furthermore, such sequence controls need to be performed in cooperation with those for the CNC apparatus.
Conventionally, the following methods are adopted for performing sequence control on the peripheral device.
(1) executing the sequence control of the peripheral device also by a PC incorporated into the CNC apparatus.
(2) executing the sequence control of the peripheral device by a programmable controller connected to a separate external CNC apparatus.
The sequence program of the peripheral device has less independency and therefore must be interlocked with the operation of the CNC apparatus. For this reason, in order for the sequence program of the peripheral device to be executed by the PC incorporated into the CNC apparatus according the above method (1), it is necessary for the sequence program of the peripheral device to be incorporated into the sequence program specific to the PC in order to be connected therewith. Accordingly, the procedure for this incorporation becomes complex for a dealer or user, other than a designer of the sequence program of the CNC apparatus, in modifying or incorporating the sequence program of the peripheral device to be used as an option.
An attempt to alter an existing sequence program, by anyone who is not a designer of the sequence program specific to the CNC apparatus and not familiar with the sequence program, in order to incorporate thereinto the sequence program of the peripheral device, is likely to end up with errors because of his being unfamiliar with the programming procedure. Incorporation of an erroneous program leads to destruction of not only the sequence program of the peripheral device but also the primary sequence program, giving rise to an erroneous operation of the machine. This remarkably deteriorates the reliability of the system. Furthermore, in order to correct the mis-programming, it is necessary to correct also the primary sequence program, with the result that the correcting operation becomes very difficult to perform.
On the other hand, the above method (2) is free of the problems with the above method (1). However, it becomes necessary to provide what is otherwise unnecessary, such as a wiring for making connection between the PC incorporated into the CNC apparatus and an external programmable controller connected to the CNC apparatus, a main body of the external programmable controller, a power source for driving this main body, a locker for providing necessary space, and the like. Moreover, since development procedures of the editing function, diagnosis function, etc. (needed for developing the sequence program of the external programmable controller) differ, there arises the problem that the system development efficiency will decline.


A method for operating a tattoo studio includes identifying a customer selection of a tattoo design and a bin designator for a stencil for the tattoo design; locating a storage bin containing a stencil for the tattoo design; and scanning a bar code assigned to the stencil. The method can also include scanning at least a second barcode associated with a tattoo enhancement including a non-standard paint, an additional paint color, or a mixture of paint colors. Inventory control is verified using a match code and pre-packaged sets of numbered stencils.

1. Technical Field
This invention concerns body art studios and more particularly a process for controlling inventory and preventing employee theft in a body art studio.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In recent years, body art studios that apply temporary artwork to human bodies have become increasingly popular. The temporary artwork or "tattoos" as they are commonly known can be applied to an individual's skin by various means. For example, the use of adhesive transfers and airbrush paints are well known for this purpose. Adhesive transfers are applied by simply positioning a decal on an individual's skin. Airbrush paints are generally applied using stencils that can be positioned on an individual's skin while the airbrush work is performed.
Many customers prefer tattoos that are applied using airbrush techniques as compared to adhesive transfers because the overall look and experience of the application can be more similar to the mystique associated with the application of a permanent tattoo. Accordingly, airbrush tattoo studios are becoming increasingly popular in a wide variety of venues including theme parks, shopping centers, and vacation destinations.
Many of airbrush tattoo studios are set up as small kiosks, stands or booths that are situated in high traffic areas. These studios are often operated by part time or hourly employees. Their job responsibilities include assisting customers with the selection of tattoo designs and ink colors, operating the airbrush equipment to apply the temporary tattoos, and recording the sale using a conventional cash register. However, one problem encountered by management personnel charged with responsibility for the efficient operation of such tattoo studios relates to the problem of employee theft. For example, it can be difficult for management to track the number of temporary tattoos applied by an employee on any given day. This creates the potential for employee theft. In particular, an employee may apply one or more tattoos over the course of the day, charge customers for such tattoos, and then pocket the receipts for the sale without recording the transaction in the cash register. This is a serious problem that can adversely impact the overall profits associated with the operation of the tattoo studio. Further, even if the employees operating the studio are behaving in an honest way, they cannot always be relied upon to accurately record the particular tattoo design that is applied for each customer. This can create an inventory control problem, the nature of which is described in more detail below.
For the purpose of applying an airbrush tattoo, one or more different types of color dye can be sprayed through the stencil openings to form a temporary tattoo on the skin surface. Conventional stencils can be re-usable and are simply held in position next to a person's skin while the airbrush work is performed. More recently, single use adhesive stencils have become more popular. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,269 discloses a tattoo stencil mechanism with an adhesive backing for temporary attachment to a person's skin while a stencil is being applied.
Although there are clear advantages to the use of single use adhesive stencils, they also create an inventory control problem. A typical airbrush tattoo studio can have a wide variety of available tattoo designs. For example, more than one hundred different designs may be available for customers to choose from. In order to ensure that customers are not disappointed, a substantial inventory of single use adhesive stencils must be maintained at the studio. Enough stencils for each tattoo design must be on hand at all times to ensure that supplies are not exhausted. Lead times for ordering more stencil inventory can require that a tattoo studio operator be provided with advance notice of when supplies are running low of a particular design. Tracking and maintaining this inventory of stencils at all times can be problematic under normal circumstances and can become particularly difficult in those instances where employee theft is occurring.

Inventory control system for body art studio


In an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus using holography in which a relative inclination between a recording light or a reproducing light and a recording medium is corrected by using a device which is suitable for size-reduction. Provided is an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus for recording/reproducing information to/from a recording medium through irradiating recording light or reproducing light by an objective lens onto a recording medium to/from which information is recorded/reproduced using holography, wherein light ray flux of the recording light or the reproducing light entering an objective lens is parallel-translated according to a relative inclination between the recording light or the reproducing light and the recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus which performs at least either recording or reproduction of information to/from optical information recording medium to which information is recorded using holography.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, in holographic recording for recording information onto a recording medium using holography, in general, information light carrying image information and recording-specific reference light overlap with each other in a recording medium and interference pattern generated thereby is written onto the recording medium. For reproducing the recorded information, reproduction-specific reference light is irradiated onto the recording medium so as to reproduce image information by diffraction of the interference pattern (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-311938).
Recently, for achieving super high density optical recording, volume holography, especially digital volume holography, has been developed to be in practical use and has attracted attention. The volume holography is a method in which the interference patterns are written three-dimensionally by actively utilizing the thickness direction of the recording medium. In the volume holography, the diffraction efficiency is improved by increasing the thickness and the storage capacity can be increased by using multiple-recording. The digital volume holography is a computer-oriented holographic recording method in which image information to be recorded is limited to binary digital patterns, while using the same recording medium and the recording system as that of the volume holography. In the digital volume holography, for example, picture information such as an analog picture is once digitized to be two-dimensional digital pattern and then it is recorded as image information. The digital pattern information is read out and decoded to be displayed as the original picture information. Thereby, even when SN ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) at the time of reproduction is not so good, it becomes possible to reproduce the information which notably faithfully reflects the original information by carrying out differential analysis or carrying out error correction by coding the binary data.
As the holographic recording, an effective method is the one which uses optical pickup devices including an optical system for recording/reproducing information to/from a recording medium by employing a disk-type recording medium such as a CD (compact disk), a DVD (digital versatile disk) and the like.
In general, in an optical disk storage device, a focus servo and a tracking servo are operated by driving an objective lens inside the optical pickup device through rotating a disk-type recording medium. In such a configuration, angle of incident of the light irradiated onto the recording medium from the optical pickup device is altered when the disk-type recording medium is deflected or deformed. However, a CD, a DVD or the like has a configuration in which the magnitude of light reflected by a pit can be read out so that changes in the angle of incident are not significant as long as the light is irradiated onto the pit.
However, in the case of holographic recording, the interference pattern between information light and recording-specific reference light is recorded for recording and diffraction of reproduction-specific reference light and the interference pattern is reproduced for reproduction. Thus, if the information light and each reference light at the time of recording and reproduction do not enter at the same angle, the S/N ratio becomes notably deteriorated.
Therefore, when making the holographic recording fit into a practical use, a device for correcting a relative inclination between the recording medium and the optical pickup device becomes important. Conventionally, there is a method for controlling the angle of incident so that light enters a recording medium always at the same angle by tilting a pickup main body of an optical pickup device according to the relative inclination between the recording medium and the optical pickup device (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-273650).
However, the pickup main body includes a light source for generating light, a means for generating information light which carries information by spatially modulating the light from the light source, a means for generating recording-specific reference light and reproduction-specific reference light, various optical systems and an objective lens. Thus, when tilting the pickup main body according to the inclination of the recording medium, a large-scaled driving system for tilting is required. Therefore, it is not suitable for achieving size-reduction.
Further, by tilting the pickup main body, the focal point position of the objective lens is altered. Thus, it is necessary to correct the position, thereby complicating the control.

Holographic optical information recording and reproducing apparatus which parallel-translates light ray flux to correct tilt


An operation device for a surgical manipulator includes an input device that operates the surgical manipulator. The input device includes a plurality of joints and a plurality of motors that drives the plurality of joints, and reduction ratios in power transmission paths from the plurality of motors to the plurality of joints, respectively, are 0.5 or more and 30 or less.

Conventionally known, for example, in a master input device of a robot guide catheter system, is a technique of compensating a weight of a link of the input device by a motor (Japanese Translation of PCT International Application Publication No. JP-T-2008-541797 A (See, in particular, paragraph [0066])). In this technique, when an operator intends to manually operate a master input device, the master input device stays in an appropriate position.

Operation device for surgical manipulator and robotically-assisted surgical system


This invention in some embodiments includes a secure material handling apparatus such as a vehicle which provides rear loading of material from material containers, and in some further embodiments provides for such rear loading from curbside or ground level, or from a loading dock. In further embodiments the enclosure utilized is secure in that it may be configured to prevent unauthorized entry into any part of the vehicle.

Traditional material handling apparatuses and vehicles, which may for instance be trailers for operative connection to trucks or cabs, compactor trucks, have been around for many years to receive, compact, haul and dump paper, feedstock and garbage, among other items. In many applications of material handling systems to documents, or feedstock, it may in a given application be preferred to haul the documents, paper or feedstock to a remote location for shredding or other disposal. During the loading, transportation and other handling of the documents, paper and feedstock, a higher level of security may be desired or required to protect the information embodied in these documents and feedstock.
With traditional compactor trucks, such as garbage trucks, the material or feedstock such as paper is not secure and may easily be blown out or escape, thereby making its contents available to others in the vicinity. With prior material handling vehicles, it is also easily possible for third parties to gain access to the vehicle when it is temporarily unmanned or otherwise available for entry, because there is insufficient security or denial of access to the interior of the vehicle.
To further establish the need for something new, there have been several more recent laws and regulations that impact the security requirements for various types of documents and information (banking and health care records being two examples). It has therefore become more important than ever for companies to be provide more secure hauling and/or compacting of material such as documents and other feedstock requiring security.
There are also multiple types of locations and configurations of locations from which material must be picked up for later delivery, such as from a curbside and from a loading dock. Furthermore many of the areas from which material must be picked up have narrow streets in space limitations on the size and configuration of the material handling vehicle; and some of these limitations make it problematic for side loading material handling vehicles. It is therefore preferred in many such situations to provide a rear loading material handling vehicle capable of loading material containers, and compacting the material received from said containers into an interior storage compartment.
Once the material handling vehicle is ready to have the loaded material removed, it is desirable to provide such removal in an efficient manner so that significant manual labor for instances not required.
For the security reasons it is often times desirable to have such a material handling apparatus or vehicle configured such that the emptying of the material containers is accomplished substantially within the enclosure such as the container, box or trailer.
It is an object of some embodiments of this invention to provide a rear loading material handling and secure vehicle system for receiving material from material containers.
It is also an object of some embodiments of this invention to provide an improved material handling apparatus or vehicle which may load material from material containers from the rear of the vehicle system, and from either a curbside or ground level location and from a loading dock location.
While the invention was motivated in addressing some objectives, it is in no way so limited. The invention is only limited by the accompanying claims as literally worded, without interpretative or other limiting reference to the specification, and in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will appear from the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In carrying out the objects of this invention, it is to be understood that its essential features are susceptible to change in design and structural arrangement, with only one practical and preferred embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as required.

Secure rear-loading material handling apparatus system


In a method of making deformation Lest samples of metallic mechanically rigid, single crystals as they are required as sample rods for tension-, compression-, or bending tests in the precision testing of materials, the samples are first generated by known methods as cylindrical raw single crystals having varying diameters and rough surfaces. The raw single crystals are then shaped by wire erosion to provide testing samples of a desired shape and surface quality.

The invention relates to a method of making deformation test samples of metallic mechanically rigid single crystals for example for use as sample rods for testing mechanical stress, compression or bending strength of a material in material research.
In material research processes occurring in the interior of metals are preferably examined on single crystals because of the complexity of those processes. The single crystals are produced mainly in accordance with two different manufacturing methods, the method according to Czorchralski and the method according to Bridgeman-Stockbarger. In both cases cylindrical single crystals are obtained which however, cannot be used directly as deformation samples. The Czorchralski crystal has a varying diameter over its length caused by the particular manufacturing method, whereas the Bridgeman-Stockbarger crystal has a sufficiently constant diameter. Since single crystals are very sensitive to deformation, they are destroyed by the slightest bending during handling. For this reason, they cannot be formed to the desired shape. Not even working of the surface of single crystals by forming on a lathe, cutting or drilling or grinding is possible.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a method whereby deformation samples of single crystals such as sample rods can be shaped without being destroyed.

Method of making deformation test samples of solid single crystals


A method of blink and averted gaze avoidance with a camera includes detecting an averted gaze of a subject and/or one or more closed eyes of the subject in response to receiving an input to actuate a camera shutter. The method also includes scheduling actuation of the camera shutter to a future estimated time period to capture an image of the subject when a gaze direction of the subject is centered on the camera and/or both eyes of the subject are open.

Field
Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to neural system engineering and, more particularly, to systems and methods for blink and averted gaze avoidance in photographic images.
Background
An artificial neural network, which may comprise an interconnected group of artificial neurons (i.e., neuron models), is a computational device or represents a method to be performed by a computational device. Artificial neural networks may have corresponding structure and/or function in biological neural networks. Artificial neural networks, however, may provide innovative and useful computational techniques for certain applications in which traditional computational techniques are cumbersome, impractical, or inadequate. Because artificial neural networks can infer a function from observations, such networks are particularly useful in applications where the complexity of the task or data makes the design of the function by conventional techniques burdensome.
In some cases, a photograph may include a subject that is blinking and/or not looking at the camera. Accordingly, it is desirable to capture an image with each subject looking at the camera and also not blinking. Still, it may be difficult to capture a desired image when the image includes a large group of individuals, distracted individuals, young children, and/or individuals that may be actively avoiding the camera. Neural networking techniques may be employed to address these issues.

Blink and averted gaze avoidance in photographic images


An apparatus and a method of correcting output characteristics in a power combination apparatus are provided. The method includes synchronizing Digital UpConverters (DUCs) included in a plurality of power amplifiers, adjusting a fine delay between signals outputted by the DUCs based on a Frequency Assignment (FA), combining fine delay-compensated signals output from the plurality of power amplifiers, and outputting the combined signal.

In general, a wireless communication apparatus is provided with a power amplifier for transmission of a signal in the air. That is, a power amplifier is used to increase the distance a signal can be transmitted. Thus, the power amplifier is one of the components of a transmitter in a wireless communication apparatus and amplifies the magnitude of a signal prior to its transmission.
To increase a maximum output power capacity by a power amplifier, a divide/combine power combination apparatus is usually used. For example, the power combination apparatus divides an input signal into a plurality of signals, amplifies the plurality of signals through a plurality of power amplifiers, and combines the amplified signals, thereby achieving a maximum output power capacity.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

Apparatus and method of correcting output characteristics in a power combination apparatus


An internal focusing telephoto lens includes, in succession from the object side, a first lens unit of positive refractive power having at least a positive first lens component, a second lens unit having negative refractive power and movable along the optical axis for focusing, and a third lens unit having positive refractive power and having an imaging function. The first lens unit forms a substantially afocal system with the second lens unit, and is designed to satisfy the following conditions: EQU 0.43<.phi./f.sub.1 <0.75 EQU 0.39<f.sub.1 /F<0.55,. where. .phi.: the effective diameter of the object side lens surface of the positive first lens component in the first lens unit, PA0 f.sub.1 : the focal length of the first lens unit, PA0 F: the focal length of the entire system.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a telephoto lens for a camera, and particularly to an internal focusing telephoto lens suitable for use in an auto focus camera such as a single-lens reflex camera or an electronic still camera.
2. Related Background Art
An internal focusing telephoto objective lens which comprises three positive, negative and positive lens units and in which the middle negative lens units is moved in the direction of the optical axis to accomplish focusing is known. Heretofore, however, in the internal focusing telephoto objective lens of this type, the movement distance of the focusing lens unit has been very long when focusing is effected. That is, when the focal length is lengthened to increase the photographing magnification, it has led to the tendency that the movement distance of the focusing lens unit also becomes long. This is turn has led to the disadvantage that the burden of a motor for auto focus driving becomes great and a lens moving mechanism for focusing becomes bulky.


A multiplicity of test sites determined by coordinates are stipulated in the visual field. This is done in such a way that at least one further test site is present within a specific circle around each test site and a stimulus is applied only once at each test site. A value for the stimulus is stipulated and recorded for each test site. The first stimulus of a series of stimuli forming an examination is applied at any desired test site using the stimulus. For this test site and the test sites located within its circle, the stimulus value is corrected according to a mathematical function corresponding to the patient response towards the threshold value, and these are recorded as corrected stimuli. The second stimulus and the following stimuli which are applied at the other test sites in any desired sequence have the stimulus value or the corrected stimulus value recorded for the respective test site.

The present invention relates to a method of determining the perimeter of the visual field of the human eye.
The visual field of the human eye is determined by the retinal light-sensitivity. The light-sensitivity values within the visual field are determined by means of a perimeter. For this purpose, various methods are known, in all of which a number of test sites within the visual field are examined and for which the threshold value of perception is determined. Computer-controlled perimeters are suitable, which are programmed in accordance with the method of determination.
It is known to determine the retinal light-sensitivity at the specific test sites stipulated by coordinates by applying light stimuli of different intensity (brightness or magnitude) using a perimeter. The subjects respond during an examination by pressing a response button when the light stimulus is perceived. If the light stimulus is not seen, the response button is not pressed. During this procedure, the light stimuli are applied in a graduated manner with greater and lesser intensity in such way that the sensitivity threshold is exceeded one or more times. After the sensitivity threshold has been exceeded, the direction of alteration of the stimulus intensity changes in each case from brighter to darker or vice versa. At the same time, the magnitude of the alteration is reduced (e.g. to half the previous value) until the sensitivity threshold has been bracketed, that is to say the threshold value of perception has been determined.
By definition, the threshold value of perception (retinal sensitivity in decibels) corresponds to that stimulus intensity (in apostilb) of which, after a specific number of applications, half were seen and half were not seen. The retinal sensitivity is expressed as a logarithmic function of the quotient calculated from the maximum stimulus intensity divided by the stimulus intensity applied. The formula for retinal sensitivity is: ##EQU1##
This means that the retinal sensitivity is identified as 0 dB if the brightest stimulus (e.g. 1,000 or 10,000 asb) is not seen. High stimulus intensities correspond to low sensitivity values.
According to this known method, determining the retinal sensitivity by bracketing requires four to six stimulus applications per test site. Since the retinal sensitivity of the visual field is usually determined by measurements at 50 to 100 test sites, between 200 and 600 stimulus applications are required for each examination of the visual field. Such an examination therefore usually lasts between 7 and 20 minutes. For reasons of efficiency, due to accuracy problems caused by the progressive slowing-down of retinal renewal (fatigue) and due to insufficient reliability through incorrect responses with diminishing concentration of the subjects, this duration of the examination is considered to be too long.

Method of determining the perimeter of the visual field of the human eye

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